I would like to start by writing a letter to the Boise State Broncos football team.
Dear Boise State,
Play tougher teams. Virginia Tech doesn’t count.
Sincerely,
Annoyed
The Boise State Broncos and their increasingly sympathetic fans have wondered why they have gotten no love when it comes to putting them into the BCS title game. Is it not that obvious? Boise State plays glorified practices against glorified high school teams week in and week out. Despite running their opponents into the ground, and outscoring them by an impressive 30+ points per week, why do people think they are more deserving of a BCS title bid than a one loss SEC team or an undefeated Pac-10 school?
This season looked like it might be the one that Boise State needed to prove to their critics that they are for real. During the first week of the season, Boise State travel to Landover, MD to play the Virginia Tech Hokies at FedEx Field, a supposed “neutral site.” The stadium was filled to capacity with about 90% Hokie faithful. This turned out to be the only close game that Boise State would play all season. I thought that the Broncos had answered their critics, and I was all but sold until Virginia Tech lost to James Madison the following week. Now, granted it was a very short week for the Hokies, and shame on the NCAA for scheduling it that way, but Youngstown State? Youngstown State had never won a game against a Top 25 in their history.
After the Boise State played the Hokies, they reverted back to their weak schedule. Since the game in Landover, Boise State opponents have a combined record of 31-46, with only two of those teams having winning records (Toledo and Hawaii).
Now don’t get me wrong, Boise State has done some pretty incredible stuff this season. They have scored over 50 points four times this season, they have not scored less than 33 points in any game, and quarterback Kellen Moore is among the top three in Heisman voting, but when the toughest team on the schedule loses to Youngstown State five days after they played Boise State in a close game, any strength of schedule bias that the Broncos had is no longer there.
I am tired of fans jumping on the Boise State bandwagon just because they are the prototypical “underdog.” Boise State is anything but. They are an underdog to be an underdog. Boise State was still favored to win against Virginia Tech by 6.5. Since that game, Boise State has been favored to win by no less than 34 points. If fans want an underdog, root for South Carolina, or Youngtown State, or Georgia Southern. Youngstown State had never beaten a Top 25 team until they played Virginia Tech. Georgia Southern was on the verge on not having a football team, and South Carolina whooped up on then #1 Alabama at home.
Boise State closes the season with two home games against Fresno State and Utah State (6-3 and 4-6 respectively), and a road game to #23 Nevada in what all Boise State nay-sayers are hoping and praying that they lose. Myself included.
Until Boise State plays SEC, Pac-10, or Big-Ten teams at least once every season, and proves their worth, they will continue to be subjected to this same kind of argument.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Monster Weekend Part II
Well, "Monster Weekend" has officially ended, but with a plethora of story lines.
Aside from what I covered earlier (See Monsters Weekend Part I) it was business as usual for most of the remaining Top 25.
(1) Oklahoma @ (11) Missouri
Right now, I don't think any team wants to be the BCS #1. For the third straight week, the number one team in the country has lost. Interceptions, kicks returned for TDs, penalties, and the inability to stop the run doomed the Sooners from the get-go. The Oklahoma defense allowed a season high 178 rushing yards and the Missouri running game kept them on their heels for most of the evening. The score might not reflect it, but Missouri's defense owned up today. The Tiger defense allowed less than 100 yards rushing, and picked off Landry Jones twice. Like the Sooner defense, Jones looked frustrated throughout much of the second half.
Oklahoma will look to rebound next week against Big-12 pushover, Colorado. Landry Jones has impressed this season, and is on the fast track to stardom. This loss is just a minor setback for a very promising team.
Missouri has a much tougher task net week as the travel to Nebraska to face "The Big Red Machine." I doubt they will repeat their success next week against a team who rebounded well from a loss to Texas, but you never know, Youngstown State did beat Virginia Tech. Sorry Hokie fans.
(4) Auburn (Home) vs. (6) LSU (Previous blog)
(5) TCU (Home) vs. Air Force
I thought this game would be much closer than it was. I actually thought that AFA had an outside chance at winning this game. Boy was I wrong. The TCU ground game went gang-busters and gave the Academy a shot of their own medicine. The Frogs ran for 377 yards and 4 touchdowns. TCU running back Ed Wesley proved his Heisman worth and went off for 209 yards and 2 scores. TCU quarterback, Andy Dalton, passed for 184 yards and a touchdown which might have been a quarterback clinic as far as AFA quarterback, Tim Jefferson is concerned. Jefferson went 3/7 for 47 yards and no TDs. I know that Air Force runs an option offense, but 47 yards?!?! At least challenge the secondary, fellas. All was not lost for the Falcons as their reliable running game rattled off 184 yards, but only punched it in one time.
TCU looks to improve their record to 9-0 when they travel to UNLV (1-6, 1-2) next week. UNLV might be coming off a bye week, but Rebs head coach, Bobby Hauck, will need to pull some serious magic out of his rear end to have any hopes of keeping this close.
Unfortunately, it doesn't get any easier for the Falcons when Utah comes to town. Now Air Force could win this game if they can buckle down on defense and stick to a balanced offensive attack. Either way, it will be a test for AFA, and a cake walk for the Utes.
(7) Michigan State @ Northwestern
The collective population of East Lansing, Michigan has no more fingernails. The Michigan State Spartan offense looked frail as fell behind early to the Northwestern Wildcats. The Wildcats went up 17-0 on Sparti before MSU felt like scoring. Michigan State hung around in the third quarter, but kicked it into overdrive in the fourth scoring 21 points including a fake punt that resulted in one of their TDs. I am sure that State fans are happy this one is over, and I am sure Northwestern wants another crack at MSU. If there is one thing we can take away from this game, it has got to be: Northwestern still doesn’t know how to play with a lead against a better team.
Sparti travels to Iowa next week in hopes of cementing themselves in the BCS title conversation. They have an outside chance at making the big game, but they need big performances against Iowa and Penn State (both on the road) to be a legitimate title contender when the Big Ten championship rolls around.
Northwestern will look to put this loss behind them, or take out their frustration against Indiana next week. The ‘Cats are only 1-2 in the Big Ten, but disaster looms as the travel to Penn State and Wisconsin and have Iowa come to town. Winning one of those games could change their entire season.
(8) Alabama @ Tennessee
I didn’t watch too much of this game, and judging by the final score, I didn’t miss much. Tennessee has started the season 0-4 in conference play in over two decades, and after the drubbing put on them by The Tide, it is easy to see why. The Vols could not get anything going after a first quarter 59-yard TD rush by Tauren Poole. Alabama was out to prove that their loss to South Carolina was fluke, and did so in impressive fashion. The ‘Bama rushing attack pounded the rock for over 210 yards including Trent Richardson’s 119 and a TD. Mark Ingram rushed for over 80 yards and two scores, and there was little Derrick Dooley’s defense could do to stop it.
Alabama heads into their bye week walking tall, and has to direct their focus to conference foe LSU (also heading into bye week). This one is sure to be a good one as
Nick Saban travels to LSU to face the hostel Tiger faithful, and a reeling LSU team looking for revenge after a heartbreaker last year in Tuscaloosa.
Tennessee travels to South Carolina, and early predictions are the Vols have no chance. I have to agree.
(9) Utah (Home) vs. Colorado State
I don’t know why I even bother mentioning Utah football in any blog post. The Utes are grossly overrated, and their ranking just exposes more BCS computer flaws. Sure they blow out their opponents week in and week out, but isn’t that what Mountain West teams are supposed to do their weak-ass conference opponents? I am so tired of seeing these guys in the top 10 week in and week out just because they can put up 60+ on a team from BFE. I cannot wait for them TCU to come to town and give the Utes what they deserve, an ass-whooping.
Anyway…
Not much to report here. The Utah rush offense exploded for over 220 yards, and the quarterbacks passed for over 400. Colorado State looked totally outmatch in this contest. The rushed for a combined 28 yards and their quarterback looked uncomfortable the whole game going 19 for 28 for 185 yards and a pick.
Utah travels to Air Force next week, and I think that the Falcons will give them more than the Utes bargained for.
CSU goes to lowly New Mexico (0-6, 0-2) to face a team that ranks in the bottom five in the nation in every major offensive statistic. CSU should walk away a winner.
(10) Ohio State (Home) vs. Purdue
It was business as usual for Terrelle Pryor and the gang as they smoked Purdue like a Thanksgiving turkey. I don’t think we would have expected anything else from a team who got throttled in their first week at number 1. Terrelle Pryor and Joe Bauserman combined to throw for 300 yards and 4 touchdowns and the ground game rushed for 184 yards and 3 scores. Purdue was held to under 50 yards rushing and just seemed to not want to be playing today.
Ohio State looks to regain their swagger as the travel to Minnesota to play the laughable Minnesota Golden Gophers, who have now started 0-1 since the firing of Tim Brewster. This is essentially a televised practice this weekend.
Purdue travels to Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini. Not much at stake here for either team…unless you count bragging rights as something big.
(12) Standford (Home) vs. Washington State
I am slightly disappointed in the Cardinal right now. Only beating a team who has won only one game in the last year and a half? Andrew Luck was not too bad today. Completing a respectable 20 of 28 passes for a measly 190 yards and somehow threw 3 touchdowns. The real story was WSU’s quarterback, Jeff Tuel. He scorched the Stanford secondary for almost 300 yards and 4 touchdowns, but his 2 interceptions downed the Wildcats. Stanford’s rushing attack blew up for 249 yards and 2 scores, both by Stepfan Taylor who added 142 yards of his own.
Stanford travels to Washington next week in what could be an upset waiting to happen. It all depends on which Jake Locker shows up.
Dub-State goes to Arizona State for a game of non-epic proportions. I don’t think anyone outside of Sun Devil Stadium or Seattle really cares who wins or loses this one.
(13) Wisconsin @ (15) Iowa
Next to the LSU/Auburn game, I was really looking forward to this one. This was one helluva contest. Iowa quarterback, Ricky Stanzi, lit up the Wisconsin defense for 3 touchdowns, but it was the Wisconsin ground game that won this one. The Badger backfield accounted for 142 yards and three touchdowns en route to a 31-30 squeaker. This was the perfect example of hard fought effort by both teams, but in the end, the better team did prevail.
Wisconsin goes into a much deserved bye week feeling good which doesn’t bode well for Purdue and the Badgers travel to Ross-Ade Stadium on November 6.
Iowa gets Michigan State at home next week in what is sure to be the game of the week. If Iowa wants to prove that they are better than their record, the must take it to the Spartans next week.
(16) Nebraska @ (14) Oklahoma State
Can you say, “Barn-burner?” These two teams erupted to score over 90 total points in this one, and defense took a back seat as both quarterback combined to throw over 600 yards and seven touchdowns. Taylor Martinez rebounded nicely from the loss to Texas going 23 for 35 for 323 yards and 5 touchdowns. He enters back into the Heisman discussion, but it might be a little too late for the young freshman. Still, outstanding effort. The Oklahoma State backfield made a statement today and answered their critics by rushing for 212 yards and three touchdowns. The Cowboy offense is not to fault here. They did everything they needed to do, but the defense looked like a wet paper bag today.
Nebraska gets Missouri at home next week, and ESPN’s College GameDay would do well to just mosey on over to Memorial Stadium for next week’s contest. No clear winner here, but Nebraska is tough to beat when Martinez plays well.
Oklahoma State goes up to Kansas to play the #22 ranked WIldcats. K-State is good at home, so OK State should be on their toes and ready for anything.
Here are a few stats to remember from this one:
Combined 606 passing yards
Combined 7 passing TD’s
Combined 429 yards rushing
Combined 308 kick return yards
Next week is World Series week. All posts will be directed to the World Series between the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers. NFL recap on Monday.
WHO DAT
Kenny “Mo”
Aside from what I covered earlier (See Monsters Weekend Part I) it was business as usual for most of the remaining Top 25.
(1) Oklahoma @ (11) Missouri
Right now, I don't think any team wants to be the BCS #1. For the third straight week, the number one team in the country has lost. Interceptions, kicks returned for TDs, penalties, and the inability to stop the run doomed the Sooners from the get-go. The Oklahoma defense allowed a season high 178 rushing yards and the Missouri running game kept them on their heels for most of the evening. The score might not reflect it, but Missouri's defense owned up today. The Tiger defense allowed less than 100 yards rushing, and picked off Landry Jones twice. Like the Sooner defense, Jones looked frustrated throughout much of the second half.
Oklahoma will look to rebound next week against Big-12 pushover, Colorado. Landry Jones has impressed this season, and is on the fast track to stardom. This loss is just a minor setback for a very promising team.
Missouri has a much tougher task net week as the travel to Nebraska to face "The Big Red Machine." I doubt they will repeat their success next week against a team who rebounded well from a loss to Texas, but you never know, Youngstown State did beat Virginia Tech. Sorry Hokie fans.
(4) Auburn (Home) vs. (6) LSU (Previous blog)
(5) TCU (Home) vs. Air Force
I thought this game would be much closer than it was. I actually thought that AFA had an outside chance at winning this game. Boy was I wrong. The TCU ground game went gang-busters and gave the Academy a shot of their own medicine. The Frogs ran for 377 yards and 4 touchdowns. TCU running back Ed Wesley proved his Heisman worth and went off for 209 yards and 2 scores. TCU quarterback, Andy Dalton, passed for 184 yards and a touchdown which might have been a quarterback clinic as far as AFA quarterback, Tim Jefferson is concerned. Jefferson went 3/7 for 47 yards and no TDs. I know that Air Force runs an option offense, but 47 yards?!?! At least challenge the secondary, fellas. All was not lost for the Falcons as their reliable running game rattled off 184 yards, but only punched it in one time.
TCU looks to improve their record to 9-0 when they travel to UNLV (1-6, 1-2) next week. UNLV might be coming off a bye week, but Rebs head coach, Bobby Hauck, will need to pull some serious magic out of his rear end to have any hopes of keeping this close.
Unfortunately, it doesn't get any easier for the Falcons when Utah comes to town. Now Air Force could win this game if they can buckle down on defense and stick to a balanced offensive attack. Either way, it will be a test for AFA, and a cake walk for the Utes.
(7) Michigan State @ Northwestern
The collective population of East Lansing, Michigan has no more fingernails. The Michigan State Spartan offense looked frail as fell behind early to the Northwestern Wildcats. The Wildcats went up 17-0 on Sparti before MSU felt like scoring. Michigan State hung around in the third quarter, but kicked it into overdrive in the fourth scoring 21 points including a fake punt that resulted in one of their TDs. I am sure that State fans are happy this one is over, and I am sure Northwestern wants another crack at MSU. If there is one thing we can take away from this game, it has got to be: Northwestern still doesn’t know how to play with a lead against a better team.
Sparti travels to Iowa next week in hopes of cementing themselves in the BCS title conversation. They have an outside chance at making the big game, but they need big performances against Iowa and Penn State (both on the road) to be a legitimate title contender when the Big Ten championship rolls around.
Northwestern will look to put this loss behind them, or take out their frustration against Indiana next week. The ‘Cats are only 1-2 in the Big Ten, but disaster looms as the travel to Penn State and Wisconsin and have Iowa come to town. Winning one of those games could change their entire season.
(8) Alabama @ Tennessee
I didn’t watch too much of this game, and judging by the final score, I didn’t miss much. Tennessee has started the season 0-4 in conference play in over two decades, and after the drubbing put on them by The Tide, it is easy to see why. The Vols could not get anything going after a first quarter 59-yard TD rush by Tauren Poole. Alabama was out to prove that their loss to South Carolina was fluke, and did so in impressive fashion. The ‘Bama rushing attack pounded the rock for over 210 yards including Trent Richardson’s 119 and a TD. Mark Ingram rushed for over 80 yards and two scores, and there was little Derrick Dooley’s defense could do to stop it.
Alabama heads into their bye week walking tall, and has to direct their focus to conference foe LSU (also heading into bye week). This one is sure to be a good one as
Nick Saban travels to LSU to face the hostel Tiger faithful, and a reeling LSU team looking for revenge after a heartbreaker last year in Tuscaloosa.
Tennessee travels to South Carolina, and early predictions are the Vols have no chance. I have to agree.
(9) Utah (Home) vs. Colorado State
I don’t know why I even bother mentioning Utah football in any blog post. The Utes are grossly overrated, and their ranking just exposes more BCS computer flaws. Sure they blow out their opponents week in and week out, but isn’t that what Mountain West teams are supposed to do their weak-ass conference opponents? I am so tired of seeing these guys in the top 10 week in and week out just because they can put up 60+ on a team from BFE. I cannot wait for them TCU to come to town and give the Utes what they deserve, an ass-whooping.
Anyway…
Not much to report here. The Utah rush offense exploded for over 220 yards, and the quarterbacks passed for over 400. Colorado State looked totally outmatch in this contest. The rushed for a combined 28 yards and their quarterback looked uncomfortable the whole game going 19 for 28 for 185 yards and a pick.
Utah travels to Air Force next week, and I think that the Falcons will give them more than the Utes bargained for.
CSU goes to lowly New Mexico (0-6, 0-2) to face a team that ranks in the bottom five in the nation in every major offensive statistic. CSU should walk away a winner.
(10) Ohio State (Home) vs. Purdue
It was business as usual for Terrelle Pryor and the gang as they smoked Purdue like a Thanksgiving turkey. I don’t think we would have expected anything else from a team who got throttled in their first week at number 1. Terrelle Pryor and Joe Bauserman combined to throw for 300 yards and 4 touchdowns and the ground game rushed for 184 yards and 3 scores. Purdue was held to under 50 yards rushing and just seemed to not want to be playing today.
Ohio State looks to regain their swagger as the travel to Minnesota to play the laughable Minnesota Golden Gophers, who have now started 0-1 since the firing of Tim Brewster. This is essentially a televised practice this weekend.
Purdue travels to Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini. Not much at stake here for either team…unless you count bragging rights as something big.
(12) Standford (Home) vs. Washington State
I am slightly disappointed in the Cardinal right now. Only beating a team who has won only one game in the last year and a half? Andrew Luck was not too bad today. Completing a respectable 20 of 28 passes for a measly 190 yards and somehow threw 3 touchdowns. The real story was WSU’s quarterback, Jeff Tuel. He scorched the Stanford secondary for almost 300 yards and 4 touchdowns, but his 2 interceptions downed the Wildcats. Stanford’s rushing attack blew up for 249 yards and 2 scores, both by Stepfan Taylor who added 142 yards of his own.
Stanford travels to Washington next week in what could be an upset waiting to happen. It all depends on which Jake Locker shows up.
Dub-State goes to Arizona State for a game of non-epic proportions. I don’t think anyone outside of Sun Devil Stadium or Seattle really cares who wins or loses this one.
(13) Wisconsin @ (15) Iowa
Next to the LSU/Auburn game, I was really looking forward to this one. This was one helluva contest. Iowa quarterback, Ricky Stanzi, lit up the Wisconsin defense for 3 touchdowns, but it was the Wisconsin ground game that won this one. The Badger backfield accounted for 142 yards and three touchdowns en route to a 31-30 squeaker. This was the perfect example of hard fought effort by both teams, but in the end, the better team did prevail.
Wisconsin goes into a much deserved bye week feeling good which doesn’t bode well for Purdue and the Badgers travel to Ross-Ade Stadium on November 6.
Iowa gets Michigan State at home next week in what is sure to be the game of the week. If Iowa wants to prove that they are better than their record, the must take it to the Spartans next week.
(16) Nebraska @ (14) Oklahoma State
Can you say, “Barn-burner?” These two teams erupted to score over 90 total points in this one, and defense took a back seat as both quarterback combined to throw over 600 yards and seven touchdowns. Taylor Martinez rebounded nicely from the loss to Texas going 23 for 35 for 323 yards and 5 touchdowns. He enters back into the Heisman discussion, but it might be a little too late for the young freshman. Still, outstanding effort. The Oklahoma State backfield made a statement today and answered their critics by rushing for 212 yards and three touchdowns. The Cowboy offense is not to fault here. They did everything they needed to do, but the defense looked like a wet paper bag today.
Nebraska gets Missouri at home next week, and ESPN’s College GameDay would do well to just mosey on over to Memorial Stadium for next week’s contest. No clear winner here, but Nebraska is tough to beat when Martinez plays well.
Oklahoma State goes up to Kansas to play the #22 ranked WIldcats. K-State is good at home, so OK State should be on their toes and ready for anything.
Here are a few stats to remember from this one:
Combined 606 passing yards
Combined 7 passing TD’s
Combined 429 yards rushing
Combined 308 kick return yards
Next week is World Series week. All posts will be directed to the World Series between the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers. NFL recap on Monday.
WHO DAT
Kenny “Mo”
Monster Weekend Part I
We are in the midst of a monster football Saturday. Here are some of the early story lines.
Let me get my LSU rant out first, because it will cloud my mind otherwise. I am getting sick and tired of watching LSU's anemic offense week in and week out. It is pathetic. From their first series of the game against Auburn, LSU's offense was atrocious. Not only was Gary Crowton's play calling awful, the execution at the quarterback position was lamentable. I am still wondering why Les Miles refuses to start Jarrett Lee. LSU-hater, Gary Danielson, pointed out an interesting stat before the game today: "Jordan Jefferson threw 2 touchdowns in the season opener against North Carolina. Since then Jefferson had failed to throw a touchdown in 17 straight possessions." I think this in itself is enough to name Lee the starter. Who cares if Jarrett Lee can't run (as was evident during LSU's last offensive play). He wasn't recruited to do it, and therefore, shouldn't be expected to do so. Gary Crowton's offensive play calling is as questionable as Lindsay Lohan's sobriety. When Jarrett Lee, notorious gun slinger, is under center, Crowton continues to call short, conservative passes (some of which do not even get past the line of scrimmage). Why do you not challenge down field, Gary Crowton? Auburn's defense is about as solid as a wet paper bag trying to stop a freight train! They gave up over 400 yards of total offense to Arkansas in their last game, and Ryan Mallet found success by throwing bombs down field.
And the defense.....
John Chavis, defensive mastermind at Tennessee, was hired to employ to rock'em sock'em defensive schemes that made the Vols so successful for nearly a decade, and they gave up over 400 yards of rushing! That is more that LSU's entire offensive effort. Did they not study film that showed Cam Newton's success against the blitz. Today, it seemed like Newton and the rest of the Auburn offense knew what was coming before Chavis even called the play. Newton ran on the LSU defense (217 yards) at will and when he was tired, he would hand it off to Michael Dyer, who rushed for 100 as well. Every time Chavis called the blitz, Newton, Dyer and the Auburn offense torched the Tigers (LSU).
Sure, Jordan Jefferson is not entirely to blame for this loss, and neither is Jarrett Lee or Les Miles. The coordinators are at fault. I will give John Chavis a pass this week, but Gary Crowton exemplifies how not to run an offense. Just despicable.
Moving on...
Texas lost....again. This time to a team that should not even be considered a D-I school. Iowa State rode into Austin and smacked the 'Horns in the mouth. At least they did in the first half. Iowa State proved how overrated Texas is this year, and exposed a once vaunted Longhorn run-defense. The Cyclones went off for 199 yards and two scores on the ground. Compare that to a miserable effort by Texas (96 yrds, 0 TD). The only semi-bright spot for Texas today was the play of Garrett Gilbert. The 'Horns QB fling the ball around 57 times, completing 34 of them for 344 yards and 2 touchdowns, but three interceptions doomed the offense, and opened the door for Iowa State's most prolific win in recent memory.
It is hard to bash the Longhorns for their play this season. I mean, they did beat Nebraska, right? We all know Texas will get to a bowl game, and Mack Brown will still be the highest paid coach in college football at the end of the season, but this young team shows promise, and lots of it. This season might be a wash, but don't be surprised if they find themselves in the Top-10 at the start of next season.
How 'bout them boys from Syracuse? I think this was one of the most unusual wins for any team this season (next to the what-would-be play clock debacle in the closing seconds of the LSU/Tennessee game). Orange quarterback, Ryan Nassib, went 5/15 for 55 yards and one touchdown. This seemed like a classic case of all-or-nothing. The Orange running game was the news maker. They erupted for 183 yards, but zero scores. You read that right. NO SCORES! The kicking game was the savior for Syracuse this week. Kicker Ross Krautman went 4/4 in FG and made his only extra point attempt for a total of 13 points.
WVU running back Noel Devine (pre-season Heisman hopeful) got back on track today against ‘Cuse. Going 122 yards on 24 attempts, but is still struggling to find the endzone.
Good thing LSU doesn’t play again today.
More to come tonight…
WHO DAT
-Kenny “Mo”
Let me get my LSU rant out first, because it will cloud my mind otherwise. I am getting sick and tired of watching LSU's anemic offense week in and week out. It is pathetic. From their first series of the game against Auburn, LSU's offense was atrocious. Not only was Gary Crowton's play calling awful, the execution at the quarterback position was lamentable. I am still wondering why Les Miles refuses to start Jarrett Lee. LSU-hater, Gary Danielson, pointed out an interesting stat before the game today: "Jordan Jefferson threw 2 touchdowns in the season opener against North Carolina. Since then Jefferson had failed to throw a touchdown in 17 straight possessions." I think this in itself is enough to name Lee the starter. Who cares if Jarrett Lee can't run (as was evident during LSU's last offensive play). He wasn't recruited to do it, and therefore, shouldn't be expected to do so. Gary Crowton's offensive play calling is as questionable as Lindsay Lohan's sobriety. When Jarrett Lee, notorious gun slinger, is under center, Crowton continues to call short, conservative passes (some of which do not even get past the line of scrimmage). Why do you not challenge down field, Gary Crowton? Auburn's defense is about as solid as a wet paper bag trying to stop a freight train! They gave up over 400 yards of total offense to Arkansas in their last game, and Ryan Mallet found success by throwing bombs down field.
And the defense.....
John Chavis, defensive mastermind at Tennessee, was hired to employ to rock'em sock'em defensive schemes that made the Vols so successful for nearly a decade, and they gave up over 400 yards of rushing! That is more that LSU's entire offensive effort. Did they not study film that showed Cam Newton's success against the blitz. Today, it seemed like Newton and the rest of the Auburn offense knew what was coming before Chavis even called the play. Newton ran on the LSU defense (217 yards) at will and when he was tired, he would hand it off to Michael Dyer, who rushed for 100 as well. Every time Chavis called the blitz, Newton, Dyer and the Auburn offense torched the Tigers (LSU).
Sure, Jordan Jefferson is not entirely to blame for this loss, and neither is Jarrett Lee or Les Miles. The coordinators are at fault. I will give John Chavis a pass this week, but Gary Crowton exemplifies how not to run an offense. Just despicable.
Moving on...
Texas lost....again. This time to a team that should not even be considered a D-I school. Iowa State rode into Austin and smacked the 'Horns in the mouth. At least they did in the first half. Iowa State proved how overrated Texas is this year, and exposed a once vaunted Longhorn run-defense. The Cyclones went off for 199 yards and two scores on the ground. Compare that to a miserable effort by Texas (96 yrds, 0 TD). The only semi-bright spot for Texas today was the play of Garrett Gilbert. The 'Horns QB fling the ball around 57 times, completing 34 of them for 344 yards and 2 touchdowns, but three interceptions doomed the offense, and opened the door for Iowa State's most prolific win in recent memory.
It is hard to bash the Longhorns for their play this season. I mean, they did beat Nebraska, right? We all know Texas will get to a bowl game, and Mack Brown will still be the highest paid coach in college football at the end of the season, but this young team shows promise, and lots of it. This season might be a wash, but don't be surprised if they find themselves in the Top-10 at the start of next season.
How 'bout them boys from Syracuse? I think this was one of the most unusual wins for any team this season (next to the what-would-be play clock debacle in the closing seconds of the LSU/Tennessee game). Orange quarterback, Ryan Nassib, went 5/15 for 55 yards and one touchdown. This seemed like a classic case of all-or-nothing. The Orange running game was the news maker. They erupted for 183 yards, but zero scores. You read that right. NO SCORES! The kicking game was the savior for Syracuse this week. Kicker Ross Krautman went 4/4 in FG and made his only extra point attempt for a total of 13 points.
WVU running back Noel Devine (pre-season Heisman hopeful) got back on track today against ‘Cuse. Going 122 yards on 24 attempts, but is still struggling to find the endzone.
Good thing LSU doesn’t play again today.
More to come tonight…
WHO DAT
-Kenny “Mo”
Friday, October 22, 2010
Mid-season Report Oct. 22
Greetings all. I want to start out by saying that I really enjoyed watching the Oregon Ducks practice against UCLA's starters last night. Seriously. Last night The Ducks proved that they are the should-be BCS #1. LaMichael James and the rest of the Ducks backfield rushed for 270 yards; only 10 yards less than the entire UCLA offense. Now I am not detracting from what Oklahoma has done this season (minus the scare against Utah State in Norman), but Oregon has proved their worth week in and week out. It is fair to say that the Pac-10 has a new powerhouse. Oregon is 4-0 in Pac-10 play, and 7-0 overall. By rolling conference foes like Stanford and Arizona State, Oregon has become the future of the Pac-10. Oklahoma is a different story. Despite having a redshirt freshman at the helm, the Sooners have only had two quality wins this season. Utah State almost upset them at home on opening Saturday. They dominated Florida State the following week, but up until last week (Iowa State, 52-0), they won their next three games, including two nail-biters to unranked Cincinnati and Air Force, by a combined 12 points.
My BCS(ucks)Top 5:
1. Oregon Ducks
2. Boise State Broncos
3. Oklahoma Sooners
4. Auburn Tigers/War Eagle/Whatever they are calling themselves this week
5. TCU Horned Frogs
The Ducks play again next Saturday again USC in the Coliseum which promises to be either a close, entertaining game, or a blow out of epic proportions. If the latter, Lane Kiffin's coaching chair will begin to heat up.....again.
Boomer Sooner travels to #11 Missouri in a game that could make or break Oklahoma's title hopes.
Moving on...
During the first week of the college football season, I made my Heisman predictions. I could not have been more WRONG! Jake Locker and Noel Devine have unimpressed and underachieved all season long. Case Keenum tore his ACL in the second game of the season. Terrelle Pryor has been the only solid pick I made, but the gap is narrowing. Drastically! LaMichael James increased his rushing total to 971 yards last night during their "practice," thus making him the Heisman front runner. In a close second, is Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. He ranks second in the nation in passer rating (180.5), fifth in the nation in rushing (860) and ranks in the top 5 in total touchdowns (25). Rounding out the top 4 is Boise State play caller Kellen Moore. He ranks first in the nation in passer rating (190.3) and has only committed one turnover. He has an outside chance at winning the Heisman, but the Bronco's schedule stands to prevent him from standing on the stage in New York.
Right now, no Brett Favre news is great news. He met with NFL Security officials earlier this week, and we are still waiting for the league to conclude its investigation. I'll keep you posted.
No big games in the NFL this week. Unless you are the Dallas Cowboys. Big D plays the New York Giants on MNF. A win keeps Wade Phillips in the coach's office for another week, a loss will seal the fate of Phillips, and the rest of the coaching staff.
More to come this weekend...
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
My BCS(ucks)Top 5:
1. Oregon Ducks
2. Boise State Broncos
3. Oklahoma Sooners
4. Auburn Tigers/War Eagle/Whatever they are calling themselves this week
5. TCU Horned Frogs
The Ducks play again next Saturday again USC in the Coliseum which promises to be either a close, entertaining game, or a blow out of epic proportions. If the latter, Lane Kiffin's coaching chair will begin to heat up.....again.
Boomer Sooner travels to #11 Missouri in a game that could make or break Oklahoma's title hopes.
Moving on...
During the first week of the college football season, I made my Heisman predictions. I could not have been more WRONG! Jake Locker and Noel Devine have unimpressed and underachieved all season long. Case Keenum tore his ACL in the second game of the season. Terrelle Pryor has been the only solid pick I made, but the gap is narrowing. Drastically! LaMichael James increased his rushing total to 971 yards last night during their "practice," thus making him the Heisman front runner. In a close second, is Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. He ranks second in the nation in passer rating (180.5), fifth in the nation in rushing (860) and ranks in the top 5 in total touchdowns (25). Rounding out the top 4 is Boise State play caller Kellen Moore. He ranks first in the nation in passer rating (190.3) and has only committed one turnover. He has an outside chance at winning the Heisman, but the Bronco's schedule stands to prevent him from standing on the stage in New York.
Right now, no Brett Favre news is great news. He met with NFL Security officials earlier this week, and we are still waiting for the league to conclude its investigation. I'll keep you posted.
No big games in the NFL this week. Unless you are the Dallas Cowboys. Big D plays the New York Giants on MNF. A win keeps Wade Phillips in the coach's office for another week, a loss will seal the fate of Phillips, and the rest of the coaching staff.
More to come this weekend...
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Return October 12th
Hey everybody! It feels good to be back. Much has happened in the sports world since my last post. The baseball playoffs, NBA pre-season, both football seasons are in full swing, and Brett Favre has given me another reason to despise him.
First off...
The MLB post-season has finally arrived, and what a post-season it has been already. "Doc" Halladay became one of four men in baseball history to throw 2 no hitters in the same season, and the second player all time to throw a no-no in the playoffs (Don Larson being the other). In my opinion, his stuff was just as amazing as his perfect game against the Marlins this time around. The man only got into a 3 ball count three times in the game!!!! THE ENTIRE GAME!!!! I think this solidifies him as the best pitcher in baseball, don't you agree?
We have to feel bad for the Twins, though. They were swept out of the playoffs by the Yankees for the second straight season after battling for the best record in baseball for much of the last month of the season. With Justin Morneau out with lingering concussion effects, and Joe Mauer struggling at the plate, this in itself was recipe for disaster. I read a stat on ESPN.com that explained that Joe Mauer has never won a playoff game, and thinking back, it's true. Sad, but true. The Twins are a scrappy team, and I firmly believe that when Joe Nathan comes back next year, this team will be completely capable of going deep into October.
It was a sad day in baseball yesterday, as Bobby Cox made good on his promise to call it a career after the Giant defeated the Braves 3-2. He ranks 4th all-time in wins and first all-time in manager ejections, he was the leader of the Braves dynasty during the 90's and 2000's as he led the Braves to 14 straight division titles and one World Series title. I think on this day, we all should tip our caps to Bobby Cox.
What is there to talk about in the NBA that doesn't involve LeBron, D-Wade, and Chris Bosh? Oh yeah...
Shaq to the Celtics. I don't quite understand it, but whatever helps Danny Ainge sleep at night. The Celtics are one of the few good teams that have not had an ego problem in a long, long, long time. Now they bring in the Big Aristotle/Cactus who has been notorious for bringing his giant ego into the locker room. Do you really think he will be OK playing only 15 minutes per game coming off the bench? Didn't think so. If he starts calling himself the Big Leprechaun, I'm outta here.
Carmelo Anthony is playing the worst game of cat and mouse with the Nuggets. He won't sign an extension worth upwards of $63 million, but he has said he never asked to be traded? C'mon son! This is getting ridiculous, because we all know what he is waiting for. He is hoping that the Hornets play so bad that CP3 begs for a trade, and when he gets it, Melo will ask for the same thing. They will all go play for the Knicks with Amar'e and David Stern's dream will become a nightmare. Stern thinks that people will want to watch basketball now that the Big-3 has been established in Miami, and with the potential of another popping up in New York, he thinks ratings would soar. WRONG!!!! Everyone will hate basketball (except for those who live in LA, New York, Boston and Miami). I already hate pro-basketball, but this would make me want to watch bowling.
Moving on...
Who saw the antics of the Minnesota head coach at the end of the Gopher's, Wisconsin Badger game? I have to agree with Wisconsin's decision to run it up. That's what conference football is about, is it not? Wisconsin is in a battle for Big Ten supremacy, and a 20+ point drubbing of an opponent is purely acceptable in conference play. Boise State romped Toledo by over 35 points and we didn't hear a thing out of their coach. Hey Coach Brewster, if you have a problem with an opposing offense scoring at will on you, throw some defensive packages together to stop it!!!!
I hope all who watched the LSU, Florida game are out of the hospital by now. Les Miles never ceases to amaze me, and never ceases to piss off the opposing coaches. A fake field goal with his LSU career on the line, and play calling at the end comparable to that of a pick-up game (What do you think Jarrett Lee told the team in the huddle on the final play? "Same play on 2. Ready. Break.") further proves that Les is my favorite coach in college football. Urban Meyer, you sir, have been LES-ED!
How about Alabama going down, HARD to South Carolina? I was worried when Rammer-Jammer scored on the opening play of the fourth quarter to cut the lead to a touchdown, but the "Ol' Ball Coach" suppressed any hope of an Alabama comeback by trusting his quarterback and giving the ball to the man-child Marcus Lattimore. The rest of the SEC can take a hint from South Carolina's win. Pressure McElroy, and the 'Bama offense will fall like a house of cards on a windy day.
And now we arrive at the Brett Favre rant of the blog...
Earlier this season, I called for Brett Favre to drop the act and retire. Now, I am sure he wishes he had heard those words. A sexting scandal broken by Deadspin.com and sucky play has made this season of promise become a bad dream for Favre and the Vikings that none of them can wake up from. After another abysmal performance last night, Brett Favre gave one of the most uncomfortable post game press conferences of his life. He looked agitated, the whole time and when he finally was asked about the text messages and voicemails he allegedly sent to former Jets' employee Jenn Sterger, he just crumbled. He deflected the question away by mumbling almost incoherently about Percy Harvin and Randy Moss' performances. Brett, the gloves are off now and I am going to level with you, man to man. Hang it up, man. This isn't how you want your legacy to end, and as much as I hate to admit it, neither do I. I grew up watching you shred defenses and loved your emotion after a win, but now, you are tarnishing something that was so great. Your career.
Oh yeah...all Texas Rangers bandwagoners, please take a number and get in line. It seems there is going to be a lot of you showing up this week.
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
First off...
The MLB post-season has finally arrived, and what a post-season it has been already. "Doc" Halladay became one of four men in baseball history to throw 2 no hitters in the same season, and the second player all time to throw a no-no in the playoffs (Don Larson being the other). In my opinion, his stuff was just as amazing as his perfect game against the Marlins this time around. The man only got into a 3 ball count three times in the game!!!! THE ENTIRE GAME!!!! I think this solidifies him as the best pitcher in baseball, don't you agree?
We have to feel bad for the Twins, though. They were swept out of the playoffs by the Yankees for the second straight season after battling for the best record in baseball for much of the last month of the season. With Justin Morneau out with lingering concussion effects, and Joe Mauer struggling at the plate, this in itself was recipe for disaster. I read a stat on ESPN.com that explained that Joe Mauer has never won a playoff game, and thinking back, it's true. Sad, but true. The Twins are a scrappy team, and I firmly believe that when Joe Nathan comes back next year, this team will be completely capable of going deep into October.
It was a sad day in baseball yesterday, as Bobby Cox made good on his promise to call it a career after the Giant defeated the Braves 3-2. He ranks 4th all-time in wins and first all-time in manager ejections, he was the leader of the Braves dynasty during the 90's and 2000's as he led the Braves to 14 straight division titles and one World Series title. I think on this day, we all should tip our caps to Bobby Cox.
What is there to talk about in the NBA that doesn't involve LeBron, D-Wade, and Chris Bosh? Oh yeah...
Shaq to the Celtics. I don't quite understand it, but whatever helps Danny Ainge sleep at night. The Celtics are one of the few good teams that have not had an ego problem in a long, long, long time. Now they bring in the Big Aristotle/Cactus who has been notorious for bringing his giant ego into the locker room. Do you really think he will be OK playing only 15 minutes per game coming off the bench? Didn't think so. If he starts calling himself the Big Leprechaun, I'm outta here.
Carmelo Anthony is playing the worst game of cat and mouse with the Nuggets. He won't sign an extension worth upwards of $63 million, but he has said he never asked to be traded? C'mon son! This is getting ridiculous, because we all know what he is waiting for. He is hoping that the Hornets play so bad that CP3 begs for a trade, and when he gets it, Melo will ask for the same thing. They will all go play for the Knicks with Amar'e and David Stern's dream will become a nightmare. Stern thinks that people will want to watch basketball now that the Big-3 has been established in Miami, and with the potential of another popping up in New York, he thinks ratings would soar. WRONG!!!! Everyone will hate basketball (except for those who live in LA, New York, Boston and Miami). I already hate pro-basketball, but this would make me want to watch bowling.
Moving on...
Who saw the antics of the Minnesota head coach at the end of the Gopher's, Wisconsin Badger game? I have to agree with Wisconsin's decision to run it up. That's what conference football is about, is it not? Wisconsin is in a battle for Big Ten supremacy, and a 20+ point drubbing of an opponent is purely acceptable in conference play. Boise State romped Toledo by over 35 points and we didn't hear a thing out of their coach. Hey Coach Brewster, if you have a problem with an opposing offense scoring at will on you, throw some defensive packages together to stop it!!!!
I hope all who watched the LSU, Florida game are out of the hospital by now. Les Miles never ceases to amaze me, and never ceases to piss off the opposing coaches. A fake field goal with his LSU career on the line, and play calling at the end comparable to that of a pick-up game (What do you think Jarrett Lee told the team in the huddle on the final play? "Same play on 2. Ready. Break.") further proves that Les is my favorite coach in college football. Urban Meyer, you sir, have been LES-ED!
How about Alabama going down, HARD to South Carolina? I was worried when Rammer-Jammer scored on the opening play of the fourth quarter to cut the lead to a touchdown, but the "Ol' Ball Coach" suppressed any hope of an Alabama comeback by trusting his quarterback and giving the ball to the man-child Marcus Lattimore. The rest of the SEC can take a hint from South Carolina's win. Pressure McElroy, and the 'Bama offense will fall like a house of cards on a windy day.
And now we arrive at the Brett Favre rant of the blog...
Earlier this season, I called for Brett Favre to drop the act and retire. Now, I am sure he wishes he had heard those words. A sexting scandal broken by Deadspin.com and sucky play has made this season of promise become a bad dream for Favre and the Vikings that none of them can wake up from. After another abysmal performance last night, Brett Favre gave one of the most uncomfortable post game press conferences of his life. He looked agitated, the whole time and when he finally was asked about the text messages and voicemails he allegedly sent to former Jets' employee Jenn Sterger, he just crumbled. He deflected the question away by mumbling almost incoherently about Percy Harvin and Randy Moss' performances. Brett, the gloves are off now and I am going to level with you, man to man. Hang it up, man. This isn't how you want your legacy to end, and as much as I hate to admit it, neither do I. I grew up watching you shred defenses and loved your emotion after a win, but now, you are tarnishing something that was so great. Your career.
Oh yeah...all Texas Rangers bandwagoners, please take a number and get in line. It seems there is going to be a lot of you showing up this week.
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
Friday, September 24, 2010
September 24th
Well after a little over a week off, I am back with a vengeance.
First off, let me reiterate my opinions on the Minnesota Vikings "Silver Fox." About a week ago, I called for Brett Favre to step aside and let Tavaris Jackson take some snaps, or just retire all together. I said it again after the Vikings loss to the Miami Dolphins. I am not knock what the Dolphins did, but Old Man River really screwed it up. Three INTs two in the redzone and one fumble in the their own endzone just added to the futility of the Vikings offense. Here is a letter that I am contemplating writing to Brett Favre:
#4,
Stop.
Sincerely,
Tired of your antics.
More to come this weekend.
WHO DAT
Kenny "Mo"
First off, let me reiterate my opinions on the Minnesota Vikings "Silver Fox." About a week ago, I called for Brett Favre to step aside and let Tavaris Jackson take some snaps, or just retire all together. I said it again after the Vikings loss to the Miami Dolphins. I am not knock what the Dolphins did, but Old Man River really screwed it up. Three INTs two in the redzone and one fumble in the their own endzone just added to the futility of the Vikings offense. Here is a letter that I am contemplating writing to Brett Favre:
#4,
Stop.
Sincerely,
Tired of your antics.
More to come this weekend.
WHO DAT
Kenny "Mo"
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Twitter Account
Hey guys. I reactivated my Twitter account.
Follow Me @TheKennyMorris
New Post Tomorrow
Follow Me @TheKennyMorris
New Post Tomorrow
Friday, September 10, 2010
September 10th
WHO DAT? WHO DAT? WHO DAT TALKIN' 'BOUT BEATIN' DEM SAINTS?
Last night during the course of the Saints-Vikings game, Brett Favre looked like he was wondering why he came back for another season. While last night wasn't as physically taxing as last season's NFC title game, Brett Favre looked uncomfortable. The Saints defense only sacked Favre once and Roman Harper laid one good hit on Favre which led to an interception. The physicality didn't do Farve and the Vikings offense in, Old Man River's lack of preparation did. Farve was baited into making bad throws by the Saints secondary that he wouldn't have made last season, or any other in his career for that matter, had he attended training camp. Favre completed only four passes in the second half and made many awful throws. Brad Childress and the rest of the Minnesota Vikings thought that Brett Favre would be an asset this year, but they are 0-1 and five of the next eight teams they have on the schedule made playoffs last season. If Brett Favre had any respect for the Vikings, he would sit out until he figures out how to read a defense again, or just retire all together.
The Saints offense was a classic case of Jekyll and Hyde last night. They came out blazing on the first drive of the game, going 77 yards for the touchdown. Things fizzled after that. The Saints defense allowed nine points in the second quarter and the Saints trailed going into halftime after Garrett Hartley missed the first of two field goals. The Saints offense came out on fire again, torching the Vikings defense for another score on their first drive of the second half, but again things stalled for the offense as they failed to score again in the game. The Saints' defense clearly won the battle last night. Jonathan Vilma picked off a questionable throw by Brett Favre and it seemed that the Saints would hold on. Dropped passes by Devery Henderson, Reggie Bush and Robert Meachem could have doomed the Saints, but they skated by the Vikings who were stuck in neutral for the entire second half.
Look for both offenses to revamp their game plans for next Sunday's contests.
Saints v. 49ers, Monday Sept. 20, ESPN MNF
Vikings v. Dolphins, Sunday Sept. 19, CBS
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
Last night during the course of the Saints-Vikings game, Brett Favre looked like he was wondering why he came back for another season. While last night wasn't as physically taxing as last season's NFC title game, Brett Favre looked uncomfortable. The Saints defense only sacked Favre once and Roman Harper laid one good hit on Favre which led to an interception. The physicality didn't do Farve and the Vikings offense in, Old Man River's lack of preparation did. Farve was baited into making bad throws by the Saints secondary that he wouldn't have made last season, or any other in his career for that matter, had he attended training camp. Favre completed only four passes in the second half and made many awful throws. Brad Childress and the rest of the Minnesota Vikings thought that Brett Favre would be an asset this year, but they are 0-1 and five of the next eight teams they have on the schedule made playoffs last season. If Brett Favre had any respect for the Vikings, he would sit out until he figures out how to read a defense again, or just retire all together.
The Saints offense was a classic case of Jekyll and Hyde last night. They came out blazing on the first drive of the game, going 77 yards for the touchdown. Things fizzled after that. The Saints defense allowed nine points in the second quarter and the Saints trailed going into halftime after Garrett Hartley missed the first of two field goals. The Saints offense came out on fire again, torching the Vikings defense for another score on their first drive of the second half, but again things stalled for the offense as they failed to score again in the game. The Saints' defense clearly won the battle last night. Jonathan Vilma picked off a questionable throw by Brett Favre and it seemed that the Saints would hold on. Dropped passes by Devery Henderson, Reggie Bush and Robert Meachem could have doomed the Saints, but they skated by the Vikings who were stuck in neutral for the entire second half.
Look for both offenses to revamp their game plans for next Sunday's contests.
Saints v. 49ers, Monday Sept. 20, ESPN MNF
Vikings v. Dolphins, Sunday Sept. 19, CBS
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
Thursday, September 9, 2010
September 9th- "WHO DAT" Edition
It is here. The NFL regular season starts tonight with the rematch of last seasons NFC Championship game between the Minnesota Vikings visiting the Super Bowl Champion, New Orleans Saints, in the Dome. I will try to set my Saints bias aside and give an honest opinion as why both teams will win.
First, lets look at why Brett Farve will lead the upset-minded Vikings to a win over New Orleans.
The Saints didn't do much to ramp up a defense that succeeded based on strategic blitz packages and take-aways. If Adrian Peterson really did work on his ball handling skills in the off season, the Saints run defense will have a hard time keeping him from ripping off big gains for touchdowns. Despite Brett Favre's much talked about ankle, he is still coming off of his best statistical season ever. The ankle won't be a problem if the Vikings offensive line can hold the pocket open long enough for Old Man River (Favre) to be effective. The Viking's defense needs to cause problems for Drew Brees and the Saints' high flying offense. Brees did not make many mistakes last year, but if the Vikings can force Brees to make throws and not give him any time to do it, they will succeed in keeping Brees off of the field. Jared Allen, Vikings defensive end, will need to get to Brees early and often, similar to the way Bobby McCray and Will Smith got to Favre last season. Saints' offensive lineman, Jermon Bushrod, did a supreb job at containing Jared Allen in the game last season, so Jared Allen needs to get separation and be physical in the trench. If AP, Brett Favre, and the Vikings' defense can keep the Saints potent team on their collective heels, and prevent the turnovers that cost them a spot in the Super Bowl, the Vikes should have no problem putting this long awaited game away with a win.
Now here is why the Saints will win...
The Vikings are playing hurt. Brett Favre has said numerous times that his surgically repaired ankle is not healing properly, and Sidney Rice is out for at least half of the season after hip surgery. Bernard Berrian has been tapped as the #1 reciever for Brett Favre and the Vikings offense, which doesn't bode well for the Vikings' hopes of winning. The Saints' offense is returning almost all of their weapons from last season (Mike Bell sign with the Eagles via free agency), and Drew Brees has stated that the Saints have worked harder this off season than in any other to prepare to make another run at a Super Bowl Championship. The Saints forced turnovers on defense and capitalized on them, and despite being out gained by over 200 yards in the game against Minnesota last season, they still pulled it off on Garrett Hartley's overtime field goal. The Saints need to hit Brett Favre like they did last season. He was out of his comfort zone when his teammates had to start picking him up off the turf. The Saints' offense looked goo this off season, and the receiving corps. is in their best shape ever. NFL Live analyst, Mark Schlereth, picked the Saints to win 28-17 and make it back to the Super Bowl. This game should be a lock for the Saints if they can score, baby, score and make Brett Favre feel really uncomfortable. John Zaphyr of vegas-spreads.com has dubbed the Saints as the favorite tonight by six points, and if we know anything, it is to never bet against Vegas.
See Schlereth's analysis here: http://search.espn.go.com/nfl-live/
See Zaphr's analysis here: http://vegas-spreads.com/football/nfl-football/7025-090910-2010-nfl-predictions-minnesota-vikings-week-1-nfl-picks
There. Purely unbiased. Hope everyone enjoys the game tonight.
NBC, 8:30 E/T
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
First, lets look at why Brett Farve will lead the upset-minded Vikings to a win over New Orleans.
The Saints didn't do much to ramp up a defense that succeeded based on strategic blitz packages and take-aways. If Adrian Peterson really did work on his ball handling skills in the off season, the Saints run defense will have a hard time keeping him from ripping off big gains for touchdowns. Despite Brett Favre's much talked about ankle, he is still coming off of his best statistical season ever. The ankle won't be a problem if the Vikings offensive line can hold the pocket open long enough for Old Man River (Favre) to be effective. The Viking's defense needs to cause problems for Drew Brees and the Saints' high flying offense. Brees did not make many mistakes last year, but if the Vikings can force Brees to make throws and not give him any time to do it, they will succeed in keeping Brees off of the field. Jared Allen, Vikings defensive end, will need to get to Brees early and often, similar to the way Bobby McCray and Will Smith got to Favre last season. Saints' offensive lineman, Jermon Bushrod, did a supreb job at containing Jared Allen in the game last season, so Jared Allen needs to get separation and be physical in the trench. If AP, Brett Favre, and the Vikings' defense can keep the Saints potent team on their collective heels, and prevent the turnovers that cost them a spot in the Super Bowl, the Vikes should have no problem putting this long awaited game away with a win.
Now here is why the Saints will win...
The Vikings are playing hurt. Brett Favre has said numerous times that his surgically repaired ankle is not healing properly, and Sidney Rice is out for at least half of the season after hip surgery. Bernard Berrian has been tapped as the #1 reciever for Brett Favre and the Vikings offense, which doesn't bode well for the Vikings' hopes of winning. The Saints' offense is returning almost all of their weapons from last season (Mike Bell sign with the Eagles via free agency), and Drew Brees has stated that the Saints have worked harder this off season than in any other to prepare to make another run at a Super Bowl Championship. The Saints forced turnovers on defense and capitalized on them, and despite being out gained by over 200 yards in the game against Minnesota last season, they still pulled it off on Garrett Hartley's overtime field goal. The Saints need to hit Brett Favre like they did last season. He was out of his comfort zone when his teammates had to start picking him up off the turf. The Saints' offense looked goo this off season, and the receiving corps. is in their best shape ever. NFL Live analyst, Mark Schlereth, picked the Saints to win 28-17 and make it back to the Super Bowl. This game should be a lock for the Saints if they can score, baby, score and make Brett Favre feel really uncomfortable. John Zaphyr of vegas-spreads.com has dubbed the Saints as the favorite tonight by six points, and if we know anything, it is to never bet against Vegas.
See Schlereth's analysis here: http://search.espn.go.com/nfl-live/
See Zaphr's analysis here: http://vegas-spreads.com/football/nfl-football/7025-090910-2010-nfl-predictions-minnesota-vikings-week-1-nfl-picks
There. Purely unbiased. Hope everyone enjoys the game tonight.
NBC, 8:30 E/T
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Drew Brees' Pre-Game Chant
Brees: 1
Players: 2
Brees: Win,
Players: For You
Brees: 3
Players: 4
Brees: Win,
Players: Some More
Brees: 5
Players: 6
Brees: Win,
Players: Again
Brees: 7
Players: 8
Brees: Win,
Players: Great
Brees: 9
Players: 10
Brees: Win,
Players: Again
All: Again, Again, Again, Again!
Players: 2
Brees: Win,
Players: For You
Brees: 3
Players: 4
Brees: Win,
Players: Some More
Brees: 5
Players: 6
Brees: Win,
Players: Again
Brees: 7
Players: 8
Brees: Win,
Players: Great
Brees: 9
Players: 10
Brees: Win,
Players: Again
All: Again, Again, Again, Again!
September 8th
What do Boise State and Rodney Dangerfield have in common? They get no respect.
Up until the Boise State game against Virginia Tech, myself along with millions across the country were not sold on The Broncos being a contender. I still don't know if they are, but they made a great leap in proving their worth to me. They went into what was essentially a home game for Virginia Tech and took it to the Hokies early. The blocked a punt, scored effectively, and suffocated the VT offense in the first quarter. It seemed as the rest of the game wore on, the Broncs got tired and the Hokies capitalized, but it seemed that Boise State had the game in hand the whole time. Frank Beamer's team, who usually plays stellar special teams, made many costly mistakes (had a punt blocked, missed two field goals, and committed numerous punt and kick off penalties). Boise State red shirt junior quarterback, Kellen Moore, solidified his place among college football's elite.
The case against Boise State...
OK BSU fans. Just hear me out. Boise State only plays one ranked team this year! ONE!!! Of the teams remaining on their schedule, only one was ranked last season (Oregon State), the rest have no hope of being ranked at the end of the season. If BSU would move to the MWC, or Pac-10 then the case could be made for their BCS championship chances.
Until Boise State changes conferences (which might happen soon, as two WAC teams have elected to leave the conference after this season), or schedules more out of conference games against ranked opponents, they will continue to knock on the door of a BCS championship berth, but not cross the threshold.
Let's look at some baseball...
My Red Sox are flat done. This seemed obvious tonight when Terry Francona started minor league call-up, Lars Anderson, at first base. Four starters are done for the year and their pitching has been awful over the past weeks. J.D. Drew needs to retire or find a new team next season, pitching coach John Farrell needs to be fired, Dice-K needs to be traded, and pitchers Josh Beckett and John Lackey need to figure out what the hell has been plaguing them this season.
Anyway...
The Rangers might want to start worrying about the health of superstar hitter Josh Hamilton and the overall state of their pitching staff (I'm talking about you Cliff Lee). Since Lee was traded to Texas, the Rangers are 3-8 in his starts. These numbers do not bode well for the Rangers in the playoffs.
Here are my predictions about how the teams will finish at the end of the month,and how some teams will spend their off seasons:
AL East:
(1) New York Yankees -Winner-(A-Rod will date four Hollywood actresses during the course of the post season)
(2) Tampa Bay Rays -Wild Card- (Joe Maddon will grow a mowhawk for the playoffs)
(3) Boston Red Sox (The Red Sox players will be greeted with wheelchairs and walkers during Spring Training)
(4) Toronto Blue Jays (Thank God they have no more good players to trade away)
(5) Baltimore Orioles (Maybe Buck Showalter finally put the proverbial "Boot in the Ass" of the Orioles line-up)
AL Central
(1) Minnesota Twins -Winner- (Joe Mauer didn't impress at home this year, but Jim Thome, like good wine, seems to get better with age)
(2) Chicago White Sox (Ozzie Guillen will find another way to anger GM Kenny Williams this off season by Tweeting profanity in Spanish)
(3) Detroit Tigers (Armando Galarraga and Jim Joyce will host a Little League camp about class and game calling)
(4) Cleveland Indians (The ground crew will still be saying, "They're sh*tty.")
(5) Kansas City Royals (Zack Greinke will be pleading to be released, traded, or have someone dissolve the franchise)
AL West
(1) Texas Rangers -Winner-(Ron Washington will ask Nolan Ryan to sign Rusty Greer, Mark McLamore and "Pudge" Rodriguez, to help them win another playoff game)
(2) Oakland A's (Dallas Braden will be thinking of hitting A-Rod in every at bat next season)
(3) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Manager Mike Scioscia will try to clone Vlad Guerrero this off season)
(4) Seattle Mariners (Milton Bradley will do something this off season to make the front office question his future with the team, again)
NL East
(1) Atlanta Braves -Winner- (Bobby Cox will get thrown out of every post season game)
(2) Philadelphia Phillies -Wild Card- (Jayson Werth will grow a ferocious beard and let birds nest in it)
(3) New York Mets (Will appear on Dr. Phil's dysfunctional family episodes this summer)
(4) Florida Marlins (They will sign LeBron James to a minor league contract and invite him to Spring Training)
(5) Washington Nationals (Nyjer Morgan will fight LeBron James)
NL Central
(1) Cincinnati Reds -Winner- (Joey Votto will still be asking why he wasn't selected to the All-Star game)
(2) St. Louis Cardinals (Albert Pujols will become the highest paid player in the Bigs sparking A-Rod to pitch a fit)
(3) Houston Astros (uhhh.....)
(4) Milwaukee Brewers (Trevor Hoffman will pull a Brett Favre and retire three times and unretire four times)
(5) Chicago Cubs (Managerial Musical Chairs!!!!!)
(6) Pittsburgh Pirates (The front office will trade or release all of the 2010 starters and sign the cast from Major League II: Back to the Minors)
NL West
(1) San Francisco Giants -Winner- (Major League Baseball will make Tim Lincecum trim his hair and make reliever Brian Wilson pitch barefoot)
(2) San Diego Padres (Bees will infest PetCo Park this off season, again)
(3) Colorado Rockies (Todd Helton will have a facial hair growing contest with Jayson Werth and win)
(4) Los Angeles Dodgers (The McCourts will divorce, sell the team and immediately remarry afterwards)
(5) Arizona Diamondbacks (Mark Reynolds will watch Fred McGriff's hitting video (c. 1999) as many times as he strikes out)
More to come tomorrow for the Saints/Vikes game...
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
Up until the Boise State game against Virginia Tech, myself along with millions across the country were not sold on The Broncos being a contender. I still don't know if they are, but they made a great leap in proving their worth to me. They went into what was essentially a home game for Virginia Tech and took it to the Hokies early. The blocked a punt, scored effectively, and suffocated the VT offense in the first quarter. It seemed as the rest of the game wore on, the Broncs got tired and the Hokies capitalized, but it seemed that Boise State had the game in hand the whole time. Frank Beamer's team, who usually plays stellar special teams, made many costly mistakes (had a punt blocked, missed two field goals, and committed numerous punt and kick off penalties). Boise State red shirt junior quarterback, Kellen Moore, solidified his place among college football's elite.
The case against Boise State...
OK BSU fans. Just hear me out. Boise State only plays one ranked team this year! ONE!!! Of the teams remaining on their schedule, only one was ranked last season (Oregon State), the rest have no hope of being ranked at the end of the season. If BSU would move to the MWC, or Pac-10 then the case could be made for their BCS championship chances.
Until Boise State changes conferences (which might happen soon, as two WAC teams have elected to leave the conference after this season), or schedules more out of conference games against ranked opponents, they will continue to knock on the door of a BCS championship berth, but not cross the threshold.
Let's look at some baseball...
My Red Sox are flat done. This seemed obvious tonight when Terry Francona started minor league call-up, Lars Anderson, at first base. Four starters are done for the year and their pitching has been awful over the past weeks. J.D. Drew needs to retire or find a new team next season, pitching coach John Farrell needs to be fired, Dice-K needs to be traded, and pitchers Josh Beckett and John Lackey need to figure out what the hell has been plaguing them this season.
Anyway...
The Rangers might want to start worrying about the health of superstar hitter Josh Hamilton and the overall state of their pitching staff (I'm talking about you Cliff Lee). Since Lee was traded to Texas, the Rangers are 3-8 in his starts. These numbers do not bode well for the Rangers in the playoffs.
Here are my predictions about how the teams will finish at the end of the month,and how some teams will spend their off seasons:
AL East:
(1) New York Yankees -Winner-(A-Rod will date four Hollywood actresses during the course of the post season)
(2) Tampa Bay Rays -Wild Card- (Joe Maddon will grow a mowhawk for the playoffs)
(3) Boston Red Sox (The Red Sox players will be greeted with wheelchairs and walkers during Spring Training)
(4) Toronto Blue Jays (Thank God they have no more good players to trade away)
(5) Baltimore Orioles (Maybe Buck Showalter finally put the proverbial "Boot in the Ass" of the Orioles line-up)
AL Central
(1) Minnesota Twins -Winner- (Joe Mauer didn't impress at home this year, but Jim Thome, like good wine, seems to get better with age)
(2) Chicago White Sox (Ozzie Guillen will find another way to anger GM Kenny Williams this off season by Tweeting profanity in Spanish)
(3) Detroit Tigers (Armando Galarraga and Jim Joyce will host a Little League camp about class and game calling)
(4) Cleveland Indians (The ground crew will still be saying, "They're sh*tty.")
(5) Kansas City Royals (Zack Greinke will be pleading to be released, traded, or have someone dissolve the franchise)
AL West
(1) Texas Rangers -Winner-(Ron Washington will ask Nolan Ryan to sign Rusty Greer, Mark McLamore and "Pudge" Rodriguez, to help them win another playoff game)
(2) Oakland A's (Dallas Braden will be thinking of hitting A-Rod in every at bat next season)
(3) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Manager Mike Scioscia will try to clone Vlad Guerrero this off season)
(4) Seattle Mariners (Milton Bradley will do something this off season to make the front office question his future with the team, again)
NL East
(1) Atlanta Braves -Winner- (Bobby Cox will get thrown out of every post season game)
(2) Philadelphia Phillies -Wild Card- (Jayson Werth will grow a ferocious beard and let birds nest in it)
(3) New York Mets (Will appear on Dr. Phil's dysfunctional family episodes this summer)
(4) Florida Marlins (They will sign LeBron James to a minor league contract and invite him to Spring Training)
(5) Washington Nationals (Nyjer Morgan will fight LeBron James)
NL Central
(1) Cincinnati Reds -Winner- (Joey Votto will still be asking why he wasn't selected to the All-Star game)
(2) St. Louis Cardinals (Albert Pujols will become the highest paid player in the Bigs sparking A-Rod to pitch a fit)
(3) Houston Astros (uhhh.....)
(4) Milwaukee Brewers (Trevor Hoffman will pull a Brett Favre and retire three times and unretire four times)
(5) Chicago Cubs (Managerial Musical Chairs!!!!!)
(6) Pittsburgh Pirates (The front office will trade or release all of the 2010 starters and sign the cast from Major League II: Back to the Minors)
NL West
(1) San Francisco Giants -Winner- (Major League Baseball will make Tim Lincecum trim his hair and make reliever Brian Wilson pitch barefoot)
(2) San Diego Padres (Bees will infest PetCo Park this off season, again)
(3) Colorado Rockies (Todd Helton will have a facial hair growing contest with Jayson Werth and win)
(4) Los Angeles Dodgers (The McCourts will divorce, sell the team and immediately remarry afterwards)
(5) Arizona Diamondbacks (Mark Reynolds will watch Fred McGriff's hitting video (c. 1999) as many times as he strikes out)
More to come tomorrow for the Saints/Vikes game...
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
Monday, September 6, 2010
September 6th- Labor Day
Happy Labor Day, everybody!
Whew, where do I begin. Aside from Ole Miss losing to Jacksonville State on Saturday, I think you could call it business as usual for the favorites in college football. Here are a few top stories from this weekend.
First. What happened with USC's vaunted defense? When Lane Kiffin left Tennessee, he brought his father, defensive genius, Monte Kiffin with him. In a much awaited debut, USC's defense gave up more than 450 yards passing and another 129 yards on the ground. On the flip-side, Matt Barkley was just about perfect going 18/23 for 257 yard and 5 touchdowns. USC's running game made the Hawaii defense's men look like boys, by pounding the pigskin for 246 yards and one score. #18 USC plays University of Virginia at the Coliseum this weekend in what should be a win for the Trojans, but after what Hawaii showed us last weekend, USC has to plan on outscoring Cavaliers and their efficient offense this weekend.
Second. OK, I am going to put my LSU fanhood aside and berate the way they finished on Saturday. The John Chavis led defense allowed UNC quarterback, T.J. Yates, to burn them for over 400 yards and 3 touchdowns including a second half, 97 yard bomb that made LSU's defense look helpless. During the first half, LSU looked strong. defensive back Jai Eugene, defensive tackle Drake Nevis and preseason All-American cornerback, Patrick Peterson looked solid, but they seemed to fizzle out in the second half with the rest of the defense. Gary Crowton is next on my list. This guy is garbage. He is running the same offense that didn't work with Dennis Dixon at Oregon, with a quarterback that is nothing like Dennis Dixon. Gary Crowton failed to call more than three down-field passes against the Tar Heels' depleted secondary. If LSU wants to challenge 'Bama, UF and Auburn later this season, Crowton must put his conservative play calling aside and stretch the field out.
Third. The Tim Tebow era is over, and John Brantley did not impress. The UF offense committed eight fumbles. EIGHT!!!! Exchanges from center to quarterback, and quarterback to running back looked questionable, at best. Jeff Demps showed much of the promise from last season. The junior ripped off a 72 yard score and totaled 98 yards for the game. Brantley went 17/25 for 113 yards and looked uncomfortable taking snaps and looking off defenders. It is quite obvious that the Gators are in a rebuilding year, but after the way they played against Miami (OH), they are going to struggle through SEC play this year.
Fourth. GO BIG BLUE!!! Michigan made Rich Rod proud on Saturday, and Denard Robinson proved that he is the answer to Michigan's prayers. Robinson had 387 yard of total offense with almost 200 yards rushing. The Big House was packed in what could possibly be Rodriguez's last season in the maize and blue. Michigan and their coaching staff answered their critics in a 30-10 drubbing of the UCONN Huskies which bought Rich Rodriguez time to prove that this is what he has been working towards.
Fifth. The feel good story of the college football season has got to be Mark Herzlich. After being named ACC defensive player of the year in 2008, he missed all of last season with bone cancer. He vowed he would return to the field and made good on his promise on Saturday. With very few dry eyes in the stadium, Herzlich recorded 3 solo tackles and seemed to be back to his old way, instilling fear into the hearts of the visiting Weber State Wildcats. Way to go, #94!
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
Whew, where do I begin. Aside from Ole Miss losing to Jacksonville State on Saturday, I think you could call it business as usual for the favorites in college football. Here are a few top stories from this weekend.
First. What happened with USC's vaunted defense? When Lane Kiffin left Tennessee, he brought his father, defensive genius, Monte Kiffin with him. In a much awaited debut, USC's defense gave up more than 450 yards passing and another 129 yards on the ground. On the flip-side, Matt Barkley was just about perfect going 18/23 for 257 yard and 5 touchdowns. USC's running game made the Hawaii defense's men look like boys, by pounding the pigskin for 246 yards and one score. #18 USC plays University of Virginia at the Coliseum this weekend in what should be a win for the Trojans, but after what Hawaii showed us last weekend, USC has to plan on outscoring Cavaliers and their efficient offense this weekend.
Second. OK, I am going to put my LSU fanhood aside and berate the way they finished on Saturday. The John Chavis led defense allowed UNC quarterback, T.J. Yates, to burn them for over 400 yards and 3 touchdowns including a second half, 97 yard bomb that made LSU's defense look helpless. During the first half, LSU looked strong. defensive back Jai Eugene, defensive tackle Drake Nevis and preseason All-American cornerback, Patrick Peterson looked solid, but they seemed to fizzle out in the second half with the rest of the defense. Gary Crowton is next on my list. This guy is garbage. He is running the same offense that didn't work with Dennis Dixon at Oregon, with a quarterback that is nothing like Dennis Dixon. Gary Crowton failed to call more than three down-field passes against the Tar Heels' depleted secondary. If LSU wants to challenge 'Bama, UF and Auburn later this season, Crowton must put his conservative play calling aside and stretch the field out.
Third. The Tim Tebow era is over, and John Brantley did not impress. The UF offense committed eight fumbles. EIGHT!!!! Exchanges from center to quarterback, and quarterback to running back looked questionable, at best. Jeff Demps showed much of the promise from last season. The junior ripped off a 72 yard score and totaled 98 yards for the game. Brantley went 17/25 for 113 yards and looked uncomfortable taking snaps and looking off defenders. It is quite obvious that the Gators are in a rebuilding year, but after the way they played against Miami (OH), they are going to struggle through SEC play this year.
Fourth. GO BIG BLUE!!! Michigan made Rich Rod proud on Saturday, and Denard Robinson proved that he is the answer to Michigan's prayers. Robinson had 387 yard of total offense with almost 200 yards rushing. The Big House was packed in what could possibly be Rodriguez's last season in the maize and blue. Michigan and their coaching staff answered their critics in a 30-10 drubbing of the UCONN Huskies which bought Rich Rodriguez time to prove that this is what he has been working towards.
Fifth. The feel good story of the college football season has got to be Mark Herzlich. After being named ACC defensive player of the year in 2008, he missed all of last season with bone cancer. He vowed he would return to the field and made good on his promise on Saturday. With very few dry eyes in the stadium, Herzlich recorded 3 solo tackles and seemed to be back to his old way, instilling fear into the hearts of the visiting Weber State Wildcats. Way to go, #94!
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
Thursday, September 2, 2010
September 2nd
College football season has finally arrived! Tonight sees action from four AP Top 25 teams.
-#2 Ohio State Buckeyes v. Marshall Thundering Herd-- Marshall travels to Columbus, OH to take on Jim "The Vest" Tressel, Heisman hopeful Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes in what should be an easy start to the season for Ohio State. Key words "should be." That last time these two teams played was in 2004 where Ohio State won a nail-biter 24-21. Shouldn't be the case this year as many experts such as Mel Kiper, Jr. and Kirk Herbstreit have picked The Buckeyes to represent the Big Ten in the National Championship game. My prediction is Ohio State picks up and easy win to open the season.
-#13 Miami Hurricanes v. Florida A&M Rattlers-- Another cake walk game for a top 25 team in the opening week. Jacory Harris and the 'Canes look to squash any thoughts of FAMU upset. Harris, a preseason Heisman darkhorse, came into his own last season passig for over 3,300 yards and 24 touchdowns. If he can keep his interceptions down, Miami will get their BCS bid. Miami won't have a problem in this one.
-#14 USC Trojans v. Hawaii Warriors-- The Trojans travel to Hawaii for what should be a glorified scrimmage. Lane Kiffin makes his USC debut surrounded by many questions. Kiffin was the Trojans wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator from 2001-06 before he left to coach the Oakland Raiders. Hawaii has never been the same since their glory days with June Jones and Colt Brennen. USC walks all over the Warriors.
-#15 Pittsburgh Panthers v. Utah Utes-- One of the more intriguing games of opening week is Pitt vs. Utah. Utah is entering a rebuilding year and Pitt is on the up and up, but something tells me that this game will be closer than some may think. Utah as won 17 straight games at Rice-Eccled and will not go down without a fight. On the flip-side, Pitt boasts on the top preseason rushing attacks led by Dion Lewis who had a stellar 2009 season with almost 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns. Pitt will inevitably win this game, but not without a fight from the Utes.
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
-#2 Ohio State Buckeyes v. Marshall Thundering Herd-- Marshall travels to Columbus, OH to take on Jim "The Vest" Tressel, Heisman hopeful Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes in what should be an easy start to the season for Ohio State. Key words "should be." That last time these two teams played was in 2004 where Ohio State won a nail-biter 24-21. Shouldn't be the case this year as many experts such as Mel Kiper, Jr. and Kirk Herbstreit have picked The Buckeyes to represent the Big Ten in the National Championship game. My prediction is Ohio State picks up and easy win to open the season.
-#13 Miami Hurricanes v. Florida A&M Rattlers-- Another cake walk game for a top 25 team in the opening week. Jacory Harris and the 'Canes look to squash any thoughts of FAMU upset. Harris, a preseason Heisman darkhorse, came into his own last season passig for over 3,300 yards and 24 touchdowns. If he can keep his interceptions down, Miami will get their BCS bid. Miami won't have a problem in this one.
-#14 USC Trojans v. Hawaii Warriors-- The Trojans travel to Hawaii for what should be a glorified scrimmage. Lane Kiffin makes his USC debut surrounded by many questions. Kiffin was the Trojans wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator from 2001-06 before he left to coach the Oakland Raiders. Hawaii has never been the same since their glory days with June Jones and Colt Brennen. USC walks all over the Warriors.
-#15 Pittsburgh Panthers v. Utah Utes-- One of the more intriguing games of opening week is Pitt vs. Utah. Utah is entering a rebuilding year and Pitt is on the up and up, but something tells me that this game will be closer than some may think. Utah as won 17 straight games at Rice-Eccled and will not go down without a fight. On the flip-side, Pitt boasts on the top preseason rushing attacks led by Dion Lewis who had a stellar 2009 season with almost 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns. Pitt will inevitably win this game, but not without a fight from the Utes.
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Fights, Hot Seats, and Heisman Hopefuls
Don't upset Marlin's pitcher Chris Volstad or throw gas at National's outfielder Nyjer Morgan. With the Marlins up on the reeling Nationals 15-5 in the 5th inning, Volstad, who hit Morgan in the back earlier this week, threw a 91 mph fastball completely behind Morgan. Morgan immediately flung his bat and charged the mound with reckless abandon. He delivered a wild hay-maker with his left but only managed to scrape Volstad's shoulder. Before Volstad could return the blow, Marlin's first baseman, Gaby Sanchez, came out of nowhere to clothesline Morgan. A dog pile ensued and after the may lay, Volstad and Morgan were ejected. The Marlins went onto win the game 16-10.
This is the second time in recent weeks that Nyjer Morgan has had issues with an opposing team. Last week, Morgan threw a ball from the outfield and hit a Phillies fan in the side of the head. Morgan was handed a suspension which he subsequently appealed, but was held out of the following game by manager Jim Riggleman to avoid any potential retaliation against him.
Now onto football...
The sun is rising on the college football season. With play beginning tomorrow, this is one of the more anticipated seasons in recent memory. Here are some top story-lines to watch for during the season:
- D-I Coaches on the hot seat:
Les Miles (LSU)- After another successful recruiting season last year, Miles and the LSU Tigers disappointed the Tiger faithful. The Tiger finished the regular season 9-3, but had one of the worst offensive attacks in the nation with a national ranking below 100 in rushing YPG, passing YPG, total offense and scoring, leading to speculation that Gary Crowton and Les Miles would need a stellar 2010 season to keep their jobs. Look for the Tigers' offensive attack to challenge down field and run more aggressively, as this is essentially a make or break year for LSU's coaching staff. If LSU doesn't to crack the top 20 in the rankings or fails to win a bowl game at year's end, The Hat and Gary Crowton will be cleaning out their desks.
Rich Rodriguez (Michigan)- My how the mighty have fallen. Rich Rod went from being a highly touted coaching genius after many successful seasons at West Virginia with the pistol offense and Pat White, to booed, and shunned in Ann Arbor after failing to notch a winning season at Michigan after he took over from Lloyd Carr. With an offensive scheme that doesn't work in the Big Ten, musical chairs at the quarterback position, fund spending that would make W.'s bailouts look fickle, and not to mention possible sanctions for violating practice time, Rodriguez is on the verge of being booted out of The Big House with nothing to show but bumps, bruises, and a shattered reputation. Rodriguez has yet to name a starting quarterback for the first game of the season against UCONN, whether it is sophomore Tate Forcier, freshman Devin Gardner, red shirt sophomore Jack Kennedy, or fan favorite and ESPN college football analyst, Kirk Herbstreit's, pick to start the season Denard Robinson, it is safe to say the Rich's season hinges on the first half of the season opener.....or if they beat Ohio State.
Lane Kiffin (USC)- Where do I begin with this guy. It seems that wherever he goes, he leaves a program smoldering. While he was unfairly relieved of his coaching duties in Oakland, he left the University of Tennessee waiting at the alter. In what could have been a promising tenure as the Vol's head coach, he bolted for the newly vacated, heavily scrutinized job at USC. After Pete Carroll avoided sanctions from the NCAA for recruiting violations by leaving to coach the Seattle Seahawks, Kiffin brought along his father, Monte Kiffin, and Ed Orgeron to clean house at USC. Kiffin is now being accused of major recruiting violations at Tennessee, adding to the drama being attached to one of the nations most storied programs.
Dan Hawkins (Colorado)- After three straight atrocious seasons for Colorado, Hawkins finally demoted his son, Cody, to second string quarterback in a much anticipated and hoped for move. Colorado showed some promise after Hawkins was benched during the fourth game of last season, the Buffs still finished 3-9. Not much more needed here, but if Coach Hawkins can figure out a way to win eight games this year, he might be packing up and going elsewhere.
Heisman watch-
Jake Locker (Washington)- Two words, "man child." At 6'3", 226 pounds, and a rifle for a right arm, Jake Locker is pure talent. Despite finishing 5-7, Locker led the Huskies to upsets against USC and then ranked #19 Cal at the end of the season. Look for Locker to be in New York at the Heisman trophy presentation come early 2011.
Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State)- Some teammates call him "flash." If you've ever seen this guy tear up a football field, you know why. Boasting sub 4.3 speed and the ability to change direction with such profound ease, Ferrari is now considering employing him as an engineer (kidding), he is the pride of Corvallis and Beaver fans are confident he can lead the to a Rose Bowl berth after OSU was denied by Oregon last season in the "Civil War."
Terelle Pryor (Ohio State)- I think everyone in the country is waiting for this guy to break out. Last season showed my promise for the upcoming season as he and the rest of the Ohio State Buckeyes demolished the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl. Keep in mind Pryor played with a partially torn knee ligament. He is a virtual lock to be in New York as a nominee to win the Heisman.
Case Keenum (Houston)- No one is more deserving of the title of "gunslinger" than this guy. 2009 National Quarterback Trophy recipient, Keenum finished the season with 48 touchdowns and 5800 total yards. He led the Cougars to an upset win over then #5 Oklahoma State, he and the Cougars faltered in the final two games of the season, losing 38-32 to C-USA rival, ECU, and being romped by Air Force 47-20 in the Armed Forces Bowl. Keenum returns with many key components to a potent offense this year, so look for it to be business as usual for Keenum as he begins his ascent into college football's elite.
Mark Ingram (Alabama)- What happens when a freight train meets an frightened opposing free safety? Just watch Mark Ingram's game film from his Heisman Trophy winning season last year and you'll know. Ingram doesn't posses the shiftiness of other running backs in college football, but he can hit a defense in the mouth better than anyone else. Ingram's return will be delayed this season as he had an arthroscopic procedure done on his knee earlier this week. ESPN's Chris Low reports that Nick Saban believes that this will not hurt Ingram's season and will take his recovery one week at a time. This might damage his ability to repeat as Heisman Trophy winner, but if the SEC defensive coordinators haven't found a way to stop this guy, then he might run over everyone en route to another Heisman Trophy. (See Chris Low's report here: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5519681)
Noel Devine (West Virginia)- Quite possibly the one thing that Rich Rodriguez didn't ruin when he left West Virginia is Noel Devine. This guy has flown under the radar most of his career and has never gotten much love from the Heisman voters, but in his three seasons at WVU he has rushed for over 3000 yards and 23 scores with career highs in rushing and scoring last year (1465 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. This guy will get his due this season as he will be sitting in between Jake Locker and Terrelle Pryor in Noe York come 2011.
Who Dat
-Kenny "Mo"
This is the second time in recent weeks that Nyjer Morgan has had issues with an opposing team. Last week, Morgan threw a ball from the outfield and hit a Phillies fan in the side of the head. Morgan was handed a suspension which he subsequently appealed, but was held out of the following game by manager Jim Riggleman to avoid any potential retaliation against him.
Now onto football...
The sun is rising on the college football season. With play beginning tomorrow, this is one of the more anticipated seasons in recent memory. Here are some top story-lines to watch for during the season:
- D-I Coaches on the hot seat:
Les Miles (LSU)- After another successful recruiting season last year, Miles and the LSU Tigers disappointed the Tiger faithful. The Tiger finished the regular season 9-3, but had one of the worst offensive attacks in the nation with a national ranking below 100 in rushing YPG, passing YPG, total offense and scoring, leading to speculation that Gary Crowton and Les Miles would need a stellar 2010 season to keep their jobs. Look for the Tigers' offensive attack to challenge down field and run more aggressively, as this is essentially a make or break year for LSU's coaching staff. If LSU doesn't to crack the top 20 in the rankings or fails to win a bowl game at year's end, The Hat and Gary Crowton will be cleaning out their desks.
Rich Rodriguez (Michigan)- My how the mighty have fallen. Rich Rod went from being a highly touted coaching genius after many successful seasons at West Virginia with the pistol offense and Pat White, to booed, and shunned in Ann Arbor after failing to notch a winning season at Michigan after he took over from Lloyd Carr. With an offensive scheme that doesn't work in the Big Ten, musical chairs at the quarterback position, fund spending that would make W.'s bailouts look fickle, and not to mention possible sanctions for violating practice time, Rodriguez is on the verge of being booted out of The Big House with nothing to show but bumps, bruises, and a shattered reputation. Rodriguez has yet to name a starting quarterback for the first game of the season against UCONN, whether it is sophomore Tate Forcier, freshman Devin Gardner, red shirt sophomore Jack Kennedy, or fan favorite and ESPN college football analyst, Kirk Herbstreit's, pick to start the season Denard Robinson, it is safe to say the Rich's season hinges on the first half of the season opener.....or if they beat Ohio State.
Lane Kiffin (USC)- Where do I begin with this guy. It seems that wherever he goes, he leaves a program smoldering. While he was unfairly relieved of his coaching duties in Oakland, he left the University of Tennessee waiting at the alter. In what could have been a promising tenure as the Vol's head coach, he bolted for the newly vacated, heavily scrutinized job at USC. After Pete Carroll avoided sanctions from the NCAA for recruiting violations by leaving to coach the Seattle Seahawks, Kiffin brought along his father, Monte Kiffin, and Ed Orgeron to clean house at USC. Kiffin is now being accused of major recruiting violations at Tennessee, adding to the drama being attached to one of the nations most storied programs.
Dan Hawkins (Colorado)- After three straight atrocious seasons for Colorado, Hawkins finally demoted his son, Cody, to second string quarterback in a much anticipated and hoped for move. Colorado showed some promise after Hawkins was benched during the fourth game of last season, the Buffs still finished 3-9. Not much more needed here, but if Coach Hawkins can figure out a way to win eight games this year, he might be packing up and going elsewhere.
Heisman watch-
Jake Locker (Washington)- Two words, "man child." At 6'3", 226 pounds, and a rifle for a right arm, Jake Locker is pure talent. Despite finishing 5-7, Locker led the Huskies to upsets against USC and then ranked #19 Cal at the end of the season. Look for Locker to be in New York at the Heisman trophy presentation come early 2011.
Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State)- Some teammates call him "flash." If you've ever seen this guy tear up a football field, you know why. Boasting sub 4.3 speed and the ability to change direction with such profound ease, Ferrari is now considering employing him as an engineer (kidding), he is the pride of Corvallis and Beaver fans are confident he can lead the to a Rose Bowl berth after OSU was denied by Oregon last season in the "Civil War."
Terelle Pryor (Ohio State)- I think everyone in the country is waiting for this guy to break out. Last season showed my promise for the upcoming season as he and the rest of the Ohio State Buckeyes demolished the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl. Keep in mind Pryor played with a partially torn knee ligament. He is a virtual lock to be in New York as a nominee to win the Heisman.
Case Keenum (Houston)- No one is more deserving of the title of "gunslinger" than this guy. 2009 National Quarterback Trophy recipient, Keenum finished the season with 48 touchdowns and 5800 total yards. He led the Cougars to an upset win over then #5 Oklahoma State, he and the Cougars faltered in the final two games of the season, losing 38-32 to C-USA rival, ECU, and being romped by Air Force 47-20 in the Armed Forces Bowl. Keenum returns with many key components to a potent offense this year, so look for it to be business as usual for Keenum as he begins his ascent into college football's elite.
Mark Ingram (Alabama)- What happens when a freight train meets an frightened opposing free safety? Just watch Mark Ingram's game film from his Heisman Trophy winning season last year and you'll know. Ingram doesn't posses the shiftiness of other running backs in college football, but he can hit a defense in the mouth better than anyone else. Ingram's return will be delayed this season as he had an arthroscopic procedure done on his knee earlier this week. ESPN's Chris Low reports that Nick Saban believes that this will not hurt Ingram's season and will take his recovery one week at a time. This might damage his ability to repeat as Heisman Trophy winner, but if the SEC defensive coordinators haven't found a way to stop this guy, then he might run over everyone en route to another Heisman Trophy. (See Chris Low's report here: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5519681)
Noel Devine (West Virginia)- Quite possibly the one thing that Rich Rodriguez didn't ruin when he left West Virginia is Noel Devine. This guy has flown under the radar most of his career and has never gotten much love from the Heisman voters, but in his three seasons at WVU he has rushed for over 3000 yards and 23 scores with career highs in rushing and scoring last year (1465 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. This guy will get his due this season as he will be sitting in between Jake Locker and Terrelle Pryor in Noe York come 2011.
Who Dat
-Kenny "Mo"
Welcome to Mo's Sports Blog
Hello everybody. I am Kenny Morris, or "Mo" to my friends. I grew up in Louisiana about 15 minutes outside of New Orleans, and as that might suggest I live, eat, and breathe Saints football. I am a Red Sox fan from birth as my great-great uncle, Joe Cicero, played for the Red Sox with the likes of Ted Williams and Bobby Doerr. I would like to welcome you to my sports blog. Every week, sometimes more than once, I will give my opinion on upcoming sporting events. As the college football and NFL seasons draw near, I will highlight player and team match-ups, injury reports, fantasy impact, and game analysis with expert opinions from ESPN.com, SI.com, and Fanhouse.com. I will also cover the remainder of the baseball season with analysis from the Baseball Tonight crew on ESPN.
Please leave your comments on how I can improve my blog and make it more enjoyable for you the reader.
Thank you for visiting, and I hope you enjoy the upcoming football season, and remainder of the baseball season.
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
Please leave your comments on how I can improve my blog and make it more enjoyable for you the reader.
Thank you for visiting, and I hope you enjoy the upcoming football season, and remainder of the baseball season.
WHO DAT
-Kenny "Mo"
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