I will stay out of the catfight between these two, and cover some stuff I've been pondering this past week:
1) Steroids -- Enough with the steroids outrage. Anyone with half a brain has known for years many baseball players use steroids. When great ballplayers (Bonds / Sosa as an example) go from 30 homerun/30 stolen base guys to 66 home runs and 73 !!!!! home runs respectively in the span of a few years, red flags obviously need to be raised. You'd have a better chance finding WMDs in Iraq then convincing someone that steroids aren't being used in baseball. Bonds and Sosa's heads are the size of coconuts. Canseco and Caminiti (and now Giambi) have publicly admitted to using steroids during their MVP seasons.
The question isn't whether guys are using steroids, but how many are using the juice? So these guys inject steroids/HGH/testesterone into their body, so what? Of course, testing would curtail some of the widespread use of these substances like any other major sports regulatory body all over the world already does. The reason testing is already not in place. You guessed it. The beloved MLB ayers union. Their leader, Donald Fehr (who is more evel than even Donald Rumsfeld) refuses to budge on steroid testing. But alas, the MLB players union doesn't budge on anything. This steroids issue is just yet another example of ESPN policing the hand that feeds it. We all know ESPN is one of the main culprits when it comes to glamorizing the long ball, and now all of sudden they lead the "outrage" over players enhancing their ability to hit the long ball. The hypocrisy in this country is mind boggling.
2) BCS -- The Texas fans have lost it. Threatening (both verbally and physically) AP voters, writing nasty emails to any talking head (herbstreit, Albersts, May, etc.) who says anything lhe least bit negative about Texas deserving to be in the BCS. Here's the deal. Texas and Cal both deserve to be in the BCS. Assuming nothing crazy happens this weekend, Cal or Texas is going to be left out. Is that fair? Of course not. This systems sucks, and the problems will persist until an 4 or 8 team playoff is put into place. If the decision makers (ADs, school presidents, Bowls, networks) are judged based on their past history, we should have a playoff somewhere around the year 2050. Maybe Mack Brown will have a conference title by then. Hey mack, figure out how to BEAT OU and then all your problems will be solved.
3) Ricky -- Let's just let Ricky be Ricky. No need to bag on the guy. We all have known he beats to a different drum for years now. Just remember all the great memories he provided during the years he did play and move on. I had the luxury of being in school during his Junior and Senior seasons. I remember the unbelievable season he had in '97 despite zero talent around him. What Texas fan will ever forget the '98 thansgiving game against A&M in Mack's first season (on a side note - the coach at UT ages about as quick as the president of the US in office - just compare mack '98 to mack '04) ? Ricky's run to the record book (F Ron Dayne) with a national tv audience watching and dorsett on hand to witness it. So many others: wearing #37 against OU, his dominant bowl performance against miss st., ending nebraska's 47 game home winning streak in lincoln. Sure, Ricky would have finished with unbelievable numbers in the pros (maybe even a hall of famer). Let's not forget Earl Campbell's possible influence on his decision to get out of the game. Earl can barely walk anymore, and Ricky was always conscious of how much a beating you take as a running back in the NFL. I'm not trying to make excuses, just trying to let Ricky be Ricky.
4) Championship weekend - Quick predictions (for recreational purposes only of course) for this weekend's games.
VA - Tech (+7) @ Miami - Va tech is not in awe of Miami like many other teams. While Miami has been improving and their team is finally healthy (ryan moore, moss, etc.), these two teams are very equal in terms of talent. Despite the game being played in the orange bowl, I'll take V-tech plus the points. Miami 21 Va Tech 17.
USC (-23) @ UCLA - This game is being played in the Rose Bowl, but imagine the crowd will have a fairly sizable SC contigent. This SC team is peaking at the right time, and their offense received an added boost (not that they needed it) when Steve Smith came back from his broken leg. They have had 1 close call all year, and I don't see how UCLA will be able to hang with this SC juggernaut. Keep in mind UCLA last played a game NOvember 13!!!! USC 48 UCLA 17
Big 12 Championship
Colorado (+23) vs. Oklahoma - Call me crazy, but I think Colorado plays OU tough. Colorado really has nothing to lose, and Oklahoma has everything to lose. Don't think OU players won't have last year's K-st. debacle in the back of their minds. I know Joel Klatt is no heisman candidate, but he is a darn good QB. Colorado has a decided edge in the kicking game (their kicker has serious range and Dicarlo is a stiff). Now OU should torch Colorado's secondary, but I think Colorado will put some points on the board. I don't have the guts to predict a colorado win but i think this game will be close in the 4th quarter. OU 34 Colorado 21.
SEC Championship
Auburn (-14) vs. Tennessee - This Tennesee team is doing it with smoke and mirrors, and Auburn is playing the best football outside of Southern California right now. Unless Phillip Fulmer has one more trick up his sleave, i don't see any way Tennesee will be able to keep up with Jason Campbell, Cadillac, Ronnie Brown, and co. Auburn rolls big time in this game. Auburn 41 Tennesee 14.
Cal (-24) vs. Southern Miss - I wish like hell southern miss was a better team this season. But they aren't. Maybe with the stars aligning, Southern miss could pull off the monumental upset. I just don't see it. Cal is top 5 in the nation in both total offense and defense. They should win this one easily. Cal 34 Southern Miss 13.
T
Big D
Friday, December 03, 2004
Thursday, December 02, 2004
The Other Side of the Circle
I have decided to rebut all of JC’s remarks in his most recent post. I am doing this because it is easy and I am too lazy to come up with my own topics. I have also decided to not use the “Speaking of…” phraseology that JC used in his “Running in Circles” post to be more reader friendly.
1.Gary Barnett is a deserving winner of the Big 12 Coach of the Year Award. This award doesn’t go to the coach with the best team or record, the voters obviously look at surrounding circumstances when allocating their votes. Barnett and his team went through hell this summer and still managed to get to the Big 12 Championship game. The Buffs not only had to deal with the recruiting and rape scandals, but they also had to deal with losing their most explosive player, Jeremy Bloom. They also battled to get to the Big 12 Championship game by winning 3 straight games to earn the right to play in that game (interestingly, they were underdogs in all 3 and won all 3 outright). Essentially Barnett took the Buffs program from what could have been a disastrous season and turned them into winners with something to build on. Even though Bob Stoops coached in one of the toughest divisions in football, he also had one the best team in college football. A slightly retarded person, or even Mack Brown, could have coached this team to a Big 12 South Title. It is impressive what Stoops has accomplished this season by keeping his team focused and not slipping up all season. However, it isn’t very hard to motivate players when they know that every game has national championship implications. It is more impressive to see a coach motivate players that have nothing to play for week in and week out and inspiring them to be better than they are.
2. It’s not that the 4 best players in the country are on two teams, the 4 best players are on two of the best teams. This is not a coincidence. Usually the best players are on the best teams. And yes, JC is bitter.
3. Carson Palmer is essentially a rookie this year and will go through growing pains like any rookie quarterback. Remember Rothlispuekenburger is an exception to the rule, not the standard by which we grade rookie quarterbacks. Plus, the Heisman isn’t supposed to go to the guy with the most pro potential or the guy who is going to pan out the best in the pros. Also, you don’t need a “big arm” to be successful in the NFL, you just have to make all the throws (ie, Chad Pennington).
4. Wait a second…there are coaching vacancies at the end of the football season? That’s weird. And on that note, JC’s thoughts on the coaching landscape have been duly noted for the record.
5. If you’re Mormon, Utah is the Mecca of college football. However, Meyer would have left all the same even if ND wasn’t knocking down his door.
6. To answer the philosophical question, yes…..the Fiesta Bowl sponsors will make a sound and hopefully the threat of taking their money away from the BCS will force the BCS to make changes to the current system. Because we all know that money makes the world go round, at least the college football world.
7. The idea of a combination of Utah, Tennessee and Pittsburgh being in the BCS pales in comparison to the fact that once again the BCS has failed to produce a true national championship game and is a much bigger “scandal”.
Z
1.Gary Barnett is a deserving winner of the Big 12 Coach of the Year Award. This award doesn’t go to the coach with the best team or record, the voters obviously look at surrounding circumstances when allocating their votes. Barnett and his team went through hell this summer and still managed to get to the Big 12 Championship game. The Buffs not only had to deal with the recruiting and rape scandals, but they also had to deal with losing their most explosive player, Jeremy Bloom. They also battled to get to the Big 12 Championship game by winning 3 straight games to earn the right to play in that game (interestingly, they were underdogs in all 3 and won all 3 outright). Essentially Barnett took the Buffs program from what could have been a disastrous season and turned them into winners with something to build on. Even though Bob Stoops coached in one of the toughest divisions in football, he also had one the best team in college football. A slightly retarded person, or even Mack Brown, could have coached this team to a Big 12 South Title. It is impressive what Stoops has accomplished this season by keeping his team focused and not slipping up all season. However, it isn’t very hard to motivate players when they know that every game has national championship implications. It is more impressive to see a coach motivate players that have nothing to play for week in and week out and inspiring them to be better than they are.
2. It’s not that the 4 best players in the country are on two teams, the 4 best players are on two of the best teams. This is not a coincidence. Usually the best players are on the best teams. And yes, JC is bitter.
3. Carson Palmer is essentially a rookie this year and will go through growing pains like any rookie quarterback. Remember Rothlispuekenburger is an exception to the rule, not the standard by which we grade rookie quarterbacks. Plus, the Heisman isn’t supposed to go to the guy with the most pro potential or the guy who is going to pan out the best in the pros. Also, you don’t need a “big arm” to be successful in the NFL, you just have to make all the throws (ie, Chad Pennington).
4. Wait a second…there are coaching vacancies at the end of the football season? That’s weird. And on that note, JC’s thoughts on the coaching landscape have been duly noted for the record.
5. If you’re Mormon, Utah is the Mecca of college football. However, Meyer would have left all the same even if ND wasn’t knocking down his door.
6. To answer the philosophical question, yes…..the Fiesta Bowl sponsors will make a sound and hopefully the threat of taking their money away from the BCS will force the BCS to make changes to the current system. Because we all know that money makes the world go round, at least the college football world.
7. The idea of a combination of Utah, Tennessee and Pittsburgh being in the BCS pales in comparison to the fact that once again the BCS has failed to produce a true national championship game and is a much bigger “scandal”.
Z
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Running in Circles
Running in Circles
In some places, a .500 conference record, without beating any of the top teams in the conference will get your fired. In the Big 12, it gets you the Coach of the Year. I guess going undefeated in the toughest division in the country is not enough to get the nod from the media. Nor is turning a sub .500 team last year into a bowl team this year. Nope, apparently all you have to do is back your way into the Big 12 title game by winning a division where Iowa State controlled its own destiny.
Speaking of the Big 12, Oklahoma is boasting 2 of the 4 Heisman favorites, and USC is boasting the other two (according to ESPN). So let me get this straight, the four best players in the country are on two teams? Out of all 117 teams and its 6000 + players, the four best players are on two teams? Does it not dawn on anyone that these players statuses may be slightly inflated because of the other players on their teams. Two players from the same team have been finalists for the award 2 times in the last 30 years, now you want me to believe that there are not 3 guys that can compete with these four unreal players? Not that I find Matt Lienart an undeserving candidate, but my grandma could throw it to those receivers, including Reggie Bush, and rack up 30 TD’s. And nevermind that Adrian Peterson is running behind the nations best offensive line, one that will likely produce 3 early round draft picks, along with playing beside last years Heisman winner, and a top 3 receiving core in the country, nevermind that fact. Are the people that vote for these things actually watching the games, or just reading Dennis Dodds lastest piece of drivel? And no, I’m not bitter, just sad about the fact that the most prestigious award in college football is a joke.
Speaking of the Heisman being a joke, Carson Palmer throws a terrible football. This guy is going to be out of the NFL in 3 years. He’s just not very good, and his arm is not very big. Yet, he still managed to get Butch Davis run out of town.
Speaking of coaching vacancies, there seem to be quite a few right now. 3 and out for Willingham and ND, he didn’t even have time to bring in his own guys. Ron Zook out when next year looks to be his best team? Florida may learn from the Bill Callahan experiment and have a terrible year next year. Obviously the name of the game is win now. Just for the record I think the coaching landscape will shake up like this: Willingham to Washington, Jeff Tedford to Florida, Nick Saban to the Dolphins, Butch Davis to LSU, and Urban Myer to ND.
Speaking of Urban Myer, I heard an interview with the coach yesterday where he adamantly stated his affection for the Great Salt Lake. Ladies, I just spent 2 months in Utah, while aesthetically pleasing, it is not a Mecca of college football. That guy is as good as gone.
Speaking of the Utah, here is a philosophical question: If two shitty teams play a BCS bowl in the middle of the desert, and no one is there to see it, will Fiesta Bowl sponsors make a sound?
Speaking of The Bowl Championship Series, could this thing be any more screwed up. Somehow its possible that Colorado, Pitt, Utah, and Tennessee stand a chance to get to a BCS game and all of its benefits for doing all of nothing in the regular season. And spare me on Utah, good for them, they did what they needed to do, they did everything asked of them, and quite frankly they deserve a shot. However, if you think they would have gone undefeated in any of the major conferences, you are kidding yourself. Pac 10, Big 12, ACC, SEC…at least 2 losses. They may have been able to run the table in the Big Least, but I’m pretty sure a couple of high school teams would compete in that league. This years BCS is nothing short of a scandal.
Speaking of scandals, your Big 12 Coach of the Year…..Gary Barnett.
JC
In some places, a .500 conference record, without beating any of the top teams in the conference will get your fired. In the Big 12, it gets you the Coach of the Year. I guess going undefeated in the toughest division in the country is not enough to get the nod from the media. Nor is turning a sub .500 team last year into a bowl team this year. Nope, apparently all you have to do is back your way into the Big 12 title game by winning a division where Iowa State controlled its own destiny.
Speaking of the Big 12, Oklahoma is boasting 2 of the 4 Heisman favorites, and USC is boasting the other two (according to ESPN). So let me get this straight, the four best players in the country are on two teams? Out of all 117 teams and its 6000 + players, the four best players are on two teams? Does it not dawn on anyone that these players statuses may be slightly inflated because of the other players on their teams. Two players from the same team have been finalists for the award 2 times in the last 30 years, now you want me to believe that there are not 3 guys that can compete with these four unreal players? Not that I find Matt Lienart an undeserving candidate, but my grandma could throw it to those receivers, including Reggie Bush, and rack up 30 TD’s. And nevermind that Adrian Peterson is running behind the nations best offensive line, one that will likely produce 3 early round draft picks, along with playing beside last years Heisman winner, and a top 3 receiving core in the country, nevermind that fact. Are the people that vote for these things actually watching the games, or just reading Dennis Dodds lastest piece of drivel? And no, I’m not bitter, just sad about the fact that the most prestigious award in college football is a joke.
Speaking of the Heisman being a joke, Carson Palmer throws a terrible football. This guy is going to be out of the NFL in 3 years. He’s just not very good, and his arm is not very big. Yet, he still managed to get Butch Davis run out of town.
Speaking of coaching vacancies, there seem to be quite a few right now. 3 and out for Willingham and ND, he didn’t even have time to bring in his own guys. Ron Zook out when next year looks to be his best team? Florida may learn from the Bill Callahan experiment and have a terrible year next year. Obviously the name of the game is win now. Just for the record I think the coaching landscape will shake up like this: Willingham to Washington, Jeff Tedford to Florida, Nick Saban to the Dolphins, Butch Davis to LSU, and Urban Myer to ND.
Speaking of Urban Myer, I heard an interview with the coach yesterday where he adamantly stated his affection for the Great Salt Lake. Ladies, I just spent 2 months in Utah, while aesthetically pleasing, it is not a Mecca of college football. That guy is as good as gone.
Speaking of the Utah, here is a philosophical question: If two shitty teams play a BCS bowl in the middle of the desert, and no one is there to see it, will Fiesta Bowl sponsors make a sound?
Speaking of The Bowl Championship Series, could this thing be any more screwed up. Somehow its possible that Colorado, Pitt, Utah, and Tennessee stand a chance to get to a BCS game and all of its benefits for doing all of nothing in the regular season. And spare me on Utah, good for them, they did what they needed to do, they did everything asked of them, and quite frankly they deserve a shot. However, if you think they would have gone undefeated in any of the major conferences, you are kidding yourself. Pac 10, Big 12, ACC, SEC…at least 2 losses. They may have been able to run the table in the Big Least, but I’m pretty sure a couple of high school teams would compete in that league. This years BCS is nothing short of a scandal.
Speaking of scandals, your Big 12 Coach of the Year…..Gary Barnett.
JC
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)