I appreciate it kyle very much, couldn't have the type of success I do without the timeless hours exchanging information with you and other cappers close to me...just pains me because you always seem to be a couple of games away from having a truly great week (don't get me wrong as you have had a couple of really good weeks this season and I applaud you for it, just want you to win as much as you want you to win)...seems to me like your instinct seems to be more right on Sunday than it is on Wednesday, hopefully that makes some sense...I respect your right to play Notre Dame here and part of me hopes I'm totally wrong about the game (which probably doesn't make sense either)...GL bro...
CFB Week 12 (11/11-11/18) News and Picks
- Thread starter RJ Esq
- Start date
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
AP: Riley to start at QB for Cal against Oregon State
from California Golden Bear Football News by Dave
Kevin Riley will be California's starting quarterback at No. 23 Oregon State on Saturday in a defining game for both teams' Pac-10 hopes. Although Riley and Nate Longshore both have been inconsistent this season for the Golden Bears (6-3, 4-2 Pac-10), Riley finally might have won over coach Jeff Tedford, even after a 4-for-16 performance in relief during Cal's loss at Southern California last weekend. “His escape dimension and athletic ability gives you more options on offense,” Tedford said Tuesday in his earliest midweek announcement of a starting quarterback since September.
Riley, a sophomore who grew up 80 miles from Oregon State's campus in suburban Portland, started six of Cal's first nine games, but briefly lost his job twice this season. Longshore started the other three games, including last week's 17-3 loss to the Trojans in Cal's lowest-scoring performance in Tedford's seven seasons. Riley didn't start at USC after incurring a concussion against Oregon on Nov. 1, when Longshore played the final three quarters of Cal's 26-16 win. Neither quarterback was terribly effective against the Trojans' dominant defense, with Riley finishing with just 59 yards and the senior Longshore going 11-of-15 for 79 yards.
Riley made his first career start last year against Oregon State in Berkeley, but his inexperience helped lead to a disaster for the then-No. 2 Bears. Riley drove Cal well within field-goal range in the final minute of a 31-28 game, but the quarterback made an ill-advised attempt to run the ball with no timeouts, which allowed the clock to run out before the Bears could get their kicking team on the field.
“I thought he shook that off really well,” Tedford said. “As a quarterback, you're going to run into those things. There are going to be times when you wish you had a play back here or there. ... I know that there was a lot riding on that play, but I think he did a good job of putting that behind him. I know he'll probably have to answer that question a lot this week, but I think that's pretty much in his past.” Tedford has been unable to make up his mind this season between Riley and Longshore, even giving the quarterbacks equal practice time with the first-team offense. The coach said Riley will get two-thirds of the practice time with the starters this week. Tedford first benched Riley after a 42-7 victory over Colorado State, but yanked Longshore two weeks later during a loss at Arizona. Most of the quarterbacks' teammates have claimed the changes don't make a difference, but receiver Nyan Boateng respectfully disagreed Tuesday.
“In the middle of a game, when we switch quarterbacks like that, our timing gets thrown off a little bit,” said Boateng, who has 23 catches for a team-best 367 yards and four touchdowns. “I think we need to find one guy and just stick with him.”
from California Golden Bear Football News by Dave
Kevin Riley will be California's starting quarterback at No. 23 Oregon State on Saturday in a defining game for both teams' Pac-10 hopes. Although Riley and Nate Longshore both have been inconsistent this season for the Golden Bears (6-3, 4-2 Pac-10), Riley finally might have won over coach Jeff Tedford, even after a 4-for-16 performance in relief during Cal's loss at Southern California last weekend. “His escape dimension and athletic ability gives you more options on offense,” Tedford said Tuesday in his earliest midweek announcement of a starting quarterback since September.
Riley, a sophomore who grew up 80 miles from Oregon State's campus in suburban Portland, started six of Cal's first nine games, but briefly lost his job twice this season. Longshore started the other three games, including last week's 17-3 loss to the Trojans in Cal's lowest-scoring performance in Tedford's seven seasons. Riley didn't start at USC after incurring a concussion against Oregon on Nov. 1, when Longshore played the final three quarters of Cal's 26-16 win. Neither quarterback was terribly effective against the Trojans' dominant defense, with Riley finishing with just 59 yards and the senior Longshore going 11-of-15 for 79 yards.
Riley made his first career start last year against Oregon State in Berkeley, but his inexperience helped lead to a disaster for the then-No. 2 Bears. Riley drove Cal well within field-goal range in the final minute of a 31-28 game, but the quarterback made an ill-advised attempt to run the ball with no timeouts, which allowed the clock to run out before the Bears could get their kicking team on the field.
“I thought he shook that off really well,” Tedford said. “As a quarterback, you're going to run into those things. There are going to be times when you wish you had a play back here or there. ... I know that there was a lot riding on that play, but I think he did a good job of putting that behind him. I know he'll probably have to answer that question a lot this week, but I think that's pretty much in his past.” Tedford has been unable to make up his mind this season between Riley and Longshore, even giving the quarterbacks equal practice time with the first-team offense. The coach said Riley will get two-thirds of the practice time with the starters this week. Tedford first benched Riley after a 42-7 victory over Colorado State, but yanked Longshore two weeks later during a loss at Arizona. Most of the quarterbacks' teammates have claimed the changes don't make a difference, but receiver Nyan Boateng respectfully disagreed Tuesday.
“In the middle of a game, when we switch quarterbacks like that, our timing gets thrown off a little bit,” said Boateng, who has 23 catches for a team-best 367 yards and four touchdowns. “I think we need to find one guy and just stick with him.”
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Maryland's Costa Suspended Indefinitely
from The FanHouse - NCAAfootball
by IanFiled under: Maryland, ACC, NCAA FB Police Blotter
Well, in what's proven to be a problem-free week for Maryland and, in particular, their defense, comes another reason to raise a toast. Similar to UMD's "letters and sciences" major, "violation of team code of conduct" is vague enough to be open for debate, but has heavy connotations of a certain moral terpitude (pun?!).
Which brings us to linebacker/LEO (linebacker-end hybrid) Rick Costa- though playing sparingly, he still contributed many key plays to the Terp defense this season, but not for much longer. Due to the aforementioned violation of team code of conduct (but somewhat instructive caveat "activities over this past weekend), Costa's been suspended indefinitely by Ralph Friedgen. And now that more facts are making themselves clear, we won't be seeing much of Costa anywhere near the field- he was accused of punching a cop. Pity too, considering they arguably need this weekend's game against UNC more than the Tar Heels do, and against Virginia Tech, the D was clearly lacking punch as is.
from The FanHouse - NCAAfootball
by IanFiled under: Maryland, ACC, NCAA FB Police Blotter
Which brings us to linebacker/LEO (linebacker-end hybrid) Rick Costa- though playing sparingly, he still contributed many key plays to the Terp defense this season, but not for much longer. Due to the aforementioned violation of team code of conduct (but somewhat instructive caveat "activities over this past weekend), Costa's been suspended indefinitely by Ralph Friedgen. And now that more facts are making themselves clear, we won't be seeing much of Costa anywhere near the field- he was accused of punching a cop. Pity too, considering they arguably need this weekend's game against UNC more than the Tar Heels do, and against Virginia Tech, the D was clearly lacking punch as is.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
The Numbers Game
from The Wiz of Odds by Jay Christensen
The weekly check on how the 40/25 clock rules are impacting the length of games. As always, this information comes from Marty Couvillion of cfbstats.com, the ultimate site for college football stats junkies. Check it out.
Plays per game and points per game were down slightly from Week 10,
but the time of games held steady. With about 80% of the season having been completed, there won't be any dramatic shift in the data.
Oklahoma, which has been among the leaders in plays per game, makes another appearance on the list of longest games of the week. Another CBS telecast — Alabama at Louisiana State — is at the top of the list of longest games. Clearly, CBS stands for the Commercial Broadcasting System.
Last but not least, some good news for Volunteer fans. The shortest game of the week was Wyoming at Tennessee.
Marty's weekly look at the average number of plays and time of a game for the past four seasons, plus the Week 11 numbers:
G Plays/G Time/G Pts/G
2005 717 140.71 3:21 52.61
2006 792 127.53 3:07 47.53
2007 792 143.42 3:23 55.37
2008 614 134.59 3:11 52.32
Wk 11 55 134.38 3:12 51.09
The longest games of Week 11:
Alabama-Louisiana State: 3:49
Clemson-Florida State: 3:48
Tulane-Houston: 3:45
Oklahoma-Texas A&M: 3:43
Nevada-Fresno State: 3:36
North Carolina State-Duke: 3:35
Cincinnati-West Virginia: 3:35
Marshall-East Carolina: 3:30
The shortest games of Week 11:
Wyoming-Tennessee: 2:38
Colorado State-Air Force: 2:42
Louisiana Tech-San Jose State: 2:45
Bowling Green-Ohio: 2:47
Arizona-Washington State: 2:51
Southern Mississippi-Central Florida: 2:52
Ohio State-Northwestern: 2:53
from The Wiz of Odds by Jay Christensen
The weekly check on how the 40/25 clock rules are impacting the length of games. As always, this information comes from Marty Couvillion of cfbstats.com, the ultimate site for college football stats junkies. Check it out.
Plays per game and points per game were down slightly from Week 10,
Oklahoma, which has been among the leaders in plays per game, makes another appearance on the list of longest games of the week. Another CBS telecast — Alabama at Louisiana State — is at the top of the list of longest games. Clearly, CBS stands for the Commercial Broadcasting System.
Last but not least, some good news for Volunteer fans. The shortest game of the week was Wyoming at Tennessee.
Marty's weekly look at the average number of plays and time of a game for the past four seasons, plus the Week 11 numbers:
G Plays/G Time/G Pts/G
2005 717 140.71 3:21 52.61
2006 792 127.53 3:07 47.53
2007 792 143.42 3:23 55.37
2008 614 134.59 3:11 52.32
Wk 11 55 134.38 3:12 51.09
The longest games of Week 11:
Alabama-Louisiana State: 3:49
Clemson-Florida State: 3:48
Tulane-Houston: 3:45
Oklahoma-Texas A&M: 3:43
Nevada-Fresno State: 3:36
North Carolina State-Duke: 3:35
Cincinnati-West Virginia: 3:35
Marshall-East Carolina: 3:30
The shortest games of Week 11:
Wyoming-Tennessee: 2:38
Colorado State-Air Force: 2:42
Louisiana Tech-San Jose State: 2:45
Bowling Green-Ohio: 2:47
Arizona-Washington State: 2:51
Southern Mississippi-Central Florida: 2:52
Ohio State-Northwestern: 2:53
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]Fiu's Cavalcade of Whimsy
Part 2[/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]
[/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif]
a.k.a. Frank Costanza's Festivus Airing of the Grievances
[/FONT] [FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]
By Pete Fiutak
What's your beef? ... Fire off your thoughts
Past Whimsies [/SIZE][/FONT] 2006 Season | 2007 Season
- Preseason Cavalcade | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4
- Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11, Part 1
The C.O.W. airing of the grievances followed by the feats of strength
It’s not about what you believe, it’s about what you can prove. When it comes to the BCS and the national championship, it’s about who deserves to be in and not who everyone thinks should be in. With that in mind, here’s the second annual look at the top ten teams still in the hunt for the national title, and what needs to happen for each to get in.
Oh sure, it’s all cut and dry at the moment; it’ll be the team that emerges from the Big 12 South vs. the SEC champion for the national title. Very simple, very easy … yeah, right.
Fact: Things change, no matter how obvious you think things are going to turn out to be. The top ten teams according to the BCS at this exact point last year: 1. LSU (before the loss to Arkansas), 2. Oregon (before the Dennis Dixon injury), 3. Kansas, 4. Oklahoma (before the loss to Texas Tech), 5. Missouri (remember, Mizzou would eventually be No. 1), 6. West Virginia (the Mountaineers couldn’t lose at home to Pitt, right?), 7. Ohio State (yup … seventh), 8. Arizona State (what a difference a year makes), 9. Georgia (Tennessee just wouldn’t lose), 10. Virginia Tech (the Hokies finished the regular season No. 1 according to the BCS computers).
Fact: Last year before the last week of the regular season, it was going to be West Virginia vs. Missouri playing for the national title if the Tigers could get by Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship. LSU was left for dead after losing to Arkansas, and Ohio State needed a ton of help.
Fact: Prior to January 8<sup>th</sup> 2007, 99% of the population outside of the greater Gainesville metropolitan area assumed there was no need to play the 2006 national title and mentally handed it to Ohio State.
Fact: ESPN, among others, were comparing the 2006 USC team to every great dynasty in the history of mankind before Vince Young had something to say about it.
Fact: Most believed Ohio State didn’t need to bother showing up to Tempe on January 3rd, 2003 to face a Miami team considered to be among the greatest of all-time.
1983 Miami vs. Nebraska. 2000 Oklahoma vs. Florida State. 1992 Alabama vs. Miami. The list goes on and on of upsets that few believed could possibly happen. So with that in mind, forget about what you think you know, and what you think is right. Here are ten national title contenders who are still in the hunt, or would like to be, what they need to do to get a top two spot, and most importantly, how much they deserve to be in the discussion.
10. Ball State
Ball State is currently ranked 14<sup>th</sup> in the latest BCS rankings and has no shot whatsoever to play in the national title game. After all, Hawaii didn’t get within 200 miles of the BCS Championship Game last year finishing 10<sup>th</sup> in the final BCS rankings, and that team actually had a few decent wins. The Cardinals have a shot to finish the year as one of the few unbeatens, but even if they’re the lone unbeaten, they might not even get into a BCS game considering BYU would likely be ranked higher (assuming a Cougar win over Utah). All the one-loss teams in the top 10 have to lose again, two more times would be nice, and the unbeatens have to lose at least once. I’ll try to do the impossible and map out a path for the unbeaten Cardinals to play for the national title, and even then they’re unlikely to come close. This is the only way Ball State will have an argument.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Win out, including the MAC championship, and put up twisted numbers along the way. 31-16 over Miami University isn’t going to cut it. The Cardinals have to blast away on good Central Michigan and Western Michigan teams, and everyone has to start noticing the margins of victory. If Ball State wins out impressively, no one will have come closer than 11 points of beating Nate Davis and crew.
Step Two: Texas Tech has to blow away Oklahoma, blow through Baylor and the Big 12 title game, and be the unquestioned No. 1 team going into the BCS Championship.
Step Three: Alabama has to lose out and Florida has to be upset by South Carolina and Florida State before beating the Tide for the SEC title.
Step Four: Texas has to get blown out by Texas A&M, and a loss at Kansas wouldn’t hurt.
Step Five: BYU has to lose to Air Force and beat Utah
Step Six: USC has to lose. It doesn’t matter who it’s to. Losing to Stanford, Notre Dame or UCLA would end it.
Step Seven: Boise State has to lose to Fresno State
Step Eight: Penn State has to lose to Michigan State
The Deserve Factor: It’s a tough sell even if everything breaks the right way and Ball State is the lone unbeaten. The 111<sup>th</sup> best schedule, playing in the MAC, and the non-conference wins over Navy and Indiana aren’t going to get anyone excited about seeing the Cardinals in the national championship. The BCS would probably take a two-loss Penn State or even a three-loss SEC champion before picking the Cardinals.
9. Boise State
Boise State should at least merit a little bit of consideration for a spot in the national championship based on its body of work over the last ten years. After all, take out USC, and the Broncos have won as many BCS games over the last two seasons as everyone in the top eight. Unfortunately, even with the classic win over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, Boise State still suffers from being in the WAC and still doesn’t get a lick of respect.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Annihilate Idaho, Nevada, and Fresno State. Boise State won’t finish first in the nation in any offensive category, but the defense could challenge USC for the points allowed title. .
Step Two: Texas Tech has to blow away Oklahoma, blow through Baylor and the Big 12 title game, and be the unquestioned No. 1 team going into the BCS Championship.
Step Three: The SEC champion has to have three losses. The BCS would probably put in a two-loss SEC team over an unbeaten Boise State.
Step Four: Texas has to get blown out by Texas A&M, and a loss at Kansas wouldn’t hurt.
Step Five: BYU has to beat Utah.
Step Six: USC has to lose. It doesn’t matter who it’s to. Losing to Stanford, Notre Dame or UCLA would end it.
Step Seven: Penn State has to lose to Michigan State
The Deserve Factor: If Boise State wins out, it’ll have won 108 games in the last 10 years. For you non-math majors, that’s 10.8 wins a year over the course of a decade. WAC, schmack, you do that, you’ve earned the right to have a shot to play for the national title if no one else appears worthy. The win over Oregon in Eugene is the only win of note this year, and the 81<sup>st</sup> ranked strength of schedule won’t help, but if everyone else crashes and burns, Boise State is the one non-BCS league team out there that would deserve the chance.
8. Penn State
The standard line after the Iowa loss was that Penn State probably would’ve been left out of the national title mix anyway. Wrong. Very wrong. If Texas Tech and/or Alabama lost at some point, there was no way an unbeaten Penn State wouldn’t be playing for the national title. The BCS hasn’t quite advanced to the point of not putting a one-loss team in over an unbeaten team from a BCS conference. Could you imagine how ballistic the Big Ten head honchos would’ve if Penn State was passed over for a one-loss Florida or Oklahoma? That’s obviously not a worry now.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Beat Indiana and Michigan State by a combined score of 110 to 3.
Step Two: The North has to win the Big 12 Championship, and there has to be a general belief that you shouldn’t play for the national title if you didn’t win your league title. It would help if the two top Big 12 South teams that didn’t get into the Big 12 title game each had two losses. In other words, the South has to be neutralized.
Step Three: The SEC champion has to have two losses. Florida and Alabama, this year, wouldn’t get the benefit of the doubt break that LSU received last year after a late-season upset loss.
Step Four: It would be a plus if BYU beat Utah, but it probably wouldn’t matter. Penn State would still likely get in over an unbeaten Utah and it would definitely be in over an unbeaten Boise State.
Step Five: USC has to lose again, or else everyone has to make a big deal out of Penn State’s 45-14 win over Oregon State.
Step Six: Forgive me for taking the discussion here, but we are talking about realistic possibilities. Joe Paterno’s health has to be a question mark or he has to announce that this is his final season.
Step Seven: Iowa has to go nuts. Last week’s loss will look a whole bunch better if the Hawkeyes finish 8-4 and close with blowouts over Purdue and Minnesota.
The Deserve Factor: This isn’t as crazy as it might appear. Remember, Ohio State was a distant seventh in the BCS rankings last year at this time and it didn’t get anywhere near the respect that Penn State receives. Compared to others on this list, the No. 68 schedule ranking isn’t horrific, but being in the Big Ten hurts. When the dust settles there will likely be wins over just four teams that’ll end up going bowling, and the non-conference games against Coastal Carolina and Temple would haunt the argument. However, it’s not like the Nittany Lions got blasted by Iowa. It took a last-second field goal on the road to lose, while a case could be made that the loss in Iowa City was better than Florida’s loss at home to Ole Miss and USC’s loss at Oregon State. The win at Ohio State was as good as anything Florida and Alabama has come up with so far.
7. Utah
Ohio State got to the national title game from this spot last year and it had a home loss to Illinois. The Utes’ win over TCU might have erased any ill-will after close shaves against New Mexico and Air Force. There are some big name wins on the résumé, beating Michigan to start the Rich Rodriguez era and getting by Oregon State. However, and here’s the problem for anyone who has been paying attention, there hasn’t been a big win over a good team. Even so, if the Utes can beat BYU, they’ll have enough decent wins to be in the hunt for one of the top two spots.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Destroy San Diego State by three touchdowns or more and make it breezy, and the win over BYU has to be comfortable. The Cougars might be 17<sup>th</sup> in the BCS standings, but they’re not getting enough respect to give any voters on the right coast reason to stick an unbeaten Utah in the national title game.
Step Two: The North has to win the Big 12 title. The one-loss Big 12 South teams have to be eliminated from the discussion by the Tigers’ winning the championship.
Step Three: The SEC champion must have two losses.
Step Four: The Mountain West has to come up with a big-time PR campaign when it comes to USC, and the point has to be hammered home: 6-1. That’s the Mountain West’s record this year against the Pac 10.
Step Five: Utah has to start puffing its chest out. That’s not really the team’s style, but Kyle Whittingham and the program has to start selling it.
Step Six: Penn State has to lose to Michigan State, or at least be unimpressive.
The Deserve Factor: The wins over Michigan, Air Force and New Mexico might have been tight, but they were all on the road. Realistically, if everything breaks the right way, Utah will still have to do some lobbying to get into the national title, and it’ll take a major miracle of breaks to get to Miami. Storyline-wise, it would help if Florida gets into the BCS Championship Game and Alabama lost once before getting to the title. The Urban Meyer vs. his old team angle would seem just juicy enough to influence pollsters.
6. USC
USC appears to be the wedge issue this year. The defense has been a killer, but the offense has been mediocre and the team hasn’t played a decent team since the win over the Beanie-less Ohio State. Some pollsters like the talent level and the speed and athleticism, while others can’t get over the loss to a mediocre Oregon State. The poor Pac 10 has been a disaster, but the USC brand name should overcome the down year for the league if the opening is there to play for the national title. If this was Oregon State or Arizona in this position instead of USC, there wouldn’t be any chance of playing in Miami. Track record counts for something.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: USC has to win out and annihilate Notre Dame on national TV.
Step Two: Oregon State needs lose again. USC needs to win the Pac 10 outright.
Step Three: Alabama has to win the SEC title and be unbeaten. Florida has to be eliminated from the discussion.
Step Four: Missouri needs to win the Big 12 title and the USC brand name has to overcome a one-loss team from the Big 12 South.
Step Five: The pollsters will need to be blinded so much by the USC talent level that they ignore the Oregon State losses to both Penn State and Utah.
Step Six: Penn State has to lose to Michigan State. This isn’t a must, but it would help make things smoother.
Step Seven: Utah needs to lose to BYU. USC will have tough enough time overcoming the Pac 10’s record against the Mountain West.
The Deserve Factor: No one’s questioning whether or not USC would show up in the national title game. On talent and the past performances, the Trojans might be the favorites against anyone other than Florida in a BCS Championship Game. Could USC win the national title? Absolutely. Does it deserve get the shot? Probably not this year. To anyone who has watched Pac 10 football this year on a regular basis, the USC offense hasn’t been at a high enough level to warrant the consideration for the national title, but the defense has been unbelievable in picking up the slack at times. Would the mediocre strength of schedule (currently 63<sup>rd</sup>) matter all that much? Not for USC, but if Utah goes unbeaten and USC gets in, the Mountain West will blow a gasket.
5. Oklahoma
Oklahoma is the new Georgia. Last year, it seemed like everyone was waiting for Tennessee to blow it down the stretch so Georgia could go off to play LSU for the SEC title. If the Dawgs had won, they’d have been playing Ohio State for the national title, but instead, they didn’t get their chance to represent the East and they ended up taking it out on poor old Colt Brennan and Hawaii. This year, the offense has been so amazing and the team so dominant at times that no one would be too upset to see what Sam Bradford and company could do in Miami.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Beat Texas Tech with ease and then get by Oklahoma State on the road. Human pollsters have a funny way of moving teams up when they win, and if OU blows out the Red Raiders and win impressively in Stillwater, the polls will quickly change. If a three-way tie is needed and it goes to the BCS rankings, expect OU to come out on top despite being currently ranked behind Texas Tech and Texas.
Step Two: Win the Big 12 title. The Sooners probably can’t play for the national title without winning the Big 12 championship. However …
Step Three: … get a groundswell of respect after being hosed by the quirky system (if OU doesn’t play for the Big 12 title).
The Deserve Factor: Picking a Big 12 South team to play for the national title appears to be on the pollsters’ can-do list. If OU beats Texas Tech and Texas wins the three-way tie-breaker and goes off to lose to the North in the championship, the pollsters might simply want OU in. To put this a different way, Texas will be out with two losses, and Texas Tech will be ranked lower than the Sooners if it loses in Norman. OU, with the one loss coming to Texas, would likely get the benefit of the doubt over everyone but, maybe, USC. OU’s schedule at the moment is the fifth toughest in America.
4. Florida
Is Florida this year’s LSU? Yeah, there was the loss to Ole Miss at home, but that was a lifetime ago and it has been blown off by a public that likes anything from the SEC. Tim Tebow is playing better, everyone is healthy, and the defense is humming. This might be the nation’s most complete team, and no one would have any problems putting it in a second national title game in three years.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Beat South Carolina in Steve Spurrer’s return to The Swamp ….
Step Two: … beat The Citadel ….
Step Three: … beat Florida State ….
Step Four: … beat Alabama ….
Step Five: ….prepare for Miami Beach.
The Deserve Factor: If everything else is equal, there’s no way, no how the SEC champion doesn’t play for the national title. The Gators have played the 13<sup>th</sup> toughest schedule, and when all is said and done, they could close the SEC championship game having played as many as 11 bowl bound teams (but it’ll more likely be nine). Florida is one of three teams that controls its own national title destiny. Win five in a row and it’ll be Urban Meyer’s second national title.
3. Texas
Texas is in a tough spot. Its one loss came on the road with Texas Tech needing to pull off the greatest play in the history of its program to win. However, the sandwich might be coming. If Texas Tech beats Oklahoma, the Longhorns are out of the Big 12 title hunt and, almost certainly, out of the national title hunt (unless there’s a ton of help). If Oklahoma beats Texas Tech and Oklahoma State, it’ll likely be playing for the Big 12 title game and Texas will be squeezed out.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Obliterate Kansas and Texas A&M. At this point, a single-digit win might as well be a loss.
Step Two: Oklahoma has to be unimpressive and sloppy in an ugly win over Texas Tech, and then it has to beat Oklahoma State.
Step Three: Texas has to be ranked highest in the BCS rankings and it has to win the Big 12 championship game, OR …
Step Four: … … Texas gets squeezed out of the Big 12 Championship, the South representative loses, and the BCSers can’t find anyone else worthy of playing the SEC champion for the national title.
The Deserve Factor: Absolutely. Having played the nation’s third toughest schedule and having lost to Texas Tech in the final second should be enough. The whole idea of a team needing to win the conference championship game to play for the national title might be suspended for a year because of the goofy tie-breaker rules. If it’s Missouri in the title game, and it beats Oklahoma or Texas Tech, Texas will get all the credit and all the benefit of the doubt after blowing away the Tigers earlier in the year.
2. Texas Tech
Sometimes, it’s about when you lose as much as it’s about if you lose. If Texas Tech loses to Oklahoma, it’s over. The pollsters would rank OU higher than the Red Raiders, and the standings would follow accordingly. However, Tech has it’s destiny in its hands. It’s this simple …
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Beat Oklahoma …
Step Two: … beat Baylor ….
Step Three: … beat the North representative ….
Step Four: … go to Miami. OR …
Step Five: … Texas Tech loses a nail-biter to OU and gets squeezed out of the Big 12 Championship, the South representative loses, and the BCSers can’t find anyone else worthy of playing the SEC champion for the national title.
Step Six: USC has to lose. It doesn’t matter who it’s to. Losing to Stanford, Notre Dame or UCLA would end it.
Step Seven: Boise State has to lose to Fresno State
Step Eight: Penn State has to lose to Michigan State
The Deserve Factor: If Texas Tech can pull off the trio and beats Texas, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma in a row, than it’ll be more than worthy of playing for the national title. The joke of a non-conference schedule is made up for by playing the nation’s 17<sup>th</sup> toughest schedule overall
1. Alabama
Everyone knew Nick Saban would turn around the Alabama program and make it a national title caliber superpower, but no one expected it all to happen so fast. The national title is there for the taking, but the Tide can’t afford a loss and hope to get in. One regular season gaffe against Mississippi State or Auburn and there will a slew of Barbarians at the gate for one of the coveted top two spots.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Beat Mississippi State …
Step Two: … beat Auburn
Step Three: … beat Florida.
Step Four: … go to Miami.
The Deserve Factor: It’s not the slam dunk you might think as far as deserving to play for it all. Considering Clemson has been lousy and the SEC has been mediocre, the Tide has the 96<sup>th</sup> toughest schedule. Of course, if you’re the undefeated SEC champion, at this point after the way the last two years have gone, you’re going off to play for the national title no matter what else happens across the college football landscape.
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a.k.a. Frank Costanza's Festivus Airing of the Grievances
[/FONT] [FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]
By Pete Fiutak
What's your beef? ... Fire off your thoughts
Past Whimsies [/SIZE][/FONT] 2006 Season | 2007 Season
- Preseason Cavalcade | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4
- Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11, Part 1
The C.O.W. airing of the grievances followed by the feats of strength
It’s not about what you believe, it’s about what you can prove. When it comes to the BCS and the national championship, it’s about who deserves to be in and not who everyone thinks should be in. With that in mind, here’s the second annual look at the top ten teams still in the hunt for the national title, and what needs to happen for each to get in.
Oh sure, it’s all cut and dry at the moment; it’ll be the team that emerges from the Big 12 South vs. the SEC champion for the national title. Very simple, very easy … yeah, right.
Fact: Things change, no matter how obvious you think things are going to turn out to be. The top ten teams according to the BCS at this exact point last year: 1. LSU (before the loss to Arkansas), 2. Oregon (before the Dennis Dixon injury), 3. Kansas, 4. Oklahoma (before the loss to Texas Tech), 5. Missouri (remember, Mizzou would eventually be No. 1), 6. West Virginia (the Mountaineers couldn’t lose at home to Pitt, right?), 7. Ohio State (yup … seventh), 8. Arizona State (what a difference a year makes), 9. Georgia (Tennessee just wouldn’t lose), 10. Virginia Tech (the Hokies finished the regular season No. 1 according to the BCS computers).
Fact: Last year before the last week of the regular season, it was going to be West Virginia vs. Missouri playing for the national title if the Tigers could get by Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship. LSU was left for dead after losing to Arkansas, and Ohio State needed a ton of help.
Fact: Prior to January 8<sup>th</sup> 2007, 99% of the population outside of the greater Gainesville metropolitan area assumed there was no need to play the 2006 national title and mentally handed it to Ohio State.
Fact: ESPN, among others, were comparing the 2006 USC team to every great dynasty in the history of mankind before Vince Young had something to say about it.
Fact: Most believed Ohio State didn’t need to bother showing up to Tempe on January 3rd, 2003 to face a Miami team considered to be among the greatest of all-time.
1983 Miami vs. Nebraska. 2000 Oklahoma vs. Florida State. 1992 Alabama vs. Miami. The list goes on and on of upsets that few believed could possibly happen. So with that in mind, forget about what you think you know, and what you think is right. Here are ten national title contenders who are still in the hunt, or would like to be, what they need to do to get a top two spot, and most importantly, how much they deserve to be in the discussion.
10. Ball State
Ball State is currently ranked 14<sup>th</sup> in the latest BCS rankings and has no shot whatsoever to play in the national title game. After all, Hawaii didn’t get within 200 miles of the BCS Championship Game last year finishing 10<sup>th</sup> in the final BCS rankings, and that team actually had a few decent wins. The Cardinals have a shot to finish the year as one of the few unbeatens, but even if they’re the lone unbeaten, they might not even get into a BCS game considering BYU would likely be ranked higher (assuming a Cougar win over Utah). All the one-loss teams in the top 10 have to lose again, two more times would be nice, and the unbeatens have to lose at least once. I’ll try to do the impossible and map out a path for the unbeaten Cardinals to play for the national title, and even then they’re unlikely to come close. This is the only way Ball State will have an argument.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Win out, including the MAC championship, and put up twisted numbers along the way. 31-16 over Miami University isn’t going to cut it. The Cardinals have to blast away on good Central Michigan and Western Michigan teams, and everyone has to start noticing the margins of victory. If Ball State wins out impressively, no one will have come closer than 11 points of beating Nate Davis and crew.
Step Two: Texas Tech has to blow away Oklahoma, blow through Baylor and the Big 12 title game, and be the unquestioned No. 1 team going into the BCS Championship.
Step Three: Alabama has to lose out and Florida has to be upset by South Carolina and Florida State before beating the Tide for the SEC title.
Step Four: Texas has to get blown out by Texas A&M, and a loss at Kansas wouldn’t hurt.
Step Five: BYU has to lose to Air Force and beat Utah
Step Six: USC has to lose. It doesn’t matter who it’s to. Losing to Stanford, Notre Dame or UCLA would end it.
Step Seven: Boise State has to lose to Fresno State
Step Eight: Penn State has to lose to Michigan State
The Deserve Factor: It’s a tough sell even if everything breaks the right way and Ball State is the lone unbeaten. The 111<sup>th</sup> best schedule, playing in the MAC, and the non-conference wins over Navy and Indiana aren’t going to get anyone excited about seeing the Cardinals in the national championship. The BCS would probably take a two-loss Penn State or even a three-loss SEC champion before picking the Cardinals.
9. Boise State
Boise State should at least merit a little bit of consideration for a spot in the national championship based on its body of work over the last ten years. After all, take out USC, and the Broncos have won as many BCS games over the last two seasons as everyone in the top eight. Unfortunately, even with the classic win over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, Boise State still suffers from being in the WAC and still doesn’t get a lick of respect.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Annihilate Idaho, Nevada, and Fresno State. Boise State won’t finish first in the nation in any offensive category, but the defense could challenge USC for the points allowed title. .
Step Two: Texas Tech has to blow away Oklahoma, blow through Baylor and the Big 12 title game, and be the unquestioned No. 1 team going into the BCS Championship.
Step Three: The SEC champion has to have three losses. The BCS would probably put in a two-loss SEC team over an unbeaten Boise State.
Step Four: Texas has to get blown out by Texas A&M, and a loss at Kansas wouldn’t hurt.
Step Five: BYU has to beat Utah.
Step Six: USC has to lose. It doesn’t matter who it’s to. Losing to Stanford, Notre Dame or UCLA would end it.
Step Seven: Penn State has to lose to Michigan State
The Deserve Factor: If Boise State wins out, it’ll have won 108 games in the last 10 years. For you non-math majors, that’s 10.8 wins a year over the course of a decade. WAC, schmack, you do that, you’ve earned the right to have a shot to play for the national title if no one else appears worthy. The win over Oregon in Eugene is the only win of note this year, and the 81<sup>st</sup> ranked strength of schedule won’t help, but if everyone else crashes and burns, Boise State is the one non-BCS league team out there that would deserve the chance.
8. Penn State
The standard line after the Iowa loss was that Penn State probably would’ve been left out of the national title mix anyway. Wrong. Very wrong. If Texas Tech and/or Alabama lost at some point, there was no way an unbeaten Penn State wouldn’t be playing for the national title. The BCS hasn’t quite advanced to the point of not putting a one-loss team in over an unbeaten team from a BCS conference. Could you imagine how ballistic the Big Ten head honchos would’ve if Penn State was passed over for a one-loss Florida or Oklahoma? That’s obviously not a worry now.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Beat Indiana and Michigan State by a combined score of 110 to 3.
Step Two: The North has to win the Big 12 Championship, and there has to be a general belief that you shouldn’t play for the national title if you didn’t win your league title. It would help if the two top Big 12 South teams that didn’t get into the Big 12 title game each had two losses. In other words, the South has to be neutralized.
Step Three: The SEC champion has to have two losses. Florida and Alabama, this year, wouldn’t get the benefit of the doubt break that LSU received last year after a late-season upset loss.
Step Four: It would be a plus if BYU beat Utah, but it probably wouldn’t matter. Penn State would still likely get in over an unbeaten Utah and it would definitely be in over an unbeaten Boise State.
Step Five: USC has to lose again, or else everyone has to make a big deal out of Penn State’s 45-14 win over Oregon State.
Step Six: Forgive me for taking the discussion here, but we are talking about realistic possibilities. Joe Paterno’s health has to be a question mark or he has to announce that this is his final season.
Step Seven: Iowa has to go nuts. Last week’s loss will look a whole bunch better if the Hawkeyes finish 8-4 and close with blowouts over Purdue and Minnesota.
The Deserve Factor: This isn’t as crazy as it might appear. Remember, Ohio State was a distant seventh in the BCS rankings last year at this time and it didn’t get anywhere near the respect that Penn State receives. Compared to others on this list, the No. 68 schedule ranking isn’t horrific, but being in the Big Ten hurts. When the dust settles there will likely be wins over just four teams that’ll end up going bowling, and the non-conference games against Coastal Carolina and Temple would haunt the argument. However, it’s not like the Nittany Lions got blasted by Iowa. It took a last-second field goal on the road to lose, while a case could be made that the loss in Iowa City was better than Florida’s loss at home to Ole Miss and USC’s loss at Oregon State. The win at Ohio State was as good as anything Florida and Alabama has come up with so far.
7. Utah
Ohio State got to the national title game from this spot last year and it had a home loss to Illinois. The Utes’ win over TCU might have erased any ill-will after close shaves against New Mexico and Air Force. There are some big name wins on the résumé, beating Michigan to start the Rich Rodriguez era and getting by Oregon State. However, and here’s the problem for anyone who has been paying attention, there hasn’t been a big win over a good team. Even so, if the Utes can beat BYU, they’ll have enough decent wins to be in the hunt for one of the top two spots.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Destroy San Diego State by three touchdowns or more and make it breezy, and the win over BYU has to be comfortable. The Cougars might be 17<sup>th</sup> in the BCS standings, but they’re not getting enough respect to give any voters on the right coast reason to stick an unbeaten Utah in the national title game.
Step Two: The North has to win the Big 12 title. The one-loss Big 12 South teams have to be eliminated from the discussion by the Tigers’ winning the championship.
Step Three: The SEC champion must have two losses.
Step Four: The Mountain West has to come up with a big-time PR campaign when it comes to USC, and the point has to be hammered home: 6-1. That’s the Mountain West’s record this year against the Pac 10.
Step Five: Utah has to start puffing its chest out. That’s not really the team’s style, but Kyle Whittingham and the program has to start selling it.
Step Six: Penn State has to lose to Michigan State, or at least be unimpressive.
The Deserve Factor: The wins over Michigan, Air Force and New Mexico might have been tight, but they were all on the road. Realistically, if everything breaks the right way, Utah will still have to do some lobbying to get into the national title, and it’ll take a major miracle of breaks to get to Miami. Storyline-wise, it would help if Florida gets into the BCS Championship Game and Alabama lost once before getting to the title. The Urban Meyer vs. his old team angle would seem just juicy enough to influence pollsters.
6. USC
USC appears to be the wedge issue this year. The defense has been a killer, but the offense has been mediocre and the team hasn’t played a decent team since the win over the Beanie-less Ohio State. Some pollsters like the talent level and the speed and athleticism, while others can’t get over the loss to a mediocre Oregon State. The poor Pac 10 has been a disaster, but the USC brand name should overcome the down year for the league if the opening is there to play for the national title. If this was Oregon State or Arizona in this position instead of USC, there wouldn’t be any chance of playing in Miami. Track record counts for something.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: USC has to win out and annihilate Notre Dame on national TV.
Step Two: Oregon State needs lose again. USC needs to win the Pac 10 outright.
Step Three: Alabama has to win the SEC title and be unbeaten. Florida has to be eliminated from the discussion.
Step Four: Missouri needs to win the Big 12 title and the USC brand name has to overcome a one-loss team from the Big 12 South.
Step Five: The pollsters will need to be blinded so much by the USC talent level that they ignore the Oregon State losses to both Penn State and Utah.
Step Six: Penn State has to lose to Michigan State. This isn’t a must, but it would help make things smoother.
Step Seven: Utah needs to lose to BYU. USC will have tough enough time overcoming the Pac 10’s record against the Mountain West.
The Deserve Factor: No one’s questioning whether or not USC would show up in the national title game. On talent and the past performances, the Trojans might be the favorites against anyone other than Florida in a BCS Championship Game. Could USC win the national title? Absolutely. Does it deserve get the shot? Probably not this year. To anyone who has watched Pac 10 football this year on a regular basis, the USC offense hasn’t been at a high enough level to warrant the consideration for the national title, but the defense has been unbelievable in picking up the slack at times. Would the mediocre strength of schedule (currently 63<sup>rd</sup>) matter all that much? Not for USC, but if Utah goes unbeaten and USC gets in, the Mountain West will blow a gasket.
5. Oklahoma
Oklahoma is the new Georgia. Last year, it seemed like everyone was waiting for Tennessee to blow it down the stretch so Georgia could go off to play LSU for the SEC title. If the Dawgs had won, they’d have been playing Ohio State for the national title, but instead, they didn’t get their chance to represent the East and they ended up taking it out on poor old Colt Brennan and Hawaii. This year, the offense has been so amazing and the team so dominant at times that no one would be too upset to see what Sam Bradford and company could do in Miami.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Beat Texas Tech with ease and then get by Oklahoma State on the road. Human pollsters have a funny way of moving teams up when they win, and if OU blows out the Red Raiders and win impressively in Stillwater, the polls will quickly change. If a three-way tie is needed and it goes to the BCS rankings, expect OU to come out on top despite being currently ranked behind Texas Tech and Texas.
Step Two: Win the Big 12 title. The Sooners probably can’t play for the national title without winning the Big 12 championship. However …
Step Three: … get a groundswell of respect after being hosed by the quirky system (if OU doesn’t play for the Big 12 title).
The Deserve Factor: Picking a Big 12 South team to play for the national title appears to be on the pollsters’ can-do list. If OU beats Texas Tech and Texas wins the three-way tie-breaker and goes off to lose to the North in the championship, the pollsters might simply want OU in. To put this a different way, Texas will be out with two losses, and Texas Tech will be ranked lower than the Sooners if it loses in Norman. OU, with the one loss coming to Texas, would likely get the benefit of the doubt over everyone but, maybe, USC. OU’s schedule at the moment is the fifth toughest in America.
4. Florida
Is Florida this year’s LSU? Yeah, there was the loss to Ole Miss at home, but that was a lifetime ago and it has been blown off by a public that likes anything from the SEC. Tim Tebow is playing better, everyone is healthy, and the defense is humming. This might be the nation’s most complete team, and no one would have any problems putting it in a second national title game in three years.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Beat South Carolina in Steve Spurrer’s return to The Swamp ….
Step Two: … beat The Citadel ….
Step Three: … beat Florida State ….
Step Four: … beat Alabama ….
Step Five: ….prepare for Miami Beach.
The Deserve Factor: If everything else is equal, there’s no way, no how the SEC champion doesn’t play for the national title. The Gators have played the 13<sup>th</sup> toughest schedule, and when all is said and done, they could close the SEC championship game having played as many as 11 bowl bound teams (but it’ll more likely be nine). Florida is one of three teams that controls its own national title destiny. Win five in a row and it’ll be Urban Meyer’s second national title.
3. Texas
Texas is in a tough spot. Its one loss came on the road with Texas Tech needing to pull off the greatest play in the history of its program to win. However, the sandwich might be coming. If Texas Tech beats Oklahoma, the Longhorns are out of the Big 12 title hunt and, almost certainly, out of the national title hunt (unless there’s a ton of help). If Oklahoma beats Texas Tech and Oklahoma State, it’ll likely be playing for the Big 12 title game and Texas will be squeezed out.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Obliterate Kansas and Texas A&M. At this point, a single-digit win might as well be a loss.
Step Two: Oklahoma has to be unimpressive and sloppy in an ugly win over Texas Tech, and then it has to beat Oklahoma State.
Step Three: Texas has to be ranked highest in the BCS rankings and it has to win the Big 12 championship game, OR …
Step Four: … … Texas gets squeezed out of the Big 12 Championship, the South representative loses, and the BCSers can’t find anyone else worthy of playing the SEC champion for the national title.
The Deserve Factor: Absolutely. Having played the nation’s third toughest schedule and having lost to Texas Tech in the final second should be enough. The whole idea of a team needing to win the conference championship game to play for the national title might be suspended for a year because of the goofy tie-breaker rules. If it’s Missouri in the title game, and it beats Oklahoma or Texas Tech, Texas will get all the credit and all the benefit of the doubt after blowing away the Tigers earlier in the year.
2. Texas Tech
Sometimes, it’s about when you lose as much as it’s about if you lose. If Texas Tech loses to Oklahoma, it’s over. The pollsters would rank OU higher than the Red Raiders, and the standings would follow accordingly. However, Tech has it’s destiny in its hands. It’s this simple …
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Beat Oklahoma …
Step Two: … beat Baylor ….
Step Three: … beat the North representative ….
Step Four: … go to Miami. OR …
Step Five: … Texas Tech loses a nail-biter to OU and gets squeezed out of the Big 12 Championship, the South representative loses, and the BCSers can’t find anyone else worthy of playing the SEC champion for the national title.
Step Six: USC has to lose. It doesn’t matter who it’s to. Losing to Stanford, Notre Dame or UCLA would end it.
Step Seven: Boise State has to lose to Fresno State
Step Eight: Penn State has to lose to Michigan State
The Deserve Factor: If Texas Tech can pull off the trio and beats Texas, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma in a row, than it’ll be more than worthy of playing for the national title. The joke of a non-conference schedule is made up for by playing the nation’s 17<sup>th</sup> toughest schedule overall
1. Alabama
Everyone knew Nick Saban would turn around the Alabama program and make it a national title caliber superpower, but no one expected it all to happen so fast. The national title is there for the taking, but the Tide can’t afford a loss and hope to get in. One regular season gaffe against Mississippi State or Auburn and there will a slew of Barbarians at the gate for one of the coveted top two spots.
What has to happen to play for the national title …
Step One: Beat Mississippi State …
Step Two: … beat Auburn
Step Three: … beat Florida.
Step Four: … go to Miami.
The Deserve Factor: It’s not the slam dunk you might think as far as deserving to play for it all. Considering Clemson has been lousy and the SEC has been mediocre, the Tide has the 96<sup>th</sup> toughest schedule. Of course, if you’re the undefeated SEC champion, at this point after the way the last two years have gone, you’re going off to play for the national title no matter what else happens across the college football landscape.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Headlinin': De Clemson plane touches down in Oklahoma
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
• Let the flight tracking begin. Clemson AD Terry Don Phillips! Spotted in Oklahoma! With a Clemson plane! Who's he going to hire? Sooner offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson swears to God, the press and Bob Stoops he hasn't talked to anyone about taking over the head job at Clemson or anywhere else, but defensive coordinator Brent Venables -- also a hot name at Kansas State, his alma mater -- wasn't around after practice to issue any denials because (officially, anyway) he hurried home to be with his newborn (Wink!). Back in South Carolina, The State doesn't even bother with the intrigue, reporting outright from a couple Rivals sites that Phillips met with Venables about the Tigers' vacancy, making him the first interview the paper is aware of.
Meanwhile, interim Clemson boss Dabo Swinney still wants the job, and channeled Lloyd Christmas Tuesday to describe the Tigers' bowl hopes at 4-5. So you're saying there's a chance?
• Rick Costa leaves when he wants to leave. Maryland linebacker Rick Costa was having a leisurely Saturday evening/Sunday morning at College Park's Cornerstone Grill & Loft when he and "two other unidentified males" were told they had to leave the establishment. Rick wasn't ready to cut his night short, apparently, so (allegedly) he made the only logical decision: Start a fight with bouncers and eventually punch a police officer in the face:
• It's not you, Daryll. It's your lousy teammates. Daryll Clark stood up and took his share of the blame for Penn State's loss at Iowa, the worst statistical game of his season, in which he threw a crucial interception to set up the Hawkeyes' winning field goal drive. Did coaches rush him back too quickly following the concussion that knocked Clark out of the win at Ohio State? No, no, no, says Joe Paterno. The old coach knows you can't put the whole loss on the quarterback. Put it on his receivers:
Quickly ... Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor is iffy for Thursday night against Miami, likely meaning another start for Sean Glennon (who only plans to hand off to Darren Evans, anyway). . . . Minnesota's leading receiver, Eric Decker, will miss a second straight game when the Badgers go to Wisconsin. . . . Kevin Riley will start at quarterback for Cal's make-or-break game at Oregon State. . . . North Carolina has dismissed defensive end Darius Powell for the ever popular unspecified violation of team rules. . . . Nebraska's defensive starters have finally earned their Blackshirts. . . . Ex-USC tailback Broderick Green's likely destination: Arkansas. . . . The Greg Robinson era has left them grasping at satirical straws in Syracuse. . . . And Clay Travis' vote for Tennessee's next coach: Yarrrr, matey.
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
Meanwhile, interim Clemson boss Dabo Swinney still wants the job, and channeled Lloyd Christmas Tuesday to describe the Tigers' bowl hopes at 4-5. So you're saying there's a chance?
• Rick Costa leaves when he wants to leave. Maryland linebacker Rick Costa was having a leisurely Saturday evening/Sunday morning at College Park's Cornerstone Grill & Loft when he and "two other unidentified males" were told they had to leave the establishment. Rick wasn't ready to cut his night short, apparently, so (allegedly) he made the only logical decision: Start a fight with bouncers and eventually punch a police officer in the face:
"At this point the defendant [Costa] became combative, striking one of the bouncers in the face. Another bouncer came to intervene and tried to stop Costa from fighting with the other bouncer, at which point Costa pushed him away," [Police spokesman Henry] Tippett said.
Tippett continued: "The officer approached Costa. He announced himself as a police officer. The officer said Costa was intoxicated and disorderly at which point he punched the officer in the right side of his eye, causing a face injury."
Costa's super ironic major: Criminology. Maybe he was just ... studying the inner workings of the justice system from the perspective of the suspect? Picking up an assault charge and an indefinite suspension from the team -- as a senior who's already transferred from Temple, likely the end of Costa's career -- wasn't part of the assignment, but he does get extra credit for making bail.Tippett continued: "The officer approached Costa. He announced himself as a police officer. The officer said Costa was intoxicated and disorderly at which point he punched the officer in the right side of his eye, causing a face injury."
"I think he's being too tough on himself," coach Joe Paterno said. "In fact, I told him that [Sunday] on the practice field. I think he's done fine. They dropped passes on him.
"... When we talk about why we're not being a little more productive offensively, we haven't made a lot of great catches, and we dropped some passes that would have an impact on whether we go for a field goal or we get a touchdown."
You know what? Maybe Black Shoe Diaries has the right idea: They all sucked. There's no need to single anybody out here."... When we talk about why we're not being a little more productive offensively, we haven't made a lot of great catches, and we dropped some passes that would have an impact on whether we go for a field goal or we get a touchdown."
Quickly ... Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor is iffy for Thursday night against Miami, likely meaning another start for Sean Glennon (who only plans to hand off to Darren Evans, anyway). . . . Minnesota's leading receiver, Eric Decker, will miss a second straight game when the Badgers go to Wisconsin. . . . Kevin Riley will start at quarterback for Cal's make-or-break game at Oregon State. . . . North Carolina has dismissed defensive end Darius Powell for the ever popular unspecified violation of team rules. . . . Nebraska's defensive starters have finally earned their Blackshirts. . . . Ex-USC tailback Broderick Green's likely destination: Arkansas. . . . The Greg Robinson era has left them grasping at satirical straws in Syracuse. . . . And Clay Travis' vote for Tennessee's next coach: Yarrrr, matey.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Sources: Clemson's Interested in Phil Fulmer
from The FanHouse - NCAAfootball
by Ryan FergusonFiled under: Clemson, Tennessee, ACC, SEC, NCAA FB Coaching, NCAA FB Gossip
The National Football Post says sources have informed them that "Clemson University may be interested in hiring current Tennessee Volunteers head coach Philip Fulmer to fill the vacancy left by Tommy Bowden."
This makes sense on many levels. Clemson could pick up a coach with a national championship and two SEC titles on his resume, not to mention 150 wins in Knoxville. Fulmer has not been competitive in the Southeastern Conference this year, but won 10 games in '07, that season culminating with an SEC Championship Game appearance and a bowl win over Wisconsin.
Fulmer had assembled the 6th-ranked recruiting class this year at Tennessee, and has recruited well in the Carolinas. And defensive coordinator John Chavis might well join Fulmer at his next gig, which would be quite the exciting package indeed for Tiger fans: Tennessee's defense has been relatively good this season under Chavis, despite being placed in an impossible position by the Vol offense.
At Clemson, Fulmer would likely never have to compete against Tennessee, save for a potential bowl matchup.
So with Fulmer, Clemson gets the full package: a proven head coach, possibly a good if not great defensive staff, recruiting ties, and championship prestige. Sure, Fulmer's had his issues lately. But perhaps a fresh start would the cure he needs to find his old winning ways.
Just one problem with all of that, however: Clemson's arch-rival? Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks.
For Phil Fulmer, that would have to feel like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Besides Spurrier, Phil Fulmer has six million reasons to relax and start fishing. Does the Great Pumpkin have another run in him? Only time will tell.
from The FanHouse - NCAAfootball
by Ryan FergusonFiled under: Clemson, Tennessee, ACC, SEC, NCAA FB Coaching, NCAA FB Gossip
This makes sense on many levels. Clemson could pick up a coach with a national championship and two SEC titles on his resume, not to mention 150 wins in Knoxville. Fulmer has not been competitive in the Southeastern Conference this year, but won 10 games in '07, that season culminating with an SEC Championship Game appearance and a bowl win over Wisconsin.
Fulmer had assembled the 6th-ranked recruiting class this year at Tennessee, and has recruited well in the Carolinas. And defensive coordinator John Chavis might well join Fulmer at his next gig, which would be quite the exciting package indeed for Tiger fans: Tennessee's defense has been relatively good this season under Chavis, despite being placed in an impossible position by the Vol offense.
At Clemson, Fulmer would likely never have to compete against Tennessee, save for a potential bowl matchup.
So with Fulmer, Clemson gets the full package: a proven head coach, possibly a good if not great defensive staff, recruiting ties, and championship prestige. Sure, Fulmer's had his issues lately. But perhaps a fresh start would the cure he needs to find his old winning ways.
Just one problem with all of that, however: Clemson's arch-rival? Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks.
For Phil Fulmer, that would have to feel like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Besides Spurrier, Phil Fulmer has six million reasons to relax and start fishing. Does the Great Pumpkin have another run in him? Only time will tell.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Blog Pollin': Upon further review, Raiders plunder the top spot
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
Now in its fourth year, the Blog Poll is a weekly effort of dozens of college football-centric Web sites representing a wide array of schools under the oversight of founder/manager/guru Brian Cook at MGoBlog, and now appears on CBS Sportsline. It’s an effort to provide a more rigorous check on the mainstream polls that actually, like, count toward the mythical championship, and enthusiastically shines a light on its voters' processes and biases. But mainly, it’s fun. As teams' final reputations begin to solidify, this week's ballot is brought to you by Dean Martin, a man who knew how to plead forgiveness for his follies of youth:
But moving Tech into the top spot this week is about a lot more than just a couple flashy wins the last two weeks and an uncomfortably close escape from Baton Rouge for Alabama -- look at the whole picture:
MOV= Average margin of victory • Oppt. Win%=Opponents' winning percentage
SOS=Strength of schedule, according to Jeff Sagarin
Clemson's collapse really hurts the Tide; rather than a signature non-conference win, that initially impressive blowout is the equivalent of walloping, say, Kansas State as the Tigers fall further into the hole. Even if you account for the alleged home field advantage in Lubbock, Texas and Oklahoma State are more valuable wins at the moment than Georgia and LSU. Keeping Alabama above Tech at this point is really clinging to old perceptions about the teams they've beaten (or conference affiliation, which is really, really stupid).
That debate is fairly irrelevant, though, since both teams will stay 1-2 in every poll if they keep winning, and get to settle it on the field from there. The real debate this week is between the one-loss mashup behind them:
As usual, I'm rewarding big wins more than I'm punishing for sketchy losses, and though Oklahoma's victims have a respectable winning percentage, they're the only team that doesn't have a top-10/top-12 win to its name. Texas isn't winning by as much as the others, but the Horns have clearly the best trio of quality of wins, as well as the most respectable loss, and until the situation changes -- i.e. Florida knocks off Alabama and/or Oklahoma takes out Texas Tech and Oklahoma State, then Missouri in the Big 12 Championship -- Texas' resumé is the one that comes closest to challenging Alabama's. I don't see USC or Penn State challenging to move up with no conference championship to boost the strength of schedule; I'm not sure even losses by Texas Tech and Alabama would drop either of them below the Trojans, whose schedule will not be helped much this week by pounding Stanford.
Beyond that, take your pick. Boise State and Ball State suffer this week because their schedules keep getting weaker and weaker as they keep adding WAC and MAC fluff; in Boise's case, it doesn't help that its only notable victim, Oregon, still hasn't beaten anyone of consequence. North Carolina might seem a little high, but the Heels have only lost to Virginia Tech and (somehow) Virginia, during the Cavs' "Last Moments of Tony Montana" phase, and taken down Georgia Tech, Miami, UConn and Notre Dame along the way. Even the Rutgers win doesn't look quite as blasé as it did three weeks ago. At the moment, though the Hokies still control their destiny in the Coastal Division, UNC is the best team in the ACC, and can take a major step toward 10-2 and a January bowl this week with a win at Maryland, leaving only N.C. State and Duke. If you're talking coach of the year, the only name that belongs beside Nick Saban's is Butch Davis.
As always, I'll start with a blank slate next week, when everything will be completely different.
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
If I knew then oh what I know now
We would never have drifted apart
If I had only taken your dream and made it part of mine
If I knew then what I know now
I've had very different opinions about Alabama and Texas Tech all season: The Tide opened the year with a gaudy, dominant win over Clemson and added the obliteration of Georgia a few weeks later, and haven't done much to lower my opinion of its smashmouth, defense-first affinity for winning ugly; the Raiders, on the other hand, were very slow starters by my estimation, because they didn't play a team worth raising an eyebrow over until winning big at Kansas in late October. We would never have drifted apart
If I had only taken your dream and made it part of mine
If I knew then what I know now
But moving Tech into the top spot this week is about a lot more than just a couple flashy wins the last two weeks and an uncomfortably close escape from Baton Rouge for Alabama -- look at the whole picture:
MOV= Average margin of victory • Oppt. Win%=Opponents' winning percentage
SOS=Strength of schedule, according to Jeff Sagarin
Clemson's collapse really hurts the Tide; rather than a signature non-conference win, that initially impressive blowout is the equivalent of walloping, say, Kansas State as the Tigers fall further into the hole. Even if you account for the alleged home field advantage in Lubbock, Texas and Oklahoma State are more valuable wins at the moment than Georgia and LSU. Keeping Alabama above Tech at this point is really clinging to old perceptions about the teams they've beaten (or conference affiliation, which is really, really stupid).
That debate is fairly irrelevant, though, since both teams will stay 1-2 in every poll if they keep winning, and get to settle it on the field from there. The real debate this week is between the one-loss mashup behind them:
Beyond that, take your pick. Boise State and Ball State suffer this week because their schedules keep getting weaker and weaker as they keep adding WAC and MAC fluff; in Boise's case, it doesn't help that its only notable victim, Oregon, still hasn't beaten anyone of consequence. North Carolina might seem a little high, but the Heels have only lost to Virginia Tech and (somehow) Virginia, during the Cavs' "Last Moments of Tony Montana" phase, and taken down Georgia Tech, Miami, UConn and Notre Dame along the way. Even the Rutgers win doesn't look quite as blasé as it did three weeks ago. At the moment, though the Hokies still control their destiny in the Coastal Division, UNC is the best team in the ACC, and can take a major step toward 10-2 and a January bowl this week with a win at Maryland, leaving only N.C. State and Duke. If you're talking coach of the year, the only name that belongs beside Nick Saban's is Butch Davis.
As always, I'll start with a blank slate next week, when everything will be completely different.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
It's honestly fairly easy once you know where to look.
All you need is an RSS account and then subscribe to the right blogs. If anyone wants my subscribe list, let me know. I'll send it to you.
Thanks, Pags.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
ESPN's Interactive Tuesday Makes You Dumber
from The Sporting Blog
This idea has been tried before: the interactive live chat scrolling on television. MTV tried it back in the late '90s with mixed results; they edited comments for profanity, but during a broadcast of the video for Shabba Ranks' "Mr Loverman," the exchange turned on the video quickly. It went something like this: USER1: Mr. Loverman. SHABBA! Ths song sux.
USER2: He doesn't do anything! Mr. Lazyman
USER3: More like Mr. UGLYMAN!
USER1: LOL YES! MR. UGLYMAN!
USER2: SHABBA!!!
MTV then discontinued this feature shortly afterward, as they should have. ESPN's "Interactive Tuesday" will eventually meet the same fate, but for different reasons. The comments from users stream across the top of the screen, and the quality of the comments comes straight from the ESPN.com school of commentary: bland, meaningless, and at their worst mind-blowingly dumb. Example:
Yes, because the only thing that would make a Tuesday night MAC showdown better for me as a sports fan is giving ChargerBoi3 the chance to belch out an inane opinion layered distractingly over the action. Isn't letting Emmitt Smith talk on television bad enough for ESPN? At least Emmitt Smith provides an element of comedy; Interactive Tuesday's bland patter just makes me sad. At the very least, let the crowd turn on the announcers, since as unplanned as it was, I still giggle when I think of Mr. Uglyman. The opportunity to let something interesting happen on air, though, doesn't exactly scream "part of ESPN's Mission statement."
from The Sporting Blog
This idea has been tried before: the interactive live chat scrolling on television. MTV tried it back in the late '90s with mixed results; they edited comments for profanity, but during a broadcast of the video for Shabba Ranks' "Mr Loverman," the exchange turned on the video quickly. It went something like this: USER1: Mr. Loverman. SHABBA! Ths song sux.
USER2: He doesn't do anything! Mr. Lazyman
USER3: More like Mr. UGLYMAN!
USER1: LOL YES! MR. UGLYMAN!
USER2: SHABBA!!!
MTV then discontinued this feature shortly afterward, as they should have. ESPN's "Interactive Tuesday" will eventually meet the same fate, but for different reasons. The comments from users stream across the top of the screen, and the quality of the comments comes straight from the ESPN.com school of commentary: bland, meaningless, and at their worst mind-blowingly dumb. Example:
Yes, because the only thing that would make a Tuesday night MAC showdown better for me as a sports fan is giving ChargerBoi3 the chance to belch out an inane opinion layered distractingly over the action. Isn't letting Emmitt Smith talk on television bad enough for ESPN? At least Emmitt Smith provides an element of comedy; Interactive Tuesday's bland patter just makes me sad. At the very least, let the crowd turn on the announcers, since as unplanned as it was, I still giggle when I think of Mr. Uglyman. The opportunity to let something interesting happen on air, though, doesn't exactly scream "part of ESPN's Mission statement."
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
I get the feeling Texas fans are in for a sobering month
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
I can never top Peter Bean's Camus-inspired homage to Kirk Bohls' latest column in the Austin American-Statesman, "Coaches showing Texas no love." But I can't resist, either, when someone who shows so much disdain for computer polls and the process so thoroughly fails to connect the dots beyond his next deadline. Specifically, Bohls can't understand why the Coaches' Poll ranks one-loss Oklahoma ahead of one-loss Texas for the second week in a row, when Texas just beat Oklahoma by 10 points last month, and that the other final polls might actually fall that way, too:
Emphasis on right now. Because if voters have no memory, Bohls has no foresight. As it's printed, he seems to be saying OU shouldn't even be on the brink of overtaking Texas after the result in the Cotton Bowl. Presumably, that taboo extends through the rest of the season, even through Oklahoma's potential wins over Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. If head-to-head is so sacrosanct, the "No. 1 criteria for breaking a deadlock," I wonder how Bohls would untangle this head-to-head reality if the Sooners beat Tech next week:
Don't worry so much about the specific hypotheticals. The point is, Bohls is raving over a status quo that is guaranteed to change within two weeks, before the subjectivity of voters or computers can lift or snub anyone in any consequential way. And it's pretty much guaranteed to change in a way Texas fans aren't going to like. If Oklahoma wins its last two games over teams currently in everyone's top-15, the Sooners will probably move ahead of Texas thanks to OU's better non-conference wins, and on to the Big 12 Championship. And with another win there, on to the so-called national championship. Either Oklahoma does it, or Texas Tech will.
Either way, it's as fair as the current system can possibly be, if you just look at the entire schedule. Texas played a non-conference slate of Florida Atlantic, UTEP, Arkansas and Rice and lost its right to complain about Texas Tech's equally soft road (should the need arise) by losing to the Raiders. Until there's a new system -- and bring it on, already -- reality is showing Texas no love. The Coaches' poll vote on Nov. 9 is completely meaningless. The actual results down the stretch are going to box the Lonhorns out all on their own.
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
So why exactly are many of the 61 head football coaches who vote in the USA Today top 25 poll showing Texas no love and ranking Oklahoma above it?
[...]
The Sooners are already on the brink of overtaking the Longhorns [in the BCS], and that's dead wrong.
Since when does head-to-head not count? It's like ranking Grenada No. 1 ahead of the United States. Head-to-head results have to be the No. 1 criteria for breaking a deadlock between two teams. All the rest is speculation.
I agree with Bohls and the other AP writers who reversed course and moved UT in front of Oklahoma this week -- check their standing on my own ballot -- and if he had written, "The Sooners have already overtaken the Longhorns in the Coaches' Poll, and that's dead wrong," that would make sense. The coaches are way out of line ranking Oklahoma ahead of Texas right now, because not doing so would be speculation.[...]
The Sooners are already on the brink of overtaking the Longhorns [in the BCS], and that's dead wrong.
Since when does head-to-head not count? It's like ranking Grenada No. 1 ahead of the United States. Head-to-head results have to be the No. 1 criteria for breaking a deadlock between two teams. All the rest is speculation.
Emphasis on right now. Because if voters have no memory, Bohls has no foresight. As it's printed, he seems to be saying OU shouldn't even be on the brink of overtaking Texas after the result in the Cotton Bowl. Presumably, that taboo extends through the rest of the season, even through Oklahoma's potential wins over Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. If head-to-head is so sacrosanct, the "No. 1 criteria for breaking a deadlock," I wonder how Bohls would untangle this head-to-head reality if the Sooners beat Tech next week:
Texas > Oklahoma > Texas Tech > Texas
This isn't wild "speculation" -- the Big 12 South situation won't change before Oklahoma and Tech hook up (both teams are off this week), and Oklahoma will probably open a slight favorite as the home team. To my thinking, the above circle of death the most immediately likely scenario, and if it's not -- if the Raiders win in Norman -- the controversy ends with an undefeated Tech moving on to the conference championship and the two-loss Sooners falling by the wayside. Still, Texas is adrift. And should Texas Tech advance and lose to Missouri for its first loss -- or should Oklahoma move on and get hit with its second loss in the Big 12 title game, still leaving UT and Tech with one loss apiece -- by Bohls' reasoning, Texas is still screwed: one-loss Raiders must trump one-loss Longhorns. You know, scoreboard.Don't worry so much about the specific hypotheticals. The point is, Bohls is raving over a status quo that is guaranteed to change within two weeks, before the subjectivity of voters or computers can lift or snub anyone in any consequential way. And it's pretty much guaranteed to change in a way Texas fans aren't going to like. If Oklahoma wins its last two games over teams currently in everyone's top-15, the Sooners will probably move ahead of Texas thanks to OU's better non-conference wins, and on to the Big 12 Championship. And with another win there, on to the so-called national championship. Either Oklahoma does it, or Texas Tech will.
Either way, it's as fair as the current system can possibly be, if you just look at the entire schedule. Texas played a non-conference slate of Florida Atlantic, UTEP, Arkansas and Rice and lost its right to complain about Texas Tech's equally soft road (should the need arise) by losing to the Raiders. Until there's a new system -- and bring it on, already -- reality is showing Texas no love. The Coaches' poll vote on Nov. 9 is completely meaningless. The actual results down the stretch are going to box the Lonhorns out all on their own.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Longhorns lose center to knee injury
from Bevo Beat
The Longhorns will be without starting center Chris Hall in Kansas on Saturday because of a knee sprain, the team’s training staff said Wednesday.
Hall, a junior, injured his left knee during practice Tuesday. No timetable has been set for his return, trainer Kenny Boyd said in a statement.
The injury comes at an ironic and unfortunate time for Texas. Just a week ago, coach Mack Brown dismissed reserve center Buck Burnette for posting a racial slur related to the election of Barack Obama on his Facebook page.
David Snow, a true freshman, will get the starting nod in the center of the Texas line. Snow, who benefited from some extra practice time in the spring by enrolling at Texas in January, has played both guard and center this season. He will be backed up at center by starting tight end Greg Smith, who has bounced between the offensive line and tight end during fall practice and the season.
Hall has started at center in every game this season. He was named the team’s most productive offensive linemen three times this year.
from Bevo Beat
The Longhorns will be without starting center Chris Hall in Kansas on Saturday because of a knee sprain, the team’s training staff said Wednesday.
Hall, a junior, injured his left knee during practice Tuesday. No timetable has been set for his return, trainer Kenny Boyd said in a statement.
The injury comes at an ironic and unfortunate time for Texas. Just a week ago, coach Mack Brown dismissed reserve center Buck Burnette for posting a racial slur related to the election of Barack Obama on his Facebook page.
David Snow, a true freshman, will get the starting nod in the center of the Texas line. Snow, who benefited from some extra practice time in the spring by enrolling at Texas in January, has played both guard and center this season. He will be backed up at center by starting tight end Greg Smith, who has bounced between the offensive line and tight end during fall practice and the season.
Hall has started at center in every game this season. He was named the team’s most productive offensive linemen three times this year.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Bunch of girl posts to make up for the loss of Texas' center:
Mirella Grisales makes you thankful for thongs
November 12, 2008
Mirella Grisales makes you thankful for thongs
November 12, 2008
I don’t know who Mirella Grisales, but I like her. She is featured in the latest Hombre magazine, which is Spanish for fine ass I think, and she is looking sensational. I think the creator of the thong doesn’t get enough credit in our society so I for one am calling or a national holiday for the thong. Anyone care to choose a day?
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Seriously considering buying off half or all now.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Need my girl, Lucy:
Lucy Pinder does even less than other hot women
Now then, after chiding Stacy Keibler and Audrina Patridge earlier today for being famous for doing just about nothing, here comes Lucy Pinder... topless... it's what she does.
Is it too late for me to get some hooters and a sex change? I mean, I think I would be a damn fine woman and then I could get paid to do literally nothing other than be me.
BONUS PICS! Lucy in Zoo Australia, where they also have better magazines.
Lucy Pinder does even less than other hot women
Now then, after chiding Stacy Keibler and Audrina Patridge earlier today for being famous for doing just about nothing, here comes Lucy Pinder... topless... it's what she does.
Is it too late for me to get some hooters and a sex change? I mean, I think I would be a damn fine woman and then I could get paid to do literally nothing other than be me.
BONUS PICS! Lucy in Zoo Australia, where they also have better magazines.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
More Lucy:
Lucy Pinder got naked again
<style>#fullpost {display:none;}</style>
One of Nuts magazines' favorites, Lucy Pinder took her top off for the cameras again.
http://upmyphoto.com/img/image.php?image=frh_520087_images_6110_111050_loc.jpg
View the rest of this post...
Summary only...
Lucy Pinder got naked again
<style>#fullpost {display:none;}</style>
One of Nuts magazines' favorites, Lucy Pinder took her top off for the cameras again.
http://upmyphoto.com/img/image.php?image=frh_520087_images_6110_111050_loc.jpg
View the rest of this post...
Summary only...
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Guys were drooling over the Eagles cheerleader earlier in the thread (myself included). Well, turns out her name is Amy Mecca, and here's more pictures:
She’s Uncoachable: The Hottest Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader, Amy Mecca
Published by Natty at 9:00 am under Cheerleaders, She's Uncoachable
Here are some tidbits on Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader Amy Mecca. Because I know you guys want to know this stuff.
Favorite place to go in Philadelphia: Buddakan in Old City
Favorite Eagle: Brian Dawkins
What do you love most about Eagles fans: They are the most dedicated fans in the NFL. They are crazy, die-hard supporters of this team and have energy like no other fans in the league
Pat’s or Geno’s: Geno’s. The cheese fries aren’t so bad either
Aside from dancing, your ideal job would be: What I do now; working as a nurse in the operating room. It’s exciting, extremely challenging, and it never gets boring -perhaps try go go dancing, PLEASE
Interesting fact about yourself: I play the drums and the piano - and you also have ridiculous taters, wow.
Ok now the good stuff after the jump
You have got to be kidding me. She has to be the hottest cheerleader in the NFL right?
She’s Uncoachable: The Hottest Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader, Amy Mecca
Published by Natty at 9:00 am under Cheerleaders, She's Uncoachable
Here are some tidbits on Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader Amy Mecca. Because I know you guys want to know this stuff.
Favorite place to go in Philadelphia: Buddakan in Old City
Favorite Eagle: Brian Dawkins
What do you love most about Eagles fans: They are the most dedicated fans in the NFL. They are crazy, die-hard supporters of this team and have energy like no other fans in the league
Pat’s or Geno’s: Geno’s. The cheese fries aren’t so bad either
Aside from dancing, your ideal job would be: What I do now; working as a nurse in the operating room. It’s exciting, extremely challenging, and it never gets boring -perhaps try go go dancing, PLEASE
Interesting fact about yourself: I play the drums and the piano - and you also have ridiculous taters, wow.
Ok now the good stuff after the jump
You have got to be kidding me. She has to be the hottest cheerleader in the NFL right?
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
A moral universe's theoretically just construction of Ball State
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
Or: Where do these guys fit in?
I tuned in to most of the second half of Ball State's win over the Ohio-based Miami Tuesday, hoping to get a feel from whatever could be felt of the unbeaten Cardinals in the second of their four-game, mid-week fodder tour on ESPN2. If the goal of these games -- so far, a Wednesday nighter against Northern Illinois and last night's game at Miami, with crucial dates with fellow MAC West contenders Central Michigan (next Wednesday) and Western Michigan (the following Tuesday) still to come -- is to earn national exposure for its damn fine football team, BSU might be just as well off letting the record speak for itself. The Cardinals looked like just another pretty good MAC team on this occasion, comfortably putting away a conference bottom dweller more than willing to live down to its 2-8 record with a litany of dropped passes, blown coverages and the like.
Even Ball State's obvious good points -- conference MVP and future pro quarterback Nate Davis, for one, and effective midget tailback MiQuale Lewis -- were overshadowed by the generic, sanitized text messages from viewers that scrolled across the top of the screen as part of ESPN's "Interactive Tuesday," as well as the general uneasy, voyeuristic feeling in the viewer as the action unfolded in front of a crowd that looked like it couldn't fill an English 101 lecture.
A top-25 outfit certainly deserves better, and if anything, the environment and relatively competitive score only served to emphasize that the Cardinals really aren't the potential world beaters their record says they are. They're just beating Northern Illinois and Miami, Ohio. Tennessee and Michigan have done that, too, and nobody's floating either of them as a darkhorse BCS contender. I kept Ball in the final slot of my top-25 this week as a courtesy, more than anything, because there's really nowhere else to compare a team whose best win is over Navy.
The next two weeks should be more telling showcases against the only two teams in the conference that have remotely measured up to BSU to date; they should get some mileage from the "dueling quarterbacks" theme between Davis and Dan LeFevour next week at defending MAC champ Central Michigan, and possibly a home-for-Thanksgiving bump with the chance to wrap up the division at home against Western Michigan. A conference title and a couple inevitable losses in front of them could get the Cardinals on the cusp of the top-10 in the BCS from their current perch at No. 14, and if Muncie really cranks it in the home finale, a cursory glance or two before classing up the Motor City Bowl like the old Pennington-to-Moss Marshall juggernauts in the late nineties. Where, again, I recommend tuning in, because they deserve that, at least.
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
Or: Where do these guys fit in?
Even Ball State's obvious good points -- conference MVP and future pro quarterback Nate Davis, for one, and effective midget tailback MiQuale Lewis -- were overshadowed by the generic, sanitized text messages from viewers that scrolled across the top of the screen as part of ESPN's "Interactive Tuesday," as well as the general uneasy, voyeuristic feeling in the viewer as the action unfolded in front of a crowd that looked like it couldn't fill an English 101 lecture.
A top-25 outfit certainly deserves better, and if anything, the environment and relatively competitive score only served to emphasize that the Cardinals really aren't the potential world beaters their record says they are. They're just beating Northern Illinois and Miami, Ohio. Tennessee and Michigan have done that, too, and nobody's floating either of them as a darkhorse BCS contender. I kept Ball in the final slot of my top-25 this week as a courtesy, more than anything, because there's really nowhere else to compare a team whose best win is over Navy.
The next two weeks should be more telling showcases against the only two teams in the conference that have remotely measured up to BSU to date; they should get some mileage from the "dueling quarterbacks" theme between Davis and Dan LeFevour next week at defending MAC champ Central Michigan, and possibly a home-for-Thanksgiving bump with the chance to wrap up the division at home against Western Michigan. A conference title and a couple inevitable losses in front of them could get the Cardinals on the cusp of the top-10 in the BCS from their current perch at No. 14, and if Muncie really cranks it in the home finale, a cursory glance or two before classing up the Motor City Bowl like the old Pennington-to-Moss Marshall juggernauts in the late nineties. Where, again, I recommend tuning in, because they deserve that, at least.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Chris Hall to miss KU game with knee injury; Snow to start
from Burnt Orange Nation by PB @ BON
Chris Hall to miss KU game with knee injury; Snow to start
True freshman David Snow will start at center on Saturday.
from Burnt Orange Nation by PB @ BON
Chris Hall to miss KU game with knee injury; Snow to start
True freshman David Snow will start at center on Saturday.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
When will Butch Davis finally admit he and Tennessee are perfect for each other?
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
Butch. Butchie. How long does this charade have to go on?You can be honest with us. The media, we've known you a long time. We're all friends here. Of course you've got a good thing going for you with North Carolina. We were all very happy for you when you landed on your feet after the whole Browns thing.
But be honest, Butch. You've had your fling. You've proved your point. You've orchestrated your turnaround. You're still an attractive, desirable coach. This Carolina thing ... it was always just a short-term matter of convenience, wasn't it? Be honest: Can you really see yourself with the Tar Heels for the rest of your career?
Because let's face it, Butch, at your age, a catch like Tennessee isn't going to come along every day. You have a lot going for you, but you're not exactly the spry gunslinger with the world at his feet anymore. You've got baggage. You've had some health issues. We've all noticed the little paunch.
Don't get defensive. It happens to the best of us -- believe us, as sportswriters, we know. The point is, Tennessee wants you. Everybody can see it. You may keep denying it. But we've all talked it over, all the media, and we think if you just gave the Vols a chance, you'd see you're really perfect for each other.
North Carolina will get over it. Sure, they may be a little hurt at first, but they'll be fine. It happens. They're a mature program; they've been dumped before. You need to focus on what makes you happy. You can deny it forever, but we see it all over your face. If you don't give this thing with Tennessee a chance, you'll regret it. One of these days, we're sure, you'll wish you listened to us.
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
But be honest, Butch. You've had your fling. You've proved your point. You've orchestrated your turnaround. You're still an attractive, desirable coach. This Carolina thing ... it was always just a short-term matter of convenience, wasn't it? Be honest: Can you really see yourself with the Tar Heels for the rest of your career?
Because let's face it, Butch, at your age, a catch like Tennessee isn't going to come along every day. You have a lot going for you, but you're not exactly the spry gunslinger with the world at his feet anymore. You've got baggage. You've had some health issues. We've all noticed the little paunch.
Don't get defensive. It happens to the best of us -- believe us, as sportswriters, we know. The point is, Tennessee wants you. Everybody can see it. You may keep denying it. But we've all talked it over, all the media, and we think if you just gave the Vols a chance, you'd see you're really perfect for each other.
North Carolina will get over it. Sure, they may be a little hurt at first, but they'll be fine. It happens. They're a mature program; they've been dumped before. You need to focus on what makes you happy. You can deny it forever, but we see it all over your face. If you don't give this thing with Tennessee a chance, you'll regret it. One of these days, we're sure, you'll wish you listened to us.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Muschamp gives his guys an A for effort
from Bevo Beat
The Longhorns’ first-year defensive coordinator, Will Muschamp, says he’s been pleased by the effort and emotion that his unit has displayed all season.
“We haven’t always gone out and played as well as we wanted to play, but I think in a year of transition and terminology and things, the kids have bought into what we’re doing. … Our guys have really taken some positive steps for the most part.”
Muschamp isn’t ready to proclaim “mission accomplished” anytime soon, however.
“It’s not what we want. It’s not where we want to be. We’re not satisfied,” Muschamp said. “But our kids have competed, and they’ve played hard, and they’ve played with passion. They’ve played with emotion. …
“I told them from the beginning that the effort’s on them, the execution’s on me.”
from Bevo Beat
The Longhorns’ first-year defensive coordinator, Will Muschamp, says he’s been pleased by the effort and emotion that his unit has displayed all season.
“We haven’t always gone out and played as well as we wanted to play, but I think in a year of transition and terminology and things, the kids have bought into what we’re doing. … Our guys have really taken some positive steps for the most part.”
Muschamp isn’t ready to proclaim “mission accomplished” anytime soon, however.
“It’s not what we want. It’s not where we want to be. We’re not satisfied,” Muschamp said. “But our kids have competed, and they’ve played hard, and they’ve played with passion. They’ve played with emotion. …
“I told them from the beginning that the effort’s on them, the execution’s on me.”
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
If Stanford is significantly improved and no one's around to notice, will Jim Harbaugh leap at the first opportunity?
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
Think back, waaayyyy back to the opening Thursday night of the season, when Stanford offered a money back guarantee to dissatisfied ticket holders and still drew a crowd to its newly renovated, scaled-back stadium that looked like an unancticipated spring game at halftime of a 17-17 struggle the Cardinal would eventually win:
You might think that upset would galvanize the notoriously distracted Palo Alto crowd into moving Jim Harbaugh's boys past wine tastings and NPR pledge drives on the priority list. Alas, a year after knocking off USC and Cal (ending five-year losing streaks to both Pete Carroll and Jeff Tedford) in Harbaugh's debut, the Cardinal are sitting at 5-5, 4-3 in the conference, another USC/Cal upset from finishing at .500 for the first time since 2001, and still can't buy a crowd. It's so bad, says the Seattle Times, it might cost them their coach.
The Cardinal are averaging just over 30,000 for a 50,000-seat stadium, the worst number for any BCS conference team except Northwestern (surprise) or truly ghastly Washington State; the 40 percent vacancy rate is also one of the highest numbers in the country, and adjusted for real numbers rather than announced, it's probably closer to half empty most of the time. The biggest official draw through the first four home games was 33,000 for a visit from San Jose State, and only 30,000 (probably closer to 25,000 in reality) showed up for a comeback win over Arizona in October, after which Harbaugh exasperatedly asked, "How could you not want to come watch this team? How could these seats not be filled?"
This week, Harbaugh was more diplomatic about the crowd, which should be out in relative force for one side or the other with USC in town for its revenge thing. It had better be: Harbaugh is clearly the top choice to take over the vacant Oakland Raider job across the bay at the end of the year. If his labors go appreciated mainly by tens of thousands of empty seats again -- or worse, tens of thousands of vocal Trojan fans -- for the biggest game of the year, the home finale, with modest stakes on the line, it could be hasta la vista Farm, hello Al Davis' sarcophagus of doom.
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
Think back, waaayyyy back to the opening Thursday night of the season, when Stanford offered a money back guarantee to dissatisfied ticket holders and still drew a crowd to its newly renovated, scaled-back stadium that looked like an unancticipated spring game at halftime of a 17-17 struggle the Cardinal would eventually win:
The Cardinal are averaging just over 30,000 for a 50,000-seat stadium, the worst number for any BCS conference team except Northwestern (surprise) or truly ghastly Washington State; the 40 percent vacancy rate is also one of the highest numbers in the country, and adjusted for real numbers rather than announced, it's probably closer to half empty most of the time. The biggest official draw through the first four home games was 33,000 for a visit from San Jose State, and only 30,000 (probably closer to 25,000 in reality) showed up for a comeback win over Arizona in October, after which Harbaugh exasperatedly asked, "How could you not want to come watch this team? How could these seats not be filled?"
This week, Harbaugh was more diplomatic about the crowd, which should be out in relative force for one side or the other with USC in town for its revenge thing. It had better be: Harbaugh is clearly the top choice to take over the vacant Oakland Raider job across the bay at the end of the year. If his labors go appreciated mainly by tens of thousands of empty seats again -- or worse, tens of thousands of vocal Trojan fans -- for the biggest game of the year, the home finale, with modest stakes on the line, it could be hasta la vista Farm, hello Al Davis' sarcophagus of doom.
Aztec4Life
Montezuma Mesa Survivor
Longhorns lose center to knee injury
from Bevo Beat
The Longhorns will be without starting center Chris Hall in Kansas on Saturday because of a knee sprain, the team’s training staff said Wednesday.
Hall, a junior, injured his left knee during practice Tuesday. No timetable has been set for his return, trainer Kenny Boyd said in a statement.
The injury comes at an ironic and unfortunate time for Texas. Just a week ago, coach Mack Brown dismissed reserve center Buck Burnette for posting a racial slur related to the election of Barack Obama on his Facebook page.
David Snow, a true freshman, will get the starting nod in the center of the Texas line. Snow, who benefited from some extra practice time in the spring by enrolling at Texas in January, has played both guard and center this season. He will be backed up at center by starting tight end Greg Smith, who has bounced between the offensive line and tight end during fall practice and the season.
Hall has started at center in every game this season. He was named the team’s most productive offensive linemen three times this year.
Son of a.....
:hang:
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Alabama tailback Roy Upchurch remains questionable for Saturday's game against Mississippi State...
from Roll 'Bama Roll by Todd
Good news for Grant and his fans (of which I include myself), but bad news for Upchurch. He was really coming along and filling a great role on the offense. Here's hoping he'll be ready to go for the Iron Bowl and SECCG with the extra week.
from Roll 'Bama Roll by Todd
Alabama tailback Roy Upchurch remains questionable for Saturday's game against Mississippi State with neck pain that hasn't subsided enough to allow him back full-speed at practice this week.
The Crimson Tide is preparing sophomore Terry Grant - last year's leading rusher whose role has diminished greatly in 2008 - to play more Saturday.
"He'll probably have a little bigger role in the game this week, in special teams and running back," Saban said of Grant.
Roy Upchurch still questionable for Saturday's game with neck problems - The Bama Beat - al.comThe Crimson Tide is preparing sophomore Terry Grant - last year's leading rusher whose role has diminished greatly in 2008 - to play more Saturday.
"He'll probably have a little bigger role in the game this week, in special teams and running back," Saban said of Grant.
Good news for Grant and his fans (of which I include myself), but bad news for Upchurch. He was really coming along and filling a great role on the offense. Here's hoping he'll be ready to go for the Iron Bowl and SECCG with the extra week.
Aztec4Life
Montezuma Mesa Survivor
One thing is certain...if you have a bad week, I'm screwed...LOL
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
I'm going to ride Texas for my 2 units. I think they cover, but obviously the concern is the true freshman at center not captaining the OL and making the snaps as smooth as Hall.
Then again, Hall was a true freshman last year and grew up fast. Hope Snow does the same thing.
God damn you, Buck Burnette. Keep your yap shut like the rest of the Obama haters.
Then again, Hall was a true freshman last year and grew up fast. Hope Snow does the same thing.
God damn you, Buck Burnette. Keep your yap shut like the rest of the Obama haters.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Michelle Hunziker asks, "Who's you caddy?"
Michelle Hunziker is 100% proof that if you are a really hot chick it doesn't matter what country you live in or whether anyone in the United States has actually heard of you, but if you strike a sexy pose, wear a bikini, or get a naked massage and let someone take pictures of these moments, the Internet will make you famous. What a world we live in! Here's Michelle pretending to play golf, because we guys always fantasize about sexy golfers...
What is it with hot chicks dressing up in sports attire that turns us guys on so much? Think about it. If a hot chick dresses up as a football player, like say Houston Nutt's hot daughter (seriously), what she is really doing is dressing up like a man... and we find that sexy... something bothers me about that a little bit. Sorry, here's more of Michelle sexing up the links...
Michelle Hunziker asks, "Who's you caddy?"
Michelle Hunziker is 100% proof that if you are a really hot chick it doesn't matter what country you live in or whether anyone in the United States has actually heard of you, but if you strike a sexy pose, wear a bikini, or get a naked massage and let someone take pictures of these moments, the Internet will make you famous. What a world we live in! Here's Michelle pretending to play golf, because we guys always fantasize about sexy golfers...
What is it with hot chicks dressing up in sports attire that turns us guys on so much? Think about it. If a hot chick dresses up as a football player, like say Houston Nutt's hot daughter (seriously), what she is really doing is dressing up like a man... and we find that sexy... something bothers me about that a little bit. Sorry, here's more of Michelle sexing up the links...
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Michelle Hunziker asks, "Who's you caddy?"
Michelle Hunziker is 100% proof that if you are a really hot chick it doesn't matter what country you live in or whether anyone in the United States has actually heard of you, but if you strike a sexy pose, wear a bikini, or get a naked massage and let someone take pictures of these moments, the Internet will make you famous. What a world we live in! Here's Michelle pretending to play golf, because we guys always fantasize about sexy golfers...
What is it with hot chicks dressing up in sports attire that turns us guys on so much? Think about it. If a hot chick dresses up as a football player, like say Houston Nutt's hot daughter (seriously), what she is really doing is dressing up like a man... and we find that sexy... something bothers me about that a little bit. Sorry, here's more of Michelle sexing up the links...
Michelle Hunziker asks, "Who's you caddy?"
Michelle Hunziker is 100% proof that if you are a really hot chick it doesn't matter what country you live in or whether anyone in the United States has actually heard of you, but if you strike a sexy pose, wear a bikini, or get a naked massage and let someone take pictures of these moments, the Internet will make you famous. What a world we live in! Here's Michelle pretending to play golf, because we guys always fantasize about sexy golfers...
What is it with hot chicks dressing up in sports attire that turns us guys on so much? Think about it. If a hot chick dresses up as a football player, like say Houston Nutt's hot daughter (seriously), what she is really doing is dressing up like a man... and we find that sexy... something bothers me about that a little bit. Sorry, here's more of Michelle sexing up the links...
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
College Football Roundup: The Hailey and Hanna Nutt Edition
By <cite>Clay Travis</cite>, 12:45 PM on Mon Nov 10 2008, 26,255 views
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RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Brooke Hogan Whores It Up With A Cameltoe
November 12, 2008
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Here are some pics of Brooke Hogan whoring it up in boots and showing off her fat cameltoe. If this bitch didn’t have 3 penetrable holes on her body, she would be as a useless as me.
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November 12, 2008
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Here are some pics of Brooke Hogan whoring it up in boots and showing off her fat cameltoe. If this bitch didn’t have 3 penetrable holes on her body, she would be as a useless as me.
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RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
I want the uncensored photos:
Sammy Braddy is the International Babe of the Day
Sammy Braddy is a busty Brit who apparently wears "a special set of underwear" for the first date. God bless this woman.
LINK TO THIS ARTICLE
Sammy Braddy is the International Babe of the Day
Sammy Braddy is a busty Brit who apparently wears "a special set of underwear" for the first date. God bless this woman.
LINK TO THIS ARTICLE
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Headlinin': Joe McKnight, latest victim of the sophomore slump?
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
• Wherefore art thou, Joe? Joe McKnight's "breakout" season? Through nine games, the mega recruit has 57 carries, less than 600 yards total offense, two games missed to injury/suspension, and now six straight games without a touchdown since his only score of the year, against Virginia on the first day of the season. The L.A. Times runs down McKnight's star-crossed sophomore campaign, which includes jock itch, a freak broken finger and a hyperextended elbow before the season; a migraine that forced him out of the Ohio State game; a killer fumble in the loss to Oregon State, only one in a series of ball control issues; a toe injury that kept him out of practices and the Washington State game, limited his role against Arizona and sidelined him against against Washington, where he wouldn't have played, anyway, because of an academic punishment; and now another day of missed practice this week to attend his grandmother's funeral in Louisiana.McKnight's supposedly feeling better and had his best game in almost a month -- 10 touches for 76 yards -- in Saturday's win over Cal, but the L.A. Daily News' Scott Wolf wonders how much the coaches even trust their would-be star: Did they bring McKnight along to Washington State, when he took up a traveling roster spot even though he clearly couldn't play, just to keep an eye on him over the weekend?
• Noles be brawlin'. Florida State's had season-long issues with its receivers -- at least one wideout has been suspended in five of nine games; Bert Reed alone has been suspended on two separate occasions -- and the beat (so to speak) went on Wednesday when a group of as-yet unnamed receivers threw down with a fraternity in a "large brawl" that injured four people (including two female students) at FSU's student union. No charges or discipline yet, but unofficial word implicates Taiwan Easterling in the initial row, and teammates backing him up. That's what teammates are for, right?
Meanwhile, a couple of obscure West Virginia players, tight end Maxwell Anderson and holder Jeremy Kash were charged with misdemeanor battery for a fight at a bar in late October. This wasn't exactly a chair-breakin' saloon brawl -- the charges are only in response to a complaint.
• LeFevour of the Mist. I didn't see the game and can't find much visual evidence, but I got e-mails about the "heavy fog" that descended over Central Michigan's win at Northern Illinois Wednesday night, apparently making at least parts of ESPN2's broadcast completely unwatchable from above (to the extent that MAC football is watchable in any conditions, I mean). That's a shame, if true, because a 30-6 laugher late in the third quarter wound up as an incredible finish: NIU scored three touchdowns in a ten-minute span and punched in a field goal with 19 seconds left in regulation before going down in overtime.
The win leaves Central Michigan undefeated in the MAC and ensures the blockbuster the Worldwide Leader wanted next Wednesday: Dan LeFevour and the defending, two-time conference champs at Nate Davis and undefeated Ball State for the conference's game of the year. Hopefully that one will be visible from above field level.
Quickly ... Auburn's Tray Blackmon is still in school but has taken a part-time job to support his family and might be finished with football. . . . Outgoing USC running back Broderick Green is talking to Missouri and Alabama about a possible transfer, as well as Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Arkansas. . . . Texas Tech now has the two most-watched games of the season in back-to-back weeks. . . . June Jones has suspended three SMU starters for the rest of the season under his "three strikes" rule for being late to meetings. . . . Welcome back, relaxed Tim Tebow. . . . Syracuse kicker Pat Shadle pulled off what Rutgers hasn't been able to do all year: He made Greg Schiano look like a geniuson the move again, this time to right tackle. . . . And despite his repeated rebuffs, Tennessee is still on Butch Davis' trail.
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
• Noles be brawlin'. Florida State's had season-long issues with its receivers -- at least one wideout has been suspended in five of nine games; Bert Reed alone has been suspended on two separate occasions -- and the beat (so to speak) went on Wednesday when a group of as-yet unnamed receivers threw down with a fraternity in a "large brawl" that injured four people (including two female students) at FSU's student union. No charges or discipline yet, but unofficial word implicates Taiwan Easterling in the initial row, and teammates backing him up. That's what teammates are for, right?
Meanwhile, a couple of obscure West Virginia players, tight end Maxwell Anderson and holder Jeremy Kash were charged with misdemeanor battery for a fight at a bar in late October. This wasn't exactly a chair-breakin' saloon brawl -- the charges are only in response to a complaint.
The win leaves Central Michigan undefeated in the MAC and ensures the blockbuster the Worldwide Leader wanted next Wednesday: Dan LeFevour and the defending, two-time conference champs at Nate Davis and undefeated Ball State for the conference's game of the year. Hopefully that one will be visible from above field level.
Quickly ... Auburn's Tray Blackmon is still in school but has taken a part-time job to support his family and might be finished with football. . . . Outgoing USC running back Broderick Green is talking to Missouri and Alabama about a possible transfer, as well as Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Arkansas. . . . Texas Tech now has the two most-watched games of the season in back-to-back weeks. . . . June Jones has suspended three SMU starters for the rest of the season under his "three strikes" rule for being late to meetings. . . . Welcome back, relaxed Tim Tebow. . . . Syracuse kicker Pat Shadle pulled off what Rutgers hasn't been able to do all year: He made Greg Schiano look like a geniuson the move again, this time to right tackle. . . . And despite his repeated rebuffs, Tennessee is still on Butch Davis' trail.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
It's your weekly 'ACC so crazy' report
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
Actually, despite the logjam at the top of the standings -- six teams with two conference losses, three in each division, and three more within a game or half-game of the leaderss -- there is some certainty before Virginia Tech's game tonight at Miami: Virginia Tech and Maryland control their destinies. Who's booking tickets to Tampa for a rematch of last Thursday night? Bueller?
Not that I would actually describe either as a favorite at this point, especially Maryland; not only is this the team with double-digit losses at Middle Tennessee, Virginia and a quarterback-less edition of Va Tech, but there's still an outside chance the Terps will actually finish last in the Atlantic Division and miss a bowl game if their presumed underdog status holds form down the stretch against three of the better teams in the conference, Florida State, Miami and Boston College. I'm not sure Ralph Friedgen is even completely off the hot seat.
Your better bet is on Wake Forest, which loses a head-to-head tiebreaker with Maryland but is two wins against NC State and Boston College from sealing the division barring a stunning Terp run. Of the possibilities, Florida State may be the best team in the conference at the moment, but the Noles' horrific, turnover-fueled disaster against Wake in September puts their fate largely in the Wolfpack and Eagles' hands. There is no trusting anyone.
The Coastal Division, after tonight's game, will have a new dynamic, either as Virginia Tech's punching bag or North Carolina's oyster. The Hokies suggested last week they're ready to do their usual November thing, locking the stadium down on defense and plowing away on offense like it doesn't matter who's under center. And since they're now 9-0 in November with Sean Glennon at quarterback, I guess it doesn't, really -- especially now that they've discovered rock-man Darren Evans and sent him rolling downhill. Anything comparable to last Thursday night against Miami, and you can start the countdown to another Hokie title. For real this time.
Otherwise, North Carolina has won five out of six and has the most forgiving possible stretch run: If the Heels get by Maryland Saturday, they close with N.C. State and Duke. If Virginia Tech in full-on Virginia Tech mode is as close as this conference comes to a sure thing, any Hokie stumble -- tonight in Miami is as likely a time as any -- puts the ball squarely in UNC's court. And if the Canes do come away with a win, they'd only be one North Carolina loss away from assuming the Coastal mantle themselves going into Georgia Tech. And if the Jackets win there, it gets really complicated.
You want a rundown of how Clemson can still make the ACC Championship? Or a four-game scenario over the last three weeks that leads to a four-way tie at 5-3 in the Coastal Division? It's mid-November, and pretty much anything is possible here.
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
Your better bet is on Wake Forest, which loses a head-to-head tiebreaker with Maryland but is two wins against NC State and Boston College from sealing the division barring a stunning Terp run. Of the possibilities, Florida State may be the best team in the conference at the moment, but the Noles' horrific, turnover-fueled disaster against Wake in September puts their fate largely in the Wolfpack and Eagles' hands. There is no trusting anyone.
The Coastal Division, after tonight's game, will have a new dynamic, either as Virginia Tech's punching bag or North Carolina's oyster. The Hokies suggested last week they're ready to do their usual November thing, locking the stadium down on defense and plowing away on offense like it doesn't matter who's under center. And since they're now 9-0 in November with Sean Glennon at quarterback, I guess it doesn't, really -- especially now that they've discovered rock-man Darren Evans and sent him rolling downhill. Anything comparable to last Thursday night against Miami, and you can start the countdown to another Hokie title. For real this time.
Otherwise, North Carolina has won five out of six and has the most forgiving possible stretch run: If the Heels get by Maryland Saturday, they close with N.C. State and Duke. If Virginia Tech in full-on Virginia Tech mode is as close as this conference comes to a sure thing, any Hokie stumble -- tonight in Miami is as likely a time as any -- puts the ball squarely in UNC's court. And if the Canes do come away with a win, they'd only be one North Carolina loss away from assuming the Coastal mantle themselves going into Georgia Tech. And if the Jackets win there, it gets really complicated.
You want a rundown of how Clemson can still make the ACC Championship? Or a four-game scenario over the last three weeks that leads to a four-way tie at 5-3 in the Coastal Division? It's mid-November, and pretty much anything is possible here.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Wyoming travels to UNLV as both schools try to become bowl eligible
from The Mountain West Conference Connection by Jeremy
(4-6)
(4-6)
Sam Boyd Stadium 6PM PT TV:
CSTV PPV
Before I get into the preview I found out that UNLV posts MIke Sanford’s television show is available for free online and he talks about this weeks matchup against Wyoming.
This game will eliminate one team from going to a bowl game. Neither school has gone to a bowl game in a number of years. UNLV looks to have the upper hand in this game because for one they are at home, and they have an offense that can take advantage of a subpar Wyoming defense.
UNLV is still going with backup quarterback Mike Clausen who did lead the Rebels to victory over New Mexico who had two touchdown passes and no picks. The key with UNLV is going to be able to establish the running game with Frank Summers which is important, because first off Wyoming is pretty good against the running game and the Rebels need that to set up the pass.
If UNLV struggles in the running game then the Rebels could struggle in this game and give Wyoming hope. The three big receivers for UNLV will be tough for Wyoming to cover, so Wyoming will need to shut down one aspect of the Rebel offense to stay in the game.
Wyoming on the other hand is coming off a huge win at Tennessee, and the Cowboys biggest weapon is their running game with Devin Moore. Moore averaged 113 yards per game with an average carry at 5.3 per game, and if Wyoming can just run the ball and keep the time of possession in their favor then the game could be close.
Wyoming is still unsure at quarterback but has settled in with Chris Stutzriem who has lead the team for the past two victories and has confidence, however Joe Glenn needs to stick with this guy unless he gets injured just so they are not looking over their shoulder.
The Pokes need to stay turnover free which has been a problem this year, and if Wyoming can have zero turnovers then they will have a chance.
If UNLV gets out to a big lead there is no way that Wyoming has the offense to play catchup in this game.
Final Score: UNLV 28 Wyoming 10
from The Mountain West Conference Connection by Jeremy
(4-6)
Sam Boyd Stadium 6PM PT TV:
CSTV PPVBefore I get into the preview I found out that UNLV posts MIke Sanford’s television show is available for free online and he talks about this weeks matchup against Wyoming.
This game will eliminate one team from going to a bowl game. Neither school has gone to a bowl game in a number of years. UNLV looks to have the upper hand in this game because for one they are at home, and they have an offense that can take advantage of a subpar Wyoming defense.
UNLV is still going with backup quarterback Mike Clausen who did lead the Rebels to victory over New Mexico who had two touchdown passes and no picks. The key with UNLV is going to be able to establish the running game with Frank Summers which is important, because first off Wyoming is pretty good against the running game and the Rebels need that to set up the pass.
If UNLV struggles in the running game then the Rebels could struggle in this game and give Wyoming hope. The three big receivers for UNLV will be tough for Wyoming to cover, so Wyoming will need to shut down one aspect of the Rebel offense to stay in the game.
Wyoming on the other hand is coming off a huge win at Tennessee, and the Cowboys biggest weapon is their running game with Devin Moore. Moore averaged 113 yards per game with an average carry at 5.3 per game, and if Wyoming can just run the ball and keep the time of possession in their favor then the game could be close.
Wyoming is still unsure at quarterback but has settled in with Chris Stutzriem who has lead the team for the past two victories and has confidence, however Joe Glenn needs to stick with this guy unless he gets injured just so they are not looking over their shoulder.
The Pokes need to stay turnover free which has been a problem this year, and if Wyoming can have zero turnovers then they will have a chance.
If UNLV gets out to a big lead there is no way that Wyoming has the offense to play catchup in this game.
Final Score: UNLV 28 Wyoming 10
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Added:
Wyoming -6 (-110)
Line just got too low and had to bite.
I made the line -16 and Horses made it DD but less than 2 TDs. Don't like that Clayton is out but Clausen actually did pretty good in his first start against UNM completing 50% of his receptions for over 200 yds and 2 TDs. He even completed 8 of his last 11.
Both teams are fighting for a bowl but I think UNLV just has too much in the way of athletes and if they get up early, Wyoming isn't coming back.
Wyoming -6 (-110)
Line just got too low and had to bite.
I made the line -16 and Horses made it DD but less than 2 TDs. Don't like that Clayton is out but Clausen actually did pretty good in his first start against UNM completing 50% of his receptions for over 200 yds and 2 TDs. He even completed 8 of his last 11.
Both teams are fighting for a bowl but I think UNLV just has too much in the way of athletes and if they get up early, Wyoming isn't coming back.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Steve Kragthorpe's bandwagon imitates Steve Kragthorpe's team
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
If you sat down and scoured the most fertile crevices of your brain for the perfect visual metaphor for the briefly proud Louisville football program under Steve Kragthorpe, you'd still be put to shame by reality, expertly captured by an alert EDSBS reader:
Two straight losses to Syracuse? Five turnovers in a 34-point loss to Pitt? One loss away from last place in the Big East? At a loss for answers? Take 'er away, boys.
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Matt Hinton
If you sat down and scoured the most fertile crevices of your brain for the perfect visual metaphor for the briefly proud Louisville football program under Steve Kragthorpe, you'd still be put to shame by reality, expertly captured by an alert EDSBS reader:
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
WVU players charged with battery for bar fight
from SI.com - NCAA Football
Read full story for latest details.
from SI.com - NCAA Football
Read full story for latest details.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
I'm not an assman and this girl gets my attention. Very nice.
The World’s Best Bottom
November 13th, 2008 by Mitch Martin · 1 Comment · 376 Views
Melanie Nunes Fronckowiak is officially the owner of the world’s best bottom. The World’s Best Bottom contest was held in Paris earlier this week where contestants from 26 countries competed for the title and the modeling contract that came with it.
Melanie here took home the title for her home country of Brazil. I know what you are thinking, “Holy Shit, a hot chick from Brazil! No way, I would have never guessed.”
Check out the full gallery of pictures from the contest but be warned it could be consider NSFW depending on how your workplace feels about you checking out ladies in small underwear.
<center>
</center> Original Story: news.com.au
The World’s Best Bottom
November 13th, 2008 by Mitch Martin · 1 Comment · 376 Views
Melanie Nunes Fronckowiak is officially the owner of the world’s best bottom. The World’s Best Bottom contest was held in Paris earlier this week where contestants from 26 countries competed for the title and the modeling contract that came with it.
Melanie here took home the title for her home country of Brazil. I know what you are thinking, “Holy Shit, a hot chick from Brazil! No way, I would have never guessed.”
Check out the full gallery of pictures from the contest but be warned it could be consider NSFW depending on how your workplace feels about you checking out ladies in small underwear.
<center>
</center> Original Story: news.com.au
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Another one for Yanks:
Welcome To The Mamasita Piscina Party... Ayar Lie
Because you’re either at lunch on the east coast, thinking about lunch in central time or just got into work on the west coast, we thought we’d liven up your free time with some beautiful women in bikinis. Today it’s Iranian singer/model/ex-porn starlet Ayar Lie, who we’ve seen has taken the traditional route to stardom. If you want to check out more chicas like her, click here.
Welcome To The Mamasita Piscina Party... Ayar Lie
Because you’re either at lunch on the east coast, thinking about lunch in central time or just got into work on the west coast, we thought we’d liven up your free time with some beautiful women in bikinis. Today it’s Iranian singer/model/ex-porn starlet Ayar Lie, who we’ve seen has taken the traditional route to stardom. If you want to check out more chicas like her, click here.
- Dimensions: 36-24-32
- Cup: D
- Height: 5’2”
- Hair: Brown/Eyes: Black
- So because you’ve been in pornos, you can’t go back home to Iran because of death threats? Yes. But it’s all worth it. There are only so many opportunities to make such hard hitting films as Throat Gaggers 3 and Just Over 18 5. How can a girl say no?*Check out more pictures of Ayar after the jump.
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</td> </tr> </tbody></table>*May or may not be true.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
HolyTaco's Tribute To Girls Making Out
<small style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"> November 13th, 2008 | 08:16 </small> <!--
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Longtime fans of HolyTaco will know that we are big into tributes. In the past we've paid homage to drunken party girls, french maids, asses, and thighs. Now we are paying tribute to the girls who like to make out. No need to thank us, we're just doing our civic duty.
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HolyTaco's Tribute To Girls Making Out (Page 2)
<small style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"> September 13th, 2008 | 10:31 </small> <!--
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Longtime fans of HolyTaco will know that we are big into tributes. In the past we've paid homage to drunken party girls, french maids, asses, and thighs. Now we are paying tribute to the girls who like to make out. No need to thank us, we're just doing our civic duty.
HolyTaco's Tribute To Girls Making Out (Page 3)
<small style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"> September 13th, 2008 | 10:50 </small> <!--
-->
Longtime fans of HolyTaco will know that we are big into tributes. In the past we've paid homage to drunken party girls, french maids, asses, and thighs. Now we are paying tribute to the girls who like to make out. No need to thank us, we're just doing our civic duty.
<small style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"> November 13th, 2008 | 08:16 </small> <!--
-->
Longtime fans of HolyTaco will know that we are big into tributes. In the past we've paid homage to drunken party girls, french maids, asses, and thighs. Now we are paying tribute to the girls who like to make out. No need to thank us, we're just doing our civic duty.
<!--[IF IE]> <style> .blog_content{ width:500px;} </style> <![endif]-->
HolyTaco's Tribute To Girls Making Out (Page 2)
<small style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"> September 13th, 2008 | 10:31 </small> <!--
-->
Longtime fans of HolyTaco will know that we are big into tributes. In the past we've paid homage to drunken party girls, french maids, asses, and thighs. Now we are paying tribute to the girls who like to make out. No need to thank us, we're just doing our civic duty.
HolyTaco's Tribute To Girls Making Out (Page 3)
<small style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"> September 13th, 2008 | 10:50 </small> <!--
-->
Longtime fans of HolyTaco will know that we are big into tributes. In the past we've paid homage to drunken party girls, french maids, asses, and thighs. Now we are paying tribute to the girls who like to make out. No need to thank us, we're just doing our civic duty.
Aztec4Life
Montezuma Mesa Survivor
Awesome spank material, RJ!
:cheers:
:cheers:
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
The Wannabe Wagerer: Between Southern Cal and the Ball Coach, Week 12's picks are feeling a little nostalgic
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Doug Gillett
Hey Jenny Slater's Doug Gillett offers betting advice without bias, malice, or credibility. Or, you know, money.
The picks giveth, and the picks taketh away. I went 3-1 last week, which is fine by any measure, but the one whiff was the Iowa-Penn State game, where I was confident enough in a Nittany Lion cover to wager a classic Cadillac de Ville. Whoops! Guess I can kiss Nikki Meyer’s Mercury Mountaineer goodbye, or start Googling "organ transplants" to see how much a kidney goes for these days. Thanks a heap, Daniel Murray.
Still, I’m in front by a fairly comfortable margin so far this year -- comfortable enough that I should have plenty of breathing room on a football-related vacation later this month. Here, I’ll explain.
The Pick: Southern California (-22.5) at Stanford
I’m Willing to Bet: Six-nights in an Koko Head Ocean Front King room at the Kahala Hotel & Resort in Hawaii
Approximate Value: $4,730 , including champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries
Two of my best friends from college and I have started a tradition whereby each year we go to one big tradition-steeped rivalry game in which our alma mater is not involved, just to say we’ve done it. Our first game was Ohio State-Michigan last year, and this year it’s USC-Notre Dame the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The other day one my friends e-mailed me to ask, “What would you like to do in L.A. while we’re out there?” and, as someone who’s never been to California before, all I could come up with was Legoland in Carlsbad and finding Tom Selleck’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
From very early on The Selleck (or, rather, Thomas Magnum) was pretty much my model for what an adult male’s life should be like: Living free and easy on a Hawaiian island, driving a Ferrari, solving crimes, and bedding an outstanding parade of female talent. So when I determined that USC is going to cover twenty-two and a half on Stanford this weekend -- they’ve got revenge on their mind after getting punked in the Mother of All Upsets last year, plus Pete Carroll knows he needs some major style points to move up in the BCS -- it's only natural that I’d put some Magnum-related item on the line. I would wager a 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS, if its purr didn't contrast so starkly with USC's sputtering offense. But I’m still confident enough in a Trojan cover (heh) to wager a week’s stay at The Kahala in Honolulu, whose bar once served as the setting for Rick Wright’s King Kamehameha Club during Magnum's fifth season. (Handicapping advice and outrageously obscure TV trivia: Don’t ever say I never gave you nothin’.)
The Pick: Connecticut (-10) at Syracuse
I’m Willing to Bet: AKC-registered Siberian husky puppy
Approximate Value: $500
Quite conspicuously not my model for strong, suave manhood: Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson. With all due respect to the Robinson family, who I’m sure are a wonderful group of people, G-Rob is as good as done at the end of this season. Yeah, I know, the SU administration hasn’t officially announced anything yet, but neither has Barack Obama officially announced that he won’t be nominating Sarah Palin as secretary of state. Robinson is 9-35 at ’Cuse, he has yet to win more than one Big East game in a season, end of story. The only puzzler is why Syracuse hasn’t pulled the trigger yet, given the hot trend for firing coaches early to get a jump on the hot prospects.
Maybe it’s because the Powers That Be made the mistake of watching Wyoming-Tennessee and found out just how apathetic and unmotivated players can be when their beloved coach is officially fired. But is there any evidence Robinson is beloved by his players? And even if they did go lazy and apathetic down the stretch this year, would anyone even be able to tell? UConn has hardly been a model of consistency the past few weeks, but they did drop a 24-point hurtin’ on current league leader Cincinnati last month, and they’ll easily cover a ten-spot on a team with precisely nothing left to play for. To the extent that any UConn fans care about that achievement, they’ll be able to show their pride with their very own Siberian husky puppy, who, in just a few short months, will start to look like the insouciant, tongue-wagging doggie in UConn’s logo. Awwww!
The Pick: South Carolina (+21) at Florida
I’m Willing to Bet: 1973 Topps Steve Spurrier San Francisco 49ers card
Approximate Value: $4
If the Southeastern Conference were a baseball league, it’d be in the midst of one of the most boring pennant races in history right now, and it’s reasonable to wonder if the Gators can maintain their focus through the next few weeks -- partly because they haven’t been remotely challenged at any point in the past month, partly because none of the three opponents between them and the SEC title game look like all that big a challenge on paper.
Losing focus against the Gamecocks, though, would be a big mistake. They’ve got the third-ranked defense in the country, they’ve been playing with more and more discipline over the last few weeks, and Steve Spurrier is always itching to show his old team he hasn’t lost a step since his Gainesville days. Just two years ago, you’ll recall, the same Gators that went on to win the national title needed a blocked extra point to escape Spurrier’s 'Cocks in the Swamp, and 2005 was Carolina's only win in the series since it joined the SEC. Florida won’t let USC dash its reinvigorated title hopes, but UF won’t cover three touchdowns on the Ol’ Ball Coach, either. In the long run, a closer-than-expected loss to the ’08 Gators is probably more impressive than anything Steve did when he was a 49er.
The Pick: Kentucky (+4) vs. Vanderbilt
I’m Willing to Bet: Two lower-level tickets to the 2008 Music City Bowl
Approximate Value: $90
Oh, Vanderbilt. You had it within your grasp, didn’t you? A little over a month ago, you were 5-0, the world was your oyster, a Music City Bowl bid (or better) was right there in front of you, ready to be snatched up. And then everything started to fall apart. A layup against hopeless Mississippi State: Missed. Multiple opportunities against Georgia: Squandered. Another layup, at home, against Duke: Another L. Vandy's down to three chances to get that critical sixth win -- at Kentucky, at home against Tennessee, at Wake Forest -- and the way Vandy’s played over the last month, even lining up across from Randall Cobb doesn't qualify as a gimme.
In fact, if their performance last week is a sign of things to come, Kentucky may be the most formidable of the bunch. If Rich Brooks keeps the triple-optiony look with Cobb, it spells bad news for a Vandy run defense that’s given up more than 600 yards in its last three SEC games. Once Duke pulls the straight upset in Nashville, I'm taking Kentucky plus four on the scouting trip for the Cats' inevitable return to the Music City on New Year's Eve. That makes it three in a row!
from Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports by Doug Gillett
Hey Jenny Slater's Doug Gillett offers betting advice without bias, malice, or credibility. Or, you know, money.
Still, I’m in front by a fairly comfortable margin so far this year -- comfortable enough that I should have plenty of breathing room on a football-related vacation later this month. Here, I’ll explain.
The Pick: Southern California (-22.5) at Stanford
I’m Willing to Bet: Six-nights in an Koko Head Ocean Front King room at the Kahala Hotel & Resort in Hawaii
Approximate Value: $4,730 , including champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries
Two of my best friends from college and I have started a tradition whereby each year we go to one big tradition-steeped rivalry game in which our alma mater is not involved, just to say we’ve done it. Our first game was Ohio State-Michigan last year, and this year it’s USC-Notre Dame the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The other day one my friends e-mailed me to ask, “What would you like to do in L.A. while we’re out there?” and, as someone who’s never been to California before, all I could come up with was Legoland in Carlsbad and finding Tom Selleck’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
From very early on The Selleck (or, rather, Thomas Magnum) was pretty much my model for what an adult male’s life should be like: Living free and easy on a Hawaiian island, driving a Ferrari, solving crimes, and bedding an outstanding parade of female talent. So when I determined that USC is going to cover twenty-two and a half on Stanford this weekend -- they’ve got revenge on their mind after getting punked in the Mother of All Upsets last year, plus Pete Carroll knows he needs some major style points to move up in the BCS -- it's only natural that I’d put some Magnum-related item on the line. I would wager a 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS, if its purr didn't contrast so starkly with USC's sputtering offense. But I’m still confident enough in a Trojan cover (heh) to wager a week’s stay at The Kahala in Honolulu, whose bar once served as the setting for Rick Wright’s King Kamehameha Club during Magnum's fifth season. (Handicapping advice and outrageously obscure TV trivia: Don’t ever say I never gave you nothin’.)
The Pick: Connecticut (-10) at Syracuse
I’m Willing to Bet: AKC-registered Siberian husky puppy
Approximate Value: $500
Quite conspicuously not my model for strong, suave manhood: Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson. With all due respect to the Robinson family, who I’m sure are a wonderful group of people, G-Rob is as good as done at the end of this season. Yeah, I know, the SU administration hasn’t officially announced anything yet, but neither has Barack Obama officially announced that he won’t be nominating Sarah Palin as secretary of state. Robinson is 9-35 at ’Cuse, he has yet to win more than one Big East game in a season, end of story. The only puzzler is why Syracuse hasn’t pulled the trigger yet, given the hot trend for firing coaches early to get a jump on the hot prospects.
Maybe it’s because the Powers That Be made the mistake of watching Wyoming-Tennessee and found out just how apathetic and unmotivated players can be when their beloved coach is officially fired. But is there any evidence Robinson is beloved by his players? And even if they did go lazy and apathetic down the stretch this year, would anyone even be able to tell? UConn has hardly been a model of consistency the past few weeks, but they did drop a 24-point hurtin’ on current league leader Cincinnati last month, and they’ll easily cover a ten-spot on a team with precisely nothing left to play for. To the extent that any UConn fans care about that achievement, they’ll be able to show their pride with their very own Siberian husky puppy, who, in just a few short months, will start to look like the insouciant, tongue-wagging doggie in UConn’s logo. Awwww!
I’m Willing to Bet: 1973 Topps Steve Spurrier San Francisco 49ers card
Approximate Value: $4
If the Southeastern Conference were a baseball league, it’d be in the midst of one of the most boring pennant races in history right now, and it’s reasonable to wonder if the Gators can maintain their focus through the next few weeks -- partly because they haven’t been remotely challenged at any point in the past month, partly because none of the three opponents between them and the SEC title game look like all that big a challenge on paper.
Losing focus against the Gamecocks, though, would be a big mistake. They’ve got the third-ranked defense in the country, they’ve been playing with more and more discipline over the last few weeks, and Steve Spurrier is always itching to show his old team he hasn’t lost a step since his Gainesville days. Just two years ago, you’ll recall, the same Gators that went on to win the national title needed a blocked extra point to escape Spurrier’s 'Cocks in the Swamp, and 2005 was Carolina's only win in the series since it joined the SEC. Florida won’t let USC dash its reinvigorated title hopes, but UF won’t cover three touchdowns on the Ol’ Ball Coach, either. In the long run, a closer-than-expected loss to the ’08 Gators is probably more impressive than anything Steve did when he was a 49er.
The Pick: Kentucky (+4) vs. Vanderbilt
I’m Willing to Bet: Two lower-level tickets to the 2008 Music City Bowl
Approximate Value: $90
Oh, Vanderbilt. You had it within your grasp, didn’t you? A little over a month ago, you were 5-0, the world was your oyster, a Music City Bowl bid (or better) was right there in front of you, ready to be snatched up. And then everything started to fall apart. A layup against hopeless Mississippi State: Missed. Multiple opportunities against Georgia: Squandered. Another layup, at home, against Duke: Another L. Vandy's down to three chances to get that critical sixth win -- at Kentucky, at home against Tennessee, at Wake Forest -- and the way Vandy’s played over the last month, even lining up across from Randall Cobb doesn't qualify as a gimme.
In fact, if their performance last week is a sign of things to come, Kentucky may be the most formidable of the bunch. If Rich Brooks keeps the triple-optiony look with Cobb, it spells bad news for a Vandy run defense that’s given up more than 600 yards in its last three SEC games. Once Duke pulls the straight upset in Nashville, I'm taking Kentucky plus four on the scouting trip for the Cats' inevitable return to the Music City on New Year's Eve. That makes it three in a row!
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
5th and inches - Week 12
from disco tech! by Claude Henry Smoot
A so-so 8-7 week against the line last week...11-4 straight up. Season totals now stand at 77-51-1 ATS and 111-32 SU. Tech gets a BYE this week and frankly, as alums and fans, we need it. Should be a great weekend for the footballs next weekend, but in the meantime, we've got your Thursday/Saturday slate ready to go.
**Thursday**
Virginia Tech (ESPN HD) @ Miami (5) - Some Thursday night football as the wacky ACC season winds down. As of this morning, I think 2 teams are out of contention. Everyone else is still alive. Low scoring affair in Miami tonight, I'd think, and could likely swing on a big special teams play from someone. Miami...24-20.
**Saturday**
#3 Texas (13) @ Kansas (FSN HD) - Texas has a recent history of struggling in late-season roadies...and this one is supposed to be fairly cold...at least if you listen to Austin radio this week. Muddying the picture somewhat is that Texas lost their backup center to an ill-advised Facebook posting, then lost their starting center to an ill-advised knee injury in practice. So it's a freshman at center and I think lots of shotgun snappage. Still, Kansas can't stop anyone and that doesn't bode well for them, Senior Day or not. Texas...38-20.
Texas A&M @ Baylor (8) - This one would be fun to watch, but we don't get to see it. Baylor, a TD+ favorite deep in the Big 12 season. You'd have to go back to the late 90s for some of that action. Baylor may win, but I think it's a 4th-quarter game, to go cliche on you. Baylor...34-31.
#12 Mizzou (27') @ Iowa State (FSN HD) - Mizzou roared out quick last week, then kinda went cruise control on us and shut it down and didn't cover. 4 TDs is a big number, but 'Zou has a chance to really sew up the North here. I don't think they let up this week. Mizzou...44-20.
#13 OK State (17) @ Colorado (ABC HD) - We'll see how quickly OSU can turn around after a drubbing, especially in the 2nd of 2 straight on the road. I have a sneaking suspicion this one is closer than the number. OK State...30-21.
Nebraska (7) @ Kansas State (FSN PPV) - I like the Children of the Corn here. KSU has fired their coach, recruits are switching commits, it's a full-on party in Manhattan right now. Nebraska...34-17.
Northwestern (ESPN2 HD) @ Michigan (4) - Hard to believe saying something "Man, what a big road win @ Minnesota for Michigan," but that's what it was. Michigan...23-14.
Notre Dame (3') @ NAVY (CBS HD) - Navy snapped like a forever-long losing streak to the Irish last year. I think they'll start a new one this week. Notre Dame...27-20.
SMU @ UTEP (9') - In this week's Coin Flip Pick o' the Week, I'll take Potpourri for $600. UTEP...38-34.
Mississippi State (ESPN HD) @ #1 Alabama (20) - Intriguing game here, with 'Bama coming home off the OT road win @ LSU. Miss State has won 2 straight over the Tide, and I think hasn't allowed an offensive TD in either game. Or something like that. State still can't score, and the Tide doesn't exactly score 5 TDS a game. So laying 20 is kinda tough to do. Alabama...27-10.
#25 South Carolina (CBS HD) @ #4 Florida (21) - Another great one here, with Spurrier heading back to Florida. The media wants Florida in the BCS title game so badly they can taste it. Florida wins...but closer than the experts think, as Corso would say, whatever that means, being that he's supposedly an expert or something. So does that mean if he thinks it's close, and then it's supposed to be closer than close, could it actually wind up in negatives? Florida...29-14.
#16 North Carolina (2') @ Maryland (ABC) - Interesting Maryland team, coming home of a road loss and getting a ranked Carolina team in search of a possible BCS date down the road. The line is close and the game should be close as well. Maryland...21-20.
from disco tech! by Claude Henry Smoot
A so-so 8-7 week against the line last week...11-4 straight up. Season totals now stand at 77-51-1 ATS and 111-32 SU. Tech gets a BYE this week and frankly, as alums and fans, we need it. Should be a great weekend for the footballs next weekend, but in the meantime, we've got your Thursday/Saturday slate ready to go.
**Thursday**
Virginia Tech (ESPN HD) @ Miami (5) - Some Thursday night football as the wacky ACC season winds down. As of this morning, I think 2 teams are out of contention. Everyone else is still alive. Low scoring affair in Miami tonight, I'd think, and could likely swing on a big special teams play from someone. Miami...24-20.
**Saturday**
#3 Texas (13) @ Kansas (FSN HD) - Texas has a recent history of struggling in late-season roadies...and this one is supposed to be fairly cold...at least if you listen to Austin radio this week. Muddying the picture somewhat is that Texas lost their backup center to an ill-advised Facebook posting, then lost their starting center to an ill-advised knee injury in practice. So it's a freshman at center and I think lots of shotgun snappage. Still, Kansas can't stop anyone and that doesn't bode well for them, Senior Day or not. Texas...38-20.
Texas A&M @ Baylor (8) - This one would be fun to watch, but we don't get to see it. Baylor, a TD+ favorite deep in the Big 12 season. You'd have to go back to the late 90s for some of that action. Baylor may win, but I think it's a 4th-quarter game, to go cliche on you. Baylor...34-31.
#12 Mizzou (27') @ Iowa State (FSN HD) - Mizzou roared out quick last week, then kinda went cruise control on us and shut it down and didn't cover. 4 TDs is a big number, but 'Zou has a chance to really sew up the North here. I don't think they let up this week. Mizzou...44-20.
#13 OK State (17) @ Colorado (ABC HD) - We'll see how quickly OSU can turn around after a drubbing, especially in the 2nd of 2 straight on the road. I have a sneaking suspicion this one is closer than the number. OK State...30-21.
Nebraska (7) @ Kansas State (FSN PPV) - I like the Children of the Corn here. KSU has fired their coach, recruits are switching commits, it's a full-on party in Manhattan right now. Nebraska...34-17.
Northwestern (ESPN2 HD) @ Michigan (4) - Hard to believe saying something "Man, what a big road win @ Minnesota for Michigan," but that's what it was. Michigan...23-14.
Notre Dame (3') @ NAVY (CBS HD) - Navy snapped like a forever-long losing streak to the Irish last year. I think they'll start a new one this week. Notre Dame...27-20.
SMU @ UTEP (9') - In this week's Coin Flip Pick o' the Week, I'll take Potpourri for $600. UTEP...38-34.
Mississippi State (ESPN HD) @ #1 Alabama (20) - Intriguing game here, with 'Bama coming home off the OT road win @ LSU. Miss State has won 2 straight over the Tide, and I think hasn't allowed an offensive TD in either game. Or something like that. State still can't score, and the Tide doesn't exactly score 5 TDS a game. So laying 20 is kinda tough to do. Alabama...27-10.
#25 South Carolina (CBS HD) @ #4 Florida (21) - Another great one here, with Spurrier heading back to Florida. The media wants Florida in the BCS title game so badly they can taste it. Florida wins...but closer than the experts think, as Corso would say, whatever that means, being that he's supposedly an expert or something. So does that mean if he thinks it's close, and then it's supposed to be closer than close, could it actually wind up in negatives? Florida...29-14.
#16 North Carolina (2') @ Maryland (ABC) - Interesting Maryland team, coming home of a road loss and getting a ranked Carolina team in search of a possible BCS date down the road. The line is close and the game should be close as well. Maryland...21-20.
