All last week I sat twitching nervously at the anticipation of Saturday night's Texas Tech-Oklahoma match-up and by the time Catfish, XM, and myself were digging our hands into our third bucket, the game was over. Pretty soon the game was ugly. Oklahoma's dismemberment of the Red Raiders has left the BCS in confusion and possible chaos(big surprise) and now the system that was supposed to have guidelines but doesn't really have guidelines so now on one knows what the guidelines are and again the teams will sort it out on the field, sort of. Even outside the BCS, it was another entertaining and wild weekend in college football.
Guns down
Right from the start, if you had watched the Red Raiders at all this year, you could tell that Graham Harrell was uncomfortable in the pocket during the 65-21 smackdown by the Sooners. It was just like when our waitress gave me a dollar and told me to go to the jukebox and play something because the songs that were on its shuffle made it feel like we were at a poetry reading. I got up there and under the pressure I went for a Doors song but hit the wrong one. I accidentally hit the "Alabama Song" and it was bad. If you've ever heard the song you know what I mean, if not try to imagine a song that is played as you ride on a carousel and then imagine you are on drugs while riding said carousel. After that, the music seemed to grate on my ears no matter what song was playing. Harrell never got settled in and he was not under too much duress. He was off target and made uncharacteristic mistakes. Obviously some of that credit has to go to the OU defense, but the Raiders came out flat, and then that flatness turned into uncertainty which became panic. On the Oklahoma offensive side of the ball, their offensive line is good, damn good. Sam Bradford had time to bake a cake before hitting his receivers and backs in stride. Texas Tech helped fill up the highlight reel by missing tackle after tackle. I knew the Sooners could win this game but had no idea they would completely blow Tech out of the water.
The argument for OU to jump Texas became even stronger because of the margin of vicoty. Yes, there's that phrase again. "Margin of victory" used to be part of the BCS formula but was taken out because if you go by the numbers a win should count as a win. Makes sense, but if you then factor in that a large part of determining who gets the top spots in the BCS are human polls, then we have a problem. The coaches are aware of the problems too and they have started banging the drum for their cause louder and louder. Bob Stoops said after the win "Obviously, now we're in the mix with everybody, with the way we played, you would think ahead." Well Bob that's how you would think except that tiny fact of getting beat by Texas. Yet in truth a lot of people who have a vote agree with Stoops. The Big XII was trying to due its best in a flawed national championship system by annointing the the tie-breaker of the division to the highest rated BCS team, but now with three teams with a legitimate shot it will be the polls and computers that determine who gets to play for the conference title, not what happened on the field in conference.
This just in...Florida is better than the Citadel.
It is not a problem that the Gators have this game on their schedule, it is just curious the timing of when they have it. It is going to be interesting to see if Florida State and famed defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews can do anything to keep the Gators under 50. My favorite quote of the day was from 5th year senior Javier Estopinan, who scored a 1 yard TD run as a present from Urban Meyer for his years of hard work. "(Coach is) stingy with his touchdowns." Javier said. Oh really? Well, that's not surprising to hear, but from one of his own players I find that interesting. Catfish already pointed out this fact(which many other people have since jumped on) but now we get to hear it straight from inside the program. The coach of a team that has scored 42 points or more in 6 straight games, is "stingy" with his touchdowns. By the way Percy Harvin did run one in...from 11 yards out.
The Apple Cup delivers!
Last week I previewed the rivalry game in which both teams were seeking to avoid becoming known as the worst BCS team on the west coast. While I watched this game drag on through the first 3 quarters I started to question my anticipation of watching the game. While it was fun watching the teams provide an exercise in offensive football futility, after 45 minutes of it I became bored with it. But luckily in the 4th quarter Washington State drove down and tied the game sending it into overtime. The game seemed to take on even more appeal as it headed into extra time. At first it was just going to be a team winning and making their rivals hold the title of worst team, but now this meant that the losing team would be provided with extra agony. That agony belonged to Washington and Ty Willingham as they lost 16-13. I honestly felt heartbroken for Ty as he trudged off the field. The Huskies had led the entire game until WSU tied it and then their kicker missed a FG in their half of the 2nd ovetime. Cougar kicker Nico Grasu got to be the hero as he punched the 37 yard game-winner through.
The Cuse wins one for the Gregger
The second to last game of Greg Robinson's career at Syracuse ended with a 24-23 win at Notre Dame. This is another game I was periodically turning to and when the Irish went up 23-10 in the 3rd quarter I assumed the Orange had put up a good fight but the game was over. Robinson had an atrocious record at Syracuse in his time there and the fans are ready to see him go, but I'm happy that he and his team can celebrate a victory like this after such a horrid season.
On the flip side, even the most staunch Charlie Weis supporters have to be cringing after this game. In spite of all that ahs happened this year, there is absolutely no excuse to lose at home to Syracuse. Since Weis took over the play calling, Notre Dame has put up just 27 and 23 points to two very bad defenses. It doesn't get any better for the Irish as they head to LA to get their asses handed to them by USC. The Irish will make a bowl, a very bad one and will most likely face a team that is better than them and can't wait to have a chance to beat fabled Notre Dame.
Then it got ugly
I will share more of my feelings on the Rich-Rod situation in our next podcast, but even though I am not that old, I have never seen a Michigan team look more utterly pathetic than the team I saw on the field on Saturday during Ohio State's 42-7 beating. The Buckeyes lost out on the chance to redeem themselves in the national championship, but depending on their BCS bowl match-up they have an opportunity to get a big win against another BCS conference foe. I'm sure they will rather face a highly ranked team and prove themselves than going against the ACC or Big East winner.
Tom O'Brien turns the tide
Watching NC State's performance on the field as they beat North Carolina 41-10 you would not be able to tell that Chuck Amato coached this team only two seasons ago. The Wolfpack did not commit silly personal fouls, did not turn the ball over, and had smart in-game management. Quarterback Russell Wilson is probably the most underrated passer in the ACC. He can not only make things happen with his feet, he uses it to buy time and find open receivers instead of taking off down field. He made big throw after and ended with 2 TDs on 17-28 passing. North Carolina had hoped to get back on the race for the division title, but instead must lick their wounds and focus on winning a bowl game for the first time in a long time.
Speaking of ACC let downs...
Florida State smashed Maryland's control of the Atlantic Division as they won 37-3 and Myron Rolle got his Rhodes Scholarship. The Noles have the chance to play for the ACC title and the chance to spoil rival Florida's national title hopes next week in Talahassee. Maryland busted out the black uni's but the turtle was not inspiring fear. You would love to champion the ACC's cause but it really has been the case of whoever control's their path to Tampa immediately gets hammered.
Beavers lose Jacquizz but still find a way to win
Ever since Oregon State beat USC when they were ranked number 1, they have played like one of the nation's top teams. They did fall on a close one to Utah, but with their 19-17 squeaker over Arizona on Saturday, the Beavers are still alive for the Pac Ten title. They have to beat Oregon at home this week in the Civil War which won't be easy, but is doable. The Beavers trailed 17-16 but back-up QB Sean Canfield hit WR Sammie Stroughter for a 47 yard pass with less than a minute left. Oregon State has by far been one of college football's best stories this year and Mike Riley deserves a lot of the praise.
Utah conquers the Mormons
In an incredibly hard-hitting game that still had the Mountain West's typical offensive show, Utah secured a spot in the BCS with a 48-24 win over rival BYU. Utes QB Brian Johnson had 4 TDs and threw for over 300 yards in the win. The atmosphere appeared electric as the home crowd cheered their team and chanted "B-C-S" as the clock wound down. Utah deserves the right to play at the very least a BCS bowl game, now they will have to follow Boise State's example, a team they most likely knocked out of a BCS game, and find a way to beat a BCS conference team to be considered one of the best team's in the country.
Monday, November 24
College Football Recap
NFL Week 12: The Numbers
One number from each game that stuck out above all others.
The Panthers tackle like they are coached by George Fox, not John Fox.
Jets v. Titans – 4 – Following three straight weeks of multiple interceptions, Mr. Number 4 has thrown five touchdowns and only two INTs in the last 4 games for the Jets. His cumulative passer rating for the last month is 103.65 and he's completed exactly 75% of his passes. Excluding his 0 TD and 1 INT game against Buffalo at the start of the month, Favre's only thrown 1 INT against 5 Tds and completed 77 percent of his passes for a 113.64 passer rating.
Texans v. Browns – 5 – Turnovers for the Browns. The turnovers allowed Houston to enjoy a near 15 minute advantage in time of posession despite converting on only four third downs and rushing for 3.1 yards per carry. Houston QB Sage Rosenfels did complete 75 percent of his passes, compared to 41 percent for the Browns signal-callers. Cleveland finished the game with only two third down conversions, three less than their number of turnovers. There has to be a corellation.
49ers v. Cowboys – 5 – San Francisco had six plays from inside the Cowboys 5-yard line in the first quarter, but came away with only six points total. By the time they scored again, it was 29-6 Dallas. Rushing was a problem for the Niners all day, totaling only 26 yards on 1.7 yards/carry. They also had troubles on third down, converting on only twenty percent of their third downs, while allowing Dallas to convert on half of theirs.
Buccaneers v. Lions – 9 – Detroit continues to find ways to lose. Not only did they allow both punt and interception returns for touchdowns in the third quarter, stretching the Bucs leads from four to eighteen, but it was penalties that killed them. 9 of their ten penalties came on the offensive side of the ball, often short-circuiting a drive before it started or, on multiple occasions, in Tampa territory. Collectively, the teams was penalized seven more times for 45 more yards than the Bucs.
Bills v. Chiefs – 54 – The most points ever scored by Buffalo on the road and the second most in team history (58 v. Miami, 1966), and Trent Edwards accounted for four touchdowns snapping out of a month long funk, but the signs aren't all good. The Chiefs converted only one third down, but had 21 first downs. KC also outgained the Bills despite having five turnovers, while Buffalo had zero.
Bears v. Rams – 0.7 – Yards per carry for St. Louis. They had 14 yards on 19 carries. Conversely, Matt Forte had 20 carries for 132 yards (6.6 y/c) and two scores. Like Cleveland, the Rams had more turnovers (4) than third down conversions (3). They were also penalized eight more times than the Bears (11-3) for 71 more yards (85-14).
Patriots v. Dolphins – 4- No, it's not because Matt Cassel lead the New England offense to over 400 yards passing twice, something no other Patriot QB had done (including Mr. Brady). It's because for the first time, he hit connected with 4 different receivers for at least five passes each. One of the things Cassel had struggled with was locking onto receivers, but as Randy Moss said, "Matt is getting in the comfort zone, he's playing some hellified ball." Also, after Ronnie Brown's four rushing touchdowns in their first encounter, he and the Wildcat formation were shut out.
Vikings v. Jaguars – 2 – In only their second road win of the season, Minnesota scored 2 touchdowns in the first 2 minutes of play. The first score was a fumbled exchange returned for a score and the second was set up by a fumble on the ensuing kickoff. This was the third time this season Jacksonville has had their leading rusher held to 20 or fewer yards. Wasted for the Jags, David Garrard's first 300 yard passing game (along with 2 INTs).
Eagles v. Ravens – 108 – The longest INT return for a touchdown in NFL history, scored by Ed Reed, breaking his old record of 106 yards. Approriately for the Eagles, it came with the ball on the 1-yard line, where they've struggled all year, but shame on rookie safety Haruki Nakamura for begging for the lateral from Reed, instead of blocking. The Eagles also had more turnovers than third down conversions, not surprisingly in a loss.
Raiders v. Broncos – 132 – Difference in Royal Ivey receiving yards from Denver's week one victory against the Raiders to this week's loss. The Raiders went 11 of 12 in passing attempts for 160 yards, while Jay Cutler completed just 43% of his passes, his worst percentage ever. Oakland scored their first offensive touchdown since week eight.
Panthers v. Falcons – 83 – Henry Douglas accounted for 188 total yards, scoring on a 7-yard reception and a 61-yard punt return, but it was his 69-yard reception on 3rd and 11 with the Panthers down only 3 in the fourth quarter that proved to be the back breaker. The Falcons would go on to punch the ball in the end zone on 4th down extending the lead to ten. The Panthers would then lose 18 yards in the process of going 3 and out, setting up Douglas's punt return TD.
Giants v. Cardinals – 79 – Percent completion percentage for Eli Manning, who also threw 3 touchdowns to outduel Kurt Warner. Without Brandon Jacobs, the Giants league-leading rushing attack was held to nearly 90 yards less than their average, but Manning was more than capable to pick up the slack. It was just the second time all season the Giants haven't had over 100 yards rushing (@ Pitt).
Redskins v. Seahawks – 17 – Minute time of posession advantage for the Redskins. The Seahawks averaged seven yards per rush, but were only able to muster 20 attempts. Maurice Morris became just the second Seahawk to record a 100-yard rushing game this season. Their passing game continues to struggle as Matt Hasselbeck threw for 103 yards on 12 of 24 with 2 touchdowns, but also 2 interceptions. Seattle has had only one 200 yard passing game all season (Wallace @ SF). Clinton Portis rushed for over 100 yards for the first time since week 8 (the Redskins were 0-2 during that time).
Colts v. Chargers – 24 – The fourth time this season that San Diego has lost in the last 24 seconds of the game. They did everything right, more first downs, more passing and rushing yards, even on turnovers, but they left ninety seconds on the clock when they kicked the game-tying field goal and Peyton Manning was able to move the ball into position for a field goal as time expired.
Friday, November 21
Michigan and Duke: You Don't Know [Blank]
Last night the Michigan Wolverines upset the number 4 ranked UCLA Bruins 55-52 in the semi-finals of the 2k Sports College Basketball Classic. It was the first win for Michigan over a top five team in 11 years and set up a match-up tonight against Duke. This got us thinking, these two met in 1992 national championship game. It was the Fab Five versus the defending champs. How well do you remember that 1992 season? We once again present our quiz for a true test of your knowledge. As always feel free to post your score and earn fabulous prizes. Continue on for the brain pickings.
The 1992 Final Four took place in [It's cold there] and featured of course Duke and Michigan in the title game. Duke defeated [No cell phones!] in their semi-final, and Michigan beat [One of the QCs].
The Wolverines were led by coach [No cheating] who had won the 19[#] national title after taking over the team that year unexpectedly when [No cheating] was fired in the last week of the regular season since he had already committed to coaching [No cheating] the next season. Michigan beat [Check your PJ's] in the final that year thanks to some clutch free throw shooting from [Former Charlotte Hornet!]. In '92 the Wolverines had what is probably considered the most heralded freshman class in basketball history. The "Fab Five" consisted of Chris Weber, Jalen Rose, [No cheating],[No cheating], and [No cheating].
Duke came in to the 1992 final four as the reigning champions after they beat [Huckleberry] a year before in [NCAA headquarters]. This came after they beat the undefeated [Shark!] team in the 1991 semi-finals 79-77. In '92 Duke was a heavy favorite but escaped in the East Regional final against Kentucky 104-103 when [Hello] hit the game-winner with [No cheating] seconds left.
The 1992 final was not particularly close as Duke won 71-51. The Fab Five had brought up the phrase "[No cheating]" in reference to their team being a [#] seed going up against heavily favored Duke. The phrase was later used by [No cheating] when they beat a heavily favored Duke team in the title game in 1999. [Eyes on the road] won the MOP of the tournament in 1992 and Duke won back-to-back titles for the first time since [No cheating].
Pencils down!
Answers below:
Answers:
1. Minneapolis
2. Indiana
3. Cincinnati
4. Steve Fisher
5. '89
6. Bill Frieder
7. Arizona State
8. Seton Hall
9. Rumeal Robinson
10-12. Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, Ray Jackson.
13. Kansas
14. Indianapolis
15. UNLV
16. Christian Laettner
17. 2.1
18. Shock the World
19. 6
20. Connecticut
21. Bobby Hurley
22. UCLA ('72-'73)
Scoring Scale
0-1: Can't spell Krzyzewski
2-5: You're out of timeouts
6-8: Member of the Unforgettables
9-12: You own a Michigan Starter jacket
13-15: Sporting a Thomas Hill flat-top
16-18: Own a pair of Bobby Hurley's ITZ shoes
19-21: Think Dick Vitale is insighttful and love watching him call Duke games
Perceft 22: Disciple of Coach K pontificating
Hines Ward Toughest Man Alive
Earlier this year, Hines Ward broke the jaw of Bengal linebacker Keith River and last night the Bengals took a measure of revenge on Ward's teammate. The hit not only rattled Holmes, but also Ward. On the very next play, Roethlisberger threw the ball to the normally sure-handed Ward. Apparently wary of getting his bell rung, he dropped the ball and dove to the ground like a man on fire.
For those of you trying to figure out the ACC, here's a chart.
Los Linces Pierden Otra vez
It's a Bobcats bonanza this morning! The Bobcats and Charlotte have failed to click for the most part and now this from the radio broadcasts (the ones the Bobcats almost didn't have), "Starting Jan. 1, Norsan Media will take over the signal of WOLS-FM (106.1), an English-language oldies station. It will carry the Mexican regional format of Norsan's WRML-FM (“La Raza” 102.3), and WRML will adopt a new Spanish pop-tropical format." "Charlotte Bobcats and Duke basketball games currently air on WOLS. Sanchez said the broadcasts would continue until both teams' contracts expire at the end of their seasons." (Charlotte Observer)
The lone silver lining to this story is Mickey Krzyzewski will be able to learn to curse in Spanish after learning how to do it in Mandarin this summer.
What Could the Cats Get in Return for Crash?
Recent trade rumors have Crash almost certainly on the move, but where could he be headed and what could the Cats be getting in return? Wallace's remaining contract has four years and nearly 41 million dollars remaining. This could make him prime for a salary dump trade, but even in that scenario, it may be better for the long term of the franchise. With Jrich, Mek and Nazr all having contracts that most teams will be unwilling to take on, moving Crash may be one of the only ways to restructure this team sooner rather than later. Anyone that watches him play appreciates his effort and tenacity, but this is one time where business needs to take precedence over loyalty (not that the Bobcats organization would know much about that). On to the potential suitors...
We have a better SF or too much invested in our own): Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Memphis, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Orlando, Philadelphia, Utah and Washington
Not Interested due to 2010 Lebron Lottery: New York and New Jersey
Not interested due to younger versions of Crash: OK City, Phoenix, LA Lakers, and Portland
We're covered at 3, but we have a salary we wouldn't mind dumping: Indiana and Dallas
This leaves nine teams: Atlanta, Cleveland, Golden State, LA Clippers, Miami, Minnesota, San Antonio, Sacramento and Toronto.
Atlanta has very little other than their starters to trade to match salaries.
Golden State was reportedly already scared off by Crash's contract and they have Corey Magette with a similar (and trade restricted) contract.
San Antonio could be a good fit, but with an aging core and a deliberate front office, they're highly unlikely to take a chance on Wallace's contract.
Toronto would be a bad fit. They need a SF that can make a shot with Bosh and O'Neal on the inside.
So now we're down to five: Cleveland, LA Clippers, Miami, Minnesota and Sacramento.
Why was Cleveland not taken off the list? Ballerblogger has been driving this train for some time, but Lebron at the four is a dangerous weapon. With three capable scorers: LBJ, Mo Williams, and Zydrunas Illgauskus, Crash could be the energy guy that does everything. Unfortunately, the have little to trade in terms of value for the Bobcats. Ben Wallace's $14 million contract would necessitate either another team or another Bobcat contract (Ammo or RayFeon). The only other possibility would be Eric Snow's contract. Snow was someone Coach Brown had targeted as a potential assistant coach and could help tutor the young point guards, but thats what Phil Ford should be doing.
The Clippers appear interested in Crash, despite having Al Thorton as their current leading scorer. The current rumors apparently involve Chris Kaman, but there's another possibility. The Bobcats could potentially land their much needed PF in the form of.... Tim Thomas! He and May could compete to see who can be the most lethargic. Along with Thomas another contract would have to head to Charlotte, possibly in the form of a veteran PG... Jason Hart, who could have his second tour of duty with the Cats. Another salary that could work would be Ricky Davis, but between Thomas and Davis, Coach Brown would probably pack his bags 17.3 seconds after the trade was announced.
Miami poses another interesting possibity. With Marion's contract expiring this year, Crash could be the glue guy between Wade and Beasley. The contract that matches up the best would be Mark Blount who is making approximately $8.5 million and averaging about the same in minutes. Blount has one additional year on his contract, and even if he's paired with a draft pick, it'll likely be no better than middle of the first round in a weak draft.
Minnesota makes sense beacuse they have Corey Brewer at the small forward and Crash would be a good fit, but he is probably not a difference maker to get the Wolves to the playoffs and they have little to offer other than a Brian Cardinal salary dump or some undersized forwards like Ryan Gomes and Craig Smith.
So we're left with Sacramento. Crash's original team, he still has a cult-following out there and with Jason Thompson emerging at the power forward position, the team may look to move Mikki Moore (even if Thompson hadn't emerged, they still might have been). Donte Green, their rookie SF did, however, just have his best game with the team so interest may be limited. A trade for Mikki Moore and John Salmons would give the Cats another scoring option on the wing and a defensive minded power forward. The Cats would have Moore's contract on the books for one more year, and Salmons for two.
The long and the short of all this is there's a limited market for Gerald and his contract. If and when he's traded, the Cats will not get equal return. More than likely they'd get a salary dump or marginal players at best. There's always the possibility of a three way trade, but most of the logical targets for Crash have very little on their roster to offer. The two marquee names that could see Crash as a piece of the three team trade would be Shawn Marion and Al Harrington. There's few to no sexy possible returns for Charlotte, but can a core of Jrich, Emeka, and Crash be a playoff contender? Probably not for anything beyond the first round of the playoffs, so it's in the interest of the team to unload one of the contracts and Wallace's is the most attractive of the three.
Bobcats Getting Attention (More of the Same)
This USA Today article has some incredible nuggets about MJ (who I previously praised for his attendance) disappearing once again. The Sporting News and Hoopworld also had some interesting takes. More after the break...
From the USA Today article:Indeed, His Airness landed briefly before taking flight. Only 11 days and six games into the new season, the global icon was gone. He was off to see his sons play basketball, then an overseas jaunt. Jeffrey Jordan, 20, is a walk-on sophomore at Illinois. Brother Marcus, 17, is a high school senior in Chicago.
A Jordan assistant sent an e-mail to a USA TODAY reporter explaining, "With his travel schedule, and the holiday season upon us, I don't expect he will be back (in Charlotte) before December," meaning he would miss at least the next seven home games.
It's worth a read, but the most interesting quote was buried at the very end, When it comes to re-ordering a roster, Brown is eager to dismantle. The Bobcats didn't make many offseason moves, leaving the coach more than slightly vexed — "You know, there are six guys who might not be on our team in two, three weeks."
Bethlehem Shoals of FreeDarko fame has a piece on the Sporting News about the frequent trade rumors revolving around Crash Wallace.
"The depressing thing is, the only logical outcome of this mess is Wallace getting shipped out at a cut rate to make Larry Brown feel better about his view of the world. When, from a pure impact player standpoint, Charlotte needs Wallace far more than any suitors."
It's unusual to completely agree with someone, but wholly disagree with their conclusion, but that's where I find myself in regards to Shoals's assertions. The Cats will have to trade Crash at a cut rate and they do need him more than any other team, but he (more specifically his contract) needs to go. Wallace is not a starter for a serious playoff threat (unless he's paired with a great), but currently he's paid like one. His contract will be on the books for the next four years and if the Bobcats can get it off the books, even if it means taking less in return it should be beneficial for the team in the long term.
Hoopsworld's Bill Ingram weighed in on trade rumors regarding the Nets and the Clippers by saying this, "The catch here is that the Bobcats really want a starting center back in the deal. We all saw the reports that they were trying to get Chris Kaman from the Clippers, and that's exactly the type of player they need next to Okafor in the post." This is infuriating.
A) Based on his size, this is one of the most widely held misconceptions about Emeka, particularly in the media. He's a classic PF (tip of the cap to Newt), 6-10 and banging on the block, but he's not in today's NBA. 4s these days have too much range for Mek and he's not quick enough to guard them either. He has trouble guarding even guarding players like Udonis Haslem, who can hit a free-throw jumper, let alone a baseline shot or a three. Mek's a 6'10" center. He would've been a great PF 20 years ago, but now he's relegated to undersized center.
B) A frontline of Kaman and Mek still has the same problem that surfaced when Mek and Nazr were paired together. Who is going to guard the PFs? Kaman is an upgrade, but hardly a solution. The team would have 20 million per year (up to 25 mill in 2012), or 1/3 of the salary cap tied up into two centers. I understand that people are anxious to see a move made, but another center is not the answer. I know the reports say the Cats are after a center, but I think (hope) that they're actually looking for a power forward and something is being lost in translation.
Two primary things have killed the Cats on the defensive end this season: PG penetration and PFs. Of the PFs that have had good games against the Bobcats: Michael Beasley (25 points), Detroit PFs (combined 27), Zach Randolph (25), Chris Bosh (30), Boozer (26), Hedo Turkoglu (20), and Dirk Nowitzki (32), which of these would Kaman be able to guard?
Unless the FO thinks they can move Mek (not very likely), trading for Kaman still leaves the frontline lacking and locks up more money longterm, further exacerbating a potential turn-around.
Thursday, November 20
Sometimes You Forget: Hakeem Olajuwon
As time passes, "Sometimes You Forget" is a phrase we use to remind each other and friends that we don't always remember just how good some old players were. Although, MJ was the original impetus of the phrase, tonight we're featuring Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon. At the beginning of the 1995 Western Conference Finals David Robinson received his MVP trophy, but after that ceremony there was very little for the Admiral to smile about. Hakeem averaged over 35 points and 12 rebounds for the series and went on to win the Finals MVP award when they swept the Magic.
During his career Hakeem averaged over twenty points for thirteen straight seasons (21.8 career avg), double digit rebounds for twelve years (11.1 career), and averaged 3.1 blocks for his career. Complete resume HERE.
Other things we YouTube'd this week: Final Countdown, Novemeber Rain, Givin Him the Business and Where Amazing Happens.
Week 12 NFL Mr. Green Locks
After the first few games of last week it appeared I was heading for a bad week, but I got most of the late ones to end up with another respectable performance. The boss man has me working hard today so I'll try to keep this short, sweet and to the point. This week's picks after the break.
Last Week: 10-6
Season: 97-62
CIN at PIT: Steelers- Does this one really require an explanation?
TB at DET: Bucs- The Lions have continued to improve, and with Graham on the shelf this could be a trap game for the Bucs, but seriously I can't pick Detroit.
PHI at BAL: Ravens- The Ravens will show some defensive pride in this one after getting rolled in New York last week and the Eagles will probably show some more poor decision-making.
HOU at CLE: Browns- Winning this game will give Cleveland fans hope, and like Red said in The Shawshank Redemption, hope can be a dangerous thing.
SF at DAL: Cowboys- In tough times, companies like to stick to what they know will work and the NFL and the media know that the Cowboys have a huge, if not utterly annoying and stupid, fanbase.
NYJ at TEN: Titans- I think the Titans defense will cause a lot of disruption to the Jets' offense. Personally I hope Tennessee wins this game by 30.
MIN at JAC: Vikings- Simply because they appear on the way up as the Jags look they are beginning to unravel.
BUF at KC: Chiefs- Yeah, I think it's going to get that bad for the Bills.
NE at MIA: Patriots- Man this is a hard game to pick but the extra days of rest and preparation should lead to a classic Belichick performance on the field.
CHI at STL: Bears- The Rams are a good team to lick your wounds against.
OAK at DEN: Broncos- Congrats Broncos you are the Cardinals of the AFC.
CAR at ATL: Falcons- Gasp! XM and Catfish will hate me for this but I think the Panther's struggles from the last couple of weeks bite them this week. I do hope I'm wrong though.
WSH at SEA: Seahawks- Zorn and company get a rude welcome back.
NYG at ARI: Giants- Sorry K-man but I think the Giants will win even though Jacobs is a question mark.
IND at SD: Colts- Years ago it would be considered luck that Indy won those close games earlier in the season, but now it is simply that they have won the big ones and know how to finish games now. Meanwhile, I have a special "Lights Out" dance I want to dedicate to the Chargers on their mid-field logo.
GB at NO: Packers- With Rodgers finally healthy and the defense getting back on its feet, Green Bay is ready for a good stretch run.
The Clue moment of this week inspired by our Mr. Green's lead pipe locks focuses again on Tim Curry. So many memorbale roles for this actor, but one of our favorites was in the movie Congo, which basically took the brilliant book of the late Michael Crichton, threw it on a pile of manure, and pissed on it. Curry's character, Herkermer Homolka, wasn't even in the freaking book! We basically love this movie because of how ridiculously bad it is. There are some great quotes though, including the scene below. Until next time, STOP EATING MY SESAME CAKE!
