Scary scene
A good friend of mine just covered the most gruesome and frightening scene of his journalistic career.
Buffalo News sports writer John Vogl, whom many of you remember from his days of covering the Columbus Cottonmouths for the Ledger-Enquirer, covered Sunday’s NHL game between the Sabres and Florida Panthers.
Florida’s Richard Zednik was struck in the throat by the skate blade of falling teammate Stephen Weiss. The collision severed Zednik’s jugular vein and left a 100-foot trail of blood on the ice of Buffalo’s HSBC Arena.
Thankfully, Zednik is in stable condition in the intensive care unit at Buffalo General Hospital after undergoing surgery.
Check out John Vogl’s story about the incident by following this link:
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabresnhl/story/273620.html
John provided an eyewitness account of the horrific scene during an interview with ESPN this morning.
The video shown by ESPN was chilling to say the least. Two conclusions are inescapable after seeing it and reading the story.
Zednik is very lucky to be alive and it’s a wonder this doesn’t happen more often in professional hockey.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Going, going ... almost gone
Assuming the paperwork gets filed on time and passes the inspection of the South Atlantic League and Minor League Baseball, the Columbus Catfish will be playing in Bowling Green, Ky., in 2009 under a different name.
That raises the likelihood that Golden Park could be empty for quite some time.
According to South Atlantic League president Eric Krupa, the SALLY League can't expand unless Major League Baseball does the same. Two things would have to happen in order for Golden Park to have a tenant other than pigeons in 2009.
(1) Another ownership group would have to step forward and poach a team from another South Atlantic League market and move it here. That seems unlikely in the immediate future since the Catfish aren't officially gone yet and a sale and change of location for a franchise would require months of preparation and reams of paperwork.
(2) Independent league baseball anyone?
In the past, I've used this blog and my column to examine some of the issues surrounding the Catfish. Assuming the deal closes and they move on, it's difficult to imagine Columbus not having a minor league baseball team.
What do you think would have to happen in order for Columbus to maintain baseball in some form or another? Is local ownership enough? Does the location of Golden Park work against attendance?
Feel free to voice your ideas in the comments section or e-mail me at johnsont@ledger-enquirer.com.
Assuming the paperwork gets filed on time and passes the inspection of the South Atlantic League and Minor League Baseball, the Columbus Catfish will be playing in Bowling Green, Ky., in 2009 under a different name.
That raises the likelihood that Golden Park could be empty for quite some time.
According to South Atlantic League president Eric Krupa, the SALLY League can't expand unless Major League Baseball does the same. Two things would have to happen in order for Golden Park to have a tenant other than pigeons in 2009.
(1) Another ownership group would have to step forward and poach a team from another South Atlantic League market and move it here. That seems unlikely in the immediate future since the Catfish aren't officially gone yet and a sale and change of location for a franchise would require months of preparation and reams of paperwork.
(2) Independent league baseball anyone?
In the past, I've used this blog and my column to examine some of the issues surrounding the Catfish. Assuming the deal closes and they move on, it's difficult to imagine Columbus not having a minor league baseball team.
What do you think would have to happen in order for Columbus to maintain baseball in some form or another? Is local ownership enough? Does the location of Golden Park work against attendance?
Feel free to voice your ideas in the comments section or e-mail me at johnsont@ledger-enquirer.com.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Signing day leftovers
There are certain components you can always count on for National Signing Day.
1. The teenagers signing scholarship papers will be seated behind a long cafeteria-style table in either the lunchroom, library or gymnasium.
2. Parents, teachers, classmates and newspaper photographers will take enough photographs to rival the paparazzi's latest Britney Spears sighting. The kids will sign their national letters of intent and it will be treated as if they're affixing their names to the Declaration of Independence. But then Aunt Berta's camera will have jammed and they'll have to pose again with their pens suspended above their important documents.
3. If the TV camera crews are late (and they generally are), then they will stage a signing. Instead of signing letters of intent, the athletes will probably be signing their names to blank scrap paper.
4. The football players will be referred to by someone -- most likely the high school principal -- as ''student-athletes.'' When they get to college, most will become ''athlete-students.''
5. If a player has multiple offers from high-profile programs, he may milk the moment for maximum suspense. He might have, for example, several different team baseball caps hidden beneath the table and take turns putting them on and teasing the fans of those respective schools until finally finding the hat and program that best fits.
6. You can count on the idiot faction to emerge when a player who has been verbally committed to a school spurns that program for another on signing day. Carver High School wide receiver Jarmon Fortson was labeled a ''traitor'' among other things for backing out of a commitment to Auburn and signing with Florida State on Wednesday. Prospects across the country caught a ridiculous amount of heat for doing the same thing. Here's the thing: Fortson didn't turn his signing into a major media event or a joke. He changed his mind, which 18-year-olds tend to do from time to time. It doesn't make him a bad person. It makes him human.
7. You can count on the same idiot fans to not say anything when their favorite team ''turns'' a prospect who had been verbally committed to a rival program.
8. When interviewed about their decision, many of the ''student-athletes'' will say they signed with Big State U. because Coach So-and-So ''cared about me.'' Within a few months, they'll be cursing Coach So-and-So with every other breath for being so tough on them.
9. Fans will obsess over how their programs' recruiting classes fared in the rankings compiled by Scout.com, ESPN.com, Rivals.com and any other outlet whose name if followed by a period and a ''com.'' It's true that many of the top programs are where they are because of how many five-star players they signed, but how do you explain the sudden success of signing day non-factors like Missouri and Kansas?
10. At most every player signing, cake and sodas will be served. That's reason enough to attend.
There are certain components you can always count on for National Signing Day.
1. The teenagers signing scholarship papers will be seated behind a long cafeteria-style table in either the lunchroom, library or gymnasium.
2. Parents, teachers, classmates and newspaper photographers will take enough photographs to rival the paparazzi's latest Britney Spears sighting. The kids will sign their national letters of intent and it will be treated as if they're affixing their names to the Declaration of Independence. But then Aunt Berta's camera will have jammed and they'll have to pose again with their pens suspended above their important documents.
3. If the TV camera crews are late (and they generally are), then they will stage a signing. Instead of signing letters of intent, the athletes will probably be signing their names to blank scrap paper.
4. The football players will be referred to by someone -- most likely the high school principal -- as ''student-athletes.'' When they get to college, most will become ''athlete-students.''
5. If a player has multiple offers from high-profile programs, he may milk the moment for maximum suspense. He might have, for example, several different team baseball caps hidden beneath the table and take turns putting them on and teasing the fans of those respective schools until finally finding the hat and program that best fits.
6. You can count on the idiot faction to emerge when a player who has been verbally committed to a school spurns that program for another on signing day. Carver High School wide receiver Jarmon Fortson was labeled a ''traitor'' among other things for backing out of a commitment to Auburn and signing with Florida State on Wednesday. Prospects across the country caught a ridiculous amount of heat for doing the same thing. Here's the thing: Fortson didn't turn his signing into a major media event or a joke. He changed his mind, which 18-year-olds tend to do from time to time. It doesn't make him a bad person. It makes him human.
7. You can count on the same idiot fans to not say anything when their favorite team ''turns'' a prospect who had been verbally committed to a rival program.
8. When interviewed about their decision, many of the ''student-athletes'' will say they signed with Big State U. because Coach So-and-So ''cared about me.'' Within a few months, they'll be cursing Coach So-and-So with every other breath for being so tough on them.
9. Fans will obsess over how their programs' recruiting classes fared in the rankings compiled by Scout.com, ESPN.com, Rivals.com and any other outlet whose name if followed by a period and a ''com.'' It's true that many of the top programs are where they are because of how many five-star players they signed, but how do you explain the sudden success of signing day non-factors like Missouri and Kansas?
10. At most every player signing, cake and sodas will be served. That's reason enough to attend.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Glad I was wrong
As it turns out, New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress knew what he was talking about and I didn’t.
Burress stated before Super Bowl XLII, to much derision, that his team would pull the upset and it did. He also said the Giants wouldn’t give up more than 17 points, again to much derision, but they didn’t.
I blew it in both categories, but I've never been so happy to be so wrong.
The Giants’ 17-14 victory over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots was one of the most stirring moments in sports history.
While the first three quarters last night were enough to make viewers search for the remote and turn to the ''Puppy Bowl'' on Animal Planet, the last quarter more than made up for the lagging pace that preceded it.
The last 12 minutes were what we hope for in a Super Bowl -- Eli Manning shaking off pass rushers, David Tyree making an acrobatic catch to sustain a 12-play drive, Tom Brady heaving the football some 70 yards in the air in a hold-your-breath moment at the end.
The Patriots, who could have won their fourth Super Bowl in seven years, may one day be regarded as the NFL's most powerful dynasty. Because of what the Giants accomplished with their pass rush and their poise at the end, however, the Patriots won't get a seat at the head table reserved for perfect seasons.
The only place setting belongs to the 1972 Miami Dolphins and will until further notice. Their 17-0 record and collection of Hall of Fame busts remain the standard-bearer for the league.
You have to feel good for Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, Mercury Morris, Bill Stanfill, Jake Scott, Mike Kolen, Paul Warfield, Garo and the rest. It was widely assumed they would be eclipsed, but this morning they should have been savoring a champagne buzz from the previous night.
The latest and nearest threat to their legacy tripped with the finish line in sight.
The Dolphins' 17-0 season may well be the most impressive record in professional sports. I used to consider the most hallowed marks to be those achieved individually, Hank Aaron’s home run record and Roger Maris' summer of 61, but juiced baseballs and juiced players have caused me to see the numbers differenly now.
Miami’s 17-0 season remains pure.
Yes, it's tougher to run the table in the NFL now. Keep in mind, however, that the Dolphins played 11 regular season games with their backup quarterback and won without the benefit of hidden cameras or Human Growth Hormone.
What sports records resonate the most with you?
As it turns out, New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress knew what he was talking about and I didn’t.
Burress stated before Super Bowl XLII, to much derision, that his team would pull the upset and it did. He also said the Giants wouldn’t give up more than 17 points, again to much derision, but they didn’t.
I blew it in both categories, but I've never been so happy to be so wrong.
The Giants’ 17-14 victory over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots was one of the most stirring moments in sports history.
While the first three quarters last night were enough to make viewers search for the remote and turn to the ''Puppy Bowl'' on Animal Planet, the last quarter more than made up for the lagging pace that preceded it.
The last 12 minutes were what we hope for in a Super Bowl -- Eli Manning shaking off pass rushers, David Tyree making an acrobatic catch to sustain a 12-play drive, Tom Brady heaving the football some 70 yards in the air in a hold-your-breath moment at the end.
The Patriots, who could have won their fourth Super Bowl in seven years, may one day be regarded as the NFL's most powerful dynasty. Because of what the Giants accomplished with their pass rush and their poise at the end, however, the Patriots won't get a seat at the head table reserved for perfect seasons.
The only place setting belongs to the 1972 Miami Dolphins and will until further notice. Their 17-0 record and collection of Hall of Fame busts remain the standard-bearer for the league.
You have to feel good for Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, Mercury Morris, Bill Stanfill, Jake Scott, Mike Kolen, Paul Warfield, Garo and the rest. It was widely assumed they would be eclipsed, but this morning they should have been savoring a champagne buzz from the previous night.
The latest and nearest threat to their legacy tripped with the finish line in sight.
The Dolphins' 17-0 season may well be the most impressive record in professional sports. I used to consider the most hallowed marks to be those achieved individually, Hank Aaron’s home run record and Roger Maris' summer of 61, but juiced baseballs and juiced players have caused me to see the numbers differenly now.
Miami’s 17-0 season remains pure.
Yes, it's tougher to run the table in the NFL now. Keep in mind, however, that the Dolphins played 11 regular season games with their backup quarterback and won without the benefit of hidden cameras or Human Growth Hormone.
What sports records resonate the most with you?
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Super Bowl clairvoyance
OK, two veterans of the Miami Dolphins’ unbeaten 1972 team shared their insights into what it would take to knock off the New England Patriots.
While I respect my elders, I can only say this:
Not happening.
In addition to having a ridiculous assembly of individual talent, the Patriots have probably hidden miniature cameras inside the New York Giants’ hotel and can tell you if Plaxico Burress takes his morning coffee with one or two spoonfuls of sugar.
Giving Bill Belichick two weeks to prepare for any team is highly unfair. The NFL should install its own Patriot Act and forbid New England from making any other dynamite offseason acquisitions after this Super Bowl, or else the Pats will own that shiny silver trophy for a while.
Here's what I think will happen Sunday:
The Giants will get more pressure on Brady than most teams. They have the pass rushers to do it, but they probably can't account for Brady's check-down options all of the time. Wes Welker, the consummate hot route receiver against the blitz, and Kevin Faulk, the third-down threat out of the backfield, will ultimately be difference-makers.
Patriots 24, Giants 20.
OK, two veterans of the Miami Dolphins’ unbeaten 1972 team shared their insights into what it would take to knock off the New England Patriots.
While I respect my elders, I can only say this:
Not happening.
In addition to having a ridiculous assembly of individual talent, the Patriots have probably hidden miniature cameras inside the New York Giants’ hotel and can tell you if Plaxico Burress takes his morning coffee with one or two spoonfuls of sugar.
Giving Bill Belichick two weeks to prepare for any team is highly unfair. The NFL should install its own Patriot Act and forbid New England from making any other dynamite offseason acquisitions after this Super Bowl, or else the Pats will own that shiny silver trophy for a while.
Here's what I think will happen Sunday:
The Giants will get more pressure on Brady than most teams. They have the pass rushers to do it, but they probably can't account for Brady's check-down options all of the time. Wes Welker, the consummate hot route receiver against the blitz, and Kevin Faulk, the third-down threat out of the backfield, will ultimately be difference-makers.
Patriots 24, Giants 20.
How do you stop them?
Since no NFL team has succeeded in stopping the 18-0 New England Patriots yet, I asked a couple knowledgable football people for game planning insight.
Mike Kolen and Bill Stanfill both started for the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who are thus far the only team in National Football League history to go unbeaten. Kolen, a former Auburn linebacker, started 13 games for the 17-0 Super Bowl champions that season, while Stanfill, a defensive end from Georgia, contributed 10 quarterback sacks to the cause. I wanted to talk to '72 star Jake Scott, the bone-crushing safety from Georgia, but he’s living incognito and mostly incommunicado on a beach in Hawaii.
Still, Kolen and Stanfill provided some good insight. I'll have more from both of them in my Sunday column which, as always, can be found at www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports. Anyway, here’s what the former Dolphins had to say:
KOLEN: ‘‘To me, if I was a coach, it’s plan and simple. If you’re going to beat the Patriots, you have to put some pressure on (quarterback Tom) Brady. You have to do whatever you have to do and take the risk. If you’re going to win, you have to go for it and do everything possible that you can.’’
STANFILL: ‘‘They’ve got a great team, no doubt about it. They key to their success is they don’t make mental errors. They’re extremely disciplined with a lot of individual talent, but they funnel that all into the team effort. You’ve got to get pressure on Brady, and I think (the) New York (Giants) did a good job of that in the last regular season game.’’
Since no NFL team has succeeded in stopping the 18-0 New England Patriots yet, I asked a couple knowledgable football people for game planning insight.
Mike Kolen and Bill Stanfill both started for the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who are thus far the only team in National Football League history to go unbeaten. Kolen, a former Auburn linebacker, started 13 games for the 17-0 Super Bowl champions that season, while Stanfill, a defensive end from Georgia, contributed 10 quarterback sacks to the cause. I wanted to talk to '72 star Jake Scott, the bone-crushing safety from Georgia, but he’s living incognito and mostly incommunicado on a beach in Hawaii.
Still, Kolen and Stanfill provided some good insight. I'll have more from both of them in my Sunday column which, as always, can be found at www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports. Anyway, here’s what the former Dolphins had to say:
KOLEN: ‘‘To me, if I was a coach, it’s plan and simple. If you’re going to beat the Patriots, you have to put some pressure on (quarterback Tom) Brady. You have to do whatever you have to do and take the risk. If you’re going to win, you have to go for it and do everything possible that you can.’’
STANFILL: ‘‘They’ve got a great team, no doubt about it. They key to their success is they don’t make mental errors. They’re extremely disciplined with a lot of individual talent, but they funnel that all into the team effort. You’ve got to get pressure on Brady, and I think (the) New York (Giants) did a good job of that in the last regular season game.’’
Friday, February 01, 2008
Our tax dollars at 'work'
You'd think Georgia lawmakers had enough issues on the table what with the drought, gun control, etc., etc.
They somehow found the team to address what's really important to Georgians: The BCS.
According to an Associated Press story filed this morning, the state House voted 151-9 to prod the NCAA into creating a playoff system for college football.
The resolution, which now heads to the Senate, calls the BCS "the greatest disappointment of the 2007 college football season."
Your blogger does not know if the nine house members who voted ''nay'' are Georgia Tech fans.
You'd think Georgia lawmakers had enough issues on the table what with the drought, gun control, etc., etc.
They somehow found the team to address what's really important to Georgians: The BCS.
According to an Associated Press story filed this morning, the state House voted 151-9 to prod the NCAA into creating a playoff system for college football.
The resolution, which now heads to the Senate, calls the BCS "the greatest disappointment of the 2007 college football season."
Your blogger does not know if the nine house members who voted ''nay'' are Georgia Tech fans.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Super Bowl shufflin'
Since this is my blog, I will shamelessly self-promote what I have in the works for the weekend in the Ledger-Enquirer.
Friday: A column on Troy University’s ties to the Super Bowl. The New York Giants feature a pair of Trojans — pass rusher extraordinaire Osi Umenyiora and Tom Coughlin's favorite kicker, Lawrence Tynes. Their coach at Troy, Larry Blakeney, told me some funny stories about where he was when Tynes made the game-winning field goal against Green Bay in the NFC Championship game.
Sunday: What happens to the 1972 Miami Dolphins' legacy if New England wins? In my mind, it doesn't devalue anything the Dolphins accomplished. They were the first wire-to-wire unbeaten. It's true that Don Shula, Larry Csonka and some of the other guys have danced on the graves of those rare teams that threatened but never equaled their mark, but a couple other stars from the '72 team gave me a different perspective about how they view the Patriots.
Mike Kolen, a former Auburn University linebacker, and Bill Stanfill, a former Georgia defensive lineman, played prominent roles on the 1972 Super Bowl team that went 17-0. They're not bitter old men. If anything, they see elements of the old Dolphins in this New England team.
"The key to their success is they don't make mental errors,'' Stanfill told me. "They're extremely disciplined and they have a lot of individual talent, but they funnel that all into the team effort.''
Check www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports in the coming days for more.
Later.
Since this is my blog, I will shamelessly self-promote what I have in the works for the weekend in the Ledger-Enquirer.
Friday: A column on Troy University’s ties to the Super Bowl. The New York Giants feature a pair of Trojans — pass rusher extraordinaire Osi Umenyiora and Tom Coughlin's favorite kicker, Lawrence Tynes. Their coach at Troy, Larry Blakeney, told me some funny stories about where he was when Tynes made the game-winning field goal against Green Bay in the NFC Championship game.
Sunday: What happens to the 1972 Miami Dolphins' legacy if New England wins? In my mind, it doesn't devalue anything the Dolphins accomplished. They were the first wire-to-wire unbeaten. It's true that Don Shula, Larry Csonka and some of the other guys have danced on the graves of those rare teams that threatened but never equaled their mark, but a couple other stars from the '72 team gave me a different perspective about how they view the Patriots.
Mike Kolen, a former Auburn University linebacker, and Bill Stanfill, a former Georgia defensive lineman, played prominent roles on the 1972 Super Bowl team that went 17-0. They're not bitter old men. If anything, they see elements of the old Dolphins in this New England team.
"The key to their success is they don't make mental errors,'' Stanfill told me. "They're extremely disciplined and they have a lot of individual talent, but they funnel that all into the team effort.''
Check www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports in the coming days for more.
Later.
Ch-ch-ch-changes
I'm not the most Web-savvy guy in the world, but I simply could not continue on in the old blog format.
Figured it was time for some house-cleaning and a splash of color.
In the near future, I plan to spruce things up with some photos.
Sports photos.
Not photos of hot women in bikinis.
Unless, of course, they happen to be playing a sport.
I'm not the most Web-savvy guy in the world, but I simply could not continue on in the old blog format.
Figured it was time for some house-cleaning and a splash of color.
In the near future, I plan to spruce things up with some photos.
Sports photos.
Not photos of hot women in bikinis.
Unless, of course, they happen to be playing a sport.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tide has Big Mac attack
Here's something to look forward to during the 2008 college football season.
Two teams in the same state, both of which long adhered to offensive philosophies as conservative as the populace's political beliefs, playing fast and loose.
Auburn spreading the field with five wide receivers and Alabama shedding the tentative and mimstake-prone play that sent its 2007 season spiraling down the drain.
For the first time in a long time, the November Iron Bowl showdown will be compelling for reasons other than the potential for the extension of a streak or the execution of a failing head coach.
The football might actually be worth watching.
Auburn proved in the Chick-fil-A Bowl that Tony Franklin's spread offense has substance to match its style. Alabama should be equally intriguing to watch now that former Fresno State assistant Jim McElwain has been installed as its new offensive coordinator.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban confirmed the hire moments ago.
''He did an outstanding job last year at Fresno State,'' Saban said in a press release. ''Their improvement on offense, especially in the play of their quarterback, was tremendous. They had an impressive showing offensively against a very good Georgia Tech defense in their bowl win. In terms of production, they upped their offensive numbers significantly compared to the previous year. He’s worked with some great coaches including Pat Hill, John L. Smith and Scott Linehan. He also brings NFL experience working with quarterbacks, which is another big plus. We talked to a large pool of coaches when we interviewed for this position and Jim was absolutely the best candidate we spoke to.”
Here's why Saban should be giddy about landing McElwain. After spending one season as the Oakland Raiders' quarterback coach, McElwain took over a Fresno State offense that had been less than stellar the year before. With his help, the Bulldogs improved from 4-8 to 9-4 while putting up 32.9 points and 419 total yards per game.
Here's something to look forward to during the 2008 college football season.
Two teams in the same state, both of which long adhered to offensive philosophies as conservative as the populace's political beliefs, playing fast and loose.
Auburn spreading the field with five wide receivers and Alabama shedding the tentative and mimstake-prone play that sent its 2007 season spiraling down the drain.
For the first time in a long time, the November Iron Bowl showdown will be compelling for reasons other than the potential for the extension of a streak or the execution of a failing head coach.
The football might actually be worth watching.
Auburn proved in the Chick-fil-A Bowl that Tony Franklin's spread offense has substance to match its style. Alabama should be equally intriguing to watch now that former Fresno State assistant Jim McElwain has been installed as its new offensive coordinator.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban confirmed the hire moments ago.
''He did an outstanding job last year at Fresno State,'' Saban said in a press release. ''Their improvement on offense, especially in the play of their quarterback, was tremendous. They had an impressive showing offensively against a very good Georgia Tech defense in their bowl win. In terms of production, they upped their offensive numbers significantly compared to the previous year. He’s worked with some great coaches including Pat Hill, John L. Smith and Scott Linehan. He also brings NFL experience working with quarterbacks, which is another big plus. We talked to a large pool of coaches when we interviewed for this position and Jim was absolutely the best candidate we spoke to.”
Here's why Saban should be giddy about landing McElwain. After spending one season as the Oakland Raiders' quarterback coach, McElwain took over a Fresno State offense that had been less than stellar the year before. With his help, the Bulldogs improved from 4-8 to 9-4 while putting up 32.9 points and 419 total yards per game.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
NL East remains beast
Remember how Tom Glavine’s return to Atlanta would reinvigorate the Braves and make them relevant again in the National League East?
Let's just say it might be ill-advised to start planning the pennant celebration.
The New York Mets just said, ‘‘Oye Come Va'' to Santana.
That would be Santana as in Johan, not Santana in the form of the Latin rockers.
At the same time, the Santana discography includes several selections that provide some insight into what this means for the Mets and the NL East as a whole.
As the Santana standard ‘‘This Boy's Fire'' indicates, Santana throws some serious heat. In fact, as his 2004 and 2006 Cy Young Awards prove, he's ''Smooth.''
When Glavine left, it appeared the Mets might have ''No One to Depend On'' in the rotation vacancy created by Glavine's departure.
OK, enough with the Santana song titles.
The point is the guy throws some nasty cheese and will likely reinstall the Mets as the team to beat in the division. Santana represents a major acquisition for the Mets, who made tentative plans Tuesday to give up outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitchers Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey in a trade that should become official very soon. New York, which endured an apocolyptic September pratfall last season, suddenly boasts a very formidable rotation with the left-handed Santana, Pedro Martinez, John Maine, Orlando Hernandez and Oliver Perez.
"If it's true, obviously, you're getting arguably the best pitcher in the game," Mets third baseman David Wright told the Associated Press after hearing of the proposed trade.
Sorry, Atlanta. Your path back to the top of the division just got tougher.
Remember how Tom Glavine’s return to Atlanta would reinvigorate the Braves and make them relevant again in the National League East?
Let's just say it might be ill-advised to start planning the pennant celebration.
The New York Mets just said, ‘‘Oye Come Va'' to Santana.
That would be Santana as in Johan, not Santana in the form of the Latin rockers.
At the same time, the Santana discography includes several selections that provide some insight into what this means for the Mets and the NL East as a whole.
As the Santana standard ‘‘This Boy's Fire'' indicates, Santana throws some serious heat. In fact, as his 2004 and 2006 Cy Young Awards prove, he's ''Smooth.''
When Glavine left, it appeared the Mets might have ''No One to Depend On'' in the rotation vacancy created by Glavine's departure.
OK, enough with the Santana song titles.
The point is the guy throws some nasty cheese and will likely reinstall the Mets as the team to beat in the division. Santana represents a major acquisition for the Mets, who made tentative plans Tuesday to give up outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitchers Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey in a trade that should become official very soon. New York, which endured an apocolyptic September pratfall last season, suddenly boasts a very formidable rotation with the left-handed Santana, Pedro Martinez, John Maine, Orlando Hernandez and Oliver Perez.
"If it's true, obviously, you're getting arguably the best pitcher in the game," Mets third baseman David Wright told the Associated Press after hearing of the proposed trade.
Sorry, Atlanta. Your path back to the top of the division just got tougher.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Senior moments
MOBILE, Ala. — Familiar faces are everywhere at the Senior Bowl, from the elevator at the headquarter hotel to the grandstands at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
There's Tampa Bay Bucs coach Jon Gruden watching the North team practice and trying not to smile too much after receiving a contract extension and pay bump. There's Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel scouting the South team later that same day, recording his observations into a small digital recorder.
The point of this week used to be seeing NFL prospects in action three months before the April draft. These days, the Senior Bowl is just as much about being seen.
Patrol the periphery of the stadium during a practice and you'll find a coaching convention in progress. It's a schmooze-fest for the out of work. There's former Ole Miss head coach Ed Orgeron up in the stands, cozying up to the Oakland Raiders scouts he knows. There's former Auburn offensive coordinator Al Borges standing in the end zone, talking to college colleagues.
The oddest aspect of the week is that the game is secondary. Players can make or break their reputations based on how they practice. Most of the 800-some NFL coaches, assistants, scouts, general managers and support personnel were heading out of town after Wednesday's workouts.
"It's kind of weird, but they definitely want to see how we can practice,'' said East Carolina tailback Chris Johnson, who built considerable pre-Senior Bowl buzz with his 4.2 speed in the 40-yard dash and his breakout bowl performance. "The game can't show much really because we'll have only been together for three of four days.''
While the round of interviews with NFL front office folks reached a lull, the players still encounter plenty of folks who want a piece of them. There are more than 1,000 credentialed folks at the Senior Bowl and most of them seem intent on congregating around the escalator on the second floor of the Riverview Plaza Hotel.
There are stockbrokers, investment advisors and mortgage consultants who have all sorts of plans for how the players can put their impending riches to use. The hotel bar is crowded with agents or wanna-be agents who came to town in search of clients. The caste system becomes more jewel-encrusted on the second floor, where more established and client-rich agents like Pat Dye Jr. and Jimmy Sexton hold court and undoubtedly think of dollar signs.
Sexton, who also happens to represent some very rich college coaches like Alabama's Nick Saban and Auburn's Tommy Tuberville, spent nearly all of Monday night with a cellphone pressed to his head.
He's certainly not alone in that regard. When Saban arrived to watch Tuesday's practice, featuring former Alabama players DJ Hall, Simeon Castille and Wallace Gilberry, he devoted most of the next 80 minutes pacing the stadium sideline chatting away on his cell phone.
If he was talking to an offensive coordinator candidate, he could have saved himself some valuable cell phone minutes. There are at least five guys qualified for the job standing within 50 yards of him.
MOBILE, Ala. — Familiar faces are everywhere at the Senior Bowl, from the elevator at the headquarter hotel to the grandstands at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
There's Tampa Bay Bucs coach Jon Gruden watching the North team practice and trying not to smile too much after receiving a contract extension and pay bump. There's Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel scouting the South team later that same day, recording his observations into a small digital recorder.
The point of this week used to be seeing NFL prospects in action three months before the April draft. These days, the Senior Bowl is just as much about being seen.
Patrol the periphery of the stadium during a practice and you'll find a coaching convention in progress. It's a schmooze-fest for the out of work. There's former Ole Miss head coach Ed Orgeron up in the stands, cozying up to the Oakland Raiders scouts he knows. There's former Auburn offensive coordinator Al Borges standing in the end zone, talking to college colleagues.
The oddest aspect of the week is that the game is secondary. Players can make or break their reputations based on how they practice. Most of the 800-some NFL coaches, assistants, scouts, general managers and support personnel were heading out of town after Wednesday's workouts.
"It's kind of weird, but they definitely want to see how we can practice,'' said East Carolina tailback Chris Johnson, who built considerable pre-Senior Bowl buzz with his 4.2 speed in the 40-yard dash and his breakout bowl performance. "The game can't show much really because we'll have only been together for three of four days.''
While the round of interviews with NFL front office folks reached a lull, the players still encounter plenty of folks who want a piece of them. There are more than 1,000 credentialed folks at the Senior Bowl and most of them seem intent on congregating around the escalator on the second floor of the Riverview Plaza Hotel.
There are stockbrokers, investment advisors and mortgage consultants who have all sorts of plans for how the players can put their impending riches to use. The hotel bar is crowded with agents or wanna-be agents who came to town in search of clients. The caste system becomes more jewel-encrusted on the second floor, where more established and client-rich agents like Pat Dye Jr. and Jimmy Sexton hold court and undoubtedly think of dollar signs.
Sexton, who also happens to represent some very rich college coaches like Alabama's Nick Saban and Auburn's Tommy Tuberville, spent nearly all of Monday night with a cellphone pressed to his head.
He's certainly not alone in that regard. When Saban arrived to watch Tuesday's practice, featuring former Alabama players DJ Hall, Simeon Castille and Wallace Gilberry, he devoted most of the next 80 minutes pacing the stadium sideline chatting away on his cell phone.
If he was talking to an offensive coordinator candidate, he could have saved himself some valuable cell phone minutes. There are at least five guys qualified for the job standing within 50 yards of him.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Falcons reach end of line
MOBILE, Ala. — Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan apparently won’t get the Atlanta Falcons head coaching job, but he got to the heart of what needs to happen for the franchise to succeed.
‘‘You have to work as a unit and as a team,’’ he told me while watching a Senior Bowl workout Tuesday morning. ‘‘They're not going to be successful just because of (a new head coach). You get your people to work together, from the scouting department to the training staff to everybody. If you pull that rope in the same direction I know it works and it's much easier than if you think you have all the answers.’’
Give this team enough hope, however, and who knows what will happen?
The player who once represented hope for a Super Bowl, quarterback Michael Vick, is doing time in Leavenworth. The coach last hired to make them a cohesive unit, Bobby Petrino, fled before his rookie season even ended. The general manager who had them perched on the edge of an NFC championship not so long ago, Rich McKay, has been pushed to the margins.
They have been turned down by Bill Parcells for the GM job, blown off by Bill Cowher and Pete Carroll. They helped several head coaching candidates get sweeter deals with other teams because of the interest shown during a two-month search process.
They have entrusted their future to a 41-year-old rookie general manager in Thomas Dimitroff, who appears to have enthusiasm and competence on his side if not experience.
Just when it seemed as if the team's head coaching search would extend into February, Dimitroff pulled this surprise.
He offered the job to Jacksonville defensive coordinator Mike Smith, who joined Ryan as one of the two candidates to receive multiple interviews.
Here's what matters about Ryan: His Jacksonville defenses have been consistently good, he favors a 4-3 defense, he’s the brother-in-law of former Ravens coach Brian Billick and he was an assistant when Baltimore won the Super Bowl.
The Falcons needed a coach capable of toughening them up and instilling a sense of unity.
Assuming Smith accepts their offer, the Falcons can set about the potentially difficult process of pulling their rope in the same direction. Then the question will simply be a matter of how long it will take to see evidence of upward mobility.
MOBILE, Ala. — Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan apparently won’t get the Atlanta Falcons head coaching job, but he got to the heart of what needs to happen for the franchise to succeed.
‘‘You have to work as a unit and as a team,’’ he told me while watching a Senior Bowl workout Tuesday morning. ‘‘They're not going to be successful just because of (a new head coach). You get your people to work together, from the scouting department to the training staff to everybody. If you pull that rope in the same direction I know it works and it's much easier than if you think you have all the answers.’’
Give this team enough hope, however, and who knows what will happen?
The player who once represented hope for a Super Bowl, quarterback Michael Vick, is doing time in Leavenworth. The coach last hired to make them a cohesive unit, Bobby Petrino, fled before his rookie season even ended. The general manager who had them perched on the edge of an NFC championship not so long ago, Rich McKay, has been pushed to the margins.
They have been turned down by Bill Parcells for the GM job, blown off by Bill Cowher and Pete Carroll. They helped several head coaching candidates get sweeter deals with other teams because of the interest shown during a two-month search process.
They have entrusted their future to a 41-year-old rookie general manager in Thomas Dimitroff, who appears to have enthusiasm and competence on his side if not experience.
Just when it seemed as if the team's head coaching search would extend into February, Dimitroff pulled this surprise.
He offered the job to Jacksonville defensive coordinator Mike Smith, who joined Ryan as one of the two candidates to receive multiple interviews.
Here's what matters about Ryan: His Jacksonville defenses have been consistently good, he favors a 4-3 defense, he’s the brother-in-law of former Ravens coach Brian Billick and he was an assistant when Baltimore won the Super Bowl.
The Falcons needed a coach capable of toughening them up and instilling a sense of unity.
Assuming Smith accepts their offer, the Falcons can set about the potentially difficult process of pulling their rope in the same direction. Then the question will simply be a matter of how long it will take to see evidence of upward mobility.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Cheese for brains
Maybe it’s the extreme cold and constant snow that turns them wacky.
In any event, one misguided Green Bay Packers zealot won’t be able to have contact with his wife and son because he allegedly tried to pull his child onto the team bandwagon a little too forcefully.
According to a story filed by the Associated Press, 36-year-old Pardeeville, Wisc., resident Mathew Kowald was cited for disorderly conduct after restraining his 7-year-old son for an hour with tape and subsequently taping a Packers jersey to him. It seems Mr. Kowald was upset that his son wouldn't wear a Green Bay jersey during the team’s playoff victory last weekend.
Kowald paid a $186 fine and was released, but his wife filed a restraining order against him that will keep him from seeing his family. Lt. Wayne Smith of the Columbia County (Wisc.) Sheriff’s Dept. said other domestic issues have surfaced.
Guess that means Kowald has fallen well behind the pack in Father ofat the Year voting.
That a parent went to far in pushing football fanaticism on a child shouldn't be so surprising. That such a thing didn't happen in Georgia or Alabama and involve a staple gun rather than tape most certainly is, however.
I just wish I'd known that parents could be arrested for forcing their children to wear undesirable garments. As much as I love my mom and dad, I would have been willing to press charges for such childhood indignities as Winnie the Pooh pajamas with padded feet and the especially heinous kindergarten and first grade mandate to wear galoshes to school on rainy days.
Maybe it’s the extreme cold and constant snow that turns them wacky.
In any event, one misguided Green Bay Packers zealot won’t be able to have contact with his wife and son because he allegedly tried to pull his child onto the team bandwagon a little too forcefully.
According to a story filed by the Associated Press, 36-year-old Pardeeville, Wisc., resident Mathew Kowald was cited for disorderly conduct after restraining his 7-year-old son for an hour with tape and subsequently taping a Packers jersey to him. It seems Mr. Kowald was upset that his son wouldn't wear a Green Bay jersey during the team’s playoff victory last weekend.
Kowald paid a $186 fine and was released, but his wife filed a restraining order against him that will keep him from seeing his family. Lt. Wayne Smith of the Columbia County (Wisc.) Sheriff’s Dept. said other domestic issues have surfaced.
Guess that means Kowald has fallen well behind the pack in Father ofat the Year voting.
That a parent went to far in pushing football fanaticism on a child shouldn't be so surprising. That such a thing didn't happen in Georgia or Alabama and involve a staple gun rather than tape most certainly is, however.
I just wish I'd known that parents could be arrested for forcing their children to wear undesirable garments. As much as I love my mom and dad, I would have been willing to press charges for such childhood indignities as Winnie the Pooh pajamas with padded feet and the especially heinous kindergarten and first grade mandate to wear galoshes to school on rainy days.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Not bad for old guys
There’s nothing like hearing Elvis standards belted out with the hint of a French-Canadian accent.
Of all the highlights from the Columbus Cottonmouths’ Legends Game Saturday night, including the mock fights and the attempts by former coach Bruce Garber to broadside a referee with a well-thrown water bottle, the best moment came when former goaltender and permanent Elvis enthusiast Frankie Ouellette borrowed a microphone and sang a pair of The King's hits to the crowd.
That moment helped explain why the Cottonmouths and, particularly, their 1997-98 Levins Cup team are so beloved by Columbus sports fans.
The Legends Game, featuring old-timers the same age as yours truly, offered a chance to appreciate the retired players who helped hockey find a foothold on the Chattahoochee. Ole Kjenstad and Mike Martens still looked like they could play for pay if given a week or two to work their way back into game shape. Cottonmouths' coach and general manager Jerome Bechard didn't look too shabby either, although he'll never win a race on the ice.
In fact, my friend and former Ledger-Enquirer co-worker John Vogl wrote an excellent blog entry about the beloved Bechard. It can be found at:
http://buffalonews.typepad.com/sabres/2008/01/ill-take-jerome.html
You might remember John from his days covering the Cottonmouths at the Ledger-Enquirer. He now writes for the Buffalo News, covering the Sabres. He passed through town Saturday night to catch up with the Snakes before covering the Sabres in Atlanta on Sunday.
There’s nothing like hearing Elvis standards belted out with the hint of a French-Canadian accent.
Of all the highlights from the Columbus Cottonmouths’ Legends Game Saturday night, including the mock fights and the attempts by former coach Bruce Garber to broadside a referee with a well-thrown water bottle, the best moment came when former goaltender and permanent Elvis enthusiast Frankie Ouellette borrowed a microphone and sang a pair of The King's hits to the crowd.
That moment helped explain why the Cottonmouths and, particularly, their 1997-98 Levins Cup team are so beloved by Columbus sports fans.
The Legends Game, featuring old-timers the same age as yours truly, offered a chance to appreciate the retired players who helped hockey find a foothold on the Chattahoochee. Ole Kjenstad and Mike Martens still looked like they could play for pay if given a week or two to work their way back into game shape. Cottonmouths' coach and general manager Jerome Bechard didn't look too shabby either, although he'll never win a race on the ice.
In fact, my friend and former Ledger-Enquirer co-worker John Vogl wrote an excellent blog entry about the beloved Bechard. It can be found at:
http://buffalonews.typepad.com/sabres/2008/01/ill-take-jerome.html
You might remember John from his days covering the Cottonmouths at the Ledger-Enquirer. He now writes for the Buffalo News, covering the Sabres. He passed through town Saturday night to catch up with the Snakes before covering the Sabres in Atlanta on Sunday.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Horning in on Muschamp
AUBURN, Ala. — The life and times of the Auburn Tigers keep getting stranger.
First, head coach Tommy Tuberville spent his Thanksgiving holiday hunting turkeys in Arkansas and letting speculation build that he would consider a head coaching offer from the Razorbacks.
Then he came home, got his contract extension from Auburn and continued on oblivious to the resentment he created among some Auburn faithful and influence peddlers who were less than enthused about his protracted silence.
Then he did something that probably made Pat Dye cough. He fired Al Borges, an offensive coordinator with a 41-9 record, and replaced him with Tony Franklin, a no-huddle spread offense guru who doesn't believe in the I-formation or student body left and right.
Considering the Tigers had a mere nine days of preparation to install their new look offense for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, their performance against Clemson was quite impressive. They seem to be close to figuring out the nuances of the spread offense, but now they have another gaping void to fill.
After spending Thursday and most of Friday interviewing with Texas coach Mack Brown, Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will be leaving to take the same post with the Longhorns.
Ledger-Enquirer Auburn beat reporter ace Christa Turner confirmed the news early Friday evening. Muschamp brushed off reporters at the airport, declining comment until he met with Tuberville.
It marks the second time in three seasons that Texas has poached a bright young assistant off Auburn's staff. You may recall that Iowa State coach Gene Chizik served as a co-defensive coordinator there.
The move by Muschamp was more surprising given that he had virtual autonomy and stood to make about $425,000 this season. Not to mention the fact that he had a number of key components returning to an Auburn defense that was suffocating for most of the season.
While Texas may have the resources to be a national title contender again soon, it seems like a lateral move at best. Like Chizik, Muschamp will be a co-defensive coordinator. As of 6:15 p.m., Muschamp had yet to publicly comment on his reasons for taking the job so we're left to wonder whether he had philosophical differences with Tuberville or simply felt Texas offered a more easily negotiable path to becoming a head coach.
One thing is clear: Texas gained a tremendous assistant coach and Auburn will have a tough time replacing him.
Where should Auburn go from here? Georgia Tech’s Jon Tenuta is on the market (although it's widely believed LSU will pursue him), but are the Tigers better off focusing on a younger assistant who could provide a closer match to Muschamp's fiery on-field persona? Or should they do something really radical and call former Ole Miss head coach and uber-recruiter Ed ‘‘Foo-baaaaw!'' Orgeron?
If Auburn winds up going with another young up-and-comer, how long will it take Texas to come calling again?
AUBURN, Ala. — The life and times of the Auburn Tigers keep getting stranger.
First, head coach Tommy Tuberville spent his Thanksgiving holiday hunting turkeys in Arkansas and letting speculation build that he would consider a head coaching offer from the Razorbacks.
Then he came home, got his contract extension from Auburn and continued on oblivious to the resentment he created among some Auburn faithful and influence peddlers who were less than enthused about his protracted silence.
Then he did something that probably made Pat Dye cough. He fired Al Borges, an offensive coordinator with a 41-9 record, and replaced him with Tony Franklin, a no-huddle spread offense guru who doesn't believe in the I-formation or student body left and right.
Considering the Tigers had a mere nine days of preparation to install their new look offense for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, their performance against Clemson was quite impressive. They seem to be close to figuring out the nuances of the spread offense, but now they have another gaping void to fill.
After spending Thursday and most of Friday interviewing with Texas coach Mack Brown, Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will be leaving to take the same post with the Longhorns.
Ledger-Enquirer Auburn beat reporter ace Christa Turner confirmed the news early Friday evening. Muschamp brushed off reporters at the airport, declining comment until he met with Tuberville.
It marks the second time in three seasons that Texas has poached a bright young assistant off Auburn's staff. You may recall that Iowa State coach Gene Chizik served as a co-defensive coordinator there.
The move by Muschamp was more surprising given that he had virtual autonomy and stood to make about $425,000 this season. Not to mention the fact that he had a number of key components returning to an Auburn defense that was suffocating for most of the season.
While Texas may have the resources to be a national title contender again soon, it seems like a lateral move at best. Like Chizik, Muschamp will be a co-defensive coordinator. As of 6:15 p.m., Muschamp had yet to publicly comment on his reasons for taking the job so we're left to wonder whether he had philosophical differences with Tuberville or simply felt Texas offered a more easily negotiable path to becoming a head coach.
One thing is clear: Texas gained a tremendous assistant coach and Auburn will have a tough time replacing him.
Where should Auburn go from here? Georgia Tech’s Jon Tenuta is on the market (although it's widely believed LSU will pursue him), but are the Tigers better off focusing on a younger assistant who could provide a closer match to Muschamp's fiery on-field persona? Or should they do something really radical and call former Ole Miss head coach and uber-recruiter Ed ‘‘Foo-baaaaw!'' Orgeron?
If Auburn winds up going with another young up-and-comer, how long will it take Texas to come calling again?
Monday, December 31, 2007
High notes
NEW ORLEANS — Managed to cross a couple items off my New Orleans To Do List last night.
While the Lower Ninth Ward and Gentilly sections of New Orleans are still trying to rebuild from the post-Katrina devastation, the pulse of the city remains strong thanks to the bustling Bacchanalian heedlessness of the French Quarter, the quiet beauty of the Garden District, the spice of the city’s cuisine and the dulcet tones of its musicians.
You can't walk 10 steps without hearing jazz music in this town, although there's some variance in the quality. Thankfully, I managed to walk into the right establishment Sunday night.
The Blue Nile, a great club frequented mostly by locals, featured local jazz trumpeter Kermit Ruffins and his wonderfully-named band, the Barbecue Swingers.
They produced a sweaty, rollicking show packed with impressive solos and Creole flavor. Didn't know much about Mr. Ruffins before last night, but I'm now a fan.
A 2001 New York Times article described him as ''an unabashed entertainer who plays trumpet with a bright, silvery tone, sings with off-the-cuff charm and never gets too astruse in his material.''
Don't know what ''astruse'' means, but I'm in agreement with the rest of it.
The real question now is how to spend the night before the Sugar Bowl.
It'll either mean watching the Chik-fil-A Bowl on TV somewhere packed with drunken New Year's Eve revelers or heading to the House of Blues to hear five-time Grammy winner Buddy Guy.
The HOB is asking $88 a ticket for Guy, which might work out to a dollar for every year he's been alive.
NEW ORLEANS — Managed to cross a couple items off my New Orleans To Do List last night.
While the Lower Ninth Ward and Gentilly sections of New Orleans are still trying to rebuild from the post-Katrina devastation, the pulse of the city remains strong thanks to the bustling Bacchanalian heedlessness of the French Quarter, the quiet beauty of the Garden District, the spice of the city’s cuisine and the dulcet tones of its musicians.
You can't walk 10 steps without hearing jazz music in this town, although there's some variance in the quality. Thankfully, I managed to walk into the right establishment Sunday night.
The Blue Nile, a great club frequented mostly by locals, featured local jazz trumpeter Kermit Ruffins and his wonderfully-named band, the Barbecue Swingers.
They produced a sweaty, rollicking show packed with impressive solos and Creole flavor. Didn't know much about Mr. Ruffins before last night, but I'm now a fan.
A 2001 New York Times article described him as ''an unabashed entertainer who plays trumpet with a bright, silvery tone, sings with off-the-cuff charm and never gets too astruse in his material.''
Don't know what ''astruse'' means, but I'm in agreement with the rest of it.
The real question now is how to spend the night before the Sugar Bowl.
It'll either mean watching the Chik-fil-A Bowl on TV somewhere packed with drunken New Year's Eve revelers or heading to the House of Blues to hear five-time Grammy winner Buddy Guy.
The HOB is asking $88 a ticket for Guy, which might work out to a dollar for every year he's been alive.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
The Big Greasy
NEW ORLEANS — The best part about Georgia and Hawaii conducting closed practices today is that it essentially leaves a sportswriter with a getaway day.
As in: Get away from the computer and the media hotel and go see the city.
Having been to New Orleans a number of times in the past for business (previous Sugar Bowls) and for non-business (getting plastered at Mardi Gras), I have formulated a New Orleans To Do list to be completed between now and the time I leave Wednesday morning.
1. Read the paper over coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde.
2. Drive the entire length of St. Charles and stare in wide-eyed wonder at all the mansions I will never be able to afford. Award myself bonus points for identifying the home of author Anne Rice.
3. End the St. Charles tour with a bowl of gumbo and a cold Abita at Cooter Brown's.
4. Walk. A lot. Preferably around the French Quarter.
5. Consume a Moonsoon at the Port O’ Call. Let the tourists from places like Omaha and Dubuque have their hurricanes at Pat O’Brien’s.
6. Lunch at Praline Connection, a creole comfort food haven in the Fauburg Marigny district. Remember to pick up a take home box of their delectable pralines so my wife will forgive me for not having taken her to New Orleans.
7. Listen to jazz at Snug Harbor.
8. Use the hotel gym to work off the beignets, pralines and meals like the one I ate upon arriving in town Saturday. Went to Parasol's in the Garden District and treated myself to a roast beef po boy (with gravy) and an order of their gravy cheese fries.
9. Pray that my arteries haven't constricted since that lunch.
10. Learn the haka, the Polynesian-inspired war chant and dance the Hawaii football team does before its games.
NEW ORLEANS — The best part about Georgia and Hawaii conducting closed practices today is that it essentially leaves a sportswriter with a getaway day.
As in: Get away from the computer and the media hotel and go see the city.
Having been to New Orleans a number of times in the past for business (previous Sugar Bowls) and for non-business (getting plastered at Mardi Gras), I have formulated a New Orleans To Do list to be completed between now and the time I leave Wednesday morning.
1. Read the paper over coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde.
2. Drive the entire length of St. Charles and stare in wide-eyed wonder at all the mansions I will never be able to afford. Award myself bonus points for identifying the home of author Anne Rice.
3. End the St. Charles tour with a bowl of gumbo and a cold Abita at Cooter Brown's.
4. Walk. A lot. Preferably around the French Quarter.
5. Consume a Moonsoon at the Port O’ Call. Let the tourists from places like Omaha and Dubuque have their hurricanes at Pat O’Brien’s.
6. Lunch at Praline Connection, a creole comfort food haven in the Fauburg Marigny district. Remember to pick up a take home box of their delectable pralines so my wife will forgive me for not having taken her to New Orleans.
7. Listen to jazz at Snug Harbor.
8. Use the hotel gym to work off the beignets, pralines and meals like the one I ate upon arriving in town Saturday. Went to Parasol's in the Garden District and treated myself to a roast beef po boy (with gravy) and an order of their gravy cheese fries.
9. Pray that my arteries haven't constricted since that lunch.
10. Learn the haka, the Polynesian-inspired war chant and dance the Hawaii football team does before its games.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Forecasting the bowls
Remember when bowl games were viewed as a reward for good college football teams?
These days, you get in simply for passing the breathe on a mirror test. That’s where are now with 32 bowl games cluttering the postseason landscape. This year, seven teams with 6-6 records will play in bowl games. Another three will play despite performances that resulted in their head coaches either being fired or forced to resign. You also have to take into consideration the fact that several of those bowl-eligile 6-6 and 7-5 records were achieved at the expense of Division I-AA cupcakes.
So, in essence, we can have more than half the teams in Division I-A playing in mostly meaningless bowl games but we can’t have an eight-team playoff.
That’s college football, but we still love it anyway. That’s why we’ve taken the trouble of projecting how all 32 bowl games will turn out.
Thursday
Poinsetta Bowl
NAVY (8-4) vs. UTAH (8-4)
Former Navy head coach Paul Johnson recently set up shop at Georgia Tech, but the Midshipmen will remain consistent in their approach. The Midshipmen led all Division I schools in rushing yardage (4,218) and touchdowns (51) this season. Utah, a winner of its last six bowl games, will have a hard time stopping the triple option.
Prediction: Navy 41, Utah 35
Friday
New Orleans bowl
FLORIDA ATLANTIC (7-5) vs. MEMPHIS (7-5)
Central Florida and South Florida rose from the mid-major ranks to become football programs of consequence. It looks as if Florida Atlantic isn’t too far away from doing the same.
Prediction: Florida Atlantic 24, Memphis 20
Saturday
Papajohns.com Bowl
CINCINATI (9-3) vs. SOUTHERN MISS (7-5)
Southern Miss could rally around outgoing head coach Jeff Bower, who issued what amounted to a forced resignation in November after 29 years at the school. Still, Cincinnati possesses a hard-nosed defense and the Big East’s most efficient passer in Ben Mauk (2,787 yards, 27 TDs, 6 INTs).
Prediction: Cincinnati 27, Southern Miss 21
New Mexico Bowl
NEW MEXICO (8-4) vs. NEVADA (6-6)
It must be nice for New Mexico to know that it has its own bowl game to play in if a better offer doesn't come along. The Lobos went 5-1 in Albuquerque this year.
Prediction: New Mexico 31, Nevada 28
Las Vegas Bowl
BYU (10-2) vs. UCLA (6-6)
These teams played each other earlier in the season and it wasn't particularly interesting. Why should we think it will be any different this time?
Prediction: BYU 38, UCLA 23
Sunday
Hawaii Bowl
BOISE STATE (10-3) vs. EAST CAROLINA (7-5)
A 39-27 loss at Hawaii in late-November ended Boise State’s hopes of earning a BCS bowl bid for the second straight year. Quarterback Taylor Tharp and tailback Ian Johnson should ensure a much happier outcome on this return trip.
Prediction: Boise State 34, East Carolina 21
Dec. 26
Motor City Bowl
CENTRAL MICHIGAN (8-5) vs. PURDUE (7-5)
Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour might be one of the best players you’ve never heard of. Purdue will certainly get to know LeFevour, who passes for 3,360 yards and rushed for another 1,008 this season.
Prediction: Central Michigan 28, Purdue 23
Dec. 27
Holiday Bowl
ARIZONA STATE (10-2) vs. TEXAS (9-3)
Defense probably won't be a very high priority for either team. Texas allowed 275.5 passing yards per game this season, which bodes well for Arizona State QB Rudy Carpenter (3,015 pass yards, 23 TDs).
Prediction: Arizona State 36, Texas 31
Dec. 28
Champs Sports Bowl
BOSTON COLLEGE (10-3) vs. MICHIGAN STATE (7-5)
Boston College might have difficulty summoning much motivation since it once thought it was on its way to the Orange Bowl. Even so, the Eagles still have super-productive quarterback Matt Ryan.
Prediction: Boston College 21, Michigan State 13
Texas Bowl
HOUSTON (8-4) vs. TEXAS CHRISTIAN (7-5)
Houston coach Art Briles exited to do the college football equivalent of repeatedly pounding your forehead against a cement wall (ie. coach at Baylor). Texas Christian won its last two games to get bowl-eligible.
Prediction: Houston 24, TCU 19
Emerald Bowl
OREGON STATE (8-4) vs. MARYLAND (6-6)
Maryland beat a pair of top-10 teams this season, but struggled down the stretch.
Prediction: Oregon State 28, Maryland 14
Dec. 29
Meineke Car Care Bowl
CONNECTICUT (9-3) vs. WAKE FOREST (8-4)
Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe has seemingly been mentioned for every available job vacancy this offseason, and with good reason -- he’s winning at Wake freaking Forest.
Wake Forest was smart to lock him into a 10-year contract extension.
Prediction: Wake Forest 17, UConn 13
Liberty Bowl
MISSISSIPPI STATE (7-5) vs. UCF (10-3)
Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom was an easy choice for SEC Coach of the Year honors given the turnaround he’s engineered. This could be a surprisingly good bowl matchup with Croom’s physical defense facing UCF tailback Kevin Smith (2,448 yards, 29 touchdowns).
Prediction: UCF 20, Mississippi State 16
Alamo Bowl
TEXAS A&M (7-5) vs. PENN STATE (8-4)
Joe Paterno will coach in his 500th game as the Nittany Lions’ head coach. Gary Darnell will be working his first and only game as Texas A&M’s head coach following Dennis Franchione’s resignation. Advantage JoePa.
Prediction: Penn State 16, Texas A&M 10
Dec. 30
Independence Bowl
ALABAMA (6-6) vs. COLORADO (6-6)
Alabama’s last victory came on Oct. 20 against Tennessee. Since then, the Crimson Tide has been reeling from the suspension of players for improper receipt of textbooks, head coach Nick Saban’s 9-11/Pearl Harbor comments and a sixth straight loss to Auburn. While a strong incoming recruiting class will help down the line, the Tide needs to avoid a losing season to improve perception now.
Prediction: Alabama 17, Colorado 14
Dec. 31
Armed Forces Bowl
AIR FORCE (9-3) vs. CAL (6-6)
Cal appeared to be on course for a major bowl after early victories over Tennessee and Oregon, but lost its way in losing six of its last seven games.
Prediction: Air Force 28, Cal 27
Humanitarian Bowl
FRESNO STATE (8-4) vs. GEORGIA TECH (7-5)
It’s unclear if Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta, the interim coach for the Yellow Jackets in this game, will be asked to remain on incoming coach Paul Johnson’s staff. A shut-down effort by his defense in this game couldn’t hurt his cause.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 19, Fresno State 13
Sun Bowl
SOUTH FLORIDA (9-3) vs. OREGON (8-4)
Both teams were ranked as high as No. 2 in the country before falling back in the pack. Had Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon not torn knee ligaments late in the season, the Ducks might have been playing for the national title.
Prediction: South Florida 23, Oregon 21
Music City Bowl
FLORIDA STATE (7-5) vs. KENTUCKY (7-5)
Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher has been named the successor-in-waiting for head coach Bobby Bowden should he ever decide to retire. That may or may not be a good thing seeing as how the Seminoles ranked 86th nationally in total offense. The ’Noles may lack more punch than usual since an academic cheating scandal will force some key players to miss this game.
Prediction: Kentucky 21, FSU 17
Insight Bowl
OKLAHOMA STATE (6-6) vs. INDIANA (7-5)
Mike Gundy’s ‘‘I’m a man! I’m 40!’’ rant had such a galvanzing effect on Oklahoma State that the Cowboys actually played their way into bowl eligibility. Consider that one giant step for Mankind.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 27, Indiana 20
Chick-fil-A Bowl
AUBURN (8-4) vs. CLEMSON (9-3)
Auburn owns one of the nation’s best defenses, allowing 298.3 yards and 16.7 points per game. The Tigers will have to be particularly stingy against a Clemson team that features a productive tailback tandem in James Davis and C.J. Spiller.
Prediction: Clemson 20, Auburn 14
Jan. 1
Cotton Bowl
MISSOURI (11-2) vs. ARKANSAS (8-4)
Missouri should be primed to prove a point after being shut out of a BCS bid, but the Tigers will still have a tough time slowing down Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden.
Prediction: Arkansas 28, Missouri 24
Outback Bowl
TENNESSEE (9-4) vs. WISCONSIN (9-3)
Wisconsin tailback P.J. Hill may not play, which would certainly make Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer happy.
Prediction: Tennessee 24, Wisconsin 16
Capital One Bowl
No. 12 FLORIDA (9-3) vs. MICHIGAN (8-4)
Incoming Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez wouldn't mind having a QB like Heisman winner Tim Tebow to run his version of the spread. The Wolverines, who closed the season with consecutive losses, will have trouble dealing with Florida’s team speed.
Prediction: Florida 42, Michigan 20
Gator Bowl
VIRGINIA (9-3) vs. TEXAS TECH (8-4)
Virginia features one of the best defensive linemen in the nation in Chris Long, but Texas Tech’s quick-fire spread offense should neutralize him.
Prediction: Texas Tech 31, Virginia 21
Rose Bowl
USC (10-2) vs. ILLINOIS (9-3)
Fleet-footed Illinois quarterback Juice Williams will have difficulty getting loose against Southern Cal’s fast defense.
Prediction: USC 27, Illinois 17
Sugar Bowl
GEORGIA (10-2) vs. HAWAII (12-0)
Georgia might well be the hottest team in the country, while Hawaii should be steamed that it took it so long to get noticed. Those factors guarantee an entertaining game and a contrast in style. Look for Georgia’s tailback tandem of Knowshon Moreno and Thomas Brown to give the Bulldogs the advantage.
Prediction: Georgia 37, Hawaii 28
Jan. 2
Fiesta Bowl
OKLAHOMA (11-2) vs. WEST VIRGINIA (10-2)
West Virginia might still be reeling from the loss of head coach Rich Rodriguez and its stunning loss to unranked Pittsburgh. In contrast, Oklahoma proved it’s as good as anyone else in the country with a 38-17 thumping of Missouri in the Big 12 title game.
Prediction: Oklahoma 31, West Virgina 24
Jan. 3
Orange Bowl
VIRGINIA TECH (11-2) vs. KANSAS (11-1)
Kansas led the Big 12 in scoring with an average of 44.3 points per game, but the Jayhawks undoubtedly benefited from a soft schedule.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 28, Kansas 24
Jan. 5
International Bowl
RUTGERS vs. BALL STATE
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano briefly flirted with Michigan, but he’s got a good thing going in Jersey. Tailback Ray Rice should run wild against Ball State.
Prediction: Rutgers 34, Ball State 26
Jan. 6
GMAC Bowl
TULSA (9-4) vs. BOWLING GREEN (8-4)
OK, how did this game wind up as the final appetizer before the BCS national championship?
Prediction: Tulsa 41, Bowling Green 34
Jan. 7
BCS National Championship Game
OHIO STATE (11-1) vs. LSU (11-2)
Ohio State has allowed just two rushing touchdowns all season, but a 28-21 home loss to Illinois showed the Buckeyes remain vulnerable to versatile offenses with speedy skill players. Ohio State was exposed as a fraud by Florida in last season’s BCS title game. While the Buckeyes appear more deserving of a title shot this season, they’ll still find themselves at a deficit in the category of team speed.
LSU’s defensive front will be tough too to block while receivers Brandon LaFell and Demetrius Byrd will prove difficult to cover.
Prediction: LSU 31, Ohio State 24
Remember when bowl games were viewed as a reward for good college football teams?
These days, you get in simply for passing the breathe on a mirror test. That’s where are now with 32 bowl games cluttering the postseason landscape. This year, seven teams with 6-6 records will play in bowl games. Another three will play despite performances that resulted in their head coaches either being fired or forced to resign. You also have to take into consideration the fact that several of those bowl-eligile 6-6 and 7-5 records were achieved at the expense of Division I-AA cupcakes.
So, in essence, we can have more than half the teams in Division I-A playing in mostly meaningless bowl games but we can’t have an eight-team playoff.
That’s college football, but we still love it anyway. That’s why we’ve taken the trouble of projecting how all 32 bowl games will turn out.
Thursday
Poinsetta Bowl
NAVY (8-4) vs. UTAH (8-4)
Former Navy head coach Paul Johnson recently set up shop at Georgia Tech, but the Midshipmen will remain consistent in their approach. The Midshipmen led all Division I schools in rushing yardage (4,218) and touchdowns (51) this season. Utah, a winner of its last six bowl games, will have a hard time stopping the triple option.
Prediction: Navy 41, Utah 35
Friday
New Orleans bowl
FLORIDA ATLANTIC (7-5) vs. MEMPHIS (7-5)
Central Florida and South Florida rose from the mid-major ranks to become football programs of consequence. It looks as if Florida Atlantic isn’t too far away from doing the same.
Prediction: Florida Atlantic 24, Memphis 20
Saturday
Papajohns.com Bowl
CINCINATI (9-3) vs. SOUTHERN MISS (7-5)
Southern Miss could rally around outgoing head coach Jeff Bower, who issued what amounted to a forced resignation in November after 29 years at the school. Still, Cincinnati possesses a hard-nosed defense and the Big East’s most efficient passer in Ben Mauk (2,787 yards, 27 TDs, 6 INTs).
Prediction: Cincinnati 27, Southern Miss 21
New Mexico Bowl
NEW MEXICO (8-4) vs. NEVADA (6-6)
It must be nice for New Mexico to know that it has its own bowl game to play in if a better offer doesn't come along. The Lobos went 5-1 in Albuquerque this year.
Prediction: New Mexico 31, Nevada 28
Las Vegas Bowl
BYU (10-2) vs. UCLA (6-6)
These teams played each other earlier in the season and it wasn't particularly interesting. Why should we think it will be any different this time?
Prediction: BYU 38, UCLA 23
Sunday
Hawaii Bowl
BOISE STATE (10-3) vs. EAST CAROLINA (7-5)
A 39-27 loss at Hawaii in late-November ended Boise State’s hopes of earning a BCS bowl bid for the second straight year. Quarterback Taylor Tharp and tailback Ian Johnson should ensure a much happier outcome on this return trip.
Prediction: Boise State 34, East Carolina 21
Dec. 26
Motor City Bowl
CENTRAL MICHIGAN (8-5) vs. PURDUE (7-5)
Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour might be one of the best players you’ve never heard of. Purdue will certainly get to know LeFevour, who passes for 3,360 yards and rushed for another 1,008 this season.
Prediction: Central Michigan 28, Purdue 23
Dec. 27
Holiday Bowl
ARIZONA STATE (10-2) vs. TEXAS (9-3)
Defense probably won't be a very high priority for either team. Texas allowed 275.5 passing yards per game this season, which bodes well for Arizona State QB Rudy Carpenter (3,015 pass yards, 23 TDs).
Prediction: Arizona State 36, Texas 31
Dec. 28
Champs Sports Bowl
BOSTON COLLEGE (10-3) vs. MICHIGAN STATE (7-5)
Boston College might have difficulty summoning much motivation since it once thought it was on its way to the Orange Bowl. Even so, the Eagles still have super-productive quarterback Matt Ryan.
Prediction: Boston College 21, Michigan State 13
Texas Bowl
HOUSTON (8-4) vs. TEXAS CHRISTIAN (7-5)
Houston coach Art Briles exited to do the college football equivalent of repeatedly pounding your forehead against a cement wall (ie. coach at Baylor). Texas Christian won its last two games to get bowl-eligible.
Prediction: Houston 24, TCU 19
Emerald Bowl
OREGON STATE (8-4) vs. MARYLAND (6-6)
Maryland beat a pair of top-10 teams this season, but struggled down the stretch.
Prediction: Oregon State 28, Maryland 14
Dec. 29
Meineke Car Care Bowl
CONNECTICUT (9-3) vs. WAKE FOREST (8-4)
Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe has seemingly been mentioned for every available job vacancy this offseason, and with good reason -- he’s winning at Wake freaking Forest.
Wake Forest was smart to lock him into a 10-year contract extension.
Prediction: Wake Forest 17, UConn 13
Liberty Bowl
MISSISSIPPI STATE (7-5) vs. UCF (10-3)
Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom was an easy choice for SEC Coach of the Year honors given the turnaround he’s engineered. This could be a surprisingly good bowl matchup with Croom’s physical defense facing UCF tailback Kevin Smith (2,448 yards, 29 touchdowns).
Prediction: UCF 20, Mississippi State 16
Alamo Bowl
TEXAS A&M (7-5) vs. PENN STATE (8-4)
Joe Paterno will coach in his 500th game as the Nittany Lions’ head coach. Gary Darnell will be working his first and only game as Texas A&M’s head coach following Dennis Franchione’s resignation. Advantage JoePa.
Prediction: Penn State 16, Texas A&M 10
Dec. 30
Independence Bowl
ALABAMA (6-6) vs. COLORADO (6-6)
Alabama’s last victory came on Oct. 20 against Tennessee. Since then, the Crimson Tide has been reeling from the suspension of players for improper receipt of textbooks, head coach Nick Saban’s 9-11/Pearl Harbor comments and a sixth straight loss to Auburn. While a strong incoming recruiting class will help down the line, the Tide needs to avoid a losing season to improve perception now.
Prediction: Alabama 17, Colorado 14
Dec. 31
Armed Forces Bowl
AIR FORCE (9-3) vs. CAL (6-6)
Cal appeared to be on course for a major bowl after early victories over Tennessee and Oregon, but lost its way in losing six of its last seven games.
Prediction: Air Force 28, Cal 27
Humanitarian Bowl
FRESNO STATE (8-4) vs. GEORGIA TECH (7-5)
It’s unclear if Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta, the interim coach for the Yellow Jackets in this game, will be asked to remain on incoming coach Paul Johnson’s staff. A shut-down effort by his defense in this game couldn’t hurt his cause.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 19, Fresno State 13
Sun Bowl
SOUTH FLORIDA (9-3) vs. OREGON (8-4)
Both teams were ranked as high as No. 2 in the country before falling back in the pack. Had Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon not torn knee ligaments late in the season, the Ducks might have been playing for the national title.
Prediction: South Florida 23, Oregon 21
Music City Bowl
FLORIDA STATE (7-5) vs. KENTUCKY (7-5)
Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher has been named the successor-in-waiting for head coach Bobby Bowden should he ever decide to retire. That may or may not be a good thing seeing as how the Seminoles ranked 86th nationally in total offense. The ’Noles may lack more punch than usual since an academic cheating scandal will force some key players to miss this game.
Prediction: Kentucky 21, FSU 17
Insight Bowl
OKLAHOMA STATE (6-6) vs. INDIANA (7-5)
Mike Gundy’s ‘‘I’m a man! I’m 40!’’ rant had such a galvanzing effect on Oklahoma State that the Cowboys actually played their way into bowl eligibility. Consider that one giant step for Mankind.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 27, Indiana 20
Chick-fil-A Bowl
AUBURN (8-4) vs. CLEMSON (9-3)
Auburn owns one of the nation’s best defenses, allowing 298.3 yards and 16.7 points per game. The Tigers will have to be particularly stingy against a Clemson team that features a productive tailback tandem in James Davis and C.J. Spiller.
Prediction: Clemson 20, Auburn 14
Jan. 1
Cotton Bowl
MISSOURI (11-2) vs. ARKANSAS (8-4)
Missouri should be primed to prove a point after being shut out of a BCS bid, but the Tigers will still have a tough time slowing down Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden.
Prediction: Arkansas 28, Missouri 24
Outback Bowl
TENNESSEE (9-4) vs. WISCONSIN (9-3)
Wisconsin tailback P.J. Hill may not play, which would certainly make Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer happy.
Prediction: Tennessee 24, Wisconsin 16
Capital One Bowl
No. 12 FLORIDA (9-3) vs. MICHIGAN (8-4)
Incoming Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez wouldn't mind having a QB like Heisman winner Tim Tebow to run his version of the spread. The Wolverines, who closed the season with consecutive losses, will have trouble dealing with Florida’s team speed.
Prediction: Florida 42, Michigan 20
Gator Bowl
VIRGINIA (9-3) vs. TEXAS TECH (8-4)
Virginia features one of the best defensive linemen in the nation in Chris Long, but Texas Tech’s quick-fire spread offense should neutralize him.
Prediction: Texas Tech 31, Virginia 21
Rose Bowl
USC (10-2) vs. ILLINOIS (9-3)
Fleet-footed Illinois quarterback Juice Williams will have difficulty getting loose against Southern Cal’s fast defense.
Prediction: USC 27, Illinois 17
Sugar Bowl
GEORGIA (10-2) vs. HAWAII (12-0)
Georgia might well be the hottest team in the country, while Hawaii should be steamed that it took it so long to get noticed. Those factors guarantee an entertaining game and a contrast in style. Look for Georgia’s tailback tandem of Knowshon Moreno and Thomas Brown to give the Bulldogs the advantage.
Prediction: Georgia 37, Hawaii 28
Jan. 2
Fiesta Bowl
OKLAHOMA (11-2) vs. WEST VIRGINIA (10-2)
West Virginia might still be reeling from the loss of head coach Rich Rodriguez and its stunning loss to unranked Pittsburgh. In contrast, Oklahoma proved it’s as good as anyone else in the country with a 38-17 thumping of Missouri in the Big 12 title game.
Prediction: Oklahoma 31, West Virgina 24
Jan. 3
Orange Bowl
VIRGINIA TECH (11-2) vs. KANSAS (11-1)
Kansas led the Big 12 in scoring with an average of 44.3 points per game, but the Jayhawks undoubtedly benefited from a soft schedule.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 28, Kansas 24
Jan. 5
International Bowl
RUTGERS vs. BALL STATE
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano briefly flirted with Michigan, but he’s got a good thing going in Jersey. Tailback Ray Rice should run wild against Ball State.
Prediction: Rutgers 34, Ball State 26
Jan. 6
GMAC Bowl
TULSA (9-4) vs. BOWLING GREEN (8-4)
OK, how did this game wind up as the final appetizer before the BCS national championship?
Prediction: Tulsa 41, Bowling Green 34
Jan. 7
BCS National Championship Game
OHIO STATE (11-1) vs. LSU (11-2)
Ohio State has allowed just two rushing touchdowns all season, but a 28-21 home loss to Illinois showed the Buckeyes remain vulnerable to versatile offenses with speedy skill players. Ohio State was exposed as a fraud by Florida in last season’s BCS title game. While the Buckeyes appear more deserving of a title shot this season, they’ll still find themselves at a deficit in the category of team speed.
LSU’s defensive front will be tough too to block while receivers Brandon LaFell and Demetrius Byrd will prove difficult to cover.
Prediction: LSU 31, Ohio State 24
Saturday, December 08, 2007
What’s next for Vick, Falcons?
Anybody out there interested in owning the former home of Bad Newz Kennels?
The 15-acre estate and 4,600-square foot home owned by Michael Vick will be auctioned off next Saturday in Surry, Va., according to the Newport News Daily Press. Just show up at 1915 Moonlight Road at Noon, but don’t forget the $10,000 deposit required of all potential buyers or a letter of credit from a reputable bank.
The home, appraised at $750,000, features a media room, wet bar, large bedrooms and a backyard full of doghouses and kennels. Rape stands and pry bars are sold separately.
The status of the property that housed a dogfighting operation for nearly six years won’t be the only issue settled soon. Come Monday, Vick will be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Henry Hudson for his role in the illegal enterprise.
Hudson’s decision will determine far more than Vick’s immediate future.
It will also force the Atlanta Falcons to make a decision about their own.
Vick is under indefinite suspension by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, which has prevented the Falcons from cutting ties to their embattled quarterback. Federal prosecutors recommended a sentence for 12 to 18 months for Vick, who entered a guilty plea in August, but Hudson is not required to adhere to their suggestions. He could impose a sentence of up to five years if he sees fit.
Hudson’s treatment of the co-defendants in the case, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips, may indicate that he’s leaning toward something a little stiffer than the federal sentencing proposal. Peace received an 18-month sentence, while Phillips will serve 21 months. Hudson, a dog owner, called their actions ‘‘very callous and cruel.’’
While Vick lacks a previous criminal record, he owned the property and provided the bankroll for the activities that took place there.
When Vick entered his guilty plea in August, Hudson informed him that he couldn't count on leniency.
‘‘You're taking your chances here,’’ Hudson told him.
If Vick serves a sentence on the low end of the federal guideline, there remains a possibility that he could eventually resume an NFL career. That’s assuming Goodell lifts his suspension down the line and that an NFL team would be willing to take a chance on him.
It’s doubtful the Falcons will gamble on a Vick resurrection even though a significant number of their season ticketholders would likely welcome him back. They are a franchise in disarray at the moment, saddled with a 3-9 record heading into Monday night’s home game against New Orleans. When they take the field in the Georgia Dome on Monday, they will do so with their third different starting quarterback this season in former third-stringer Chris Redman.
Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich have flopped, although the team’s troubles transcend one position.
There are problems on the offensive and defensive fronts and there’s an overall lack of quality depth.
The one bright spot for the Falcons is the possibility of prime draft position if the misery continues. While winless Miami will almost certainly have the No. 1 pick locked up, the Falcons could land the second or third overall pick.
Reckon they’ll take a quarterback?
Anybody out there interested in owning the former home of Bad Newz Kennels?
The 15-acre estate and 4,600-square foot home owned by Michael Vick will be auctioned off next Saturday in Surry, Va., according to the Newport News Daily Press. Just show up at 1915 Moonlight Road at Noon, but don’t forget the $10,000 deposit required of all potential buyers or a letter of credit from a reputable bank.
The home, appraised at $750,000, features a media room, wet bar, large bedrooms and a backyard full of doghouses and kennels. Rape stands and pry bars are sold separately.
The status of the property that housed a dogfighting operation for nearly six years won’t be the only issue settled soon. Come Monday, Vick will be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Henry Hudson for his role in the illegal enterprise.
Hudson’s decision will determine far more than Vick’s immediate future.
It will also force the Atlanta Falcons to make a decision about their own.
Vick is under indefinite suspension by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, which has prevented the Falcons from cutting ties to their embattled quarterback. Federal prosecutors recommended a sentence for 12 to 18 months for Vick, who entered a guilty plea in August, but Hudson is not required to adhere to their suggestions. He could impose a sentence of up to five years if he sees fit.
Hudson’s treatment of the co-defendants in the case, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips, may indicate that he’s leaning toward something a little stiffer than the federal sentencing proposal. Peace received an 18-month sentence, while Phillips will serve 21 months. Hudson, a dog owner, called their actions ‘‘very callous and cruel.’’
While Vick lacks a previous criminal record, he owned the property and provided the bankroll for the activities that took place there.
When Vick entered his guilty plea in August, Hudson informed him that he couldn't count on leniency.
‘‘You're taking your chances here,’’ Hudson told him.
If Vick serves a sentence on the low end of the federal guideline, there remains a possibility that he could eventually resume an NFL career. That’s assuming Goodell lifts his suspension down the line and that an NFL team would be willing to take a chance on him.
It’s doubtful the Falcons will gamble on a Vick resurrection even though a significant number of their season ticketholders would likely welcome him back. They are a franchise in disarray at the moment, saddled with a 3-9 record heading into Monday night’s home game against New Orleans. When they take the field in the Georgia Dome on Monday, they will do so with their third different starting quarterback this season in former third-stringer Chris Redman.
Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich have flopped, although the team’s troubles transcend one position.
There are problems on the offensive and defensive fronts and there’s an overall lack of quality depth.
The one bright spot for the Falcons is the possibility of prime draft position if the misery continues. While winless Miami will almost certainly have the No. 1 pick locked up, the Falcons could land the second or third overall pick.
Reckon they’ll take a quarterback?
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