Cheap Seats

Season-ending Blogpoll

2006-12-06T14:25:00.000-06:00

Season-ending Blogpoll:

Rank	Team	Delta
1	Florida	25
2	Ohio State	24
3	Michigan	23
4	LSU	22
5	Louisville	21
6	Arkansas	20
7	Auburn	19
8	West Virginia	18
9	Southern Cal	17
10	Notre Dame	16
11	Wisconsin	15
12	Rutgers	14
13	Tennessee	13
14	Boise State	12
15	Virginia Tech	11
16	Wake Forest	10
17	Oklahoma	9
18	Brigham Young	8
19	California	7
20	Boston College	6
21	Georgia	5
22	Georgia Tech	4
23	TCU	3
24	Texas A&M	2
25	Houston	1

Dropped Out:

That's right, I have one-loss Florida over undefeated Ohio State and one loss Michigan. Why? Because Florida's going to win the national championship game and extinguish all doubt about whether or not it belongs. Neither Michigan or Ohio State has faced a defense with all year with the overall team speed of Florida.

If Michigan and Florida in some alternate universe were forced to play it off, the Florida speed would have neutralized Mario Manningham and company, and the quick penetration would have made Mike Hart a non-factor.

Then consider what will happen come December 8th. Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez will be blanketed. As for Troy Smith, he's actually facing a defense where all the linebackers have NFL speed, so there's not going to be any escape for him.

And that's before we break down the unusual Florida offense vs. teams that have never faced it before. Oh, and did we mention that Florida's offense is faster than either defense?

So yeah, my answer for the Michigan-Florida controversy and my pick for the national championship game in one package.

Which brings up the reason why the BCS only produces a good matchup once in a blue moon, it's all determined by arguments like the one above, argued by a select elite of voters, rather than actual game play.

Anyway, you may have noticed that Oklahoma is lower than where most people have them, and Texas and Nebraska are noticeably absent from my ballot. Well, the Big 12 was way down this year, which was apparent from their major non-conference matchups (Texas lost to Ohio State, Nebraska lost to USC, Oklahoma lost to Oregon (Which OU still had a chance to win after the replay idiocy and blew it.), Texas Tech lost to TCU, Colorado lost to Georgia and Arizona State, etc.)

And the Big 12 followed that up with less than spectacular conference games where everyone knocked off everyone else. In any conference not named the SEC, upsets make you look weak. The only thing that would have saved the perception of this conference was for either Texas, Nebraska or Oklahoma to emerge as dominant. Yes, OU won, but that loss to Texas and Dallas in retrospect makes OU look bad, especially after the second half of Texas's season.

If you want to see where everyone else voted here's the final poll.

More on my life later

Week 4 Blogpoll Ballot

2006-09-19T17:55:00.001-05:00

My Ballot:

Rank	Team	Delta
1	Ohio State	--
2	Auburn	1
3	Southern Cal	1
4	Georgia	2
5	Iowa	3
6	Louisiana State	4
7	Michigan	9
8	Florida	1
9	Louisville	2
10	Virginia Tech	2
11	West Virginia	2
12	Texas	2
13	Oregon	4
14	TCU	4
15	Alabama	1
16	Clemson	7
17	Florida State	12
18	Boise State	4
19	Michigan State	7
20	Tennessee	1
21	Penn State	5
22	Houston	3
23	South Carolina	3
24	Wisconsin	2
25	Arizona State	1

Dropped Out: Notre Dame (#7), Oklahoma (#15), Nebraska (#19), Pittsburgh (#24).

Flame away.

Officiating bad, teams were worse.

2006-09-18T20:00:00.000-05:00

Perhaps the most famous blown call in sports in the last 25 years occured in Game 6 of the 1985 World Series, back when Major League Baseball was a legit sport. The St. Louis Cardinals were up 1-0 in the bottom of the 9th against cross-state rival Kansas City. Cardinals' closer Todd Worrell was 3 outs away from closing out the Kansas City Royals for good and sewing up a World title for St. Louis. Things looked great for the Cardinals as Jorge Orta led off by weakly grounding to Jack Clark, who tossed it to Todd Worrell for the first out, or so everyone thought.

Umpire Don Denkinger, however, called Orta safe. Replays showed otherwise.

For Cardinals fans, this is where the story stops. The next thing you usually hear them say is that the Royals went on to win the World Series.

What Cardinals fan conveniently forgets is that Cardinals catcher Darrell Porter misplayed a pop-up foul ball that would have gotten Steve Balboni out. He also neglects to mention that Porter later had a passed ball that advanced Balboni and Jim Sundberg into scoring position. Also, Cardinals fan will probably conveniently forget that Porter also failed to tag Sundberg on the game winning run after Andy Van Slyke made a perfect throw to him.

Oh, and even after all that, the Cardinals still could have won game 7 if John Tudor had displayed the form that made him a Cy Young runner-up in 1985. Instead, Tudor allowed 5 runs and 4 walks in 2 1/3 innings. The rest of the pitching staff wasn't any better, and the Cardinals bats didn't show up.

Yes, the Cardinals were the victims of a bad call. But to say that it determined the series is wrong. All the Cardinals had to do was get the last 3 outs of Game 6 after the bad call, or at least not choke in Game 7 and St. Louis is the World Champion.

Fast forward to Week 3 of the 2006 College Football Season, where the spirit of Don Denkinger is apparently alive and well in Eugene, Oregon and Auburn, Alabama.

With 1:12 left to go in the 4th Quarter and Oregon down 33-27 to Oklahoma, Oregon needed to recover an onside kick. Ball kicked, OU recovers. Except the officials, replay official included, rule that the ball belongs to Oregon, despite obvious evidence to the contrary.

Like Cardinals fans retelling the '85 series, the next thing you hear out of OU fan is that the call cost them the game as Oregon ended up winning 34-33.

Like Cardinals fans, they are leaving a few details out.

The Oklahoma defense is one of the most talented units in the nation, yet it allowed 501 yards total offense to Oregon, a team that had 379 total yards the previous week against Fresno State. 343 of the yards Oklahoma allowed were through the air, Fresno State only allowed the Ducks 240 yards passing.

Jonathan Stewart, Oregon's leading rusher, had 144 yards rushing on 6.3 yards/carry against Oklahoma. The entire Oregon team had 139 yards on 4.1 yards/carry against Fresno State.

Fresno State is probably a team Oklahoma could beat 9 times out of 10 on a neutral field and yet they had better defensive stats against the same Oregon team.

(Source for stats: ESPN.com; Oklahoma - Oregon Box Score; Oregon - Fresno State Box Score)

If Oklahoma had played up to it's ability level, Oregon isn't even in this ballgame with 1:12 left.

Like the Cardinals of 1985, the Sooners still had an opportunity to win despite the officials error. Garrett Hartley had a 44 yard field goal attempt on the last play of the game that would have won it. Unfortunately, like the Cardinals, OU's field goal protection choked. The kick was blocked.

A similar situation occured in the Auburn-LSU game where an apparent pass interference was waived off because the officials said the ball was tipped. Unfortunately, the replay showed that the contact was before the tip.

Still, LSU, for all the 309 yards it gained on offense, only put 3 points on the scoreboard. Had the Tigers finished a few more of these drives, the call isn't even an issue.

That's on the LSU Tigers, not the officials.

Also, LSU still had a chance to win, but JaMarcus Russell made a huge mistake by not trying to throw the ball in the end zone on the last play. The recievers hadn't made a catch-and-run touchdown all day. What made Russell think it was going to happen on the last play when all 11 Auburn defenders are in front of a guy trying to run into the end zone?

Yes, bad calls happen. Yes, teams get hosed. But most of the time, there's something your team could have done to prevent the call from being a game changer. And many times, your team will get a chance to undo the damage, if they take advantage of it.

Weekend Preview "ZOMG, It's Separation Saturday 2006!" Edition

2006-09-15T07:47:00.000-05:00

All times Central, Rankings courtesy the Blogpoll

(Damn this job hunting...)

There's usually one or two of these weekends in the college football season where a bunch of ranked teams play each other. ESPN's Chris Fowler, who has given us such college football cliches as "upset saturday" and "woodshed game", describes these weekends as "Separation Saturdays." So, thanks to Fowler's employer, the name has stuck.

Usually these weekends happen during conference play, mainly because the top teams load up on patsies during the non-conference, and then they get into conference play, where they have to play all the ranked teams they avoided.

This year, partly because of the 12th game, and partly because of the quirks of preseason expectations, we have a "Separation Saturday" in September. And 3 of those matchups involve Big 12 teams.

So, for our first weekend preview of the year, we got a triple game of the week.

Colleges

Big 12/Texas Game of the week #1
#17 Nebraska at #2 USC
7:00 PM ABC
(All Big 12 Markets)

Overview
This game is a lot more complex than it appears at first glance. Mainly because aside from the numbers attached to the two teams, we don't know what to make of their results so far. Yes, Nebraska is 2-0 and they are rated 11th in passing defense and 5th in total offense, but that was against Division I-AA Nicholls State, and middle-of-the-WAC Louisiana Tech. Neither of these teams is on USC's level of talent.

Conversely, it could also be argued that USC played a weak and overrated Arkansas team, who isn't on Nebraska's level of talent.

Still, Nebraska hasn't beaten a Top 10 team on the road since before most of the current Cornhuskers were even thinking about a college football scholarship (1997 at Washington). Plus, the game is in Los Angeles. Even though we're talking SoCal sports fans and not hardcore SEC fans, a road game is a road game, and in a close game like this one is shaping up to be, home field makes a difference.

Key Matchup
Emmanuel Moody vs Nebraska's front 7
Everyone wants to talk about the recievers, but Moody, who steps in the slot vacated by Reggie Bush and LenDale White, needs to give USC at least 5 yard/carry on first and second down to keep the defense honest. Adam Carriker, Jay Moore, Bo Ruud, and company are a nightmare matchup for a lot of teams.

Key player for USC
John David Booty
Hard to believe, but Booty is making only his second collegiate start, and he hasn't seen a defense as fast as Nebraska's yet.

Key player for Nebraska
Marlon Lucky
Lucky him, he gets to carry the offensive load for his whole team. If he doesn't have at least 100 yards, Nebraska is sunk.

Tale of the Tape

Category	Edge	Notes
USC offense vs. Nebraska defense	Push	Can Nebraska get enough pressure on Booty and shut down the run? Maybe for a while.
Nebraska offense vs. USC defense	USC	Now here's the million dollar question. Will Nebraska be able to run their offense effectively? Probably not. The defense is where the experience is on this team, and their DBs and LBs are faster than Nebraska's RBs and WRs.
Special Teams	Push	Neither unit stands out here.
Coaching	USC	Pete Carroll's has 1 1/2 national championships in the past 3 years, and his team played for the title last year. Bill Callahan is still an unproven commodity in the collegiate ranks.
Intangibles	USC	USC's players, even if they haven't played, have seen nothing but winning for the past 33 games. Also, USC's the home team, and Nebraska is 1-10 against top 25 competition the last 8 years.

Big 12/Texas Game of the week #2
#18 Oklahoma at #16 Oregon
Saturday, 2:30 PM, ABC
(The only Big 12 market area not carrying this game will be KPOB in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, who will be carrying the Miami-Louisville game instead. Everyone else will get this game.)

Overview
Oklahoma has gotten off to a rocky start, and Oregon is feeling confident after beating Fresno State. However, OU has won the last 2 meetings against the Ducks.

Key Matchup
Oregon backs vs Oklahoma run defense
Both UAB and Washington were able to run frequently on this team, though neither of them had the talent to sustain a running attack against a team like Oklahoma.

Key player for Oregon
Dennis Dixon
Oklahoma had trouble with another mobile quarterback, Isaiah Stanback, last week, which bodes well for Dixon's chances this week.

Key player for Oklahoma
Malcolm Kelly
OU's big play threat must play well enough to get that 8th man out of the box and into the secondary.

Tale of the Tape

Category	Edge	Notes
Oregon offense vs. Oklahoma defense	Oregon	OU did not do well against Stanback and Louis Rankin. Now they face another mobile quarterback in Dennis Dixon and another star running back in Jonathan Stewart
Oklahoma offense vs. Oregon defense	Oklahoma	Kelly will have a breakout game against this secondary if Paul Thompson can find him.
Special Teams	Push	Dead even.
Coaching	Oklahoma	Bob Stoops has one national title and 2 championship game appearances.
Intangibles	Oregon	Oklahoma is the road team, and Autzen Stadium is a rough road game. Plus, the Sooners have been plagued by turnovers and inconsistencies.

Big 12/Texas Game of the week #3
#23 Texas Tech at #21 TCU
Saturday, 4:30 PM, OLN

Overview
TCU is a tough team for anyone in any year, as Oklahoma found out last year. They recruit the Dallas-Fort Worth area well, their ball control offense keeps opponents' high powered offenses off the field, and their defense is tough to prepare for if you're not in their conference. Last time they played (in Lubbock) TCU jumped out to a lead before the Raiders roared back.

Combine that with Texas Tech's tendency under Mike Leach to play lousy on the road, and it's a bad situation for the Red Raiders.

Key Matchup
Joel Filani vs Marvin White/Eric Buchanan
Whichever one draws inside reciever Joel Filani is likely to have their hands full.

Key player for TCU
Aaron Brown
Brown has been the leading rusher in both TCU victories so far. If TCU is to control the clock, it's up to Brown to have a 100 yard day

Key player for Texas Tech
Alex Trlica
True, Trlica hit the OT game winner last week. That obscured the fact that he missed both of his kicks in regulation. Trlica can not have another game like that.

Tale of the Tape

Category	Edge	Notes
TCU offense vs. Texas Tech defense	TCU	This is Texas Tech's first game against a run-first offense, and they've always had trouble stopping the run.
Texas Tech offense vs. TCU defense	Texas Tech	Even though the Horned Frogs roll 5 DBs in their base formation, Texas Tech has speed enough at all four wideouts to burn rovers.
Special Teams	TCU	Bears repeating: Trlica missed both regulation FG attempts against UTEP
Coaching	Push	I would give Mike Leach the edge here, except he usually has trouble with tough roadies.
Intangibles	Texas Tech	Yes, technically TCU is the home team here, but the Metroplex is home to many Red Raider alumni with cash, and they tend to pack the stadium when Tech plays any of the DFW area schools, effectively neutralizing any home field advantage.

Big XII Games

Kansas at Toledo
Friday, 7:00 PM, ESPN
Teams who take games against MAC opponents for granted usually do so at their own peril. Let's hope Kansas takes this game seriously.

Iowa State at #13 Iowa
Saturday, 11:00 AM, ESPN
Iowa State should be encouraged that Syracuse took them to OT and the fact that they beat Drew Tate and company last year. Unfortunately that game was at home, and the Cyclones must travel to Iowa City this year.

Marshall at Kansas State
Saturday, 11:30 AM, FSN Southwest/Midwest/Rocky Mtn.
Last year, Kansas State needed a miracle to beat Marshall. This year? K-State is better overall, and they have a new coach and attitude

Texas at Rice
Saturday, 5:00 PM, ESPN2
Mack Brown and company get to take out their frustrations on Ex-Longhorn Major Applewhite, Rice's offensive coordinator.

Arizona State at Colorado
Saturday, 6:00 PM, TBS
A team in turmoil vs. A team that lost to Montana State and Colorado State. Take the Sun Devils.

Missouri at New Mexico
Saturday, 7:00 PM, Regional TV coverage
Rocky Long's unusual 3-3-5 Stack is tough to prepare for if you don't face it often, plus New Mexico beat Missouri in Columbia last year, and that was when Missouri had Brad Smith.

Army vs. Texas A&M
at Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
Saturday, 8:00 PM, ESPN2
San Antonio is a military town, but all of Fort Sam Houston could show up to cheer on the Cadets and it wouldn't matter. Texas A&M should win this easily.

Baylor vs. Washington St.
at Qwest Field, Seattle
Saturday, 4:00 PM
This will be a tough neutral site game for the Bears as they, like Nebraska, have to cross 2 time zones to face a Pacific team.

Florida Atlantic at Oklahoma St.
Saturday, 6:00 PM
None of these games are going to tell us much, yet. OSU's first real test comes next week against Houston.

Other Texas Teams

Grambling at Houston
Saturday, 6:00 PM
Grambling may win the halftime, but Kevin Kolb and the Cougars will win the game easy.

North Texas at Tulsa
Saturday, 6:00 PM
Tulsa takes an easy home win against North Texas.

Sam Houston St. at SMU
Saturday, 7:00
SMU will probably win, but it will be close.

National Games of Note

Game	Time	TV	Notes
Miami at Louisville	2:30 PM	PPV	Louisville's chance to prove they are a top-10 program. Miami's chance to prove that they're not yesterday's news
Michigan at Notre Dame	2:30 PM	NBC	Michigan's recievers are the fastest that Notre Dame has faced to date, and Michigan's defense is better than last year.
LSU at Auburn	2:30 PM	CBS	In effect, this is the SEC West championship game, barring a complete collapse by the winner.
Florida at Tennessee	7:00 PM	CBS	While not as important to it's division as both teams still have to play Georgia, it's an important game for both coaches. Urban Meyer is still unproven at Florida, and Phil Fulmer is almost 10 years removed from his lone national title and starting to feel the heat. Plus, Tennessee's 2 wins are against a severely overrated Cal team and a squeaker against Air Force(?)
Clemson at Florida State	6:45 PM	ESPN	Yep, it's the Bowden Bowl once again. Both teams desperately need a win after lackluster performances last week.

NFL

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts
Sunday, Noon, CBS (KEYE 42)

Overview
Well, a few Texans fans thought I was crazy for giving their new offensive line an "F" grade in my preview. They quoted preseason stats, and tried their hardest to convince me how their O-line was better. They even questioned what reality I was living in. To them I say: Preseason stats don't matter, your pass protection collapsed last week against actual NFL blitz packages, and it's the reality where the Philadelphia Eagles got 5 sacks on David Carr last week and held the Texans to 70 yards rushing. Total.

The Texans now take on the Indianapolis Colts, who won last week against the New York Giants despite paltry rushing numbers

Key Matchup
Charles Spencer vs Dwight Freeney
After getting his rookie initiation against the Philadelpha Eagles and Jevon Kearse, he now faces one of the NFL's better defensive ends in Dwight Freeney.

Key player for Houston
Lewis Sanders
With Patrick Buchanon out with a foot injury, it's up to Sanders to step up and show he can play.

Key player for Indianapolis
Joseph Addai
Someone has to provide this team with a running game. Addai needs to justify his first round pick status. With the Texans giving up 4.3 yards/carry to Philly's tandem, this may be the game where Addai breaks out.

Tale of the Tape

Category	Edge	Notes
Texans offense vs. Colts defense	Colts	Offensive line still can't block well, now they are up against another good defense
Colts offense vs. Texans defense	Colts	Donte Stallworth had 141 yards in an unfamiliar offense. Now the Texans face Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison. Without
Special Teams	Colts	Adam Vinatieri vs. Kris Brown. It doesn't get more obvious than that.
Coaching	Colts	Tony Dungy has the experience factor on Gary Kubiak.
Intangibles	Colts	Houston doesn't really seem to believe it can win yet. Besides, it's not January yet.

Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
7:00 PM, NBC (KXAN 36)

Overview
Let's get one thing straight, Cowboys fans, Drew Bledsoe is the starter for the season, and if you think for one minute Tony Romo is going to save this franchise, you should be suspended for 4 games under the NFL's substance abuse policy. Furthermore, the offensive line can't hold their blocks, which makes things worse for everyone. Either Parcells is going to have to shorten the drops, or he's going to have to start running more screens and draws to get teams out of blitzing every time.

To make matters worse, the Washington Redskins, a team which swept the Cowboys last year, comes to town.

Key Matchup
Dallas's O-Line vs Redskins' blitz
Gregg Williams is one of the best offensive coordinators out there, and he can give this Dallas line fits.

Key player for Dallas
Drew Bledsoe
If Bledsoe can stay upright and find his recievers, he can quiet the critics. That's a big "if"

Key player for Washington
Mark Brunell
Brunell is in a similar situation to Bledsoe in that Redskins fans will be calling for his head if he doesn't win this game.

Tale of the Tape

Category	Edge	Notes
Cowboys offense vs. Redskins defense	Redskins	Cowboys rolled up 10 early points on the Jags, and couldn't cash in. It's hard to see them faring any better against the 'Skins.
Redskins offense vs. Cowboys defense	Cowboys	Redskins offense coming off a lackluster performance against Minnesota.
Special Teams	Cowboys	If only because Mike Vanderjagt is healthy and Mat McBriar can boom it.
Coaching	Push	Gibbs and Parcells are both legends.
Intangibles	Push	Hard to tell who really has a mental edge here.

Monday:Weekend Wrap-Up

2006 Cheap Seats MFP: NFL, all at once

2006-09-07T11:01:00.001-05:00

OK, because I missed Monday-Wednesday with job-hunting stuff, I'm going to write this in one shot. Wish me luck

Oh, and even though I nailed Pittsburgh last year as the champs, it was pure luck. All picks are still guaranteed to lose money at your bookie.

Houston Texans

The Skinny: There are a lot of changes with this team. Dom Capers and crew are gone. Charlie Casserly is gone after missing both Reggie Bush and Vince Young. In steps former Denver Broncos offensive Coordinator(and Texas A&M alumnus) Gary Kubiak, who will most likely install a similar offense to Mike Shanahan's in Denver.

Position-by-position

Quarterback
Starter: David Carr still has a great arm and leadership skills, but like every single year, it remains to be seen if he can get the necessary protection.Grade: B-
Depth: Former Dolphin QB Sage Rosenfels has taken very few snaps in an NFL gameGrade: D

Running Back
Starter: With Domanick Davis out for the season, Wali Lundy gets the first crack at the starting job Grade: D
Depth: Vernand Morency is the only healthy backup at the moment.Grade: D+

Wide reciever
Starters: Adding Eric Moulds was a coup for the Texans, he brings some experience alongside Andre Johnson. Grade: A
Depth: Depleted by the loss of Corey Bradford, Grade: C-

Tight End
Starter: For now, it looks like the Texans will go with some combination of Jeb Putzier and Mark Bruener unless Rookie Owen Daniels makes a huge impact. Grade: C
Depth: Well, at least they have 3 tight ends they think can play Grade: C

Offensive Line
Starters: This was the number one need for the 4th consecutive offseason and the Texans lack-of-braintrust still failed to improve the position.Grade: F
Reserves: If the starters are an F, what grade do you think the guys who couldn't beat them out get? That right... Grade: F

Defensive Line
Starters: Say what you want about Mario Williams, he may just turn out to be a quality 4-3 DE. Also with the Transition to the 4-3, last year's first rounder Travis Johnson should break out. Grade: C+
Depth: N.D. Kalu, who's more of a 3-4 end, could see some playing time, but none of the other defensive linemen are all that impressiveGrade: C

Linebacker
Starters: Morlon Greenwood had 112 tackles last year at OLB, and Rookie DeMeco Ryans might help solidify the inside. Who plays opposite these two is the big question mark.Grade: B-
Depth: DaShon Polk had 93 tackles last year as an ILB, but was squeezed out with the move to the 4-3. Grade: C+

Cornerback
Starters: Dunta Robinson still has upside, but the corner opposite, Phillip Buchanon, is coming off an ankle injury.Grade: B-
Depth: Dexter McCleon is past his prime and Lewis Sanders, is something of an unknown quantityGrade: C

Safeties
Starters: With Marcus Coleman off to the Cowboys (and on suspension), second year man C.C. Brown and third year man Glenn Earl will take over the starting roles Grade: D
Depth: The backup safeties are nothing to write home about.Grade: F

Specialists
Kicker: Kris Brown hit 76.5% of his field goals. Which means he roughly misses 1 out of every 4 Grade: D
Punter: Chad Stanley's net average: 38.8 Grade: C
Returners: Buchanon, if healthy will probably resume return duties Grade: B

Coaching
Head Coach: We know Gary Kubiak is a top offensive playcaller, but the jury is still out on his game management skills.Grade: B-
Offensive Coordinator: Former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike Sherman is listed as the top offensive assistant, but make no mistake, this is Kubiak's offense, and it was part of the reason all those Denver backs got 1000 yardsGrade: A
Defensive Coordinator: Richard Smith moves over from the Dolphins to take over the Defensive Coordinator position, it's hard to say how much of an impact he's going to have because he was basically running Nick Saban's scheme, and now he's got to devise one of his own.Grade: D

Best Record Guess: Without a better offensive line, Expect a repeat of last year. You can't scheme your way out of a bad offensive line.2-14, dead last.

The Rest of the South

Jacksonville: Jacksonville's record last year was better than 5 of the 8 division champions. Even with Jimmy Smith's retirement, there'Best Guess: 11-5, Division Champs

Indianapolis: There's no reason to think that Indy won't win the division... What's that? Edgerrin James signed with the Cardinals? Oh, never mind. But, they still have enough pieces to be a playoff team. Best Guess: 10-6, possible wild card.

Tennessee: The QB situation may be a mess, as the Titans are hesitant to play Vince Young too early, but there's still talent surrounding the eventual starter (whomever that may be). Still, the Titans defense needs work.Best Guess: 5-11

The rest of the AFC

**AFC East**
Team	Best Record Guess	The Skinny
Miami	10-6	I'm going to say what a lot of people want to say, but can't because they're afraid of offending Bill Belichick: The Dolphins have the pieces, the coaching, and the drive to overtake the Patriots this year. Sure we all know about Daunte Culpepper, but the key pickup no one is talking about is Will Allen.
New England	9-7	If it weren't for Belichick and Tom Brady, this would be a 6-10 team. The Salary Cap toll is going to start showing this year, as the Patriots front office starts to find out how replaceable their parts really are.
New York Jets	6-10	Chad Pennington is back, but there's no depth at running back, and implementing a 3-4 is probably the worst thing that could have happened to this defense.
Buffalo	4-12	Aside from Willis McGahee, this team is a mess on offense. And the defense could only stop the Houston Texans.

**AFC North**
Team	Best Record Guess	The Skinny
Pittsburgh	13-3	Even with Roethlisberger's bad offseason and the loss of Antwaan Randle-El, the defense is still there, Willie Parker is now the unquestioned starter, and Santonio Holmes will provide a nice complement to Hines Ward in time.
Cincinnati	11-5	Surprise, Carson Palmer is back, but will he stay healthy? Everything else is in place for another playoff run.
Baltimore	8-8	Even though Steve McNair is the quarterback for this team, the once-vaunted defense is getting long in the tooth.
Cleveland	4-12	The experts say this team could reach .500 this year. I say: Prove it.

**AFC West**
Team	Best Record Guess	The Skinny
Denver	10-6	Yes, people will call for Jake Plummer's head, and the running back situation is uncertain, but Denver should still win the division this year. Some running back will get 1,000 yards, and the defense will be solid.
San Diego	9-7	Even with the loss of Steve Foley for the season(gunshot from overzealous off-duty cop), the Chargers defense should still be decent. And Phillip Rivers has too many weapons around him to fail.
Kansas City	5-11	When your tackle is Kyle Turley, your offensive line has issues. When you have no quality defensive linemen and you want to run Cover 2, your whole defense has issues.
Oakland	4-12	Art Shell: Great as a person, good coach. However, the alleged talent on defense is too old, they don't have a solid #1 running back, and Aaron Brooks is a bad QB.

AFC Playoffs

Division Champs
Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3)
Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5)
Miami Dolphins (10-6)
Denver Broncos (10-6)
Wild Cards
Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
Indianapolis Colts (10-6)

Wild Card Round
Miami over Indianapolis
Cincinnati over Denver
Division Round
Miami over Jacksonville
Pittsburgh over Cincinnati
AFC Championship
Pittsburgh over Miami

Dallas Cowboys

The Skinny: Well, the Cowboys have had back-to-back quality drafts, and they have been very active in free agency. Now it's time for the Cowboys to produce

Position-by-position

Quarterback
Starter: Drew Bledsoe returns as the Cowboys' starter for 2006, and the veteran finally has some weapons to throw to. However, he's still past his prime as a quarterback and he still needs his offensive line to keep him upright. Grade: C+
Depth: Tony Romo seems to be getting better as a quarterback, and could be a quality backup, but let's not get ahead of ourselves and peg him as a future starter Grade: B-
Running Back
Starter: Julius Jones will probably start. He has the speed to be a great NFL running back, but he hasn't shown the durability. Grade: B+
Depth: Marion Barber III is more of a power runner, but he should see a decent amount of action without the productivity dropping off too much.Grade: A-

Wide reciever
Starters: All the talk has been about T.O., who should improve the Cowboys' passing numbers once he figures out that he's not going to win a media battle with Bill Parcells. Just don't forget about Terry Glenn. Grade: A+
Depth: Patrick Crayton was a surprise find for the Cowboys last year, and should give the Cowboys a decent 3rd reciever Grade: D

Tight End
Starter: You can start the debate over whether the Cowboys' Jason Witten or the Eagles' L.J. Smith is the best tight end in the East. One thing's for sure, Witten means the Cowboys don't have to put a 4th reciever on the field in passing situations Grade: A.
Depth: Dan Campbell is gone, and the backups have little experience Grade: B

Offensive Line
Starters: Two big holes at left guard, with Larry Allen departing for the Cardinals, and right tackle, which right now is a revolving door Grade: C+
Reserves: Well, Rob Pettiti and Al Johnson, who started last year, are backups this year. At least there's some experience Grade: C

Defensive Line
Starters: With surprise performer Chris Canty, Jason Ferguson, and Marcus Spears expected to be the big contributors, this could be the best pure 3-4 defensive line in the NFC Grade: A
Depth: This is where it gets a little murky. Greg Ellis has moved to linebacker, and La'Roi Glover is gone. that leaves second year man Jay Ratliff and rookie Jason Hatcher to back up the ends Grade: C

Linebacker
Starters: Ellis has proven he can make open-field tackles at linebacker, DeMarcus Ware is on track for a breakout season, and former Jaguar Akin Ayodele should help solidify the middle. Bobby Carpenter will eventually start. Grade: A
Depth: Rookie Kevin Burnett and Al Singleton could see some snaps. Grade: B

Cornerback
Starters: Terrence Newman and Anthony Henry should make a great tandem Grade: A
Depth: Aaron Glenn has apparently lost a step, but should still be able to cover the other team's 3rd reciever. After that, it's questionable Grade: C

Safeties
Starters: Roy Williams is still Roy Williams. Keith Davis is not Roy Williams, but he's survived a bullet in the leg to win the starting job Grade: B-
Depth: Unfortunately, Marcus Coleman's suspension means that the Cowboys depth at this position is limited. Grade: D

Specialists
Kicker: Whatever you think of Mike Vanderjagt, he's a hell of a lot better than what the Cowboys had last year Grade: A
Punter: Mat McBriar can Grade: A
Returners: Right now it's Tyrus Thompson and Terrence Newman, we'll see how it goes Grade: C

Coaching
Head Coach: Bill Parcells is still one of the best coaches in the game. While he's faced with a unique player management challenge, he does have the upper hand in that . Grade: A
Offensive Coordinator: Tony Sparano is the de facto offensive coordinator, but Parcells will probably make most of the play calls. Don't expect anything fancy. Grade: B
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Zimmer had to adjust to calling a 3-4 defense last year and he passed the test with flying colors. Grade: B+

Best Record Guess: My head says I should be cautious, but there's too many pieces here not to go out and at least grab a piece of the NFC East crown. 11-5 and the division

The Rest of the East

Philadelphia: I'm sure Philly fan wants to see Donovan McNabb show he can put the T.O. thing behind him, and Donte Stallworth helps in that regard. And the defense is solid. The problem is, everyone else in the division made significant improvements. Best Guess:10-6

New York Giants: OK, Giants, now let's see what you can do when you play against a *real* schedule. Best Guess: 8-8.

Washington: With Clinton Portis expected to miss significant time, it's hard to see the Redskins having any net improvement. Besides, when Dan Snyder spends money on a free agent, they usually turn out to be busts. Best Guess: 6-10, 3rd Place

The rest of the NFC

**NFC North**
Team	Best Record Guess	The Skinny
Chicago	9-7	Once again, NFL rules state that someone has to win the NFC North, and the defending division champs are probably in the best position with their defense and running game.
Minnesota	8-8	Hard to tell how things will go with this team, but Brad Johnson's veteran leadership should help things on the offensive side of the ball.
Detroit	6-10	They can't get any worse than they were last year, but they're not even close to playoff bound.
Green Bay	4-12	Brett Favre can't save this team anymore.

**NFC South**
Team	Best Record Guess	The Skinny
Carolina	12-4	The defense is back, Keyshawn Johnson should complement Steve Smith, and DeShaun Foster gets to carry the load full time.
Tampa Bay	11-5	OK, it's not the glory days of the Warren Sapp-led unit, but the Tampa defense is still very good, and they have some good offensive pieces
Atlanta	9-7	Another team that's hard to pinpoint. Michael Vick is back, the defense was upgraded in the offseason, but T.J. Duckett was traded and Warrick Dunn has never been a 30 carry per game back.
New Orleans	1-15	They need more pieces besides just Reggie Bush and Deuce McCallister.

**NFC West**
Team	Best Record Guess	The Skinny
Seattle	11-5	Even without Steve Huchinson, defending NFC champ Seattle still has the core of what got them to the Super Bowl
Arizona	6-10	New Stadium, new quarterback, new running back, same old lousy Cardinals.
San Fransisco	5-11	Alex Smith has plenty of weapons to throw to now, but losing Julian Peterson and Andre Carter stunts the overall growth of this team.
St. Louis	4-12	Yeah, Torry Holt is still there, as is Stephen Jackson, but it's going to take time to transition to the new offense. And Adam Archuleta may not help Washington, but his loss hurts St. Louis's D

NFC Playoffs

Division Champs
Carolina Panthers (12-4)
Seattle Seahawks (11-5)
Dallas Cowboys (11-5)
Chicago Bears (9-7)
Wild Card
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)
Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

Wild Card Round
Tampa Bay over Chicago
Dallas over Philadelphia
Division Round
Seattle over Dallas
Carolina over Tampa Bay
NFC Championship
Carolina over Seattle

Super Bowl Pick

It worked so well last year, we're going with Pittsburgh again this year.
Pittsburgh over Carolina

2006 Cheap Seats MFP: National Picture

2006-08-31T17:32:00.000-05:00

Now we take a look at the national picture

Issues in 2006

The new rule changes: All the coaches need to quit whining and adjust to the new clock rules. It's for television, and that television contract pays their salary.

The BCS National Championship Game and the move to Fox: I like the fact that the "national championship" game is now a separate entity because it creates 2 more at-large berths for a minor conference team to shoot for.

The problem for the BCS is, they've moved the BCS games from ABC to Fox.

Remember anything on ABC is going to be aggressively promoted by ESPN, which has more pull in the sports world now than at any time in history. When the BCS had problems in the past, they could count on ESPN's stable of experts to spin the problems in a positive light because ABC and ESPN had a financial stake in the BCS.

Now that the BCS is on Fox, they don't have "the Worldwide Leader in Sports" in their corner. Which means that any controversy the BCS has will be aggressively attacked by ESPN now that they don't have to worry about t's financial well being.

And this year, we are almost guaranteed to have BCS controversy because a lot of the top teams are flawed. Most likely there will be no undefeated teams and many one-loss teams.

The cries for a playoff are only going to be louder and louder.

Conference-by-conference

Big XII
North Champ: Nebraska
South Champ: Texas
Conference champ: Texas over Nebraska

Pac-10
Basically, this conference will come down to Cal, Oregon, and USC. Oregon and Cal will both be good, but USC has used its dominant position over the last 3 years to recruit well. Still, someone's going to beat the Trojans, be it Cal, Oregon, or UCLA.
Conference Champ: USC

SEC
The West is pretty straightforward: The LSU-Auburn winner will win the division. The East is where it gets more complex, as every team except Vanderbilt and Kentucky has a shot. Florida has a brutal road stretch, Tennessee's got talent, but Phil Fulmer will still find ways to lose close games, South Carolina still needs to make up a talent gap, and Georgia lost DJ Shockley to the pros. Best guess, Georgia probably wins the East since they survived that 4-way death match last year.
Conference champ: LSU over Georgia

Big 10
Like the SEC East, there are 4 viable contenders for the Big 10 title: Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and Iowa that could make the race a mess. Ohio State, though has the most overall talent of this group, plus they'll get the early boost from winning at Texas.
Conference champ: Ohio State

Big East
Whoever wins the Louisville-West Virginia game will probably win the Big East. I suspect it will be Louisville because they feel like they have something to prove after last year.
Conference champ: Lousiville

ACC
FSU, Miami and Virginia Tech all come into the season with question marks, but FSU's schedule is less taxing.

Notre Dame
Notre Dame is probably overrated, but they will finish with at least 9 wins, which should get them in the BCS

BCS Busters
Utah established the pattern for "BCS Busters" in 2004. They went undefeated and got a marquee win out of conference against Texas A&M.

This year, TCU and Utah will be up for the Mountain West, but one will knock the other off, and neither play anyone of note. Boise State could also end up undefeated, if they get by Fresno State, but they don't play anyone of note. And C-USA teams always knock each other off.

So the chances of a non-BCS team sneaking in are slim.

At-large bids
Notre Dame will take up one, that's a given. The rest... I like Auburn to get one of the remaining bids, because they're the second-best team in the toughest conference in the nation. Miami will probably get a bid because they'll win their division in the ACC, and Miami's a big name. Iowa will emerge as the Big 10 runner up, and since the Big 10 is the second best conference, and Ohio State will be in the title game, the Rose Bowl will demand a replacement.

Big 12 Bowl bids

Texas - BCS
Oklahoma - Cotton Bowl
Nebraska - Gator Bowl
Texas A&M - Holiday Bowl
Texas Tech - Alamo Bowl
Iowa State - Sun Bowl
Colorado - Insight Bowl
Kansas State - Independence Bowl

and we've run out of Big 12 bowl eligible teams, so the Texas Bowl (formerly the Houston Bowl) will most likely go to it's backup plan of picking a Big East team.

BCS

Orange Bowl
Florida State vs. Louisville

Rose Bowl
USC vs. Iowa

Sugar Bowl
Auburn vs. Miami

Fiesta Bowl
Notre Dame vs. Texas

National Championship Game
Ohio State vs. LSU

National Championship Pick: LSU

2006 Cheap Seats MFP: Big XII South

2006-08-30T19:49:00.000-05:00

Overview

Well, if Tech, A&M, Baylor and Oklahoma State want to upset the Big 12 South's pecking order, this is probably going to be their best shot at it. Texas and Oklahoma both have serious questions at QB, even though both are surrounded by great talent, and both appear very vulnerable. However, Texas and Oklahoma both have great talent on defense and that may make the difference.

Baylor
The Skinny: Last year, Baylor was one victory short of a bowl game. They went 4-1 in their first 5 games, the one loss was in overtime to Texas A&M at Kyle Field. Then they lost their next 5, including a double overtime loss to OU, back to back shut outs at the hands of Texas Tech and Texas. This year, they lose 7 of 11 starters from the defense, which was adequate at best. Granted, they catch a break in that they face both Kansas teams, but the rest of the schedule is brutal: Non-conference games against TCU and Washington State, and bad road trips at Texas Tech, Texas, and Colorado in conference. They will probably drop a tad from last year.

Schedule
Easy W's: Northwestern State
Close, but probably a win: Army, Kansas, Kansas State
Close, but probably a loss: at Oklahoma State, Texas A&M
Definite L's: TCU, Washington State*, at Colorado, Oklahoma, at Texas Tech, at Texas
* - at Qwest Field, Seattle

Position Ratings
QB: B- - Shawn Bell has been the starter for the past 3 years, which a lot of programs in the Big 12 can't say this year.
RB: B- - Paul Mosley and Brandon Whittaker combined for 1100 yards last year, and both return.
WR: C - Outside of Dominque Zeigler, there's not a whole lot of depth
TE: D - Their starter is a former QB who switched to the position in the spring
OL: B - This unit gave up fewer sacks last year than they did 2 years ago, and 6 of the 8 starters are back

(Note: Baylor runs a 4-2-5 defense. There's a free safety that plays in the defensive backfield, the other 2 safeties can play either near the line of scrimmage or deep, so we're calling them both rovers for convenience sake.)
DL: D - Less than 2 sacks per game last year.
LB: D - Nick Moore only had 23 tackles and Antonio Jones is a redshirt freshman that wasn't highly recruited
CB: C+ - Both corners are back, C.J. Wilson had 5 picks last year
ROV: D - One rover's a lightly regarded JUCO transfer, the other has only 22 tackles and no TFLs.
FS: D - The two deep is a sophomore and a redshirt freshman

Kicking Game: B - P Daniel Sepulveda is an A+, K Ryan Havens is a C-, when you average the two, you get a B.
Return Game: C+ - Replacing Willie Andrews is tough, but the coverage teams are decent

What the Baylor must do to win:
1. Score more on offense - The offense can help the defense out by putting together drives and keeping the defense off the field
2. Get pressure on the QB - Sacks are at a premium with this group
3. Play loose - They're not expected to do much, so they don't have anything to lose.

Projection: Another year, same old Bad News Bears. 4-8 overall, 2-6 conference

Oklahoma State
The Skinny: Last year, this team was not in synch, but they did manage an upset of Texas Tech, gave Texas all they could handle for a half, and they got 3 not-so-easy victories against a I-AA team and a couple of Sun Belt teams.

Schedule
Easy W's: Missouri State, FAU, at Kansas
Close, but probably a win: Arkansas St*, Baylor
Close, but probably a loss: at Houston, at Kansas State,
Definite L's: Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, at Texas, at Texas Tech.
* - at Little Rock, Arkansas

Position Ratings
QB: D - Bobby Reid suffered a foot injury midway through, watched Al Pena lead the team to an upset against Texas Tech, and struggled when he returned from injury.
RB: B- - Mike Hamilton had 991 yards as a redshirt freshman last year.
WR: B+ - D'Juan Woods heads a talented group, it just depends on if Bobby Reid can get them the football.
TE: D - Largely a group of blockers. Brandon Pettigrew struggled as a reciever.
OL: C- - Corey Hilliard may be an NFL prospect, but the rest of the line isn't

DL: D - Dead last in the Big 12 in rushing yards and yards/carry given up.
LB: D- - It all hinges on if Air Force transfer MLB Marcus Brown can be a solid tackler. Which is hard to do without decent defensive tackles.
CB: F - The secondary was dead last in the Big 12 in interceptions...
S: D- - ... and near the bottom in passing yards given up

Kicking Game: C+ - Bruce Redden and Jason Ricks are both long, but not necessary accurate.
Return Game: C- - Has the potential to be dangerous, but then again, it depends on how well they block.

What the Cowboys must do to win:
1. It's all on Bobby Reid - He has the players around him, he just needs to produce.
2. More turnovers needed - Last year's turnover margin: -15
3. Play well on defense - They were horrible in several key statistical categories and can only get better.

Projection: It's hard to trust a team who's two deep is filled with sophomores, redshirt freshmen, and freshmen just out of high school. 5-7 overall, 2-6 in conference

Texas Tech
The Skinny: There's reason for optimism in Red Raider Nation. For the first time, the team has a quarterback with next-level talent starting in Graham Harrell, and he has Jarrett Hicks, Joel Filani, and Robert Johnson to throw to. Coupled with Texas and Oklahoma having quarterback issues and graduation losses, and Tech's second place finish last year in the Big 12 South, Red Raider fans may think this is their year

To borrow a phrase from Lee Corso, "Not so fast, my friend."

Objectively, no one's really sure what to make of the defense, which moves All-Big 12 DE Kenyuta Dawson, who had great speed, but not DE size, to outside linebacker, moves OLB/MLB Fletcher Sessions back to the outside now that MLB Brock Stratton is back from injury, gets Seth Nitchmann back from injury also, and has to replace 3 defensive backs.

Also, they have a much tougher non-conference schedule with roadies to UTEP and TCU. Plus, Mike Leach has a bad habit of dropping conference games he should win, usually on the road, as evidenced by last year's loss to Oklahoma State in Stillwater. There's a couple of those road games against Colorado and Iowa State. Throw in the fact that Leach is a combined 2-10 against Oklahoma and Texas, and you're looking at another 8-wins-and a bowl game season this year.

Schedule
Easy W's: SMU, at TCU, SE Louisiana, Missouri, Baylor
Close, but probably a win: at UTEP, at Texas A&M, at Oklahoma St.
Close, but probably a loss: at Colorado, at Iowa St., Texas
Definite L's: at Oklahoma

(Note: Texas Tech's offense is a bit different than other spread offenses in that it employs 4 recievers. The inside receivers have passing game responsibilities similar to tight ends in a conventional offense in that they have to control the middle of the field and make first downs. So I list them as a separate position.)
Position Ratings
QB: A+ - Harrell is probably the first QB Tech has started which had "VHT" attached to his name. (For those who don't speak preseason mag, that's "very highly touted")
RB: D+ - It remains to be seen whether Shannon Woods can be a dual threat running back, which is what this offense requires. He may lose his job eventually to Kobey Lewis or Baron Batch.
WR: A - Jarrett Hicks and Robert Johnson make a tough matchup for any secondary.
IR: A - Joel Filani is also a homerun hitter who can catch consistently. Danny Amendola will also see playing time, with sophomore recruit Todd Walker and his 4.3 speed rotating in on some plays.
OL: B+ - This unit returns 4 starters and is boosted by BYU transfer Ofa Mohetau.

DL: B - Nitschmann is back, and DE McKinner Dixon will finally get a chance to show his 4.5 speed.
LB: B - Kenyuta Dawson's speed helps this unit out tremendously
CB: B- - Antonio Huffman leads this unit, but the younger players are faster than Tech CBs in previous years.
S: B - Replacing Vince Meeks and Dwayne Slay is no easy task, but Joe Garcia is athletic and Darcel McBath seems to be in that Dwayne Slay mold.

Kicking Game: B- - Alex Reyes is a solid punter, but Alex Trlica still needs to be more consistent.
Return Game: C - Shannon Woods and Danny Amendola will probably handle the return duties again this year.

What the Red Raiders must do to win:
1. Find a RB who can be a dual threat - Taurean Henderson was valuable to Texas Tech's offense because he could both run with the ball and catch it out of the backfield. If Wood's isn't that type a threat, they need to go to someone else.
2. Better special teams - Yes, I said it, better special teams from Texas Tech. The field goal kickers and return teams both need to be more productive than they were last year.
3. Get more heat on the opposing QB - I realize that the sack totals from last year were disappointing, and that it was largely due to injury, but the injured players have returned and there's young talent behind the starters who are itching to prove themselves. Tech is out of excuses now.

If they can't find at least 24-30 sacks out of this group (that would be 2-2.5 per game over a 12 game season), defensive coordinator Lyle Setencich needs to be canned.

Projection: 8-4 overall, 4-4 in conference, bowl eligible

Texas A&M
(special thanks to Ryan at Texas A&M and Baseball for keeping the public informed on the Aggie depth chart. Phil Steele, Athlon, and collegefootballnews.com all had different projections.)

The Skinny: Dennis Franchione is on the hotseat at A&M after going 5-6 last year, and probably rightly so since A&M fans actually give a darn about their program. Gone are Reggie McNeal and old defensive coordinator Carl Torbush. In comes Gary Darnell, John Mackovic's former defensive coordinator at Illinois and Texas, who plans on implementing a 4-2-5 system.

I hear the Longhorn fans chortling out there since none were impressed with Darnell's defensive schemes, but given that Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Baylor, and Texas all run 3 reciever sets, and Texas Tech has 4 wideouts all the time, bringing in a DC who will roll 5 DBs as the base defense is a smart move, especially since they gave up 300 yard games to the likes of Barrick Nealy, Shawn Bell, and Allan Evridge.

Will they crack the top 2? Probably not. But they're not going 5-6 again. Their talent won't let them.

Schedule
Easy W's: The Citadel, Louisiana-Lafayette, Army*, Louisiana Tech, at Oklahoma St.
Close, but probably a win: at Baylor
Close, but probably a loss: Nebraska, Texas Tech, at Texas
Definite L's: Oklahoma
* - at Alamodome, San Antonio

Position Ratings
QB: B- - While Stephen McGee has the intangibles, he's not exactly as fast as Reggie McNeal, and it's hard to make any judgements about his arm strength because he only has one start and a few backup performances.
RB: A+ - I can't remember an A&M team where running back was a weakness. Courtney Lewis should be all-Big 12 if they feature him.
WR: B - Injuries plagued this unit last year, but the talent is there.
TE: A+ - Certainly, the talent is there in Martellus Bennett. If Franchione knows what's good for him, Bennett will be a feature reciever.
OL: B+ - Maybe needs to be tighter in the pass protection, but this unit does open running lanes effectively

(Note: As stated above Texas A&M is switching to a 4-2-5 defense, A&M is referring to it's 5th DB as a "Whip", I call it a Rover, but it's the same general position.)
DL: B+ - I would bump this group up a letter grade if Will Morrissey was playing, but he's left the team for personal reasons.
LB: B - Justin Warren will be flanked by JUCO transfer Misi Tupe at the moment. It may change.
CB: B+ - Certainly, this unit has speed, but A&M is starting a redshirt freshman and a sophomore. Maybe they will grow into it, maybe they won't.
ROV/SS: B+ - Japhus Brown is the new rover, if he can play a full season. Sophomore Devin Gregg moves to Strong Safety.
FS: B+ - Melvin Bullitt could be all-Big 12

Kicking Game: B - A slight drop off at K now that Todd Pegram is gone, but P Justin Brantly has a leg on him
Return Game: D- - considering the kick returns have been ranked in the triple digits the last 2 years, and the punt return only ranked 60 last year despite having fast returners, one has to wonder about the return team coaching.

What the Aggies must do to win:
1. Get ino the backfield on a regular basis - with only 4 down linemen and 2 linebackers, it's imperative that they get a good rush.
2. Grow up in a hurry, secondary - 3 of the 5 starters are sophomores or younger.
3. Many Happy Returns - As in they need to get better field position on their kick and punt returns

Projection: No one would who knows would look at you funny if you pick this team to win the South, but it just isn't going to happen. 8-4 overall, 6-2 in conference, bowl eligible

Oklahoma
The Skinny: Forget about Rhett Bomar. OU returns 9 defensive starters, still has Adrian Peterson, still has talent to replace the departures on offense. They aren't going anywhere

Schedule
Easy W's: UAB, Washington, Middle Tenn. St., at Missouri, at Baylor, Texas Tech, at Texas A&M
Close, but probably a win: Colorado, Iowa St.
Close, but probably a loss: at Oregon, Texas*
Definite L's: none
* - Cotton Bowl, Dallas Texas

Position Ratings
QB: C+ - Paul Thompson is probably keeping the seat warm for someone else, but there's a lot of talent around him.
RB: A+ - You know, that Adrian Peterson guy's pretty good. Even though he wasn't in Heisman contention, he had 1104 yards in 8 starts last year.
WR: A - In a word, fast.
TE: B - They're young, but can block and recieve
OL: C+ - We'll wait and see if the pass protection is better this year

DL: A - Bookends CJ Ah You and Calvin Thibodeaux will get pressure on the QB
LB: A - Zach Latimer, Rufus Alexander, and DeMarrio Pleasant are probably one of the best linebacking trios in the country.
CB: A - D.J. Wolfe and Reggie Smith are a year older and still fast.
S: B - Position battles make this hard to predict, but all the players in the mix get a B on talent alone.

Kicking Game: B - Sophomore Garrett Hartley takes over the kicking duties
Return Game: F - averaged 18.2 yards per kick return last year and 7.4 yards per punt return (yo!)

What the Sooners must do to win:
1. Play to their talent level - This team is too good to go 8-4 again
2. Develop a passing game - The talent is there, Paul Thompson just needs to find them. Otherwise they will see a lot of 8 man fronts again.
3. Better return game - This has been an issue for Oklahoma 2 years running. Surely they have a returner in all that talent.

Projection: 10-2 overall, 7-1 conference, bowl eligible

Texas
The Skinny: Mack Brown finally took a team to a national title. Question is, was it all Vince Young or all Mack Brown. This is the year we find out.

Aside from an early loss to Ohio State, this team should be back in the BCS mix as Big 12 Champions.

Schedule
Easy W's: North Texas, at Rice, SHSU, Iowa State, at Kansas State, Baylor, Oklahoma State.
Close, but probably a win: Nebraska (twice), Oklahoma*, Texas A&M, at Texas Tech
Close, but probably a loss: Ohio State
Definite L's: none
* - Cotton Bowl, Dallas, Texas

Position Ratings
QB: C+ - Colt McCoy is the the starter... for now
RB: A - Jamaal Charles is the type of back that can carry this team.
WR: B - They were better than expected because of Vince, now it's their turn to make the QB look good.
TE: B- - Who will step up to replace David Thomas?
OL: A+ - 3 of the 5 starters return and the other two have the physical tools to start for an elite D-1 program.

DL: A+ - Tim Crowder, Frank Okam, and Brian Robison are NFL-bound
LB: A+ - Rashad Bobino and Robert Killibrew will lead this unit
CB: A - Young, but very talented.
S: A - Michael Griffith is the secondary's anchor

Kicking Game: B - Greg Johnson will handle both placekicking and punting duties. It remains to be seen whether he can be a consistent kicker. He certainly has a strong leg.
Return Game: A - Even with the loss of Raymonce Taylor, this return unit will be solid.

What the Longhorns must do to win:
1. No taking plays off or let ups - Texas is going to get everyone's best shot, and they need to play like it.
2. Be as aggressive as last year in the passing game - Playing conservative will do this team no good. One of the key plays from last year was Vince's long bomb to Limas Sweed at the end of the half
3. Don't get down if they lose to Ohio State - This year, it's possible to even be #1 with one loss, there's going to be time to play your way back in.

Projection: 12-1 overall, 8-0 in conference, and the Big XII Champions

**Big XII North Summary**
Team	Conference	Overall	Notes
Nebraska	7-1	10-3	Back on top in the North
Iowa State	5-3	8-4	Bret Meyer and Todd Blythe lead
Colorado	4-4	6-6	A year in transition
Kansas State	3-5	6-6	Need help from WRs
Missouri	1-7	3-9	Dark horse? Don't believe it.
Kansas	1-7	3-9	Crashing back down to reality

Big XII Summary

**Big XII South Summary**
Team	Conference	Overall	Notes
Texas	8-0	12-1	Is Mack Brown good or lucky?
Oklahoma	7-1	10-2	Oklahoma's still got talent.
Texas A&M	4-4	8-4	New D should help.
Texas Tech	4-4	8-4	Will they play well every game?
Oklahoma State	2-6	3-9	Building for next year
Baylor	2-6	3-9	Last again

Big XII Summary

Big XII Championship Game: Texas over Nebraska
Offensive Player of the Year: Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
Defensive Player of the Year: Tim Crowder, Texas
Special Teams Player of the Year: Mason Crosby, Colorado
Coach of the Year: Bill Callahan, Nebraska

2006 Cheap Seats MFP: Big XII North

2006-08-29T22:40:00.000-05:00

Overview
Well, Aside from Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa State (who shocked the heck out of a lot of people last year) the Big XII North was still bad, but very competitive. There was a lot of coaching turnover in the offseason, as Bill Snyder decided to retire and Gary Barnett was finally forced out at Colorado.

No one's really in danger of getting fired this year, but while Nebraska and Iowa State will have competitive teams, no one's ready to proclaim the North Division as the Big XII South's equal. At least not yet.

Here we go, from worst to first:

Kansas
The Skinny: Kansas has actually gone to 2 bowl games since head coach Mark Mangino arrived. Last year, they went to a 7-5 record buyoed by defense that held Oklahoma to 19 points and Texas Tech to 23 on the offensive end (Tech also got a defensive TD). Both of those teams ended up winning, however, because the offense was horrible. Only twice did they get over 21 points in a Big XII game, and one of those was because Kansas hit an overtime game winning field goal to break the 21 point barrier. This year, Kansas only returns 3 starters from that defense, and the offense figures to be equally bad.

Schedule
Easy W's: Northwestern State, Louisiana-Monroe
Close, but probably a win: at Kansas State
Close, but probably a loss: at Toledo, South Florida, at Baylor
Definite L's: Colorado, Texas A&M, at Iowa State, Missouri, at Nebraska, at Oklahoma St.

Position Ratings
QB: D+ - The starter should be Kerry Meier, but Kansas played musical QBs all last year with Adam Barmann, so it's hard to tell.
RB: C+ - Kansas has at least settled on a starting running back: Jon Cornish, and 5 yards/carry isn't too bad.
WR: C- - I'm hard pressed to find a reciever here that can be good enough to help Meier or Barmann out.
TE: C- - Derek Fine's a blocker, that's it.
OL: C+ - David Ochoa is the unit's poster boy according to the preseason publications, but the other four must work in concert with him.

DL: B- - All the linemen have the size to stuff the run, but can they rush the passer?
LB: C- - When you lose 278 combined tackles, that's tough to replace
CB: C - Sophomore Aqib Talib got a lot of work last year while Charles Gordon was having to help the offense, but this unit was hardest hit by graduations.
S: C- - JUCO transfers must prove they can perform

Kicking Game: A- - Scott Webb hit some clutch kicks last year, and at times was the Jayhawks' only offense. Kyle Tucker's one of the best punters and should see plenty of action with all the 3 and outs the offense will put up.
Return Game: D - Kansas needs to find a consistent returner to replace Charles Gordon

What the Jayhawks must do to win:
1. Run the ball - This will be the strongest area of Kansas's offensive game, and they need to rely on it.
2. Get consistency in the passing game - getting teams out of an 8 man front will help this team tremendously. The question is, do they have the talent?
3. Find a QB and stick with it - Kerry Meier or Adam Barmann. Settle on one. Don't keep switching.

Projection: Hard to see their offense being any better than last year. That will sink them down to the bottom of the Big 12. 3-9 overall, 1-7 in conference

Missouri
The Skinny: Gary Pinkel simply can't be trusted as a coach. Two years ago, they were supposed to contend for the North title, but an early season loss to Troy shattered their confidence, and 5 straight losses in conference cost them a bowl game. Last year, others picked Missouri as a dark horse in a weak Big 12 North, but managed only a mediocre 7-5 record and lost to New Mexico out of conference. Both of those years, Missouri had it's best QB talent ever in Brad Smith.

This year, Missouri is once again a dark horse to contend in the Big 12 North, never mind that Chase Daniels is now the starter in place of the now-graduated Smith.

To quote The Who, "We won't get fooled again."

Sure they have talent around Daniels, but Pinkel can never put that talent into a championship package, and his coaching will probably cost them a lot games that they would otherwise win. Brutal road trips to Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Nebraska won't help things.

Schedule
Easy W's: Murray St., Ohio, Kansas
Close, but probably a win: none
Close, but probably a loss: Ole Miss, at New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas State
Definite L's: at Iowa State, at Nebraska, at Texas A&M, at Texas Tech, Oklahoma

Position Ratings
QB: C+ - Daniels may have been a top 10 QB recruit, but let's see him perform.
RB: C - Marcus Woods has not been asked to carry the ball 20 times a game over the course of the season, which is what he'll have to do if he's not splitting carries with Tony Temple again this year.
WR: B - Fitting that they play for a team from the "Show Me State", because this recieving corps need to show people that there's a 1,000 yard reciever in the bunch. The talent is there, though
TE: B- - Martin Rucker is the team's leading returning reciever with only 567 yards recieving.
OL: C - Sure, they can run block, but can they protect Daniels?

DL: B+ - Could be one of the best defensive lines, but it's a wait and see process.
LB: C - nice players in Dedrick Harringtion and Marcus Bacon, but not a whole lot of depth
CB: C- - Lost both starters, and nickel and dime corners are very green.
S: C- - David Overstreet led the team in tackles last year. It's great to see that he can tackle, but you don't want your safties to be at the top of the tackling board.

Kicking Game: C - Adam Crossett has the leg, but needs to work on his accuracy
Return Game: F - This unit was averaging 19.6 kickoff yards per return, and they need to improve

What the Tigers must do to win:
1. Receivers have to catch the ball and make plays - Missouri's receivers have speed, but they weren't called upon to get open and help the QB out when Brad Smith could run out of trouble. If it's third and long and the blitz is on, will they give Daniels an open target?
2. Pinkel must get out of the way of his talent - The head coach is prone to folding in big games and dropping games he shouldn't.
3. Improve on defense - The preview magazines say this defense has potential. Prove it.

Projection: Don't believe the hype. 3-9 overall, 1-7 in conference

Kansas State
The Skinny: Yes, Bill Snyder is gone, but his legacy remains in the non-conference schedule he gave new head coach Ron Prince. Prince wasted no time in following Snyder's old formula of loading up on JUCO talent, and Kansas State should have a decent first season under their new head coach

Schedule
Easy W's: Illinois St., FAU, Oklahoma St.
Close, but probably a win: Marshall, at Colorado, at Missouri
Close, but probably a loss: at Kansas, at Baylor
Definite L's: Louisville, Texas, Iowa St., Nebraska

Position Ratings
QB: C- - Allan Evridge will probably hold down the fort until Josh Freeman is ready.
RB: B+ - Thomas Clayton will be one of the Big XII's best feature backs.
WR: B - all 3 recievers average 14 or more yards per catch
TE: B+ - Rashaad Norwood doesn't get the ball thrown his way much, but he does make plays when he gets it.
OL: C - If this unit gels, it could be top-notch. If it doesn't, look out.

DL: C- - Need to get a better pass rush on the quarterback
LB: A - Brandon Archer will be all-Big 12 and the rest of the linebackers will follow his lead
CB: C - Lacking in experience, but they will be helped by Kansas State mixing in more "Tampa 2" coverages
S: B - They will have the talent to help the corners, but will it be enough?

Kicking Game: D - Jeff Snodgrass has a strong leg, but is only 10 of 16 on field goals. ouch.
Return Game: B - Yamon Figurs could be one of the conference's best returners.

What the Wildcats must do to win:
1. Get a consistent pass rush - The line needs to do better than 1.9 sacks per game.
2. Get turnovers - K-State only had 8 picks last year and a turnover margin of -6
3. Hand the ball to Thomas Clayton - Clayton averaged 4.6 yards/carry last year and K-State needs to feature him more.

Projection: 6-6 overall, 3-5 in conference, bowl eligible.

Colorado
The Skinny: The past is the past. Former Boise State coach Dan Hawkins brings his high powered offense out of the WAC and into the Big 12. It takes at least a year to transition to a spread offense from a pro style one, but Colorado will be fun to watch this year while they make the transition.

Schedule
Easy W's: Montana St., Baylor, Kansas
Close, but probably a win: Arizona St., Texas Tech, at Missouri
Close, but probably a loss: Colorado St.*, Iowa St., Kansas St., at Nebraska
Definite L's: at Georgia, at Oklahoma
* - at Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver

Position Ratings
QB: C - Well, James Cox won the starting job by a razor thin margin, but he'll probably thrive in Hawkins' pass-happy system
RB: A - Hugh Charles was a consistent runner and should provide balance immediately
WR: B - Blake Mackey and Dusty Sprague could put up huge numbers.
TE: D - A dropoff from Joel Klopfenstein's performance from last year, but the TE may get phased out of the offense anyway.
OL: A- - Led by Mark Fenton, this unit could be one of the best in the Big 12

DL: C- - Needs to develop a consistent pass rush
LB: B+ - still one of the best overall units in the Big 12
CB: B - The talent is there with the starters, and they're both experienced
S: B+ - J.J. Billingsley is the leader of the secondary

Kicking Game: A+ - Mason Crosby returns for one more year.
Return Game: F - they can't do any worse than 18.2 yards/kickoff return, can they?

What the Buffaloes must do to win:
1. Learn quickly - Hawkins' offense isn't rocket science, but it does take some time to get the hang of it.
2. Don't drop passes - offenses like this depend on high-percentage, catchable passes to set up other passes downfield.
3. Figure out more uses for Hugh Charles - If Hawkins isn't going to give Charles 25 carries a game, he needs to find other ways for him to get the football.

Projection: A lot of flash, and a lot of growing pains. 6-6 overall, 4-4 in conference, bowl eligible

Iowa State
The Skinny: Iowa State has improved every year the last three years. Two years ago, they were bowl eligible and came within a field goal of making the Big XII title game. Last year, they pulled off an upset of Iowa and beat Texas A&M and Colorado on the way to another bowl game. This year, 10 of the 11 offensive starters are back, including all 5 skill positions and quarterback Bret Meyer. The defense, however, is young and must improve in a hurry, but scoring your way to a bowl is not uncommon in this conference.

Schedule
Easy W's: Toledo, UNLV, Northern Iowa, Kansas, at Kansas St, Missouri
Close, but probably a win: Texas Tech, at Colorado
Close, but probably a loss: at Oklahoma, Nebraska
Definite L's: at Iowa, at Texas

Position Ratings
QB: A+ - Bret Meyer has 2 years experience under his belt and is one of the leading returning passers
RB: C+ - Stevie Hicks was hurt by his offensive line last year
WR: A - Todd Blythe and Austin Flynn have a chemistry with Meyer
TE: B - The tight ends are decent when the ball is thrown their way
OL: B - The offensive line should be better after giving up 39 sacks last year

DL: B - Hey, when you've got a defensive tackle nicknamed "Big Play", don't expect the unit to give up many rushing yards.
LB: B - The talent is there, time will tell if they perform
CB: C+ - DeAndre Jackson is preseason All-Big XII, but it's a question of depth.
S: C- - lots and lots of inexperience all throughout the 2 deep

Kicking Game: C - If Bret Culberson can improve on his 20-26 FG performance, it would help. They are also breaking in a freshman punter.
Return Game: B - Jackson will handle kickoff return duties as well, Ryan Baum will be the primary punt returner

What the Cyclones must do to win:
1. Get better play from the offensive line - Better rushing numbers and lower sack numbers on offense will mean more wins.
2. Get turnovers - last year, Iowa State had a +14 turnover margin. A repeat performance in this category would build the defense's confidence.
3. Cut down on the miscues - While people expect young players to miss coverage assignments and make mistakes, this defense has to be rock solid from day 1.

Projection: Look for Iowa State to continue it's upward momentum. 8-4 overall, 5-3 conference, and bowl eligible.

Nebraska
The Skinny: Big Red Nation hasn't exactly handled the transition to a pro-style offense well. What they refused to see because they hated Callahan so much was that recruits are starting to come to Nebraska again to play football because it's still a name program and now, unlike the last 3 years under Frank Solich, it has an offense that will help get top recruits to the pros.

The time is right for Nebraska to make a comeback.

Schedule
Easy W's: Louisiana Tech, Nicholls St., Troy
Close, but probably a win: Colorado, at Iowa State, at Texas A&M
Close, but probably a loss: Texas (twice)
Definite L's: at USC

Position Ratings
QB: A-* - Zac Taylor should have a breakout year.
RB: A - Top 10 recruit Marlon Lucky takes over the starting running back position
WR: A - The best WR unit in the North
TE: B - Matt Herian returns from injury to bolster this unit
OL: B- - Struggled last year, but should be better this year.

DL: A+ - The defensive ends both had double-digit tackles for loss.
LB: A - The backups could start at other Big 12 programs. Oh, and the 3 starters are pretty good too.
CB: A - Both CB starters have the size and speed that NFL scouts are looking for...
S: A - ...as do both safety starters.

Kicking Game: A - Jordan Congdon was 2nd Team Big XII last year.
Return Game: A - Look for defensive standouts Tierre Green and Corntey Grixby to have great years.

* - This is not taking into account Sam Keller, who recently transferred from Arizona State. He'll probably have to sit out this year.

What the Huskers must do to win:
1. Better offensive line play - The sack numbers should improve now that this unit had a year to gel.
2. Turnovers are key - While the -2 turnover differential has more to do with the offensive mistakes, the defense does need to get more picks and fumble recoveries
3. Get Lucky - No matter what the offense, you still have to get good play from the running back position, and Marlon Lucky has the ability if he can just get some blocking up front.

Projection: If Nebraska fan is still complaining about Callahan after this year, then there's no help for them. Nebraska will retake the North. 10-3 overall , 7-1 in conference, Big 12 North champions.

**All Big-XII First Team**
Pos.	Player	School	Pos.	Player	School
QB	Bret Meyer	Iowa St.	DL	Tim Crowder	Texas
RB	Adrian Peterson	Oklahoma	DL	Frank Okam	Texas
RB	Jamaal Charles	Texas	DL	DeMarcus Granger	Oklahoma
TE	Matt Herian	Nebraska	DL	Adam Carriker	Nebraska
WR	Jarrett Hicks	Texas Tech	OLB	Robert Killibrew	Texas
WR	Todd Blythe	Iowa St.	MLB	Zach Latimer	Oklahoma
WR	Billy Pittman	Texas	MLB	Corey McKeon	Nebraska
OL	Justin Blalock	Texas	OLB	Rufus Alexander	Oklahoma
OL	Brian Daniels	Colorado	CB	D.J Wolfe	Oklahoma
OL	Mark Fenton	Colorado	S	Tierre Green	Nebraska
OL	Justin Blalock	Texas	S	Michael Griffin	Texas
OL	Corey Hilliard	OSU	CB	Tarell Brown	Texas
K	Mason Crosby	Texas A&M	P	Daniel Sepulveda	Baylor
Ret	Terrence Wheatley	Colorado	Ret	DeAndre Jackson	Iowa St.

**All-Big XII Second Team**
Pos.	Player	School	Pos.	Player	School
QB	Graham Harrell	Texas Tech	DL	C.J. Ah You	Oklahoma
RB	Thomas Clayton	Kansas St.	DL	Brent Curvey	Iowa State
RB	Courtney Lewis	Texas A&M	DL	Red Bryant	Texas A&M
TE	Martellus Bennett	Texas A&M	DL	Brian Robison	Texas
WR	Joel Filani	Texas Tech	OLB	Bo Ruud	Nebraska
WR	D'Juan Woods	OSU	MLB	Justin Warren	Texas A&M
WR	Malcolm Kelly	Oklahoma	MLB	Jordon Dizon	Colorado
OL	Chris Messner	Oklahoma	OLB	Brandon Archer	Kansas St.
OL	Kirk Elder	Texas A&M	CB	Reggie Smith	Oklahoma
OL	Lyle Sendlein	Texas	S	Melvin Bullitt	Texas A&M
OL	Manuel Ramirez	Texas Tech	S	Jason Carter	Oklahoma
OL	Gabe Hall	Texas Tech	CB	Antonio Huffman	Texas Tech
K	Jordan Congdon	Nebraska	P	Alex Reyes	Texas Tech
Ret	Cortney Grixby	Nebraska	Ret	Aaron Ross	Texas

Next: Big 12 South
Back: TCU, SMU, UTEP, Houston, Rice, North Texas

2006 Cheap Seats MFP: Texas Schools outside the Big 12

2006-08-28T19:54:00.000-05:00

Like last year, we start our preview with the Texas schools outside the Big 12, plus a quick take on the Texas I-AA teams that show up on other people's schedules.

This year, we've made a change to the rankings. Rather than rank each unit 1-5 relative to conference, we're just going to give them letter grades based on how good they are overall.

Conference USA
UTEP
The Skinny: UTEP should be the best team in Conference USA this year. The reason why we emphasize should is because they lost to 3 straight teams that they were superior to on paper: UAB, lowly SMU, and Toledo in the (Car Financing) Bowl. This year, the last three weeks could be equally brutal as they include a 2-timezone road trip to UAB, a 3-timezone road trip to Marshall, and Memphis, which forced 6 turnovers their game against UTEP last year. Still, UTEP has 9 of 11 defensive starters back plus key offensive weapons Jordan Palmer and Johnnie Lee Higgins, and will fight it out with Houston for the best in the West. And they have Mike Price, who doesn't get nearly enough credit for the job he does.

Schedule:
Easy W's: at San Diego State, New Mexico State, SMU, Tulane, at Tulsa, Rice
Close, but probably a win: at Houston, at UAB
Close, but probably a loss: Texas Tech, at Marshall
Definite L's: at New Mexico

Positional Ratings
QB: A- - If you haven't gotten to know Jordan Palmer by now, order a few UTEP games on PPV to get a good look. He's got the tools to play on Sunday next year. He's already UTEP's all time leader in passing yards and passing TDs.
RB: C- - Marcus Thomas was part of a committee last year, now the ball is his full time. Jury's still out as to whether he can handle the load.
WR: B+ - Johnnie Lee Higgins gets a complimentary part in Florida State transfer Lorne Sam
TE: C - if you could put Jake Sears' blocking together with 6-7 Jamar Hunt's receiving, you might have a heck of a tight end
OL: B- - Graduations have hurt this unit, but it's should hold together.

DL: C+ - Alex Obomese is the star of this defensive unit, recording 54 tackles and 6.5 sacks last year, but the rest of the line is a question mark
LB: B+ - This unit returns the defense's top 2 tacklers, Jeremy Jones and Troy Collavo. All 3 starters are seniors
CB: C - Fast, but undersized.
S: B - Returning starters Joe Flesoski and Quintin Demps should provide great help over the top.

Kicking Game: A+ - Reagan Schneider should be a candidate for the Groza Award, except he's in C-USA, Punter Ryan Hotchkiss averaged 38.6 yards/punt.
Return Game: A - Higgins was an all-C-USA returner.

What the Miners need to do to win:
1. Play well late in the season - Teams as good as UTEP should not be dropping games late in the season
2. Limit Turnovers - Turnovers were key to some of UTEP's losses.
3. Protect Palmer - Yes, this means the offensive line has to pass block well, but it also means Marcus Thomas has to provide a solid running compliment.

Projection: 9-3 and bowling

Houston
The Skinny: As good as UTEP is, Houston will probably overtake them this year. Every unit improved last year, and they still have Kevin Kolb running the show

Schedule:
Easy W's: at Rice, Tulane, Grambling, Louisiana-Lafayette, Tulsa, at SMU, at Memphis
Close, but probably a win: Oklahoma St., Central Florida
Close, but probably a loss: at Southern Miss
Definite L's: at Miami (FL)

Positional Ratings
QB: A - Kevin Kolb probably will have to work to play on Sunday, but he's a senior and a good college QB.
RB: D+ - Houston is a spread team, but they still need to get better recieving and running production from whomever wins this position battle.
WR: B+ - Vincent Marshall is back and anchors this unit
IR/TE: C- - Inside recievers generally run the same routes as Tight Ends in conventional offenses. This unit needs to get first downs on a consistent basis.
OL: C - Improved a lot last year.

DL: B+ - A switch to the 3-4 made this unit a lot better in '05
LB: A- - The Cougars can roll 4 athletic linebackers, led by Wade Koehl, who has 26 career tackles for loss.
CB: B+ - 3 deep at the corner position again this year, but we'll see i
S: B- - Will depend on if senior FS Will Gulley is healthy or not.

Kicking Game: B - Sophomore K Ben Bell (8-12 FG, longest from 36 yards, 37-39 XP) is a "C", and Senior Punter Justin Laird is an "A", so I took the average.
Return Game: D - This unit is in flux because their leading returners from last year graduated.

What the Cougars need to do to win:
1. Find an RB and use him effectively - Even Steve Spurrier, Mike Leach, and Bobby Petrino have used the RB effectively in a pass-happy offense. Houston will be held back if their starter is a dud.
2. Protect Kolb - Obviously, Kolb is the engine of this offense, and needs to stay upright.
3. Continue to improve - Houston made great strides to go from 3-8 to 6-6, but if they want to get where they are projected, they need to make more strides.

Projection: 10-2 and Conference USA champs.

SMU
The Skinny: Surprisingly, SMU managed to finish 1 game below 500 last year, handing TCU it's only loss, and upsetting Houston and UTEP in conference. Still, don't expect the same results this year. SMU is once again searching for a QB after Jerad Romo's departure and the starting unit is dotted with freshmen and sophomores.

Schedule:
Easy W's: Sam Houston State, at Rice
Close, but probably a win: at North Texas, at Tulane
Close, but probably a loss: at Arkansas State, at East Carolina, Tulsa
Definite L's: at Texas Tech, UTEP, Marshall, UAB, Houston.

Positional Ratings
QB: F Redshirt freshman Justin Willis takes over, and there's no decent backups if he gets hurt
RB: C+ - Surprise starter DeMyron Martin had 854 yards last year
WR: F - None of the projected starters really scares anyone
TE: D+ - Again, Ryan Kennedy is the best of a bad bunch
OL: F - Will allow too many sacks.

DL: D+ - While Adrian Haywood was a star JUCO transfer, the rest of the players need to provide a consistent pass rush
LB: D- - Too small and inexperienced.
CB: D - Way too little experience
S: C- - Senior Joe Sturdivant must provide a safety net for his inexperienced CBs

Kicking Game: INC - position battles make this hard to grade
Return Game: C+ - the returners are decent, but can they get blocking?

What the Mustangs need to do to win:
1. Pass effectively - In order to get teams out of an 8 man front and help Martin, SMU's passing game must get better in a hurry
2. Grow up in a hurry - The defense and starting QB need to limit the mistakes of inexperience
3. Win close ballgames - of the 6 losses last year, only the Texas A&M game and Tulane games were blowouts.

Projection: 4-8

Rice
The Skinny: It's always a sad day when another old-school triple option attack goes by the wayside, but pro offenses attract recruits, and Rice, even though it doesn't offer scholarships, becomes the latest to switch to a more pro-style system. New coach Todd Graham brought in former Texas QB Major Applewhite to revamp the offense, though they may be going through some growing pains this year.

Schedule:
Easy W's: none
Close, but probably a win: at Army
Close, but probably a loss: at Tulane
Definite L's: Houston, at UCLA, Texas, at Florida State, UAB, at Central Florida

Positional Ratings
QB: F - Chase Clement is the only real passing QB on the roster, but he's backed up by freshmen.
RB: D- - A lot of the depth moved to other positions
TE: F - No talent, no experience in a pro system
WR: F - See above
OL: F - Will have to learn to pass block

(Note: Rice runs a 3-3-5 Stack, with 2 CBs, 2 Rovers, and a Free Safety)
DL: D - Experienced, but too slow.
LB: F - Too little talent
CB: F - See above
ROV: F - See above
FS: F - See above

Kicking Game: F - Kicker's leg not strong enough for I-A ball
Return Game: F - Well, when you don't have athletes or depth, kick returning becomes an adventure.

What the Owls need to do to win:
1. Play full out every game - Hey, you never know, you might win one you didn't expect to win if you play hard for 60 minutes.
2. Grow up in a hurry - Rice is very inexperienced at key positions
3. Defense and field position - The only way this team can win: Keep it close and win the field position battle.

Projection: 1-11

Mountain West
TCU
The Skinny: Last year, TCU was one SMU loss away from being the Mountain West's second straight BCS buster. They opened with a huge win against Oklahoma and rolled through the Mountain West.

Schedule:
Easy W's: Baylor, UC Davis, BYU, at Army, at UNLV, San Diego State, Air Force
Close, but probably a win: at Utah, at New Mexico, at Colorado State
Close, but probably a loss: none
Definite L's: Texas Tech

Positional Ratings
QB: C+ - Jeff Ballard starts after backing up Tye Gun the last 2 years. But then TCU's quarterback traditionally has to be a game manager and leader rather than a gunslinger.
RB: A+ - One of the few teams in College Football as Robert Merrill and Lonta Hobbs have both put up 1,000 yard seasons in the past, and Sophomore Aaron Brown had 163 yards in his only start.
WR: B - 3 of the top 5 WRs are back, including 2 starters
TE: B - Both of the tight ends are back
OL: B- - Solid starting 5 led by RT Herbert Taylor, though a tad undersized.

(Note: TCU runs a 4-2-5 Defense with 2 CBs, 2 Rovers, and a FS)
DL: A- - Bookend DEs return, and DTs are surprisingly big
LB: A - Robert Henson and Jason Phillips had solid years as freshmen, and should be better as sophomores.
ROV: A - Talented and versatile. Sometimes they're in coverage, sometimes they're near the line of scrimmage, and they excel in both roles
CB: B- - Former LSU recruit Vernon Russell helps solidify this unit.
FS: C+ - Elvis Gallegos provides senior leadership.

Kicking Game: A - Chris Manfredi was perfect on 13 kicks last year, and
Return Game: C+ - They are auditioning all new returners, but the blocking was solid last year.

What the Horned Frogs need to do to win:
1. Balance the offense - Yes, TCU relies on ball control, which eats up "3-3-5 Stack" defenses, but non-MWC teams will stack the line.
2. Pass Rush is key - TCU will once again need to rush the passer to help the corners.
3. Don't expect to sneak up on anyone - The rest of the MWC has had all offseason to make adjustments to TCU's offense and defense.

Projection: 11-1, Mountain West Champion

Sun Belt
North Texas
The Skinny: North Texas used to dominate this league, then they completely fell off the wagon last year, finishing 2-9 as teams like "Ooh-La-Laf" (UL-Lafayette), Florida International, Arkansas State, and Middle Tennessee St. all improved dramatically. North Texas may be in the mix, but clinching the league's one bowl berth is a longshot at best.

Schedule:
Easy W's: La. Tech.
Close, but probably a win: Middle Tennessee St., FIU, at Troy, at FAU
Close, but probably a loss: at SMU, at Arkansas St., at Louisiana Monroe
Definite L's: Texas, at Tulsa, at Akron. at Louisiana-Lafayette

Positional Ratings
QB: C- - Joey Byerly has the physical tools, but not the experience.
RB: A - Lest we forget, Jamario Thomas was the NCAA's leading rusher his freshman year
WR: D+ - Johnny Quinn is this team's most consistent receiver, but there's no telling what to expect from the other recievers
TE: C - Good blockers, not a factor in the passing game
OL: C - Good enough line for the Sun Belt, but will wilt against tougher competition

(Note: North Texas employs a "Bandit", a hybrid DE/LB that usually rushes the passer. Think Jevon Kearse's role with the Eagles. Because of it's function, I lump them in with the DLs)
DL: D- - This unit needs to get more heat on the passer
LB: C- - Good enough for the Sun Belt
CB: F - A serious weakness on this team...
S: F - ...as are the safeties

Kicking game: F - Replacing the kicker specialists. In the Sun Belt, good kickers are hard to find.
Return game: C- - Johnny Quinn will handle the return duties.

What the Mean Green need to do to win:
1. Rush the passer - ... or the secondary will get torched
2. Throw the ball better - Good teams will stack the line against Jamario Thomas, and UNT needs to get them out of it with good passes
3. Block well on running plays - blocking is crucial given the run-oriented defenses UNT will face.

Projection: 5-7.

Next: Big 12 North
Back: Overview

In Other News....

Cowboys fine TO for missing rehab sessions: I've said before that one of the things separating Terrell Owens from certain other wayward recievers is that he's a hard worker. Problem is, if "the player" is injured and is late for rehab sessions, this is pushing him towards Randy Moss territory in the sense that many people are revising their opinions of his work ethic.

I keep hoping Terrell Owens realizes that he's never going to win a PR battle with Bill Parcells, but he just can't get out of his own way.

Tiger Woods wins the Bridgestone Invitational: For those who don't know, the Bridgestone Invitational is one of the World Golf Championships (along with the Match Play Championship), and the only way to get an invitation is by winning a full-field PGA or European tournament. So basically, within a week of winning his 12th major, Tiger Woods won against a pretty decent field despite his 71 in the third round. The way he won against this elite field, however, has renewed the questions about if he's that great or his competitors can't hack it.

Look, it's Tiger freaking Woods! It's not that the field is that bad, it's just that Tiger has that combination of mental toughness, focus, and killer instinct that Michael Jordan and others who completely dominated their sport had. The rest of the field is fine.

The only real issue golf has is that it's no longer a big deal to drive the ball offline. Course fairways are too wide nowdays, and if you do manage to miss these huge targets, the rough is way to short and pro golfers are hitting out of it too easily. If every tournament would just take a page from the U.S. Open by letting the rough grow and narrowing the fairways, we might actually see decent scores.

Naturally, tournament directors and course superindendents don't want to change it because they have to baby the top players to get them to come to their tournaments.

2006 Cheap Seats Mega Football Preview

2006-08-27T23:53:00.000-05:00

Even though the Astros and Rangers are both within striking distance of their playoffs, neither team is really a viable candidate for postseason. Besides, it's baseball, where the steroid controversy may have gone away, but that's because they've all switched to Performance Enhancing Drug Version 2.0.

So once again, we're saying screw baseball and hello football.

Since we're cutting this close to the beginning of both seasons this year, we're going to have to squeeze more into some posts this year, which means fewer fancy tables than last year.

Here's the schedule:

Monday, August 28: TCU, UTEP, SMU, Rice, North Texas
Tuesday, August 29: Big 12 North + All Big 12 Team
Wednesday, August 30: Big 12 South + Big 12 Bowl teams
Thursday, August 31: National College Football: Issues, Other Conference Picks, Bowl Picks
Friday, September 1: first Weekend Preview of the season
Sunday, September 3: AFC North, East, West
Monday, September 4: first Weekend Wrap-up of the season
Tuesday, September 5: Houston Texans and the AFC South
Wednesday, September 6: NFC North, South, West
Thursday, September 7: Dallas Cowboys and the NFC East + Playoffs and Super Bowl

Disclaimer: All picks guaranteed to lose money at your bookie.

Preseason Blogpoll

2006-08-17T01:42:00.000-05:00

My first blogpoll ballot of the new season. Turns out I wasn't kicked out after all.

Don't ask me to explain. All the major programs suck this year, and this is shaping up to be a battle of who will suck the least. Seriously, 2 losses could make you a national champ in '06. This year's teams are that bad.

1 Ohio State
2 Louisiana State
3 Auburn
4 Florida State
5 Southern Cal
6 Iowa
7 Texas
8 Notre Dame
9 Georgia
10 Miami (Florida)
11 Florida
12 Louisville
13 Oklahoma
14 Alabama
15 South Carolina
16 Tennessee
17 Virginia Tech
18 Michigan
19 West Virginia
20 Oregon
21 TCU
22 Nebraska
23 Cal
24 Boise State
25 Utah

Anyway, Here's how everyone else voted

Tour de T.O.

2006-08-16T17:41:00.000-05:00

I figured this "Terrell Owens in Dallas" thing would end very badly, I just didn't know it would start unravelling this soon.

Yes, he finally made it back onto the field today, but not before enduring mountains of public criticism for separating himself from the rest of the team.

(Yes, Allen Iverson, we are talking about practice. It's a little more important in football because you have to coordinate the actions of 45 people instead of 10 like in basketball.)

However, one has to wonder if the issue here is really separating himself from the team. It's probably has to do more with why T.O. separated himself from the team and why he did it for so long.

Remember, T.O. came back from a broken leg to participate in Super Bowl XXXIX. That he's now missed 14 practices with a simple hamstring injury can be taken in two lights, both of which harm Owens's reputation.

The most serious is the view that Owens, because he was able to play on a busted stick in a Super Bowl, should be able to practice through a hamstring. This diminishes the one quality Terrell Owens had that actually endeared him to some: That unlike Randy Moss, who was a no-show during practices and occasionally games, T.O. was a hard worker. Plus, being a "jake" is the worst thing an athlete can be accused of, worse than a murderer, worse even than doping. And then there's the reaction of his teammates, many of whom may be required to play on a bad hammy at some point this year, and are looking at T.O.'s bike routine and extended time off and wondering if he's getting special treatment. If he hadn't got back on the field when he did, I'm sure Roy Williams and the rest of the defense wouldn't hesitate to give him another broken leg when he did get back.

The second thing this injury does is give credence to all the conspiracy theorists who maintain that his comeback in the Super Bowl was just a publicity stunt, never mind that he looked like his old self the whole game and turned in a decent performance.

Somehow it's fitting that he was wearing a Team Discovery cycling jersey. If Terrell Owens had been a track star or cyclist, and those sports weren't under constant negative press because of doping, Terrell Owens might be an unqualified sports legend because he has the drive to succeed and the mentality to be a great individual sport athlete.

Heck, had he picked up a set of golf clubs, Tiger Woods might actually have a rival.

Unfortunately, his sport requires that he have the trust of 10 other individuals playing with him in order for him to succeed.

Pre-season Signposts

2006-08-14T10:23:00.000-05:00

Cowboys 13, Seattle 3
Positive Signs:
- Tony Romo played the whole game and turned in a decent performance, numbers-wise. (I doubt he'll eventually start, but I think he has a future in this league as a Frank Reich-type backup)

- New rush linebacker Greg Ellis made some open field tackles.

- Shaun Alexander averaged 2.2 yards per carry.

Negative Signs:
- Neither T.O. nor Drew Bledsoe played

- Romo fumbled 2 snaps.

- Patrick Crayton suffered an ankle sprain, a lingering injury.

- Seattle's first team was missing 3 starters, including Michael Boulware, which puts an asterisk on Romo's numbers.

Houston 24, Kansas City 14
Positive Signs:
- David Carr wasn't sacked, and actually got the offense moving on a drive.

- Wali Lundy did well (59 yards on 9 carries, 6.5 ypc)with the first team in place of Domanick Davis.

- Eric Moulds showed he's still got some game left.

- By the time the starters were pulled for good, Houston was up 7-0.

Negative Signs:
- Kansas City's defense is still bad, making hard to project if the offensive numbers will carry forward.

- The mileage is starting to show on Antowain Smith. Time to replace that tire.

- Mario Williams did not look good against a washed-up tackle. (Still, it's his first game ever).

Tomorrow: The booth, the whole booth, and nothing but the booth.

At least the cycling folks caught Floyd Landis.

2006-08-10T23:58:00.000-05:00

I'm really sick of Floyd Landis's excuses at this point.

First it's Jack Daniels, then it's unusually high natural testosterone, then it's cortisone shots. He made some other excuse on Jay Leno, I didn't really pay attention, and it really doesn't matter anymore.

Still, you have to give cycling credit for one thing. They at least have their testing down in a way Major League Baseball doesn't. Yes, you probably would never hear about something like this in baseball, but that's because they don't test for testosterone (just steroids), and even if they did, Don Fehr would try to sweep it under the rug.

But, cycling has it's act together. Their testing adheres to a strict code, use strict laboratory procedures, test for a wide range of performance enhancers and masking agents, and if they find something, they test it again.

Furthermore, on your first positive test, you're gone for two years. Do it again, and you're gone permanently. Oh, and those titles you won while on the stuff? Gone.

Which is much better how baseball handles performance enhancers: Deny the problem for decades, get the entertainment value out of it when people break records, then act shocked and appalled when people come out saying your game is dirty, then appoint a bogus commission to look into the problem. Oh, and pass a token steroid test to appease your detractors and bust a few minor leaguers that no one's heard of.

The cycling folks may have problems, but they at least caught Floyd Landis. Baseball still lets Barry Bonds play.

Some people call him Maurice, because he speaks of the pompetus of gun.

2006-08-09T23:09:00.000-05:00

We have found the weapons of mass destruction. They're in the back of Maurice Clarett's car.

(OK, I'm probably not the first blogger to make that joke, but hey, if there's 4 loaded pistols and a rifle in the back of anyone's car, you have to wonder what else they couldn't find.)

In all seriousness, all that happened to Maurice Clarett was that he got pulled over making an illegal U-Turn with said pistols and rifle very close to where a key witness in his armed robbery case lived. Clarett was uncooperative, from all reports to the point of threatening. Police tried to taser him, but the prods bounced off his bullet-proof vest. So they pepper sprayed him.

The scary part about this situation his what *could* have happened had he not made the U-Turn and made it to the witness's house.

Maurice may have had the potential to be a pro football player, but I don't think he's much of a professional killer. Bullets, unfortunately, can be traced to the gun that fired them. Traces of clothing, fingerprints, and DNA can be matched in such a way to prove his presence. In short, we live in a "CSI" influenced era where it's very difficult to get away with murder.

Maurice should be thankful he only has mace face right now. He very easily could have been OJ, only with a conviction.

There's a temptation in our opinionated talk-radio culture to hold him up as an example of what's wrong with "the pampered athlete." Problem is, with any group of people in a given profession, there are misfits, and even if Clarett is put away, young athletes will continue to make bad decisions with the talent God gave them.

There's also a temptation to blame background, upbringing, etc., which is just as much of a leap to a conclusion as making him an example. All individuals have the capacity to overcome their limitations. Clarett simply chose poorly.

And then there's the wondering of "what could have been" if he had won his lawsuit against the NFL. Maybe, the thinking goes, with more financial security, he might not have committed the armed robbery.

Trouble is coming into money often times reveals character as much as the lack of it. If he had won his suit, maybe he gets a big payday and makes himself a nice life, but the big payday also could have just delayed, even fueled his inevitable fall.

Point being, we don't know "what could have been" and we'll never know.

And that's what makes this story compelling.

Bomar out at Oklahoma

2006-08-03T15:23:00.000-05:00

"And for what? For a little bit of money." (Working Title Pictures via Movie-board.org)

There's a scene in Fargo towards the end where Marge (Frances McDormand) and Gaear Grimsrud (Peter Stormare) are in the cop car driving back to Brainerd, where Marge gives Gaear (the silent one) "the speech."

So that was Mrs. Lundegaarde in there, I guess that was your accomplice in the wood chipper, and those three people in Brainerd. And for what? For a little bit of money. There's more to life than money, you know. Don't you know that? And here ya are, and it's a beautiful day.

Rhett Bomar could use some talking to right now.

He basically threw away his college career, any chance at a future professional career, and a chance at a national title

And for what? For a little bit of money.

Specifically, the extra money he and teammate J.D. Quinn earned at a no-show job at Big Red Sports/Imports, a Norman-area car dealer.

(No-show job? Tony Soprano is an OU booster?)

Now, this will probably engender the age-old debate on whether or not collegiate athletes should be given more than their scholarship, but until they change the rules, you can't take money. Every one knows that, boosters, athletic directors, coaches, and players.

OU will probably take a huge hit for this, especially given the penalties handed down at the end of Kelvin Sampson's tenure.

Bob Stoops will probably take a hit by association, even though he's been very forthcoming with information.

The national championship picture has taken a hit as an already murky national picture just got murkier.

But this will basically ruin Rhett Bomar's career.

So there he is. Out of a scholarship and out of a future. And it's a beautiful day...

More commentary
Every Day Should Be Saturday
My Opinion on Sports
Gaylord Memorial Gathering

Apologies

2006-08-03T11:25:00.000-05:00

OK, they say it's bad form to apologize for your mistakes in the blogosphere, but I feel I need to.

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a month and a half on Cheap Seats and longer on my MVN blogs. I was laid off at Xbox 360 and the job search took priority over blogging. I'm waiting to hear from another job soon, hopefully this job will allow me time to research and blog like I want to.

I'm sorry I'm behind on the "renovations." In particular, I'm having a hard time with finding someone who can redo my Cheap Seats template to my liking, as my knowledge of the web coding Blogger uses is lacking. If anyone out there can help, it would be much appreciated.

I'm sorry that I couldn't elaborate on certain stories, such as Zinedine Zidane's headbutt, and Ozzie Guillen's bad taste comments, other than what was already said by others.

I'm sorry to Evan Brunell, Dave Isaacs, Will Parchman and everyone else at Most Valuable Network for not posting as often on my blogs over there as I should have.

I'm sorry to Brian at MGoBlog, who expects everyone in the Blogpoll to post on a regular basis, and I realize I've probably lost my vote as a result and may never get it back.

I'm sorry to all the excellent college football blogs in the Blogpoll that are pulling their weight.

I'm sorry to all Astros and Rangers fans who probably expect more coverage out of a Cheap Seats blog that purports to cover Texas sports, and hasn't delivered in 2 years because of his personal feelings towards Major League Baseball.

I'm sorry to all Dallas Stars fans, who have embraced a sport that's not their own, or even "American" for that matter, continue to pack the AAC for hockey, created a boom in youth hockey in Dallas, and remain loyal despite the abuse they've taken over the years from Canadians, Michigan residents, Minnesota residents, and New England residents (all of whom chide Stars fans for not being "true hockey fans" simply because of the typical Stars fan's geographic location in relation to the North Pole). You deserve more from me on Cheap Seats, especially since no one in the hockey media elite seems to care what goes on with the Stars.

I'm sorry to all Spurs fans, who should have expected something on Spur of the Moment the moment Rasho Nesterovic was traded and the moment when the Nazr Mohammed signing was announced.

I'm sorry to all Mavericks and Rockets fans who read Cheap Seats, who probably feel like they get slighted on there because I do a Spurs blog.

I'm sorry to all my fellow Red Raiders for basically skimping on basketball and baseball coverage on Double T Ranch once football season ended, and not discussing recruits or spring practice. I'm sorry to them also, that I posted nothing once it was learned that Marsha Sharp, who brought the school it's only national title, stepped down.

Most importantly, I'm sorry to all of you who checked in with this blog on a regular basis. Apparently, something I was writing connected with you, and you chose to surf back in for more. And I haven't delivered.

Dwayne Does Dallas

2006-06-21T15:21:00.000-05:00

NBA Finals MVP Dwayne Wade (Getty Images)

For the first time since the Portland Trailblazers in 1977, a team won 4 straight games after going down 2-0 to win the NBA title. The difference here is that the Miami Heat won game 6 on the road.

And for all the talk about a new "offensive" NBA, Pat Riley and the Heat pulled out all the defensive stops to beat the more talented Dallas Mavericks.

The reason for Dallas's demise is simple. And it has nothing to do with the officiating. Nor does it have to do with the alleged comments of the Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban.

There are 4 fundamental things you must do to win a championship, regardless of the level of basketball.

1. You must get defensive stops.
2. You must get more rebounds than your opponent.
3. You must get points in the paint, either from your big men or from your guards driving to the basket.
4. You must not turn the ball over.

For 82 regular season games, 3 rounds of playoffs, 2 games of the NBA finals, and most of game 3, the Mavericks did all these things. From the 4th quarter of Game 3 onward, the Mavs suddenly forgot what got them there.

The most important causes of Dallas's demise are 2 and 3. In games 1 and 2, Dallas drove to the hoop every chance it got, got fouls, and got to the line. Also, in the first two games Dallas outrebounded Miami. No surprise that Dallas won both games.

After that game, Dallas was outrebounded. And the Mavericks stopped attacking the Heat basket, which causes the trips to the line to go down more than anything the NBA could have done.

U.S. prepares for Ghana

We all know the scenario by now for the U.S., they must beat Ghana and have Italy beat the Czech Republic to advance for sure. If the Czech Republic wins, or there's a draw, the U.S. has to beat the snot out of Ghana to ensure it has the goal differential.

However, on the other side of the coin, Ghana, the best African team in this cup, is in a must-win scenario of it's own. A win gives Ghana 6 points, eliminates the U.S. and puts the Czech Republic in a win or go home scenario. A tie means they have to have help from Italy in the form of a win or a draw.

So basically, Ghana, a very talented team with a number of players playing in European leagues, are going to be fighting for their lives. Motivation won't be a problem for them. Will it be a problem for the U.S.? We've already seen them take their opener off, which is why they are in this position in the first place. However, they did come to play in the Italy game, and played agressive even when down a man.

Still, people are assuming this is going to be a walkover and it isn't. None of these games were going to be walkovers. It's "The Group of Death" for a reason. Plus, Ghana is still the most talented team in this group.

At best, the U.S. gets a draw out of this game.

The rest of the World Cup

Who's In (so far)
Germany - This team has done nothing but put the pressure opponents, which has more to do with their undefeated record more than any "home field advantage". If they were playing the World Cup in Burkina Faso, they would still be undefeated playing the way they are.
Ecuador - Speaking of countries that play well regardless of venue, Ecuador was supposed to be bad when playing at lower altitudes. But, they've been aggressive in their 2 victories as well.
England - England has been short on strikers this whole World Cup. First they lose Wayne Rooney for 2 games, now they've lost Michael Owen for the rest of the Cup. In between, they've been disappointingly boring to watch. Still, they're on to the second round.
Sweden - Like Germany and Ecuador, they've been very aggressive on the offensive end, but unlike Germany and Ecuador, their results haven't reflected it. They should have won the game with Trinidad and done better against England.
Argentina - After demolishing Serbia-Montenegro 6-0, the Argentines bascially shut it down against the Netherlands. They should have come away from that match with more points than they did. Up until that point, there were really no questions about this team. Now one has to wonder if they can flip the switch back on after they shut it off.
Netherlands - Considering they had serious injury questions to begin with, no thanks to Australia, the fact that the Dutch are 2-0-1 going into the next round is a great story.
Portugal - Undefeated in Group play. How's *that* for redemption from 2002?
Mexico - Yeah, there in, but their results have been disappointing so far, particularly that draw against Angola.
Brazil - The current system for group play, instituted in 1998 when the field expanded to 32, favors the aggressive and creative. Not surprisingly, Brazil is 7-1 in group play since 1998. They're no slouch in the knockout round either, having been to the final of the last 3 World Cups and winning it 2 of the 3 times.
Spain - Yeah, they're probably going to win their group unbeaten. Let's see how they do against actual World Cup-quality competition before we declare them a favorite.

Who's out
Poland - With apologies to Rick Pitino, "Gregorz Lato is not walking through that door. Zbigniew Boniek is not walking through that door." Sorry Poland.
Costa Rica - Never recovered from a 4-2 loss to the host country
Paraguay - Considering the players this team had, and all the issues with their opponents, it's a complete mystery that this team is going home.
Trinidad and Tobago - Just happy to have played, I'm sure.
Ivory Coast - the "feel good" story of this World Cup goes home, but not before they scratch out a win against...
Serbia and Montenegro - So long former Yugoslavia, it's been nice to know you.
Angola - Another nice story, without a happy ending.
Iran - can go back to building nuclear warheads and funding terrorism like it usually does.
Japan - OK, technically Japan is still mathematically alive, but they're playing Brazil in their final game.
Togo - It's a little hard to put together a World Cup run when your country can't afford to pay you. Good luck against France.
Saudi Arabia - Also technically still alive, but they play Spain in their last match.

Key Games remaining
USA - Ghana (Thursday 9:00 AM Central, ESPN) - see above
Italy - Czech Republic (Thursday 9:00 AM Central, ESPN2) - Keep one eye on this game. The Italians need to win for the U.S. result to mean anything. Anything else, and the U.S. goes home.
Australia - Croatia (Thursday 2:00 PM Central, ESPN2) - This is basically a knockout game. Whoever wins goes on, whoever loses goes home.
Ukraine - Tunisia (Friday 9:00 AM Central, ESPN2) - Another knockout game. With Saudi Arabia likely to lose to Spain, this will determine second place in Group H.
France - Togo (Friday 2:00 PM Central, ESPN) - Yeah, this looks like a French victory on paper, but no one knows if France will actually show up for this game or mail it in.
South Korea - Switzerland (Friday 2:00 PM Central, ESPN2) - If this game gets out of hand, the losing team will be scoreboard watching the France-Togo game.

"Disgraceful"

2006-06-13T17:02:00.000-05:00

Kasey Keller hangs his head after his defense let him down again (Getty Images)

The headline is Bruce Arena's words, not mine.

The World Cup has increasingly become a stage where aggressive and creative soccer play is rewarded. The increase in points from a win from 2 to 3 in 1994 and the expansion of the field to 32 in 1998 have created this situation. No longer can you sneak into the Round of 16 with a 3rd place finish and 3 draws. So in order to advance in group play, you must play aggressive.

So the United States team, touted as our most talented, had no excuse for the 3-0 "performance," if you can call it that, which they put up in their first World Cup outing. For all their skill, they should have played more aggressive. Instead, they came out flat. They showed no emotion. They never pushed the attack.

Bottom line: The players never played to win.

For all the players' talk about wanting to win, about how anything less than a World Cup win would be a disappointment, they never showed that attitude on the field.

Landon Donovan? Not a factor. DaMarcus Beasley? Absent. Eddie Pope? Flat-Footed. Bobby Convey? On the back of a milk carton. Claudio Reyna? Off-target.

About the best player on the field was Oguchi Onyewu because he kept the high crosses out of the box and forced Jan Koller to use his feet instead of his head, and even he had critical defensive mistakes that led to goals.

ESPN's Wayne Drehs put it best:

All week long, he and his players had revealed the utmost confidence going into their match with the Czechs. "If we play to our abilities, I think we can play with anyone," Keller and teammates kept repeating.

Boy was that a big if. Yes, the Americans are at a point in their soccer evolution that if everyone shows up, they have the potential to beat anyone. On the flip side, though, if a few key players fail to show up, they can lose to anyone, too. Especially the second-ranked country in the world.

Hopefully, the U.S. has learned it's lesson. They have 2 must-win games ahead of them against very tough teams. Draws and losses aren't going to cut it.

The pre-game speech from coach Arena better include a line about how the players need to put their money where their mouth is.

Other World Cup action

Italy 2, Ghana 0
So much for gambling controversy killing the Italian side. I think we can also dispel the notion that Italy is the New Jersey Devils of international soccer. They blitzed Ghana into submission and never let up on Africa's best team in this competition. If the Italians can play aggressive and win, other teams should take note.

(For any international readers, the Devils are a NHL hockey club who won 3 Stanley Cups by playing nothing but defense, which was boring to watch and killed the NHL as a spectator sport long before the NHL strike)

Australia 3, Japan 1
Another game where aggressive offensive play was rewarded. Yes, they got 4 yellow cards for rough stuff, but Australia kept pushing Japan further and further back as the game progressed, and they got 3 late goals.

Brazil 1, Croatia 0
As we've mentioned before, since 1994, aggressive, creative, offensive soccer has been rewarded thanks to changing the format from 2 points for a victory to 3. Not surprisingly, Brazil, the most creative soccer team in the world, has been to the final every time since 1994 and won 2 of the 3.
And while a 1-0 victory may not seem like much, consider: Brazil outshot Croatia 19-8 and won the time of possession battle.

South Korea 2, Togo 1
This is a game where South Korea had to get 3 points. And they played like those 3 points were the most important thing on Earth. And once again, the more aggressive team was rewarded as South Korea had 21 shots to Togo's 11.

France 0, Switzerland 0
Not sure if this is a case of Switzerland having figured out France or France just taking a day off, but this really should have been a French victory. Now it puts France in a must-win situation against South Korea because Switzerland is facing Togo and will probably get 3 points out of that game.

College Baseball: Oklahoma eliminated

Rice's Josh Rodriguez put the final nail in Oklahoma's coffin in the 6th inning as he drove a 2-RBI single with the bases loaded to take the lead from the Sooners. Then Joe Savery hit a 3-run homer the very next at bat, and that was it for OU.

Final score: 8-5 Rice

Final Score for the Big 12: 7 teams in the tournament, none made it to Omaha.

Weekend Wrap-Up (Offseason edition) 6/12/2006

2006-06-12T06:56:00.000-05:00

Boss, I'm gonna be sick today, I have World Cup Fever.

NBA Finals: Nowitzki leads Mavericks to 2-0 series lead

Yes, the Mavs are up 2-0, but there's something going on here that may be ignored in all the talk about Shaq's free throw shooting and poor play.

I think we're beginning to see a change in the perception of foreign-born players. At first, they were regarded as either complementary shooters or post players with no grit. Even last year, as France's Tony Parker and Argentina's Manu Ginobli were pacing the Spurs to a championship, the media was very quick to point out that "American" Tim Duncan (ironically born in the Virgin Islands), was the team leader and go to player.

Now with Dirk Nowitzki's performance this year, this is the first time that a foreign born player has been recognized as a team leader and a star who sets the tone for his team with his play. Granted, he was always this for Dallas, but it took an NBA Finals run for everyone to notice.

Big XII Baseball: Oklahoma the sole survivor

Only 2 Big XII teams were left on the road to Omaha after last weekends' regionals: Missouri and Oklahoma.

Missouri had the misfortune of facing powerhouse Cal-State Fullerton. Naturally, they went down in straight games. Neither was close.

That leaves Oklahoma, who won Game 2 of their Super Regional with national power Rice to force a deciding game 3 today (Noon, ESPN).

If Oklahoma needs any inspiration, however, they need look no further than last year's Texas squad, who, like this year's OU team, dropped the opening game in it's super-regional on the road, but came back to win the next 2 to advance to, and eventually win, the College World Series.

World Cup

Aside from Germany going ape and dropping a 4-spot on Costa Rica, the World Cup finals have been marked by a lot of shots on goal, but not a whole lot of chances converted. So the offense is there, it's just that teams are not finding the back of the net. Which means it can only go up from here. Hitting the highlights...

Sweden 0, Trinidad and Tobago 0
All the credit in the world goes to former Howard University keeper Shaka Hislop, who basically made up for Trinidad's lack of offensive punch. Sweden should have won that game because they were the more aggressive team, but Hislop kept them in check and the "Soca Warriors" got a gift point.

Not to rain on Trinidad's parade (or Tobago's for that matter), but if you want to make good on Stern John's guarantee, you need to give John some more help when the ball's in your attacking third. He can't do it himself.

England 1, Paraguay 0
Speaking of gift points...

A win may be a win, and England may be the most nit-picked club in the world, but let's face it, they won it on a flukey goal that skidded off the defender's head and into his own net. They did not convert their opportunities, they had crosses where no one was home, and they almost let Paraguay back in the game on several occasions.

Mexico 3, Iran 1
Think Mexico wanted to get off to a good start? Led by Omar Bravo's 2 goals, Mexico absolutely blitzed Iran into the ground. At halftime, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declared Mexico "the new Great Satan" and threatened to continue his nuclear enrichment program if Mexico continued to score on them.

Interesting that a country whose leaders have so famously denied the Holocaust went down in defeat in Nuremberg, the very city where many of the Holocaust's leaders were tried and convicted after World War II.

Netherlands 1, Serbia-Montenegro 0
Apparently, the Dutch can get offense from sources not named Ruud Van Nistelrooy. While the Serbian defense was concentrating too heavily RVN, Arjen Robben stuck one in. And that's all it took.

Ecuador 2, Poland 0
Probably the first real "shocker" of this World Cup as Ecuador wasn't expected to do much, they pushed forward more times than the Poles did, and were rewarded with victory.

Argentina 2, Ivory Coast 1
This one really could have been 3-1 except the Ivory Coast keeper either just stopped a ball from completely crossing the the line or yanked one out of the goal (depending on your point of view) early on in the game. Still Argentina showed the kind of playmaking and offensive ability we've come to expect from them over the years.

Today's Group E Matches:
Ghana-Italy (1:55 PM, ESPN2)
This could really be a breakout game for Ghana, Many of the Ghana players are familiar with the Italian side since they play in Italy, so they know what to expect. Plus, their midfield is better and their team is more athletic overall.

Czech Republic-U.S. (10:55 PM, ESPN2)
There's one thing I forgot to mention about the U.S. side that I like: Attitude. Everyone from Bruce Arena down to the 25th man is saying their goal is to win it all, and anything else would be a disappointment. They feel like they can win.

They're not playing the politically correct game that a lot of players and coaches play when it's World Cup time. They're not "happy to be there" like a lot of past U.S. teams. They want it badly.

I know some players articulate it(Terrell Owens) and some don't (Peyton Manning), but you don't become a champion by being politically correct all the time. You have to believe you can win deep down in your soul. That's what I mean by attitude, and this U.S. team has it.

Now, let's see if they can translate that attitude into goals.

World Cup Preview

2006-06-07T19:15:00.000-05:00

With the Major League's credibility as a sport hanging by a thread no thanks to steroids and unchecked free agency, the Texas Rangers basically on cruise control in the NL West, and the Houston Astros blowing up before Roger Clemens even throws a ball, it's time to look elsewhere for summer sports to write about. (Yes, we're going to talk NBA Finals, but I'm saving that for tomorrow)

Thankfully, this summer, we at least have the World Cup to follow.

That's right, the World Cup, the only time in the U.S. sports calendar where one can actually watch soccer and not have to feel shame for doing so.

For my generation, I know that a lot of our parents signed us up for soccer when we were between 7 and 10, so even though we don't play anymore, the World Cup conjures up images of happier times for a lot of us.

Plus, it's a big worldwide event.

Most people in the U.S. may not know how offsides works, or what it takes to get a foul called in soccer, but then most people don't know what a "Yurchenko" or "triple lutz" is either, yet we watch the Olympics every 4 years.

The Big Stories

Overt Racism at Soccer matches. Much has been made in the press here in the U.S. about the overt displays of racism at European soccer matches, which I think comes as a shock to most Americans, because Americans seem to regard Europeans as either "enlightened" or "overly politically correct" depending on which side of the political fence you land on.

But it does happen, particularly because Europe has been homogenous for so many years of their history, and have suddenly had to deal with the mass influx of people wanting to enter rather than leave. Of course it doesn't help that facist parties in Europe appear to be on the upswing.

FIFA, the soccer bigwigs, have promised to deal with racist behavior using a range of penalties, including stripping a team of points. It remains to be seen how they will enforce this, and whether or not the penalty applies to similar cases, say, Iranians making any sort of anti-Semitic signs or chants. (German officials have already let one prominent anti-Semite from Iran into the country, who knows how many more could arrive? Hopefully the Iran crowds will have enough Iranian-Europeans to mitigate this sort of thing.)

Plus, to a certain degree, there's an issue of freedom of expression involved. Players of all races get catcalled for poor performance. If that player is of color, will that cause a team to lose 3 points? Will teams get docked points for making noise about a referee's call if that referee is not of European descent.

Should be interesting to follow as the tournament progresses.

Non-European teams in Europe - Just as European teams never seem to win when the tournament is played in the Americas or Asia, only one team from outside Europe has won a European-hosted World Cup (Brazil in 1958).

However the second could happen this year, as many of the traditional European powers (England, Italy, Spain, Germany, France) have serious questions going into this World Cup, whether from injury, lack of chemistry, tactical issues, or disappointing results. Also, many top leagues in Europe have tried to get talent wherever they could, and as a result, the development of native-born players has suffered.

South America and Africa have been huge beneficiaries of the European talent importation, as they not only have their best players playing against the best in the world, there is more space in their national leagues for development of young talent. It's also made it easier for their national teams to adjust to European styles of play.

Also, the CONCACAF region (the one the U.S. is in) managed to place a record 4 teams, and 3 of Asia's biggest soccer powers, Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia managed to qualify. Both Japan and South Korea, mind you, are coming off great results from the last World Cup.

That said, certain factors may work against the non-European nations. Second-tier soccer nations in Europe (Croatia, Czech Republic, Portugal, and Serbia-Montenegro) are also benefitting from the international search for talent by top European leagues in the same way that South America and Africa have been. So while the top teams may be suffering, the European contingent is still deep.

Also, thanks to upsets in the African qualifiers, Africa is probably fielding it's weakest contingent of teams ever. No offense to fans of Angola, Togo, or the Ivory Coast (whom, as Bono likes to remind us in the ESPN ads, enacted a cease-fire so everyone can watch the national team play), but they're not South Africa, Nigeria, or Cameroon and they don't scare people. (Ghana and Tunisia, with rosters that have European-based players, are a different story).

The U.S.A. and Group E

Many long time members of Sam's Army are looking at this group and probably having bad flashbacks. Back in 1990, when the U.S. began qualifying for the World Cup on a regular basis, the U.S. was placed in a group with Italy and Czechoslovakia. Needless to say, the U.S. did not fare well.

This time, the U.S. has a chance to extract a measure of revenge.

The Czech Republic, whom the U.S. faces on June 12, has been plagued by the injury bug and several of it's stars may be out. And while they did beat the host Germans recently, Italy is one of the oldest teams in the tournament, they are lacking in depth, and the last anyone saw the Italians in a World Cup, they were finishing second to Mexico in group play and getting beat by South Korea. It also doesn't help the Italians mentally that Italy's soccer federation is in the midst of a gambling scandal. Plus, the Italy-U.S. Game is in Kaiserslautern, home to the largest concentration of U.S. citizens in Europe thanks to nearby Rammstein AFB, making it the closest thing the U.S. will have to a home game in Germany.

That's not to say those games will be walkovers for the U.S. They're both going to be very difficult games for the U.S., and neither is going to go down without a fight, but those games are very winnable.

And then there's Ghana, who is younger, faster, and more athletic than any team in this group.

But the U.S. has one of it's best teams it's fielded since 1990, and Bruce Arena has this team better prepared mentally for a World Cup in Europe than his predecessor, Steve Sampson, did. In 1998, Sampson, like many coaches who worry too much about big game pressure, completely switched his tactics right before the start of the World Cup, and isolated his team from family, friends and injured team members. Naturally, the players were tight and the U.S. finished dead last. Four years later, Arena didn't make disruptive strategy changes, allowed the players to bring family, allowed injured team members to travel with the U.S. team, kept the team generally loose, and the U.S. actually made the quarterfinals. Arena plans to keep that same policy this time around.

The problem is the U.S. needs to win this group, not finish second, if they intend to make a serious run at a World Cup and finally stake a claim for soccer in America. Second place means playing Brazil, likely the champions of Group F. First place means playing either Croatia, Australia, or Japan and avoiding Brazil until the semifinals. While that still means playing Brazil, there's a huge difference in perception between making the second round and making the semifinals in terms of winning over the American public at large.

While second place in this group is likely, first place may be out of their reach. Ghana is most likely going to be the star of the group based on pure talent and athletic ability, and they can out hustle the U.S. and a depleted Czech Republic. Plus many of the "Black Stars" play in Italy and won't be intimidated by facing the Italians.

Group E Projection:

1. Ghana 2-0-1 (7 points)
2. U.S. 1-0-2 (5 Points)
3. Italy 1-1-1 (4 points)
4. Czech Republic 0-3-0 (0 points)

The rest of the field

Group A

Yes, World Cup hosts Germany have a rookie coach in Jurgen Klinsmann, and an inexperienced international squad, and they've been less than impressive in their runup against World Cup qualifiers Japan and Italy, but the Germans have been placed in a pool of teams that have their own issues, so a group win should be no problem at least.
If anyone has a chance to unseat Germany, in this Group, it's Poland. They were one of the highest scoring teams in the preliminary matches, and they're a little more than motivated after a disappointing 2002 Cup. They've got four years of pent up frustration to take out on the rest of the world.
Costa Rica comes in with one of the oldest rosters in the tournament, and a 3-match losing streak. It's doubtful they will improve on that come tournament time.
Ecuador, making it's second straight World Cup appearance, qualifield largely because they held serve at home in high altitude and won it's only road game in the high altitude of La Paz, Bolivia. Sadly, Ecuador is not scheduled to play in the Bavarian Alps once.

Group B

I'm picking Paraguay to be the surprise winners of this group. While Jose Luis Chilavert is no longer in goal for Paraguay, Justo Villar could very well be the next great Paraguayan netminder. Plus, this time the Paraguayans have something that previous Paraguayan teams didn't have: talent, depth, a bona fide scoring threat (Roque Santa Cruz), and a playmaker, (Nelson Valdez).
England, probably the most scrutinized and second-guessed team in the world, has waited with baited breath to see if striker Wayne Rooney has recovered enough from a hamstring injury. While he's "fit to play", that doesn't necessarily means he's 100%., and that first game against Paraguay's going to be brutal if he isn't at full strength. Still, they should make the second round.
While Sweden looked very impressive in World Cup qualifying, they went 0-1-2 in their warm up matches, all against non-qualifiers. As with any championship, you have to be playing well at the right time, and the Swedes need to turn it up a notch.
While Trinidad and Tobago will probably get waxed in all 3 games, MLS fans will probably recognize the name of Trinidad forward Stern John, who played 2 seasons with the Columbus Crew, and combined with Brian McBride to form one of the MLS's most effective forward duos in the league's early years.

Group C

When this group was assembled at the World Cup Draw, many labeled it the Group of Death. Now it's looking more like Argentina's group to lose.
Argentina is fielding it's youngest squad in recent memory. Aside from Hernan Crespo and Roberto Ayala, there aren't a whole lot of household names. At least not yet. Juan Riquelme inherits the #10 jersey, and while he's not Mario Kempes or Diego Maradona, he's a playmaker to be reckoned with. Riquelme's midfield mate Javier Mascherano helped Argentina win a gold medal at the Athens Olympics and is considered one of the best young players on this squad. And Lionel Messi is already drawing comparisons to Maradona.
This is the last World Cup for Serbia-Montenegro, as the last remnants of the former Yugoslavia are parting ways. But they may just get a parting shot in. On the pitch, they're a strong defensive team, which makes them dull to watch, but tough to play if you are facing them.
The Netherlands looked like strong contenders a week ago, then they lost 3 of their key players in a warm-up match against Australia, and are now on very shaky ground. Even if Philip Cocu, Wesley Sneyder, and Giovanni Van Bronckhorst return, their leg injuries will linger throughout group play.
The Ivory Coast has been a terrific "feel-good" story for this World Cup. We'd all like to see them do well simply because of all the internal strife that country has gone through. But, more than likely, the first-time participants are going to finish last because of a lack of "big game experience"

Group D

Mexico or Portugal, basically, that's what Group D boils down to. Slight edge goes to Mexico because this team can really light up a scoreboard, and this group will come down to Goal differential
After a disappointing 2002, where they were posterized by Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley on the way to a disappointing finish, Portugal feels like it has something to prove. They were the second-leading scorers during Europe qualifying and are peaking just at the right time, winning all 3 warm-up matches.
While Iran was one of the strongest sides during Asian qualifying, they're really outclassed by the top 2 teams in this group.
Angola, I'm sure, would like to be known for something other than it's basketball team being on the wrong end of a Charles Barkley dunk. Sadly, the only thing people will remember about Angola's World Cup experience is that they got to play their former colonial masters, Portugal, once.

Group F

Brazil: 5 time World Cup champs, defending World Cup champs, defending South American champs, defending Confederations Cup champs, current world player of the year in Ronaldinho, stars at every position... How many more reasons do you want?
Out of the other 3 teams, Japan, the current Asian champions, are poised to follow up on 2002's second round appearance with experienced Europe-based players like Hidetoshi Nakata, Shusune Nakamura, Shinji Ono leading the team.
Croatia has been something of a disappointment since 1998, when they made it to the semifinals and Davor Suker won the scoring title. Most of the key players on that team have retired, so it's up to a bunch of new faces to return the Croats to glory.
Australia has been accused of using rough tactics after 2 yellow cards, 1 sendoff and 3 injuries to Dutch players in their 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, which is not the best way for the Soccerroos to start their World Cup, because now the refs will be watching more closely. Besides the chances of them improving on their 0-fer in the '05 Confederations Cup are a long shot at best.

Group G

France was a disappointment in 2002 after winning it all in 1998, but you can't keep Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry down for long. Les Bleus have been on fire in their warm-up matches.
South Korea blew through the last World Cup like a tornado, winning it's group, making the semifinals and leaving Poland, Portugal, Italy and Spain in their destructive wake.
Switzerland was thought to be a threat to move on, but they have had disappointing draws against the Ivory Coast and Italy recently.
Togo's chief tribal priest is predicting that his nation's squad will make the second round. Apparently they play soccer very differently in the astral plane.
Take that prediction with the same grain of salt as you would if Pope Benedict XVI made any sort of prediction about his native Germany.

Group H

Spain is the perennial bridesmaid of international soccer. They are always strong contenders in whatever competition they enter, but they never seem to win. Still, they've been blessed with a weak group and should win it outright on pure talent.
None of the rest of the sides have been all that impressive, but the Ukraine gets the edge because of their qualifying run and recent match results. And because of Andriy Shevchenko.
Tunisia and Saudi Arabia will be battling to stay out of the cellar. I leave it to you to figure out which is the worse of the two

Knockout stage

2nd round
Germany over England
Argentina over Portugal
Paraguay over Poland
Mexico over Serbia-Montenegro
Ghana over Japan
France over Ukraine
Brazil over U.S.A.
South Korea over Spain

Quarterfinals
Argentina over Germany
Mexico over Paraguay
France over Ghana
Brazil over South Korea

Semifinals
Argentina over Mexico
Brazil over France

Third Place
Mexico over France

Final
Brazil over Argentina

Big XII hanging on by a thread in baseball regionals

2006-06-06T06:59:00.000-05:00

You'd think a conference whose geographical territory covers much of Texas, where College teams frequently outdraw the Texas Rangers, the baseball hotbed of St. Louis, and a number of other places where State U. is the only baseball game in town, the Big XII would be much better at this college baseball thing.

Especially since 7 of the 10 baseball playing schools in the Big 12 made this year's NCAA baseball tournament, and 3 actually managed to land regionals.

Yet the Big XII finds itself barely hanging on as the regionals come to a close

The carnage started on Friday. TCU, like they did in football last fall, upset Oklahoma.

As if that wasn't surprising enough, Nebraska lost to Manhattan College. Manhattan College! Not only is the school misnamed (it's actually in the Bronx), the school is best known for launching the coaching career of ESPN hoops analyst Fran Fraschilla and his starch-sprayed hair.

Then the eliminations began. Texas lost to Stanford and NC State and Baylor lost twice to Rice, which wasn't so bad, but Kansas was eliminated by Hawaii, a state who's best baseball product is Sid Fernandez. Then Nebraska suffered it's second loss to the University of San Francisco, who would only be a baseball threat if they cloned Bill Russell and taught the clone to throw a curveball instead of block shots.

The worst ignominy: Oklahoma State was beaten by cross-state opponent Oral Roberts not once, but twice.

Thankfully Oklahoma and Missouri managed to save face. Oklahoma managed to fight its way through the losers bracket and beat Gene Stephenson's Wichita State Shockers twice to advance. Missouri fought through a brutal Malibu regional against UCLA and Pepperdine to advance.

But neither faces an easy opponent in the regionals. Missouri takes on Cal State-Fullerton and Oklahoma faces Rice.

So it's concievable that the Big 12 could wind up with no teams in Omaha for the first time in it's history.

When R.D. is bored at work.

2006-05-25T16:27:00.000-05:00

Anyway, Because I was bored on a workday, I messed around on the internet and found my way to one of those quizzes on "Blogthings.com", tried the quiz, and here was the result

You Are Austin

A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll.

You're totally weird and very proud of it.

Artistic and freaky, you still seem to fit in... in your own strange way.

Famous Austin residents: Lance Armstrong, Sandra Bullock, Andy Roddick

What American City Are You?

I leave you to draw your own conclusions.

BlogPoll Roundtable: Spring and Post-Spring editions

2006-05-24T23:23:00.000-05:00

OK, enough movie chat, let's get back to sports.

Let's catch up on the BlogPoll Roundtables, shall we?

Spring Roundtable (hosted by Schembechler Hall)

1.It's early, but thus far, which off-season change or changes in college football are you most excited about?

I think the biggest think I'm excited about is that next year's title is really up for grabs, which is great for those who like seeing the BCS blow up in the faces of the people who made it.

There's a lot of great teams, but none one could really consider "dominant." We may end up with 4 or 5 one-loss teams competing for those 2 spots in the National Championship game.

As this is the first year of the new TV deal, I will be watching with interest to see how Fox handles the BCS. Say what you want about ABC and ESPN, they were willing to be critical of the BCS when necessary, and Fox Sports (Fox anything, really) has a reputation of promoting rather than addressing serious issues.

2. With spring practice underway, what are the three concerns about your team that are causing you the most anxiety?

First, the impact of injuries on spring drills. A lot of starting defenders got hurt in the offseason, and while it gave the young guys a chance to step up, the coaching staff seems to pick positions based on seniority, and the older guys didn't get a chance to improve

Second, who takes over the Safety and Running Back positions? Vince Meeks, Dwayne Slay, and Taurean Henderson all graduated and the replacements aren't exactly looking like world beaters.

Third, if the young defenders who played most of the spring are really as good as the coaching staff says, how come none of them are getting a serious look at starting jobs.

3. Care to take a stab at a preseason top five?

Hell no. I need my preseason mags first.

Post-Spring Roundtable (hosted by Burnt Orange Nation)

1. Which off-season story are you most tired of, and on the flip side, interested in? (e.g. Reggie Bush's house, Jimmy Claussen, etc.)

I'm tired of stories about '08 recruiting verbal commitments. I hate recruiting stories in general, but verbal commits are the worst because they are completely unverifiable. Nothings official until a player signs on signing day, and even then you have to put him through Spring drills to see what you got.

Plus, a school should never have a player verbally commit prior to his senior year. There's too much time for a guy to get injured or change his mind.

2. Your head coach comes down with a mystery illness and has to step aside. You get to hand pick the replacement for the 2006 season. Who gets your vote?

The same guy it would be if Mike Leach got canned: Mike Price. The guy's learned how to recruit Texas in a short period of time, there's not a whole lot of transition in between Leach's offense and his, pro scouts might actually notice our QBs for once, and he actually coaches defense once in a while.

3. Lastly, we'll mix the football and the blogging together here. If you could have anyone switch allegiances and start covering your team, who you gonna pick?

Probably, Matt from My Opinion on Sports, since he's probably taken over the mantle of "Best Big XII Blog"

So dark the con of Lee Harvey Oswald?

2006-05-21T19:12:00.000-05:00

I actually saw the Da Vinci Code movie today, having never read the book. But, I do like a good conspiracy theory, even if it is just that. I have several conspiracy theory books. I was also intrigued by all the codes and symbols, plus the idea that symbols can change over time.

For those who are still clueless about the Da Vinci Code, or, you're bothered by the religious symbolism of the story here's an analogy that might help explain the story:

The year is 3963. The area we know as the United States, at some point, has collapsed and gone through 700 or so years of dark ages, and later re-emerged as several successor countries that each speak a vaguely English-sounding language, but just different enough that the different countries still has to translate each other's language. The ideas that are regarded as "liberal" in our time have coaleced into a religion that revolved around the man we know as John F. Kennedy, and this religion is the majority religion of the successor states.

Suppose however, that a great council was convened at one point before these dark ages to settle the matter of a holy book for this religion. Obviously such a book would include all sorts of writings on doctrines the founders agreed on: equal rights, freedoms, feminism, and so forth. But when it came down to writing the history of Kennedy himself, the same debate that has puzzled historians since November 22, 1963 comes up: Was Kennedy shot by a single assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, or was there a group of people who conspired to kill him?

The faction that believes in the single assassin theory wins out, and the history section of the holy book is framed around this theory. The resulting religion goes to great lengths to conceal any evidence contrary to the single assassin theory

The losing faction that believes that Kennedy was killed by a grand conspiracy does not give up, concealing themselves in a secret society and the proof of their theories over time in a mixture of symbols and codes.

Anyway, in 3963 a leading university professor, along with the help of the granddaughter of the head of the secret society somehow stumbles on to these codes and symbols and unravels the mystery of the conspiracy that killed Kennedy, all the time being pursued by another secret society dedicated to eliminating any evidence that contradicts the accepted single assassin doctrine.

That's basically the Da Vinci Code in a nutshell.

Anyway, I didn't see the point of the whole "controversy". Maybe it's because I'm a non-Catholic Christian, maybe my theology's off, but the whole idea of Jesus marrying and having kids doesn't change the central message of Christianity: that Jesus, the Son of God, died for all our sins to atone us to God and re-establish the relationship between God and humanity. Besides, it's a work of fiction.

As for the actual movie, my biggest complaint is that Tom Hanks barely showed any emotion throughout the film. His acting was kind of stiff and robotic.

Do they really need a scoreboard that big?

2006-05-12T08:55:00.000-05:00

An Austin American-Statesman rendering of the new scoreboard.

Apparently the University of Texas decided to do what most guys do when they redo the living room, put a better HDTV in it.

According to the Austin American-Statesman, UT is kicking in $8 million in Audio/Visual improvements to DKR-Memorial Stadium, including what will soon be the largest high-def TV screen in the world in the South end zone.

No info on whether or not the scoreboard will be named after Joe Jamail, Red McCombs, Jim Bob Moffett, or one of UT's other wealthy contributors.

Which begs the question, I know everything is supposed to be bigger here in Texas, but why does that have to extend to the scoreboard?

(More and funnier commentary on the subject at Every Day Should Be Saturday)

As if the entire tenure of Gary Barnett and Ward Churchill wasn't enough, CU is in trouble again.

Two separate investigations, one into racial allegations, another into sexual allegations have recently been launched by the CU athletics department against the basketball team.

Most people will hear these stories and think "Here we go again."

However, there are several noteworthy differences

First, the sexual allegations involve "a former employee" of the men's hoops program at CU, not the players. One thing for a player to be involved, quite another for a paid employee of the university.

Second, the racial allegations involve a person that many thought was the one above-board person in CU athletics, Ricardo Patton, who told and African-American player he should be tougher because of his race. Even if Patton is African-American himself, there's really no reason for him to perpetuate any racial stereotype, even if to motivate his players.

(Story courtesy My Opinion on Sports)

Casserly resigns as Houston's GM

I'd like to say I called this one, but I'm pretty sure others were thinking it, I just haven't done a Technorati search to confirm it.

The only surprising thing here is the timing. Guess Charlie saw the writing on the wall and wanted to get out of Dodge.

R.I.P John Kimbrough 1919-2006

John Kimbrough, the Haskell, Texas football star who has basically done everything in his life except climb Mt. Everest, died this week at the age of 87.

Kimbrough first made his name with the Texas A&M football team, leading them to wins in the 1940 Sugar Bowl (capping an undefeated season for the Aggies), and the 1941 Cotton Bowl (back when a Cotton Bowl win meant something).

Kimbrough also starred in Westerns, piloted a fighter during World War II, played pro football, and served in the Texas Legislature.

Not bad for a person's life.

Two champions in one year? Maybe.

2006-05-10T16:27:00.000-05:00

Austin, give it up for your playoff-bound Wranglers

The 3-year old AFL franchise, perhaps buoyed by the addition of one Deion “Prime Time” Sanders as part of the ownership group, finally clinched it’s first ever playoff berth by basically walking over Grand Rapids last weekend, 57-38.

All the while, Sanders' one alleged hit, "Must Be the Money", blared over the Erwin Center loudspeakers.

How good were the Wranglers last weekend? Grand Rapids almost went scoreless for the first half, which in Arena Football is saying something considering defensive stops in the AFL are often as rare as defensive stops by Baylor’s men’s basketball team.

Austin, on the other hand, scored on every possession in the game.

This is an exciting time for Austin-area football as the UT football team is coming off a national championship and UT’s Vince Young and Michael Huff were both top-10 NFL draft picks.

Now it’s time to see if the Wranglers can carry that Central Texas momentum into the playoffs. The Wranglers could help themselves by securing a home playoff game, which the Wranglers can do with a road win against the Orlando Predators Saturday. Not an easy task as the old O-Rena (now the TD Waterhouse Center) is a tough place to play because of the wall configurations and loud crowd. Oh by the way, the Preds laid a 47-37 beat down of the Wranglers earlier this year.

So this game will be a good indicator as to whether or not the Wranglers will be able to handle a playoff atmosphere and have a legit shot at the Arena Bowl.

Two football champions in one year for the Capitol City? Anything's possible.

----------

As for Deion Sanders in the owner's box... In terms of getting some visibility outside of Austin for the franchise, it's a great move to bring him in.

My only concern is he may not mesh well with Austin. In most places, Deion would be big news simply because he's got charisma. In Austin, where the slogan is "Keep Austin Weird", he's just another "interesting character" in a town where they're a dime a dozen.

Funk Dat! (Draft Edition)

2006-05-02T00:37:00.000-05:00

Question... Why is it that when the Texans need an offensive lineman, they pass on both D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Winston Justice.

FUNK DAT

(Come on Texans, get a new GM)

Question... Why is it that when the Cowboys finally have a decent draft under Jerry Jones, the Eagles gotta have a better one.

FUNK DAT

Question... Why is it that "system quarterbacks" like Phillip Rivers and Matt Leinart get drafted high, when Texas Tech QBs put up better numbers with lesser surrounding talent and get downgraded for being "system quarterbacks"?

FUNK DAT

Question... What would possess Denver's Reggie Evans to grab Chris Kamen's package?

FUNK DAT

Question... Why is it when the Astros are doing well, Brad Lidge has to go Mark Wohlers on us?

FUNK DAT

Question... Why is it that R.D. can't post his Monday blog on time?

FUNK DAT

------------

The inspiration: Funk Dat by Sagat
The other inspiration: Sports and Bremertonians who once did a similar post after watching Beavis and Butthead reruns.

The last mistake Charlie Casserly will ever make

2006-04-28T11:50:00.000-05:00

Let's see... It will probably be about midnight on Saturday, Central time when this post goes up, which makes it about 12 hours until the NFL Draft

And 12 Hours until the Houston Texans make their biggest mistake since they became a franchise.

They're going to draft Reggie Bush.

That's right, I said it. Drafting Reggie Bush would be the biggest mistake the Houston Texans have ever made.

(And by the way, this has nothing to do with his recent problems with an extortionist "agent", more on that later)

Why? First off, he averages 15 carries a game. That's not exactly the best conditioning to be a feature back. Feature backs in the NFL get somewhere in between 20-30 carries a game. No one knows if he's durable enough to take the pounding, and that punishment's going to be amplified in year one because of the Texans' so-called offensive line.

Second, the whole point of the first round in the draft is to fill your biggest need. And running back is not the Texans' biggest need, it's offensive line. Reggie Bush, for all his skill, would never be able to run behind the Texans current offensive line, any more than David Carr would be able to throw behind it. All the leg whipping and chop blocking that Gary Kubiak will probably bring over from the Broncos won't help this excuse of a line get Reggie Bush out of the backfield alive either. And there's a pretty good tackle out there in D'Brickashaw Ferguson that the Texans have completely ignored.

Oh by the way, this would make this the second year in a row (at least) that the Texans did not take care of their biggest need (offensive line), should they do what everyone expects them to do.

Thirdly, there's the Vince Young factor. Even though they've decided Carr is their man and talent right now dictates that Young go later than #1, Vince Young is a Houston kid with the potential to be a superstar. If he becomes an NFL icon when the Texans had an opportunity to get him, Charlie Casserly will get Bartman-ed out of Houston.

Granted, Casserly has some deniablility here because every other GM has Reggie Bush #1, but given his track record with the moves he's made since coming to Houston, he's on a short leash with the ticket buying public. And Reggie Bush will just prove to be another failure, should he go to the Texans

Speaking of Reggie Bush...

Thoughts on "Rent-Free Housegate":

- The biggest reason why this became a big deal? The media will jump on anything involving the words "Bush" and "scandal". Editors probably all thought it was Bush the president and not Bush the running back and told their people to run with the story.
- Colin Cowherd, for once, made a great point on his radio show this week: This kind of behavior from sports agents isn't going to stop until the federal government passes a law to stop it
- Speaking of laws, isn't threatening to go public with embarassing facts unless they either do something for you or give you money considered extortion? Isn't that a crime?

Triple Coupon Wednesday!

2006-04-12T19:03:00.000-05:00

One thing I've learned this week

Blogging is apparently not like riding a bike, it's hard to get back on a regular schedule...

The Masters: Lay off Mickelson

If there's one thing I get sick of, it's people talking about how Phil Mickelson is supposed to be this great rival of Tiger Woods, and how he gets hated on when he's not performing up to Tiger's standard, especially by Jim Rome clones who are always bagging on Mickelson's weight.

First off, Tiger Woods has no rival. Period. We haven't seen a golfer of his mental toughness and physical skill ever and we may never see it again once he hangs up his bag. Tiger's not competing against his peers, he's competing against Arnold and Jack.

Second, Mickelson's got 3 majors and 2 green jackets, so frankly, to call him a failure as a golfer is absurd. That's a pretty darn good career considering most touring pros are lucky to win one major. Most of us regular folk would be lucky to break 100 at these major courses on our best day.

So just lay off the guy, already.

LaMarcus leaves; Barnes stays

Well, two Longhorns made key career decisions this week, and both are probably going to turn out to be the right ones

LaMarcus Aldridge is going pro; Rick Barnes is not going to N.C. State

Yeah, LaMarcus probably could have benefitted from another year at Texas, but an opportunity to collect first or second pick money from an NBA every day, and if he gets hurt next year, he's better off getting injured as a pro, than getting injured as a college player.

Plus, as much as I like college ball, you have to be fully committed to coming back if all you're getting for doing so is a scholarship and the title of "student-athlete". Aldridge was kinda hemming and hawing there for a while, and if you're doing that when making the decision to stay or go, it's best to just declare, get an agent, and go pro.

Barnes, on the other hand, took one look at the NC State job and decided that he was better off at Texas, where it's his team and his recruits, and he doesn't have to play 2 games each against Mike Krzyzewski and Roy Williams every year. Call it a hunch, but I think Memphis's John Calipari may come to a similar conclusion.

Support Your Local Arena Football Team
(not starring James Garner)

Austin, Texas, you really need to get behind your Wranglers

The Wranglers are 7-4 and in the hunt for the AFL playoffs after getting off to a 5-1 start, which is a heck of a lot better than they were this time last year. But frankly, the attendance figures at the Erwin Center have been pathetic.

Especially since this is football that Austin folks should be able appreciate. After all this isn't normal football, it's weird football.

They pass almost every play. They score almost every trip down the field.

The AFL is the "homeless drag-queen running for mayor" brand of football compared to the buttoned up, respectable NFL. Last I checked, the unofficial city slogan wasn't "Keep Austin Normal."

Maybe if they had local bands play after the game, it would be a better-attended event, who knows.

Green Jackets

2006-04-07T11:37:00.000-05:00

We're waiting for the Masters to finish to do our take.

See you Sunday after the Final Round.

Baseball: The new pro wrestling?

2006-04-05T22:36:00.000-05:00

They might as well stop selling major Major League Baseball as a bona fide sport.

The top players are juiced like pro wrestlers

The system is fixed so that the Yankees, Red Sox and occasionally the Mets get top of the line free agents, just like Triple H and Jeff Jarrett always seem to get title shots.

And the frequent Bud Selig-Donald Fehr battles bear much resemblance to a WWE Raw angle involving Vince McMahon and Eric Bischoff.

Maybe instead of home whites and road greys, we can throw some tights on these guys, put turnbuckles where the bases are and make a 'rassling ring out of the diamond.

Because basically, pro wrestling is what this sport has become.

Major League Baseball was dying in just about every market after the 1994 strike. Only Boston, New York, and the north side of Chicago were the only places drawing as many fans after 1994 as before. In many places today, it still is because most people outside of Boston, New York, and the north side of Chicago only pay attention to baseball if their team is doing well. (Except for the Atlanta Braves, they still can't even sell out a playoff game).

Anyway, by 1994, the alleged national pastime had been long since passed by the NFL, the NBA, and college sports and, at the time, hockey and NASCAR were nipping at it's heels. Oh, and that summer the first soccer World Cup in the U.S. managed to steal the summer spotlight baseball usually has to itself.

So to juice the revenues, the higher ups at Major League Baseball let the players juice themselves.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be like injecting cancer cells to cure chicken pox, it didn't help the initial problem (lack of overall revenue), and made the game sicker than ever.

Of course, there's nothing Major League Baseball can do to cure itself. The only way the fans will accept that Major League's steroid policy as legit is if Barry Bonds flunks a drug test and gets every homer he hit since 2001 erased from the record books.

And, as our friend Corey at Sporting Fools would probably remind all of us at this point, Barry ain't the first hall of famer who cheated. So basically, they'd have to take a wrecking ball to the Hall of Fame if they did anything to Barry Bonds. MLB probably doesn't want to do that, considering that baseball's contrived history is one of it's few selling points.

Problem is, Bart Giamatti set the standard for baseball dealing with scandal when he banned Pete Rose for life, and Bud Selig has to live up to that standard. Anything less and and it would be the capper of a tenure most would regard as the worst by a commissioner in American sports history.

A Catch .22 that Joseph Heller himself probably wishes he could have written.

Like I said before, the only thing for MLB to do at this point is to script the games, throw 'rassling tights on the players, juice them all up and market it as "sports entertainment". Maybe while they're at it, they can put foreign objects under the bases to make close plays that much more exciting. Oh, and a few random steel chairs would liven up those bean brawls.

-------

By the way, baseball as a legitimate sport is still out there, you just have to drive to a college game or minor league park to find it.

Catching up, Part 2: NCAA Hoops

2006-04-03T23:24:00.000-05:00

The Big XII: Major (conference) Disappointment

A lot of hoopla was made over the mid-major conferences getting multiple bids. Problem is, when they're getting that many bids, it means that there's a a lot of bad teams in the middle of the pack of major conferences.

Yes, the ACC was down, the PAC-10 outside of UCLA and Washington wasn't so hot and the Big East turned out to not have the depth we expected come tournament time as 5 of their members were bounced on the first day.

But the worst offender among the major conferences had to be the Big XII.

Face it folks, whether it's Texas, Kansas, Missouri, or Baylor (who probably saved themselves further embarassment by cancelling their non-conference schedule this year), almost everyone in the Big 12 underachieved or just outright stunk.

In order for a season to be a "success", major conferences that take in BCS money have to get at least half their teams in the tournament and land at least one in the Final Four. I realize this means there will be at least a couple major conferences left out every year, but BCS schools spend too much money on hoops to do anything less.

Every one of the teams of the Big 12 has issues right now.

Texas, show us you can translate good recruiting classes into Final Fours. You've had 2 highly rated recruiting years the past 2 years, and so far, you've gotten a first round exit and a near miss at the Final Four to show for it.

Kansas, show us you can be Kansas again. You're one of the elite programs in college hoops history, there's no excuse for you losing first round games like you've done the past 2 years.

Oklahoma State, show us you can uphold your tradition also. That was a weak effort from the Cowboys last season

Oklahoma, show us that there is life after Kelvin Sampson.

Texas A&M, show us you can hang on to Billy Gillespie. Every time major conference jobs open up Gillespie's going to be mentioned.

Colorado, show us you can provide Ricardo Patton with the resources to do his job. Patton's bunch almost made the NCAAs in spite of the budget issues in the athletic department, now you need to give him the resources to take the next step.

Nebraska, show us you're not just a football school.

Baylor, show us you can finish somewhere other than last in the Big XII.

Missouri, show us ... well .... heck, just don't make another hire as bad as Quin Snyder ever again. Failing that, keep the current head coach away from the Kroenke and Laurie families so you're next firing will be painless.

Kansas State and Iowa State, show us you can at least be competitve in you're own state. You're both in states where basketball is the #1 sport. Even if you're overshadowed by State U., you two should be able to make more of an impact in college basketball.

And finally, my beloved alma mater Texas Tech, show us you can freaking recruit! There's no excuse for a program with a name coach like Bobby Knight to be fielding the least athletic guards in the conference and a 6'8" center.

RD's "Shining Moments" of the NCAA tournament
- Craig Littlepage calling out Billy Packer for asking why the ACC and Missouri Valley Conference got the same number of bids. Yes, on the surface it looks like Littlepage and the NCAA are trying to influence the coverage, but Packer is an ACC homer who was just upset that the ACC didn't get 12 bids. Nice to see someone put him in his place.

- Northwestern State sinking a 3 to beat Iowa. A shot that will forever go down as "The shot that cost Steve Alford the Indiana job."

- LSU beating Duke. Not so much for the huge upset factor, but more because it proves that you don't have to play perfectly to knock off a number one anymore

- George Mason's run. Not only was it a great cinderella story, it was also an educational opportunity. Honestly, did you know who the heck George Mason, the founding father whose name is on the school, was before?

- Joakim Noah. Most second-generation athletes don't perform as well as their fathers do, usually because they know they have talent, but don't have the work ethic. Noah has proven that he's got both.

Catching up Part 1: NFL

2006-03-29T20:30:00.000-06:00

Hines Ward, with the KISSSSSS! (NFL.com)

Thoughts about the Super Bowl

Normally the Super Bowl is either a dominating coronation of the best team in the league, or a close struggle that is a game for the ages. So where does this fit in? Yes, Pittsburgh won, and deservedly so because they cashed in when Seattle couldn't. But the Steelers didn't dominate. In fact Seattle had more total yards and first downs.

I have the same feeling about the MVP. I really have no problem with Hines Ward winning, it's just there really wasn't a game changing or dominating performance by anyone.

I have a thought about Mike Holmgren's post-game comments about the officiating, it's just not something I want to print. Still, the officials served him a softball with the way they've been officiating this entire postseason, especially with the way they've called the instant replay. You have to wonder if the officials are blowing some of these replay calls to try and get replay thrown out.

The combine: Emphasis on "Wonder"

People are making way to much of a deal about Vince Young's alleged score of 6 on the Wonderlic test. The guy's got the football smarts and the intangibles to play QB at the NFL level. He'll show the physical abilities soon enough.

Now, you NFL personnel people don't have to completely hate on Vince, just hate on him enough to drop him down to the Cowboys' pick.

OK, back to reality...

The labor dispute: What labor dispute?

Former Oakland A's owner Charlie O. Finley once said that baseball should just forget about arbitration and make every player a free agent.

The union head at the time, Marvin Miller, reportedly hoped he was joking.

Why? Miller knew better than anyone that a market with a few key free agents creates scarcity and drives the salaries up, but a market flooded with free agents means demand outpaces supply and the salaries go down.

So what does this have to do with football?

Well, everyone seems to have been sweating the potential for an "uncapped" year when, in reality, it would have been a nightmare for the players.

See, a lot of players don't get cut from NFL rosters because owners are afraid of the dead cap space created when players with large signing bonuses are cut or traded. An uncapped year meant owners could sign freely, but they could also cut freely too which would have flooded the market with free agents.

Now you know why the players association caved again.

By the way, kudos to the NFL for getting this CBA done years ahead of time.

The Dallas Cowboys become "Dallas" the soap opera

Yeah, I know, I know, Terrell Owens is a Cowboy now.

And I'm glad to see a receiver with his talent, work ethic, and lack of arrest record on the Cowboys.

But I can't see this ending up anything but badly.

First off, Terrell's already on a short leash in Dallas, no thanks little stunt he pulled with the star some years ago. He may be a Cowboy, and there's not going to be a rush of people turning in their season tickets over this, but that doesn't mean Cowboys fans are automatically going to accept him in their uniform. If he doesn't produce a Super Bowl this year, Cowboys fans will let him have it.

Secondly, the Cowboys are already depleted at offensive line, and they just let future hall of famer Larry Allen go. And we all know that without a quality O-line, Drew Bledsoe is never gonna get Owens the football. And when Owens ain't getting the football, that's when the side of Terrell Owens that gets him in trouble comes out.

Thirdly, his coach is Bill Parcells. Parcells is practically bullet-proof when it comes to the media. We're talking about the only white male in the last 30 years of political correctness to utter the word "j*p" in a public setting and not get fired because of it. Terrell Owens may be able to hold his own in a PR battle with Steve Mariucci or Andy Reid, but he cannot possibly win a PR battle with Bill Parcells. At least if he had gone to Denver, he would have had a fighting chance in a PR battle with Mike Shanahan, who's coaching acumen has been frequently questioned since John Elway retired.

And it will be worse for Owens if Parcells quits or gets fired, because Owens will get the blame for that too (even if it's not his fault), which just will push him into Kobe Bryant territory.

Finally, there's too many potential match lighters in that locker room now. From Roy Williams, who almost ended Terrell Owens' season 2 years ago, to Mike Vanderjagt, who's not afraid to throw a guy under the bus himself, there's too many people who could potentially set Terrell off.

If any team is screaming for a reality show, it's this team.

"The Drive": College Edition?

2006-01-05T08:56:00.000-06:00

Top: Rich Karlis's OT field goal in the '86 AFC championship game never would have happened without John Elway's "Drive"(Tony Tomsic/Sports Illustrated) Bottom: Vince Young authored his own drive last night (Deborah Cannon/Austin American Statesman)

Broncos fans will probably argue that the end of the Rose Bowl was more like "The Fumble": Pete Carroll Edition than "The Drive": College Edition.

Plus, no one would confuse the slightly damp field and unseasonably humid conditions of the Rose Bowl for old Municipal Stadium in the January cold with the wind coming of Lake Erie

And, yeah, Vince Young had a shorter field than John Elway.

But the singular-minded determination of the winning quarterback is the same. Like John Elway in the AFC championship game almost two decades ago, Vince Young willed the Texas Longhorns to victory last night in the Rose Bowl.

And in Young's defense, he willed them to the score that set up the game winning drive as well.

Also, just like the 1987 AFC Championship catapulted Elway to legend status, the 2006 Rose Bowl may have done the same for Young.

For those of you old enough to remember, Elway was perceived as a million-dollar brat who got to choose his team prior to "The Drive." Afterward, well, he was on his way to the Hall of Fame.

Young wasn't given his due by a lot of media people and bloggers (myself included), but it was for more on-field reasons. He was always second to someone before then. Second to Cedric Benson in importance last year, second to Oklahoma in the Big 12 prior to this year, Second-best QB in the nation behind Matt Leinart coming into this year.

This year, while he finally emerged from all the other "seconds", he still was percieved by a lot of people as the second best player in the country, as evidenced by the Heisman vote.

Reggie Bush was supposed to be the next legend in the making, not Vince Young.

Now, Vince Young is the legend in the making.

And he needs to go pro now to take advantage of it. His draft stock will never be higher than it is now and Vince's hometown Houston Texans have the first pick in the draft. Can you imagine what it would be like if he took the Texans to the Super Bowl? Or if he had an Elway-esque career in Houston where he wins a couple Super Bowls and is the face of that franchise for a decade or more?

I know, as a Cowboys fan, I can already picture him in the Ring of Honor, but I don't think he'd be around by the time the Cowboys are picking this year.

Wherever he goes, Vince Young is going to be great, and we're going to look back on this Rose Bowl as the place where it started.

Happy New Year, everyone

2006-01-03T13:48:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year everyone,

Yeah, this whole blogging and working thing is neither blogging nor working very well, plus we hit a busy time at work because the thing we are supporting (which the non-disclosure clause I signed prevents me from saying what it actually is) was a hot christmas gift, so all of us at the center were putting in a lot of hours at work. Now it seems to have slowed down, so we should be back to regular posting shortly

After our Rose Bowl post: Big XII bowl wrap.

post delayed

2005-12-23T23:57:00.000-06:00

... no thanks to work

Tomorrow: A recap of the Fort Worth bowl

Heartbreaking

2005-12-22T23:20:00.000-06:00

Tony Dungy's son James was killed in his apartment outside Tampa today. Police ruled it a "suicide".

Naturally with a death this inexplicable and senseless, which happened the son of one of the few likeable figures and truly grounded individuals in sports today, there was no other sports story in America today.

One question.

Why?

Especially to a kid like James Dungy, a kid anyone would want their kids to be friends with. From all we've heard so far about James from the people who know him (via the media), he's active in his community and a generally a likeable person. You know, kind of like his dad.

How does that type of person kill himself? This has to be something other than a suicide.

Don't let this person sub at your school

2005-12-21T21:51:00.000-06:00

Accused child cyber-predator Dwayne Allen Lawhon (Texas Attorney General)

OK, the above pictured dude is sick.

This dude, Dwayne Allen Lawhon, was caught in an internet sting because he tried to hook up with a police officer posing as a 14 year old girl. Oh by the way, he works at the Pflugerville (Texas) School District as a high school substitute teacher where he is around 14 year old girls every time he gets a sub call.

When I had my sub job at a different Austin-area school district, they had to do so many background checks that they knew how many speeding tickets I had and how much money was in my bank account. Was Pflugerville's HR department asleep at the wheel or is just the the first time he got caught?

If there are any parents out there reading this, please put parental controls on your computer, please monitor where your kids are going online, and please, please, whatever you do don't let them go anywhere with someone they met online.

Mainly because guys like this don't always talk to cops. Sometimes they actually talk to kids.

(Would have done a sports take today, but this was too disturbing not to blog on.)

Big 12 Bowl Schedule

2005-12-20T20:17:00.000-06:00

Fort Worth Bowl
December 23rd, 7:00 PM Central
TV: ESPN
Kansas vs. Houston

Champs Sports (formerly Tangerine) Bowl
December 27th, 4:00 PM Central
TV: ESPN
Colorado vs. Clemson

Mastercard Alamo Bowl
December 28th, 7:00 PM Central
TV: ESPN
Nebraska vs. Michigan

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
December 29th, 7:00 PM Central
TV: ESPN
Oklahoma vs. Oregon

Independence Bowl
December 30th, 2:30 PM Central
TV: ESPN
Missouri vs. South Carolina

EV1.net Houston Bowl
December 31st, 1:30 PM Central
TV: ESPN
Iowa State vs. TCU

AT&T Cotton Bowl
January 2nd, 10:00 AM Central
TV: Fox (KTBC 7)
Texas Tech vs. Alabama

Rose Bowl presented by Citi
January 4, 7:00 PM Central
Texas vs. USC

Speechless.

2005-12-19T18:08:00.000-06:00

This is what getting sacked 7 times looks like (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

I can hear Jeff Kaye's opening line to the Cowboys' video yearbook now:

"One week, the 2005 Dallas Cowboys looked like world beaters, the next they looked like they could do nothing right"

Seriously. I think the Texans and Cowboys switched uniforms because the Texans actually won yesterday to pull even with the 49ers in the Reggie Bush sweepstakes.

The story of the Cowboys' game is much like their loss to the Giants two weeks ago: Too much pressure on the quarterback (7 sacks), and too many picks that resulted from pressure (4).

The Cowboys' line was supposed to be better than this.

New Posting Schedule

2005-12-18T21:54:00.000-06:00

Dear Readers of Cheap Seats, Spur of the Moment, and Double T Ranch:

As I said earlier this week on Cheap Seats, I have a new permanent job working in a cube in an office. Which is nice, because unlike being a substitute teacher, I will actually have some more money to live off of.

However, it also means somethings in my life that I enjoy doing, like blogging, will have to fall around my work schedule. It will be a challenge, because I also want to save time for my off the internet friends as well, and finish this novel. But, I'm not giving this up like a lot of people do when they get a new job. I've got a small group of regular readers now, and I want to keep posting for y'all.

However, having an 8-hour/day job means I can do two blog entries a day on most days.

This will be an especially daunting challenge since I have to make 3 posts a week on both of my blogs on Most Valuable Network because of MVN rules, and Monday through Friday on Cheap Seats since you all expect it from me by now.

But, I think I've been able to formulate a schedule that works:

***Post Schedule***
Blog	Su	M	Tu	W	Th	F
Cheap Seats		X	X	X	X	X
Spur of the Moment		X		X		X
Double T Ranch	X		X		X

An X means you should definitely expect a post that day. If it's blank, there will be posts only if there is breaking news or for some special events like Conference Tournament Watch in March on Cheap Seats, playoff game recaps on Spur of the Moment, or football game and Big 12 Tournament/NCAA Tournament recaps on Double T Ranch.

As for times, I don't know when in the day the posts will come. If I'm working days, it may be after 6:00 PM Central. If I'm working nights, it may be sometime in the afternoon before 3:00 PM Central.

For readers on Double T Ranch and Spur of the Moment, it means that posts will be more like "reporter's notebooks" that you see in your daily paper, with news items and short recaps. The difference is that it will also include short takes from me, because, well, they're blogs and bloggers bloviate (sorry Bill O'Reilly). It's what we do.

Readers of Cheap Seats are already familiar with this style of mine from my Weekend Wrap-Ups and Conference Tournament Watch, so expect more of the same unless there's one thing I really feel like writing at length on.

So anyway, that's how things are going to be from now on. Hopefully I can keep this blogging thing up long as I can.

Sincerely,
R. D. Baker

BREAKING NEWS: Austin Police investigate incidents involving UT football players

2005-12-16T21:57:00.000-06:00

In a story to be published tomorrow, The Austin American-Statesman is reporting that they are investigating several UT athletes, including (apparently) some members of the football team about robberies and assaults that occured earlier this month.

Orangebloods.com is reporting the same story, but give more exact details:

Four Longhorn football players, including three starters (two defensive and one offensive), are being investigated by Austin police for robbery and assault in two separate incidents. The first alleged incident occurred on September 4 with the other happening last weekend in the early morning hours of December 10. Two of the names that have surfaced include starting running back Ramonce Taylor and starting cornerback Cedric Griffin.

Naturally, no one at UT is commenting at this point, which is what you would expect in a case where the story just broke and involves criminal allegations.

The only one talking is the player's "legal advisor", who just so happens to be former Travis County District Attorney Ken Oden (It's Travis County, I'll let you take a stab as to what political party he's from), who now works as a criminal defense attorney.

Normally, Oden's hourly fee is more than you or I could afford. The athletic department must be picking up the tab on this (or some booster), because I don't think these athletes could afford him otherwise.

Get in trouble, get a high powered attorney to represent you on someone else's dime. Must be a nice recruiting pitch for Mack Brown.

In other Big XII football news...
- Dan Hawkins was named new head coach at Colorado (an institution which probably has some empathy for what Texas is going through right about now).
- Gary Darnell, who was formerly an assistant under John Mackovic at UT before accepting the Western Michigan head coaching job, was hired as Texas A&M's new defensive coordinator. Longhorn fans, who remember how bad UT's defenses were in the Mackovic era, were naturally blowing up the sports talk lines today to bag on A&M.
- Texas Tech's L.A. Reed and Marquis Walker have been suspended for the Cotton Bowl for "violations of team rules. Those better be real serious violations. Hope whatever y'all did was worth it. (Double T Ranch)

New Job

2005-12-14T23:55:00.000-06:00

Hey folks.

I just recently got a 9-5 job at a tech support place here in Austin, so Cheap Seats may not be every weekday for a while as I'm still figuring out how to balance a regular job, 3 blogs, the novel, and a social life and still find time for NCAA 2006.

But once I figure things out, we will be back to Monday-Friday.

So keep checking.

- RD

A study in contrasts.

2005-12-12T22:07:00.000-06:00

A team that finds a way to win games

(Associated Press)

A team that finds a way to lose games:

(Associated Press)

BREAKING NEWS: Barnett possibly on the outs in Colorado

2005-12-07T11:19:00.000-06:00

Gary Barnett vidcap from press conference about Katie Hnida remarks 11/17/2004 (KMGH 7 Denver)

1300 The Zone in Austin, TX is reporting that Gary Barnett's contract with Colorado has not been renewed after all.

If that's true, the coach once thought to be immune to the twin forces of scandal and mediocrity that have killed the careers of other coaches, may turn out to be mortal after all.

Which, except for Ward Churchill, who isn't going anywhere because of tenure (something that should never be granted to any professor in a department with the word "studies" in its title. It should be reserved for science, math, English, economics, medicine, law, and foreign language profs only.*), eliminates all the problem children at the University of Colorado.

UPDATE! (12/7/05):
The Denver Post is the source of the story presented on The Zone, but they are citing "sources close to the contract talks."

Stay tuned.

* - Personal note: I had aspirations of being a history professor at one time, and knew a lot of profs in the history and "studies" fields, so I know giving one of those guys tenure is a waste of resources.

A Country Song for the Cowboys' season

2005-12-06T21:10:00.000-06:00

(Julie Jacobson/AP)

Tell me why I'm still crying over you
Tell me why I wound up such a fool
Tell me when these heartaches will be through
Tell me why I'm still crying over you

- Joe Barnhill "Tell Me Why (I'm Still Crying Over You)"
(from ESPN's World Series of Poker telecasts)

There's a lot of old country songs that have this similar theme. You love your woman, but she just keeps letting you down

That's kind of how a lot of Cowboys fans feel about this year's edition of the squad. We all love 'em, and they've got the talent to do great things, but they keep letting us down at the worst possible times.

Last Saturday, for instance, they had a chance to take command of the division against a team that has similar late game issues and lost a heartbreaker. Now they are in a tough spot in terms of playoffs. They have also lost heartbreakers to Washington, Denver, Oakland, and Seattle.

Some say they need to win 3 of their last 4 to make the playoffs. Some think they need to win all four.

Considering the next three games are against a red hot Kansas City team, Washington (who have already beaten the Cowboys once) at FedEx Field, and a tough Carolina team, that's a tall order.

So it's very likely this team, which looked like a playoff contender at the start of the year, could let us down big time at the end. Just like a country song.

So what's wrong with the 'Boys?

Weekend Wrap-Up: "PWNED!" Edition

2005-12-05T23:11:00.000-06:00

Colleges

Big Story of the Weekend: UT; USC PWNED their opposition

For those of you not familiar with "'leet speak," (the language that gamers used to use to look cool, but is now sort of mainstreamed and looks dumb) "PWNED!" means "I just beat you badly". It's a form of electronic trash talk.

Basically, one day a gamer got a little overexcited after thrashing his competition, meant to type "OWNED!" and accidentally hit the "p" key instead of the "o" key (which are right next to each other on the keyboard). Hence, "PWNED!"

Where am I going with this? UT PWNED Colorado to the tune of 70-3. It was a beating so bad that Vince Young and the starters only played a little over half the game.

Not to be outdone, USC PWNED their crosstown rival UCLA, at the time ranked #12 in the coaches poll, 66-19. Reggie Bush, whom everyone is now comparing to Kansas's Gale Sayers, made himself not just the frontrunner, but the only legit Heisman candidate at this point after rolling up 260 yards on the Bruins. So you could say that Bush has "PWNED" his Heisman competition also.

Now it's 3 weeks of hype until the Rose Bowl.

Stay tuned.

Other Championship Week thoughts

I had Georgia ranked ahead of LSU in my preseason poll, to which Tiger fans gave me no end of grief. Strangely, after Georgia beat LSU, which basically confirmed that they should have been rated ahead of the Tigers to begin with, the LSU fans are surprisingly silent.
If Frank Beamer feels bad after his Hokies were upset in the first ever ACC title game, he can console with Tom Osborne. Osborne's Huskers were favored in the first ever Big XII title game and were upset by Texas.
Microsoft's XBox 360 was a presenting sponsor for the Conference USA title game. Fittingly, Tulsa and Central Florida played a very EA Sports NCAA 2006-type game as the Golden Hurricane won 44-27
What happened to Fresno State? They followed up a brilliant performance against USC with two inexplicable losses to Nevada and Louisiana Tech.
Army-Navy, always a classic. Can't say anything bad about either team because they both got more important jobs than the NFL ahead of them.
Congratulations to Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, who are in the semifinals of the I-AA playoffs. They take on Northern Iowa this Saturday at Bobcat Stadium. (Playoffs! In Football! What a concept!)

NFL

New York 17, Dallas 10

Speaking of PWNAGE, Drew Bledsoe was just absolutely harassed by the Giants' front 4 yesterday. He was sacked 4 times, fumbled twice and was forced into throwing picks twice, both the result of pressure.

Game Ball: Giants Defense

Normally, I give this to the best Cowboy, but New York's defense put on a clinic and you can't ignore a performance like that.

Baltimore 16, Houston 15

And, what discussion of getting "PWNED" in sports would be complete without mentioning the Houston Texans, who seem to have it happen to them every week. This week, they actually made Kyle Boller look like a competent NFL quarterback.

Game Ball: Kris Brown

Accounted for all of Houston's 15 points, which actually speaks to how bad the Texans are rather than how good Brown is.

Cheap Seats Big XII Awards, presented by Double T Ranch

2005-11-30T11:29:00.000-06:00

Well, we handed out our preseason awards, now it's time to hand out our postseason awards.

Since I like the college convention of naming awards after great players and coaches, I thought I would do the same with my awards. The naming criteria was that they had to have played in the Big XII era (1996-present), starred for a Big XII team, and fit the award given out.

So here's a brief explanation of the awards, and why I named them as such.

Ricky Williams Award - No this is *not* "Most likely to smoke the sticky icky". This is our Offensive Player of the Year award. Why? Well, once upon a time, Ricky Williams was the best running back in the Big XII, a Heisman Trophy winner, and was the DI-A's all-time leading rusher when he graduated.

Roy Willams Award - The Roy Williams Award, which goes to our Defensive Player of the Year, is named after the Roy Williams who played safety for Oklahoma before becoming an All-Pro with the Dallas Cowboys.

Wes Welker Award - This goes to our Special Teams Player of the Year (kickers, punters, and returners). Welker, who's now with the Dolphins, was Texas Tech's special teams ace from 1999-2003 and he graduated with the most punt return TDs in Division I-A history.

Eric Crouch Award - I wanted to also give out an award for a player who was the "Most Valuable to his Team". Not necessarily the best, just someone whose team could least afford to lose him. Someone whose play made that team more successful than it would have been otherwise. Obviously, Eric Crouch typifies this sort of award. He made that 2000 Nebraska team what it was, and the program began to fall apart once he left.

Tom Osborne Award - This is our Coach of the Year, and the name selection was obvious. Osborne was was really the first coach the Big XII had with any kind of national credibility.

Adrian Peterson Award - Our "Freshman of the Year". Peterson's freshman campaign was one of the best ever in college football history, and certainly the best ever in the Big XII.

Michael Bishop Award - Obviously, junior college transfers have become increasingly important as programs under pressure try to reload in a hurry. So in recognition of the transfer who most thrived in the pressure situation of learning a new system while adjusting to the faster pace of the Big 12, we present this award for "Transfer of the Year", named after former Blinn Junior College star Michael Bishop, who went on to lead Kansas State to within one upset loss of a National Title Game.

The envelope please...

Ricky Williams Award
(Offensive Player of the Year)
Vince Young, Texas
First off, they guy is a playmaker all by himself. What's made the difference is that he's made a Donovan McNabb-like transformation in his passing ability, mainly his accuracy. He's a true dual-threat QB now, not just a scrambler.

Our Preseason Pick: Adrian Peterson
If Oklahoma had gotten off to a better start *and* had beaten Texas, Peterson probably would have gotten the award, but he was hurt by having a green QB running the passing attack and a young defense that's still growing into it's roles. Still, he's put up good numbers despite all the problems OU has had this year.

Roy Williams Award
(Defensive Player of the Year)
Dwayne Slay
Slay is the biggest reason Texas Tech improved on defense this year. He's a hard hitter and playmaker who had 68 solo tackles and 101 overall tackles. He also showed some playmaking ability as he led the conference in forced fumbles.

Our Preseason Pick: Charles Gordon, Kansas
He really got overshadowed by his teammate Nick Reid, and people just quit throwing to his side of the field. Plus, Kansas's offense was so bad that it put their defense in too many awkward situations.

Wes Welker Award
Special Teams Player of the Year
Mason Crosby
The Georgetown, Texas native made a statement on opening week when he kicked Colorado to victory over Colorado State. When the Buffalo offense wasn't on track, Crosby's leg kept them in a lot of ball games.

Our Preseason Pick: Todd Pegram, Texas A&M
I did not pick very well with this one. I really thought Pegram would be a contributing factor to more wins for A&M. Oh well.

Eric Crouch Award
Most Valuable to His Team
Brad Smith, Missouri
This was a tough award to choose. Young could have won this one too, but they won the Texas A&M game largely in spite of his bad day. Bret Meyer was under consideration until Iowa State failed to win the Big 12 North after Colorado basically handed them the title. I could have picked Taurean Henderson also, but Dwayne Slay was just as important to the Red Raiders' improvement.
In the end, Brad Smith's improvement mirrored Missouri's improvement from last year's disappointment to one of this years' bowl teams.

Tom Osborne Award
Coach of the Year
Mack Brown, Texas
Before this year, we said, like a lot of people, that Mack Brown was a coach who folded when the spotlight was biggest, and that one close Rose Bowl did not make a career. Well, his Horns won on the road at Ohio State, beat OU to end a long losing streak, and exposed an undefeated Texas Tech team. Oh, and he's also 11-0 and on the verge of playing for a national title.

Our preseason pick: Bob Stoops, Oklahoma
Wow, not only did Bob Stoops get rolled by Mack Brown, he lost to Mike Leach for the first time *and* saw his Sooners rolled by TCU and UCLA. To his credit, however, Stoops rallied the Sooners late in the year and OU should be contenders next year if recruiting goes well.

Adrian Peterson Award
Freshman of the Year
Jamaal Charles, Texas
Until he got injured, Charles was putting up decent numbers and was part of the reason the Longhorns were able to balance their offense and take the heat off of Vince Young.

Michael Bishop Award
Transfer of the Year
Robert Johnson, Texas Tech
RoJo not only had to learn a new offense and adjust to the speed of the Big 12 in his transfer year, he moved from quarterback to reciever in this whole process. Yeah, Tech's recievers put up great numbers, but he basically had to walk, chew gum, and do his taxes at the same time while putting up those numbers.

And now, the Cheap Seats all-conference teams...

**All Big-XII First Team**
Pos.	Player	School	Pos.	Player	School
QB	Vince Young	Texas	DL	Dusty Dvoracek	Oklahoma
RB	Adrian Peterson	Oklahoma	DL	Adam Carricker	Nebraska
RB	Taurean Henderson	Texas Tech	DL	Rodrique Wright	Texas
TE	David Thomas	Texas	DL	Charlton Keith	Kansas
WR	Jarrett Hicks	Texas Tech	LB	Nick Reid	Kansas
WR	Robert Johnson	Texas Tech	LB	Aaron Harris	Texas
WR	Joel Filani	Texas Tech	LB	Rufus Alexander	Oklahoma
OL	Johnathan Scott	Texas	LB	Justin Warren	Texas A&M
OL	Will Allen	Texas	CB	Cedrick Griffin	Texas
OL	Mark Fenton	Colorado	S	Dwayne Slay	Texas Tech
OL	Justin Blalock	Texas	S	Michael Huff	Texas
OL	Davin Joseph	Oklahoma	CB	Charles Gordon	Kansas
K	Mason Crosby	Colorado	P	Daniel Sepulveda	Baylor
Ret	Aaron Ross	Texas	Ret	Charles Gordon	Kansas

**All-Big XII Second Team**
Pos.	Player	School	Pos.	Player	School
QB	Bret Meyer	Iowa State	DL	Tim Crowder	Texas
RB	Cory Ross	Nebraska	DL	Larry Dibbles	Texas
RB	Jamaal Charles	Texas	DL	Brian Robison	Texas
TE	Joel Klopfenstein	Colorado	DL	Calvin Thibodeaux	Oklahoma
WR	D'Juan Woods	Oklahoma State	LB	Tim Dobbins	Iowa State
WR	Travis Wilson	Oklahoma	LB	Corey McKeon	Nebraska
WR	Jason Carter	Texas A&M	LB	Brandon Perkins	Kansas
OL	Tony Palmer	Missouri	LB	Clint Ingram	Oklahoma
OL	Jeromey Clary	Kansas State	CB	Marcus King	Missouri
OL	E.J. Whitley	Texas Tech	S	Willie Andrews	Baylor
OL	Kasey Studdard	Texas	S	Vincent Meeks	Texas Tech
OL	Corey Hilliard	Oklahoma State	CB	Michael Griffin	Texas
K	Scott Webb	Kansas	P	Sam Koch	Nebraska
Ret	Shaun Rochon	Baylor	Ret	DeAndre Jackson	Iowa State

Irvin case proves sports media is just as biased as the regular media.

2005-11-29T09:40:00.000-06:00

In case you haven't heard by now, Michael Irvin, the former Cowboys great, future hall of famer (if the anti-Cowboys bias doesn't keep him out like it did Bullet Bob Hayes), and commentator for ESPN, was arrested for "possession of drug paraphernalia", which nobody knows exactly what, but it's small enough to fit in a glove box.

Irvin's explanation is that he took it from a friend to try and get him help, placed in a place where his kids couldn't get it, and forgot about it.

I'm sort of inclined to believe Irvin in this circumstance. He has cleaned up his life since a 2000 arrest for marijuana possession, and committed to Jesus Christ as his savior. And frankly, a guy who gets clean isn't a hypocrite for trying to get others clean. Heck, they're in a better position to tell someone to quit than the rest of us, because they've suffered the consequences and seen others die.

And until the police find drugs in a toxicology screen from Irvin, then whatever it is they found isn't his. (And because of his record, they had probable cause to get a warrant for a tox screen at any point before they released him.)

But naturally, he's taking the heat from sports columnists like Gil LeBreton, who don't have all the facts.

Why? Irvin's a born-again Christian and the media, even the sports media, is anti-Christian. But then again, they are educated at the same schools where the rest of the mainstream media is educated, so that's no surprise.

After all, this is the same mainstream media that turned on their "feel good story" Kurt Warner after he said "Thank you Jesus" when accepting the Lombardi Trophy in 2000. It's the same mainstream media who blasted the late Reggie White, Baptist minister and defensive end for the Packers, for making remarks to the Wisconsin legislature that the politcally correct left didn't agree with. It's the same mainstream media that throws Deion Sanders' "Must Be the Money" video in his face now that he's converted and doesn't care about money as much as he used to. And it's the same mainstream media that revels in every loss by Air Force, simply because it's one of the few institutions in America where the rights of Christians are unrestricted.

However, LeBreton's attack is particularly sinister. He labeled Irvin a "con", then tried to cover his tracks by saying he was referring to a "con man".

Problem is, "con" in media parlance is also short for "conservative", (e.g. "neocon"), and, in leftist terms, "conservative" is synonymous with "Christian". However, the media shortens it to "con" so that you, the reader, confuse "conservative"(which is where on the political grid the media puts Christians) with "con man".

Nice try Gil, we know what you really meant.

Where's News Busters when you need them?

Weekend Wrap-Up "Almost another BCS mess edition"

2005-11-28T10:34:00.000-06:00

Colleges

Big story of the weekend:Big 12 Championship Game set

The Big 12 South was decided 2 weeks ago when Oklahoma State's victory over Texas Tech clinched the North title for Texas.

The Big 12 North was a bit more complicated. Colorado had first shot to claim it, but were blown out by Nebraska 30-3

Then Iowa State got it's shot to win the title, but Kansas upset the Cyclones 24-21 with a brilliant fourth quarter.

So now that the smoke has cleared, who wins the Big XII North? Colorado.

Yikes!

Blog Links:
Buffs.TV game thread
Husker Jon
Phog Blog

Big 12 Games

Texas 40, Texas A&M 29

Texas was going to the Big 12 championship regardless of what happened in this game. However, A&M backup QB Stephen McGee almost singlehandedly beat the Longhorns by himself as he was the game's leading rusher and notched a couple rushing touchdowns.

In the end, Texas's defense kept them in the ballgame late and Raymonce Taylor added a couple rushing TDs of his own to keep their championship aspirations alive.

Recaps:
Burnt Orange Nation (formerly All Things Longhorn)
Texas A&M and Baseball

Oklahoma 42, Oklahoma State 14

In case you had forgotten, Adrian Peterson is really a good player. He had 237 yards on 24 carries to lead the Sooners to a Bedlam Game victory.

Recap:
My Opinion On Sports
Gaylord Memorial Gathering

Our Adopted Team

Southern Miss 26, Tulane 7

In a Hurricane Katrina makeup game, Southern Miss's Dustin Almond threw for 276 yards to beat Tulane and, mercifully put an end to Tulane's season.

However, Since Tulane went 2-9 under Cheap Seats "adoption", CPS has stepped in and removed the Green Wave from our care and placed them in a foster home.

Around the State

SMU 40, UTEP 27

Jordan Palmer still looks like a legit pro prospect, but Jerad Romo was better on this day.

Houston 35, Rice 18

Behind the passing of Kevin Kolb, Houston wins the Bayou Bucket easily.

BlogPoll Ballot

NFL

Breaking NFL News: ESPNEWS is reporting that Steve Mariucci has been fired by the Detroit Lions

Denver Broncos 24, Dallas Cowboys 21 (OT)

Thankfully the Giants lost in Seattle, otherwise the Cowboys would be behind the 8-ball as far as winning the division. As for the game, Billy Cundiff showed why he got cut the first time, as he botched what would have been a game-winning field goal.

Game Ball: Jason Witten
He was the Cowboys leading reciever in terms of yards and receptions, and he scored an important TD

Recap: The Cowboy Roundup

St. Louis 33, Houston 27

OK, one thing to allow a big comeback, quite another when it's a guy from Harvard leading the other teams' comeback. Harvard!

Game Ball: David Carr
Believe it or not, Carr actually helped this team get out to a lead. He finished with 293 yards and 3 TDs.

Off for Thanksgiving

2005-11-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

I will be off for the next 3 days, as I'm heading to San Angelo, Texas for Thanksgiving with my family. I will be back Monday to recap all the week's games.

Here's a quick preview before I go:

Turkey Day
Denver at Dallas (3:15 CBS)
This is an important game for Dallas. New York is playing Seattle on Sunday, a potential loss for the Giants as the Seahawks can wrap up a playoff spot with a win. Dallas can put some pressure on the Giants with a win.

It won't be easy, however, as Denver is shaping up to be a playoff favorite in the AFC.

Turkey Day +1
Texas at Texas A&M (11:00 PM ABC)
A&M would like nothing more than to spoil the Longhorns' Rose Bowl aspirations anyway, but A&M also needs this game to become bowl eligible. Still, 10 other teams have wanted to kill the Rose Bowl aspirations of Texas and Vince Young has killed 'em, every time.

Nebraska at Colorado (2:30 PM ABC)
If Colorado wins, they are the Big 12 Champs. If not, there's a huge mess to determine who plays Texas.

Saturday
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State (2:30 PM ABC)
Even with nothing to play for, the Bedlam Game is always a fun one to watch.

Sunday
St. Louis at Houston (12:00 PM Fox)
Speaking of nothing to play for, this game is like the turkey leftovers you've been trying to finish off for the last 3 days.

Happy Thanksgiving.

College Hoops Tourneys: They're FAN-tastic!

2005-11-23T00:59:00.000-06:00

I know it's still football season, but these early season college hoops tournaments are rapidly becoming "Must See TV"

After all, where else in the early season are you going to get matchups like Syracuse-Florida, Texas-Iowa, Kansas-Arizona, and Arizona-UConn?

Traditionally, the best games are almost always in the Maui Invitational. The field is almost always stacked, and even though it's a single elimination tournament, everyone plays consolation games, so you are pretty much guaranteed 2 good opponents for your RPI, 3 if you don't have to face Chaminade (which doesn't count in your RPI either way).

And this year was no exception with 4 top-10 teams UConn, Michigan State, Gonzaga, and Arizona in the mix along with Maryland, Arkansas, and Kansas. That's a lot of combined national championships in one building.

The best game of a lot of great games had to be the Triple-OT thriller between Gonzaga, everyone's mid-major darling, and Michigan State. That was an incredible, hard-fought game. The only thing ugly about that game was Adam Morrison's mustache.

There were a lot of close games in the Guardians Classic as well. In the semis, Texas edged West Virginia, an Elite 8 team from last year, by one point, while Iowa shocked Kentucky 67-63. Iowa almost pulled off another shocker in the finals, but Texas pulled away late to win.

And, we still got a Preseason NIT final four that features Duke, UCLA, and Memphis to come.

If this doesn't get you pumped for college hoops, check your pulse.

2005-11-21T11:06:00.000-06:00

Colleges

Big story of the weekend:Texas Tech ekes out controversial win over OU

One thing we can say about this game: Both sides have plenty to complain about with regard to the officiating.

If Taurean Henderson doesn't get in on that last play, Tech fans would be complaining about that call and the out of bounds reversal on the previous play on an apparent Joel Filani score.

As it is, OU fans are crying foul about Henderson's score. Even accusing the Texas Tech student newspaper for "doctoring" a photo because it showed Henderson getting in the end zone. (This, of course, from fans that are praised by Every Day Should Be Saturday for their Photoshop masterpieces)

Generally though, if there's a bad call at the end of the game, there's things your team could have done during the game to make the call a non-issue. And frankly, both teams could stand to make improvements before they head off to their respective bowl games.

OU, for instance, could stand to get more than 118 yards from Rhett Bomar. They also failed to halt Taurean Henderson before the final play, allowing 109 yards rushing, and this is after their Bedlam Series rivals held Henderson to negative yardage the previous week.

Texas Tech could stand to improve it's pass protection as Cody Hodges was harassed all game long by OU's pass rush.

Big 12 Games

Baylor 44, Oklahoma State 34

It's too bad Baylor couldn't pull off one more conference win, but they did knock out OSU from bowl eligibility.

Kansas State 36, Missouri 28

This was a very emotional game for the K-State Wildcats as Bill Snyder, the man who brought Kansas State, a program that was the laughing stock of the old Big 8, to the brink of a BCS championship (a dream rudely ended by Texas A&M), annouced his retirement prior to the game. As much as we joke here about how Snyder liked to schedule easy non-conference games, he will be missed greatly.

Our Adopted Team

Tulsa 38, Tulane 14

I don't know what to say anymore. Maybe the grind of playing every game on the road is getting to this team. Tulane came out flat, Tulsa came out focused and just blew the Green Wave away.

Around the State

UAB 35, UTEP 23

UTEP blows it's first opportunity to clinch a C-USA title but a win against SMU next week will still give it to him.

How about UAB's Darrell Hackney? 4 TD passes? If I'm an NFL team, I'd be willing to take this guy on a late round flyer.

SMU 29, Houston 24

Rarely does a safety make a difference in a ballgame. However, a snap that went over the head of Kevin Kolb and out of the back of the end zone effectively put a 3-point deficit out of reach for the Cougars.

NFL

Sunday's Games

Cowboys 20, Lions 7

Is there a running back controversy in Dallas? Julius Jones had 92 yards, but Marion Barber had both rushing touchdowns. Hmmm...

Game Ball: Billy Cundiff
In his first game back with the Cowboys, Cundiff hit the longest field goal in Cowboys history and was perfect on 2 field goal attempts.

Kansas City 45, Houston 17

Is this score really a surprise? This is a team that needs serious help in the draft at all positions. They might as well start looking seeing as how they are already on the clock for the first pick

Game Ball: Larry Johnson
211 yards in a game is impressive, even if they are playing the Texans.

Texas rolls to Guardian's semifinals; Texas Tech KOed by Syracuse.

2005-11-17T11:30:00.000-06:00

P.J. Tucker elevates over Samford's Jerry Smith (Austin American-Statesman/Ricardo B. Brazziell)

OK, the games were against Southern and Samford. However, the fact that the Longhorns came out and completely dominated two teams that shouldn't even be sharing the same court with them signals that they are right on track.

Why? Great teams beat bad teams badly. Great teams don't play to the level of their competition.

The most impressive performances came from the two Longhorns who missed significant time last season. P.J. Tucker, who missed last season due to academic suspension, had 18 and 22 points in the two games (an average of 20 PPG even). LaMarcus Aldridge, who missed most of last year with an injury, had a double-double both games and led all Longhorn scorers with 19 points in the Southern game.

They face their first real test in their next game against West Virginia, who knocked out Texas Tech in last year's regionals, almost knocked off Louisville in the regional final, and returns most of the core of that roster.

And if they get through that, it's the winner of Iowa-Kentucky in the finals of the Guardians Classic.

Meanwhile, this year's Texas Tech team just realized how far away from elite status they really are. A sweet 16 team last year, the Red Raiders were demolished by Gerry McNamara and the Syracuse Orange. in the semifinals of the Coaches vs. Cancer classic. It could be a bad sign for things to come as the Raiders' big guns, Jarrious Jackson and Martin Zeno, melted under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden and a Dickie V ESPN telecast. Also, the Raiders were unable to handle Syracuse's 2-3 zone, something the Raiders handled better last year when they had Devonne Giles.

Weekend Wrap-Up "Roy Williams Pick Six" edition

2005-11-15T22:34:00.000-06:00

Somehow, losing Terrell Owens gets the Eagles 10 more points against the Cowboys. Earlier in the season, the Cowboys blew up the Eagles, and that was when TO was in the lineup.

This time, the Eagles still lost, but they lost on a late "pick six" by Roy Williams on a very curious pass on 2nd and 7 late in the 4th when the Eagles should have run it to run out the clock.

Oh well, the Cowboys will take the win, I'm sure.

As for the college ranks? What did we learn from the SEC's big weekend in the spotlight? No one in the SEC can execute on offense.

Colleges

Big story of the weekend:Texas has clear shot to BCS

Between Texas sticking it to notorious whiner Mark Mangino and previously undefeated Alabama losing to LSU, Texas basically controls its own BCS destiny. All they have to do is beat A&M and beat the champ of a weak Big 12 North.

As for Kansas, Mangino reportedy blames the BCS for scoring the 66 points on his ballclub.

Other Big 12 Games

Oklahoma State 24, Texas Tech 17

Tech's Leading Rusher in this game: Cody Hodges with 36 yards. Taurean Henderson had -6. Now OU knows the key to stopping Tech.

Oklahoma 36, Texas A&M 30

That Iowa State loss looms a lot larger than it did weeks ago. If not for that loss, playing Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Texas in their last 3 games wouldn't have been such a task.

Iowa State 30, Colorado 16

Thanks to an uncharacteristic blow up by Gary Barnett's bunch, the Big 12 North is up for grabs once again.

Nebraska 27, Kansas State 25

Nebraska is now bowl eligible and could very well play for a Big 12 Championship if they win and everyone else loses.

Missouri 31, Baylor 16

Well, Baylor's dream season ends one game short of bowl eligibility. Sorry Bears, better luck next year (Ha ha ha ha, "next year", that's a good one).

Anyway, Missouri still has an outside chance to get the Big 12 North, but they need a little help.

Our Adopted Team

Rice 42, Tulane 34

Yeah, I know Rice is glad to have the nation's longest current win streak off their backs, but did they have to beat up a bunch of poor, defenseless Hurricane Katrina refugees to do it?

Eh, it's football, who am I kidding.

NFL

Sunday's Games

Dallas 21, Philadelphia 20

Let's not kid ourselves here. Philadelphia outplayed Dallas until the 4th quarter, when Roy Williams bailed out the Cowboys with that interception return.

Game Ball: Roy Williams
You make the game winning play, you always get the game ball. Unless it's the owner's birthday or something.

Indianapolis 31, Houston 17

This game was pretty much over when it kicked off. Houston wasn't going to do anything to stop the Colts from going 9-0.

Game Ball: Vernand Morency
For putting up one of the few Houston scores.

WAR Missouri Firing Quin Snyder! (Part 1)

2005-11-15T08:36:00.000-06:00

Sam Houston State's Jejuan Plair mugs Missouri's Jimmy McKinney. (L. G. Patterson/AP)

Unfortunately, the alleged assault depicted above wasn't the biggest crime committed last night. The biggest crime was all the Missouri fans who were promised Big XII-quality basketball and got collectively ripped off.

Sam Houston State, who only occasionally makes the tournament as a 16 seed, beat the Tigers 80-77 in the first round of the Preseason NIT.

Missouri sucks and Quin Snyder is responsible. Norm Stewart, wherever he is, must cringe whenever he views at a Mizzou game. Everything Stewart built, Quin is about to destroy.

I know Snyder has support from key Missouri donors, but are these donors even paying attention to what they paid for? I don't think they're spending all this money just go get scandal and underachieving.

(Weekend Wrap-Up later)

Weekend Wrap-Up Tomorrow.

2005-11-14T22:49:00.000-06:00

How does losing Terrell Owens makes a 10 point difference for the Eagles?

How far have the Aggies fallen?

How can anyone stop Texas?

How the hell does Texas Tech lose to OSU?

What kind of people are the Rice Owls for beating up on a poor group of hurricane refugees?

What is Mark Mangino going to blame this loss to Texas on?

What the hell was Gary Barnett thinking?

The answers to these and more questions on the next episode of: Cheap Seats!

Weekend Preview - 11/11/2005

2005-11-11T09:09:00.000-06:00

Yes, it's a big weekend for the SEC as one and possibly both divisions of the SEC could be decided this weekend. But never fear, Big XII fans, there's still plenty of intrigue in the Big XII as 3 teams have a chance to become bowl eligible this weekend. Oh, and both Big XII divisions could be wrapped up this week also.

Colleges

Big 12/Texas Game of the week
Texas A&M at Oklahoma
11:00 AM ABC

Overview
This matchup isn't the Big XII South-shaping game that many people thought when they looked at the schedule in preseason. However, to these two teams, it's no less important. The winner of this game is assured of going to a bowl game. The loser has some tough games left to to try and become eligible. If Texas A&M loses, it must try to beat Texas to be bowl eligible. If OU loses, it has a game against 7-1 Texas Tech in Lubbock and The Bedlam Game left.

Key Matchup
Rhett Bomar vs A&M Secondary
I would look for Bomar to have a breakout game here. OU may not have it's act together, but they still have the horses to run the passing game, and A&M can't stop the pass.

Key player for Texas A&M
Reggie McNeal
As he goes, so does A&M, and they need a great game from him if they want to clinch that bowl berth

Key player for Oklahoma
Adrian Peterson
With run stuffer Jaxon Appel possibly out for the game, and limited even if he does play. Peterson may just show the form that made him a Heisman candidate a year ago.

Tale of the Tape

Category	Edge	Notes
Oklahoma offense vs. Texas A&M defense	Oklahoma	With a bad seconary and A&M's best run stuffer hurt, expect Oklahoma's offense to look very good in this game.
Texas A&M offense vs. Oklahoma defense	Push	It's really hard to tell how this matchup is going to go because neither unit has been very consistent this year.
Special Teams	Texas A&M	I give A&M the edge based on Todd Pegram. If it comes down to a game winner, I'd rather have Pegram than a lot of other kickers in the league.
Coaching	Oklahoma	This is not really a knock against Dennis Franchione, because I think he's still a good coach despite what's happened to the Aggies this season. However, as far as a gameday coach, I would take Bob Stoops over most coaches.
Intangibles	Oklahoma	Both teams know they need this game, but home field is on the side of OU, and that makes a huge difference.

Big XII Games

Colorado at Iowa State
6:00 PM FSN Southwest/Midwest/Rocky Mtn
Colorado can wrap up a Big XII North title with a win in this game. Iowa State is already bowl eligible, but I'm sure they'd like something better than Fort Worth.

Kansas at Texas
2:30 PM ABC
A win in this game would sew up the Big XII South title for Texas, as they could still lose the A&M game and win the tie breaker with Texas Tech. A win for Kansas would be sweet redemption for Mad Mark Mangino who still believes he was screwed last year by the officials.

Texas Tech at Oklahoma State
1:00 PM
The Cotton Bowl is taking a serious look at Texas Tech this weekend, so they better bring it against Oklahoma State.

Baylor at Missouri
1:00 PM
As bad a season as Missouri has suffered, they can still be bowl eligible with a win against Baylor. Baylor, on the other hand, is 4-5 and can be eliminated from bowl contention with a loss.

Kansas State at Nebraska
1:00 PM
Similar scenario here. 5-4 Nebraska can clinch with a win, 4-5 K-State needs to win to hang on to it's slim bowl hopes.

Our Adopted Team

Tulane at Rice
1:00 PM
Our adopted Tulane Green Wave travel to Houston to take on the Rice Owls. Finally, an easy game for the Wave. Not saying they should take it lightly, but this will be considerably easier than, say Navy. Plus, they've already played against the triple option once this year and should be used to it.

Other Texas Teams

UNLV at TCU
6:00 PM
TCU has the Mountain West wrapped up. Now it needs to avoid an SMU-style letdown.

Texas Southern at UTEP
8:05 PM
Look, I respect historically African-American colleges because they've re-invented themselves as education-focused institutions in this age of integration. The problem is, they aren't the athletic powerhouses that they used to be. (Had they been allowed to compete withe the SEC pre-integration, they probably would have destroyed most SEC teams). This would be like UTEP playing Columbia.

I mean, could we please get Texas Southern alumnus Michael Strahan to put some of his Right Guard endorsement money into the TSU Football program? Please?

Southern Miss at Houston
Sunday 4:00 PM
This is a makeup for a Hurricane Rita. Unfortunately for Southern Miss, it's also their second game this week as they survived against the Marshall Thundering Herd on Tuesday.

National Games of Note

Obviously, like everyone else, we're going to be keeping an eye on the SEC race since the myriad number of scenarios from South Carolina-Florida, LSU-Alabama, and Auburn-Georgia make it intriguing, even if it has little bearing on the national scene.

South Carolina at Florida
11:30 AM, PPV
If Florida wants to have any chance at a SEC East title, they must take care of buisness against South Carolina. Without this win, they are completely out of the running and the Auburn-Georgia game later means nothing to them or the Bulldogs.

LSU at Alabama
2:30 PM CBS
Alabama is one of the last 3 undefeateds despite not scoring an offensive touchdown in it's last 2 games. LSU is probably the best one-loss team in the nation and feels like it has something to prove after the flack they took for the final quarter against Tennessee.

Auburn at Georgia
6:45 PM ESPN
Auburn, who got off to a shaky start earlier this year, has rebounded and still has an outside shot at winning the SEC West, but they face a tough Georgia team.

NFL

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts
Sunday 12:00 PM CBS

Overview
The worst team in the league travels to Indy to play the best team. Think Houston has what it takes to pull the upset?

Ha ha. We didn't think so either.

Key Matchup
Houston offensive line vs Indy defensive line
Yeah, I know it's a mismatch, but the Texans' line has to play the game of it's life to hold off Indy and that may not be enough

Key players for Houston
Vernand Morency and Jonathan Wells
Whoemever starts at running back needs to have a great day to keep the Colts offense off the field.

Key player for Indianapolis
Robert Mathis
Never heard of him? The Indy defensive end is the NFL's current leader in sacks and should pick up a lot more in this game.

Tale of the Tape

Category	Edge	Notes
Texans offense vs. Colts defense	Indianapolis	Any analyst who thinks the Texans' line can hold here needs to have their head checked.
Colts offense vs. Texans defense	Indianapolis	Peyton Manning will absolutely shred this defense.
Special Teams	Indianapolis	Texans special teams: Bad kicking game. Bad punting game. Bad return game.
Coaching	Indianapolis	This isn't a game where Dom Capers is hamstrung by his talent, Tony Dungy is also a better coach.
Intangibles	Indianapolis	Indianapolis feels like it's over the Patriot hump and is unstoppable. Houston feels like they are already on the clock for the first pick

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
Monday, 8:00 PM ABC

Overview
OK, Terrell Owens' suspension has left a huge hole, but Philly still has a defense that will scare you if you don't prepare for them, and D-McNabb is still a great player who made deep playoff runs without Owens. However, in week 5, when T.O. was still around, the Cowboys offense shredded the Philly defense and the Dallas defense held Philly out of the end zone. Which does not bode well for Philly's chances in their first full week to prepare for a game without Terrell Owens.

Key Matchup
Brian Westbrook & Eagles O-Line vs Dallas Front Seven
At some point, the Eagles have to prove they can run the football. Since T.O.'s suspended, they might as well try it this week, although that Dallas front is very good.

Key player for Dallas
Julius Jones
Whomever the starting running back is needs to have a great day because this offense is keyed around the running game and the Eagles defense will be fired up to shut the running game down.
Key player for Philadelphia
L.J. Smith
Philly will look to him to pick up the recieving slack in the absence of T.O.

Tale of the Tape

Category	Edge	Notes
Cowboys offense vs. Eagles defense	Dallas	Last time, the Cowboys put up 456 yards and 33 points on the Eagles' vaunted defense...
Eagles offense vs. Cowboys defense	Dallas	... and the Cowboys defense held the Eagles offense to 3 points, 6 first downs and 129 yards.
Special Teams	Philadelphia	Shaun Suisham has been OK, but not great. David Akers is listed as "probable" and will most likely start
Coaching	Dallas	Andy Reid is good. Bill Parcells is great.
Intangibles	Dallas	Yeah, it's in Philly, and yeah, the Eagles want to prove that they are more than TO, but you gotta figure the Cowboys are tired of Philly getting all the press this week.

Bye Week: New Orleans
And they will definitely take it with the season they are having.

Monday:Weekend Wrap-Up

Thank You, TO

2005-11-10T17:58:00.000-06:00

You know, I've been pretty ticked off about how TO has burned his defenders. Then I checked the schedule and realized the Eagles are playing Dallas this week on Monday night.

And then it hit me.

My boy came through for me by blowing up the Eagles on Cowboys game week.

Thank you, Terrell Owens. All is forgiven.

Big XII Basketball Preview

2005-11-09T07:40:00.000-06:00

Contenders

1. Texas (#2 - AP poll)
Last Year: 20-11 (9-7 Big 12), lost in first round of NCAA Tournament to Nevada.
Projected Starters: F LaMarcus Aldridge (6'10" Soph.), F Brad Buckman (6'8" Sr.), F P.J. Tucker (6'5" Jr.), G Daniel Gibson (6'2" Soph), G Kenton Paulino (6' Sr.)
Expected Contributors: F Mike Williams (6'7" Soph.), C Connor Atchley (6'10" RS Fr.), G A.J. Abrams (5'10" Fr.), G Craig Winder (6'2" Jr. Transfer)

The record from last year is a bit misleading, as Texas lost P.J. Tucker to academic suspension and LaMarcus Aldridge with a hip injury halfway through last season. Daniel Gibson shined in the absence of the two, scoring 12.5 PPG and averaging almost 4 assists/game. Texas is expected to make the Final Four behind Gibson, who will possibly bolt for the NBA after this season, Aldridge, and Tucker, provided Aldridge is healthy and the chemistry works out.

2. Oklahoma
Last Year: 25-8 (12-4), lost to Utah in second round of NCAA Tournament.
Projected Starters: F Kevin Bookout (6'8" Sr.), F Taj Gray (6'9" Sr.), G Terrell Everett (6'4" Sr.), G David Godbold (6'5" Soph), G Michael Neal (6'4" Jr. Transfer)
Key Contributors: F Nate Carter (6'6" Jr. Transfer), G Austin Johnson (6'3" Fr.), G Chris Walker (6'3" Jr. Transfer), F Taylor Griffin (6'7" Fr.)

If anyone can challenge Texas in conference, it's defending regular season co-champions Oklahoma, strictly on talent and Kelvin Sampson's coaching acumen. The problem is, a lot of that talent is either young or just transferred in, so we'll have to wait and see if the chemistry works out.

Making the Tournament

3. Kansas
Last Year: 23-7 (12-4), upset by Bucknell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Projected Starters: C C.J. Giles (6'10" Soph.), F Julian Wright (6'9" Fr.), F Christian Moody (6'8" Sr.), G Micah Downs (6'8" Fr.) G Mario Chalmers (6'1" Fr.)
Key Contributors: C Sasha Kaun (6'11" Soph.), G Rodrick Stewart (6'4" Soph. Transfer), G Jeremy Case (6'1" RS Fr.)

This team will be great ... someday. Just not this year. It's very, very good now, but also very young. The three freshmen projected starters isn't a misprint, Bill Self expects these guys to start right away.

4. Oklahoma State
Last Year: 26-7 (11-5), lost to Arizona in the Sweet 16
Projected Starters: C Aaron Pettway (6'10" Sr.), F David Monds (6'8" Jr.), F. Torre Johnson G JamesOn Curry (6'3" Soph.), G Byron Eaton (5'11" Fr.)
Key Contributors: F Keith Brumbaugh (6'8" Jr. Transfer), F Mario Boggan (6'7" Jr. Transfer), Jamaal Brown (6' Jr. Transfer), G/F Marcus Dove (6'7" Soph)

Another team that's relying on newcomers as only 4 players return from last year's squad. The situation in the frontcourt is very fluid and might look very different at the start of conference play if the incumbent players don't perform to Eddie Sutton's liking. JamesOn Curry is without question this team's star.

5. Texas A&M
Last Year: 21-10 (8-8), played in the NIT
Projected Starters: F Joe Jones (6'9" Soph.), F Marlon Pompey (6'8" Jr.), F Edjuan Green (6'7" Sr.) G Acie Law (6'3" Soph.), G Dominique Kirk (6'3" Soph.)
Key Contributors: C Antanas Kavaliauskas (6'10" Jr. Transfer), F Chris Walker (6'5" Sr.), G Josh Carter (6'5" Fr.), F Martellus Bennett (6'7" Fr.), G Logan Lee (6'2" Jr. Transfer), G Eddie Smith (6'2" Jr. Transfer)

Texas A&M was an exciting team to watch last year, if you were watching them at Reed Arena (where they went 17-3). This year, with all the newcomers Billy Gillespie has brought in to supplement Acie Law and Joe Jones, A&M should be Big Dance bound.

On the Bubble

6. Texas Tech
Last Year: 22-11, lost to West Virginia in the Sweet 16.
Projected Starters: F Darryl Dora (6'9" Jr.), F Damir Suljagic (6'8" Soph.), G Martin Zeno (6'5" Soph.), G Jarrius Jackson (6'1" Jr.), Drew Coffman (6'1" Jr.)
Key Contributors: F Johnathat Plefka (6'8 Jr. Transfer), G LucQuente White (6' Jr.), G Terry Martin (6'5" Fr.), G Alan Voskuil (6'3" Fr.)

A little harsh, given the fact that Tech made the Sweet 16 last year? Probably. But given the loss of Devonne Giles and Ronald Ross, and the fact that this team is way undersized, and the Red Raiders may just take a giant step backward.

7. Iowa State
Last Year: 19-12 (9-7), lost to North Carolina
Projected Starters: C Theo Davis (6'10" Fr.), F Shawn Taggart(6'9" Fr.), G Curtis Stinson (6'3" Jr.), G Will Blalock(6' Jr.), G Rahshon Clark (6'6" Soph.)
Key Contributors: G Tasheed Carr (6'4" Soph.) (F Anthony Davis 6'5" Sr.)

This team is basically starting over at center and power forward with new players. Curtis Stinson and Will Blalock are back to lead the team, though.

Wait until next year

8. Colorado
Last Year:
Projected Starters: F Julius Ashby(6'9" Sr.), F Calvin Williams (6'7" Fr.), F Chris Copeland (6'8" Sr.), G Richard Roby (6'6" Soph.), G Dominique Coleman (6'3" Jr. Transfer)
Key Contributors: C Lamont Arrington (6'11" Sr.), F Andy Osborn (6'9" Sr.), G Marcus Hall (6'1" Jr.)

The problem with this team isn't size, it's that they have it in the wrong places. Only Arrington is over 6'9", but Copeland, Osborn, and Roby are all taller than average perimeter players.

9. Nebraska
Last Year: 14-14 (7-9)
Projected Starters: C Aleks Maric (6'11" Soph.), F Wes Wilkinson (6'9" Sr.), G Joe McCray (6'5" Soph.), G Jason Dorisseau (6'5" Sr.)
Key Contributors:F B.J. Walker(6'8" Jr. Transfer), G Marcus Perry (6'2" Jr.), G Paul Velander (6'2" RS Fr.)

Despite all the young guns, Barry Collier must win now in order to keep his job. Let's hope he has his resume prepared.

10. Kansas State
Last Year: 17-12 (6-10)
Projected Starters: C Tyler Hughes (6'11" Sr.), F Cartier Martin (6'8" Jr.) G Clent Stewart (6'4" Soph.) G Lance Harris (6'5" Jr.), G Curtis Allen (6'4" Soph.)
Key Contributors:

This is about the weakest front court in the Big XII. If Jim Wooldridge thought his job was in trouble last year, wait until you see his job approval after they go up against Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

11. Missouri
Last Year: 16-17 (7-9), went to NIT.
Projected Starters: F Kevin Young (6'9" Sr.) F Leo Criswell (6'9" Fr.), G Thomas Gardner (6'5" Jr.), G Jimmy McKinney (6'3" Sr.), G Jason Horton (6'1" Soph.)
Key Contributors: F Marshall Brown (6'7" Soph.), G Glen Dandridge (6'6" Soph.)

While he can sing a mean Karaoke, Quin Snyder's coaching acumen seems to be getting worse. He has failed to get some very talented teams to the NCAA Tournament the past 2 years. Now, he doesn't quite have the talent.

To Quote a certain Jim Rome e-mailer, "WAR Missouri Firing Quin Snyder!"

12. Baylor

It doesn't matter who plays or who coaches, Baylor has stunk, is going to stink this year, and will stink until the end of time.

Scott Drew never should have taken this job.

The BCS simplifies itself... @#$%&!

2005-11-07T20:02:00.000-06:00

Miami saved the BCS's rear end.

While it would have been nice to see the BCS messed up one more time, Neither Virginia Tech nor UCLA held up their end of the deal.

And Alabama is always teetering on the brink of disaster, so the chances of their undefeated record holding up are slim.

Between this and the surprise TO suspension (who continues to make his defenders look like idiots), I'm really too ticked off to blog right now.

Oh well, at least the Red Raiders beat A&M this weekend.

Weekend Preview - 11/4/2005

2005-11-04T23:04:00.000-06:00

Quick Shout-out: Congratulations to Leander, Pflugerville, Connally, Round Rock, Westlake, Hays, Bastrop, McCallum, Lanier, LBJ, Lake Travis, Wimberley, Liberty Hill, Hutto, Lexington, and a few other Austin-area high schools I may have forgotten on making the UIL high school football playoffs.

Colleges

Big 12/Texas Game of the week
Missouri at Colorado
2:30 PM ABC (KVUE 24)
Regional Coverage Map
Except for any market in Nebraska served by Sioux Falls, SD or any place in Iowa served by Cedar Rapids, Iowa. you're OK. If you happen to live in one of those places I just listed, you need to call your cable/satellite company and get it on PPV.

Overview
Yeah, I know, probably not most people's choice for "Game of the Week" but this is effectively the Big 12 North Championship. (Plus, we've never had a chance to really feature a Big 12 North game).

Despite the apparent difference in talent, this is not an automatic win for the Buffs. The last Big 12 North loss Colorado suffered? Last year's Missouri game.

Key Matchup
John Torp vs Marcus Woods
Both teams rely on clock management and possession. So this puts a big premium on field position. John Torp is the Big XII's best punter, but Missouri has the league's best punt return average as a team.

Key player for Colorado
Hugh Charles
The Big XII's second leading rusher for running backs needs to get going in this game to keep Brad Smith off the field.

Key player for Missouri
Brad Smith
... with a capital "Duh!" Come on, the guy is 336 yards away from passing Kliff Kingsbury as the Big 12's career leader in total offense by a QB, and he's Mizzou's leading rusher and passer. This is the guy that has to show up for Missouri. He's also the guy Colorado's going to have to stop

Tale of the Tape

Category	Edge	Notes
Missouri offense vs. Colorado defense	Missouri	Colorado has mixed results in the "dual threat QB" category this year. They failed to stop Vince Young, but they stopped Reggie McNeal. Since Smith is closer to Young than McNeal...
Colorado offense vs. Missouri defense	Colorado	Missouri's linebackers have had trouble stopping the run, which favors the Buffaloes.
Special Teams	Colorado	If Mason Crosby hasn't locked up the Lou Groza Award at this point, the people who vote for it need to have their head checked.
Coaching	Colorado	Gary Barnett is frequently underestimated by media people, opposing coaches, and Attorneys General of the State of Colorado. Gary Pinkel has probably coached his way out of a job, given Missouri's performance this season. Oh, and Barnett is the better game coach.
Intangibles	Push	Neither team has fared well under the bright spotlight of an ABC marquee game.

Big XII Games

Texas A&M at Texas Tech
6:00 PM FSN Southwest/Midwest/Rocky Mtn
Texas Tech throws for 428.2 passing yards a game. Texas A&M gives up 307.2 passing YPG. Plus, Texas A&M has lost it's last 3 in Lubbock and 7 of the last 10 meetings. That said, Tech usually spoils A&M's season when A&M is the favorite in this game, so I'm sure there's nothing the Aggies would like more than to return the favor now that Tech is having it's best year in a while.

Texas at Baylor
11:30 AM FSN Southwest/Midwest/Rocky Mtn
Let's face it, the Baylor Bears are having a better season than they usually do, but they've let a lot of games slip away, so whether it's close or not, the Bears are probably going to lose.

Nebraska at Kansas
Noon
Last week, Bill Callahan made a throat slash gesture and was fined. This week, Cory Ross and Zac Taylor can slash up the Kansas defense.

Kansas State at Iowa State
1:00 PM
Beat Iowa, lose to Nebraska. Beat OSU, Lose to Baylor. Beat A&M, lose to Missouri.
Would the Real Iowa State Cyclones, please stand up? I repeat, would the real Iowa State Cyclones please stand up?

We're gonna have a problem here...

Bye Week: Oklahoma, Oklahoma State

Our Adopted Team

Tulane at Navy
12:30 PM
Well, Chris Scelfo said his team would play anywhere. Navy's not a powerhouse, but it's still a tough place for visitors.

Other Texas Teams

Colorado State at TCU
6:00 PM PPV
TCU can clinch it's first ever Mountain West title (in the Horned Frogs' first Mountain West season) against the Rams.

Tulsa at UTEP
8:00 PM
This game, between 2 teams with 4-1 conference records, will give the winner the inside track to a Conference USA West title.

Houston at Central Florida
5:00 PM
Meanwhile, Houston will attempt to bring George O'Leary's Golden Knights back down to earth.

Rice at SMU
2:00 PM CSTV
OK, why is this matchup between the two worst teams in the Conference USA West the only C-USA TV game this week? Doesn't the conference have any TV flexibility whatsoever?

NFL

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars
noon, CBS (KEYE 42)

Overview
Congratulations, Texans, you beat the equally crappy Cleveland Browns. Enjoy the win because it's probably your last for the year.

The Texans step up to play the Jacksonville Jaguars, and will most likely return to their familiar losing ways

Key Matchup
Domanick Davis vs his bum knee
Seeing as how he's the only reliable offensive player for the Texans, they better hope he's more than "Questionable" for Sunday's game.

Key player for Houston
Milford Brown
Bad enough that the Texans line is the worst in terms of sacks allowed, but Zach Weigert is lost to injury and Brown has to step up. Heck, he could play his way to a starting job if he performs well.

Key player for Jacksonville
Fred Taylor
Assuming he stays healthy (a phrase you always have to use with Taylor), Taylor should have a big day against a defense that is allowing 227 yards in the past 3 games.

Tale of the Tape

Category	Edge	Notes
Texans offense vs. Jacksonville defense	Jacksonville	If there's an over/under on sacks on David Carr, take the over, whatever it is.
Jacksonville offense vs. Texans defense	Jacksonville	Even though Byron Leftwitch has trouble against the Texans, the Jaguars should run all over a weak Houston defense
Special Teams	Jacksonville	I don't know who Jacksonville's kicker or punter are, but they have to be better than Houston's
Coaching	Houston	In a game that matched equal talent, I would give Dom Capers an edge over Jack Del Rio in terms of game coaching. Unfortunately, Dom doesn't have talent.
Intangibles	Jacksonville	Houston's just happy they aren't the last winless team since the '76 Bucs.

Chicago Bears vs. New Orleans Saints
Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA
3:05 PM Fox (KTBC 7)

Overview
OK, if there are any Saints fans out there, I'd like to know one thing. How the heck can you possibly pull for this team when, throughout their history, they have constantly found new ways to lose a football game?

Key Matchup
Saints blockers vs Chicago front four
Currently, the Saints are tied for third in sacks allowed. Chicago gets a lot of heat on the quarterback. So if the Saints don't want to be totally embarrassed, they need to fix this.

Key player for New Orleans
Aaron Brooks
He must stay upright for New Orleans to win as he's the only offensive option.

Key player for Chicago
Kyle Orton
Can he improve on his best game as a pro and carve up a bad Saints defense?

Tale of the Tape

Category	Edge	Notes
Saints offense vs. Bears defense	Chicago	Like a lot of fantasy owners I know, the Saints are missing Deuce McAllister's production greatly.
Bears offense vs. Saints defense	Push	Clearly a case of "resistable force" meeting "moveable object"
Special Teams	Chicago	Since they won game 1 on a last second field goal, New Orleans' special teams have gone progressively downhill, even contributing to close losses.
Coaching	Push	Ugh, Lovie Smith vs. Jim Haslett? I wouldn't want either in a game situation
Intangibles	Chicago	They say tragedy defines character. Clearly being shuffled around has gotten to the New Orleans Saints, as they keep finding new and interesting ways to lose.

Bye Week: Dallas Cowboys

Missed my chance at the big time...

2005-11-02T23:07:00.000-06:00

I got the following e-mail in response to yesterday's post about the two Koreas fielding one Olympic team:

Hello

I'm a radio producer for the BBC World Service and in tonight's programme we want to discuss the joint representation of North and South Korean athletes at the Olympics.

I noticed you write a blog about North Korea and I'd like to hear your point of view on this topic. Our programme is in 5 hours time and if you would be interested could you tell me your contact numbers as soon as possible and I will ring you to discuss further.

Best wishes
Fiona Crack

Fiona Crack
World Have Your Say
BBC World Service

Unfortunately, I had to fish it out of the Junk Mail after the fact, so I missed by big chance to do live radio.

Darn

An Olympic Special! Two Koreas for the Price of One!

2005-11-01T09:51:00.000-06:00

Sports is what it is.

It's people competing.

People have always tried to make it out to be something more, though.

Even on issues like war and peace, sports is often viewed as "more than a game." Teddy Roosevelt once called sports "the moral equivalent of war" The countries of Honduras and El Salvador once made a soccer game an excuse for war. The Olympics were ostensibly founded to give nations a peaceful way to compete. The Nobel Prize committee even once awarded a medal to FIFA for promoting peace.

And that's not counting number of times sports has been used in this country to justify racism or civil rights, or the number of misty-eyed accounts of how the "Miracle on Ice" turned the U.S. around in 1980 and was a victory against communism. (never mind that the U.S. had beaten the Russians hundreds of times before in other sports, and the Russians had beaten us hundreds of other times.)

So pardon me if I don't attach the same kind of gushing romanticism to the news that North and South Korea are looking to field a single team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics as others do.

Olympic competition failed to stop either World War. Six Olympic competitions (2 winter, 4 Summer) were wiped out due to World Wars I and II.

5 decades of international competition between the Soviet Union and United States did nothing to stop the Cold War. If anything, the most progress was made during the eight years where they boycotted each other's Olympics.

And as many "statements" as black athletes like Fritz Pollard, Jesse Owens, Joe Louis, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, and others have made, racism is still an issue in this country.

So, frankly the chances of a unified Korean Olympic team solving a 60-year old border dispute where only an armistice (not a formal peace treaty) and an aptly misnamed "demilitarized zone" is keeping the two sides apart is pretty slim. And if the Olympics couldn't move the doomsday clock back one tick, don't expect one Korean Olympic team to suddenly make the peninsula nuke-free.

Weekend Wrap-Up - "Candy Everybody Wants" edition

2005-10-31T19:50:00.000-06:00

Yeah, I took Friday off. Even if they are physically present at work, doesn't everyone take Friday off?

Anyway...

We've had so many of these "wild weekends" in football that I'm not sure we can define what a normal weekend is anymore. Texas had a USC-type close call against Oklahoma State. Texas Tech actually was held for under 300 yards passing. Iowa State actually beat a team from the Big XII South. The The Houston Texans actually won a game. The Saints played a "home" game in Louisiana and people were cheering for the opposing coach. And how many potential 100-yard rushers do the Cowboys have in that backfield, anyway?

Colleges

Big story of the weekend: Texas survives Oklahoma State scare

The first half was bad for Texas as they fell behind 21-9 after one quarter and trailed 28-12 at the half.

Then Vince Young took the game over.

I think we are witnessing the development of the next great NFL QB in front of our very eyes. He's got athleticism that rivals Michael Vick, but he's showing instincts that rival Peyton Manning and a will to win that rivals no one.

Recap: All Things Longhorn

Big 12 Games

Oklahoma 31, Nebraska 24

Before the season, you probably would have pegged this as an OU victory. Then OU hit a slump and Nebraska started off 4-0 and despite a stumble against Texas Tech, one figured Nebraska would have an easier time with OU this year.

Turns out people's preseason instincts are right... sometimes.

Surprisingly, Oklahoma is tied with Texas Tech for second place in the South.

Recaps:
Gaylord Memorial Gathering
My Opinion on Sports

Colorado 23, Kansas State 20

With Missouri losing to Kansas and Nebraska and Iowa State both falling on their faces, Colorado has firmly seized control of the Big 12 South with this win.

Texas Tech 28, Baylor 0

Texas Tech's defense picked the perfect time to pitch their first shutout. Texas Tech only passed for 264 yards and Cody Hodges had a worse day against Baylor than he did against Texas, believe it or not.

Recap: Double T Ranch

Iowa State 42, Texas A&M 14

Barrick Nealy, Joel Klatt, and Allen Evridge all threw for 300 yards against A&M. Add Iowa State's Bret Meyer to that list. Oh, and they travel to Lubbock to play Texas Tech next week.

Kansas 13, Missouri 3

Wow, it's only football season, and Missouri still can't beat Kansas. Still, it was an ugly game.

Recap: Phog Blog

Our Adopted Team

Marshall 27, Tulane 26

Nice to know there are some AP writers with a sense of humor:

Some reward for returning two interceptions for touchdowns.

Tulane's defense forced Marshall's starting quarterback from the game, only to watch the replacement rally the Thundering Heard for two late touchdown drives and a 27-26 Marshall victory on Saturday night.

From Marshall's standpoint however, they at least won a close game this time instead of losing it like they did against K-State.
Recap: Frank McGrath

Around the State

UTEP 38, Rice 31

Not really a surprise. Rice does have the nation's longest current losing streak at 13 games. Jordan Palmer had 387 yards and 3 touchdowns to pace the Miners.

TCU 23, San Diego State 20

TCU came within a recovered onside kick and score of losing this game. Bailing out the Horned Frogs: Robert Merrill with 170 yards rushing.

Around the Nation
(The best blog recaps)

Virginia Tech 30, Boston College 10
Recaps:
Turkey Talk (recap) (photo recap)
Eagle in Atlanta

Florida 14, Georgia 10
Georgia Sports Blog

NFL

Sunday's Games

Dallas 34, Arizona 13

The result was nothing new. The last regular season win Arizona had against Dallas was 1989 (but then everyone else except Washington beat up on the Cowboys that year also).

Game Ball: Marion Barber III
Got 127 yards (4.7 per carry) and 2 scores last week after getting 95 yards (4.3 per carry) last week.

Recap: Cowboy Roundup

Miami 21, New Orleans 6

Just their luck, the New Orleans Saints finally get to play a game at Death Valley West, and it's against LSU's old coach, Nick Saban. Saban just did what he did many a time before at that stadium: win.

Game Ball: Joe Horn
While we could give it for him for his brutal honesty about the Saints, it's being the only effective offensive option for New Orleans (7 receptions, 99 yards, 14.1 YPC) that gets my vote.

Houston 19, Cleveland 16

I think an unidentified e-mailer to the Jim Rome Show today put it best

Dear Jim,

We didn't run the table. Sorry to disappoint you

Sincerely,
David Carr and the Houston Texans

Game Ball: Kris Brown
For surprisingly not choking when the game was on the line and nailing a 40 yarder.

And one more thing... A moment of silence for Austin's Bitter End restaurant and brew pub.

Fire destroyed the pub August 21, but apparently the people who own the property have decided that they would rather build a hotel on the site and have told the restaurant owners that they aren't interested in rebuilding it.

Sad really.

Don't Dream, It's Over

2005-10-27T11:09:00.000-05:00

First off, congrats to the Chicago White Sox on winning the 2005 World Series. They did everything it took to win and the Astros didn't. They earned it.

But the Astros had to tease us one more time before they left. Brandon Backe, allegedly the weakest of the 4 pitchers the Astros were going to throw out in this series, held the White Sox scoreless through 7 innings.

Then they handed it of to Brad Lidge. Who only allowed 3 hits, all ground balls, in two innings without walking anyone. Unfortuntately hit #1 put the winning run, Walt Harris, on base, and hit #2 was Jermaine Dye's single to drive him in.

Well, hopefully they can improve the team in the offseason, and convince Bagwell, Biggio, and Clemens to come back one more year. I'd hate to see this team get so close and and not have a chance at defending their pennant.

Valentine leads Marines to Japanese World Series victory

On the other side of the World, former Texas Rangers skipper Bobby Valentine led the Chiba Lotte Marines to a victory in the Japanese World Series.

Now Valentine wants to take on the Chicago White Sox:

"It's as good a team as I've ever managed. I'd put them up against the winner of the World Series, and I know we'd win at least a couple of games."

While it might not happen this season, I'd love to see a true World Series in between the Japanese and U.S. Major League champions. It would be better than that "World Baseball Classic"

Football Blogpoll Week 9

2005-10-26T20:58:00.000-05:00

My "Straight Bangin" and "Mr. Bold" award-winning ballot can be found here

OMG TEH ASTR0S SU><><0R5!

2005-10-26T02:18:00.000-05:00

Astros fan Linsey Hasenbank's reaction pretty much says it all (Carlos Javier Sanchez/Houston Chronicle)

Ever since Saturday, my sporting life has stunk.

First, my Red Raiders lost the most important game in the school's history

Second, my Cowboys lost because of a fluke play even though the 'Boys held Seattle in check on defense most of the game.

Third, my Astros went down 0-2 in their first World Series appearance in history.

But I figure it's no problem right? The Astros can win 3 games at home and at least make a series out of it before it goes back to Chicago.

First, Roy Oswalt, our streak stopper, gives up 5 runs in the 5th. Then it goes to extra innings with not much happening. Finally, Geoff Blum, a guy the Astros gave up on, kills us in the 14th with a homer off Ezequiel Astacio.

There are words to describe this. None of them are for polite company.

I'm sure a lot of Astros fans were once Oilers fans must be feeling whatever it is they felt when they saw the playoff game against the Bills in '92.

Seriously, how do you stop this team? Ozzie Guillen just always seems to make the right move at the right time, and every batter seems to be able to come with the big hit.

Meanwhile the Astros are showing the form that got them off to a 15-30 start this season.

And we've got to rely on Brandon Backe and a seriously bad bullpen to get us one stinking win.

Maybe this is God's way of telling me I need to take a break.

(Bonus post later today, this was supposed to be Tuesday's post, but the game ran long)

Texas Leapfrogs USC in BCS

2005-10-24T17:13:00.000-05:00

Further proof that we need to scrub this whole BCS stuff:

Texas has leapfrogged Southern Cal the BCS, despite the fact that they should probably be dropped a place for playing a team that consensus says is overrated.

Seriously, if Texas Tech is an overrated team playing a weak schedule, doesn't that weaken Texas's schedule by extension?

A playoff can't come soon enough.

Sick as a dog

2005-10-22T08:20:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry, I did not feel well at all Friday and I don't feel well today

Here's the deal: I have bad allergies. Apparently most people can breathe in mold spores and tree pollen and nothing happens. My system, however, can't deal with it. Worse, because of other medications I take, I can't take any of these fancy new allergy medicines, so I'm stuck with Chlor-Trimeton and that won't cut it.

So basically I feel like I have a bad cold all day without actually having a cold.

What really sucks is that this coinsides with the biggest game in Texas Tech history, and it's right here in my backyard. I wanted to go to the Alumni Tailgate today, but I can't do it because I'm stuck here at home coughing up a lung.

Grrr...

YESSSSSSSS!

2005-10-20T09:03:00.000-05:00

(ESPN.com)

Blogpoll Roundtable #9?

2005-10-19T08:34:00.000-05:00

Brought to you by All Things Longhorn.

1. What would it take for you to vote someone other than USC #1 in the poll? If you already are, what would it take for USC to regain the top spot on your ballot?

I think Texas has basically done everything they need to do to be #1. They've won their tough games, and they've beaten their bad opponents badly.

Also, If USC were to play a bad first half against Texas, they would be so far down that they'd never be able to come back.

2. Which of the undefeateds is most likely to remain so? Who is least likely?

Most Likely:
USC - Should win out.
Texas - they can have their way with the rest of their schedule
Georgia - Only have the SEC championship game to go.

Less likely:
Virginia Tech - They still have games against Miami, and they are probably on track to play FSU in the championship game
Alabama - Couldn't beat Georgia the way they played against Mississippi

Least likely:
UCLA - Because of USC
Texas Tech - Like USC, haven't played a complete game yet.

3. If you were running the BCS system, would you let the computer rankings factor in margin of victory? Why or why not?

Margin of victory only applies, I think, when it's a BCS conference team playing a Sun Belt or I-AA team, because a BCS team letting one of the other teams hang around is a good predictor that they are going to lose against their conference. Otherwise, it really doesn't matter.

If it applies in a limited case, it's really unfair to judge every team based on margin of victory.

So if you can find a formula that allows MOV to apply only to BCS vs. non-BCS games, then great. Otherwise, leave it out.

I knew it was too good to be true...

2005-10-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Pujos celebrates his homer to win game 5(Ron Heflin/AP)

The Astros were up 3-1 in the series on the Cardinals with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th in Game 5 and Brad Lidge, closer extraordinaire, on the bump

I'm excited.

The State of Texas is about to land it's first team in the World Series.

Then David Eckstein singles and Jim Edmonds walked.

"No problem," I thought, "The Astros will just walk Pujols to get Reggie Sanders."

AND THEN THEY DECIDE TO PITCH TO PUJOLS!

*sighh*

Weekend Wrap Up: "A Game of Inches" edition

2005-10-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

Leinart: What, you thought you were gonna be #1, Texas? I got your #1 right here. (Associated Press)

According to the NCAA rulebook, the official width of the goal line is 1 foot.

That's how close Texas was to being #1 in the land Saturday.

In what could be the most memorable QB sneak since Bart Starr, Matt Leinart dove over the goal line into the end zone to get USC past Notre Dame and hold on to the top spot in the polls.

But it wasn't the only close finish as several other college and pro games were decided on the last play.

Colleges

Big story of the weekend: Texas beats Colorado; almost gets help from ND

I don't know if Vince Young can make a better Heisman statement than the one he made Saturday against Colorado. He was absolutely brilliant.

The Texas game was pretty much over by halftime, so most of the Longhorn fans exited the stadium en masse just to get to the nearest TV to watch USC-Notre Dame.

Big 12 Games

Texas Tech 59, Kansas State 20

It took them a while, but once Texas Tech's offense got in the groove, it was all over. Tech also forced a bunch of turnovers. Now, they face Texas next week.

Oklahoma 19, Kansas 3

Once again Kansas's defense played great, only to have their offense not show up. If the Jayhawks had a halfway decent QB, they would have a great season.

Nebraska 23, Baylor 14

Just when it looked like Baylor was going to be one win away from bowl eligibility, Nebraska rolled off 17 unanswered points and put Baylor in a hole they couldn't come back from.

Texas A&M 62, Oklahoma State 23

Can we conclude that OSU stinks? Yikes! 62 Points?

Missouri 27, Iowa State 24 (OT)

No Brad Smith? No problem for Missouri. Freshman Chase Daniel, who replaced the injured Smith, led Missouri down the field on 2 4th quarter drives and the game winning drive in OT.

Our Adopted Team

UTEP 45, Tulane 21

I think we can safely conclude that Lester Ricard is a very good QB on a very bad team. His 376 yards passing and 3 TDs would be good enough to win a game for any other team.

Around the State
TCU 38, Army 17

Last week, the Horned Frogs won at Wyoming in spite of a bad performance by new QB Jeff Ballard. This week, they won because of Ballard as he scored 4 touchdowns.

East Carolina 24, SMU 17

Maybe East Carolina watched the A&M-SMU game tape because Pirates' QB James Pinkney did his best Reggie McNeal impersonation, scoring 3 touchdowns.

Memphis 35, Houston 20

DeAngelo Williams's numbers: 198 yards, 2 touchdowns. Williams is probably the best pro prospect out of the non-BCS conferences.

Tulsa 41, Rice 21

The numbers for Tulsa's Uril Parrish aren't impressive at first glance (16 carries, 66 yards), until you consider that he scored 3 touchdowns.

Cheap Seats' Blogpoll Ballot

NFL

Sunday's Games
Dallas 16, New York Giants 13 (OT)

Jose Cortez is about as accurate as a nearsighted carnival knife-thrower. But yesterday, he hit the game winner for the Cowboys.

Game Ball: The heat and humidity at Texas Stadium
The Giants defense was on the field almost 40 minutes by the time OT rolled around. Once the Cowboys won the toss and got the ball, the Giants were too tired to keep them out of field goal range.

Atlanta 34, New Orleans 31

Well, San Antonio, you wanted an NFL team, you got the New Orleans Saints instead. Seriously, the Saints just find ways to lose a ball game that no one ever thought of before. Think about it: how often is defensive holding called on a field goal?

Game Ball: Aaron Brooks
He got the ball to Devery Henderson to tie the game and stepped up in the absence of Deuce McAllister.

Seattle 41, Houston 10

In pro wrestling, this would be referred to as a "squash match".

Game Ball: Shaun Alexander
22 carries. 141 yards. 4 Touchdowns. Shaun Alexander is good.

Laundry is piling up, so I'm gonna go do that now.

Tomorrow: Astros in the World Series?