I am currently watching the Wisconsin - Miami game, which basically demonstrates why Miami is the kind of team that never deserves to win anything because they're such babies.
But during halftime, I got to catch up a bit on the most recent events in the always fascinating life of Mike Leach.
First, let's explain a bit about Mike Leach, and what a confirmed nutcase he is.
Here's my favorite clip from this season of Mike, where he tells the media that the team's problem is his players' fat little girlfriends.
But last year, ESPN did a series of pieces on Leach, because he was in the midst of leading Texas Tech's Red Raiders to an 11-2 finish, the best in school history, I believe. Anyway, apparently in Texas he's like a folk hero. He does the weather, he gives dating advice on a local talk show.
In a word, he's hilarious.
But apparently he's not big on the proper care of his players when they suffer concussions.
Allegedly, Leach got pissed when Adam James, who just happens to be ESPN analyst Craig James's son (geez, I wonder who the "sources close to the family" are), suffered a concussion. He allegedly put the kid in a dark, empty room for three hours because he couldn't practice.
Personally, I think this is symptomatic of a greater issue, which is the football community's disinterest in treating concussions properly.
Now Leach is suspended for the game and he's trying in the courts to get an injunction that will allow him to coach. Probably the best part of this is that if he's still employed by the university on Thursday, they owe him a $800,000 bonus.
But I can't be 100 percent against a man who collects pirate paraphernalia. It's just not realistic that I wouldn't love a person like Mike Leach. So I hope he wins his court filing, if only to watch how ESPN handles it.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Oh my GOD!
I can't believe I haven't made fun of Urban Meyer yet. I am so foolish and forgetful!
Here you go.
Of all the funny things I've heard about Urban Meyer's decision to step down as head coach of the Florida Gators, my favorite has to be my friend Patrick, who said "Maybe Meyer's wife found him in bed with Tebow." I also enjoyed this former coworker of mine's assessment: "I can't wait to wake up tomorrow to find out Urban Meyer's signed a 10-year extension with Florida."
When Meyer decided that the day after Christmas in the middle of three bowl games less than a week before his team played in a BCS bowl was a good time to announce he was stepping down at the end of the season, he pretty much pissed me off because I had to divide my attention between my football team's seeming inability to tackle in the open field and this clown.
Now, having wasted brain space considering the many things that must be wrong with him to make such a weird, noncompetitive decision, I find out that he is not quitting after all. What is wrong with this person?
Maybe before you announce to the national media that you're quitting, you make a firm decision. I think that's wise. Not that the national media has ever allowed me to make announcements.
But I really don't understand what's going on in that pinhead of his (seriously, it's tiny -- take a look).
First, by nature college football coaches at real programs spend their lives under pressure. I get that he's under pressure, although I should point out he's got the top quarterback apparently ever (Superman wears Tebow pajamas, as you'll recall) and a team that's been steadily kicking ass every year. So his stress is slightly less than, say, a coach with much less talent, booster money, etc.
Second, by nature college football coaches at real programs have to be incredibly, insanely competitive to survive in that world. And if you're not you wouldn't have gotten to the Florida head-coaching job. So I guess it's just confusing to me that you decide in the middle of bowl season that the stress and the chest pains that come with making millions of dollars and outcoaching nearly everyon in America is too much for you. Where do you go from here?
Apparently, you just go to the islands for a few months to recharge, let your offensive coordinator do the hard work, then come back and take over the reins when you feel like it. Which if I were that OC I'd be pissed...but anyway.
I'd also like to draw your attention to this nugget.
We all know I take a special joy in the latest Southern Cal NCAA violation that they then inexplicably get away with.
This one is slightly more fun, though, because I really like that the guy who was dumb enough to set up the star back with a 2006 Land Rover (oh I mean his girlfriend, who is a single mother who pays $500 a month on the car because that's a reasonable amount for a 20-year-old girl to spend on a car every month when her family can't qualify for a loan) also happens to be out of his mind. Either he thinks that we're dumb, or he's dumb. But either way I think the highlight of the story is his company "USC Marketing" he says stands for United States China Marketing. If that's true, which it is not, it is then the worst name for a marketing company ever and no one would ever want to market their products in either of those countries through that company.
And I'm spent....
Here you go.
Of all the funny things I've heard about Urban Meyer's decision to step down as head coach of the Florida Gators, my favorite has to be my friend Patrick, who said "Maybe Meyer's wife found him in bed with Tebow." I also enjoyed this former coworker of mine's assessment: "I can't wait to wake up tomorrow to find out Urban Meyer's signed a 10-year extension with Florida."
When Meyer decided that the day after Christmas in the middle of three bowl games less than a week before his team played in a BCS bowl was a good time to announce he was stepping down at the end of the season, he pretty much pissed me off because I had to divide my attention between my football team's seeming inability to tackle in the open field and this clown.
Now, having wasted brain space considering the many things that must be wrong with him to make such a weird, noncompetitive decision, I find out that he is not quitting after all. What is wrong with this person?
Maybe before you announce to the national media that you're quitting, you make a firm decision. I think that's wise. Not that the national media has ever allowed me to make announcements.
But I really don't understand what's going on in that pinhead of his (seriously, it's tiny -- take a look).
First, by nature college football coaches at real programs spend their lives under pressure. I get that he's under pressure, although I should point out he's got the top quarterback apparently ever (Superman wears Tebow pajamas, as you'll recall) and a team that's been steadily kicking ass every year. So his stress is slightly less than, say, a coach with much less talent, booster money, etc.
Second, by nature college football coaches at real programs have to be incredibly, insanely competitive to survive in that world. And if you're not you wouldn't have gotten to the Florida head-coaching job. So I guess it's just confusing to me that you decide in the middle of bowl season that the stress and the chest pains that come with making millions of dollars and outcoaching nearly everyon in America is too much for you. Where do you go from here?
Apparently, you just go to the islands for a few months to recharge, let your offensive coordinator do the hard work, then come back and take over the reins when you feel like it. Which if I were that OC I'd be pissed...but anyway.
I'd also like to draw your attention to this nugget.
We all know I take a special joy in the latest Southern Cal NCAA violation that they then inexplicably get away with.
This one is slightly more fun, though, because I really like that the guy who was dumb enough to set up the star back with a 2006 Land Rover (oh I mean his girlfriend, who is a single mother who pays $500 a month on the car because that's a reasonable amount for a 20-year-old girl to spend on a car every month when her family can't qualify for a loan) also happens to be out of his mind. Either he thinks that we're dumb, or he's dumb. But either way I think the highlight of the story is his company "USC Marketing" he says stands for United States China Marketing. If that's true, which it is not, it is then the worst name for a marketing company ever and no one would ever want to market their products in either of those countries through that company.
And I'm spent....
Bowl Fever
I have been remiss in my duties.
I apologize.
Blame it on the sour feeling I have from last night, when my football team decided that gaining 9 yards per carry by running it straight up the gut against Southern Cal was a bad idea and abandoned it in favor of our 25-year-old freshman QB's inability to throw accurately despite his 7 years in the minor league baseball world as a pitcher.
Which, based on his football acumen, I'm going to go ahead and say was a smart decision that he never made it to the bigs.
Whew. I'm done.
Glad to see Clemson pull out the big win today...I'm sorry they can't play that way when it matters.
I don't have much to offer on the bowls I've seen thus far. I feel that this week will be remarkably solid. How's that?
And to all you out there who doubted BC's ability to lose the EMERALD NUT BOWL, I say to you: never doubt the Eagles.
I apologize.
Blame it on the sour feeling I have from last night, when my football team decided that gaining 9 yards per carry by running it straight up the gut against Southern Cal was a bad idea and abandoned it in favor of our 25-year-old freshman QB's inability to throw accurately despite his 7 years in the minor league baseball world as a pitcher.
Which, based on his football acumen, I'm going to go ahead and say was a smart decision that he never made it to the bigs.
Whew. I'm done.
Glad to see Clemson pull out the big win today...I'm sorry they can't play that way when it matters.
I don't have much to offer on the bowls I've seen thus far. I feel that this week will be remarkably solid. How's that?
And to all you out there who doubted BC's ability to lose the EMERALD NUT BOWL, I say to you: never doubt the Eagles.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Oh Beavs...
Oh Beavers.
I mean, it's not like I picked you to win in my bowl pool with the sports boys. I took the chance that this would offend the cutest boy in the whole sports department, and we'll just have to see where I stand after I take the freaking lead in the bowl pool after this.
But still. You played with Oregon. And USC. And various other teams all season long.
And you just lost to a team led by a man named Bronco.
I have to tell you. It's disappointing.
On the other hand, it's nice to see that someone (BYU) decided to actually watch some of the footage of your team so that they could see you weren't exactly the most difficult team to break down. I mean, all you really had to do was cut off the screen pass, force Canfield to run and double up on Quizz. So. You did your jobs.
Also BYU's defense? Freaking incredible. Every play they were beyond close to getting a defensive hold or a defensive interference, but they didn't come because they were well-placed on the field. I mean, very impressive.
And you beat the ever-living-shit out of OSU.
But because I refuse to actively root for Mormons, I should point this out. Your quarterback is so pretty...
I mean, it's not like I picked you to win in my bowl pool with the sports boys. I took the chance that this would offend the cutest boy in the whole sports department, and we'll just have to see where I stand after I take the freaking lead in the bowl pool after this.
But still. You played with Oregon. And USC. And various other teams all season long.
And you just lost to a team led by a man named Bronco.
I have to tell you. It's disappointing.
On the other hand, it's nice to see that someone (BYU) decided to actually watch some of the footage of your team so that they could see you weren't exactly the most difficult team to break down. I mean, all you really had to do was cut off the screen pass, force Canfield to run and double up on Quizz. So. You did your jobs.
Also BYU's defense? Freaking incredible. Every play they were beyond close to getting a defensive hold or a defensive interference, but they didn't come because they were well-placed on the field. I mean, very impressive.
And you beat the ever-living-shit out of OSU.
But because I refuse to actively root for Mormons, I should point this out. Your quarterback is so pretty...
Sunday, December 20, 2009
It's the happ-happiest season of all!
Friends, it's bowl game time!
I come at this period of days with a mixture of both great joy and great sadness. Because I know that after a week in January, my time will have to be spent on college basketball. And after that? The dark period...
But for now, let's take some joy in the festivities.
So far, I have been underwhelmed both by my ability to pick bowl game winners, but also by the bowls themselves.
Well, I did enjoy the Wyoming - Fresno State game. I mean, two overtimes and a Wyoming team wins!
I will definitely enjoy watching the Oregon State - BYU game on Tuesday. I am thrilled that a team called the Beavers are going head to head against the Mormons. Should be spectacular.
Finally, here's something that will make some people smile: where there's smoke, I believe, there must be fire.
I come at this period of days with a mixture of both great joy and great sadness. Because I know that after a week in January, my time will have to be spent on college basketball. And after that? The dark period...
But for now, let's take some joy in the festivities.
So far, I have been underwhelmed both by my ability to pick bowl game winners, but also by the bowls themselves.
Well, I did enjoy the Wyoming - Fresno State game. I mean, two overtimes and a Wyoming team wins!
I will definitely enjoy watching the Oregon State - BYU game on Tuesday. I am thrilled that a team called the Beavers are going head to head against the Mormons. Should be spectacular.
Finally, here's something that will make some people smile: where there's smoke, I believe, there must be fire.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
NO HELMETS
NO HELMETS
Meet Dion Lewis, the running back from Pitt who got left off a list of Heisman trophy finalists so that Tim Tebow could have his final moment shining in the sun.
He's pretty cute.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Holy nightmare matchups, Batman!
We've got some bowl matchups to discuss. But first I want you to see my favorite part of the Florida - Alabama game.
A lot of people have said I'm a bad person for wishing ill on Tim Tebow.
I am not. I am a bad person for lots of other reasons, but I stand by my opinion that Tim Tebow has been over-fellated this year. A friend said to me that it was fun when he was a freshman phenom but now it's just tiring. I don't like any team that would put a plaque on the stadium walls of a "speech" he gave while he was still enrolled in the school (albeit probably taking 3 credits or something). And so I rooted for Alabama, and look at me now.
Yes, I may have had to root for a team coached by Nick Saban, who I am pretty sure has had hair plugs (that head of hair is just incredible). But at the end of the day, I stand by my decision.
That said, the title game isn't probably going to be very good. Texas - Alabama? Hard to get excited about.
So let's talk about some bowl matchups I am excited about.
First, I fully support the TCU - Boise State matchup, and here's why: because they're playing each other, I don't have to care about either of them. Whichever wins will be a top 5 team and it will be great, but it's once impossible to judge whether they deserve to be there because they're playing the other non-real conference team. So if Boise State wins? whatever. And if TCU wins? Huh.
It's basically like whoever wins that game is the better of the two teams that no one can really tell if they're good or not.
I already shared my disinterest in the title game.
The entire list is below. I shamelessly ripped off of ESPN's Web site.
A few thoughts:
1) Best name of a bowl this year: R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl or Papajohns.com Bowl? Or Jesus, the Brut Sun Bowl or the Advo Care V100 Independence Bowl? I don't even know what that last one means. It's very troubling to me that the sponsors keep getting weirder and weirder on these bowls.
Do Emerald Nuts believe that I am more likely to buy their product because they sponsor the bowl my team is going to get destroyed in? And if so, then why did they drop the "nuts" part of the bowl, which really was the best part.
Does Meineke think the "Car Care" part of the bowl name is necessary? Are there a lot of other services that Meineke offers that I might get it confused with? Like they want to be clear, this is the Meineke Car Care Bowl, not the Meineke Mani-Pedi Bowl or the Meineke SAT Prep Bowl.
2) I think the Brut Sun Bowl is going to be fun -- Stanford vs. Oklahoma. An interesting matchup and a chance for people to see whether the Pac-10 is really good. Also a good game for those of us who don't miss being part of the Big East? The Sugar Bowl. I seriously can't imagine how much fun Florida is going to have dismantling everything that Cincinnati has prided itself on. It will be just the dressing down that Brian Kelly needs before he heads to Notre Dame, where he'll probably enjoy many dressings down in the 2010 season.
3) Did anyone know that Temple still had a football team? I could have sworn they left Div I-A a few years ago.
4) Does it bother anyone else that my team has to play the day after Christmas but the mighty Troy and Central Michigan teams get a January bowl? I mean, yes, it's the GMAC bowl (I honestly don't even know what that stands for and will not be bothering to look it up), but still. I thought the whole point was to put the most important bowls at the end. And that? Is not important.
Anyway, that's all I've got in me tonight.
A lot of people have said I'm a bad person for wishing ill on Tim Tebow.
I am not. I am a bad person for lots of other reasons, but I stand by my opinion that Tim Tebow has been over-fellated this year. A friend said to me that it was fun when he was a freshman phenom but now it's just tiring. I don't like any team that would put a plaque on the stadium walls of a "speech" he gave while he was still enrolled in the school (albeit probably taking 3 credits or something). And so I rooted for Alabama, and look at me now.
Yes, I may have had to root for a team coached by Nick Saban, who I am pretty sure has had hair plugs (that head of hair is just incredible). But at the end of the day, I stand by my decision.
That said, the title game isn't probably going to be very good. Texas - Alabama? Hard to get excited about.
So let's talk about some bowl matchups I am excited about.
First, I fully support the TCU - Boise State matchup, and here's why: because they're playing each other, I don't have to care about either of them. Whichever wins will be a top 5 team and it will be great, but it's once impossible to judge whether they deserve to be there because they're playing the other non-real conference team. So if Boise State wins? whatever. And if TCU wins? Huh.
It's basically like whoever wins that game is the better of the two teams that no one can really tell if they're good or not.
I already shared my disinterest in the title game.
The entire list is below. I shamelessly ripped off of ESPN's Web site.
A few thoughts:
1) Best name of a bowl this year: R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl or Papajohns.com Bowl? Or Jesus, the Brut Sun Bowl or the Advo Care V100 Independence Bowl? I don't even know what that last one means. It's very troubling to me that the sponsors keep getting weirder and weirder on these bowls.
Do Emerald Nuts believe that I am more likely to buy their product because they sponsor the bowl my team is going to get destroyed in? And if so, then why did they drop the "nuts" part of the bowl, which really was the best part.
Does Meineke think the "Car Care" part of the bowl name is necessary? Are there a lot of other services that Meineke offers that I might get it confused with? Like they want to be clear, this is the Meineke Car Care Bowl, not the Meineke Mani-Pedi Bowl or the Meineke SAT Prep Bowl.
2) I think the Brut Sun Bowl is going to be fun -- Stanford vs. Oklahoma. An interesting matchup and a chance for people to see whether the Pac-10 is really good. Also a good game for those of us who don't miss being part of the Big East? The Sugar Bowl. I seriously can't imagine how much fun Florida is going to have dismantling everything that Cincinnati has prided itself on. It will be just the dressing down that Brian Kelly needs before he heads to Notre Dame, where he'll probably enjoy many dressings down in the 2010 season.
3) Did anyone know that Temple still had a football team? I could have sworn they left Div I-A a few years ago.
4) Does it bother anyone else that my team has to play the day after Christmas but the mighty Troy and Central Michigan teams get a January bowl? I mean, yes, it's the GMAC bowl (I honestly don't even know what that stands for and will not be bothering to look it up), but still. I thought the whole point was to put the most important bowls at the end. And that? Is not important.
Anyway, that's all I've got in me tonight.
2009-10 College Football Bowl Schedule
| New Mexico Fresno State vs. Wyoming | Albuquerque, N.M. University Stadium | Dec. 19 4:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| St. Petersburg UCF vs. Rutgers | St. Petersburg, Fla. Tropicana Field | Dec. 19 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| R+L Carriers New Orleans Southern Miss vs. Middle Tennessee | New Orleans Louisiana Superdome | Dec. 20 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| MAACO Las Vegas Oregon State vs. BYU | Las Vegas Sam Boyd Stadium | Dec. 22 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| S.D. County Credit Union Poinsettia Utah vs. Cal | San Diego Qualcomm Stadium | Dec. 23 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| Sheraton Hawaii Nevada vs. SMU | Honolulu Aloha Stadium | Dec. 24 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| Little Caesars Marshall vs. Ohio | Detroit Ford Field | Dec. 26 1 p.m. | ESPN |
| Meineke Car Care Pitt vs. North Carolina | Charlotte, N.C. Bank of America Stadium | Dec. 26 4:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Emerald Boston College vs. USC | San Francisco AT&T Park | Dec. 26 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| Gaylord Hotels Music City Kentucky vs. Clemson | Nashville, Tenn. LP Field | Dec. 27 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| AdvoCare V100 Independence Texas A&M vs. Georgia | Shreveport, La. Independence Stadium | Dec. 28 5 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| EagleBank Army or UCLA vs. Temple | Washington, D.C. RFK Stadium | Dec. 29 4:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Champs Sports Miami vs. Wisconsin | Orlando, Fla. Florida Citrus Bowl | Dec. 29 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| Roady's Humanitarian Bowling Green vs. Idaho | Boise, Idaho Bronco Stadium | Dec. 30 4:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Pacific Life Holiday Arizona vs. Nebraska | San Diego Qualcomm Stadium | Dec. 30 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Houston vs. Air Force | Fort Worth, Texas Amon G. Carter Stadium | Dec. 31 Noon | ESPN |
| Brut Sun Oklahoma vs. Stanford | El Paso, Texas Sun Bowl | Dec. 31 2 p.m. | CBS |
| Texas Navy vs. Missouri | Houston Reliant Stadium | Dec. 31 3:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Insight Minnesota vs. Iowa State | Tempe, Ariz. Sun Devil Stadium | Dec. 31 6 p.m. | NFL Network |
| Chick-fil-A Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee | Atlanta Georgia Dome | Dec. 31 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Outback Northwestern vs. Auburn | Tampa, Fla. Raymond James Stadium | Jan. 1 11 a.m. | ESPN |
| Capital One Penn State vs. LSU | Orlando, Fla. Florida Citrus Bowl | Jan. 1 1 p.m. | ABC |
| Konica Minolta Gator West Virginia vs. Florida State | Jacksonville, Fla. Municipal Stadium | Jan. 1 1 p.m. | CBS |
| Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi Ohio State vs. Oregon | Pasadena, Calif. Rose Bowl | Jan. 1 4:30 p.m. | ABC |
| Allstate Sugar Florida vs. Cincinnati | New Orleans Louisiana Superdome | Jan. 1 8:30 p.m. | FOX |
| International South Florida vs. Northern Illinois | Toronto, Canada Rogers Centre | Jan. 2 Noon | ESPN2 |
| Papajohns.com South Carolina vs. UConn | Birmingham, Ala. Legion Field | Jan. 2 2 p.m. | ESPN |
| AT&T Cotton Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss | Arlington, Texas Cowboys Stadium | Jan. 2 2 p.m. | FOX |
| AutoZone Liberty Arkansas vs. East Carolina | Memphis, Tenn. Liberty Bowl | Jan. 2 5:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Valero Alamo Michigan State vs. Texas Tech | San Antonio Alamodome | Jan. 2 9 p.m. | ESPN |
| Tostitos Fiesta Boise State vs. TCU | Glendale, Ariz. U. of Phoenix Stadium | Jan. 4 8 p.m. | FOX |
| FedEx Orange Iowa vs. Georgia Tech | Miami Land Shark Stadium | Jan. 5 8 p.m. | FOX |
| GMAC Central Michigan vs. Troy | Mobile, Ala. Ladd-Peebles Stadium | Jan. 6 7 p.m. | ESPN |
| Citi BCS National Championship Game Texas vs. Alabama | Pasadena, Calif. Rose Bowl | Jan. 7 8 p.m. | ABC |
Thursday, December 3, 2009
NO HELMETS
Poor little Sean Canfield.
Adorable, sweet Sean Canfield failed again.
Let's look at him, shall we?
My goodness. That's enough to make you a Beaver Believer all year round.
Adorable, sweet Sean Canfield failed again.
Let's look at him, shall we?
My goodness. That's enough to make you a Beaver Believer all year round.
A thought on LaGarrette Blount
I am not going to hold off on this, even though I'm pretty sure tomorrow I might feel less serious about this.
As anyone with ESPN knows, tonight Oregon squeaked out a win over Oregon State 37-33, and it was a nice win for the Ducks that will send them to the Rose Bowl. I will root for them in the Rose Bowl, and I am not exactly heartbroken about the Beavers. I mean, I really don't care much either way, but it would have been fun to see the upset.
Here's what I'm troubled by, and I'm honestly curious what your thoughts are.
LaGarrette Blount. Let me remind you of a few things about this young man....
I'm guessing that refreshed your memory. Anyway, he is the young man who threw a punch at the start of the season on national television. He is the young man who Chip Kelly suspended for the season and then magically unsuspended for the season and said would play once he climbed various rungs on an imaginary ladder.
He has been eligible to play for a few weeks now. He hasn't played.
Until the Civil War. Until the Ducks are down 9 points in the third quarter against the Beavers and their shot at the Rose Bowl is on the line.
And maybe I'm blowing this out of proportion, but I just think that's tacky. I'm not saying that the Beavers shouldn't have stepped up and shut him down when they needed to, or that the Ducks wouldn't have won without him (I think they would, and could have). I just get a bad taste in my mouth about it. Not sure why. It just felt a little bit like Chip Kelly saying, 'We're in a tight spot. Here's a guy who they have very little film on, who hasn't been a part of our offense all season but who has practiced with us. Let's throw him in at an opportune time.'
I am not even saying that as a coach I wouldn't have done the exact same thing.
I'm just saying I thought it was tacky.
That said, I also thought both their defenses looked like shit. And that the Beavers let it slip away and made a bad call to go for it on 4th and 15 with 6 minutes remaining. Again, I'm not sure how I would have done things differently, I just don't agree with the call.
And on that note, here's something else I find tacky:
That is thanks to my friend Mike. And that, complete with three separate (and to my mind unnecessary) fonts on one T-shirt, is why I rooted for the Beavers.
As anyone with ESPN knows, tonight Oregon squeaked out a win over Oregon State 37-33, and it was a nice win for the Ducks that will send them to the Rose Bowl. I will root for them in the Rose Bowl, and I am not exactly heartbroken about the Beavers. I mean, I really don't care much either way, but it would have been fun to see the upset.
Here's what I'm troubled by, and I'm honestly curious what your thoughts are.
LaGarrette Blount. Let me remind you of a few things about this young man....
I'm guessing that refreshed your memory. Anyway, he is the young man who threw a punch at the start of the season on national television. He is the young man who Chip Kelly suspended for the season and then magically unsuspended for the season and said would play once he climbed various rungs on an imaginary ladder.
He has been eligible to play for a few weeks now. He hasn't played.
Until the Civil War. Until the Ducks are down 9 points in the third quarter against the Beavers and their shot at the Rose Bowl is on the line.
And maybe I'm blowing this out of proportion, but I just think that's tacky. I'm not saying that the Beavers shouldn't have stepped up and shut him down when they needed to, or that the Ducks wouldn't have won without him (I think they would, and could have). I just get a bad taste in my mouth about it. Not sure why. It just felt a little bit like Chip Kelly saying, 'We're in a tight spot. Here's a guy who they have very little film on, who hasn't been a part of our offense all season but who has practiced with us. Let's throw him in at an opportune time.'
I am not even saying that as a coach I wouldn't have done the exact same thing.
I'm just saying I thought it was tacky.
That said, I also thought both their defenses looked like shit. And that the Beavers let it slip away and made a bad call to go for it on 4th and 15 with 6 minutes remaining. Again, I'm not sure how I would have done things differently, I just don't agree with the call.
And on that note, here's something else I find tacky:
That is thanks to my friend Mike. And that, complete with three separate (and to my mind unnecessary) fonts on one T-shirt, is why I rooted for the Beavers.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Being part of Beaver Nation
This is going to divide the very few followers of this blog, but I'm going to make this statement up front.
Tomorrow, I root for the Beavers. Which means I root against the Ducks.
Which frankly should impress you all because that means I am actually, for once, rooting for a team based in Oregon. That said, I have no real choice. They're playing each other.
Anyway, here are my thoughts on the Civil War, which is more brutal than usual because the winner heads to the Rose Bowl to get beaten by Ohio State:
I think Oregon will probably win. I think it will be close. And I think that once again, at the close of the season, Oregon Ducks fans (if their team comes out of the Civil War on top) will be insufferable yet again. And so I choose to root for the Beavers, because one thing I enjoy about them is that they're always just kind of surprised and happy to be involved. That's what sucking really hard for a long time will do for a program: it teaches humility.
Several other reasons that I've chosen to root for OSU: survival. There are way more Beaver fans in Bend than Ducks. And the Beaver, I believe, is a more fierce mascot than the Duck.
Also, this, which offends me to my core: I Love My Ducks
Seriously. That may have pushed me over the edge.
Anyway, I hope if nothing else it's a close, well-played game. I also hope it gets a little chippy. And I particularly hope that LaGarrette gets a little playing time. Just for the fun of it. So his stat line won't say -5 yards for the entire season.
***
In other news, Charlie Weis got fired the other day. I was surprised it didn't happen on Sunday (although that's the Lord's Day, so I shouldn't be too shocked).
Notre Dame has a challenge on its hands, because it must find someone who wants the job, but who can also do the job. It's a bit harder than pulling a bunch of clowns out of junior college like they do at Boise State (and, ahem, Oregon). Unlike most schools in the country, most of these boys are actually expected to go to class and graduate. Oh and win games, which has been much more of a challenge than the graduation rate in the past few years. And by few I mean like 18.
In the meantime, it will be interesting to see if the Irish go to a bowl game. I would like them to just so I get another chance to see Jimmy Clausen throw to Michael Floyd for 400 yards. Because I'm pretty sure that depending on who they pick to take over as coach, Clausen is going to bust out of there a year early.
Maybe Duke's got another point guard it will be willing to give up to the Irish? Scheyer? You interested? Because your predecessor's been very successful at Syracuse (4-8, with 14 interceptions and 13 touchdowns).
Oh, and Bobby Bowden retired, which I'm pretty sure every Florida State fan is secretly thankful for even if they won't admit it. I should point out the man appears to be completely off his rocker. I don't think he's known the names of his players for years now. He probably thought he'd already retired.
Now if they could just get rid of Joe Paterno at Penn State.
Tomorrow, I root for the Beavers. Which means I root against the Ducks.
Which frankly should impress you all because that means I am actually, for once, rooting for a team based in Oregon. That said, I have no real choice. They're playing each other.
Anyway, here are my thoughts on the Civil War, which is more brutal than usual because the winner heads to the Rose Bowl to get beaten by Ohio State:
I think Oregon will probably win. I think it will be close. And I think that once again, at the close of the season, Oregon Ducks fans (if their team comes out of the Civil War on top) will be insufferable yet again. And so I choose to root for the Beavers, because one thing I enjoy about them is that they're always just kind of surprised and happy to be involved. That's what sucking really hard for a long time will do for a program: it teaches humility.
Several other reasons that I've chosen to root for OSU: survival. There are way more Beaver fans in Bend than Ducks. And the Beaver, I believe, is a more fierce mascot than the Duck.
Also, this, which offends me to my core: I Love My Ducks
Seriously. That may have pushed me over the edge.
Anyway, I hope if nothing else it's a close, well-played game. I also hope it gets a little chippy. And I particularly hope that LaGarrette gets a little playing time. Just for the fun of it. So his stat line won't say -5 yards for the entire season.
***
In other news, Charlie Weis got fired the other day. I was surprised it didn't happen on Sunday (although that's the Lord's Day, so I shouldn't be too shocked).
Notre Dame has a challenge on its hands, because it must find someone who wants the job, but who can also do the job. It's a bit harder than pulling a bunch of clowns out of junior college like they do at Boise State (and, ahem, Oregon). Unlike most schools in the country, most of these boys are actually expected to go to class and graduate. Oh and win games, which has been much more of a challenge than the graduation rate in the past few years. And by few I mean like 18.
In the meantime, it will be interesting to see if the Irish go to a bowl game. I would like them to just so I get another chance to see Jimmy Clausen throw to Michael Floyd for 400 yards. Because I'm pretty sure that depending on who they pick to take over as coach, Clausen is going to bust out of there a year early.
Maybe Duke's got another point guard it will be willing to give up to the Irish? Scheyer? You interested? Because your predecessor's been very successful at Syracuse (4-8, with 14 interceptions and 13 touchdowns).
Oh, and Bobby Bowden retired, which I'm pretty sure every Florida State fan is secretly thankful for even if they won't admit it. I should point out the man appears to be completely off his rocker. I don't think he's known the names of his players for years now. He probably thought he'd already retired.
Now if they could just get rid of Joe Paterno at Penn State.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
See it to believe it
If you'd told me at the start of the football season that TCU would be in the Top 5, that Notre Dame with its easiest schedule in 5 years would go 6-6, that Boston College would have eight wins, and that among the Heisman candidates would be a man from Stanford, I would not have believed you.
And yet here I stand (well, technically I am reclining, but you get my meaning) a changed woman.
Let me first say that I am confident tomorrow I will awaken to a new era of Notre Dame football that features God as head coach, Jesus as the offensive coordinator and the Holy Ghost running defense. Barring that, I'd at least like to imagine a world in which the quarterbacks coach for the Irish isn't the worst QB to come through the school in 20 years. And to be fair, Ron Pawlus may be the best coach ND has, considering their defensive performance this evening and their remarkable inability to win games this season.
Now then, let's talk rivalry week.
I enjoy this week of college football a whole lot, because every other school besides Boston College has an in-state rival to play. We? We get to play Maryland, because there is no other Division I-A football program in Massachusetts. If there is, I'd like to know about it.
But everyone else gets to play their most hated rival. For example, Clemson - South Carolina, Florida - Florida State, UCLA - USC. I always wonder about states where there are three or five schools with big football programs. Like, does it hurt one of those teams' feelings that they're not the one so hated that you finish the season with them?
My other favorite part of rivalry week are the weird names of the games. Like, for example, Mississippi State and Ole Miss meet in the EGG BOWL. Why? I think it must have to do with the golden egg that's given to the winner, but I'm unclear on why you would give the winner of a football game a golden egg. We may never know.
Here's another amazing one -- in Utah, Utah, Utah State and BYU play for the Beehive Boot, but the game between BYU and Utah is called The Holy War, which I find seriously hilarious. I'm curious whether the Mormons who go to the game actually call it the Holy War. But anyway, the Beehive Boot goes to the team with the best record in Utah.
Now that sort of makes sense because interestingly enough Utah is the Beehive State. Which actually makes me wonder whether Mississippi is maybe the Egg State. I'll check it out and get back to you.
Check out the Beehive Boot (it's a real pioneer boot!):
But what everyone wanted to talk about today was the Heisman race.
The big question on everyone's mind is whether Tim Tebow will win it again. Amazingly, this hasn't come up all season. He hasn't even been on the lists. And now all of a sudden, the guy's back in the race, even though he hasn't put up the same numbers as he did two years ago or even last year.
Two thoughts on Tim Tebow.
I cannot take seriously a man who wears things like THIS to a football game.
There was a time when eye black was to keep the sun from hurting your eyes. Now, it's apparently for proselytizing. Also, this is what Romans 1:16 says, if you're curious:
And I will not take seriously any sports Web site that allows this headline on the front page of the site:
Generosity of spirit? This is football, people. I am a great lover of college football, but I will not have it described in such a way. Not on my watch, ESPN.com.
Anyway, now everyone is high on Toby Gerhart from Stanford, who lit up Notre Dame today in the fourth quarter. He's very good. He's also named Toby, but since he's so good, I'm going to let that part slide. But do you think Toby is short for something? And if so, what?
He's got great stats and I think his last few games of the year have cemented him in the running for the Heisman.
But my bets are on Colt McCoy, who although he has remarkably googly and vaguely Tyler Hansbrough eyes, is a great QB who is putting up great numbers. And he's had that sad little look for a couple years now, since he keeps getting beat out by people like Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford. Also, I feel like Colt McCoy is like a 9th year senior or something, his name has been thrown around for so long. Maybe if he wins the Heisman we can finally get rid of him.
That's all I've got tonight. Except that I went to see The Blind Side today and while it's super cheesy and predictable, it's also wonderful. Anyone who feels as deeply about sports movies and the power they have to make you cry and then make lists of life goals should definitely go see this movie.
And yet here I stand (well, technically I am reclining, but you get my meaning) a changed woman.
Let me first say that I am confident tomorrow I will awaken to a new era of Notre Dame football that features God as head coach, Jesus as the offensive coordinator and the Holy Ghost running defense. Barring that, I'd at least like to imagine a world in which the quarterbacks coach for the Irish isn't the worst QB to come through the school in 20 years. And to be fair, Ron Pawlus may be the best coach ND has, considering their defensive performance this evening and their remarkable inability to win games this season.
Now then, let's talk rivalry week.
I enjoy this week of college football a whole lot, because every other school besides Boston College has an in-state rival to play. We? We get to play Maryland, because there is no other Division I-A football program in Massachusetts. If there is, I'd like to know about it.
But everyone else gets to play their most hated rival. For example, Clemson - South Carolina, Florida - Florida State, UCLA - USC. I always wonder about states where there are three or five schools with big football programs. Like, does it hurt one of those teams' feelings that they're not the one so hated that you finish the season with them?
My other favorite part of rivalry week are the weird names of the games. Like, for example, Mississippi State and Ole Miss meet in the EGG BOWL. Why? I think it must have to do with the golden egg that's given to the winner, but I'm unclear on why you would give the winner of a football game a golden egg. We may never know.
Here's another amazing one -- in Utah, Utah, Utah State and BYU play for the Beehive Boot, but the game between BYU and Utah is called The Holy War, which I find seriously hilarious. I'm curious whether the Mormons who go to the game actually call it the Holy War. But anyway, the Beehive Boot goes to the team with the best record in Utah.
Now that sort of makes sense because interestingly enough Utah is the Beehive State. Which actually makes me wonder whether Mississippi is maybe the Egg State. I'll check it out and get back to you.
Check out the Beehive Boot (it's a real pioneer boot!):
But what everyone wanted to talk about today was the Heisman race.
The big question on everyone's mind is whether Tim Tebow will win it again. Amazingly, this hasn't come up all season. He hasn't even been on the lists. And now all of a sudden, the guy's back in the race, even though he hasn't put up the same numbers as he did two years ago or even last year.
Two thoughts on Tim Tebow.
I cannot take seriously a man who wears things like THIS to a football game.
There was a time when eye black was to keep the sun from hurting your eyes. Now, it's apparently for proselytizing. Also, this is what Romans 1:16 says, if you're curious:16I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.I have NO idea how that is connected to a football game. None.
And I will not take seriously any sports Web site that allows this headline on the front page of the site:
Sure, his stats stand out, but it's Tim Tebow's generosity of spirit that fans will cherish.
Generosity of spirit? This is football, people. I am a great lover of college football, but I will not have it described in such a way. Not on my watch, ESPN.com.
Anyway, now everyone is high on Toby Gerhart from Stanford, who lit up Notre Dame today in the fourth quarter. He's very good. He's also named Toby, but since he's so good, I'm going to let that part slide. But do you think Toby is short for something? And if so, what?
He's got great stats and I think his last few games of the year have cemented him in the running for the Heisman.
But my bets are on Colt McCoy, who although he has remarkably googly and vaguely Tyler Hansbrough eyes, is a great QB who is putting up great numbers. And he's had that sad little look for a couple years now, since he keeps getting beat out by people like Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford. Also, I feel like Colt McCoy is like a 9th year senior or something, his name has been thrown around for so long. Maybe if he wins the Heisman we can finally get rid of him.
That's all I've got tonight. Except that I went to see The Blind Side today and while it's super cheesy and predictable, it's also wonderful. Anyone who feels as deeply about sports movies and the power they have to make you cry and then make lists of life goals should definitely go see this movie.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
NO HELMETS
Proof that they don't have to look smart, they just have to look hot.
Jordan Shipley, WR for Texas and Colt McCoy's roommate.
Jordan Shipley, WR for Texas and Colt McCoy's roommate.
NO HELMETS
Monday, November 23, 2009
Violence is not the answer
This should help my mom stop worrying about my brother's football-related anger management.
I mean, he gets mad, but I don't think Brian would EVER punch Jimmy Clausen in the face.
Mostly because I'm pretty sure that Jimmy Clausen is the best thing that the Irish have going for them.
I mean, he gets mad, but I don't think Brian would EVER punch Jimmy Clausen in the face.
Mostly because I'm pretty sure that Jimmy Clausen is the best thing that the Irish have going for them.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
NO HELMETS
NO HELMETS
If you can get past the fact that this man was born in 1988 (it always horrifies me when I discover that these kids are just that, kids), and that I'm pretty sure he's rocking adult braces right now, then let me introduce you to Robert McClain, a UConn Huskies senior team captain.
I would love to have a better photo for you, but as you can imagine, until they beat ND there wasn't (and this probably continues) much interest in the mighty UConn football squad.
If you can get past the fact that this man was born in 1988 (it always horrifies me when I discover that these kids are just that, kids), and that I'm pretty sure he's rocking adult braces right now, then let me introduce you to Robert McClain, a UConn Huskies senior team captain.
I would love to have a better photo for you, but as you can imagine, until they beat ND there wasn't (and this probably continues) much interest in the mighty UConn football squad.
I feel like I'm being punished, but I don't know what I did wrong.
My friend Keith said this in reference to being a Steelers fan. I can't agree more.
I'm pretty sure I'm not even going to discuss the fact that Notre Dame lost to UConn. I will just mention, in passing, that UConn has only been a I-A team for about seven years. Just want to get that out there.
No screw it. Here is what I have to say. You can't let teams start thinking they can play with you. Basically, that's what ND does every single game. They start strong, and if they could just punch it in three or four times in the first half, then the Huskies would be on their knees and scared and wouldn't think they had a chance to come back.
Also, and I discussed this at length with my dad on Saturday, this is a top 5 recruiting class. Every year, Notre Dame recruits some of the top talent in the U.S. Yes, they have to read and they'll be expected to go to class and eventually graduate, and those who can't go to USC and Florida and those fine institutions. But you're still getting cream of the crop talent. And if you're such a bad coach that they look that defeated and sad and just generally NOT GOOD on the field, then just let them go playground. Let Jimmy Clausen run the team; let him call plays and say, Hey Golden, you wanna run this one? Hey Floyd, wanna run a wideout route and score a touchdown? They're obviously capable and this man is hindering their abilities.
Okay, I'm done.
I don't have much to say about the Boston College - North Carolina debacle except this: your QB can't throw five interceptions and get a win. It is pretty much statistically impossible. And if you do win, then wow your opponent must have been really really bad. Ugh.
So. Let's move on to teams that are decent and won't likely end up in the Emerald Nut Bowl.
I am no fan of teams playing patsies to warm up the season and pad the win column. I find it distasteful, even though I know that many of the teams I like do it. Still, if you're going to do it, I appreciate that it's done at the start of the year. For some reason, I think it's worse to wait until the end of the season and then suit up your #1 team with a Heisman trophy winning QB against Florida International. Yes, I'm talking about the Gators. I am also talking about #2 Alabama, which put a whooping on Chattanooga.
Seriously? I recognize the SEC is a tough conference to play in, and I recognize the guys are tired, and I further recognize that the SEC has a championship game (which I love, by the way). But I still think it's sort of crappy to prep your team for the championship game against some poor saps from FIU.
In other news, I think Oregon has run out of luck, and I think we might see a Civil War next Thursday (Dec. 3) that will blow our hair back. The Beavers are better than they've gotten credit for this season, and they traditionally enjoy nothing more than showing up and making fun of the Ducks' uniforms and beat them on a last-second field goal. And if they do, they'll go to the Rose Bowl. Anyway, either way I think it's going to be a hell of a game, particularly after Oregon only just snuck a win out against Arizona last night.
Oh man, I can't believe it's taken me this long to make fun of the LSU coach! For those of you who don't just sit home watching football all day, let me fill you in. LSU-Ole Miss. Not a game that matters really, but a decent game. And Ole Miss surprises LSU by sticking with the Tigers through the whole game. Anyway, the Rebels had the lead, 25-23, with about a minute remaining. LSU kicked the most textbook perfect onsides kick of all time and it went right into an LSU player's hands, and he got it down to the 42, and then they got down to like the 25 or so with no lie one second remaining.
So what do they do? They try to stop the clock to bring the kicking unit on the field by spiking, but spiking takes too long and the game is over and Ole Miss wins.
If you've got one second left, you have nothing to lose. Make a play for the end zone. And the LSU coach had literally no idea what to say in explanation of this bonehead play.
Here's a fun quote that I'm sure any QB would be pleased to see in the paper the next day.
I would discuss the Cal-Stanford game, which turned out to be a good one.
But really? I can think of no two teams I care less about than Cal and Stanford. Traditionally the only thing interesting about either school is their bands.
I'm not ready to let that tradition die.
I'm pretty sure I'm not even going to discuss the fact that Notre Dame lost to UConn. I will just mention, in passing, that UConn has only been a I-A team for about seven years. Just want to get that out there.
No screw it. Here is what I have to say. You can't let teams start thinking they can play with you. Basically, that's what ND does every single game. They start strong, and if they could just punch it in three or four times in the first half, then the Huskies would be on their knees and scared and wouldn't think they had a chance to come back.
Also, and I discussed this at length with my dad on Saturday, this is a top 5 recruiting class. Every year, Notre Dame recruits some of the top talent in the U.S. Yes, they have to read and they'll be expected to go to class and eventually graduate, and those who can't go to USC and Florida and those fine institutions. But you're still getting cream of the crop talent. And if you're such a bad coach that they look that defeated and sad and just generally NOT GOOD on the field, then just let them go playground. Let Jimmy Clausen run the team; let him call plays and say, Hey Golden, you wanna run this one? Hey Floyd, wanna run a wideout route and score a touchdown? They're obviously capable and this man is hindering their abilities.
Okay, I'm done.
I don't have much to say about the Boston College - North Carolina debacle except this: your QB can't throw five interceptions and get a win. It is pretty much statistically impossible. And if you do win, then wow your opponent must have been really really bad. Ugh.
So. Let's move on to teams that are decent and won't likely end up in the Emerald Nut Bowl.
I am no fan of teams playing patsies to warm up the season and pad the win column. I find it distasteful, even though I know that many of the teams I like do it. Still, if you're going to do it, I appreciate that it's done at the start of the year. For some reason, I think it's worse to wait until the end of the season and then suit up your #1 team with a Heisman trophy winning QB against Florida International. Yes, I'm talking about the Gators. I am also talking about #2 Alabama, which put a whooping on Chattanooga.
Seriously? I recognize the SEC is a tough conference to play in, and I recognize the guys are tired, and I further recognize that the SEC has a championship game (which I love, by the way). But I still think it's sort of crappy to prep your team for the championship game against some poor saps from FIU.
In other news, I think Oregon has run out of luck, and I think we might see a Civil War next Thursday (Dec. 3) that will blow our hair back. The Beavers are better than they've gotten credit for this season, and they traditionally enjoy nothing more than showing up and making fun of the Ducks' uniforms and beat them on a last-second field goal. And if they do, they'll go to the Rose Bowl. Anyway, either way I think it's going to be a hell of a game, particularly after Oregon only just snuck a win out against Arizona last night.
Oh man, I can't believe it's taken me this long to make fun of the LSU coach! For those of you who don't just sit home watching football all day, let me fill you in. LSU-Ole Miss. Not a game that matters really, but a decent game. And Ole Miss surprises LSU by sticking with the Tigers through the whole game. Anyway, the Rebels had the lead, 25-23, with about a minute remaining. LSU kicked the most textbook perfect onsides kick of all time and it went right into an LSU player's hands, and he got it down to the 42, and then they got down to like the 25 or so with no lie one second remaining.
So what do they do? They try to stop the clock to bring the kicking unit on the field by spiking, but spiking takes too long and the game is over and Ole Miss wins.
If you've got one second left, you have nothing to lose. Make a play for the end zone. And the LSU coach had literally no idea what to say in explanation of this bonehead play.
Here's a fun quote that I'm sure any QB would be pleased to see in the paper the next day.
"I felt like the quarterback could manage the situation. That was my mistake."Geez, thanks for nothing, Coach.
I would discuss the Cal-Stanford game, which turned out to be a good one.
But really? I can think of no two teams I care less about than Cal and Stanford. Traditionally the only thing interesting about either school is their bands.
I'm not ready to let that tradition die.
Friday, November 20, 2009
NO HELMETS
If in fact Coach Mangino has been verbally harassing his players, let me say this to Todd Reesing, quarterback for Kansas.
I would love to verbally harass you.
NO HELMETS
I would love to verbally harass you.
NO HELMETS
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Feeling overshadowed.
I love college basketball. Not as much as college football, but enough to continue paying 2/3 of the cable bill for another four months while allowing my roommate to enjoy the cable as much as I do.
And there's part of me that loves this time of year more than any other -- it's dark out pretty much all the time, you're completely justified to change into your pajamas at 7 p.m. and watch whatever sports are on TV, and there's no shortage of sports at all whatsoever.
But I can't help feeling that right about now, up until the bowl season, college football sort of falls by the wayside a little bit.
For example, this evening there was apparently a pretty decent game on between Oklahoma State and Colorado, of all things. The fact that the #12 team in the country nearly lost to Colorado is reason enough for me to stand up and take notice. Except I was at the old folks' home watching a college basketball game instead, and it was so good I totally forgot there might be a good football game on.
So I stand ready to hold football in your faces until it's over.
You know why?
When it's gone, and the long sport-desolate months of April through August stretch before you, you'll look back on these halcyon days and say, 'Thank God Sheila alerted me to the big fight happening in Kansas over that hugely fat coach.'
So let's hop to it.
Everyone's favorite giant, Mark Mangino (seriously I feel bad for the fans of this team, because he's a good coach but there is no way he's going to make it another five years the way he's going) is being accused of some coaching indiscretions at the University of Kansas, where he's made some headway in a quest to stop the Jayhawks from being just a basketball school. Here's what they say at ESPN.com:
I guess I'm not saying it's right, but I certainly don't think a coach yelling at you because you aren't paying attention, even grabbing you, is unacceptable. It would be unacceptable if he were, say, punching you in the face.
I'm sort of on Team Mangino here. And I'm proud to be in the company of this little man, who I'm guessing is also on Team Mangino.
Wow, even as I write this I discover that I do not know the whole story. Let's check out this magic from www.deadspin.com.
Some (alleged) highlights:
"One day, [Mangino] said in front of the entire team, 'Are you going to be a lawyer or do you want to become an alcoholic like your Dad?'"
When confronting a KU player who had received a "minor in possession" ticket, Mangino told him "You'll be drinking out of a brown paper bag the rest of (your) life." Brown, who had a brother that was once shot in the arm, says that Mangino once said to him, "If you don't shut up, I'm going to send you back to St. Louis so you can get shot with your homies."
Lovely. Still, not sure this is anything worse than what you'd expect on most college football fields. And as Deadspin points out, all this comes out when the team is sucking, as opposed to last season, when they were 12-1.
So for the moment, I'd like to go back to Baby Mangino.
Feeling better already.
And there's part of me that loves this time of year more than any other -- it's dark out pretty much all the time, you're completely justified to change into your pajamas at 7 p.m. and watch whatever sports are on TV, and there's no shortage of sports at all whatsoever.
But I can't help feeling that right about now, up until the bowl season, college football sort of falls by the wayside a little bit.
For example, this evening there was apparently a pretty decent game on between Oklahoma State and Colorado, of all things. The fact that the #12 team in the country nearly lost to Colorado is reason enough for me to stand up and take notice. Except I was at the old folks' home watching a college basketball game instead, and it was so good I totally forgot there might be a good football game on.
So I stand ready to hold football in your faces until it's over.
You know why?
When it's gone, and the long sport-desolate months of April through August stretch before you, you'll look back on these halcyon days and say, 'Thank God Sheila alerted me to the big fight happening in Kansas over that hugely fat coach.'
So let's hop to it.
Everyone's favorite giant, Mark Mangino (seriously I feel bad for the fans of this team, because he's a good coach but there is no way he's going to make it another five years the way he's going) is being accused of some coaching indiscretions at the University of Kansas, where he's made some headway in a quest to stop the Jayhawks from being just a basketball school. Here's what they say at ESPN.com:
Maybe I'm old-fashioned, maybe I'm just used to private schools. But I personally see very little wrong with this. Verbal abuse? Seriously? You're college football players. I'm pretty sure your whole adulthood has been based on verbal abuse. I remember exactly two coaches from HIGH SCHOOL who didn't verbally abuse us.Kansas athletic director Lew Perkins has launched an investigation into Mangino allegedly grabbing, yelling at and putting his finger in the chest of senior linebacker Arist Wright, who had been laughing during a walkthrough or practice prior to the Colorado game on Oct. 17, two people briefed on the situation told ESPN's Joe Schad on Tuesday night.
Since then, several former Kansas players come forward with allegations of verbal abuse.
I guess I'm not saying it's right, but I certainly don't think a coach yelling at you because you aren't paying attention, even grabbing you, is unacceptable. It would be unacceptable if he were, say, punching you in the face.
I'm sort of on Team Mangino here. And I'm proud to be in the company of this little man, who I'm guessing is also on Team Mangino.
Wow, even as I write this I discover that I do not know the whole story. Let's check out this magic from www.deadspin.com.
Some (alleged) highlights:
"One day, [Mangino] said in front of the entire team, 'Are you going to be a lawyer or do you want to become an alcoholic like your Dad?'"
When confronting a KU player who had received a "minor in possession" ticket, Mangino told him "You'll be drinking out of a brown paper bag the rest of (your) life." Brown, who had a brother that was once shot in the arm, says that Mangino once said to him, "If you don't shut up, I'm going to send you back to St. Louis so you can get shot with your homies."
Lovely. Still, not sure this is anything worse than what you'd expect on most college football fields. And as Deadspin points out, all this comes out when the team is sucking, as opposed to last season, when they were 12-1.
So for the moment, I'd like to go back to Baby Mangino.
Feeling better already.
Monday, November 16, 2009
NO HELMETS
So I wanted you all to see some cute boys from TCU.
But I couldn't find any who weren't wearing helmets.
So here's this.
I think it's worth it just for the weirdness factor
But I couldn't find any who weren't wearing helmets.
So here's this.
I think it's worth it just for the weirdness factor
Do I have to blog about TCU?
The first piece of college mail I got, probably in 1996, was from Texas Christian University. I did not apply to TCU, but I got a second chance to interact with this fine university in 2005, when after graduating from Columbia University I was recruited to be a sports reporter in Abilene, Texas. I was promised the following: a chance to cover big-time high school football in Texas, and maybe to get some college sports experience at TCU. I chose once again not to be a part of western Texas, partly because while looking at www.apartments.com, I discovered most of the housing there was mobile homes.
I am many things, but I am not going to live in a mobile home.
So it is with great pain that I write about the TCU Horned Frogs, who are currently ranked #4 in the country. They are undefeated, which is great. They destroyed Utah this week, and now all of a sudden people are saying the Horned Frogs are for real.
Do I think they could beat Florida, Alabama or Texas? Hmm. No.
But I never would have thought that Boise State would win the best college bowl game I've ever seen in my life a few years ago so what do I know?
I mean, I thought BC might be able to put the hurt on UVA, who lost to a Div. I-AA team earlier this season (and not even a good Div. I-AA team, but William and Mary!). And yet we very nearly lost.
And I also thought Notre Dame might beat Pitt.
Well, let's get into that a bit.
I had a talk with my dad, from whom I learned quite a bit about college football in my youth. He also happens to be a very big ND fan. But he also is the kind of man who, when the team starts to look like shit, turns to the Oregon game and tries to forget about it. When I was little, when ND started losing he would go out and mow the lawn.
There aren't enough lawns in the world this season.
Look, I think, individually, these are some great guys. Jimmy Clausen is one of the top 5 quarterbacks in the U.S., although his obnoxious little pinched face gets old. Michael Floyd is back, and he's spectacular. Golden Tate has the best name ever (better even, in my opinion, than the guy named Yourhighness who almost played at BC) and is a good runner. ND regularly has a top 5 recruiting class.
And yet, in talking with my dad, he made a great point: they get worse every week.
He's 100 percent correct.
When ND started the season, there was fire. They looked great. That is a thing of the past. Don't get me started on Charlie Weis's cocky, unacceptable decisions (like, for example, 3rd and 26 -- yeah, we should run the ball). I guess he learned it from the best -- if you were paying attention, ridiculous Bill Belichick decided it was a good idea to go for it on 4th and 2 at his own 28 with 2:08 remaining against the undefeated Colts. If he'd been right, it would have been epic. He was wrong, and that's why everyone is talking smack even though it's Monday. Kind of gets rid of that mystique.
Also gone is USC's dominance, apparently. The Trojans dropped their third this season, to what I can only believe is an incredibly underrated Stanford team. I told Dad, he of the mowing lawns, that I didn't remember the last time Southern Cal dropped three regular season games.
The answer? 2001. Kristen totally knew that.
Okay, that's all I can do right now.
I am many things, but I am not going to live in a mobile home.
So it is with great pain that I write about the TCU Horned Frogs, who are currently ranked #4 in the country. They are undefeated, which is great. They destroyed Utah this week, and now all of a sudden people are saying the Horned Frogs are for real.
Do I think they could beat Florida, Alabama or Texas? Hmm. No.
But I never would have thought that Boise State would win the best college bowl game I've ever seen in my life a few years ago so what do I know?
I mean, I thought BC might be able to put the hurt on UVA, who lost to a Div. I-AA team earlier this season (and not even a good Div. I-AA team, but William and Mary!). And yet we very nearly lost.
And I also thought Notre Dame might beat Pitt.
Well, let's get into that a bit.
I had a talk with my dad, from whom I learned quite a bit about college football in my youth. He also happens to be a very big ND fan. But he also is the kind of man who, when the team starts to look like shit, turns to the Oregon game and tries to forget about it. When I was little, when ND started losing he would go out and mow the lawn.
There aren't enough lawns in the world this season.
Look, I think, individually, these are some great guys. Jimmy Clausen is one of the top 5 quarterbacks in the U.S., although his obnoxious little pinched face gets old. Michael Floyd is back, and he's spectacular. Golden Tate has the best name ever (better even, in my opinion, than the guy named Yourhighness who almost played at BC) and is a good runner. ND regularly has a top 5 recruiting class.
And yet, in talking with my dad, he made a great point: they get worse every week.
He's 100 percent correct.
When ND started the season, there was fire. They looked great. That is a thing of the past. Don't get me started on Charlie Weis's cocky, unacceptable decisions (like, for example, 3rd and 26 -- yeah, we should run the ball). I guess he learned it from the best -- if you were paying attention, ridiculous Bill Belichick decided it was a good idea to go for it on 4th and 2 at his own 28 with 2:08 remaining against the undefeated Colts. If he'd been right, it would have been epic. He was wrong, and that's why everyone is talking smack even though it's Monday. Kind of gets rid of that mystique.
Also gone is USC's dominance, apparently. The Trojans dropped their third this season, to what I can only believe is an incredibly underrated Stanford team. I told Dad, he of the mowing lawns, that I didn't remember the last time Southern Cal dropped three regular season games.
The answer? 2001. Kristen totally knew that.
Okay, that's all I can do right now.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Yikes
Look, I support the troops and everything.
And the Wounded Warriors Project seems like a nice thing.
But there's nothing cool or nice about these uniforms South Carolina wore to get beat up by Tim Tebow and the Gators today.
My first thought was this: hey, is that kid's last name really Integrity? That's wild!
Then I realized, no. Those are just the ugliest, most embarrassing uniforms in history.
How about you take the money you're going to spend on the embarrassing and ugly uniforms and donate it all?
And the Wounded Warriors Project seems like a nice thing.
But there's nothing cool or nice about these uniforms South Carolina wore to get beat up by Tim Tebow and the Gators today.
My first thought was this: hey, is that kid's last name really Integrity? That's wild!
Then I realized, no. Those are just the ugliest, most embarrassing uniforms in history.
How about you take the money you're going to spend on the embarrassing and ugly uniforms and donate it all?
It all hangs in the balance
Today's a big day to be an Irish fan. Now, I don't base my self-worth on Notre Dame football, because if I did I would have a hard time looking myself in the mirror on a week-to-week basis.
After last week's embarrassing loss to Navy, the Irish have three more games, and they could easily lose all of them. Today they're up against Pitt, next week it's UConn and finally Stanford.
Pitt is ranked #12 in the country, for reasons I cannot discern except that it's one of the few teams in the nation with one loss. That said, their loss comes to NC State, which features my least favorite coach in the world, Tom O'Brien (and that's saying something, since I have a lot of hate in my heart for football coaches across this great nation). It should be noted that NC State is 4-5. Anyway, Pitt has beaten every team in the Big East this season, along with, wait for it, Navy.
So there's that.
I happen to think ND will beat Pitt. But even if the Irish get that win, they've still got to get past UConn and Stanford, and I'm embarrassed to write that as if it's a challenge. Except that Stanford put up 50 points to beat Oregon, and UConn nearly beat Cincinnati a couple weeks ago.
Point is, most Notre Dame fans seem pretty well finished with Charlie Weis. They can either root for three more wins and a decent bowl game (I won't even get into the hopes of winning a bowl game) or they can hope for a couple losses here at the end of the season so Charlie's definitely out the door. Because if they finish strong, I could see the Irish giving Charlie another year. Or six.
On to other, more important parts of college football...
Who knew a game between Utah and Texas Christian would be so damn important? The game, which is usually an also-ran that plays on a Friday night, has big implications. Both teams are ranked and TCU is undefeated. Utah's beaten TCU the past three years, and while TCU is slated to beat up on Utah, I doubt that will happen. I'm guessing TCU stays undefeated but am hopeful for a close game. That said, is this game even televised? Ridiculous.
Finally, there's kind of an interesting game on mid-day between Iowa and Ohio State. I've stated previously that I am not convinced about the middle America teams' strength. Ohio State just hasn't looked particularly crisp this year, and I knew Iowa was going to go down eventually. But I think this game is interesting because whoever wins solidifies its spot in the Rose Bowl. Iowa lost its quarterback, but I think for the Hawkeyes, the pressure's off. They're no longer undefeated and I think that helps a team get back to basics. Anyway, no idea who is going to win, but I think it should be a decent game.
I will leave you with this, the greatest of all justifications for bringing back Oregon's LeGarrette Blount, who was suspended for the season after punching a Boise State player on national television during opening night of college football.
"We put a plan in place lot of academic and behavioral ladders and if he climbed them he would have the opportunity to be reinstated," Coach Chip Kelly said. "For him it's been a long road back but he fulfilled everything we asked him to do."
I would pay at least $500 to see that kid's mid-term grades.
A long road back it was not.
After last week's embarrassing loss to Navy, the Irish have three more games, and they could easily lose all of them. Today they're up against Pitt, next week it's UConn and finally Stanford.
Pitt is ranked #12 in the country, for reasons I cannot discern except that it's one of the few teams in the nation with one loss. That said, their loss comes to NC State, which features my least favorite coach in the world, Tom O'Brien (and that's saying something, since I have a lot of hate in my heart for football coaches across this great nation). It should be noted that NC State is 4-5. Anyway, Pitt has beaten every team in the Big East this season, along with, wait for it, Navy.
So there's that.
I happen to think ND will beat Pitt. But even if the Irish get that win, they've still got to get past UConn and Stanford, and I'm embarrassed to write that as if it's a challenge. Except that Stanford put up 50 points to beat Oregon, and UConn nearly beat Cincinnati a couple weeks ago.
Point is, most Notre Dame fans seem pretty well finished with Charlie Weis. They can either root for three more wins and a decent bowl game (I won't even get into the hopes of winning a bowl game) or they can hope for a couple losses here at the end of the season so Charlie's definitely out the door. Because if they finish strong, I could see the Irish giving Charlie another year. Or six.
On to other, more important parts of college football...
Who knew a game between Utah and Texas Christian would be so damn important? The game, which is usually an also-ran that plays on a Friday night, has big implications. Both teams are ranked and TCU is undefeated. Utah's beaten TCU the past three years, and while TCU is slated to beat up on Utah, I doubt that will happen. I'm guessing TCU stays undefeated but am hopeful for a close game. That said, is this game even televised? Ridiculous.
Finally, there's kind of an interesting game on mid-day between Iowa and Ohio State. I've stated previously that I am not convinced about the middle America teams' strength. Ohio State just hasn't looked particularly crisp this year, and I knew Iowa was going to go down eventually. But I think this game is interesting because whoever wins solidifies its spot in the Rose Bowl. Iowa lost its quarterback, but I think for the Hawkeyes, the pressure's off. They're no longer undefeated and I think that helps a team get back to basics. Anyway, no idea who is going to win, but I think it should be a decent game.
I will leave you with this, the greatest of all justifications for bringing back Oregon's LeGarrette Blount, who was suspended for the season after punching a Boise State player on national television during opening night of college football.
"We put a plan in place lot of academic and behavioral ladders and if he climbed them he would have the opportunity to be reinstated," Coach Chip Kelly said. "For him it's been a long road back but he fulfilled everything we asked him to do."
I would pay at least $500 to see that kid's mid-term grades.
A long road back it was not.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Catch the Fever.
In the immortal words of a guy I worked with in New Jersey: Rutgers football, catch the fever.
He didn't put an exclamation point after it, and I'm going to go ahead and assume that's because even Rutgers grads know the truth. But after the 31-0 romping the Scarlet Knights just laid on South Florida, I was slightly excited about the team.
I have an unfair disgust for Rutgers, because of two, interminable years working in New Jersey with two very overzealous Rutgers grads who were pretty psyched that in 2006, with the Big East missing Virginia Tech, Miami and Boston College, they pulled off a number of wins and were nationally ranked for much of the season.
One of those Rutgers fans may read this blog...so I will refrain from saying anything else, like the fact that the obnoxious banter reminded me in no small way of the kind of crap I've heard from Ducks fans this year.
Point is, it pains me to say it, but Rutgers looked pretty good tonight. Or more to the point, USF looked real real real bad.
Two other things to say:
1) Boston College vs. UVA this weekend. Let's be very clear. UVA lost to William and Mary this year. That's a Division I-AA football team, for those of you playing at home. If we lose, I give back all the money that I won from U of O fans last week.
2) Hey Tennessee football players. Aren't you kind of busy? Shouldn't you be too busy to go out and commit armed robbery? No? Hmm.
He didn't put an exclamation point after it, and I'm going to go ahead and assume that's because even Rutgers grads know the truth. But after the 31-0 romping the Scarlet Knights just laid on South Florida, I was slightly excited about the team.
I have an unfair disgust for Rutgers, because of two, interminable years working in New Jersey with two very overzealous Rutgers grads who were pretty psyched that in 2006, with the Big East missing Virginia Tech, Miami and Boston College, they pulled off a number of wins and were nationally ranked for much of the season.
One of those Rutgers fans may read this blog...so I will refrain from saying anything else, like the fact that the obnoxious banter reminded me in no small way of the kind of crap I've heard from Ducks fans this year.
Point is, it pains me to say it, but Rutgers looked pretty good tonight. Or more to the point, USF looked real real real bad.
Two other things to say:
1) Boston College vs. UVA this weekend. Let's be very clear. UVA lost to William and Mary this year. That's a Division I-AA football team, for those of you playing at home. If we lose, I give back all the money that I won from U of O fans last week.
2) Hey Tennessee football players. Aren't you kind of busy? Shouldn't you be too busy to go out and commit armed robbery? No? Hmm.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
NO HELMETS
NO HELMETS
In honor of Stanford's big win yesterday over Oregon, let me introduce you to Andrew Luck, the freshman quarterback for the Cardinal.He actually, I think, looks a little better in a helmet. But we'll take what we can get.
Who says there weren't any good matchups yesterday?
Yesterday I made a couple bold statements. One, I said there weren't many good matchups, and I apparently was wrong. I guess I figured that most of the Top 10 teams who lost or nearly lost yesterday were going to play like Top 10 teams. That was wrong.
Iowa lost, Oregon lost, USC only put up 14 points on Arizona State, Alabama squeaked by LSU, and Cincinnati and Boise State also had scares.
Let's start with Iowa's loss to Northwestern. The Hawkeyes were undefeated entering this game, but they'd looked shaky almost every week. They've played from behind for miraculous wins in several games this season. Someone was going to sneak up on them, and it happened to be, of all teams, Northwestern. Northwestern had a good run there in the mid 1990s. Since then they've been dreadful. And they're still dreadful, and Iowa made them look good. So that got rid of one of our undefeated teams.
Cincinnati remains one of the 6 remaining undefeated teams, but they had to put up 47 points to beat UConn, 47-45. A coach has to be concerned when UConn can put 45 points on your defense.
But what I'd really like to talk to you about is the Oregon Ducks. Now, I would like you all to quickly scroll down to the previous post, where I said Stanford would beat the Ducks. Give me a mental pat on the back, because I was right.
The Ducks found themselves in a classic situation -- you get a big win over USC, then you figure you're great and don't have to worry about a little team like Stanford. You are wrong. Stanford put up 51 points on the Ducks, a week after the Ducks put up nearly 50 points on USC. I don't understand how you score 42 points and fail to win a game. But I am pleased that the result is silent Oregon fans.
Finally, Alabama snuck past LSU. I don't know why, but I kind of like Alabama. Even though he's sort of slimy I think their coach, Nick Saban, is pretty cute, and I really like a team that has a tradition of wearing funny houndstooth fedoras into the stadium because Bear Bryant liked to wear them too. Like, seriously? I would love to be part of a school that in addition to wearing a bright yellow Superfan shirts, students were also expected to don men's hats for each game. That would be awesome.
Case in point:
I mean, I probably wouldn't pair my hat with knee-high boots, a skirt and a shoulderless top (who knew they made shoulderless tops? What purpose does the missing shoulder part serve?) but you catch my drift. Having a hat like that to wear to football games would be fantastic.
Anyway, Bama's win over LSU puts them in the SEC championship with Florida. It's probably our country's best chance of seeing Tim Tebow cry this year. So I'm officially rooting for the Crimson Tide.
One last thought: last night Clemson pulled out a win against Florida State. It was a good win, but it's not like Florida State was ranked #1 or the win means Clemson will play in the National Championship or something...which is why I don't understand why the student section stormed the field after the game.
Are you celebrating the fact that your team is now bowl-eligible? Because half the teams in the country are going to be bowl-eligible. I'm so confused.
Iowa lost, Oregon lost, USC only put up 14 points on Arizona State, Alabama squeaked by LSU, and Cincinnati and Boise State also had scares.
Let's start with Iowa's loss to Northwestern. The Hawkeyes were undefeated entering this game, but they'd looked shaky almost every week. They've played from behind for miraculous wins in several games this season. Someone was going to sneak up on them, and it happened to be, of all teams, Northwestern. Northwestern had a good run there in the mid 1990s. Since then they've been dreadful. And they're still dreadful, and Iowa made them look good. So that got rid of one of our undefeated teams.
Cincinnati remains one of the 6 remaining undefeated teams, but they had to put up 47 points to beat UConn, 47-45. A coach has to be concerned when UConn can put 45 points on your defense.
But what I'd really like to talk to you about is the Oregon Ducks. Now, I would like you all to quickly scroll down to the previous post, where I said Stanford would beat the Ducks. Give me a mental pat on the back, because I was right.
The Ducks found themselves in a classic situation -- you get a big win over USC, then you figure you're great and don't have to worry about a little team like Stanford. You are wrong. Stanford put up 51 points on the Ducks, a week after the Ducks put up nearly 50 points on USC. I don't understand how you score 42 points and fail to win a game. But I am pleased that the result is silent Oregon fans.
Finally, Alabama snuck past LSU. I don't know why, but I kind of like Alabama. Even though he's sort of slimy I think their coach, Nick Saban, is pretty cute, and I really like a team that has a tradition of wearing funny houndstooth fedoras into the stadium because Bear Bryant liked to wear them too. Like, seriously? I would love to be part of a school that in addition to wearing a bright yellow Superfan shirts, students were also expected to don men's hats for each game. That would be awesome.
Case in point:
I mean, I probably wouldn't pair my hat with knee-high boots, a skirt and a shoulderless top (who knew they made shoulderless tops? What purpose does the missing shoulder part serve?) but you catch my drift. Having a hat like that to wear to football games would be fantastic.
Anyway, Bama's win over LSU puts them in the SEC championship with Florida. It's probably our country's best chance of seeing Tim Tebow cry this year. So I'm officially rooting for the Crimson Tide.
One last thought: last night Clemson pulled out a win against Florida State. It was a good win, but it's not like Florida State was ranked #1 or the win means Clemson will play in the National Championship or something...which is why I don't understand why the student section stormed the field after the game.
Are you celebrating the fact that your team is now bowl-eligible? Because half the teams in the country are going to be bowl-eligible. I'm so confused.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Seriously?
Let's say for a moment that you're trying to catch up on sleep after a 13-hour work day on a Saturday morning. And let's say that well before the acceptable hour to call a person, someone you weren't even friends with in high school sends you a text to tell you he's getting off the train in South Bend and just wants to tell you so you'll be jealous. And let's say you're not jealous of a person you barely know going to the Notre Dame v Navy game, particularly since the score of that game is currently Navy 14, Notre Dame 0.
This is why I would like there to be a way to block people from calling you or sending you annoying texts at 8:30 a.m. Knowing me, that already exists and I just didn't know about it.
Whatever, all this is to say that Notre Dame is currently losing to Navy, and that is straight embarrassing for Notre Dame and all its opponents this season...
In other news, today's football just isn't that good. BC has a bye, Notre Dame is losing to Navy, and almost every team that matters is playing a team that doesn't matter. I think one of the only good games today is probably Ohio State v Penn State, and I believe that the middle America teams are highly overrated right now.
I mean, I watched Iowa this morning (after being awakened at 8:30 a.m. by an annoying high school classmate) and they had four turnovers in the first half AGAINST NORTHWESTERN. It was so ridiculous that I went to Whole Foods to do some secret shopping (and ended up spending like $100 on a bunch of stuff that doesn't go together, and a lunch bag -- this is my life). Now I look at scores on ESPN and am informed that Iowa, ranked #4 in the country, has lost to Northwestern. I'm sorry, what? I recognize every team has bad days, and yes, Iowa played with a backup freshman QB. But the #4 team in the nation should have a backup quarterback better than the Wildcats' starting quarterback.
Northwestern had 239 yards of offense. Not in the first half, no. In the whole game. This is a team that lost to Syracuse this season. Uncool.
Other than that, I haven't got much to say just now. However, I'm calling the upset -- Stanford will beat Oregon today.
This is why I would like there to be a way to block people from calling you or sending you annoying texts at 8:30 a.m. Knowing me, that already exists and I just didn't know about it.
Whatever, all this is to say that Notre Dame is currently losing to Navy, and that is straight embarrassing for Notre Dame and all its opponents this season...
In other news, today's football just isn't that good. BC has a bye, Notre Dame is losing to Navy, and almost every team that matters is playing a team that doesn't matter. I think one of the only good games today is probably Ohio State v Penn State, and I believe that the middle America teams are highly overrated right now.
I mean, I watched Iowa this morning (after being awakened at 8:30 a.m. by an annoying high school classmate) and they had four turnovers in the first half AGAINST NORTHWESTERN. It was so ridiculous that I went to Whole Foods to do some secret shopping (and ended up spending like $100 on a bunch of stuff that doesn't go together, and a lunch bag -- this is my life). Now I look at scores on ESPN and am informed that Iowa, ranked #4 in the country, has lost to Northwestern. I'm sorry, what? I recognize every team has bad days, and yes, Iowa played with a backup freshman QB. But the #4 team in the nation should have a backup quarterback better than the Wildcats' starting quarterback.
Northwestern had 239 yards of offense. Not in the first half, no. In the whole game. This is a team that lost to Syracuse this season. Uncool.
Other than that, I haven't got much to say just now. However, I'm calling the upset -- Stanford will beat Oregon today.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
NO HELMETS
As their team attempts to PR its way into a BCS game ...
Let me present to you a lineup of cute boys stuck living in Boise.
Let me present to you a lineup of cute boys stuck living in Boise.
So it's come to this.
I almost don't want to post anything new so that I can always keep my open letter to U of O at the top.
Alas, all good things must come to an end.
So here are a few talking points you might enjoy:
The WAC has hired a PR firm to try to get Boise State a spot in a BCS bowl. Imagine how psyched the people Boise State employs as public relations officers and sports information directors are about this. And really? If PR works to get Boise State into a top bowl, then that will be pretty much straight proof that the BCS is crap.
Here's a Sports-o-Ween picture from Deadspin, my favorite sports blog. It perfectly sums up the way I think Tim Tebow gets treated. Tacky yes. But accurate, and amusing.
Finally, there was apparently some spat regarding dirty play during the Florida-Georgia game last weekend. And now this guy has decided it would be better if he were to suspend himself for a full game because of his nasty behavior. I'm guessing the dude just doesn't want to bother suiting up against Vanderbilt.
Alas, all good things must come to an end.
So here are a few talking points you might enjoy:
The WAC has hired a PR firm to try to get Boise State a spot in a BCS bowl. Imagine how psyched the people Boise State employs as public relations officers and sports information directors are about this. And really? If PR works to get Boise State into a top bowl, then that will be pretty much straight proof that the BCS is crap.
Here's a Sports-o-Ween picture from Deadspin, my favorite sports blog. It perfectly sums up the way I think Tim Tebow gets treated. Tacky yes. But accurate, and amusing.
Finally, there was apparently some spat regarding dirty play during the Florida-Georgia game last weekend. And now this guy has decided it would be better if he were to suspend himself for a full game because of his nasty behavior. I'm guessing the dude just doesn't want to bother suiting up against Vanderbilt.
Monday, November 2, 2009
An open letter to U of O fans
Dear Duck Fans,
First, I would like to congratulate you for your commanding win over Southern Cal on Saturday. I really enjoyed it. In fact, I watched the entire thing because it was so fun to watch the USC defense get dismantled in the way I have long believed possible. You made the Trojans look weak, and also super classy (apparently tough competitors like Pete Carroll don't have to shake hands with the opposing team's coach after the game).
But let's get down to brass tacks: stop being assholes.
Seriously. Let's not forget what led to this victory. You opened up the regular season with a highly anticipated Thursday night game in Boise, in which you were embarrassed 19-8 and attracted a bit of negative attention in the form of your "star" running back punching an opposing player, his own teammate and attempting to go into the stands after a fan.
You then proceeded to make a big show of telling that "star" running back, and the media, that he was suspended for the remainder of the season. And THEN you decided to maybe reinstate him when you realized that he might come in handy in a BCS bowl.
So yes, it was a great win for the program. I mean, sure, the Washington Huskies beat USC already this season, and they were winless last season. But a big win, no doubt.
Here's the problem with the Ducks fans I am currently dealing with here in Oregon: you forget why you hate USC so much.
So let me remind you. You hate USC fans because they're cocky, because they think they're better than you, because they are sure that they'll beat everyone and are poor sports about it when they don't.
Right now? You're acting like them. Instead of basking in a good win, you're acting like you've always been this good, like your team is far superior to USC's. And frankly that's just false. You're a decent program, but statistically you're not doing so hot in the Trojans v. Ducks series... I mean, shit. You lost to USC 44-10 last season. And trust me, I'm not defending USC. I am no fan of the Trojans.
But until you have something to be really proud of, like a Rose Bowl win after 1917 (this is a fact), keep quiet. I'm not suggesting your string of trips to the Holiday Bowl isn't impressive. But maybe take a lesson from my playbook when I root for Boston College: I like to act continually amazed that we win any games at all. Humility will never come back to bite you.
And then win the next four games on your schedule so you're guaranteed a spot in the Rose Bowl instead of suggesting it's a certainty that you're going already.
Sorry. Just wanted to get that off my chest.
Sincerely,
Sheila
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Oregon looks dark and cold right now
ESPN GameDay is at U of O today -- and boy does it look disgusting out there. It's raining, it's dark, and it's 7:30 a.m. Probably not inspiring people to think differently of our state.
Anyway, here's what we're looking at today:
#3 Texas v. #14 Oklahoma State
#5 USC v. $10 Oregon
First, I admit I don't know much about Texas or Oklahoma State, but I do believe that these two teams play in the top conference in the country. As a result, probably a good game, and probably a good look at teams that are going to dominate a bowl or two.
But I have to tell you, I really despise Colt McCoy and his googly eyes. I feel like he's the kind of kid who has been on Texas for 7 years. He just won't go away.
The game I actually care about is USC v Oregon. Here are my thoughts -- the Trojans are not as good as they've been in past years, and are definitely beatable. I mean, based on what I've seen out of Notre Dame the past month or two, if Southern Cal can't beat up on them, then the Trojans are potentially in trouble today.
Oregon has surprised me since their first game debacle, with the ridiculous punch and the getting wiped by Boise State. They've looked quite good, actually. I lost almost all of my (very small amount of) respect for the Ducks when they decided that maybe they'd let LaGarrett Blount play after all, even though they'd said publicly he was done for the season.
But while everyone talks about home field advantage, I will say this: I don't think it's super scary to show up at Autzen Stadium looking for a win. It's not that big a stadium, and even if it was, it's filled with Oregonians. We're not that serious. So I doubt that USC is going to worry about coming into Oregon's territory.
One other note. Best name ever for a college football rivalry? The world's largest outdoor cocktail party -- Florida v Georgia. I mean, I would KILL to have thought that up.
Anyway, here's what we're looking at today:
#3 Texas v. #14 Oklahoma State
#5 USC v. $10 Oregon
First, I admit I don't know much about Texas or Oklahoma State, but I do believe that these two teams play in the top conference in the country. As a result, probably a good game, and probably a good look at teams that are going to dominate a bowl or two.
But I have to tell you, I really despise Colt McCoy and his googly eyes. I feel like he's the kind of kid who has been on Texas for 7 years. He just won't go away.
The game I actually care about is USC v Oregon. Here are my thoughts -- the Trojans are not as good as they've been in past years, and are definitely beatable. I mean, based on what I've seen out of Notre Dame the past month or two, if Southern Cal can't beat up on them, then the Trojans are potentially in trouble today.
Oregon has surprised me since their first game debacle, with the ridiculous punch and the getting wiped by Boise State. They've looked quite good, actually. I lost almost all of my (very small amount of) respect for the Ducks when they decided that maybe they'd let LaGarrett Blount play after all, even though they'd said publicly he was done for the season.
But while everyone talks about home field advantage, I will say this: I don't think it's super scary to show up at Autzen Stadium looking for a win. It's not that big a stadium, and even if it was, it's filled with Oregonians. We're not that serious. So I doubt that USC is going to worry about coming into Oregon's territory.
One other note. Best name ever for a college football rivalry? The world's largest outdoor cocktail party -- Florida v Georgia. I mean, I would KILL to have thought that up.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
I'm baaaaack...
Did you think I'd forgotten you? Never.
I have just returned from Chile...I was able to catch one half of the Notre Dame - Boston College game and one half of the Alabama game while abroad. Unfortunately, I had been a bit overserved, so I don't remember much except the shouting at the 40 Irish fans in the bar.
See there's this thing called the Terremoto in Chile. It's a troubling drink -- a scoop of pineapple ice cream, a 16-ounce Solo cup of white wine topped with some Fernet. So those are the main reason I am a little fuzzy on the details.
But I will say this: of what I remember, it was a hideously ugly game, and since Notre Dame won and BC had 5 turnovers, I almost feel glad I missed the majority of it.
Anyway, here's where we stand in Week 9.
There are a surprising number of undefeated teams, including Iowa, Cincinnati and Texas Christian. I'm not as surprised by the other teams, like Alabama and Florida, or even Boise State. But Iowa, from what I hear, is expected to hang in there and be ranked near #1 for the rest of the season. I have a feeling Cincinnati will be beaten by West Virginia or Pitt or someone, and Texas Christian? I have to tell you the Horned Frogs don't really register for me.
Looking at their schedule, there are wins over Clemson (embarrassing, BC!) and Virginia (embarrassing that they're even in the ACC). But other than that and the win over BYU, I'm not too impressed.
Which brings me to a question: does an undefeated season matter if there aren't many worthy opponents? Boise State is a perfect example. They've complained for years that they don't get any respect because they have 10- or 12-win seasons every year and until recently weren't ranked highly. And yes, they're pretty good, but their talents aren't tested very often.
This year the pollsters and coaches and AP writers seem to be paying more attention than ever to lower-level teams. But I think that 9 times out of 10, Florida or Alabama are going to beat the ever-living shit of TCU and Cincinnati.
Anyway, these are my thoughts.
I have just returned from Chile...I was able to catch one half of the Notre Dame - Boston College game and one half of the Alabama game while abroad. Unfortunately, I had been a bit overserved, so I don't remember much except the shouting at the 40 Irish fans in the bar.
See there's this thing called the Terremoto in Chile. It's a troubling drink -- a scoop of pineapple ice cream, a 16-ounce Solo cup of white wine topped with some Fernet. So those are the main reason I am a little fuzzy on the details.
But I will say this: of what I remember, it was a hideously ugly game, and since Notre Dame won and BC had 5 turnovers, I almost feel glad I missed the majority of it.
Anyway, here's where we stand in Week 9.
There are a surprising number of undefeated teams, including Iowa, Cincinnati and Texas Christian. I'm not as surprised by the other teams, like Alabama and Florida, or even Boise State. But Iowa, from what I hear, is expected to hang in there and be ranked near #1 for the rest of the season. I have a feeling Cincinnati will be beaten by West Virginia or Pitt or someone, and Texas Christian? I have to tell you the Horned Frogs don't really register for me.
Looking at their schedule, there are wins over Clemson (embarrassing, BC!) and Virginia (embarrassing that they're even in the ACC). But other than that and the win over BYU, I'm not too impressed.
Which brings me to a question: does an undefeated season matter if there aren't many worthy opponents? Boise State is a perfect example. They've complained for years that they don't get any respect because they have 10- or 12-win seasons every year and until recently weren't ranked highly. And yes, they're pretty good, but their talents aren't tested very often.
This year the pollsters and coaches and AP writers seem to be paying more attention than ever to lower-level teams. But I think that 9 times out of 10, Florida or Alabama are going to beat the ever-living shit of TCU and Cincinnati.
Anyway, these are my thoughts.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Just kidding
I failed you. I didn't even watch the Mizzou - Nebraska game. I shouldn't even have a damn blog.
Anyway, I'm going to Chile now.
See you in a couple weeks.
Go Eagles, Go Irish (except when they play the Eagles on the 24th) and Go Va Tech (except when they play the Eagles tomorrow)!
Anyway, I'm going to Chile now.
See you in a couple weeks.
Go Eagles, Go Irish (except when they play the Eagles on the 24th) and Go Va Tech (except when they play the Eagles tomorrow)!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
WARNING
I have to warn all 11 of the people who read my blog.
I'll write after tomorrow's game...but after that, I'll be in CHILE for two weeks and will miss probably three full Saturdays of football.
I apologize.
I'll write after tomorrow's game...but after that, I'll be in CHILE for two weeks and will miss probably three full Saturdays of football.
I apologize.
So much QB discussion!
Tebow is a game-time decision. Because he almost threw up his brain after a concussion (and "respiratory illness"a couple weeks ago...
Bradford (he's adorable) plans to play this weekend, after he injured himself in the first game of the season (it looked like he broke his collarbone but he just sprained his shoulder).
And Oregon's QB, who really is named Jeremiah Masoli, may be back for this weekend's game, as though anyone really cares. I'm just throwing it out there, but I believe that Oregon will get stomped by Oregon State this year. The Beavers are going to be angry about the Ducks' time in the spotlight.
That's really all I have -- except that I think tomorrow night's matchup looks interesting. Nebraska plays Missouri, and in a shocking twist, both of these teams are actually in the top 25 right now. Nebraska has stunk for several years, so I'm interested to see if they can stick with it this year. And Mizzou, well, I have to be honest, I know nothing about. I guess they're undefeated, and they have beaten mighty Nevada (who as we all know got it handed to them by Notre Dame), and the also serious Illinois. Who knows?
I go with Nevada, but only because my 29-year college football history tells me to never believe the Huskers.
Bradford (he's adorable) plans to play this weekend, after he injured himself in the first game of the season (it looked like he broke his collarbone but he just sprained his shoulder).
And Oregon's QB, who really is named Jeremiah Masoli, may be back for this weekend's game, as though anyone really cares. I'm just throwing it out there, but I believe that Oregon will get stomped by Oregon State this year. The Beavers are going to be angry about the Ducks' time in the spotlight.
That's really all I have -- except that I think tomorrow night's matchup looks interesting. Nebraska plays Missouri, and in a shocking twist, both of these teams are actually in the top 25 right now. Nebraska has stunk for several years, so I'm interested to see if they can stick with it this year. And Mizzou, well, I have to be honest, I know nothing about. I guess they're undefeated, and they have beaten mighty Nevada (who as we all know got it handed to them by Notre Dame), and the also serious Illinois. Who knows?
I go with Nevada, but only because my 29-year college football history tells me to never believe the Huskers.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Now that I'm lucid again...
I really appreciate that after Boston College beats your mediocre team, NOW you're calling for your coach's head. After literally 30-odd years. It isn't as though the Eagles have never beaten the Seminoles before -- you know, we did it last year. And Bowden hasn't known the names of his players for years, so why NOW? It's wonderful to me that a loss to BC is what really offends FSU fans, not the loss to South Florida. (Which to be fair is 5-0. But still.)
Which brings me to my favorite statistic of the weekend: Greg Paulus (yes, the former point guard for Duke who now plays QB for Syracuse) threw five picks in one game against South Florida.
It's like the football equivalent of this:
And now for an I told you so: At the start of the season, I wondered why everyone thought this was UNC's breakout year. UNC is a basketball school, not a football school. And I have never been inclined to think that UNC is interested in being a football school. Yet, at the start of the season, the Heels were ranked #21. In the interim, they've lost to Georgia Tech (okay, I can accept that) and then to Virginia. UVA, I should point out, lost to William and Mary at the start of the year. Until I moved in with a W&M grad last year, I had no idea they even had a football team. The school's mascot is named Ebirt. It's this weird green monster. That's how bad UVA is: they lose to teams with mascots named Ebirt (which for those of you playing at home, is Tribe spelled backwards, which was the school's former, and way cooler, mascot).
One other thing. Look, I appreciate that Oklahoma's star QB is out right now. But let's look at this realistically: Oklahoma is 2-2. The Sooners have lost to both BYU and Miami -- and while this isn't how I like to look at rankings, BYU got its ass handed to it by Florida State (who just lost to BC) and Miami is pretty good but I'm not prepared to say the U is as good as everyone thinks. And yet Oklahoma is ranked #19. Riddle me that, Batman.
Which brings me to my favorite statistic of the weekend: Greg Paulus (yes, the former point guard for Duke who now plays QB for Syracuse) threw five picks in one game against South Florida.
It's like the football equivalent of this:
And now for an I told you so: At the start of the season, I wondered why everyone thought this was UNC's breakout year. UNC is a basketball school, not a football school. And I have never been inclined to think that UNC is interested in being a football school. Yet, at the start of the season, the Heels were ranked #21. In the interim, they've lost to Georgia Tech (okay, I can accept that) and then to Virginia. UVA, I should point out, lost to William and Mary at the start of the year. Until I moved in with a W&M grad last year, I had no idea they even had a football team. The school's mascot is named Ebirt. It's this weird green monster. That's how bad UVA is: they lose to teams with mascots named Ebirt (which for those of you playing at home, is Tribe spelled backwards, which was the school's former, and way cooler, mascot).
One other thing. Look, I appreciate that Oklahoma's star QB is out right now. But let's look at this realistically: Oklahoma is 2-2. The Sooners have lost to both BYU and Miami -- and while this isn't how I like to look at rankings, BYU got its ass handed to it by Florida State (who just lost to BC) and Miami is pretty good but I'm not prepared to say the U is as good as everyone thinks. And yet Oklahoma is ranked #19. Riddle me that, Batman.
NO HELMETS
Well, his team lost to ND yesterday, but he is pretty much adorable.
Meet Jake Locker from the University of Washington; he's the quarterback and yesterday just wasn't his best day.
Meet Jake Locker from the University of Washington; he's the quarterback and yesterday just wasn't his best day.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
As my hangover slowly abates...
I will try to write a coherent entry here for y'all. Might have to stop though, if my memory comes back at any point.
First, those of you who watched the ND game will understand why I've taken several years off my life. OT last second victory over Washington. It shouldn't have been close; ND had 5 field goals because the Irish couldn't get the ball in the end zone. But they still managed to pull it out, and it was a thrilling game all around.
Boston College also won today, which is bizarre and wonderful. I didn't expect this team to win any games against ACC opponents. And here they are, Eagles on the warpath...
BC was the site of Game Day today, and isn't this incredible? Go on Mark Herzlich, go on!
Also, I'm psyched to see that an arrest has been made in the Erin Andrews nude video case.
In other news, Miami beat Oklahoma tonight, and everyone is all excited and believe this is proof Miami is back. But again, I'd like to point out that Sam Bradford is still not playing for Oklahoma, which I think makes it sort of a moot point.
And I'm guessing since USC whooped up on Cal tonight, that gets rid of the Bears Top 25 ranking.
Okay. I can't do anything else. I need to go to sleep and pretend the past two days never happened. I'll provide more thoughts once I have thoughts again.
First, those of you who watched the ND game will understand why I've taken several years off my life. OT last second victory over Washington. It shouldn't have been close; ND had 5 field goals because the Irish couldn't get the ball in the end zone. But they still managed to pull it out, and it was a thrilling game all around.
Boston College also won today, which is bizarre and wonderful. I didn't expect this team to win any games against ACC opponents. And here they are, Eagles on the warpath...
BC was the site of Game Day today, and isn't this incredible? Go on Mark Herzlich, go on!
Also, I'm psyched to see that an arrest has been made in the Erin Andrews nude video case.
In other news, Miami beat Oklahoma tonight, and everyone is all excited and believe this is proof Miami is back. But again, I'd like to point out that Sam Bradford is still not playing for Oklahoma, which I think makes it sort of a moot point.
And I'm guessing since USC whooped up on Cal tonight, that gets rid of the Bears Top 25 ranking.
Okay. I can't do anything else. I need to go to sleep and pretend the past two days never happened. I'll provide more thoughts once I have thoughts again.
I'm too hung over for this
I'm sorry. I can't do much today, because I am nursing the worst hangover I've had in like five years (which is saying something).
I'm watching Notre Dame try to lose to Washington right now, and can't find the BC game but I understand we're winning.
Here's one thing I have to say: got to love that when Oregon's other running back goes down with an injury, the Ducks all of a sudden think maybe they'll give Blount another chance. Can anyone say BULLSHIT?
Just don't say you're going to suspend the guy for a whole season; say indefinitely, say until further notice. But don't say the whole season and then go back on it. That's just weak.
I would also like to say that I enjoyed watching Tate Forcier and Michigan lose today. And I really enjoyed the Wolverines' fake punt at their own 10 yard line? What were they thinking?
Okay, I'll write more when I can breathe again.
I'm watching Notre Dame try to lose to Washington right now, and can't find the BC game but I understand we're winning.
Here's one thing I have to say: got to love that when Oregon's other running back goes down with an injury, the Ducks all of a sudden think maybe they'll give Blount another chance. Can anyone say BULLSHIT?
Just don't say you're going to suspend the guy for a whole season; say indefinitely, say until further notice. But don't say the whole season and then go back on it. That's just weak.
I would also like to say that I enjoyed watching Tate Forcier and Michigan lose today. And I really enjoyed the Wolverines' fake punt at their own 10 yard line? What were they thinking?
Okay, I'll write more when I can breathe again.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
NO HELMETS
Ladies, let me introduce you to Greg McElroy, the QB for Alabama. This is the best photo I could find of him, but I happen to think he's much cuter. I'm trying to add a little mix in here -- even gingerish boys deserve time in the spotlight.
Bottles of urine; or, why I'm not a big fan of WVU
I'm no big believer in the West Virginia Mountaineers. I never really supportd them when I was a student at Boston College, but my dislike wasn't really cemented until my sister-in-law, a Virginia Tech die-hard Hokie, told me about the time she'd had a bottle of urine thrown at her during a game.
She was probably wearing a Vick jersey, but still. In my many years of attending college football games, I've had pennies, marshmallows, and other small items thrown at me. I've watched fans at some games throw octopus, which frankly I wouldn't have enjoyed getting slapped with. But I would argue that a damn bottle of urine is officially over the line. Mostly because it is human waste.
Anyway, while I dislike West Virginia, I am currently watching the Colorado - WVU game right now, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't wish four turnovers in 1.5 quarters on very many schools. Frankly, I'd like to save that wish for Southern Cal or Michigan or someone along those lines.
But really, WVU? Colorado lost to Colorado State and Toledo. That's hard to do. And to be fair, I'm not a big fan of the Buffs either, mostly because I knew a couple real assholes from my rival high school who were recruited to Colorado by Rick Neuheisel, who I really really hate and who should totally be on that webpage about men who look like old lesbians. And I am a huge fan of lesbians -- just ask the Indigo Girls.
Anyway, the other thing I was going to mention here is that the Colorado QB is the coach's son. And I have always wondered how annoyed his teammates get about that.
OH! And I can't believe I forgot to point out that freaking disgusting USC weight room accident:
I seriously can't even deal with the details. They're that gross.
This is the guy who had a big huge weight fall on his neck and crush his larynx etc. Oh God I'm about to barf (like Tim Tebow) right now.
She was probably wearing a Vick jersey, but still. In my many years of attending college football games, I've had pennies, marshmallows, and other small items thrown at me. I've watched fans at some games throw octopus, which frankly I wouldn't have enjoyed getting slapped with. But I would argue that a damn bottle of urine is officially over the line. Mostly because it is human waste.
Anyway, while I dislike West Virginia, I am currently watching the Colorado - WVU game right now, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't wish four turnovers in 1.5 quarters on very many schools. Frankly, I'd like to save that wish for Southern Cal or Michigan or someone along those lines.
But really, WVU? Colorado lost to Colorado State and Toledo. That's hard to do. And to be fair, I'm not a big fan of the Buffs either, mostly because I knew a couple real assholes from my rival high school who were recruited to Colorado by Rick Neuheisel, who I really really hate and who should totally be on that webpage about men who look like old lesbians. And I am a huge fan of lesbians -- just ask the Indigo Girls.
Anyway, the other thing I was going to mention here is that the Colorado QB is the coach's son. And I have always wondered how annoyed his teammates get about that.
OH! And I can't believe I forgot to point out that freaking disgusting USC weight room accident:
I seriously can't even deal with the details. They're that gross.
This is the guy who had a big huge weight fall on his neck and crush his larynx etc. Oh God I'm about to barf (like Tim Tebow) right now.
Monday, September 28, 2009
You're sooooo funny, douchebag with sign
Some people have asked me in the past about Erin Andrews, the sportscaster for ESPN. I demurred a bit, because I have a lot of mixed feelings about Ms. Andrews. I do like what she does, and I think she's good at it.
Then I saw this. And I have to tell you, it made me really angry. I like football, and I am a girl. And I don't like to turn on the television to watch Game Day at the asscrack of dawn in Bend, freaking Oregon where there will be no football played by anyone other than mediocre high school teams, and have to see that. I have a very strong idea of what the guy holding that sign looks like.
I picture someone like Buzz from Home alone, except more hung over and stinky from the previous night's liquor.
This sign officially puts me in the Erin Andrews camp for good. I will disregard all of her sort of bogus in-the-locker-room flirting and the touching of arms during halftime interviews.
Go Erin!
Then I saw this. And I have to tell you, it made me really angry. I like football, and I am a girl. And I don't like to turn on the television to watch Game Day at the asscrack of dawn in Bend, freaking Oregon where there will be no football played by anyone other than mediocre high school teams, and have to see that. I have a very strong idea of what the guy holding that sign looks like.
I picture someone like Buzz from Home alone, except more hung over and stinky from the previous night's liquor.
This sign officially puts me in the Erin Andrews camp for good. I will disregard all of her sort of bogus in-the-locker-room flirting and the touching of arms during halftime interviews.
Go Erin!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Tebow throws up, too
Well. it's been an interesting day.
First off, all power to the Boston College Eagles who come back after achieving less than 100 yards of offense last week to beat Wake Forest in OT! I dislike Wake for a few reasons, including that their quarterback is named Riley Skinner, which just seems like a made-up name. As you may recall, I've nursed a long and meaningless grudge against Wake Forest ever since this mean girl threatened to have her boyfriend beat me up after I mocked her school in a Wake Forest bar (who knew? There were Wake Forest bars?). Anyway, proud of the Eagles for bouncing back and I like our 93-year-old quarterback.
In other news, Notre Dame once again had to pull it out in the last freaking second, this time to Purdue (who I should point out lost to both the Oregon Ducks and the Northern Illinois whatever their mascot is). There's nothing worse than leaving your television set for the first time all day at 7 p.m. to go see a movie, thinking the team has the game in hand. And then you discover that they nearly freaking lost! PS I went to see Whip It! And it was freaking awesome.
Tim Tebow was amazing today mostly because after I lost my will to watch him anymore, he proceeded to get jacked by a Kentucky defender, wander around and almost fall down confused, throw up repeatedly as he was being taken into the locker room, and then had to go to the hospital and is staying overnight with a concussion. Man, I guess those "respiratory illness" problems will put you on your back, huh?
And how 'bout those Ducks, eh? I feel like LaMarcus Blount, oh he of the magic sucker punch, is pretty amazed that Oregon is surviving without him. And by surviving I mean knocking the ever living shit out of Cal today, 42-3. I for one am shocked that #6 Bears are unable to even score a touchdown against the Ducks. Though to be fair, their uniforms were pretty ridiculously awesome today. Check these throwback helmets!
Was also impressed by Arizona State today, even if they did lose in the last second to Georgia. Who knew the Sun Devils had it in them? And also I'm really curious about Cincinnati. I guess I rarely hear of a school that is named after a city instead of a state doing well. But now here is Cincinnati and Houston (who beat Texas Tech and are looking like they might be for real).
Favorite fact learned today: when Illinois and (The) Ohio State University play against one another, they play for the Illibuck Trophy, which is a wooden turtle. Interestingly, they used to play for a REAL TURTLE. Fact.
Finally, let me say it did my heart good to see Miami get it beat up on by Virginia Tech. That was fun. It reminded me how much joy I take when I see Miami lose. I take back everything I said that was positive about the Canes. They are the worst.
AND Penn State loses on the day they have their little WHITE OUT, and Florida State loses to freaking South Florida? Man. It's all just too much.
But I think I have to leave you all with this: right now I'm watching ESPN and they are literally doing a courtroom bit where Rece Davis is wearing a judge's robe, Lou Holtz and Mark May are arguing which non-BCS team is best. It makes me sad for them. Do they think no one is watching?
First off, all power to the Boston College Eagles who come back after achieving less than 100 yards of offense last week to beat Wake Forest in OT! I dislike Wake for a few reasons, including that their quarterback is named Riley Skinner, which just seems like a made-up name. As you may recall, I've nursed a long and meaningless grudge against Wake Forest ever since this mean girl threatened to have her boyfriend beat me up after I mocked her school in a Wake Forest bar (who knew? There were Wake Forest bars?). Anyway, proud of the Eagles for bouncing back and I like our 93-year-old quarterback.
In other news, Notre Dame once again had to pull it out in the last freaking second, this time to Purdue (who I should point out lost to both the Oregon Ducks and the Northern Illinois whatever their mascot is). There's nothing worse than leaving your television set for the first time all day at 7 p.m. to go see a movie, thinking the team has the game in hand. And then you discover that they nearly freaking lost! PS I went to see Whip It! And it was freaking awesome.
Tim Tebow was amazing today mostly because after I lost my will to watch him anymore, he proceeded to get jacked by a Kentucky defender, wander around and almost fall down confused, throw up repeatedly as he was being taken into the locker room, and then had to go to the hospital and is staying overnight with a concussion. Man, I guess those "respiratory illness" problems will put you on your back, huh?
And how 'bout those Ducks, eh? I feel like LaMarcus Blount, oh he of the magic sucker punch, is pretty amazed that Oregon is surviving without him. And by surviving I mean knocking the ever living shit out of Cal today, 42-3. I for one am shocked that #6 Bears are unable to even score a touchdown against the Ducks. Though to be fair, their uniforms were pretty ridiculously awesome today. Check these throwback helmets!
Was also impressed by Arizona State today, even if they did lose in the last second to Georgia. Who knew the Sun Devils had it in them? And also I'm really curious about Cincinnati. I guess I rarely hear of a school that is named after a city instead of a state doing well. But now here is Cincinnati and Houston (who beat Texas Tech and are looking like they might be for real).
Favorite fact learned today: when Illinois and (The) Ohio State University play against one another, they play for the Illibuck Trophy, which is a wooden turtle. Interestingly, they used to play for a REAL TURTLE. Fact.
Finally, let me say it did my heart good to see Miami get it beat up on by Virginia Tech. That was fun. It reminded me how much joy I take when I see Miami lose. I take back everything I said that was positive about the Canes. They are the worst.
AND Penn State loses on the day they have their little WHITE OUT, and Florida State loses to freaking South Florida? Man. It's all just too much.
But I think I have to leave you all with this: right now I'm watching ESPN and they are literally doing a courtroom bit where Rece Davis is wearing a judge's robe, Lou Holtz and Mark May are arguing which non-BCS team is best. It makes me sad for them. Do they think no one is watching?
Vomiting before the game
Seriously -- I'm watching the Florida game right now while I wait for the ND-Purdue and Penn State-Iowa games to start. As a rule I don't watch Florida because I don't like listening to the announcers fellate (as in fellatio) Tim Tebow. It's really embarrassing to me.
Anyway, so I'm watching this and they keep replaying video of a couple Florida players vomiting before the game starts. They obviously have the flu (not a respiratory illness like Florida is claiming while they busily infect everyone on the field), and frankly? I know what the flu looks like. I've experienced a bit of barf in my day. I don't need to watch football players to do it. Just tell me they have the flu and I'll believe it.
Now they're talking about Tim Tebow pretty exclusively because it's 24-0, and here are two annoying facts about Tim Tebow: he sits in on coaches' meetings. He is not a coach.
And also, Tim Tebow has Frank Sinatra on his iPod. Oh holy shit! Can you imagine? These freaking announcers are so desperate to find something new they can share about him that they're willing to suggest that not many players have one of the best-ever musicians on their iPods? I'm sorry. I think that's just straight ridiculous.
And apparently, Tim Tebow just said to his coach: "Feel free to ride me. Ride this horse." I am going to have to turn this off.
Anyway, so I'm watching this and they keep replaying video of a couple Florida players vomiting before the game starts. They obviously have the flu (not a respiratory illness like Florida is claiming while they busily infect everyone on the field), and frankly? I know what the flu looks like. I've experienced a bit of barf in my day. I don't need to watch football players to do it. Just tell me they have the flu and I'll believe it.
Now they're talking about Tim Tebow pretty exclusively because it's 24-0, and here are two annoying facts about Tim Tebow: he sits in on coaches' meetings. He is not a coach.
And also, Tim Tebow has Frank Sinatra on his iPod. Oh holy shit! Can you imagine? These freaking announcers are so desperate to find something new they can share about him that they're willing to suggest that not many players have one of the best-ever musicians on their iPods? I'm sorry. I think that's just straight ridiculous.
And apparently, Tim Tebow just said to his coach: "Feel free to ride me. Ride this horse." I am going to have to turn this off.
Bret Bielema
Wisconsin Badgers had a decent win over Michigan State today, but seriously I think in the world of less-than-bright-looking people, Wisconsin's head coach Bret Bielema wins the day:
He just NEVER closes his mouth. It's unfortunate.
Other thoughts after the morning games...I think we're going to get REALLY REALLY tired of hearing about Tate Forcier. I am already tired of him. He's the freshman quarterback for Michigan, and he's had some lucky games so far this season. He also has made some real bonehead, freshman mistakes, but I think he'll be pretty good. I just don't know that I can handle listening to people talk about this person as the savior of college football for four years:
I don't foresee him making No Helmets anytime soon.
He just NEVER closes his mouth. It's unfortunate.
Other thoughts after the morning games...I think we're going to get REALLY REALLY tired of hearing about Tate Forcier. I am already tired of him. He's the freshman quarterback for Michigan, and he's had some lucky games so far this season. He also has made some real bonehead, freshman mistakes, but I think he'll be pretty good. I just don't know that I can handle listening to people talk about this person as the savior of college football for four years:
I don't foresee him making No Helmets anytime soon.
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