It's been a while since I actually posted anything other than some random comments here and there. But a few things have happened recently that have left me thinking. And lately that can be a very scary proposition. But what the heck...I'm in a sharing mood today.
ME THINKS...that going into this weekend the Oregon Ducks are the best team in college football...consistently...on both sides of the ball. Dixon and Stewart are lighting it up and the defense is making huge plays when they need to. And that's what it's all about...ain't it?
ME THINKS...that Boston College is NOT the second best team in college football whether they are undefeated or not. When they lose they will fall almost as fast as South Florida did. I do think they have a pretty good QB but...it won't last.
ME THINKS...that the Ohio State Buckeyes have a great BIG TEN defense and an offense that is conducive to BIG TEN defenses. I think they will have problems when speed teams and quicker teams appear before them. The offense...while coming along to support that great defense hasn't faced a quality defense playing well yet this year. Don't misunderstand. This is a quality college football team whose quality of oppnent has been suited to their style of play. Same story as last year? We'll see.
ME THINKS...that the Oklahoma Sooner football team needs a huge effort on both sides of the ball this weekend. They can't afford another peformance like the one they gave us in Ames, IA a couple of weeks ago. I wasn't at the Colorado game when the Sooners lost but I was at the Iowa State game and some of the Sooner fans there made the trip to Colorado and said they looked exactly like they did against the Buffaloes. They can win out...but if they are barely getting by and everyone ends up with one loss...they will be out of the National Championship picture because quality of wins is important in the BCS and polling picture. That said...They should win out at home but the Texas Tech game in Lubbock looms very large. Can the Sooners play on the road? A questionable proposition so far this year. But...what the heck...I love my Sooners! BOOMER SOONER!!!
ME THINKS...the goalie on the Women's USA soccer team that left the team and made such a commotion when she didn't start based on the coach's gut feeling...is a spoiled brat and the concept of teamwork has never occured to her. Yea, I know this was a while ago but...like I said...it has been awhile since I posted. Argue all you want on her motivation but coaches in every sport make changes all the time based on their "gut feelings." If I'm not mistaking this team and coach only lost one or two games in his tenure and he got fired for losing this one. The prima donna goalkeeper didn't help matters. Oh I long for the days when a coach could make a decision and not get chastized or ridiculed in the press and by his own players in public. Me also thinks those days are gone forever. And people wonder where quality coaches have disappeared to and why they disappear.
ME THINKS...the Minnesota Wild need to monitor their strength and conditioning program or personnel a bit better. At one time this year they had up to 5 players out with groin issues including...again...Marion Gaborik. If this guy ever plays a full season at this pace it will be considered miraculous. Take the numbers he has posted in the games he has played and only Dany Heatley has a better goals per game ratio than Gaborik. Last year he would have totalled something like 53 goals and 97 assists in a full schedule. How can you have this guy getting hurt all the time? His stride or his change of direction pace or his core strength...whatever...they need to figure out a way to keep this guy on the ice.
ME THINKS...in this age of performance enhancing drugs...Martina Hingis is accused of using cocaine. What is the song..."Champagne don't make me lazy and cocaine don't make me crazy...and it's nobody else's business but my own." It ain't nobody else's business. But in this day and age...aparently it's everybody else's business. Retire Martina...you did it before. Only this won't go away until the vultures have been satisfied.
ME THINKS...Barry Bonds is acting like the only mature person in his latest public comments. He is absolutely right when he says the HOF should NOT display his 756th HR bal with an asterisk on it...or anything else with an asterisk on it as well. What a freakin' joke. I said before that I would quit watching MLB and would never set foot in the HOF if they took the ball with an asterisk on it...regardless of the votes of the public that some wealthy #### put up. I'm boycotting MLB and the HOF alng with Bonds. The saddest part of that is that I am the paying public and this is just further evidence that the actions of the loud affect the enjoyment of the quiet. Go Barry!!!
ME THINKS...that the Japanese photographer who took "secret" photos of Maria Sharapova's #### is a ####. But "secret" photos? What was he supposed to do...whisper to her #### that he was going to be taking pictures of it. The guy is pathetic. And now Maria will probably be wearing jeans or sweatpants in every photo shoot. Of course...it ain't like she dressed like Anna Kournikova anyway!
ME THINKS...that Brad Childress is NOT head coaching material in the NFL. Any coach who has someone like Adrian Peterson on their roster...and has to write himself a note to make sure you get him the ball 25 times a game is...well...to be blunt...a total ####. So far he continues to prove this on a game to game basis.
ME THINKS...running the score up on everybody or not...the New England Patriots will beat Indianapolis this weekend and will then run the table and we will have another team join the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only undefeated teams IN NFL history. Belichek is like a woman scorned...as in "Hell hath no fury like..."
ME THINKS...that all of this is moot when you get down to real life and death stuff. Like a young man who I have known since he was 8 years old. Who played hockey for me. Who dealt with adversity in athletics all his life. Who worked hard and never showed his teammates the disappointment he felt at times when things were hard for him. Who came to the rink and went to class to be the best he could be. Who would work my goalie camps and had EVERY kid in those camps wanting him to work with them and hanging their heads when he wasn't at camp for a session. A kid who everybody loves because he thinks about others first and foremost. A kid who at 21 years of age...when things are supposed to be getting going for him...was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Who has had surgery to remove a couple of walnut sized tumors and is just finishing up his last round of chemotherapy which drains him and fatigues him to the point that whenever I talk to him it saddens me and often brings me to tears. A kid who said to me...after his first surgery..."It's nothing, Coach...just another obstacle I'll get over like we have in the past." A kid who wants to continue to work in the sports world in an adminstrative position who looks on-line and applies for jobs on-line fully expecting to beat this opponent like he has less dangerous ones. The prayers and thoughts of those who love him coun't much more than any of this other stuff. I love this kid and the smiles from his face and the faces of his teammates that project themselves from pictures on my walls help me to remember when things were fun for him and not so dangerous. They remind me of those that love him like I do and how we have talked about him and those times since he was diagnosed. I want more of those types of pictures with him and these friends...I wouldn't even mind a new one say...twenty years from now. I love Sooner football and hope they play in the BCS National Championship game. But I have more important things to pray for right now. Like the opportunity to get that picture twenty years down the road.
Good luck to the young man. Setting goals keeps life worth living, achieving them, makes life "sweet".
I keep hearing all the hype on the Ducks, only seen them play once this year, against Cal. I gotta go with my Devils and their defense. Should be a good game.
I'll see your devils pumpdude and raise ya my Ducks. Its going to be a great game, you coming up? Coach, great post. I'm glad respectable as yourself are seeing the Ducks and Devils as the qualitiy teams that they are. Nice to get some props for a change.
lol...whats that..."quack-smack"? Can't make it to the game. Went to San Diego last weekend and took in some dogs for some burn out victums. Ever wonder what it's like going through Halloween with 7 bassethounds in your house? Gotta keep them for 1 more week. Gonna try to make the UCLA game when we take them back next weekend.
Good luck this weekend (to a point that is)
Coach - I can't agree with you more on the Bonds situation. Except, what has Major League Baseball got to due with it? They haven't done anything...which maybe the problem. The HOF accepted the ball and I don't think they should have. Supposedly the HOF has nothing to do with MLB and visa versa.
gcoach, this is the best blog I have read in a long while. Thank you very much for sharing your well thought out and down to Earth opinions.
I could not agree more on the women's soccer and Martina Hingis things. I feel bad for Hingis. She was the best until the genetically freaky Venus and Serena came on the scene. I was always a fan of Monica Seles because of what she had to overcome to play again. These girls are all so young and they have more pressure on them than I could ever imagine. Not to make excuses, but I am a Libertarian.
As for your young friend, he will be in my family's prayers as well. Life is not what happens to you but how you react. GFBMM!!! (Great Freekin' Blog My Man.)
How 'bout them Ducks?! Tough, tough game against ASU this weekend. However, Dixon and Stewart are playing as well as they ever have, and the USC game was just the boost of confidence they needed. Should be an exciting game! Go Ducks!
The Sooners have so much talent on both sides of the ball. When they play as they are capable of, they look unstoppable. As you mentioned, it's about consistency. However, if they get on a roll, down the stretch, look out. As it is, they are right in the thick of the BCS picture. Good luck to the Sooners the rest of the way!
Agreed on the Bonds situation. If the HOF actually displays the ball with an asterisk on it, it will set a terrible precedent. I hope people who want to see it happen accept the fact that they've just given the ok to deface history just because people don't like someone. What's worse is that I think the guy who did it is only doing it for publicity. This isn't some somber statement about the game. It's a media spotlight grab.
So sorry to hear about your former player. That is just heartbreaking. I wish all the best for the young man. He sounds like he has an amazing attitute. My thoughts and prayers are with him for a full recovery.
As always, great post. Good job keep up the good work.
pumpdude - seen Oregon play a couple of times this year. I think they are getting better every week. I think it is the game of the week. Should be a good one. Thanks for the visit and the comments.
degraff - Ducks look very good. I think it will be a great game and I'll be checking in on it from time to time. Weather is supposed to change for the worse here in MN...getting colder so a lot of work to do outside before that happens. Thanks for dropping in. Go Ducks.
bosox61 - the HOF and MLB are supposed to operate independently but they cover the same sport. MLB and Bud Selig and his commission are Major League hypocrits and the HOF accepting this ball with an asterisk on it is shamefull. In my book...two peas in a pod. Faye Vincent said that this investigation by Mitchell was supposed to determine how many MLB players were using performance enhancing drugs...NOT who they were.The purpose was NOT to release anyone's name. This is turning into a modern day witch hunt. Thanks for contributing. Always appreciate it.
oldskewler - thank you for the kind words. I appreciate that. The vultures are changing everything. I show my age when I long for the old says but in so many ways they were better than today. Progress ain't always a good thing. Thanks again.
Nooch - you know I always appreciate your input. I seriously think the Ducks...at this point in time...are the cream of the crop. They seem to improve every week and that's what you strive to do. I'll be very surprised if things turn south on them. I don't see it happening. GO DUCKS!!!
Sooners need to have a dominant performance. They have the skills they just need to go out and play and let it out. I'd love to see them start lighting teams up again and making statements every week. As much as the remainder of their schedule could accomodate that...it could be difficult as well. They have the talent...let's see 'em use it again. BOOMER SOONER!!!
The more I read or hear about Bonds and the HOF the more I support his stand. And I agree with about the publicity stunt. Unfortunately...way too many people buy into it.
The young man I wrote about is a great kid. He has dealt with adversity before...just not this serious. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. He'll appreciate it as I do. Thanks again.
Hey coach,
I agree wiith the BB issue, sorta agree with the Hingis issue, But man the Faith Hope deal, even you had to admit that was bone headed. They hadn't lost a game with her in goal, take her out, they lose. I don't think Ryan was fired for just that incident though, he had a fairly long list of snafu's along the way off the field as well.
Coaches have to make the choices, but what do you say when the coach just messes it up like Childress?
Good luck to your young friend, and to you.
Prayers... D
Dank1 - thanks for the comments. On the surface what he did may not make sense but who knows. He played Scurry's record of success against a given opponent and it didn't work out. It doesn't always. I know when they fired him they said it had a lot to do with lackluster performances along the way. As for Childress...he was an offensive coordinator with the Eagles who never called a play. Reid did. He is just consistently offensive now! Again...thanks for the visit and the prayers for a fine young man.
Edclinch - If Sooners can hang half a hundred on someone soon I'll be a little more comfortable. They turn the ball over too much. Something like 70% of the points scored against them this year are the direct result of turnovers. If they learn to protect the ball better...yea...look out. And this is a great and crazy college football season. That is why I said the Ducks...at this point in time...seem to be the best team in college football. But this season has shown us that "this point in time" has significant meaning. Thanks for the visit and take care.
ME THINKS you are right on ...as an ex athelete and youth coach and now a vegas handicapper i'm amazed at the ineptitude and hard heads of some of these coaches ... and when you break games down to facilitate an opinion their faults become glaring ie. brad childress...he's not only mis-using AD but to think he wants to make tar-viris jackson into a nfl qb .. it's mind boggling .. i'm not rippin' jackson but he has little or no talent... and played in front of 900 fans in college .. childress prides himself for moldin' donovan mc nabb at qb ... give me a break ...mcnabb was a winner and heralded qb at syracuse .. and was one of my favorites .. he;'s playin on one leg ... but jackson couldn't qualify to carry his jock....tar-viris you got lucky and it's not your fault they were dumb ....ME THINKS GCOACH should apply for the viking job... i'll go on the limb and handicap you will win more games then CHILDRESS .....
Last edited by tigervidmar on November 3rd at 8:39 AM.
gcoach, i too have made a stand against Bonds ball being displayed at the HOF. A couple weeks ago, i sent them a letter telling them as much and why, if the ball is displayed, i won't be supporting their organization any longer. Got back a nice, we're sorry you feel that way, letter. Yea, well pound salt A-holes!
Not sure what my next step is but i now consider the HOF a farce and piece of #### organization. Any ideas?
rivjo - thank you for the props. I appreciate being appreciated. Especially by one who I appreciate. Thanks again also for the kind words for a fine young man.
tiger - thank you for the visit and the kind words. Childress claims he is coaching to win this year but it appears he is actually coaching to win in a couple of years...at least as far as the QB position goes. Jackson looked horrible again yesterday and third stringer Bollinger looked like a seasoned vet. Of course, when the running game is going full out it makes it a lot easier on the QB. Peterson carried the ball 30 times for 296 yards. He is the rare case of actually being incredibly better as a pro (first year) than he was in college. I know it is early in his career but he seems to have found accelerated speed on top of his already incredible speed to begin with. I'm not a Vikings fan and when they drafted Peterson I told my dad it stinks because now I have to watch them. At least he is making it worth while.
backer - MLB is a farce and now the HOF follows suit. If there was any way to just watch the game and disregard all of the other #### I might do it. Sadly, all of the other #### is everyone's primary focus. Pitch, hit, throw and run. Leave the rest of it out. The response you received from the HOF is indicative of the sorry state of things today when that is all they offer up to a fan. JOKE!!! Thanks for the visit.
kellyscott - I noticed LSU sitting in the second spot now in AP and BCS. I am fond of the saying that "I'd rather be lucky than good" and I'm sure that is plausible in college football this year. But at some point in time the luck runs out. And LSU is getting by on luck right now whereas Oregon is making statements with each victory. Aside from the Sooners (and please don't get all goofy on me here) I'm becoming a fan of the Ducks...this year...even though Belotti annoys me. I have them at #2 only because Ohio State hasn't lost yet. If I go with what I see every week...Oregon is good enough...right now...to be considered the best team in the country...at least in my humble opinion.
gocoach
It's hard for me to believe that the college season has upended in such a way. Not a week has gone by that another top 10 team hasn't gone down under the weight of over expectation.
That being said it's good to see the Cornhuskers and Fightin' Irish keeping up their end and showing how mediocre they've become. One'd suffice to say that neither Callahan or Wies could buy a win if their lives depended on it !
I've a couple of new posts up that I'm sure you'll enjoy. And as usual there are some tastefully adorned pics that close out each of the posts.
There are Sporting Heroes, Lance Help A Brother Out Your Credibility's Been Shot To Hell ! And also Did You Hear The One About The Welshman Who Went Up A Mountain And Stayed On Top ? Let me know what you think as to the merits of the piece ?
took the red-eye from vegas to minny ... went to the game got a chance to be with some of my press pals and i'm tellin' you he is the best i have seen live in 30 years he is that good he runs like he's on skates .. remmember lt was playin and he was lookin' in awe ... childress threw his head-set prior to half-time after the return by san diego .. it was interestin' cause i was very close and believe me there ain't a lot of spark in the eyes of both turner and childres in the papers he is already taken credit for moldin' AD which incidently Stands for ALL DAY AND HE CAN RUN ALL DAY THE SPEED IS MIND BOGGLIN' and its true ... he plays so hard that i'm afraid we wont have him for a long time but when he plays he will shatter every short term record ....IT WAS AN HONOR WATCHIN HIM ...
tophatal - thanks for dropping in. I'll check them out. I think this current Nebraska team is done playing for Callahan. It is sad to see because I always remember the Cornhuskers as...at the very, very least...extremely competitive. Even at that it is confusing to me...at best...when people rip Nebraska on the one hand...and then act like a team beating them is some monumental adventure. I saw the Kansas-Nebraska game. Kansas is good but Nebraska has no heart and no competitive fire. When it goes south it really goes south on them. If Nebraska putting up 39 on the vaunted Kansas defense meant anything then call it like it is. Do that anyway. Thirty-nine points with how many first string players on the bench for Kansas. I hope the Cornhuskers can rebound quickly after this season.
tiger - I saw the paper where Childress is talking about walking with a swagger and running the ball and breaking teams spirit. Yea...where has that been before Peterson. Even last year when Taylor had a great year the Vikings didn't walk with a swagger. Peterson opens the field up for Bollinger to look good...and he did. I firmly believe that the Jackson experiment should end. That way people might believe Childress when he says they are coaching and playing to win NOW. The longer Jackson remains their starting QB the longer it looks like they are coaching for the future and not the present. And Childress taking credit for molding "AD" is a joke. I liken Childress to the character Moses Gunn played in "Heartbreak Ridge" when he tells Clint Eastwood that..."Me and Major Powers are building an elite fighting machine" to which Eastwood replies..."you couldn't build a good case of hemmorrhoids." That guy is Childress. He couldn't mold silly putty. And "AD" is the real deal. I share your sentiments on his longevity. Thanks again for stopping in.
I am an educator and a coach. I was a goaltender in hockey until my playing days finished but now coach hockey and soccer. Once a goaltender always a goaltender. I am an Oklahoma Sooners fan, hold most professional athletes in low regard and have no time for prima donna athletes who think they are better than others who were not fortunate enough to get where these guys, or girls, are. I don't think celebrity puts anyone higher than anyone else in any capacity which, I think, is contrary to our society perception.
