Friday, January 29, 2010

Shut up already!

I listen to sports talk radio almost all day, it is the luxury of driving around in a truck. And as I listen, I constantly hear the Johnny Q. Sportsfan griping and moaning about this or that. So I want to set the record straight on some current issues that are dominating our airwaves.
1.) Athlete Apologies: I hate to break to all of us sports fans, but athletes don't owe us apologies for any of their transgressions. This goes for Tiger Woods, Gilbert Arenas, Greg Oden, Patrick Kane, or any other bonehead that acts like an idiot in public. I have said it before and I will reiterate it here. athletes and celebrities are not role models for out children. They owe the fans nothing other than entertainment. Personally I don't want an apology written by a P.R. guy that has no actual intent to it. These guys aren't sorry, just interested in keeping their image in order to make more money, or continue playing the game they love. Either way, we don't need it and they don't owe it.
2.) Controversial Super Bowl ads: There are two advertisements that are scheduled to air on the day of the Super Bowl that are causing an uproar. The first is an pro-life commercial featuring Tim Tebow and his mother, and the second is an ad by a gay male dating website, that shows two guys making out. Look, whether or not you agree with the message, commercials are commercials. I haven't ever watched Super Bowl commercials and you know why, I am getting another beer. If you are really a sports fan what do you care about the commercials. It is not part of the game and it doesn't affect the viewing pleasure. If you want to watch the commercials go to a back room with the kids, and I will call you when I go to grab a beer.
3.) N.B.A. All-Star Snubs: Look all the complaining you do about those who got in and those who were left out of this game is doing nothing. This is based on a majority vote. Just like you can't help who gets elected president, you can't help who gets voted to these things. The point is that these guys playing don't care about this game, so why should we? (This argument excludes Ray Allen's comments about Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady getting the vote as starters. This publication recognizes Ray Allen as an expert on the matter and will not challenge any argument he makes.)
We as sports fans are constantly over reacting. But let's try to keep it all in perspective. Live like no one is watching, and know when to shut up!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

On a Rolle!B

Usually at this time I get some names together for everyone to watch this year at the Senior Bowl. But I will stray from that practice, despite the tons of very deserving big names from small schools that are participating. I would rather bring to the forefront an amazing story of a STUDENT-athlete that will be trying to make the second of his childhood dreams come true. Myron Rolle, safety from Florida State, will be coming back to play football after a year of absence from the game he loves.
For those of you who don't know, Myron Rolle was the number one recruited player in 2005. He chose to go to Florida State and his list of accolades off the field surpassed those on it. That is not to take anything from his football ability. In 3 years at Florida State he made the freshman all-American team and got a degree in exercise science. He didn't leave school early to pursue his career as a football player. Instead he put his football career on hold to pursue a Masters degree in Public Administration from Oxford. He is attending Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. Myron Rolle has also founded a non-profit organization, Myron Rolle Foundation. This foundation works with the Florida department of Family services to provide seminars on wellness and leadership. He is currently working on founding a free health care clinic in his native Bahamas. Again however, Myron is rearranging his dream of scholarly and philanthropic excellence to take his shot at the NFL.
Rolle is fulfilling his academic requirements at Oxford from the Senior Bowl in Mobile Alabama. Although he has been absent from the game of football for a year now he has worked extremely hard to stay in football shape. While at Oxford he would wake up early every morning and work out with the Oxford rugby team, or by himself on the rugby pitch. His desire to play football didn't fade at all in the year in Oxford. The prestigious English school is allowing Rolle to fulfill his academic requirements in absentia while attending the senior bowl and the NFL combine. After the combine Rolle will return to England and finish his studies in mid-June. Some NFL draft boards have Rolle going as high as mid-second round. His status will all depend on his performance in the senior bowl and NFL combine..
There is no doubt in my mind that Myron Rolle will play in the NFL. I also have no doubt that he will use that stage to further his academic and philanthropic pursuits. I will never ask young men to view professional athletes or celebrities as role models. But I will say that there is a lot to be learned about dedication, priorities and drive from this STUDENT-athlete. Live like no one is watching and remember that hard work makes dreams become reality.

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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

A new team?

As my team, the Broncos, slowly dismantles I am looking for a team to root for in the Super Bowl. It is a very hard decision for me. So I am asking you my faithful readers to decide for me. Remember as you make this tough decision that I am huge fan of the underdog. It is up to you to decide who that is. Is it the roughed up town of New Orleans, or is it the methodical team led by a rookie head coach that none of us could pick out in a photo line up. I want ya'll to decide for me. Live like no one is watching and hurry and decide my rooting interest for the Super Bowl. You have 12 days.

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Monday, January 25, 2010

Tebow or Favre you pick!

Well it has been just over two weeks since I last posted. I took some time off in hopes that my new website could get up and running. However, despite countless hours of hard work by technical staff and marketing team (aka my little brother Randy) we are still having some difficulties. That will not stop me from showering my knowledge on the world!
Today the sports stories that constantly get attention, are getting more attention. That is of course Brett Favre and Tim Tebow. On opposite ends of their professional careers, these two share one thing in common. That is over exposure. These two guys get more Sportscenter features than David Letterman has top tens. I am going to break down each of their upcoming decisions and hopefully point them in the right direction.
I have to start with Favre, Obviously he has proven his-self as a pro, but we start with him mostly because he hurt me deeply. I love feel good stories, and besides the Saints, Favre's season was one of the best feel good stories of the season. He came back again this season after failing miserably with the Jets last year. His failure was apparently due to an arm injury. This year Favre came back happy and healthy and led the Vikings to the NFC championship game. He did this by being very un-Favre-like. He threw 33 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. Brett was surrounded by a young talented offense and supported by a monstrous defense. He didn't have to do too much, he just had to make good decisions. He did that for the most part, until last night. In the championship game last night, in field goal range on third down, the Vikings' quarterback threw back across his body. It was picked off. As the saying goes the rest is history. The Saints went on to win the game in overtime without Favre ever getting a chance to redeem himself. Now all the Favre haters who have been silent all year are piping up. I am apparently in the minority outside of Minnesota. I think Brett, if he recovers from the beating he took yesterday, should return for a 20th season. He proved that the year with the Jets was a fluke. He proved that put in the right situation, like any other quarterback including Tom Brady, that he can be a positive influence and be productive. You are absolutely delusional if you think that Tavaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels could have taken this team this far. With the chemistry that Favre has developed with these young receivers and the talented running game he has behind him, not to mention the defense, this could be a Super Bowl team. If Brett cuts out the big mistakes. So my final word, come back Brett!
Now on to college's golden boy, Tim Tebow. In the press conferences leading up to the Senior Bowl, Tim Tebow has reiterated his desire to be an NFL quarterback. The experts are saying that Tebow's slow release and long wind up are a big hindrance to that dream. Not to mention the fact that Tebow has rarely taken a snap from under center in his college career. He has said that he will play quarterback this week in the senior bowl, and not h-back, tight end, or fullback. Pat White did this same thing a year ago. White refused to move positions for the senior bowl, despite being asked to play wide receiver. White still got drafted in the second round as a quarterback, the same round he was projected to go as a receiver. I support Tebow's decision. He has the intangibles that every NFL team desires in a quarterback. He is a phenomenal leader, he has poise, and he is durable. Tebow also possesses a deceivingly strong arm. A fact that is overlooked, due to the offense the Gators ran. The draft experts think he is going to be similar to Alex Smith in NFL quality. I have to disagree. He has a better arm than Smith, and his proven himself against better talent. That doesn't mean that I think he has what it takes to sling the ball on Sundays. I know he thinks he has what it takes. And if I have learned one thing watching Mr. Tebow on Saturdays, it is to never doubt him. I have some advice for both the NFL and to Tim Tebow. First to the NFL team that drafts Tim, give him a chance to play quarterback. He can do wonderful things for your team. Just make sure that if the experience doesn't work, move him before his confidence is shot to hell. Secondly to Tim, chase your dream young man. But please what ever your mind open. If you can't modify your delivery, and you will have to survive in the NFL, move positions. You are too good an athlete, and too solid a football player to spend your career in Canada.
Thanks to everyone for the out pouring of support. It is you the reader, that keeps this small operation alive. I am really excited to see Tim and Brett in the NFL next season. Live like no one is watching and make your mark somewhere!

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Saturday, January 9, 2010

Undisputed (Kinda)

My brain is certain, but my heart is torn. My affection for the underdog is overwhelmed by a logical understanding of football. What a bowl season we had. With the exception of a few games, everything was well matched and fun to watch. We also got to see what some of these teams will have to offer in the future. I am sad to see college football go, but I am excited about the offseason ahead and the games of chess that will be played throughout the remainder of the recruiting process. Not to mention the possible coaching changes in a few big schools. (I don't see Gary Patterson backing out of his newly signed extension at TCU to take the USC job if it comes open.) After a tumultuous season for coaches and high profile college players, the offseason will be full of excitement and change. Now without any further ado, here is the final BUS top 25 of the college football season and the naming of the BUS national champions!

25. Oregon State
24. Stanford
23. navy
22. Oklahoma State
21.Clemson
20. West Virginia
19. BYU
18. Miami
17. Utah
16. Wisconsin
15. Pitt
14. Central Michigan
13. Nebraska
12. Georgia Tech
11. Oregon
10. VT
9. Penn State
8. Iowa
7. Cincinnati
6. Ohio State
5. TCU
4. Texas
3. Florida
2. Boise State
National Champs: Alabama

There you have it. Alabama is the National Champions for year number two of the BUS. Congratulations, what size T-shirt do you think Nick Saban wears. In the Bowl picks for this year, Elysa won and she picked by mascot. She won 2/3 of her picks. That is pretty impressive, my genius must be rubbing off on her. John finished second, and Jason was a close third. Thanks for all of the participation this year with all of the fun contests we had. Live like no one is watching and enjoy the offseason.

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Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The Champ(ionship) is Here!

After three long weeks, college football's biggest game is finally just over 24 hours away. It will place two of the nation's top teams in the ring for what will undoubtedly be a defensive slug fest. The two star-studded teams will face off in the BCS National Championship and it should be a good one.
We are continually hearing about the Longhorns' incredible offense. That is an offense led by senior Colt McCoy. McCoy is one of the most efficient quarterbacks in NCAA history. He throws the ball well and has help at receiver. Texas has a dangerous receiving core led by senior Jordan Shipley. But the depth at receiver has become more prominent as teams continue to key on Shipley. Malcolm Williams, James Kirkendoll, and Dan Butler all have contributed greatly. The running game for Texas is just as versatile. Leading rusher Tre Newton is explosive, McCoy is the Longhorns' second leading rusher. But accompanying that high-octane offense is one of the nation's best defense. Texas leads the nation in interceptions and added 41 sacks. This defense combines good defensive backs and a dangerous pass rush with a stout rushing defense. The Longhorns allowed less than 70 yards per game rushing.
Alabama is a whole other animal. They are led by a defense that will suffocate you. The defensive line is led up front by Mount Cody and defensive end Marcel Dareus. This defense has accounted for 31 sacks. The emotional leaders for this defense are linebacker Rondo McClain and defensive back Javier Arenas. Rondo McClain led the team with over 100 tackles and Javier Arenas not only played well in the secondary but also sparked this Alabama team on punt and kick returns. The Alabama offense is just as dangerous. Heisman winner Mark Ingram has been more productive than any Alabama back ever, and as looked almost unstoppable at times. The most improve player on the Tide offense is Greg McElroy. McElroy has looked composed and has been accurate in the last few weeks of the season. He may have some trouble though as his leading target, Julio Jones, has been slowed by a knee injury. This offense is very efficient and at times has been explosive.
Alabama has to establish a running game against this stout Texas defense. It sounds elementary, but they need it most to keep McCoy off the field. McElroy will have to be elusive and make good decisions and keep the offense moving with play action passes on third down. The Tide defense will have to contain McCoy in the pocket, and force the other Longhorn backs to carry the rushing attack. Alabama must know where Shipley is on every play and jam the Texas receivers off the line to throw off the fluidity of this timed passing game. The Longhorns will have to stop Ingram, a very daunting task to say the least, but in addition they have to get to McElroy early and get him moving around in the pocket. On offense Colt McCoy has to get the ball out of his hands early to keep from getting beat up in the same way he did in the Big 12 championship game. The running backs for Texas have to hit the holes hard and gain some positive yards on the corners, in order to set up the read-option and playaction passing game.
This will be a great football game. I am the only one taking Texas. Live like no one is watching and try not to cry when it is all over, there is always next year!

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Monday, January 4, 2010

Cinderella Dance!

After a great weekend of football the time has come for, in opinion the best game of the bowl season. I am super excited that this game is going to happen, although I just wish these teams would've had the opportunity to play bigger conference teams. Anyway let us break it down.

Fiesta Bowl; TCU v. Boise: This is the first time that two undefeated teams will be facing off in a BCS bowl other than the National Championship game. TCU was one second away possibly playing in the National Championship game. These are two of the most well matched teams in the country. Both boast balanced offenses and hard nosed defenses. Boise State will be missing a key component to their passing game. Broncos' leading receiver Austin Pettis will possibly miss the Fiesta Bowl with a lower leg fracture. Kellen Moore will have to use his other weapons including his two talented running backs. James Avery and Doug Martin have combined for over 1800 yards. TCU will easily be the toughest defense this Boise team has seen. Not to mention that the Horned Frog offense will be a task that is unfamiliar to this Boise defense. This will definitely be the best bowl game of the season. I am taking TCU. Everyone else agrees.

I want to send a quick shout out to Titans' running back Chris Johnson, congratulations on becoming the sixth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards. Live like no one is watching and continue to stay tuned as we work the bugs out for the new website.

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Saturday, January 2, 2010

I lied!

Due to some technical difficulties with the new website, we will continue to post the picks here until we get it up and running. Just so everyone knows I am getting killed in the bowl picks. Yesterday Oregon proved that the Pac-10 is the worst conference is football top to bottom. The Big 10 represented itself well, even Northwestern looked good in the loss to Auburn. In an unfortunate couple of events for college football, Bobby Bowden coaches his final game at Florida State, and Tim Tebow played his last game in college football. They both are going out with wins, and also had two of the best post-game pressers I have ever seen. But there will be plenty of time to look back later, right now let's get ready for today's games!

International Bowl; South Florida v. Northern Illinois: Another bowl game where we have to address off the field issues first. South Florida coach Jim Leavitt is under investigation for allegedly hitting a player in the face. These coaching issues with players are really starting to get ridiculous. Anyway on to the game. South Florida freshman quarterback has played solid after the Bulls lost senior Matt Groethe. The offense has had sparks of greatness and started coming into it's own near the end of the season. The real threat on this South Florida team is their defense. They boast one of the best defensive ends in the country in George Selvie. The Bulls' solid defensive front will have to shoulder a pretty big load. Northern Illinois averages 202 yards per game. This will be a solid match-up, but I think there is just too much athletic ability on South Florida. Everyone else is with me.

Cotton Bowl; Oklahoma State v. Ole Miss: This just so happens to be one of my favorite bowl games. I love the SEC- Big 12 match-up. Ole Miss was a huge disappointment this season. After winning last year's Cotton Bowl and being the only team to beat the Florida Gators' last year, they had their heart set on the BCS. This is due in part to the inconsistent play of quarterback Jevon Snead. The Rebels offense has not been all bad though, Dexter McCluster is one of the best athletes in college football. Oklahoma State has a good offense. The Cowboys will be helped by having Zac Robinson back and healthy. Oklahoma State's defense is stout against the run, and could cause problems for the Rebels offense. With all that said I am taking Ole Miss. Everyone but Jason agrees.

Papajohns.com Bowl; South Carolina v. UConn- UConn has responded better than can be expected to mid-season tragedy. They pulled off two late season victories to become bowl eligible. They were led a great running game. South Carolina looked great early in the year. But down the stretch their offense struggled being consistent. I am taking UConn in the emotional upset. John, Jess, and Lys are taking the Gamecocks, while Jason is taking the upset with me.

Liberty Bowl; Arkansas v. East Carolina: Both of these teams are built around solid defenses and effective offenses. East Carolina is the back to back conference championship. Consistency and talent on both sides of the ball have propelled them to the opportunity for their first ever 10 win season. Arkansas, has burst back on the national scene. Razorback quarterback Ryan Mallett is a big, strong, accurate passer. I would've thought this to be a battle of defenses. But two of Arkansas' key defensive players are suspended for the game. I am taking ECU. John agrees, everyone else took Arkansas.

Alamo Bowl; Michigan State v. Texas Tech: This might come down to who is distracted by their off field problems the least. Michigan State will be without 11 of it's players after an on campus brawl. Texas Tech will be without their head coach, after some ugly allegations from players. Even with the 11 players, Michigan State wasn't that good of a football team. I am taking Texas Tech. Only Jess took Michigan state.

Live like no one is watching and enjoy your last Saturday full of college football.