A disappointing 9-7 after starting hot hot hot out of the gate. I'll be back this week.
TURKEY DAY
Tenneseee @ Detroit (+12.5)
I think Jeff Fisher should be thankful that they get to play the Lions after a loss. I know I'd be.
Seattle @ Dallas (-10.5)
The Vaqueros finally got a big week from Totally Obnoxious. If Tony Romo keeps playing games like that, my "Tony Romo is overrated" argument will become null and void.
Arizona @ Philadelphia (+4.5)
Warren Sapp said it best when he said that Donovan McNabb's career will be most remembered for three things. Throwing up at the Super Bowl, Rush Limbaugh, and not knowing about ties. And yes, a part of me feels a little dirty saying that the dancing queen Sapp knows what he's talking about. Nobody does the paso doble like the QB Killa!
SUNDAY
San Fran @ Buffalo Bills (-4)
How is this line only 4? Didn't the bills just drop 54 Sunday? Come on Vegas, let's get with it.
Baltimore (-3.5) @ Cincinnati
Another line that is way to low. The Bengals are terrible. The Flying Flaccos will take this game pretty easily.
Indianapolis (-9.5) @ Cleveland
Have I mentioned how much I hate the Colts and think that they are garbage? Yes? Ok. I'll save the space.
Carolina @ Green Bay (PICK)
The Panthers, coming off an embarassment in ATL, aren't about to win in Lambeau. Prove me wrong, Delhomme.
Miami @ St. Louis (+9.5)
The Dolphins are going to miss Camarillo, but they should win the game. But 9.5 points is a whole lot.
New Orleans @ Tampa Bay (PICK)
Wait, hold on a second. Yes, I can confirm this. The Saints have just scored again.
New York Football Giants (-4) @ Washington
I'm hoping they can give a representative effort at Fed Ex. Plus Clinton Portis is 100% healthy and in manchild mode. Do it.
Atlanta @ San Diego (PICK)
Travis, Travis, Travis. When are you going to realize that the Chargers just aren't that good? This weekend, I'm drinking a six pack of MATTY ICE BABY! I want a Falcons 2 Jersey with ICE on the back of it. That would be bad ass. Cool little subplot here...Turner the burner up against the artist formally known as LDT.
Pittsburgh (PICK) @ New England
You can call me Mr. Simpson or Mr. Bush. Not because I am a vile, reprehensible, hated man, but because I am a HOMER!
Denver @ New York Football Jets (-4.5)
Denver still blows. The Jets are still a very good team. This line is toooo low.
Kansas City (+6) @ Oakland
I'm banking on Oakland cashing in on their outside shot at winning the AFC West! Don't let me down, Cable Guy.
Chicago @ Minnesota (-2.5)
Really? None, Travis? Poor Matt Forte.
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Jacksonville (+2) @ Houston
In the beginning of the season, I tell you this is an intriguing, get your popcorn ready matchup. Now? Unwatchable. I hope How I Met Your Mother isn't a repeat, that's all I'll say.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Apologies to BQ
I never ACTUALLY dropped Brady Quinn's name last week. I merely said I was on the "BQ bandwagon."
It didn't occur to me at the time that those few words would cost the man his season. I'm sorry. The blogging gods must have known I still have some frustration towards Matt Ryan for his comeback win with BC at Virginia Tech. That's why he's still healthy.
With that, Week 13 picks. I probably won't be picking Derek Anderson and the Browns this week. I've never been on his bandwagon (so now they'll probably win).
TURKEY DAY
Tenneseee @ Detroit (+12.5)
Oh yes. I'm feelin' it. Not only will Detroit cover, but it will win, too. Something about the pageantry of playing on Thanksgiving makes me think they've got a little magic in them. I'll still take the win if they cover. The Lions SUCK!
Seattle @ Dallas (-10.5)
Picking against the 'Boys last week really didn't make me feel as stupid as I thought it would. Seattle came through in the clutch to help me earn a tie, but that doesn't mean I'll pick them this week, too.
Arizona @ Philadelphia (+4.5)
McNabb will have a great game, but the show will be stolen when Jamie Moyer appears in the owner's box and announces to the crowd that he'll be returning the Philadelphia next season. Errr...
SUNDAY
San Fran @ Buffalo New York Football Bills (-4)
I don't know how Trent Edwards is still healthy. He's a gamer. He's been on my fantasy team for over eight weeks now, and only had the one concussion.
Baltimore (-3.5) @ Cincinnati
Something's fishy here. Baltimore has everything going for it, and the playoff spot is anything but guaranteed.
Indianapolis (-9.5) @ Cleveland
Bad times await Cleveland fans. The Anderson household's Thanksgiving dinner will be extra tasty this year. Since you can't hit quarterbacks anymore, broken fingers are the new concussion.
Carolina @ Green Bay (PICK)
I don't know if it's an upset when they're at home and the line is even, but Green Bay has shown me more flash than Carolina this year. I like the Pack here.
Miami @ St. Louis (+9.5)
Rams catch'em sleeping. They probably won't pull out the outright victory, but I like them to cover.
New Orleans @ Tampa Bay (PICK)
This can't be right. Another questionable line. Maybe that's why I don't make the odds.
New York Football Giants (-4) @ Washington
They haven't given me reason to pick against them, but I did anyway last week. How'd that work out for me?
Atlanta @ San Diego (PICK)
This is one of the more intriguing matchups. Everybody should know by now not to underestimate Atlanta. But then in the back of your mind, you STILL don't want to give up hope on San Diego returning to its old self. I'll do the wrong thing and pick the Chargers.
Pittsburgh (PICK) @ New England
Nevermind that "intriguing matchup" crap I just spit about Atlanta/San Diego. Here's a game!
Denver @ New York Football Jets (-4.5)
Something about losing by 21 to Oakland makes me apprehensive about picking Denver to cover or win this game.
Kansas City (+6) @ Oakland
I don't like either team to win this game. It will probably end in a tie, thus, KC to cover.
Chicago @ Minnesota (-2.5)
I will not have the Bears active on my fantasy team this week.
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Jacksonville (+2) @ Houston
Well, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin are playing on ESPN2 Monday night, and Kent St. at Kansas could be a potential upset.
Marist (#26 A.P.) @ Oklahoma (#4 A.P.) tonight!
Oklahoma is coming off a one-point home loss to UNC. I'm still cautiously optimistic...
It didn't occur to me at the time that those few words would cost the man his season. I'm sorry. The blogging gods must have known I still have some frustration towards Matt Ryan for his comeback win with BC at Virginia Tech. That's why he's still healthy.
With that, Week 13 picks. I probably won't be picking Derek Anderson and the Browns this week. I've never been on his bandwagon (so now they'll probably win).
TURKEY DAY
Tenneseee @ Detroit (+12.5)
Oh yes. I'm feelin' it. Not only will Detroit cover, but it will win, too. Something about the pageantry of playing on Thanksgiving makes me think they've got a little magic in them. I'll still take the win if they cover. The Lions SUCK!
Seattle @ Dallas (-10.5)
Picking against the 'Boys last week really didn't make me feel as stupid as I thought it would. Seattle came through in the clutch to help me earn a tie, but that doesn't mean I'll pick them this week, too.
Arizona @ Philadelphia (+4.5)
McNabb will have a great game, but the show will be stolen when Jamie Moyer appears in the owner's box and announces to the crowd that he'll be returning the Philadelphia next season. Errr...
SUNDAY
San Fran @ Buffalo New York Football Bills (-4)
I don't know how Trent Edwards is still healthy. He's a gamer. He's been on my fantasy team for over eight weeks now, and only had the one concussion.
Baltimore (-3.5) @ Cincinnati
Something's fishy here. Baltimore has everything going for it, and the playoff spot is anything but guaranteed.
Indianapolis (-9.5) @ Cleveland
Bad times await Cleveland fans. The Anderson household's Thanksgiving dinner will be extra tasty this year. Since you can't hit quarterbacks anymore, broken fingers are the new concussion.
Carolina @ Green Bay (PICK)
I don't know if it's an upset when they're at home and the line is even, but Green Bay has shown me more flash than Carolina this year. I like the Pack here.
Miami @ St. Louis (+9.5)
Rams catch'em sleeping. They probably won't pull out the outright victory, but I like them to cover.
New Orleans @ Tampa Bay (PICK)
This can't be right. Another questionable line. Maybe that's why I don't make the odds.
New York Football Giants (-4) @ Washington
They haven't given me reason to pick against them, but I did anyway last week. How'd that work out for me?
Atlanta @ San Diego (PICK)
This is one of the more intriguing matchups. Everybody should know by now not to underestimate Atlanta. But then in the back of your mind, you STILL don't want to give up hope on San Diego returning to its old self. I'll do the wrong thing and pick the Chargers.
Pittsburgh (PICK) @ New England
Nevermind that "intriguing matchup" crap I just spit about Atlanta/San Diego. Here's a game!
Denver @ New York Football Jets (-4.5)
Something about losing by 21 to Oakland makes me apprehensive about picking Denver to cover or win this game.
Kansas City (+6) @ Oakland
I don't like either team to win this game. It will probably end in a tie, thus, KC to cover.
Chicago @ Minnesota (-2.5)
I will not have the Bears active on my fantasy team this week.
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Jacksonville (+2) @ Houston
Well, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin are playing on ESPN2 Monday night, and Kent St. at Kansas could be a potential upset.
Marist (#26 A.P.) @ Oklahoma (#4 A.P.) tonight!
Oklahoma is coming off a one-point home loss to UNC. I'm still cautiously optimistic...
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
I Didn't Know You Can Tie....
First off, I'd like to wish a happy belated birthday to Miley Cyrus. She turned 16 on Sunday. Oh, sports. Right.
I seemed to have forgotten how much more exciting the weekends are when you make picks. Fantasy Football had really gotten me down in the dumps the past few weeks, so Sundays just haven't been the same lately. That all changed this past Sunday.
Clarkie was ahead of me after the 1 p.m. games. His record was at 7-3, mine at a mediocre 5-5. The possibilities weren't endless, it was mathematically impossible for me to win, given our picks, so only two things could happen for a miracle comeback to garner a tie. I needed my two worst picks to come through for me. Oakland to cover 10 against Denver, and Seattle to cover 4 against the 'Skins.
Do you believe it? Oakland made me look like a genius, not only covering, but winning outright, winning convincingly, AND scoring a season high in points, like I predicted. I felt like a god for about five minutes.
As for the Redskins, everyone in Vegas, and around the country, for that matter, was screaming at them in the final two minutes. Up three points (the spread was four), Washington was driving, inside the Seahawks' 25-yard line, with about a minute and a half to play. They turned the ball over, then Seattle turned the ball back over to the Redskins on its first play.
Take a knee. 20-17 win. Travis gets his tie. Let's do it again this week.
Another thank you goes out to Clarkie for bashing my fantasy team management. Obviously I took no offense to it, after 10 years of fantasy baseball, basketball, football, pick 'ems, etc..., I've come to accept my poor luck. I swear I used to win at a decent clip--it all went downhill when I was on the verge of my third consecutive league title in a fantasy baseball league I do every year. I named my team "Threepeat," and finished in the bottom five.
Things just haven't been the same since. Until Sunday.
Trent Edwards went off for 33 points, Da Bears were playing Da Rams, and I think T.O.'s breakout game has been bashed into our heads enough (but I love it because he's on my team). So I had 109 points and the check mark before the 1 o'clock games were even over. Thank you, Michael J., for giving my team the bulletin board material it needed.
Regardless, Clarkie and I both finished 9-7 with our picks for the week. Acceptable, but nothing to brag about. Gotta get my picks in before Thanksgiving, so I'll probably do that tonight or tomorrow.
Oh yeah, and there are a couple new links posted on the lower right side. I linked up Clarkie's new blog which you should definitely check out, and my Bleacher Report page is linked up, too. Some of the stuff I write here is reposted there, but there's also some original stuff, too (mostly revolving around Marist Women's basketball). Holla.
I seemed to have forgotten how much more exciting the weekends are when you make picks. Fantasy Football had really gotten me down in the dumps the past few weeks, so Sundays just haven't been the same lately. That all changed this past Sunday.
Clarkie was ahead of me after the 1 p.m. games. His record was at 7-3, mine at a mediocre 5-5. The possibilities weren't endless, it was mathematically impossible for me to win, given our picks, so only two things could happen for a miracle comeback to garner a tie. I needed my two worst picks to come through for me. Oakland to cover 10 against Denver, and Seattle to cover 4 against the 'Skins.
Do you believe it? Oakland made me look like a genius, not only covering, but winning outright, winning convincingly, AND scoring a season high in points, like I predicted. I felt like a god for about five minutes.
As for the Redskins, everyone in Vegas, and around the country, for that matter, was screaming at them in the final two minutes. Up three points (the spread was four), Washington was driving, inside the Seahawks' 25-yard line, with about a minute and a half to play. They turned the ball over, then Seattle turned the ball back over to the Redskins on its first play.
Take a knee. 20-17 win. Travis gets his tie. Let's do it again this week.
Another thank you goes out to Clarkie for bashing my fantasy team management. Obviously I took no offense to it, after 10 years of fantasy baseball, basketball, football, pick 'ems, etc..., I've come to accept my poor luck. I swear I used to win at a decent clip--it all went downhill when I was on the verge of my third consecutive league title in a fantasy baseball league I do every year. I named my team "Threepeat," and finished in the bottom five.
Things just haven't been the same since. Until Sunday.
Trent Edwards went off for 33 points, Da Bears were playing Da Rams, and I think T.O.'s breakout game has been bashed into our heads enough (but I love it because he's on my team). So I had 109 points and the check mark before the 1 o'clock games were even over. Thank you, Michael J., for giving my team the bulletin board material it needed.
Regardless, Clarkie and I both finished 9-7 with our picks for the week. Acceptable, but nothing to brag about. Gotta get my picks in before Thanksgiving, so I'll probably do that tonight or tomorrow.
Oh yeah, and there are a couple new links posted on the lower right side. I linked up Clarkie's new blog which you should definitely check out, and my Bleacher Report page is linked up, too. Some of the stuff I write here is reposted there, but there's also some original stuff, too (mostly revolving around Marist Women's basketball). Holla.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Does Travis Think He's Better Than Me?
Yes. He does. If he can do picks, I can do them too. Let's roll.
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh (-9)
For some reason, I'm thinking Ben goes for 250 yards, throw for a touchdown and runs in another.
Houston @ Cleveland (-2)
Brady with a broken finger? Trouble in Lake Erie! Something tells me a healthy Sage is worse than the golden boy. Brownies FTW!
San Fran (+6.5) @ Dallas
Romo with another week to get healthy PLUS a healthier Jason Witten? Mike Singletary is going to be caught with his pants down.
Tampa Bay (-7.5) @ Detroit
I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for that hideous attempt at humor that previous line. The only reason why I am leaving that sentence in there is so that all you kids out there will know that you do not need to be funny or clever to try stand up comedy.
New York Football Jets @ Tennessee (1.5)
I'd love to drink the Jets Gatorade, but the Titans are a better defense. And I believe there is a positive correlation between the strength of ones defense and the odds that said team will be successful in a championship setting.
Buffalo (-3.5) @ KC
To answer Travis' question, they can absolutely lose this football game. Tyler Thigpen is joining Mastri and Durden as the most successful Tyler's ever.
Chicago (-6) @ St. Louis
Neck-beard should be better than he was last week against GB. He couldn't be much worse. Lovie Smith should write Roger Goodell a letter thanking him for allowing the Bears to play STL.
New England (+1) @ Miami
An absolute must win for Belichick. And he does not lose must wins. (DISCLAIMER: In order to appreciate the previous sentence, one must forget Super Bowl XLII, last year's AFC Championship game, 2006's AFC Divisional Game. Thank you.)
Minnesota @ Jacksonville (+3.5)
I jumped on the Gus bus a few times this year earlier too, T. It was a bumpy ride but All Day Peterson will be too much for the disappointing Jags.
Philadelphia (+4) @ Baltimore
Love the Flying Flaccos to bounce back this week. Viva la Delaware!
Oakland (+10) @ Denver
Can Denver give up its playoff spot? Does anyone want to see them in the post-season (except the other five AFC playoff teams)?
Carolina @ Atlanta (-1.5)
I've been drinking the Matty Ice Gatorade for awhile now. The guy is very savvy back there and has some Tom Brady-like glimpses (strong words!). Atlanta is a tough team to beat at home and the AFC South roulette will continue.
New York Football Giants @ Arizona (+7.5)
I don't know if I should be the one to break the bad news to Travis that Edge James gets as much action on Sundays as Lee Suggs does. Wow, even I think that was a low blow. My bad, dude.
Washington @ Seattle (+4.5)
Let's not get crazy, Miller. Seattle is awful and the 'Skins need to start to win some games again.
Indianapolis (-4) @ San Diego
As much as I want to hate Peyton, I can not. That son of a bitch has to make me laugh every time I see that new Mastercard commercial. God, I hate the Indianapolis Colts.
Green Bay @ New Orleans (PICK)
Reginald Bush is back and Drew Brees is coming off a strong game. Come on, Saints, show me there's still fight in you. I want to see four 10-6s in the NFC South. Is that too much to ask?
Just have to throw this in there. My love of Travis Miller is unquestioned and my respect for him as a sports fan is monumental. However, I really genuinely hope that he is in every fantasy league I am ever in for the remainder of my life. How can someone so knowledgable turn into Hank Steinbrenner on draft day. Ocho Cinco? Carson Palmer? What part of the 2007 Cincinatti Bengals inspired you to make those selections?
PS, if you check out Unsuccess Story, there is a piece on my man-crush on JT. Do the right thing.
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh (-9)
For some reason, I'm thinking Ben goes for 250 yards, throw for a touchdown and runs in another.
Houston @ Cleveland (-2)
Brady with a broken finger? Trouble in Lake Erie! Something tells me a healthy Sage is worse than the golden boy. Brownies FTW!
San Fran (+6.5) @ Dallas
Romo with another week to get healthy PLUS a healthier Jason Witten? Mike Singletary is going to be caught with his pants down.
Tampa Bay (-7.5) @ Detroit
I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for that hideous attempt at humor that previous line. The only reason why I am leaving that sentence in there is so that all you kids out there will know that you do not need to be funny or clever to try stand up comedy.
New York Football Jets @ Tennessee (1.5)
I'd love to drink the Jets Gatorade, but the Titans are a better defense. And I believe there is a positive correlation between the strength of ones defense and the odds that said team will be successful in a championship setting.
Buffalo (-3.5) @ KC
To answer Travis' question, they can absolutely lose this football game. Tyler Thigpen is joining Mastri and Durden as the most successful Tyler's ever.
Chicago (-6) @ St. Louis
Neck-beard should be better than he was last week against GB. He couldn't be much worse. Lovie Smith should write Roger Goodell a letter thanking him for allowing the Bears to play STL.
New England (+1) @ Miami
An absolute must win for Belichick. And he does not lose must wins. (DISCLAIMER: In order to appreciate the previous sentence, one must forget Super Bowl XLII, last year's AFC Championship game, 2006's AFC Divisional Game. Thank you.)
Minnesota @ Jacksonville (+3.5)
I jumped on the Gus bus a few times this year earlier too, T. It was a bumpy ride but All Day Peterson will be too much for the disappointing Jags.
Philadelphia (+4) @ Baltimore
Love the Flying Flaccos to bounce back this week. Viva la Delaware!
Oakland (+10) @ Denver
Can Denver give up its playoff spot? Does anyone want to see them in the post-season (except the other five AFC playoff teams)?
Carolina @ Atlanta (-1.5)
I've been drinking the Matty Ice Gatorade for awhile now. The guy is very savvy back there and has some Tom Brady-like glimpses (strong words!). Atlanta is a tough team to beat at home and the AFC South roulette will continue.
New York Football Giants @ Arizona (+7.5)
I don't know if I should be the one to break the bad news to Travis that Edge James gets as much action on Sundays as Lee Suggs does. Wow, even I think that was a low blow. My bad, dude.
Washington @ Seattle (+4.5)
Let's not get crazy, Miller. Seattle is awful and the 'Skins need to start to win some games again.
Indianapolis (-4) @ San Diego
As much as I want to hate Peyton, I can not. That son of a bitch has to make me laugh every time I see that new Mastercard commercial. God, I hate the Indianapolis Colts.
Green Bay @ New Orleans (PICK)
Reginald Bush is back and Drew Brees is coming off a strong game. Come on, Saints, show me there's still fight in you. I want to see four 10-6s in the NFC South. Is that too much to ask?
Just have to throw this in there. My love of Travis Miller is unquestioned and my respect for him as a sports fan is monumental. However, I really genuinely hope that he is in every fantasy league I am ever in for the remainder of my life. How can someone so knowledgable turn into Hank Steinbrenner on draft day. Ocho Cinco? Carson Palmer? What part of the 2007 Cincinatti Bengals inspired you to make those selections?
PS, if you check out Unsuccess Story, there is a piece on my man-crush on JT. Do the right thing.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Who Ya Got? Week 12 Picks
I'm just going to pick up as if I were doing this all season.
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh (-9)
Ocho Cinco deactivated? I never thought that Boldin/Ocho Cinco trade in my fantasy league would turn out THIS bad. In my defense, I traded Boldin right after he was injured. Score one for Ernie.
Houston @ Cleveland (-2)
I'm on the BQ bandwagon.
San Fran (+6.5) @ Dallas
I don't understand the small spread here, which leads me to believe this game is fixed and SF is going to win outright. Vegas is gonna make a lot of money on this game. Either that, or Dallas' stock has really dropped that much and I'm going to look like an idiot by 4 p.m. Sunday.
Tampa Bay (-7.5) @ Detroit
If Kevin Jones were still on Detroit, I'd take the Lions here.
If Kevin Jones were still on Detroit, they'd be 10-0.
New York Football Jets @ Tennessee (1.5)
I actually want the Jets to win this game. Which is why I'm picking the Titans. If you know me, it makes perfect sense.
Buffalo (-3.5) @ KC
The Bills can't lose this game, can they?
Chicago (-6) @ St. Louis
Da Bears are only 5-5?? No wonder my fantasy team is so bad.
Wait, maybe it's because of Larry Johnson, Julius Jones, Carson Palmer, Vince Young, and every other player on my team.
Why does St. Louis still have a football team?
New England (+1) @ Miami
Get over yourself, Miami. Chad Pennington is your quarterback. If the Dolphins think they can run five trick plays on Billy this time around, they deserve what they get.
Minnesota @ Jacksonville (+3.5)
I'm not starting Gus Frerotte in fantasy this week. Maybe I should.
Yes, Gus Frerotte is on my fantasy team. That's how bad my team is.
Philadelphia (+4) @ Baltimore
Love Philly to cover, Baltimore to win.
Oakland (+10) @ Denver
I can't believe Oakland isn't in last place in the division. This is the week the Raiders will score a season high in points (they've scored 23 twice!).
Carolina @ Atlanta (-1.5)
I'm on the MR bandwagon! I just need to forget that Thursday night game in Blacksburg...
New York Football Giants @ Arizona (+7.5)
I'm just going to pretend this is somewhere circa 1999-2001. Edgerrin James and Kurt Warner?! How can you not love Arizona here? Eli Manning is still in high school!
Washington @ Seattle (+4.5)
What is this, college basketball? I'm taking all the upsets!
Indianapolis (-4) @ San Diego
I bet if I had done picks all season long, I would have picked the Colts every week.
Green Bay @ New Orleans (PICK)
Monday Night Football has been so screwy this year. They aren't tipping off who is going to win this game, so I have to rely on my instincts. Follow close and try to stay with me on how I think this game will play out:
1) Aaron Rodgers will get hurt early in the game.
2) Replacing him in an unprecedented comeback will be none other than Brett Favre, who sent his secret twin to play for the New York Jets.
3) We find out he doesn't really have a secret twin. It's just Chad Pennington in disguise. Jets fans forgive Chad Pennington for all the terrible things they said about him while he was "gone."
4) The Dolphins then find out that their Chad Pennington is actually Kerry Collins in disguise.
5) The Titans find out that their Kerry Collins is actually Vince Young in disguise.
6) Fantasy stats are completely revamped to apply to the actual players, and my fantasy season is saved. I go on to win my league in the most unprecedented of fashions.
7) Brett Favre's return to the Packers is ruined when down two points, kicker Mason Crosby misses a potential game-winning 47-yard field goal, wide right.
8) Crosby takes off his helmet, and reveals himself as Bills' kicker Rian Lindell. Everybody gets a good laugh as they are reminded of the Bills' loss to the Browns last week on MNF. Everybody goes home happy, except for Bills fans.
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh (-9)
Ocho Cinco deactivated? I never thought that Boldin/Ocho Cinco trade in my fantasy league would turn out THIS bad. In my defense, I traded Boldin right after he was injured. Score one for Ernie.
Houston @ Cleveland (-2)
I'm on the BQ bandwagon.
San Fran (+6.5) @ Dallas
I don't understand the small spread here, which leads me to believe this game is fixed and SF is going to win outright. Vegas is gonna make a lot of money on this game. Either that, or Dallas' stock has really dropped that much and I'm going to look like an idiot by 4 p.m. Sunday.
Tampa Bay (-7.5) @ Detroit
If Kevin Jones were still on Detroit, I'd take the Lions here.
If Kevin Jones were still on Detroit, they'd be 10-0.
New York Football Jets @ Tennessee (1.5)
I actually want the Jets to win this game. Which is why I'm picking the Titans. If you know me, it makes perfect sense.
Buffalo (-3.5) @ KC
The Bills can't lose this game, can they?
Chicago (-6) @ St. Louis
Da Bears are only 5-5?? No wonder my fantasy team is so bad.
Wait, maybe it's because of Larry Johnson, Julius Jones, Carson Palmer, Vince Young, and every other player on my team.
Why does St. Louis still have a football team?
New England (+1) @ Miami
Get over yourself, Miami. Chad Pennington is your quarterback. If the Dolphins think they can run five trick plays on Billy this time around, they deserve what they get.
Minnesota @ Jacksonville (+3.5)
I'm not starting Gus Frerotte in fantasy this week. Maybe I should.
Yes, Gus Frerotte is on my fantasy team. That's how bad my team is.
Philadelphia (+4) @ Baltimore
Love Philly to cover, Baltimore to win.
Oakland (+10) @ Denver
I can't believe Oakland isn't in last place in the division. This is the week the Raiders will score a season high in points (they've scored 23 twice!).
Carolina @ Atlanta (-1.5)
I'm on the MR bandwagon! I just need to forget that Thursday night game in Blacksburg...
New York Football Giants @ Arizona (+7.5)
I'm just going to pretend this is somewhere circa 1999-2001. Edgerrin James and Kurt Warner?! How can you not love Arizona here? Eli Manning is still in high school!
Washington @ Seattle (+4.5)
What is this, college basketball? I'm taking all the upsets!
Indianapolis (-4) @ San Diego
I bet if I had done picks all season long, I would have picked the Colts every week.
Green Bay @ New Orleans (PICK)
Monday Night Football has been so screwy this year. They aren't tipping off who is going to win this game, so I have to rely on my instincts. Follow close and try to stay with me on how I think this game will play out:
1) Aaron Rodgers will get hurt early in the game.
2) Replacing him in an unprecedented comeback will be none other than Brett Favre, who sent his secret twin to play for the New York Jets.
3) We find out he doesn't really have a secret twin. It's just Chad Pennington in disguise. Jets fans forgive Chad Pennington for all the terrible things they said about him while he was "gone."
4) The Dolphins then find out that their Chad Pennington is actually Kerry Collins in disguise.
5) The Titans find out that their Kerry Collins is actually Vince Young in disguise.
6) Fantasy stats are completely revamped to apply to the actual players, and my fantasy season is saved. I go on to win my league in the most unprecedented of fashions.
7) Brett Favre's return to the Packers is ruined when down two points, kicker Mason Crosby misses a potential game-winning 47-yard field goal, wide right.
8) Crosby takes off his helmet, and reveals himself as Bills' kicker Rian Lindell. Everybody gets a good laugh as they are reminded of the Bills' loss to the Browns last week on MNF. Everybody goes home happy, except for Bills fans.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Snoop Dogg on Around the Horn!
He's got Jay Mariotti and Woody Paige using ebonics.
This is hilarious!
This is hilarious!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Pedroia? MVP?
Dear Baseball Writers' Association,
Dustin Pedroia? Are you serious? Come on, guys. It's not like he had a season like Ichiro had in 2001. He hit .326 with 17 home runs and 83 RBIs. Yeah, he had 118 runs and only six errors, but still, those numbers aren't impressive.
I'll show you impressive.
.300 batting average
11 home runs
69 RBIs
88 runs
12 errors
Now THAT, my friends, is impressive.
What? You say those numbers aren't as good as Pedroia's? Well you obviously can't read in between the lines.
Look again:
.300 batting average
intangibles
11 home runs
intangibles
69 RBIs
intangibles
88 runs
intangibles
12 errors
Do you see it now? INTANGIBLES! That is why Derek Jeter should be AL MVP! He got screwed in 2006 because some dumbass in Chicago didn't think intangibles counted for much, and suddenly it gets to a point two years later where intangibles don't even earn you a single MVP vote!
Derek Jeter is the greatest player in the history of baseball.
Derek Jeter is God.
Derek Jeter Derek Jeter Derek Jeter.
Pedroia plays on the RED SOX aka the scum of the world.
Derek Jeter plays on the NEW YORK YANKEES! THE GREATEST FRANCHISE EVER.
Why doesn't that count for anything anymore?
Love always,
Yankee fans
P.S. I can't wait for C.C. Sabathia to come to the Bronx. Mark Teixeira, too. Oh and Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett. And with all the money coming off the books this season, we should probably sign Manny Ramirez, too. Just so nobody else can have him.
Loading up on stars hasn't worked since we started doing it in 2001, but I've got a special feeling about next season. DEREK JETER.
Dustin Pedroia? Are you serious? Come on, guys. It's not like he had a season like Ichiro had in 2001. He hit .326 with 17 home runs and 83 RBIs. Yeah, he had 118 runs and only six errors, but still, those numbers aren't impressive.
I'll show you impressive.
.300 batting average
11 home runs
69 RBIs
88 runs
12 errors
Now THAT, my friends, is impressive.
What? You say those numbers aren't as good as Pedroia's? Well you obviously can't read in between the lines.
Look again:
.300 batting average
intangibles
11 home runs
intangibles
69 RBIs
intangibles
88 runs
intangibles
12 errors
Do you see it now? INTANGIBLES! That is why Derek Jeter should be AL MVP! He got screwed in 2006 because some dumbass in Chicago didn't think intangibles counted for much, and suddenly it gets to a point two years later where intangibles don't even earn you a single MVP vote!
Derek Jeter is the greatest player in the history of baseball.
Derek Jeter is God.
Derek Jeter Derek Jeter Derek Jeter.
Pedroia plays on the RED SOX aka the scum of the world.
Derek Jeter plays on the NEW YORK YANKEES! THE GREATEST FRANCHISE EVER.
Why doesn't that count for anything anymore?
Love always,
Yankee fans
P.S. I can't wait for C.C. Sabathia to come to the Bronx. Mark Teixeira, too. Oh and Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett. And with all the money coming off the books this season, we should probably sign Manny Ramirez, too. Just so nobody else can have him.
Loading up on stars hasn't worked since we started doing it in 2001, but I've got a special feeling about next season. DEREK JETER.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
How Does Manny Acta Do It?
The Washington Nationals completed a trade with the Florida Marlins Tuesday, sending Emilio Bonifacio and a pair of minor leaguers to Florida, getting Scott Olsen and Josh "All I Do is Hit Home Runs Against the Mets" Willingham in return.
The deal comes much to my chagrin—with Pat Burrell unlikely to return to Philadelphia, that would have been two Met-killers out of my hair if the Marlins had sent Willingham out of the division. Now he's just going to be playing for those pesky Nat's, who will be bottom-feeders from April to August, then suddenly play like the '98 Yankees when September rolls around.
In spite of my spite, this trade begs the question: How does Manny Acta plan on keeping this circus at bay? He already has Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes on his roster—how will Scott "Temper Tantrum" Olsen fit in?
The deal comes much to my chagrin—with Pat Burrell unlikely to return to Philadelphia, that would have been two Met-killers out of my hair if the Marlins had sent Willingham out of the division. Now he's just going to be playing for those pesky Nat's, who will be bottom-feeders from April to August, then suddenly play like the '98 Yankees when September rolls around.
In spite of my spite, this trade begs the question: How does Manny Acta plan on keeping this circus at bay? He already has Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes on his roster—how will Scott "Temper Tantrum" Olsen fit in?
Friday, November 7, 2008
New Blog
Just wanted to do some shameless self-promotion. I shall be splitting my time between BMC Sports and Unsuccess Story, a new pop-culture/sport/miscellaneous blog I have begun.
http://unsuccessstory.blogspot.com/
Check it.
http://unsuccessstory.blogspot.com/
Check it.
A Change To The BCS We Can Believe In!
Congrats are due to President elect Barack Obama for making history by being the first half-black President in US History. Good on the American people for getting it right. I will always respect John McCain for everything he has done for the country and congratulate him on his classy concession speech. But back to deportes!
On the extremely rushed and awkward halftime interview between Hack Berman and the Barackstar, el presidente did not go the obvious route when asked what he'd change about sports (roids are bad!). Instead, he mentioned that he would get rid of the BCS. So, thank you America for getting it right again. While the elimination of the BCS should probably not be the nation's number one priority right now (but it should be number two), it would be fun to imagine how the Commander-in-Chief to be's 8 team playoff would look this year.
1. Alabama
8. Boise State
4. Texas
5. Florida
3. Texas Tech
6. USC
2. Penn State
7. Oklahoma
Admit it...you'd watch that. I know I would.
On the extremely rushed and awkward halftime interview between Hack Berman and the Barackstar, el presidente did not go the obvious route when asked what he'd change about sports (roids are bad!). Instead, he mentioned that he would get rid of the BCS. So, thank you America for getting it right again. While the elimination of the BCS should probably not be the nation's number one priority right now (but it should be number two), it would be fun to imagine how the Commander-in-Chief to be's 8 team playoff would look this year.
1. Alabama
8. Boise State
4. Texas
5. Florida
3. Texas Tech
6. USC
2. Penn State
7. Oklahoma
Admit it...you'd watch that. I know I would.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Men's College Basketball Preseason Rankings, 21-25 -- Election Day Special!
Since my predictions are always so...what's the word? Ah, yes. Wrong.
Since my predictions are always so WRONG, I thought I'd change things up and use the ESPN/USA Today preseason rankings 21-25 to predict the winner of today's election.
(21) University of Southern California (Blue State)
A crushing blow to John McCain to be down 55 electoral votes immediately. Lucky for him, that Orange Juice and Mayonnaise kid left for the NBA. A tough early schedule may knock USC right out of the top 25, but some resilience could vault them very high in the rankings.
The Trojans head to Puerto Rico in November for the San Juan Shootout. If they get past Seton Hall in the first round, they likely have Memphis in the next round.
A very tough trip into Oklahoma is on tap for mid-December, and Georgia Tech visits So Cal just before Christmas.
USC is better than Arizona State this year, but the teams only square off once in the regular season--at A-State. Having the home court does crazy things for some teams.
(22) Wisconsin (Blue State)
The Badgers actually tied for number 21 in the poll, but since California is worth 55 electoral votes and Wisconsin is only worth 10, they'll have to settle for number 22.
I'm not a fan of Bo Ryan's style of play, nor am I a fan of the Big Ten. Like in college football, Big Ten teams conform to a style of play that sets them up to win the conference, NOT on a national scale. This was evident last year when Duke blew them out, and Marquette beat them in their own house.
To give Wisconsin some credit, they beat a very good Texas team last year, but the mediocre offense doesn't quite complement the suffocating defense.
Wisconsin will win at Virginia Tech, but will lose to Marquette and Texas this season. I like the Big Ten to be competitive and Wisconsin to finish second.
That's Obama with 65 electoral votes and McCain with none.
(23) Kansas (Red State)
Sometimes all you need to do is get on the board. McCain will take those six electoral votes, and be damn proud about it.
However, the defending national champs have lost almost everything. The good news is that their head coach is Bill Self. He's shown he can recruit, put a competitive team on the floor year-in and year-out, and he's also shown that his team isn't always going to be a one-game wonder in the NCAA Tournament.
Depending on their seeding, they may be a nice, juicy steak in the eyes of a hungry 11th, 12th, or 13th seeded mid-major in the Big Dance.
Early tests include Washington and Florida/Syracuse in the College Basketball Experience Classic, but these are virtual home games for the Jayhawks. Kent State and UMass are dangerous mid-majors on the schedule, and the big games before conference play starts are against Tennessee and at Michigan State.
This team will be prepared come March.
65-6, Obama leads.
(24) Wake Forest (Red State)
North Carolina is still up in the air, but for the sake of competition, we'll give it to McCain.
When you play in the Atlantic Coast Conference, you really don't need early-season tests to prepare you for March. You need them to prepare you for conference play.
With that said, Wake Forest will be ready for the NCAA Tournament, but will susceptible to an arduous January and February. The Carolina directional schools won't prepare the Demon Deacons for the nationally ranked Carolina schools.
65-21, Obama still leads. McCain needs a Texas school to be tied with a Tennessee, Missouri, or Indiana school to emerge victorious in my election.
Drumroll, please...
(25) Villanova (Wait, who is going to win Pennsylvania???)
That was anti-climactic. Does it not matter who wins Pennsylvania's 21 electoral votes?
'Nova has a breezy non-conference schedule, except for the Jimmy V Classic game against Texas at Madison Square Garden on December 9.
The Wildcats can hope for students to forget about finals and hop on a train to NYC to give them the home court feeling, but Texas plays at the Garden more often than you think. Rick Barnes will have his team ready to go.
Villanova's Big East schedule is balanced. The only team in the preseason rankings 'Nova has to face twice is Marquette. The Wildcats are at UConn and Notre Dame, and hosting Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Georgetown.
Due to Sarah Palin's not-so-warm welcome from Philly fans when she dropped the puck there, I'll take the liberty of giving Pennsylvania to Obama.
86-21. Neither party achieved the 270 electoral votes required to win the Presidency.
I hereby nominate Dick Vitale to sit in the oval office. IT'LL BE AWESOME, BABY!!!
Since my predictions are always so WRONG, I thought I'd change things up and use the ESPN/USA Today preseason rankings 21-25 to predict the winner of today's election.
(21) University of Southern California (Blue State)
A crushing blow to John McCain to be down 55 electoral votes immediately. Lucky for him, that Orange Juice and Mayonnaise kid left for the NBA. A tough early schedule may knock USC right out of the top 25, but some resilience could vault them very high in the rankings.
The Trojans head to Puerto Rico in November for the San Juan Shootout. If they get past Seton Hall in the first round, they likely have Memphis in the next round.
A very tough trip into Oklahoma is on tap for mid-December, and Georgia Tech visits So Cal just before Christmas.
USC is better than Arizona State this year, but the teams only square off once in the regular season--at A-State. Having the home court does crazy things for some teams.
(22) Wisconsin (Blue State)
The Badgers actually tied for number 21 in the poll, but since California is worth 55 electoral votes and Wisconsin is only worth 10, they'll have to settle for number 22.
I'm not a fan of Bo Ryan's style of play, nor am I a fan of the Big Ten. Like in college football, Big Ten teams conform to a style of play that sets them up to win the conference, NOT on a national scale. This was evident last year when Duke blew them out, and Marquette beat them in their own house.
To give Wisconsin some credit, they beat a very good Texas team last year, but the mediocre offense doesn't quite complement the suffocating defense.
Wisconsin will win at Virginia Tech, but will lose to Marquette and Texas this season. I like the Big Ten to be competitive and Wisconsin to finish second.
That's Obama with 65 electoral votes and McCain with none.
(23) Kansas (Red State)
Sometimes all you need to do is get on the board. McCain will take those six electoral votes, and be damn proud about it.
However, the defending national champs have lost almost everything. The good news is that their head coach is Bill Self. He's shown he can recruit, put a competitive team on the floor year-in and year-out, and he's also shown that his team isn't always going to be a one-game wonder in the NCAA Tournament.
Depending on their seeding, they may be a nice, juicy steak in the eyes of a hungry 11th, 12th, or 13th seeded mid-major in the Big Dance.
Early tests include Washington and Florida/Syracuse in the College Basketball Experience Classic, but these are virtual home games for the Jayhawks. Kent State and UMass are dangerous mid-majors on the schedule, and the big games before conference play starts are against Tennessee and at Michigan State.
This team will be prepared come March.
65-6, Obama leads.
(24) Wake Forest (Red State)
North Carolina is still up in the air, but for the sake of competition, we'll give it to McCain.
When you play in the Atlantic Coast Conference, you really don't need early-season tests to prepare you for March. You need them to prepare you for conference play.
With that said, Wake Forest will be ready for the NCAA Tournament, but will susceptible to an arduous January and February. The Carolina directional schools won't prepare the Demon Deacons for the nationally ranked Carolina schools.
65-21, Obama still leads. McCain needs a Texas school to be tied with a Tennessee, Missouri, or Indiana school to emerge victorious in my election.
Drumroll, please...
(25) Villanova (Wait, who is going to win Pennsylvania???)
That was anti-climactic. Does it not matter who wins Pennsylvania's 21 electoral votes?
'Nova has a breezy non-conference schedule, except for the Jimmy V Classic game against Texas at Madison Square Garden on December 9.
The Wildcats can hope for students to forget about finals and hop on a train to NYC to give them the home court feeling, but Texas plays at the Garden more often than you think. Rick Barnes will have his team ready to go.
Villanova's Big East schedule is balanced. The only team in the preseason rankings 'Nova has to face twice is Marquette. The Wildcats are at UConn and Notre Dame, and hosting Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Georgetown.
Due to Sarah Palin's not-so-warm welcome from Philly fans when she dropped the puck there, I'll take the liberty of giving Pennsylvania to Obama.
86-21. Neither party achieved the 270 electoral votes required to win the Presidency.
I hereby nominate Dick Vitale to sit in the oval office. IT'LL BE AWESOME, BABY!!!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Men's College Basketball Preseason Rankings, 16-20
With apologies to Wally Szczerbiak, here are teams 16-20 in the ESPN/USA Today poll.
(16) Miami (of Florida)
The Hurricanes notched home wins against Duke and Clemson last year, but lost a relatively early (end of December) game to Winthrop at the BankUnited Center. The home court advantage is there, but Miami is mortal.
The toughest early home game for Miami this season is against Ohio State, which is followed by a road game at Kentucky. They would be fortunate for a split.
Clemson comes into town for the only matchup of the year between the two teams on December 21, which is very early for conference opponents to play their only game against each other. If they run into each other in the ACC Tournament, it would almost be as if they hadn't met at all yet.
Bad news for Miami is they only play AT Duke and have two games against the best UNC squad they've seen since joining the ACC.
(17) Marquette (of Wisconsin)
With four Big East teams ranked above them, Marquette might fly under the radar for much of this season, which can be beneficial. The Golden Gophers have pulled some early upsets each of the last two years (Wisconsin last season, Duke two years ago), and have Wisconsin and Tennessee on the schedule for December.
The toughest stretch for Marquette comes right before the regular season ends. At Georgetown, hosting Connecticut, at Louisville, at Pittsburgh. I'd be happy with 1-3 if I were them, how about you?
(18) Georgetown (of the District of Columbia)
Speaking of the Hoyas, this could be a very rough season for them. Early games against Wichita State and American, ranked non-conference opponents in the form of Memphis and AT Duke aren't the story here.
Georgetown has a pair of three-game stretches that could be devastating:
Dec. 29 - @ UConn
Jan. 3 - vs. Pittsburgh
Jan. 5 - @ Notre Dame
Feb. 18 - vs. Marquette
Feb. 23 - vs.Louisville
Feb. 25 - @ Villanova
Hey, at least they have Roy Hibb---oh...uh oh.
(19) Florida (of Florida)
The Gators don't have a strong schedule this year, but that doesn't mean there won't be some potential upsets. Bradley is one of the MVC teams that can give anyone a scare if they leave the door open. At Syracuse and at Florida State will be good non-conference road tests, and Winthrop and NC State head south to try to play spoiler.
Florida lost seven of their final 10 regular season games last season. A talented, young team this year will give the Gators a new look that will only get better over the next few years.
(20) Davidson (of North Carolina)
Sorry boys, you're not fooling anyone this year. Teams are gunning for you this time.
The Wildcats, however, still have that Stephen Curry kid in the backcourt.
Winthrop is on the schedule--the Eagles may not pull off the upset, but they will stun at least one team early this season.
At Purdue and at Duke are the big non-conference games for Davidson, which has gone 37-1 in-conference the last two years. Can the Wildcats earn a number one seed in the Big Dance? Early-season love in the polls and a couple of big games gives them the opportunity.
(16) Miami (of Florida)
The Hurricanes notched home wins against Duke and Clemson last year, but lost a relatively early (end of December) game to Winthrop at the BankUnited Center. The home court advantage is there, but Miami is mortal.
The toughest early home game for Miami this season is against Ohio State, which is followed by a road game at Kentucky. They would be fortunate for a split.
Clemson comes into town for the only matchup of the year between the two teams on December 21, which is very early for conference opponents to play their only game against each other. If they run into each other in the ACC Tournament, it would almost be as if they hadn't met at all yet.
Bad news for Miami is they only play AT Duke and have two games against the best UNC squad they've seen since joining the ACC.
(17) Marquette (of Wisconsin)
With four Big East teams ranked above them, Marquette might fly under the radar for much of this season, which can be beneficial. The Golden Gophers have pulled some early upsets each of the last two years (Wisconsin last season, Duke two years ago), and have Wisconsin and Tennessee on the schedule for December.
The toughest stretch for Marquette comes right before the regular season ends. At Georgetown, hosting Connecticut, at Louisville, at Pittsburgh. I'd be happy with 1-3 if I were them, how about you?
(18) Georgetown (of the District of Columbia)
Speaking of the Hoyas, this could be a very rough season for them. Early games against Wichita State and American, ranked non-conference opponents in the form of Memphis and AT Duke aren't the story here.
Georgetown has a pair of three-game stretches that could be devastating:
Dec. 29 - @ UConn
Jan. 3 - vs. Pittsburgh
Jan. 5 - @ Notre Dame
Feb. 18 - vs. Marquette
Feb. 23 - vs.Louisville
Feb. 25 - @ Villanova
Hey, at least they have Roy Hibb---oh...uh oh.
(19) Florida (of Florida)
The Gators don't have a strong schedule this year, but that doesn't mean there won't be some potential upsets. Bradley is one of the MVC teams that can give anyone a scare if they leave the door open. At Syracuse and at Florida State will be good non-conference road tests, and Winthrop and NC State head south to try to play spoiler.
Florida lost seven of their final 10 regular season games last season. A talented, young team this year will give the Gators a new look that will only get better over the next few years.
(20) Davidson (of North Carolina)
Sorry boys, you're not fooling anyone this year. Teams are gunning for you this time.
The Wildcats, however, still have that Stephen Curry kid in the backcourt.
Winthrop is on the schedule--the Eagles may not pull off the upset, but they will stun at least one team early this season.
At Purdue and at Duke are the big non-conference games for Davidson, which has gone 37-1 in-conference the last two years. Can the Wildcats earn a number one seed in the Big Dance? Early-season love in the polls and a couple of big games gives them the opportunity.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Men's Preseason Rankings 11-15
(11) Gonzaga
Finally some mid-major love! Mark Few's squad is looking at a schedule similar to last year's. Oklahoma State visits Spokane in late November, and then a couple of games at Indiana and Arizona (probably seemed like decent tests at the time) will still be good preparation.
Things get juicy on December 20-- by far the best date on the schedule for non-conference college basketball. UConn visits Gonzaga, a rematch from last year where the Bulldogs prevailed on the road. Then the 'Zags have revenge on their mind January 7 at Tennessee (82-72 loss last season), and February 7 when they host Memphis (losses the last two years).
St. Mary's won't lay down, and be sure San Diego will have something to say about the West Coast Conference title before it's all said and done. Three WCC teams tasted March Madness last season, and they all want to give it another run this year.
(12) Memphis
Certainly not the same team we saw last year, but the Tigers still have a target on their back. A couple of MAAC opponents in the first three games should be laughers. I've created a mathematical equation for the Marist game on December 2:
X= Marist's score
Y= Memphis' score
2x <>This isn't an insult to Memphis, it's actually a testament to head coach John Calipari's class. He grants games to ex-assistant coaches, including Chuck Martin, Marist's new head coach, who was Calipari's aide for two years.
I'm talking about the same three teams over and over. Aside from the Gonzaga and Memphis home games, which have already been mentioned, Tennessee has volunteered (get it?) to host Marquette in December and visit Kansas in January. Cross your fingers--hopefully we should be seeing plenty of Pat Summitt in her cute cheerleading outfit again this season.
(14) Oklahoma
The Sooners are letting themselves down with a very weak non-conference schedule. Last year they played Memphis, Gonzaga, and USC. This year, USC is the only tough test before conference play starts. Unless the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore is the one from the ACC (that was a joke).
The Big 12 isn't as top-heavy in basketball as it is in football this year, so teams can get away with the easy scheduling...until March.
Oklahoma just has to be on upset watch when an upstart VCU team rolls into town on...that's right! December 20!
I'm so excited about that day, here's a list of some of the great games to watch:
VCU @ (14)Oklahoma
(7)Michigan St. @ (8) Texas
(5) Duke @ Xavier
(2) Connecticut @ (11) Gonzaga
(20) Davidson @ (10) Purdue
Syracuse @ (12) Memphis
My popcorn is ready.
(15) Arizona State
This isn't a top 25 team we're dealing with here, but nobody will know any better unless San Diego State or Pepperdine pull a November upset, or BYU rises to the occasion on...you guessed it! December 20!
This could be the least impressive schedule for a top 25 team. It's worse than Louisville's.
Finally some mid-major love! Mark Few's squad is looking at a schedule similar to last year's. Oklahoma State visits Spokane in late November, and then a couple of games at Indiana and Arizona (probably seemed like decent tests at the time) will still be good preparation.
Things get juicy on December 20-- by far the best date on the schedule for non-conference college basketball. UConn visits Gonzaga, a rematch from last year where the Bulldogs prevailed on the road. Then the 'Zags have revenge on their mind January 7 at Tennessee (82-72 loss last season), and February 7 when they host Memphis (losses the last two years).
St. Mary's won't lay down, and be sure San Diego will have something to say about the West Coast Conference title before it's all said and done. Three WCC teams tasted March Madness last season, and they all want to give it another run this year.
(12) Memphis
Certainly not the same team we saw last year, but the Tigers still have a target on their back. A couple of MAAC opponents in the first three games should be laughers. I've created a mathematical equation for the Marist game on December 2:
X= Marist's score
Y= Memphis' score
2x <>This isn't an insult to Memphis, it's actually a testament to head coach John Calipari's class. He grants games to ex-assistant coaches, including Chuck Martin, Marist's new head coach, who was Calipari's aide for two years.
Marist's team is practically in shambles, after losing its head coach, Matt Brady, to James Madison at the end of last season. After its star freshman transferred to VCU, only five scholarship players returned. Martin inherited quite a mess, and Marist has been picked to finish last in the MAAC. Calipari is just trying to help out.
I'm talking about the same three teams over and over. Aside from the Gonzaga and Memphis home games, which have already been mentioned, Tennessee has volunteered (get it?) to host Marquette in December and visit Kansas in January. Cross your fingers--hopefully we should be seeing plenty of Pat Summitt in her cute cheerleading outfit again this season.
(14) Oklahoma
The Sooners are letting themselves down with a very weak non-conference schedule. Last year they played Memphis, Gonzaga, and USC. This year, USC is the only tough test before conference play starts. Unless the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore is the one from the ACC (that was a joke).
The Big 12 isn't as top-heavy in basketball as it is in football this year, so teams can get away with the easy scheduling...until March.
Oklahoma just has to be on upset watch when an upstart VCU team rolls into town on...that's right! December 20!
I'm so excited about that day, here's a list of some of the great games to watch:
VCU @ (14)Oklahoma
(7)Michigan St. @ (8) Texas
(5) Duke @ Xavier
(2) Connecticut @ (11) Gonzaga
(20) Davidson @ (10) Purdue
Syracuse @ (12) Memphis
My popcorn is ready.
(15) Arizona State
This isn't a top 25 team we're dealing with here, but nobody will know any better unless San Diego State or Pepperdine pull a November upset, or BYU rises to the occasion on...you guessed it! December 20!
This could be the least impressive schedule for a top 25 team. It's worse than Louisville's.
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