tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84019112024-03-16T13:53:08.180-05:00Back Seat DriversAn Online Magazine Providing Commentary and Rants on the Sports World.Mighty Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882592090231689509noreply@blogger.comBlogger2349125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-60714683769169494032016-06-18T23:18:00.005-05:002016-06-19T07:23:05.435-05:00Cleveland Championship Eve 2016It's been a long time since I, or anyone else for that matter, has written an article on this blog. However, I had made a promise to myself back when the blog was started in 2004 that I would write an article next time Cleveland was in a championship-clinching scenario. So, without further ado, here we go:<br />
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With Sunday 6/19 becoming a possible Championship day for Cleveland sports fans, most Cleveland sports fans have emotions of dread and superstitution. This is what happens after 52 years of sports seasons coming and going with neither the Browns, Cavs, or Indians being able to bring home a championship. 52 years is such a long time in fact, that the majority of Cleveland sports fans have never themselves even witnessed a championship. Even if one has fathers/mothers, grandfathers/grandmothers, who did witness the last championship of the 1964 Cleveland Browns season, most of them have also grown jaded after <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-top-ten/09000d5d80498666/Top-Ten-Weather-Games-Red-Right-88" target="_blank">Red Right 88</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Drive" target="_blank">The Drive</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5rQmdKKQgI" target="_blank">The Fumble</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shot" target="_blank">The Shot</a>, The <a href="http://didthetribewinlastnight.com/blog/2011/10/26/remembering-game-7-and-the-1997-season/" target="_blank">1997 Indians losing Game 7</a> in extra innings after having a lead, The <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=230105023" target="_blank">2002 Cleveland Browns blowing a 17-point lead</a> in a playofff game, the 2009 and 2010 Lebron-led Cavs losing in early rounds despite having the best record. Some of you are probably just amazed the Browns even made the playoffs once in the 2000s, but yes, it really did happen.<br />
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Some have even gone so far as to say the whole city is cursed. Many of these same people will be performing all sorts of superstitutions, during Game 7 to bring home a championship. Though they can rationally tell you that Lebron
James and Coach Ty Lue don't have secret cameras watching them, they each believe that acting out superstitions such as the following will indeed impact the game:<br />
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1) Growing a playoff beard<br />
2) Wearing the same underwear from Games 5 and 6 still<br />
3) Sacrificing a chicken like Pedro Cerrano in Major League<br />
4) dropping pizza on the floor, eating it, then cleaning it up, because last time that spurred a 10 point cavs run<br />
5) encouraging their dog to sit on guests in the hopes the dog farts on a person, because last time the dog farted on a person, Dahntay Jones drew 2 fouls from Draymond Green<br />
6) Saying the same random sentence they said when Lebron hit his previous 3<br />
7) Telling their significant other to not talk to them during the game, because that's why the Cavs won<br />
8) Telling their significant other to talk to them throughout the game, because that's why the Cavs won<br />
9) Eating the same meal they ate before the Cavs wins of Games 5 and 6<br />
10) Muttering words underneath their breath every time Golden State shoots the ball, thinking they are like wizards casting spells in Harry Potter affecting the outcome of a quidditch match<br />
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However, despite all the superstitions that fans have been practicing, it has been shown by fivethirtyeight.com that in the early 20th century through the 1960s, the city of Cleveland won more than its fair share of championships, proving that <a href="http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/god-doesnt-hate-cleveland/" target="_blank">God Doesn't Hate Cleveland</a>, it's just in the middle of a dry spell. <br />
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With this kind of rational perspective, that there is no curse, it allows you to forget about the dread and the superstitution, and instead focus on why we watch in the first place. The Cleveland Cavaliers are only 48 minutes from a championship. Are they playing a team with the best record in NBA History on the road? Yes. But we should still try to enjoy every moment of the game without worrying about the stench of our six-day old underwear, or having to throw a friend out of a watch-party for saying the wrong words at the same time that the Warriors hit a 3-pointer. What we each do individually won't affect how the balls bounce or the final score.<br />
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The long journey by the city between championships has actually caused the fans to appreciate each winning season even more. Everyone wants to believe that this Cavs team could be the team to end the championship drought, which is a thought that just makes me giddy. Game 7 will be exciting, so I hope that all the Cleveland sports fans can watch with the hope and belief that somehow, the Cavs will find a way to bring home what would be an incredible championship.<br />
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If you're a Cleveland sports fan, it's time to believe... believe in Lebron, Kyrie, Tristan, JR, K-Love, RJ, Shumpert, Mo, Delly, Dahntay, Frye, Mozgov, James Jones, Sasha Kaun, and even Jordan McRae! For some of you, it may be time to believe more in your lucky t-shirt for Game 7 and have a luck-changing shirt for the 2nd half on hand just in case, but that's okay too. Go cavs!<br />
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<br />Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-75445690876043112862014-11-22T19:58:00.001-05:002014-11-22T20:05:12.418-05:00Hate Week Revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Game</div>
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Well it's been a few years since I've (or anyone) has posted on the blog but if anything can bring it back is Hate Week. Yes, HATE Week, the time of year where you turn back the clock to when you were a youth and were able to scream out pure unadulterated hate. There's no stupid brown jug to award the winner of the game. There's just the joy of stomping your enemies dreams into tiny pieces. Before going into a series of curse words to explain why the other team sucks I though a brief recap of what's been going on while we've been away. So umm what has The Ohio State University and that North been up to?</div>
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<b>OSU</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brutus Demanding to Know who Left Urine Samples in his Class room</td></tr>
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While we've been away Ohio State has changed for a button down Sweatervest that slowly suffocated you with special teams and defense to a spread and shred up tempo Urban Meyer powerhouse. OSU is a young team and prone to being tricked by shiny objects and laser pointers however when focused it is one of the top offenses in the country. </div>
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<b> That Team Up North</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wolverine Fan</td></tr>
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This might well be rock bottom for the Maize and Blue. They need a win just to make a bowl game. The era of Brady Hoke hasn't been much better than the era of RichRod. The offense is putrid, the defense occasionally gives up, I think school pays fans to show up, and Hoke will be summarily executed by an acting AD after the game (unclear if it will be via guillotine which I believe is what Hoke's contract stipulates).<br />
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<b>Deep Thoughts</b><br />
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Yes, yes, some illiterate tv personalities might say throw out the records or the teams are equally matched . Blah Blah Blah. Sell that to the masses ESPN I'm not buying it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hypothetical Illiterate TV Personality</td></tr>
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In the end one team is going to the Big 10 championship for consecutive years, the other on the verge of consecutive losing conference records. One is stocked full of 4 and 5 star recruits, the other was found stopping random strangers and asking if they can play offensive line. One is going to a New Year's day bowl and the other trying to find a new coach. It's Rivalry week but the favorite is clear. Mighty Mike in his first pick in a number of years is going with the Buckeyes 45-21. <br />
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<br />Mighty Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882592090231689509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-77967072394628500082012-04-27T22:53:00.000-05:002012-04-27T22:53:18.644-05:00NBA Playoff Preview 2012With only 1 day between the end of the season and the NBA Playoffs, I don't have time for my usual blowout analysis, references to old movies, etc. This year, I will just do a quick preview so I at least have a record of what I was thinking.<br />
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<b>Eastern Conference </b><br />
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<b>1-Chicago over 8-Philly -</b> Even with the injuries, Chicago is deep enough to advance.<br />
<b>4-Boston over 5-Atl -</b> Atlanta has homecourt actually. Could be a tough series for Boston, but I think Boston can make at least the 2nd round, as they were playing better in the 2nd half.<br />
<b>3-Indiana over 6-Orlando -</b> No Dwight Howard, no chance.<br />
<b>2-Miami over 7-NY -</b> Yawn. Should be easy.<br />
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<b>1-Chicago over 4-Boston -</b> If Boston's playing at top of their game, and PG Rose is still iffy, this could be a real exciting series!<br />
<b>2-Miami over 3-Indiana -</b> Shouldn't be too bad for Miami, though I don't think Indiana is as bad as everyone else thinks.<br />
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<b>2-Miami over 1-Chicago </b>- Wanted to pick Chicago all season, and I was going to, but with Rose's injury situation, it doesn't make sense.<br />
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<b>Western Conference</b><br />
<b>8-Utah over 1-SA</b> - The spurs biggest weakness is opposing big men, as evidenced by the damage Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol did last year when the Spurs lost to an 8-seed. The Spurs are improved in some areas this year (mainly due to the emergence of rookie K. Leonard), and should have Ginobili back... but neither of those players address their one weakness. Unfortunately for the Spurs, the Jazz have started playing a jumbo a lineup of PF-Favors, SF-Millsap (who really is a PF) , C-Jefferson, and it has resulted in crazy efficiency numbers and amazing stats. I think SA is going to become the 1st 1-seed to lose to an 8-seed two straight years. If they had drawn a different team, it wouldn't have been a problem. Granted, I still think the Spurs would lose to the Grizzlies again, even if they beat the Jazz this year.<br />
<b>4-Memphis over 5-Clippers</b> - The Clippers' Blake Griffin doesn't play enough defense for me to believe. And their coach is an idiot.<br />
<b>3-Lakers over 6-Denver</b> - I don't have the balls to pick this episode.<br />
<b>2-OK City over 7-Dallas</b> - Shouldn't be a problem.<br />
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<b>4-Memphis over 8-Utah </b>- Memphis is one of the few teams who may be able to handle at least two of the Jazz big men. The key may be Conley and Tony Allen forcing bunches of turnovers.<br />
<b>2-Ok City over 3-Lakers</b> - The Lakers have been too dysfunctional... and OkCity has just been too good.<br />
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<b>2-Ok City over 4-Memphis -</b> should be a great rematch of last year's 7-game slugfest. <br />
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<b>NBA Finals </b><br />
<b>2-Ok City over 2-Miami </b>- Does LeBron still get stage fright? I'm guessing he does! This can only happen if James Harden is healthy. I'm guessing he should be 100% a month from now.Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-15999364323304816262012-04-24T22:44:00.003-05:002012-04-24T22:46:09.990-05:002011-2012 NBA Season Recap: The Year that 1 in 5 Coaches Had Already Coached the CavsThe 2011-2012 NBA season was compressed, with teams having back-to-back-to-backs, 9 games in 12 days, and strange results due to the compression of the schedule. However, there's one thing that has been overlooked in this maddening season...<br />
the fact that one in 5 teams ended up with coaches who formerly coached the Cleveland Cavaliers!<br />
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If one stops to consider this, the first thought is going to be: "wait a minute, outside of Mike Brown and Lenny Wilkens, who isn't coaching right now, what coaches were actually successful with the Cleveland Cavaliers?"<br />
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The answer to this first thought is the fact that the other coaches really have NOT been notable or successful. However, in a bizarre twist of fate, these are the men which make up my favorite stat of the 2011-2012 season: 1 in 5 coaches are from the Cleveland Cavaliers!<br />
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<b>1) Paul Silas, Charlotte Bobcats - </b>Silas' tenure with the Cavs began with Lebron's rookie season. It culminated in lots of yelling, dysfunction, and <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2018311">Lebron's 56-point outburst in a los</a>s... resulting in Silas getting fired at the end of his 2nd season. Silas somehow got the Bobcats to perform well in the middle of the 2010-2011 season,<a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/02/17/995360/bobcats-remove-interim-from-silas.html"> resulting in the removal of his "interim" status</a>, but the Bobcats have since been on track to have the worst winning percentage in NBA history in this 2011-2012 season. Partly due to injury, and partly due to Silas' incompetence I'm guessing. I'm expecting he will be fired within 24 hours of the end of the season.<br />
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<b>2) Keith Smart, Sacramento Kings -</b> Keith Smart was an interim coach for the Cavs, sporting a nifty 9-31 record on the way towards "earning" ping pong balls to help get Lebron James. This is amazingly the 3rd time he's been elevated to head coach (apparently <a href="http://www.kmov.com/sports/ap/136826588.html">he did the same thing in Golden Stat</a>e last year). He supposedly is on contract for next season and is going to be brought back... but the Kings have a very bad record.<br />
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<b>3) Randy Wittman, Washington Wizards -</b> Wittman is currently the <a href="http://www.nba.com/2012/news/features/fran_blinebury/01/30/wittman-wizards/index.html">interim coach for the </a>Wizards. He was coach of the cavs for the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons. He was very consistent - going 32-50 and 30-52. There winning percentages of 39% and 36% are actually his two best seasons. As coach of the Timberwolves for 2.5 seasons, he was worse (29%, 27%, and 21% before getting fired). As coach of the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/post/randy-wittman-im-going-to-do-the-best-that-i-can/2012/04/24/gIQARXahdT_blog.html?wprss=rss_sports">Wizards this year</a>, he is 16-31, for a nice 34% winning percent. Sadly, I don't think he's getting brought back either. In his defense, he hasn't really had much of a chance with any of the teams he's been given. However, I will say from watching some Wizards basketball this year, I don't know if I've ever seen a lazier team when it comes to defense!<br />
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<b>4) George Karl, Denver Nuggets -</b> He actually counts as a <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/karlge01c.html">Cavs coach</a>! Back when he was 33 years old, he got almost 2 seasons at the helm in 1984-1986... before Daugherty and Price were there! He'll be in the playoffs with the Nuggets this year, as usual.<br />
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<b>5) Mike Brown, Lakers -</b> It's well documented and discussed the ups-and-downs of Mike Brown's career. I will say this... he's still a great defensive coach and always improves his team defensively. He will be judged thoroughly based on the Lakers playoff performance this year.<br />
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<b>6) Byron Scott, Cavs -</b> current Cavs coach. He'll be back next year. He will probably be expected to actually win next year, or at least show some progress.<br />
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While only 3 of the coaches on this list are likely to be back next year, all I can wonder is what the parlay payout in Vegas would have been of Smart and Wittman being named interim coaches and Silas SURVIVING the entire season in Charlotte! Now, if only Mike Fratello would make yet another comeback....Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-91166299093890713962012-01-31T21:14:00.005-05:002012-02-01T22:53:16.551-05:00Super Bowl Preview: The Super Bowl SequelSuper Bowl week is a joyous time of the year for every American. It’s a time to eat heavily, drink heavily, and refuse to go to the bathroom during the commercials. It’s also a time of the year, where recently, I’ve enjoyed comparing head coaches to other fictional characters. It started in <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2006/02/super-bowl-preview-sgt-slaughter-vs.html">2006, with Sgt. Slaughter (Cowher) vs. Colonel Mustard </a>(Mike Holmgren) and continued in <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2007/01/super-bowl-preview-welcome-to.html">2007 with McDowell’s, the dad from Coming to America </a>(Lovey Smith). In<a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2008/01/super-bowl-preview-is-bill-belichick.html"> 2008, I pointed out that Bill Belichick is a Sith Lord</a>. In <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2009/01/super-bowl-preview-nobody-beats-whiz.html">2009, I just said that Nobody beat the Whiz (Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt) except on Super Bowl Sunday</a>. And in <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2010/02/super-bowl-preview-good-guys-vs-good.html">2010, I realized that Colts- Saints was Good Guy vs. Good guy (at least f</a><a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2010/02/super-bowl-preview-good-guys-vs-good.html">or me) and was like Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior</a>. In <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2011/01/super-bowl-preview-defeating-mr-glass.html">2011, I pointed out the pure evil of James Harrison and how he is Mr. Glass from the Movie Unbreakable</a>, who ***SPOILER ALERT***, harmed other people but had no idea he was an evil villain.<br /><br />This year? I can't figure out if this "Sequel" is going to be more like Blues Brothers 2000 (where we want to pretend it never happend?) or like Terminator 2: Judgment Day (completely obliterating its quality predecessor).<br /><br style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Fact 1: The 2007 Super Bowl had an unprecedented event - a 16-0 team. The 2011 Super Bowl has a 9-7 Giants team.</span><br />The 2007 Super Bowl was incredibly gripping because of the historic nature of the event. The 1972 Dolphins famously went 17-0, by winning 3 playoff games after just a 14-0 season. The 16-0 and 19-0 seasons seemed mythological and almost impossible. Provided great theater... whereas this year's Pats and Giants have nothing historic on the table. Not even Belichick has the power to retroactively declare this season as an undefeated season and say "my undefeated season is inevitable."<br />Advantage: Blues Brothers 2000<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Fact 2: The Pats brought in Chad Ochocinco to play WR... and for comedic relief!</span><br />This still is exciting. Just put a mic on him during the game. Please. And don't censor him. Let him take pictures of girls in the stands, say obnoxious things, second-guess the coaches, try to predict plays, put whopee cushions under the O-linemen before they sit down. Let him do all that stuff! You have to think outside the box if you want the sequel to trump the original... and we all know the Pats didn't get Ochocinco for his on-field performance at this point. This is the kind of out-of-the-box thinking that leads to a shape-shifting, gelataneous terminator.<br />Advantage: Terminator 2: Judgment Day<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Fact 3: Randy Moss was in the last Super Bowl for the Patriots with a 1500 yard, 23 TD season... but not this one.</span><br />Is this like the Blues Brothers returning without John Belushi? Granted, in terms of getting the band back together, Kevin Faulk is still around. I don't think that's going to push the needle very far though.<br />Advantage: Blues Brothers 2000<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Fact 4: The Pats have added Rob Gronkowski who had a 1300 yard, 17 TD season.</span><br />Does this mean he's John Connor from T2? Or is it Victor Cruz from the Giants (1500 yards, 9 TDs)? Both players had very special seasons and were two of the most explosive seasons in real football and in fantasy football. Of course, no one has any idea how healthy Gronkowski is. When healthy, he is absolutely impossible to cover may I just say.<br />Advantage: Terminator 2: Judgment Day<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Fact 5: The Giants have someone on their roster named Bear Pascoe. Yes, they have a Bear as a backup TE!</span><br />Talk about trying to do anything they can to entice us to watch the sequel? Adding Bears that play football is gimmicky. This is almost like having Blues Traveler guest star during the Blues Brother 2000 movie thinking it would really entice people to see the movie.<br />Advantage: Blues Brothers 2000<br /><br />Thus, as I have shown from these facts, it appears more likely than not that this Super Bowl will not be as exciting as the original and will probably resemble Blues Brothers 2000 more than it resembles Terminator 2: Judgment Day. I sure hope I'm wrong, because nothing puts me in a worse mood than watching a Super Bowl stinker (I'm talking to you Ravens-Giants from the year 2000!)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Game Analysis</span><br />This year, as we all know, the Giants surprisingly ended the Patriots undefeated season in the 2007-2008 NFL season. Four years later, we somehow ended up with the same two teams meeting each other, though the teams have changed in some unique ways (Giants offense much better/consistent, Patriots defense much worse) despite the stability at QB and coach.<br /><br />However, the strangest thing about this rematch... is that it is exactly 4 years ago, which in the NFL, happens to mean that each time the teams faced each other during the regular season. In that 2007 season, the Giants gave the Patriots everything they could handle to try to prevent the Patriots from getting to 16-0... but the Pats prevailed 38-35 (then lost in the Super Bowl). In this 2011 season, the Patriots lost to the Giants in week 9, 24-20, behind New England turning it over 4 times (but forcing 2 TOs), to go -2 on the day.<br /><br />I think this game reinforces the one thing that has been true all season with this high-scoring Pats team... (and also applied to the high-scoring Packers and Saints teams)... they have to give up some turnovers for the other team to win. The Patriots lost to the Bills in a game where they also turned it over 4 times. In the Pats only other loss this year, to the Steelers, the Pats did finish +1, but the Steelers somehow<a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2011.htm"> held New England to 170 passing yards</a>, which of course was a season-low.<br /><br />The critical fact for me is that the Giants almost single-handedly let 49ers TE Vernon Davis beat them in the NFC Championship game. People don't talk about TE Aaron Hernandez as much as Gronkowski, but he is nearly just as skilled and will create just as many problems. Outside of the Giants finishing +2 or +3 in the turnover department, I only see an inevitable scoreline...<br /><br />Pick: Patriots 38, Giants 21<br /><br />Hope it is more exciting than Blues Brothers 2000!Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-26017215437008476922011-12-26T12:00:00.000-05:002011-12-26T00:48:07.398-05:00NBA Preview 2011-2012: The NBA, It's Back!I can't resist doing another NBA Preview. The 7 days of free agency have been insane, with David Stern completely overstepping his bounds, vetoing a trade, and then eventually letting Chris Paul go to the Clippers. More importantly we have like 66 games in 123 days approximately, and every team has about 3 back-to-back-to-backs. Let's take a look at what we have:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Eastern Conference</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Atlantic Division</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4-NY</span>- (major moves: added C Tyson Chandler, PG Mike Bibby; Lost PG C. Billups)- The Knicks have a huge whole at PG. Bibby is too old to be a successful PG. But yes, they have a nucleus of Stoudemire, Carmelo, and Chandler. Should be good enough for a low seed in the playoffs. The backcourt is ridiculously weak though now, but if Baron Davis comes back healthy that will be huge for them.<br />6-<span style="font-weight: bold;">Boston</span>- (major moves: added two Purdue rookies (j. Johnson, E. moore), PF B. Bass; Lost: D. West, PF big baby Davis, Jeff Green (heart surgery - hope he has a good recovery))- Well, the bench got shorter than last year. Jeff Green being out for the season does not help, as there's no way Pierce, KG, and Ray Allen are going to be able to make it through this sprint of 66 games in 122 days. Should be a middling seed, and a tough out in the early rounds... but this could be the last hurrah for this bunch.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7-Philly</span>- (major moves: lost Kapono, 3-point specialist) - I think this young team (outside of Elton Brand), with two young PGs (Jrue Holiday and Lou Williams), along with Evan Turner and T. Young is the kind of team that may be athletic enough and deep enough to survive the sprint through the season.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">NJ</span>- (major moves: amnesty of Outlaw, who they just signed last year) - The team is thin now. Traded most of the assets to get PG Deron Wiliams, may trade C Brook Lopez still to get Dwight Howard, though they got Mehmet Okur, who's coming off a major injury. I can't expect much from them this season.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Toronto</span>- (major moves: added a bunch of spare parts; rookie #5 pick Jonas V. not here yet) - This is not going to be a good team. Not in the least. I said it last year, and it still holds true this year!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Central Division</span><br />1-<span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicago</span>- (major moves: added Rip Hamilton; ) - This is still a great team. MVP Derrick Rose trained hard all summer again with the same guy as last year, alongside his buddies R. Westbrook, K. Love, and A. Horford. Sky's the limit again for these guys. The best thing about them, is that they have Taj Gibson, and Omer Asik, to help soak up minutes in this sprint of an NBA season, who are more than capable of succeeding.<br />3-<span style="font-weight: bold;">Indiana</span>- (major moves: added PF D. West, Lost: Dunleavy, PF McRoberts, PG TJ Ford and waived Posey) - This is a great team, and they got a nice upgrade in PF David West, assuming he's recovered from his knee injury. With the East being so incredibly weak (relatively) after Chicago/Miami, it's not out of the realm of possiblity for the Pacers, yes the Pacers, to grab the 3rd seed.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Milwaukee</span>- (major moves: added Mike Dunleavy, Stephen Jackson (yes, the guy who throws haymakers!), ; Lost Corey Maggette) - I think their crazy coach, Scott Skiles has once again lost his team. This happens in every stint (Phoenix, Chicago). First, he overachieves, then they do around .500, then the bottom falls out and he gets fired. This year's team, as far as I can tell, has PF-gooden/ilyasova; C-Bogut, SF S. jackson, SG Dunleavy, and PG B. Jennings<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cleveland</span>- (major moves: added rookie PG Kyrie Irving, rookie PF T. Thompson, SF O. Casspri; Lost PF Hickson, PG Baron Davis) - I think the Cavs will be battling for the last playoff spot all season long (assuming they don't deal out Jamison and Mo). This team is much better than the forecast everyone else is saying, i.e. this is not the worst team in the East. Not by a long shot. They should be just below .500 and hit around 40 wins because a) they are going to be running all night long in their new system under Byron Scott and b) they still have some solid players in Jamison, Varejao, Mo, JJ Hickson and super fast PG Ramon Sessions.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Detroit</span>- (major moves: added rookie PG B. Knight, ; Lost Rip Hamilton) - It's just an older team (Ben Wallace, Tayshaun Prince) with some players who don't play defense (Villaneuva, Ben Gordon) and then a few interesting younger players (Jerebko, B. Knight, A. Daye). This is not actually a winning formula. (note, I used the same recap as last year!)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Southeast Division</span><br />2-<span style="font-weight: bold;">Miami</span>- (major moves: added rookie PG N. Cole, SF S. Battier; the corpse of Eddy Curry; Lost Mike Bibby, Z, and Magloire) - Yes, they have Bosh, Wade, and LeBron. Mike Miller is the best player after that. At Center, they are in trouble. It's their only weakness... but it could really only be exploited by teams that have offensive centers (i.e. Orlando and the Lakers).<br />5-<span style="font-weight: bold;">Atlanta</span>- (major moves: added T. McGrady, V. Radmonovic; Lost J. Crawford)- The Hawks have seen their best days already I think... though I do think they have more athleticism than other teams, so surviving the regular season is more likely.<br />8-<span style="font-weight: bold;">Orlando</span>- (major moves: added Big Baby Davis, Lost PF Bass; Arenas) - It's hard to handicap them since traindg Howard is still possible... I still think they eke out a playoff appearance, though I have no idea who will be on the team by that point.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Washington</span>- (major moves: added rookie J. Vesley (not sure if he's in the states though); PG S. Mack; LOST Josh Howard) - This team smartly decided not to amnesty Rashard Lewis, because it would have forced them to spend additional money to get back to the minimum. Instead, they can suck it up this year, get a good draft pick, then move forward with getting some free agents in next year's better class to surround John Wall with some talent (and hopefully not as crazy as A. Blatche).<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Charlotte</span>- (major moves: added PG Kemba Walker; SG R. Williams; SF C. Maggette; LOST SF S. Jackson) - May be one of the worst teams... they just have Kemba Walker and Maggette, and Maggette breeds losing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Western Conference</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mountainous Division</span><br />1-<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ok City</span>- (no major moves) - All-World Durant plus super awesome PG Westbrook plus C Perkins and defensive force Ibaka plus Harden means they are the prohibitive favorites out West.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6-Denver</span>- (major moves: added rookie PF K. Faried (he's got dreadlocks and was huge in that NCAA upset in the 1st round over Louisville); PG A. Miller; SG R. Fernandez, LOST (JR Smith, Wilson Chandler,); PG R. Felton ) - Interestingly, they were the top team after the Carmelo trade in offensive AND defensive efficiency. Granted, that team had Felton, JR Smith, and Chandler (all gone). So... I know they won't be the best team, but they should be good enough to mak the playoffs still. Ty Lawson is now the starting PG, they still have Nene, Afflalo, and Gallinari.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8-Portland</span>- (added PG R. Felton, SG J. Crawford; lost PG A. Miller, B. Roy (retired), Oden (knee? - should I even mention this, or do we assume it?)) - This is a solid team, amazingly, despite all of the losses. They have PF Aldridge, SF G. Wallace, C Camby/ K. Thomas, SG W. Matthews, and PG Felton; plus Batum, and J. Crawford off the bench.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Utah</span>- (added SF J. Howard, rookie SG A. Burks; LOST SG R. Price) - this is a retooling time... but if D. Favors pans out, they should be ecstatic about he D. Williams trade last year.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Minnesota</span>- (major moves: added rookie stud SF D. Williams; PG R. Rubio; PG JJ Barea, C B. Miller ) - #2 overall pick Derrick Williams is coming off the bench. Rubio is finally here, so it will at least be interesting for these guys.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Texas Division</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2-Memphis</span>- (major moves: lost SF Battier (it's not that big a deal because he's old)) - I suppose this team has more athleticism and more weapons than Dallas, so they edge them out for a division title.<br />3-<span style="font-weight: bold;">Dallas</span>- (major moves: added PF L. Odom, SG V. Carter, SG D. West; LOST C T. Chandler, PG JJ Barea, ) - I think they will fall short of the division title, but will still be a tough out in the playoffs.<br />7-<span style="font-weight: bold;">Houston</span>- (major moves: added rookie PF Marcus Morris; PG J. Flynn; LOST PF/C C. Hayes, Yao; C B. Miller) - I still think Scola, Kevin Martin, and the defensive presence of Samuel Dalmbert should be good enough to make the playoffs!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">San Antonio</span>- (major moves: added rookie SF K. Leonard; PF TJ Ford; LOST PG G. Hill ) - Last year, I thought the spurs were done and took them out of making the playoffs. Instead, they got a #1 seed... then promptly got stomped in the 1st round. This year, I just think their stars will be injured and they won't have enough frontcourt depth to make it through the season.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Orleans</span>- (major moves: added C Kaman, SG E. Gordon; LOST PG C. Paul, PF D. West) - I think this division is brutal. The Eric Gordon, Kaman, Emeka Okafor team shouldn't be that bad... but they won't be that great either.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pacific Division</span><br />4-<span style="font-weight: bold;">Lakers</span>- (major moves: SG J. Kapono, PF McRoberts; LOST PF Odom, SG S. Brown) - This is the end of the Lakers, in its current form. I'm just not sure how far they can go with their old players in this abbreviated season.<br />5<span style="font-weight: bold;">-Clippers</span>- (major moves: added PG C. Paul, PG Billups; SF C. Butler; LOST C Kaman; SG E. Gordon) - The Clippers are exciting, yes. However, it's all contingent on Chris Paul's knee holding up.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Phoenix</span>- (major moves: added SG S. Brown, SG R. Price; LOST SG V. Carter; PG A. Brooks (in china)) - I'm guessing this is the year the Suns trade Nash to a contender? Not sure what will happen, but outside of Gortat dominating suddenly, I don't think they can make the playoffs.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sacramento</span>- (major moves: added rookie PG Jimmer (i hate him); PF/C C. Hayes; PF JJ Hickson; SG J. Salmons; LOST SF Casspri; PG. Udirh; C Dalembert) - If Tyreke Evans is healthy and re-finds his rookie year, this team could be dangerous. No idea if they will play defense (Tyreke, Jimmer, JJ Hickson, Salmons, Thornton), which will be a problem.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Golden State</span>- (major moves: added rookie Klay Thompson; C Kwame Brown; LOST Radmonovic; Al Thornton; SG R. Williams) - This team is very hard to evaluate. They also don't play defense. They also wasted their amnesty on a $4 million player , in hopes of getting a big center. Instead, they chose backup Kwame Brown over Dalembert. Why is the entire league black-balling Dalembert? I don't get it.<br /><br />Playoffs<br />1st Round<br />1-Chicago over 8-Orlando<br />4-NY over 5- ATL (Baron davis should be good by then)<br />3-Indiana over 6-Boston<br />2-Miami over 7-Philly<br />1-Ok City ove 8-Portland<br />5-Clippers over 4-Lakers (oh boy)<br />3-Dallas over 6-Denver<br />2-Memphis over 7-Houston<br /><br />2nd Round<br />1-Chicago over 4-NY<br />2-Miami over 3-Indiana<br />1-Ok City over 5-Clippers<br />2-Memphis over 3-Dallas<br />Conf Finals<br />2-Miami over 1-Chicago- The biggest question I want to know is this: why can't the Bulls beat the Heat? Everyone remembers the fact that the Heat steamrolled the Bulls last year 4-1, but during the season, the Bulls went 3-0 against the Heat. Unraveling this matchup is the key to determining this year's NBA champion I believe. The Heat are the favorite, but the Bulls in my opinion, might be the only team capable of beating them. Luol Deng is one of the few players who can, for whatever it's worth, hang around with Lebron. Derrick Rose gives the Heat problems. Plus, the Bulls have lots of size which is a problem for the soft Bosh, Anthony/Haslem frontline. The 1st game took place on 1/15/11, but <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310115004">Chris Bosh got hurt during</a> the game in the 3rd quarter and Lebron didnt play, and the Bulls won by 3, while outrebounding Miami 42-30. The 2nd game was another close one - a 4 point Bulls win. The <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=310224004">Bulls outrebounded Miami</a> 53-39. The Heat played a short 8-man rotation, but were missing Udonis Haslem. The Bulls Omer Asik caused many problems, getting 11 rebounds, going +17, in 21 minutes of play. The Bulls won the 3rd game, played 3/6/11 by only 1 point. In this game, the<a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=310306014"> Bulls only outrebounded the Heat</a> 36-30. Udonis Haslem was still not in this game either.<br />In game 1 of the playoffs, the Bulls won by 21, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=310515004">behind a 45-33 rebounding edge</a>, Deng, Noah, and Taj Gibson all had huge games. In game 2, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=310518004">the Heat won by 10</a>, won the rebounding advantage, played great defense, and shot well. It was pretty perfect. In<a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=310522014"> game 3, the Heat won by 1</a>1, In game 4, the <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=310524014">Heat won a nailbiter in OT</a>. In <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=310526004">game 5, the Heat</a> won by 3. I also computed the following stats... the Bulls somehow had Chris Bosh chipping in at 60% FG% during the playoff series (well above his 47% for the playoffs last year). However, they held Lebron and Wade slightly below their playoff averages: Lebron was down from 46.6, to 44.6, but averages more assists (6.6 to 5.9); Wade was really down - from 48.5 to 40.5 and averaged even less assists than normal (4.4 to 3.7).<br />However, none of this information really matters. What does matter? The Heat and the Bulls have each shed one of their top 8 (Bibby, Bogans). The scary thing is, I wante to ask the question of whether Bibby's performance in the Heat relative to the rest of the team. If you throw out his garbage time in game 1's blowout, the Heat were exceptionally worse with Bibby in the lineup (i.e. Bibby always had a worse +/- compared to the team's performance for that day). Bogans? Other than the strange game 1, he did performed rather consistently with the outcome, if not slightly better. The most fascinating thing is this - Bibby posted a NEGATIVE win/shares in the playoffs last year (-0.029), despite his team winning most of their games! This is really hard to do. Bogans? He posted a respectable 0.117 w/share per 48 (where 0.1 is considered the average player). The question then becomes this - the minutes lost by Bogans are now taken by Rip Hamilton. Is Rip, at his age, going to perform that much better than Bogans? I'm not sure. However, the minutes lost by Bibby, are now taken by rookie PG Norris Cole. Is Norris Cole going to play better defense than Mike Bibby? I can answer that emphatically and say yes. Is Norris Cole going to help the Heat run even more fast breaks? I can answer that emphatically and say yes - because he's much faster than Bibby at this point. So, the switch of Norris Cole for Mike Bibby seems to help the Heat even more than the one of Rip Hamilton for Bogans. Now, one could argue that the addition of Omer Asik will really turn the tables for the Bulls. However, I don't think that's going to be the case because Asik, even though he was great for rebounding and defense last year, can probably only help with Bosh and/or the center position. So, sadly, I'm left with the outcome I dread, which is that Lebron overcomes his stagefright and wins the NBA Championship.<br /><br />1-Ok City over 2-Memphis<br /><br />NBA Finals<br />2-Miami over 1-Ok City<br /><br /><strong>All-Gutsy Team</strong><br />PF - B. Griffin, Clippers<br />SF - Durant, Ok City<br />C - M. Gasol, Memphis<br />SG - Wade, Miami<br />PG - LeBron, MiamiGutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-53301687483954436752011-12-04T21:11:00.004-05:002011-12-05T22:08:19.194-05:00Skynet Championship Series: Judgment Day in the Year 2011Judgment Day is upon us... and Skynet is once again in disagreement with the humans as it demands to see a game of LSU vs. Oklahoma State!<br /><br />In case anyone was curious, this is the 6th version of Skynet... Skynet has only agreed with the humans ONCE (last year - Auburn vs. Oregon).<br /><br />Here are the other years, if anyone was curious:<br />2010: Skynet and Humans: Auburn vs. Oregon<br />2009: Skynet: Bama vs. Cincy (got destroyed by Florida in a different game); BCS: Bama vs. Texas (got smoked by Bama)<br />2008: Skynet: Oklahoma vs. Texas; BCS: Oklahoma vs. Florida (won champ, despite Skynet snub)<br />2007: Skynet: LSU vs. Va. Tech; BCS: LSU vs. Ohio State<br />2006: Skynet: Ohio St vs. Michigan; BCS: Ohio St vs. Florida (won champ, despite Skynet snub)<br /><br />What is most interesting is the narrow difference this year in the actual BCS rankings. The difference between Bama and Ok State was a mere .08 points (in the actual BCS). In Skynet this year Ok State finished ahead by 0.64 points. How does that rank relative to past years? Take a look at this table:<br /><br />2009 - Cincy over Texas by 0.6<br />2008 - Texas over Florida by 1.02<br />2007 - Va. Tech over Ohio State by 1.6 (and over LSU - but this year was all screwed up with upsets)<br />2006 - Michigan over Floriday by only 0.03<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Conclusion: It's a fairly big margin, but not that big in comparison to the limited data we have<br /><br /></span>If people were curious what the margins were in each of the computer polls (in terms of normalized values, in Skynet) here is the table:<br /><br /> <table width="320" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><colgroup><col style="width:48pt" span="5" width="64"> </colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt;width:48pt" height="20" width="64"><br /></td> <td style="width:48pt" width="64">Sagarin</td> <td style="width:48pt" width="64">Anderson</td> <td style="width:48pt" width="64">Matrix</td> <td style="width:48pt" width="64">Wolfe</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt" height="20">Bama</td> <td align="right">1.394</td> <td align="right">2.648</td> <td align="right">3.126</td> <td align="right">1.659</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt" height="20">Ok State</td> <td align="right">2.129</td> <td align="right">0.798</td> <td align="right">0.437</td> <td align="right">2.925</td> </tr> </tbody></table><br />But if anyone was curious, the two other computer rankings that are "biased" because they use human rankings at the beginning of the season for the initial rankings and are tainted, had normalized values of: Massey - Ok State - 1.740, Bama 1.988; Billingsley - Ok State 2.511, Bama 3.411. Amazingly, even in those rankings, Ok State was better than Bama!<br /><br />But the thing that concerns me most about the computer polls? How in the world did Sagarin and Wolfe not end up with a greater change from Ok State beating Oklahoma? This is a strange question. Because the way the BCS is calculated, the computers only take 4 of the 6 computer rankings - throwing out the highest and lowest values. However, while the BCS takes into account every single vote, it merely just averages the values for the computer rankings (i.e. if you are 2nd in Sagarin, you get 24 points; if you are 3rd you get 23 points - no matter how close or far away the two teams are). So, let's play a BCS hypothetical: what happens if the BCS is still worth 1/3 but it uses a methodology to take into account normalized values? For this hypothetical I'll consider all 6 computer rankings:<br /><br /> <table width="320" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><colgroup><col style="width:48pt" span="5" width="64"> </colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt;width:48pt" height="20" width="64"><br /></td> <td style="width:48pt" width="64">Total</td> <td style="width:48pt" width="64">Harris</td> <td style="width:48pt" width="64">Coaches</td> <td style="width:48pt" width="64">Computers - normalized</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt" height="20">Bama</td> <td align="right">0.94713</td> <td align="right">0.9471</td> <td align="right">0.9485</td> <td align="right">0.94579</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt" height="20">Ok State</td> <td align="right">0.939373</td> <td align="right">0.9231</td> <td align="right">0.9268</td> <td align="right">0.96822</td> </tr> </tbody></table><br />Thus, it puts Ok State 0.002 closer to Bama. Not by as much as I thought it would actually! The more interesting part is how it would take very few ballots to be switched for Ok State to have made the big game. Once again, we realize that Skynet is supreme, because it's the only system where we can be certain that no one is paid off to switch their vote or keep their vote a certain way! That's it for this year. Skynet will have to remain angry once again!<br /><br /><br />Most underrated by the humans: Ok St, K STate, Oklahoma, Baylor, Georgia (The Big 12 was easily the best conference this year, unanimous by all the computers; the Big 12 won like 90% of its games out of conference)<br />Most overrated by the humans: Stanford, Oregon, Boise St, Wisconsin, Va. Tech, Mich St (wow, how things have changed. Boise State ended up on the overrated chart!)<br /><br /><table width="448" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><colgroup><col style="width:48pt" span="7" width="64"> </colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt;width:48pt" height="20" width="64">2011</td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64"><br /></td> <td class="xl66" style="width:48pt" width="64">SCS</td> <td class="xl66" style="width:48pt" width="64">BCS</td> <td class="xl67" style="width:48pt" width="64">Sched Rnk</td> <td class="xl66" style="width:48pt" width="64">Harris</td> <td class="xl66" style="width:48pt" width="64">Coaches</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">1</td> <td>LSU</td> <td class="xl68">0.10</td> <td class="xl66">1</td> <td class="xl67">14</td> <td class="xl67">1</td> <td class="xl67">1</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">2</td> <td>Ok St</td> <td class="xl68">1.57</td> <td class="xl66">3</td> <td class="xl67">5</td> <td class="xl67">3</td> <td class="xl67">3</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">3</td> <td>Bama</td> <td class="xl68">2.21</td> <td class="xl66">2</td> <td class="xl67">26</td> <td class="xl67">2</td> <td class="xl67">2</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">4</td> <td>K St</td> <td class="xl68">6.32</td> <td class="xl66">8</td> <td class="xl67">13</td> <td class="xl67">10</td> <td class="xl67">10</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">5</td> <td>Arkansas</td> <td class="xl68">6.99</td> <td class="xl66">6</td> <td class="xl67">34</td> <td class="xl67">7</td> <td class="xl67">7</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">6</td> <td>Stanford</td> <td class="xl68">7.51</td> <td class="xl66">4</td> <td class="xl67">49</td> <td class="xl67">4</td> <td class="xl67">4</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">7</td> <td>Oklahoma</td> <td class="xl68">8.36</td> <td class="xl66">14</td> <td class="xl67">2</td> <td class="xl67">19</td> <td class="xl67">19</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">8</td> <td>Oregon</td> <td class="xl68">9.86</td> <td class="xl66">5</td> <td class="xl67">31</td> <td class="xl67">5</td> <td class="xl67">5</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">9</td> <td>Baylor</td> <td class="xl68">9.99</td> <td class="xl66">12</td> <td class="xl67">7</td> <td class="xl67">16</td> <td class="xl67">16</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">10</td> <td>Boise St</td> <td class="xl68">10.00</td> <td class="xl66">7</td> <td class="xl67">72</td> <td class="xl67">6</td> <td class="xl67">6</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">11</td> <td>So. Car</td> <td class="xl68">10.82</td> <td class="xl66">9</td> <td class="xl67">33</td> <td class="xl67">9</td> <td class="xl67">9</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">12</td> <td>Michigan</td> <td class="xl68">13.18</td> <td class="xl66">13</td> <td class="xl67">30</td> <td class="xl67">12</td> <td class="xl67">12</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">13</td> <td>Georgia</td> <td class="xl68">13.45</td> <td class="xl66">16</td> <td class="xl67">22</td> <td class="xl67">18</td> <td class="xl67">18</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">14</td> <td>Wisconsin</td> <td class="xl68">13.92</td> <td class="xl66">10</td> <td class="xl67">63</td> <td class="xl67">8</td> <td class="xl67">8</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">15</td> <td>Va. Tech</td> <td class="xl68">14.18</td> <td class="xl66">11</td> <td class="xl67">52</td> <td class="xl67">11</td> <td class="xl67">11</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">16</td> <td>Houston</td> <td class="xl68">15.64</td> <td class="xl66">19</td> <td class="xl67">100</td> <td class="xl67">17</td> <td class="xl67">17</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">17</td> <td>Clemson</td> <td class="xl68">16.01</td> <td class="xl66">15</td> <td class="xl67">41</td> <td class="xl67">14</td> <td class="xl67">14</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">18</td> <td>TCU</td> <td class="xl68">16.46</td> <td class="xl66">18</td> <td class="xl67">80</td> <td class="xl67">15</td> <td class="xl67">15</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">19</td> <td>Nebraska</td> <td class="xl68">16.57</td> <td class="xl66">20</td> <td class="xl67">24</td> <td class="xl67">20</td> <td class="xl67">20</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">20</td> <td>Mich St</td> <td class="xl68">17.65</td> <td class="xl66">17</td> <td class="xl67">61</td> <td class="xl67">13</td> <td class="xl67">13</td> </tr> </tbody></table>Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-28472106565148389392011-11-29T22:37:00.003-05:002011-11-29T22:43:57.097-05:00Skynet Championship Series: Season Six, 1 week to goMost underrated by the humans: Ok St (wow! everyone hates them, but the computer love them.); Oklahoma, Kansas State, (the computers LOVE the Big 12!). My best guess is that each of these teams beat their "marquee" out of conference opponents, though they weren't great (Arizona, Miami(FL), TCU, UConn, Florida St)<br />Most overrated by the humans: Stanford, Virginia Tech, Mich St, Wisconsin<br /><br />What does this mean? If Oklahoma State can beat Oklahoma, the computers will be choosing them this weekend to match up with LSU, not Alabama. Judgment Day is almost upon us!<br /><br /> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="448"><colgroup><col style="width:48pt" span="7" width="64"> </colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt;width:48pt" height="20" width="64">2011</td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64"><br /></td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64">SCS</td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64">BCS</td> <td class="xl66" style="width:48pt" width="64">Sched Rnk</td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64">Harris</td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64">Coaches</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">1</td> <td>lsu</td> <td class="xl67">0.15</td> <td class="xl65">1</td> <td class="xl66">16</td> <td class="xl66">1</td> <td class="xl66">1</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">2</td> <td>ok state</td> <td class="xl67">2.02</td> <td class="xl65">3</td> <td class="xl66">5</td> <td class="xl66">5</td> <td class="xl66">5</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">3</td> <td>bama</td> <td class="xl67">2.19</td> <td class="xl65">2</td> <td class="xl66">24</td> <td class="xl66">2</td> <td class="xl66">2</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">4</td> <td>oklahoma</td> <td class="xl67">7.08</td> <td class="xl65">10</td> <td class="xl66">23</td> <td class="xl66">10</td> <td class="xl66">11</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">5</td> <td>k st</td> <td class="xl67">7.32</td> <td class="xl65">11</td> <td class="xl66">13</td> <td class="xl66">15</td> <td class="xl66">15</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">6</td> <td>arkansas</td> <td class="xl67">7.43</td> <td class="xl65">8</td> <td class="xl66">34</td> <td class="xl66">9</td> <td class="xl66">10</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">7</td> <td>stanford</td> <td class="xl67">7.61</td> <td class="xl65">4</td> <td class="xl66">49</td> <td class="xl66">3</td> <td class="xl66">4</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">8</td> <td>houston</td> <td class="xl67">8.19</td> <td class="xl65">6</td> <td class="xl66">112</td> <td class="xl66">6</td> <td class="xl66">6</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">9</td> <td>boise st</td> <td class="xl67">9.45</td> <td class="xl65">7</td> <td class="xl66">53</td> <td class="xl66">8</td> <td class="xl66">8</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">10</td> <td>so. Car</td> <td class="xl67">10.31</td> <td class="xl65">12</td> <td class="xl66">28</td> <td class="xl66">14</td> <td class="xl66">13</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">11</td> <td>va tech</td> <td class="xl67">10.64</td> <td class="xl65">5</td> <td class="xl66">70</td> <td class="xl66">4</td> <td class="xl66">3</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">12</td> <td>oregon</td> <td class="xl67">11.23</td> <td class="xl65">9</td> <td class="xl66">33</td> <td class="xl66">7</td> <td class="xl66">7</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">13</td> <td>baylor</td> <td class="xl67">12.16</td> <td class="xl65">17</td> <td class="xl66">7</td> <td class="xl66">18</td> <td class="xl66">18</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">14</td> <td>georgia</td> <td class="xl67">12.39</td> <td class="xl65">14</td> <td class="xl66">39</td> <td class="xl66">12</td> <td class="xl66">14</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">15</td> <td>michigan</td> <td class="xl67">13.26</td> <td class="xl65">16</td> <td class="xl66">30</td> <td class="xl66">16</td> <td class="xl66">16</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">16</td> <td>mich st</td> <td class="xl67">16.07</td> <td class="xl65">13</td> <td class="xl66">73</td> <td class="xl66">11</td> <td class="xl66">9</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">17</td> <td>tcu</td> <td class="xl67">17.01</td> <td class="xl65">18</td> <td class="xl66">74</td> <td class="xl66">17</td> <td class="xl66">17</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">18</td> <td>nebraska</td> <td class="xl67">17.05</td> <td class="xl65">19</td> <td class="xl66">27</td> <td class="xl66">19</td> <td class="xl66">19</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">19</td> <td>wisconsin</td> <td class="xl67">17.22</td> <td class="xl65">15</td> <td class="xl66">77</td> <td class="xl66">13</td> <td class="xl66">12</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">20</td> <td>clemson</td> <td class="xl67">18.25</td> <td class="xl65">20</td> <td class="xl66">43</td> <td class="xl66">20</td> <td class="xl66">21</td> </tr> </tbody></table>Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-24770688914664308722011-11-16T20:30:00.002-05:002011-11-16T20:41:58.773-05:00Week 11 - Injuries galore<span>Well, it's the middle of November, and it suddenly seems like most NFL teams are nursing numerous injuries, as is usually the case.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Manwich Matchup of the Week </span><br /><span>Cincy @ Baltimore - Well, the Bengals lost last week to Pitt at home. The Bengals need to win here to keep pace... though they do get a 2nd crack at baltimore the last week of the season.<br />Pick: Baltimore<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upset of the Week</span><br /><span>San Diego @ Chicago - Maybe this is the week the Chargers finally turn it around. I'm blindly suckered in at this point.<br />Pick: Chicago<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Opening Round Playoff Game #11<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Teams already eliminated: Tennessee</span></span>, Indy, Cincy, Minnesota, Arizona, Jacksonville, Miami, Washington, Seattle, Cleveland<br /></span>Jets @ Denver - The Jets have to win to keep pace. The Broncos... I just don't believe in the option as working at the professional level.<br />Jets<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fantasy Football Game of Interest:<br /></span>KC @ New England - It's on monday night... and the amount of points the Pats are going to score is surely to keep a number of people on edge.<br />NE<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Games<br /></span><span>Tenn @ Atl - ATL<br />Buff @ MIAMI - Buff<br />Jack-o @ Cleve - Jack-o<br />Oak @ Minny - Oak<br />CAR @ Det - Det<br />TB @ GB - GB<br />Dallas @ Wash - Dallas<br />Arizona @ SF - SF<br />Sea @ STL - Sea<br />Philly @ Giants - Giants<br /><br />Last Week: 6-10 (ouch!)<br />Season: 83-62<br />Manwich Matchup: 7-3 (The Saints came through in OT)<br />Upset of the Week: 3-7 (The Bengals couldn't do it)<br /></span>Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-78166259061999808212011-11-10T20:40:00.002-05:002011-11-10T21:09:11.636-05:00Week 10 - Return of Stupid Thursday Games<span>I'm not a fan of the Thursday games... but they are back. I apologize for the late posting.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Manwich Matchup of the Week </span><br /><span>NO @ ATL - Saints are 6-3, Falcons 5-3 entering the game. This game is very important in the crowded NFC South and surprisingly, one of the teams will get knocked down to 4 losses, leaving even less room for error in the 2nd half. The stakes are high, but I tend to think the Falcons still don't have the firepower to get through this.<br />Pick: NO<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upset of the Week</span><br /><span>OPitt @ Cincy - I think the Bengals are going to shock the world and beat the Steelers and continue to be in the playoff chase. I think the Bengals defense has been great, but this will be a tougher test.<br />Pick: Cincy</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Opening Round Playoff Game #10<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Teams already eliminated: Tennessee</span></span>, Indy, Cincy, Minnesota, Arizona, Jacksonville, Miami, Washington, Seattle<br /></span>St. Louis @ Cleveland - Well... this game is actually perfect for this point of the season. It's usually hard to find a perfect play-in game between bad teams, but I found one. Both teams have had injuries that have really hurt. The Rams keep losing WRs, the Browns keep losing RBs. Should be an ugly game, but I may watch it since it's one of the few left where the Browns could actually compete.<br />Pick: Cleveland<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fantasy Football Game of Interest:<br /></span>Buffalo @ Dallas - The Bills high-flying offense has been grounded the last few weeks. Not sure what the truth is, but this is a pivotal game for both teams (Bills are 5-3 now, Cowboys 4-4). Both need to win to keep pace.<br />Pick: Dallas<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Games<br /></span><span>Oak @ SD - SD (the Chargers, as usual, keep shooting themselves in the foot. Hopefully, the bleeding ends tonight!)<br />Denver @ KC - KC<br />Jack-o @ Indy - Indy (to get a win, no one likes to be winless)<br />Houston @ Tampa - this is an interesting game, but I think I like Tampa because they are ridiculously hard to predict. Tampa<br />Tenn @ CAR - CAR<br />Wash @ Miami - Miami (2 game winning streak!, nice!)<br />Detroit @ Chicago - Detroit (this is a huge game in the NFC)<br />Arizona @ Philly - Philly<br />Balt @ Seattle - Baltimore<br />NYG @ SF - SF<br />New England @ Jets - NE<br />Minny @ GB - GB<br /><br />Last Week: 8-5<br />Season: 77-52<br />Manwich Matchup: 6-3 (The Bills disappointed me again. Eesh.)<br />Upset of the Week: 3-6 (The Ravens did it and swept the Steelers).</span>Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-21085335541544326652011-11-06T12:56:00.003-05:002011-11-06T13:07:24.403-05:00Week 9 - Lots of good games!<span style="font-weight: bold;">This week has lots of great games... and also lots of bad teams facing each other.<br /><br />Manwich Matchup of the Week </span><br />Jets @ Bills - Wow. The Bills-Jets play each twice this month... and that will go a really long way to determining one of the AFC wildcards. Are the Bills for real? We are about to find out!<br />Pick: Bills (picking w/ my heart of course)<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upset of the Week</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baltimore @ Pitt - Usually, I'd just go with revenge. But after Polamalu's illegal play last week to end their game against the Pats, where Polamalu INTENTIONALLY batted the ball forward 20 yards, I just have no sympathy for Pitt. Hope Baltimore beats them by 30 again.<br />Pick: Baltimore<br /><br />Opening Round Playoff Game #9<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Teams already eliminated: Tennessee</span></span>, Indy, Cincy, Minnesota, Arizona, Jacksonville, Miami, Washington<br /></span>Seattle @ Dallas - Both teams really need a win... should be an easy way to get Seattle eliminated.<br />Pick: Dallas<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fantasy Football Game of Interest:<br /></span>GB @ SD - Hope Rivers gets his head on straight! If GB wins this, their divisional games will be the only chance for them to lose.<br />Pick: GB<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Games<br /></span><span>Tampa @ NO - NO<br />ATl @ Indy - ATL<br />Miami @ KC - KC<br />SF @ Wash - Wash<br />Clev @ Hou - Hou<br />Cincy @ Tenn - Cincy<br />Denver @ Oakland - Oak<br />St. Louis @ Ariz - Ariz<br />Giants @ NE - NE<br />Chic @ Philly - Phily<br /><br />Last Week: 8-5<br />Season: 69-47<br />Manwich Matchup: 6-2 (I still don't believe in the steelers, despite them beating the Pats. Yes, I'm blinded by hatred)<br />Upset of the Week: 2-6 (The Cowboys got killed by the Eagles. Oops).</span>Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-1494619204533464492011-10-26T21:27:00.001-05:002011-10-26T21:29:47.573-05:00Skynet Championship Series: Season Six, Week 2Most underrated by the humans: Ok St (wow! everyone hates them, but the computer love them.); K St, Va Tech, Houston<br /><p>Most overrated by the humans: LSU (relatively speaking... computers have LSU at #3 by a slim margin); Stanford (Andrew Luck love); Oregon; Michigan State<br /></p><br /> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="448"><colgroup><col style="width:48pt" span="7" width="64"> </colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt;width:48pt" height="20" width="64">2011</td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64"><br /></td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64">SCS</td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64">BCS</td> <td class="xl66" style="width:48pt" width="64">Sched Rnk</td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64">Harris</td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64">Coaches</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">1</td> <td>ok st</td> <td class="xl67">0.83</td> <td class="xl65">3</td> <td class="xl66">15</td> <td class="xl66">3</td> <td class="xl66">4</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">2</td> <td>bama</td> <td class="xl67">1.31</td> <td class="xl65">2</td> <td class="xl66">37</td> <td class="xl66">2</td> <td class="xl66">2</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">3</td> <td>LSU</td> <td class="xl67">1.73</td> <td class="xl65">1</td> <td class="xl66">39</td> <td class="xl66">1</td> <td class="xl66">1</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">4</td> <td>clemson</td> <td class="xl67">3.07</td> <td class="xl65">5</td> <td class="xl66">68</td> <td class="xl66">6</td> <td class="xl66">6</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">5</td> <td>k st</td> <td class="xl67">3.13</td> <td class="xl65">8</td> <td class="xl66">66</td> <td class="xl66">10</td> <td class="xl66">12</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">6</td> <td>boise st</td> <td class="xl67">4.11</td> <td class="xl65">4</td> <td class="xl66">49</td> <td class="xl66">5</td> <td class="xl66">5</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">7</td> <td>arkansas</td> <td class="xl67">9.84</td> <td class="xl65">10</td> <td class="xl66">69</td> <td class="xl66">9</td> <td class="xl66">8</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">8</td> <td>oklahoma</td> <td class="xl67">10.28</td> <td class="xl65">9</td> <td class="xl66">14</td> <td class="xl66">8</td> <td class="xl66">9</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">9</td> <td>stanford</td> <td class="xl67">10.62</td> <td class="xl65">6</td> <td class="xl66">94</td> <td class="xl66">4</td> <td class="xl66">3</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">10</td> <td>va tech</td> <td class="xl67">11.11</td> <td class="xl65">12</td> <td class="xl66">47</td> <td class="xl66">15</td> <td class="xl66">15</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">11</td> <td>so. Car</td> <td class="xl67">12.13</td> <td class="xl65">13</td> <td class="xl66">40</td> <td class="xl66">14</td> <td class="xl66">14</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">12</td> <td>tx a&M</td> <td class="xl67">12.20</td> <td class="xl65">16</td> <td class="xl66">5</td> <td class="xl66">17</td> <td class="xl66">16</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">13</td> <td>houston</td> <td class="xl67">12.39</td> <td class="xl65">17</td> <td class="xl66">104</td> <td class="xl66">18</td> <td class="xl66">18</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">14</td> <td>oregon</td> <td class="xl67">12.99</td> <td class="xl65">7</td> <td class="xl66">52</td> <td class="xl66">7</td> <td class="xl66">7</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">15</td> <td>penn st</td> <td class="xl67">15.21</td> <td class="xl65">19</td> <td class="xl66">76</td> <td class="xl66">19</td> <td class="xl66">19</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">16</td> <td>michigan</td> <td class="xl67">15.61</td> <td class="xl65">18</td> <td class="xl66">59</td> <td class="xl66">16</td> <td class="xl66">17</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">17</td> <td>mich st</td> <td class="xl67">15.89</td> <td class="xl65">11</td> <td class="xl66">74</td> <td class="xl66">11</td> <td class="xl66">10</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">18</td> <td>tx tech</td> <td class="xl67">16.63</td> <td class="xl65">20</td> <td class="xl66">35</td> <td class="xl66">21</td> <td class="xl66">22</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">19</td> <td>nebraska</td> <td class="xl67">17.16</td> <td class="xl65">14</td> <td class="xl66">80</td> <td class="xl66">13</td> <td class="xl66">13</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">20</td> <td>wisconsin</td> <td class="xl67">18.44</td> <td class="xl65">15</td> <td class="xl66">117</td> <td class="xl66">12</td> <td class="xl66">11</td> </tr> </tbody></table>Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-75990292754010875282011-10-26T20:49:00.002-05:002011-10-26T21:08:10.373-05:00Week 8 - Last week QBs this week RBsThe NFL is vicious. Last week, QBs were blowing up. This week... RBs. McFadden, E. Graham, P. Hillis (though he really doesn't count because Madden warned us first), Felix Jones, Beanie Wells, Ryan Mathews, Tim Hightower, J. Addai's hamstring, Jahvid Best's concussion, and Jerome Harrison had a brain tumor. It was a rough week. I wish I made up that tumor. <br /><br />Anyways, let's hope there's less carnage this week:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Manwich Matchup of the Week </span><br />New England @ Pitt - Everyone thinks Pittsburgh is good because they've been so good for the last 15 years. I don't think they are very good though. And... the Pats own the Steelers for reasons I can't comprehend. It's been like that for 10 years.<br />Pick: New England<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upset of the Week</span><br />Dallas @ Philly - I think this game is a toss-up... and honestly, there really aren't any other upsets to pick this week. Whoever loses this game is going to have a lot of drama.<br />Pick: Dallas<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Opening Round Playoff Game #8<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Teams already eliminated: Tennessee</span></span>, Indy, Cincy, Minnesota, Arizona, Jacksonville, Miami<br /></span>Washington @ Buffalo - Well... the Bills gotta put up. I think the Redskins season is slipping away, so I hope the Bills put the Redskins into elimination!<br />Pick: Buff<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fantasy Football Game of Interest:<br /></span>SD @ KC - If only because I still can't figure out which players are going to score TDs for these teams.<br />Pick: SD<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Games<br /></span><span></span><span>INdy @ Tenn - Pick: Tenn<br />Jack @ Hou - Pick: Hou<br />Ariz @ balt - balt<br />NO @ STl - NO<br />Minny @ Car - CAR<br />Miami @ NYG - NYG<br />Det @ Denver - detroit (i'm sick of Tebow)<br />Cleve @ SF - SF'<br />Cincy @ Sea - Cincy<br /><br />Last Week: 6-7<br />Season: 61-42<br />Manwich Matchup: 6-1 (My love of the chargers burned me again as they blew it against the jets)<br />Upset of the Week: 2-5 (The Texans beat the Titans in an "upset"; but it was not a big line).</span>Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-18166435755584923602011-10-20T21:16:00.002-05:002011-10-20T21:25:31.454-05:00Week 7 - QBs are twirling, twirlingThe Raiders are insane. Carson Palmer is washed up... and the Raiders gave a minimum of a 1st round pick and a 2nd round pici. That's just crazy. They at least checked on Garrard, who needed back surgery. In other QB changes, the Broncos get Tebow this week, the Redskins switch from sexy Rexy to John Beck (for now), and the Vikings have already benched McNabb in favor of rookie C. Ponder.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Manwich Matchup of the Week </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SD @ Jets - Both teams haven't exactly been sharp thus far. The Jets are highly unpredictable, but have looked awful enough, that I'm going with the Chargers.<br />Pick: SD<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upset of the Week</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Houston @ Tenn - This game will go a long way to deciding who will win the AFC South... the Texans have to finally push through, right?!?<br />Pick: Houston<br /><br />Opening Round Playoff Game #7<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Teams already eliminated: Tennessee</span></span>, Indy, Cincy, Minnesota, Arizona, Jacksonville<br /></span>Denver @ Miami - Both teams stink. Both teams are on their 2nd QBs. The Dolphins haven't won yet and they are FAVORED this week! Ha.<br />Pick: Miami<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fantasy Football Game of Interest:<br />ATL @ Detroit - should be a fun shootout, because the Falcons haven't been able to play much defense this year for some reason... they gave up 28 points to the Seahawks!<br />Pick: Detroit<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Games<br /></span><span>Wash @ CAR - CAR<br />Chi @ TB - TB (the most inconsistent team this year... they beat good teams, lose to bad ones, and got creamed by 40 by the 49ers)<br />Sea @ Cle - Sea<br />KC @ Oak - Oak<br />Pitt @ Ariz - Pitt<br />GB @ Minny - GB<br />ST. Louis @ Dallas - Dallas<br />Indy @ NO - NO<br />Balt @ Jac - Balt<br /><br /></span><span>Last Week: 9-3<br />Season: 55-34<br />Manwich Matchup: 6-0 (The Pats beat the Cowboys barely!)<br />Upset of the Week: 1-5 (The Bills fell just short against the Giants)<br /></span>Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-22776986363574186712011-10-18T22:39:00.003-05:002011-10-18T22:42:44.570-05:00Skynet Championship Series: Season SixI can't believe it's the 6th season that I've been doing this...<br /><br />Skynet is back! A wise machine, Agent Smith, once said in the Matrix: “Never send a Human to do a machine’s job.” These inspiring words ring true with the BCS. The time has now come to achieve the BCS purpose – by providing OBJECTIVE rankings. I realize this may be counter to my rooting interests, but it is the only fair way to determine two teams.<br /><br />So, to be clear, here’s how I devise the standings each week:<br />1) I take the top 20 of the BCS standings.<br />2) I input each of the top 20's computer standings from each of 4 computer rankings (Sagarin, Anderson, Colley-Matrix, Wolfe; the other two aren't included because they input human rankings to start and are therefore biased).<br />3) I let excel calculate the standard deviation for each computer ranking distribution of the top 20. Then, Excel normalizes the distribution, and fits EACH computer ranking onto a 1-20 scale.<br />4) Finally, the normalized-computer averages are determined (i.e. if Florida is ranked 5.76, 2.55, 2.21, 5.77 in 4 of the polls, which is an average of 4.07, which equals their SCS ranking. This means that according to the polls, they are approximately the 4th-best team in the country).<br /><br />Most underrated by the humans: Ok St (wow! everyone hates them, but the computer love them.); Houston (undefeated and a ridiculous 12th in the computers, but just 22nd and 20th in the human polls); Va. Tech, Auburn, Kansas St<br /><p>Most overrated by the humans: Wisconsin, Stanford, Nebraska, W. Va., Michigan St<br /></p>Of course, there is a long time until the end of the season though. And remember, these are not my rankings, they are the rankings of the only objective entity in the universe... Skynet!<br /><br />2011 Skynet Rankings - Week of 10/19<br /> <table width="448" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><colgroup><col style="width:48pt" span="7" width="64"> </colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt;width:48pt" width="64" height="20">2011</td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64"><br /></td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64">SCS</td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64">BCS</td> <td class="xl66" style="width:48pt" width="64">Sched Rnk</td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64">Harris</td> <td class="xl65" style="width:48pt" width="64">USA Today</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">1</td> <td class="xl65">OK St</td> <td class="xl67">1.07</td> <td class="xl65">4</td> <td class="xl68">8</td> <td class="xl68">6</td> <td class="xl68">6</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">2</td> <td class="xl65">Alabama</td> <td class="xl67">1.27</td> <td class="xl65">2</td> <td class="xl68">36</td> <td class="xl68">2</td> <td class="xl68">3</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">3</td> <td class="xl65">LSU</td> <td class="xl67">2.06</td> <td class="xl65">1</td> <td class="xl68">56</td> <td class="xl68">1</td> <td class="xl68">2</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">4</td> <td class="xl65">Oklahoma</td> <td class="xl67">2.75</td> <td class="xl65">3</td> <td class="xl68">20</td> <td class="xl68">3</td> <td class="xl68">1</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">5</td> <td class="xl65">Clemso</td> <td class="xl67">2.77</td> <td class="xl65">7</td> <td class="xl68">77</td> <td class="xl68">8</td> <td class="xl68">8</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">6</td> <td class="xl65">boise st</td> <td class="xl67">4.18</td> <td class="xl65">5</td> <td class="xl68">42</td> <td class="xl68">5</td> <td class="xl68">7</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">7</td> <td class="xl65">Kansas St</td> <td class="xl67">5.56</td> <td class="xl65">11</td> <td class="xl68">67</td> <td class="xl68">12</td> <td class="xl68">16</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">8</td> <td class="xl65">wisconsin</td> <td class="xl67">10.62</td> <td class="xl65">6</td> <td class="xl68">129</td> <td class="xl68">4</td> <td class="xl68">4</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">9</td> <td class="xl65">Arkansas</td> <td class="xl67">11.55</td> <td class="xl65">9</td> <td class="xl68">61</td> <td class="xl68">10</td> <td class="xl68">10</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">10</td> <td class="xl65">Stanford</td> <td class="xl67">11.61</td> <td class="xl65">8</td> <td class="xl68">112</td> <td class="xl68">7</td> <td class="xl68">5</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">11</td> <td class="xl65">Va tech</td> <td class="xl67">12.76</td> <td class="xl65">12</td> <td class="xl68">37</td> <td class="xl68">16</td> <td class="xl68">14</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">12</td> <td class="xl65">Houston</td> <td class="xl67">13.57</td> <td class="xl65">19</td> <td class="xl68">125</td> <td class="xl68">22</td> <td class="xl68">20</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">13</td> <td class="xl65">So. Car</td> <td class="xl67">13.86</td> <td class="xl65">14</td> <td class="xl68">59</td> <td class="xl68">13</td> <td class="xl68">12</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">14</td> <td class="xl65">Oregon</td> <td class="xl67">14.48</td> <td class="xl65">10</td> <td class="xl68">41</td> <td class="xl68">9</td> <td class="xl68">8</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">15</td> <td class="xl65">Nebraska</td> <td class="xl67">14.76</td> <td class="xl65">13</td> <td class="xl68">40</td> <td class="xl68">11</td> <td class="xl68">11</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">16</td> <td class="xl65">Auburn</td> <td class="xl67">15.24</td> <td class="xl65">20</td> <td class="xl68">24</td> <td class="xl68">21</td> <td class="xl68">23</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">17</td> <td class="xl65">Michigan</td> <td class="xl67">15.56</td> <td class="xl65">18</td> <td class="xl68">52</td> <td class="xl68">17</td> <td class="xl68">17</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">18</td> <td class="xl65">Texas A&M</td> <td class="xl67">16.10</td> <td class="xl65">17</td> <td class="xl68">2</td> <td class="xl68">19</td> <td class="xl68">18</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">19</td> <td class="xl65">W. Va.</td> <td class="xl67">17.32</td> <td class="xl65">15</td> <td class="xl68">78</td> <td class="xl68">14</td> <td class="xl68">14</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td class="xl65" style="height:15.0pt" height="20">20</td> <td class="xl65">Mich St.</td> <td class="xl67">18.18</td> <td class="xl65">16</td> <td class="xl68">88</td> <td class="xl68">15</td> <td class="xl68">13</td> </tr> </tbody></table>Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-8673604532887429582011-10-12T22:03:00.003-05:002011-10-12T22:13:44.403-05:00Week 6 - The Rise of Tim Tebow?Now that it's the rise of Tim Tebow, can we start a new controversy involving Brady Quinn?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Manwich Matchup of the Week </span><br />Dallas @ New England - I think this is the kind of game Tony Romo plays unusually well in... the game against a team that he should lose to. However, I think New England will score 49 points, and Dallas will only score 42.<br />Pick: Pats<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upset of the Week</span><br />Buff @ NYG - Nobody circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills! I just don't believe in these Giants at all. If Seattle was scoring lots of points on them... that's just trouble.<br />Pick: Buff<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Round Playoff Game #6<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Teams already eliminated: Tennessee</span></span>, Indy, Cincy, Minnesota, Arizona<br /></span>Jacksonville @ Pitt - There really wasn't any game this week involving two shitty teams (well, Indy vs. cincy, but I think Cincy may be good and I already ousted both of those teams)<br />Pick: Pitt<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fantasy Football Game of Interest:<br />New Orleans @ Tampa - Tampa has been the most inconsistent team this year (blown out by Lions, beat the Falcons, blown out by 49ers, almost lost to the Vikings). Should be an interesting game.<br />Pick: New Orleans<br /><br />I can't believe it's not Spam Game:<br />San Fran (4-1) @ Detroit (5-0) - I don't think anyone had this game being this amazing. It should be a fun game... because I still am not sure what to make out of either of these teams.<br />Pick: Detroit<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Games<br /></span><span>Philly @ Wash - Philly (this is the week they do rebound!)<br />CAR @ Atl - Atl<br />Indy @ cincy - cincy<br />Hous @ Balti - Balt<br />Cleve @ Oak - Oak<br />Minny @ chi - chi<br />Miami @ jets - Jets<br /><br /></span><span>Last Week: 6-7<br />Season: 46-31<br />Manwich Matchup: 5-0 (The Pats beat the Jets handily!)<br />Upset of the Week: 1-4 (The Bears let up two, long, costly plays against the lions)<br /></span>Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-23168175290017129902011-10-05T17:37:00.002-05:002011-10-05T17:49:43.678-05:00Week 5 - Mission: ImpossibleFor some reason, I can't seem to figure out any of the games this week... they are all toss-ups, and I just hope I can hit the .500 mark!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Manwich Matchup of the Week </span><br />Jets @ Pats - Always a big game. The Jets come in under a 2-game losing streak... a loss here puts them in yet another poor position of having to get a wildcard. It seems like the stakes are high already! However, I always believe in REVENGE.... and the Pats will be looking for some relentless, ruthless revenge after the Jets beat them in the playoffs last year.<br />Pick: Pats<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upset of the Week</span><br />Chicago @ Detroit - This game seems like a complete toss-up to me. The Vegas line is currently 6 points for the Lions. SIX POINTS?!? I like the Lions... but something tells me that not having Romo in there to gift-wrap a victory will have them crashing back to earth this week.<br />Pick: Chicago<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Round Playoff Game #5<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Teams already eliminated: Tennessee</span></span>, Indy, Cincy, Minnesota<br /></span>Arizona @ Minnesota - Well, the vikings got "eliminated" last weekend. I think this is the weekend they finally win!<br />Pick: Minnesota<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fantasy Football Game of Interest<br />Philly @ Buff - Should be an interesting game... the Eagles are desperate too and the Bills have to prove that they are no fluke.<br />Pick: Buffalo (I don't believe in the Philly O-line or D-Line)<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Games<br /></span><span>KC @ Indy - Pick: Indy<br />Oak @ Houston - Pick: Houston<br />NO @ CAR - NO<br />CIncy @ Jack - Cincy<br />Tenn @ Pitt - Tennessee<br />Seattle @ NYG - NYG<br />Tampa @ SF - Tampa<br />SD @ Denver - Denver<br />GB @ ATL - GB<br /></span><span>Last Week: 9-7<br />Season: 40-24<br />Manwich Matchup: 4-0 (The Texans stomped on the Steelers!)<br />Upset of the Week: 1-3 (The Jets were awful against the ravens)</span>Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-63386454415565971322011-09-29T17:37:00.003-05:002011-09-29T17:47:08.298-05:00Week 4 - Fumble-itis and snap countsI really enjoyed that insane Buffalo win last weekend! I think that is one of the more memorable upsets I've picked... though I certainly had no confidence in it when the Bills were down 21-0. <br /><br />I also really enjoyed the Cowboys and Redskins accusations this week that the Redskins were messing with the snap count (not allowed), and the Redskins accusations that the Cowboys are pathetic liars. Good stuff!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Manwich Matchup of the Week </span><br />Pitt @ Houston - The Texans lost a crazy shootout last week... I think this is the week that they prove they are legitimate playoff contenders!! (especially since Pitt's line is banged up)<br />Pick: Houston<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upset of the Week</span><br />Jets @ Ravens - The Jets are coming off a surprising loss to the Raiders... the Ravens are coming off a thrashing of the Rams where they unleased a new weapon, their 2nd-round WR, Torrie Smith, who is super-fast. Could be a decoy the rest of the season, and that alone would make him successful. I think I like the Jets in an upset this week... mainly because there are so few other upsets to pick this week!<br />Pick: Jets<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Round Playoff Game #4<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Teams already eliminated: Tennessee</span></span>, Indy, Cincy<br /></span>Minnesota @ KC - They are both winless. The loser will be 0-4 and certainly won't make it! Who will be in more despair??? It's a tossup<br />Pick: Minnesota<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fantasy Football Game of Interest<br />New England @ Oakland - </span>I'm expecting a crazy shootout! Buckle up! No one plays defense in this one.<br />Pick: New England<br /><span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Other Games<br /></span><span>NO @ Jac - NO<br />Det @ Dallas - Pick: Dallas (should be an interesting game)<br />Bills @ Bungals - Bills<br />Wash @ St. Louis - St. Louis<br />SF @ Philly - Philly<br />Tenn @ Cleve - Pick: Clev<br />CAR @ Chi - Pick: Chi<br />ATL @ SEa - ATL<br />NYG @ Ariz - NYG<br />Denver @ GB - GB<br />Miami @ SD - SD<br />Indy @ Tampa - Pick: Tampa<br /></span><span>Last Week: 11-5 (hooray for respectability)<br />Season: 31-17<br />Manwich Matchup: 3-0 (The Saints beat the Texans)<br />Upset of the Week: 1-2 (The BIlls came through huge for me!)<br /></span>Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-51361396900468840022011-09-20T20:52:00.003-05:002011-09-21T21:03:10.946-05:00Week 3 - As usual... we don't know what's happening!The Redskins, Lions, and Bills are all undefeated! It's a good thing I bet on that before the season began. Yeah, right. The stranger thing? I think I'm picking Bills, Lions, and Redskins to be 3-0...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Manwich Matchup of the Week</span><br />Houston @ New Orleans - Wow. The Saints have a brutal schedule to start (Green Bay, Chicago, now Houston). This is one of those games where if the Texans win... everyone in the nation will jump on their bandwagon. I just don't think they're ready for that kind of treatment yet.<br />Pick: New Orleans<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Upset of the Week</span><br />New England @ Buffalo - The Patriots are coming off of a huge win against San Diego. The Bills are also 2-0... but honestly the Patriots defense hasn't been that great. Yes, they forced some turnovers against San Diego, but I think the Bills are going to surprise the Patriots.<br />Pick: Buffalo<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Round Playoff Game #3<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Teams already eliminated: Tennessee</span></span>, Indy<br /></span>SF & Cincy - I realize the Bengals weren't too far away from winning last week, as well as the 49ers, but I have no faith in either of these teams. None.<br />Pick: SF<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fantasy Football Game of Interest<br />GB & </span><span>Chi - Well, outside of Houston & New Orleans it's pretty slim pickings this week in terms of amazing fantasy matchups, especially with both Philly & Dallas nursing injuries.<br />Pick: GB<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Other Games<br /></span><span>Detroit @ Minny - 3-0 for the lions!<br />Giants @ Eagles - Pick: Eagls<br />Jags @ Panthers - Pick: Panthers<br />Denver @ Titans - Pick: Titans<br />Miami @ Cleve - Pick: Browns<br />KC @ SD - Pick: SD<br />Baltimore @ St. Louis - Pick: BAltimore<br />Jets @ Oakland - Pick: Jets<br />GB @ Bears - Pick: Bears<br />ATL @ TB - Pick: ATL<br />Arizona @ Seattle - Pick: Arizona<br />Pitt @ Indy - Pick: Pitt<br />Washington @ Dallas - Pick: Washington<br /><br /></span><span>Last Week: 13-3 (hooray for respectability)<br />Season: 20-12<br />Manwich Matchup: 2-0 (The Pats beat my beloved Super-chargers)<br />Upset of the Week: 0-2 (The Cardinals looked good... then they blew it against the Redskins)</span>Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-24555762446851944452011-09-18T21:12:00.006-05:002011-09-18T22:04:39.200-05:00NCAA conference realignments: A lesson in history, leading to a scary conclusionI'm not as big into college football as other readers/writers on our blog. However, I've been extremely intrigued by the endless turmoil over the last 1.5 years.<br /><br />I was reading an article on <a href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/The-Big-Picture-Expansion-and-the-super-confer?urn=ncaaf-wp6317">Yahoo </a>which led me to an amazing, well-researched, historical piece <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2011/10/the-shame-of-college-sports/8643/?single_page=true">on the Atlantic.com </a>, chronicling all of the insanity of the NCAA. Some of my favorite moments:<br />1) in 1939, freshman players at Pitt went on strike because they were getting paid less than their upperclassman teammates. "Embarrassed, the NCAA in 1948 enacted a “Sanity Code,” which was supposed to prohibit all concealed and indirect benefits for college athletes", but the 'Sanity code' was repelaed within a few years<br />2) In 1951, the NCAA hired Walter Byers as executive director. Then: " he lobbied a University of Kentucky dean—A. D. Kirwan, a former football coach and future university president—not to contest the NCAA’s dubious legal position (the association had no actual authority to penalize the university), pleading that college sports must do something to restore public support. His gambit succeeded when Kirwan reluctantly accepted a landmark precedent: the Kentucky basketball team would be suspended for the entire 1952–53 season. Its legendary coach, Adolph Rupp, fumed for a year in limbo."<br />3) At the 1951 NCAA convention, there was a vote of "161–7 to outlaw televised games except for a specific few licensed by the NCAA staff." At this time, they were more concerned that people would stay at home and not attend games (and di not realize how much moeny could be made from advertising on the broadcasts).<br />4) Then... "On June 6, 1952, NBC signed a one-year deal to pay the NCAA $1.14 million for a carefully restricted football package. Byers routed all contractual proceeds through his office. He floated the idea that, to fund an NCAA infrastructure, his organization should take a 60 percent cut; he accepted 12 percent that season. (For later contracts, as the size of television revenues grew exponentially, he backed down to 5 percent.) Proceeds from the first NBC contract were enough to rent an NCAA headquarters, in Kansas City. "<br />5) In 1961, Byers "negotiated the NCAA’s television package up to $3.1 million per football season—which was higher than the NFL’s figure in those early years."<br />6) "In 1981 a rogue consortium of 61 major football schools threatened to sign an independent contract with NBC for $180 million over four years. With a huge chunk of the NCAA’s treasury walking out the door, Byers threatened sanctions." However, Georgia and Oklahoma responded with an antitrust suit, which led to a landmark 1984 case. " <i>NCAA v. Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma </i>decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the NCAA’s latest football contracts with television—and any future ones—as an illegal restraint of trade that harmed colleges and viewers. Overnight, the NCAA’s control of the television market for football vanished." This decision allowed the schools to each sell any games they wanted to... and perhaps more relevant to today's happenings, there was no requirement to share revenues with smaller schools.<br />7) Interestingly though, basketball revenue from the NCAA tourney COVERED the losses of the football revenue (because the NCAA was just taking a % cut of the football, as opposed to who knows what amount of the revenues from the NCAA tourney). "During the 1980s, income from the March Madness college basketball tournament, paid directly by the television networks to the NCAA, grew tenfold. The windfall covered—and then far exceeded—what the organization had lost from football. "<br />8) The Atlantic.com touches on a lot of different topics, including the NCAA's "amateurism," and how it never has been accomplished, the fact that NFL players association gets paid $35 million per year for use of their likenesses by EA sports but college athletes themselves get paid nothing, as well as the Ed O'Bannon case, which is trying to get money paid to college athletes for use of their likenesses on jerseys, video games, etc.... but the article all culminates with one theory... the NCAA receives 95% of its revenues from the men's baksetball tournament. ... which leads to some chilling truths:<br />a_ "if the big sports colleges don’t need the NCAA to administer a national playoff in football, then they don’t need it to do so in basketball. In which case, they could cut out the middleman in March Madness and run the tournament themselves. Which would deprive the NCAA of close to $1 billion a year, more than 95 percent of its revenue."<br />b) "To alienate member colleges would be to jeopardize its own existence. Long gone are television bans and the “death penalty” sentences (commanding season-long shutdowns of offending teams) once meted out to Kentucky (1952), Southwestern Louisiana (1973), and Southern Methodist University (1987). Institutions receive mostly symbolic slaps nowadays. Real punishments fall heavily on players and on scapegoats like literacy tutors.<span style="font-weight: bold;">"<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Which leads me to one frightening conclusion... what is stopping the 4 super conferences (I'm assuming Big East and Big 12 case to exist, or no longer get a spot at the BCS table) from breaking away from the NCAA... AND ALSO forming their own basketball tournament? Suddenly, there are millions more (or whatever it is that the NCAA keeps from that $771 million contract) for the 4 super conferences to split for themselves (ACC, Big10, Pac16, SEC16). I suppose the alternative to this scenario is that the NCAA makes a deal with the Big 4 to save itself... and continue to let the Big 4 do whatever it wants in football. What would be stopping the Big 4 from making a grab for the basketball money too? Not that I want them too, but the Big 4 could even spin it as a way for ALL of the schools to get paid MORE (with of course paying out more money to schools that go farther which, most of the time other than Butler time, is going to be a school from the Super-4).Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-19314290906656161952011-09-14T16:00:00.001-05:002011-09-13T20:05:13.705-05:00Week 2 - I'm Really Doing picks now!All right... a bit of a snafu last week, and that's not even counting my awful picks. Week 1 of the season is always an eye-opener as you start to get a gauge on where everyone is at.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Manwich Matchup of the Week</span><br />San Diego @ NE - I think I'm still angry about how the Pats ruined the Chargers magical 14-2 season back in like 2006. I really wish the Chargers could win, but it seems like too much to ask at this point, especially if Belichick has the Pats passing for 500 yards every game.<br />Pick: NE<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Upset of the Week</span><br />Arizona @ Washington - The Redskins are 4.5 point favorites? I just don't get it. I'll go with Kolb and the Cardinals. Otherwise, Rex Grossman will win 2 starts in a row. Speaking of Sexy Rexy, did anyone out there have Rex Grossman (Washington), Luke McCown (Jacksonville), AND Andy Dalton (Cincy) as winning their games last week? Those were probably the 3 most questionable starters on the board and they all won!<br />Pick: Arizona<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Round Playoff Game #2<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Teams already eliminated: Tennessee</span></span><br /></span>Cleveland @ Indy - With the Browns choking last week against the awful Bengals, and the Colts laying a big fat egg against the Texans, I think both teams will be going for broke this week. It would seem really unlikely that either 0-2 team could make a run to the playoffs. I've got to believe in the Shurminator... he came from the future to save the Browns (or at least i hope that's what's going on).<br />Pick: Cleveland<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fantasy Football Game of Interest<br />Philly @ ATL -</span><span> Vick against his old team! Plus, Michael Turner, Roddy White and all the other Falcons. Should be a fun Sunday night game for sure.<br />Pick: Philly<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Other Games<br /></span><span> Chicago @ New Orleans - Saints rebound<br />KC @ Detroit - Go Lions!<br />Jacksonville @ Jets - Jets keep winning<br />Oakland @ Buffalo - someone gets to go 2-0... I'll go with Buffalo<br />Baltimore @ Tenn - </span><span>Pick: </span><span>Baltimore<br />Seattle @ Pitt - </span><span>Pick: </span><span>Pitt<br />GB @ CAR - </span><span>Pick: </span><span>GB<br />Tampa @ Minnesota - Not sure why minny's favored, I'll go with Tampa<br />Dallas @ SF - Pick: Dallas<br />Houston @ Miami - Pick: Houston<br />Cincy @ Denver - Pick: Denver<br />St. Louis @ Giants - Pick: Giants (both teams really banged up sadly)<br /><br />Last Week: 7-9 (yowsers!)<br />Season: 7-9<br />Manwich Matchup: 1-0 (Baltimore gave Steelers a wedgie, the coach a wedgie, and the coach's son an atomic wedgie)<br />Upset of the Week: 0-1 (Dallas had the Jets right where they wanted them... then they blew it)<br /><br /></span><strong>Past Years - I'm good in the odd years, just like the San Antonio Spurs</strong><br /><br />2004 – 150-106<br />Manwich Matchup: 7-11<br />Upset Special: 7-9<br /><br />2005 – 160-96<br />Manwich Matchup: 10-7<br />Upset Special: 3-14 (That’s not a misprint)<br /><br />2006: 148-108<br />Manwich Matchup: 12-7<br />Upset Special: 5-12<br /><br />2007 - 166-90<br />Manwich Matchup: 13-4<br />Upset Special: 8-9<br /><br />2008 - 149-106-1<br />Manwich Matchup: 11-8<br />Upset Special: 1-16 (that's also not a misprint)<br /><br />2009 - 165-91<br />Manwich Matchup: 10-7<br />Upset of the Week: 8-9<br /><br />2010 - 159-97<br />Manwich: 10-8<br />Upset of the Week: 9-9Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-27962491961795309462011-09-09T22:25:00.003-05:002011-09-11T10:47:04.398-05:00Week 1 of the NFL SeasonI apologize for the late posting... I had Green Bay over New Orleans in the coin flip game on Thursday night... without much further ado... let's welcome the 1st week of the season!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Manwich Matchup of the Week</span><br />Pitt @ Baltimore - Since GB and New Orleans already played, and it seems cheap of me to use that as tthe Manwich game, we'll just use Pitt and Baltimore. Always a slugfest. Always injuries. Boy, I hate both of these teams. However, just for the record, both teams play the NFC West and AFC West this year, which should give each of them at least 7 wins, plus 2 wins each against the Bengals. Meaning... they are both going to the playoffs barring something crazy.<br />Pick: Baltimore<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upset of the Week</span><br />Dallas @ Jets - the cowboys offens is awesome... nothing like some drama for the jets to start the season!<br />Pick: Dallas<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Round Playoff Game #1</span><br />Tennessee @ Jacksonville - Not sure what to make of these teams. Tennesee has hasselbeck and a rookie qB; Jags starting a rookie Qb. who knows.<br />Pick: tennesseee<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fantasy Football Game of Interest<br />Philly @ Rams -</span><span> Vick, Bradford, some new rams WRs to pick up!<br />Pick: Philly</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />Det @ TB - TB<br />Buf @ KC - KC<br />ATL @ Chi - ATL<br />Indy @ Hou - Hou (should win the division sans Manning, Garrard, right?)<br />Cincy @ Cleve - clev<br />CAR @ Ariz - ariz<br />Minny @ SD - sd<br />Giants @ redskins - giants<br />Sea @ SF - Sea<br />NE @ Miami - NE<br />Oakland @ Denver - Oak<br /><br />Next week, I'll actually take some time on this!Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-87687738738138994872011-09-06T16:57:00.006-05:002011-09-07T07:35:41.450-05:00Congratulations MJI want to be the first on this blog to congratulate our resident sports enthusiastic and rage-a-holic on his wonderful wedding. Hopefully MJ will be getting some much needed R&R on his honeymoon and come back fully charged with his plethora of sports knowledge and sports rage.<br /><br />Congrats Bro!B. Hutchenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07302055365109504990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-51949716281160942932011-09-05T13:46:00.005-05:002011-09-05T14:50:20.476-05:002011 NFL Preview - Back to Football, and Back to Goodell's Iron FistI'm excited to write yet another NFL Preview. As a warning, my previous picks are not great, by any means. In <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2010/09/nfl-preview-2010-year-before-lockout.html">2010</a>, I picked Baltimore over ATL (both at least made the playoffs, and ATL was a surprise 1-seed), In <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2009/09/nfl-preview-2009-space-odyssey.html">2009</a>, I picked San Diego over Green Bay, but both lost in the divisional playoffs; in <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2008/09/nfl-preview-2008.html">2008</a>, I picked Dallas over New England, and neither made the playoffs; in <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2007/09/gutsys-4th-annual-nfl-preview.html">2007</a>, I picked New England over New Orleans - the Pats at least went undefeated, interestingly, New Orleans did win a couple of years later finally; in <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2006/08/happy-2nd-anniversary-to-bsd-and-2006.html">2006</a>, I had Indy over Giants - I actually hit the Colts, and the Giants ended up winning in 2007; in <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2005/08/nfl-preview-go-car-go.html">2005</a>, I had Carolina over Indy, but Indy lost in that crazy game to Pittsburgh, and CAR stumbled in the conference championship; and 2004 is not archived anywhere but I'm sure it was poor.<br /><br />So... if past seasons are any indication, my PREDICTED super bowl losers (every year but 2008), end up ascending to win the Super Bowl the next season! It's a rather strange phenomenon that I wasn't aware of until just now. <br /><br />AFC - I think the Pats, Jets, Steelers, Ravens, and Chargers are all HEAVY favorites to make the playoofs...<br /><br />AFC East<br />3-New England - Another year, another 1st round exit. In 2010, it was their hated rivals, the Jets. In 2009, it was Baltimore who just thrashed the Patriots. In 2008, they somehow didn't make the playoffs. In 2007, they got upset by the Giants. It will be interesting to see what the Patriots do this year, because, as always, the only goal is to win the super bowl. Maybe less emphasis on the regular season? Not sure what the answer is, because there is no simple answer for their dilemma.<br />5-NY Jets - They are still bona fide contenders... but I still think the Pats can perform better over a season than the Jets.<br />Buffalo - Should be fun to watch at least, because QB Ryan Fitzpatrick played great in the 2nd half last year, as did WR Stevie Johnson<br />Miami - The QB situation is shaky, so I have to downgrade them to last place prediction.<br /><br />AFC North<br />2- Baltimore - Added WR Lee Evans opposite WR Boldin which is an upgrade. Should be contenders all season.<br />6-Pittsburgh - Made the Super Bowl last year, and lost. In the last decade, only two teams (seattle, and Arizona) were able to make the playoffs the year after losing in the super bowl. The Steelers seem too good though... and barring injury, I'm guessing they'll grab the last spot.<br />Cleveland - Pro Bowl guard Steinbach is out for the season, and they are starting a rookie in his place. The defensive linemen have 2 rookies and another starter with few NFL experience. Plus a new coach means the Browns are still in transition.<br />Cincy - really in transition! Their surprise division title in 2009 seems like some kind of mythical fantasy.<br /><br />AFC South<br />4-Houston - I'm getting suckered in once again, that this year, will finally be the year for the Texans! I'm banking on Manning's health being a major reason why (plus the Texans somehow got lucky and drew Indy for the 1st season)<br />Indy - It's a really bad division, and the other 2 teams drafted rookie QBs who may play this year, so the colts still get 2nd place.<br />Tennessee - I like Hasselbeck stepping in with RB Chris Johnson and their defense to edge out the Jags for the cellar.<br />Jacksonville - They spent lots of money in the offseason, but the QB situation is unsettled so I'm not sure what to expect.<br /><br />AFC West<br />1-San Diego - The Chargers finished last year <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2010.htm">1st in offensive yardage, 1st in defe</a>nsive yardage, but had a -6 turnover differential (23rd) and gave up a bunch of return TDs, resulting in a disappointing 9-7 finish. That's pretty much worst-case scenario (in terms of turnovers and special teams), so I expect the Chargers to do big, BIG things this year!<br />KC - It was fun seeing them unexpectedly win the division then get creamated in the playoffs by Baltimore. Just remember that this year when they play more to their level.<br />Oakland - there are slight rumors of Oakland being a surprise team this year. They finished in the top-10 in offense and defense, surprisingly. Still couldn't tell you exactly what the WR depth chart is. They actually were 7-5 with QB Jason Campbell starting, who posted another 84 QB rating. He really is consistent, not great, but if he plays a little bit, Oakland can make things interesting.<br />Denver - Kyle Orton has been playing well, but this year, they have John Fox as the coach, so the offense won't be nearly as offensive (but the defense won't be nearly as porous).<br /><br />NFC - I think Philly, GB, ATL, New Orleans are HEAVY favorites to make the playoffs. This leaves one wildcard for Chicago, Tampa, Giants, Cowboys, Lions; and one division title for the NFC West...<br /><br />NFC East -<br />2 - Philly - Philly just went on a crazy shopping spree during the offeseason, picking up the best available DB Asomugha, the Giants best WR Steve Smith (who's recovering from a knee injury), among others. This team is downright scary, so long as Vick is healthy.<br />6-Cowboys - they can't be any worse than last year defensively, plus they finished the season 5-3. This is a team to watch, because offensively they are just flat out dangerous.<br />Giants - they had to rebuild the offensive line after dumping out 3 starters. They lost their top CB to injury. I smell lots of trouble here and the tailspin from that DeSean Jackson punt return TD that ruined their season last year looks to be irreversible.<br />Redskins - should be the worst team in the league with either John Beck or Rex Grossman at QB. It needs to be mentioned, John Beck wasn't able to enter practice the 1st day back because not even security recognized him!<br /><br />NFC North -<br />3-GB - Still a very solid team. Earn a super bowl title and they were worthy of it.<br />Lions - If Stafford stay s healthy, this could be the surprise team of the year!<br />Bears - played over their heads for a division title... then got ousted by GB in the playoffs.<br />Vikings - McNabb is the QB temporarily which should provide shaky results.<br /><br />NFC South-<br />1-NO- Should rebound from their sub-par showing during the season and loss to 7-9 Seattle in the playoffs.<br />5-ATL - Solid team still. Gave up too much for WR Julio Jones, but they clearly are in super bowl or bust mode.<br />TB - Young team built almost entirely through the draft. Division is brutal, so it's hard to say what their chances are of breaking through.<br />CAR - They hired Rob Chudzinski as offensive coordinator, who was the off. coordinator for the Browns in 2007. You know who else he brought with him? QB Derek Anderson, who had that one magic-in-a-bottle season! They claim they are starting #1 pick Cam Newton, but honestly, with just Jimmy Clausen standing in the way, we may not be that far away from seeing lots of 2007 Browns highlights!<br /><br />NFC West - (last year, had a 7-9 champ!)<br />4- St. Louis - I fully expect Sam Bradford, reinvigorated by new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels (who's now had offensive success at New England and St. Louis), to help lead the Rams to a division record with at least 8 wins. You heard it hear first!<br />Arizona - Could pull off a big surprise depending on how well Kolb plays with Fitzgerald and the other young WRs (Breaston is now gone too).<br />Seattle - I'm not sure why they signed WR Sidney Rice AND QB Tarvaris Jackson. T. Jackson is their starter now... and I'm not sure what to expect. He has 20 starts, with a 10-10 record. I'm not too optimistic though.<br />SF - New coach Jim Harbaugh (of the first borther combination in NFL coaching history), as is work cut out for him. He's planning on starting QB Alex Smith only temporarily. <br /><br />AFC Playoffs<br />3- New England vs. 6- Pittsburgh - Well, here's something that will cure New England's playoff drought... the Steelers. The Pats own them for reasons I can't determine.<br />Pick: New England<br />4- Houston vs. 5-Jets - The Texans make the playoffs... but I don't think the run will last long.<br />Pick: Jets<br />1 -San Diego vs. 5-Jets - LT and Antonio Cromartie get to play their old team! Okay, seriously though, the Chargers can handle this task. I'm sure of it. <br />Pick: SD<br />2- Baltimore vs. 3 - New England - This game is a doozy. I'm sure the Pats will be fired up by their loss in 2009. I love revenge and payback!<br />Pick: New Engalnd<br /><br />1-SD vs 3- New England - in the last decade, the Chargers have lost to the Pats twice in the playoffs. Because I love revenge, I think this is the year the Chargers break through!<br />Pick: SD<br /><br />NFC Playoffs<br />3-GB vs 6- Cowboys - the packers will win a wildly entertaining game, forcing Tony Romo to puke in his mouth.<br />4-St Louis vs 5- ATL - An old NFC West showdown! ATL makes sure their run lasts more than one game this time.<br />1- NO vs. 5 - ATL - These divisional matchups are complete tossups. However, I picked ATL to lose in the super bowl last year, so they are destined for great things.<br />2-Philly vs. 3- GB - It's only fitting that the Eagles draw the Packers again. Last year's game went to the wire. I don't see why this would be any different, except with a new outcome.<br />2-Philly vs. 5-ATL - Vick vs his old team. This could fetch the highest ratings of any playoff game ever. No matter what the outcome, it sure will be a great game on both offense and defense.<br />Pick: ATL<br /><br />Super Bowl<br />ATL over SD - If only because I've become self-aware that my picks are able to forecast the future! Honestly, you can make a case for any of NE, Jets, Steelers, Ravens, Chargers, Philly, GB, NO, or ATL winning the super bowl, and it would be completely reasonable!<br /><br />Good luck to everyone and hope we have a great season!Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401911.post-27547697358555290692011-08-27T21:18:00.014-05:002011-08-28T12:59:47.876-05:00Meet Your 2011 NFL Rookie Coaching Class<em>Nothing is more informative (and fun) than looking at the new head coaches in the NFL! The <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2010/08/meet-your-2010-nfl-rookie-coaching.html">2010</a> <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2009/08/meet-your-2009-nfl-rookie-coaching.html">2</a></em><em><a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2009/08/meet-your-2009-nfl-rookie-coaching.html">009</a>, <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2008/08/meet-your-2008-nfl-rookie-coaching.html">2008</a>, <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2007/08/nfls-2007-rookie-coaching-class.html">2007</a>, and <a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2006/07/meet-your-2006-nfl-rookie-coaching.html">2006</a> e</em><a href="http://thedawggs.blogspot.com/2007/08/nfls-2007-rookie-coaching-class.html"><em></em></a><em>ditions of the NFL Rookie Coaching Classes are also fun reads, if you are curious. My favorites from past editions are still Coach Mangina (Eric Mangini, class of 2006), The Whizzenator, aka nobody beats the Whizz (Ken Whisenhunt, class of 2007), and the Todd (Todd Haley, class of 2009). <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">
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<br /></span></span></span></em>After a lackluster year in 2010, where all the new coaches were actually people who already had experience, we have some new, actually first-time coaches this year.
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<br />1. Cleveland Browns- Pat Shurmur
<br />Proposed nickname: The Shurminator
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<br />With Mike Holmgren being in charge of the Browns, this new coach obviously has to be connected to the great Holmgren coaching tree, and Shurmur was QB coach of the Eagles from 1999-2008 before being the Rams offensive coordinator for two seasons. Those weren't great seasons, though he did get to coach Sam Bradford last year, but all of the WRs got injured and he had a rookie QB, so the results were mixed. I see no way of avoiding calling this coach the Shurminator: he is a sophisticated coach, sent back in time to change the future for one lucky franchise (or so I hope). It's been a long time since I've seen American Pie, which had the original Sherminator, so here's a clip of that awesome moment.
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<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/To-wjJT1SPY" allowfullscreen="" width="360" frameborder="0" height="245"></iframe>
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<br />2. Tennessee Titans - Mike Munchak
<br />Proposed Nickname: Munchie
<br />He's been the offensive line coach for the Titans/Oilers (yes, that long) since 1997. His Titans profile has a lot of the usual information, plus the fact that he <a href="http://www.titansonline.com/team/coaches/Munchak_Mike/4b982c77-f21c-4d91-bb67-3cdecf6f7f66">secured regional distribution rights to Snapple and became the owner of a number of Gold Gyms</a> in Texas.
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<br />3. Oakland Raiders - Hue Jackson
<br />Proposed Nickname: Hue Downs
<br />I really didn't know much about this guy. He's only 45, but he's already held 12 different coaching positions from Pacific, Cal State Fullerton, London Monarchs (yes, the defunct World League of American Football!), Arizona State, California, USC, Redskins, Bengals, Falcons, Ravens, and was the offensive coordinator for Oakland last year. Most notably, he was the offensive coordinator for the Redskins in 2003 (22nd in points, w/ Ramsey and TIM Hasselbeck starting, under Steve Spurrier), the Falcons in 2007 (29th in points, w/ Harrington, Redman, and Leftwich starting, while head coach Petrino quit midway through), and the Raiders in 2010 (6th in points, w/ Jason Campbell and Gradkowski). I don't know what to make of this guy. He's worked for some of the craziest people ever (Spurrier, Petrino, Al Davis), and installs college offenses. Last year, he was successful with it, so who knows.
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<br />4. Dallas Cowboys - Jason Garrett
<br />Proposed Nickname: The Gunslinger
<br />He was the interim coach, and now is finally the coach. He has been with the Cowboys since 2007 as the offensive coordinator and has seen them score lots of points. No idea what will hapen with the defense, but it should be a fun season!
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<br />5. Minnesota Vikings - Leslie Frazier
<br />Proposed Nickname: Drebin!
<br />He actually was a head coach once upon a time, at Trinity College from 1988-1996. He's been defensive coordinator with the Vikings since 2007, and was defensive coordinator with the Bengals from 2003-2004. With a first name of Leslie, he must carry the namesake of Leslie Nielsen from Naked Gun and be dubbed, Drebin! Lt. Frank Drebin if we are acting professional.
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<br />6. Carolina Panthers - Ron Rivera
<br />Proposed Nickname: Ron-Ron
<br />He was the defensive coordinator with the Bears from 2004-2006, and with the Chargers from 2008-2010. He also was a linebacker on the 1985 Bears championship team! His <a href="http://www.panthers.com/team/coaches/ron-rivera/848931a2-11cf-4e45-84db-f5745b09e275">wife was an assistant coach in the WNBA.</a> Love the weird facts some teams include in the bios.
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<br />7. San Francisco 49ers - Jim Harbaugh
<br />Proposed Nickname: Captain Comeback
<br />The most famous of the entire list, he was the coach at Stanford just from 2007-2010, after being the coach at San Diego from 2004-2006. He's had a meteoric rise. He is most famous for being a Chicago Bears QB, but I always remember him for a crazy postseason run with the <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1007671/index.htm">Colts when he almost completed a hail mary to beat the Steelers in the AFC Championship gam</a>e. According to wikipedia, Harbaugh and his brother John are the first brothers to be coaches in the NFL. The nickname Captain Comeback is from that ridiuclous 1995 NFL postseason run, 2 come-from behind victories, and the almost hail mary. Im open to other suggestions, such as "Little Brother Jim."
<br />Gutsy Goldberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430709156220475993noreply@blogger.com2