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.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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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