A little less than 2 weeks ago, we covered the "imminent" trade of Gerald Wallace. A new move by the Bobcats seems to suggest that someone may be on the move. The Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell reports that today the Bobcats waived Andre Brown and Linton Johnson. This move suggests the team could be adding two extra players in a deal (aka 3 for 1). After getting torched by Dirk (yet another power foward), its becoming painfully clear that this roster has no answer for any 4s with range. Unfortunately, Bonnell also reports that the team is merely making room to add another no name big off the free agent scrap heap.
If the Cats can get anyone to take Gerald Wallace, they should take the deal, even if means taking less value (and it will). Wallace's hustle is admirable, but he wouldn't start on any team that has aspirations of anything higher than a first round playoff exit, and he's getting paid starter money at the moment. He's owed forty million dollars over the next four years and any attempt to turn this team around will be accelerated by trading Crash. With trade rumors swirling, it's seemed to have an effect on his play, which doesn't help either.
Wednesday, November 19
Bobcats Making Room?
Two Horrible Teams, One Cup
This Saturday at 3:00 the University of Washington Huskies will face the Washington State University in Pullman, Washington to decide the winner of the Apple Cup. This rivalry goes back 108 years when the first game was played to a 5-5 tie in 1900. This will be the 101st game in the series and it features both teams in the absolute dungeon of football relevance. The Huskies are 0-10 and the Cougars are 1-10. Despite the putrid performances by both teams this season, a victory in this game will be viewed as memorable as if a Rose Bowl berth was on the line. I personally can't wait to watch this game. The fans of both teams should be in a frenzied state as they try to avoid being named the worst of the worst. Let's take a closer look at the history of the rivalry, the match-up on Saturday, and what winning the game will mean. And yes despite the title, this post is SFW.
The Apple Cup was named so in 1962 replacing the name of "Governor's Trophy" due to Washington's abundant apple crop. Washington leads the all-time series 64-30 but Washington State has won 3 of the last 4. There have been 6 ties, with the last one coming in 1942 when the two teams played to a soccer-like scoreless tie. Of course, we know that due to recent college overtime rules being different than say, NFL overtime rules there will not be a tie on Saturday. Got that Donavan?
To say these two teams have performed poorly this year might be a slight understatement. First let us look at Washington. The Huskies do have the fact that they are winless going against them and with their last game at Cal, they probably will be looking at a winless season if they lose to the Cougars. The season got off to a rough start for the men in purple and gold as they lost at Oregon 44-10. The second game they had, at home versus a ranked BYU team, proved much more interesting. The Huskies fell by one after QB Jake Locker (now out with injury) was penalized for "celebrating" what was thought to be the game-tying TD. But the refs took offense to Jake's ball tossing and docked UW 15 yards on the extra point. BYU blocked the attempt and one the game 28-27. Here is how it happened on the field:
One of my favorite quotes after the game came from Locker, who obviously had to be fuming after the call. He apologized for celebrating, merely saying he plays the game with emotion. Watch any good football team, even a bad football team and you can see how important a role emotion plays in how a team performs on the field. The extra point would have sent the game into overtime only and there is no guarentee that the Huskies would have won but the call was ridiculous nonetheless.
Beside that game, no UW loss has been by less than a TD with a 35-28 loss to Stanford at home being the closest conference contest. The Huskies' average margin of defeat this year has been 26. They have failed to reach double-digits 3 times and were shut-out in a 56-0 loss at Southern Cal. Redshirt freshman QB Ronnie Fouch has not had an easy time filling in for the injured Locker. In his last 3 games Fouch is 34-95(35.7%) for 344 yards and 7 INTs.
Washington certainly has a case for firing Ty Willingham, but this mess is not entirely his fault. Considering there has recently been a big turnover at the school, Willingham should be given more time, but the horrible play on the field this year trumps that. Ty is 11-35 at UW and just 6-26 in Pac Ten games. Just like at Notre Dame, Willingham's tenure will be cut short by impatient alumni and fans. From 1957-2000, UW football had 3 coaches and since 2000, they have gone through another 3. The Rick Neuheisel fiasco set the program way back and it is precisely why Washington is seeking a big name head coach to come in and mop up the mess. Hopefully, Willingham gets a legitimate shot at another program in the future. 
So take into account all that has just been said about Washington, and then try to comprehend how Washington State must feel about being 8.5 point underdogs. The Cougars can boast the 1 win that guarentees them they will not have the donut in the win column even if they lose this game. Their lone victory came over Jerry Glanville and the FCS division Portland State Vikings, who are currently 3-7 on the season. Other than, that game, WSU has not come closer to an opponent than their 25 point loss to UCLA 28-3. Their average margin of defeat in their 10 losses is 43.3, they have been shut-out 3 times and given up over 60 points 3 times. Their forray with Southern Cal led to a 69-0 clobbering. It has just been a rough year for Paul Wulff and company. The Cougars' QB, Kevin Lopina has yet to throw a TD pass in 7 games this year. The game wil be in Martin Stadium this year, but Wazzou's last 3 home games were losses by a combined score of 191-42. 
As far as memorable wins in the series go, for WSU the 1997 Apple Cup which the Cougars won 41-35 in come secured a trip to the Rose Bowl. That team was led by, you guessed it, Ryan Leaf. WSU also denied the Huskies a Rose Bowl trip 1982 as they got their first win in Pulman in 25 years against UW.
The Huskies have 4 national titles to their credit so any win in a championship year is probably sweet. In the title years of 90-91, the Huskies beat the Cougars, 55-10 and 56-21 respectively. But in recent times, the Huskies' big Apple cup wins have come in the role of spoiler has they denied them a Rose Bowl trip in 2003 and 1981. UW also has the longest winning streaks of the rivalry at 8 which they had twice from 1959-1966 and 1974-1981. A big comeback many UW fns remember was in 1975 when they trailed WSU 27-14 with 3 minutes left. The quarterback of that Washington team? Warren Moon.
The storied 108 year rivalry that exists between these two teams should not be dampened by the lousy teams they have put on the field this year, it should be heightened. Many beleive that rivalries can only exist if both teams are playing at a high level or that one of the teams doesn't dominate the other year after year, but none of that is what makes a good rivalry. What is needed is a true dislike of one fanbase of another and passionate games on the field by both sides. Winning this game does not save either team the embarassment of how awful their seasons have gone, but it would mean so much to the teams and the fanbases if they could look back and say yes we did suck bad that year, but at least we took home the Apple Cup. I for one can't wait to watch the game.
ASD Testcast
We continue to make baby steps... or baby half-steps... towards our first podcast broadcast. Last night, I took our equipment out for a testdrive and this is was the result. I hesitate to post it, because it wasn't both of us, but we (I) would appreciate any and all feedback on the product. Feel free to make recommendations from music to content to length, etc. Topics: College Football playoffs, the NFL, and Mark Cuban.
Tuesday, November 18
NFL Week 11 De-Cleeting: XM Enlightens Us
While attempting to entertain ourselves during last night's MNF game between Cleveland and Buffalo, our resident size mismatch Xtra Medium was able to make some earth-shattering realizations. This evening also included watching this for no specific reason other than it rules. XM let it be known that he likes Brady Quinn, which is reasonable. It doesn't mean he likes him like this, it just means he roots for him as a player. The two other calls of the century XM dropped on us were that Joshua Cribbs is fast(orly!?) and that former Axl girlfriend and star of "November Rain" music video Stephanie Seymour is hot. Thanks XM for bringing that news fresh off the wire. On to some highlights from the week in the NFL after the break.
**note: I wrote this completely independent of this, but I guess Will has much more blog cred than I do but I'm too lazy to change the post now since I was supposed to leave work 30 minutes ago.
Buffalo Hang-low
Last night's game was proof that a sloppy game can be a close one as long as both teams make errors and play bad defense. Trent Edwards had some awful looking interceptions but the Browns decided to not tackle Marshawn Lynch on a few plays of their own but Phil Dawson's 56 yard field goal gave Cleveland a 29-27 win. Brady Quinn has not been great in his two starts, but he has been able to avoid mistakes. His QB rating, whatever stock you put in that, is uner 80.0 through the two starts but the Browns are 1-1 and that is the only stat that matters. Tony Kornheiser continued his insufferable commentary in the booth as he kept pointing out how Quinn looked "born to do this." I have no idea how that factors in to playing QB. Braylon Edwards is probably going to fall short of his bet to catch twice as many TDs than Michael Phelps has gold medals but he did have 104 yards on 8 grabs. He also had a few drops which has been problematic this year. He has as many drops as he had last year. Watching the game it just doesn't seem like he is securing the ball very well and when he moves it in his grip it is being dropped, knocked loose, or bobbled in his possession. Buffalo fans just seem destined for pro sports suffering. The miss by Rian Lindell on the potential game-winning kick was 47 yards and wide right; good thing they had a camera right in Jim Kelly's face as the ball sailed wide huh?
Cards shouldn't worry about popular opinion.
Arizona got up early but then had to hold off Seattle as they won on the road 26-20. There are some out there that feel the Cards are still not legitimate playoff contenders. With the division all but locked up the Cardinals will at the very worst host a home playoff game in the wild-card round. They should not care if they are not getting respect. There is no BCS in the NFL thankfully, they will get to prove it on the field. And in truth, they are getting some. Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitz are finally getting mentioned by some as the top receiving duo in the league (which I agree with) and Kurt Warner is being metioned in MVP talks as he leads the league in QB rating.
Titans can rally
Once Tennessee fell behind by 11 in Jacksonville on Sunday, it appeared their first loss was eminent. But the Titans used the long ball to overcome the Jags 24-14. It was the first time I since Kerry Collins took over that I wondered if Vince Young could have made the long completions down the sidelines. The pass that got them back into the game, a 13 yard strike to Brandon Jones was an excellent throw. Jones took it upon himself to act out getting arrested and slapped in cuffs in the endzone I'm guessing in a reference to Jacksonville's off-field problems. The refs were not amused and announcers Dick Enberg and Randy cross were confused as Jones got docked 15 yards while Dick and Randy tried to figure what he was doing. The Titans are 10-0 and beginning to make Mercury Morris take notice. I think it would be best for the Titans to lose a game before the playoffs and I can't imagine myself saying that but being a Patriots' fan and watching what happened last year, I believe it.
Giants have Earth, Wind, Fire, Water and Heart
With those powers combined:
Now I don't think the Giants will take pollution down to zero, but with their suffocating defensive front, Eli making good decisions, the offensive line protecting, and the run game looking unstoppable, New York looks like it is the favorite to win another Super Bowl this year. The Giants trounced the Ravens 30-10. Baltimore who had looked so good in the last couple weeks were dominated by the Giants in the trenches as they gained 134 on the ground and Brandon Jacobs had 2 TDs. I think the only team that can stop the Giants in the playoffs will be injuries to key players or themselves. The power is theirs!
Zorn is good in doses
After the 14-10 loss by the Redskins to Dallas Sunday night, I'm beginning to think Washington was a little overvalued after they sprung out to 6-2. They are a solid team to be sure, but Zorny is facing some tough teams the 'Skins have fallen flat the last two weeks. The NFC East was once thought to contain 3 playoff teams, but now it is questionable if they will get more than one. The Cowboys' Terrence Newman said in an interview today that the team just has more confidence when Romo and his tape-covered pinky is in the game. It showed in the game as the defense finally made its presence felt with 3 sacks and big stops. Romo was not even that good (19/27 for 198 1 TD and 2 INTs) but the Cowboys just played inspired with him back there on both sides of the ball. Marion Barber may be the best closer in the league because when the Cowboys need to seal a game, he gets to the sticks and beyond. The NFL and twwl can rejoice as Dallas is still in the playoff hunt; Ed Werder can resume his sabatical at Valley Ranch for at least a little while longer.
Monday, November 17
Big Weekend for Big South Basketball
Although some may be reluctant to get interested college basketball in mid-November, there was some noise coming from the Big South Conference this past Friday. The first salvo fired was by the VMI Keydets as they beat Kentucky at Rupp Arena 111-103. The second event was not so much the outcome of a game, as what player had the big night. Seth Curry, the newest Curry to come on the scene in college basketball had 23 points and tied a Liberty University home record with 7 steals in the Flames' victory over Montreat. Despite it being early, there is definitely cause to be excited for hoops in the Big South this year. More on the two games after the break.
Krazy Keydets
Billy Gillispie probably will prefer not to schedule anymore Big South teams in his pre-conference slate after this year. Last year, Gardner-Webb achieved an 84-68 upset of the Wildcats in Rupp Arena. Even though at that time Gardner-Webb (who played a close game at Virginia Tech losing 65-62 Friday) was in the Atlantic Sun, they are now members of the Big South alongside the Keydets. The fact that both teams scored over 100 points is nothing surprising for VMI. Years ago coach Duggar Baucom employed a new fast paced gamestyle due to his lack of size. It is said he created the offense while sitting at a restaurant using the salt and pepper shakers and his napkin. The result has been high scores, a frenetic pace, and an exciting style of play to watch for the fans. The Keydets led the nation in scoring last year, averaging 91.3 ppg. Everyone is asked to shoot and shoot quickly. Even though VMI lost their leading scorer Reggie Williams to graduation last year, they had six players in double digits. Williams had led the entire nation in scoring two years in a row, but Travis Holmes poured in 30 to lead the team.
Beating Kentucky in Rupp certainly does not have the luster it has had in the past, especially with Gardner-Webb's victory last year, but it is still a big win for VMI and the conference over an SEC team. In a conference race that is sure to be wide open, the Keydets have made their opening statement with the win. Yesterday VMI fell just short of edging another big conference opponent as they lost to Virginia 107-97.
My Brother and Me
Last season the nation was introduced to Stephen Curry who is the son of former NBA player Dell Curry. Stephen led the Davidson Wildcats to the Elite 8 the brink of the Final Four by making brilliant scoring performances against the competition. This year Stephen is back and getting well-deserved publicity in anticipation of the Wildcats' season. However, in Lynchburg, Virginia Friday night, younger brother Seth Curry announced his presence with a sensational night. 23 points, a record-tying 7 steals at home, as well as 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the 97-77 over Montreat. The competition was not NCAA tournament caliber and he will certainly will be tested more as the season progresses but it was a fantastic start to Seth's career. As the two brothers were in high school, it was initially believed that Seth was the better player but after Stephen's performance last year it is hard to say that Seth will surpass him. Yet he could equal him if he leads Liberty to an NCAA berth during his time at Liberty and has a good showing. As hard as it is to lead any team to the Elite 8, it seems unlikely Seth will bring his team to the same level but he may prove to be just as impressive an individual player.
The Big South and the Southern Conference are two mid-major conferences that have had significant impacts on the national college basketball scene in the last few years. The Big South's showcase team was Winthrop, who nearly defeated Tennessee three years ago and who beat Notre Dame two years ago in the NCAA tournament. Obviously the Southern Conference's premiere team is Davidson led by Stephen Curry and their quest to repeat a deep run in the NCAA tournament. With Stephen returning this year and Seth making a promising debut at Liberty, along with VMI's early victory over Kentucky, it should be an interesting and highly contested season of college basketball down south.
The Greg Robinson Era Mercifully Comes to an End
Yesterday it was announced that Syracuse University fired head football Greg Robinson. Today we have reaction and commentary from one of the 'Cuse's finest. In ASD's first ever guest post we present The Concierge, a Syracuse alum, product of the prestegious S.I. Newhouse School of Communication, and current member of the media. We now present his take on the move that was long over due:
If you’ve watched the Syracuse University football team any time in the last four years, you’ve undoubtedly seen one of the worst, if not the worst, college football teams in the country. It’s a disgrace, especially for a college that ranks among the top 15 winningest college football programs in the country.
In Syracuse football’s nearly 120 year history, greats like Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Floyd Little, Larry Csonka and Donovan McNabb have helped build what was once one of the most prestigious programs in college football. Over 12 decades, Syracuse won a National Championship (1959), 12 out of 21 bowl games and had a Heisman Trophy winner (Davis). In all, SU has won 672 games.
But only nine of those wins have come in the last four years, just three in the Big East Conference. Under Head Coach Greg Robinson, SU football has become nothing more than a joke. Games have been unbearable to watch.
SU Athletic Director Darryl Gross says he’s now ready to change that. A day after Connecticut routed Syracuse 39-14, Gross announced the inevitable – Robinson is out at the end of this year.
“I have made the decision to move our football program in a new direction,” Gross said.
Nice choice of words by Gross, considering there is no other direction for the program to go. At 2-8, Syracuse is ranked 113 in the country according to Jeff Sagarin’s football ratings. SU is at the bottom of the pile.
Robinson’s firing was long-overdue. Although blame for the program’s failure doesn’t fall squarely on his shoulders, Robinson is a big part of SU’s fall from grace. For whatever reason, Gross decided to hire the former University of Texas defensive coordinator after firing longtime SU coach Paul Pasqualoni. It’s somewhat understandable to see Syracuse’s offense struggling under Robinson, but that shouldn’t be the case for its defense year after year. In 2008, the defense has allowed 33.9 points/game (ranked 113 in team defense).
So who will save Syracuse football? Fans can only hope it’s not another “defensive genius” who on the other side of the ball believes in the West Coast offense. Due to location and recent history, Syracuse just can’t recruit players good enough to handle the West Coast offense. If Syracuse is going to return to relevance, the new coach will have to make do with the talent he has. Like Nebraska, Syracuse used to be known for option football. That has to return.
Syracuse’s next coach can’t be an untested assistant somewhere. He has to be someone who has proven himself. He has to be someone with real ties to Syracuse; a former player who knows the true meaning of SU’s football tradition. Who that is, I don’t know. Some say UConn head coach Randy Edsall (a former SU player and assistant coach) should be the man.
The good news? A change is coming. Things can only get better at this point. It may take some time to recover from the Greg Robinson hangover, but at least there’s basketball. Syracuse is 1-0. 
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The Wrong Gator in the Heisman Race
Tim Tebow's seventeen touchdowns in his last four games has some people trying to put him back in the Heisman race. Despite saying his vote is currently with Colt McCoy, even Tebow has not ruled out voting for himself. Regardless of how he votes, it's too little too late. His passing stats lag far behind the big four from the Big XII, and his rushing numbers remain well below last season. The 2007 season saw him make history not only as the first sophomore to win the Heisman, but also with his 32 passing and 23 rushing touchdowns. This year, however, his numbers are artificially inflated and he's not even the best candidate for Heisman on his team. Seriously.
These days Gainesville seems a lot like West Canaan, Texas. In Varsity Blues, Jon Voight refused to give Coyotes' RB Wendell Brown the ball near the goal line. As part of the beginning of the mutiny, Brown makes Mox (James Van Der Beek) aware of their 
coach's bias:"Do you now how many touchdowns I have? Three! That's only because I broke for over twenty yards each time. If we're inside the five [coach] gives the ball to Lance (the QB) or some white receiver."
The comparison is not to insenuate that Urban Meyer is in any way racist, but when the ball is inside the five, there is little disputing that they are trying to get Tebow the score. This season began with the Florida coaching staff wanting to protect Tebow by having him rushing less. That plan lasted approximately one week. In their first game, against Hawai'i, both Brandon James and Cameron Newton had one-yard TD runs. Since that game, Tebow has had eight of his eleven rushing touchdowns from three yards or less, and only one longer than eight yards. The other six who have scored rushing touchdowns for Florida have a combined six from inside the three. Of those, three came with Florida up by more than 42 points. One came after two failed Tebow attempts from the two-yard line and another came in the closing minutes of a 30-point blowout. After their first game, only two meaningful rushing touchdowns of less than five yards, were scored by anyone but Tebow and only one with Tebow not having multiple attempts to score. Last season, the Heisman-winner led the Gators in passing and rushing so it was difficult to dispute that he deserved to punch the ball in. This season, however, Tebow is fourth on the team in rushing. His three teammates ahead of him, Percy Harvin, Jeffery Demps, and Chris Rainey have scored fifteen combined rushing touchdowns, but their average runs for each score: 21.85, 45.2, and 37 yards, respectively. Demps's five scores have all come from more than 35 yards away. The result of the preferential treatment for Tebow has resulted in his rushing totals appearing gaudier than they truly are.
Last year, Tebow had nine games gaining over 50 yards on the ground, eight with over fifteen attempts, and ten rushing touchdowns over three yards. This year, he's averaging a yard less per carry, has been over 50 yards only twice, and zero games with more than fifteen attempts. In eleven of the Gators' games last season, Tebow was either the leading rusher or the second leading rusher. This year, he's been third or lower in seven of the team's ten games. The rushing touchdowns may help raise Tebow's stock in the eyes of some voters, but the majority of his scores are no more impressive than Graham Harrell's six rushing scores, all from the one-yard line.
In addition to the numbers, both of Texas Tech's Heisman candidates came up huge in their season defining moment. In Florida's, Tebow was stuffed on a 4th and 1 against Ole Miss, leading to their only loss. With big games ahead for both teams, there's a chance all candidates will have new season-defining moments, but as it stands now, the advantage in all areas point to candidates other than Tebow.
There's little doubt that Urban Meyer would love to have a two-time Heisman trophy winning quarterback on his resume. He would be the only coach with that recruiting chip and telling any high school quarterback he's got an opportunity to compete at the highest level, win national championships, and win (multiple) Heismans would be a hell of a sales pitch. Blinded by his adoration for Tebow, Coach Meyer missed a tremendous opportunity to have two Heisman trophy winners.
Percy Harvin has been one of the most electric overlooked players in the country and the offensive MVP for the Florida Gators. Harvin has caught seven touchdowns and rushed for seven more. He averages a gaudy 9.2 yards per carry as well as 15.7 yards per reception.With the incredible numbers being put up by quarterbacks in the Big XII even if Meyer chose to feature Harvin, he would be by no means a shoe-in for the trophy, but he'd make a compelling case. Some “experts” maintain that the Big XII lacks any defense and defer to the SEC as the gold standard of college football. The only other non-quarterback in the Heisman discussion, Michael Crabtree, also in the defenseless Big XII, has only 18 more total yards than Harvin. The separation lies mostly in touchdowns, where Percy trails Michael by four. If Coach Meyer had prioritized getting Harvin the ball inside the five instead of Tebow, its possible Harvin could be even (or better) with Crabtree. Just as Tebow won the Heisman by leading Florida in passing and rushing, Harvin leads the Gators in rushing and receiving. With Florida regarded as playing in a tougher conference and quickly becoming a fashionable pick for the BCS championship, there is little reason Percy Harvin shouldn't be the Gator in the 2008 Heisman discussion. Urban Meyer would love to get Tim Tebow his second Heisman, but getting two different players a Heisman would've been an equally useful recruiting tool (it seems to be working well for Pete Carroll). Unfortunately for Coach Bud Kilmer Meyer and the Gators, his devotion to his quarterback has cost his best (offensive) player a legitimate shot at the Heisman.
Saturday, November 15
JRich-less Bobcats silence Jazz
Raymond Felton outplays Jazz PG Deron Williams, pouring in 23 points and six assists. After wins over the Hornets and the Jazz, we can all agree Ray's the best PG in the 2005 draft class. Rayfeon stock prices are through the roof!
Wait, what?
Deron didn't play? We'll they're still a tough team with AK-47... What?
Him either? or Okur? Well, at least the Bobcats finally beat a depleted team after dropping games against undermanned Detroit and Denver. Sean May saw his first significant action since opening night, but it was another big man, Ryan Hollins, playing in his first game this season who had a big impact. Hollins scored 5, grabbed 4 boards and blocked 2 shots in 15 minutes. The Cats also enjoyed a tremendous advantage at the free throw line, connecting on 12 more and attempting 14 more than Utah. This was the first game all season where the Bobcats have outscored their opponent in more than two quarters. Next game: Sunday at home against the Magic.
Friday, November 14
Randy Couture: Lessons from other Older Champs
UFC 91 is just a day away, and for the first time in months, the biggest sporting event of the weekend isn’t happening on the gridiron. The main event pits the Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture against a freak of a man, Brock Lesnar. Couture, the oldest title holder in the history of the UFC, will attempt to become the oldest fighter to defend a heavyweight title belt since George Foreman’s 1996 defense of his IBF title when he was 46. Unlike Foreman, however, Couture enters the fight as an underdog. To most observers it is not Couture’s age, but rather his weight that poses the biggest obstacle. He is fourteen years older than Lesnar, but also 45 pounds lighter. Perhaps there’s something Couture can learn from other champions of advanced age (at least in the sporting world sense). 
There is little argument that this fight card is the most anticipated in the history of the UFC, partly because of the return of a glamorous heavyweight fight. Our country loves the big fellas, and this fight will be the first headline heavyweight encounter since 1997’s Tyson-Holyfield Bite Fight. Much like that fight, the masses are split about who will win. Many fans want Couture to win to keep a Fedor match a viable option, but even amongst those cheering for Couture, they recognize it will be an uphill battle for the Natural.
Maybe just maybe, Randy will be able to take some lessons from the other elder statesmen who’ve ruled their sport.
Arthur Gore was 41 years old when he became the oldest Singles Champion in a Grand Slam tennis event at Wimbledon in 1909. Gore lost the first two sets, before winning the final three to win.
Lesson – Survive the first two rounds. The longer the fight goes; the advantage will begin to swing to Couture. Two of Lesnar’s three fights have ended in the first round, and the third was only a three round contest and Lesnar was fading towards the end. If Couture can avoid (or survive) the big barrage early, his weight and cardio could allow him to come out on top.
George Foreman was 45 when he defeated Michael Moorer to win the IBF and WBA Heavyweight Titles. In doing so, he became the oldest ever to wear the Heavyweight crown. Michael Moorer was ahead on all scorecards when a short right connected perfectly on Moorer’s chin and ending the match.
Lesson – Even if Lesnar is ahead, he can make a mistake giving Couture an opening. Lesnar was leading against Frank Mir when Mir caught him with a kneebar. Lesnar continues to grow as a fighter, but Couture’s experience should present some opportunities for him to steal a victory through submission.
Nolan Ryan was 44 when he became the oldest pitcher in Major League Baseball history to throw a no-hitter, when he threw his seventh on May 1, 1991, but it was in 1993 when Ryan made his biggest statement for older fighters. Ryan hit Robin Ventura with a pitch and was instantly charged by the third baseman, twenty years his junior. Ryan got Ventura in a headlock and delivered several punches to Ventura’s face before they were separated.
Lesson – No one has tested Lesnar’s defenses, standing or on the ground. If Couture can take the fight to Lesnar he may be able to expose some weaknesses in the big man’s game. Forcing Lesnar on the defensive may be the best defense for Couture as well. If Lesnar uses his energy protecting himself or trying to escape its energy and time he’s not using beating Couture. Whether or not Couture can (or will) take Lesnar down remains to be seen, but there is little doubt that this would extend the fight and that should give the advantage to the elder statesman. If Lesnar takes Couture down to the ground, Randy can still learn from Nolan: control the head.
Oscar Swahn was 64 years old when he won an Olympic gold medal in the single shot running deer team event. Swahn, from Sweden, also won a bronze in the individual double shot running deer event.
Lesson – If all else fails, shoot the big sun-of-a-gun. Preferably just with a tranquilizer, because we don’t advocate murder and the Clark Griswold starter pistol might just make him angry.
It’s hard to project what will happen with two such diametrically opposing fighters, but maybe just maybe the experiences of other great champions will provide the blueprint for Randy Couture to conquer the odds and defeat the favored Lesnar.
