8/31: Manny, Reggie Bush, etc.

Greetings... not a ton to get to today... but College football starts Thursday with real, live games... hallelujah...

• Manny is a member of the White Sox... This is getting bigger news headlines than it should baseball-wise because Manny isn't the player he used to be... but with CWS in the race (sort of) still with Minnesota, he'll get a look... I don't think the impact will be there... his power is greatly diminished, he's an injury risk, and I don't see the push that Kenny Williams sees... not a terrible flyer if you have the money though
• Hey Roger Clemens got indicted and happened to plead not guilty... wait, the trial isn't until at least April 2011? Go away until then...
• Reggie Bush's heisman should... go to Vince Young? That's Mack Brown's take... well, look at it at face value... Brown was Young's coach, and probably has a biased view... alas, I was against them stripping him of the trophy, and I'm very much against giving it to Young... but I don't think the NCAA will anyway... it'll stay vacated
• The Braves won... and Philly lost... a rare combination lately... Kuroda nearly spun a no-no against Philly, and the Braves bats were alive and well... Heyward is smoking the ball right now, which is a pleasant sight, and Derrek Lee showed some life... Not too much to take away, but 3 games is better than 2 (or 1)... simple as that
• The first Michigan football depth chart is out... and the QB line reads like this.... Denard Robinson OR Devin Gardner OR Tate Forcier... know what that means? They STILL have no idea who's going to play, how much they'll play, or whether Gardner is red-shirting... with him on the 2-deep, I think they burn his redshirt (a mistake IMO), and I think Robinson starts on Saturday at 3:30 in the Big House... but that's all I got....

What to watch for...

• Braves/Mets - 7:00 Peachtree TV - Minor/Niese... I'll be in the building to check out the kid...
  
• 30 for 30 (Little Big Men) - ESPN 8:00 - 30 for 30 is must-see TV... always
• US Open Tennis - 1:00 ESPN - It'll be all over the family of networks for the duration... if you like that sort of thing (cough, James, cough)

Until next time... 103 hours and counting until Uconn comes to the Big House

2010 NFL Preview Part 9: Predictions/Awards

This will wrap up the football previews... I'm beyond fired up about football kicking off (as always)... let's get to it... First? Award predictions...

• Offensive Rookie of the Year - Ryan Mathews, RB San Diego - This is kind of the "consensus"-type pick... but there are certainly reasons why... Undisputed #1 back... doesn't have the durability/playing-time issues that Spiller and Best have... is a giant upgrade talent-wise from the 2009-version of LDT (sorry), and Norv is on record saying he wants him to get 290 touches... it's pretty likely he runs for 1200 yards
• Defensive Rookie of the Year - Brandon Graham, DE Philadelphia - I'm absolutely a homer... but there is legitimate buzz about Graham, and I'm not the only one picking him here... Here are some reasons... the consensus top 2 defensive prospects/picks in the draft (Suh and McCoy) are both D-Tackles... the "flash" and numbers needed to win an ROY don't usually come from DTs... Rolando McClain would be a darkhorse... but I think Graham gets 9-10 sacks and is an impact guy from Day 1...
• Coach of the Year - Mike McCarthy, Green Bay - These are all subjective... but I think they'll win 12-14 games, and he'll get buzz as a top-tier guy
• Comeback Player of the Year - Ronnie Brown, RB Miami - I think he's got another 1400-yard season in him... there's alot of Henne buzz, and alot of talk about Ricky Williams... Brown has been ridiculous (when healthy) the last couple of years... I think he puts it together and stays on the field.... Runner-up? Michael Turner... but I'm not sure he missed enough time in 2009 to garner the attention
• Offensive Player of the Year - Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota - He went for under 1400 yards last year... he was still a great "fantasy" player because he got in the endzone alot... but there were fumbling issues, and they were winging it more than usual... This year? Favre is dinged up.. the receiving corps is battered... and Peterson has "reportedly" addressed the fumbling issue... put it all together, and I see 350 carries for 1700+ yards and 16-18 TDs...
• Defensive Player of the Year - Patrick Willis, LB San Francisco - Guy is a monster... he had 152 tackles (118 solo) last year... and he's the best LB on Earth... I don't think they'll be a dominant DE performance this year, and D-backs have to make a ton of big plays to get considered... I'll go safe with Willis
• MVP - Tom Brady, QB New England - Call it a hunch... I think Tom Brady is in famous "eff-you" mode this year... no contract extension... tons of talk about Brees/Rodgers/Manning as their own tier of QB's... they'll be winging it all over the place (kind of necessary with the Taylor/Maroney/Morris/Ellis combo), and with Welker looking like he's back, Moss poised for a big year, and new blood at tight-end (pass-catching centric too)... I see 35+ TDs for Brady, and 4500+ yards... Don't forget, Football Outsiders had Brady's 2009 schedule ranked as the hardest in the last 15 years (for anyone!), and he still threw for about 4400 yards and 28 TDs... Runner-up? (Very close I may add) - Mr. Aaron Rodgers... who's been ridiculous and now has an upgraded O-line so he won't lead the league in sacks taken in 2010

Playoff predictions...

NFC

• Byes - Green Bay and New Orleans
• Wild Card Round - Dallas over Minnesota (WC), Atlanta (WC) over Arizona
  
• Divisional Round - Green Bay over Atlanta, Dallas over NO
• NFC Title Game - Green Bay over Dallas

AFC

• Byes - New England and Indy
• Wild Card Round - Houston (WC) over Baltimore, Pittsburgh (WC) over San Diego
• Divisional Round - New England over Houston, Indy over Pittsburgh
• NFC Title Game - New England over Indy

Super Bowl

• Green Bay over New England, 31-27

And there it is... Packers/Pats super bowl... Rodgers vs. Brady instead of Favre vs. Bledsoe this time.. but that'd be fun... as always, this will now NEVER happen because I've picked it... time to enjoy football at its finest...

2010 NFL Preview Part 8: NFC East

Toughest division for last... yay.... First time (in my memory at least) that everyone in a division would be over .500.... but that's what I see...

1. Dallas Cowboys (11-5) - I've wrestled with Dallas... but here it is... Tony Romo is good... they have 2 above-average RB's (even if I'm terrified of Felix Jones in fantasy), Miles Austin is elite, either Dez Bryant or Roy Williams (or both) should be okay, Jason Witten is still good... that's pretty crazy talent... the O-line? Not awesome by any stretch, but they've rid themselves of Flozell Adams' corpse, and they should be able to pass-block better in 2010.. the secondary is still the concern for me (safety mostly) but DeMarcus Ware covers up for alot of sins, and that 3-man D-line is very, very talented behind Jay Ratliff... Wade Phillips is pretty bad... but they have the best roster
   
2. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) - I like Kevin Kolb... now, hear me out... we have no idea what Kevin Kolb will be... just know that... but the guy has accuracy (65%+ everywhere he's ever been), and they've seen enough to ship Donovan out... I'm down on McCoy but Andy is winging it anyway, and I like Mike Bell and Leonard Weaver alot... Maclin is due for a breakout, and even if (IMO when) Desean Jackson takes a step back with defenses keying on the long-ball... they have a plethora of options including upper-echelon tight end Brent Celek, and Jason "I don't drop the ball... ever" Avant... the biggest reason I like Philly? the defense... my defensive ROY pick (Brandon Graham, yes I'm a homer, but yes I'm serious), Ernie Sims, Asante Samuel, Trent Cole... I like them....
   
3. New York Giants (9-7) - I have no idea what to make of the Giants... Eli was good last year... 4000+ yards, and they put alot on his plate... the Bradshaw/Jacobs combo is decent enough (especially when they figure out that Bradshaw is the better player), and they have a nice trio of young WRs in Smith/Manningham/Nicks... the defense was the travesty last year... there was a buzz of "number 1 defense" hype on them before 2009 and they fell flat... they were somehow the 3rd WORST defense in the L last year in PPG allowed... that's insane... I expect a rebound now with alleviated health concerns, and talented guys like Tuck, Canty, Bulluck, and new signee Antrel Rolle... They'll be better
   
4. Washington Redskins (9-7) - Somebody had to be in the cellar... I love, love, love the Donovan signing... but he needs O-line help (should be slightly better with Jammal Brown and Trent Williams), and the weapons are suspect... I believe Portis could be decent this year... but the Parker/Johnson signings make me laugh... and there's not a #2 wideout opposite Moss... the defense was quietly decent last year... and that should continue... they have very good secondary play, and young talent in the front 7... with any skill guys at all? They'd be in the discussion to win this thing...
   

8/25: Tiger, Rondo, Rice, etc.

Aloha... it means hello... and goodbye...

• Tiger Woods got divorced... Elin reportedly said she "went through hell"... and do you know how much of that matters to me? None of it... except what happens on the golf course... do I think as a parent you want to be saying, "Hey son, this is the guy you want to be like"? No... but I don't endorse athletes as role models of LIVES anyway... point out techniques that you see them doing... professionalism in how they go about their on-field business... but if you don't know them personally, don't endorse their off-field lives...
• Rajon Rondo withdraws/gets cut from USA Hoops... conflicting reports on what actually happened here... but the fact is, Rondo got a DNP-CD in the last game, and suddenly went away... alas, it solves the PG conundrum (a little bit) as they are down to "only" 4... I'm on record as liking Rondo more than Westbrook (and even Rose) for this type of team simply because Rondo plays lock-down D AND doesn't feel the need to jack jumpers.... alas, this is the same team trotting out a Rose/Billups backcourt (painful to watch) and Andre Iguodala at the 4... I'm going to be maddened...
• Sidney Rice is out for the Vikes... he'll reportedly miss at least 1/2 the season after hip surgery... kind of a big blow for Minny... especially with Harvin's migraine question mark...
  
• Roy Oswalt played left field for the Phillies last night... and they lost in 16 innings... I thought it was at the least, amusing...
  
• Derek Lowe was average again last night... 6 innings, 3 ER... it's kind of what he is... that's an eminently winnable line... especially at Coors Field... it's semi-hilarious how many consecutive days the Braves & Phillies have been in lock-step... the last time that both teams played and had different results? How about August 10th... 2 weeks!

What to watch for...

• USA/Greece Basketball - Noon ESPN - Maybe someone will convince Coach K that it's a bad idea to have semi-washed-up PG Chauncey Billups start at the 2 and "terrible FIBA fit/overrated" wing Andre Iguodala starting at the 4.... no? Oh...
  
• Braves/Rockies - 3:00 SportSouth - Jurrjens/Rogers... To avoid the sweep... Jurrjens' road numbers are ugly though (6.00 ERA on road, 1.81 at home)
• Twins/Rangers - 8:00 ESPN - Duensing/Wilson... 2 division leaders...

Seize the day...

2010 NFL Preview Part 7: NFC North

Coming down the stretch here... this was a tough one...

1. Green Bay Packers (13-3) - Set everywhere at the skill spots... Rodgers/Grant/Jennings/Driver/Finley is pretty monstrous... the O-line has reportedly looked much improved, and even if they are adequate (Rodgers got battered last year, making his numbers even that much crazier), that'll be an upgrade... the defense has talent abounding... Raji is a space-eater at NT, Charles Woodson was fantastic last year, and the linebacking corps is very good with Hawk, Barnett and Matthews... Mason Crosby is an elite kicker, and I really like Mike McCarthy's work... I know everyone is picking Minnesota, and I can see it... but I was all-in on GB last year, and even moreso in 2010... Aaron Rodgers to the rescue...
2. Minnesota Vikings (11-5) - I know there is talent EVERYWHERE here... but there are also questions everywhere... count me skeptical (to say the least) that Favre can come anywhere close to replicating that crazy TD/INT ratio from 2009 (really, 7 INT only? Come on) AND he needs to stay healthy at 40+ years old with a recently repaired ankle... Peterson is an animal and I'm not worried about him... but WR is in turmoil... Sidney Rice is missing significant time after hip surgery, Percy Harvin is a giant question mark with the migraine issue (scary stuff), and Bernard Berrian is never healthy for 16 games... I love that O-line and Shiancoe is coming on nicely, but there are big-time issues... on defense? Stacked again... the D-line featuring Jared Allen (beast) and the Williams' brothers (who aren't brothers) at the tackle spot is scary... the secondary is pretty darn solid as well, and I like the Henderson/Greenway combo at LB... the difference between GB and Minny (other than ? marks) is Brad Childress... he's a trainwreck... I can't emphasize that enough....
3. Chicago Bears (8-8) - This is an impossible team to forecast... they were pretty awful on offense a year ago... Cutler threw 26 INT's, Matt Forte had a sophomore slump, and the receiving corps lacked a big-time threat... They've brought in Mike Martz, and Chester Taylor to mentor Cutler, and spell Forte respectively... I like both moves... Cutler will get hit more in this system, but he's got better, more experienced WR's this year (love Aromashodu and Knox).... Like the offense... just not enough... the Peppers acquisition is big IF he's healthy/productive... and he'll be a question mark for me until he proves he's trying... Urlacher is healthy and that's huge, but this defense has some holes... the rest of the d-line is injury-prone or unproductive, and the secondary is spotty (although I like D. Manning)... They'll compete... but not on the same level as the top 2
4. Detroit Lions (6-10) - You think 6-10 and you think "bleh"... but coming back from 2-14? That's a big step... Stafford/Best/Johnson/Burleson/Pettigrew is a pretty nice skill position core IMO...very, very young and injury prone with Best/Burleson and even Calvin to an extent... the defense is the worry... Suh and Vanden Bosch are nice on the DL... and I like Delmas at safety, but the talent-level still isn't there across the board... much, much improved from 2009 though...
   

2010 NFL Preview Part 6: NFC South

Ah... this should be fun...

1. New Orleans Saints (12-4) - The first-ever back-to-back champion in the history of the NFC South? I say yes... The gang is back on offense... Brees is an unquestioned top-3 QB, I really like Pierre Thomas, and the receivers are 100% healthy and talented... and while no one talks about him, they may have the best O-lineman in the league in G Jahri Evans... on defense, they made an absurd amount of big plays last year (mostly by 100-year-old safety Darren Sharper) and while that will come back to Earth most likely, you'll see a progression to dominance from DT Sedrick Ellis, and an emergence of cornerback depth with rookie CB Patrick Robinson... there is tons of talent, an upper-level head coach, and a supremely gifted QB... division champs...
2. Atlanta Falcons (11-5) - I've wrestled with the record... but I'm encouraged overall... I could 5,000 words on the Falcons but I'll dial it down for this... Matt Ryan is better than he was in 2009... I'm convinced of that... how much better? I have no idea... but he's healthy, Michael Turner is healthy and ready to return to 1500 yard form, and they have a legit duo of receiving threats in White and Gonzalez... on defense, they were porous at best last year... there will be a step forward on the basis of newly acquired CB Dunta Robinson, as well as 1st-rounder Sean Weatherspoon, and 2009 1st-rounder Peria Jerry (now healthy)... the kicker spot killed them last year (lost at least 2 games because of it) and it's still unsettled with Matt Bryant, but he's been handed the job as of this post, and he won't be worse than Elam was last year... I see a split with the Saints, and a wild card spot
3. Carolina Panthers (6-10) - Count me in on the Panthers demise... Matt Moore isn't good... in a small sample size, he was okay in 2009... but that's really only in comparison to Jake Delhomme... and the other option is Jimmy Clausen? hahaha.... That's my response... the running back tandem is the best in the league with Deangelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart... and Steve Smith is still Steve Smith, but they have NOTHING opposite him (Dwayne Jarrett? Really?)... on defense, Jon Beason is a man among men... but there are big question marks on the D-line, and mostly average play in the secondary (always liked Chris Gamble though, except for the Ohio State thing)... in the end, I don't see how you can win more than 6-7 games with a wretched quarterback, exactly one wide-out and an average-at-best defense...
4. Tampa Bay Bucs (3-13) - Back-to-back 3 and 13's... yikes... Josh Freeman may be their QB of the future (I'm skeptical of that, but alas) but even he is out right now... their RB rotation is uninspiring (Ward/Cadillac/Graham, bleh), and the receivers are painfully young... their best offensive player is probably Kellen Winslow Jr. at tight end... it's ugly... There some legit young talent on defense led by Gerald McCoy, Barrett Ruud, and Aqib Talib... but not enough depth/consistency to be an above-average unit... I don't think they score... and that's how you end up with 3 wins...
   

8/23: Piniella, USA Hoops, Braves, etc.

Greetings all... Just a reminder that you can check out my full 9-part College Football Preview below, as well as the first 5 parts of my 9-part NFL preview... 4 more to come in that realm... let's get to it

• Lou Piniella retires... It's hard for me to weigh this one... he has a sick mother... done and done right? My only question is... if the Cubs were winning the division right now... would he walk? And IMO, absolutely not... so the waxing poetic can slow down a little... on the hall-of-fame question? He was an above-average player, and he's been an above-average manager (only slightly over .500 career record, but was dealt an absurdly bad hand in Tampa Bay to lower that number)... do we combine the two in gauging HOF status? I say no... yes, he's got a ring as a manager (1990 Reds) but you need more than longevity and one ring IMO...
• On the heels of an ugly/violent incident, Nenad Krstic (of NBA center fame) fears a full FIBA ban for his actions... if you haven't seen it, it's an easy YouTube check-out... but wow was it crazy.. I don't think he'll get the full ban but if they suspended him for the Worlds.. I'd be in...
• The Vikings are signing Javon Walker? It's Green Bay all over again... the difference? Javon Walker hasn't been relevant/good since GB... and that wasn't yesterday...
• USA Basketball ran into Spain yesterday in Madrid... and they got the 1-point win... all is well, huh? I say no... I hate the way this roster was put together... 5 point guards (3 of which can't shoot at all, i.e. Westbrook, Rondo, Rose), no true center outside of slightly washed-up Tyson Chandler, and a wing rotation that includes Andre Iguodala (despise his game for FIBA, he's a trainwreck on offense), and Rudy Gay... and if you've read this blog, you know how I feel about Rudy... yes, they beat Spain by 1 in an exhibition, and yes, they may still be the favorite (ONLY because Pau Gasol is out for Spain), but I don't think they're winning the Worlds... the bright spot? It seems like they know it's Kevin Durant's team.. and it pretty much has to be... and I understand why Kobe/Lebron/Wade/Melo aren't there (they've paid their dues, carried us in 2008, etc.), but I'll echo Simmons/Whitlock/etc. sentiment when I question where Howard and Bosh are... it makes no sense...
• Vin Scully keeps on ticking... back for his 62nd season as the Dodgers voice in 2011... the best of all-time... regardless of your attachment to various "hometown" guys... it's really not an argument
• Last thing before I get to the TV guide... my yearly rant on the Little League World Series... this shouldn't be on TV... it definitely shouldn't be prominently featured on ESPN (the mothership) or ABC... and these kids get pressure they should never have to feel at 12 years old... done and done

What to watch for...

• NFL Preseason (Cards @ Titans) - ESPN 9:00 PM... if you like meaningless football...
• Braves/Rockies (8:30 SportSouth) - Hudson/Hammel
• Reds/Giants (10:00 ESPN) - Volquez/Cain

Check back in this space for the rest of my football previews, etc...

2010 NFL Preview Part 5: NFC West

Aloha...

1. Arizona Cardinals (8-8) - Yes, you read that right... an 8-8 division champ... I just don't see anyone in this division being an above-average team vs. the rest of the league... The offense for AZ will be good IMO... I'm higher on Leinart than most people (and I think he's not in the bottom third of starting QB's), Wells/Hightower can play, and they still have Fitzgerald and newly risen WR Steve Breaston.. but the losses of Boldin on O, and Rolle/Dansby on defense, I don't see that unit being good enough to compete... factor in the drop-off of Warner to Leinart... and 8-8 is the pick
2. San Francisco 49ers (8-8) - Ah, Alex Smith... Count me as a non-believer... still.. I liked the Brian Westbrook signing to insure Frank Gore... and Crabtree/V. Davis is a nice tandem on the outside... but again, I don't trust Alex Smith... the D is nice... Patrick Willis may be the best LB in the league.. Nate Clements is an elite-ish CB, and any unit led by Singletary can be scary... In the end, the hype machine is cooking, and I don't see it...
3. Seattle Seahawks (7-9) - Higher on Seattle than I've seen anywhere else... Hasselbeck is "100%" supposedly... I like Forsett (if they choose to give him the touches) and Leon Washington is a home-run hitter... TJ Housh will be bounce-back, and the Golden Tate/Mike Williams rookie duo may yield at least 1 quality wide-out... the defense? I like... Colin Cole anchors an average D-line, but the Tatupu/Curry combo at LB is stellar...I love rookie Safety Earl Thomas, and the unit is healthy to start the year... but if you see Charlie Whitehurst? Season over..
4. St. Louis Rams (3-13) - I feel sorry for Steven Jackson... guy is a monster year-in-year-out, and he can't get any help... AJ Feeley under center until Sam Bradford is ready? Come on... the worst receiving corps in the league... a bad O-line... yikes... not to mention the plethora of blown D-line draft picks, and a D with various holes... Laurinaitis is the anchor at ILB, and I enjoy Atogwe's work... but it'll get ugly quick.. and Bradford may get killed if they play him too soon... Long year for them...

2010 NFL Preview Part 4: AFC East

Ah the fun stuff...

1. New England Patriots (12-4) - Brady is angry... and he should be... you can't "take less $" to help the team spend in other places, then have the team NOT spend that money, and be happy about it... but he's still Tom Brady and I trust him... Moss is there, Welker is there (and ahead of schedule) and they have a budding WR in Edelman... the RB stable? It is what it is... Fred Taylor is a quality back when healthy, Sammy Morris is a nice role player and Maroney has his moments... the offense is good... the defense... younger/faster in the LB corps, Vince Wilfork is an all-pro at nose, and the secondary suddenly has a skip in their step... I can't pick against them... EDIT: The Ty Warren injury news is a blow for NE... but not a soul-crushing one.. took a win off my original 13-3 mark...
   
2. New York Jets (10-6) - This number is assuming Revis plays... if he doesn't? Knock it down a win.. maybe 2... he's that good... Sanchez should progress in Year 2, but I didn't like that they let Thomas Jones walk... LDT is a clear downgrade, and I'm not sure Shonn Greene is Editready to carry the load... the WR corps is given a bump with Holmes and a full-season of Edwards, and the O-line is the best in football... the offense will come down to Sanchez and Greene... Most talented CB trio in the league? Probably... with Revis/Cromartie and rookie Kyle Wilson (who is reportedly fantastic)... and David Harris leads nasty, blitzing front 7 that scares people... if Revis is there to take away half the field, they're scary on defense, but we have to remember how bad they were at times WITH Jones there last year on offense... and take a deep breath
   
3. Miami Dolphins (10-6) - Ah, Chad Henne... I've missed you in my life... he was very good down the stretch, and he'll be average at worst IMO... add in Ronnie Brown (healthy for now), and a rejuvenated Ricky Williams, and that's a nice backfield... Brandon Marshall is obviously the coup, and he'll be fantastic as usual... gives Henne a clear #1 that he excelled with at Michigan with Braylon Edwards (very, very similar spot)... oh, and Jake Long (cough, Wolverine, cough) is an all-pro... the defense isn't scary up front, but they have young, talented corners, newcomer Karlos Dansby is very good at LB, and there aren't glaring holes...
   
4. Buffalo Bills (5-11) - I'd like to apologize to my boy Andrew Bernard for this... sorry B... the QB situation is tough to overcome... I don't think Edwards/Fitzpatrick/Brohm are NFL legit starting options... Jackson (injured though) and Spiller could be a nice duo at RB, but the WR position is scarce behind Lee Evans (who needs a deep-thrower to get him the ball)...and the O-line was so bad in 2009 I don't want to even discuss it until I see it... there is some talent on defense, however... I like Posluszny in the middle, Kyle Williams at Nose, and the McGee/McKelvin/Florence trio at corner... if they can get a pass-rush, it'll be a decent unit, but the loss of Schobel hurts... On the bright side, the last time the Redskins beat a team as badly as they did to the Bills in the 1st preseason game, that team (Tampa Bay), won the Super Bowl... gotta give them something... It'll get better Bills fans... but it may not be in 2010...
   

2010 NFL Preview Part 3: AFC North

This is a tough one...

1. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) - Healthy Flacco (a year older, no less), dynamic back in Ray Rice fully entrenched as the starter from Day 1, add in Boldin for a legit #1, bring back Mason from retirement... sounds like a good plan, eh? I like Baltimore alot... if Ed Reed is 100%, I like them even more... there are rumors that he'll be ready for Week 1, and if he is, I might add another win or 2 to their already impressive mark... Ngata is an absolute beast on the D-line, Lewis can still play, and Suggs is an animal... the issue? Cornerback depth is suddenly non-existent... Dominique Foxworth is already out, and they are down to Ladarius Webb and Fabian Washington... there better be a passrush...
   
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) - Okay... Big Ben misses 4 games IMO... I'm saying they start 1-3.. so they have to finish 9-3... I think it's do-able.. Mendenhall is legit at RB, Ward/Wallace/Miller/Randle El is a functional receiving corps, and the O-line can' t be worse now that they've added Flozell Adams and rookie Maurkice Pouncey... Most importantly? A healthy Polamalu and a healthy defense in general... monstrous talent everywhere... Aaron Smith, Polamalu, Farrior, Woodley, and Harrison are all pro-bowl type guys, and they are all there... and I trust Tomlin... done
   
3. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) - I don't trust Carson Palmer... I don't trust Terrell Owens... and I don't trust Antonio Bryant... and REALLY, I don't trust Cedric Benson either... why should I? Palmer has a track record, but he looked washed up late in 2009... Benson? One-year wonder, but even if I grant you that isn't a fluke, can he carry the offense? I say no... and don't get me started on TO... the Cornerback tandem of Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph may be the best in the league and that helps, and if Antwan Odom is 100%, the pass-rush could be good... the defense isn't the question mark in Cincy for once... but I don't see a playoff return
   
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12) - The Holmgren regime inherited a mess... Jake Delhomme isn't the answer for anyone... and I mean, anyone... but there isn't a single scary skill guy outside of Josh Cribbs (and he's position-less)... the defense? has some young talent.. Eric Wright, Joe Haden, and D'Qwell Jackson are all studs... but I don't see the bounce-back in 2010... hey, at least they have a building-block LT in Joe Thomas... cheer up Cleveland!
   

2010 NFL Preview Part 2: AFC South

Aloha...

1. Indianapolis Colts (12-4) - You know about the offense so I'll make it quick... Manning is there (duh) and as reliable as it gets... the WR stable is pretty darn impressive when you factor in Wayne, the emerging Garcon, now 2nd-year guy in Collie, and a returning Gonzalez... Donald Brown is healthy to team with Addai.. and Dallas Clark is filthy.... okay, done... on defense, they've lost guys like Marlin Jackson, but the key cogs are back (Mathis, Freeney, Sanders, Bethea, etc.) and they should be as fast as ever on that side of the ball... 14 wins again? Probably unlikely... but 12 and a possible bye... almost penciled in
   
2. Houston Texans (11-5) - Small steps... the offense returns in full... I love Jacoby Jones opposite of Andre Johnson (the best receiver alive), and Schaub exploded last year... the RB situation is fluid... but they have capable options in Foster/Tate/Slaton... it's not great, but they're winging it around anyway... the Dunta Robinson loss hurts them in the secondary.. but Mario Williams anchors a quality D-line (and if they get Aaron Schobel, look out), they have a pro bowl MLB in Demeco Ryans, and quality safeties to help out the young corners... I'm high on them..
   
3. Tennessee Titans (9-7) - Which Titans team is for real? The one that started dreadfully in 2009... or the one (anchored by Vince Young) that killed it down the stretch... I'm going to say it's in the middle... I'm still not sold on Young, but he's a winner everywhere he's been... Oh, I haven't mentioned Chris Johnson yet... let's end that now... 2000+ yards last year, and no signs of slowing down... I won't say he goes for that many again, but barring injury, he's a mortal lock for 1700+... the receivers are below-average, and that's a hindrance, but they are pounding the rock... my issue? The defense... gone are the days where they were feared.. and the talent level is significantly lowered... I like guys like David Thornton, Jovan Haye, and Courtland Finnegan... but if they are your anchors, you're probably in trouble...
   
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10) - MoJo wins them some games alone... but Garrard fell off the cliff in 2009, the receivers are still subpar (even when Mike Sims-Walker is alive), and the O-line, while rebuilding, probably won't be all the way there in 2010.... the defense should be better with young guys like 1st-rounder Alualu on the D-line and Kirk Morrison in the middle... but I can't trust Garrard, and Del Rio is overmatched...
   

2010 NFL Preview Part 1: AFC West

Greetings all... The NFL preview commences with a breakdown of the AFC West... Just as an FYI.. it'll be a 9-part series with all 8 divisions, followed by an awards/playoffs/Super Bowl prediction wrap-up... Just one man's opinion...

1. San Diego Chargers (11-5) - Gone is Tomlinson.. and Vincent Jackson is a question mark with a holdout/looming suspension cast over him... but they have a top-8 QB in Rivers, a highly-touted rookie RB in Mathews (to team with electric Darren Sproles), and the best pass-catching tight end alive in Antonio Gates... the questions are on defense without Jamal Williams and Antonio Cromartie... but with a clean bill of health for Shawne Merriman, another year from Larry English, and continued improvement from the secondary's young pieces... I like San Diego to run away with an admittedly bad division....
   
2. Kansas City Chiefs (8-8) - Giving KC the nod... playoff team? No, but I love the Charles/Jones 2-man attack in the backfield, I think Cassel is better than what he showed last year (plus a new coordinator, and a rebuilt O-line), and Dwayne Bowe is back and healthy... I really think KC will score... I think the D will be improved, but they are still very, very young... Tyson Jackson/Dorsey/Hali/Eric Berry/Javier Arenas, etc. form a nice young nucleus... but they are a year or 2 away from the playoffs
   
3. Denver Broncos (6-10) - Injuries are the story... franchise DE Elvis Dumervil looks to be out for the season and that's a crushing blow... he's the main pass-rusher from an already hole-filled defense... Offensive issues? We have those too... both Buckhalter and Moreno are banged up... the QB situation is unsettled with the addition of Tebow and Quinn to battle Orton... and the receivers are flat-out bad from an NFL standpoint (even if I like Royal and Thomas)... there are positives... I'm high on Moreno's talent, Royal is a solid possession WR, and the O-line (anchored by all-pro Ryan Clady) is pretty good.. but too many questions of age (on both sides of the spectrum) and talent on defense to pick them with all of the offensive woes...
   
4. Oakland Raiders (6-10) - I'm so very tempted to go higher... but 6 wins is an improvement... I'm high on Jason Campbell, and he's a leaps-and-bounds upgrade (even if it's just to league average) over the QB carousel from last year... McFadden and Bush are "meh" but capable at RB, and there is legit talent on defense with top-2 CB Nnamdi Asomugha, Richard Seymour, the violently overpaid but still good DT Tommy Kelly, and rookie LB Rolando McClain... Oh... the reasons I can't pick them are still aplenty... huge question marks at receiver with Heyward-Bay, Murphy, and Schilens... flat-out bad safety play on the back-end and a lackluster pass-rush on the edge... coupled with a bad offensive line, and the fact that Al Davis still runs the Raiders? pass...
   

8/17: Braves, Ryder Cup, Bryce Harper...

Hola...

• Disaster in the 8th... Brilliance in the 9th... Typical Braves night recently with the defensive implosion late, and the improbable heroics in the 9th with the beating-up of Kuo, and some randomly clutch hitting from Melky Cabrera... I said aloud early in the 9th that if Octavio Dotel made an appearance, I was exceedingly confident... I heart Octavio Dotel...
  
• K-Rod is out for the year... to add insult to hilarious injury... the Mets closer will now miss the rest of the year.. been a bad week... on the bright side, the Mets are already out of the race...
• Bryce Harper signs with the Nats at the 11th hour... $9.9 million seems like a lot of money... but it's less than Strasburg, and he's considered an (almost) comparable talent... pretty impressive future battery combo, in theory at least...
• The 49ers sign Brian Westbrook... Frank Gore fantasy owners? A touch worried... but I wouldn't be... he's simply a replacement for the recently retired Glen Coffee with a little more explosion..
• Corey Pavin says Tiger is "high" on the Ryder Cup list... stop it Corey... he's on the team...

What to watch for...

• Braves/Nats - 7:05 SportSouth - Minor/Olsen ... First game of the series and a chance to see Mike Minor again...

Until next time... and keep a look out for an upcoming 9-part NFL Preview... I'm a writing machine apparently

• 
  

2010 College Football Preview Part 9: Predictions Abound

This will be the wrap-up... composite thoughts on awards, contenders, etc.... This is how it's shaking out.. in August, anyway

Teams with a Non-zero Chance at the National Title

Florida
Alabama
Florida State
Virginia Tech
Boise State
TCU
Ohio State
Wisconsin
Oklahoma
Texas
Nebraska
Oregon

Just Missed the cut?: Georgia (Freshman QB), Miami (Gauntlet schedule), Iowa, West Virginia, North Carolina (TJ Yates), Pitt

And that's the list... 12 teams IMO... I'd be legit shocked if anyone else won it...


Awards/All-Americans - I'm not going to insult you (or myself) by picking O-lineman position by position, kickers or punters as part of a comprehensive all-american team... so I'll go position-by-position with the "award" winners (in bold) and finalists...

• Quarterback (Davey O'Brien Award) - Ryan Mallett (ARK), Kellen Moore (Boise), Jake Locker (WASH), Andrew Luck (STAN), Terrelle Pryor (OSU), Christian Ponder (FSU)
  
• Running Back (Doak Walker) - Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State), Marc Ingram (Bama), Ryan Williams (VT), LaMichael James (ORE), Dion Lewis (PITT), John Clay (WISC)
  
• Wide Receiver (Fred Biletnikoff Award) - AJ Green (UGA), Julio Jones (Bama), Ryan Broyles (OU), James Rodgers (Oregon State),
  
• Tight End (John Mackey Award) - Lance Kendricks (WISC), Luke Stocker, Tennessee
  
• O-Lineman (Outland Trophy, yes I know it's not just O-line in real life) - Gabe Carimi (WISC), Justin Boren (Ohio St.), Lee Ziemba (Auburn), Mike Pouncey (Florida), Rodney Hudson (FSU)
  
• D-Lineman (Lombardi) - Marvin Austin (UNC), Jared Crick (NEB), Da'Quan Bowers (CLEM), Robert Quinn (UNC), Cameron Heyward (Ohio St.), Kenny Rowe (Oregon), Von Miller (A&M)
  
• Linebacker (Butkus) - Greg Jones (Mich. St.), Justin Houston (UGA), Carmen Messina (New Mexico), Mark Herzlich (BC), Travis Lewis (OU), JT Thomas (West VA), Mike Mohamed (Cal)
  
• D-Back (Thorpe) - Patrick Peterson (LSU), Reggie Rembert (Air Force), Tyler Sash (Iowa), Mark Barron (Bama), Ahmad Black (FL), Trevin Wade (Arizona)
  

Heisman - The biggest crapshoot of all... but here's a list of guys who have a shot...

• Winner - Terrelle Pryor - They go undefeated... he's great... and he wins it... and no, this isn't NECESSARILY a reverse jinx ploy.. Pryor is fantastic
• Finalists - Ryan Mallett, Jacquizz Rodgers, AJ Green, John Clay
  
• Just Missed - Jake Locker (not good enough team), Kellen Moore, Marc Ingram (too much split with Richardson), Christian Ponder, Dion Lewis

The lesson, as always, about the Heisman is that no one knows anything... Marc Ingram won it last year, and now could be a near time-share to save his legs, because Trent Richardson is a beast... these things happen

BCS Bowl Predictions

• Rose - Wisconsin (At-large) over USC (Pac-10)
  
• Sugar - Alabama (SEC) over Texas (At-large)
  
• Orange - Virginia Tech (ACC) over Florida (at-large)
  
• Fiesta - Oklahoma (Big 12) over Pittsburgh (Big East)
  
• National Championship Game - Ohio State over Boise State

And there you have it... this is a Terrelle Pryor/Jim Tressel year... and that definitely pains me... that said, I'm quite excited about the season... and you may see a comprehensive Michigan post in the future (that no one will read) but just gloss over it and realize that I need this (lol)... Enjoy the gridiron folks...

2010 College Football Preview Part 8: Other Non-BCS

This will be a bit different... Conference-by-conference winners and players of the year...

Conference USA - Houston (Champs), Southern Miss (Sleeper), Case Keenum (POY)
MAC - Central Michigan (West Champ & Overall), Temple (East), Chad Spann, No. Illinois (POY)
Sun Belt - Middle Tenn. State (Champs), Arkansas State (Sleeper), Dwight Dasher, MTSU (POY)
WAC - Boise State (Champs), Fresno State (Sleeper, but good luck against Boise lol), Kellen Moore, Boise State, POY

BCS Contenders - Boise (Championship game even), Houston... Either of them running the table could make a run for a BCS game

Heisman Darkhorses - Moore, Keenum... That's all I can really see legitimately...

Best of the Bunch - Boise State... Returning 21 of 22 starters from a team that was legitimately good (and talented) last year... they get Virginia Tech to open the year... if they win, you could see them in the National Title Game... and that's not just blowing smoke


Part 9 to come with national predictions...

2010 College Football Preview Part 7: Mountain West

No, no, no... I'm not doing EVERY D-1 conference... but I'm doing the Mountain West... Why, you ask? Because I've been championing the league as better than the Big East for 2 solid years (and continue to do so), and they have legitimate top-25 teams... done and done...

1. TCU (11-1) - This is an elite program nationally... I have no idea how they've done it... but they have a BCS-conference roster... star power on offense (Andy Dalton at QB chiefly), an always top-tier defense, and even big-time return men in special teams... Would be shocked if they didn't win 10...
   
2. Utah (10-2) - 71-19 in 7 years... talent from top to bottom and legit depth... a nice two-headed monster at RB with Matt Asiata & Eddie Wide... Really like them, and coach Kyle Whittingham is the truth...
   
3. BYU (10-2) - The Harvey Unga loss knocks them below Utah... but again, this is another BCS-caliber roster... and Bronco Mendenhall gets the most out of them... always a mature team due to pure age and life experience (dozens of 23-25 year olds playing against 19-21 year olds)... Pencil in 9+
   
4. Air Force (8-4) - They can definitely tote the rock... Tim Jefferson/Asher Clark/Jared Tew forms a trio of ball-carriers that can pound it... but the real x-factor? 2 NFL-type cornerbacks in Reggie Rembert and Anthony Wright that can both be electric in the return game as well...
   
5. San Diego State (6-6) - I'm excited that Brady Hoke didn't the Michigan job (lol)... but SDSU is building under him... 2 big-time receivers in Vincent Brown and Demarco Sampson lead the way...
   
6. UNLV (6-7) - New coach Bobby Hauk has them pledging to be more physical... we'll see how that works...
   
7. Colorado State (5-7) - remember when they were a legit contender out west with Bradley Van Pelt running the show? I do... but that was a while ago... seems like they are on the track back under Steve Fairchild though...
   
8. New Mexico (4-8) - They were dreadful in 2009... 1-11 is nothing to sneeze at (lol)... but they return some defensive talent and should see a little bump this year...
   
9. Wyoming (4-8) - There was a lack of talent when Dave Christensen came in before last year... but they are always scary at home because of the conditions, and 4 wins seems attainable...

Game of the Year - TCU @ Utah - November 6th
Offensive Player of the Year - Andy Dalton, QB TCU
Defensive Player of the Year - Reggie Rembert, CB Air Force

8/13: Basketball HOF, Tiger, etc.

Greetings... Make sure you're checking out the 9-part CFB Preview posts... Thanks for your patronage... to the news....

Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone highlight the HOF class of 2010... Here's a little breakdown of the highlight inductees...

• Scottie Pippen is certainly one of the top 50 players ever (putting it modestly) and I think it's somewhere between 20 and 30... One of the best defenders I ever saw, who had years of 21/8/7, 22/9/6, 21/8/5, 20/7/6, and so on while being the 2nd banana offensively... Could do anything on a basketball court, and he's still undervalued....
  
• Karl Malone... certainly can't deny his statistical prowess... 2nd leading scorer of all-time... averaged 25 and 10 for his entire 20-YEAR(!) career on 52% shooting... was an unstoppable force... until the last 4 minutes of the game... and that's his only downfall... his advanced #'s on clutch shooting are pretty bad, and he routinely shrunk in big moments culminating in the 1997 & 1998 finals... and that's really the reason you don't hear him thrown around the "greatest PF ever" argument with force... because number-wise? Fantastic...
• Dennis Johnson... remembered more these days for being on some Celtics title teams in the mid-80s and being the defensive lock-down guy... but this was a 20-point a game scorer in Seattle that was the Finals MVP in 1978-79 for a title winner... Fantastic, fantastic defender, and the highest praise of all-time is when Larry Bird calls you the "best teammate I ever had"... come on now... and he died too soon... RIP DJ...
• Jerry Buss... I don't know what you can say about an owner? But you can't argue with 9 titles under his watch... and I'm all in favor of guys who will spend money over-and-above to win titles... that's what he's done
• Cynthia Cooper... Found it important to mention her... Any time you can win the first 4 WNBA titles including 2 MVP's and 4 straight Finals MVP's.... you gotta get mentioned here... and that was, by all accounts, the height of that league, and the crazy thing is... she'd already played 10 professional seasons before setting foot in the WNBA... one of the best women's players of all-time...
  

Other stuff...

• Tiger shoots a 1-under 71 to start the weekend at the PGA... when he came out with 3 birdies in 4 holes, it was "run for your life" time... but he settled down, got back to even par, and managed an 18th hole (actually on No. 9) to shoot under-par.... he's 3 back and extremely dangerous...
• The Dodgers implode... Up 9-2 in the 8th on the Phillies, they go down 10-9 on the strength of a bullpen collapse and a crazy-bad (OLE!) error by Casey Blake on a sure double-play ball in the 9th... the impact for me? Well... the Phillies are hot... and I'm terrified of them when they get healthy...
• Brandon Marshall is being taken seriously on his "I'll play the NBA during the NFL lockout" declaration... this is clearly ludicrous and MOST people recognize that... but if you don't.... 1) An NBA work stoppage is far more likely than an NFL one... and 2) He hasn't played competitive basketball in 10+ years... thanks
• Jamarcus Russell will never play in the NFL again... that's all....

What to watch for...

• PGA Championship - 1:00 on TNT... Watch Tiger go crazy...
• Dodgers/Braves - 7:35 on Peachtree TV... Kuroda/Hudson - Hudson has been ridiculous lately... and really, all year
• Falcons/Chiefs - 8:00 NBC - I know it's preseason... but since we're Atlanta-based (and I'll be at the game to see my boy Michael Palmer in action), I figured I'd throw it up here...

Until next time...

2010 College Football Preview Part 6: Pac 10

Straight in...

1. USC (11-2) - For some reason they have 13 games on every schedule I see? Maybe that's wrong... but alas...I trust Matt Barkley... they have a veteran O-line coming back, and still have a stable of talent on the outside... there are some defensive and depth concerns, but the recruiting/roster restrictions shouldn't kill them THIS year
   
2. Oregon (9-3) - LaMichael James is a beast at RB... I trust their defensive talent.. but without a QB we can count on, it's hard to pick them to outright win the league...
   
3. Oregon State (9-3) - The Rodgers brothers are back... and that alone is worth some W's... the perennial "overachievers" label is a bit flawed because they are 1) Well coached, and 2) more talented than anyone ever gives them credit for... always like them
   
4. Arizona (8-4) - They have playmakers in Nic Grigsby and Juron Criner... and the defense is swarming under Stoops.. I don't think a 3rd straight 8-win campaign is unreasonable at all...
   
5. UCLA (8-4) - It's really all about QB play for the Bruins... Kevin Prince has talent.. but he was woefully inconsistent a year ago and killed them at times... the defense is deep and talented, but young still...
   
6. Washington (7-5) - Jake Locker isn't ignorable... that said, there are holes on the Offensive and defensive lines that are hard to overcome... but with Locker and some nice skill pieces (namely Chris Polk and Devin Aguilar), they're a threat to beat anyone
   
7. Stanford (7-5) - Andrew Luck is reportedly the second coming... but he's only a sophomore and they lose all-world RB Toby Gerhart... the offense ran through Toby last year, so it'll be an adjustment period to be sure... I like them to be above-average... but not challenging for the conf. title yet
   
8. Cal (5-7) - I'm down on Cal... and that's not because I don't think Jeff Tedford can coach.. but they've hit the glass ceiling... and I don't like Kevin Riley at QB at all... but if they can pound the rock with Shane Vereen (correction, if Tedford will LET them pound the rock)... they'll be better than this
   
9. Arizona State (5-7) - At least Dennis Erickson doesn't cheat or anything... oh.. whoops... the weird thing for ASU is that they suddenly can't score... and that's not exactly the norm there
   
10. Washington State (2-10) - Flat-out wretched honestly... just for confirmation of that... I've seen two different "top 30 players in the Pac-10" lists... and neither of them includes a single WSU representative...

Game of the Year - Oregon @ USC on October 30th
Offensive Player of the Year - Jacquizz Rodgers, RB Oregon State
Defensive Player of the Year - Kenny Rowe, DE Oregon

2010 College Football Preview Part 5: SEC

The vaunted SEC... pardon me while I shake my head...

EAST

1. Florida (11-1) - Tebow is gone... but John Brantley has a crazy-good talent set and pedigree, and there's certainly talent everywhere... Pouncey on the O-line, guys like Ahmad Black, Brandon Hicks, and Janorice Jenkins on D... the speed/depth is insane...
   
2. Georgia (9-3) - All about Aaron Murray here... if he's good, they could go 11-1... if he's a flustered freshman, it could be 6-6 or 7-5... Justin Houston and AJ Green may be the most talented guys at their positions in the nation, and there's a veteran O-line.. but again, it's a freshman with no snaps...
   
3. South Carolina (8-4) - The ole ball coach... Stephen Garcia is actually a coup here... even though Spurrier hates him, he's played alot and has talent... the defense is always there in SC but they have to score points...
   
4. Tennessee (6-6) - Not a ton of names you recognize for new coach Derek Dooley... unsettled QB situation, alot of defections, and a generally low bar for talent when you think of Tennessee... I don't see a big bounce-back soon
   
5. Kentucky (5-7) - Randall Cobb and Derrick Locke can win games by themselves... and they'll have to... but they're favored in all 4 out-of-conference games so 5 wins sounds right...
   
6. Vanderbilt (2-10) - Bobby Johnson's departure is huge... so late in the game hurts even more... but he gets alot out of his lackluster talent... Chris Marve is a player on defense, but the offensive firepower is... non-existent IMO
   

WEST

1. Alabama (11-1) - Ingram, McIlroy, Jones, Richardson.... done and done on offense... they'll reload on defense as well, and I only think they'll drop one because of a gauntlet-like schedule that includes Penn State in non-conference and that Florida visit...
   
2. Auburn (9-3) - Cam Newton has crazy skills... and he'll have a big workload from the QB spot... I'm a fan of Mario Fannin in the backfield as well, and guys like Lee Ziemba will anchor a good O-line... there are questions on the D-line, but I like a statement year from Auburn
   
3. Ole Miss (9-3) - This record is based on Masoli being the QB... I love the guy on the field... he would've been a big-time Heisman candidate in Eugene, and he's fantastic... there's talent on defense in Lockett and Powe, and the QB questions (would be) answered...
   
4. Arkansas (7-5) - Mallett is a beast... and yes, I'm still mad he isn't wearing Maize-n-blue... and he's got a nice weapon in Greg Childs... but the problem is still the same for the coach who will not be named... they have no defense...
   
5. LSU (6-6) - Ah, the Hat (aka Les Miles) has his hands full... Jordan Jefferson hasn't panned out, they lost some pieces on the O-line (Ciron Black to name one), and I don't see the playmakers outside of Peterson on defense... and btw, Miles will lose them 2-3 games on his own... can you tell I'm down on LSU?
   
6. Miss. State (4-8) - Small step back for Dan Mullen's crew... but this isn't a team that can be slept on.. they can run the ball, and have legit speed on defense... it's a rough schedule though
   

Game of the Year - Florida @ Alabama on October 2nd (doesn't mean much conference-wise, but come on) OR Florida/Georgia on October 30th in Jacksonville for the SEC East title most likely
Offensive Player of the Year - Ryan Mallett, QB Arkansas
Defensive Player of the Year - Mark Barron, LB Alabama

2010 College Football Preview Part 4: Big East

And aloha means hello....

1. Pittsburgh (10-2) - Most people have W. Virginia winning this thing... I go the other way behind RB stud Dion Lewis... guy is a monster.. and I trust Wannstedt infinitely more than Bill Stewart.. done and done... Greg Romeus is a beast on the D-line too
   
2. West Virginia (10-2) - Noel Devine is back... and that's unquestionably huge... but there are QB questions, and I, again, don't trust Bill Stewart... most talent in the league though
   
3. Cincinnati (8-4) - Fresh from Central Michigan... new coach Butch Jones has a decent amount of depth coming back... Zach Collaros was good in spot duty at QB last year, and Isaiah Pead/Armon Binns provide nice skill guys... like them
   
4. South Florida (7-5) - First off, the certifiable Jim Leavitt is gone... and Skip Holtz is an immediate upgrade IMO... they also return BJ Daniels at QB who is ultra-talented... but there are huge questions on defense and the other skill spots..
   
5. Rutgers (6-6) - Hey they've won 4 straight bowl games! Tom Savage maybe the biggest QB recruit they've ever had and he gets the nod this year... good luck...
   
6. Syracuse (6-6) - 2nd year coach Doug Marrone gets a slight vote of confidence from me here... 6 wins is an achievement these days... sad, really, but there's a little talent infusion since Paul P left...
   
7. UConn (5-7) - I'm down on UConn... just don't see the defensive talent.. Randy Edsall has done a nice job, but I'm not impressed by QB Zach Frazer and I see underachievement...
   
8. Louisville (3-9) - The bottom has fallen out... the talent just isn't there for new HC Charlie Strong (who I actually like), but Steve Kragthorpe left the cupboard... full rebuild here

Game of the Year - West Virginia @ Pittsburgh - November 26th
Offensive Player of the Year - Dion Lewis, RB Pittsburgh
Defensive Player of the Year - Greg Romeus, DL Pittsburgh

8/10: Braves Meltdown, etc.

Quickly today... and while we're here... make sure you're checking out the CFB Preview posts... 3 in the books with at least 4 more coming...

• A 10-4 loss to Houston is bad enough... but to do it in the fashion the Braves did it last night is kind of disorienting... It was 4-3 in the 6th when Alex Gonzalez booted a grounder that would've saved the 4th run for Mike Minor... but no harm, no foul... it's still 4-4 entering the 7th... and then the wheels came off for Kyle Farnsworth, Peter Moylan, and the entirety of the Braves defense... Glaus made yet another frighteningly unathletic error at 1st, McCann threw a ball away, and every blooper dropped... maddening? yes, certainly... but a sign of things to come? I say no, still... if you watched the game, you'd notice that these balls weren't getting hammered by any stretch; yes, there were too many walks by the 'pen, but there's some pure unluckiness there... At any rate, a frustrating evening... but an encouraging debut from Mike Minor, I really liked what I saw...
• Jets Owner thinks Revis will miss the year... some strong words from Woody Johnson in stating he thinks Revis will sit out the season... yes, the whole season... that's staggering if you're a Jets fan... they're deep at corner to be sure, but they're also all-in for 2010 roster-wise... they need to win now
• The Mariners fire Don Wakamatsu... I never like it when baseball managers get canned due to bad rosters... and that's clearly the case IMO here... the roster has been mis-managed, the bats are wayyy too light for the American League, and they've swung and missed badly on Adam Jones-for-Bedard, and giving away Brandon Morrow... he was in a no-win spot, and moreso than any other sport, there's only so much a manager can do with a terrible roster... it's not "scheme" or "gameplan" when you simply have 9 guys that can't hit...
• The NBA schedule is out today... I love this game... that is all..

What to watch for..

• Braves/Astros - 8:05 SportSouth - Jurrjens/Happ... Need a bounce-back here... especially with Kendrick going for the Phillies tonight
• Cubs/Giants - 10:15 WGN - Dempster/Lincecum... if you can't find WGN... try harder... heckuva pitching matchup tonight...
  

2010 College Football Preview Part 3: Big 10

To the Big eleven... err... 10...

1. Ohio State (12-0) - Allow me to step onto the limb... Ohio State isn't losing in 2010... they get Miami and Michigan at home... and while Iowa and Wisconsin on the road aren't gimmies, I like them in either spot... Terrelle Pryor is a stud, the O-line is deep and talented (I hate you, Justin Boren), and the defense is scary... cue the reverse jinx...
2. Wisconsin (10-2) - John Clay is a man... he goes for 1600-1700 yards... write it down.. I like Tolzien as a game manager, and the O-line is typical Badger stuff...
3. Iowa (9-3) - Not as high on them as some.. but there's certainly talent.. if i trusted Ricky Stanzi, they'd be competing for the title.. but I don't... Don't sleep on WR Marvin McNutt though...
4. Penn State (9-3) - Joe Pa is ancient.. but his team is talented... 42 year old RB Evan Royster is back again... and they'll get a heckuva statement game at Alabama on Sept. 11...
5. Michigan (8-4) - Limb #2... I've talked myself into the Wolverines yet again... rumors about Denard Robinson being the #1 QB out of camp baffle me... but if that's the case, it'll be a true split I'd imagine... at any rate, I'm basing this on an experienced and talented O-line, an improved defense (especially at linebacker), and blind Maize-and-blue bias... losses at Penn State, at Ohio State, at Notre Dame, and home for Iowa... it's almost time
6. Michigan State (7-5) - Greg Jones is a beast at linebacker... Kirk Cousins can wing it and there's some buzz in East Lansing... of course, that will come crashing to earth with 5 more losses... muahahaha...
7. Northwestern (6-6) - there's legit defensive depth at Northwestern right now... shocking I know... experienced QB Mike Kafka is gone, but the cupboard isn't bare for once..
8. Purdue (6-6) - Boring is the word for Purdue... but they like it that way... defense is starting to be the focus and that's where it should be there... they'll still wing it with new transfer QB Robert Marve though...
9. Illinois (6-6) - The Zooker is in real trouble... he's done a decent job recruiting but outside of Arrelious Benn... the big catches in recruiting haven't panned out... LB Martez Wilson is nasty... but the offense could be woeful
10. Indiana (5-7) - Tandon Doss is explosive on the outside and in the return game... but without Kellen Lewis, the offense could likely sputter...
11. Minnesota (2-10) - I think I'm the only one who is this low on the Gophers... but I just don't see it... Tim Brewster is incompetent as the head man... and QB Adam Weber is average, but when he's your best offensive weapon... good luck to you

Game of the Year - Always Michigan/Ohio State (November 27th in the Shoe)... but this year it's October 16th in Badger Stadium for Wisconsin/Ohio State

Offensive Player of the Year - John Clay, RB Wisconsin

Defensive Player of the Year - Cameron Heyward, DL Ohio State or Greg Jones, LB Michigan State

2010 College Football Preview Part 2: Big 12

Straight to it with the Big 12...

North

1. Nebraska (10-2) - Love this team... the blackshirts Defense is alive and well and they have the 2 best defensive players in the conference IMO in Crick and Prince Anukamara at CB..
2. Missouri (8-4) - Alot of Blaine Gabbert slinging the rock... not necessarily a bad thing... but there's a ceiling there
3. Colorado (6-6) - RB Rodney Stewart can tote it... and they'll have an opportunity to step up out-of-conference at home against Georgia...
4. Kansas State (5-7) - Bill Snyder's still cheating... lol... I kid... but there's a solid talent base, however it's been attained... just not enough at QB right now
5. Kansas (5-7) - Say goodbye to Todd Reesing and Kerry Meier... and to winning seasons at Kansas...
6. Iowa State (2-10) - Not even worth discussing...

South

1. Oklahoma (11-1) - Tough call, but I give the nod to the Sooners... Landry Jones has the pedigree... and skill guys like Demarco Murray and Ryan Broyles... and the defense is stacked, again
2. Texas (10-2) - BCS title game not withstanding... Garrett Gilbert is talented, and the defense is deep... but losing McCoy/Shipley leaves a mark regardless...
3. Texas A&M (9-3) - Put up or shut up for Mike Sherman... working in his favor is stud QB Jerrod Johnson... and I'm sure I'll regret giving a team coached by Mike Sherman 9 wins... but alas
4. Texas Tech (7-5) - Not sure what to expect from Tommy Tuberville... but he has Potts at QB coming back and Baron Batch is explosive in the backfield... always was a Tuberville fan... he'll right the ship
5. Oklahoma State (7-5) - Only one "triplet" remains... and thats RB Kendall Hunter... a beast to be sure.. but Mike Gundy is still walking through that door, and without Zac Robinson and Dez Bryant... yikes
6. Baylor (6-6) - I love Robert Griffin... that is all I love...

Game of the Year - Texas @ Nebraska October 16th OR the Red River Shootout (Texas/Oklahoma) - October 2nd

Offensive Player of the Year - Jerrod Johnson, QB Texas A&M

Defensive Player of the Year - Jared Crick, DT Nebraska

2010 College Football Preview: Part 1 - ACC

Greetings all... here comes a conference-by-conference NCAA Football preview... simple as that... I'll wrap it up at the end with a big picture post as well... and we're on...

Atlantic Division

1. Florida State (10-2) - Count me in with those sucked in by the prospect of all that speed and talent on defense coupled with a star QB (Christian Ponder) and a new regime... they should coast
2. Boston College (8-4) - Big-time LB in Herzlich... big time RB in Montel Harris, and they have the typically experience on the O-line to fall back on... really like them, very gritty
3. Clemson (7-5) - Gone are Spiller, Ford, and record-setting TE Michael Palmer, but the surprising return of QB Kyle Parker from baseball spurs them to a winning record for me... alot of speed/talent on that defense too
4. NC State (6-6) - I love Russell Wilson...
5. Maryland (5-7) - They at least have a shot of athleticism at QB in freshman Jamarr Robinson...
6. Wake Forest (3-9) - Lost their all-time leading passer and a couple of key offensive pieces... not alot of talent to replace Riley Skinner and company...

Coastal Division

1. Virginia Tech (10-2) - Crazy good backfield duo of Ryan Williams and Darren Evans... improved QB play from Tyrod Taylor and the typical swarming defense from Bud Foster...
2. Miami (9-3) - Talent abounds... I don't trust Randy Shannon as a game coach... at all... but Jacory Harris should be a year better, and the defensive depth is scary
3. North Carolina (9-3) - Not exaggerating when I say this may be the best defense in the country from a talent standpoint... I still don't trust TJ Yates and there are questions about the offense... so they land here
4. Georgia Tech (7-5) - Joshua (don't call me Josh) Nesbitt returns as one of the most valuable players to their team in the country... the losses of Dwyer, Thomas, Morgan, and Burnett are enormous... but they'll compete in every game...
5. Duke (4-8) - When your most coveted player nationally is your kicker... it's an issue... Cutcliffe has done a nice job though
6. Virginia (2-10) - kind of a laughing stock in the post-Groh era in Charlottesville... yawn

Game of the Year - Virginia Tech @ Miami - November 20th

Offensive Player of the Year - Ryan Williams, RB - Virginia Tech

Defensive Player of the Year - Marvin Austin, DT North Carolina

8/6: Alabama, Tiger, and Elvis...

One of my most hilarious/unique titles... it's all true though... but first...

• The Braves take down Lincecum... Generally, you don't want to spot Tim Lincecum 2 runs in the first 2 innings... but that's what Jair Jurrjens and company did last night... but despite more RISP woes from the Atlanta offense, they pull out a 3-2 behind 2 homers and a settled-down version of Jurrjens from the 2nd inning on.... Lincecum seemed to have some pretty biting stuff (7 k's through 6.1 IP), but had control issues (3 walks) and allowed 2 HRs in a start for the first time in 2 years... oh and btw, I was in attendance... and booing Pablo Sandoval for his systematic murdering of my roto team all year... thanks Panda...
• Alabama received 55 of 59 first-place votes in the preseason ESPN/coaches poll... that's a fairly dominant margin for a team that lost as much as they did on defense... but when you return all the skill guys from your offense and you're the defending champs, that'll happen I guess... I'm still against preseason polls of all kinds...
• Elvis Dumervil has a torn pectoral and will miss 4+ months... really, really bad timing here... he just signed a giant extension on top of the simple fact that he's their best pass-rusher and the season starts in a month... that's bad
• Speaking of injuries... Kevin Youkilis is out for the year... nail in the coffin for Boston? I think so... already 6 back of the Yankees (and 5.5 back of Tampa for the WC)... they are now forced to play Mike Lowell at 1st for the rest of the year it looks like... good luck with that
• Tiger Woods shot a 4-over 74 yesterday at the Bridgestone... yes, the same Bridgestone where he's won 7 times... he's in a funk, folks... if it wasn't official before, this didn't help the argument...

Baseball stuff...

• Pitching Line of the Day - Dice-K - 8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 6 Ks... never thought I'd see the day where he'd be in this space...
• Batting Line of the Day - the immortal Mark Kotsay - 3 for 5, HR, 4 RBI... it was a slow day for the bats...
• 5 division races are still in full-swing... the one that isn't? Texas... I kind of saw this coming preseason, having picked them, because I didn't believe in the Angels roster this year and I swung and missed on Seattle completely... but the Rangers are in zero danger... and they've added Cantu (an eventual upgrade at 1st), Lee (obviously he's been stellar), as well as getting their pitching healthy... it's really a nice roster...

What to watch for...

• Giants/Braves - 7:35 Peachtree TV - Zito/Hanson... a nice pitching matchup for sure... and tonight the Braves are retiring Tom Glavine's #47... I doubt that's going to be on TV.. but Big-ups to Tommy G... had a moment last night remembering just how crazy it was to see him throw 8 innings of 1-hit ball in the World Series clincher (a 1-0 win no less) that could've easily been a no-no (insanity!) if Tony Pena didn't hit a blooper into center in the 6th...

Another slow TV day... sigh.... gotta love when ESPN has to re-show the ESPY's... on the mothership in primetime no less.... enjoy the day

The Hiatus is over...

I promise the hiatus comes to an end tomorrow... we're gearing up for football and I'll be throwing up regular season preview-type posts for both College football and the NFL in the coming days... with baseball at the forefront right now (and my unwillingness to discuss what I consider to be extremely interesting "preseason" type football news... and definitely not Brett Favre), it doesn't seem like we've missed much in the way of news around here... but with races ramping up... there's discussion to be had... I look forward to it! Stay tuned...