10/22 Picks and Glover

Is it really already the end of October? It seems like just yesterday the season started. Maybe the Texas season has been so good and the weather in Texas so hot that time is just flying by this season. I am going to savor the rest of this college football season which has been great thus far. Before I get to my picks, let me post what Glover wanted me to put on the blog after the Astros near collapse turned to ecstasy with their Game 6 win in St. Louis to get them into the World Series --

"Mike Scott, Dickie Thon, Alan Ashby, Jim DeShaise, Billy Hatcher, Bob Knepper……..the list goes on and on like Trampe’s johnson but those are the names I grew up cheering for. They are the ghosts of Astros past and finally they can be put to rest. The Stros are going to the series. The Houston Astros are going to the gosh damn World Series. Stros in 5. MVP – Lance “Fat Elvis” Berkman"

Amen Glover, AMEN. One of these years the Rangers may actually win a playoff series let alone the pennant. Yea, right....

Onto the picks....

TOP PLAYS

Navy -7 over Rice -- Another team (Navy) that I've made good money on thanks to Dave should handle the #1 team in ESPN's infamous bottom 10 poll. Navy should be too much for just a really poor rice team. Expect a win by two TDs.

Auburn +6.5 over LSU -- This might be my favorite play of the week. For whatever reason (probably lack of star power with Cadillac, Ronnie Brown and Campbell all gone), Auburn is not getting much respect this year. They are playing well and this game should be very tight. Last year's game was a 10-9 win for Auburn and I expect this year to be a defensive type game. Take the points and be happy about it.

Northwestern +12.5 Over Michigan St. -- Two of the nation's best offenses square off in a big 10 elimination game. While I like MSU's defense better, I still think NOrthwestern's moves the ball with their unbelievably hot QB Brett Basanez (wins over Purdue and Wisconsin) and will gladly take the points in this spot.

@Wisconsin -8 over Purdue -- You could pay for your kid's college tuition with the money made betting against Purdue this season. Their defense can stop no one and their once promising season is now officially in the toilet. A trip to an all of sudden rocking Camp Randall Stadium after their magical win over Minnesota last week is not what they need to get on track. Call this a momentum play plus I just love betting against Purdue.

Smaller Plays

@Texas over Tech -16 -- I'm always hesitant to play the horns, but this year is different. Barring turnover issues, we are going to pound Tech into submission. Kansas St. and Nebraska are not quite Texas. Tech's early season cake walk is going to bite them in the ass in this week.

@UTEP -14 over Marshall -- UTEP always good at home against a pretty piss poor Marshall team.

East CArolina +7.5 over Memphis -- EAST Carolina have been the road warriors this season and I'm hoping they can keep it close against an avg. Memphis team.

@San Diego St. -2.5 over New Mexico -- If the day is going well, I will put a small play on the better team at home.

@Stanford +9.5 over Arizona St. -- Not much for AZ st. to be motivated against an uninspiring but improving Stanford. Will take the points at home.


As for the world series, I think it is going to be a great series but have to give the edge to the White Sox because of their slightly better offense and Ozzie Guillen. White Sox in 7.

Good luck to all this weekend....

Simmons Actually Talks College Football

In a turn of events about as likely as Tech pulling off the upset this weekend in Austin, Bill Simmons of sports guy fame actually discusses some college football in his lastest update. At least he admits beforehand that he is not exactly the biggest college football fan in the world.

Also note his discussion about Matt Leinart's celebrity status in LA right now. Is there anyone who you would rather trade places with than Matt Leinart. The guy is bigger than God in LA right now. Anyways, check it out:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/blog/index?name=simmons

Not Dead Yet

Houston fans (we know who you are) have to be nervous right about now. Last night was about to be one of the best moments in Houston sports history. Their proud franchise was FINALLY about to make the world series. I can only imagine what that feels like as a Rangers fan whose franchise as only won 1 game in its entire postseason history. Minute Maid park was absolutely electric from Berkman's 3 run shot all the way until the air got sucked out of that place after the Pujols home run.

I have seen quite a bit of knee jerking in the media today about the Astros being finished and how they aren't going to recover from last night's hearbreaking defeat. While I do admit going back to St. Louis in this fashion isn't an ideal scenario, they do have Oswalt and Clemens going game 6 and 7. St. louis still is severely lacking in the hitting department even with rejuvenated life after game 5. The cards need Pujols and Edmonds to carry them to this improbably series comeback and unfortunately they probably need a healthy Scott Rolen to pull of such a feat.

So worry not Houston fans, I think your dream still will come true. You just might have to wait 2 or 3 days for it to happen.

With that being said, Go CARDS and you know the white sox pitching staff is enjoying the next few days waiting see who they will face in the Fall Classic.

What a great time of year...

EPIC!

First off, I'd like to apologize to the gamblers who read this blog for not updating my picks for this past weekend's games. I have been on a roll recently and Hammond informs me that people seem to be relying on my picks. For what it's worth, I had an average weekend (up 3 units). Hopefully, I will be back this week better than ever.

With that being said, hat an unforgettable weekend of college football. The USC - ND game is easily the best game of the season (only topped by a potential USC/Texas matchup) and it would not be a stretch to call this game the best of this century so far. This game had it all. A great champion (USC) with an offense for the ages against an resurgent ND program led by a coach who has done unthinkable this season and led ND right to the doorstep of ending USC's long winning streak. Alas, the Irish came up one QB sneak and one 4th and 9 play from pulling off the miracle upset.

Whatever your feelings on this past weekend game, you would be foolish to discount what an unbelievable job Charlie Weis has done at Notre Dame so far. No one in their wildest dreams could imagine anyone taking this Notre Dame from last season and taking pretty much the exact same talent to within a few inches of beating one of the greatest college football teams of all time. This win would have surpassed some of the greatest wins in Notre Stadium History including '88 Miami and '93 Fla St. Despite coming up short, Weis and the irish have nothing to hang their heads about. Notre Dame is officially back and it is just a matter of time before Weis turns ND into a perennial top 10 program again. And despite what Notre Dame haters may tell you, ND being good is also good for college football as a whole.

One silver lining from this weekend is the possibility of a dream USC - Texas Rose Bowl matchup is still in tact. Texas has one of its toughest challenges left this weekend against a #10 Texas Tech team in Austin. USC has games against Fresno (I still think a dangerous game) and UCLA left on their schedule. USC-TEXAS is what the whole nation wants to see and they just might get it.

I'll try to post more thoughts on the rest of the weekend tomorrow.

Plea to Longhorn Fans

Kevin Sherrington's article in today's Dallas Morning News was the impetus behind today's post on the blog.

Any college football fan today can tell you all about the BCS and how screwed up the current system in place is for everyone involved from the coaches to the media to the players and most importantly the fans. No one has been a bigger proponent for a playoff than myself over the years. Hell, I wrote a paper in middle school about how college football should go to playoff and I think anyone with half a brain would agree that playoff is a far more effective way to determine a champion than anything the powers that be in college football have come up with to this point.

With that being said, my plea to longhorn fans is to not bitch and moan about the BCS. Is Texas being hurt by weak big 12 this year? Most definitely. Will we get screwed out of the Rose Bowl because 3 teams finish undefeated (USC, Texas and any possible combination of V-tech , Georgia, Florida St., Penn St., or Alabama, etc.)? The chance is definitely there that TExas could finish #3 in the BCS if 2 of the above teams go undefeated.

It has happened before (last year) and it will certainly happen again under our current system. Now that we got that out of the way, we must also realize a few things. There are ton of games left to be played in this season. Conference play is just getting started and many of the top teams have only played 1 if not zero big games on the road. So my advice to any longhorn fan out there is to enjoy the ride.

I have been saying all year that I thought only 2 teams might go undefeated and I still stick by that. I think when it's all said and done this season only one undefeated team is going to be left after the regular season. And I may sound like a homer when I say this, but I think Texas is going to be the only undefeated team left after the regular season and there will be a mad scramble as to who will fill the other slot in the rose bowl. Call it a crazy hunch but crazier things have happened in this game.

Enjoy the ride longhorn fans. We may not have another season like '05 for a very long time.

10/8 College Plays

Well, I have been on a pretty good run recently if you have been following my picks. I ended up 8-2 (including 3-1 top plays) last week with posted picks on this website. Not bad if I do say so myself. Maybe I have been inspired by Matthew McConaughey's character in the new movie Two for the Money

Either way, let's hope the good run continues this week. And on a more important note, TEXAS MUST beat OU this weekend. There are no more excuses for tomorrow. NONE. TExas must take care of business. Barring a cataclysmic event or VY's getting injured, I fully expect Texas to win this one comfortably tomorrow. PLEASE GOD!!!!

Onto the picks.

PLAY OF THE YEAR TO THIS POINT

@Colorado -3 over Aggy -- I have been pretty money so far this season on my top plays. Wisconsin against UNC and Minnesota over Colorado St. come to mind right away. But this game is my top play to this point in the season. It starts with my perception of both teams going into the season. I thought Aggie was overvalued by the public and CU was undervalued by the public. Both teams' play so far has justified this thinking. This is the perfect spot for Colorado at home against a wounded and confused Aggy team. Barring a collapse by Colorado and/or an other wordly performance by Mcneal, Colorado will win this game.

Other Top PLays

These are plays that I feel pretty strongly about but definitely not betting the house.

Tech -4 over Nebraska -- Serious revenge factor going for Nebraska (worst defeat ever in Lubbock last year) and this game is in Lincoln. Not a good recipe for a Tech cover, but this is an outstanding Tech offense. While Nebraska's D has looked good so far, they will give up points to this TEch offense. I still am not sold on Nebraska's offense despite their performance last week against Iowa St. Lay the points and a better than expected Tech defensive performance will help in this one.

@Navy -1 over Air Force -- While I have been a closet member of the Navy bandwagon the last few years, Dave has put me front and center on the Navy bandwagon this year. I love their brand of football and their jitterbug QB gets me fired up. Air Force hasn't impressed me this year and the home field in Annapolis will pull the Midshipmen to victory tomorrow.

@UAB -21 over SMU -- I am familiar with this SMU program more than most, and this game will not be pretty. SMU comes of a collapse on the road against Marshall up 10-0 going into the 4th quarter. Going on the road again the following week to play the best team in Conf USA is not a good thing. This game should get real ugly. Lay he points and you will probably be enjoying the 2nd half of this one comfortably.


Other Plays

I'm betting them, but more for entertainment purposes than anything else.

Minnesota +7.5 over Michigan -- Too many points to give a team that is playing on par with Michigan so far. Minnesota comes up with a gutty performance if not an outright win in Ann Arbor.

Iowa +5.5 over Purdue -- I have been betting against Purdue for almost a year and don't see any reason to stop now. Take the points.

@Wyoming -6 over TCU -- Wyoming still undefeated against the spread. Might be time to take TCU seriously, but i'll wait to see how they do this week.

@Penn St. +3 over Ohio St. -- Going against the greater majority but I did last week as well when Minnesota came to town. Joe Pa's last stand continues this week in Happy Valley. This crowd will be amped!!!

Good luck and remember to not bet beyond your means.

Fantasy Heartbreak

1 Joe Boo's Rum (Hurst) 120 +5
1 LaLooshes' Douches (Weisenberger) 120 0
3 Buck Ball (Trampe) 119 +1.5

I know people hate reading about fantasy sports stories. But this one is good I promise. As great as my weekend went, my entire fantasy baseball season came down to this this weekend and I get edged at the finish line and end up in 3rd place.

Thank you Brett Tomko for screwing my out of at least 2nd place by throwing a complete game yesterday for Hurst.

I was so worried about my lineup the last weeks and making sure I got every singe hitting point I could. But in the end, it was my pitching that failed me as I finished percentage points behind in ERA, WHIP, and Saves. A few innings and a save going the other direction and I'm in first today. Oh well, what a great fantasy baseball season and I am super fired up about the playoffs. Looking forward to seeing how it shakes out. I am hoping for someone other than Boston or New York taking home the title this year. I think everyone outside of the East coast is sick sick of the Boston and New York lovefest that ESPN and the rest of media crams down our throats.

Here's to a change...

10/1 College Plays

Well the weather here in Texas is finally getting cooler (if only for a couple days), and that is a good thing because we are finally entering conference season across the country. This should be a good week of football with not a ton of unbelievable matchups, but there should be plenty of competitive games. After last week's narrow approach (only 4 games), I'm back this week with a pretty big card. I have plenty of games that I like a little, but not many I like a lot this week. Going to have a busy Saturday adjusting as the day goes on. I'll break it down into 3 categories this week so take this advice for what it's worth = nothing.

Top Plays

@Bama +4 over Florida -- I like Urban Meyer and I like this Florida team, but I also like Bama, especially their QB, Brodie Croyle. I think the key to this game will be Bama's offense against Florida's D. Florida's D (led by one of my favorites Charlie Strong) has put up some sick #'s so far this year including a +9 TO differential, but I think Bama is going to be able to score on Florida's D. The coaching edge goes to Meyer, but this is a pretty big road test and I am hoping MIke Shula can capture some old bama magic this week. This game should be a classic.

@Penn St. +3.5 over Minnesota -- Most people that read this site (well just Cuyler and Dave) know that I love Minnesota. Unfortunately, you can't be a fan when making wagers. I have said all year that this is Joe Pa's swan song season before he rides off into the sunset, and it starts this week. With Michigan and Ohio St. on the horizon, Penn St. has to find a way to win this week. This should be another great game, but I think Penn St.'s D steps up and plays better against the run their numbers indicate so far. Just in case you were worried, this play does not mean i'm off the Minnesota bandwagon.

Navy -6 over Duke -- I know Dave will like this play, and the only thing that scares me is the crazily long layoff Navy has had since their last game. Normally, Duke's surprisingly good run defense would scare me in this game, but Navy has shown an ability to pass the ball so far this year to offset any running trouble they potentially may have this week. While suffering two heartbreaking losses to Stanford and Mayrland, Navy needs to make statement. Duke as usual is just waiting for basketball season in a brutally tough ACC. I'll take the the road chalk and hope Navy can win this one easily.

Iowa St. +3.5 over Nebraska -- I feel sorry for those of you in the Big 12 region who don't have gameplan. You will be stuck with this game on ABC in the 2:30 timeslot. Both of these defenses are good and both offenses stink. I think Iowa St.'s offense is a little more proven and their team in general is more proven than Nebraska. I will continue betting against Nebraska under Callahan until they prove me wrong. Take the points and be happy about doing so.


Medium Plays
@Wake +7 over Clemson -- Clemson is bound to have at least some sort of an emotional letdown after their rollercoaster first month. Wake is trying to find some consistency after a disappointing 1-3 start. I think Wake has the running game to keep this one close. It would be a larger play but I'm worried about Wake's TO problem

@Mich St. -5.5 over Michigan -- Much like the Wake bet, I pegged this one early but something about this game scares me. Michigan is bound to showup for a big game sometime soon and it might be this week. With that being said, Mich St. is playing great football right now and should be able to handle this michigan team at home.

Baylor +22 over A&M -- Okay, I admit. I just don't like this aggy team and I think Guy Morris is doing some good things at Baylor. A&M should win but it will be tougher than experts are thinking. Looking for a game somewhere in the 42-24 range. A backdoor cover is not out of the question here.

Small Plays
@Iowa -17.5 over Illinois -- Iowa is a different team at home. Enough said.

@UNC -3.5 over Utah -- Tailing my guy on Hornfans.

@FSU -21 over Syracuse -- Syracuse will be lucky to score.

I've got some others but this should be enough of a card to pick out some ones you like.

Good luck to everyone this week and let's all hope Texas doesn't screw the pooch against my good friends up at Mizzou.

USA!!!!!!!! and an Unbeaten Weekend

What a great President's Cup this past weekend at RTJ golf club in Virginia. I realize that a lot of people consider the President's cup a poor man's version of the Ryder. I wonder what those same people are saying after watching this weekend. The US team showed a lot of fight and character by a lot of guys who have questionable team competition records. It was very nice to see.

A quick rundown of the weekend

--Dimarco and Mickelson deserve Co-MVPs of the team for their incredible team performance during the week (3-0-1). Dimarco deserves top billing for disposing of Stuary Appebly in the anchor match on Sunday to clinch the Cup (and avoid the tie) for the US.
--Jim Furyk deserves some credit for just having a solid week teamed up with Tiger (who has trouble with the team competition in the past), and Furyk did a hell of a job Sunday winning his match with the talented Adam Scott.
--Freddy deserves a special mention for his unbelievable match against Vijay. His putt on 18 was one of the coolest shots I've seen in years. He was sweating rather profusely through his red shirt on Sunday, but all was forgiven with his putt on 18. It was a special a moment.
--Scotty VP and Leonard also deserve some recognition. Without their team getting a few points, the US probably would've struggled. Leonard even further solidified his captain's pick choice by winning over Tim Clark in the opening match on Sunday.
--International team (With the exception of Vijay) deserves some kudos for bringing a lot of quality players who obviously consider this competition important but they are all class inviduals. Vijay on the other hand, played like crap, whined about the pace of play and overall just had a miserable weekend. My favorite moment of the weekend was after the Couples/Signh match when the US team were all out on the 18th green celebrating with Couples. Singh was caught in the middle of the celebration and most of the US guys seemed to be rubbing in the victory to Vijay a little bit. That scene tells me all I need to know about what guys on tour think about Vijay. Guy is a jerk.

Overall, it was just a great weekend of golf, and the international team are definitely a worthy adversary. It may not have the bitter blood feud that comes with the Ryder Cup, but the quality of golf this weekend was equal if not greater than any Ryder Cup. I don't care what other people say. I'll take the Ryder Cup and President's Cup any day over any other tournament during the course of the year. It at least deserves to be in the same level as the majors.





9/24 College Football Week that Was
I also have to give myself a pat on the back for going 4-0 this Saturday on College Football. While I didn't post my picks on the blog, all 4 of my plays hit this weekend. I'm looking to carry over this momentum into this weekend's games. So be looking out for that...

Here was a rundown of the 4 games that I nailed down before the weekend and how they played out:

4* play -- Wisconsin +3 over Michigan - Riding their momentum from last week's UNC win on the road, I was hoping Wisconsin would come home to face Michigan and sneak out of Camp Randall with a close win. Fortunately, Wisconsin was able to pull out a close victory at the end. Trailing by 4 late, John Stocco was able to run it in for the 23-20 lead with under 1:00 to go. This was just a sign for the incredible good luck I would have this weekend

3* play -- Tulsa Pk over Memphis - Tailing one of my favorite handicappers on Hornfans, I took an upstart Tulsa team over a young Memphis team at home. Tulsa was able to win in OT 38-31. Another one that I escape by the skin of my teeth

2* play -- Minnesota -3.5 over Purdue - Another classic game that Minnesota was able to cover in 2OT after scoring a TD and not allowing Purdue score. Just some great luck in this game.

1* play -- Arizona St. -6.5 over Oregon St. - Easiest win of the weekend for my smallest play. Should have figured.

So with that being said, everything will probably go the exact opposite this week.



Finally, good work by the cowboys going to 2-1 with a 34-31 win over the 49ers yesterday. A great game with some pretty bad defense on both sides. The cowboys needed that one if they are going to do anything this year. AT least now we have a little hope....

9/17 College Football Plays

I have tried to pace myself this non-conference season and wait until conference season to really get serious. While I don't have any top plays this week, I am looking at about 15-20 games that could be plays. I will limit my list to 10 for this website. If you are interested in any other games, leave a comment and more than likely i have at least some sort of opinion on the game.

Okay, onto the picks...

5 top plays (keep in mind I have no 5* specials this week -- Minnestoa last week against Colorado St. has been my only 5* play so far)

1) Utah -3 against TCU -- TCU has to fall somewhere in the middle between their performances against OU and SMU. Regardless, this game is their MWC opener and is a big game for both teams. I just think TCU is a lot closer to the team we saw last week against SMU then the increasinly less impressive win against OU. Of course, I could be completely wrong. I probably wouldn't even playing this game if it wasn't a Thursday night contest, so proceed with caution. Also, be sure to check out Utah's tailback. He's pretty good and is a Maurice Clarett clone.

2) Bama -2.5 over South Carolina -- This should be a great game (first CBS SEC broadcast) and I feel like BAma isn't getting any respect so far this season. I just think Bama's overall talent level is better than South Carolina. I do expect this game to be close but I feel like Bama's defense will help them win a close won on the road.

3) Wisconsin -3 over North Carolina -- Wisconsin's ground game has been incredible so far this year thanks to CU transfer Brian Calhoun. While UNC is improving, I think Wisconsin's ground game will be too much for a feisty UNC bunch. This is my top play of the weekend but definitely not a 5* play.

4) @BC +2 over Florida St. -- This should be a hell of a game and I like BC because their crowd should be rocking and this is the type of game FSU has had trouble with the last 3 or 4 years. Plus, I need some home teams on my card and this seems like a good spot. Small play.

5) @Kansas -14 over La Tech -- Kansas has struggled so far against 2 subpar teams, and they need a good showing before heading into conference play. This seems to be a soft line considering Kansas will have some incentive play well. Medium play

Others still under consideration:

Mich St. +7 over ND -- I love the domers but Michigan St. has looked good so far this year and ND may have a little bit of an emotional letdown after their first 2 games. I still think ND pulls it out late but this games hould be close.

@New Mexico -22.5 over New Mexico St. -- New Mexico has been impressive so far this year (Win over Mizzou on the road) and New Mexico St. stinks. This is a soft line and should be closer to 27 than 21.

UCONNN +17.5 over G-Tech -- If UCONN (avg close to 300 on ground) can get anything established on the ground, I think they can stay within the number. G-Tech is a solid team so this is a scary play.

East Carolina +13 over Wake -- Wake has been terrible so far (loss at home to Vandy) and probably shouldn't be giving 13 points to anybody. I think East Carolina realizes this and will make Wake fight for a win.

Tennesee +7 over Florida -- Tennesee has too much talent to be getting 7 points against Florida. Public is all over Florida and I'll take my chances with a small play on Tennesee

WAY Too Early Heisman Favorites

I figured I might as well go ahead and give my thoughts on the Heisman. Even though it is way too early and things will change for sure before the end of the season. Here is my mid-September top 5 after 2 weeks:

Before I give my list, let me get one other thing out of the way. AS hopeful as I am that this is the year Texas will finally run the table in the regular season and make it to Pasadena, let's enjoy the ride before we worry about going undefeated. A big pet peeve of mine is trying to speculate who is going to lose to who and how we are going to find our way to the Rose bowl. I already see national sites (ESPN.com) getting fans of others schools (besides Texas and US) worried that they are going to be left out of the National Championship game like Auburn was last year. My advice to fellow football fans across the country is to enjoy each week and let the games play out before we worry about V-tech and Georgia getting left out of the national title game. You never know what is going to happen and this is what makes this sport so great despite the imperfections of the system.

OKay, rant over... Onto my top 5.

1A) Matt Leinart -- The defending Heisman winner has to be considered the favorite until proven otherwise. The only thing that irks me about Leinart is that he supposedly has a bodyguard now. I understand that he is basically a celebrity in LA, but I don't care how good of a college quarterback you are for USC. Requiring a bodyguard is a little much. With that said, the guy is easily the best passing QB in the college game right now, and he can pretty much bang any chick (including A-list actreses) in LA or anywhere else for that matter. He has to be the favorite right now.

1B) Vince Young -- If USC does lose or both Texas and USC go undefeated, Vince has a shot to beat Leinart either way because votes could be split between Bush and Leinart. Vince has such a great attitude on the field and his leadership qualities have transformed the entire Texas program. It's hard to believe that one guy can have that big of an impact on an entire program, but Vince YOung has done that with Texas. His win against Ohio St. may go down as one of the greatest moments in Texas history when it's all said and done. And damnit, the guy can pass too.

3) Reggie Bush -- There aren't enough adjectives to describe how Reggie Bush plays the game. Easily the most electrifying player in the game (no offense to Ted Ginn) and he may be even more valuable to the Trojans' success than Leinart. Can't wait to see him on the next level.

4) Lawrence Maroney -- If he was playing for Ohio St. or Michigan, the entire country would love this guy. But because he plays at Minnesota, he flies under the radar. Now that he doesn't have to share the backfied with cowboy Marion Barber (they both had 2 consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards), Maroney has the potential to put up some huge numbers this year. Through 2 games against Tulsa and Colorado St., he looks to be on pace for a monster season.

5) Brady Quinn -- If Charlie Weis can continue working miracles up in South Bend and ND somehow pulls off the miracle upset against USC, then Quinn has to be considered a darkhorse candidate. ND is still probably a couple years away from being a legitimate contender, but through 2 games, Quinn should be at least in the mix.

Others -- Chris Leak (Florida), Adrian Peterson (OU), Brad Smith (Mizzou), Brian Calhoun (Wisconsin), Ted Ginn (Ohio St.)

WHAT A GAME!

Wow is all I can say about that game. For those that didn't make the trip (you know who you are), you missed a classic. We may never see Texas play a bigger regular season non-conference game in our lifetimes. I hope Deloss and Mack realize the advantages to scheduling these type of home and home series with the big boys of college football, because this weekend was great for the team and especially great for the fans.

As high as my expectations were for "The Shoe", I have never been inside a stadium that cool. The Rose Bowl, DKR, Notre Dame Stadium, Kyle Field. None of those places comes even close to Ohio Stadium. The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric and that was easily the loudest stadium I have been inside. I have plenty of other places to visit (The swamp, between the hedges at UGA, Neyland Stadium, Tiger Stadium at LSU to name a few), but it will be tough topping the atmosphere in Columbus this past Saturday night.

You cannot argue with the passion of the OHio St. fans even if some crossed the line (mostly drunk students and other idiots). I may be in the minority among Texas fans, but I thought the number of Ohio St. fans wearing jerseys was cool and different.

Overall, it was just a fantastic trip. It was great to see everyone up there (Fall '97 and '98 represented well). This was easily the biggest win for Mack Brown in his tenure and the Horns appear to be well on their way to a return trip to Pasadena as long as they take care of business from here on out.

Could we really see USC vs. UT in the Rose Bowl for the national title? If we are going to end the title drought, there is not a better way to do it then going through Leinart, Bush, and Co. in their own backyard.

Before this weekend, I would say we wouldn't have a prayer against the SC juggernaut. But now, why the hell not?

Dallas to lose TX/OU?? and Rangers Hitting Rock Bottom

TX/OU most likely to leave Dallas after 2007 game

Mr. McKoy said the proposed renovation could be done by the 2007 game and would increase seating to more than 80,000 (from its current capacity of 75,000). There would be remodeled concession stands, improvements to the interior and exterior, a new scoreboard, a new sound system and new field lighting as well as resurfaced streets and walkways.

"When it's finished, the stadium will look as nice as the ones in Austin or Norman," Mr. McKoy said. "We feel $26 million will get the job done."

Mr. McKoy said the State Fair spent $5 million to upgrade the Cotton Bowl before last year's game, adding 4,000 seats and renovating restrooms, concession stands and the press box.

It certainly looks pretty bleak right now for TX/OU staying in Dallas. This fight was lost the minute Dallas city leadership gave up on the new Cowboys stadium being built in Fair Park. Very little the city can do now to keep TX/OU in Fair Park becuase there is very little chance the city can justify dumping millions of dollars to renovate the stadium for only 2 or 3 games a year. No Cowboys, hell not even FC Dallas to play games in Fair Park. It is going to be a sad day when TX/OU goes to a home and home series, but the city of Dallas is getting what they deserve. What shame.

But wait, It gets worse

Rangers lose 8th in a row and Players start to be outspoke on their criticisms of management.

Who can blame them? If I am MIchael Young, Alfonso Soriano, Mark Teixeira, Hank Blalock or any other young position player on this team, I am furious right now at management for failing to form sort of plan to help this team solve it's pitching woes.

It's like the movie Groundhog Day out in Arlington right now with regards to our pitching situation. Only this day lasts for years and is turning into decades.

Arrrggggh, thank god for football season!

Cue up the Green Day music - Finley let go by Mavs

"Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go.
So make the best of this test, and don't ask why
It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time.

It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life."

-- Green Day






With very little fanfare, the Mavericks let one of their all time greats go yesterday in an effort to avoid the luxury tax on the remaining $51 million dollars left on his contract.

As much criticism as Finley has taken in this town, it will be very tough for me to see him in another uniform. When he joined the team during the 1997 season, the Mavs rivaled the Clippers as one of the worst organizations in professional sports. While Finley was with the Mavs and benefiting from an owner who actually cares, the Mavs went from laughing stock to legitimate contender. I will not soon forget the Mavs unbelievable comeback from down 2-0 against the Jazz in '01 to beat them in 5 games. Down double digits in the 4th quarter, Finley and the mavs were able to somehow find a way to beat the jazz up in Salt Lake City. I will not soon forget the celebration that followed as the Mavs had finally won a playoff series for the first time in over a decade. I had the privilege of being in attandance that day.

I also will not forget the memorable playoff run in '03 getting all the way to game 6 of the conference finals against San Antonio. If it were not for Steve Kerr getting unconscious in the 4th quarter, the Mavs very well may have gotten all the way to the finals. Finley was an iron man (among the league leaders in minutes played nearly every season) and he will always be underappreciated in this town because we never were able to win a title during his time here. He is a true class act and I for one am going to miss him dearly.

Two Good Links

The Star Telegram had two good stories today worth checking out.

Tom Hicks talks Rangers and Stars

A fairly candid interview with Tom Hicks about his tenure as owner of both the Stars and Rangers. He talks about his critics as well as his plans for the future of both teams. Definitely worth a read.

Ag recruit being way overhyped

Martellus Bennett is just asking to be the biggest bust in recent recruiting history by helping to create all the hype about him at A&M. He is a freaking tight end for god's sakes. I enjoed McNeil's comments in the article about curbing the enthusiasm about Bennett's impact on the Aggies this year. As much as I enjoy rooting against the Ags, Bennett is going to make that very easy to do this season.

Finally!

Rangers end 7 game losing streak at home

Done Deal with Modano !!! and King Felix

Modano agrees to 5 year deal with Stars

The Stars finally were able to sign Modano and every Stars fan across the area breathes a deep sigh of relief. It would have been misery seeing Modano playing in another uniform. It also isn't too much of a stretch to say Modano should have a nice bounceback season. The Stars look to be a contender this year, and they better hope so because the fans aren't coming back unless we are winning games.


19 yeard old pitching phenom makes debut for Mariners

The best young pitching prospect in a few years made his major league start today for the Mariners. Felix Hernandez (aka "King Felix") had the following line in a 3-1 loss to the Tigers:

5 IP 3 Hits 2 Runs 1 Earned Run 4 Ks 2 BBs

Not too shabby. King Felix is supposed to be the most sure fire starting pitching prospect since Mark Prior. He has the potential to make a huge impact at a very young age and it will be interesting to see how the Mariners handle his development. Here is another link to an article earlier in the season about Hernandez's career to this point:

http://mariners.scout.com/2/368949.html

Separated at Birth? - Dennis Leary and Willem Dafoe

Watching Conan O'Brian last night, Conan asked Dennis Leary which celebrity he gets mistaken for most often. Instantly, I thought Willem (who knows why he spells it this way) Dafoe and sure enough, Leary said that he often has to sign his name as Willem Dafoe for people who come up to him on the street. Anyways, I thought we could take a look and judge for yourself.

Tuesday Night Links

So I've decided to go a little more mainstream with this blog thing. Obviously, I still want my usual contributors (Z and Cuyler) to post as often as they would like, but I felt the need to make a "face-lift" on this little blog. I doubt Z will care since he is headed to Espana tomorrow morning, and Cuyler is working up in Chi-town. Until then, I will be flying solo. So anyways, here are some links you may or most likely may not want to check out.



A's continue to roll in the AL West

Somewhere Jeff Hurst is smiling, because the A's are as hot as Jessica's Simpson's ass right now. And no, I'm not afraid to comment on Jessica Simpson's ass. It's very nice. Someone who we can all be proud of is Huston Street. The kid is only about 14 months removed from his last game at Texas. It is amazing what he already doing for the increasingly immortal Billy Beane and the A's. NO matter what you think of Beane's "moneyball" philosophy, you can't argue with his results given such a limited payroll. Anyways, just wanted to give Street and the A's some credit. They sure are kicking our asses in the AL West. And the Arlington triumverate (Hicks, Hart, and Buck) or maybe stooges is a better name should get their act together in '06, or Anaheim and Oakland will completely leave the Rangers organization behind for years to come.



Modano Appears to be Staying in Dallas
Although most people in Dallas or anywhere else could give two shits about the Stars' season, Hicks considering to resign Modano seems newsworthy. Here is a link a DMN article that says Modano is 90% certain to remain a Dallas Star. Now I don't know about you, but if I'm Tom Hicks right now, I'm making damn sure Modano resigns with the Stars. Sergei Zubovs of the world are not going to bring the fans back to the AAC. Hockey is still going to have its die-hard fans, but to win the average hockey fan back in this area, the Stars need to show a commitment to winning. This is a good step in that direction.

Gerry Fraley is an absolute joke of a sportswriter

While most good and decent sportswriters like Fort Worth Star Telegram's beat writer, T.R. Sullivan, do a fine job in the sports media world. Hell, Sullivan announced Peter Gammons (another fine albeit nerdy sports journalist) induction to the hall fame. Guys like Gammons and Sullivan are class acts, Gerry Fraley is the anithesis to the guys I just spoke about. Gerry Fraley is the worst DFW sports media person at that says a lot considering Ric Renner resonantes across our airwaves from his Dallas studio. I couldn't stamach this article, but here is a sample. And yes, I
can't believe I'm giving Fraley free publicity.

How hot are the damn Astros?

As much as it pains me to do this, you have to talk about the Astros right now in any discussion about the current happenings in major league baseball. Outside of the Raffy Palmeiro fallout, the Astros and A's are two good things actually worth talking about right now.

This article from Baseball Prospectus (they are running a free trial through today) talks about just how dominant Pettite, Oswalt, and Clemens have been this year. Obviously, everyone knows how good Clemens has done all year (his sick road ERA being the most astonishing thing about his season). Pettite and Oswalt have been been slouches themselves. In fact, the 3 are on pace to finish with one of the greatest seasons in MLB history for any 3 starting pitchers on one team. Despite their obvious offensive shortcomings, the Astros are going to be a tough out in the playoffs if they do end up making it.

Dodgers pitcher Derek Lowe leaves wife for Fox Sports Net news anchor

In an attempt to attract the US weekly crowd, this is a sordid tale of former Red Sox hero Derek Lowe cheating on his wife with someone who covers his team. Interesting read if nothing else.

Sori Stays, Chan HO and Astros

The trade deadline came and went this weekend and Alfonso Soriano is staying with the Rangers. I never understood why so many people were ready to ship such a great player out of town. But then again, I really don't understand a lot of sports fans these days. Alfonso Soriano is a special player and I am very happy to know that more than likely he is going to be our starting 2nd baseman in 2006.

Now it's up to Hicks and Hart to make some moves this offseason to help our pitching staff and fill the huge hole in right field. Hicks needs to open up his wallet this offseason and use some that financial flexibility he has been preaching about for so long.

In other ranger news, Chan Ho is no longer a Ranger. In a swap of pitiful contracts, the Rangers dealt Chan Ho to the Padres for Phil Nevin. While Nevin was having a terrible season in cavernous Petco Park and is 34 years old, he has put up good numbers in the past (especially against LHP) and he could be a pretty good solution for the right-handed bat we have sorely needed this year against left handed pitchers. Good trade for the Rangers.

To end this post, i am going to give some props to our neighbors down in Houston. They have really been playing some good baseball as of late. With the incomparable Roger Clemens leading them, the Stros barring a late charge by the Marlins, Phillies, Cubs, or Mets should make it into the postseason.

A short series starting rotation of Clemens, Oswalt, and Pettite is downright nasty. As much as I hate the Stros, I would probably root for them against everyone else in the NL besides the Cardinals because I like Pettite and Oswalt so much.

There you go Houston, I threw you a bone.