As the wind blows past the windows, a look at what is up in sports....
- Drew Brees once again lit up another opposing defense Monday night in the Saints' 49-24 win over the Giants. Brees threw for five touchdowns and amassed enough fantasy points where I lost my matchup. Brees and company get the Lions Sunday night, Brees may throw for another five scores there.
- The Jaguars fired Jack Del Rio this morning, ending his 9-year run in Jacksonville. The Jags are 3-8 this season with rookie QB Blaine Gabbert at the helm. It will take time for Gabbert to mature as a quarterback it may seem since the only light is Maurice Jones-Drew right now.
- The firing line continues in the NHL as Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice got the boot for the second time from the team. Kirk Muller assumes control in Carolina. A good, solid NHL player and now we shall see how he is as a coach.
- Can you play quarterback? Give a call to the Houston Texans today. The Texans lost Matt Leinart Sunday and had to go to 3rd-string QB T.J. Yates in their win this week. It appears Kellen Clemens, who was signed when Matt Schaub was lost for the season, will have to start this week against the Falcons. Houston is 8-3 and well on the way to a division title for the first time in team history and are going to have to ride Arian Foster if they want to go anywhere in the playoffs.
- Fox Sports is reporting today that the Cubs are going after Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. Obviously, they are not signing both.....or are they? The report states the Cubs like Pujols more because of his defense. Why not put Pujols at 3B, where he started his career, and have Fielder at first? Pipe dream for Cubs fans but why not dream when you haven't won a World Series in a LONG time.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Welcome in to the Manager's Hut
So today, a new feature will debut but more later....now a look at what is happening.
- So the BCS title game will be LSU-Alabama unless something beyond unreal happens. While I don't like rematches from the regular season, it's very obvious these are the two best teams. Let them go at it.
- So the Packers improved to 11-0 Thursday with their win over the Lions...no one beats this team in the regular season, could a 19-0 season be upcoming? Wouldn't be a long trip to the Super Bowl either for their fans.
- NBA finally has got their act together and came to an agreement. The fans were getting restless and they couldn't risk losing anymore games after Christmas. Going to be a very busy sports day for Chicago fans now with the Bulls followed by the Bears. Sounds like a perfect day for the Windy City.
- Some hockey news as the Washington Capitals fired Coach Bruce Boudreau...I discussed this a while back after his benching of Alex Ovechkin. Sounds like Ovechkin won that one.
- Sources say this morning Urban Meyer will take over at Ohio State. The Buckeye fans can't be happy with this past season so this move will please Columbus. Now if he can get the Big 10 (isn't it 12) back to national championship contention.
- It appears Tebow Tim (e) is here to stay in Denver after another Broncos win, this time in San Diego. Can this team actually make the playoffs? It's starting to look more and more like a real possibility.
- Monday Night Football tonight with the Giants in New Orleans to face the Saints. This won't be a low-scoring game to say the least as both teams have offenses that can go up and down the field. Thinking New Orleans gets this win 38-31.
Coming soon will be my daily commentary, working out some bugs with that but that is next. Until then, enjoy the day.
- So the BCS title game will be LSU-Alabama unless something beyond unreal happens. While I don't like rematches from the regular season, it's very obvious these are the two best teams. Let them go at it.
- So the Packers improved to 11-0 Thursday with their win over the Lions...no one beats this team in the regular season, could a 19-0 season be upcoming? Wouldn't be a long trip to the Super Bowl either for their fans.
- NBA finally has got their act together and came to an agreement. The fans were getting restless and they couldn't risk losing anymore games after Christmas. Going to be a very busy sports day for Chicago fans now with the Bulls followed by the Bears. Sounds like a perfect day for the Windy City.
- Some hockey news as the Washington Capitals fired Coach Bruce Boudreau...I discussed this a while back after his benching of Alex Ovechkin. Sounds like Ovechkin won that one.
- Sources say this morning Urban Meyer will take over at Ohio State. The Buckeye fans can't be happy with this past season so this move will please Columbus. Now if he can get the Big 10 (isn't it 12) back to national championship contention.
- It appears Tebow Tim (e) is here to stay in Denver after another Broncos win, this time in San Diego. Can this team actually make the playoffs? It's starting to look more and more like a real possibility.
- Monday Night Football tonight with the Giants in New Orleans to face the Saints. This won't be a low-scoring game to say the least as both teams have offenses that can go up and down the field. Thinking New Orleans gets this win 38-31.
Coming soon will be my daily commentary, working out some bugs with that but that is next. Until then, enjoy the day.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Deep Thoughts with....
As we prepare for Thanksgiving during this my last post until Monday, I give you some things to think about...
- Lions will beat the Packers Thursday. It has happened before to a 10-0 Packer team in Detroit for the holiday. History repeats itself.
- LSU wins in OT over Arkansas. The Tigers finish the regular season strong on their march to New Orleans...not a long march but a march.
- Auburn beats Alabama. Begin the BCS mess, who will play LSU in this scenario? Who knows...
- I encourage you to use the ESPN Playoff Machine, pick every game the rest of the season to figure out what the playoff matchups will be. Fun times.
- We got a new labor agreement in MLB. Hope you took notes, NBA.
Now I go to eat and watch football.....great thoughts coming Monday.
- Lions will beat the Packers Thursday. It has happened before to a 10-0 Packer team in Detroit for the holiday. History repeats itself.
- LSU wins in OT over Arkansas. The Tigers finish the regular season strong on their march to New Orleans...not a long march but a march.
- Auburn beats Alabama. Begin the BCS mess, who will play LSU in this scenario? Who knows...
- I encourage you to use the ESPN Playoff Machine, pick every game the rest of the season to figure out what the playoff matchups will be. Fun times.
- We got a new labor agreement in MLB. Hope you took notes, NBA.
Now I go to eat and watch football.....great thoughts coming Monday.
Sports in my mind
- Is Arizona starting a new trend by posting who they hire on Twitter? The Wildcats announced the hiring of Rich Rodriguez on their Twitter account. I know the internet is big but come on now...
- Interesting move by the Rangers to sign Joe Nathan. This will move Neftali Feliz to the starting rotation. Feliz I don't believe will ever recover from his one strike away from the title blowup in the World Series. It is best to move him now, maybe he can get his head back on straight.
- So Justin Verlander is named the AL MVP along with the Cy Young, first time in a long time for that honor. Did he deserve it? Yes and no. There is an award for pitchers in the Cy Young, the MVP should be for position players. Was it a great year for him, no doubt so congrats on the award big guy. You made Detroit proud.
- Also, make sure those fantasy lineups are set before you sit down to eat Thursday....last weeks of the regular season for most and needing a win is always key.
- Interesting move by the Rangers to sign Joe Nathan. This will move Neftali Feliz to the starting rotation. Feliz I don't believe will ever recover from his one strike away from the title blowup in the World Series. It is best to move him now, maybe he can get his head back on straight.
- So Justin Verlander is named the AL MVP along with the Cy Young, first time in a long time for that honor. Did he deserve it? Yes and no. There is an award for pitchers in the Cy Young, the MVP should be for position players. Was it a great year for him, no doubt so congrats on the award big guy. You made Detroit proud.
- Also, make sure those fantasy lineups are set before you sit down to eat Thursday....last weeks of the regular season for most and needing a win is always key.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Injure, Injure
Sounds like another week of NFL injuries...if you were unlucky enough to have Fred Jackson, Adrian Peterson and Matt Hasselbeck all in your fantasy lineup, it was not your day. Peterson appears to be the most serious and as of this writing, the MRI was negative on his ankle. Jackson left with a leg injury while Hasselbeck departing with an elbow injury.
Jay Cutler broke his thumb on his throwing hand and reports say he will miss 6-8 weeks. This dooms the Bears and their chances to do much the rest of the season. While Chicago is 7-3 now, 9-7 seems very likely now with Caleb Hanie at the controls.
New BCS Standings are out and the SEC has the top 3 teams with LSU, Alabama and Arkansas in that order. You got LSU-Arkansas Friday afternoon to decide a WHOLE lot with this along with the Iron Bowl Saturday.
It's Thanksgiving week which means live sports on each day this week, starting Monday with the Maui Invitational. Enjoy this week, the more sports the better....don't forget family though.
Jay Cutler broke his thumb on his throwing hand and reports say he will miss 6-8 weeks. This dooms the Bears and their chances to do much the rest of the season. While Chicago is 7-3 now, 9-7 seems very likely now with Caleb Hanie at the controls.
New BCS Standings are out and the SEC has the top 3 teams with LSU, Alabama and Arkansas in that order. You got LSU-Arkansas Friday afternoon to decide a WHOLE lot with this along with the Iron Bowl Saturday.
It's Thanksgiving week which means live sports on each day this week, starting Monday with the Maui Invitational. Enjoy this week, the more sports the better....don't forget family though.
Upset Weekend
It was a wild weekend to say the least in college football as the No. 2, 4 and 5-ranked teams in the BCS Standings all lost. Now the whole BCS is thrown for a loop and it is looking more and more likely than we are going to see a LSU-Alabama rematch. The first game was epic for defense but do we really need another matchup of that?
The real fun comes in if Arkansas beats LSU Friday afternoon. Then more chaos because the only undefeated team could potentially be Houston and we all know there is no way the BCS will put Houston in the title game......right? Don't the Cougars deserve a shot at this if there are the only undefeated team left? Otherwise, you are left with a champion with at least one loss on the year.
Go get me a 8-team playoff. The bowl season lasts long enough and has too many mediocre 6-6 teams in there. Let's play this out to next season with some dates....play the quarterfinals on Sat., Dec. 22 with the semifinals on New Year's Day and the title game on Monday, Jan. 7. Why can't this work? Saturday's top 5 losses show the need there is for one.
The real fun comes in if Arkansas beats LSU Friday afternoon. Then more chaos because the only undefeated team could potentially be Houston and we all know there is no way the BCS will put Houston in the title game......right? Don't the Cougars deserve a shot at this if there are the only undefeated team left? Otherwise, you are left with a champion with at least one loss on the year.
Go get me a 8-team playoff. The bowl season lasts long enough and has too many mediocre 6-6 teams in there. Let's play this out to next season with some dates....play the quarterfinals on Sat., Dec. 22 with the semifinals on New Year's Day and the title game on Monday, Jan. 7. Why can't this work? Saturday's top 5 losses show the need there is for one.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Getting Ready for an NFL Sunday
Time for Week 11 in the NFL to continue after Denver's win over the Jets on Thursday night. Got to love Thursday night games, huh? Maybe we can have games every week on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Make every week last forever. Things to look forward on Sunday...
1. No Vick for Philly. The Eagles QB has been ruled out along with WR Jeremy Maclin for Sunday night's game at the Giants. This is a huge blow for a Philadelphia team that needs a win and several in a row to have any chance to make the playoffs. Vince Young starts for Vick and while he can be the right-handed Vick at times, he needs to be the Vince Young of Rose Bowl glory.
2. More injuries as McFadden also out for Oakland. A lot of stars have missed games this season and that includes Darren McFadden who will sit again. Start Michael Bush in your fantasy league, he's on a roll.
3. Why so many early games? The whole schedule Sunday afternoon except for 3 games are scheduled for noon. Better watch the games early and go do something else later.
Now sit back and relax....
1. No Vick for Philly. The Eagles QB has been ruled out along with WR Jeremy Maclin for Sunday night's game at the Giants. This is a huge blow for a Philadelphia team that needs a win and several in a row to have any chance to make the playoffs. Vince Young starts for Vick and while he can be the right-handed Vick at times, he needs to be the Vince Young of Rose Bowl glory.
2. More injuries as McFadden also out for Oakland. A lot of stars have missed games this season and that includes Darren McFadden who will sit again. Start Michael Bush in your fantasy league, he's on a roll.
3. Why so many early games? The whole schedule Sunday afternoon except for 3 games are scheduled for noon. Better watch the games early and go do something else later.
Now sit back and relax....
Friday, November 18, 2011
Cubs make their hire
Friday morning brought a new regime for the fans at Clark and Addison as Dale Sveum was hired to take over an organization that needs all the help they can get. Cubs fans need to hope that Sveum comes in and does what needs to be done which would be the following.....
1. Sign Prince Fielder. A lot of Cubs fans want this and while the odds are this are slim to none, it is something that needs to be done to replace the power lost from Aramis Ramirez. He plays a solid first base and plays everyday, which is a huge positive. This should be priority 1 now that Sveum is the manager.
2. Trade Alfonso Soriano. Yes, it's a lot of money but send him to Houston to be their new DH for 2013. Let's Move On.
3. Keep Carlos Zambrano.....until he blows up again. This is the new plan for Theo and Sveum, keeping Big Z under control. He has one year left on his contract and if he has a brain, he will keep his mouth shut with the new guys in town. If he blows again though, trade him away.
Easy 3-step plan, maybe the fans on the North Side have something to cheer about again in 2012
1. Sign Prince Fielder. A lot of Cubs fans want this and while the odds are this are slim to none, it is something that needs to be done to replace the power lost from Aramis Ramirez. He plays a solid first base and plays everyday, which is a huge positive. This should be priority 1 now that Sveum is the manager.
2. Trade Alfonso Soriano. Yes, it's a lot of money but send him to Houston to be their new DH for 2013. Let's Move On.
3. Keep Carlos Zambrano.....until he blows up again. This is the new plan for Theo and Sveum, keeping Big Z under control. He has one year left on his contract and if he has a brain, he will keep his mouth shut with the new guys in town. If he blows again though, trade him away.
Easy 3-step plan, maybe the fans on the North Side have something to cheer about again in 2012
MLB Realignment
With the announcement that the Houston Astros will move to the AL West in 2013, made me think that we need to just rip up the divisions we have now and start again. To begin, we need to decide if the DH is going to go all over or go away completely. I would prefer it to just go away, let the 9 on the field bat and not just have someone sit there all game to just hit but I go on. Also, we need new conference names and get the NL and AL out of there. I give you two suggestions on how to realign, one out of the box way and one smarter way. Let's begin with the smart plan with the wacky conference names....
Plan #1: The Geographic Plan
Mountain Landis Conference
California Division: Giants, Athletics, Padres, Dodgers, Angels
This is the easiest one to do, grouping the five teams in California together and you get the battle of LA and the Bay Battle multiple times per season
Western Division: Diamondbacks, Rangers, Astros, Mariners, Rockies
Obviously here, a group of random Western teams but you get the battle of Texas with it. You can also call it the three time zone division.
Southeast Division: Nationals, Orioles, Braves, Rays, Marlins
The Mid-Atlantic going down the coast are here. Battle of Washington, battle of Florida. It works.
Peter Ueberroth Conference
North Division: Twins, Brewers, Tigers, Cubs, White Sox
Boy the snow is this division will be epic...natural rivals are all over with Cubs/Sox, Cubs/Brewers, Brewers/Twins, Tigers/Sox. I love the thought of these teams together.
Midwest Division: Royals, Cardinals, Indians, Reds, Pirates
A group together in the Lower Midwest working north into Ohio. You get Royals/Cardinals for Missouri and Reds/Indians for Ohio. Throw in Pittsburgh for being close to the other four.
Northeast Division: Blue Jays, Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Phillies
Yes, a murderer's row of teams here but if we are going with geographics, this is the best plan.
Plan #2: The Civil War Agenda
In this plan, it is North and South with no divisions.....
North: Mariners, Twins, Brewers, Tigers, Blue Jays, Cubs, White Sox, Indians, Pirates, Giants, Athletics, Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Phillies.
South: Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Rockies, Royals, Cardinals, Braves, Rays, Marlins, Nationals, Orioles, Reds, Rangers, Astros, Diamondbacks.
So pass on what you think....
Plan #1: The Geographic Plan
Mountain Landis Conference
California Division: Giants, Athletics, Padres, Dodgers, Angels
This is the easiest one to do, grouping the five teams in California together and you get the battle of LA and the Bay Battle multiple times per season
Western Division: Diamondbacks, Rangers, Astros, Mariners, Rockies
Obviously here, a group of random Western teams but you get the battle of Texas with it. You can also call it the three time zone division.
Southeast Division: Nationals, Orioles, Braves, Rays, Marlins
The Mid-Atlantic going down the coast are here. Battle of Washington, battle of Florida. It works.
Peter Ueberroth Conference
North Division: Twins, Brewers, Tigers, Cubs, White Sox
Boy the snow is this division will be epic...natural rivals are all over with Cubs/Sox, Cubs/Brewers, Brewers/Twins, Tigers/Sox. I love the thought of these teams together.
Midwest Division: Royals, Cardinals, Indians, Reds, Pirates
A group together in the Lower Midwest working north into Ohio. You get Royals/Cardinals for Missouri and Reds/Indians for Ohio. Throw in Pittsburgh for being close to the other four.
Northeast Division: Blue Jays, Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Phillies
Yes, a murderer's row of teams here but if we are going with geographics, this is the best plan.
Plan #2: The Civil War Agenda
In this plan, it is North and South with no divisions.....
North: Mariners, Twins, Brewers, Tigers, Blue Jays, Cubs, White Sox, Indians, Pirates, Giants, Athletics, Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Phillies.
South: Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Rockies, Royals, Cardinals, Braves, Rays, Marlins, Nationals, Orioles, Reds, Rangers, Astros, Diamondbacks.
So pass on what you think....
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
A short break from action.....
This blog will return on Friday as I have new things I'm considering for you to read. Be patient, tell your friends....I'll return Friday morning.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Weekend Reflections: Nov. 14
A weekend of NFL and college football has passed along with all the other sports, here are six thoughts in my brain....
- What on earth were the Falcons doing going on 4th down on their own 30 in overtime?!? Atlanta doesn't get the first down and the Saints were able to make an easy field goal to win the game. This loss will haunt the Falcons, book it.
- Let's give it up for the Bears D and special teams. Two touchdowns on interceptions plus yet another Devin Hester punt return touchdown. If you had Chicago in your fantasy league, I think you are in great shape this week. This is a completely different team since they lost in Detroit five weeks ago and proved it in stomping the Lions on the lakefront.
- How sad is it to lose a game when the opposing quarterback completes just two passes...that's what happened to the Chiefs as Tim Tebow only had two completions but still the Broncos won the game. KC is so up and down, it can make your head spin. Their division hopes are probably done.
- How about TCU? They go into Boise and upset the fifth-ranked Broncos to end any hopes Boise State had of a national championship berth. TCU lost Andy Dalton to graduation but is still close to the same strong team from last season. Now what non-BCS school gets in? I'll go with Houston and their very high-flying passing game.
- Speaking of the BCS, the new standings are out with LSU firmly at No. 1 and Oklahoma State firmly at No. 2. I don't see LSU having any problems finishing their regular season undefeated along with a win in the SEC Title Game. I think Okla. St. has one major hurdle left and that's a date with their in-state rivals on Dec. 3. The winner of that game just might be LSU's opponent.
- Hopefully you got a chance to see the Carrier Classic Friday night on the USS Carl Vinson. It was a sight to behold, watching a basketball game on an aircraft carrier. Games like that get more people involved in the sport it seems but where else can they play? Comment about it.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Texans RB Arian Foster
Foster ran for 84 yards and a touchdown along with adding four catches for 102 yards and a score as Houston improved to 7-3 on the season with 37-9 win over Tampa Bay.
Matchup to Watch: Vikings at Packers, 7:30 p.m. (CT), ESPN
Green Bay looks to stay undefeated against one of their biggest rivals in the NFC North. I would see any problems for Aaron Rodgers and company. Here's a prediction as well...The Pack win 35-17.
This Date in History: Nov. 14, 1943
We go way back for this one....Bears QB Sid Luckman throws for a record seven touchdowns and records the first 400-yard passing game in NFL history in a 56-7 win over the New York Giants. Luckman threw for 433 yards on that afternoon.
- What on earth were the Falcons doing going on 4th down on their own 30 in overtime?!? Atlanta doesn't get the first down and the Saints were able to make an easy field goal to win the game. This loss will haunt the Falcons, book it.
- Let's give it up for the Bears D and special teams. Two touchdowns on interceptions plus yet another Devin Hester punt return touchdown. If you had Chicago in your fantasy league, I think you are in great shape this week. This is a completely different team since they lost in Detroit five weeks ago and proved it in stomping the Lions on the lakefront.
- How sad is it to lose a game when the opposing quarterback completes just two passes...that's what happened to the Chiefs as Tim Tebow only had two completions but still the Broncos won the game. KC is so up and down, it can make your head spin. Their division hopes are probably done.
- How about TCU? They go into Boise and upset the fifth-ranked Broncos to end any hopes Boise State had of a national championship berth. TCU lost Andy Dalton to graduation but is still close to the same strong team from last season. Now what non-BCS school gets in? I'll go with Houston and their very high-flying passing game.
- Speaking of the BCS, the new standings are out with LSU firmly at No. 1 and Oklahoma State firmly at No. 2. I don't see LSU having any problems finishing their regular season undefeated along with a win in the SEC Title Game. I think Okla. St. has one major hurdle left and that's a date with their in-state rivals on Dec. 3. The winner of that game just might be LSU's opponent.
- Hopefully you got a chance to see the Carrier Classic Friday night on the USS Carl Vinson. It was a sight to behold, watching a basketball game on an aircraft carrier. Games like that get more people involved in the sport it seems but where else can they play? Comment about it.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Texans RB Arian Foster
Foster ran for 84 yards and a touchdown along with adding four catches for 102 yards and a score as Houston improved to 7-3 on the season with 37-9 win over Tampa Bay.
Matchup to Watch: Vikings at Packers, 7:30 p.m. (CT), ESPN
Green Bay looks to stay undefeated against one of their biggest rivals in the NFC North. I would see any problems for Aaron Rodgers and company. Here's a prediction as well...The Pack win 35-17.
This Date in History: Nov. 14, 1943
We go way back for this one....Bears QB Sid Luckman throws for a record seven touchdowns and records the first 400-yard passing game in NFL history in a 56-7 win over the New York Giants. Luckman threw for 433 yards on that afternoon.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday NFL Selections
Final day of the weekend, here's six NFL predictions for you to watch for...
- Saints d. Falcons. Big NFC South matchup to see who gets control. I can see Drew Brees throwing for over 275 with 3 TDs. Give me New Orleans 24-20.
- Steelers d. Bengals. Cincy has been on a roll, winning five straight but run into a team that is trying to stay alive in the AFC North race. Ball control wins this for Pittsburgh, 20-13.
- Bucs d. Texans. A fun interconference battle as Houston tries to keep their lead in the AFC South but Tampa has been playing well with Freeman and Blount. Tampa Bay wins 31-28.
- 49ers d. Giants. Is this game in 1990? Haven't seen both teams this good playing in a long time. Jim Harbaugh has brought instant credibility and will lead San Fran to another win, 23-13.
- Bears d. Lions. The Windy City will live up to its name with winds expected to be 25-35 MPH. Very low scoring game due to that and the fact Chicago plays outside gives them this game, 10-6.
- Patriots d. Jets. Sunday night in the Big Apple. Jets tried to go all ground game last time around and it didn't work. This could be an up-and-down battle but I think New England wins 35-24.
Fantasy Player of the Day: TCU QB Casey Pachall
Pachall threw for 473 yards and five TDs as the Horned Frogs ended the 35-game home winning streak for Boise State in a 36-35 upset win over the fifth-ranked Broncos.
Matchup to Watch: Giants at 49ers, 3:15 p.m. (CT), Fox
A battle of two teams with a combined 13-3 record out on the West Coast. The New York passing game against the San Francisco running attack. A treat for anyone for one of the few late games Sunday
This Date in History: Nov. 13, 1982
Ray Mancini defeats Duk Koo Kim in Las Vegas. Kim would die four days later from his brain injuries from the fight. This would cause major changes in the sport of boxing.
- Saints d. Falcons. Big NFC South matchup to see who gets control. I can see Drew Brees throwing for over 275 with 3 TDs. Give me New Orleans 24-20.
- Steelers d. Bengals. Cincy has been on a roll, winning five straight but run into a team that is trying to stay alive in the AFC North race. Ball control wins this for Pittsburgh, 20-13.
- Bucs d. Texans. A fun interconference battle as Houston tries to keep their lead in the AFC South but Tampa has been playing well with Freeman and Blount. Tampa Bay wins 31-28.
- 49ers d. Giants. Is this game in 1990? Haven't seen both teams this good playing in a long time. Jim Harbaugh has brought instant credibility and will lead San Fran to another win, 23-13.
- Bears d. Lions. The Windy City will live up to its name with winds expected to be 25-35 MPH. Very low scoring game due to that and the fact Chicago plays outside gives them this game, 10-6.
- Patriots d. Jets. Sunday night in the Big Apple. Jets tried to go all ground game last time around and it didn't work. This could be an up-and-down battle but I think New England wins 35-24.
Fantasy Player of the Day: TCU QB Casey Pachall
Pachall threw for 473 yards and five TDs as the Horned Frogs ended the 35-game home winning streak for Boise State in a 36-35 upset win over the fifth-ranked Broncos.
Matchup to Watch: Giants at 49ers, 3:15 p.m. (CT), Fox
A battle of two teams with a combined 13-3 record out on the West Coast. The New York passing game against the San Francisco running attack. A treat for anyone for one of the few late games Sunday
This Date in History: Nov. 13, 1982
Ray Mancini defeats Duk Koo Kim in Las Vegas. Kim would die four days later from his brain injuries from the fight. This would cause major changes in the sport of boxing.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Saturday Selections
You have made it through the week, here's six college football predictions for you...
- Nebraska d. Penn State. Well, this is hard for me to predict but as I said earlier this week.....I don't think the Nittany Lions will be as focused as they need to be for a game like this. Cornhuskers 31-20.
- Auburn d. Georgia. Two ranked SEC teams, shocking huh? An afternoon in between the hedges and the Tigers are going to find a way to win on the road, 21-19.
- Wisconsin d. Minnesota. The Badgers have been rolling most of this season and I don't see any reason why they won't roll past the Gophers. Wisconsin 41-14.
- Stanford d. Oregon. The biggest matchup of the weekend with two Top 10 teams. Andrew Luck will welcome the Ducks and solidify his Heisman run with a 41-35 win.
- Oklahoma St. d. Texas Tech. The Cowboys have their destiny in their own hands to get to the BCS Title Game. This will be a close game but Okla. St. wins 38-34.
- Missouri d. Texas. This is the upset special....Texas has been running the ball very well in recent weeks but the Tigers should get their leading runner back. Missouri wins 27-20.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Kentucky F Anthony Davis
Davis scored 23 points and 10 rebounds in 23 minutes as the Wildcats won their season-opener 109-59 over Marist.
Matchup to Watch: Oregon at Stanford, 7 p.m. (CT), ABC
The fourth-ranked Cardinal host the seventh-ranked Ducks in a game that will decide the Pac-12 North and unless something changes, a spot in the Pac-12 Championship Game and possibly a trip to the Rose Bowl.
This Date in History: Nov. 12, 1920
91 years ago, Kenesaw Mountain Landis was named the first baseball commissioner ever. Landis agreed to take the job for seven years at $50,000 a year but ended up doing the job for 24 years until his death in 1944. Landis will be best remembered for the lifetime bans given to the "Black Sox" who threw the 1919 World Series.
- Nebraska d. Penn State. Well, this is hard for me to predict but as I said earlier this week.....I don't think the Nittany Lions will be as focused as they need to be for a game like this. Cornhuskers 31-20.
- Auburn d. Georgia. Two ranked SEC teams, shocking huh? An afternoon in between the hedges and the Tigers are going to find a way to win on the road, 21-19.
- Wisconsin d. Minnesota. The Badgers have been rolling most of this season and I don't see any reason why they won't roll past the Gophers. Wisconsin 41-14.
- Stanford d. Oregon. The biggest matchup of the weekend with two Top 10 teams. Andrew Luck will welcome the Ducks and solidify his Heisman run with a 41-35 win.
- Oklahoma St. d. Texas Tech. The Cowboys have their destiny in their own hands to get to the BCS Title Game. This will be a close game but Okla. St. wins 38-34.
- Missouri d. Texas. This is the upset special....Texas has been running the ball very well in recent weeks but the Tigers should get their leading runner back. Missouri wins 27-20.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Kentucky F Anthony Davis
Davis scored 23 points and 10 rebounds in 23 minutes as the Wildcats won their season-opener 109-59 over Marist.
Matchup to Watch: Oregon at Stanford, 7 p.m. (CT), ABC
The fourth-ranked Cardinal host the seventh-ranked Ducks in a game that will decide the Pac-12 North and unless something changes, a spot in the Pac-12 Championship Game and possibly a trip to the Rose Bowl.
This Date in History: Nov. 12, 1920
91 years ago, Kenesaw Mountain Landis was named the first baseball commissioner ever. Landis agreed to take the job for seven years at $50,000 a year but ended up doing the job for 24 years until his death in 1944. Landis will be best remembered for the lifetime bans given to the "Black Sox" who threw the 1919 World Series.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Fantasy Five-Pack Friday
The weekend is here, here are the five burning questions in my mind....
- How will this week's events affect Penn State's football team against Nebraska? This could go either way, the players say they are playing for Joe Paterno but how on earth can they focus after everything that has went down.
- Can Andrew Luck clinch the Heisman with a big performance against Oregon? Luck is going to be the No. 1 pick in the draft and can cement his Stanford legacy with a strong game Saturday night. If Luck plays anywhere near his normal self, just call off the ceremony and mail the trophy to Palo Alto.
- Is this going to be the weekend the NBA lockout ends? I know I've been saying that this is going to last a long time, my gut though is telling me the possibility of something happening is here. Let's wait and see if that actually happens though.
- How will basketball on an aircraft carrier look? The answer to that comes Friday night with North Carolina taking on Michigan State on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson in San Diego. Let's all hope for no wind to affect the ball or the ship and no rain.
- How many more free agents are the Marlins going to bring in? Albert Pujols, Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle. It's obvious now that a big splash is coming in Miami. Pujols isn't going to Miami but I can see Reyes going there. If this all blows up, a new stadium isn't going to help.
- Well, it seems I still can't predict anything as the Raiders opened Week 10 of the NFL season with a 24-17 win over the Chargers.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Oakland RB Michael Bush
Bush ran 30 times for 157 yards and a touchdown along with three catches for 85 yards as the Raiders went on the road for a 24-17 win.
Matchup to Watch: North Carolina vs. Michigan State, 6 p.m. (CT), ESPN
The top-ranked Tarheels begin the 2011-12 season with a game against the Spartans. Will be fun to see a game on an aircraft carrier.
This Date in History: Nov. 11, 1946
The New York Knickerbockers play their first game at Madison Square Garden. 65 years later, it is looked at a mecca for basketball still.
- How will this week's events affect Penn State's football team against Nebraska? This could go either way, the players say they are playing for Joe Paterno but how on earth can they focus after everything that has went down.
- Can Andrew Luck clinch the Heisman with a big performance against Oregon? Luck is going to be the No. 1 pick in the draft and can cement his Stanford legacy with a strong game Saturday night. If Luck plays anywhere near his normal self, just call off the ceremony and mail the trophy to Palo Alto.
- Is this going to be the weekend the NBA lockout ends? I know I've been saying that this is going to last a long time, my gut though is telling me the possibility of something happening is here. Let's wait and see if that actually happens though.
- How will basketball on an aircraft carrier look? The answer to that comes Friday night with North Carolina taking on Michigan State on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson in San Diego. Let's all hope for no wind to affect the ball or the ship and no rain.
- How many more free agents are the Marlins going to bring in? Albert Pujols, Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle. It's obvious now that a big splash is coming in Miami. Pujols isn't going to Miami but I can see Reyes going there. If this all blows up, a new stadium isn't going to help.
- Well, it seems I still can't predict anything as the Raiders opened Week 10 of the NFL season with a 24-17 win over the Chargers.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Oakland RB Michael Bush
Bush ran 30 times for 157 yards and a touchdown along with three catches for 85 yards as the Raiders went on the road for a 24-17 win.
Matchup to Watch: North Carolina vs. Michigan State, 6 p.m. (CT), ESPN
The top-ranked Tarheels begin the 2011-12 season with a game against the Spartans. Will be fun to see a game on an aircraft carrier.
This Date in History: Nov. 11, 1946
The New York Knickerbockers play their first game at Madison Square Garden. 65 years later, it is looked at a mecca for basketball still.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Steamrolling toward the weekend
Thursday and we have a LOT to discuss so let's get started....
- I've discussed Penn State the last two days and it gets worse each moment. Joe Paterno has been fired by the board of trustees and now the students are going nuts. Those students are going to learn a valuable life lesson when they get older. Read the grand jury report before you draw your own conclusions but after reading it myself, it's sick, disturbing and makes me ill. If any player wants to go there now after 15+ years of cover-ups, words can't explain why you would want to be associated with that.
- Now that Paterno has been fired, a new coach is needed in Happy Valley. Who would want this job though right now? You need to be a complete saint who has had nothing ever against you at this point. Why do I get this feeling we will hear Urban Meyer's name brought up? Yes he has been successful at Utah and Florida but I don't see him taking the job.
- On a much better note, let's discuss Toledo football. The Rockets have scored 126 points the last two weeks and given up the same number in going 1-1. Okay, if I'm the scoreboard operator, my fingers hurt and I want a raise. Next, love the offense but is the defense spending too much time at Tony Panko's and not enough on the practice field? Fix it, or the Glass Bowl will break.
- Sounds like the Florida...sorry Miami Marlins want to make a huge splash going into their new stadium. Jose Reyes took a tour Wednesday and Mark Buehrle has made a trip to visit his old manager as well. So if the Marlins sign Reyes, where does Hanley Ramirez go? 3rd base? 2nd base? Traded? I guess only time will tell on this but this may wake Ramirez up.
- The NBA lockout continues but at least the sides are talking, which I guess is good. Doesn't mean things are going to change but maybe if they talk, a deal can be done. I stick by my prediction of no basketball until sometime in the 2012-13 season.
- NFL Week 10 starts tonight with the Raiders traveling to San Diego to play the Chargers. Oakland is banged up in the running game with no Darren McFadden and the Chargers are coming off a shootout with the Packers. With that reasoning, I figure San Diego wins 27-10.
Fantasy Players of the Day: The Penn State Board of Trustees
Finally, a smart decision from State College, PA. Now the job of rebuilding and getting to the bottom of this whole mess can truly begin. Clean house and start new. Well done, you did what you had to do.
Matchup to Watch: Raiders at Chargers, 7:20 p.m. (CT), NFL Network
Thursday night football! Whee! Start your weekend early with this AFC West matchup.
This Date in History: Nov. 10, 1996
Dan Marino becomes the first quarterback to top 50,000 passing yards in a 37-13 win over the Colts. Marino's record has been broken by Brett Favre but Marino is still one of the top quarterbacks to ever play the game.
- I've discussed Penn State the last two days and it gets worse each moment. Joe Paterno has been fired by the board of trustees and now the students are going nuts. Those students are going to learn a valuable life lesson when they get older. Read the grand jury report before you draw your own conclusions but after reading it myself, it's sick, disturbing and makes me ill. If any player wants to go there now after 15+ years of cover-ups, words can't explain why you would want to be associated with that.
- Now that Paterno has been fired, a new coach is needed in Happy Valley. Who would want this job though right now? You need to be a complete saint who has had nothing ever against you at this point. Why do I get this feeling we will hear Urban Meyer's name brought up? Yes he has been successful at Utah and Florida but I don't see him taking the job.
- On a much better note, let's discuss Toledo football. The Rockets have scored 126 points the last two weeks and given up the same number in going 1-1. Okay, if I'm the scoreboard operator, my fingers hurt and I want a raise. Next, love the offense but is the defense spending too much time at Tony Panko's and not enough on the practice field? Fix it, or the Glass Bowl will break.
- Sounds like the Florida...sorry Miami Marlins want to make a huge splash going into their new stadium. Jose Reyes took a tour Wednesday and Mark Buehrle has made a trip to visit his old manager as well. So if the Marlins sign Reyes, where does Hanley Ramirez go? 3rd base? 2nd base? Traded? I guess only time will tell on this but this may wake Ramirez up.
- The NBA lockout continues but at least the sides are talking, which I guess is good. Doesn't mean things are going to change but maybe if they talk, a deal can be done. I stick by my prediction of no basketball until sometime in the 2012-13 season.
- NFL Week 10 starts tonight with the Raiders traveling to San Diego to play the Chargers. Oakland is banged up in the running game with no Darren McFadden and the Chargers are coming off a shootout with the Packers. With that reasoning, I figure San Diego wins 27-10.
Fantasy Players of the Day: The Penn State Board of Trustees
Finally, a smart decision from State College, PA. Now the job of rebuilding and getting to the bottom of this whole mess can truly begin. Clean house and start new. Well done, you did what you had to do.
Matchup to Watch: Raiders at Chargers, 7:20 p.m. (CT), NFL Network
Thursday night football! Whee! Start your weekend early with this AFC West matchup.
This Date in History: Nov. 10, 1996
Dan Marino becomes the first quarterback to top 50,000 passing yards in a 37-13 win over the Colts. Marino's record has been broken by Brett Favre but Marino is still one of the top quarterbacks to ever play the game.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Midweek Report
We have made it to Wednesday, busy times in sports. Let's dive in...
- The Penn State situation seems to get worse and worse by the moment. I've watched a lot of coverage on this and it is going to have to be a clean sweep of everyone involved with the program since 1999. The ship is sinking in Happy Valley and the bottom of the ocean is a long way down.
- The Kansas City Royals appear to want to be competitive in 2012 I guess. Now GM Dayton Moore is discussing trading for Cubs P Carlos Zambrano. If the Cubs can get a prospect and will pay over $10 million of Big Z's 17 million contract for 2012, move him along with KC.
- I guess the Bengals didn't need Carson Palmer after all as rookie Andy Dalton has led Cincy to five straight wins and a 6-2 record going into Sunday's matchup with the Steelers. There are some great matchups this week in the NFL but we'll discuss that as the weekend approaches.
- The World Series of Poker finished Tuesday night with ESPN showing it live or almost live with a 15-minute delay. Is this the future of poker? I don't know if you can find enough people willing to sit for 6-7 hours straight waiting for that special hand to happen.
- Speaking of ESPN, the time has come to get rid of four of their people. When the folks in Bristol decide to help us from having to listen to Chris Berman, Stuart Scott, Colin Cowherd and Skip Bayless, the world will be a better place. The names from Berman and the "cool as the other side of the pillow" from Scott must leave. Cowherd and Bayless are just two loudmouths who would be great to have on a show together on ESPN5 at about 4AM.
- My predictions went 7-6 this week with a 1-1 mark on the upset specials. Ummm.....got some work to do there.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Red Wings F Johan Franzen
Franzen scored three times as Detroit took home a 5-2 win over Colorado. The Red Wings have now won two straight after losing six in a row.
Matchup to Watch: Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 6:30 p.m. (CT), Versus
The sports schedule is light on a Wednesday with no NBA so enjoy the Flyers and Lightning get it on. Philly leads the NHL in goals scored this season while Tampa looks for their first five-game home winning streak since 2007-08.
This Date in History: Nov. 9, 1961
50 years ago today, the PGA ended their "caucasians only" rule. This opened the door for players like Charlie Sifford, Lee Elder and eventually Tiger Woods.
- The Penn State situation seems to get worse and worse by the moment. I've watched a lot of coverage on this and it is going to have to be a clean sweep of everyone involved with the program since 1999. The ship is sinking in Happy Valley and the bottom of the ocean is a long way down.
- The Kansas City Royals appear to want to be competitive in 2012 I guess. Now GM Dayton Moore is discussing trading for Cubs P Carlos Zambrano. If the Cubs can get a prospect and will pay over $10 million of Big Z's 17 million contract for 2012, move him along with KC.
- I guess the Bengals didn't need Carson Palmer after all as rookie Andy Dalton has led Cincy to five straight wins and a 6-2 record going into Sunday's matchup with the Steelers. There are some great matchups this week in the NFL but we'll discuss that as the weekend approaches.
- The World Series of Poker finished Tuesday night with ESPN showing it live or almost live with a 15-minute delay. Is this the future of poker? I don't know if you can find enough people willing to sit for 6-7 hours straight waiting for that special hand to happen.
- Speaking of ESPN, the time has come to get rid of four of their people. When the folks in Bristol decide to help us from having to listen to Chris Berman, Stuart Scott, Colin Cowherd and Skip Bayless, the world will be a better place. The names from Berman and the "cool as the other side of the pillow" from Scott must leave. Cowherd and Bayless are just two loudmouths who would be great to have on a show together on ESPN5 at about 4AM.
- My predictions went 7-6 this week with a 1-1 mark on the upset specials. Ummm.....got some work to do there.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Red Wings F Johan Franzen
Franzen scored three times as Detroit took home a 5-2 win over Colorado. The Red Wings have now won two straight after losing six in a row.
Matchup to Watch: Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 6:30 p.m. (CT), Versus
The sports schedule is light on a Wednesday with no NBA so enjoy the Flyers and Lightning get it on. Philly leads the NHL in goals scored this season while Tampa looks for their first five-game home winning streak since 2007-08.
This Date in History: Nov. 9, 1961
50 years ago today, the PGA ended their "caucasians only" rule. This opened the door for players like Charlie Sifford, Lee Elder and eventually Tiger Woods.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
It's Tuesday again
The weekend is over officially for the NFL but we'll discuss that shortly....
- It's a very sad situation at Penn State right now with the school's athletic director and vice president both resigned as the underage sex scandal grows bigger. Things were covered up for sure and someone else is going to take the fall for this. Joe Pa will need to go now, a sad way to end a great career if it goes that way.
- It was a bad season for the Minnesota Twins and now GM Bill Smith has taken the fall with his firing Monday and former GM Terry Ryan returns. The Twinkies need the power of Mauer and Morneau to return if this team wants to compete in the AL Central because the teams keep getting better around them.
- We continue baseball with the Royals trading Melky Cabrera to San Fran for pitcher Jonathan Sanchez. This is a great trade for Kansas City, give them 2 more years and watch out. Billy Butler, Eric Hosmer and company are going to win the division by 2014. Too much talent to use or to trade to get better talent.
- Here's the latest on the NBA lockout, it's still happening...no one is talking productively and I'm going to predict this now. The lockout will extend into the 2012-13 season, this is too ugly to even get fixed in a year.
- Now back to the NFL, we finish Week 9 Monday and start Week 10 Thursday night. You get teams with 3 days rest playing each other, that could be interesting or just plain bad. You want Thursday games? Do it every week then. Look at Week 16, there will be games on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. That is also for fantasy football players their championship week, get your Tums ready.
- Sad night in the world of sports as former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier passed away. Frazier gave boxing fans three of the best fights ever against Muhammad Ali. During the day Monday, it was reported that fans were offering parts of their livers to help Frazier with his liver cancer. There is probably a match in the sky right now between Frazier and Joe Louis.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Boston F Nathan Horton
Horton scored twice and had an assist as the Bruins got their third straight win with a 6-2 win against the Islanders.
Matchup to Watch: Northern Illinois at Bowling Green, 7 p.m. (CT), ESPN2
The Huskies racked up 63 points last week in their win over Toledo, now they travel down I-75 to Bowling Green. Can they get to 63 again? Probably not but not much else is on worthwhile.
This Date in History: Nov. 8, 1970
New Orleans Saints kicker Tom Dempsey kicks a NFL-record 63-yard field goal to give the Saints a 19-17 win over the Detroit Lions. Dempsey was born with no toes on his right foot and no fingers on his right hand so Dempsey wore a special square shoe. No one has topped 63 yards since even though the record has been tied twice.
- It's a very sad situation at Penn State right now with the school's athletic director and vice president both resigned as the underage sex scandal grows bigger. Things were covered up for sure and someone else is going to take the fall for this. Joe Pa will need to go now, a sad way to end a great career if it goes that way.
- It was a bad season for the Minnesota Twins and now GM Bill Smith has taken the fall with his firing Monday and former GM Terry Ryan returns. The Twinkies need the power of Mauer and Morneau to return if this team wants to compete in the AL Central because the teams keep getting better around them.
- We continue baseball with the Royals trading Melky Cabrera to San Fran for pitcher Jonathan Sanchez. This is a great trade for Kansas City, give them 2 more years and watch out. Billy Butler, Eric Hosmer and company are going to win the division by 2014. Too much talent to use or to trade to get better talent.
- Here's the latest on the NBA lockout, it's still happening...no one is talking productively and I'm going to predict this now. The lockout will extend into the 2012-13 season, this is too ugly to even get fixed in a year.
- Now back to the NFL, we finish Week 9 Monday and start Week 10 Thursday night. You get teams with 3 days rest playing each other, that could be interesting or just plain bad. You want Thursday games? Do it every week then. Look at Week 16, there will be games on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. That is also for fantasy football players their championship week, get your Tums ready.
- Sad night in the world of sports as former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier passed away. Frazier gave boxing fans three of the best fights ever against Muhammad Ali. During the day Monday, it was reported that fans were offering parts of their livers to help Frazier with his liver cancer. There is probably a match in the sky right now between Frazier and Joe Louis.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Boston F Nathan Horton
Horton scored twice and had an assist as the Bruins got their third straight win with a 6-2 win against the Islanders.
Matchup to Watch: Northern Illinois at Bowling Green, 7 p.m. (CT), ESPN2
The Huskies racked up 63 points last week in their win over Toledo, now they travel down I-75 to Bowling Green. Can they get to 63 again? Probably not but not much else is on worthwhile.
This Date in History: Nov. 8, 1970
New Orleans Saints kicker Tom Dempsey kicks a NFL-record 63-yard field goal to give the Saints a 19-17 win over the Detroit Lions. Dempsey was born with no toes on his right foot and no fingers on his right hand so Dempsey wore a special square shoe. No one has topped 63 yards since even though the record has been tied twice.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Monday Reflections
Here are my thoughts on the weekend gone by....
- What a shootout in San Diego with the Packers and Chargers. 83 points scored, Packers stay undefeated. I don't see anyone knocking them off anytime soon.
- Defense came to play Saturday night with LSU and Alabama. A 9-6 overtime affair won by the Tigers. Don't be shocked if those two head out with a rematch. I don't want that, give a new set of teams a chance like Oklahoma State or Stanford but who knows with the BCS.
- The NBA lockout appears to be coming down to a final showdown. This hasn't been pretty at all and keeps getting worse. I predict the season will be cancelled.
- One big NHL matchup this weekend was Vancouver going to Chicago to face the Blackhawks. The Canucks ended Chicago's season last year and Sunday night smacked around the Hawks again to the tune of 6-2. Hawks got some work to do.
- Jim Thome signed with the Phillies recently and finally Thome may get the World Series ring he richly deserves. He's a guy who signs Halloween candy for kids, he needs a ring.
- Finally a pick for Monday Night Football....Eagles d. Bears. I'm thinking Michael Vick runs through the Chicago defense with at least a touchdown and 80 yds rushing. Give me Philly 24-13.
Fantasy Player of the Day: San Diego WR Vincent Jackson
Jackson had seven catches for 141 yards and three touchdowns for the Chargers Sunday but it wasn't enough in San Diego's 45-38 loss.
Matchup to Watch: Bears at Eagles, 7:30 p.m. (CT), ESPN
A key NFC battle completed Week 9 of the NFL season. The winner will have a key tiebreaker on the other for playoff seedings or just making it at all.
This Date in History: Nov. 7, 1991
A day that no sports fan will forget as Magic Johnson announced he has HIV and retired from the Lakers. The shock is still there 20 years later.
- What a shootout in San Diego with the Packers and Chargers. 83 points scored, Packers stay undefeated. I don't see anyone knocking them off anytime soon.
- Defense came to play Saturday night with LSU and Alabama. A 9-6 overtime affair won by the Tigers. Don't be shocked if those two head out with a rematch. I don't want that, give a new set of teams a chance like Oklahoma State or Stanford but who knows with the BCS.
- The NBA lockout appears to be coming down to a final showdown. This hasn't been pretty at all and keeps getting worse. I predict the season will be cancelled.
- One big NHL matchup this weekend was Vancouver going to Chicago to face the Blackhawks. The Canucks ended Chicago's season last year and Sunday night smacked around the Hawks again to the tune of 6-2. Hawks got some work to do.
- Jim Thome signed with the Phillies recently and finally Thome may get the World Series ring he richly deserves. He's a guy who signs Halloween candy for kids, he needs a ring.
- Finally a pick for Monday Night Football....Eagles d. Bears. I'm thinking Michael Vick runs through the Chicago defense with at least a touchdown and 80 yds rushing. Give me Philly 24-13.
Fantasy Player of the Day: San Diego WR Vincent Jackson
Jackson had seven catches for 141 yards and three touchdowns for the Chargers Sunday but it wasn't enough in San Diego's 45-38 loss.
Matchup to Watch: Bears at Eagles, 7:30 p.m. (CT), ESPN
A key NFC battle completed Week 9 of the NFL season. The winner will have a key tiebreaker on the other for playoff seedings or just making it at all.
This Date in History: Nov. 7, 1991
A day that no sports fan will forget as Magic Johnson announced he has HIV and retired from the Lakers. The shock is still there 20 years later.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Sunday Selections
I gave you six college football picks on Saturday and nailed my upset special of Iowa over Michigan.....today I give you six NFL predictions.
- Steelers over Ravens. Pittsburgh can't be happy with the way the matchup during Week 1 went as Baltimore smacked the Steelers around. Steelers return the favor 21-10.
- Saints over Bucs. New Orleans played one of their worst games in a long time last week in a loss at the Rams. It won't happen again as the Saints win 38-20.
- Jets over Bills. Buffalo has had a magical season so far but the Jets will put a stop to that trend with a 16-13 win.
- Patriots over Giants. With Bradshaw likely out for the Giants, this limits their chances in what will be a high-scoring affair. Brady goes for 400 in a 45-24 win.
- 49ers over Redskins. This has big-time blowout written on it to me. Redskins can't score right now and won't this week either. Give me San Francisco 27-0.
- Chargers over Packers. This is my upset pick, I don't know why I'm picking it either but some reason I sense Rivers goes nuts and San Diego wins 31-27.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden
I brought up Weeden yesterday and goes out to throw for 501 yards with four touchdowns as the third-ranked Cowboys avoided the upset from 14th-ranked Kansas State with a 52-45 win.
Matchup to Watch: Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. (CT), NBC
Be sure you have turned your clock back and watch a brutal rivalry's next act.
This Date in History: Nov. 6, 1995
I've brought up the Ravens twice now, well here is number 3. Art Modell announced on this date that his Cleveland Browns would move to Baltimore. The Ravens have won a Super Bowl since the move and I'm sure Edgar Allen Poe is proud.
- Steelers over Ravens. Pittsburgh can't be happy with the way the matchup during Week 1 went as Baltimore smacked the Steelers around. Steelers return the favor 21-10.
- Saints over Bucs. New Orleans played one of their worst games in a long time last week in a loss at the Rams. It won't happen again as the Saints win 38-20.
- Jets over Bills. Buffalo has had a magical season so far but the Jets will put a stop to that trend with a 16-13 win.
- Patriots over Giants. With Bradshaw likely out for the Giants, this limits their chances in what will be a high-scoring affair. Brady goes for 400 in a 45-24 win.
- 49ers over Redskins. This has big-time blowout written on it to me. Redskins can't score right now and won't this week either. Give me San Francisco 27-0.
- Chargers over Packers. This is my upset pick, I don't know why I'm picking it either but some reason I sense Rivers goes nuts and San Diego wins 31-27.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden
I brought up Weeden yesterday and goes out to throw for 501 yards with four touchdowns as the third-ranked Cowboys avoided the upset from 14th-ranked Kansas State with a 52-45 win.
Matchup to Watch: Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. (CT), NBC
Be sure you have turned your clock back and watch a brutal rivalry's next act.
This Date in History: Nov. 6, 1995
I've brought up the Ravens twice now, well here is number 3. Art Modell announced on this date that his Cleveland Browns would move to Baltimore. The Ravens have won a Super Bowl since the move and I'm sure Edgar Allen Poe is proud.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Saturday Selections
It's the weekend so we will make this nice and easy, six picks for you for Saturday's college football games...
- (2) Alabama d. (1) LSU. The Crimson Tide are at home in what should be a great defensive battle. Give me Alabama 17-13.
- (10) South Carolina d. (8) Arkansas. No, this is not the SEC Pick 'Em Game I promise. I like the Gamecocks here on the road, 27-24.
- (3) Oklahoma St. d. (17) Kansas St. The high-flying Cowboys are flying high with 28 year old QB Brandon Weeden in the saddle and control their own destiny in going to the BCS Title Game. OK St. 37-20.
- (6) Oregon d. Washington. This sounds easy being one team is in the top 10 and the other isn't but this game will be closer than most people think. Ducks 31-28.
- Notre Dame d. Wake Forest. Here come the Irish on the road. They have played well after starting 0-2 and win this game 34-16.
- Iowa d. (13) Michigan. Here's your upset special. The Hawkeyes are coming off a bad loss to a bad Minnesota team and will be angry at home. Iowa 20-14.
Fantasy Player of the Day: USC QB Matt Barkley
Barkley threw a USC-record 6 TD passes Friday night as the Trojans defeated Colorado 42-17 to help USC improve to 7-2 on the season
Matchup to Watch: LSU at Alabama, 7 p.m. (CT), CBS
You must be under a rock if you don't know what this game means. Order the pizza early and get your drinks. Settle in and enjoy.
This Date in Sports History: Nov. 5, 1971
The Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Baltimore Bullets 110-106 to begin their NBA-record 33-game winning streak. The Lakers' streak has never been broken and the Lakers wouldn't lose again until January 9, 1972 at Milwaukee.
- (2) Alabama d. (1) LSU. The Crimson Tide are at home in what should be a great defensive battle. Give me Alabama 17-13.
- (10) South Carolina d. (8) Arkansas. No, this is not the SEC Pick 'Em Game I promise. I like the Gamecocks here on the road, 27-24.
- (3) Oklahoma St. d. (17) Kansas St. The high-flying Cowboys are flying high with 28 year old QB Brandon Weeden in the saddle and control their own destiny in going to the BCS Title Game. OK St. 37-20.
- (6) Oregon d. Washington. This sounds easy being one team is in the top 10 and the other isn't but this game will be closer than most people think. Ducks 31-28.
- Notre Dame d. Wake Forest. Here come the Irish on the road. They have played well after starting 0-2 and win this game 34-16.
- Iowa d. (13) Michigan. Here's your upset special. The Hawkeyes are coming off a bad loss to a bad Minnesota team and will be angry at home. Iowa 20-14.
Fantasy Player of the Day: USC QB Matt Barkley
Barkley threw a USC-record 6 TD passes Friday night as the Trojans defeated Colorado 42-17 to help USC improve to 7-2 on the season
Matchup to Watch: LSU at Alabama, 7 p.m. (CT), CBS
You must be under a rock if you don't know what this game means. Order the pizza early and get your drinks. Settle in and enjoy.
This Date in Sports History: Nov. 5, 1971
The Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Baltimore Bullets 110-106 to begin their NBA-record 33-game winning streak. The Lakers' streak has never been broken and the Lakers wouldn't lose again until January 9, 1972 at Milwaukee.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Fantasy Five-Pack Friday: Nov. 4
It's Friday so today are five burning questions in my head going into the weekend....
-Why do No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama need to play now? This is a matchup that needs to wait until the BCS title game or better yet, maybe a playoff. This should be a great game one way or another, I'll have a prediction for you Saturday morning but if you love college football...this is your game.
- Is it possible we might see a 3-0 NFL game this week? Yes this may just happen with the Cardinals and Rams playing. Both could have backup QBs playing and both have had issues scoring. If this is the game in your area, take a nap instead.
- Will there be a fight in the Ravens-Steelers game Sunday night? Those two teams hate one another and the Steelers are still angry from the beatdown they got from Baltimore in Week 1. Things may get ugly.
- Is any NHL goalie worth $7 million? I guess Nashville's Pekka Rinne is since the Predators just gave him that much for the next seven years. Unless your name is Patrick Roy or Jacques Plante, I don't think so.
- Will the NBA lockout ever end? Sorry kids, we won't see Kobe or D-Rose or anyone else until at least mid-January. This is getting worse each day and have no signs of changing. Better learn to enjoy hockey or college basketball.
- Bonus 6 Thought and Question to the Audience: You got one game to win, who is your coach? Fire away a comment with your answer
Fantasy Player of the Day: Winnipeg G Ondrej Pavelec
Pavelec, who had a 3-4-1 record coming into Thursday's action, made 34 saves for the Jets in shutting out the Islanders 3-0 on the road.
Matchup to Watch: Colorado at Dallas, 7:30 p.m. (CT)
The Avalanche and Stars have combined for a 15-8 record so far this season. Gives you something to watch before Saturday's full slate of college football
This Date in History: Nov. 4, 1994
Chicago's United Center opens, officially closing the Madhouse on Madison at Chicago Stadium. The Bulls beat Charlotte 89-83. The Bulls finished 47-35 that season and some guy named Jordan showed up to play for the team late in the year.
-Why do No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama need to play now? This is a matchup that needs to wait until the BCS title game or better yet, maybe a playoff. This should be a great game one way or another, I'll have a prediction for you Saturday morning but if you love college football...this is your game.
- Is it possible we might see a 3-0 NFL game this week? Yes this may just happen with the Cardinals and Rams playing. Both could have backup QBs playing and both have had issues scoring. If this is the game in your area, take a nap instead.
- Will there be a fight in the Ravens-Steelers game Sunday night? Those two teams hate one another and the Steelers are still angry from the beatdown they got from Baltimore in Week 1. Things may get ugly.
- Is any NHL goalie worth $7 million? I guess Nashville's Pekka Rinne is since the Predators just gave him that much for the next seven years. Unless your name is Patrick Roy or Jacques Plante, I don't think so.
- Will the NBA lockout ever end? Sorry kids, we won't see Kobe or D-Rose or anyone else until at least mid-January. This is getting worse each day and have no signs of changing. Better learn to enjoy hockey or college basketball.
- Bonus 6 Thought and Question to the Audience: You got one game to win, who is your coach? Fire away a comment with your answer
Fantasy Player of the Day: Winnipeg G Ondrej Pavelec
Pavelec, who had a 3-4-1 record coming into Thursday's action, made 34 saves for the Jets in shutting out the Islanders 3-0 on the road.
Matchup to Watch: Colorado at Dallas, 7:30 p.m. (CT)
The Avalanche and Stars have combined for a 15-8 record so far this season. Gives you something to watch before Saturday's full slate of college football
This Date in History: Nov. 4, 1994
Chicago's United Center opens, officially closing the Madhouse on Madison at Chicago Stadium. The Bulls beat Charlotte 89-83. The Bulls finished 47-35 that season and some guy named Jordan showed up to play for the team late in the year.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Thursday, Nov. 3
Here are today's topics.....
- We brought up the Cubs yesterday with the completion of the "Dream Team" front office. Now Theo and company have fired Mike Quade. Theo wants a manager with some major league managing or coaching experience so that leaves Ryne Sandberg out of the mix.....so who will be the next Cubs manager? I'll give you two names that I think it will be. You are looking at either Terry Francona or Dale Sveum. Sveum being the former Brewers legend, let the guessing game begin.
- We shall continue the baseball conversation with these three free agent predictions....Pujols remains in St. Louis, Fielder goes to the Cubs and Aramis Ramirez is a Tiger next season. Pujols is this generation's Stan Musial in St. Louis, he's not leaving. Prince doesn't want to leave the Central and can go just 90 miles down the road and Detroit really needs a 3B. Put Ramirez in there with Cabrera and Martinez and watch out.
- So the Capitals' coaching staff decided that Alex Ovechkin didn't need to be on the ice late in regulation Tuesday night...this move will backfire. Only time will time when.
- The NBA lockout is still going on.....
- NFL season is near at the midpoint, two things are for sure I figure.....The Packers will be the NFC rep in Super Bowl XLI and the No. 1 pick or the "Luck" of the draw will go to Miami. The Dolphins have 1-15 written all over them right now.
- On the draft note, if Indianapolis finishes with the No. 1 pick. I feel very confident San Francisco will be calling to try to get that pick with former Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh in charge. What it would take to get it is anyone's guess but figure on some packages that involves at least 4 draft picks, 3 of which in the first round.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Toronto LW Joffrey Lupul
Lupul scored a hat trick, all in the second period as the Maple Leafs hit the road for a 5-3 win over the Devils.
Matchup to Watch: Florida St. at Boston College, 7 p.m. (CT), ESPN
The Seminoles need a win to stay in the chase in the ACC Atlantic Division and hope that Clemson slips up again at some point the rest of the way.
This Day in History: Nov. 3, 1989
Lou Pinella takes over as manager of the Cincinnati Reds after Pete Rose is banned from baseball forever. Pinella would lead the Reds to a World Series title in his first year at the helm in 1990, sweeping the Oakland A's.
- We brought up the Cubs yesterday with the completion of the "Dream Team" front office. Now Theo and company have fired Mike Quade. Theo wants a manager with some major league managing or coaching experience so that leaves Ryne Sandberg out of the mix.....so who will be the next Cubs manager? I'll give you two names that I think it will be. You are looking at either Terry Francona or Dale Sveum. Sveum being the former Brewers legend, let the guessing game begin.
- We shall continue the baseball conversation with these three free agent predictions....Pujols remains in St. Louis, Fielder goes to the Cubs and Aramis Ramirez is a Tiger next season. Pujols is this generation's Stan Musial in St. Louis, he's not leaving. Prince doesn't want to leave the Central and can go just 90 miles down the road and Detroit really needs a 3B. Put Ramirez in there with Cabrera and Martinez and watch out.
- So the Capitals' coaching staff decided that Alex Ovechkin didn't need to be on the ice late in regulation Tuesday night...this move will backfire. Only time will time when.
- The NBA lockout is still going on.....
- NFL season is near at the midpoint, two things are for sure I figure.....The Packers will be the NFC rep in Super Bowl XLI and the No. 1 pick or the "Luck" of the draw will go to Miami. The Dolphins have 1-15 written all over them right now.
- On the draft note, if Indianapolis finishes with the No. 1 pick. I feel very confident San Francisco will be calling to try to get that pick with former Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh in charge. What it would take to get it is anyone's guess but figure on some packages that involves at least 4 draft picks, 3 of which in the first round.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Toronto LW Joffrey Lupul
Lupul scored a hat trick, all in the second period as the Maple Leafs hit the road for a 5-3 win over the Devils.
Matchup to Watch: Florida St. at Boston College, 7 p.m. (CT), ESPN
The Seminoles need a win to stay in the chase in the ACC Atlantic Division and hope that Clemson slips up again at some point the rest of the way.
This Day in History: Nov. 3, 1989
Lou Pinella takes over as manager of the Cincinnati Reds after Pete Rose is banned from baseball forever. Pinella would lead the Reds to a World Series title in his first year at the helm in 1990, sweeping the Oakland A's.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Time for a new direction
We begin fresh today with 9 sports-related topics which will include each day, this date in history, fantasy player of the week and matchup to watch.....
- The Cubs completed their Dream Team in the front office with Jed Hoyer and Jason McLeod's news conference. Will those moves along with Theo Epstein make any difference? You would think so at least upstairs, now if the three of them can figure out how to get rid of Soriano and Zambrano.
- T.J. Houshmandzadeh is back, this time with the Raiders. A reunion with Carson Palmer as well. Oakland has a great running game and if they can get the passing game on track, a West Division title is in the offing.
- The NBA season didn't start on time Tuesday, ruining a title celebration in Dallas and the beginning of what Miami might do next with LeBron, D-Wade and Bosh. Neither side seems to care about what the fans want, might want to think that one over guys.
- The Big East appears ready to replace all their losses with six fresh schools including Boise State. What's next, a conference that goes from coast to coast? Just put Hawaii with South Florida in a conference while you are at it. Realignment has got out of hand, too bad it can't just be geographic but money is the all mighty game-changer.
-What is going on with the Red Wings? Five straight losses after Tuesday's defeat to the Wild. Five goals in five games won't work in the Motor City. Scoring had better improve and you can be sure it will.
- Game of the night Tuesday was Northern Illinois at Toledo. 63-60! 1,100 yards of offense! Seems like the glass broke inside the Glass Bowl with all that offense and zero defense. 11 touchdown passes were thrown, two kicks were returned for touchdowns as well. A ESPN Classic if ever to find one.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Toledo WR Eric Page
Back to the NIU-Toledo Game we go again, Page had nine catches for 155 yards and five touchdowns. The 5 TDs was more than Page had in his first eight games this season. Page also topped 3,000 career receiving yards in the loss.
Matchup to Watch: Philadelphia (6-4-1) at Buffalo (6-4-0), 6:30 p.m. (CT), Versus
The Flyers and Sabres match up in the birthplace of wings. Buffalo has struggled recently after winning four of their first five games of the season as this is a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference quarterfinal.
This Day in History: Nov. 2, 1969
In going with the high-scoring theme, New Orleans QB Billy Kilmer and St. Louis QB Charley Johnson each threw six TD passes as the Saints won 51-42 to win their first game of the season.
- The Cubs completed their Dream Team in the front office with Jed Hoyer and Jason McLeod's news conference. Will those moves along with Theo Epstein make any difference? You would think so at least upstairs, now if the three of them can figure out how to get rid of Soriano and Zambrano.
- T.J. Houshmandzadeh is back, this time with the Raiders. A reunion with Carson Palmer as well. Oakland has a great running game and if they can get the passing game on track, a West Division title is in the offing.
- The NBA season didn't start on time Tuesday, ruining a title celebration in Dallas and the beginning of what Miami might do next with LeBron, D-Wade and Bosh. Neither side seems to care about what the fans want, might want to think that one over guys.
- The Big East appears ready to replace all their losses with six fresh schools including Boise State. What's next, a conference that goes from coast to coast? Just put Hawaii with South Florida in a conference while you are at it. Realignment has got out of hand, too bad it can't just be geographic but money is the all mighty game-changer.
-What is going on with the Red Wings? Five straight losses after Tuesday's defeat to the Wild. Five goals in five games won't work in the Motor City. Scoring had better improve and you can be sure it will.
- Game of the night Tuesday was Northern Illinois at Toledo. 63-60! 1,100 yards of offense! Seems like the glass broke inside the Glass Bowl with all that offense and zero defense. 11 touchdown passes were thrown, two kicks were returned for touchdowns as well. A ESPN Classic if ever to find one.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Toledo WR Eric Page
Back to the NIU-Toledo Game we go again, Page had nine catches for 155 yards and five touchdowns. The 5 TDs was more than Page had in his first eight games this season. Page also topped 3,000 career receiving yards in the loss.
Matchup to Watch: Philadelphia (6-4-1) at Buffalo (6-4-0), 6:30 p.m. (CT), Versus
The Flyers and Sabres match up in the birthplace of wings. Buffalo has struggled recently after winning four of their first five games of the season as this is a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference quarterfinal.
This Day in History: Nov. 2, 1969
In going with the high-scoring theme, New Orleans QB Billy Kilmer and St. Louis QB Charley Johnson each threw six TD passes as the Saints won 51-42 to win their first game of the season.
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