MMBSD: Auguring the Future

As I sit here my breakfast and race the clock for submitting this article (the new co-editor is demanding sandwich) I'm tempted to pull a pundit and make grandiose claims after this early week of football. However it would be a huge mistake. Pro Football, you only play your way out of playoffs in the first half of the season and college football...well your always on a razor's edge. However a few details caught my eye so here goes:

OSU v. Texas
I wouldn't say that the OSU - Texas exactly lived up to the billing butthe game was closer than the score appeared it to be. It was not until much later that the turning points of the game (A Laurinitis induced fumble in the red zone and then the 2 minute drill strike to Ted Ginn Jr.) were realized to be turning points. I think there were three factors that led to the OSU win. First, Troy Smith has become as a cool and collected passer as they come in the college ranks. Texas has one of the best defensive lines in the country but Smith never seemed rattled. Second, Anthony Gonzalez actually lives these days inside of an oxygen tent. Gonzalez seemed to be in the right place at the right time all night and I have to believe his artificial high altitutude training was a major factor. (Little known fact when prepping for a big exam, Gutsy studies in a combination oxygen tent, hyperbolic chamber) Finally OSU star powered sideline typed the scales. While Texas had Matthew McConaughey and Emmit Smith tainted by Dancing with the Stars, OSU had Eddie George and Lebron James. Lebron cashed in his fame for some sideline tickets with his almost-alumni school. Hey, it's good to be the king!


Around the NFL in 5 Thoughts or Less...
1. The race for the number one draft pick is off and I'm calling it a close race between the Titans, Packers and Browns. My guess is that the Titans will evantually get better which leaves the Packers and Browns. Neither team seems to have any sort of offensive line. The Packers are yoked to an over the hill quarterback (now wouldn't that be an ignominious end to Favre's career if he's yanked for Aaron Rogers) while the Browns have the coaching version of typhoid fever with offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon. On third and inches not once but 4 times Carthon avoided using (heck even decoying) 1,200 yard rusher Rubeon Droughns. (let alone that the two minute drill looks like something out of a Felini film.)

2. A lot of new coaches and here's some thoughts on them: Eric Mangini is a lot fatter than he looks in his picture. Either Seattle is in for a long long year or Rod Marinelli is twice the miracle worker that got Helen Keller to talk. The best move by a rookie coach might go to Scott Linehan for bringing in Jim Haslett to coach up the Rams previously soft defense.

3. I don't care what the refs, League, etc say...it was a dirty, unnecessary and sickening hit on Trent Green. I hope he gets well soon.

4. I'm a little bummed out over no Sunday Night Primetime in ESPNville. NBC Sunday Night Football keeps ESPN from showing their highlights while the game is in progress. I guess I'll just have to wait till 10 "Sportscenter" to get my fill of NFL nicknames. That said NBC's "Football Night in America" did a decent job of highlight reels. I'm a fan of Sterling Sharp and Jerome Bettis commentary while Bob Costas has the best snarky comments.

5. Teams that caught my eye in a good way: Baltimore (crushing win), Atlanta (passing yardage), San Fran (Vernon Davis) and teams that caught my eye in a bad way: New England (offensive line), Denver (your killing your father Jake) and Tampa Bay (goose egg).