Saturday, September 29, 2007
So...Ready to Start Your Season?
So if you tune into your television sets this coming Saturday at 8 pm you will find yourselves watching what might be the Big Ten Championship. Yep, I said it this weekend could prove to be the crowning of the Big Ten Champion. Let's look at how I came to this conclusion.
The boilers have looked spectacular on offense, sluggish on defense. So if they prove this weekend to be a the real deal and beat a top ten team in OSU they will put themselves in the driver seat in the Big Ten Championship run. Purdue will go on to play Michigan, Iowa, Northwestern, PSU, MSU, and IU. Michigan: inconsistent, especially with a confusing attack that the Boilers have. Iowa: lost to IU so, well, that kind of explains itself. Northwestern: lost to Duke who before had the nation's longest losing streak. PSU: down in the dumps and looks to not be climbing out anytime soon. MSU: decent team that lost a tough one today to Wisconsin. IU: they are IU. So with a clean a road that is possible in the Big Ten awaits Purdue after OSU, the Boilers have a good chance to be champions. The only trouble is, is the slight chance of either Illinois or Wisconsin going undefeated in the Big Ten as well (one will lose as they play each other this year).
It will be a tough road but so long as Purdue takes it one game at a time and their defense improves, watch out Big Ten.
Notre Dame this year has been having a less than average season. Coming into the game today 0-4, the worst in schools history, Notre Dame really did not have much to lose. Although, Purdue coming into the game 4-0, did have something to prove because many people think of Purdue's schedule as weak and that is why they have won the season's first four games. During previous season starts, the Notre Dame versus Purdue game is really a measuring stick of whether or not Purdue is going to be good this year. Notre Dame is normally a powerhouse, although this year they are awful. The game today really wasn't a measuring stick and from my eyes was a bad game for Purdue to play. To be honest, I thought Purdue was going to lose the game today because Notre Dame really did not have any pressure on them and Purdue really needed to win.
Purdue did pull it out controlling the game from the very beginning. To me it seemed like Notre Dame was playing catch up the whole game after going into the locker room at half time being down 23-0.
In the second half, they came back fighting. They only scored once in the third quarter, but in fourth they had two touchdowns. The Irish really have improved since the beginning of the year, although they have a long way to go. ND quarterbacks showed some improvements today throwing for three touchdowns and really putting the ball on the mark in all three of those. Notre Dame still had a chance with only 7:58 still to go in the game only being down by 7 points, but that was it. Purdue then score again with 5:33 sealing the victory. Curtis Painter played well today, although he threw for 2 interceptions. I think against a top ranked team like Ohio State that could prove to be fatal. I also think the key for Notre Dame's loss today was missing the 2 pats, and also the penalties. They had 11 penalties for 110 yards. If they hadn't lost all the yards, I think it would have been a lot closer game. Overall Notre Dame has shown a lot of improvement, but once again, Purdue is too much of a match for them. Maybe Notre Dame should try playing a high school team to get their spirits up, or maybe not because it's possible they would get beaten by them also.
Purdue plays Ohio State next and Curtis Painter needs to come out and perform better than what he did today. His decision making was good other than those two interceptions, although Ohio States defense will give him some problems that he has yet to see this year. My prediction for next week is that Purdue will win because they are in a "winning-groove", and also because the coaches will prepare them for the biggest game on their schedule.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Drew Brees
I personally think it was amazing for Drew to give back to Purdue, because if it wasn't for Purdue, he would have never been given the opportunity to earn that money. Also, it is a great way to spend the money because he will be furthering the education of college students for many many years.
Ass Whooping in Order
The Boilermakers are doing great so far this year with an almost perfect offensive. Our defense has a some holes, but we are working on it. I'm not a defensive cordinator, but I'm always good for a good blitz package 4-3 or 4-4 formation to totally stop the rush and put pressure on the QB in hopes for a sack, fumble, or bad pass. Thats where the corner backs and safety have to really alert up in case the QB gets the pass off early and thats where they must at least swap the ball down. But they also need to be heads up for the bad pass because thats their pick. I am predicting an ass whooping on a minor level for Purdue vs. ND, 33-7.
Another game is Michigan versus some school called Northwertern. N'Western is just a small road block for Michigan. They are just about outdone on every level of the game. Michigan is looking to light up the score board on many trips to the red zone. I don't know much about N'Western, but their stats show that they are outclassed on passing and rushing. And if their QB is not mobile with his feet, look for him getting sacked a number of times with a good chance of a fumble or bad pass into a Michigan pick.
In this game look for my man Mike Hart rushing about 200-230 yards, 3TDs, and something around a 40 to 50 long. Ryan Mallett in this game can complete around 65% of his passes and maybe a another TD to his name. Arrington and Manningham should be the main recievers in this one. I am predicting a serious ass whooping on a major level, 61-3.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
The 2007 'Quarterback Shuffle'
Rex Grossman lost his starting spot this week due to terrible play thus far in the season. His totals on the season include a 52.8 completion percentage, a measly one touchdown to six interceptions. Lovie Smith finally gave into what many in the public thought is way overdue, a 'quarterback shuffle.'
Replacing Grossman is Brian Griese who hasn't started a game since 2005. He remarked on this saying it was a good thing because his body "feels great" as he chuckled a bit. A renowned backup around the league and with the Bears the past two seasons, Griese looks to get the Bears on the right track.
I believe that this move should have been done long before this. Rex has been given numerous chances to prove himself. All he has proved to be is inconsistent and bad at calling a game. Griese comes into this next game, against the Lions, with a chance to prove that he indeed should be the signal caller of this team. The Bears are by no means out of the playoff race. So, the fact that this change was made relatively early in the season gives Griese a chance to get his bearings, no pun intended, and right the ship.
This weekend is a good one for Griese to start off with. The Lions have a terrible defense and gave up 56 points last week to a downtrodden Donovan McNabb and Co. So as long as Griese doesn't try to do it all himself, hand the ball off a bit, and give the team a chance both him and the Bears should do all right.
I see the game as whoever wins between the Lions Defense and the Bears Offense will win the game. Those two units are the inconsistent ones thus determining the outcome. The Bears D versus the Lions O will also be entertaining, both being very skilled and talented. As for my prediction, with the Lions coming out on top 28-27. Also, look for the Lions homefield crowd coming into effect with the quarterback change.
Better Bring It
The Irish have not won a game this year and that's what scares me. To most that wouldn't be a scary thing but a team that hasn't won a game is very, very hungry for a win. So Notre Dame coming into Ross Ade this Saturday is going to be an interesting game. Now, I really hope that Purdue blows out Notre Dame like the other four teams did, but the thing that scares me is that Purdue will go into this game thinking that Notre Dame will just roll over and Painter will go for another 300 yard passing game.
I just hope that the Irish's season does not make a change for the better this weekend. It would be an embarrassment to the Purdue Football organization for the rest of the season. Purdue would be known as the team that got Notre Dame back on track. Now given that the next three games that Notre Dame plays after Purdue aren't the easiest, UCLA, Boston College and then number one USC, but a win against a big rival will give them the confidence they need going into these games.
So this Saturday I’ll be decked out in my Purdue gear and cheer till my voice goes dead. I'll wake up early and send up a prayer up to Touchdown Jesus and pray that the Boilermakers come to play, because if they don't, Notre Dame will come in starved for a win and might just upset the Boilers.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
OJ
The idea isn't necessarily a bad thought, although I think a players performance on the field versus what they do off the field shouldn't matter. As an example: say a player came and just demolished all records, like a Michael Jordan of the NFL. Every little kid wants to be the athlete. He has every endorsement deal, he has everything he would ever want. He is the stud on the field and everyone looks at him as a god. Then all the sudden he decides to go on a rampage and do something against the law. Those actions should not be looked at after he has been inducted. The player had to work hard for his spot in the HOF, so that player should be awarded for his work ethic and his ability to perform under pressure. The player through his time in the NFL was successful in many ways because of the role model he was to the younger children wanting to be like him. My opinion of success is not how much money you have, or how many materialistic items you have, but how many lives you can change while doing what you do best.
People are not perfect although when your a star in a popular sport, or when everyone is critiquing your life, the expectations of you are raised higher because everyone wants you to fail. So when the athlete does fail, everyone can drop the hammer on him and say ya, he wasn't as good as everyone thought. He made a mistake, therefore he doesn't deserve any of the awards he worked his ass off for. That is not fair to the athlete because whether he did or did not break the law, he did something great for the league, and overall, he changed many young peoples lives because he proved no matter what the odds were against him, he pursued his dream and didn't let anyone stop him. O.J. had a dream to be in the NFL and set many records, and that is what he did. Just because he broke the law doesn't give anyone the right to take something away from him that he earned and deserves.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Reporter Crossing The Line?
Jenni Carlson is a sports reporter for The Oklahoman who recently wrote a column about Oklahoma State Quarterback Bobby Reid. The article's main basis was the Quarterback change in OK State's depth chart. But what she said in the article may have crossed the personal line. In the article she noted happenings off the field that she cited as reasons for the change. Included in the off field activities noted:
- Reid's mom feeding him chicken
- Reid being nervous before every game
- Calling Reid out about pouting to coaches
- Using unproven rumors of Reid's transfer
- Making accusations that he has "sat it out instead of gutting it out" (referring to the numerous injuries throughout Reid's career)
Then Carlson goes on to degrate him even more saying, "A 21-year-old letting his mother feed him in public? Most college kids, much less college football players, would just as soon be seen running naked across campus." All these add up to the perfect storm.
Thats when Coach Mike Gundy took over...
Gundy struck back, defending his player. Gundy told the reporter that she had crossed the line and that if she wants to attack someone, attack him. He was also angry about the fact that she was noting off field activities about a player who has worked hard, dealt with the media very well, and is a very good person. Gundy would later say, or yell, that she does not know how it feels to be Reid because she has never had kids. If she were to experience a son, or daughter, coming home crying because he/she was personally attacked that she'd know. It was clear that he was most furious about her attacking an amatuer athlete and his off-field behavior.
So was this one of those once in a blue moon times where a press conference blow up was actually the right thing to do? Was Gundy right?
I say absolutely. That shows tremendous support if a coach stands up for a player that may have not been doing so hot of late. It will bring together a team, bring up the player, and show an obvious crossing of the line by a reporter. It's one thing to comment on a players on field activities, whether good or bad, but don't dig up personal dirt on an athlete, let alone an amateur one.
They're at it again!
The Colts have now won games in many different ways. They have blown out the Saints with a score of 41-10. They have also Won the close one. Both against the Titans and Texas. So they can play both the nail bitter and the ass whoopin.
The next couple weeks for the Colts doesn't look to challenging but are still goin to play teams that are 2 and 1. Another great advantage to the next two weeks is that they will be playing at home, which is one of the loudest buildings to play in. Then after those two weeks they get their bye week.
The colts are playing some very tough football. They are fourth in both points scored and total offense and ranked fifth in total defense. If the colts keep this up they are in good contintion of making another appearance in the Super Bowl.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
When Will USC Slip?
Thus far this season USC has dominated the likes of Idaho, Washington State, and Nebraska with only the latter being somewhat of competition. The combined points for all three games is a lot to a little, with the points scored being 133 to a meager 55 points.
This year is a little different then years past, however. The pacific ten is so much improved then years past that USC has little room for error. You may remember in years past USC would maybe get down in the first quarter, then finally awake in the proceeding quarters and dominate the game. That's not going to fly this year. If USC doesn't come awake to the game, they aren't going to win. Hopefully they will come with a Midwest like work mentality then a Californian surfer dude to every game, for their sake.
Ranked opponents among the PAC ten include: Oregon and California. Let's not forget however that UCLA was in the top 15 and Arizona is an extremely improved team. Arizona State also seems to bring their pass offense while playing PAC-10 games.
So look out USC and don't flinch. Because if you do, you'll slip.
Michigan State Spanks ND
In the first quarter, the game was thought of as a turn around for the Irish, coming out and drawing blood first with the touchdown of Travis Thomas. I thought that the Irish were finally going to get a win on the board. If a team that is normally a top 25 in the nation caliber starts out 0-3, you know the players are going to be at eachothers' throats trying to figure out why they are losing. And if the team happens to be a collegiate team, you know those players are going to turn that negative atmosphere around and break their backs to get a win on the board. Anyway, about the first quarter, Michigan State has a drive and with 7:05 in the first quarter left, they put 7 points on the board. Then with only :22 seconds left in the first quarter, the Spartans score again.
In the second quarter, Michigan State kicks a field goal making the score 17-7. Then Notre Dame decides to put their game face on and move the ball down field to score putting them within striking distance. Going into half time with the score being 17-14, everyone is thinking will Notre Dame come out and be the powerhouse they are known through the years of being, or will they come out and choke?
Well come to find out, the Irish come out after half time and choke letting the Spartans score twice in the third quarter. The final score of the game was 31-14, although the scoreboard doesn't say the truth. The truth is, Notre Dame's performance really wasn't that bad one offense with Jimmy Clausen throwing 7/13 and James Aldridge rushing for 104 yards. The problem with the Irish today was the defense.
The defense could not stop the Spartans from scoring, especially when the offense worked so hard before halftime to cut the lead to three points. Michigan State only were stopped 5 times the entire game while the Irish were stopped 9. For a team to convert all but 5 times in an entire game is ridiculous. There is a slim chance of winning if a team can put points on the board all but 5 times they have the ball, especially when they hold the other team to punting the ball 9 times.
Overall the game had potential although Notre Dame doesn't have a defense. Notre Dame's defense may possibly be compared to high school defenses around the state. Next week Purdue faces Notre Dame which for Purdue is a lose lose situation because if Purdue wins then the talk is big deal, you beat an 0-4 team. Although, if they lose, then the hype about Purdue is they had three weak teams, and they could not even beat an 0-4 Notre Dame.
STOP the hatred against Texas
I believe Texas can go far this year and get to that championship bowl game or at least the next biggest one. The only team in their way is Oklahoma and if they can beat them the rest should be no problem. What Texas needs to do is out score them on the offense. That means scoring everytime they have the ball either TD or Field Goal. Then put a good blitz package on the Oklahoma's QB Sam Bradford. Hopefully causing a early interception and not letting Oklahoma get their great offense rolling, and as long as Texas does give up a premature turnovers on the offense they should score on most of their drives.
Old Man Flynt
Friday, September 21, 2007
Respect in Time
Thursday, September 20, 2007
HART Following up on his WORDS
Now to start didn't i say he would lead Michigan to victory and practicly by heself. Mike Hart followed up on his words with a impressive victory with i know with not so impressive Notre Dame. It was a blow out and its has been a longtime since someone has done that to Norte Dame, even Georga Tech and Penn State couldn't do that. And i don't care that it was just a field goal they scored against GT. As you can see Michigan was dominate enough to not even let them score that poor amount of points. But still on ESPN they are saying Michigan will lose to Penn State. Those are the same people that let Notre Dame score ten points on them, am i right yes i am. Michigan is coming back and coming back strong and since their champion dreams have been shakered they have the ability to beat everybody else on their schedule and ruin their dreams too.
I truth that Mike Hart will not let his team lose to Penn State. Mike Hart is leading in the NCAA in rushed yards this season so far. He alone has 83 carries, 5 TDs, and 502 total got damn yards and remind you that is the stats for one 5'9" 202lb running back from Michigan. Those stats are ridiculous for a man thats on a team with a 1-2 record right now. Only place i see Michigan maybe losing again and its not against Penn State its just maybe against Wisconsin or Ohio State.
WOW, OJ back at it again
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Disapointed in Ocho Cinco
So I’m watching the game and Johnson scores, I'm thinking to myself. O' here we go, this is going to be good. The crowd is cheering and you can just tell that they are waiting to see what Chad does. He goes off to the sideline, takes out a huge coat out of a black trash bag and puts it on. It is a "replica" of the Hall of Fame jackets. It says, “future H. O. F. 20??.” Now to me that just doesn't seem like that great of a celebration. I mean I’ll give the guy some credit for the creativity, but a celebration that made me laugh and say, "wow that was a good one." Not so much.
I'll give the guy a chance to redeem himself some time this year; there are still a lot of games to come. I just wasn’t impressed with his first celebration of the season, especially when this was going to be a year of amazing and stupendous celebrations from Mr. Ocho Cinco.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Lymon is an IDIOT
I mean how stupid can you really be? You have worked hard to earn a full ride scholarship to a major D1 school and piss it away all in one night by underage drinking and end up getting stabbed in the chest. I think that is selfish, and more or less, stupid. To not think of the team while you were at the bar illegally and then causing a women to stab you is ridiculous. He deserves everything he receives for this because that is almost as bad as the stuff you see happening in the NFL.
Go Ahead And Let Me Have It
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Texas Longhorns 3-0 and Looking Good
This was a great game and it had me on the edge of my sit because it was a up and down, back and forth gridiron war. Some might say that Texas look bad and they bearly beat a team they should have destroyed. Yes, they could have done better but still Texas wouldn't have destroy UCF because they got skills too. Maybe the final score should have been more like 35-24 Texas, but UCF showed alot heart by coming out in the second half with a different game plan and winning that half of the game. Just because a team is not rank doesnt mean they are going to get destroy by 6th ranked Texas. People must realize a good team usually becomes ranked off beating a great team like Michigan (they beat North Dame 38-0 and it was ugly believe me). Texas had a little to much for UCF but UCF did present some problems
The deciding factor in this game to me had to me the QBs. Colt McCoy surely could of had a much better game because he alot potention. He decent perfromance was much better than UCFs QB Kyle Israel who threw a game changing pick. The rushing on both sides was great but Jamaal Charles came out on top with the carrying. With that rushing it opened up alot in the air for Colt McCoy. While on the other side of the ball Texas controlled the air UCF breathed. So as u see the while both offenses where strong Texas had the superior defense. Longhorns are going far this year mark my words
When Will Cleveland Releash The Beast
ND please
The downfall for Notre Dame in the game was going into the second quater they were down ten points. With a ten point deficit, you can still come back and win, although when you let a team score another 21 points going into halftime the chances of survival dim pretty fast. Notre Dame's defenese must have left their playbooks at South Bend today and the offense was worse than I have seen in years. Not being able to march the ball downfield and score even once during an entire game is rediculous. I mean really, can't you even get a field goal? Notre Dame fans should be enraged with the performance of the so called "powerhouse" put on. The biggest drive the Irish had was 38 yards. That is almost unbearable! Thirty-eight yards for a big time NCAA team, WOW! One Brady left Notre Dame is horrible, they shouldn't even be a D1 school. Move them down to D2, D3, or hell, even NAIA. It's time for the Irish to hang up the cleats! I see a good future in the Wolverines, but the Irish, PLEASE. I see a better future in my 102 year old grandma than I do this season for Notre Dame.
The Real "McCoy" from Texas
Colt McCoy is the quarter back from the Texas Longhorns and with a cool name like that and his skills scramble and passing hes a real BAD ASS. From the beginning i didn't think there could be anyone who could replace Vince Young. He was the only QB in NCAA history to pass for 3000 yards and rush for 1000 yards in a single season, so he going down as one of the best college QBs ever. But McCoy has been holding he own and well might i add, his starting year last year he threw for 2570 yards, 68.2% completion rate, and 29 TDs.
He is my favorite QB now a days for a some many reasons and he has a great team and coach to back he up. He is QB kind of like Vince Young who can take care of himself. Vince Young could scramble out any situation and so can McCoy in most situations. Even though he looks very young in the face believe me hes strong and he can break a tackle every once in a while i've seen him do it then rush for bout 8 yards. But scrambling is truely just a useful secondary option for him because he can throws bullet passes like a colt .45. He has a great combination of pocket passing and that stuff Michael Vick does to get the ball where he wants it and thats usually the wide recievers Nate Jones, Quan Cosby,and Limas Sweed.
When the passing it not working or McCoy is just having a off day you can't forget about running back Jamaal Charles who is also a bad ass when hes carrying the ball. Hes have to be the fastest guy on the team, why? because he used to run track in the NCAA for Texas and he was fast then and he is most likey faster now. In track he was running a low 10 (thats really good if you know track and i track very well) and now a days his stats are looking real good with 246 yards rushed, 39 long to a TD, and 2 TDs (thats a good start). Jamaal Charles is my second favorite this year.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Week 2
The Patriots will have someone of a test. As mike already stated the Patriots were caught cheating, they will have to come out with a win. I say have to because if they don’t, I can just see the headlines now, "Patriots, can't win without cheating!!" or something to that effect. So they have hanging over them. They are also coming off a solid win and must show that they are still a force to be recon with in the NFL. The San Diego Chargers looked a little flat this last Sunday but I'm thinking that about to change this week. With less then 300 yards of total offense last week, they have something to prove, especially when you have one of the NFL's most explosive backs. Their Defense is looking strong so I’m thinking they will do well this weekend as long as they get that offensive ball moving. Rivers and LT need to take that load. So as a winner for this game I’ll have to go with the Patriots. They will have the home field advantage plus a lot to prove, and as much as I hate to say it Brady is a hell of a Quarterback. If Moss does as well as he did last weekend, they will be tough to beat. So I got to go with the score Patriots 24, Chargers 14.
The second game I'm going to look at is of course the Indianapolis Colts vs. the Tennessee Titans. The game will be played at Tennessee which shouldn't be a problem for the Colts but the home field advantage is always nice to have. With the Colts coming off an impressive 41 to 10 win over the New Orlean Saints. They should come into this ready to go. The whole Colts team looked strong last week. Peyton, throwing for close to 300 yards, Addai running for 118 and Wayne having 115, the whole offense was moving. The defense also looked tough holding Brees and Bush to only 10 points.The Titans are also coming off a win vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars. They didn't really have much of a pass threat but their running game is a bit scary. The Titans main rusher, Chris Brown, AVG about 9.2 yards a carry. That’s almost a first down every time he touched the ball. Wow.
This should be a good game and with the Titans keeping control of the clock with the running game, it should be a low scoring one. They are both in the AFC South and are trying to get the number one spot. It should be a little closer then the Saints, Colts game. I'll say Colts-17 Titans-10.
The Patriots HA
The problem that the Patriots had was Matt Estrella, who is the video man, had the video confiscated from him after the Patriots win last week against the Jets 35-14. The commissioner of the NFL imposed the maximum fine against Belicheck and took away the Patriots first round draft pick if they don't make the playoffs, and if they do then he took away the second and third round draft pick of next year.
The plain fact that cheating is going on in the NFL along with the drama with Michael Vick makes the popularity of the NFL decline. It puts a bad thought about the NFL in peoples mind sort of like the fight in Detroit with the Pacers and the Pistons put bad hype on them. Overall I think the NFL will come back from this situation stronger than ever, although it may take some time.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
A Little Roll Reversal in The NFC North
The dominate team of last year found a new spot to sit...for this week. Don't worry, I'm not naive enough to think that this is the way it's going to end up. But for this week the Chicago Bears are at the bottom of the totem pull in the NFC North. Even the lowly Detroit Lions have found a way in week one to strut their offensive muscle.
The Bears are in no trouble at all, it's week one, after all...or are they. Not only did they lose their season opener, but they also lost the leader of their defense, Mike Brown, to a season ending ACL injury. OK, so one player does not make a team, they can survive without him, right. Well, we also have to look at the poor play of the offense. No touchdowns, no dependable running back, and a VERY inconsistent quarterback in Rex Grossman. It's too early to tell, but for now, if I were a Bears fan, which I definitely am not, I might be a little worried. Not to take anything away from a very good opponent in the Chargers, who yahoo sports says is the best team in football.
The rest of the NFC North did nothing but impress. The Packers showed off their defense to which smothered a normally good offense in Philadelphia. They also put on display their rookie kicker Mason Crosby, who looked good all day hitting field goals of 53, 37, and a 42 yard game winner with two seconds left. The Vikings showed their depth at Running Back when Chester Taylor went down and Adrian Peterson came in to gain 163 of all purpose yards and a key touchdown late in the game. Along with AP's accomplishments the Viking defense returned two touchdowns on interception returns. Let's not forget who was throwing those, Joey Harrington, one of the most underachieving QB's of our time. Lastly, the Detroit Lions proved that they had the offensive talent that their draft picks have showed. Putting up a 36 spot on last years third ranked defense. Rookie "phenom" Calvin Johnson had one of three touchdown passes on the day thrown by highly scrutinized QB Jon Kitna. Newly acquired RB Tatum Bell showed he could run a little bit putting 87 yards of rushing and a touchdown.
Yes, it's early in the season, but woe to the Bears, because I think this division got a little bit better in the off season.
LT slowed down but never stopped
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Looking Gooood
Curtis isn't doing all the work the total offensive yards have been averaged at 510.5 yards a game, which is also 1st in the Big Ten. Now after this next weekend we will really see what the Boilers are made of. They will go away to play Minnesota, then come back to play a beaten down ,but always tough Notre Dame and then an always strong Ohio State. These will be the games that put the Boilers to the test.
This brings me to my next topic. I don't think I have ever liked the idea of the bigger, "better" schools starting off there season with two or three cake games. I mean I could kind of see were they would want to play that first one against a weaker team just to see how they do in a real game experience, and almost treat it as if it were a scrimmage. But when teams play these lower opponents two, three weeks in a row, it almost gets ridiculous. Like I was at the Purdue game last Saturday and I’m pumped because it's the home opener and we come out and score fast and I’m thinking man Purdue is looking good this year. Then we score again, and then again and then again. It almost got to the points of annoying. I mean don't get me wrong I love a good ass whooping, but there's always something to that close nail biting game, and I just don't think you get those games when you play that inferior team three weeks in a row. I know what everyone is thinking, "well what about Appalachian state?" That was one in a million. You usually watch these games and they're almost painful to watch. So I'm all in favor of the first "scrimmage" game against an inferior team, but c'mon, if you know that you’re a good team, play some competition.
The "Hart" of the Wolverines Will Save Them
Yes i said it and its true as of now runnung back Michael Hart is the heart of the team right now. I'm not taking anything from the other big play makers like Mario Manningham because he is great too and has a very bright future and i can honesty say for him that he is the passing power of this team. However, Michael Hart is my favorite running back and he is out to set HIS team back on track where that were supposed to be. He said in a recent interview, and after Michigans second dissappointing, embarassing, and totally upset lost to the Oregon Ducks, that this team is going to win their next game, the defensive is going to do better, and the coach is going to coach good. Those were some strong words coming from a strong man more than ready to make a living off of playing football on sunday nights. Hart's 2007 season stats are aready impessive even coming off two losses. He has 48 carries, 315 yards total, 6.6 yard average per carry, 54 yard long(if you saw it you know what i mean), and 3 touchdowns. That is what the team has and needs and sounds like they need more from him these days but he also needs more from them. As everyone knows, Michigan has loss to Appalachian State and Oregon respeatively. But its not over they can(can't say will just yet) come back because i have seen this situation before with a team that i happen to dislike. That team is USC and if you followed that team last year you know that they also lost to unranked Oregon Ducks and USC also lost to UCLA. You know teams they were supposed to destroy in all ways because they are USC and everybody loves them. But they beat everyone else on that schedule and went on to to play in the famous Rose Bowl beating my Michigan. Last year Michigan only lost to Ohio State and they they played in the BCS bowl (they lost haha i don't like them either). So i conclude my arguement with that if Michigan can destroy all their next opponents they should play in a big bowl game. Mike Hart will be the one to lead this team.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Same Story, Different Week
First with ND, going into the weekend I felt pretty optimistic. I was confident that Coach Weis would rally the troops and turn it around against a worthy opponent. I was wrong to say the least. Penn State's defense did more than just shut the offensive attack of the Irish down, it embarrassed them. They sacked and held a rush offense to a whole zero yards. The defense did more scoring then the offense; they put a pick six on the board but did little to stop a veteran PSU offense that put up 31 on a defense that was supposedly revamped. The special teams did all they could do to help the Irish O by setting them up with a first and goal at the four, only for them to go backwards and get a field goal out of it. Filthy, horrible, nauseating.
At least Michigan can score an offensive touchdown, but besides that they didn't do much else. Giving up 39 points and looking bewildered on an offensive assault by an Oregon Duck spread attack. My favorite play would have to be the fake statue of liberty play that made a defensive end look absolutely stupid, I couldn't help but laugh.
But hey, Michigan is going to win, despite two embarrassing home losses, next week against ND, or at least that's what UM Running Back Mike Hart thinks. Hart guaranteed victory over the Irish soon after their loss to Oregon.
I won't be quite as quick to make my prediction on the game, I guess we will see.
Friday, September 7, 2007
New Orleans WHO????
The Saints didn't even want to come to Indy to play. So they did show up, but what happened to defense? The Saints showed some competition in the first half until Peyton decided alright enough is enough and decided they would go on a 31-0 second half. All I ask is please bring a team that will even compete with the colts. The only person the Colts could have trouble with is LT. I mean really can he be stopped? He is like the modern day Michael Jordan of football. But what happened to Reggie Bush with only 38 rushing yards the entire game. I mean I guess i understand when your playing a team with a Peyton Manning whose rating is 125.4 along with the explosive wide receiever combo they have with Harrison and Wayne. The score shows how the game went. First half Colts had to shake out some problems, get the rust off and get everything right. Then the second half game was over before the 3rd quater even started. NFL is a joke because Colts cannot be beaten. The only team that can beat the Colts is the Colts themselves by making stupid errors and not playing like they are capable. The only thing I ask is please bring some team that even will even compete.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
I'm sooooooo Ready!
The Indianapolis Colts open up this 2007/08 season against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have great potential this year. Yes, last year after the Katrina happings they came out and put a on a great show but, this year I don't think the show will be that great. Even though they return Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees and also bring back super athlete Reggie Bush, Running Back Deuce McAllister, and Wide Receiver Marques Colston. (Both Marques and Deuce racked up 1,000 yard seasons last year. Plus Drew had over 4,000 yards in the air.)(http://http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/saints/ )I still don't think they have enough fire power to out score the Colts.
The Colts will be having 8 time pro bowler Peyton Manning behind center to lead the charge. They also return there whole offensive line except for Pro Bowler, left tackle Terrick Glenn, who went into retirement this summer. Replacing Glenn will be Tony Ugoh. The Colts also have Pro bowlers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, each having over a 1,000 yards last season.(http://http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/colts/) The only thing that scares me a little is the Colts defense. They have lost some half of their defense. The defensive line lost their two "big" guys Booger and Simon, and the secondary is only bringing back Bethea, Sanders and Jackson.
It should be a good game tonight. The Saints should be able to run the ball, and use bush on some quick passes. The Colts will probably do the same ole, "hey we're going to score more then you approach." They will keep the Saints honest with the Addai and throw the ball bunches. So I’m thinking the score with probably get into the 30's. My thought on the score would have to be. Saints-24, Colts-31.
The Bigger They Are, The Harder They Fall
We'll start with Michigan first. What an embarrassing performance, put on by the Wolverines in what was supposed to be a gear-up game for the this weeks opponent, Oregon. But Appalachian State? What state are they even from, because I'm pretty sure Appalachian isn't a state. Actually, I do know where they are located, Boone, North Carolina, with an undergraduate enrollment of 12,122, who doesn't know that?
Back to the game...
It looked early like this game was going to be a route that it should have been when Michigan scored a quick touchdown shortly after the opening whistle. The only problem was that ASU responded quite quickly evening the score at seven all. By the end of the first half UM didn't know what hit 'em as ASU took the lead at 28-17. ASU seemed to be the real deal. UM responded after halftime finally taking the lead at 32-31 with a little over four minutes remaining before Julian Rauch took the lead for keeps at 34-32, although it didn't seem like it would be that way. Michigan quickly threw there way into field goal position to set up themselves for a game winning field goal before it happened. The snap, the hold, the block? That's right Corey Lynch blocked the try to end the Wolverines' final chance to fully redeem themselves. Game over.
So what does it all mean? It means that Lloyd Carr's hot seat just got a little hotter. But what matters to his job security more then this loss is how his team responds this week against Oregon. One of two things could happen: The Wolverines go through the rest of their season feeling sorry for themselves and maybe win a couple on to Lloyd Carr's firing at the end of the season, or, the Wolverines could take this as a positive, learn from their mistakes, and take a shot and possibly win the Big Ten. I believe that the latter is far more likely then the former, maybe not a Big Ten championship but they will give the powers of the league a run for their money, they always do.
Now to the disgusting performance that was the Georgia Tech at Notre Dame game. I happen to have a first person view of this catastrophe (50 yard line, 50 rows up). It was nasty start to finish, turnovers, penalties, and unclutch performances make it one of the worst showings I have ever seen by the Irish in recent years, and there have been some ugly ones. Three quarterbacks, that's right three, played in the game and none seemed to help at all. They had as many quarterbacks play as they did points, not exactly a stat that you would like to have.
Demetrius Jones seemed to be the most athletic, Sharpley seemed to be the least athletic but the most technologically sound, and Clausen seemed to have a good mix of athleticism mixed in with a quick release. I will give them the benefit of the doubt this game, I am letting all of their combined mistakes go to forgiveness, this time.
The blame to me sits with the offensive line. They played absolutely terrible. It seemed like every time Travis Thomas touched the ball he had two guys in his face tackling him for a four yard loss. It seemed they gave up at least nine sacks, oh wait, THEY DID.
The defense didn't play much better, giving up 33 points in a game, under a new defensive coordinator, Corwin Brown, who supposedly was supposed to get this new defense to run more and think less. Maybe he is the one who should think a little bit more about his whole defensive strategy.
Not to worry Irish and Wolverine fans, I guarantee at least one of your teams will score one in the win column within two weeks...maybe its because you guys play each other.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Mission Statement
As Xcaliber I will cover mostly college football. My favorite teams are Michigan, Louisville, and Texas respectively. My favorite Pro teams are the Colts, Saints, and Titans. I dislike teams for no reason maybe because they beat my favorite teams. Those teams I will judge very hard on their every mistakes and while I will make up logical reasons for my favorite teams mistakes.
Being Mike, I will cover mainly college statistics and discuss my personal opinion on teams. I will also cover the Indianapolis Colts and San Diego Chargers. Mainly I will discuss why teams are winning or losing and what they need to change.
As purdueguy13, I will be covering mostly NFL teams. My favorite would have to be the Indianapolis Colts; I’m also a fan of the AFC. On the college scene I will mostly cover Indiana teams. I will also root for the underdog most of the time. I will try to stick to the facts, but most of the time it will be my opinion.
Hey, I’m Irish, as you can probably tell, I am a Notre Dame fan, born and raised. They are, naturally, my favorite team and therefore I will cover them most. I won’t be soft on them either if I disagree with Coach Weis I am going to let you, the reader, know. However, I hope to cover many other top teams in the college ranks as well. As far as professional football goes, I will cover mostly the NFC, specifically the NFC North.