Friday, December 31, 2010
In 2011, Remember These People
Once again, not football related, but so worthy of your time is this NY Times video feature on a military family. CLick here . "The Home Front" will start in the middle of the page. It is heart wrenching.
CRUSHED!
Ofer. 0 fer 4. The gory details...
The Army won a bowl game, that's nice. I didn't see the game and I'm not taking any time to research the details of it, let's just agree that SMU sucks and I will nurture my anger. The final score was Army 16, SMU 14. The result was, naturally, hugely popular with the West Point lads and alumni, setting off a musical celebration that we are fortunate to have caught on tape:
Kansas State and Syracuse put on a great show, nip and tuck to the end. Then, late in the game, K-State tried a fake on a field goal attempt and got stuffed, netting zero where they might have had three. On their final possession they scored a TD to pull within 2, only to be penalized for excessive celebration, 15 yards enforced on the PAT. That left an 18 yard attempt for 2 points to tie instead of a 3 yard attempt. It failed, they lost by 2. Boneheaded coaching and playing, AND a real chickenshit call on the excessive celebration. Check out the video of the infraction.
Then came Tennessee and North Carolina. O.M.G!!! Rocky Top had this one sewn up, 20-17. With plays and penalties, NC came up with a game tying field goal with :01 in regulation--and TN roughed the kicker, their 3rd personal foul in the last thirty seconds. That 15 yard penalty was assessed on the start of OT play. TN won the toss, and amazingly, chose defense, giving NC the ball at the 12 1/2. I was astounded that they didn't take offense, and try to work up a drive. NC promptly scored when TN tackled with a facemask, their 4th personal foul in a minute! TN scored on the second play (great catch by their big TE) to render it all moot, but you couldn't ask for more excitement--or dumber defense from Tennessee with all those fouls. On the next possession, TN was intercepted and NC kicked a 3 to win. Heartbreak for the Vols and our 3rd loss of the day. This was a snakebit day.
When I decided Nebraska would be the big winner of the day, there was this little voice in the back of my head offering up warnings. Washington's kids played the game of their lives and beat Nebraska like a rented mule, finishing off our worst day possible.
No time to mope, on we go.
Today:
Meineke Car Care Bowl @ Charlotte
USF (7-5) vs Clemson (6-6)
Clemson's coach's name is Dabo Swinney. Isn't that just sooooo southern? Their QB turned down $800,000 from the Colorado Rockies baseball team to stay and play at Clemson (and they went 6-6?). USF' s coach is Lou Holtsch's son, Skip Holtz, and USF's starting QB might be a walk-on, or might not. This game has to be more entertaining than it looks on paper. The O/U is 40 1/2. I think UNDER.
Sun Bowl @ El Paso
USB (7-5) vs the U (7-5)
This game sold out in 24 hours, proving that, like rock 'n roll, "it don't hafta be good to be a classic"...or to sell to fans who will take pretty much anything. Somebody tried to reprise the famed "Catholics vs Criminals" motif, but Miami objected to playing the role of Catholics. The U recently canned its coach, USB should have canned theirs (again). OK, Petey, get ready...USB +2 1/2
Liberty Bowl @ Memphis
Georgia (6-6) vs Central Florida (10-3)
Speaking of canned USB coaches, Central Florida is headed up by George O'Leary, who got fired in South Bend before he ever coached a game. That's pretty hard to top (though they keep trying, bless 'em). CFU is a conference champion, Georgia on my mind is a 6-6 team. Their schedules were pretty far apart in quality. Georgia -6 1/2
Chick-fil-A Bowl @ Atlanta
#19 South Carolina (9-4) vs #23 Florida State (9-4)
Look at this: two teams that aren't 7-5! And--those great commercials with the "eat mor chikn" cows! I'm going South Carolina -3
We aren't doing very well, certainly not as well as last year. I am being wonderfully entertained; these games have been fun. Money to go with the fun would be better.
Finally, this has nothing to do with football, but I found it so entertaining I had to share it with you. Happy New Year!
The Army won a bowl game, that's nice. I didn't see the game and I'm not taking any time to research the details of it, let's just agree that SMU sucks and I will nurture my anger. The final score was Army 16, SMU 14. The result was, naturally, hugely popular with the West Point lads and alumni, setting off a musical celebration that we are fortunate to have caught on tape:
Kansas State and Syracuse put on a great show, nip and tuck to the end. Then, late in the game, K-State tried a fake on a field goal attempt and got stuffed, netting zero where they might have had three. On their final possession they scored a TD to pull within 2, only to be penalized for excessive celebration, 15 yards enforced on the PAT. That left an 18 yard attempt for 2 points to tie instead of a 3 yard attempt. It failed, they lost by 2. Boneheaded coaching and playing, AND a real chickenshit call on the excessive celebration. Check out the video of the infraction.
Then came Tennessee and North Carolina. O.M.G!!! Rocky Top had this one sewn up, 20-17. With plays and penalties, NC came up with a game tying field goal with :01 in regulation--and TN roughed the kicker, their 3rd personal foul in the last thirty seconds. That 15 yard penalty was assessed on the start of OT play. TN won the toss, and amazingly, chose defense, giving NC the ball at the 12 1/2. I was astounded that they didn't take offense, and try to work up a drive. NC promptly scored when TN tackled with a facemask, their 4th personal foul in a minute! TN scored on the second play (great catch by their big TE) to render it all moot, but you couldn't ask for more excitement--or dumber defense from Tennessee with all those fouls. On the next possession, TN was intercepted and NC kicked a 3 to win. Heartbreak for the Vols and our 3rd loss of the day. This was a snakebit day.
When I decided Nebraska would be the big winner of the day, there was this little voice in the back of my head offering up warnings. Washington's kids played the game of their lives and beat Nebraska like a rented mule, finishing off our worst day possible.
No time to mope, on we go.
Today:
Meineke Car Care Bowl @ Charlotte
USF (7-5) vs Clemson (6-6)
Clemson's coach's name is Dabo Swinney. Isn't that just sooooo southern? Their QB turned down $800,000 from the Colorado Rockies baseball team to stay and play at Clemson (and they went 6-6?). USF' s coach is Lou Holtsch's son, Skip Holtz, and USF's starting QB might be a walk-on, or might not. This game has to be more entertaining than it looks on paper. The O/U is 40 1/2. I think UNDER.
Sun Bowl @ El Paso
USB (7-5) vs the U (7-5)
This game sold out in 24 hours, proving that, like rock 'n roll, "it don't hafta be good to be a classic"...or to sell to fans who will take pretty much anything. Somebody tried to reprise the famed "Catholics vs Criminals" motif, but Miami objected to playing the role of Catholics. The U recently canned its coach, USB should have canned theirs (again). OK, Petey, get ready...USB +2 1/2
Liberty Bowl @ Memphis
Georgia (6-6) vs Central Florida (10-3)
Speaking of canned USB coaches, Central Florida is headed up by George O'Leary, who got fired in South Bend before he ever coached a game. That's pretty hard to top (though they keep trying, bless 'em). CFU is a conference champion, Georgia on my mind is a 6-6 team. Their schedules were pretty far apart in quality. Georgia -6 1/2
Chick-fil-A Bowl @ Atlanta
#19 South Carolina (9-4) vs #23 Florida State (9-4)
Look at this: two teams that aren't 7-5! And--those great commercials with the "eat mor chikn" cows! I'm going South Carolina -3
We aren't doing very well, certainly not as well as last year. I am being wonderfully entertained; these games have been fun. Money to go with the fun would be better.
Finally, this has nothing to do with football, but I found it so entertaining I had to share it with you. Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Four Games Today
Ryan is in the news, click here
Double dip winner in game one yesterday, as the Terps sent Ralph Friedgen off to buyout land with a 51-20 win over East Carolina (MD cover and over 68).
Game two, Illinois and Baylor made the most unlikable pair of teams I have seen this season. More inappropriate showboating and signifying than you will ever see from teams that know how to behave and win. Add to that the factoid that I didn't previously know-Baylor is the most penalized team in the country-and I was assured that this would not be an enjoyable game to watch. How did Baylor win 7 games this year, they are an awful football team. Final : 38-14, IL. Should have gotten comfortable with my original pick.
OK State thrashed AZ in the late game to give us a two out of three day. Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.
Four games today; the action is getting heavy now! Here goes:
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl in Dallas
Army (6-6) v. SMU (7-6)
SMU in a bowl game for the second consecutive year, imagine that. This one is being held not only in SMU's home town, but in its home stadium. SMU is -7. I think they're good for that and a little bit more.
New Era Pinstripe Bowl @ Yankee Stadium
Kansas (7-5) v. Syracuse (7-5)
Welcome back to football at Yankee Stadium, assuming that they dig it out (click) from the snowstorm, and you need to ask if its worth the trouble. Both teams went 2-3 in their last five, so neither is rolling in here with a powerhouse vibe. Both teams have been very inconsistent, beating some good teams that you wouldn't have expected them to beat and getting thrashed by some teams you'd think they could hang with. I'll take Kansas +1 despite this emotional side story (click).
Music City Bowl in Nashville
North Carolina (7-5) v. Tennessee (6-6)
This is effectively a home game for Tennessee, and I think it's going to be the Volunteers' day, Tennessee +1 in Nashville. NC was 2-3 in its last five games, TN won its last 4 straight up, last 5 ATS.
Holiday Bowl in San Diego
Nebraska (10-3) v. Washington (6-6)
Huskers are -14. Bet the ranch. They are going to trounce Washington. The two teams met on September 18 of this year at Washington. Nebraska won that one 56-21. They will do it again. This is the second game at Qualcomm of Bowl Season; recall Navy sucking there just last week? Hope this isn't a Qualcomm jinx for us.
Double dip winner in game one yesterday, as the Terps sent Ralph Friedgen off to buyout land with a 51-20 win over East Carolina (MD cover and over 68).
Game two, Illinois and Baylor made the most unlikable pair of teams I have seen this season. More inappropriate showboating and signifying than you will ever see from teams that know how to behave and win. Add to that the factoid that I didn't previously know-Baylor is the most penalized team in the country-and I was assured that this would not be an enjoyable game to watch. How did Baylor win 7 games this year, they are an awful football team. Final : 38-14, IL. Should have gotten comfortable with my original pick.
OK State thrashed AZ in the late game to give us a two out of three day. Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.
Four games today; the action is getting heavy now! Here goes:
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl in Dallas
Army (6-6) v. SMU (7-6)
SMU in a bowl game for the second consecutive year, imagine that. This one is being held not only in SMU's home town, but in its home stadium. SMU is -7. I think they're good for that and a little bit more.
New Era Pinstripe Bowl @ Yankee Stadium
Kansas (7-5) v. Syracuse (7-5)
Welcome back to football at Yankee Stadium, assuming that they dig it out (click) from the snowstorm, and you need to ask if its worth the trouble. Both teams went 2-3 in their last five, so neither is rolling in here with a powerhouse vibe. Both teams have been very inconsistent, beating some good teams that you wouldn't have expected them to beat and getting thrashed by some teams you'd think they could hang with. I'll take Kansas +1 despite this emotional side story (click).
Music City Bowl in Nashville
North Carolina (7-5) v. Tennessee (6-6)
This is effectively a home game for Tennessee, and I think it's going to be the Volunteers' day, Tennessee +1 in Nashville. NC was 2-3 in its last five games, TN won its last 4 straight up, last 5 ATS.
Holiday Bowl in San Diego
Nebraska (10-3) v. Washington (6-6)
Huskers are -14. Bet the ranch. They are going to trounce Washington. The two teams met on September 18 of this year at Washington. Nebraska won that one 56-21. They will do it again. This is the second game at Qualcomm of Bowl Season; recall Navy sucking there just last week? Hope this isn't a Qualcomm jinx for us.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Meet Ryan
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| Here is Ryan pulling Grandma's finger. Already with the jokes! |
His name is Ryan, and he was born in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, 15 weeks premature. He weighed in at 1 1/2 pounds, and if Ryan could stand he would be 12 inches tall.
Ryan is my new grandson, a four star selection.
In last night's games, the West Virginia v NC State game worked out just right. Missouri v Iowa, on the other hand...Iowa didn't make mistakes, Missouri made enough for both teams and gave away the game.
On to the games scheduled for this afternoon and this evening. First is the Military Bowl in Washington, DC, featuring East Carolina (6-6) and Maryland (8-4) . This is Ralphie's last stand, as the MD coach has been bought out by the new Athletic Director. He gets a lovely parting gift of $2 million to help him get over the Poor Ralphie Terrapin Tears. I have 2 bets to offer here: the Terrapins -8 and the two teams to go OVER 68. Take your pick or take them both. East Carolina has 5 straight overs and has no defense to speak of, MD has no tomorrows with this coach.
Next is the Texas Bowl in Houston. The Fighting Illini (6-6-) meet the Baylor Bear (7-5). Baylor lost their last three in the regular season, Illinois lost 2 of its last three. I made a choice here a few days ago (Illinois) but couldn't get comfortable with it. I say take Baylor -1.
Finally, it's off the Alamo Bowl in the AlamoDome in the Alamo city of San Antonio. It's Arizona (7-5) and Oklahoma State (10-2). It's Oklahoma State -5 1/2. I think they're going to pound AZ.
What's everyone doing for New Year's Eve?
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Two-fer Tuesday
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| Sid, the roving Air Force falcon. |
This evening in Orlando, the North Carolina State Wolfpack squares off with the West Virginia Mercury Mountaineers in the Champs Sports Bowl. WV opened at -4 and has moved to -2 1/2. I studied up a bit on this one and I'm leaning toward NC State and the points, but the WV defense looks pretty stout. So let's compromise and go UNDER 48 1/2.
Then comes game #2, the Insight Bowl in Tempe, featuring Missouri and Iowa. Missouri opened at -1 1/2, now as high as -3. We got on this one at a point and a half when Iowa lost a bunch of players when they conducted their annual character evaluations. Iowa consistently brings in mutts and gets as much as possible out of them before their problems (sex, drugs, armed robbery...quite a variety, really) become public and the miscreants are sent off as Kirk Ferentz tilts and then slowly shakes his head, conveying the heartfelt (blech!) heartbreak of another young life gone wrong. They oughta give him an Oscar. Missouri broke our hearts last time we played them, so here's to hoping they get right, right now. Both teams are on consecutives of 3: Missouri wons its last 3, Iowa lost its last 3.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Independence Day
Last night in Detroit, we witnessed what might be the biggest logo on any football field ever. The Little Caesars Pizza Bowl logo extended to the 41 yard line on each side, pretty much filling the big screen in the upper level of stately PFOS Manor. Size matters, and this was a big one. Unfortunately, color also matters, and it's a pretty dull and uninspiring logo, and the size and colors made the players disappear when the teams lined up for plays in the middle of the field. The game itself was pretty exciting, and we won as the teams combined for 60+ points, eclipsing our +56 hurdle.
This evening in Shreveport, Louisiana, the Air Force Falcons (8-4, #2 nationally rushing offense) take on the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets (6-6, #1 nationally rushing offense) in the Independence Bowl.
Both teams run the option. GT runs it from the spread, Air Force runs the triple option. Georgia Tech is coached by Paul Johnson, whose previous job was running the football program at the Naval Academy, another program that lives and breathes the option.
GT arrives in this game wheezing a bit: they went 1-4 in the last five games of their regular schedule. They've lost their #1 QB to an injury, their #1 receiver (top receiver on a team that doesn't pass?) to grades, along with their starting safety, also an academic casualty.
Air Force arrives having won 4 of its last 5 and should have everybody healthy. Academic casualties don't seem to happen at the service academies.
BTW, the Independence Bowl received its name as an association of having been played for the first time in 1976, the U.S.A.'s bicentennial year. I remember the summer, as my friend Jimmy (later to become Jimmy the Cop) showed up at my parents' home for my 4th of July party with a case of beer under each arm, well on his way to drinking 200 beers over the weekend, his way of saluting America's 200th birthday. I also recall that his girlfriend walked into the brick chimney on her way out that evening, giving her a souveneir of the bicentennial in the middle of her face. Sobriety did not stand in the way of youthful patriotism, though the chimney did.
Air Force is a 2 1/2 point favorite. I think they will cover.
This evening in Shreveport, Louisiana, the Air Force Falcons (8-4, #2 nationally rushing offense) take on the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets (6-6, #1 nationally rushing offense) in the Independence Bowl.
Both teams run the option. GT runs it from the spread, Air Force runs the triple option. Georgia Tech is coached by Paul Johnson, whose previous job was running the football program at the Naval Academy, another program that lives and breathes the option.
GT arrives in this game wheezing a bit: they went 1-4 in the last five games of their regular schedule. They've lost their #1 QB to an injury, their #1 receiver (top receiver on a team that doesn't pass?) to grades, along with their starting safety, also an academic casualty.
Air Force arrives having won 4 of its last 5 and should have everybody healthy. Academic casualties don't seem to happen at the service academies.
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| Original Independence Bowl logo, showing the eagle going for an interception. |
BTW, the Independence Bowl received its name as an association of having been played for the first time in 1976, the U.S.A.'s bicentennial year. I remember the summer, as my friend Jimmy (later to become Jimmy the Cop) showed up at my parents' home for my 4th of July party with a case of beer under each arm, well on his way to drinking 200 beers over the weekend, his way of saluting America's 200th birthday. I also recall that his girlfriend walked into the brick chimney on her way out that evening, giving her a souveneir of the bicentennial in the middle of her face. Sobriety did not stand in the way of youthful patriotism, though the chimney did.
Air Force is a 2 1/2 point favorite. I think they will cover.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Christmas in Detroit
How was Christmas? That's nice.
Before the break, Tulsa rode roughshod over Hawaii on Friday night, bringing us to 3-3-1 for the year. The Bowl world departs the South Pacific for Detroit as Florida International from the Sun Belt Conference squares off against the Toledo Rockets of the MAC.
FIU is 6-6 straight up, 6-6 ATS. The Rockets are 8-4, 7-5 ATS. Toledo is a 1 1/2 point favorite coming in. Here's the argument: FIU beat Troy earlier this year and Troy tuned up this past week on Ohio, one of Toledo's MAC conference partners. The experts' conclusion is that FIU should be the superior team.
So I studied the two teams' records and tried to weigh MAC vs. SunBelt Conference. The only thing that popped for me is that in the last half of the season these two scored and were scored upon quite a bit.
I suggest OVER 56.
Before the break, Tulsa rode roughshod over Hawaii on Friday night, bringing us to 3-3-1 for the year. The Bowl world departs the South Pacific for Detroit as Florida International from the Sun Belt Conference squares off against the Toledo Rockets of the MAC.
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| Experts say ignore the records during Bowl Season. |
FIU is 6-6 straight up, 6-6 ATS. The Rockets are 8-4, 7-5 ATS. Toledo is a 1 1/2 point favorite coming in. Here's the argument: FIU beat Troy earlier this year and Troy tuned up this past week on Ohio, one of Toledo's MAC conference partners. The experts' conclusion is that FIU should be the superior team.
So I studied the two teams' records and tried to weigh MAC vs. SunBelt Conference. The only thing that popped for me is that in the last half of the season these two scored and were scored upon quite a bit.
I suggest OVER 56.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Navy Sank and We Went Down
Last night, we were flattened along with the Middies, dropping us to 2-3 and a push. It looked like it would be a tough night when San Diego State powered up on their opening drive to score. Over the course of the night the Aztecs showed they were simply better and we were simply wrong.Tonight, we're taking Tulsa and ten against Hawaii at home, then it's Christmas break.
Ho-ho-ho.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
What a Stinker!
Last night's MAACO Bowl Las Vegas was just a mess. This was the game I thought would be fun to attend. Thank heaven that that was just wishful thinking!
Watching these two teams last night was like watching the guy who plays left field for the Chicago Cub battle a pop fly. There were more mistakes than you could count: dropped passes, fumbles, plays negated by penalties, blocked kicks, missed kicks, you name it. Brent Musberger stopped using the big dramatic voice after the third or fourth time that he was left flat, building to screaming announcer-guy crescendo, only to have a big-play pass dropped or called back...and those were the passes that were within hailing distance of their intended target. There were more errant missiles in this comedy than a Dick Cheney hunting trip. The referees weren't immune from whatever malaise overtook this contest, as replays showed a number of their calls to be, shall we say "worthy of debate". Brent and Herbie went off in Q4, discussing every subject imaginable, as they had had enough.
This thing got so screwy that in the fourth quarter, on an end around option pass deep in Utah territory, the Boise player threw and then caught his own pass...for no gain. Amazing, and inept, just like the whole game. The final was 26-3.
As for us, we initially bet the over, then later picked Boise State -17 to go with it. The late bet gives us a push, and we will bury this and move on.
Tonight, if they can dry out the field in San Diego, we have picked the Navy +4 1/2.
By the way, the torrential rains that hit the Las Vegas area and caused some very big damage (in Arizona, homes adjoining drainage channels were washed away as the culverts turned into raging rivers) raised the water level in beleaguered Lake Meade...by 2/10ths of an inch.
The lake is still 130 below optimal pool level.
Watching these two teams last night was like watching the guy who plays left field for the Chicago Cub battle a pop fly. There were more mistakes than you could count: dropped passes, fumbles, plays negated by penalties, blocked kicks, missed kicks, you name it. Brent Musberger stopped using the big dramatic voice after the third or fourth time that he was left flat, building to screaming announcer-guy crescendo, only to have a big-play pass dropped or called back...and those were the passes that were within hailing distance of their intended target. There were more errant missiles in this comedy than a Dick Cheney hunting trip. The referees weren't immune from whatever malaise overtook this contest, as replays showed a number of their calls to be, shall we say "worthy of debate". Brent and Herbie went off in Q4, discussing every subject imaginable, as they had had enough.
This thing got so screwy that in the fourth quarter, on an end around option pass deep in Utah territory, the Boise player threw and then caught his own pass...for no gain. Amazing, and inept, just like the whole game. The final was 26-3.
As for us, we initially bet the over, then later picked Boise State -17 to go with it. The late bet gives us a push, and we will bury this and move on.
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| Flooded Quaalcom. Anchors aweigh, go Navy! |
By the way, the torrential rains that hit the Las Vegas area and caused some very big damage (in Arizona, homes adjoining drainage channels were washed away as the culverts turned into raging rivers) raised the water level in beleaguered Lake Meade...by 2/10ths of an inch.
The lake is still 130 below optimal pool level.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Even Up
Last night in St. Petersburg, Southern Mississippi smacked Louisville with 14 points to open the game. Louisville got one TD back, then gave one back to let SoMiss lead by 21-7. The Cardinals went to work after that one and tied the score before halftime. 42 on the board at the half, I'm thinking "we're going to Sizzler". Then came a scoreless Q3 that left me on edge. They broke it loose in Q4 and we were in the money with a half a quarter to play. Our record goes even at 2-2 for Bowl Season.
Tonight, in Vegas, we're taking the over and Boise State -17. On Thursday we're taking the Navy in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego, and on Friday we're taking Tulsa over Hawaii on the islands. More on those tomorrow.
Tonight, in Vegas, we're taking the over and Boise State -17. On Thursday we're taking the Navy in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego, and on Friday we're taking Tulsa over Hawaii on the islands. More on those tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Beef O'Brady Got Game
Correction: Beef O'Brady has a game, and this is it, tonight. By the way, we ate at a Beef O'Brady's once, in Apollo Beach, Florida, and it was less than a culinary masterpiece. The only thing they didn't deep fry was the menu and the beer. They're playing the Beef O'Brady's Bowl in the Trop, aka the Sombrero, aka the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, aka the Crapshack, located in a dumpy area of St. Pete, about a half hour south of the lovely Raymond James Stadium. This one matches 6-6 Louisville against 8-4 Southern Mississippi. Louisville has hovered at a 3 1/2 point favorite since the game went up. We felt like this was a sucker game, that Louisville's 6-6 was strong, then not so much. Then we thought SoMiss might take this one straight away, and found SoMiss was paying 140 straight up. Back and forth we went. Conclusion: they're inside on turf in a meaningless party game. Bet OVER 57.
On Wednesday comes the game that I think I'd like to attend, Utah and Boise State matched up in the Las Vegas Bowl. Two fun teams in the funnest (?) town around. Gamble for a couple days, go to a football game, smoke a stogie, drink some drinks, watch the hooker parade, man, that just screams "Christmas!" The forecast calls for 57 degrees and rain (yea, rain in Vegas, go figure). There's a load of stats and game comps for these two teams, and the long and short is we see a track meet coming. Boise is a 17 point favorite, but we've decided to go for the entertainment value again: bet OVER 57 1/2.
That takes care of Tuesday and Wednesday. Here are couple more days of Christmas past.
For #5 click here
For #6 click here
Finally, happy 84th birthday to Joe Paterno.
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| Sam Boyd's gaming company owns 15 casinos. Sam himself es muerte. |
That takes care of Tuesday and Wednesday. Here are couple more days of Christmas past.
For #5 click here
For #6 click here
Finally, happy 84th birthday to Joe Paterno.
Monday, December 20, 2010
More Christmas Stuff
On Sunday, I finished the chores left from Friday afternoon. This took us to the state of Michigan, so on the way home we visited our Pokagon band friends (the proprietors of Four Winds). There was an incentive for the Mrs. (she's the player) and a gift for visiting, and a couple bucks for the effort, too. Being gluttonous, I subsequently motored to Blue Chip, a venue that we haven't visited for quite some time. I'll save that discourse for later.
Tomorrow, another bowl game. Today, days 3 and 4 of the Twelve Days of Christmas, Reprised.
For Day 3, click here
For Day 4, click here
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| Entering Four Winds, a Christmas tradition. |
Tomorrow, another bowl game. Today, days 3 and 4 of the Twelve Days of Christmas, Reprised.
For Day 3, click here
For Day 4, click here
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Ho Ho Ho
That's not a Santa quote, that's me rationalizing my weekend.
My plan for a half day off on Friday afternoon got quashed. That led, in turn, to a wasted afternoon and to getting stuck at home on Friday night, on the couch with the cat, while the Friday afternoon project was left hovering over me until Sunday. I really have a problem with having to wait to get things done. Early Saturday morning, I drove to pick up a golf club I had purchased on line. I paid the bill, chatting away with the chap at the golf shop. He thanked me, then pushed a club head, no shaft, just a head, across the counter. Clearly, I had not read the ad very well. He will let me know on Monday how much extra it will cost to put a shaft in. A little later on Saturday, I had a piano moved. Truth. The movers seized the holiday opportunity to shake me down for an extra c-note over the quoted price. Merry-freakin'-holiday. Saturday evening...on the couch, again, with the cat, again.
The Saturday football action was right in harmony with my life. Harmony...that sounds like it should be good. Ho ho ho! Joke's on you! On us, actually.
We bet the dogs, remember? UTEP, the 11 1/2 point dog, dug themselves a hole, a big 31-3 hole, and couldn't climb out, losing by four TD's. We lost the opener. By the way, when UTEP scores, their band plays a march tempo rendition of the Marty Robbins song "El Paso". A little odd to hear, but fun. Speaking of odd, what's up with BYU...something like 20 of their players are married and have kids of their own. How old are these guys?
Then came NIU. With their heralded head coach headed off to the hinterland, they hammered Fresno State in the Humanitarian bowl, exposing our theory that the head man's absence would prove fatal. NIU is really good, plain and simple, fundamentally strong on both sides of the ball. Their head coach for one game, assistant Tom Matukeiwicz, has now won more bowl games than the last 60 years of coaches at Northwestern. NIU is the Huskies. These are the dogs we should have taken, but did not. That hard lesson left us at 0-2 on opening weekend.
Then came Troy. They put a proper beatdown on Ohio, 48-21, making us look like the geniuses that we attempt to be. By the time this one ended, I had settled in for a long winter's nap, my submission to Seasonal Affective Disorder. We're 1-2, headed for a 32 game winning streak.
Ho ho ho.
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| Reaching an impasse with the movers. |
The Saturday football action was right in harmony with my life. Harmony...that sounds like it should be good. Ho ho ho! Joke's on you! On us, actually.
We bet the dogs, remember? UTEP, the 11 1/2 point dog, dug themselves a hole, a big 31-3 hole, and couldn't climb out, losing by four TD's. We lost the opener. By the way, when UTEP scores, their band plays a march tempo rendition of the Marty Robbins song "El Paso". A little odd to hear, but fun. Speaking of odd, what's up with BYU...something like 20 of their players are married and have kids of their own. How old are these guys?
Then came NIU. With their heralded head coach headed off to the hinterland, they hammered Fresno State in the Humanitarian bowl, exposing our theory that the head man's absence would prove fatal. NIU is really good, plain and simple, fundamentally strong on both sides of the ball. Their head coach for one game, assistant Tom Matukeiwicz, has now won more bowl games than the last 60 years of coaches at Northwestern. NIU is the Huskies. These are the dogs we should have taken, but did not. That hard lesson left us at 0-2 on opening weekend.
Then came Troy. They put a proper beatdown on Ohio, 48-21, making us look like the geniuses that we attempt to be. By the time this one ended, I had settled in for a long winter's nap, my submission to Seasonal Affective Disorder. We're 1-2, headed for a 32 game winning streak.
Ho ho ho.
Friday, December 17, 2010
We're Going Bowling!
Bowling season is upon us, the hap-happiest season of all. To get it off on the right foot, here is a demented video that incorporates computer games, roller coasters and sadism.
Game 1 New Mexico Bowl, Albuquerque
UTEP +11 1/2 v. Brigham Young
Saturday 1:00 p.m. ESPN
Two Gun and I spent a lot of time discussing the potential for this game. I'll skip the lengthy statistical evaluation and tell you exactly how we made the choice. Sagacious Pete pointed out that for the first 20 bowl games last year, the dogs ruled by a 2:1 margin. We have cast our lot with the dog.
Game 2 Humanitarian Bowl, Boise State Stadium
Northern Illinois v. Fresno State +1
Saturday 4:30 p.m. ESPN
This is an interesting game. NIU has been pretty good to us this year, but they've lost their coach, Jerry Kill, who bolted as soon as Minnesota beckoned. Without their headman, the Huskies are going down.
Game 3 R+L Carriers Bowl NOLA Superdome
Ohio University v. Troy -1 1/2
Game 1 New Mexico Bowl, Albuquerque
UTEP +11 1/2 v. Brigham Young
Saturday 1:00 p.m. ESPN
Two Gun and I spent a lot of time discussing the potential for this game. I'll skip the lengthy statistical evaluation and tell you exactly how we made the choice. Sagacious Pete pointed out that for the first 20 bowl games last year, the dogs ruled by a 2:1 margin. We have cast our lot with the dog.
Game 2 Humanitarian Bowl, Boise State Stadium
Northern Illinois v. Fresno State +1
Saturday 4:30 p.m. ESPN
This is an interesting game. NIU has been pretty good to us this year, but they've lost their coach, Jerry Kill, who bolted as soon as Minnesota beckoned. Without their headman, the Huskies are going down.
Game 3 R+L Carriers Bowl NOLA Superdome
Ohio University v. Troy -1 1/2
Saturday 8:00 p.m. ESPN
There are enough statistics available for this contest to keep you busy for an hour. We made a choice, then spent the hour (which didn't really validate our choice) with the numbers, and we're sticking with Troy. What was the critical benchmark in our choice? We just like Troy, think they're generally overlooked and underrated. Not rocket science, but we'll take Troy.
If the 35 bowls aren't enough for you:
*the D III final (Stagg Bowl XXXVIII, at Salem, Virginia) is (finally) on Saturday : Mount Union v. Wisconsin Whitewater (2:30 ESPNU).
There are enough statistics available for this contest to keep you busy for an hour. We made a choice, then spent the hour (which didn't really validate our choice) with the numbers, and we're sticking with Troy. What was the critical benchmark in our choice? We just like Troy, think they're generally overlooked and underrated. Not rocket science, but we'll take Troy.
If the 35 bowls aren't enough for you:
 |
| Tubby Raymond Field. This looks like a great place to watch college football, yes? |
* the Division I semi-finals are this weekend. On Friday night it's Villanova v. Eastern Washington (7:00 p.m. ESPN2). On Saturday it will be Georgia Southern v. Delaware (no TV).
*the D II final is Saturday, Delta State v. Minnesota Duluth (10:00 a.m. ESPN II).
*the D I-AA final is Saturday, too: Georgia Southern Eagles @ Delaware Blue Hens(11:00 a.m. ESPNU, at Tubby Raymond Field at Delaware Stadium, of course).*the D III final (Stagg Bowl XXXVIII, at Salem, Virginia) is (finally) on Saturday : Mount Union v. Wisconsin Whitewater (2:30 ESPNU).
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Reprising the 12 Days
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Bowls Start Saturday
There's no story here today, just a reminder. Three bowl games Saturday.
But that's not all...there's five more college games happening this weekend. Tune in here on Friday for the scoop.
But that's not all...there's five more college games happening this weekend. Tune in here on Friday for the scoop.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
It Was Exciting, Anyway
Final Army 31, Navy 17, Total 48, Four Star Football -2.
Army kept plugging right to the bitter end. We had a shot to win until Army's QB was pulled to the ground at the Navy 7 yard line on 4th down with :05 remaining on the clock. A play earlier, Army's tailback failed to pick up a blitz, resulting in a big loss of yardage, otherwise we maybe, might have, could have...aw, shit, we lost again.
But it was exciting, anyway.
I got four 9's on dollar video poker Saturday morning at Harrah's, just sayin'.
See you next week for the first three bowl games.
Army kept plugging right to the bitter end. We had a shot to win until Army's QB was pulled to the ground at the Navy 7 yard line on 4th down with :05 remaining on the clock. A play earlier, Army's tailback failed to pick up a blitz, resulting in a big loss of yardage, otherwise we maybe, might have, could have...aw, shit, we lost again.
But it was exciting, anyway.
I got four 9's on dollar video poker Saturday morning at Harrah's, just sayin'.
See you next week for the first three bowl games.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Last One, 35 to go
Not this year, admiral.
Both Army and Navy are going bowling this year, so this isn't the end of the line. Both Army and Navy can put up points. The O/U on this game is 54. Most years, I'm diverting the rent money to bet the under. This year, for the entire season, these two teams combined have gone under exactly once.
The fear is...well, the fear is that we have sucked at this for two and a half months, so what's left to be afraid of? I'm tossing a couple stars at the OVER, and that also solves one of my other problems, that being that I don't like to bet against the service academies. This way, I'm rooting for them to tie at 49-49.
There will be several other games on Saturday, nobody that we know about, smaller schools, and there are lines posted if you feel the need to bleed. Not us.
Army/Navy, Saturday on CBS, 1:30.
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
On an unrelated topic, am I the only person who's gagging on the extreme level of highly inappropriate adulation being heaped on the newly departed Ron Santo, and the cross-contamination of mourning and profit mongering?
OK, it's sad that the man passed, and for the prominence he achieved over his careers in Chicago it's worthy of some extra coverage and to chronicle a life well-lived. But--lying in state at Holy Name Cathedral and televising the funeral? Have these people no sense of decorum at all?
The guy was a baseball player and radio announcer, not a head of of state or great humanitarian. Just a likeable guy with a nice story behind him. Determined and admirable, a life worth memorializing. What happened here is bizarre. Notwithstanding the fact that his family agreed to all the macabre celebration, this death carnival of brand marketing is another example of why the Cubs are the most loathesome of sports businessess. That all the lemmings fell right in line with this foolishness is no surprise. Think I'm being harsh?
How much you want to bet that the memorial CD is already in the works?
Monday, December 6, 2010
You Can Drink at the Laundromat, But You Can't Wash Clothes at the Liquor Store
Friday night we lost the four star because we chose to ride Northern Illinois a little too long. Miami O broke NIU's heart and our bank roll. Besides selecting the wrong team, I thought the game would be an over, so I saved money by not betting that. Later, Jerry Kill would grab our next Lane Kiffin Carpetbagger of the Year Award, as he will be skipping NIU's bowl game to head off to coach Minnesota.
Here's wishing you a lot of anguish in your new post, Jerry. The Huskies should have left you back as King of Carbondale.
Saturday, after a shopping trip to Celina's Polish Deli and then to the internationally famous Weber's Bakery on Archer Avenue in Chicago (where I bought the entire--not the half--chocolate frosted pound cake) I settled in with the big bigscreen (that would be the basement one) and watched Wanny's Panthers and the Cincinnatti Bearcats slip and slide through the snow for a big 28-10 Pitt win. Only one star, but it felt good to book the winner.
Then came Idaho. They won. Unfortunately, it was a 3 point OT victory; we gave 13 1/2. 2 star crap-0-rama! I think I need a new hobby.
Sunday morning brought good news. Hawaii won by 38 points, 3 star winner.
In years past, reading the stat sheets to find our selections has been like doing a puzzle. Read the clues, give it some thought and the answer, generally the right answer, becomes evident.
This year, it has been more along the lines of working in a foreign language, one in which you have just enough proficiency to creat havoc. Example: a few years ago, during one of our jaunts to Mexico, we ran out of beer. On this particular trip we were in an old hotel right on the beach with no store nearby, so we needed to grab a taxi and run to town. In Spanish, I confidently told the taxi driver where I wanted to go. He looked puzzled and questioned me as we drove off. I repeated my instructions. He protested a little, but I prevailed. A few minutes later we pulled up in front of a laundromat, where I finally retreated to English. The taxi driver, with a big grin, pointed out the similarity to my gringo ears of licoreria and lavaderia, liquor store and laundromat.
We've been to the laundromat quite a bit this year.
PS: Pick bowl winners, win a $100 grand here.
Here's wishing you a lot of anguish in your new post, Jerry. The Huskies should have left you back as King of Carbondale.
Saturday, after a shopping trip to Celina's Polish Deli and then to the internationally famous Weber's Bakery on Archer Avenue in Chicago (where I bought the entire--not the half--chocolate frosted pound cake) I settled in with the big bigscreen (that would be the basement one) and watched Wanny's Panthers and the Cincinnatti Bearcats slip and slide through the snow for a big 28-10 Pitt win. Only one star, but it felt good to book the winner.
Then came Idaho. They won. Unfortunately, it was a 3 point OT victory; we gave 13 1/2. 2 star crap-0-rama! I think I need a new hobby.
Sunday morning brought good news. Hawaii won by 38 points, 3 star winner.
 |
| Should you need to wash your clothes when south of the border, do not go to the liquor store. |
This year, it has been more along the lines of working in a foreign language, one in which you have just enough proficiency to creat havoc. Example: a few years ago, during one of our jaunts to Mexico, we ran out of beer. On this particular trip we were in an old hotel right on the beach with no store nearby, so we needed to grab a taxi and run to town. In Spanish, I confidently told the taxi driver where I wanted to go. He looked puzzled and questioned me as we drove off. I repeated my instructions. He protested a little, but I prevailed. A few minutes later we pulled up in front of a laundromat, where I finally retreated to English. The taxi driver, with a big grin, pointed out the similarity to my gringo ears of licoreria and lavaderia, liquor store and laundromat.
We've been to the laundromat quite a bit this year.
PS: Pick bowl winners, win a $100 grand here.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Seeing RED
We lost. By a lot.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Strictly Business
It has been an extraordinarily busy week at work and I haven't seen anything amusing and inspiring outside of work. That means I have nothing funny to say, sorry.
Evaluating this week was difficult, too. Lots of colliding trends, as opposed to complementary movements.
No laughs. No free throws.
Suck it up, Sally.
**** Miami O @ Northern Illinois -17 1/2
Friday 7:00 p.m. (@ Ford Field in Detroit) ESPN2
There isn't a lot here to explain. Northern has 10 covers in a row interrupted by a push
four weeks ago. After an early season stumble (which paid us, by the way) Northern has turned into quite a formidable team. This is for the MAC championship, and NIU is going to be highly motivated.
***UNLV@ Hawaii -34 1/2
Saturday 9:30 p.m. ESPNGP (somebody will have this on)
For starters, Hawaii is 9-3, UNLV is 2-10. Hawaii plays well at home, due in part to visitors being taken in by the trip to Hawaii. Hawaii is 4-1 ATS in their last 5, UNLV is 2-3. Not a slam dunk at 34 1/2, but that 2-10 record for UNLV is might compelling, in a "kick me" kind of way.
**San Jose State @ Idaho -13 1/2
Saturday 4:00 p.m. SWX (I never heard of it either)
We haven't asked the Vandals to carry the mail for us yet this year, though they have been kind to us in the past. It's not an inspiring match up: San Jose State is 1-11, 0-6 on the road. Idaho is 5-7, 3-2 at home. The two teams' records ATS for their last five games: both 2-3. Their O/U's for the last 3, no help: one of them has three straight overs, one has three straight unders. What's the bet, then? Home team edge vs. 1-11 record. It's a tough week, I told you.
*Pitt +2 @ Cincinnatti
Saturday 11:00 a.m. ESPN
Pitt comes in 6-5, Cincinnatti is 4-7. Pitt started out as a 1 point favorite and shifted to a 2 point dog. Pitt is 3-2 ATS in their last 5, Cincinnatti is 1-4. Factoring in their respective road and home records makes it less compelling, so we're down to "I think Pitt is going to win". A little more than that, actually. That losing 4 out of their last 5 doesn't bode well for Cincinnatti, and that's the bet.
The Bowl Selection show is on Sunday @ 5 on ESPN.
All we have next week (Week 15) is Army Navy. Then it's Bowl Season. Our time.
Evaluating this week was difficult, too. Lots of colliding trends, as opposed to complementary movements.
No laughs. No free throws.
Suck it up, Sally.
 |
| Ford Field. Comerica Park at the left edge. |
Friday 7:00 p.m. (@ Ford Field in Detroit) ESPN2
There isn't a lot here to explain. Northern has 10 covers in a row interrupted by a push
four weeks ago. After an early season stumble (which paid us, by the way) Northern has turned into quite a formidable team. This is for the MAC championship, and NIU is going to be highly motivated.
 |
| Hawaii's stadium. This ain't Detroit. |
Saturday 9:30 p.m. ESPNGP (somebody will have this on)
For starters, Hawaii is 9-3, UNLV is 2-10. Hawaii plays well at home, due in part to visitors being taken in by the trip to Hawaii. Hawaii is 4-1 ATS in their last 5, UNLV is 2-3. Not a slam dunk at 34 1/2, but that 2-10 record for UNLV is might compelling, in a "kick me" kind of way.
 |
| University of Idaho's stadium. |
Saturday 4:00 p.m. SWX (I never heard of it either)
We haven't asked the Vandals to carry the mail for us yet this year, though they have been kind to us in the past. It's not an inspiring match up: San Jose State is 1-11, 0-6 on the road. Idaho is 5-7, 3-2 at home. The two teams' records ATS for their last five games: both 2-3. Their O/U's for the last 3, no help: one of them has three straight overs, one has three straight unders. What's the bet, then? Home team edge vs. 1-11 record. It's a tough week, I told you.
 |
| Nippert Stadium, Cincinnatti |
Saturday 11:00 a.m. ESPN
Pitt comes in 6-5, Cincinnatti is 4-7. Pitt started out as a 1 point favorite and shifted to a 2 point dog. Pitt is 3-2 ATS in their last 5, Cincinnatti is 1-4. Factoring in their respective road and home records makes it less compelling, so we're down to "I think Pitt is going to win". A little more than that, actually. That losing 4 out of their last 5 doesn't bode well for Cincinnatti, and that's the bet.
The Bowl Selection show is on Sunday @ 5 on ESPN.
All we have next week (Week 15) is Army Navy. Then it's Bowl Season. Our time.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Missed it by that much...
First the newest from our friend Mayhem.
Back to business. Chip Kelly and his Ducks just had to give up the safety and then add injury to insult with the back door cover. Had they omitted one or the other, we would have put +10 on the board.
In the 4 star, TCU's Mean looking Guys played a little rope a dope with Locksley's Lobos for a quarter and a half. Then they went to work and finished with a flourish, 66-17, covering the 43 1/2 with room to spare.
The Ducks screwed us in the 3 star. Move on.
Northwestern was soooooo overmatched against Wisconsin. The 'Cats lost their QB a couple weeks ago and their best running back was out for this game. That meant a lot of short offensive possessions, and that in turn meant a lot of time on the field for the defense. Wisconsin's offense is relentless, in the way a road grader is relentless, and they leveled the 'Cats 70-23, doubling the cover margin. 2 star winner.
The one star was Tennessee, who prevailed against visiting Kentucky, putting up a 10 point victory for a 3 point spread. Winner for us.
A good weekend. Almost perfect. Missed it by that much.
Back to business. Chip Kelly and his Ducks just had to give up the safety and then add injury to insult with the back door cover. Had they omitted one or the other, we would have put +10 on the board.
In the 4 star, TCU's Mean looking Guys played a little rope a dope with Locksley's Lobos for a quarter and a half. Then they went to work and finished with a flourish, 66-17, covering the 43 1/2 with room to spare.
The Ducks screwed us in the 3 star. Move on.
Northwestern was soooooo overmatched against Wisconsin. The 'Cats lost their QB a couple weeks ago and their best running back was out for this game. That meant a lot of short offensive possessions, and that in turn meant a lot of time on the field for the defense. Wisconsin's offense is relentless, in the way a road grader is relentless, and they leveled the 'Cats 70-23, doubling the cover margin. 2 star winner.
The one star was Tennessee, who prevailed against visiting Kentucky, putting up a 10 point victory for a 3 point spread. Winner for us.
A good weekend. Almost perfect. Missed it by that much.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Some days chicken, Some days feathers
Addicted to quack, my big loser butt.
Last night, Oregon cranked it up from a poor first half performance and roared out to a 48-22 lead, and our 3 star looked great. Then Chip Kelly went conservative, and the prevent defense and run-out-the-clock offense ran us right out of a win as Oregon allowed the back door cover TD by Arizona and then the offense just piddled away its opportunity to respond. The Ducks won by 19 instead of 26, and we lost our three star. Chip Kelly is not my favorite coach.
My old friend,the Terrapin Tangler, taught me many years ago the phrase that is today's title, a derivative of "feast or famine". This year has been lots of feathers, the latest being Duck feathers.
I am casting my vote against Oregon getting into the BCS. They are unworthy, having cost us in their last two appearances. Out they go!
Chip Kelly. Ugh.
Last night, Oregon cranked it up from a poor first half performance and roared out to a 48-22 lead, and our 3 star looked great. Then Chip Kelly went conservative, and the prevent defense and run-out-the-clock offense ran us right out of a win as Oregon allowed the back door cover TD by Arizona and then the offense just piddled away its opportunity to respond. The Ducks won by 19 instead of 26, and we lost our three star. Chip Kelly is not my favorite coach.
My old friend,the Terrapin Tangler, taught me many years ago the phrase that is today's title, a derivative of "feast or famine". This year has been lots of feathers, the latest being Duck feathers.
I am casting my vote against Oregon getting into the BCS. They are unworthy, having cost us in their last two appearances. Out they go!
Chip Kelly. Ugh.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Friday the 13th
Today's title?
It's the 13th week of the season, and today is Friday. Pretty freakin' clever, no? The title is also less daunting than "Black Friday", today's more common name. Were I a person of color, I might spin something more encouraging from Black Friday. Given the shade of my dermis and the general slant of my politics, it is in everyone's best interest that I redirect at this point. I can only hope that this display of discretion (and incredible comedic talent) can be channeled into selecting winners for the weekend, as we attempt to put some money in our pockets instead of the coffers of the offshore establishments that have reaped the bounty that we have sowed thus far this year.
By the way, there are so many great match ups on TV today and tomorrow that you should plan to leave your home only in extreme situations, like going to the Chinese restaurant to pick up dinner, or going to the store if you're out of chips or Stoli. Shopping can be done by computer, and I would like to point out by way of example that http://www.allenedmonds.com/ has a very nice sale on dress shoes for men right now.
**** TCU - 43 1/2 @ New Mexico
Saturday 3:00 p.m. on Versus
I'm taking this giant point differential game for the same reason I'm picking the Oregon Ducks in another game. When I worked on these games, I originally had this one as a one star. The more I poked, the better this looked, so I decided to go right to the top. TCU is a good bet because of the Ducks. Huh? It was Oregon that opened its season with a 72-0 beatdown of New Mexico. TCU is ranked #4. In order for this game to mean anything in the ranking process, the Frogs are going to have beat New Mexico pretty nearly to death, thanks to the 72-0 benchmark that was set at the open. New Mexico has been a pretty amenable partner to pretty much everyone this year (except the week they screwed us up), so the stage is set. If there's odds on TCU's defense pitching a shutout, take a good look, and we should consider the single team over for TCU.
*** Arizona @ Oregon -19 1/2
Friday 6:00 p.m. on ESPN
Arizona is 7-3, 3-1 on the road. They're also 0-3 ATS on the road in the second half of the season. The Ducks, the high flying, high scoring, addicted to Quack Ducks, are 10-0, 6-0 at home, 1-1 ATS in the second half at home. It's been a crazy year for us with point spreads, and I flinched a little at this spread, but it's the Ducks, and it's the point in the year where coaches make a point by scoring points, lots and lots of points. The Ducks pinched out a sweaty 2 point win in their last game, two weeks ago against Cal, when they were favored by 19, so my thought process is that they have a lot to prove and they will do so.
**Northwestern @ Wisconsin -23
Saturday 2:30 ABC or ESPN
We have a few policies that govern our world. Stay away from betting on USB (thanks, Doc, we're doing much better) is one of those policies. Don't bet against our favorite team (NU) is another. The overriding policy is never, ever bet with your heart. In rock/paper/scissors, "never bet with your heart" is the paper that covers the scissors of "don't bet against NU". We see too much to lay off this game. The 'Cats are going into a really tough match up: Wisconsin is ranked #5, their coach is ruthless, and they have an outside shot to be considered for the BCS championship. On the other side, the 'Cats have lost their best player to injury, they're QB'd by a couple of guys who are green as can be, they have shown a propensity to be absent in the second half of games this year...it all signals "rout". Wisconsin 48, Northwestern 16 is where this one ends.
* Kentucky @ Tennessee -3
Saturday 11:21 a.m. on SEC Network Affiliates
Kentucky (6-5) has won its last 2, Tennessee (5-6) has won its last 3. In the second half of the season, the Volunteers are 3-0 ATS on the road. KY's win streak of 2 is against Charlestown Southern and Vandy, the first of which is a class mismatch that shouldn't be happening at this point in the season and the second of which is an OK win. Tennessee's streak of 3 came at the expense of Memphis, Mississippi and Vandy, a bit better cumulative competition than KY. Tennessee started the year under duress and performed poorly and has been struggling uphill since. I think the season ending home game to even their year's ledger is going to have the orange fans hollering Rocky Top at full volume.
Counting today, 28 shopping days until Xmas. I'm telling you, shop by computer.
It's the 13th week of the season, and today is Friday. Pretty freakin' clever, no? The title is also less daunting than "Black Friday", today's more common name. Were I a person of color, I might spin something more encouraging from Black Friday. Given the shade of my dermis and the general slant of my politics, it is in everyone's best interest that I redirect at this point. I can only hope that this display of discretion (and incredible comedic talent) can be channeled into selecting winners for the weekend, as we attempt to put some money in our pockets instead of the coffers of the offshore establishments that have reaped the bounty that we have sowed thus far this year.
By the way, there are so many great match ups on TV today and tomorrow that you should plan to leave your home only in extreme situations, like going to the Chinese restaurant to pick up dinner, or going to the store if you're out of chips or Stoli. Shopping can be done by computer, and I would like to point out by way of example that http://www.allenedmonds.com/ has a very nice sale on dress shoes for men right now.
 |
| Quiz time again! The person pictured is A. a hockey goalie on his day off B. PFOS trying not to be reconginzed by angry bettors C. the iconic star of Friday the 13th D. Coach Hannibal Lechter giving a halftime pep talk |
Saturday 3:00 p.m. on Versus
I'm taking this giant point differential game for the same reason I'm picking the Oregon Ducks in another game. When I worked on these games, I originally had this one as a one star. The more I poked, the better this looked, so I decided to go right to the top. TCU is a good bet because of the Ducks. Huh? It was Oregon that opened its season with a 72-0 beatdown of New Mexico. TCU is ranked #4. In order for this game to mean anything in the ranking process, the Frogs are going to have beat New Mexico pretty nearly to death, thanks to the 72-0 benchmark that was set at the open. New Mexico has been a pretty amenable partner to pretty much everyone this year (except the week they screwed us up), so the stage is set. If there's odds on TCU's defense pitching a shutout, take a good look, and we should consider the single team over for TCU.
*** Arizona @ Oregon -19 1/2
Friday 6:00 p.m. on ESPN
Arizona is 7-3, 3-1 on the road. They're also 0-3 ATS on the road in the second half of the season. The Ducks, the high flying, high scoring, addicted to Quack Ducks, are 10-0, 6-0 at home, 1-1 ATS in the second half at home. It's been a crazy year for us with point spreads, and I flinched a little at this spread, but it's the Ducks, and it's the point in the year where coaches make a point by scoring points, lots and lots of points. The Ducks pinched out a sweaty 2 point win in their last game, two weeks ago against Cal, when they were favored by 19, so my thought process is that they have a lot to prove and they will do so.
**Northwestern @ Wisconsin -23
Saturday 2:30 ABC or ESPN
We have a few policies that govern our world. Stay away from betting on USB (thanks, Doc, we're doing much better) is one of those policies. Don't bet against our favorite team (NU) is another. The overriding policy is never, ever bet with your heart. In rock/paper/scissors, "never bet with your heart" is the paper that covers the scissors of "don't bet against NU". We see too much to lay off this game. The 'Cats are going into a really tough match up: Wisconsin is ranked #5, their coach is ruthless, and they have an outside shot to be considered for the BCS championship. On the other side, the 'Cats have lost their best player to injury, they're QB'd by a couple of guys who are green as can be, they have shown a propensity to be absent in the second half of games this year...it all signals "rout". Wisconsin 48, Northwestern 16 is where this one ends.
* Kentucky @ Tennessee -3
Saturday 11:21 a.m. on SEC Network Affiliates
Kentucky (6-5) has won its last 2, Tennessee (5-6) has won its last 3. In the second half of the season, the Volunteers are 3-0 ATS on the road. KY's win streak of 2 is against Charlestown Southern and Vandy, the first of which is a class mismatch that shouldn't be happening at this point in the season and the second of which is an OK win. Tennessee's streak of 3 came at the expense of Memphis, Mississippi and Vandy, a bit better cumulative competition than KY. Tennessee started the year under duress and performed poorly and has been struggling uphill since. I think the season ending home game to even their year's ledger is going to have the orange fans hollering Rocky Top at full volume.
Counting today, 28 shopping days until Xmas. I'm telling you, shop by computer.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Mathematically Alive
Things got off to a good start on Saturday for us, as the Huskies of Northern Illinois cranked up their offense once again pounded the Ball State Cardinals 59-21, a happy three star winner.
The day had actually gotten off to a troubling beginning for me, when at 8:00 a.m. I flipped on ESPN Sports Center, broadcasting from Wiggley Field for the NU-Illinois game. It is customary, of course, on Game Day for fans from the home school to gang up behind the set and wave posters, signs and sometimes cheerleaders. It was there that I saw why NU inspires a distinct enmity from the fans of many other schools. The first two signs I saw were "Illinois: clean up your A.C.T." and some goofy-ass reference to Harry Potter. Somebody tell the dorks in Evanston that football games are supposed to be about football, not their wimpy "we're smarter than everyone else" crap that the geeks were going for. Embarassing. Oh, and while they painted everything purple prior to the game, they forgot that the Game Day set is provided by Home Depot. Everything was orange. Home Depot orange, just like Illinois orange. Ultimately, it proved to be foreshadowing of an all Illinois day.
Next numbers to come in were from Kinnick Stadium. Ohio State and Io_a was a bookie win. They hit it on the head, OSU by 3. Two star push.
Arkansas State and Navy ended up scoring 54 points, and that ain't 64, the number we needed to win. One star loser.
Then came the crusher. UAB won 31-15. Good for them, bad for us. 16 fails, four star loser.
There's three weeks left. We're 22 in the hole. Breaking even in the regular season has been reduced to "a mathematical possibility", a term Wiggley fans embrace for six months each spring and summer.
Yes, the Wiggley reference was mean spirited and unnecessary, and yes, that's what it has come down to.
 |
| Answer: Who are Ernie, Billy and Willie. Question: Name three empty heads who got paid to show up on Saturday. |
Next numbers to come in were from Kinnick Stadium. Ohio State and Io_a was a bookie win. They hit it on the head, OSU by 3. Two star push.
Arkansas State and Navy ended up scoring 54 points, and that ain't 64, the number we needed to win. One star loser.
Then came the crusher. UAB won 31-15. Good for them, bad for us. 16 fails, four star loser.
There's three weeks left. We're 22 in the hole. Breaking even in the regular season has been reduced to "a mathematical possibility", a term Wiggley fans embrace for six months each spring and summer.
Yes, the Wiggley reference was mean spirited and unnecessary, and yes, that's what it has come down to.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Kenny Rogers Sings Songs of Dostoevsky, and Inspiration from Philadelphia
This video will take a few minutes to view, but I believe it will leave you smiling in happy amazement. You will need to turn your sound on.
That was a meeting of the readers of FourStarFootball celebrating the incredible, victorious weekend we are about to have.
Two Gun and I held a dedicated brainstorming session this week after a consultation/intervention with our sports psychologist, noted head cracker Dr. Ima Tampanita. The first step toward recovery is admitting that one has a problem. In our case, the guilder deficit was proof enough that we had issues within the collective cabesa. So, with due deference to Hermes and our shrink, we are embarking on Week 11, fearlessly flinging florins at the following.
There'll be time enough for counting, when the day is done.
Memphis @ UAB -20 ****
Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
This is a foray into the world of Conference USA. Two Gun was a virtual fountain of enthusiasm, a burbling brook of euphemisms, gleefully crying out that he had isolated the rock solid, lock and load, surefire selection of the weekend. Breathe-for-me-Elvis Memphis is among the least likely teams to strike fear in an opponent's heart. They are lugging around a 1-9 record and they have lost 8 in a row, soon to be 9. The University of Alabama-Birmingham, on the other hand, is brimming with great expectations, though they are a modest 3-7 themselves. It is UAB's final home game of the season, and they will be at least three TD's less sucky than their guests.
NIU -14 1/2 @ Ball State ***
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.
The Huskies have won seven consecutive games. Ball State has won its last two. NIU is in first place in its division of the MAC, and at season's end they will be going bowling, most likely to the Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl up in Foreclosure City. Ball State will be going nowhere. NIU crushed Toledo 65-30 last week, and their offensive prowess will carry the day on Saturday in Muncie.
Ohio State -3 @ Iowa **
Saturday, 2:30 p.m.
If it looks too good to be true, it frequently is. This one, with just 3 points separating OSU and Io_a from the books' perspective, is not going to be one of those situations. OSU by 9. Io_a is good. Just not good enough.
Arkansas State @ Navy OVER 63 1/2 *
Saturday, 2:30 p.m.
Both of these teams have consistently put up (as well as allowed) lots of points. Past is prologue. Anchors aweigh.
That was a meeting of the readers of FourStarFootball celebrating the incredible, victorious weekend we are about to have.
Two Gun and I held a dedicated brainstorming session this week after a consultation/intervention with our sports psychologist, noted head cracker Dr. Ima Tampanita. The first step toward recovery is admitting that one has a problem. In our case, the guilder deficit was proof enough that we had issues within the collective cabesa. So, with due deference to Hermes and our shrink, we are embarking on Week 11, fearlessly flinging florins at the following.
There'll be time enough for counting, when the day is done.
Memphis @ UAB -20 ****
Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
This is a foray into the world of Conference USA. Two Gun was a virtual fountain of enthusiasm, a burbling brook of euphemisms, gleefully crying out that he had isolated the rock solid, lock and load, surefire selection of the weekend. Breathe-for-me-Elvis Memphis is among the least likely teams to strike fear in an opponent's heart. They are lugging around a 1-9 record and they have lost 8 in a row, soon to be 9. The University of Alabama-Birmingham, on the other hand, is brimming with great expectations, though they are a modest 3-7 themselves. It is UAB's final home game of the season, and they will be at least three TD's less sucky than their guests.
NIU -14 1/2 @ Ball State ***
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.
The Huskies have won seven consecutive games. Ball State has won its last two. NIU is in first place in its division of the MAC, and at season's end they will be going bowling, most likely to the Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl up in Foreclosure City. Ball State will be going nowhere. NIU crushed Toledo 65-30 last week, and their offensive prowess will carry the day on Saturday in Muncie.
Ohio State -3 @ Iowa **
Saturday, 2:30 p.m.
If it looks too good to be true, it frequently is. This one, with just 3 points separating OSU and Io_a from the books' perspective, is not going to be one of those situations. OSU by 9. Io_a is good. Just not good enough.
Arkansas State @ Navy OVER 63 1/2 *
Saturday, 2:30 p.m.
Both of these teams have consistently put up (as well as allowed) lots of points. Past is prologue. Anchors aweigh.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Upon Further Review, Abhorrent Stands
The University of Indiana is our mascot team for the 2011 season. Last week, against Iowa, their star receiver dropped a pass in the end zone that would have won the game as the final seconds ticked away. They are now referring to that as "the good old days" after Indiana was beaten senseless by Wisconsin, 83-20. That's the kind of stuff that makes you not want to show up the next week.
That's just the way the year is going here at the money pit.
The four star bet was the Ducks and Bears over 58. At halftime, it was 8-7, and I started mumbling. The vaunted Oregon offense, scoring an average of a million points per game, met its match at Berkely. The total was 28. We only missed by 30. Another 4 star dung pile.
The three star bet was the same game, with Oregon -19 1/2. That one point lead at halftime had me looking for a ledge from which to jump. Watching Cal on a mission in the second half made regret that I couldn't find the ledge earlier. 15-13 final, three star loss.
For two stars, the Two Gun special was Arkansas and UTEP over 60. They cleared that hurdle early in Q3. Nice job, partner. You had the only payoff of the day.
The one star was supposed to be a shootout in the old west. I tuned in Stanford and Arizona at halftime to find a pair of 7's staring at me, and since it wasn't 77-0, we were taking on water, fast. They didn't gear it up in the second half and we lost one star.
Our two overs, scores combined, wouldn't have covered one of the games. Hermes crapped in our lunchbucket. Breaking even for the year is now like standing at the base of a cliff and looking up. We are -20, with four weeks to go.
Finally, Utah @ USB provided insight into why we've never done a State of Utah parlay before. A state of Utah parlay should be outlawed, like bigamy.
Next week, positive thoughts, funny comment, haha, screw it.
That's just the way the year is going here at the money pit.
 |
| Here's one of the times football really sucks. NU quarterback Dan Persa, season over. |
The four star bet was the Ducks and Bears over 58. At halftime, it was 8-7, and I started mumbling. The vaunted Oregon offense, scoring an average of a million points per game, met its match at Berkely. The total was 28. We only missed by 30. Another 4 star dung pile.
The three star bet was the same game, with Oregon -19 1/2. That one point lead at halftime had me looking for a ledge from which to jump. Watching Cal on a mission in the second half made regret that I couldn't find the ledge earlier. 15-13 final, three star loss.
For two stars, the Two Gun special was Arkansas and UTEP over 60. They cleared that hurdle early in Q3. Nice job, partner. You had the only payoff of the day.
The one star was supposed to be a shootout in the old west. I tuned in Stanford and Arizona at halftime to find a pair of 7's staring at me, and since it wasn't 77-0, we were taking on water, fast. They didn't gear it up in the second half and we lost one star.
Our two overs, scores combined, wouldn't have covered one of the games. Hermes crapped in our lunchbucket. Breaking even for the year is now like standing at the base of a cliff and looking up. We are -20, with four weeks to go.
Finally, Utah @ USB provided insight into why we've never done a State of Utah parlay before. A state of Utah parlay should be outlawed, like bigamy.
Next week, positive thoughts, funny comment, haha, screw it.
 |
| Then the lightning bolt hit and I understood. Look at this photo. This is against the laws of nature. This is why my football world is inverted this year. Just another reason to hate the Cub. |
Friday, November 12, 2010
Abhorrent, But That's "So Far", So It's Aberrant
Two Gun and I were comiserating about our lack of success, make that "our abject failure", so far this year, when it occurred to me that we have posted winning records for seven straight years. Seven years.
We are not going to abandon our foundation. We are not going to invent new, crazy ways of evaluating our props. We are not going to fling money at teams and games we don't understand.
I did dump the new logo, though.
We are having an abhorrent year. Seven years of success. This is an aberration. We will right this ship, and there are five weeks left in which to do so. So here goes.
Oregon Ducks @ Cal Bears OVER 58 ****
Saturday 6:30 p.m. on Versus
Oregon has been the uber offense game after game this year. Two Gun voiced concerns that things are bound to change. They may, but I sure hope it's next week at the earliest.
Oregon Ducks -19 1/2 @ Cal Bears ***
Same time, same station
The Ducks are full steam ahead. Cal has a history of making less and less of an impact as the season wears on. The Ducks need to eviscerate the Bears. For the people of Oregon. For the students at their university. Most importantly, for Two Gun and I.
UTEP @ Arkansas OVER 60 **
Saturday 6:00 p.m. on ESPNU
This contest is Two Gun's prescription for fixin' what ails us. Two Gun gave me an enthusiastic and highly detailed explanation of why he thinks this game is a lock, said descriptions including tales of overenergized southern youth and the picturesque backdrop of Doody-something or other stadium and stuff like that. Frankly, it was all more than I could process, being in a state of brain cramped depression over the abhorrent and aberrant thing, so I figured we should just go this way, 'cause he studied and he's my partner. How's that for incisive analytical reasoning?
Stanford @ Arizona State OVER 59 1/2 *
Saturday 6:30 p.m. on FCS
Jim Harbaugh is not our favorite, but his team scores shitloads of points. Arizona State can put 'em up, too.
We are taunting the gambling gods. Two Gun has launched a State of Utah parlay for tomorrow, and one of the Utahs is playing USB.
P.S. Off topic, but too aggravating to avoid comment, is the Ricketts' request that the State of Illinois issue up to $300 million in bonds to rehab Wiggley Field and develop the area around the dump. This boils down real easy for me to "We paid too much for this crapshack but we figured all along that we could saddle the people with our problem". All the bunk you're hearing about economic engines and tourism is just that, bunk, which is a nice word for bull&#@%. There's also this little issue to be considered that the State of Illinois is bankrupt. Ricketts might want to approach a couple of his outfielders and his badly behaved pitcher for a loan, as their contracts add up to about what Ricketts is asking. The Cubs also recently failed in their bid to get the State of Arizona to tax all the other spring training teams to build a new spring playpen for them. Gotta give them credit, these guys ain't shy.
Tom Ricketts...just the latest reason to hate the Cubs.
We are not going to abandon our foundation. We are not going to invent new, crazy ways of evaluating our props. We are not going to fling money at teams and games we don't understand.
I did dump the new logo, though.
We are having an abhorrent year. Seven years of success. This is an aberration. We will right this ship, and there are five weeks left in which to do so. So here goes.
Oregon Ducks @ Cal Bears OVER 58 ****
Saturday 6:30 p.m. on Versus
Oregon has been the uber offense game after game this year. Two Gun voiced concerns that things are bound to change. They may, but I sure hope it's next week at the earliest.
Oregon Ducks -19 1/2 @ Cal Bears ***
Same time, same station
The Ducks are full steam ahead. Cal has a history of making less and less of an impact as the season wears on. The Ducks need to eviscerate the Bears. For the people of Oregon. For the students at their university. Most importantly, for Two Gun and I.
UTEP @ Arkansas OVER 60 **
Saturday 6:00 p.m. on ESPNU
This contest is Two Gun's prescription for fixin' what ails us. Two Gun gave me an enthusiastic and highly detailed explanation of why he thinks this game is a lock, said descriptions including tales of overenergized southern youth and the picturesque backdrop of Doody-something or other stadium and stuff like that. Frankly, it was all more than I could process, being in a state of brain cramped depression over the abhorrent and aberrant thing, so I figured we should just go this way, 'cause he studied and he's my partner. How's that for incisive analytical reasoning?
Stanford @ Arizona State OVER 59 1/2 *
Saturday 6:30 p.m. on FCS
Jim Harbaugh is not our favorite, but his team scores shitloads of points. Arizona State can put 'em up, too.
We are taunting the gambling gods. Two Gun has launched a State of Utah parlay for tomorrow, and one of the Utahs is playing USB.
P.S. Off topic, but too aggravating to avoid comment, is the Ricketts' request that the State of Illinois issue up to $300 million in bonds to rehab Wiggley Field and develop the area around the dump. This boils down real easy for me to "We paid too much for this crapshack but we figured all along that we could saddle the people with our problem". All the bunk you're hearing about economic engines and tourism is just that, bunk, which is a nice word for bull&#@%. There's also this little issue to be considered that the State of Illinois is bankrupt. Ricketts might want to approach a couple of his outfielders and his badly behaved pitcher for a loan, as their contracts add up to about what Ricketts is asking. The Cubs also recently failed in their bid to get the State of Arizona to tax all the other spring training teams to build a new spring playpen for them. Gotta give them credit, these guys ain't shy.
Tom Ricketts...just the latest reason to hate the Cubs.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Zenyatta Finished Second
The most entertaining race horse I have ever seen, Zenyatta, finished 2nd in her final race Saturday. She ran dead last for nearly half the race and thundered back in a thrilling sprint, losing by a nose.
Penn State was pretty dead for nearly half its game on Saturday, trailing 21-0. They came roaring back and crushed an all too cooperative Northwestern team, 35-21, as Joe Paterno bagged #400. Props to the Coach.
The early games on Saturday were pretty interesting. In a thrilling finish Indiana beat Iowa, oops, he dropped it, Indiana loses again. Illinois at Michigan was highly entertaining, even more so if you didn't mind the two Michigan fans acting as ESPN announcers. The Air Force wore special retro unis for their beatdown of Army, pretty cool. Baylor was thrashed by OK State, bringing the Bears down to earth a little bit. Later games: Navy scored 67 points. In football. Alabama lost to LSU, officially ending any title aspirations. TCU and the Ducks rolled again.
In our one star game, Illinois at Michigan, the two teams traded haymakers all day, starting with a TD on the first play from scrimmage. Michigan showed itself to be not Denard dependent, as their starting QB exited the game and Tate Forcier put on quite a performance in relief. The two teams ended up tied at 45 at the end of regulation. Then to OT and tied at 52, then tied at 59 (as a pass was broken up by the Illini defense, then tipped into the Michigan receiver's hands, TD, argh!), then finally Michigan prevails, 67-65 as the Illini are unable to convert when it got to mandatory 2 point time. It's a one star winner for us, and a heart breaker for Illinois.
The four star game, Wyoming @ New Mexico, featured an expensive lesson in "swagger later" that turned the game around and cost us a lot of cash. Early in Q3, Wyoming was about to add to their 21-14 lead over winless New Mexico, which would have put a fork in the Lobos, when running back Cowboy running back Robert Herron took the handoff at the 3 and ignored the "cover up the ball" lesson that kids learn when they're tiny little football players. He had the ball knocked loose before he was past the line of scrimmage, turnover, one of 4 Cowboy TO's for the night and the end of Mr. Herron's playing time for this game. NM's subsequent 3 pointer made that a 10 point turnover and energized a sagging Lobos team. When the Lobos scored to go ahead 31-24 with 8 minutes to play, the announcers were stunned, the team was racing around like their hair was on fire, and our money was as good as gone. Final NM 34, WY 31 on a last second field goal, four star loser, and NM's first win of 2010.
A&M 33-19 over Oklahoma, two star loser. Texas Tech 24, Missouri 17, three star loser. Un-freaking-believable. Our worst season ever gets more challenging. We're at negative 14 for the year. Breaking even before bowl season is the goal now, as pathetic as that sounds.
Out goes the new logo that maybe brought us bad juju and in comes the new new logo and some good juju.
That's the plan, anyway.
Penn State was pretty dead for nearly half its game on Saturday, trailing 21-0. They came roaring back and crushed an all too cooperative Northwestern team, 35-21, as Joe Paterno bagged #400. Props to the Coach.
The early games on Saturday were pretty interesting. In a thrilling finish Indiana beat Iowa, oops, he dropped it, Indiana loses again. Illinois at Michigan was highly entertaining, even more so if you didn't mind the two Michigan fans acting as ESPN announcers. The Air Force wore special retro unis for their beatdown of Army, pretty cool. Baylor was thrashed by OK State, bringing the Bears down to earth a little bit. Later games: Navy scored 67 points. In football. Alabama lost to LSU, officially ending any title aspirations. TCU and the Ducks rolled again.
In our one star game, Illinois at Michigan, the two teams traded haymakers all day, starting with a TD on the first play from scrimmage. Michigan showed itself to be not Denard dependent, as their starting QB exited the game and Tate Forcier put on quite a performance in relief. The two teams ended up tied at 45 at the end of regulation. Then to OT and tied at 52, then tied at 59 (as a pass was broken up by the Illini defense, then tipped into the Michigan receiver's hands, TD, argh!), then finally Michigan prevails, 67-65 as the Illini are unable to convert when it got to mandatory 2 point time. It's a one star winner for us, and a heart breaker for Illinois.
The four star game, Wyoming @ New Mexico, featured an expensive lesson in "swagger later" that turned the game around and cost us a lot of cash. Early in Q3, Wyoming was about to add to their 21-14 lead over winless New Mexico, which would have put a fork in the Lobos, when running back Cowboy running back Robert Herron took the handoff at the 3 and ignored the "cover up the ball" lesson that kids learn when they're tiny little football players. He had the ball knocked loose before he was past the line of scrimmage, turnover, one of 4 Cowboy TO's for the night and the end of Mr. Herron's playing time for this game. NM's subsequent 3 pointer made that a 10 point turnover and energized a sagging Lobos team. When the Lobos scored to go ahead 31-24 with 8 minutes to play, the announcers were stunned, the team was racing around like their hair was on fire, and our money was as good as gone. Final NM 34, WY 31 on a last second field goal, four star loser, and NM's first win of 2010.
A&M 33-19 over Oklahoma, two star loser. Texas Tech 24, Missouri 17, three star loser. Un-freaking-believable. Our worst season ever gets more challenging. We're at negative 14 for the year. Breaking even before bowl season is the goal now, as pathetic as that sounds.
Out goes the new logo that maybe brought us bad juju and in comes the new new logo and some good juju.
That's the plan, anyway.
Friday, November 5, 2010
The President of Notre Dame Steps Up
This is a copy of an email issued issued today by the president of the University of Notre Dame. The bold and underline was added by me.
November 5, 2010
Dear Notre Dame students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends,
The tragic accident that took Declan Sullivan’s life just over a week ago, the Mass of Remembrance in the Basilica, and his family’s faith-filled funeral for him this week have given each of us the chance to grieve, remember and pray. Declan was a bright and energetic young man who lived his life with passion. We will miss him, and we believe that he is in the loving embrace of our Lord.
Over this past week, I have had the great privilege of meeting with and trying to provide some measure of support to Declan’s parents, sister, brother and other members of his family. Many Notre Dame faculty, staff and students also have reached out to offer their assistance. Yet the Sullivan family, through their incredible grace and courage, has given us support and an example of how to respond. They ministered to us as we tried to minister to them.
There is no greater sadness for a university community than the death of one of its students under any circumstances. Yet this loss is more devastating, for Declan died in a tragic accident while in our care. For that, I am profoundly sorry. We are conducting an investigation and we must be careful not to pre-judge its results, but I will say this: Declan Sullivan was entrusted to our care, and we failed to keep him safe. We at Notre Dame — and ultimately I, as President — are responsible. Words cannot express our sorrow to the Sullivan family and to all involved.
I am committed to determining why this accident happened and to ensuring the safety of our students. We have been conducting an internal investigation to examine this accident from every possible perspective and to draw conclusions and formulate recommendations for the future. In order to ensure that our inquiry has been thorough, unbiased and accurate, I have asked Dr. Peter Likins, former President of the University of Arizona, to provide an external review of our inquiry, and he has graciously accepted.
In selecting someone to review our investigation, I sought an individual experienced in higher education, with an impeccable reputation for integrity, intellect and independence. In Dr. Likins, we are fortunate to have just such a man. He brings numerous credentials to this assignment: as a world-renowned engineer; as a university administrator who served as provost at Columbia and president at Lehigh and Arizona; as a highly regarded member of numerous NCAA committees; and as a member of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics.
Investigations and external reviews such as this take time, but I assure you that, when complete, we will issue a public report on the outcome, including information on the events of the afternoon of October 27, any institutional ramifications, and recommendations for safety policies in the future.
Finally, in light of what I believe to be unfounded and unfair commentary and speculation, I want to say something about Coach Brian Kelly. Coach Kelly was hired not only because of his football expertise, but because we believed his character and values accord with the highest standards of Notre Dame. All we have seen since he came to Notre Dame, and everything we have learned in our investigation to date, have confirmed that belief. For those reasons I am confident that Coach Kelly has a bright future leading our football program.
Thank you for your concern, and your prayers. At the darkest moments, the love, and care, and faith of the Notre Dame family shines most brightly.
In Notre Dame,
Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
President
University of Notre Dame
November 5, 2010
Dear Notre Dame students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends,
The tragic accident that took Declan Sullivan’s life just over a week ago, the Mass of Remembrance in the Basilica, and his family’s faith-filled funeral for him this week have given each of us the chance to grieve, remember and pray. Declan was a bright and energetic young man who lived his life with passion. We will miss him, and we believe that he is in the loving embrace of our Lord.
Over this past week, I have had the great privilege of meeting with and trying to provide some measure of support to Declan’s parents, sister, brother and other members of his family. Many Notre Dame faculty, staff and students also have reached out to offer their assistance. Yet the Sullivan family, through their incredible grace and courage, has given us support and an example of how to respond. They ministered to us as we tried to minister to them.
There is no greater sadness for a university community than the death of one of its students under any circumstances. Yet this loss is more devastating, for Declan died in a tragic accident while in our care. For that, I am profoundly sorry. We are conducting an investigation and we must be careful not to pre-judge its results, but I will say this: Declan Sullivan was entrusted to our care, and we failed to keep him safe. We at Notre Dame — and ultimately I, as President — are responsible. Words cannot express our sorrow to the Sullivan family and to all involved.
I am committed to determining why this accident happened and to ensuring the safety of our students. We have been conducting an internal investigation to examine this accident from every possible perspective and to draw conclusions and formulate recommendations for the future. In order to ensure that our inquiry has been thorough, unbiased and accurate, I have asked Dr. Peter Likins, former President of the University of Arizona, to provide an external review of our inquiry, and he has graciously accepted.
In selecting someone to review our investigation, I sought an individual experienced in higher education, with an impeccable reputation for integrity, intellect and independence. In Dr. Likins, we are fortunate to have just such a man. He brings numerous credentials to this assignment: as a world-renowned engineer; as a university administrator who served as provost at Columbia and president at Lehigh and Arizona; as a highly regarded member of numerous NCAA committees; and as a member of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics.
Investigations and external reviews such as this take time, but I assure you that, when complete, we will issue a public report on the outcome, including information on the events of the afternoon of October 27, any institutional ramifications, and recommendations for safety policies in the future.
Finally, in light of what I believe to be unfounded and unfair commentary and speculation, I want to say something about Coach Brian Kelly. Coach Kelly was hired not only because of his football expertise, but because we believed his character and values accord with the highest standards of Notre Dame. All we have seen since he came to Notre Dame, and everything we have learned in our investigation to date, have confirmed that belief. For those reasons I am confident that Coach Kelly has a bright future leading our football program.
Thank you for your concern, and your prayers. At the darkest moments, the love, and care, and faith of the Notre Dame family shines most brightly.
In Notre Dame,
Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
President
University of Notre Dame
The Paterno 399
At 2:30 Saturday, Northwestern and Penn State will have at it in Happy Valley. PSU Coach Joe Paterno will be seeking his 400th victory (for comparison, USF's win over Rutgers on Wednesday night was #100 in USF's school history). Here are some factoids that you can recite to your significant other while watching the game (or to amaze your cat or dog if your significant other declines to join you for Saturday football):
Wyoming -10 @ New Mexico****
Saturday 5:00 p.m. MTN
These two teams have intrigued me all season. New Mexico is a disaster, with no wins thus far this year. Coach Mike Locksley seems certain to be shown the gate at season's end, and watching a little bit of New Mexico's games, Locksley's team appears to be hopelessly outmanned every week. No insult, but the Lobos have given up. The Wyoming Cowboys never will give up. I watched them against a really talented Utah team, and while Utah was slowly pulling away as the game wore on, the Cowboys just kept coming. This little jaunt down to Albuquerque should be fun for Wyoming.
Missouri -4 @ Texas Tech***
Saturday 7:00 p.m. ABC or ESPN-GP
Missouri is a very good football team. The oddsmakers can sometimes be as fickle as the stock market. After one tough week against Nebraska--and a tough week against Nebraska is more the rule than the exception--all the love seems to be gone for Missouri with the 4 point spread. I think they win this one going away.
Oklahoma -3 1/2 @ Texas A&M **
Saturday 6:00 p.m. FSN
There were a couple of teams that I was sweet on when this season started. Auburn was one, and they've had a great season. Oklahoma was the other. The Sooners stiffed us last time we bet on them, but against Texas A&M, they shouldn't be as close as this line.
Illinois +3 @ Michigan *
Saturday 11:00 a.m ESPN
Two Gun is fond of saying "the wrong team is the favorite". That's the way this one looks. Michigan is getting all kinds of love based on Denard, but they've shown themselves to be kind of thin defensively and definitely dependent on Denard offensively. Illinois looks like it has finally grown up and decided to behave like a big time football program, and that creates the opportunity for the talent to shine. The Illini have plenty of talent. The line on this game looks like it was put up to pull all the money out of the Michigan alumni pockets.
- Joe will turn age 84 on December 21st
- Joe has been PSU's head coach since 1966; he's been on the PSU coaching staff for a total of 61 years
- Joe is already in the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach
- Joe's teams are 399-132-3
- Joe's PSU salary is $1.03 million
- Joe's teams have won 24 bowl games and 2 national championships
- Joe and his spouse have contributed over $4 million to Penn State University
- Joe's 400th career victory will come on November 20th against the University of Indiana in Landover, MD
Wyoming -10 @ New Mexico****
Saturday 5:00 p.m. MTN
These two teams have intrigued me all season. New Mexico is a disaster, with no wins thus far this year. Coach Mike Locksley seems certain to be shown the gate at season's end, and watching a little bit of New Mexico's games, Locksley's team appears to be hopelessly outmanned every week. No insult, but the Lobos have given up. The Wyoming Cowboys never will give up. I watched them against a really talented Utah team, and while Utah was slowly pulling away as the game wore on, the Cowboys just kept coming. This little jaunt down to Albuquerque should be fun for Wyoming.
Missouri -4 @ Texas Tech***
Saturday 7:00 p.m. ABC or ESPN-GP
Missouri is a very good football team. The oddsmakers can sometimes be as fickle as the stock market. After one tough week against Nebraska--and a tough week against Nebraska is more the rule than the exception--all the love seems to be gone for Missouri with the 4 point spread. I think they win this one going away.
Oklahoma -3 1/2 @ Texas A&M **
Saturday 6:00 p.m. FSN
There were a couple of teams that I was sweet on when this season started. Auburn was one, and they've had a great season. Oklahoma was the other. The Sooners stiffed us last time we bet on them, but against Texas A&M, they shouldn't be as close as this line.
Illinois +3 @ Michigan *
Saturday 11:00 a.m ESPN
Two Gun is fond of saying "the wrong team is the favorite". That's the way this one looks. Michigan is getting all kinds of love based on Denard, but they've shown themselves to be kind of thin defensively and definitely dependent on Denard offensively. Illinois looks like it has finally grown up and decided to behave like a big time football program, and that creates the opportunity for the talent to shine. The Illini have plenty of talent. The line on this game looks like it was put up to pull all the money out of the Michigan alumni pockets.
PS: Do you think I was harsh in my assessment of the tragedy at Notre Dame? Look at the quotes from Swarbrick and Kelly yesterday (I found them in this morning's Chicago SunTimes) and it will be made very clear, once again, that these people don't give a rat's ass about the child who lost his life due to their negligence. What a smarmy operation Notre Dame football is, absolutely contemptible, just crank up the band and on we go, nobody will even remember the kid's name if we win a couple.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Tuesday is Voting Day
A lot of great games this past Saturday, very entertaining, though not entirely rewarding.
Happily, the Illini shouldered the Four Star mantle and pounded Purdue and their big drum, 44-10. Four star winner.
Northern Illinois won its 6th game in a row, 28-21, but couldn't pull off the cover (-9 1/2). This was a game about which I felt pretty strongly, but Western Michigan pushed the Huskies all game. Three star loser (and killers of the all-Illinois parlay).
Then came the 'Cats. The drive you crazy 'Cats. The let in the backdoor cover points 'Cats. The goddamned 'Cats. For 59 minutes and 16 seconds, they made us look good. Not the 30 or more points I expected from the offense, but the defense, after getting pushed around a little bit on the opening drive, shut down the Indiana offense at the predicted 10 point level. Then, on Purdue's 4th and ten with just :44 to play, they gave up a million yard TD pass that yanked the wonderful cover right out of our hands, replacing it with a nauseating push. Two star "nothing", and taking the pressure off NIU for blowing our parlay.
The Miami Bobcats dispatched the Buffalo Bulls, 21-9, a nice cover (-2 1/2). One star winner.
We finish this weekend with a +2. Not thrilling, but another step in the right direction. Should have been two more points, but for those damn 'Cats.
Other Saturday stuff included Iowa treating the Spartans quite rudely in Iowa City, everybody loves to say Tulsa defeating USB by a point, Nebraska reasserting itself at the expense of Missouri, Virginia with an emphatic screw U, Baylor handed Texas another loss, and finally, New Mexico stayed perfect (and did not cover, so Petey was correct in his trepidation).
Vote tomorrow. If you live in Illinois, I endorse Not Giannoulis and Not Quinn. Endorsing Not someone is the alternative to "I don't like either guy". It is the "but I lack like for this guy a lot more than the other guy".
Agree or disagree, get out tomorrow and vote for somebody.
Happily, the Illini shouldered the Four Star mantle and pounded Purdue and their big drum, 44-10. Four star winner.
Northern Illinois won its 6th game in a row, 28-21, but couldn't pull off the cover (-9 1/2). This was a game about which I felt pretty strongly, but Western Michigan pushed the Huskies all game. Three star loser (and killers of the all-Illinois parlay).
Then came the 'Cats. The drive you crazy 'Cats. The let in the backdoor cover points 'Cats. The goddamned 'Cats. For 59 minutes and 16 seconds, they made us look good. Not the 30 or more points I expected from the offense, but the defense, after getting pushed around a little bit on the opening drive, shut down the Indiana offense at the predicted 10 point level. Then, on Purdue's 4th and ten with just :44 to play, they gave up a million yard TD pass that yanked the wonderful cover right out of our hands, replacing it with a nauseating push. Two star "nothing", and taking the pressure off NIU for blowing our parlay.
The Miami Bobcats dispatched the Buffalo Bulls, 21-9, a nice cover (-2 1/2). One star winner.
We finish this weekend with a +2. Not thrilling, but another step in the right direction. Should have been two more points, but for those damn 'Cats.
Other Saturday stuff included Iowa treating the Spartans quite rudely in Iowa City, everybody loves to say Tulsa defeating USB by a point, Nebraska reasserting itself at the expense of Missouri, Virginia with an emphatic screw U, Baylor handed Texas another loss, and finally, New Mexico stayed perfect (and did not cover, so Petey was correct in his trepidation).
Agree or disagree, get out tomorrow and vote for somebody.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Ineptitude and Arrogance
The news of the tragedy that occurred on the campus of the University of Notre Dame has spread across the globe. The only thing faster than the dissemination of the terrible event was the ignition of the damage control program.
I found the news on the web a couple of hours after the accident. When I went to the university's website, the mass of remembrance had already been set. On the nightly news, the university president spoke in soothing tone of how the boy would be missed. This morning, the university's athletic director is quoted describing how there was nothing irregular about conditions just minutes prior to the accident.
As the father of a boy who is making plans to head off to college, my own response was iterative. I was shocked, and saddened for the child's family. Suspecting what would follow, I began to feel anger and resentment at what I expected...and like clockwork, it began to happen.
The mass of remembrance registered with me as the first cop out: we're heading for church, see how upset we are.
The he will be missed speech is a boatload of bureaucratic bullshit. I told my wife just what the words would be, and "ta-daa", there they were.
The child's initials will be worn on the players' helmets. Again, I told my wife this was a sure thing, a public display to dull the sharp inquisition. It is not my place, and hopefully never will be, but the last thing I would agree to is to allow my child's wasted life to be memorialized, trivialized, by the business that chose to ignore his safety.
When I heard the inevitable he loved Notre Dame, I wanted to scream. Don't love this place. Don't pledge your allegiance. Don't let the responsible people (whomever they may be, whenever they are forced to step forward) wriggle away in a torrent of misplaced emotion. Don't be fooled.
They didn't care about this child. They don't care now. They want to minimize the cost, and they immediately began to move on.
Kickoff is at 2:30 on NBC.
As usual.
I found the news on the web a couple of hours after the accident. When I went to the university's website, the mass of remembrance had already been set. On the nightly news, the university president spoke in soothing tone of how the boy would be missed. This morning, the university's athletic director is quoted describing how there was nothing irregular about conditions just minutes prior to the accident.
As the father of a boy who is making plans to head off to college, my own response was iterative. I was shocked, and saddened for the child's family. Suspecting what would follow, I began to feel anger and resentment at what I expected...and like clockwork, it began to happen.
The mass of remembrance registered with me as the first cop out: we're heading for church, see how upset we are.
The he will be missed speech is a boatload of bureaucratic bullshit. I told my wife just what the words would be, and "ta-daa", there they were.
The child's initials will be worn on the players' helmets. Again, I told my wife this was a sure thing, a public display to dull the sharp inquisition. It is not my place, and hopefully never will be, but the last thing I would agree to is to allow my child's wasted life to be memorialized, trivialized, by the business that chose to ignore his safety.
When I heard the inevitable he loved Notre Dame, I wanted to scream. Don't love this place. Don't pledge your allegiance. Don't let the responsible people (whomever they may be, whenever they are forced to step forward) wriggle away in a torrent of misplaced emotion. Don't be fooled.
They didn't care about this child. They don't care now. They want to minimize the cost, and they immediately began to move on.
Kickoff is at 2:30 on NBC.
As usual.
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