Is the first week of college football really here? It has been over one hundred degree countless times this summer in Dallas and I never thought football season would actually come. So the day every college football fan is waiting for when a game that actually counts gets under way always gives me a special feeling. I don't ever want to lose that feeling that I have had every fall since I can remember.
This year's opening week does not have many collossal matchups with FSU vs. Miami and Cal vs. Tennesee being the two exceptions. But this week does have plenty of intrigue and while there may be plenty of Texas over Sunbelt foe North Texas type blowouts this week there will also be plenty of surprises and that's what makes College Football so exciting.
I will try to post my picks weekly this college football season unless I go into a prolonged slump in which case I may just disapper. In any event, let's get to the damn picks. And for those aren't familiar with my work, go back through the archives of last season and check out my resume. I take nothing for granted so these picks are obviously not intended for wagering purposes. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way.
Top Plays
@Arkansas (+8.5) over the Trojans
The hogs have a ton of talent coming back and the Trojans are replacing not only the unbelivable backfield but also some pretty big boys on the offensive line including three standout players. I just have a feeling that Houston Nutt has one of his most talented teams and they will give USC everything the want. I see Arkansas at least keeping this close until the 4th quarter and the 8.5 gives the possibility of a backdoor cover alive for the Hogs. This stadium should be unbelievably loud. The only drawback to this play is the Hogs all world tailback Bryant Mcfadden is out with a bum ankle but I don't think it's enough to stay away from this play
Rutgers (+6) @ UNC
Rutgers has the look of the team that could make some noise this year and John Bunting's tarheels have some talent but are just hoping to get out of this game at home with a W. Would not be shocked to see Rutgers to pull of the outright upset
Medium Plays
Northwestern (-4.5) @ Miami (OH) (Thursday Game)
It would be an understatement to say Northwestern has faced a ton of adversity this offseason considering their coach (Randy Walker) suddenly passed away due to heart attack a few months ago. Well, his successor is former Wildcat LB Pat Fitzgerald (only 31 years old!) who inherits the head coaching duties at his alma mater. I look for an inspired effort by the Northwestern team with a new QB under center against the Redhawks. Miami has decent enough talent but is dangerously weak on defense with only 2 returning starters coming back from a not so great D last year. I see Northwestern going on the road to win one for the their late coach.
@Middle Tennessee St. (-10.5) over Florida International (Thursday)
Yes, this one is obscure but it's the start of the season so what do we really know about all these teams anyways. MTSU is one of the better teams in the Sun Belt which doesn't say much but I think they have enough to get by Florida International by a comfortable margin at home. Won't be many games more obscure than this one the rest of the year
Small Plays
@ Kent St. (+15) over Minnesota
Kent St. is going to be much improved after a nightmare 2005 and they hope an opening Thursday night tilt against a much depleted Minnesota team. The Gophers have managed to finally run out of running backs (Barber III, Maroney, Russell) and I'm sure the running game will still be above average. But it won't be the same and losing two of their stud Linemen I just see the veteran QB Cupito having some opening game frustrations. Give me the Flashes getting over 2 TDs.
@ Penn St. (-16.5) over Akron
Penn St. has to replace quite a bit but they still have Pozluzny and all those LBs and a ton of playmakers on offense even if they did lose Michael Robinson at QB. Akron has a pretty good returning team that made it to a bowl game last season. I still think Penn St. wins in style in their perceived tuneup for Notre Dame. If the Lions take this one lightly, you will probably know it pretty early on. First half is critical to cover this one.
Houston (-14) @ Rice
Houston has a ton of talent on offense and what they hope will be an improved defense with 8 starters coming back. Rice has a lot of returning starters but with a new coaching staff will probably need some time to get adjusted. I expect the homefield advantage to mean little in this matchup and the Cougars should win going away.
@Arizona (-6) over BYU
Mike Stoops should have his best team yet in Tucson and they play host to a decent enough BYU squad. I think Arizona needs this game desperately with a matchup against LSU looming on the horizon. Could be a nailbiter but hopefully Arizona has enough to get past the number.
Florida St. (+3) @ Miami (Monday)
I annually take the underdog in this game and I see no reason to change that line of thinking this year. With Miami starters out for this game, I think FSU takes advantage and wins a close low scoring game. What else is new. Watch for Miami's tailback relative of Edgerrin James.
Totals
I usually royally stink at these, but new year so why the hell not (props to Bader for alerting me of the Tech total)
Over 54.5 SMU/Texas Tech
Is there something the linesmakers know I don't about this one? This has all the makings of a sucker line but I am terrible at totals so why not roll the dice. Tech might score 50 themselves against a decent Pony defense but very suspect secondary. Plus, Tech just plays different on that track in Lubbock. It's almost unfair. I'm serious
Under 50.5 Wisco/Bowling Green
Both teams have major holes on offense with the skill guys for Wisconsin and Jacobs for Bowling Green. Being played in Cleveland I expect this to be a defensive minded game. But what the hell do I know.
Good luck to all this week and I hope this season starts on the right foot.
I'm off to Boston this weekend and a trip to Fenway but I'm sure I'll find a TV somewhere on Saturday. And if not, I have about 13 games Tivo'd just in case.
Big D
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Friday, August 25, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Top 25 Analysis
In what I will admit is usually a pointless event, but the news of Preseason AP rankings being released brings a smile to my face. Just another sign that we are that much closer to the start of football season. Or Christmas day if you are like me.
Well, let's go ahead and get to the rankings and a quick capsule on each team. Before I start, I just wanted to comment on the 2006 season in general. I think obviously there a ton of talented teams out there this year as evidenced by the number of different teams getting first place votes in the preseason poll, but I just don't see any of these teams or anyone running the table. Just look at the top 5 and tell me that you see no question marks with any of those teams on that list including Texas. Just thought I'd go aheand put that on record when we are in Mid-October and noone is left undefeated. Also, don't forget about the additional 12th game that is in play starting this year.
I have also included number of starters returning on each side of the ball (courtesy of my prophet Phil Steele) and predicted record after September 30th games:
1. Ohio St. (35 First Place Votes) 7 starters returning offense / 2 starters returning defense-- A lot of optimism in Buckeye land obviously with the number of skill position guys returning (Antonio Pittman, Troy Smith, Ginn and others), but questions still exist for the Linebackers and Secondary. Three September games large September games: at Texas (9/9), Penn St. (9/23), at Iowa (9/30) will tell a lot about their chances at a National Championship.
3-2 record on 9/30 (Losses at Texas and at Iowa)
2. Notre Dame (Ten First Place Votes) 7 offense / 9 defense-- As someone who has basically followed the Notre Dame program since I was a toddler, I can usually tell whether a Notre Dame team has "it" within a game or two. And for whatever reason, I think the Charlie Weis is going to have the magic back in South Bend this season. It doesn't Hurt to have Brady Quinn, Jeff Samardzija (yes I had a look up that spelling, among other on offense and 9 starters back on Defense including my personal favorite Tom Zbikowki. Key games against Penn St. (9/9), Michigan (9/16), @ Mich St. (9/23). Watch out if ND is 5-0 after September.
5-0 on 9/30 (Shaky start against Georgia Tech (9/2) but back to back huge wins against Penn St. and Michigan in epics the Irish could tasting national title. Then again, both the Penn St. and Michigan games are tossups and at Michigan St. (9/23) and Purdue (9/30) are not gimmes either. This is an interesting schedule in any event...
3. Texas (Eight First Place Votes) 6 offense / 7 defense -- Texas is just absolutely loaded with the exception the Quarterback position where Colt Mccoy (redshirt Freshman) and Jevan Sneed (True Freshman) will have the task of filling Vince Young's huge shoes. But neither guy has to be a miracle worker under center. With Billy Pittman, Sweed, Charles, Blalock, Studdard back on O and a defense that should be even better than last year's team behind Gene Chizik. The sky's the limit in Austin but Texas fans are getting used to dreaming big under Mack Brown since VY set foot on campus. What a great ride it's been, and after the monster show down in Austin September 9th, the schedule lets up until a 9/23 test against Iowa St. The Red River shootout (10/7), at Nebraska (10/21) and at Lubbock (10/28) will be good tests for this Longhorn squad.
5-0 The Longhorns cruise in their other September games after a classic tilt with Ohio St. that I think UT wins in Austin. Whatever you say about the Texas fans and I've said plenty to criticize my alma mater about our fricklel fans, but the place rocks for big games and it doesn't get any bigger than this one in Austin coming off a national championship. The hype for this game is unlike any other I've seen for an early September game. Brings back memories of this one on a rainy day in September of 1989 in Ann Arbor when #1 Notre Dame played #2 Michigan.
Rocket TD return #1
Rocket TD return #2
4. Auburn (Theee First Place Votes) 6 offense / 6 defense -- Tommy Tuberville has been pretty impressive in Aubun and if it wasn't for a heartbreaking loss in Baton Rouge and some shoddy kicking this team would have been one of the bst in the country at the end of the season. As it was, they inexplicably lost to Wisconsin 24-10 in the Capital One Bowl which I'm pretty convinced kicks off at 6 AM New Year's Day. Regardless of how last season ended, Tuberville is going to have a talented squad that has been a little banged up in the preseason. This is a team you must watch very closely early including their massive tile with LSU (9/16) on the Plains. I've had the good fortune to visit Auburn, Alabama a couple times but never for a gameday. I'd like to do that very shortly because that stadium feels electric when watching it on CBS HD. The resiliency of this team will tested often but as is life in the SEC. Other big games include: Florida (10/14), Georgia (11/11), at Alabama (11/18)
4-1 on 9/30 -- Wins against WAZZU, at Miss St, and LsU. Loss at South Carolina !!! on Thursday 9/28.
5. West Virginia (Six First Place Votes) 9 offense / 5 defense -- West Virginia is a very sexy pick coming into the 2006 season and for good reason. The WV backfield combination of Steve Slaton at RB and QB Pat White really flourished last year in always well coached offensive coached football of Rich Rodriguez (former OC at Clemson). This West Virginia team has all the makings of an undefeated team if their defense can step up their level of play. Still games at Louisville (11/2) and at Pittsburgh (11/16) are about the only real tests for this team so not exactly a schedule that scares anyone in the bigger conferences.
4-0 on 9/30 -- Wins against Marshall/E Washington/Maryland/at East Carolina, not exactly murderer's row.
6. USC (Three First Place Votes) 4 offense / 6 defense-- If you lose Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, and LenDale White, there is going to be a dropoff, but the question is how far? I still have the USC "Fight On" stuck in my head from the Rose Bowl where Sarah and I sat in the middle of the USC donor section. Great fans but once the horns took the lead the laidback SC fans got pretty fucking angry. Still got of in disbelief that I was really at the game. Back on point, SC has John David Booty or Mark Sanchez as their starting QB but Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith are still left at receiver so this team will still move the ball. I thinking losing Deuce Lutui, Matua, and Winston Justice may sting just as hard for this team as losing Bush, Leinart and White. Either way, this team figures to be down a notch but it's still SC and they could run the table.
4-0 on 9/30 with a big home game against Nebraska (9/16) and Arkansas (9/2). Big games against Cal and Notre Dame later in the season will dictate how far the Trojans go this season.
7. Florida -- Urban Meyer has Chris Leak and a lot of Ron Zook recruited talent at his disposal. This team will go as far as Chris leak will learn Urban Meyer's offense which worked wonders for Alex Smith and Utah.
8. LSU 6 offense / 5 defense -- Like Meyer at Florida, Les Miles has an unbelievable amount of talent on the Bayou thanks to Nick Saban's relentles recruiting while at LSU. Ally Broussard, a junior tailback and Justin Vincent will try to carry on the recent tradition of good running backs to come out of LSU (Joseph Addai being the most recent). JaMarcus Russell seems to be improving at QB but super-recruit redshirt freshman Ryan Perriloux will be vocally lobbying for more playing. Perriloux famously snubbed UT a few offseasons ago because he felt he could play over Vince Young. Yes, it should be an interesting season in Baton Rouge. at Auburn (9/16), at Florida (10/7), at Tennessee (11/4), at Florida are all huge road games.
5-0 on 9/30 with a win at Auburn. Later games will decide much...
9. California 7 offense / 8 defense -- Jeff Tedford just might have the team to win a Pac 10 title this season and the AP voters seem to agree with that line of thinking. QB situation is okay but Marshawn Lynch and Desean Jackson are difference makers on the offensive side of the ball. This should be Tedfod's best defense since he has been at Cal.
5-0 on 9/30 with a win at Tennesee on opening weekend (more to come on that game later)
10. Oklahoma 4 offense / 9 defense -- Obviously the Bomar situation was the big offseason story in Norman. They still have a dominant defense and Peterson is an unbelievable tailback but losing Bomar is going to hurt and besides Paul Thompson the qb situation is pretty bleak this year. If Thompson is decent then this team may be able to win 10 games. The Texas game looms large...
3-1 on 9/30 with a loss at Oregon
Rest of the top 25 upcoming...
11. Florida State
12. Miami (FL)
13. Louisville
14. Michigan
15. Georgia
16. Iowa
17. Virginia Tech
18. Clemson
19. Penn State
20. Nebraska
21. Oregon
22. TCU
23. Tennessee
24. Arizona State
25. Texas Tech
Others Receiving Votes:
Alabama 141, Utah 52, Boston College 41, Georgia Tech 39, Boise State 23, Arkansas 18, Wisconsin 18, South Carolina 15, Tulsa 11, Texas A&M 10, UTEP 4, Purdue 4, Brigham Young 4, Iowa State 3, Northern Illinois 3, Mississippi 3, Michigan State 2, Arizona 1
Well, let's go ahead and get to the rankings and a quick capsule on each team. Before I start, I just wanted to comment on the 2006 season in general. I think obviously there a ton of talented teams out there this year as evidenced by the number of different teams getting first place votes in the preseason poll, but I just don't see any of these teams or anyone running the table. Just look at the top 5 and tell me that you see no question marks with any of those teams on that list including Texas. Just thought I'd go aheand put that on record when we are in Mid-October and noone is left undefeated. Also, don't forget about the additional 12th game that is in play starting this year.
I have also included number of starters returning on each side of the ball (courtesy of my prophet Phil Steele) and predicted record after September 30th games:
1. Ohio St. (35 First Place Votes) 7 starters returning offense / 2 starters returning defense-- A lot of optimism in Buckeye land obviously with the number of skill position guys returning (Antonio Pittman, Troy Smith, Ginn and others), but questions still exist for the Linebackers and Secondary. Three September games large September games: at Texas (9/9), Penn St. (9/23), at Iowa (9/30) will tell a lot about their chances at a National Championship.
3-2 record on 9/30 (Losses at Texas and at Iowa)
2. Notre Dame (Ten First Place Votes) 7 offense / 9 defense-- As someone who has basically followed the Notre Dame program since I was a toddler, I can usually tell whether a Notre Dame team has "it" within a game or two. And for whatever reason, I think the Charlie Weis is going to have the magic back in South Bend this season. It doesn't Hurt to have Brady Quinn, Jeff Samardzija (yes I had a look up that spelling, among other on offense and 9 starters back on Defense including my personal favorite Tom Zbikowki. Key games against Penn St. (9/9), Michigan (9/16), @ Mich St. (9/23). Watch out if ND is 5-0 after September.
5-0 on 9/30 (Shaky start against Georgia Tech (9/2) but back to back huge wins against Penn St. and Michigan in epics the Irish could tasting national title. Then again, both the Penn St. and Michigan games are tossups and at Michigan St. (9/23) and Purdue (9/30) are not gimmes either. This is an interesting schedule in any event...
3. Texas (Eight First Place Votes) 6 offense / 7 defense -- Texas is just absolutely loaded with the exception the Quarterback position where Colt Mccoy (redshirt Freshman) and Jevan Sneed (True Freshman) will have the task of filling Vince Young's huge shoes. But neither guy has to be a miracle worker under center. With Billy Pittman, Sweed, Charles, Blalock, Studdard back on O and a defense that should be even better than last year's team behind Gene Chizik. The sky's the limit in Austin but Texas fans are getting used to dreaming big under Mack Brown since VY set foot on campus. What a great ride it's been, and after the monster show down in Austin September 9th, the schedule lets up until a 9/23 test against Iowa St. The Red River shootout (10/7), at Nebraska (10/21) and at Lubbock (10/28) will be good tests for this Longhorn squad.
5-0 The Longhorns cruise in their other September games after a classic tilt with Ohio St. that I think UT wins in Austin. Whatever you say about the Texas fans and I've said plenty to criticize my alma mater about our fricklel fans, but the place rocks for big games and it doesn't get any bigger than this one in Austin coming off a national championship. The hype for this game is unlike any other I've seen for an early September game. Brings back memories of this one on a rainy day in September of 1989 in Ann Arbor when #1 Notre Dame played #2 Michigan.
Rocket TD return #1
Rocket TD return #2
4. Auburn (Theee First Place Votes) 6 offense / 6 defense -- Tommy Tuberville has been pretty impressive in Aubun and if it wasn't for a heartbreaking loss in Baton Rouge and some shoddy kicking this team would have been one of the bst in the country at the end of the season. As it was, they inexplicably lost to Wisconsin 24-10 in the Capital One Bowl which I'm pretty convinced kicks off at 6 AM New Year's Day. Regardless of how last season ended, Tuberville is going to have a talented squad that has been a little banged up in the preseason. This is a team you must watch very closely early including their massive tile with LSU (9/16) on the Plains. I've had the good fortune to visit Auburn, Alabama a couple times but never for a gameday. I'd like to do that very shortly because that stadium feels electric when watching it on CBS HD. The resiliency of this team will tested often but as is life in the SEC. Other big games include: Florida (10/14), Georgia (11/11), at Alabama (11/18)
4-1 on 9/30 -- Wins against WAZZU, at Miss St, and LsU. Loss at South Carolina !!! on Thursday 9/28.
5. West Virginia (Six First Place Votes) 9 offense / 5 defense -- West Virginia is a very sexy pick coming into the 2006 season and for good reason. The WV backfield combination of Steve Slaton at RB and QB Pat White really flourished last year in always well coached offensive coached football of Rich Rodriguez (former OC at Clemson). This West Virginia team has all the makings of an undefeated team if their defense can step up their level of play. Still games at Louisville (11/2) and at Pittsburgh (11/16) are about the only real tests for this team so not exactly a schedule that scares anyone in the bigger conferences.
4-0 on 9/30 -- Wins against Marshall/E Washington/Maryland/at East Carolina, not exactly murderer's row.
6. USC (Three First Place Votes) 4 offense / 6 defense-- If you lose Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, and LenDale White, there is going to be a dropoff, but the question is how far? I still have the USC "Fight On" stuck in my head from the Rose Bowl where Sarah and I sat in the middle of the USC donor section. Great fans but once the horns took the lead the laidback SC fans got pretty fucking angry. Still got of in disbelief that I was really at the game. Back on point, SC has John David Booty or Mark Sanchez as their starting QB but Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith are still left at receiver so this team will still move the ball. I thinking losing Deuce Lutui, Matua, and Winston Justice may sting just as hard for this team as losing Bush, Leinart and White. Either way, this team figures to be down a notch but it's still SC and they could run the table.
4-0 on 9/30 with a big home game against Nebraska (9/16) and Arkansas (9/2). Big games against Cal and Notre Dame later in the season will dictate how far the Trojans go this season.
7. Florida -- Urban Meyer has Chris Leak and a lot of Ron Zook recruited talent at his disposal. This team will go as far as Chris leak will learn Urban Meyer's offense which worked wonders for Alex Smith and Utah.
8. LSU 6 offense / 5 defense -- Like Meyer at Florida, Les Miles has an unbelievable amount of talent on the Bayou thanks to Nick Saban's relentles recruiting while at LSU. Ally Broussard, a junior tailback and Justin Vincent will try to carry on the recent tradition of good running backs to come out of LSU (Joseph Addai being the most recent). JaMarcus Russell seems to be improving at QB but super-recruit redshirt freshman Ryan Perriloux will be vocally lobbying for more playing. Perriloux famously snubbed UT a few offseasons ago because he felt he could play over Vince Young. Yes, it should be an interesting season in Baton Rouge. at Auburn (9/16), at Florida (10/7), at Tennessee (11/4), at Florida are all huge road games.
5-0 on 9/30 with a win at Auburn. Later games will decide much...
9. California 7 offense / 8 defense -- Jeff Tedford just might have the team to win a Pac 10 title this season and the AP voters seem to agree with that line of thinking. QB situation is okay but Marshawn Lynch and Desean Jackson are difference makers on the offensive side of the ball. This should be Tedfod's best defense since he has been at Cal.
5-0 on 9/30 with a win at Tennesee on opening weekend (more to come on that game later)
10. Oklahoma 4 offense / 9 defense -- Obviously the Bomar situation was the big offseason story in Norman. They still have a dominant defense and Peterson is an unbelievable tailback but losing Bomar is going to hurt and besides Paul Thompson the qb situation is pretty bleak this year. If Thompson is decent then this team may be able to win 10 games. The Texas game looms large...
3-1 on 9/30 with a loss at Oregon
Rest of the top 25 upcoming...
11. Florida State
12. Miami (FL)
13. Louisville
14. Michigan
15. Georgia
16. Iowa
17. Virginia Tech
18. Clemson
19. Penn State
20. Nebraska
21. Oregon
22. TCU
23. Tennessee
24. Arizona State
25. Texas Tech
Others Receiving Votes:
Alabama 141, Utah 52, Boston College 41, Georgia Tech 39, Boise State 23, Arkansas 18, Wisconsin 18, South Carolina 15, Tulsa 11, Texas A&M 10, UTEP 4, Purdue 4, Brigham Young 4, Iowa State 3, Northern Illinois 3, Mississippi 3, Michigan State 2, Arizona 1
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Is Carlos Delgado a hall of famer?
My man, Zach Allen, posed a question last night after watching Carlos Delgado hit his 400th homer in dramatic fashion when the Mets beat the Cardinals 8-7. Is Carlos Delgado a hall of famer?
The answer I'm not sure but let's take a look at his resume:
Delgado Resume
Delgado is 34 years old and still probably has at least 3 or 4 more good season in him. To this point (through 2006 season) he has a career .282 BA with .391 OBP and .557 SLG %, 1680 hits, 400 HRs and 1259 RBIs.
Probably the most impressive item on his resume is a 10 consecutive season run of 30+ home runs including this season. He has 3 40+ home run seasons and 3 130+ RBI seasons. He only has been to two All-star games and only has two top 5 MVP finishes in an era where 30+ home runs while impressive isn't all that out of the ordinary.
I think Delgado needs to at least reach 500+ home runs before he gets considered and even then it's not a slam dunk.
If the Rangers had any hope of winning the AL West starting this week, those hopes have quickly vanished quickly thanks to 3 straight losses to the lowly D-Rays and the Rangers currently stand 7.5 games back in the AL West.
Time for Jon Daniels and Tom Hicks to seriously consider getting rid of the manager in the offseason. This team has not played up to capablities with the exception of 1 year during Buck's tenure and for some reason this group of players does not seem to respond to Buck's managing style. Plus, given Buck's prior history, we should win the world series the year after he leaves anyways (see his time in NY and Arizona). My gut says Hicks will stay loyal and give him one more year to turn things around. ARGH!
Indians spot Royals 10 runs in first inning and still win 15-13 in 10 Innings
In honor of Dolly's return to Dallas this past weekend,
here is some news about the real Dalai Lama himself not getting along with China.
Officially one week away until the start of college football season.
The answer I'm not sure but let's take a look at his resume:
Delgado Resume
Delgado is 34 years old and still probably has at least 3 or 4 more good season in him. To this point (through 2006 season) he has a career .282 BA with .391 OBP and .557 SLG %, 1680 hits, 400 HRs and 1259 RBIs.
Probably the most impressive item on his resume is a 10 consecutive season run of 30+ home runs including this season. He has 3 40+ home run seasons and 3 130+ RBI seasons. He only has been to two All-star games and only has two top 5 MVP finishes in an era where 30+ home runs while impressive isn't all that out of the ordinary.
I think Delgado needs to at least reach 500+ home runs before he gets considered and even then it's not a slam dunk.
If the Rangers had any hope of winning the AL West starting this week, those hopes have quickly vanished quickly thanks to 3 straight losses to the lowly D-Rays and the Rangers currently stand 7.5 games back in the AL West.
Time for Jon Daniels and Tom Hicks to seriously consider getting rid of the manager in the offseason. This team has not played up to capablities with the exception of 1 year during Buck's tenure and for some reason this group of players does not seem to respond to Buck's managing style. Plus, given Buck's prior history, we should win the world series the year after he leaves anyways (see his time in NY and Arizona). My gut says Hicks will stay loyal and give him one more year to turn things around. ARGH!
Indians spot Royals 10 runs in first inning and still win 15-13 in 10 Innings
In honor of Dolly's return to Dallas this past weekend,
here is some news about the real Dalai Lama himself not getting along with China.
Officially one week away until the start of college football season.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Tiger Wins Again; Rangers Stay Hot
Tiger's dominance in majors continued Sunday as he cruised to his 12th Major Title in Chicago at the PGA. Because he is so dominant, little drama exists on a Sunday when he begins the day as the leader. It's still great to know you are watching history every time Tigers tees it up, and he has never looked better than he did this week.
Right now, it's tough to imagine anyone being able to keep up with Tiger given the way he is playing. He is just too good and Jack Nicklaus' 18 professional majors may be in sight by the time Tigers turns 35 if not sooner.
Tom Lehman uses his captain picks on Stewart Cink (no surprise) and Scott Verplank (very surprising) . Davis Love came close to making the team with a solid PGA performance but he will be off the team for the first time since at least 1993. On paper, this American team should get crushed but maybe the guys will relish an underdog role for once in this event.
Rangers take 3 our of 4 games in Detroit with a come from behind 7-6 win yesterday afternoon.
Yankees go for the rare 5 game sweep of Boston this afternoon after winning in 10 innings last night 8-5
Finally, a story about the 6'8" Saudi Arabian Little leaguer
Writeup on AP Top 25 coming soon....
Saturday, August 19, 2006
AP Rankings are Out; Ohio St. #1, ND #2, Texas #3
In what I will admit is usually a pointless event, but the news of Preseason AP rankings being released brings a smile to my face. Just another sign that we are that much closer to the start of football season. Or Christmas day if you are like me.
Well, let's go ahead and get to the rankings and a quick capsule on each team. Before I start, I just wanted to comment on the 2006 season in general. I think obviously there a ton of talented teams out there this year as evidenced by the number of different teams getting first place votes in the preseason poll, but I just don't see any of these teams or anyone running the table. Just look at the top 5 and tell me that you see no question marks with any of those teams on that list including Texas. Just thought I'd go aheand put that on record when we are in Mid-October and noone is left undefeated. Also, don't forget about the additional 12th game that is in play starting this year.
I have also included number of starters returning on each side of the ball (courtesy of my prophet Phil Steele) and predicted record after September 30th games:
1. Ohio St. (35 First Place Votes) 7 starters returning offense / 2 starters returning defense-- A lot of optimism in Buckeye land obviously with the number of skill position guys returning (Antonio Pittman, Troy Smith, Ginn and others), but questions still exist for the Linebackers and Secondary. Three September games large September games: at Texas (9/9), Penn St. (9/23), at Iowa (9/30) will tell a lot about their chances at a National Championship.
3-2 record on 9/30 (Losses at Texas and at Iowa)
2. Notre Dame (Ten First Place Votes) 7 offense / 9 defense-- As someone who has basically followed the Notre Dame program since I was a toddler, I can usually tell whether a Notre Dame team has "it" within a game or two. And for whatever reason, I think the Charlie Weis is going to have the magic back in South Bend this season. It doesn't Hurt to have Brady Quinn, Jeff Samardzija (yes I had a look up that spelling, among other on offense and 9 starters back on Defense including my personal favorite Tom Zbikowki. Key games against Penn St. (9/9), Michigan (9/16), @ Mich St. (9/23). Watch out if ND is 5-0 after September.
5-0 on 9/30 (Shaky start against Georgia Tech (9/2) but back to back huge wins against Penn St. and Michigan in epics the Irish could tasting national title. Then again, both the Penn St. and Michigan games are tossups and at Michigan St. (9/23) and Purdue (9/30) are not gimmes either. This is an interesting schedule in any event...
3. Texas (Eight First Place Votes) 6 offense / 7 defense -- Texas is just absolutely loaded with the exception the Quarterback position where Colt Mccoy (redshirt Freshman) and Jevan Sneed (True Freshman) will have the task of filling Vince Young's huge shoes. But neither guy has to be a miracle worker under center. With Billy Pittman, Sweed, Charles, Blalock, Studdard back on O and a defense that should be even better than last year's team behind Gene Chizik. The sky's the limit in Austin but Texas fans are getting used to dreaming big under Mack Brown since VY set foot on campus. What a great ride it's been, and after the monster show down in Austin September 9th, the schedule lets up until a 9/23 test against Iowa St. The Red River shootout (10/7), at Nebraska (10/21) and at Lubbock (10/28) will be good tests for this Longhorn squad.
5-0 The Longhorns cruise in their other September games after a classic tilt with Ohio St. that I think UT wins in Austin. Whatever you say about the Texas fans and I've said plenty to criticize my alma mater about our fricklel fans, but the place rocks for big games and it doesn't get any bigger than this one in Austin coming off a national championship. The hype for this game is unlike any other I've seen for an early September game. Brings back memories of this one on a rainy day in September of 1989 in Ann Arbor when #1 Notre Dame played #2 Michigan.
Rocket TD return #1
Rocket TD return #2
4. Auburn (Theee First Place Votes) 6 offense / 6 defense -- Tommy Tuberville has been pretty impressive in Aubun and if it wasn't for a heartbreaking loss in Baton Rouge and some shoddy kicking this team would have been one of the bst in the country at the end of the season. As it was, they inexplicably lost to Wisconsin 24-10 in the Capital One Bowl which I'm pretty convinced kicks off at 6 AM New Year's Day. Regardless of how last season ended, Tuberville is going to have a talented squad that has been a little banged up in the preseason. This is a team you must watch very closely early including their massive tile with LSU (9/16) on the Plains. I've had the good fortune to visit Auburn, Alabama a couple times but never for a gameday. I'd like to do that very shortly because that stadium feels electric when watching it on CBS HD. The resiliency of this team will tested often but as is life in the SEC. Other big games include: Florida (10/14), Georgia (11/11), at Alabama (11/18)
4-1 on 9/30 -- Wins against WAZZU, at Miss St, and LsU. Loss at South Carolina !!! on Thursday 9/28.
5. West Virginia (Six First Place Votes) 9 offense / 5 defense -- West Virginia is a very sexy pick coming into the 2006 season and for good reason. The WV backfield combination of Steve Slaton at RB and QB Pat White really flourished last year in always well coached offensive coached football of Rich Rodriguez (former OC at Clemson). This West Virginia team has all the makings of an undefeated team if their defense can step up their level of play. Still games at Louisville (11/2) and at Pittsburgh (11/16) are about the only real tests for this team so not exactly a schedule that scares anyone in the bigger conferences.
4-0 on 9/30 -- Wins against Marshall/E Washington/Maryland/at East Carolina, not exactly murderer's row.
6. USC (Three First Place Votes) 4 offense / 6 defense-- If you lose Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, and LenDale White, there is going to be a dropoff, but the question is how far? I still have the USC "Fight On" stuck in my head from the Rose Bowl where Sarah and I sat in the middle of the USC donor section. Great fans but once the horns took the lead the laidback SC fans got pretty fucking angry. Still got of in disbelief that I was really at the game. Back on point, SC has John David Booty or Mark Sanchez as their starting QB but Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith are still left at receiver so this team will still move the ball. I thinking losing Deuce Lutui, Matua, and Winston Justice may sting just as hard for this team as losing Bush, Leinart and White. Either way, this team figures to be down a notch but it's still SC and they could run the table.
4-0 on 9/30 with a big home game against Nebraska (9/16) and Arkansas (9/2). Big games against Cal and Notre Dame later in the season will dictate how far the Trojans go this season.
7. Florida -- Urban Meyer has Chris Leak and a lot of Ron Zook recruited talent at his disposal. This team will go as far as Chris leak will learn Urban Meyer's offense which worked wonders for Alex Smith and Utah.
8. LSU 6 offense / 5 defense -- Like Meyer at Florida, Les Miles has an unbelievable amount of talent on the Bayou thanks to Nick Saban's relentles recruiting while at LSU. Ally Broussard, a junior tailback and Justin Vincent will try to carry on the recent tradition of good running backs to come out of LSU (Joseph Addai being the most recent). JaMarcus Russell seems to be improving at QB but super-recruit redshirt freshman Ryan Perriloux will be vocally lobbying for more playing. Perriloux famously snubbed UT a few offseasons ago because he felt he could play over Vince Young. Yes, it should be an interesting season in Baton Rouge. at Auburn (9/16), at Florida (10/7), at Tennessee (11/4), at Florida are all huge road games.
5-0 on 9/30 with a win at Auburn. Later games will decide much...
9. California 7 offense / 8 defense -- Jeff Tedford just might have the team to win a Pac 10 title this season and the AP voters seem to agree with that line of thinking. QB situation is okay but Marshawn Lynch and Desean Jackson are difference makers on the offensive side of the ball. This should be Tedfod's best defense since he has been at Cal.
5-0 on 9/30 with a win at Tennesee on opening weekend (more to come on that game later)
11. Florida State
12. Miami (FL)
13. Louisville
14. Michigan
15. Georgia
16. Iowa
17. Virginia Tech
18. Clemson
19. Penn State
20. Nebraska
21. Oregon
22. TCU
23. Tennessee
24. Arizona State
25. Texas Tech
Others Receiving Votes:
Alabama 141, Utah 52, Boston College 41, Georgia Tech 39, Boise State 23, Arkansas 18, Wisconsin 18, South Carolina 15, Tulsa 11, Texas A&M 10, UTEP 4, Purdue 4, Brigham Young 4, Iowa State 3, Northern Illinois 3, Mississippi 3, Michigan State 2, Arizona 1
Well, let's go ahead and get to the rankings and a quick capsule on each team. Before I start, I just wanted to comment on the 2006 season in general. I think obviously there a ton of talented teams out there this year as evidenced by the number of different teams getting first place votes in the preseason poll, but I just don't see any of these teams or anyone running the table. Just look at the top 5 and tell me that you see no question marks with any of those teams on that list including Texas. Just thought I'd go aheand put that on record when we are in Mid-October and noone is left undefeated. Also, don't forget about the additional 12th game that is in play starting this year.
I have also included number of starters returning on each side of the ball (courtesy of my prophet Phil Steele) and predicted record after September 30th games:
1. Ohio St. (35 First Place Votes) 7 starters returning offense / 2 starters returning defense-- A lot of optimism in Buckeye land obviously with the number of skill position guys returning (Antonio Pittman, Troy Smith, Ginn and others), but questions still exist for the Linebackers and Secondary. Three September games large September games: at Texas (9/9), Penn St. (9/23), at Iowa (9/30) will tell a lot about their chances at a National Championship.
3-2 record on 9/30 (Losses at Texas and at Iowa)
2. Notre Dame (Ten First Place Votes) 7 offense / 9 defense-- As someone who has basically followed the Notre Dame program since I was a toddler, I can usually tell whether a Notre Dame team has "it" within a game or two. And for whatever reason, I think the Charlie Weis is going to have the magic back in South Bend this season. It doesn't Hurt to have Brady Quinn, Jeff Samardzija (yes I had a look up that spelling, among other on offense and 9 starters back on Defense including my personal favorite Tom Zbikowki. Key games against Penn St. (9/9), Michigan (9/16), @ Mich St. (9/23). Watch out if ND is 5-0 after September.
5-0 on 9/30 (Shaky start against Georgia Tech (9/2) but back to back huge wins against Penn St. and Michigan in epics the Irish could tasting national title. Then again, both the Penn St. and Michigan games are tossups and at Michigan St. (9/23) and Purdue (9/30) are not gimmes either. This is an interesting schedule in any event...
3. Texas (Eight First Place Votes) 6 offense / 7 defense -- Texas is just absolutely loaded with the exception the Quarterback position where Colt Mccoy (redshirt Freshman) and Jevan Sneed (True Freshman) will have the task of filling Vince Young's huge shoes. But neither guy has to be a miracle worker under center. With Billy Pittman, Sweed, Charles, Blalock, Studdard back on O and a defense that should be even better than last year's team behind Gene Chizik. The sky's the limit in Austin but Texas fans are getting used to dreaming big under Mack Brown since VY set foot on campus. What a great ride it's been, and after the monster show down in Austin September 9th, the schedule lets up until a 9/23 test against Iowa St. The Red River shootout (10/7), at Nebraska (10/21) and at Lubbock (10/28) will be good tests for this Longhorn squad.
5-0 The Longhorns cruise in their other September games after a classic tilt with Ohio St. that I think UT wins in Austin. Whatever you say about the Texas fans and I've said plenty to criticize my alma mater about our fricklel fans, but the place rocks for big games and it doesn't get any bigger than this one in Austin coming off a national championship. The hype for this game is unlike any other I've seen for an early September game. Brings back memories of this one on a rainy day in September of 1989 in Ann Arbor when #1 Notre Dame played #2 Michigan.
Rocket TD return #1
Rocket TD return #2
4. Auburn (Theee First Place Votes) 6 offense / 6 defense -- Tommy Tuberville has been pretty impressive in Aubun and if it wasn't for a heartbreaking loss in Baton Rouge and some shoddy kicking this team would have been one of the bst in the country at the end of the season. As it was, they inexplicably lost to Wisconsin 24-10 in the Capital One Bowl which I'm pretty convinced kicks off at 6 AM New Year's Day. Regardless of how last season ended, Tuberville is going to have a talented squad that has been a little banged up in the preseason. This is a team you must watch very closely early including their massive tile with LSU (9/16) on the Plains. I've had the good fortune to visit Auburn, Alabama a couple times but never for a gameday. I'd like to do that very shortly because that stadium feels electric when watching it on CBS HD. The resiliency of this team will tested often but as is life in the SEC. Other big games include: Florida (10/14), Georgia (11/11), at Alabama (11/18)
4-1 on 9/30 -- Wins against WAZZU, at Miss St, and LsU. Loss at South Carolina !!! on Thursday 9/28.
5. West Virginia (Six First Place Votes) 9 offense / 5 defense -- West Virginia is a very sexy pick coming into the 2006 season and for good reason. The WV backfield combination of Steve Slaton at RB and QB Pat White really flourished last year in always well coached offensive coached football of Rich Rodriguez (former OC at Clemson). This West Virginia team has all the makings of an undefeated team if their defense can step up their level of play. Still games at Louisville (11/2) and at Pittsburgh (11/16) are about the only real tests for this team so not exactly a schedule that scares anyone in the bigger conferences.
4-0 on 9/30 -- Wins against Marshall/E Washington/Maryland/at East Carolina, not exactly murderer's row.
6. USC (Three First Place Votes) 4 offense / 6 defense-- If you lose Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, and LenDale White, there is going to be a dropoff, but the question is how far? I still have the USC "Fight On" stuck in my head from the Rose Bowl where Sarah and I sat in the middle of the USC donor section. Great fans but once the horns took the lead the laidback SC fans got pretty fucking angry. Still got of in disbelief that I was really at the game. Back on point, SC has John David Booty or Mark Sanchez as their starting QB but Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith are still left at receiver so this team will still move the ball. I thinking losing Deuce Lutui, Matua, and Winston Justice may sting just as hard for this team as losing Bush, Leinart and White. Either way, this team figures to be down a notch but it's still SC and they could run the table.
4-0 on 9/30 with a big home game against Nebraska (9/16) and Arkansas (9/2). Big games against Cal and Notre Dame later in the season will dictate how far the Trojans go this season.
7. Florida -- Urban Meyer has Chris Leak and a lot of Ron Zook recruited talent at his disposal. This team will go as far as Chris leak will learn Urban Meyer's offense which worked wonders for Alex Smith and Utah.
8. LSU 6 offense / 5 defense -- Like Meyer at Florida, Les Miles has an unbelievable amount of talent on the Bayou thanks to Nick Saban's relentles recruiting while at LSU. Ally Broussard, a junior tailback and Justin Vincent will try to carry on the recent tradition of good running backs to come out of LSU (Joseph Addai being the most recent). JaMarcus Russell seems to be improving at QB but super-recruit redshirt freshman Ryan Perriloux will be vocally lobbying for more playing. Perriloux famously snubbed UT a few offseasons ago because he felt he could play over Vince Young. Yes, it should be an interesting season in Baton Rouge. at Auburn (9/16), at Florida (10/7), at Tennessee (11/4), at Florida are all huge road games.
5-0 on 9/30 with a win at Auburn. Later games will decide much...
9. California 7 offense / 8 defense -- Jeff Tedford just might have the team to win a Pac 10 title this season and the AP voters seem to agree with that line of thinking. QB situation is okay but Marshawn Lynch and Desean Jackson are difference makers on the offensive side of the ball. This should be Tedfod's best defense since he has been at Cal.
5-0 on 9/30 with a win at Tennesee on opening weekend (more to come on that game later)
10. Oklahoma 4 offense / 9 defense -- Obviously the Bomar situation was the big offseason story in Norman. They still have a dominant defense and Peterson is an unbelievable tailback but losing Bomar is going to hurt and besides Paul Thompson the qb situation is pretty bleak this year. If Thompson is decent then this team may be able to win 10 games. The Texas game looms large...
3-1 on 9/30 with a loss at Oregon
Rest of the top 25 upcoming...
11. Florida State
12. Miami (FL)
13. Louisville
14. Michigan
15. Georgia
16. Iowa
17. Virginia Tech
18. Clemson
19. Penn State
20. Nebraska
21. Oregon
22. TCU
23. Tennessee
24. Arizona State
25. Texas Tech
Others Receiving Votes:
Alabama 141, Utah 52, Boston College 41, Georgia Tech 39, Boise State 23, Arkansas 18, Wisconsin 18, South Carolina 15, Tulsa 11, Texas A&M 10, UTEP 4, Purdue 4, Brigham Young 4, Iowa State 3, Northern Illinois 3, Mississippi 3, Michigan State 2, Arizona 1
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Baseball Brawls are Cool
Sure, the Rangers 9-3 win over Anaheim felt like just another game that the Rangers desperately needed. And yes, the Rangers still have not picked up any ground on Oakland during this hot streak and actually sit 6.5 games back in the AL West currently.
In a scene that should surprise noone who has been watching these two teams play all season, the brawl last night was enjoyable to see for this particualr fan. And sure the media around town is saying that this incident combined with the Kenny Rogers camera man fiasco and the Frank Francisco chair thorwing escapade in Oakland a few years back give the franchise a black eye around the league. While that may be true to a point, I'm just happy this team is showing a little life.
Even if it's too litte too late, it's nice to know that at least some players care. I still think this team is likely headed nowhere with Buck Showalter as manager. I have been a big Buck supporter since he arrived, but I just don't see this group of players responding to Buck's managing style as sad as it makes me to type that. Granted, I still don't think Tom Hicks is ready to give up on Buck anytime soon so I'm not holding my breath that a mangerial change is even a possibility this offseason.
Life as a ranger fan. It's not easy...
Finally, if last night's brawl wasn't enough for you,
check this one out
Monday, August 14, 2006
Rangers Sweep Mariners; Getting Closer to Football, Golf Talk
With Evander Holyfield in attendance and thanks to the girlfriend scoring tickets from work, I had the pleasure of sitting front row behind the Rangers dugout last night as the Rangers swept the Mariners and now have 5 wins in a row (2nd longest winning streak of the season). Not many people possibly care, but Holyfield makes a return to the ring this Friday night at the American Airlines Center . His opponent not even a Buster Douglas worthy Jeremy Bates with record of 21-11-1.
As for the Rangers currently standing at 61-58, they still sit 5 games back off the A's and only .5 game back of the Angels. With plenty of series against both teams left thanks to the unbalanced schedule, anything is possible. Although the A's do this every year, so it's hard to be that optimistic.
The Rangers managed to handle pantheon worthy prospect "King" Felix Hernandez to the tune of 6 runs in a little over 5 innings . From my vantage point, the kid has sick, sick stuff (including a fastball that can touch 99 on the gun, an 89-90 slider and an offspeed pitch that just dives right at the plate). Felix just needs to get a little more seasoning at the major league level before he starts to dominate. At age 20, I'd say he has a pretty bright future.
Here is another Rangers story from the
Star-Telgram about the Rangers bullpen, most notably Wes Littleton out of Cal-St. Fullerton.
Next Simms Chooses Louisville
Matt Simms, son of former Super Bowl MVP and Louisville native Phil Simms, has committed to sign with U of L, his high school coach said last night. Rivals.com ranks him as the nation's 13th-best pro-style quarterback.
The 6-foot-2 Simms led Don Bosco Preparatory High School to an 11-1 record and the New Jersey parochial state final as a junior last year. He threw for 2,744 yards and 30 touchdowns while completing 62 percent of his passes.
"He's got a tremendous arm, but he's so much more than that," Don Bosco Prep coach Nunzio Campanile said. "He's that rare commodity who has great talent and all the intangibles. He's smart, he's a great leader, he's tough and he's got a great heart. He's about as good as there is for a quarterback
Not that I watched it, but the Cowboys beat the Seahawks 13-3 on Saturday night . Tony Romo played the entire game converting 19-25 passes for 235 yards and one touchdown. Of course, the only thing the first preseason game proves is just how desperate this city is for football. No, there is no quarterback controversy although it proves that Romo might have a better football future than his near scratch handicap in golf.
Speaking of Golf, the PGA championship has snuck up on us this week at Historic Medinah golf club in Illinois . The course which hosted the famous '99 PGA when Tiger and Sergio (And Sergio's miracle "closed eye" shot right up against that tree) dueled to the very end with Tiger coming out triumphant. Strangely, Sergio still lacks a major and it can basically be summed up that he has failed to show up since then on a Sunday when in contention at a major (this year's British and the '01 US Open at Southern HIlls come quickly to mind).
The course is playing a ridiculous 7,561 yards to a par 72. Expect long hitters to do very well this week. Probably won't be any Jeff Slumans ('87 PGA winner) or Corey Pavins ('95 US Open at Shinneock) holding up the Wannamaker trophy this year. As most golf fans know, the PGA is the last chance for anyone outside of the top 10 to make the Ryder Cup team. As usual, I hear people on this side of the pond (well just Lanny Wadkins this past weekend at the International) expecting big things out of the US team when they play over in Ireland at the end of September.
Fat chance. The Europe team is much better and much more experienced and always hands the Americans their asses over in Europe. And you can expect tensions to be running extra high with Europe and the rest of the world in general not real big fans of the US currently. Either way, expect fireworks as I expect the US to make a last stand before being totally humiliated in an event they once owned.
If you don't believe me, check out the last 20 years of Ryder Cups dating back to the Mid 80s.
2004 Oakland Hills CC, Bloomfield Township, MI 18.5 Europe 9.5 USA Europe in a Huge way wire to wire in one of the biggest ass whippings in the event's history
2002 Sutton Coldfield, England USA 12 ½ Europe 15 ½ Europe nips the US in England thanks to some heroic putting on Sunday
1999 The Country Club, Brookline, MA USA 14 ½ Europe 13 ½ The scene of Crenshaw's famous "I believe in fate" speech. Unless you witnessed this event live or in person, it's hard to create the drama on that day. Easily one of the top 5 sporting events I've ever witnessed and the comback was complete when Justin Leonard's miraculous putt to beat Olazabal. And of course the American team trampling on the green with wives and cameraman before Olazabal missed the putt to halve the hole.
1997 Valderrama GC, Sotogrande Spain Europe 14.5 - USA 13.5 Gutwrenching defeat for the Americans. Probably the best the US has played on Europeans soil since they last won in 1993.
1995 Oak Hill CC, Rochester, NY USA 13 ½ Europe 14 ½ In probably the most underrated Ryder Cup that I remember, just an unbelievable Saturday teams and Sunday singles. Ended up with Nick Faldo (with an ace in Sunday singles) beating captain's pick Curtis Strange to give Europe the victory.
1993 The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, Eng USA 15 Europe 13 USA's last win in Europ and probably the last time the US had momentum on their side in this series.
1991 The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island, S.C. USA 14 ½ Europe 13 ½ "The War at the shore" as it was called had some nailbiting action and some unblelievable winds of the South Carolina coast. Hail Irwin narrowly beat Bernard Langher in a Sunday match for the ages. This was more a survival test than golf under those conditions. There were more casualties than heroes on this day, but the US had finally won again.
1989 The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, Europe 14 USA 14 The dispicable draw that helped Europe retain the cup. I vaguely remember this one but I remember Mark Calcavecchia and a few others butchering the 18th hole as became the custom for America during this time period.
1987 Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, Ohio USA 13 Europe 15 The disgrace of all disgraces for US golf fans losing at Jack's course with Jack Nicklaus is captain. Easily one of the worst days in US golf history.
1985 The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, Eng USA 11 ½ Europe 16 ½ While I personally don't remember this Ryder Cup (I was 7 for crying out loud), this Ryder Cup would become a signal of the years to come for the US after such long dominance in this event.
So that final tally since 1985, 6 wins for Europe, 3 wins for the USA and 1 draw in which Europe reatained the cup. Pretty pitiful and I wouldn't expect things to change this year.
Here is a list of both teams heading into the PGA:
USA
1. WOODS, Tiger 4,150.000
2. MICKELSON, Phil 2,474.375
3. FURYK, Jim 2,076.000
4. CAMPBELL, Chad 1,129.602
5. TOMS, David 1,072.250
6. DiMARCO, Chris 830.000
7. TAYLOR, Vaughn 780.833
8. HENRY, J.J. 778.750
9. JOHNSON, Zach 756.477
10. WETTERICH, Brett 746.000
All I got to say is Tiger, Phil, and Furyk better play out of their minds because this top 10 looks absolutely scary on paper. Of course, the US may need that sort of underdog mentality on their side. So this may not be so bad afterall. Of course, maybe we should suit up Tom Lehman and Pavin (both captain and co-captain this year) for these matches. Brett Wetterich, Zach Johnson (A&M clown), JJ Henry (TCU boy), and Vaughn Taylor are going to be pissing in their pants during their first matches.
Europe's squad
1 David HOWELL 208.65
2 Colin MONTGOMERIE 207.88
3 José Maria OLAZÁBAL 202.09
4 Henrik STENSON 201.76
5 Luke DONALD 192.25
6 Sergio GARCIA 190.30
7 Paul CASEY 165.33
8 Padraig HARRINGTON 154.46
9 Carl PETTERSSON 154.12
10 Robert KARLSSON 151.46
This team looks much better on paper than the Americans especially when you consider how good Olazabal, Monty, and Garica are in team play. David Howell and Luke Donald form a somewhat fearsome England duo.
The teams in their current form look like a huge advantage to Europe, espcially playing in front of the fans in Ireland . And because it looks like such a mismatch on paper. And because crazy things happen when I don't get to watch them live, I am predicting the US pulls off the miracles and wins on European soil.
Okay, not really but it would be a good story wouldn't it.
Vancouverwon't be too bad as a consolation to missing the ryder cup. Your damn sure I'm gonna watch that son of a bitch on TIVO and maybe even catch the Sunday singles if I'm lucky.
USA, USA, USA
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Do or Die Time
The Current AL West Standings look as follows on August 8th:
W L % GB Strk
Oakland 61 51 .545 -- Won 5
LA Angels 58 54 .518 3.0 Won 3
Texas 56 57 .496 5.5 Lost 3
Seattle 54 57 .486 6.5 Won 1
If the Rangers want to have any chance to win this division, they must at least win one of the last two games in this Oakland series, preferrably both.
Also (big thanks to Fraser for his help), I have finally figured how to post Youtube videos directly on this page. So be expecting plenty of these from here on out. Today's link is a montage of the greatest plays during Rocket Ismail's career at Notre Dame. Whether or not your remember him, this clip is worth checking out...
Texas Has Started Fall Practice and it's tough not to get excited about this team even without Vince. We have so much talent coming back around two very young quarterbacks. I feel like I have paid my dues going out and seeing our team practice in the fall at least 1 or 2 years while in school. Glad to see some other picking up the slack. Cody Daniel attended a tonight or last night and had a good writeup. Hope he doesn't mind making his good work public.
Odd News Link of the Day
Lindsay Lohan wants to take a break from her partying ways and spend some time in Iraq and entertain the troops Marilyn Monroe style. Only in America. God bless this country...
W L % GB Strk
Oakland 61 51 .545 -- Won 5
LA Angels 58 54 .518 3.0 Won 3
Texas 56 57 .496 5.5 Lost 3
Seattle 54 57 .486 6.5 Won 1
If the Rangers want to have any chance to win this division, they must at least win one of the last two games in this Oakland series, preferrably both.
Also (big thanks to Fraser for his help), I have finally figured how to post Youtube videos directly on this page. So be expecting plenty of these from here on out. Today's link is a montage of the greatest plays during Rocket Ismail's career at Notre Dame. Whether or not your remember him, this clip is worth checking out...
Texas Has Started Fall Practice and it's tough not to get excited about this team even without Vince. We have so much talent coming back around two very young quarterbacks. I feel like I have paid my dues going out and seeing our team practice in the fall at least 1 or 2 years while in school. Glad to see some other picking up the slack. Cody Daniel attended a tonight or last night and had a good writeup. Hope he doesn't mind making his good work public.
My Thoughts:
1. Jermichael Finley is going to play a BIG role this year....I hope # 16 isn't on OSU's radar....the QBs love throwing to him. He stood out bigtime. Huge, Fast, great hands, and already has swagger. # 1 surprise for me...just how good he is and how important he will be.
2. Both QBs can throw it....It's going to be whoever reads D's better - and I think Colt is ahead. Snead is bigger and has a quicker release but McCoy is more productive in the drills vs the defense....Our # 1 CBs are tough. Snead had a tough time with the # 1 unit with # 2 WRs....but I think its just our DBs are great. I love Tarrell Brown's game....
3. Kelson looked great.....Fast as Hell and big. Killebrew got kicked out of a drill for laying out Nate Jones in a non-hitting drill....Mack scolded him and Chizik patted him on the rear....I think Gene liked it.
4. Kindle was held out of practice (?)
5. Shipley looks good but held his hammy after one play where T Brown beat him in the air....I just hope he can stay healthy...I have my doubts. He reminds me of a white Aaron Ross in build and speed....makes good adjustments in the air as well. Could be really good but he has to be tougher. FAST.
6. Quan, Billy, and Sweed will make a GREAT starting WR corp - Shipley 1st off the bench
7. TE will be a strength this year as well....Tweadie looks great and I already jocked JF.
8. The rumor is right....Selvin Young is back. He looks GREAT. J-Chuck is exactly the same....shifty and fast as a jitterbug.
9. Reverses might come out more often looking to get the ball in Quan, Billy, and Shipley's hands more....
10. Starting D is going to be better this year....no doubt in my mind. They looked ready to play tomorrow...Chizik's got his squad moving, yellling, and having fun.
11. Snead is more talkative with the other players than Colt.......always low fiving and chatting all practice.
12. Freshman report: Jones got reps, Norton got reps, and so did R Joseph, J Henry, McGee, Webber, Payne, Earnest etc...all will play 2nd/3rd string and Special teams most likely. I was pleasantly surprised with Josh Marshall bigger and faster than I expected...probably still RS b/c of our depth at WR
13. Utalski may start at RT with Blalock moving in to RG or Dockery will play RG and Blalock will stay at RT....
14. Mack has lost 20ish lbs.
15. We're going to be good....I feel better about our team than when I went. QBs will struggle some but their is SO much talent around them...
Odd News Link of the Day
Lindsay Lohan wants to take a break from her partying ways and spend some time in Iraq and entertain the troops Marilyn Monroe style. Only in America. God bless this country...
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Bomar Out at OU
Unbelievable news out of Norman today....
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma starting quarterback Rhett Bomar will not play for the Sooners this season following an investigation by the team, according to a television report.
Oklahoma confirmed that two players had been dismissed by the team but did not identify them. The school said in a statement that the players violated NCAA rules by working at a private business and taking "payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked."
Oklahoma City television station KWTV reported that Bomar, who set an Oklahoma freshman record with 2,018 passing yards after taking over as the Sooners' starter in the second game last season, was one of the two players who had been permanently dismissed.
"We spend a considerable amount of time addressing our players regarding their personal conduct and the NCAA rules," head coach Bob Stoops said in a statement. "They know exactly what we expect from them. Ultimately, they have to make right decisions. The same holds true for our boosters. When they do not, the consequences are serious, and we will not tolerate this behavior.
"Our team and university actions are necessary because of the intentional participation and knowledge of the student athletes in these violations," Stoops said.
A top-rated recruit out of high school, Bomar redshirted his first season while 2004 Heisman Trophy winner Jason White completed his career. Bomar lost a quarterback competition to Paul Thompson last fall, but was named the starter after the Sooners lost to TCU in the first week.
He started Oklahoma's final 11 games and completed 54 percent of his passes, while throwing 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Oklahoma finished 2005 by winning six of its final seven games, including a victory against Oregon in the Holiday Bowl.
"I firmly believe that our program is stronger than any individual player and that a championship program cannot compromise its values," Stoops said in the statement.
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma starting quarterback Rhett Bomar will not play for the Sooners this season following an investigation by the team, according to a television report.
Oklahoma confirmed that two players had been dismissed by the team but did not identify them. The school said in a statement that the players violated NCAA rules by working at a private business and taking "payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked."
Oklahoma City television station KWTV reported that Bomar, who set an Oklahoma freshman record with 2,018 passing yards after taking over as the Sooners' starter in the second game last season, was one of the two players who had been permanently dismissed.
"We spend a considerable amount of time addressing our players regarding their personal conduct and the NCAA rules," head coach Bob Stoops said in a statement. "They know exactly what we expect from them. Ultimately, they have to make right decisions. The same holds true for our boosters. When they do not, the consequences are serious, and we will not tolerate this behavior.
"Our team and university actions are necessary because of the intentional participation and knowledge of the student athletes in these violations," Stoops said.
A top-rated recruit out of high school, Bomar redshirted his first season while 2004 Heisman Trophy winner Jason White completed his career. Bomar lost a quarterback competition to Paul Thompson last fall, but was named the starter after the Sooners lost to TCU in the first week.
He started Oklahoma's final 11 games and completed 54 percent of his passes, while throwing 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Oklahoma finished 2005 by winning six of its final seven games, including a victory against Oregon in the Holiday Bowl.
"I firmly believe that our program is stronger than any individual player and that a championship program cannot compromise its values," Stoops said in the statement.
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