So I thought it would be fun to rank the weeks of the college football season from best to worst and boy was I wrong. Three hours later, my list is ok. Essentially weeks 1 and 2 (in the rankings) are interchangeable. Weeks 3 through 9 as well. I hope you all enjoy:
1. October 6th
Maybe I'm biased in this one, but October 6th features what figures to be the marquee regular season game between LSU and Florida in Baton Rouge. If you think that place won't be rocking at 8pm that night you're crazy. Also, the greatest neutral site game takes place as Texas and OU battle for Big XII south supremacy. Throw in undercards Georgia vs. Tennessee and Notre Dame vs. UCLA you have potential for a great day of college football.
Sleeper game: Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma State: Two teams possibly fighting for an outside chance at a division title, the high flying Cowboy offense matches up with the ground and pound Aggies.
2. September 8th
Maybe the best non-conference showdown of the season happens when Virginia Tech travels to Baton Rouge (common theme in my rankings) to play LSU.
Winner has an inside track towards a national title game run. Also the most intriguing David vs. Goliath game of the year happens when TCU invades
Austin. This game has potentially a bigger impact than Boise State beating Oklahoma for the mid majors. Frog fans have hats, t-shirts, adult diapers (kidding) printed up
saying "Beat Texas" they beat OU in a down year a couple of years ago and they could make a BCS run with a win over Texas. Other interesting games include
Michigan/Oregon, Miami/OU, Notre Dame/Penn State, Wake Forrest/Nebraska.
Sleeper Games: NC State at Boston College: Tom O'Brien left BC for Tobacco Road, something tells me the Eagles are looking forward to this one.
South Florida at Auburn: People are predicting a down year for the Tigers and a breakthrough for the Bulls this one could be REALLLLLY interesting
or over by halftime.
3. September 1st
Ok, so maybe the slate of games isn't as good as in other weeks, but it's OPENING DAY! And unlike another sport where you have to wait 5 months to find out your team really does stink even though they started well, faded in June, made a big trade at first base, but have no starters and a worn out bullpen (this isn't referring to anyone specifically), in college football your fortunes for the season are known much sooner. Cal looks to return the beat down Tennessee put on them last year, Oklahoma State looks to prove they are legitimate against Georgia, The world awaits to see who Charlie Weis annoints QB while Georgia Tech fans are happy to see someone, anyone, at QB other than Reggie Ball. Wake Forest looks to prove they are legitimate against a team that should challenge them for divisional dominance in BC. And the weekend ends with Miami fans thrilled they get to watch Clemson play an ugly game on Labor Day against Florida State rather than them.
4. November 10th
If USC is going to lose many feel like it will happen when they go to Berkely to face Cal. The winner of Michigan and Wisconsin will probably win the Big 10, ditto West Virginia and Louisville. So you have three possible conference title games there. Virginia Tech/FSU might be a preview of the ACC title game. And you have SEC grudge matches,Florida against South Carolina and Georgia against Tennessee.
5. November 24th
Ah yes, not only the week of Turkey, but the week of rivalries! Texas looks to get revenge on Texas A&M who won in Austin last year, perhaps the best interstate rivalry in college football the Iron Bowl. Georgia Tech could beat Georgia now that Reggie "0-4" Ball is gone, Florida/FSU battle, as do Darren McFadden and LSU. Perhaps the best game of the weekend happens Friday when last year's post season darling Boise State travels to the islands to face this year's potential darling Hawaii.
6. October 20th
The last time USC went to South Bend the greatest regular season game in the history of sports played between mankind (or so ESPN said) it ended in The Bush Push, an early pre-cursor that showed Reggie Bush particpates in deviant behavior. Maybe Touchdown Hay-sus will have something magical working. If anyone in the SEC West can beat LSU it's Auburn, though it doesn't seem likely. Miami and FSU renew one of the better rivalries in college football. Cal and UCLA jockey for position if by some miracle USC doesn't romp through the Pac-10. And the one rivalry that has nothing to do with what happens on the field takes place when Phil Fulmer, probably the most hated man in Alabama brings his Volunteers to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama.
7. September 18th
Nebraska has been one the premier program in college football over the past half century. Ever since getting beat down by Colorado in the Big 12 title game and Miami in the national title game in 2001 the Huskers have struggled. They have been slowly rebuilding the program so their game in Lincoln on this night is perhaps the biggest regular season games in the programs history. Everyone I know who has been to Lincoln says it is a magical place when the Huskers play so perhaps the Huskers can pull a shocker. If that's not enough to entice you, hows about the best rivalry in the SEC East, Tennessee and Florida? Or Notre Dame Michigan? Undercard includes Georgia Tech and BC fighting for divisional position and Arkansas and Alabama trying to make a statement.
8. October 27th
The week begins on Thursday as Boston College runs into the buzzsaw that is Virginia Tech at home on a Thursday night, it still could be a preview of the ACC title game. A personal favorite of mine happens this weekend as Georgia will probably lose its 34th of 36 game to Florida (ok it only feels like it's been that many). Nebraska heads to Texas where the Horns usually own the Huskers. Last year's most exciting regular season contest took place in Piscataway when Rutgers beat Louisville, the State University of New Jersey will try to recapture that magic against West Virginia. Ohio State and Penn State could be a good one, but it's overshadowed by the other games.
9. November 3rd
One of the most anticipated games of the season takes place as LSU takes on old coach Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa, Bama should be rocking. Possible division deciding games between Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech and FSU and BC also adds some intrigue. Texas/Ok State is usually a good one as is Texas A&M and Oklahoma. Oregon State looks to be on the bad end of a beatdown from USC for last year's upset.
10. September 29th
Only two marquee games on this day, but both should be good and both take place in the Sunshine State. After blowing it big time last year against Arkansas, Auburn rebounded to serve Florida with its only loss in 2006. The Gators want revenge in the swamp no doubt. The other game is a non conference game in Jacksonville. Two proud programs looking to return to glory battle as Alabama takes on FSU. Tickets sold out ridiculously quickly for this game and the attendance will probably set a stadium record.
11. November 17th
Only one real marquee game, but it's probably the most anticipated rivalry game in the nation, that's right, Temple and Syracuse. No, of course it's Michigan and Ohio State. Big Blue could be in line for a national title shot and the Buckeyes would love nothing more than to ruin those plans. If Lloyd Carr loses to the Buckeyes again, could his job be in jeopardy? The only othe intriguing game is Virginia Tech and Miami. Usually it's a good one, but will Miami be good enough to hang with the Hokies?
12. October 13th
After the football heaven that will be the week prior to this, this week is devoid of big games, but there are some solid ones. Last year Florida State lost 6 games, five of them by a touchdown or less. The one real embarassment came when Wake Forest shellacked them by 30 in Tallahasee. Now the 'Noles go to Winston-Salem looking for revenge. Speaking of revenge, Auburn was supposed to contend for a national title last season but that ended when Darren McFadden exploded on to the national scene in a big win over Auburn, now the Tigers want revenge. Penn State looks to end a potential dream season for Wisconsin and Texas A&M and Texas Tech showdown in a heated, but usually inconsequential rivalry. Told you there wasn't a lot going on.
13. December 1st
The last week of the season lacks many big time games. USC will probably get revenge for last year over UCLA to make it to the BCS Title game. Louisville will probaby get revenge over Rutgers to possibly make a BCS game. Oregon and Oregon State will play an intense rivalry game few outside the pacific northwest will care about. Hawaii plays Washington in a game that might have BCS implications for the Warriors.
14. September 22nd
Peeeeeee-yew, what a stinker of a week. Look, I have respect for Miami and nothing but contempt for Texas A&M (oh wait, you are supposed to say something nice before the BUT, oh well) BUT when the best match up is between two teams whose best case scenario is MAYBE making a run at a conference title, you're in trouble. It should be an interesting game. A&M is going to try to run on a fierce run defense. The rest of the schedule is bleak. Penn State could play spoiler to a Michigan national title run, but the game is in Ann Arbor. Iowa could play spoiler to a conference title run for Wisconsin, but the game is in Madison. Georgia should play an interesting game with Alabama, but that game lacks any major implications. If Arizona is going to be a surprise team in the Pac-10 they could get a boost by winning at Cal. I'm really reaching here folks.
So there you have it, if your old lady wants you to spend time with her on a Saturday tell her that September 22nd is best day for you unless you are a die hard fan of the team mentioned above. If not, tell her that you're busy every other week with what should be a great season of college football.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Who's Number 3?
Tad chimes in with something way more brilliant than I could ever come up with:
For the people that simply enjoy professional sports and are uninterested in the despicable off-the-field actions that have been taking place in the NBA, NFL and MLB, we applaud you. You understand that nothing is above the game, and that’s why I want to answer a question I have been hearing from a lot of you in the past few weeks:
Is Barry Bonds the greatest American sports hero of the past 20 years, or is it Michael Jordan?
Now, we’re all well aware that the greatest sports hero is Hedo Turkoglu at No. 1, with Alexander Ovechkin placing second. But who is third, and best of all, the greatest American? I broke it down into five factors. You be the judge.
TOPIC 1: STATISTICS
Both Bonds and Jordan have plenty to be proud of. Jordan holds the record for most seasons leading the league in scoring with 10, was a record nine-time All-Defensive First Team selection and holds the single season NBA Finals scoring record with 41.0 points per game in 1993. But Bonds has the overall home run record of 760-plus, along with the single season record of 73. And when Jordan tried to play baseball in 1994, he only ended up with three home runs – IN THE MINOR LEAGUES! Bonds destroyed that, and was also smart enough not to attempt a basketball career.
Advantage: Bonds
TOPIC 2: IMPACT
This one isn’t as close as I would like it to be. As great as Bonds has been, there are plenty of people in line to snatch the spotlight when he leaves, and it is also worth noting that there has not been a back-to-back World Series winner in the Majors since the Yankees won three from 1998-2000, keeping fans intrigued for the postseason. When Jordan left the Bulls, there was never a single player who genuinely took the spotlight – and kept it. And we then had to deal with the L.A. Lakers dynasty (champs from 2000-2002), the San Antonio Spurs “dynasty” (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007) and some crappy guy named Michael Jordan playing for the Washington Wizards for two years. The NBA will never be the same.
Advantage: Jordan
TOPIC 3: THE NUMBER 3
If you’re going to be the No. 3 sports hero of the past 20 years, you have to at least have some sort of coincidences with the No. 3. It’s a given. Jordan was born in 1963. He was picked No. 3 in the NBA Draft. His jersey was #23. He was a three-time NBA Finals MVP. His career scoring average is 30.1. He won six NBA titles, and six divided by two is three. Yes, I am counting that. He retired three times. As a baseball player, he hit three home runs. Bonds? 73 home runs in 2001, and 43 years old. That’s pretty much it, and that’s terrible karma.
Advantage: Jordan
TOPIC 4: ENTERTAINMENT VALUE
Jordan will always be remembered for his Gatorade and Nike commercials, along with making appearances on Saturday Night Live. And let’s not forget his 1996 film “Space Jam,” which, for whatever reason, was snubbed at the Oscars. Still, it has been really funny watching Bonds’ head grow so large, and he also did a HILARIOUS impersonation of Paula Abdul for an American Idol spoof that the Giants did in spring training. The aforementioned facts make them tied, so Jordan’s homoerotic Hanes commercials with Kevin Bacon ultimately serve as the tie-breaker, giving the slight edge to Bonds.
Advantage: Bonds
TOPIC 5: CRIMINAL ACCUSATIONS
Jordan LOVES gambling, so much so that some people believe his original leave from the NBA was actually a silent suspension from his gambling. He is often found in social situations playing poker and hanging out with Tim Donaghy. As for Bonds, he is accused of being a steroid user. It’s certainly brought him success with the home run records, seven MVP awards and 14 All-Star selections. So who wins? Since neither athlete will be genuinely punished, it all comes down to the aftermath of their alleged addictions. Jordan, at best, will make even more money by gambling. At worst, he’ll lose a few million dollars and just make a Hanes commercial with Kevin Bacon to get it all back. Barry will lose his testicles. Man, that’s just … man.
Advantage: Jordan
So there you have it: Jordan barely wins for greatest American sports hero of the past 20 years. Still, if we decide to have this debate in 2024, Bonds will win easily since Jordan retired in 2003. What a wacky world of sports we live in! LOL!
For the people that simply enjoy professional sports and are uninterested in the despicable off-the-field actions that have been taking place in the NBA, NFL and MLB, we applaud you. You understand that nothing is above the game, and that’s why I want to answer a question I have been hearing from a lot of you in the past few weeks:
Is Barry Bonds the greatest American sports hero of the past 20 years, or is it Michael Jordan?
Now, we’re all well aware that the greatest sports hero is Hedo Turkoglu at No. 1, with Alexander Ovechkin placing second. But who is third, and best of all, the greatest American? I broke it down into five factors. You be the judge.
TOPIC 1: STATISTICS
Both Bonds and Jordan have plenty to be proud of. Jordan holds the record for most seasons leading the league in scoring with 10, was a record nine-time All-Defensive First Team selection and holds the single season NBA Finals scoring record with 41.0 points per game in 1993. But Bonds has the overall home run record of 760-plus, along with the single season record of 73. And when Jordan tried to play baseball in 1994, he only ended up with three home runs – IN THE MINOR LEAGUES! Bonds destroyed that, and was also smart enough not to attempt a basketball career.
Advantage: Bonds
TOPIC 2: IMPACT
This one isn’t as close as I would like it to be. As great as Bonds has been, there are plenty of people in line to snatch the spotlight when he leaves, and it is also worth noting that there has not been a back-to-back World Series winner in the Majors since the Yankees won three from 1998-2000, keeping fans intrigued for the postseason. When Jordan left the Bulls, there was never a single player who genuinely took the spotlight – and kept it. And we then had to deal with the L.A. Lakers dynasty (champs from 2000-2002), the San Antonio Spurs “dynasty” (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007) and some crappy guy named Michael Jordan playing for the Washington Wizards for two years. The NBA will never be the same.
Advantage: Jordan
TOPIC 3: THE NUMBER 3
If you’re going to be the No. 3 sports hero of the past 20 years, you have to at least have some sort of coincidences with the No. 3. It’s a given. Jordan was born in 1963. He was picked No. 3 in the NBA Draft. His jersey was #23. He was a three-time NBA Finals MVP. His career scoring average is 30.1. He won six NBA titles, and six divided by two is three. Yes, I am counting that. He retired three times. As a baseball player, he hit three home runs. Bonds? 73 home runs in 2001, and 43 years old. That’s pretty much it, and that’s terrible karma.
Advantage: Jordan
TOPIC 4: ENTERTAINMENT VALUE
Jordan will always be remembered for his Gatorade and Nike commercials, along with making appearances on Saturday Night Live. And let’s not forget his 1996 film “Space Jam,” which, for whatever reason, was snubbed at the Oscars. Still, it has been really funny watching Bonds’ head grow so large, and he also did a HILARIOUS impersonation of Paula Abdul for an American Idol spoof that the Giants did in spring training. The aforementioned facts make them tied, so Jordan’s homoerotic Hanes commercials with Kevin Bacon ultimately serve as the tie-breaker, giving the slight edge to Bonds.
Advantage: Bonds
TOPIC 5: CRIMINAL ACCUSATIONS
Jordan LOVES gambling, so much so that some people believe his original leave from the NBA was actually a silent suspension from his gambling. He is often found in social situations playing poker and hanging out with Tim Donaghy. As for Bonds, he is accused of being a steroid user. It’s certainly brought him success with the home run records, seven MVP awards and 14 All-Star selections. So who wins? Since neither athlete will be genuinely punished, it all comes down to the aftermath of their alleged addictions. Jordan, at best, will make even more money by gambling. At worst, he’ll lose a few million dollars and just make a Hanes commercial with Kevin Bacon to get it all back. Barry will lose his testicles. Man, that’s just … man.
Advantage: Jordan
So there you have it: Jordan barely wins for greatest American sports hero of the past 20 years. Still, if we decide to have this debate in 2024, Bonds will win easily since Jordan retired in 2003. What a wacky world of sports we live in! LOL!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
2007 SEC Predictions
So, I'm bored and when I'm bored it's time to blog and time to spend some time making SEC predictions for the upcoming season. I actually charted this out, I didn't just assign an arbitrary win/loss record to each team. So without further ado, here's how the SEC won't shake out this year:
SEC East
Team Overall Record Conference record
Florida 11-1 7-1
Tennessee 9-3 6-2
Georgia 8-4 4-4
South Carolina 7-5 3-5
Kentucky 5-7 2-6
Vanderbilt 5-7 2-6
SEC West
LSU 12-0 8-0
Auburn 10-2 6-2
Alabama 8-4 4-4
Arkansas 8-4 4-4
Miss St 5-7 2-6
Ole Miss 3-9 0-8
SEC Championship game: LSU over Florida
Bowls:
LSU - BCS National Title game
Florida- Sugar
Auburn - Capital One
Tennessee- Outback
Arkansas- Cotton
Georgia- Chik-fil-a
Alabama- Music City
South Carolina- Independence
So there you have it. The Bayou Bengals roll through the SEC on their way to a date with USC in...the Big Easy. Should be good stuff. Even though Florida would lose the conference title game, no way the Sugar Bowl passes up that fan base and the money they'd bring to the city. As for the 8-4s, I put Arkansas in the Cotton since Alabama went more recently and the Chik-fil-a would LOVE having the Dawgs there. Once again, I must remind you, NONE of this has a chance of happening.
SEC East
Team Overall Record Conference record
Florida 11-1 7-1
Tennessee 9-3 6-2
Georgia 8-4 4-4
South Carolina 7-5 3-5
Kentucky 5-7 2-6
Vanderbilt 5-7 2-6
SEC West
LSU 12-0 8-0
Auburn 10-2 6-2
Alabama 8-4 4-4
Arkansas 8-4 4-4
Miss St 5-7 2-6
Ole Miss 3-9 0-8
SEC Championship game: LSU over Florida
Bowls:
LSU - BCS National Title game
Florida- Sugar
Auburn - Capital One
Tennessee- Outback
Arkansas- Cotton
Georgia- Chik-fil-a
Alabama- Music City
South Carolina- Independence
So there you have it. The Bayou Bengals roll through the SEC on their way to a date with USC in...the Big Easy. Should be good stuff. Even though Florida would lose the conference title game, no way the Sugar Bowl passes up that fan base and the money they'd bring to the city. As for the 8-4s, I put Arkansas in the Cotton since Alabama went more recently and the Chik-fil-a would LOVE having the Dawgs there. Once again, I must remind you, NONE of this has a chance of happening.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Random Thoughts from the weekend in sports
Yeah I know there were bigger stories, but we're an Atlanta show so I'll start with the Braves.
- Taking two out of three from a surging Colorado team was big. The first game was a waste because the team was worn out from the 14 inning marathon with Houston on Thursday. Fortunately, no better guy to have on the hill when you need a win than Tim Hudson. If you take out two ninth inning appearances which Huddy shouldn't have been out there (3 runs against Florida, 4 against San Fran) His ERA would be 2.60 if you take out TWO innings. Hudson struggled for a 7 start stretch were he had 5 pretty dreadful starts starting in Boston. If you take those starts out his ERA is about 2.00 exactly. If you take out those starts and those two bad innings, his ERA is 1.50. My point in all of that is for 19 starts Tim Hudson has been the best pitcher in the national league and I don't watch enough Dodgers or Padres games to know exactly, but I'm also willing to bet he's been more valuable to his team than Penny, Peavy or Young. They're off tonight, but they start a big week in NY and Philly. Take two out of three in both series and I'd say it's a good weekend.
Delicious Irony of the week- I love me some tasty irony and it can't get much better than Barry Bonds hitting 755 on Saturday. For the life of me I can't tell you the name of the guy who gave up the historic home run, but I do know this: The guy was suspended 15 games a couple of years ago for, GASP!, a positive steroid test. Irony at its finest, folks.
The real milestone that deserves an asterisk- Alex Rodriguez finally hit home run #500 becoming the youngest player in baseball history to reach that milestone, but for all the talk about Bonds' record being tainted, A-Rod's 500th was tainted as well. Who did A-Rod hit his 5ooth off of? Former Brave Kyle Davies. There honestly should be a provision in the baseball record books stating that any milestone surrendered by Kyle Davies should be stricken from the Record books forever.
Glavine gets his 300th win, people in Atlanta boo- I'm happy for Tommy who got his 300th last night against the Cubs, but it does make me a little sick to see him do it in a Mets uniform. He's still bitter that he gets booed by Braves fans, but you know what Tom? Boo hoo. Braves fans are fiercely loyal to their guys and you were one of our guys but you made the decision to go play for those stinkin' New York Mets. When he retires and comes back to Atlanta, people will once again cheer him as one of our legends...that is unless he pulls the ultimate Judas move and wears a Mets cap in the Hall of Fame.
Clip of the Week- http://youtube.com/watch?v=KBvCrSjpx9I
Australian Skateboarder Jake Brown in the Big Air competition lands a monster 720, but on the second part of the trick falls 4o+ feet onto the ramp. It's disgusting, fortunately his injuries were fairly minor all things considered. I think it's a stupid event that shouldn't be regulated because someone could die. Listen to the announcer who sounds giddy. Not that he's happy he's ok, just because he's cool because he could survive something like that. It's bizarre.
- Taking two out of three from a surging Colorado team was big. The first game was a waste because the team was worn out from the 14 inning marathon with Houston on Thursday. Fortunately, no better guy to have on the hill when you need a win than Tim Hudson. If you take out two ninth inning appearances which Huddy shouldn't have been out there (3 runs against Florida, 4 against San Fran) His ERA would be 2.60 if you take out TWO innings. Hudson struggled for a 7 start stretch were he had 5 pretty dreadful starts starting in Boston. If you take those starts out his ERA is about 2.00 exactly. If you take out those starts and those two bad innings, his ERA is 1.50. My point in all of that is for 19 starts Tim Hudson has been the best pitcher in the national league and I don't watch enough Dodgers or Padres games to know exactly, but I'm also willing to bet he's been more valuable to his team than Penny, Peavy or Young. They're off tonight, but they start a big week in NY and Philly. Take two out of three in both series and I'd say it's a good weekend.
Delicious Irony of the week- I love me some tasty irony and it can't get much better than Barry Bonds hitting 755 on Saturday. For the life of me I can't tell you the name of the guy who gave up the historic home run, but I do know this: The guy was suspended 15 games a couple of years ago for, GASP!, a positive steroid test. Irony at its finest, folks.
The real milestone that deserves an asterisk- Alex Rodriguez finally hit home run #500 becoming the youngest player in baseball history to reach that milestone, but for all the talk about Bonds' record being tainted, A-Rod's 500th was tainted as well. Who did A-Rod hit his 5ooth off of? Former Brave Kyle Davies. There honestly should be a provision in the baseball record books stating that any milestone surrendered by Kyle Davies should be stricken from the Record books forever.
Glavine gets his 300th win, people in Atlanta boo- I'm happy for Tommy who got his 300th last night against the Cubs, but it does make me a little sick to see him do it in a Mets uniform. He's still bitter that he gets booed by Braves fans, but you know what Tom? Boo hoo. Braves fans are fiercely loyal to their guys and you were one of our guys but you made the decision to go play for those stinkin' New York Mets. When he retires and comes back to Atlanta, people will once again cheer him as one of our legends...that is unless he pulls the ultimate Judas move and wears a Mets cap in the Hall of Fame.
Clip of the Week- http://youtube.com/watch?v=KBvCrSjpx9I
Australian Skateboarder Jake Brown in the Big Air competition lands a monster 720, but on the second part of the trick falls 4o+ feet onto the ramp. It's disgusting, fortunately his injuries were fairly minor all things considered. I think it's a stupid event that shouldn't be regulated because someone could die. Listen to the announcer who sounds giddy. Not that he's happy he's ok, just because he's cool because he could survive something like that. It's bizarre.
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