Many great things in the world come in six-pack form – why not upset picks in college football? Because of that and more, KP is sitting a six-pack of his favorite “upset brew” in front of himself every Saturday going forward. For every game he gets right, he cracks one open – OK, so he might do so anyway, but let’s keep that one on the down low.
Here’s his 12-pack of games for Week Seven – a skunky six-pack that he’s avoiding and the six-pack of “Upset Brew” that he’s promoting. Only time will tell as to whether you think he’s nuts, or we’re both drinkin’ the same Kool-Aid. Either way, bottoms up! * **
The Skunky Six – Not touchin’ ‘em with a ten-foot pole Oklahoma –7 vs. Texas Sam Bradford has been off the charts, and I see him slicing and dicing Texas and their 98th ranked pass defense.
North Carolina –7.5 vs. Notre Dame KP has the Domers hanging in there throughout, but he likes Carolina’s weapons too much to pick against them – especially the all-purpose dynamo Brandon Tate.
East Carolina –6 at Virginia I’m not falling for Virginia’s 31-0 shutout win over Maryland. The Terps are bipolar, beating ranked teams over back-to-back weeks, while falling to Middle Tennessee State and the Cavs.
South Carolina –1.5 at Kentucky Spurrier’s offense hasn’t impressed me – though his defense has. The ‘Cats gave ‘Bama a battle, and I picture a 9-6 yawner in this game – maybe even 3-2 with a walk-off homer.
Auburn –18.5 vs. Arkansas I know everyone is trashing the Tigers for their lackluster offense, but let’s remember this is an Arkansas team that nearly lost to Western Illinois and ULM. Missouri –14 vs. Oklahoma State I know the Zou’s defense has struggled at times, and the Cowboys have played well under the man who was 40 last year. Still, this is Chase Daniel, Heisman candidate – at home.
Upset Brew – Six potential upsets for Week Seven
Wake Forest –3 vs. Clemson Both teams had bye weeks, giving each time to lick their wounds after tough losses (Clemson to Maryland and Wake to Navy). The Tigers, while again underachieving under Coach Bowden, present a number of offensive headaches for the Demon Deacons. Clemson blew out Wake last year 44-10, and this year’s team will prevail again – in a nail biter and a minor upset. Michigan State –2.5 at Northwestern There’s one thing we know about the Spartans – they live and die by the offense generated by RB Javon Ringer. Ringer will get his usual heavy workload, but Northwestern’s rush defense has been better than respectable – 35th in the nation to be exact. The ‘Cats will throw everything including the kitchen sink at Ringer and the Spartans running game, and coupled with C.J. Bacher and Tyrell Sutton on offense, I see Northwestern knocking off a Michigan State team that always seems to fold midseason onward.
Kansas –14 vs. Colorado It took everything Kansas had to make a second half charge to beat Iowa State last week. This week, the Jayhawks face a Colorado team that is desperately seeking a bounce back game after losing the last two weeks to Florida State and Texas. The Buffs have given a better Kansas team a tight battle the last two seasons, and this year, Cody Hawkins and the boys break through in a shocker.
Miami –17 vs. Central Florida Last week, the Hurricanes were ranked 106th in total offense, which is abysmal, even after facing better teams like Florida, North Carolina, and Florida State. Robert Marve and this young Miami team needs more time to grow within the system. George O’Leary and the Knights are no slouch – they gave South Florida all they could handle in an OT thriller. UCF and their talented secondary give Marve headaches all day long – in an upset win.
Iowa –6 at Indiana Iowa may sport the 19th ranked rush defense in the nation, but they haven’t faced a versatile weapon like Indiana’s Kellen Lewis. The Hoosiers QB can run and throw, and should present a variety of headaches for the Hawkeyes. Iowa hasn’t won more than seven games since 2004, including losing back-to-back seasons to Indiana. Make that three.
Florida –6 vs. LSU While KP feels for his Gator friends regarding this pick – and expects a smack down, it’s the headliner that had to be taken. Some may call it a tossup, but the Gators are favored by nearly a touchdown while playing at home in the Swamp. Percy Harvin may or may not play due to injury, and Tebow hasn’t quite been his lights out self this season. Somehow, some way, Les Miles manages to find ways to win, with ballsy fourth down calls (including 5 for 5 last year against the Gators), and so on. Urban has lost once at home already this year, and this weekend makes two.
To recap, this week’s Upset Brew Six-Pack: Clemson, Northwestern, Colorado, Central Florida, Indiana, and LSU
Pick a six-pack yourself – winner gets props next week.
Until next week, have a cold one on KP.
* Stats from Week 6 ** Spreads taken from USA Today website
They would love to smell roses as the New Year rolls in. They would love to feel the Miami Beach sand in between their toes. They would love to watch the crystal football shine in the light while their beloved 81-year-old coach raises it into the night.
But if you ask any Penn Stater which day they have marked off in their calendar, they won’t tell you January 1st. They won’t say January 8th either.
Nope, it’s October 18th, 2008 – the day the Nittany Lions face Michigan at Beaver Stadium.
Title dreams are always there, they never go away – but beating Michigan has become the must have of must haves for those who bleed blue and white.
The Nittany Lions haven’t defeated Michigan since 1996 – November 16, 1996 to be exact. It’s pushing 12 years now, and since that day, hearing Michigan’s fight song has been extra painful to the majority of the Penn State faithful – kind of like nails on a chalkboard played at max volume over a speaker the size of Michigan Stadium. Yeah, it’s that bad.
Enter the 2008 Nittany Lions, a team on a mission – a team packed with seniors and impact players – a team with talent on offense and defense. They’re a team disciplined enough that they won’t overlook any match, whether it be at Wisconsin this coming weekend, or Michigan at home the following weekend – or anyone else.
Enter the 2008 Wolverines – a squad that isn’t your typical Michigan team. They’re winning games like Lindsay Lohan is passing driver’s tests. Wisconsin comeback aside, which was an impressive victory in its own right, Michigan is still the innocent bunny hiding in a corner surrounded by college football’s carnivores. Forty-five points and a record 431 total yards to Juice Williams last weekend – ouch. The Wolverines even made Notre Dame look like a powerhouse carnivore. Seven fumbles against the Domers – Michigan couldn’t even get Cheetos to stick to their fingers that day. Let’s face it; “Rich Rod” needs some time to adapt this program into his system. He will get them there; but it’s just going to take time.
Enter the Penn State Homecoming weekend, which happens to be this match-up – a rarity for teams to schedule power programs on the same weekend as Homecoming. Still, it’s Penn State’s Homecoming, where fans come extra hungry and tailgate extra hard - swallowing down an extra burger – chugging down an extra beer… or ten. Beaver Stadium will be a few decibels louder. The Lions faithful will be donned in so much white that Casper would be jealous. Alums and students young and old come to “welcome” in the Wolverines – only to cheer against them with reckless abandon. So let’s rehash it all again… Penn State, playing well and riding a high, coupled with a vulnerable Michigan team, molded in with a nine-game losing streak to the Wolverines dating back to 1996, add in Homecoming, and nearly 110,000 fans – most of which who will be donning Penn State colors.
Yep, it’s safe to say that this day will be a ticket scalper’s wet dream – the one where they’re doing the backstroke in a pile of Benjamins. The Penn State garb will be flying off the shelves, along with the non-PSU affiliated t-shirts sold in State College, such as “A drinking town with a football problem”, or the go-to staple “Joe Knows Football”.
Speaking of Paterno, he would never admit that one game is so important – in fact, any Penn Stater would agree to douse themselves in Buckeye red if anyone caught him on camera saying so – because plain and simple, it just won’t happen – and in turn, the players wouldn’t say it either. They know better – but that doesn’t mean they won’t think it.
Paterno will never say it. The players will only think it. But the fans will do nothing but vocalize it – loud and proud, up into the Happy Valley skies.
Yes, my friends, on October 18th, central Pennsylvania will erupt, but not due to a football game. This will be more than a game. It’ll be an event – and if Penn State can’t find a way to exercise its Michigan demons this season – it’ll soon be a curse.
October 18th… if you’re smart, you’ll tune in, it’s sure to be one heck of an event.
Viva la chump! Back by popular demand, here are the individuals in college football that wish this weekend’s performances would just go away. Let this be “tackling fuel” for each going forward:
College Football’s Week Six “All-Chump” Team
QUARTERBACK
Starter: Tom Brandstater – Fresno State 12 for 24, 204 yards, 3 INT, lost fumble in a 32-29 OT loss to Hawaii This weekend, Brandstater and the Bulldogs were like Senator Larry Craig – caught with their pants down.
Backup: Curtis Painter – Purdue 13 for 22, 112 yards, 1 INT in a 20-6 loss to Penn State Once again, Painter struggled against the Nittany Lions. This performance was like Clay Aiken’s recent news – nothing new and nothing we didn’t know already.
RUNNING BACK
Starter: Maryland’s Running Game 21 carries for 79 yards in a 31-0 loss to Virginia Virginia’s rush defense was ranked 93rd in the country entering the weekend. In a game where they were expected to be the hare, Maryland was instead just… well… the turtle.
WIDE RECEIVER
Starter: Jaison Williams – Oregon 4 catches for 31 yards in a 44-10 loss to USC
Considered a top receiver in the country according to many, more was expected from Williams in this game – and more was needed. Instead, all night long, he was covered by a Trojan. Uhh, you know what I mean… TRENCHES: O-LINE & D-LINE
Starter: Tennessee O-Line Allowed Northern Illinois defense to limit the run game to 2.2 yards per carry in a 13-9 win
It isn’t just the offensive line, but more the offense as a whole for the Vols. Before this weekend, Northern Illinois faced two directional schools, Minnesota, and Indiana State. After this weekend, NIU’s defensive numbers improved after facing the Vols. Yikes. Even Al Davis is trying to find a way to fire Coach Fulmer.
Starter: Michigan D-Line (and defense as a whole) Allowing Illinois to pile up over 500 total yards and 45 points – at Michigan Stadium
Juice Williams and his 431 total yards is a new Michigan Stadium record. Until further notice, Michigan’s new team rallying cry is “Go Boo”.
RUSH DEFENSE
Starter: Kentucky Rush Defense Gave up 282 yards on the ground (including 218 to Glen Coffee) in a 17-14 loss to Alabama
Give the ‘Cats credit for a great effort to upset ‘Bama – but after allowing a 200-yard game to Coffee, it’s safe to say that Kentucky’s coaching staff will stick to decaf this week. PASS DEFENSE
Starter: Kansas State Wildcats Allowed 454 yards passing and 6 TD’s to Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell in a 58-28 loss While Texas Tech’s offense is potent – it’s fair to assume that a secondary filled with Gary Coleman clones would have faired better against the Red Raiders passing game.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Starter: Chris Summers – Purdue 0-2 FG’s plus a missed extra point in a 20-6 loss to Penn State
It’s safe to say that it’s Fall in West Lafayette – and “Summers” is over.
With that being said, the sun is setting on another week in college football.
Until next time, do your best to avoid being a chump.
It’s
October – and as the leaves fall from the trees, so do each of the teams in
Major League Baseball – falling from contention.
Eight
remain. Who will hoist the trophy at
year’s end?
Here’s KP’s
picks – who do you have winning it all?
DIVISION
SERIES
Red Sox vs.
Angels
Anaheim –
er, Los Angeles… has too much talent all over the field, and coupled with the
confidence of beating the Sox during the regular season, the Angels finally get
that Boston playoff #### off its back – but not until after the Red Sox push
them to the brink.
Angels in 5
White Sox
vs. Rays
After going
against the Rays mid-season, this writer isn’t about to make the same mistake
twice. Besides, having Carl Crawford
back, plus a full house at “The Trop”, this team will move on to its first ever
ALCS – and Ozzie Guillen will have a cow after it happens.
Rays in 4
Dodgers vs.
Cubs
Sure, Derek
Lowe is on fire. Sure, Joe Torre can
manage. Sure, Manny can hit in the
playoffs. Sure, the return of Furcal
should provide a spark. But this is a
Cubs team with solid starting pitching, a deep bullpen, and enough bats to move
on. Keep the hope alive North Siders…
Cubs in 4
Brewers vs.
Phillies
Sabathia
has come up huge for Milwaukee, and the sacrifice of Ned Yost late in the
season at least resulted in a first playoff berth in over two decades. Still, this team is young, and traveling to
take on a Phillies team with playoff-experienced power bats and power
starters. Plain and simple – this is a
tall order for the Brewers, who likely are running on empty after giving it all
they had just to get into the playoffs.
Phillies in
4
LEAGUE
CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Phillies
vs. Cubs
Steve
Bartman likely won’t be in the stands, unless he disguised himself and had a
sex change. Moises Alou won’t be there
either. These two teams have virtually
the same overall team ERA. While the
Cubs have a better overall batting average, the Phillies have belted more home
runs, have a better field percentage, steal more bases, and get caught stealing
less. Plus, Ryan Howard has been
hitting the cover off the ball, batting .352 with eleven homers over the final
month of the season. All in all, it all
adds up – and in this wide-open race, an underdog has to slide through at some
point, and chances are it will be against the team that has waited one hundred
years to win a title. Over a deep-dish
pizza, Chicago cries – again.
Phillies in
7
Rays vs.
Angels
While it’s
tempting to use inexperience as a negative against the Rays – it would be silly
to do so as Tampa Bay has proved its critics wrong all season long. Therefore, instead, the Angels get home
field advantage – not that it entirely matters for L.A. because as a team, the
Angels had 50 wins each on the road and at home. Tampa Bay, however, had a losing record away from home. The Rays have a question mark in the closer
spot, as Percival has not been 100% healthy.
The Angels defense up the middle is solid – and the acquisition of Mark
Teixeira added a major spark to an already potent offense. Combine that with consistent starting
pitching and the hottest record-holding closer in the game, and you have an
Angels team that should have enough to get it done.
Angels in 6
WORLD
SERIES
Phillies
vs. Angels
If
Philadelphia gets this far, they certainly have enough firepower with guys like
Cole Hamels on the mound, and the Howard/Utley combo hitting 81 homers and 250
RBI’s during the regular season. Still,
if the Angels can escape Boston and then use its talent, small ball, and
overall experience to make it to the World Series - the momentum generated
combined with the overall talent across the diamond should be enough to give
the Halos another World Series title.
It was another wild week in the world of sports –
one of the craziest in a while, as a matter of fact. In college sports, it was “upset city”. In the pros – “choke city”.
But no matter what city you’re in, the tomatoes aren’t far away – take
the following bushel – shipped straight to Choke City, USA.
Throwing Tomatoes – Volume XIX
New York Mets
…for blowing a chance at the playoffs on the last
day – again.
After back-to-back blown seasons for the Mets, it’s
no doubt going to be a tough offseason for New York fans. It’ll be even tougher when they rename the
Heimlich maneuver after the team.
Rodney Harrison
…for calling Ricky Williams a dirty player.
If that isn’t “the pot calling the kettle black”, I
don’t know what is.
Al Davis
…for his decision making skills – or lack thereof.
Seriously, either fire Lane Kiffin, or don’t fire
him. For crying out loud, Billy Donovan
is better at making decisions.
Lance Armstrong
…for coming out of retirement.
C’mon Lance, didn’t you consult Michael Jordan and
Brett Favre before doing this? Oh wait…
St. Louis Rams
… for being flat out awful.
Like the Dolphins in 2007, the Rams will get a
bushel a week until they can win a game.
Firing Linehan is a good start for this franchise.
Terrell Owens
… for being himself.
So many members of the media have harped on how T.O.
has changed. Well, lookie at what we
have here – a little adversity, and a game or two with a lack of stats, and the
ol’ T.O. shines through. Anyone else
want to say I told you so?
Philadelphia Eagles
… for their fourth quarter playcalling against the
Bears.
All those runs up the middle against the Bears with
the game on the line? How about a
little play action with your biggest weapon Donovan McNabb? I don’t get it.
Honorary Tomato Throwers of the Week
Because those who found success earn a chance to
sling one at their opposition
Detroit Lions – at Matt Millen. Hey Detroit fans: This time, you finally got
your wish!
St. Louis Rams – at Scott Linehan. Firing him was the right move. In a press conference a week ago, Linehan
came across as the type that would have
trouble finding his way out of a paper bag.
Milwaukee Brewers – at those who questioned their
decision to fire manager Ned Yost. The
Brew Crew reached their goal – they’re playoff bound.
Washington Redskins – at the Cowboys, and everyone
else who said they
It was another wild week in the world of sports –
one of the craziest in a while, as a matter of fact. In college sports, it was “upset city”. In the pros – “choke city”.
But no matter what city you’re in, the tomatoes aren’t far away – take
the following bushel – shipped straight to Upset City, USA.
Throwing Tomatoes – Volume XVIII
USC
It wasn’t slated as a sexy matchup – the Beavers
and Trojans. Keep your mind out of the
gutter!
Sure, Oregon State deserves props, but on the USC
side, this one has to fall on Coach Carroll.
First conference game in a pumped up environment, and plain and simple,
the Trojans didn’t appear ready to play.
I guess team prep is what really is becoming “ridiculously difficult”.
Georgia
I heard Uga VII kept trying to lift his leg on
the offense during the first half.
It wasn’t just a blackout for the ‘Dawgs, but more a
black-and-blue-out. Give them some
credit though, they fought hard in the second half, even after falling behind
31-0 to ‘Bama – and as tough as the SEC is, Georgia is still right in the thick
of things.
Florida
Somewhere out there, Ed Orgeron is smiling.
Ole Miss is talented – just ask former head coach Ed
Orgeron, who also had a hand in recruiting a lot of USC’s talent a few years
back. With that being said, the Gators
let this one slip away. I don’t agree
with the fourth down call – either go for the 50-yard game winner or try a
different play call – but that’s just me.
Wisconsin
Nine turnovers made this game messier than
Charlie Sheen’s love life.
The Badgers just can’t find a way to beat the
Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Plain
and simple, they shot themselves in the foot by settling for four first half
field goals after all those Michigan turnovers. The result – a huge win for Rich Rod and Michigan.
East Carolina
“Houston, we have a problem”.
It’s hard to believe this was the team that beat
Virginia Tech and West Virginia to open the season. After dropping an overtime heartbreaker to N.C. State, the Pirates
were beaten down by Houston. Yes,
Houston.
Wake Forest
It was more sink than swim for Riley Skinner and
the Demon Deacons.
Six turnovers and 43 yards rushing was all Wake
Forest could muster up – in what ended up being Navy’s first win against a
ranked team since 1985.
Clemson
Ouch!! I
think I just sat in Tommy Bowden’s seat – or maybe it was Phil Fulmer’s…
The Terps are solid, and should be ranked after
knocking off back-to-back ranked teams.
Even so, Clemson is loaded – and continues to underachieve. With two losses already – Bowden and the
coaching staff may finally pay the price.
Honorary Tomato Throwers of the Week
Because those who found success earn a chance to
sling one at their opposition
Duke – at Virginia, after a 31-3 win that ended a 25-game
ACC losing streak.
Trimane Goddard – at Miami, after stealing a game
clinching interception on the final play.
Two weeks ago, the world was convinced the USC Trojans were by far the best team in college football.
Two days ago, the talk was how tough the road would be for the stronger SEC and Big 12 teams to get to the title to face USC.
A few hours ago, everything changed.
Something happened to USC in Corvallis – again. The Trojans left Oregon State’s campus with a quizzical look on each of their faces, in the form of 5’6” Jacquizz Rodgers, who ran big, totaling 186 yards on the ground against a USC defense that many felt was the most dominant in the country. The result: a shocking Oregon State victory, 27-21 over the top ranked Trojans.
Let it be a lesson learned to all college football fans out there – this game is like David Blaine - unpredictable. There are no sure things – certainly not in September. Not ever.
USC looked dominant against Virginia.
USC looked dominant against Ohio State.
USC looked overmatched by an Oregon State team that was completely manhandled by Penn State just a few short weeks ago.
And now the door is open. Sooners: here’s your chance to walk through. Knock, knock – who’s there – it’s the ‘Dawgs. Ding, #### – who’s that, it’s the Gators.
Meanwhile, the door is closing on the Trojans. After all, the rest of the way, USC has no ranked teams left on their schedule. Sure, that could change as the season progresses, but for now, to get back in it, the Trojans are going to have to blow teams off the field.
For those who think it’s a given for the SEC and Big 12 to send a team to the national title a few months down the road – not so fast. While there may be four teams from each conference in the top 10, many of these teams are going to beat each other down as the season moves along. There’s certainly a shot for one from each conference to come out unscathed, but the chances of that are likely slim – as in “Lindsay Lohan passing a driver’s test” slim. Then again, as we have already learned, this game is unpredictable and only time will tell.
That leaves the other power conference teams that critics are rarely talking about – take the Badgers and Nittany Lions for example, where either team could easily run the table and slide into USC’s old slot. There’s a team like Ohio State, who could certainly make a run and get back in the hunt, as they seem to be on the right track with Terrelle Pryor running the offense.
And now every college football fan sits silent with that same quizzical look that USC had earlier tonight – collectively wondering what exactly will happen next.
As last year showed us, college football has hit a new level of unpredictability, excitement, jubilation, and heartbreak – all mixed together into one happy blitz package.
Fasten your seatbelts, this season’s just getting started – and something tells me we’re about to get blitzed again.
The doorway is open – who do you see walking through it? The door is closing – who’s next to have their hopes slammed shut? Sound off!
With the stories of the college football year starting to pick up steam, it’s only fitting to stock up on tomatoes – specifically aiming at those who earned them in the opening weeks leading up to the beginning of conference play. Take the following targets that may wanna duck due to their lackluster beginnings…
Throwing Tomatoes – Volume XVII
Ohio State Tressel may want to switch from sweater vest to turtleneck. For a team that appeared in back-to-back National Titles, returned 19 starters, and snagged the top recruit in the country in Terrelle Pryor, the Buckeyes have really underachieved after getting smoked by USC, trailing late to Ohio, and struggling to get into the end zone against Youngstown State.
Maurice Evans Someone please check his phone records for Josh Howard or Ricky Williams. The defensive lineman for the Nittany Lions is considered to be one of the best in the country, but he’s yet to produce due to a marijuana possession charge. Having him back will be key to Penn State’s season – but when that will be is still up in the air.
Rutgers At least Piscataway is still a big score in Scrabble… I guess it’s official, the Scarlet Knights are yesterday’s news, gone faster than you can say “Ray Rice runs for the Ravens”. If you need proof, how about blowout losses to Fresno State and North Carolina, plus losing to a Paul Johnson-less Navy team. On the bright side, Morgan State is on deck. West Virginia All of a sudden, Rich Rod doesn’t look so bad now, does he? After back-to-back road losses to East Carolina and Colorado, a three game homestand against Marshall, Rutgers, and Syracuse will be mighty refreshing for the Mountaineers.
Steve Spurrier Didn’t his past teams put up these kind of numbers in fourth quarter mop up duty? Great effort by South Carolina against Georgia, but… twenty-three points against Wofford? Really?
Tennessee It isn’t like they can easily hide in those uniforms… Plain and simple, this team should be better. But if the Vols experience another loss like the OT heartbreaker to UCLA or the blow out against Florida, Coach Fulmer’s seat may get a little hotter.
UCLA After recent play, there’s only one place that finger belongs… The Bruins have been outscored 90-10 over the last two weeks. Something tells me that Tennessee game is feeling like it happened years ago.
Oregon State McKnight with a migraine will still shred up this Beaver defense… “Wake me up when September ends” is what Coach Riley has to be saying, and with McKnight, Sanchez, and USC on deck, October won’t come soon enough.
East Carolina Looks like Cinderella broke a heel on the way to the ball – or Tom O’Brien tripped her. After such a great start, to lose to an N.C. State team that is still trying to find itself… that’s just a tough loss to take. Besides, we as fans now have to look elsewhere for a BCS buster.
BYU anyone? Or perhaps Boise State again?
This has been “Throwing Tomatoes”… where conference play could get even messier.
Left by
prognosticators to rot in mediocrity, Penn State has responded—leading
to very high expectations in Happy Valley—ridiculously high. Nearly 53
points a game will do that—no matter whom you play.
Still, Penn State has yet to face adversity, with
Oregon State being the only bowl team the Lions have faced this year.
With five bowl teams about to knock on Penn State’s door over the next
five weeks—we’ll see how these Lions respond—with a roar or a fading
meow.
Five Keys to Penn State’s Season Ending with a BCS Berth:
Maximize the Talent and Depth of the D-Line
With six losses due to injuries, suspensions, and
cuts, Penn State’s defensive line is thin, yet talented. If Maurice
Evans (last year’s sack leader) returns from a suspension, that will be
a big help, but if not, veterans like Josh Gaines will have to continue
to step up their game and lead this unit.
Offense Needs to Remain Efficient and Unpredictable
The offense, reminiscent of the 2005 Nittany
Lions, is led by mobile quarterback Daryll Clark, but will also feature
sophomore gunslinger Pat Devlin. Penn State’s offensive line has been a
major strength, allowing time for the quarterbacks while opening holes
for running backs Evan Royster and Stephfon Green. Let’s not forget the
talented senior wideout trio of Derrick Williams, Deon Butler, and
Jordan Norwood.
Find A Way to Beat Ohio State at Columbus
One little stat courtesy of Phil Steele says it
all: “PSU hasn’t won in Columbus since a 19-0 shutout in ’78, 0-7 since
with an average loss of 21 points per game.” That about sums it up.
Find A Way to Beat Michigan
It’s Michigan—a team Penn State has lost to nine
straight times, dating back to 1996. This is as good a chance as any
for Joe Paterno to break Penn State’s curse against Michigan.
Continue to Excel on Special Teams
Winning the field position battles will go a long
way in potentially knocking off opponents such as the Badgers and
Buckeyes on the road. Penn State has a bevy of weapons on special
teams, with punter Josh Boone (Big Ten leader in 2007), veteran kicker
Kevin Kelly, and speedsters AJ Wallace and Derrick Williams returning
kicks and punts.
While the Big 12 and SEC occupy eight of the top
10 AP poll slots, there’s a good chance these conferences will beat
each other down as the season progresses, likely leaving very few
standing, if any. That leaves the others lurking in the grass, with
Penn State included in that pack.
Offense may be sexy, but defense wins championships—and special teams sets up both for success. Penn State has all three.
Because of this and more, the Nittany Lions not
only have what it takes to win the Big Ten, but also make a run at the
national title. Tune in to see if the BCS gets painted blue and white,
or if the Lions simply remain black and blue in the Big Ten.
Baseball has lost a legend – not a Hall of Famer, not a former World Series MVP, not even human. The final home game was played at Yankee Stadium last night, as the “House That Ruth Built” shut its doors after 85 years of countless baseball memories – both good and bad, depending on who you are.
Yankee fans and haters alike had to marvel at the names, the faces, the history, the baseball that seeped from the stadium’s doors – especially on this, the final home game.
Speaking as a fan that is used to being on the hater side of the Yankee fence, it’s surprising how captivating this game was. Expectations of clicker flipping to the Pack and ‘Boys were there, but it rarely happened, if at all. Instead, this writer was like a moth to the flame.
Football may have ruled the day, but from the moment Julia Ruth Stevens threw out the first pitch, baseball ruled the night. The sights, sounds, and memories were all there – one last time.
The sights were there. It was great to see Yankee legends emerge, sporting their pinstripes. It was great to see Yogi Berra making wisecracks with Whitey Ford, and not parading around with the Aflac duck. It was great to see replays of Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, and the Babe all littering the broadcast, all the while extracting priceless memories of baseball’s historic past.
The sounds were there. From Bob Sheppard’s recorded voice (when Jeter approached the plate), to Ronan Tynan belting out “God Bless America” during the seventh inning stretch, to the ground-shaking sounds of “Enter Sandman” (as Mariano Rivera made his entrance), to Frank Sinatra’s voice echoing through the night after the final pitch… it was all there.
The memories collectively filled the air, good and bad – but mostly good. One couldn’t help but recollect the legendary performances, such as Don Larsen’s World Series perfect game, Aaron Boone’s long ball that shocked the Red Sox, or Reggie’s World Series trifecta. One couldn’t help but remember the controversies, such as A-Rod’s ex and her colorfully verbal t-shirt line, or Jeffrey Maier’s outfield interfering catch that single handedly sent the Orioles franchise into a funk. One couldn’t forget the opponents that left lasting impressions, such as a young Josh Beckett dominating in a Florida uniform, or Byung-Hyun Kim serving up World Series meatballs in an Arizona uniform.
It was all there – and then some…except for the familiar postseason atmosphere. The place was electric, but with a bittersweet aftertaste. As Jeter and the boys paraded around the stadium saluting the fans, something didn’t quite feel right. After all, this wasn’t a playoff team. This team would be sitting at home in October – after a decade-plus of being playoff bound. It hardly seemed fair – which is bizarre to say considering this team has experienced more success than Donald Trump. Still, it hardly seemed fair to the Stadium’s sendoff, but nevertheless, nothing would spoil this night – not the Orioles, not the playoffs… nothing.
As the old Yankee Stadium shuts down its lights to make way for its brand spankin’ new counterpart, waiting on deck and sporting its billion-dollar price tag, all the while screaming “Hey, look at me”, we as baseball fans are left to reflect on everything that this baseball landmark meant to the game.
Here’s to you Yankee Stadium, even from a rabid fan that chose to root against you for years. Through all the good and the bad, the excitement, the frustration, the pain, the jubilation – through it all – thanks for the memories. It’s truly been a fun ride.
So memorable, that even the haters should rejoice.
It is one of the more exciting rivalries in college sports, and often one of the best games of the year. That’s right, it’s Notre Dame vs. Michigan… only, for the second straight year, these two powerhouses are anything but that.
You have Saturday afternoon checked off in your calendar as “quality football time”, but now you have no plans. What are you going to do? Deep breaths… deep breaths my friend! We’re gonna get through this… I promise.
Instead of having to suffer through this game, here’s a to-do-list that will help pass the time…
Fifteen Ways to Help Avoid Watching Notre Dame vs. Michigan*
15 – Drive to Tatum Bell’s house and steal his luggage.
14 – Watch the movie “Knocked Up” – there will be more scoring.
13 -- Watch the Temple game.
12 -- Interview Bill Belichick. Hmm, OK… that didn’t even kill a commercial break.
11 -- With your friends, set up a “Super Bowl Squares” game for this match, but just pray that you draw a number with a field-goal denomination.
10 – Poll Notre Dame fans to ask them to describe their “decided schematic advantage”.
09 -- Brainstorm nicknames for the Notre Dame vs. Michigan matchup – for example: The Charmin Bowl The Toilet Bowl Dumb and Domer The “What’s on PBS?” Bowl The “Somebody has to Win” Bowl
08 – Write Rich Rodriguez an email, but set the font at “2” so he can’t read the fine print.
07 -- Bake a pineapple upside-down cake
06 -- Attempt learning how to bake a pineapple right-side-up cake
05 – Call Dr. Lou and in your best Sylvester the Cat voice say, “Sally sells seashells by the Seashore” three times real fast.
04 – Orchestrate a trade of Chad Ocho Cinco to a team that has the #85 number taken - then campaign for a name change to Chad Ocho Quatro.
03 – Get in touch with your feminine side. If you’re a woman, I can’t help you here.
02 – Drink enough beer so that you forget the game.
01 – The all-time fallback, watch paint dry.
* This is half repost / half new material – but basically a sequel to my 2007 original.
Another week of College Football has gone by, featuring a pretty significant amount of “chumptastic” performances. With that being said, there are certainly enough candidates for this week’s “All-Chump Team”… and here they are:
College Football’s Week Two “All-Chump” Team
QUARTERBACK
Starter: Chris Turner – Maryland 13 for 28, 207 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT in a loss to Middle Tennessee State
He should still be hiding in his shell after that performance.
Backup: Chris Crane – Boston College 18 for 35, 142 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT, sacked in end zone for safety
While fans were still drinkin’ “Matty Ice”, Crane’s performance in BC’s home opener was far from intoxicating.
RUNNING BACK Starter: Army’s Running Game 55 carries for 169 yards in a 28-10 loss to New Hampshire
55 carries for that many yards? They were more like the French army – not going anywhere and basically surrendering…
Wait a second… New Hampshire has a football team?! Just kidding…
WIDE RECEIVER
Starter: Brian Robiskie – Ohio State 3 catches for 8 yards against Ohio University
It may seem like I’m picking on him, but with stats that boring, I’d rather see Britney Spears perform at the VMA’s again.
TRENCHES: O-LINE & D-LINE
Starter: Ohio State O-Line Allowed three sacks to Ohio University (plus as an offense, they were nearly outgained)
One of the best teams in college football allowing three sacks to Ohio University – and next week they will be wearing Trojans. Get your mind out of the gutter, that’s not what I meant. Starter: Notre Dame D-Line (and defense as a whole) Allowing San Diego State to pile up nearly 350 total yards on offense The Irish managed a comeback victory, but for a while there, even Touchdown Jesus looked away.
RUSH DEFENSE
Starter: Oregon State Gave up 238 yards on the ground to Penn State in a 45-14 loss
Four scores and seven losses ago, the Beavers and Mike Riley still can’t win on the road in September.
PASS DEFENSE
Starter: Arkansas Razorbacks Allowed 270 yards passing and 2 TD’s to Louisiana-Monroe QB Kinsmon Lancaster
Arkansas had to narrowly escape by scoring the winning TD with just over a minute to go. I don’t know what’s more embarrassing. Perhaps trailing 24-6 in the third… or maybe having to go through a similar situation week one with Western Illinois. Apparently, I do know what’s more embarrassing.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Starter: Ryan Succop – South Carolina 1-3 FG’s during upset loss to Vanderbilt
He begged me to keep him off the list, while showering me with compliments. I simply referred to him as “suck up”.
By the way, did anyone else notice that the Gamecocks had Smelley and Rank playing in the same backfield? I heard they were trying to recruit a kid with the last name of “Funk” to play wide receiver in ’09.
“Throwing Tomatoes” has officially been delayed a day each week due to College Football and the NFL starting up – but don’t fret, like Jell-O, there’s always room for tomatoes! Take the following examples, which headline this week’s batch:
Throwing Tomatoes – Volume XVI
Chad Ocho Cinco …for legally changing his name from Johnson to Ocho Cinco. It’s ridiculous. It’s silly – but it’s so Chad Johnson – I mean Ocho Cinco. Shawn Merriman …for playing injured. OK, it isn’t just an injury. It’s two torn knee ligaments (LCL and PCL). Give the guy the “Tough as Nails” award, but it’s a “buy one, get one free” gig. He also gets the “Dumb as Rocks” award too. Sorry Shawn, but get surgery so you don’t risk the rest of your career.
Jim Tressel and Ohio State …for leaving Beanie Wells in the Youngstown State game midway through the third quarter. It’s a known rule in college football. You take your stars out as soon as the game is well in hand. Take the Beanie Wells situation, for example. The Buckeyes led 33-0 midway through the third quarter, and instead of having Wells out of the game, he got hurt instead.
Jose Guillen …for having to be restrained from a heckling fan. There are hecklers everywhere, especially when alcohol is flowing in sports stadiums. Athletes are paid big bucks to tune those fans out. Even with the anger management issues that Guillen tends to let come out, he needs to be the better person and avoid it. Then again, playing for the Royals may be getting to him too.
Koby Clemens …for “misremembering” the law.
The Rocket’s kid has been arrested, along with two other minor
leaguers, after a disturbance late the other night in Salem, VA. Good
ol’ Koby – what a chip off the ol’ block, eh?
Ana Ivanovic …for making unfortunate tennis history. Usually, making history in sports is a good thing – but not for Ivanovic in this case, who lost to the 188th-ranked Julie Coin in the U.S. Open. On the bright side, it gives me the opportunity to provide a photo of Ivanovic to those that adore her – uh – tennis skills.
The C.C. Sabathia “One Hitter” …for being handled the way it has been. The biggest part about a no-hitter is not just the accomplishment, but the excitement and energy that gets generated immediately during and after it happens. Even if the MLB reverses the questionable call of a base hit against Sabathia, the accomplishment has been ruined – and for those counting opinions, I do think it was an error, not a hit.
Kansas City Chiefs …for cutting kicker Jay Feely after one day. How would you like to be hired and fired within 24 hours? Yeah, that’s what I thought.
Honorary Tomato Throwers of the Week Because those who found success earn a chance to sling one at their opposition
East Carolina – at #17 Virginia Tech after a 27-22 upset victory.
Tampa Bay Rays – at their critics – as entering September, they have the best record in baseball.
Jimmie Johnson – at the field after winning the race at Fontana over the weekend.
This has been “Throwing Tomatoes”… presented a day late, but not a tomato short.
College football has begun – well, for most teams. There are those that didn’t show up over the weekend. Don’t worry though, they get awards too – specifically… the All-Chump Team for Week 1. Here they are… read ‘em and weep!
College Football: The Week 1 All-Chump Team
QUARTERBACK Starter: Tommy Beecher – South Carolina 12 for 22, 106 yards, 4 INT
While Beecher stunk up the joint, Smelley was a breath of fresh air.
Backup: Sean Glennon – Virginia Tech 14 for 23, 139 yards, 2 INT It’s time for the Hokies to remove Tyrod Taylor’s red shirt and replace it with… well… a red shirt – maroon red, that is.
RUNNING BACK
Starters: James Davis and CJ Spiller – Clemson Tigers Combined for 8 carries and 20 yards rushing against Alabama
Clemson’s dynamic duo only running for the big two-oh? That simply won’t get it done.
Backup: LeSean McCoy – Pittsburgh 23 carries for 71 yards
One would expect more production from a Heisman dark horse against a Bowling Green team that allowed 208 rushing yards per game in 2007. Correction… former Heisman dark horse.
WIDE RECEIVER
Starter: Brian Robiskie – Ohio State 3 catches for 41 yards versus a lackluster Youngstown State team
Sure, the Buckeyes blanked the Penguins in Week 1, but going forward, Ohio State is going to need more from Robiskie and the offense if they want to win the Big Ten. Backup: Demetrius Byrd – LSU 3 catches for 34 yards against Appalachian State He didn’t really need a big game in this one, but as one of the better receivers in the country, you would expect flashier numbers from Byrd, who needs to step up with guys like Early Doucet gone to the NFL.
TRENCHES: O-LINE & D-LINE
Starter: North Carolina D-Line No sacks vs. McNeese State
Someone in powder blue has to be picked on – especially after the apparently much improved Heels struggled to defeat McNeese State
Backup: South Carolina O-Line Allowed five sacks to North Carolina State during their 34-0 victory.
Even shutouts can be deceiving. The Wolfpack may have been blanked on the board, but they exposed holes with the Gamecocks by getting five sacks, along with four picks of Beecher.
RUSH DEFENSE
Starter: Towson Allowed 558 yards rushing to Navy, including a Midshipmen school record 348 yards by Shun White on 19 carries.
OK, so the Tigers are a 1-AA team, but nearly 600 yards on the ground? Some teams don’t give up that total over half a season.
Backup: Clemson Gave up 239 total yards on the ground to Alabama in a 34-10 loss
‘Bama had two backs with 90+ yards on the ground, one of which was Glen Coffee. I guess it’s true, caffeine will kill ya.
PASS DEFENSE
Starter: Missouri Allowed 451 yards and 5 TD’s to Juice Williams (Illinois)
Thank goodness for Chase Daniel and that potent offense – because the Missouri secondary couldn’t cover Bea Arthur in the open field.
Backup: Stanford Allowed 404 yards passing and two 150-yard receivers in their win against Oregon State Both Stroughter and Morales each had at least a 12-pack of catches (one had 13). The last time I saw two 12-packs come and go that fast, I was at John Daly’s house.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Starter: Virginia Tech Punt blocked for TD with under two minutes to go
The Hokies special teams group was decent throughout, but when it was crunch time, they gave up the play that ultimately lost them the game.
Backup: Scott Blair – Georgia Tech 0 for 2 FG’s and 5 for 6 on extra points versus Jacksonville State
OK, so the Yellow Jackets didn’t need the points this week, but with Boston College as Tech’s next opponent, Blair is going to have to stop kicking like Ray Finkle.
