The College Bowl Weekend

This weekend couldn't get over any sooner. I found out some great news this week and I will be attending my first ever bowl game on New Years Day. That's right you guessed it, I will be attending the Capital One Bowl with the Michigan Wolverines traveling to Florida and playing last years champ in the Gators. So pumped, not to mention that they are lower level seats on the Michigan sideline in front of the 10 yard line!!! Though I will be missing a few games that afternoon, I will be coming home back in time for the highly anticipated Sugar Bowl. Here's a couple bowl games that will catch my eye every day leading up to New Years this weekend.

Today the Boston College Eagles will play a team in Michigan State who will be missing some defensive players due to conduct. I still think that this is still a nice test for B.C.'s Matt Ryan, who is a projected top 10 pick in the draft next season. This could be a shootout Ryan might being able to light up a second team secondary, and the Spartans who averaged the most points per game in the Big Ten this season. I LIKE THE EAGLES

Tomorrow the Uconn Huskies play the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and the only reason that I am interested in this game is that the Huskies have gone from a program trying to make a name for themselves to a top 25 team and a team playing in the Mieneke Car Care Bowl. I LIKE THE HUSKIES

Sunday is an NFL day so the only thing I'll be watching is NFL!

Monday, New Years Eve has some match ups that have different conferences clashing and they all intrigue me but the night game that night has two top ranked teams going at it. #15 Clemson plays #23 Auburn in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. I remember making fun of the name of this bowl when I was living in Connecticut but now that I have ate at a Chick-Fil-A I will never again do that. A fast SEC team verses a tough Big 12 team. It really doesn't get much better when these two conferences go at it. I LIKE CLEMSON

Then you have New Years day! I will be already occupied with traveling to Orlando getting ready for my first Michigan game so the afternoon games are not relevant. The night game though is since I will be able to see it. Hawaii is playing Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Yes, it was the Sugar Bowl when Boise State upset Oklahoma last year. Georgia who almost had the BCS Championship game in the palms of their hands is a very good team that nobody talks about. While Hawaii is the Cinderella story team this year, that is undefeated and wants some respect. I am willing to bet that this years Sugar Bowl won't have as much drama as last years, but I still think it will be a good one. I LIKE THE BULLDOGS

The NFL Weekend

Even though this weekend looks on paper like that there are only a handful of games that mean anything, here at The Nutz we like to think otherwise. Let's face it, everyone will be watching the New England Patriots play the New York Giants this Saturday night. Not that America really has a choice since the game is on every cable station except Animal Planet. I really don't think that the game is going to live up to the hype that it has been getting all week from the talk radio I have listened to. The Patriots have perfection to play for tomorrow night, while the Giants really are playing for their place in history as the team that defeated the 15-0 team. But, I do not believe that Tom Coughlin is going to stick to his starters like he said he would. Why would he? In my book, he has the Tampa Bay Bucs to worry about then try and move on to the NFC title. You can worry about the Pats another time Tom, and I am far from a G-Men fan.

Two playoffs spots remain and all these next two teams have to do is win against their opponent and their in. Easy enough, right? Well, the two teams are the Tennessee Titans and the Washington Redskins and they are facing two teams that have a combined record of 26-4 this season. The Indianapolis Colts got the Titans and the Dallas Cowboys go to Washington. Both of these teams have nothing to play for since they both have already clinched their seed a bye in the first round. The Titans have to win that is it, they got the Cleveland Browns waiting for the Titans to mess up so that they can get in. While the Redskins can still lose and get in but they are going to need the New Orleans Saints to lose at 1:00 at Chicago, and Minnesota who is playing at the same time as the 'skins, 4:15, will have to lose to Denver. Being a Redskins fan and the tough season that I had to go through with them it is safe to say that I should probably just drink my face off during the 1 o'clocks so that I can be numb for the big game. Sorry no predictions, not doing it!

With all this being said about the teams that need to win in big games this weekend there are a few big games this weekend that teams should really think about losing. Their are going to be some studs in the top 5 for the NFL Draft next season but after that it'll be all up to what juniors come out because this draft class is not too deep from what I can see. Therefore, the "Edwards Bowl" is this week and the NY Jets have a chance at the number 2 pick, since Miami has wrapped up the overall number 1. Kansas City has 4 wins, one more than the Jets, and with a win this weekend the Chiefs could push themselves to the 8th overall pick. So if the Jets were smart, and I think that my cousins would agree with me they better take a loss this weekend. Other teams with 3 wins are the Atlanta Falcons who play the Seattle Seahawks and the St. Louis Rams play the Arizona Cardinals. One thing that could come out well for the Falcons this season is that it is quite possible that they could land top 4 pick and have a chance at Darren McFadden, and if their is a player that could change an organization in this draft he's the guy. So Jets and Falcons just do what you have been doing all year this Sunday, give your fans something to be happy about.

Whopper Freakout

"No Whopper!"

Pic of the Week

While looking through great pictures of 2007 on yahoo, I found these two pics that were so crazy! The top one is a picture of what happens when a zoo keeper gets too close to a crocodile. While the bottom one is a picture of a cat...high on cocaine, really!

It's too Bad

Scott Skiles got fired on Christmas Eve out of all the days from his managerial job with the Chicago Bulls after starting the season 9-16. I liked Skiles as a coach, maybe that is why he got fired because a few of the high priced athletes on his team couldn't handle his upbeat coaching style, for one Ben Wallace. Since he came to Chicago Wallace has been nothing but a distraction. It was either the head-band problem since Skiles didn't allow them because he wanted his team be a team and not individuals. Then it was Wallace's constant nagging injuries, injuries that never bothered him in Detroit, but funny they were winning then. And most important, his reported "Not playing with energy or leadership" anymore was a big cause for concern with the front office, and who are you going to blame? Not the guy getting paid the big bucks but the guy that is suppose to be in charge of a group of multi-millionaires. This is just another reason why I have trouble watching the NBA before the NCAA tournament is over. Another reason I can think of for the bad play of the Bulls this season especially early on was the Kobe Bryant talks. How can basketball be on any players mind when rumors are out in the papers that they might have to get up and move their family to the west coast at any time. Sorry Jim Paxson, I don't know if you were behind the whole thing of Skiles firing but this was the worst move that you have made yet since being the general manager.

I Know, I Know

For my very few readers, I apologize for my week long drought with my blogging. I'll make it up during the next few days. First things first, I hope that all of you had a safe and merry Christmas this past week. Because I had a great time! Christmas shopping is awesome in Florida, not only are there plenty of places to shop in my town and in Daytona, but one thing did occur to me while I was shopping and I began to realize that I don't live in the northeast anymore. The women are still wearing less! This is so great, I really don't mind being turned down as much anymore because as my uncle told me last week, their is probably another one wearing less right around the corner.

Anyhow, since their isn't a whole lot going on in the world of sports this will be all I right about. Yeah right!!! This isn't a excuse but with so many things going on in the world of sports lately only one topic that is of super importance to me today. And that is that Roger Clemens will be going on 60 Minutes airing January 6th, and will be interviewed by the great Mike Wallace. After the Mitchell Report came out I really didn't feel like writing about it because in my personal opinion even though a lot of good will come out of this report in the years to come, this whole month I felt that Major League baseball has been given a black eye. Reports are that Wallace is pretty good friends with Clemens but have you ever known Wallace to ever back down from a powerful person that he is interviewing. I have been waiting for Clemens and others that were listed in the report to come out and be very adamant about it being absurd that they were put on the list. I give Andy Pettitte a ton of credit for coming out as soon as possible and tell us that he did you HGH twice but both times were before the testing and when he was injured. That's all that Clemens had to do, instead he had his lawyer come out and say that he was pissed. To me all that he was doing was buying time to think of a better excuse, and it just made him look like he had something to hide. Doing this interview Mike Wallace is going to have to ask him some tough questions, one that has to be at the top of the list is this. "How can you explain that you and Pettitte are both great friends, you both had the same trainer, both had been named on the same report from that same trainer, but Pettitte has admitted it and you haven't?" I am just hoping that Clemens can just give us what we want during the interview, and that is the truth. Because, we already think less of 93 others that haven't come forward to tell us the truth. But unfortunately for him, Clemens is the number 1 man on that list right now and he has a legacy to protect.

Robbed!

The NFL players, coaches, and fans got a lot of their picks for the Pro-Bowl correct. Sorry but there is one man that they left off the team, that has me pretty upset. The running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Fred Taylor, should have been voted to the Pro-Bowl this season. He now has over 10,000 yards in 10 seasons and no Pro-Bowl appearances for the former Florida Gator. Don't even tell me that he definitely shouldn't have gotten in over Joseph Addai. Taylor has more yards and a better average per carry then the Colts running back. If their was a time to vote Taylor in this was the year. He's coming to the end of a remarkable career in which he has had some unfortunate injuries that have slowed him down but the man never gave up and always stayed positive. Addai will have more opportunities to get in, Taylor isn't and the NFL should have been more aware of his stats and vote in one of the most respected players in the league. And, to make matters worse, not a single Jacksonville Jaguar was named to the Pro-Bowl. I guess Jack Del Rio now has a chance to add fuel to the fire of his players since 10 wins gets you no respect and no all-stars. Nice!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

The Greatest Highlight Ever

Now this is going to be tough, and I welcome everyone to take apart in this. On my comments I would like you to give me your greatest highlight(s) of all time. I stole this on ESPN and I am just curious to what my readers think. This is very, very difficult especially with the list that they gave. It doesn't have to be in order but I'll do it for my fans. I will give mine on the comment section, have fun!!!


Vote for your 10 favorite highlights!


-Babe Ruth calls his shot in World Series -- or does he? (Oct. 1, 1932)
-Gene Sarazen's double eagle on No. 15 fuels Masters rally (April, 1935)
-Bobby Thomson hits ''Shot Heard 'Round the World'' (Oct. 3, 1951))
-Willie Mays makes over-the-shoulder catch in World Series (Sep. 29, 1954)
-Don Larsen fans Dale Mitchell to finish World Series perfection (Oct. 8, 1956)
-Pele scores against Sweden in World Cup on incredible move (June 29, 1958)
-Bill Mazeroski's walk-off HR wins World Series for Pirates (Oct. 13, 1960)
-Roger Maris hits No. 61 at Yankee Stadium (Oct. 1, 1961)
-John Havlicek's steal seals Celtics championship (April 15, 1965)
-Muhammad Ali's ''Phantom Punch'' KO's Sonny Liston (May 25, 1965)
-Vinko Bogataj's ski-jump crash lives on with Wide World of Sports (March 21, 1970)
-Jerry West's half-court shot sends NBA Finals to OT (April 29, 1970)
-Bobby Orr flies through air after Cup-clinching goal (May 10, 1970)
-Joe Frazier knocks down Muhammad Ali in 15th round (March 8, 1971)
-Johnny Rodgers' punt return against Oklahoma (Nov. 25, 1971)
-Franco Harris' ''immaculate'' reception beats Raiders (Dec. 23, 1972)
-Garo Yepremian's ill-fated pass goes awry in Super Bowl (Jan. 14, 1973)
-Down goes Frazier after a punch from George Foreman (Jan. 22, 1973)
-Secretariat runs away with Belmont by 31 lengths (June 9, 1973)
-Hank Aaron passes Babe Ruth with home run (April 8, 1974)
-Billie Jean King beats Bobby Riggs (Sep. 20, 1973)
-Ken Stabler completes rally with clutch TD pass (Dec. 21, 1974)
-Carlton Fisk wills HR fair in World Series against Reds (Oct. 21, 1975)
-Lynn Swann's acrobatic catch in Super Bowl (Jan. 18, 1976)
-David Pearson wins Daytona 500 after last-lap crash (Feb. 15, 1976)
-Gar Heard's jumper in Suns-Celtics triple-OT NBA Finals game (June 4, 1976)
-Nadia Comaneci earns Olympic's first perfect 10 in gymnastics (July 18, 1976)
-Reggie Jackson's third HR in game sails out in World Series (Oct. 18, 1977)
-Ken Stabler and Dave Casper convert ''Ghost to the Post'' (Dec. 24, 1977)
-First live televised Daytona 500 features fight, Richard Petty win (Feb. 18, 1979)
-Mike Eruzione's goal gives U.S. lead against U.S.S.R. (Feb. 22, 1980)
-Julius Erving goes up and under to finish baseline move (May 11, 1980)
-Bjorn Borg's winner beats John McEnroe at Wimbledon (July 6, 1980)
-Roberto Duran quits during fight against Sugar Ray Leonard (Nov. 25, 1980)
-Larry Bird's follow and circus lay-up in NBA Finals (May 5, 1981)
-Tony Nathan finishes hook-and-lateral against Chargers (Jan. 2, 1982)
-Dwight Clark hauls in Joe Montana's TD pass against Dolphins (Jan. 10, 1982)
-Michael Jordan's jumper wins title against Georgetown (March 29, 1982)
-Tom Watson's chip on 71st hole helps fuel U.S. Open win (June 20, 1982)
-Cal-Stanford ''The Band is on the Field'' (Nov. 20, 1982)
-Tony Dorsett sets record on 99-yard TD run against Vikings (Jan. 3, 1983)
-Lorenzo Charles' dunk earns NC State title (April 4, 1983)
-Nebraska goes for broke but Miami wins title (Jan. 2, 1984)
-Marcus Allen seals Super Bowl win with 74-yard TD run (Jan. 22, 1984)
-Mary Lou Retton records perfect 10 win gold in Olympics (Aug. 3, 1984)
-Doug Flutie's Hail Mary against Miami (Nov. 23, 1984)
-Ozzie Smith's walk-off HR beats Dodgers in NLCS (Oct. 14, 1985)
-Jack Nicklaus birdies No. 17 on way to Masters at age 46 (April 13, 1986)
-Diego Maradona's ''Hand of God'' goal in World Cup (June 22, 1986)
-Diego Maradona beats five defenders to clinch win against England (June 22, 1986)
-Bill Buckner's error gives Mets life in World Series (Oct. 25, 1986)
-Keith Smart's jumper wins title against Syracuse (March 30, 1987)
-Larry Mize's chip at The Masters beats Greg Norman (April 12, 1987)
-Larry Bird's steal, pass to Dennis Johnson beats Pistons (May 26, 1987)
-Magic Johnson's hook shot beats Celtics in NBA Finals (June 9, 1987)
-Bo Jackson keeps running after 91-yard TD against Seahawks (Nov. 30, 1987)
-Pittsburgh's Jerome Lane shatters the glass on dunk (Jan. 25, 1988)
-Kirk Gibson's pinch-hit HR beats Athletics in World Series (Oct. 15, 1988)
-Michael Jordan's jumper over Craig Ehlo beats Cavs (May 7, 1989)
-Buster Douglas knocks out Mike Tyson in Japan (Feb. 11, 1990)
-Mario Lemieux goes end to end in Stanley Cup Finals (May 17, 1991)
-Rodney McCray crashes through outfield fence in minor-league game (May 27, 1991)
-Michael Jordan switches hands on lay-up against Lakers (June 5, 1991)
-Kirby Puckett's walk-off HR forces World Series Game 7 (Oct. 26, 1991)
-Magic Johnson caps All-Star Game with 3-pointer (Feb. 9, 1992)
-Christian Laettner's shot beats Kentucky in regional final (Mar. 28, 1992)
-Don Beebe's hustle denies Leon Lett in Super Bowl (Jan. 31, 1993)
-Joe Carter wins World Series with walk-off HR (Oct. 23, 1993)
-Charlotte Smith's 3-pointer earns title for North Carolina (April 3, 1994)
-Kordell Stewart's Hail Mary against Michigan (Sep. 24, 1994)
-Tyus Edney's coast-to-coast drive saves UCLA (March 19, 1995)
-Epic baseline rally in U.S. Open battle between Sampras and Agassi (Sep. 11, 1995)
-Tommie Frazier breaks seven tackles for Fiesta Bowl TD (Jan. 2, 1996)
-Mike Legg scoops puck and scores from behind for Michigan (March 24, 1996)
-Kerri Strug lands on one good leg to clinch gold for United States (July 23, 1996)
-Michael Johnson breaks world record en route to gold in 200m (Aug. 1, 1996)
-Bryce Drew's 3-pointer beats Ole Miss at buzzer (March 13, 1998)
-Michael Jordan's jumper against Jazz gives Bulls title No. 6 (June 14, 1998)
-Brett Hull's goal in third OT gives Stars Stanley Cup win (June 19, 1999)
-Brandi Chastain's PK goal clinches World Cup for United States (July 10, 1999)
-Jean Van de Velde falls apart on No. 18 at British Open (July 18, 1999)
-Teresa Weatherspoon's half-court shot wins Game 2 in WNBA Finals (Sep. 4, 1999)
-Justin Leonard's putt sets off wild U.S. celebration at Ryder Cup (Sep. 26, 1999)
-Titans stun Bills with ''Music City Miracle'' kickoff return (Jan. 8, 2000)
-Vince Carter goes over Frederic Weis for Olympic dunk (Sep. 24, 2000)
-Antonio Freeman's catch on his back turns into TD (Nov. 6, 2000)
-Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins at Daytona months after dad's death (July 7, 2001)
-LSU miracle last-second TD stuns Kentucky (Nov. 9, 2002)
-Steve Bartman's interference gives Marlins new life in NLCS (Oct. 14, 2003)
-Aaron Boone's walk-off HR beats Red Sox in ALCS Game 7 (Oct. 16, 2003)
-Saints' three-lateral, last-second TD goes for naught (Dec. 21, 2003)
-Phil Mickelson's birdie on No. 18 clinches first major at Masters (April 11, 2004)
-Tiger Woods' chip drops in on way to Masters title (April 10, 2005)
-Former team manager Jason McElwain scores 20 points in HS game (Feb. 16, 2006)
-Sam Hornish Jr. passes Marco Andretti on last turn for Indy 500 win (May 28, 2006)
-Zinedine Zidane headbutts Marco Materazzi in World Cup (July 9, 2006)
-Boise State's Statue of Liberty beats Oklahoma (Jan. 1, 2007)
-Skateboarder Jake Brown tumbles out of sky at X Games (Aug. 2, 2007)
-Barry Bonds passes Hank Aaron with HR No. 756 (Aug. 7, 2007)
-Trinity's 15 laterals beats Millsaps on kick return (Oct. 27, 2007)

Bout Time!

While I am still trying to get caught up with everything else that is going on outside of the fantasy football world, Michigan has finally found it's new coach. While all morning I have been greatly depressed because again I started the wrong players for my fantasy team, I couldn't help but smile when I read the news that Rich Rodriguez is leaving West Virginia to head a Michigan football program that needs to rebuild its image. Rodriguez is just the man for that! You can now realize as a nation just how big a program like Michigan football is when you can get a guy like Rodriguez who has played, graduated, and coached at his alma mater in West Virginia, and steer him away with a job offer like head coach at Michigan. His offensive scheme, which is a no-huddle spread offense, has worked everywhere he has been. From Tulane to Clemson to West Virginia, and I believe that it'll work in Michigan. I have been screaming from Michigan to change up their offense for years and finally they have hired someone that will do just that, I can't be more thrilled at this moment after the day I had yesterday. The only thing that I could enjoy yesterday was the ass-kicking that the Redskins gave the Giants! I am getting off track, Rodriguez who will bring in some coaches along with him and keep some of the Michigan assistants around has a chance to do something special with a program that hasn't won a National title since Lloyd Carr's third season as head coach. His offensive scheme could, i repeat could, keep the stud wide receiver Mario Manningham around for another season and possibly turn quarterback Ryan Mallet into a Heisman hopeful in the years to come. Rodriguez also has been great at recruiting great athletes to come and play for him, which I believe is especially difficult to do when your at West Virginia in the Big East Conference which is not at all popular with high school football prospects. Now Michigan has stole two coaches in a years time from West Virginia in basketball coach John Belein. I just hope that turning Mountaineers into Wolverines just works out.

Broncos/Texans

There is probably very few of you that are taking any interest in this game tonight. Bronco and Texan fans, gamblers, and fantasy owners take up 95% of the rating for tonight's game. The real reason all football fans should be watching tonight's game is because Bryant Gumbel isn't calling the game. Gumbel is nothing more than terrible when he does his play by play calling. He drives me crazy! Consistently, he mistakens players' names that made the catch or the tackle. His voice is just not suited to do play by play, and maybe I am the only one who thinks so. I was listening to the radio this week and analysts were making a big deal that he was missing tonight's game because he was sick. Hopefully, he has a bad case of the flu and misses the remainder of the NFL Network games. I really don't mind Cris Collinsworth, because he was a NFL receiver and he is not afraid at all to give his opinion on any play that happens during the game. But, Gumbel has no energy and I really believe that he doesn't prepare for the games like other play by play announcers do. So I'll keep flipping to the game tonight knowing that I won't be annoyed at Gumbel's depressing voice. That's the least I could do for the Network that has me still baffled that still only allows people with a dish to watch an NFL game.

HBO is falling, fast!

After the NFL season is over I will be saving some money and canceling my HBO subscription finally to save on some money. I have had HBO since I had Directv and it has gone downhill since the Sopranos have been done. Even the boxing on HBO has declined dramatically, and with my favorite boxer Kelly Pavlick now a World Champ it is safe to say that his fights will be PPV now that the ratings for his fight against Jermaine Taylor were through the roof. Well, in honor of the Sopranos for those of you that have never seen this funny video, here it is. OHHH!

Pic of the Week

Judge Henry Hudson ended up giving Michael Vick a bite that will hurt for 23 months. So now Vick knows what it'll be like being caged with others animals and to learn how to fight his way out of this dilemma that he put himself in.

Did the Time Fit the Crime?

A few months ago before Michael Vick pleaded guilty for his role in the dogfighting case, I remember all the legal experts and analysts saying that if Vick wants a short sentence he has to prove it before the sentencing in December. Well, he didn't do what was best for him, again! Instead, he did some lying, failed a drug test, then lied some more. The U.S. District Court Judge Henry Hudson on Monday sentenced Vick to 23 months in a federal jailhouse and with good behavior could be out by May of 2009. Vick's decision making through the years has been nothing less than idiotic during his professional career. We have been listening to his "so-called" apologies for years and you know what I am tired of them. In my personal opinion he does deserve to do some time and reflect on his life and think back on all the people that have tried to keep him away from trouble, to which he shrugged them all away. Now, he must do some time because the people that he trusted the most, and thought were the best to handle his business and stay with him through good and bad ratted him out and now he has to deal with that. I really thought that a year would have been fine, but Vick never helped his own cause. By the time that Vick gets out of prison he will still only be 30 years of age. Still, young enough to make a very impressive turnaround and prove to everyone that he is a changed man and live a very meaning life for himself. It might not be on the field, but Vick is being given another chance at redemption. When he gets out he'll be back where he started before he drafted, broke. As his lawyer, Billy Martin said, "Never has someone fallen so hard, so fast and so far." The best thing that could happen for Vick out of this is to make a dramatic change in his social, spiritual, and his outlook in life to finally prove that he is truly sorry, but this time showing it.

B-Ball Season has Officially Begun!

For me basketball season doesn't officially begin until there is a full schedule of college basketball games on Saturday afternoons. You can throw away the month of November in my book. The polls mean nothing, the predictions mean nothing, you can't get a real feeling for the players yet, and really all the teams are 0-0 until I can watch them on a regular basis and have my own analysis on each team. Today I got to come home from work and watched the great finish to the Arizona/Illinois game that ended with Zona coming out on top in overtime. I am currently watching the Michigan/Duke game(Duke does get all the calls)and being a Michigan fan and I realize this is a very young team, thank you Tommy Amaker, I am proud of my boys even though they are down 18 at the half at Cameron Indoor. But really, college basketball on Saturday afternoons from December to early March is the best. I can remember as a kid, I would put up with the cold and go play some ball early in the morning or go to the Boys Club or Platt, Maloney, or Wilcox and hit the gym and get out of there just in time to catch the games on the tube. Wheather it was some great Big East teams clashing, or an SEC/Big 12 matchup, or the Duke/UNC rivalry game, or my favorite watching the Fab 5, who got CBS coverage constantly during their run(that never happened). One of the most fondest memory, though not a good one, was when I saw Hank Gathers collapse on the court one Saturday afternoon, a day that I will never forget. But, by far the most enjoyable would be when my long-time buddy and writer of BadchoiceMilk, Chris and I, would go hit up a package store and Subway just in time for the 12 o'clock game and finish the 30-pack in his parents basement, even though we would get ridiculed by his parents and brother, before we met the guys out for the night. Well, college basketball is here now and I will be giving up to date analysis as much as possible because this is by far my favorite time of the year. Enjoy your Saturdays!

DVD of the Week

One of the funniest movies that I have seen this year came on Tuesday, when I went and bought the highly publicized movie Superbad. From the creators of Knocked Up and 40 Year Old Virgin, Superbad brings in Seth Rogan who starred in Knocked Up, helped write the film and also had a hilarious role as a cop. Others that are starring in the film is Jonah Hill, who is in numerous movies like Grandma's Boy and Knocked Up. Also, newcomers Michael Cera and probably by favorite character in the history of Comedic movies Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who character is Fogell, aka McLovin. This is a must see movie, unless you are not a fan of crude sexual humor. Above is just a little taste of this great comedy!

Snubbed Invite

Living in Florida very close to the University of Central Florida, I got the opportunity to watch the best statistical running back in the country this college football season. Junior running back Kevin Smith was nothing less than amazing this season, charging the Golden Knights to the Conference USA title. Smith, the MVP of the championship game, had 284 yards and 4 touchdowns in the victory over Tulsa, rushed for 2,448 yards this season and broke the single season attempts record with 415, 12 more than Heisman winner Marcus Allen in 1981. 6'1'' Smith, is closing in on another record when UCF takes on Mississippi State in the Liberty Bowl. He needs 180 more yards to break a record held 19 years ago by another Heisman winner that season, Barry Sanders. By the way Smith averages 188 yards on the ground this season. With Smith possibly breaking two Heisman records this season, why is the junior not even getting an invite to New York for consideration of the Heisman Trophy? I realize that the kid plays in Conference USA, but Colt Brennan was allowed an invite and he plays in the WAC. UCF played Texas this season and should of beat them, Hawaii's toughest team that they played was Boise State who was ranked 19th at that time. I also realize that Smith won't win the Heisman since in my opinion Tim Tebow is a lock, but can't you just allow the kid to be present at the introduction. Give him a little taste of being acknowledged for the great season that he had. It just makes sense that Smith has been playing behind the shadows of the SEC and ACC in the south this season, just add a 5th seat and give him the invite. I won't even get into that Smith isn't even being mentioned as the top running back award that is being given out tonight. Talk about being snubbed!

Pic of the Week

While the game didn't end the way the Washington Redskins were hoping. The pregame ceremonies in honor of Sean Taylor was excellent. A very touching moment was the first play from scrimmage for the Redskin defense, where they went out and took the field with ten players on the field. Joe Gibbs put it best at Taylor's funeral service on Monday, "Many times God must have looked down and said 'Man, I made a great football player.'"

Bowl Chaos System

With one of the more memorable seasons in college football history finally over its on to a month of debating and every one's favorite topic...when is there going to be a playoff system. Every year we say it, maybe not meaning to but it happens. "They have to change it after this season." Lol...at least I have and more so with their being no clear cut top teams this season you would think that the NCAA committee would say, enough is enough. I hate to break it to all of you but it is just not going to happen. And why? Two things tradition, which is a load of crap, and cash flow for the bowl games. I will give the BCS one thing that they got correct this season, a SEC school will be represented again. Getting to see the SEC play week in and week out, you can't deny the conference champ the right of the national title with the type of schedule that they have to endure during the season. But, let me tell you like it is, Ohio State does kind of deserve to be their but they WILL be blown out in the championship game...again! The Big Ten is just not what they use to be and I really can't see Ohio State staying with LSU. I have some other things I found this season with the BCS games that are scheduled. How can Missouri not be in a BCS game? How?...they were #1 a week ago and with a loss in the Big 12 championship to Oklahoma you deny them a BCS bowl, but give Kansas a BCS game. Wait, didn't Missouri beat Kansas just two weeks ago, and did Kansas even get to play last week, no. I guess that I can live with Illinois in the Rose Bowl against USC, but didn't Wisconsin have a better Big Ten record this year? We do have another interesting match up this year in the Sugar Bowl with the undefeated Hawaii Rainbows playing the Georgia Bulldogs, who was 4th in the BCS a week ago and might have slipped into the championship game if Tennessee beat LSU in the their conference championship. Honestly, I could write all day about how this system sucks and a playoff needs to be in order but you and I both know that already. But, here's one thing I would suggest to the committee. If you are worried about the tradition of the bowl games on New Years so much all that you have to do is have an eight team playoff start the week before then on New Years Day you have the winners of the 4 games play and the championship could be the following week. On top of that you can still have you Capital One, Outback, Gator, and Cotton Bowls on New Years and they will still be televised and people will still watch because college football on New Years will always be their, plus what else would there be to watch!

Bobby Knight

Since I can't find that latest video of him and his hunting altercation this past week. I found some of his best soundbites ever.

A Riff for Reilly

One of my favorite writers of all time is packing in at Sports Illustrated. Rick Reilly the great writer that has been writing for SI for 23 years is packing it in with the famous sports magazine. Reilly's writing which has been on the "back page" of SI for as long as I can remember has brought me to laugh, to tears, to astonishment, and to joy. One of the main reasons I have been subscribing to SI for the past 15 years is because of Reilly. His story lines can come from anything from his hate for Barry Bonds, to a man from Tennessee that golfs 90 holes a day, to a kid in Mass. that has cerebral palsy that can't dribble but won't miss from the foul line. Also, his comedic adventures where he would write his experience as a rodeo clown, teeing it up with Tiger Woods, and even him driving an Indy car at the Indianapolis 500. Every week I always looked forward to his column, most often it would be the first page I turn to. Reilly has also done features, notably one about a week spent with Marge Schott that ultimately helped lead to her suspension from baseball. Reilly has also wrote six books, been named Sportswriter of the Year 11 times, and was the writer that went up to Sammy Sosa and ask him to take a drug test because Sosa was very assertive that he "Would take a drug test if someone offered one". With that Sosa went off on Reilly even threatening the columnist. As of June 1st Reilly will be taking a job with ESPN that will include some more writing and even some time on tv. It's too bad for Sports Illustrated that they are losing Reilly, because they might lose some subscribers as well.

Too much going on

I can never remember this much going on in the world of sports for the last week of November. I will be doing some extensive writing this weekend about my trip back to Meriden and what the hell is going on in college football. But some thoughts first...Bobby Knight has gone crazy again! For those of you that hasn't seen the video I will post it as soon as I find it...hysterical! Les Miles is being allow to talk to Michigan about coaching their next season. Look, let's get one thing straight, I realize that Miles has never won anything yet as coach of LSU, but I really feel that he is the best man and the best available guy to get the job. Still no leads in the Sean Taylor homicide. I can't stress this enough, all the scumbags that live in the dirty south of Florida should just get sent to an island and let them kill each other there. Taylor's death is really bothering me and to have no leads in the case is making it worse. Big game tonight with two 10-1 teams in the NFC. This game has so much importance tonight because I truly believe that the loser of this game will have to play the winner in the playoffs away and being a road team and win at Dallas or Green Bay is tough. Johan Santana is on the trading block for some reason. I realize that Minnesota will probably never be able to give him what he wants but this is crazy to me, at least the northeast is having some fun with it as the Yankees and Red Sox give offers to the Twins. Bat tossing Delmon Young is going to the Twins to replace Torri Hunter. Just when I thought that Hunter was the face of the franchise...BAM I was hit! Tom Osbourne the former head coach of the national champs, Nebraska, is on the road as interim coach and is doing the recruiting for the school. Hey Tom, do you really think that these young kids are going to think that your somebody other than Orville Redenbacher. And finally, this just in...I will be appearing on the sidelines for the Meriden Raiders next week in their national championship tournament as the coach that just shouts..."That's how you hit!"

Sean Taylor 1983-2007

This is very difficult for me to write about today and with this being my first day back to Florida, and my layover in Washington D.C. this story has followed me all day. Sean Taylor of the Washington Redskins and formerly of the Miami Hurricanes is dead following being shot by an intruder into his home early Monday morning. Taylor was drafted by the Redskins 5th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. In all honesty, I was really pulling for Taylor to be picked by the 'skins because of his great awareness on the football field playing the free safety and strong safety positions. With a couple of problems with the law in 2005 and 2006 Taylor was turning into one of those players that you really despise. But, after the birth of his daughter and a Pro-Bowl appearance last season you could honestly see a change in this fierce player. Even his teammates were quoted saying that Taylor has really been making a effort in changing his "thuggish" ways. With Taylor cleaning up his act having 5 interceptions this season, and the Redskins drafting LSU standout Laron Landry to work along side Taylor in the secondary, this duo was looking to become a force and get the Redskins back to dominance. In my years of following sports neither of my teams has ever lost a player during the season, and too lose a player of that age and that much talent in the prime of his life is very difficult. How selfish can I be? I didn't even know the man but I am truly going to miss him on every Sunday playing for my favorite sports team. To me Taylor will always be remembered as a fierce competitor, with a insane desire to win, and a young phenom that was taken away too damn early. My prayers go out to the Taylor family and the entire Washington Redskin organization. So thank you Sean for you short stint with the Redskins entertaining me on Sundays, your loss will be tough one to swallow for a while.

Ohio State/Michigan

How much does it mean to Michigan fans playing Ohio State in their battle on the gridiron today? Well, for one we have been waiting 364 days to get back at them for taking away our shot at a National Championship last season, probably would have got blow out too though. As important as this game is, I am working today, but I am currently taking my morning break just to write about the game and my lunch break will consist of a hour lunch from 12 to 1, then going back to the office and punching out then back home on the couch for the remainder. I am a Michigan fan for one, but I am a realist too. For the first time in a long time I am giving Michigan no, I repeat, no shot today. At the beginning of the season I had high hopes with the "big three" on the offensive side of the ball(Chad Henne, Mike Hart, and Mario Manningham) as well as a top 5 pick in next years NFL draft in offensive tackle Jake Long. But, it all came to a crumble after week 1 and more so after the blowout from Oregon. Lloyd Carr's time is done at Michigan, not that I am not thankful for the Big Ten titles and one National Championship, but he has done nothing the last 5 seasons and its time for Michigan to start in a new direction even if they win today, which I already said is highly unlikely. Jim Tressel the coach at OSU has been totally out coaching Carr during his tenure and its driving Michigan fans crazy. Last week Henne played two series on offense and Mike Hart dressed but didn't play so my theory is that whatever the outcome of last week's game, it really didn't matter to Carr because no matter how it turned out they were to play for the Big Ten title no matter what this week. Even if Henne and Hart can play, I can't see Michigan's suspect defense to even complete with the Buckeyes. Living in Florida this past year and being able to watch the SEC on a regular basis, the Big Ten needs to do some changing and try to get better players to come and play at their school. That is something that I think Michigan will be able to do if they let someone else come in and change things around. So no matter what happens in today's game I'll be routing for the maze in blue especially for the seniors that haven't beaten Ohio State yet. But, I am hopeful that this is the end of the line for Carr and next year will be a fresh start.

Ohio State 37 Michigan 20

Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson

The reason that I am a University of Michigan football fan is because of number 21. He wasn't the tallest guy out on the field, but he damn sure was the quickest. Winning the Big Ten title all three years at Michigan was just part of this incredible athlete's attributes being the star wide receiver. The season of his junior year was out of this world...61 catches for 950 yards and 23 touchdowns, 4 on kick-off or punt returns. Game after game Howard made miraculous catches and seeing him in the open field was like a flash of light. Howard finished with 640 first place votes for the Heisman Trophy a record at that time. The video shown above really gave him the Heisman and Keith Jackson couldn't do the call any better. Howard went on to be the 4th overall pick in the NFL draft that year to my beloved Washington Redskins. He really didn't amount to much there but went on to win Super Bowl MVP with the Green Bays Packers later on in his career.

Another one of Michigan's great play makers, Woodson is the only player to win the Heisman Trophy as a defensive player. Though Woodson was on offense a few times that year scoring three times and on punt and kick-off returns scoring twice. Also, Woodson brought the Wolverines back to dominance with winning the Rose Bowl and a share of the National Championship going 12-0. With the eight interceptions he had that season helping his case for the Heisman, it was him coming up big in big games that really won over the voters. Case in point, verses rival Ohio State for a trip to the Rose Bowl, Woodson returned a punt for a touchdown, intercepted a pass in the end zone, and caught a 37 yard pass that turned into Michigan's only offensive scoring drive. The guy was a phenom and recently ESPN ranked him as the #11 on their Top 25 best players in college football history.

Archie Griffin and Eddie George

The only two-time Heisman Award winner, Griffin also won 4 Big Ten titles and is the only player in the history of the Rose Bowl to start in all of them. In 1972, as a freshman, Griffin introduced himself to the Ohio State faithful in only his second game by setting a school single game rushing record with 239 yards against North Carolina. I wish that I could find more highlight films to post on the blog because Griffin's stats don't make-up for how great of a player he was at Ohio State. The first round draft choice of the Cincinnati Bengals has so many records that I don't have room for them all on this blog, but one really caught my eye. Griffin rushed for at least 100 yards in 34 collegiate games...at one point 31 in a row, a NCAA record.

Another running back Heisman trophy winner, George powered his way to to a school record of 1927 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns that season. Being a Michigan fan, I literally feared George on the third Saturday of November because he was such a tough guy to bring down. George finished his career at Ohio State second all-time in rushing yards and total touchdowns. Even though George never won a Big Ten title, he was always the feature back and the man that the defense were to key on and if they stopped George they stopped OSU. George throughout his collegiate career work to improve on everything that he did wrong. As a freshman George fumbled twice against Illinois that costed the Buckeyes the game. Over 600 carries later over the next 3 years George only fumbled 6 times. George went on to be a 1st round pick for the Houston Oilers and would have an excellent career.

"Frrreeeesssshman"

The college basketball scene this season has a plethora of great freshman ball players that it is hard to keep up with them all. When I posted my College B-Ball Preview, I only mentioned very few of the freshman that will be making immediate impacts for their teams this season. While watching the Syracuse/St. Joseph's game last night, two of the Orangemen freshman had some great moments, with one of them being the game winning three-pointer made by Jonny Flynn with 5 seconds left in the game, and Donte Green finishing with 18 points for the victors. But, Syracuse isn't the only program that will be relying heavily on their freshman. Ohio State, who the Orangemen play next week at Madison Square Garden has a 7-foot freshman in Kosta Koufos. Top recruit Derrick Rose of Memphis is already having a huge impact on his top rated team as well. The starting guard is averaging 19 points, 5 boards, and 3.5 assists in the first two games for the 2-0 Tigers. Ucla will look to go back to the Final Four for the 3rd time in a row, but will need great contributions from its big man in the middle in Kevin Love, who is averaging more than 20 points and 10 rebounds for the 3-0 Bruins. O.J. Mayo, whos flash and publication on television during high school has the cameras watching every one of this kid's moves, Mayo had 32 points in his college opener. When the NBA put in the rule that the age requirement for players to be eligible for the draft is 19, we are finding more and more great "diaper dandies" in the college scene. This is great for college basketball but the thing that hurts it is that these kids might or probably will only be there until the eligibility is up for the NBA draft. So we only get to enjoy them for a year maybe two, and when the general Bobby Knight said that this was bad for the game, I could agree with his side. Not only now do coaches have to get the top talent over to their school so that they can win and not lose their jobs. But, they have to find the right talent that will stay more than a year or two so they can keep the program respectable. I can't even imagine what the college game would be like if these great incoming freshman this season stayed through their junior years. So enjoy the college basketball season this year and it's great players, because next season most of them will be gone and a new crop will be in.

Anthony Carter

Though standing at 5 feet and 11 inches in stature, Carter was huge part of Bo Schembeckler's offense from 1979 to 1982. Carter was used primarily for speed routes and on kick-off and punt returns. As a freshman 7 of his first 17 receptions were touchdowns and now the Michigan offense who had always been run first had a lethal threat on the outside. Carter, is more known for his catch and run 45 yard touchdown as time expired against against Indiana, is considered one of the greatest plays in Michigan football history. The three time 1st Team All-American left Michigan with 8 return, receiving, and scoring records as well as finishing 4th in the Heisman voting his senior season. Most of his Michigan records have been surpassed as of late from Braylon Edwards and return man Steve Breaston. In my opinion, Carter was the one who started the long line of great Michigan play makers.

Cris Carter

The former Ohio State wide reciever was so dominate in the Big Ten from 1984 to 1986. Becoming Ohio State's first wide reciever 1st Team All-American as Junior, Carter was forced to leave school after his junior year because he was caught signing a contract with an agent. He left Ohio State being the all-time leader in receptions and also as a freshman he set a Rose Bowl record with 9 catches and 172 yards.

Pic of the Week

With the battle between the best rivalry in sports just days away with the Big Ten title on the line, I thought that it would be fitting to put a picture of the past since Michigan hasn't beaten Ohio State since 2003. I remember watching this game at home when the Heisman award winner Desmond Howard put on a show for the ages in the Ohio State game. This pose which came off a 93 yard punt return, gave Michigan a nice cushion for the win and a trip to the Rose Bowl. If I ever got a chance to interview Howard I would definitely ask him if he had planned to do the pose no matter how he scored. Coming this week up until the big game, I will be giving you glimpses of past Ohio State and Michigan greats and my prediction for the game...and after!

Deserved Better

One of the classiest players in my generation of watching sports has been and always will be Grant Hill. Despite his ability to stay healthy, Hill has never gave the public grief or displayed classless acts to the teams that payed him tons of money and could never step on the floor for them. If anything Hill has showed alot of character through his career by taking pay cuts and while injured spent countless time with the team(s) city's communities. For a man not being able to play the game he loves because of numerous setbacks from ankle surgeries, he has tried his best to stay positive and has handled the stress and his adversity with class. With that, I try not to watch to much of the NBA this early but something caught my attention in the NBA section of the local paper this past Sunday that put a bad taste in my mouth. Hill, who is now a Phoenix Sun this season, played the past 7 seasons for the Orlando Magic and his new team came to Orlando Saturday night to face his old team. With that being said you would think that the Magic fans would give Hill a nice ovation upon his return after the time spent with a team that has been through ups and downs just like Hill. Instead the Magic faithful booed Hill during the introduction, and whenever he touched the ball and made a basket. Are you kidding me? The former Duke Blue Devil and lottery pick who was not even offered a chance back with the team this past off season got booed...for what may I ask? If I was not wanted at my place of work and I loved what I was doing I'd go elsewhere too. The Magic fans made remarks doing the game about his ankle, and proved themselves to be as classless as Hill has been classy over the years. If it wasn't for his injuries Hill would be a sure fit for the Basketball Hall of Fame, but he's not going to be and that he has to deal with. And does he go out and feel sorry for himself and does nothing while being paid to be injured...no. He goes out and lowers his contract for the best of the team, does community service projects in the Orlando area, and going out and being everything that you want as a professional athlete away from the court. Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson was quoted after the game saying, "It was tough to hear that. I definitely didn't agree with that at all. He has never did anything wrong." Hill as professional as possible stayed away from commenting on the boos after the game. I am sure that he was hurt, more than any ankle injury ever gave him. Way to go Orlando!

Best Gangster Movies

Monday I went with my bro Bill and took an afternoon trip to Jacksonville and while we waited for my other brother to get out of work we went and saw American Gangster. The film that was captivated by two powerful performances by Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe had my attention throughout and for me never slowed down even with it being two hours and 38 minutes. The film is based on a true story with Frank Lucas (Washington) a black crime boss starting as just a driver and becoming a force in Harlem in the 1970s. Russell plays Richie Roberts who is a personally trouble police detective who bothers his fellow colleagues on the force along with his ex-wife, works to bring down Lucas and his entire drug empire. I couldn't wait to see this film and I recommend all of you to see it in the theatres, unless you have a nice surround sound stereo when you get the dvd. As Bill and I walk out of the theatre we started discussing this film (which I thought was excellent but I can't figure out if it will have a good amount of Oscar nominations) and past great "gangsta movies", so I thought about it and here's my top 10.

10. CARILTO'S WAY

9. RESERVOIR DOGS

8. MENACE II SOCIETY

7. SCARFACE

6. AMERICAN GANGSTER

5. THE GODFATHER 2

4. CASINO

3. GOODFELLAS

2. THE DEPARTED

1. THE GODFATHER

NBA and Mens College B-Ball Previews

With my slacking on the blogs lately because of family being in town, I forgot that the NBA season was with full day schedules and that means college basketball season is starting as well. This is still too soon for me to follow the NBA so I have few to write about with that league. As far as college is concerned, I read the College Basketball Preview in USA Today and would like to make some points going into this season.

The NBA season has started and I more than likely will take glimpses at games for now and probably not get into the season until the New Year. All I know is that Kobe Bryant needs to go to Chicago so that I can follow the NBA again. I was a huge Bulls fan but when Jordan left, I basically left the NBA as the league started to fall off alittle. It looks to me again this season that the Western Conference is a powerhouse again, and any of 4 to maybe 5 teams could go to the Finals. As for the East, you got the trio in Boston, the Bulls (who I noticed hasn't gotten off to a great start, and possibly the Detroit Pistons. I really don't feel that Lebron James and the Cavs won't make the type of run like they made last season. This is all I got for the NBA for now, referees maybe later. Here's my picks...

Phoenix Suns over the Dallas Mavericks in the West

Boston Celtics over the Chicago Bulls in the East

Celtics are your NBA Champs!!!


With 62 coaching changes in Division 1 this season, most programs will be rebuilding, some trying to get their program where they want to be, and others that have their core group back and wanting that coveted National Championship. It'll be easy for me to tell you that North Carolina, Memphis, and UCLA are the best teams in the nation and all three will be #1 seeds this March and contend for the title. That being said, there is a lot of teams that are all bunched up and could turn some heads heading into the February. Here's a look at my teams to look for in the power conferences this year followed by the picks.

BIG EAST- It's safe to say that Georgetown and Louisville are the favorites. Georgetown's Roy Hibbert who decided to come back for another chance at winning a title looks to improve his talent for another year, and be a force in the middle and get the Hoyas back to the Final Four. Louisville is returning 4 starters this season and the top 7 scorers from last year's team. As always the deep Big East is always wide open for some surprises. My surprise team this season is Syracuse (your welcome Marc), the Orangemen have two players that are pre-season co-rookie of the year candidates in forward Donte Green and guard Jonny Flynn. Both were teammates on the USA under 19 team that placed silver in the world championships this summer.

BIG 12- Bill Self has brought 3 teams to the Elite Eight now and his Kansas Jayhawks are looking to make a return trip this year and some. Kansas the hands down favorite will have a bunch of contenders fighting for the conference title including a couple of teams that lost their stars. Texas and Texas A&M will be there til the end, even though A&M lost their coach in Billy Gillispie, they are returning a couple of very talented seniors in Joseph Jones and Josh Carter and have pried talented Mark Turgeon from Witchita State. Surprise team this season is hard but I have to go with Kansas State, since he is receiving Bob Huggins recruits...if they go to class.

ACC- The North Carolin Tarheels are the Preseason #1 team and are the class of the ACC this year barring injuries. The ACC has taken some hits the past couple of years with questions about how deep and good is this once powerful conference. Lots of teams are going to be looking to get the NCAA committee voters attention this season including, N.C. State, Clemson, and Florida State. I think that Duke and Virginia will both be there in March, and something tells me that the Blue Devils will be making a push at the Tarheels this year returning 4 starters, with Marcus Nelson being their go-to guy. I could be wrong though, since the starter they lost was their man in the middle in Josh McRoberts to the NBA.

BIG TEN- Even with a lost to a Division 2 school this past week, Michigan State is still one of the favorites in a conference that doesn't get a whole lot of love anymore. The Indiana Hoosiers is the other team I am seeing as a favorite to win the conference. With Bo Ryan as coach of the Wisconsin Badgers they have finished in the top 4 in each of the last six seasons. Ohio State and Purdue could be around this year but you never know in this conference. I got two sleepers for you with each having two new coaches. Minnesota has Tubby Smith and Michigan has John Beilein, both coming from two great programs in Kentucky and West Virginia respectively. I am not saying that they are going to go to the NCAA tourney but I have always like the way both these coaches have coached their teams, offensively and defensively.

PAC-10- UCLA is seeking their 3 consecutive trip to the Final Four and are the favorites going into a very deep Pac-10 this season. Washington State will be competing for the crown as well with their all-everything player in guard Kyle Weaver. The Oregon Ducks will be fighting as well, returning 3 players that averaged double figures in points last season. Freshman of the Year Chase Budinger from Arizona will keep the Wildcats around all season. My surprise team this year will be USC. Even with the loss of the backcourt following a sweet sixteen appearance last season, they have two studs in Taj Gibson that averaged 12 points and 8+ boards a game and freshman of the year candidate in the highly recruited O.J. Mayo.

SEC- Tennessee is back this season again as one of the most potent offenses in the nation with returning guard Chris Lofton. The Vols offense is so tough it's hard to imagine anyone in the league to keep up with this team. Kentucky, even with the loss of Smith, is returning a loaded backcourt and will be a tourney team this season. Replacing all five starters the back-2-back champs in the Florida Gators have a great incoming class. As you can tell most of my surprise teams have a bunch of returning players and that will stay the same in the SEC. Arkansas is returning all 5 back and last season freshman standout in guard Patrick Beverley, who averaged 13.9 points last year, won't have to do too much with a senior based team back.

FINAL FOUR
North Carolina
Memphis
Tennessee
Washington State

ROY WILLIAMS WILL BE CUTTING DOWN THE NETS FOR A SECOND TIME AS THE TARHEELS WILL NOT BE DENIED WITH THE PLAY OF THE NAISMITH PLAYER OF THE YEAR TYLER HANSBROUGH!

Pic of the Week

Enough said!

The Next One

I haven't seen a running back this explosive in my lifetime since my favorite back ever Barry Sanders. Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings is absolutely incredible and from what I have seen so far as humble as Sanders was. He doesn't even have to play another game this season to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year. I am sure that Vikings fans are very happy with what they have for the future. Now if they can now only build around him, the V-men will be a team to look at down the road. Peterson, who has just broken the single game record for rushing yards with 296, is currently the leading rusher in the NFL as well with more to come. I just wish the kid a healthy career, because a player with this much talent I can only think of what many people have said about a player as electric named Sayers.

Pic of the Week

Photo at Pablo and Tina's annual Halloween party. Though for the first time in it's existence I wasn't in attendence, it seemed that I missed some great costumes here's alittle taste.

The Yankees 2007 Offseason

Since the start of the World Series the Yankees have been begun the re transformation process so that they can get out of the this funk that they are in the past 5 seasons. Most teams would give anything to be in the kind of funk that the Yanks are in but these are the wealthy New York Yankees that winning now is the only thing that matters. This is the first season that I have witnessed from the Yankees since their championship of 1996, a combination of experienced players and youth. The Yankees have brought up a some new young components to the major league roster that all could bring a title back to the city of New York. My father who is an avid reader of Baseball America says that the New York organization are flourishing talent in the minor leagues that are ready to make an impact at the professional level. With that being said the Yankees decided to let their long time manager, Joe Torre, go with a new type of style waiting in the horizon. That new style's name is Joe Girardi, in my opinion a perfect new addition with a style that is going to shake around the egos that are in the clubhouse. Though Girardi doesn't have much experience, that is usually key to manage a clubhouse with as many high priced players, he brings an intensity that might be good for especially the young players in the locker room. It'll be interesting to see how he gets along with the media during the season, but I am pretty sure that we will see a guy that won't shy away from questions...something that might irritate "the boss".

Scott Boras made an announcement during game 4 of the World Series that Alex Rodriguez, the probable American League MVP..again, will opt out of his contract with the Yankees and look elsewhere for work. This brought the boss' son, Hank Steinbrenner, so say that he doesn't want to resign someone that doesn't want to be a Yankee. So with this, the New York organization decided that they will not pursue the soon to be even richer A-Rod. This brought a chuckle to me, I really find it hard to believe that the Yankees will let Rodriguez go that easily. If you really think that I believe the Yankees are not and will not pursue this guy your out of your mind. The only way I can see this is if the Yanks swipe Mike Lowell from the Red Sox because Lowell is going to want a long-term deal, and who better to give it then the Yankees. Lowell who started his career in the minors with the Yankees will probably be asking for a 5 year contract something that the Red Sox might not go for and offer him a 3 year deal. If that happens, something that happened before with a man named Damon, I think that the Yankees will steal the World Series MVP and give the man what he wants.

With Torre out of the picture after making it to the postseason in every year of his career as a Yankee manager the outlook of the others free agent players to return doesn't look good. Among them are Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, Roger Clemens, and the return of Andy Petitte who is talking retirement since the departure of their coach. When it comes down to it, Girardi was a former teammate and money ultimately talks in my book. I really believe that Clemens and Pettite will be gone, but I am sure that captain Derek Jeter will talk some sense into the other two Hall of Fame candidates. The Yanks are going to have to face some hard decisions with what they are going to do with Johnny Damon with the emergence of Melky Cabrera in center field. I really don't think this is that hard of a decision though, Cabrera plays...Damon sits. The starting pitching is going to need some work this off-season as well. Mike Mussina is done, so either it's time to bring up some of the young new talent in waiting or go out and get someone. My guess is that they'll do the latter but it'll be hard since there are not as many free agent pitchers are on the market this season that the Yankees are going to take a liking to.

With all this being said, the New York Yankees have started this very important off-season with a coaching change and a probable AL MVP opting to go elsewhere. Not a course that most teams would want to go, but change will be good for the Yankees, but keeping some guys around won't be that bad of an idea either. I am sure with the Red Sox already winning two championships this century is keeping the Yankees on edge. But, what they need to do is stay patient and bring in the type of players that brought them success in the past...pitching, role players, and youth. I figured I would blog about this today since the Yankees rumor mill will go on for months and I really won't want to hear about it all the time. So I'll write about it now instead of later, because knowing the Yankees, there will be a change everyday...they better hope so!

I Can Admit I Was Wrong!

After watching the Boston Red Sox sweep another World Series for the second title in 4 years over the Colorado Rockies last night I will have to admit that I was wrong! Even though I picked the Red Sox to win the title at the beginning of the season, at mid-season, and this series...I didn't pick them when the regular season was over, I was wrong and for that I apologize! For some reason I really had the feeling after the season was over that they had falter toward the end and weren't the same team to begin the postseason. But Terry Francona proved me wrong by winning their final seven games to win his second title, and a place in Red Sox history forever!

Not only did the Colorado Rockies disappoint their fans but me! I really thought that the long layoff was not going to affect them, I was wrong and for that I apologize! It was clear Game 1 when Josh Beckett continued to throw fastball after fastball the first three innings of the game, daring the Rockies to hit it. Clearly, baseball is all about timing and the Rockies during their layoff have no one that throws fastballs like Beckett to keep their timing sharp. This continue to game 2 with Curt Schilling throwing his off-speed splitters that kept the Rockies off-balanced for the second straight day. And even the cold Rocky Mountain air couldn't change momentum from their on in games 3 and 4. 9 days is way to long, now I think that is something for Major League baseball to think about during the off-season.

Coming tomorrow my first ever blog about the New York Yankees and their very important off-season, including the hiring of new manager Joe Giraldi...who I did say would be the next manager, somethings I do get right!

"They are who we thought they were!"

Most of my friends that read this blog I don't get to see much anymore, but in 3 weeks that is going to change. And I am sure that if I was home I would be asked about the Patriots/Redskins game being that I am a huge Redskin fan, always have. As you can see the famous quote above from my favorite coach that is out of the game, Denny Green, I really wasn't expecting much from the 'Skins this weekend...and I got just that! What I really was expecting was when I saw Tom Brady take the field in the 4th quarter was my boy Sean Taylor to really knock him out with a late hit after he dropped back to pass. Did I mention that I am also a Michigan fan, and have great respect for Brady? But, not to this extreme. I have heard the thoughts about this situation all day on the radio and television and my feeling is still the same as it was when I continued to watch the game in the 4th quarter yesterday...If this was the Redskins of the late '80s early '90s, Brady would have never taken the field. For this reason, they were different players then without limelight, and all of the media attention and the way that some, I repeat some, of the players today see the game now, the old school guys would have never stood for it. Do you think for a second that if the 49ers were beating the Redskins back in the day the way that the Patroits did on Sunday that Walsh would have sent Joe Montana out there with guys like a Dexter Manley still on the field...no way! That is like a death wish for Montana. My feeling is that the game was over before it started and was out of hand by halftime, what is Bill Belichick thinking with the starting lineup still in the game. What is he preparing for next week against the Colts? No way, my man Joe Gibbs had every right to just leave the stadium without a handshake yesterday and Gibbs is not that type of guy to do that! Lucky for the Patriots that they won't see the Redskins and Joe Gibbs again, unless it's the Super Bowl, for a few years and even still Gibbs will be gone...but Gregg Williams won't! Payback's a BITCH!!!

Just Watch

A Division 3 game this past Saturday reminded me of the Cal/Stanford game. Now that's how you draw it up!

Above are parts 1 and 2 of pieces on ESPN about the reason a young teen by the name of Genarlow Wilson was put in jail for aggravated child molestation. After more than two years behind bars the young man was just released this past week. I remember seeing these pieces more than 6 months ago and I thought that this was such a terrible story. But, now that the once high school football star is out, he has a brighter outlook on things to come. He has been studying for the SATs to hopefully get into college, something that he had wanted to do before the charges. Hopefully, this turns into a feel good story.