I've got the Buckeyes in this one. The Southern Cal defense is stout, and they're deep at running back, but I think Terrelle Pryor's experience and Matt Barkley's lack thereof is the deciding factor tonight at the Horseshoe.
Honestly, I just feel obligated to root for the Big Ten in nonconference games no matter what. Especially against BCS opponents.
Ohio State 20 - USC 17
Thoughts?
(by the way, between Central Michigan's upset of State, Michigan squeaking by a ranked Notre Dame team, and Western and Eastern Michigan both taking their respective Big Ten opponents down to the wire, it was a wild day to be an underdog from the Mitten State!)
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Peter Vecsey's Horrible Hall of Fame Speech
...this is from the dinner the night before the HOF induction ceremony, where media members get their love.
Props to Jeff Pearlman, who was there, for breaking news of what is probably one of the five worst speeches of the Internet era.
Michael Jordan actually left about halfway through. Just got up and left. And it was his party, basically.
Way to go, Vecsey.
EDIT: You can see MJ's cool-ass speech at his own induction HERE. I loved it. Talk about competitive fire.
Indiana vs. Western Michigan: I Don't Even Have a Subtitle For This
Bloomington, IN, 10:43 AM - Last week, Bill Lynch's Hoosiers squeaked out a 19-13 win over a FCS (that's I-AA, to clarify) team. Last week, the Western Michigan Broncos lost 31-7 in Ann Arbor, kicking off year two of the Rich Rodriguez Project at Michigan.
You could argue that neither of these teams has an ounce of momentum headed into today at The Rock. And you'd probably be right.
Indiana's allegedly new and improved pistol-style offense yielded only 72 yards on the ground - again, against a I-AA team. Just to remind you.
On the upside, Ben Chappell, Tanden Doss, and Demarlo Belcher looked like they might be able to put together a halfway decent passing game.
The defense looked pretty good, except when they let a screen pass turn into a long touchdown.
Like it or not, this is a huge measuring stick for Indiana. Western Michigan features solid quarterback Tim Hiller (77 career TD's) and WR Juan Nunez, who went for 151 yards last week despite the lopsided score. The last time these two teams played, at Western Michigan in 2007 (the Insight Bowl season), IU came out on top 37-27. For reference, that's closer than either the Iowa or Minnesota games that year.
I'm predicting another shootout and a disappointing result, as IU fails to score in the 4th quarter and lets it slip away:
Western Michigan over Indiana 41-33.
Now get out there and prove me wrong, guys.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Number 23 Enters Hall of Fame Today
Joined by also-rans David Robinson, John Stockton, Jerry Sloan, and C. Vivian Stringer, Michael Jordan will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts today. It just might be the greatest HOF class ever.
ESPN has had extensive coverage over the last week, which we have linked to here, but I thought I'd say a few things.
Michael Jordan shaped my childhood. Growing up in the Chicagoland area, many of my fondest memories are of watching Jordan, Pippen, and company battle all the other great teams of the era (Pistons, Lakers, Jazz, and so many others). I remember running through the streets celebrating after titles, watching Grant Park championship parties... I collected basketball cards like a fiend. Cubs? Sox? Hell, even the Bears took a backseat to MJ's Bulls during the nineties. It's hard to remember now, but back then when you said "Chicago" the first thing that came to most people's minds was "Bulls."
When I was in Italy a few summers ago, playing basketball with some random kids outside a high school, they asked me where I was from. After I told them Chicago, their first response was "OH! Michael Jordan!" That's how deep his impact has been. Guess why I root for UNC today? That's right.
(By the way, in attendance today at the ceremony are Dean Smith, Tim Duncan, Scottie "Please give me a JOB!" Pippen, and others. No Jerry Krause.)
I've never watched the Basketball HOF Induction Ceremony before, but I'm watching every minute of this one. And, health care be damned, I bet Barack is in the Oval Office doing the same thing right now.Side note: Below is my favorite Air Jordan commercial ever. This one even gets me a little misty.
Weekend Watch/Wagers (09/11/09)
The glorious return of a forgotten franchise! I threw down $40 on 4 games this weekend (legally in Vegas), so I will be watching those in addition to the normal watch stuff. My first wager was Ga Tech -5 over Clemson. I looked good in the first before Ga Tech decided they had already won, and stopped playing and then milking the clock for a game winning FG (WHERE’S THE TD TO COVER!).
Anyways on to the Watch
Saturday
College GameDay 9 AM ET
Come on you know you watch it too. Live from Columbus Ohio.
Early Games
I put $10 on Iowa State +6.5 over Iowa (Sorry Anne and Colin). So I will be watching that one in addition to IU and Western Michigan
Who I want to Win: Iowa by 3.
Who I think will Win: Iowa
Who I want to Win: IU
Who I think will Win: Western Michigan
Afternoon Games
Michigan at Notre Dame. This should be a fairly exciting game based on the way the two teams played last week. We will see though. The story of the game will be the QBs. Can Clausen put up his good numbers against a team not from the WAC? Will the shoelace wonder (yes the QB Robinson who doesn’t tie his shoes) and Forcier continue to excel after there 1st game success? The over/under was 48.5 and I put $10 on the over so as you can tell I’m expecting them all to perform.
Who I want to win: I can’t decide but since I’ll be in the state of Michigan, Michigan
Who I think will win: I thin Notre Dame will show they are for real in this game.
Night Game
Southern Cal (South Carolina is the REAL USC) vs THE Ohio State University. The Showdown in the Shoe or whatever you want to call it this year. This is as big as a must win for Ohio State and the Big Ten if they want to be viewed as an elite conference this year. Southern Cal starts a true frosh QB in his first road game ever. They also are returning just 3 starters on defense from last year so Southern Cal might be having a more down year compared to recent Southern Cal team. Saying all that, Ohio State has lost a ton of talent as well. They do return Pryor who was Big Ten Pre-season player of the year. The key to the game will be how Ohio State’s O-Line plays. They have struggled against very athletic defenses, and guess what Southern Cal has. If they can manhandle them and get into a steady rushing rhythm they can win. If they get into too many 3rd and long, the Southern Cal defense will have a field day with the OSU O-line. 105,000 going nuts in the shoe, should be a good game.
Who I want to win: Ohio State
Who I think will win: Southern Cal
Random Tangent. Yes I am giving Southern Cal crap about not being the real USC, but Southern Cal looks fine in print. Nothing throws me off more then seeing Louisana State or hearing that name, I’m always like who the F*&% is Louisiana State, and then it clicks, LSU. Doesn’t phase me with BYU or Southern Cal or any other initial school, but there’s something about LSU
Sunday
Early Games
Falcons vs Dolphins
The overachievers last year! I think this will be a very entertaining game even though neither team will repeat what they did last year
Who I want to win: Dolphins
Who I think will win: Dolphins
Sunday Night Football
Bears vs Packers. Bears getting 3.5 you bet I put money on that. This game could go a long way in determining momentum for the NFC North. Either team starts out the season with a blowout; they can carry that with them the rest of the season. I got Bears winning by the same margin as last year in Indy.
Who I want to win: Bears
Who I think will win: Bears.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
My Week 1 Predictions
Titans vs. Steelers: Steelers
Dolphins vs. Falcons: Falcons
Broncos vs. Bengals: Bengals
Vikings vs. Browns: Vikings
Jaguars vs. Colts: Jaguars
Lions vs. Saints: Get ready for it: Lions 27-24.
Cowboys vs. Bucs: Cowboys
Eagles vs. Panthers: Panthers
Chiefs vs. Ravens: Ravens
Jets vs. Texans: Texans
Redskins vs. Giants: Redskins
49ers vs. Cardinals: Cardinals
Rams vs. Seahawks: Seahawks
Bears vs. Packers: Bears 53-0
Bills vs. Patriots: Patriots
Chargers vs. Raiders: Raiders 17-14
My Record: 0-0
Dolphins vs. Falcons: Falcons
Broncos vs. Bengals: Bengals
Vikings vs. Browns: Vikings
Jaguars vs. Colts: Jaguars
Lions vs. Saints: Get ready for it: Lions 27-24.
Cowboys vs. Bucs: Cowboys
Eagles vs. Panthers: Panthers
Chiefs vs. Ravens: Ravens
Jets vs. Texans: Texans
Redskins vs. Giants: Redskins
49ers vs. Cardinals: Cardinals
Rams vs. Seahawks: Seahawks
Bears vs. Packers: Bears 53-0
Bills vs. Patriots: Patriots
Chargers vs. Raiders: Raiders 17-14
My Record: 0-0
My 2009 Preseason Power Rankings
These power rankings are decided upon last years finish, players gained over the offseason, players coming back from injuries, and how I expect them to finish. Mainly, though, most teams will be judged based on last years performance.
1. Steelers
They won the Superbowl, they are number one until they lose a game.
2. Patriots
They went 18-1 two years ago, last year, without their record setting QB went 11-5. With the acquisition of Fred Taylor this team could be tough.
3. Giants
They had the best record in the NFC last year, they won the Superbowl the previous year, and they get Osi Umenyora back. However, they did lose Plaxico, but by default (and I don't think they are this good) they go here.
4. Colts
They have Peyton Manning and tied for the second best record in the AFC. Too bad they were stuck behind the Titans.
5. Chicago Bears
Last year they went 9-7. In the offseason they added Orlando Pace, Kevin Shaffer, and Frank Omiyele on their offensive line. They demoted Bob Babich and handed over the defensive play calling duties to Lovie Smith. They signed Rod Marinelli to improve the drastically underachieving d-line play. And they added a probowl QB. Enough Said.
6. Tennessee Titans
They had the best record in the NFL last year. However, I don't see them repeating that, especially without Albert Haynesworth.
7. Baltimore Ravens
An incredible defense with a young QB who looked like he could really play last year.
8. Eagles
They beefed up their o-line and were one game away from a Superbowl trip.
9. Cardinals
They did get some help at RB, as well as added some defensive players. However, the only reason they are this high up is because they went to the Superbowl last year.
10. Minnesota Vikings
They were phenomenal against the run last year, they have Adrian Peterson, and most people think that Brett Favre is going to put them over the top. I don't. But still, they went 10-6 last year and added him.
11. Panthers
They played quite well last year, and they have the offense and defense to do it again.
12. San Diego Chargers
They finished last season quite hot, winning their final 3 games, and then the first round against the Colts
13. Falcons
Matt Ryan had an incredible year last year. This year he is still armed with Roddie White and Michael Turner. Oh yeah, and they added Tony Gonzalez.
14. Redskins
They added Albert Haynesworth to an already great defense. They have Clinton Portis and Santana Moss. If Jason Campbell does anything to break out this year, this team could be dangerous.
15. Packers
With great play from their offense this year, they could be a playoff contender. However, they will need their defense to step up.
16. Jacksonville
They improved their offensive line and WR. They already had a good defense, this could be a team that competes for a title.
17. Dallas
The team is overhyped, as usual, and really has a lot of holes. However, being the best of the bottom half sounds just about right for this team.
18. Seahawks
They could be poised for a great year this year. They added Housh and will get Hassellbeck back this year. They also added Edgerrin James.
19. Texans
Everyone's "sleeper" pick. They aren't that good.
20. Saints
Another one of everyone's sleeper pick. They are a good passing offense, with a solid run game. That's it.
21. Dolphins
Does anyone in their right mind think the Dolphins are going to do anything this year? I know they went 11-5 last year, but they were 1-15 the previous year. My guess is the truth lies somewhere in the midde, say: 6-10?
22. Bengals
This team could actually have a much improved year this year, especially if Carson Palmer stays healthy.
23. 49ers
I'm ranking them above the Bills for one reason only; MIKE SINGLETARY!
24. Bills
Terrell Owens was their big addition this year. Will it be a mistake? We will find out.
25. Buccaneers
I actually think this could be a pretty good team this year. However, they lost their starting QB, and are actually having Byron Leftwhich battle Josh McCown for their starting QB role.
26. Chiefs
They added Matt Cassell; I personally think that was a mistake as I think Tyler Thigpen is better but oh well. This team won't be as bad as their 2-14 record last year, as they lost many of games at the very end.
27. Browns
A team that could have an explosive offense... but won't.
28. J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS.... SUCK
29. Detroit Lions
I know, I know, how could I put them here based off of last year's performance?!?!?! Because they had a solid off-season, and a good draft. I never thought they were a 0 win team, and I still don't think they were (Of course they were, but what I mean is their talent wasn't bad enough to warrant 0 wins). And actually, if you read Bill Simmons' article on how to tell if they are a sleeper, the Lions meet almost all of the criteria:
"As we all know (or should know), a true sleeper pick can only be a team that: (A) flagrantly sucked last season; and (B) generated little buzz heading into this one. That rules out Houston (too much buzz), Green Bay (ditto), the Jets (9-7 last season) and Bucs (9-7 last season). You have to pick someone from this group: the Bills, Browns, Raiders, Broncos, Chiefs, Lions, Rams, Bengals and Niners. You need the "Nobody believed in us!" factor. You need a team that nailed its April draft and is blessed by a bad division and/or an easy schedule. You need an easy September for momentum. You need a franchise with fans who lost hope and will lose their collective crap if anything good happens. And you need to feel like you want to throw up even as you're anointing the team your sleeper."
The Lions beyond flagarently sucked last year. Their is absolutely no buzz surrounding them this year. Nobody does believe in them. I do think they nailed their draft. They are blessed with a semi-easy schedule (but hard September). There is no way you can say their fans didn't lose hope and would lose their "collective crap" if they started winning, and who wouldn't want to throw up by picking them as their sleeper. So... this team could be the sleeper! Also, don't forget, they are 2 years removed from going 7-9.
30. Oakland Raiders
From here on out, its going to be teams that sucked last year, and had horrible offseasons. They drafted Darrius Heyword Bey with the 7th overall pick, and a guy who wasn't even on many people's boards in the second round. However, they did add Richard Seymour. So, that should keep them a notch above the rest (plus they are my sleeper pick).
31. Denver Broncos
They lost their team to the Chicago Bears. Brandon Marshall isn't playing for them as of now. And they hired a nar-nar for a head coach. Plus their defense was awful. That is why they are here!
32. St. Louis Rams
They sucked last year, their gonna suck this year, and they'll suck again the following year. They released Orlando Pace and Torry Holt; while I believe it was the right move, they were two of their only stars. This team won't be good for another few years, but they'll have enough high picks to counteract that... in maybe 5 years.
There you have it!
1. Steelers
They won the Superbowl, they are number one until they lose a game.
2. Patriots
They went 18-1 two years ago, last year, without their record setting QB went 11-5. With the acquisition of Fred Taylor this team could be tough.
3. Giants
They had the best record in the NFC last year, they won the Superbowl the previous year, and they get Osi Umenyora back. However, they did lose Plaxico, but by default (and I don't think they are this good) they go here.
4. Colts
They have Peyton Manning and tied for the second best record in the AFC. Too bad they were stuck behind the Titans.
5. Chicago Bears
Last year they went 9-7. In the offseason they added Orlando Pace, Kevin Shaffer, and Frank Omiyele on their offensive line. They demoted Bob Babich and handed over the defensive play calling duties to Lovie Smith. They signed Rod Marinelli to improve the drastically underachieving d-line play. And they added a probowl QB. Enough Said.
6. Tennessee Titans
They had the best record in the NFL last year. However, I don't see them repeating that, especially without Albert Haynesworth.
7. Baltimore Ravens
An incredible defense with a young QB who looked like he could really play last year.
8. Eagles
They beefed up their o-line and were one game away from a Superbowl trip.
9. Cardinals
They did get some help at RB, as well as added some defensive players. However, the only reason they are this high up is because they went to the Superbowl last year.
10. Minnesota Vikings
They were phenomenal against the run last year, they have Adrian Peterson, and most people think that Brett Favre is going to put them over the top. I don't. But still, they went 10-6 last year and added him.
11. Panthers
They played quite well last year, and they have the offense and defense to do it again.
12. San Diego Chargers
They finished last season quite hot, winning their final 3 games, and then the first round against the Colts
13. Falcons
Matt Ryan had an incredible year last year. This year he is still armed with Roddie White and Michael Turner. Oh yeah, and they added Tony Gonzalez.
14. Redskins
They added Albert Haynesworth to an already great defense. They have Clinton Portis and Santana Moss. If Jason Campbell does anything to break out this year, this team could be dangerous.
15. Packers
With great play from their offense this year, they could be a playoff contender. However, they will need their defense to step up.
16. Jacksonville
They improved their offensive line and WR. They already had a good defense, this could be a team that competes for a title.
17. Dallas
The team is overhyped, as usual, and really has a lot of holes. However, being the best of the bottom half sounds just about right for this team.
18. Seahawks
They could be poised for a great year this year. They added Housh and will get Hassellbeck back this year. They also added Edgerrin James.
19. Texans
Everyone's "sleeper" pick. They aren't that good.
20. Saints
Another one of everyone's sleeper pick. They are a good passing offense, with a solid run game. That's it.
21. Dolphins
Does anyone in their right mind think the Dolphins are going to do anything this year? I know they went 11-5 last year, but they were 1-15 the previous year. My guess is the truth lies somewhere in the midde, say: 6-10?
22. Bengals
This team could actually have a much improved year this year, especially if Carson Palmer stays healthy.
23. 49ers
I'm ranking them above the Bills for one reason only; MIKE SINGLETARY!
24. Bills
Terrell Owens was their big addition this year. Will it be a mistake? We will find out.
25. Buccaneers
I actually think this could be a pretty good team this year. However, they lost their starting QB, and are actually having Byron Leftwhich battle Josh McCown for their starting QB role.
26. Chiefs
They added Matt Cassell; I personally think that was a mistake as I think Tyler Thigpen is better but oh well. This team won't be as bad as their 2-14 record last year, as they lost many of games at the very end.
27. Browns
A team that could have an explosive offense... but won't.
28. J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS.... SUCK
29. Detroit Lions
I know, I know, how could I put them here based off of last year's performance?!?!?! Because they had a solid off-season, and a good draft. I never thought they were a 0 win team, and I still don't think they were (Of course they were, but what I mean is their talent wasn't bad enough to warrant 0 wins). And actually, if you read Bill Simmons' article on how to tell if they are a sleeper, the Lions meet almost all of the criteria:
"As we all know (or should know), a true sleeper pick can only be a team that: (A) flagrantly sucked last season; and (B) generated little buzz heading into this one. That rules out Houston (too much buzz), Green Bay (ditto), the Jets (9-7 last season) and Bucs (9-7 last season). You have to pick someone from this group: the Bills, Browns, Raiders, Broncos, Chiefs, Lions, Rams, Bengals and Niners. You need the "Nobody believed in us!" factor. You need a team that nailed its April draft and is blessed by a bad division and/or an easy schedule. You need an easy September for momentum. You need a franchise with fans who lost hope and will lose their collective crap if anything good happens. And you need to feel like you want to throw up even as you're anointing the team your sleeper."
The Lions beyond flagarently sucked last year. Their is absolutely no buzz surrounding them this year. Nobody does believe in them. I do think they nailed their draft. They are blessed with a semi-easy schedule (but hard September). There is no way you can say their fans didn't lose hope and would lose their "collective crap" if they started winning, and who wouldn't want to throw up by picking them as their sleeper. So... this team could be the sleeper! Also, don't forget, they are 2 years removed from going 7-9.
30. Oakland Raiders
From here on out, its going to be teams that sucked last year, and had horrible offseasons. They drafted Darrius Heyword Bey with the 7th overall pick, and a guy who wasn't even on many people's boards in the second round. However, they did add Richard Seymour. So, that should keep them a notch above the rest (plus they are my sleeper pick).
31. Denver Broncos
They lost their team to the Chicago Bears. Brandon Marshall isn't playing for them as of now. And they hired a nar-nar for a head coach. Plus their defense was awful. That is why they are here!
32. St. Louis Rams
They sucked last year, their gonna suck this year, and they'll suck again the following year. They released Orlando Pace and Torry Holt; while I believe it was the right move, they were two of their only stars. This team won't be good for another few years, but they'll have enough high picks to counteract that... in maybe 5 years.
There you have it!
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