10) How did I manage to go 12/13 on my pro football picks this last week and 8/17 on my college picks? I am normally 90% correct on my college games and 90% wrong on my pro picks. My how the tables can turn!
9) Michigan State University is hurting…and they are hurting bad. Nothing is more dangerous than a wounded team. While John L. Smith’s world might be in a freefall, all that could change if he defeated the No. 1 team this weekend with Ohio State coming up to East Lansing. Is that too hard to imagine? It’s been done to Woody’s No. 1 OSU team in 1974 and John Cooper’s No. 1 OSU team in 1998.
8) Joe Torre is out. Joe Torre is in. Joe Torre is in a tough place. The guy has won 4 World Series titles in 11 years but his most recent assignment looked like it might be forced retirement. Is the problem really Joe? I think not…I think the problem is the mentality that just because you can afford the best players in the league doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed or entitled to anything.
7) Choking. The Yankees choked. Auburn choked. I choked on a huge audition this past Monday that was money in the bank. Why is it when we think we have all the ducks in a row, somehow they manage to slip between our fingers?
6) The Maize and Blue should be number two!
5) WARNING: The new film, School for Scoundrels, is horrible! I know it is Billy Bob Thornton and John Heder (that cool dude from Napoleon Dynamite) but the movie is horrible and a waste of 2 hours of your Saturday night. Why the Weinstein brothers decided to produce that movie is beyond me. They should go back to their Miramax roots and bet on the arty projects.
4) How funny would it be if the latest Big 12 tour-de-force, Baylor, beat Texas by 1 point?! Isn’t it ironic, don’t ya think?
3) Graduate school applications are looming over my head. I’m not sure what I feel guiltier about, neglecting my blog or neglecting my essays for school.
2) You heard it here first: in the next three years, Northwestern will be a big dog in the Big Ten. Pat Fitzgerald has the ability to continue the work that Randy Walker left behind. They might not have been able to turn water in to wine this season, but as Tyrell Sutton said, they’ve hit rock bottom and the only way to go is up.
1) It would be awesome on November 18 if Ohio State and Michigan met in the ‘Shoe as No. 1 versus No. 2, but what does it really matter? Whoever looses still looses, regardless of rank and that would screw any hope for the BCS Championship.
I have two tickets to that game, and while I could sell them on eBay for $1000 a ticket, there is no way I’d sell out to a rich yuppie who wouldn’t value the tradition of the greatest college rivalry in football.
Bonus: The Heisman Trophy is awarded to the greatest player in college football for that year. While Troy Smith has been a front-runner all season, Garrett Wolfe is the true candidate who has run all over his competition. Unfortunately, is it possible to give the Heisman Trophy to a player who has no impact on the national title picture? Some would argue that the trophy should go to a player who contributes to his team winning a major title. While I might agree with that opinion, is it appropriate to overlook a true player who has succeeded to the greatest of his ability in his conference that might be of lack-luster value? I mean, he did gain 200+ offensive yards against the number one team in the country…on his first game of the season.
You had a shot for the perfect week too, but you and GBrent picked Pittsburgh over SD. I'm wondering if at some point during the year if someone picks every game right.
My 15 year old son got all 14 games right this week and lost on a tie breaker, so he nuttin' for his perfect week except the proverbial pat on the back!
Belle, didn't your mean tour-de-farce in number 4.
I love the pic at the bottom too!
And, Garrett Wolfe is the best college player Heisman voters will refuse to acknowledge! He should run for 2500 yards and will be lucky to be invited to the ceremony.
Belle-You picked Pittsburgh over SD? What an ####!! Kidding, of course.
Really enjoyed this post. I'm anxiously awaiting OSU-Michigan, the greatest game in college football, in my humble opinion. And I think you might be onto something regarding Northwestern. It make take a few years, but seems like Fitgerald really has his act together. He's only going to get better with experience.
Mustard- Man, why didn't I come up with that witty pun for No. 4? You take the credit for that one! I would laugh my arse off if Baylor pulls it out. Did you see Mack Brown make his primetime debut on Friday Night Lights? I have to say, he played a very convincing football father in the premier episode.
Like any Heisman canidate...the real test of his athleticism will come in the NFL. Will all his running account for yards on the field or just a lot of hot steam?
Riko- Of all the games last Sunday, that one was a pick I literally thought I had correct! And there is nothing humble about your opinion, OSU-UM is the greatest game...no matter what the Red River or Army-Navy people think! (USC and ND might get up there, but that's only due to recent history.)
Pretty impressive going 12/13 on your pro picks. I personally wouldn't touch college football picks with a ten foot pole. I admire you even more for playinbg that game.
Anyway, how's Brady Quinn's year going to end up, and what kinda numbers will he have? It appears he's gone from Heisman front-runner to also ran.
MeanD- Brady "The Golden Boy" Quinn was touched by the Sports Illustrated curse preseason. In seasons' past, SI has always highlighted a player they predict will be the front-runner all season, and at some point, that player implodes. He had a lot to live up to, and the only place he could go was down...as evidence suggests. I think he has the longevity to be successful as a pro, but he might suffer as Matt Leinart did this past year at the upcoming NFL draft and see his numbers dwindle because of a lack-luster season. Of course, it is too soon too tell, he could pull a miracle out of his Irish hat.
Sorry to hear about that audition. May you live to fight another day...
Haven't seen that movie yet, but your opinion confirms what I predicted anyway. Thanks for the tip, as I'm sure to waste 2 hours on some other crappy movie. But at least it won't be that one.
As for the Heisman...I think it should be the best player in the country, regardless. Maybe take the level of competition into consideration. But if some player from Podunk University breaks every record in the books...give that guy the trophy. There is a lot of good football played outside of the Top 25. Well, at least there is lot of talent that doesn't get recognition.
Wow. As I wrote this blog entry in my New York apartment on Monday afternoon, it appears that Yankees pitcher Cory Lidel flew his Porche-like airplane in to a neighboring apartment building. To give you a frame of reference about how close and how far away things are in NYC, I live less than 3 miles from the crash site and I heard nothing...until my mom called to make sure I was okay. I then ran up to my roof and saw the smoke and 10 helicopters flying around the area. Everything can change in a New York minute.
Belle, Miramax turned down my idea for a great movie, it's a coming of age movie where a deaf, dumb and blind boy falls in love with a girl born with a rare birth defect, she has no bones in her body and they communicate through a golden retriever named Buster. I thought you'd be perfect in the lead role...fully understanding of the character's objective to find a dress that really flatters her figure for the big date...but alas it wasn't green lighted...
Last edited by edhardiman on October 11th at 8:33 PM.
Hey T-Wolff glad to see you back in the mix with your top 10. Someone called me when ABC went to live coverage of the site (I caught All My Children, a guilty pleasure). Didn't realize Cory Lidle was in the plane until my bro called me up. I'm going to drop a post on it right now. Good luck on your next 'money in the bank' audition. Cheers.
About "School for Scoudrels". I was intrigued by it, but I couldn't get past the fact that Napolean Dynamite was the lead guy, he has the screen presence of the CPA at any given bank. When I read the reviews for the movie my assumptions were confirmed when they said the movie was good except Dynamite sucked. Oh well, at least I saved 8 bucks.
It also leads to the question, how can one have such a breakout role with such little personality? Napolean Dynamite must be the most genius movie ever.
Last edited by TravisDW on October 11th at 3:55 PM.
Sorry to hear about your bad audition Belle. Best of luck to you with those grad schools looming over your head. I assume that SC and a trip here to SoCal is still in the cards?
Need anyone to go to that game with you by chance? LOL. Don't have $1,000 Crispy Chicken sandwiches I can dish out for something like that as the commercial goes, but could make up for it with some good old Kobe vs. Lebron debate for old time's sake. LOL. I love that commercial you have the pic of at the bottom by the way.
Whatever happened with that "#### Eye" episode. Did I already miss it? Anyway to still see it?
Nice week in the pick-em league. Should have switched my pick to Denver so no matter what we would tie, but had to go for the win. Way to go 12-0 through all the morning and afternoon games, or afternoon and late afternoon games as they are there. If you come to SoCal you'll have to get used to NFL action starting at 10 A.M. every week.
i'm gonna go all random here...prepare yourself...
1) it's 'loses' not 'looses'...you know i hate being the guy who always corrects people, but i also try not to be mean about it either.
2) nothing would make me happier than to see MSU beat OSU, but i give that as much chance of happening as the packers and browns playing in the super bowl in feb.
3) next time you get so confident about an audition, job interview, predictions, or anything else, do everything you can to cancel...trust me, over-confidence breeds failure.
4) the heisman is reserved for 1 of 2 things (or both, if the voters are lucky)...the overwhelmingly popular/best player that year, OR the career achievement award....reggie bush got it for being popular/best LAST year, ron dayne got it for career achievement...garrett wolfe has a snowball's chance in cuba.
5) if a movie is hyped as being filled with retarded comedy, it's a safe bet it wont be funny, paying money to see, or even sneaking in the back.
6) northwestern is comparable to a pro baseball team that can only compete about every 6 or 7 years...everything has to go right, because the big boys always get the top recruits (free agents), and the schedule has to be in their favor...just ask wisconsin about the 3 times they went to the rose bowl.
I hate rich yuppies. Unless they are my friends, or are kind philanthropists, or are vital organ donors...
About the Wildcats of Northern Chicago, or whatever Evanston means...
Hoeppner is due before Fitzgerald.
But then again, I am from the next state over...
And now I live in Big East/ ACC country! How weird is this! I get lower tier ACC match ups on local station in Northern Virginia! Wake Forest rallies on Duke!
At least I caught the last minute of the IU/U of I on ESPNU, speaking of Hoeppner and lower tiers...
Brady is actually ahead of last season's pace in a number of categories and will once again be a Heisman frontrunner if the Irish knock off the Evil Empire in November.
No doubt you've already heard about George Lucas' gift to the USC Film School of $175 million.
As for patience waiting for a big break, you'll get your shot, trust me!
I FINALLY heard from one of the agents. He liked the treatment and is interested. How's that for taking your sa-weeeet time getting around to something? What's it been, 5 months?
Edhardiman- I'm sure someone beat you to the punch and that's why they couldn't green light your brilliant idea. I mean, are there any original ideas left in this world?
TheDan- As you may or may not know, the city of New York has this hatred of all things A-Rod and now everyone is saying that it's his fault Lidel is dead because if they had won their game last week, the Yankees wouldn't have been leaving for the off-season so soon. I think it's a stretch, but it does make you think 'what if...'
GBrent- Ahh, 1,000 crispy chickens...love the reference. Alas, the audition went poo-poo but I just got a very funny call from my agent and all may be saved. (Guess you never can tell.) Anyway, you haven't missed #### Eye. They are on a break until January and THEN my episode will be on. I felt so silly telling everyone it would be on NOW and then they go and put my show on for their second to last show EVER. (I guess it is really good!) I'll send you an e-mail shortly!
Cuziffer- Why would you want OSU to LOSE to MSU? They are what is keeping the Big Ten tight, along with that team from up north. I can't say your Badgers are helping the cause any.
IrishNut- You might have something there, especially since that game will be played in the Rose Bowl. I'm not sure it will be enough to put you in the driver's seat, though.
Bafongu- YEA!!! Rock on! Way to go getting a second look at your script. It's hard to be patient and I find that once I close the door in my mind, it always seems to open back up in reality. As for #### Eye, the episode should be on in January. They are on a break right now and will start up again in the winter. I'll let everyone know when it airs.
tjw one thing I know is A-Rod could have hit .400 and the Yankees would have still lost. They are out of their minds if they think A-Rod caused this.
The loss was a team effort, starting with the poor pitching during the 3 losses.
Hey Dan, true hitting .400 by itself guarantees nothing. See Daryl Strawberry, the all time king of 9th inning meaningless home runs.
But hitting .400 with men in scoring position wins games every time. A-Rod was 0-18 with runners in scoring position in the playoffs. Including a few inning ending DPs.
I would suggest not backing that sway-back in the Derby!!
Last edited by bafongu on October 12th at 4:13 PM.
it's pretty simple actually. OSU loses to MSU, then beats michigan...badgers back in a tie for 1st place (assuming of course, they can run the table themselves)
it probably still wouldnt get us a BCS bid, but it never hurts recruiting and bowl committees when you're in 1st place at the end of the regular season.
OR...they lose to MSU AND michigan, and the badgers finish 2nd (alone hopefully), and the loss to michigan doesnt look as bad.
no offense belle, but its not like me rooting for ohio state is going to get me a date with you or something....(is it?)
actually, i'd be ok with OSU beating MSU as long as michigan beats them in the big meeting in columbus. then we'd have the same record as OSU.
but, if the badgers had just taken care of business in michigan, none of this would be relevent. and for the record, i'll still consider it a successful season if the badgers win 9+ games this year.
"I can't say your Badgers are helping the cause any."
i'm not sure i get what you mean here....i wont be offended if you say we have a weak schedule, just dont know if thats what you mean, or if its something else...?
Cuziffer- W. Illinois, Buffalo, Bowling Green...I know that OSU played that last opponnet, but the only thing making a name for itself on the national radar is the Badger band (and that's because they are a over-sexed bunch!) I guess we'll see how good Wisconsin is when they go to Iowa City in November. Until then, even Iowa stands taller on the Big Ten totempole.
belle- you're absolutely right. we play a terrible non-conference schedule.
i think they're still stinging from the thumping they took from colorado back in...'95 i think it was.
just about every badger fan will tell you they'd prefer a more difficult N-C schedule, but its not like we have a say in it. or even if we did, its not like the school can pencil in texas, notre dame and auburn for next year. there are a few that cry because we're currently ranked #25, but honestly, they should be celebrating considering the creampuffs we played early on.
i'm gonna need to do some looking around, and find out what this story on the band is. i've gotten a couple insults from others on the net, and i have no clue what its all about.
reports of "gratuitous vulgarity, sexualized banter or joking, hazing, or other forms of demeaning conduct."
thats all i can find on the wisconsin website i clicked on. anyway, its pretty sad that we'll probably be known for this incident rather than the positive things the school and sports teams have done recently.
See, told you. MSU are the biggest bunch of dogs, and Drew Stanton is a more talented, but gutless, Alex Smith. They can play with and beat anyone, but they usually choose to lay down and play dead. Doesn't help that practically their entire offensive line is injured, but still. The fact that Pitt would have beaten them had they switched places on the schedule with Illinois pisses the hell out of me. At least I think that's the right term.
Who says a theater girl can't love sports? I may be a Northwestern graduate, but I'm an Ohio State Buckeye at heart. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, I relocated to New York City to find a life on the stage. After four years of trying, (and finding some success), I am preparing to return to graduate school to pursue journalism. As an NGS II finalist, I got my feet wet as a FoxSports blogger and think it may be my new calling. Like theater, I doubt a job in online journalism will pay very well...but what can you do? I sing, I dance, and I can drink beer and eat chicken wings at a sports bar like the best of them...what more could you ask for?
