- I'm going to take Tampa over Dallas but this one should be close. The Cowboys have fallen off the wagon with injuries and suspensions. Tampa plays better with Garcia under center.
- Redskins over Lions. I'm not sure the Lions are going to win a game this year. Easy pick.
- Bills over Dolphins in a close one. Miami is tough and they don't make many mistakes. Buffalo doesn't make many mistakes either but they have more talent. Bills win on the talent factor.
- Patriots over Rams in a boring game in which the Patriots physically dominate but don't score many points.
- Chargers/Saints in London- This is a tough one because it's in London. I think the Chargers win because they are desperate and the Saints are pretty banged up.
- Jets over Chiefs in a low scoring but physical game. The Chiefs play decent defense but their offense is putrid.
- Eagles over Falcons. I can see the Eagles blowing this open if they show up. I've been impressed with the Falcons, but it's tough to win in Philly and the Eagles need a win badly in a tough NFC East.
- Raiders at Ravens- This game should be full of mistakes and turnovers. I give the Ravens the advantage since they are at home and they have a better defense.
- Panthers over Cardinals in a shootout. This should be a fun game. Boldin is back in the Cardinals lineup. Expect some fireworks...I'll take the Panthers.
- Jaguars over Browns. The Browns have shown some signs of life, but the Jags are too big and too physical. The Jags have no passing game but the Cleveland defense should get a healthy dose of Fred Taylor/Maurice Jones-Drew.
- Texans over Bengals. Easy pick, I can't see the Bengals winning another game this year.
- Steelers over Giants. The Blitzburgh defense will create too much havoc for the Giants offense. The Steelers offense will have to beat the Giants with Big Ben's arm. This should be a good game.
- 49ers over Seahawks in a laugher. Injuries have depleted what once was the class of the NFC West.
- Titans over Colts in a close one. Indy played awful last week, but they typically play well against AFC South opponents. The Titans however, are a poor matchup for the Colts...that puts the Titans over the edge.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Thoughts on Saturday...
-Tennessee played Bama tight in the first half...but when your offense is so horrible it's hard for any defense to stay motivated into the second half. Auburn has the same problem. This should be the final nail in the coffin for Fulmer.
-The two top ranked teams in the country are not the two best teams in the country. Florida and USC are the two best.
-Texas may be in trouble next week at Lubbock. The Horns defense will be the key because the Texas offense can definitely score on Tech's defense.
-I said that LSU's qb's would be the key to the game against Georgia and that turned out to be true. Jarrett Lee in particular throwing two picks that went for TD's ended up being the difference in a surprisingly high scoring game. I still think Georgia is a little overrated.
- I also said that if Penn St. forced Ohio St. to beat them with Terrelle Pryor's arm, the Buckeyes would be in trouble...I rest my case. I also said it would be low scoring. Beanie was held in check and Pryor's costly fumble in the 4th cost them the game. OSU's defense played well enough to win but Penn St. was damn near flawless on defense. The Nittany Lions in general did not make mistakes. Penn St. may be playing in the BCS Championship in January!
- Who is going to win the ACC? What about the Big East? I have no clue at this point! Virginia has made quite the turnaround and FSU is flying under the radar. Meanwhile all the Big East teams do is knock each other out of contention.
- BYU giving up 35 to UNLV? Not good if you expect to beat Utah this year! Where did TCU find it's offense? The night they faced BYU's defense! I believe the Mountain West is good enough of a conference that it should be included in the BCS. How is the ACC, Big East or Pac 10 better than the Mountain West at this point? I don't think any of the other mid-majors are at that level, but I do believe the Mountain West is.
-The two top ranked teams in the country are not the two best teams in the country. Florida and USC are the two best.
-Texas may be in trouble next week at Lubbock. The Horns defense will be the key because the Texas offense can definitely score on Tech's defense.
-I said that LSU's qb's would be the key to the game against Georgia and that turned out to be true. Jarrett Lee in particular throwing two picks that went for TD's ended up being the difference in a surprisingly high scoring game. I still think Georgia is a little overrated.
- I also said that if Penn St. forced Ohio St. to beat them with Terrelle Pryor's arm, the Buckeyes would be in trouble...I rest my case. I also said it would be low scoring. Beanie was held in check and Pryor's costly fumble in the 4th cost them the game. OSU's defense played well enough to win but Penn St. was damn near flawless on defense. The Nittany Lions in general did not make mistakes. Penn St. may be playing in the BCS Championship in January!
- Who is going to win the ACC? What about the Big East? I have no clue at this point! Virginia has made quite the turnaround and FSU is flying under the radar. Meanwhile all the Big East teams do is knock each other out of contention.
- BYU giving up 35 to UNLV? Not good if you expect to beat Utah this year! Where did TCU find it's offense? The night they faced BYU's defense! I believe the Mountain West is good enough of a conference that it should be included in the BCS. How is the ACC, Big East or Pac 10 better than the Mountain West at this point? I don't think any of the other mid-majors are at that level, but I do believe the Mountain West is.
Saturday preview
Some good games afoot today! Here's what I think is gonna happen!
- USC is on upset alert today at Arizona. The Wildcats are very similar to Oregon St. They can beat USC...If the Trojans don't show up. I don't think that is gonna happen. USC big!
- Texas needs to treat Okie St. just like they're playing the Sooners or Mizzou. If they come out flat, look out! I think Texas wins, but it could be closer than the experts think.
- Ohio St./Penn St.- the key to this game will be whether or not Penn St. can make the Buckeyes offense one dimensional. If they shut down the running game and force Pryor to beat them with his arm, the Buckeyes are in trouble. Now, with that being said, Penn St. has not faced a team this good yet. OSU on the other hand, has already seen USC. Ohio St. wins in a close, relatively low scoring game.
- Bama/Rocky Top- Forget about it...the Tide roll, but it will be closer than the experts think. The Vol defense is better than people think, but Bama's defense will completely shut down Tennessee's anemic offense. One interesting note...Eric Berry will play some offense today...
- LSU/UGA- I think the Bayou Bengals win today because 1.) It's at Death Valley- it is so tough to beat LSU at home! 2.) LSU's defense has come alive the last couple of weeks and Georgia is overrated offensively. Another key will be the play of LSU's qb's- Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch. If they play mistake free, LSU will win.
- Texas Tech/Kansas- Forget about it...Tech beats a slightly overrated KU squad.
- USC is on upset alert today at Arizona. The Wildcats are very similar to Oregon St. They can beat USC...If the Trojans don't show up. I don't think that is gonna happen. USC big!
- Texas needs to treat Okie St. just like they're playing the Sooners or Mizzou. If they come out flat, look out! I think Texas wins, but it could be closer than the experts think.
- Ohio St./Penn St.- the key to this game will be whether or not Penn St. can make the Buckeyes offense one dimensional. If they shut down the running game and force Pryor to beat them with his arm, the Buckeyes are in trouble. Now, with that being said, Penn St. has not faced a team this good yet. OSU on the other hand, has already seen USC. Ohio St. wins in a close, relatively low scoring game.
- Bama/Rocky Top- Forget about it...the Tide roll, but it will be closer than the experts think. The Vol defense is better than people think, but Bama's defense will completely shut down Tennessee's anemic offense. One interesting note...Eric Berry will play some offense today...
- LSU/UGA- I think the Bayou Bengals win today because 1.) It's at Death Valley- it is so tough to beat LSU at home! 2.) LSU's defense has come alive the last couple of weeks and Georgia is overrated offensively. Another key will be the play of LSU's qb's- Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch. If they play mistake free, LSU will win.
- Texas Tech/Kansas- Forget about it...Tech beats a slightly overrated KU squad.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Ugly Broncos!
Wow! What a disaster Monday night! Turnovers have been killing the Broncos all season. The defense is absolutely atrocious! The only good news that has come out of the game is Cutler's finger injury doesn't appear to be too serious. However, Champ is out 4-6 weeks and Boss is out for the season (his career MO)...not what the defense needed. Injuries have also plagued the offense...Stokely, Sheffler, Royal, Selvin and now Cutler's finger. At this point, the Broncos should be grateful they are in the pathetic AFC West where every team is having the same injury and off-field problems.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Thoughts on Saturday games
- I had predicted Michigan St. to upset Ohio St. Boy was I wrong! My prediction of course was dependent on Michigan St. actually showing up! The Buckeyes got some early turnovers and capitalized on them with a short field...next thing you know it's 28-0. The Buckeyes seem to be getting into a groove...the game with JoePa next week should be a good one!
- I'm now officially a believer in Texas. Most of Mizzou's 31 were garbage points. The Horns are hot right now. Colt McCoy has become the poster child Heisman candidate. We had to figure Mizzou's non-defense would be a factor at some point...
- Wisconsin has now lost 4 in a row...ouch
- I don't believe there is a single team in either the Big East or the ACC who deserves to play in a BCS bowl this year. They are all mediocre. I think the BCS should replace them with Utah, TCU, Boise St or even BYU. Any of those teams would be better than an ACC or Big East team.
- LSU finally put it together last night in the second half against South Carolina. The defense played lights out and the offense was just good enough to get the win.
- Tennessee is not as good as the 34-3 score against Miss St. indicates. They have a good matchup next week with Bama...speaking of which
- Bama almost blew that game with Ole Miss. Never sleep on Houston Nutt! He will beat you! Bama had jumped out to a good lead and then fell asleep at the wheel. Ole Miss had a chance at the end. In fact the only thing that kept Ole Miss from driving down the field and winning was their lack of a consistent passing game...the achilles heal of Houston Nutt teams.
- Two games I'm obviously looking forward to next week...Ohio St./Penn St. and Tennessee/Alabama. Vols/Tide used to be called "Third Saturday in October" but they always play in the fourth Saturday in October now...go figure. Bud and I agree that this game will be closer than the experts think. I also think Ohio St. is going to beat JoePa.
- I'm now officially a believer in Texas. Most of Mizzou's 31 were garbage points. The Horns are hot right now. Colt McCoy has become the poster child Heisman candidate. We had to figure Mizzou's non-defense would be a factor at some point...
- Wisconsin has now lost 4 in a row...ouch
- I don't believe there is a single team in either the Big East or the ACC who deserves to play in a BCS bowl this year. They are all mediocre. I think the BCS should replace them with Utah, TCU, Boise St or even BYU. Any of those teams would be better than an ACC or Big East team.
- LSU finally put it together last night in the second half against South Carolina. The defense played lights out and the offense was just good enough to get the win.
- Tennessee is not as good as the 34-3 score against Miss St. indicates. They have a good matchup next week with Bama...speaking of which
- Bama almost blew that game with Ole Miss. Never sleep on Houston Nutt! He will beat you! Bama had jumped out to a good lead and then fell asleep at the wheel. Ole Miss had a chance at the end. In fact the only thing that kept Ole Miss from driving down the field and winning was their lack of a consistent passing game...the achilles heal of Houston Nutt teams.
- Two games I'm obviously looking forward to next week...Ohio St./Penn St. and Tennessee/Alabama. Vols/Tide used to be called "Third Saturday in October" but they always play in the fourth Saturday in October now...go figure. Bud and I agree that this game will be closer than the experts think. I also think Ohio St. is going to beat JoePa.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
BYWHOOOO?
I didn't get to see the debacle in Ft. Worth but the score gave me a pretty good idea that the Cougars got their collective asses handed to 'em by some Horny Toads...EEEERRRRR Horned Frogs! Some of Brigham Young's faithful were even speculating on a BCS Championship bid! No Divine Intervention tonight Saints! God must be a Texan afterall, just ask the Dallas Cowboys!
There is still hope for the Cougars to get in, but the chances are pretty slim. Boise St., Utah and now TCU have an advantage. Boise and Utah are still undefeated and TCU's only loss was to Oklahoma. BYU would need each of these teams to falter, but not too much for the sake of strength of schedule. They would also need the BCS conference teams to tear each other apart. I don't see it happening at this point, but as a consolation, they can still win the Mountain West and play in the Vegas Bowl again for the upteenth year in a row. Viva Las Vegas baby!!!
There is still hope for the Cougars to get in, but the chances are pretty slim. Boise St., Utah and now TCU have an advantage. Boise and Utah are still undefeated and TCU's only loss was to Oklahoma. BYU would need each of these teams to falter, but not too much for the sake of strength of schedule. They would also need the BCS conference teams to tear each other apart. I don't see it happening at this point, but as a consolation, they can still win the Mountain West and play in the Vegas Bowl again for the upteenth year in a row. Viva Las Vegas baby!!!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
College coaches on the hot seat
The culture in college coaching has become somewhat similar to coaching in the NFL in that coaches can be fired at the drop of a hat. Winning is everything in college just as much as it is in the pros. Is it fair to the student athletes? It's such a big business that AD's are under constant pressure from fans and boosters with deep pockets to maintain a winning program. Add that to the changing demographics in college football and the increasingly competitive recruiting world and you have hot bed of ripe with strife! Here are some coaches on the hot seat right now:
Ty Willingham- Washington- This guy is always on the hot seat! He had the same problems at Notre Dame. The Huskies haven't won a game yet, Jake Locker is hurt and there doesn't seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel. He's probably out at the end of the year.
Mike Stoops- Arizona- I don't get this one. He has turned this dead program into a respectable one. You can't sleep on this team. They can beat you! Recruiting has got to be a little difficult in Tucson. Besides, I don't know who they would replace him with?
Joe Glenn- Wyoming- Glenn came in with high expectations and they just haven't materialized. I heard so much about what a great coach he is when he was first hired. There hasn't been any steady improvement.
Kirk Ferentz- Iowa- Ditto for Ferentz. Iowa has been pretty competitive at times. They played in the Rose Bowl against USC a few years ago. I can't imagine anyone wanting to play in Iowa City though. Must be tough to recruit there. He has also had disciplinary problems with players.
Tommy Tuberville- Auburn- All this guy does is beat Alabama every year, go undefeated in the SEC a few years ago, produce great defenses and recruits well. Yet, he's on the hot seat again. Granted, he hasn't been able to produce a decent offense since the days of Jason Campbell, Cadillac Williams, and Ronnie Brown, but give the guy a break! He knows how to win. So he picked the wrong Spread offense "guru". Give him time to hire another offensive coordinator.
Phil Fulmer- Tennessee- He only seems to produce good teams when he has David Cutcliffe as his offensive coordinator. Recruiting, once his strength, has been in decline for years. This is a sinking ship that he won't be able to save. Time for a change.
Tommy Bowden- Clemson- Oh wait...so long underachiever!
Al Groh- Virginia- Wow...what a drop off from last year. Is it enough for the hot seat? I'm not sure, but word is he's on sitting on it.
Greg Robinson- Syracuse- I can't believe he hasn't been fired yet! This program has hit rock bottom. I guarantee he's out at the end of the year!
Dave Wannestedt- Pittsburgh- His teams never live up to expectations. They were considered a serious Big East contender this year. He recruits well, but they just can't seem to put together a consistent team.
Ty Willingham- Washington- This guy is always on the hot seat! He had the same problems at Notre Dame. The Huskies haven't won a game yet, Jake Locker is hurt and there doesn't seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel. He's probably out at the end of the year.
Mike Stoops- Arizona- I don't get this one. He has turned this dead program into a respectable one. You can't sleep on this team. They can beat you! Recruiting has got to be a little difficult in Tucson. Besides, I don't know who they would replace him with?
Joe Glenn- Wyoming- Glenn came in with high expectations and they just haven't materialized. I heard so much about what a great coach he is when he was first hired. There hasn't been any steady improvement.
Kirk Ferentz- Iowa- Ditto for Ferentz. Iowa has been pretty competitive at times. They played in the Rose Bowl against USC a few years ago. I can't imagine anyone wanting to play in Iowa City though. Must be tough to recruit there. He has also had disciplinary problems with players.
Tommy Tuberville- Auburn- All this guy does is beat Alabama every year, go undefeated in the SEC a few years ago, produce great defenses and recruits well. Yet, he's on the hot seat again. Granted, he hasn't been able to produce a decent offense since the days of Jason Campbell, Cadillac Williams, and Ronnie Brown, but give the guy a break! He knows how to win. So he picked the wrong Spread offense "guru". Give him time to hire another offensive coordinator.
Phil Fulmer- Tennessee- He only seems to produce good teams when he has David Cutcliffe as his offensive coordinator. Recruiting, once his strength, has been in decline for years. This is a sinking ship that he won't be able to save. Time for a change.
Tommy Bowden- Clemson- Oh wait...so long underachiever!
Al Groh- Virginia- Wow...what a drop off from last year. Is it enough for the hot seat? I'm not sure, but word is he's on sitting on it.
Greg Robinson- Syracuse- I can't believe he hasn't been fired yet! This program has hit rock bottom. I guarantee he's out at the end of the year!
Dave Wannestedt- Pittsburgh- His teams never live up to expectations. They were considered a serious Big East contender this year. He recruits well, but they just can't seem to put together a consistent team.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Thoughts on Sunday's games...
- The Broncos have once again been physically dominated by the Jaguars. The Jags came to Denver last year and beat the Broncos by beating them up. Ditto for this year. It didn't help that the Broncos were missing Eddie Royal, Tony Sheffler and Brandon Stokely most of the game. The defense can't stop anybody.
- Big win for the Falcons today beating the Bears by a field goal as time expired. I'm thoroughly impressed with the way the Falcons have played this year, specifically Michael Turner and Matt Ryan. As for the Bears, Kyle Orton has played well and doesn't make the same stupid mistakes that Rex Grossman made. Not just being a caretaker, they are asking him to make plays.
- Ditto for Cardinals, beating the Cowboys with a blocked punt in OT. Dallas has not played well the last couple of weeks while Arizona is having a great year. Kurt Warner looks re-born.
- It's about time the Colts played some offense. They lit up a very good Ravens defense.
- I'm all in favor of the Lions going for 0-16 this year! I think it could happen! I've never seen a team go 0-16. I want to see it happen!
- Big win for the Falcons today beating the Bears by a field goal as time expired. I'm thoroughly impressed with the way the Falcons have played this year, specifically Michael Turner and Matt Ryan. As for the Bears, Kyle Orton has played well and doesn't make the same stupid mistakes that Rex Grossman made. Not just being a caretaker, they are asking him to make plays.
- Ditto for Cardinals, beating the Cowboys with a blocked punt in OT. Dallas has not played well the last couple of weeks while Arizona is having a great year. Kurt Warner looks re-born.
- It's about time the Colts played some offense. They lit up a very good Ravens defense.
- I'm all in favor of the Lions going for 0-16 this year! I think it could happen! I've never seen a team go 0-16. I want to see it happen!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
College Pick 'Em
Wow! What a wild weekend. Me and Cory both only got 4 right this week. I finished with 21 points and Cory with 16! Paltry! I looked at the #1 ranked entry and he only got 7 points. What's sad is that I actually moved up in the rankings to 304! I'm now in the 99.9th percentile! I was in the 94th percentile last week. Cory is in 67th percentile. I have 283 total points, Cory has 216 total points. As usual, Plays With Kittens and Enlarged Prostate are MIA....Losers. There seems to be a correlation here. The young guys are participating and scoring points, the old farts must be too computer illiterate to understand how to make picks in an online game...
Thoughts on Saturday's action...
- Someone must have told Oklahoma that they were playing in the Fiesta Bowl instead of the Red River Rivalry...The Sooners are athletically superior to Texas (not by much). They seemed to mail it in after going up 21-10. Texas proceeded to outscore the Sooners 35-14 after that. The Sooners typically "mail it in" at least a couple of times a year, but not usually against Texas. Surprising win for the Longhorns.
- Holy Oklahoma St! I'd never seen a defense put so much pressure on Chase Daniel compared to what happened tonight. Another contributing factor in Mizzou's defeat is their lack of defense. It had to rear it's ugly head at some point. It didn't help that Jeremy Maclin seems to be hurt as well.
- I thought Florida would beat LSU, but not that bad! Two major factors contributed to this: 1.) Florida has UNGODLY speed! It's not fair! I thought LSU was an equal in that dept. but it wasn't the case tonight. LSU has Trindon Holliday who's incredibly fast, but Florida has like 4 guys that are just as fast, if not faster! Percy Harvin, Jeffrey Demps, Brandon James and Chris Rainey. Having said that, I think Tebow is a little overrated...2.) The Gators defense showed up and completely shut down LSU's running game. Going in to tonight, the big concern for the Florida D was LSU rb Charles Scott. He was a non-factor. In fact, it was LSU's passing game that was able to get them any points!
- I am finally convinced that Penn St. is the best team in the Big 10. Huge blowout win against Wisconsin tonight! I can't believe Wisconsin has lost three in a row!
- Terrelle Pryor looked like a freshman today. He's too tentative in his zone reads. He tries to outrun everybody laterally instead of picking a spot and running.
- With Arkansas beating Auburn and Miss St. beating Vandy, I'm now thoroughly convinced that Tennessee is the worst team in the SEC this year. How could they not be? Now with that being said, I do like their new qb Nick Stephens ahead of Crompton. He doesn't make the bonehead mistakes that Crompton does and he's more accurate. The defense and special teams actually played good enough for the Vols to win today, but their offense is horrible!
- I'd like to see Wake Forest and North Carolina in the ACC championship this year!
- Texas Tech had better get some defense if they want to hang with the likes of Oklahoma, Oklahoma St. and Texas.
- Miss St. 17- Vandy 14. Welcome to the top of the SEC Commodores!
- BYU 21- New Mexico 3. Not impressed Cougars! They had better watch out for Boise St. and Utah stealing their BCS buster thunder!
- Welcome back to earth Northwestern...Minnesota got an impressive win today against Illinois!
- Holy Toledo! Michigan really sucks!
- Holy Oklahoma St! I'd never seen a defense put so much pressure on Chase Daniel compared to what happened tonight. Another contributing factor in Mizzou's defeat is their lack of defense. It had to rear it's ugly head at some point. It didn't help that Jeremy Maclin seems to be hurt as well.
- I thought Florida would beat LSU, but not that bad! Two major factors contributed to this: 1.) Florida has UNGODLY speed! It's not fair! I thought LSU was an equal in that dept. but it wasn't the case tonight. LSU has Trindon Holliday who's incredibly fast, but Florida has like 4 guys that are just as fast, if not faster! Percy Harvin, Jeffrey Demps, Brandon James and Chris Rainey. Having said that, I think Tebow is a little overrated...2.) The Gators defense showed up and completely shut down LSU's running game. Going in to tonight, the big concern for the Florida D was LSU rb Charles Scott. He was a non-factor. In fact, it was LSU's passing game that was able to get them any points!
- I am finally convinced that Penn St. is the best team in the Big 10. Huge blowout win against Wisconsin tonight! I can't believe Wisconsin has lost three in a row!
- Terrelle Pryor looked like a freshman today. He's too tentative in his zone reads. He tries to outrun everybody laterally instead of picking a spot and running.
- With Arkansas beating Auburn and Miss St. beating Vandy, I'm now thoroughly convinced that Tennessee is the worst team in the SEC this year. How could they not be? Now with that being said, I do like their new qb Nick Stephens ahead of Crompton. He doesn't make the bonehead mistakes that Crompton does and he's more accurate. The defense and special teams actually played good enough for the Vols to win today, but their offense is horrible!
- I'd like to see Wake Forest and North Carolina in the ACC championship this year!
- Texas Tech had better get some defense if they want to hang with the likes of Oklahoma, Oklahoma St. and Texas.
- Miss St. 17- Vandy 14. Welcome to the top of the SEC Commodores!
- BYU 21- New Mexico 3. Not impressed Cougars! They had better watch out for Boise St. and Utah stealing their BCS buster thunder!
- Welcome back to earth Northwestern...Minnesota got an impressive win today against Illinois!
- Holy Toledo! Michigan really sucks!
Drooling over today's slate of games!!!
What a great lineup of college football today! The Red River Shootout which looks like it should be as good of a match up as ever. Both teams have gotten off to a great start. I think Oklahoma will win today for the following reasons: They have a little more talent and speed. Better coaching. Stoops has Mack Brown's number. The only times Texas has beat OU recently was when a certain Vince Young was wearing Longhorn burnt orange.
Then we have Florida/LSU. Both teams have speed and talent...I give the Gators the advantage because of Tebow. LSU can't match him at qb. Plus it's in the Swamp, so I think Florida should pull it off.
Then of course there's the matchup that has lost it's luster...Tennesse/Georgia. This has been a great rivalry over the last several years. The visiting team has usually won. Tennessee has beat Georgia the last two years. Two years ago, between the hedges, Georgia had jumped out to a huge lead. Then, the Vols pulled off a major comeback and won like 52-40 or something. Last year, on the banks of the Tennessee River, the Vols demolished Georgia in what proved to be the loss that kept the Dawgs out of the BCS Championship.
Speaking of the SEC, I met a guy yesterday who claimed to be an Auburn fan. When I said, "Oh! War Eagle!" he responded, "No, they're the Auburn Tigers." Are you really an Auburn fan if you don't even know what War Eagle is?
Then we have Florida/LSU. Both teams have speed and talent...I give the Gators the advantage because of Tebow. LSU can't match him at qb. Plus it's in the Swamp, so I think Florida should pull it off.
Then of course there's the matchup that has lost it's luster...Tennesse/Georgia. This has been a great rivalry over the last several years. The visiting team has usually won. Tennessee has beat Georgia the last two years. Two years ago, between the hedges, Georgia had jumped out to a huge lead. Then, the Vols pulled off a major comeback and won like 52-40 or something. Last year, on the banks of the Tennessee River, the Vols demolished Georgia in what proved to be the loss that kept the Dawgs out of the BCS Championship.
Speaking of the SEC, I met a guy yesterday who claimed to be an Auburn fan. When I said, "Oh! War Eagle!" he responded, "No, they're the Auburn Tigers." Are you really an Auburn fan if you don't even know what War Eagle is?
Sunday, October 5, 2008
NFL- 1/3 of the way done. Team report cards.
There really doesn't seem to be a clear cut dominant team this year.
NFC East-
-New York Giants: 5-0 The Giants seem to be the closest to being THE dominant team in the league but they play in the NFL version of the SEC, the NFC East, so you can't expect it to last. Eli has looked like the better Manning so far.
- Washington Redskins: 4-1 Clinton Portis is the only real star on the offense but they don't make mistakes...Jason Campbell is turning into a solid qb. Defense isn't great, but serviceable.
Dallas Cowboys: 4-1 Poor coaching results in them appearing to "coast" at times. Definitely the most talented team in the NFL and should be considered the NFC favorite for the Super Bowl. The Cowboys just win on sheer talent and nothing else. With that being said, Romo is major overrated!
- Philadelphia Eagles: 2-3 The best 2-3 team in the league. I don't know how they find ways to lose but they do. Very talented squad.
NFC North-
- Chicago Bears: 3-2 The offense has improved with Orton under center. He doesn't make big mistakes. Matt Forte has re-invigorated the running game and making Devin Hester an offensive weapon seems to be working as well.
- Green Bay Packers: 2-3 Another really good 2-3 team that just can't seem to find ways to win. I've been impressed with Aaron Rodgers and the defense is solid.
- Minnesota Vikings: 1-3 The most talented 1-3 team in the league. The much over hyped and bellyhooed Vikings don't have a qb, but they have everything else in place.
- Detroit Lions: 0-4 Talented on offense but their defense is absolutely atrocious. They get behind early and cannot recover. The Matt Millen debacle is finally over, now they can start building on some of their talent.
NFC South-
- Carolina Panthers: 4-1 Great coaching...when healthy, this team is a legit contender. They're winning with great defense and two running backs, Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. Jake Delhomme is a perfect qb for this team, he just finds ways to win.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3-2 I can't believe Derrick Brooks is still playing at such a high level! I also can't believe Gruden had benched Jeff Garcia for Brian Griese. Garcia is the most underrated qb, he doesn't have all the tools but he wins. Griese doesn't have all the tools and doesn't win. It's perplexing, they are a playoff team with Garcia.
- Atlanta Falcons: 3-2 Most surprising 3-2 team. Michael Turner is leading the league in rushing, Matt Ryan is not playing like a rookie qb and the defense is playing surprisingly well. Finally some good karma...
- New Orleans Saints: 2-2 The Saints are missing Marques Colston and need to get Deuce McAllister back as an inside runner. Reggie Bush and Drew Brees are great players but they can't do it all.
NFC West-
- Arizona Cardinals: 3-2 The JV division of the NFC has the Cardinals on top. The offense is in sync though the loss of Anquan Boldin hurts. Adrian Wilson is the most underrated Safety in the game. By the way, how old is Kurt Warner? 45???
- San Fransisco 49ers: 2-3 Alex Smith is a total bust. J.T. O'Sullivan is the franchise qb, 50 year old Isaac Bruce is the leading receiver and the defense isn't that great. This is Mike Nolan's last year as the 49ers coach.
- Seattle Seahawks: 1-3 The Seahawks have had to recruit local flag football players to staff their receiving corps. Deion Branch? out. Nate Burleson? out. Bobby Engram? out. Ouch! So much for Mike Holmgren's swan song!
- St. Louis Rams: 0-4 Firing Scott Linehan appears to have been the right move. Benching Marc Bulger for Trent Green? Are you kidding me? Torry Holt appears over the hill and the defense has never lived up to expectations. This team has been awful!
AFC East-
- Buffalo Bills: 4-1 I wonder if the hit Trent Edwards took today will knock the good karma out of him! The offense has been in sync and the defense has played well. Motivated team that has some momentum. Dangerous!
- New England Patriots: 3-1 How the Patriots are 3-1 without Brady and Randy Moss taking the season off is beyond me. The secondary is weak, but they just keep plugging along.
- Miami Dolphins: 2-2 Big wins over the Patriots and Chargers. Great coaching + motivated team - much talent = dangerous team that can beat anybody. This team looks like a Bill Parcells team. Big, physical, ball control, minimal mistakes.
- New York Jets: 2-2 Favre seems to be developing a good relationship with his receivers and the defense has been pretty good. The young but talented O-line still needs to gel.
AFC North-
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 3-1 How is it that this team always finds good, young outside lbs? Right now it's James Harrison and Lamar Woodley. Offensive line has not played well and they need to get Willie Parker back quick.
- Baltimore Ravens: 2-2 As usual, the defense has kept this team competitive. Ray Lewis isn't the player he once was, but he is still a great leader. Joe Flacco has played well considering he is a rookie...he has a cannon for an arm.
- Cleveland Browns: 1-3 Talented team that is poorly coached and has had a tough schedule. It's time to get Brady Quinn into the starting lineup. They were supposed to be a playoff team this year, but that looks unlikely.
- Cincinnati Bengals: 0-5 How can a team with Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmanzedah and a coach who is a defensive guru be so bad? The defense is awful, and Ocho Cinco hasn't done squat. This team is really bad.
AFC South-
- Tennessee Titans: 5-0 The Titans are undefeated but they don't have an offense to speak of. 60 year old Kerry Collins is starting in place of the emotionally fragile Vince Young. No receivers, but they have a dual rb threat in Chris Johnson and LenDale White. The defense has been excellent.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-2 Disappointing start for a team with such lofty expectations. The coke-head Matt Jones has stepped up to become David Garrard's go-to guy. Still a big, physical team that can physically dominate anybody when they want to.
- Indianapolis Colts: 2-2 Lucky to be 2-2 at this point. Both wins were come from behinds. No run defense, Bob Sanders is hurt, the O-line has been banged up, Marvin Harrison looks old and Peyton Manning does not look like himself. Not good.
- Houston Texans: 0-4 Came into this season with loftier expectations. Steve Slaton has been a pleasant surprise but Matt Schaub has not lived up to his contract. They should've won today...they handed the Colts that victory.
AFC West-
- Denver Broncos: 4-1 The Broncos defense has been surprisingly bad. They can't stop the run or generate much of a pass rush. The offense has been great. Cutler looks like the real deal and Brandon Marshall is a man-child. He could become the best receiver in the league.
- San Diego Chargers: 2-3 The Chargers have Norv Turner for a coach so they automatically have a handicap there. A better coach would take this team all the way. Too much talent that is going to waste.
- Oakland Raiders: 1-3 Who in their right mind would want to coach this team? The worst ownership in the league makes this franchise a joke. Lots of young talent on offense and the defense is decent. JaMarcus Russell has the strongest arm I've ever seen!
- Kansas City Chiefs: 1-4 Young team that has a lot of growing to do. The defense isn't too bad, but the offense is terrible. They have talent, DeWayne Bowe, Larry Johnson, Tony Gonzalez, but no qb.
NFC East-
-New York Giants: 5-0 The Giants seem to be the closest to being THE dominant team in the league but they play in the NFL version of the SEC, the NFC East, so you can't expect it to last. Eli has looked like the better Manning so far.
- Washington Redskins: 4-1 Clinton Portis is the only real star on the offense but they don't make mistakes...Jason Campbell is turning into a solid qb. Defense isn't great, but serviceable.
Dallas Cowboys: 4-1 Poor coaching results in them appearing to "coast" at times. Definitely the most talented team in the NFL and should be considered the NFC favorite for the Super Bowl. The Cowboys just win on sheer talent and nothing else. With that being said, Romo is major overrated!
- Philadelphia Eagles: 2-3 The best 2-3 team in the league. I don't know how they find ways to lose but they do. Very talented squad.
NFC North-
- Chicago Bears: 3-2 The offense has improved with Orton under center. He doesn't make big mistakes. Matt Forte has re-invigorated the running game and making Devin Hester an offensive weapon seems to be working as well.
- Green Bay Packers: 2-3 Another really good 2-3 team that just can't seem to find ways to win. I've been impressed with Aaron Rodgers and the defense is solid.
- Minnesota Vikings: 1-3 The most talented 1-3 team in the league. The much over hyped and bellyhooed Vikings don't have a qb, but they have everything else in place.
- Detroit Lions: 0-4 Talented on offense but their defense is absolutely atrocious. They get behind early and cannot recover. The Matt Millen debacle is finally over, now they can start building on some of their talent.
NFC South-
- Carolina Panthers: 4-1 Great coaching...when healthy, this team is a legit contender. They're winning with great defense and two running backs, Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. Jake Delhomme is a perfect qb for this team, he just finds ways to win.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3-2 I can't believe Derrick Brooks is still playing at such a high level! I also can't believe Gruden had benched Jeff Garcia for Brian Griese. Garcia is the most underrated qb, he doesn't have all the tools but he wins. Griese doesn't have all the tools and doesn't win. It's perplexing, they are a playoff team with Garcia.
- Atlanta Falcons: 3-2 Most surprising 3-2 team. Michael Turner is leading the league in rushing, Matt Ryan is not playing like a rookie qb and the defense is playing surprisingly well. Finally some good karma...
- New Orleans Saints: 2-2 The Saints are missing Marques Colston and need to get Deuce McAllister back as an inside runner. Reggie Bush and Drew Brees are great players but they can't do it all.
NFC West-
- Arizona Cardinals: 3-2 The JV division of the NFC has the Cardinals on top. The offense is in sync though the loss of Anquan Boldin hurts. Adrian Wilson is the most underrated Safety in the game. By the way, how old is Kurt Warner? 45???
- San Fransisco 49ers: 2-3 Alex Smith is a total bust. J.T. O'Sullivan is the franchise qb, 50 year old Isaac Bruce is the leading receiver and the defense isn't that great. This is Mike Nolan's last year as the 49ers coach.
- Seattle Seahawks: 1-3 The Seahawks have had to recruit local flag football players to staff their receiving corps. Deion Branch? out. Nate Burleson? out. Bobby Engram? out. Ouch! So much for Mike Holmgren's swan song!
- St. Louis Rams: 0-4 Firing Scott Linehan appears to have been the right move. Benching Marc Bulger for Trent Green? Are you kidding me? Torry Holt appears over the hill and the defense has never lived up to expectations. This team has been awful!
AFC East-
- Buffalo Bills: 4-1 I wonder if the hit Trent Edwards took today will knock the good karma out of him! The offense has been in sync and the defense has played well. Motivated team that has some momentum. Dangerous!
- New England Patriots: 3-1 How the Patriots are 3-1 without Brady and Randy Moss taking the season off is beyond me. The secondary is weak, but they just keep plugging along.
- Miami Dolphins: 2-2 Big wins over the Patriots and Chargers. Great coaching + motivated team - much talent = dangerous team that can beat anybody. This team looks like a Bill Parcells team. Big, physical, ball control, minimal mistakes.
- New York Jets: 2-2 Favre seems to be developing a good relationship with his receivers and the defense has been pretty good. The young but talented O-line still needs to gel.
AFC North-
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 3-1 How is it that this team always finds good, young outside lbs? Right now it's James Harrison and Lamar Woodley. Offensive line has not played well and they need to get Willie Parker back quick.
- Baltimore Ravens: 2-2 As usual, the defense has kept this team competitive. Ray Lewis isn't the player he once was, but he is still a great leader. Joe Flacco has played well considering he is a rookie...he has a cannon for an arm.
- Cleveland Browns: 1-3 Talented team that is poorly coached and has had a tough schedule. It's time to get Brady Quinn into the starting lineup. They were supposed to be a playoff team this year, but that looks unlikely.
- Cincinnati Bengals: 0-5 How can a team with Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmanzedah and a coach who is a defensive guru be so bad? The defense is awful, and Ocho Cinco hasn't done squat. This team is really bad.
AFC South-
- Tennessee Titans: 5-0 The Titans are undefeated but they don't have an offense to speak of. 60 year old Kerry Collins is starting in place of the emotionally fragile Vince Young. No receivers, but they have a dual rb threat in Chris Johnson and LenDale White. The defense has been excellent.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-2 Disappointing start for a team with such lofty expectations. The coke-head Matt Jones has stepped up to become David Garrard's go-to guy. Still a big, physical team that can physically dominate anybody when they want to.
- Indianapolis Colts: 2-2 Lucky to be 2-2 at this point. Both wins were come from behinds. No run defense, Bob Sanders is hurt, the O-line has been banged up, Marvin Harrison looks old and Peyton Manning does not look like himself. Not good.
- Houston Texans: 0-4 Came into this season with loftier expectations. Steve Slaton has been a pleasant surprise but Matt Schaub has not lived up to his contract. They should've won today...they handed the Colts that victory.
AFC West-
- Denver Broncos: 4-1 The Broncos defense has been surprisingly bad. They can't stop the run or generate much of a pass rush. The offense has been great. Cutler looks like the real deal and Brandon Marshall is a man-child. He could become the best receiver in the league.
- San Diego Chargers: 2-3 The Chargers have Norv Turner for a coach so they automatically have a handicap there. A better coach would take this team all the way. Too much talent that is going to waste.
- Oakland Raiders: 1-3 Who in their right mind would want to coach this team? The worst ownership in the league makes this franchise a joke. Lots of young talent on offense and the defense is decent. JaMarcus Russell has the strongest arm I've ever seen!
- Kansas City Chiefs: 1-4 Young team that has a lot of growing to do. The defense isn't too bad, but the offense is terrible. They have talent, DeWayne Bowe, Larry Johnson, Tony Gonzalez, but no qb.
Random thoughts for this weekend that may only interest me...
- Texas Tech made a statement with a big win against a decent K St. team. The Sooners better watch out...
- Tennessee may be the worst team in the SEC this year...Seriously, it's either them or Arkansas.
- Ohio St. looks much better on offense with Beanie Wells back and Terrelle Pryor starting at qb. He made some freshman like mistakes, but he's a playmaker waiting to happen. Big win against Wisconsin...I still think the Buckeyes are the best team in the Big 10.
- This year's Red River Shootout is looking real good for next week. At this point, I have to give the advantage to the Sooners, but Texas is better than I have given them credit for.
- Vanderbilt is now officially the best team in the Volunteer state. Big come from behind win against Auburn. The Commodores are currently in 1st place in the SEC East.
- Fresno St. is once again showing that they are overrated. Huge loss to Hawaii...I told you in the pre-season that Boise St. is still the best team in the WAC.
- The Broncos defense decided to show up today against a decent Bucs offense. Cutler showed maturity in taking what a very good Bucs defense gave him. No big plays, but they were still able to move the ball.
- The Redskins may be the most surprising team in the NFC right now. Big win against Philly. They don't have many playmakers, but they don't make mistakes.
- Ditto for the Dolphins as being the most surprising team in the AFC right now. Their win today was coaching. They didn't make mistakes and were able to beat a more talented Chargers team. Chad Pennington and Ronnie Brown have resurrected their careers. The Chargers would win more if they didn't have Norv Turner as their head coach.
- The Giants made a statement today putting up 44 without Plaxico Burress against Seattle. They're just continuing what they started late last year.
- Big win for the Cardinals, beating up a Trent Edwardsless Buffalo team. They did it without Anquan Boldin no less.
- Tennessee may be the worst team in the SEC this year...Seriously, it's either them or Arkansas.
- Ohio St. looks much better on offense with Beanie Wells back and Terrelle Pryor starting at qb. He made some freshman like mistakes, but he's a playmaker waiting to happen. Big win against Wisconsin...I still think the Buckeyes are the best team in the Big 10.
- This year's Red River Shootout is looking real good for next week. At this point, I have to give the advantage to the Sooners, but Texas is better than I have given them credit for.
- Vanderbilt is now officially the best team in the Volunteer state. Big come from behind win against Auburn. The Commodores are currently in 1st place in the SEC East.
- Fresno St. is once again showing that they are overrated. Huge loss to Hawaii...I told you in the pre-season that Boise St. is still the best team in the WAC.
- The Broncos defense decided to show up today against a decent Bucs offense. Cutler showed maturity in taking what a very good Bucs defense gave him. No big plays, but they were still able to move the ball.
- The Redskins may be the most surprising team in the NFC right now. Big win against Philly. They don't have many playmakers, but they don't make mistakes.
- Ditto for the Dolphins as being the most surprising team in the AFC right now. Their win today was coaching. They didn't make mistakes and were able to beat a more talented Chargers team. Chad Pennington and Ronnie Brown have resurrected their careers. The Chargers would win more if they didn't have Norv Turner as their head coach.
- The Giants made a statement today putting up 44 without Plaxico Burress against Seattle. They're just continuing what they started late last year.
- Big win for the Cardinals, beating up a Trent Edwardsless Buffalo team. They did it without Anquan Boldin no less.
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