From the Sidelines

Up and Comers: Group F

2010-06-28T17:43:00.000-07:00

Young Players with Stocks on the Rise – Group F

Riccardo Montolivo (Italy, Fiorentina) Age 25
The Italian boss was keen to involve this all-action performer in his squad, with Montolivo's midfield defensive duties so often complimented by his fearsome long range shooting ability. Hard working and strong in the tackle, he has all the qualities required to claim a permanent spot in the Italian side in years to come.
Domenico Criscito (Italy, Genoa) Age 23
This speedy fullback can be relied upon to find space down the flanks to put pinpoint accurate crosses into the box for his waiting teammates. After failing into break into the ranks at Juventus, Criscito settled for a starting spot on Genoa’s team. Perhaps a fine showing in South Africa will show future employers his full potential.
Giorgio Chiellini (Italy, Juventus) Age 25
Chiellini is a frightening sight for any attacker with his sturdy frame and fiery eyes. He is a no- nonsense defender who takes pleasure in delivering bone crushing tackles. Another valuable facet on his game is his ability to mow down opponents on the way to score much needed goals from set pieces.
Victor Caceres (Paraguay, Libertad) Age 25
This player from humble beginnings has won complete faith of his coach. Caceres is dependable defensive midfielder who unleashes youthful abandon in his spot on tackles and heads up play. He has the energy to last the full 90 minutes and the tactical mind to effective the entire time.
Lucas Barrios (Paraguay, Borussia Dortmund) Age 25
This 6ft 2in striker is prolific in front of goal when the ball is at his feet. Barrios consistently proves how deadly he is in the box by making spectacular moments out of half chances. He can only hope that pre-tournament jitters disappear by the time he is called upon to act.
Edgar Benitez (Paraguay, CF Pachuca) Age 22
This little Paraguayan sparkplug has just recently burst onto the international scene. Benitez is a spirited and truly skilled attacker. One of his chief assets is his speed off the mark and another is his versatility - he is equally at home in wide areas as in a central striker role. Look for him as Paraguay’s super-sub.
Winston Reid (New Zealand, FC Midtjylland) Age 21
Winston Reid is a fresh face in the All Whites lineup. He is a combative defender with an advantage in the air due to his 6ft 3in height. He will run until his shoes come off and will give his team 110% of his effort to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Valdmir Weiss (Slovakia, Bolton Wanderers) Age 20
Playing with the stigma of being the coach’s son, Weiss feels the need to prove his selection to his countrymen. He combines flair, skill on the ball and a fearless approach to running at defenders to make him an exciting creative force. Moulded straight from an old fashioned winger, the twinkle-toed youngster is a handful for any defense with his mazy dribbling and accurate crossing.
Martin Skrtel (Slovakia, Liverpool) Age 25
This hulking centre-back is the one-man fortress at the heart of the Slovak backline, quick, aggressive and strong in the air. His Premier League and Champions League experience will be vital for a country with no experience of major international finals. Marking Torres in training for Liverpool will certainly help ready him for the challenge of marking world-class centre forwards.
Marek Hamsik (Slovakia, Napoli) Age 22
Marek Hamsik has emerged in the past two seasons as one of the brightest prospects in Serie A after a number of scintillating performances for Napoli. Now Hamsik has the opportunity to prove his ability on a global stage and the world will be watching to see if this precocious talent can truly live up to his billing as one of the best young attacking midfielders in the world.

Up and Comers: Group E

2010-06-28T17:36:00.000-07:00

Young Players with Stocks on the Rise – Group E

Simon Kjaer (Denmark, Palermo) Age 21
Kjaer is one of world football’s hottest young prospects. This steely defender currently plies his trade for Palermo in Italy, and he will use this World Cup to add sparkle to his resume. Europe’s elite clubs have taken notice of Kjaer’s versatility and quick footballing brain. A good showing may earn him the FIFA Young Player award this tournament.
Nicklas Bendtner (Denmark, Arsenal) Age 22
Bendtner has no lack of self confidence, borderline conceit. The striker is a key performer for his country and is highly rated by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, although he suffers from the odd lack of focus that has not made him the most popular of players. From the look of him, he is tall and strong. If he is able to hold opponents off the ball and keep an eye on the movement of his teammates, then he may give Denmark a fighting chance.
Christian Eriksen (Denmark, Ajax Amsterdam) Age 18
Christian Eriksen is officially the youngest player at the World Cup in South Africa. He will not let his youth bar him for living out his dream. This young star can impress all with his calm composure on the ball. He will contribute to the team effort by scoring the occasional goal and setting up plenty of others. Good work done in the tournament may equate a move to an established cub such as Arsenal.
Eljero Elia (Netherlands, Hamburg SV) Age 23
I predicted that Elia will emerge as one of the star names at this World Cup. With the fitness concerns over Dutch star winger Arjen Robben, Elia may be thrust into an even more significant role. Feast your eyes upon his mazy runs with his speedy bursts on the left flank a threat to the best of defenders.
Gregory Van Der Wiel (Netherlands, Ajax Amsterdam) Age 22
This defender made midfielder is flush with promise. Van Der Wiel is unafraid to take on the opposition with his blinding pace and unbending will. He will be a great addition to the long list of Dutch stars in the offensive lineup. This World Cup will bring him an extra level of confidence and perhaps a nice move this summer.
Ibrahim Afellay (Netherlands, PSV Eindhoven) Age 24
Afellay provides the Dutch manager with an excellent sub choice late in games. He is a classy imaginative midfielder who can revive any flatlined attacking movement. He will settle in nicely in the pocket behind the strikers ready to pounce on any loose ball floating around the top of the box.
Joel Matip (Cameroon, Schakle 04) Age 18
This teenage defensive midfielder, stopper or full back has proved a revelation this season in the German domestic league, combining gritty tackling, good speed, athleticism and rare composure. There is a sense that Cameroon can be the team to carry all of Africa’s dreams, and Matip is fully committed to that mission.
Maxim (Eric) Choupo-Moting (Cameroon, Hamburg SV) Age 21
Choupo-Moting is an immensely talent German born forward. He made some news after he chose to commit to his father’s homeland of Cameroon after starring for multiple German junior level international teams. He will partner with world superstar Samuel Eto’o in attack for the Indomitable Lions. He will be under pressure to score goals early or else he will find his way to the bench.
Alex Song (Cameroon, Arsenal) Age 22
He will never get the credit he deserves, but Song fills a crucial position for both club and country. When he is in the lineup, you can find Song poised to take on all takers just in front of his team’s backline. If you can imagine the advantage of a sci-fi space ship having a force field, then you can imagine the importance of a skilled defensive midfielder to a team’s overall performance. His area of responsibility to breakdown each offensive onslaught and then spark his own squad’s counter.
Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon, Cotonsport Garoua) Age 18
This highly-rated teenage striker is the only home-based player on the Cameroon roster. His play resembles his fellow countryman’s, Samuel Eto’o. He certainly seems to be an up-and- coming entertainer, a brilliant finisher with either foot, a mazy dribbler and boasting a great
array of tricks and step-overs. If he can earn some playing time, it won’t take long for word of Aboubakar's talent to reach the ears of European scouts.
Keisuke Honda (Japan, CSKA Moscow) Age 24
Honda is a distinctly European Japanese player, which is both his gift and his greatest criticism. His time at CSKA Moscow has encouraged him to take an individualistic approach to goal scoring much to the chagrin of his national team peers who concentrate on defense first. Honda will use the World Cup finals as his platform to become a major international star.
Takayuki Morimoto (Japan, Catania) Age 22
An intelligent and mobile striker who has just completed his fourth season in Italian football with the Sicilians of Catania, Morimoto is so highly-rated that AC Milan starlet Pato labeled him recently as the most gifted young player in Serie A. "Everything is possible for him in the future," is the view of the brilliant Brazilian.

NBA Draft Links

2010-06-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

- Chad Ford's draft buzz
- The Mystery of Elliot Williams, by Chad Ford
- Mark Stein may have some insight on why New Jersey would select Wesley Johnson at #3
- An updated recap on the possible Chris Paul trades
- Lakers GM, Kobe Bryant, eyeing Raja Bell
- Details on the Warriors Corey Maggette trade
- Details from the CA on a possible Grizzlies trade
- Ron Tillery's take on the Grizzlies' Paul George workout

Up and Comers: Group D

2010-06-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

Young Players with Stocks on the Rise – Group D

Kwadwo Asamoah (Ghana, Udinese) Age 21

It is said that Ghana lack attacking options, so players like Asamoah will have to create magic from the midfield. He is a dynamic figure with the power to orchestrate play from box to box. He is reported to be on the shopping list of AC Milan; however they may have competition for his signature if his mesmerizing dribbling and accurate left foot can push Ghana to glory.

Kevin-Prince Boateng (Ghana, Portsmouth) Age 23

This Berlin-born, massively tattooed midfielder has often been labeled as a bad boy of soccer. Most recently his name was splashed on the pages of newspapers for being behind the tackle that took the German captain, Michael Ballack, out of the World Cup. Despite his appearance and reputation, Boateng constantly forges classy football with his raw power, pace, and skill.

Asamoah Gyan (Ghana, Stade Rennes) Age 24

Gyan is the focal point of the Black Stars’ offense. He has a nose for goals and will be deadly waiting on the edge of the box to pounce. If Gyan can stay healthy throughout the tournament, he will earn his deserved respect as an African hitman.

Zoran Tosic (Serbia, Manchester United) Age 23

Tosic’s profile has risen like a tidal wave since Manchester United purchased him in 2009. This gifted attacking midfielder is much love by his national team coach and is expected to leave an impression on the World Cup audience. Most likely Tosic will be deployed as second half substitute when a game needs new life breathed into it.

Neven Subotic (Serbia, Borussia Dortmund) Age 21

Neven Subotic may very well be called the one that got away if he makes a big impact for Serbia this year. His family was in Florida as political refugees during the Balkans Wars of the 1990s, yet when it came to decide which country to represent on the senior level Subotic opted for his family’s homeland. He is a confident centre-back with a sharp eye for the game and demanding presence of the field. His career has nowhere to go but up.

Carl Valeri (Australia, Sassuolo) Age 25

Central midfielder Valeri currently plays for a second division Italian teams and relishes a return to the top flight. This young starlet started in Italy with Inter but failed to mess the talent laden squad. He has found a new path in life with the Aussie national team. In a team of veterans he is the only youngster worthy enough to start for his country.

**I have one note before I start with my picks from the German national team. It was very hard not to name the entire squad. Germany has packed its roster with a boatload of young talents where the average age for this 2010 World Cup squad is 25 years old. The German giants will go far in this tournament on the backs of these young bucks.

Thomas Muller (Germany, Bayern Munich) Age 20

The past year has been a fairytale story for Thomas Muller. In his first year as a senior level player Muller has been an all-star sensation. His style of play echoes the form of Germany’s legends. He is known for being one step ahead of the opponent, first to the ball, a precision crosser, and ice cold finisher. Plan on seeing him have a breakthrough performance for Germany that will overshadow the success he had at club level.

Mesut Ozil (Germany, Werder Bremen) age 21

Ozil brings originality and improvisation to the German midfield. Anticipate seeing him involved in each and every attacking movement, and even bagging a few goals along the way. Europe’s top coaches will be grading Ozil’s performance at the same time they push for extra transfer money to secure his talents.

Sami Khedira (Germany, VfB Stuttgart) Age 23

This dynamic and industrious central midfielder skippered Germany to glory at last year's European Under-21 Championships, and now he is charged with the monumental task to fill the shoes of injured national team captain, Michael Ballack. Khedira has matured in recent years, yet his youth shows in his vitality and his willingness to run himself to death for every ball.

Marko Marin (Germany, Werder Bremen) Age 21

Marko Marin is Germany’s little magician. This mighty playmaker has an aptitude to pull ingenious moments out of a hat without notice. He will be a valuable asset coming off the bench, but without a doubt Marin is a secret weapon for the national team waiting to stretch his legs in South Africa. Prepare to be mesmerized.

NBA Draft - Memphis Links

2010-06-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

NBA draft week is kinda like Chanukah here at From the Sidelines, so here's a Memphis-related packet of links to stuff your draft knowledge.

- A great article by the Commercial Appeal's Ronald Tillery detailing the Grizzlies' draft process (or lack thereof)
- Griz draft plans still a mystery (I'm shocked)
- Chris Vernon's summary of thoughts on players that have worked out for the Grizzlies in Memphis
- A second edition of Verno thoughts on workouts
- Detailed info from the Memphis Flyer on Memphis' first and second workouts
- Elliot Williams' Draft Express profile
- Follow Elliot Williams on Twitter

Up and Comers: Group C

2010-06-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Young Players with Stocks on the Rise – Group C

Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United) Age 24

Very little needs to be said about this player. Rooney is universally known as one of the best soccer players in the world. He is the complete package that any manager would die to have in their team arsenal. Tough-as-nails and skillful on the ball, Rooney can place an inch perfect pass or ripe a blazing shot from any position on the field. England hopes that his unquenchable passion will lead their team to victory.

Glen Johnson (England, Liverpool) Age 25

Johnson is a pacey defender who uses his speed to aid him in cover and on counterattacks. England boss, Fabio Capello, anticipates Johnson to burn a path up and down the right flank to add numbers to the attack. He will take every opportunity to supply crosses from the wings and will look to cut inside for the occasional shot.

Joe Hart (England, Manchester City) Age 23

He is one of the biggest talents in England as a goalkeeper, for sure. He has everything. He is physically strong, mentally strong, he has good reflexes, and he is very good on the line. Unfortunately, Hart is considered too young and inexperienced to be thrown into the full action at the World Cup, but definitely one to watch for the future. Who knows, if England continues to have heartbreaks in goal, we may see this young talent takeover.

Jozy Altidore (United States, Villarreal) Age 20

Altidore was the leading scorer for the US during World Cup qualifying. Built like a miniature tank, Jozy can muscle his way through the thickest defenses. His exceptional ball skills allow him to receive the ball at his feet even under pressure. He has not had much success in Europe to date, but an all-star performance in South Africa could help to show his quality.

Jose Torres (United States, Pachuca) Age 22

Torres is a new name on the US national team roster. A Texan by birth but a Mexican by heritage, Torres only recently put his alliance in the United States camp. We are lucky to have him. He is a creative midfielder that mirrors the play of many of the world’s great playmakers, such as Xavi and Pirlo. Torres has built up a fine reputation for retaining the ball and showing good touch. He will be fighting for a chance to play behind the coach’s son, Michael Bradley.

Bostjan Cesar (Slovenia, Grenoble) Age 23

Slovenia’s national coach, Matjaz Kek, has said that Cesar is a man you can build a backline around. He is tall, strong, and has an ironclad defensive mentality. The World Cup may the second chance to revitalize his young career. Early in his playing days, Cesar suffered a long-term head injury that sidelined him for more than a year. He will be playing to show the world footballing community that he is living out his potential.

Samir Handanovic (Slovenia, Udinese) Age 25

Handanovic is a very agile goalkeeper with the ability to muster up some spectacular saves. His time in the Italian top league has given him a wealth of experience against topnotch strikers. Not much is expected from Slovenia in this tournament, but if there are too be any surprising results from this team, Handanovic is surely going to be the key figure behind their success.

Tim Matavz (Slovenia, FC Groningen) Age 21

This young goal scoring phenomenon muscled his way onto the Slovenian team on reputation alone. Matavz did not get called up to the national team until two weeks before the tournament started. At 6ft 3in he will be a contender in aerial battles and on set pieces. Look for him to be used primarily as a super sub to bring a spark to any match.

Karim Matmour (Algeria, Borussia Monchengladbach) Age 24

This thrusting right winger may not be an automatic pick for his German club, but his flair and never-say-die attitude constitute a major part of the offensive plans of the Algerian national team. Matmour was a hero for Algeria in the African Cup of Nations, so tried and tested in big time games.

Up and Comers: Group B

2010-06-15T19:36:00.001-07:00

Young Players with Stocks on the Rise – Group B

Lee Chung-Yong (South Korea, Bolton Wanderers) Age 21

Lee is a rising star. He has been widely regarded as one of the hottest talents coming from South Korea. In 2009, Lee made the move to England with Bolton and quickly emerged as the team’s most valuable player. Korea Republic will benefit from Lee’s consistent play and creative presence.

Angel Di Maria (Argentina, Benfica) Age 22

Silky smooth winger Angel has the quality to be a worldwide superstar within the next few years. His level of skill has increased enormously during the time he has been playing in Europe. Di Maria has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League giants Chelsea and a good showing in South Africa this summer is bound to see his value increase to a point where Benfica will be tempted to cash in.

Lionel Messi (Argentina, Barcelona) Age 23

Messi’s name has been on the lips of soccer fans across the world for years now, but it is almost had to believe that this young man is just 23 years old. There is no doubt that Messi is a superstar yet he feels there is still more to do. This World Cup watch as Maradona’s successor puts it all on the line to win the only trophy he does not possess.

Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina, Real Madrid) Age 22

South Africa is about respect for Higuain. This young striker has been playing second fiddle to the big name players at his club and country for numerous years. He may not sell the number of jerseys that Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Kaka do, but Higuain’s performance stats outshine the glitzy superstars. He’s a winner and he can always be counted on to conjure up some goal scoring magic.

Obafemi Martins (Nigeria, VfL Wolfsburg) Age 25

Martins has mainly been used as an impact player for both club and country to bring on and terrorize tired defenses with his pace late in a game. His hot-and-cold nature has hampered his starting chances, but expect to see this super eagle soar past the opposition and wreak havoc with his primal shooting power.

Up and Comers: Group A

2010-06-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Young Players Who’s Stock Is on the Rise

One of the greatest pleasures of observing the FIFA World Cup is having an opportunity to see young players perform on the world stage. Many have already earned positions on elite club teams, but for just as many this is the one chance they have to impress. I will try to bring focus to the hidden jewels that may be fighting for the spotlight this month.

The men to watch in Group A:

Giovani Dos Santos (Mexico, Tottenham Hotspur) Age 21

Dos Santos has established himself as the most important figure in the Mexican attack. He possesses sprinter speed and shows confidence on the ball. In addition he is unafraid to let a shot ripe from mid-range positions with great accuracy. Dos Santos is very dangerous playing on the right side and cutting into the middle to unleash a strong left-footed shot. Tottenham Hotspur loaned this young man to the Turkish club Galatasaray for the last half of the domestic season, but if he continues to make a good showing in the World Cup, the Spurs will surely want him back in the first team.

Javier Hernandez (Mexico, Manchester United) Age 22

Nicknamed Chicharito, ‘Little Green Pea’, Hernandez has had a dream year. Hernandez ended the season as top scorer in the Mexican domestic league and earned a transfer to English powerhouse Manchester United.

Siphiwe Tshabalala (South Africa, Kaizer Chiefs) Age 25

This Soweto-born attacking figure plans on making a name for himself during this tournament. Tshabalala is a short compact winger who has the speed to burn defenses and he been known to produce spectacular goals. He has already snagged the opening goal of the World Cup with a stunning strike from a fast South African counterattack. Europe will keep him in their sights if he can keep producing the thrills.

Fernando Muslera (Uruguay, Lazio) Age 23

Muslera is known to Lazio followers as Castorino or the 'Little Beaver' and has been a bright spot at goalkeeper in the Italian league. He did not cement his position as the number one keeper for the national team until late in the qualifying stages. This skinny giant has the speed and agility to be a great shot stopper.

Luis Suárez (Uruguay, Ajax Amsterdam) Age 23

Suarez is a lightning fast goal poacher scored more goals than any other player across the world last season with 49 goals for Ajax. Granted he is based in the Dutch league, but if he can handle the pressure of the world stage and bag a few goals, people will take notice.

Hugo Lloris (France, Olympique Lyonnais) Age 23

This 6ft 2in goalkeeper is admired for his cool head and mature decision-making, Lloris has had success taking Lyon deep into the UEFA Champions League tournament. He has been linked to many of the top European clubs and may earn a quality transfer if he can keep France alive in the World Cup.

!!BREAKING NEWS!!

2010-06-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

Sources have told me that later this afternoon, Manchester United and Real Madrid will be joining the SEC for the 2012 season.

"This is about creating the premiere futbol/football conference in the world." Commissioner Mike Slive was reported as saying.

FTS World Cup Manual

2010-06-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

While Alex and I could spend the day boasting about how we told exactly what was going to happen on Thursday in college football and the NBA Finals... We're yielding the floor to our favorite European and soccer expert, AC! But just know that when we open our mouths, the world listens!

AC says...

Mashup
Last Minute Details That Will Help You Look Like You Know Something About World Cup Soccer

If you are planning on being one of the 750 million people to watch the 2010 South African World Cup, you are going to need to know a few important things.

First, let me set the stage for the readers. Here in America, we will get our TV coverage from the ESPN and ABC family. It is fabulous that ESPN has aggressively ramped up its involvement with world soccer over the past few years. This year’s World Cup will by far be the greatest undertaking the station has ever attempted to perform outside of the U.S. In comparison to the 2006 World Cup where ESPN commentators viewed one third of the games from sound stages in the states, the 2010 production will be fully covered by over 300 staff members in South Africa. ESPN is placing a large bet that Americans will jump on the world’s game bandwagon and bring the station tremendous success for its hard work. However, be aware that production goal is not to educate novice soccer watchers, but to whet the appetite of the well-informed fan. Jed Drake, executive producer for ESPN's World Cup coverage, has clearly stated that "We really have targeted our presentation now for a knowledgeable soccer audience." To prove this point, ESPN has dumped the lineup of all American commentators and has hired on several seasoned British announcers to bring depth of knowledge and flair to the TV coverage. An estimated total of 230 hours of live programming will fill the cable boxes of viewers during the one month period from June 11 to July 11. Just over half of that time will be devoted to actual matches, while the other half will help fans with analysis, recaps, and highlights.

For your viewing pleasure I have linked here ESPN’s official 2010 FIFA World Cup TV Schedule. And, do not worry if you missed a few of the important games due to work, school, or scheduling conflicts. Many of the matches will be re-aired on ESPN Classic each day.

World Cup Format
If you’re familiar with the 2006 World Cup format, you won’t have any homework to do before the 2010 World Cup starts in South Africa, as it’s unchanged. If you have never seen a World Cup, please allow me to be your docent on a tour of World Cup structure.

We’ll see 32 teams participate from six different FIFA confederations (CAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA, AFC, OFC, CONCACAF); the tournament will run from June 11 to July 11. A few months before the tournament a draw was done in Cape Town, the 32 teams were separated into eight different groups.

The group stage (June 11 to 25) is a round robin in which each team in a group plays each other once. Wins give you three points, draws are one point, and you receive zero points for a loss. After each team plays three games, the top two from each group advances to the next round. In the event of a tie, goal difference will be the deciding factor. Meaning, all the goals scored against a team will be subtracted from how many goals the team scored. The team with the highest number wins the tiebreaker.

The round of 16 (June 27 to 29) follows the group stage and kicks off the one-game elimination rounds, followed by the quarterfinals (July 2 to 3), semifinals (July 6 to 7) and final on July 11. Drawn matches during elimination rounds go to extra time and then shootouts if necessary.

Injury Problems
It is a sad fact of life that a few players have their World Cup dreams smashed by injury leading up to the start of the tournament. This year is no different. Even before a ball has been kicked at the World Cup in South Africa, several of the game's biggest stars have been struck down by injury.

DAVID BECKHAM (England, Achilles)
Mr. Golden Balls was all set to become the first England player to appear at four World Cups having forced himself back into Fabio Capello's squad. Unfortunately, disaster struck during AC Milan's 1-0 win over Chievo as Beckham broke down with a ruptured Achilles tendon.

RIO FERDINAND (England, knee)
During England’s first training session in South Africa, Ferdinand suffered a knee injury during a challenge with Emile Heskey and will take no part in the World Cup. For me, this is all the more reason why Heskey should be ousted from the team and deported to some faraway place like the frozen tundra of Siberia.

MICHAEL BALLACK (Germany, ankle)
German captain Ballack hobbled off at Wembley following a challenge by Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng during the FA Cup final, and his worst fears were confirmed when scans revealed ligament damage, denying the 33-year-old Chelsea midfielder the opportunity of a third World Cup appearance. To add insult to injury, Chelsea released Ballack this week.

MICHAEL ESSIEN (Ghana, knee)
Essien had not played for Chelsea since December because of a knee problem, and so looked doubtful to be involved in the Black Stars' World Cup campaign. The Bison’s absence is a major blow to the Black Star’s hopes of progressing from Group D which also includes Germany, Australia and Serbia.

NANI (Portugal, collar bone)
This winger, who came to life for Manchester United during the domestic season, damaged his collar bone after attempting an acrobatic shot in training and thusly was ruled out of the tournament. Nani had the fire to partner alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. His absence will weaken Portugal's attacking options.

JOHN OBI MIKEL (Nigeria, knee)
The third of Chelsea's World Cup crocks also suffered a knee problem, and underwent minor surgery in May. Although he joined up with the squad in South Africa, the 23-year-old decided he would not be fit enough to take part, and pulled out of the tournament.

DIDIER DROGBA (Ivory Coast, broken arm)
Ivory Coast boss Sven-Goran Eriksson will be praying Drogba can fend off Chelsea's injury jinx after suffering a broken bone in his arm during a friendly against Japan - leaving the striker in a race against time to be fit to play in South Africa, when Ivory Coast will face Brazil, Portugal and North Korea in the 'Group of Death'. Drogba was touted to be a leading contender for the Golden Boot this year.

ARJEN ROBBEN (Holland, hamstring)
Winger Robben, the star of Bayern Munich's run to the Champions League final, has vowed to do everything possible to play at the World Cup, despite suffering a torn hamstring in the 6-1 friendly win over Hungary. The player himself admits the injury would normally take up to six weeks to heal, so his participation still looks in doubt. Throughout his career Robben has been accused of being fragile and this latest injury does not improve that image.

ANDREA PIRLO (Italy, calf)
The AC Milan star suffered a calf injury last week and will definitely not be available for the team's World Cup 2010 opener on Monday against Paraguay. Pirlo is aptly nicknamed The Architect and is a crucial cog in the Italian winning machine.

USA vs. England – Psychological Warfare
On June 12, USA and England will face-off to replay a match dubbed the “Miracle on Grass”. At the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, a band of American amateurs pulled off a stunning upset to bring down Goliaths of world football, England. It took just one goal to make history and team USA hope to have a repeat performance this year.

The first shot over the bow was actually produced by the English tabloids. Shortly after the World Cup draw all of the media outlets grasped on to the idea that England was a sure shot to advance out of the group stage. Simply put, EASY. England, Algeria, Slovenia, and Yanks. The glory is already in their eyes and I am hoping our Yanks can knock England off their high horse.
America’s counter offensive has been quite clever. By accepting the role of the underdog, team USA has put all the pressure on the Three Lions to win. Anything less than a convincing win for England will be no good. If the USA achieves a shock win or plausible draw, then the English people will unleash hellish fury on their players.

The secret weapon for our Yanks is the jerseys. Team USA will be sporting throwback jerseys that resemble the shirts worn on that fateful day in 1950. The English team wore blue for that match and have only worn that color once since, and lost again. Therefore, blue has unofficially been banned as a primary color for England’s jerseys. Cross your fingers that our clothing choice will tip the scale in the psychological battle.

Last Chance Links
Official World Cup Theme Song, Waka Waka by Shakira
Check out these World Cup soccer babes. I give you Eng vs. USA.
Fill out a World Cup bracket

Conference Dominos For Dummies!

2010-06-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

College football is changing! And don’t let anyone tell you this isn’t all about football, because it is. Teams could move later based on their hoops prowess, but not in the beginning. Oh yeah, it’s also about money- a lot of money. Starting off, the Big East has its own TV network, and the thing with TV networks is that you get paid via a subscription, that’s why commercials always tell you to call your local cable provider. Networks like ESPN are carried throughout the country because ESPN has a broad audience since they report on everything. Conversely, it’s doubtful that any large group of people outside of a Big 10 school area really cares about the Big 10, therefore, they don’t want a subscription to the hotness that is the B10 Network. Jim Delaney’s solution: let’s expand our conference into new areas and get those subscriptions.

Larry Scott, commissioner of the Pac 10, was definitely (I’m hoping) sitting around sippin’ a frozen margarita in SoCal when he heard about the Big 10’s plans. He quickly came to the conclusion that not only would the Pac 10 need a tv network of their own, but they would expand their conference to locations hilariously far from the Pacific coast, thus creating millions of dollars for everyone involved.

Probably Larry Scott

That’s the general outline and the only things we’re sure of right now is that Nebraska is going to one of the teams going to the Big 10 and all hell is breaking lose. As to where everyone else is going, let’s take a page out of BP’s book and dig deep!

The Players:

Jim Delaney and the Big 10: Not only is it a conference with a misleading name (there are 11 teams), but Delaney and Co. have been the aggressor this off season. Hell bent on at least adding one more team for a championship game, they probably want to get to 16 teams and create a “super conference”. Targets: Notre Dame, the Big 12, the Big East.

Larry Scott and the Pac 10: While they actually have the amount of teams included in their name, the Pac 10 is just as gung-ho about expansion as the Big 10. Their aspirations also include a 16 team conference, but they don’t really have a target list – it’s more of a treasure map where X marks the entire footprint of the Big 12 South.

Dan Beebe and the Big 12: No, this isn’t the guy that stripped Leon Lett at the goal line in Super Bowl XXVII, that’s DON Beebe. Wait, I’m the only one who thinks of that? Moving on… If you can’t tell from above, the Big 12 is basically f*cked.

Mike Slive and the SEC: So far, these guys have been content to sit back and watch everything unfold. Unlike the other conferences, they don’t have as much consideration for TV markets due to their gigantic deals with CBS and ESPN. However, some reports did surface today that they have been in talk with Texas A&M.

The Big East: I have no idea who the current commissioner is, and I don’t really care. I do know their former commissioner is on the University of Memphis’ payroll for some reason and has a ridiculously hard last name when it comes to spelling. (Trangassheshehs?) Sidenote: did you know the Big East only has eight football teams? How in the hell are they a BCS conference? The Big East won’t be adding anyone until all the dust settles, expect them to lose a couple of teams at the very least though.

The ACC: Nearly the same as above, they won’t be adding anyone immediately unless they have to. I assume most of their days are spent praying that the SEC won’t come, bend them over, and take a couple of their successful programs.

Scenarios:

The Big 10 / Pac 10 Will Have an Orgasm

First Movers:

- Big 10 adds: Notre Dame(I), Nebraska(B12N), Missouri(B12N), Rutgers(BE), Pittsburgh(BE).

- Pac 10 adds: Texas(B12S), Texas A&M(B12S), Oklahoma(B12S), Oklahoma State(B12S), Texas Tech(B12S), Colorado (B12N).

Hello revenue streams! The Big 10 grabs Notre Dame and gets to slide into the New York market with Rutgers. The Pac 10 extends their footprint into Texas and Oklahoma AND they don’t have to take Texas’ ugly step sister, Baylor.

Second movers:

- Mountain West adds: Kansas(B12N), Baylor(B12S), Iowa State(B12N), Kansas State(B12N), Boise State(WAC)

Kansas loses here in the basketball side of things, but they win on the football side. The new MWC has a strong lineup with these teams being added to already successful programs like TCU, BYU, Utah, and Air Force. This new 16 team league is definitely better than a pre watered down Big East or ACC.

But our basketball team is so good!

Third movers:

- SEC adds: Miami(ACCC), Florida State(ACCA), Virginia Tech(ACCC), Virginia(ACCC).

First of all, why have your two divisions named the “Coastal” and “Atlantic” divisions? It’s not cute, it’s just annoying. This scenario is basically the SEC acknowledging that they need to do something, and why not screw over the ACC while doing it. (Take that Georgia Tech!) I bet some of you are wondering why Virginia is on this list. It’s because of the pesky state stuff that Texas had to deal with above; if you want Virginia Tech, you have to take Virginia. Here’s the bright side, now Vanderbilt has someone to play with!

The Fallout:

If you can’t tell from the name, this seems a bit farfetched. Notre Dame would have some incentive to finally join a conference, but they wouldn’t exactly have their backs against the wall. Additionally, there’s no way that the Pac 10 gets all the other Texas schools and leave Baylor out. In a more likely variation, just switch Colorado and Baylor and it’s plausible. Still unsure if the SEC would do anything, especially since Virginia would be the only new market.

Big 10 Misses ND, Big 12 Still F*cked, SEC Expands to 14

First movers:

Big 10 adds: Nebraska(B12N), Missouri(B12N), Rutgers(BE), Pittsburgh(BE), and ??

Pac 10 adds: Texas(B12S), Baylor(B12S), Oklahoma(B12S), Oklahoma State(B12S), Texas Tech(B12S), Colorado (B12N).

SEC adds: Texas A&M(B12S), Miami(ACCC).

If you can’t tell how convoluted this is, just look at the fact that I have no idea who the Big 10 would add as their 16^th team. West Virginia? Come on, those guys don’t have televisions. Cincinatti or Louisville? They still have that C-USA stink on them, and their academics aren’t up to Big 10 standards. Iowa State? I know nothing about them other than the fact that Iowa is current a Big 10 member. (Can you write me a reference bro?) Kansas? Package deal with Kansas State. Seriously, I have no idea. I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to pry someone like Boston College away from the ACC. Again in this scenario, the Pac 10 gets most of Texas and Colorado. The biggest coup here is the SEC gaining A&M. This opens the Texas market, adds a team with a long history, and allows the SEC to only have to expand eastward by one team. (Other candidates besides Miami would be FSU, Clemson, GA Tech.)

Welcome to the SEC!

Second movers:

ACC adds: Syracuse(BE) AND/OR UConn (BE)

Great Midwest adds: Kansas(B12N), Kansas State(B12N), West Virginia(BE), Cincinnati(BE), Louisvile(BE), USF(BE), Memphis(CUSA), Syracuse(BE) OR UConn(BE), UAB(CUSA – if needed).

The ACC gets a 12^th team back so they can still host a championship game and a new conference is formed, with an old name. This is a bit of a homer statement, but isn’t Memphis a little too big for CUSA at this point? CUSA just awarded the conference basketball tournament to El Paso. El Paso? Clearly, Memphis needs to find greener pastures. This eight team conference has some great football and some new and old rivalries on the basketball court.

Generic Scenario #3

I could take any of the above, flip some teams around a few times and I could create scenarios all day. (I MAKE IT RAIN.) However, I think both of you reading this get the general idea(s): The Big 10 is getting bigger, the Pac 10 is getting Texas, the Big 12 is f*cked, the Big East and ACC are scared, and the SEC is surveying the landscape at this point.

Throw some of your scenarios in the comments.

The NBA: Where Zig-Zag Happens!

2010-06-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

If I had a bookie, I’d be a couple of hundred dollars the richer after last night. All thanks to the Zig-Zag Theory of NBA Playoff Basketball. What’s the Zig-Zag theory, you say? Well, it’s only the simplest and most popular system of betting on postseason basketball. Not surprisingly, the NBA Finals have followed to the Zig-Zag to the “t”. Obviously, experienced gamblers already know all the ins-and-outs of zigging and zagging . This is a watered down version for the young gamblers of tomorrow. If the three of you reading this like it, I’ll come back and expand on the theory later For now, sit back and enjoy a From the Sidelines gambling spectacular… Alright, it’s really only a few hundred words, but still…

Try to stay with me now, the Zig-Zag has one rule: bet for the team that lost the previous game. While that’s simple enough, there are a few caveats.

For example, this only applies to the spread… not outright wins. Also, this only applies to the playoffs. Don’t go betting on November basketball. Just go ahead and check yourself into a gambling addiction clinic – it’ll save you several thousand dollars. Finally, if a team loses against the spread and loses the game outright, the power of the Zig-Zag is often enhanced. Take a look at this NBA Finals if you don’t believe me.

Game 1 @ LA, LA -6.5 (Lakers favored by six and a half points): The Lakers come out of the home gate blazing and stomp the Celtics, easily covering the six point spread.

Game 2 @ LA, LA -6 (Lakers favored by six): A proud veteran Celtics club evens the series and beats the spread, despite being a six point underdog. Why? Because they lost against the spread (and lost the game) the night before. In this game, people betting with the Zig-Zag theory (money on the Celtics) actually lowered the line a half point.

Game 3 @Boston, Boston -2.5 (Celtics favored by 2.5): The perfect Zig-Zag game. Celts lose game one and don’t cover the spread. They come back in game two to not only cover the spread, but win outright. Now, LA lost against the spread and lost outright in the previous game. What happens? LA covers the spread and wins outright.

My advice? Bet the spread according to the Zig-Zag. If a team loses both against the spread and outright AND is an underdog in the next game (see LA, Game 3), bet both the spread and the money line... You could hit it big, but if the dog wins against the spread, but loses the game… you still hedged your bets.

Celebrity Mailbag!

2010-06-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

It’s always been a dream of mine to receive emails from famous athletes and celebrities. Now, that dream is finally coming true… if only through my seldom read blog. As always these are fake emails from real celebrities…

Q: Hi Debo! Khloe Kardashian, here. Long time reader, first time writer! Would it be totally out of line if I dumped Lamar Odom for Rondo? I know Rondo looks like an alien, but he has HUUGE hands! That is a trait that is VERY important to me! Plus, I’ve always liked the east coast. And I mean, hello!? Huge hands… HUGE!
Hearts... KK

A: Wow, Khloe! Great for you to join us! This sounds like a soul-searching question that only you can truly answer. But I can understand why you would ask yourself that question after Lamar’s two stink bombs in Games 1 and 2. Here are few tidbits to help you out…

1. Rondo has Finals MVP potential. In fact, he could be a great dark horse at +250. Imagine Rondo averages a triple-double similar to Game 2 in four Celtic victories. Maybe he goes crazy for one game or even on quarter and notches plus-15 assists and rebounds totals for one game. He averages could look something like: 18.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 11.5 assists. When you crunch the numbers that seems very possible and almost likely.

2. While Lamar won’t likely merit MVP consideration, you have believe the worst is behind him. As a long time reader, you know that I contended that Kobe would get the support he needed from Lamar and Pau Gasol in at least two games. So far, Gasol has shown up… now it’s Lamar’s turn.

3. Rondo had more rebounds than anybody on the court in Game 2. And while Rondo has (as you said) HUUUGE hands, Phil Jackson will be calling both Lamar and Gasol euro-trash if that trend keeps up. Also, Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher should be putting a body on little Rajon to protect Lamar and Gasol’s collective rebounding manhood.

4. You are part of Lamar’s wolf pack now. That’s a commitment that Lamar takes very seriously (as evidenced by this shirt). You should think long and hard for before you turn your back on the pack.

Q: Debo, it’s Pau. Tell Alex I said, “Hola!” I had 24 points heading into the 4th quarter of Game 2 on 7 of 9 shooting. With David Stern’s help, I put the entire Boston frontline in foul trouble. Why didn’t I get a single shot in the final 12 minutes? Not even ONE!

A: Pau, I’ll deliver the message to Alex. He’s one of your biggest fans! But to answer your question, Jalen Rose wants you to know two things:

1. You play second banana to Kobe Bryant, not the other way around.
2. HE’S THE BEST CLOSER IN THE GAME! HE’S UNSTOPPABLE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER! M-V-P!! M-V-P!! M-V-P!!

I’m just kidding, Pau. Actually, I don’t blame Kobe entirely for this one. I’m pointing the finger at someone who never takes the blame. That’s right, Phil Jackson… I’m looking at you, big guy. After Kobe gets a fifth foul… no timeout. After Rondo hits one of two FTs, the Lakers have a legit shot of making a last second run in a two possession game… no timeout. After Artest and Fisher struggle to throw up last second prayers as the ball never even whiffs the paint… No timeout. Hell, Doc Rivers is a pseudo-hero ‘cause he old-man jogged to the free throw line to call a possession-saving time out. When the offense breaks down… when your team loses it’s focus by not pounding paint… when you’re within five inside of a minute… TAKE A TIMEOUT!!!

It could be that… or it could be that you smell like an Italian subway car in the middle of July, and nobody wants to pass you the ball. Either way, take a timeout and then take a shower.

Q: From the desk of Tom Thibodeau: Mr. Debo, As you may or may not be aware, I’ll soon be moving to Chicago to mentor young Mr. Rose and Mr. Noah. While it would be illegal for me to comment on free agents at this time, I have reason to believe that a certain figure of royalty maybe joining me. Do I have what it takes to push Chi-town back into the championship spotlight?

A: Breaking News! An FTS exclusive: LBJ to the Bulls!!! Just kidding, that's not really Tom Thibodeau. This is all pretend. Back to the column...

Well, Mr. Thibodeau. You came to the right place because I have a unique opinion for you! And while I’ve learned to spell Thibodeau, we’ll be referring to you as Mr. T for the purposes of this article. I have an untold respect for you and your defensive game plans. But I can’t get behind the Chicago-Mr. T marriage.

This stinks of Bill Belichick in Cleveland. And I mean stinks. Defensive mastermind. Spectacular film study. Never been a head coach. Never talked to the media. Just like Belichick did, you’ll have to work out the kinks. Belichick failed miserably in Cleveland because he didn’t know how to handle million dollar athletes, he didn’t know how to handle the daily media barrage, and he didn’t know how to handle people in general. This coaching hire has all the same ingredients. In fact, I pity the fool...

I mean look at your question! It reads like a letter from my lawyer. If Derick Rose can’t pass the SAT, he won’t be able to decipher your legal-ease during a 20 second timeout. And Chicago expects to win and win soon – especially if they land Lebron. Speaking of Lebron, he’s not exactly a coach’s best friend. If you don’t believe me, just ask Mike Brown. My prediction? Pain...

On the bright side, you’ll bank over $6 million dollars and earn the head coaching chops you need to succeed whatever coach fails in Boston after Doc Rivers leaves to do TV work… I mean, spend time with family.

Q: Debo, say Queensbridge!!
=) Ron Artest

A: Queensbridge!

Q: Debo: Please cease and desist any and all derogatory tweets, comments, or articles about NBA officiating during this Finals series.
Sincerely, David Stern

A: Gulp… I hadn’t even gotten started yet. However, it was curious to see Ray Allen hand-cuffed by fouls in Game 1 only to have Kobe Bryant given the same treatment in the next contest. Obviously, we’ll never know, but it stands to reason that Kobe would have gotten a fifth and sixth foul out of the Boston bigs if he didn’t already have five fouls himself late in the fourth of Game 2. But in all honesty, isn’t this part of loving NBA basketball. Pro wrestling never would’ve made it without crooked refs, right? Now, if we could only knock Bennett Salvatore unconscious with an “accidental” chair shot.

-Special thanks to Alex for some clutch questions when I hit the wall. You wouldn't laughing at this column without his help!

Predictions: NBA Finals and Strip Clubs

2010-06-03T12:24:00.001-07:00

The NBA Postseason is like an evening at a strip club. We start out with 16 sixteen scantily clad women – some deserve to be there, some don’t. We know that over the course of the night the frauds will be exposed. But we’ve paid our cover, and we’re in for the long haul. Everything starts with excitement in the first round (of drinks). Before long, things settle into a lull when we realize that only a few of these girls are worth staying until last call. But we strap ourselves in and enjoy the show. It’s only when half your crew is ready to go that you find that THE girl for THE lapdance (a Celtics-Lakers match-up).

OK, so maybe that was a stretch. But I’m giving you my loves and hates for the Lakers, Celtics, and of course… strip clubs.

I hate that the hottest girls in the building are often the ones serving drinks… It always leaves me wondering what might have been.

I love that Kobe Bryant and Ray Allen genuinely dislike each other.

I hate that Andrew Bynum will see significant playing time in an NBA Finals series.

I love that the girls serving drinks in a strip club are like strippers in training.

I hate paying a cover to sleazy strip clubs. A cover charge should only be used for a nice (not sleazy) bar. It should be a symbol that means, “No diseases in here!”

I love the match-up of Kobe-Fisher against Rondo-Ray Ray… something’s gotta give. And I don’t think it’s Ray Allen’s jumper.

I hate that this could be the last time we see both Phil Jackson and Doc Rivers in a long time.

I love that Ron Artest once “pants-ed” Paul Pierce.

I hate when strippers give me rules. I just gave you $100, lady. I get to make the rules.

I love that Kendrick Perkins is one T away from a suspension, but I hate that a ref may decide the NBA Title.

I love seeing glitter all over my buddy’s face as he struts out of the back room.

I hate looking at myself in an IHOP bathroom and seeing glitter on my face from the night before.

I love the KG-Pow Pau match-up. Both have their kryptonite: KG may be banged up and Gasol may be a pussy.

I hate that girlfriends never go to strip clubs, but act like they know everything about them.

I love that despite all the things I hate about strip clubs…. I still love going to strip clubs.

Finally, I love that this Finals series will be about toughness. If you’re picking the Lakers, you believe that Ron Ron, Kobe, and Pau are tougher than PP, KG, and Rondo. I don’t believe that for a second. And that’s why I’m picking the Celtics in six. And to celebrate I’m going to the strip club! Who’s with me?

NBA Finals: Why the Celtics Will Win

2010-06-02T18:00:00.001-07:00

Tuesday we viewed the upcoming NBA Finals through a Lakers' prism. Today, we'll don green tinted glasses and find reasons for a Celtic victory.

#1. Tom Thibodeau knows what he's doing.
Kobe Bryant has proven he's the best postseason scorer in the NBA, but Tom Thibodeau, Boston's defensive guru and assistant head coach, lives (eats, sleeps, breaths, poops) to stop postseason scorers. If you don't believe me think back to how the Celtics handled Dwayne Wade and Lebron James in Rounds 1 and 2. Kobe enjoyed unprecedented freedom from physical defenders against Utah and Phoenix. Not surprisingly, Kobe went off averaging over 33 points in each series. He won't enjoy the same treatment from Boston's defense. Kobe will be hit, he will be hit hard, and he will be hit often.
And don't forget, the C's have 24 fouls to spend protecting the rim with Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Garnett, Rasheed Wallace, and Glen Davis. The LA duo of Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom may be a bit of a bad match-up, but with that many fouls Boston can literally bludgeon the Lakers to death. Look for the Celtics, led by Tom Thibodeau, to create a wall of bodies and fouls keeping the Lakers out of the paint and out of their offense.

#2. Ray Allen may actually run 30 miles over the course of six games.
The tandem of Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen presents an interesting conundrum for the Lakers. It sounds like Kobe will guard Rondo and Derek Fisher will trail Ray Ray (most of the time). Chasing Ray Allen around double screens and picks for 40 minutes will take the legs out from under any player, much less a 35 year old like Fish. Undoubtedly, there will come a time that Kobe draws the duty of following Ray Allen on his marathon sprint. Doing so, will take a serious toll on both Fish and Kobe's legs.
Logically, that toll will have an effect on both players' production on the offensive side of the ball. If Ray Ray gets hot for a couple of games, it will only get harder and harder for Fish and Kobe to run the Lakers triangle offense.

#3. Andrew Bynum is still Andrew Bynum.
Bum knee or not, Andrew Bynum has a history of playing like a chump. He certainly did so against the Phoenix frontline of Amare Stoudemire and Robin Lopez. Things will only get harder for young Andrew. He'll be bumped, slapped, hit, and frustrated every minute he sees the floor. If history repeats itself, he quickly become a non-factor and likely even a drain on the Lakers' offense.
This is significant specifically because the Celtics have four scoring options (Pierce, Rondo, Allen, and KG). Without an effective Bynum, the Lakers are stuck with Kobe, Gasol, and (less than reliable) Lamar Odom. LO only seems to have two good games a series. After that he's as likely to disappear as he is to show up for an average box score. Unless Bynum finds a new level of resolve and toughness to play through the likely pain he'll experience with a gimpy knee, the Lakers will be playing three on four (and sometimes two on four) for most of the NBA Finals.

All things considered, the Lakers may have Kobe, but the Celtics everything else. If defense wins championships and rebounds win games, Boston has more than enough to hoist another Larry O'Brien trophy. The sun may be setting on the Celtics' aging core, but it will also set on an NBA Championship in two weeks.

NBA Finals: Why the Lakers Will Win

2010-06-01T18:56:00.001-07:00

The NBA Finals are just days away. And an historic clash of NBA titans awaits. The Lakers and Celtics have more NBA Titles combined that Alex and I have ex-girlfriends... and that, boys and girls, is saying something. To get you ready for the epic seven game tilt, I'll take a look at the series from both sides, starting with LA.

#1. Kobe Bryant is the best basketball player alive.
Before the Kobe-hating Lebrons lose their collective minds, I mean that his season is still alive. Kobe is the best baller still balling. While Lebron is talking with his "team" of advisers and Larry King, Kobe is making a joke of the Western Conference Playoffs -- shifting his game to otherworldly levels... even for him. After dispatching with the Thunder and Jazz (yawn...), Kobe averaged 33.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.2 rebounds a game against Phoenix. Despite the Lakers "struggles" with the Suns zone defense, Kobe kept draining contested jumper after contested jumper.
The Lakers were so dominant early in the Western Conference Finals thanks to huge efforts from Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. The series only lasted six games because Pow Pau and LO were largely absent from the box scores of games three through six. Gasol and Odom averaged 17 and 12 points, respectively, in those games. Even without the Lakers' bigs making significant contributions, the Lakers still scored over 100 points, only falling short in two games because they couldn't hold the Suns under 115 points themselves. What's more is that Kobe learned to pick his spots, pass out of double teams, rely on Derek Fisher and Ron Artest to hit jumpers and create lanes themselves. Kobe is at his complete game best and finally understands how to control the game without wasting possessions against smothering double teams.
My point is that Kobe will get the support he needs from Odom and Gasol in at least a couple of games during the Finals. Over the past couple of weeks, he proved he can carry the load to scratch out a couple more wins on his own.

#2. Ron Artest will drive Paul Pierce crazy.
Ron Artest may have many faults (say Queensbridge!), but his physical defense has been invaluable for the Lakers this postseason. Artest is the perfect defender for Kevin Durant and he put on a clinic harassing Durantula every inch of 94 feet in Round 1. Expect to see more of the same against Paul Pierce.
And lately, Pierce hasn't shown the MVP Finals form from two years ago. The past two years have limited his hops and ability to create off the dribble. And the Cleveland series showed that the task of guarding a top level player severely limits his offensive contribution. Pierce can play well in spurts, but he hasn't been able to create in late possessions when Boston needs him most.
Because Paul Pierce enjoyed blow-out wins against the Cavs and Magic, we didn't see much crunch time offense from the Celtics. But the little we did see was rather anemic. (Remember the Magic forcing overtime in Game 4?) Rondo is by far the best creator in Celtic green, but he defers to his veteran teammates in the final possessions. Considering that refs typically swallow their whistles in the closing seconds of the NBA Finals, the Lakers should enjoy a decided advantage with Artest bodying up on Pierce.

3. Boston's bench or lack thereof.
The Suns bench did put on a show in the WCF, but Boston won't play anywhere near the fast pace of the Suns. And let's don't forget how banged up Boston is right now. Big Baby? Concussed. Rasheed Wallace? Back spasms. Rondo? Still banged up from a scary fall. And while Kendrick Perkins isn't injured, he's one technical foul away from a one game suspension.
Also, consider that the Lakers don't employ a true four or five man second unit. Lamar Odom, arguably the third most valuable Laker, comes off the bench for 35-40 minutes a night. Jordan Farmar, Shannon Brown, and Shasha Vujacic collectively back up Ron Artest, Derek Fisher, and Kobe Bryant. The Lakers use a mix of 2-3 starters and reserves for their bench. If LA can run and get one or two of their shooters a hot hand, look out.
Even if the C's are 100% healthy, Rasheed Wallace, Glen Davis, and Kendrick Perkins aren't designed to guard Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol when they face up to the basket in the post. The Celtics dominated the Magic with a physical, post-clogging defense. The Lakers would be wise to use the triangle offense and their athletic bigs to stretch Boston's vaunted defense.

In sum, the stars are aligned in Hollywood. This could be Phil Jackson's last hurrah. Kobe needs this fifth ring to inch closer to Michael Jordan and eclipse Magic Johnson in Laker lore. Gasol is a more tougher, mature post player. Artest desperately wants to prove he's a worthy addition.to a title contender. This isn't the 2008 Lakers. This is a veteran squad hungry to etch their name in NBA history.

Morning Blitz

2010-05-27T18:28:00.001-07:00

A special Memorial Day Weekend edition...

- SI photo gallery of Ozzie Guillen's greatest rants. I particularly like numbers 4 & 8
- Zach Randolph looking a little better for Z-Bo and the Griz
- Chris Bosh to join Lebron, D-Wade, and Joe Johnson at the free agent summit
- Joe West: MLB umpire or country music star? You decide.
- Team Argentina plans on enjoying World Cup 2010
- Memphis Coach Josh Pastner now a father
- AAA offering a DD and towing service for Memorial Day weekend
- Every Ron Artest interview is a great interview. Here's last nights

Special Report - Team USA World Cup Prep

2010-05-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

I needed a little perspective after the US laid an egg against the Czech Republic and announced it's World Cup roster. So I emailed my close friend and From the Sidelines Soccer Analyst, AC!!

Debo emailed:

AC,

I need you to learn me some more soccer! Team USA (albeit with a second teir roster) just suffered an ugly loss to a bunch of Middle European chumps. I've got a few questions before I hit the panic button...

AC replied:

1. I know we rested several starters and Bob Bradley wanted to get a look at players on the roster bubble, but isn't this still an indictment of American soccer? How good is the Czech Republic?

It was disappointing to see our team lose Tuesday night, but it cannot be regarded as a blow to our American soccer image. Bob Bradley made it very clear by his team selection that this was an experimental friendly match. Even the great Fabio Capello did some extensive tinkering with the England national side for the Mexico game played earlier this week. Granted England won 3-1, however it does go to show that managers are using every last opportunity to test and prod any player that may be on the bubble.

With the focus on the fringe players, some of the team USA’s most prominent players (Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Carlos Bocanegra, Jay DeMerit, Jozy Altidore and Benny Feilhaber) did not even dress out for the game. Instead, Bradley used the game to help determine which seven players would not make the 23-man roster.
The game in and of itself self was hard to judge. Normally we look for a really strong team effort, but this match was truly about the individuals striving to make an impression. Needless to say it didn’t help that it appeared almost as if two completely different US teams played that game. The first half was played with the starting eleven players and by the beginning of the second half the US team had a different look with six substitutions made. Overall the team produced a subpar performance. There were a few bright spots, such as a second-half goal by Herculez Gomez. He was among the players on the bubble and his ability to score no doubt helped his cause. Another borderline player, forward Edson Buddle, assisted on Maurice Edu's goal, which gave the United States a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute.

Now, why was the Czech Republic a smart opponent to play leading up to the World Cup? Firstly, they are good. At one point they were ranked 2^nd in the world by FIFA during the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. Their form has not been stellar as of late, but as the score line showed they can put up a fight. Secondly, scheduling a match versus the Czechs was very wise because they have a similar playing style to their Middle European neighbors, Slovenia. Team USA will face Slovenia in Group C of the World Cup. The Czech Republic shockingly failed to qualify for South Africa 2010 by placing third in their qualification group. Slovenia edged them out to capture second place. Thirdly, the players should have relished the chance to test one of the world’s best goalkeepers, Petr Cech. Unfortunately we rarely created shooting chances and our two goals came from set pieces with defensive mistakes.

2. I heard the announcers tout several US players performance in MLS, Mexican leagues, etc. Isn't that a lot like you dominating Brentwood's 10 year-old league? Sure the stats look great, but those players aren't really prepared for the World Cup level of competition we'll see next month, right?

There was a stat given out during the game that said that of the 30 players considered for the final US squad 19 played for clubs in Europe, 2 for Mexican clubs, and 9 based in the MLS. A player’s club background is usually a good indicator of how a player will perform on the international level. Those Americans who consistently start for their European clubs have had the best prep for the World Cup stage. Many of these players have rubbed shoulders with world superstars and understand the pressures of high stakes football. That is not to say that the MLS players are not ready. However, these US based players will not truly grasp the monumental atmosphere of the world’s largest event until they step onto the pitch for the first game. But for now, let’s say that ignorance is bliss. Select players will come into this tournament with high confidence after a successful start to the MLS season. Like in many sports, when a player is in form and in a goal scoring hot streak let the momentum push your team to higher heights.

3. Team USA has a few more warm-ups before facing the Red Coats on June 12th. What would be considered a success in terms of preparation for the big day?

There are only two more international friendlies for the US national team before the World Cup begins. We will face off against Turkey and Australia. Two wins would be nice, but what we need is to use these games to build cohesion and momentum. Bob Bradley will use these last matches to find the winning formula for personnel combinations and team formation. The job for the players will be to forge connections and partnerships with their teammates. Hopefully these friendlies will help the strikers find the needed chemistry to be able to read each other’s movements and runs. The backline must find ways to deal with the injuries to Gooch, DeMerit, and Bocanegra. The team’s health depends on their health. Most importantly the midfield must understand each individual’s role in transition between attack and defense and vice versa. This is especially vital in the wide areas. Turkey and Australia may not be prime examples, but many of the top countries deploy fullbacks to maraud up and down the sidelines. Maicon from Brazil, Philip Lahm from Germany, and Glen Johnson from England come to mind. Outside midfielders will have to retreat back to cover these uniquely talented defenders.

The ultimate goal for the US is to meet or exceed our best performance in recent history by finishing in the Quarterfinals. In 1930 the Americans finished third, but that is not a realistic goal now. To start the team’s focus should be on getting out of the Group Stage. Fortune has smiled upon the US to give us a favorable draw. If we play to our potential second place in Group C is very achievable. Ideally winning your group puts your country in a better position to advance further in the tournament, but for us that would mean that team US must beat England. And what do you know? England is the first opponent we face on June 12^th.

If our preparation has been sound, then taking on England will become a less daunting task. The US can find success by dominating possession, passing with intelligence, and making every shot count. A win over England would be glorious, a draw would be a job well done, and a loss would be only a minor setback.

The roster:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, England), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton, England), Tim Howard (Everton, England).

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, France), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover, Germany), Jay DeMerit (Watford, England), Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan, Italy), Jonathan Spector (West Ham, England).

Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus, Denmark), Stuart Holden (Bolton, England), Jose Torres (Pachuca, Mexico).

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Hull, England), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles), Robbie Findley (Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla, Mexico).

The Morning Blitz is Back!

2010-05-11T20:12:00.001-07:00

We're shaking the cobwebs off here at From the Sidelines. Why not start with a few links to get you through a hump day...

- Mark Cuban getting sued because the Mavs are "insolvent".
- As Ken Griggey Jr wakes from his afternoon slumber, rumors of exit begin swirling
- NBA Board of Governors approve Ivan Drago as Nets' owner
- Lebron autobiographer predicts the King's move to New York
- Twitter has a new enforcer: Charles Oakley
- Dan Wolken comments on the Tigers' early preseason ranking
- Ken Griffey isn't the only former MLB star to fall asleep at the helm

Just for the hell of it...

2010-05-11T07:36:00.001-07:00

NFL Draft Special

2010-04-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

As the international community celebrates draft week in NFL circles, it’s time we throw our two cents in! And since we are obviously future front office material destined to lead a franchise to the promised land, why not use our expertise on our favorite franchises to love and hate. Alex and I will give our take on what our favorite NFL team SHOULD do. I’ll take the beloved Green Bay Packers, and Alex will handle the lowly Dallas Cowboys. (Alex's note: Alex might have had too much work to do to finish his Cowboys preview.) I’m gonna cover the Pack’s needs, who they should take if available, and my best trade up/down scenario. Here we go…

Green Bay Packers

Draft Choices [Pick-in-Round(Overall Pick)]:

1^st: #23(23); 2^nd: #24(56); 3^rd: #22(86); 4^th: #24(122); 5^th: # 23(154), #38(169); 6^th: #24(193); 7^th: #23(230)

Needs: OLB, CB, OT, S, RB

The Packers have signed the most important free agents for 2010 – namely, their veteran offensive linemen and defensive backs. However, both of those position groups are aging and aging quickly. A CB and OT of the future is a must for this year’s draft. The good news is that OT can probably be a project for a year or two before Chad Clifton rides off into the sunset. A pass-rushing OLB to compliment Clay Matthews from day one should be priority number in the first round.

Draft Picks:

I’ll only focus on the first three rounds, since there’s really no telling what could happen after that.

Round 1: Pick #23 – Sergio Kindle – OLB – University of Texas

The fact that Kindle has steadily slid down draft boards into the early 20’s is nothing but a blessing to teams like the Packers, Patriots, and Eagles. If the Patriots trade down (as I suspect) or fill another need, Kindle should be the no-doubt, sure-fire, don’t-even-think twice move. He has all the tools to rush from anywhere in the Pack’s newly minted 3-4 scheme. He can even handle the coverage necessary of Dom Capers’ OLB. Also, pairing Kindle and Matthews for a decade should be a dream come true for any coordinator. If Kindle isn’t available, Ted Thompson should select…

Kyle Wilson – CB – Boise State

Wilson is the perfect fit for several Packer needs. He can be the physical corner needed on the field from the start, or he can play in nickel and dime situations covering slot receivers, and he will certainly add a much needed punch to the Packers return game. If Kindle is off the board, the Packers can get just as much of an impact rookie with Wilson.

Round 2: Pick #24 – Ben Tate – RB University of Auburn

Ryan Grant has the speed and vision to compliment Aaron Rodgers passing skill, but Tate can a goal line bruiser and late game finisher that Packers’ offense have lacked for quite some time now. He’s a no-nonsense, between the tackles back… just what the doctor ordered.

Round 3: Pick #22 – Myron Lewis – CB – Vanderbilt University

Assuming the Packers land Sergio Kindle in round one, Lewis can easily man a nickel and returner spot while being groomed to replace Charles Woodson in the years to come. A tall, athletic corner, Lewis has displaced exceptional durability by starting in 25 consecutive games in the rugged SEC. He’s also an Academic All-American with exceptional leadership qualities. If things break right, he could be the leader and talent to solidify an aging defensive backfield.

Trade Scenario: Trade Down!

It’s tough to fill so many needs with only one pick per round. If Sergio Kindle isn’t available at #23, the Pack should trade their first round pick and scoop up an extra pick in rounds two and three. For example, Green Bay could move down with Tampa Bay and collect their second (#35) and third (#67) round picks. Thompson may have to throw in a fifth or sixth round pick to make the deal work, but it would be well worth it. In that scenario, the Pack could easily land a three round that looks something like this…

Second Round:

#3(35) – Roger Saffold – OT -- Indiana

#24(56) – Patrick Robinson – CB -- FSU

Third Round:

#3(67) – Ricky Sapp – OLB -- Clemson

#22(86) – Toby Gerhart – RB – Stanford

Fictional Character Fantasy Draft

2010-04-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

In honor of the start of baseball, From the Sidelines has decided to create our very own fictional character All-Star team. The rules are simple: any real baseball player is off limits. We're assembling the team draft style via email, with Alex getting the first pick.

#1 - Henry Rowengartner - SP - Rookie of the Year (1993)

Good pitching almost always trumps good hitting, that's why I'm taking Ravenboozer with my number one overall selection. Most elite pitchers can anchor your staff for seven to ten years if they're extremely lucky. This kid is 12. That means I'm looking at 20 years of 100+ fireballs, and maybe a few floaters. He just has to promise to watch his step when walking out to the mound...

Matt:

I like it -- this is like draft Lebron when he's seven! And he's great a ticket draw for the Memphis HeartBreakers (that's right... I'm naming our franchise right now) Alright, next up...

#2 - Billy Chapel - SP - For Love of the Game (1999)

Sticking with pitching, I'll add a veteran presence for our young superstar. I did some quick and dirty research, and according to the script, Chapel (Kevin Costner) was a "sure fire Hall of Famer" and likely nearing 300 wins. And that's from Vin Scully, so it must be true. Not to mention that he slays the mighty Yankees -- something all Americans can root for! Of course, this sets up a time space continuum dilemma: can Costner play two positions on our mythical all-star team?

Alex:

Excellent catch there on the Costner conundrum. I think it's possible, since these are merely characters. Ok, next in line for HeartBreakers is:

#3 - Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez - UP - The Sandlot (1993)

I'm loving these 1993 movies it seems. However, this guy can play anywhere - literally. Finding a fictional middle infielder is fairly tough, so he'll probably end up playing there most days and fill in other places when guys need a day off. "The Jet" isn't a mere bench player though - this kid is a five tool specimen. Need to hit it right into a the new kid's glove so it looks like he caught it? Done. Wheels? He out ran the Beast - and stole home as adult even though his baller mustache was getting in the way. "There's heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die."

Matt:

Strong work with the quote... I think that was inspiration for a "No Fear" t-shirt once upon a time. And adding a strong nickname and mustache is always clutch. Speaking of mustache...

#4 - Jack Elliott - 1B - Mr. Baseball (1992)

It's time to add some power, and Captain Jack is here to save the day! I can't tell you how much I love this movie... Elliott calls the manager "Chief", plays the hot foot gag, and "led this club in ninth inning doubles in the month of August!" He's a World Series MVP, but learns the meaning of team in the Japan leagues. Elliott can be a clubhouse leader, DH when we need him, and even lay down the bunt for a suicide squeeze.

Alex:

I'm glad we're finally getting some offense, I think we're building a contender.

#5 - Roy Hobbs - RF - The Natural (1984)

Another power player and consummate professional. When you have a chance to add a guy that hit four homers in one game, you have to do it. Like Gardenhoser, there are a few special precautions to take after drafting him. Namely, keeping him away from women who have the propensity to poison and/or shoot people. Interesting side note: The Blu-Ray version of The Natural was only released three days ago.

Alex:

Making an addition to the last post, I found where Simmons tried to figure out Hobbs' stats for the season in the movie. His opinion is fine with me, and looking at them, we should have taken this guy sooner. Good thing he was still on the board...

G      AB    R    H    BB   K    HR   RBI    
115   400   92   140   75   85   44   106

AVG    OBP     SLG
.350   .447    .750

Matt:

Wow... three days ago!? Do they know it's 2010? Btw, I have Mr. Baseball in VHS and DVD... we're still waiting for the Blu-Ray.

#6 - Willie Mays Hayes - C - Major League (1989)

When his head is screwed on straight, he's a lead-off and base stealing machine. He's got more than enough range to cover the field, and Hayes will fit great in our line up -- a spark plug for The Jet, Elliott, and Hobbs (hitting two, three and four, most likely). His airbrush bedroom decor will fit great in our clubhouse as well. We will have to stock up on batting gloves, though...

Alex:

I'm guessing that Willie Mays Hayes is our center fielder, not our catcher - right? Because our catcher is this guy:

#7 - "Crash" Davis - C - Bull Durham - (1988)

We have plenty of power in the line up, so I want a guy behind the dish that can handle our pitchers and call a good game. Not that Davis is a lightweight at the plate, he's a switch hitter and can add some pop when the time is right. "Crash" has only spent 21 days in the majors during his career, so he's due for another call up. Did you know that there was a real "Crash" Davis that played ball for the Philadelphia Athletics in the 1940s? His career line ( .230 / 2 / 43 ) is underwhelming, but that's still awesome. More on him here.

Matt:

Agreed: Willie is not catcher material and I'm not proofreader material. But believe it or not, I did know about the real "Crash." And the director of Bull Durham actually played minor league ball - that's cool.

#8 - Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn - CP - Major League (1989)

Intangibles are off the charts... Best rookie haircut of all time, founded the Pantheon of Spectacled Fictitious Athletes (the PSFA), married wrestling intro music and America's past time. Plus, he's got the electric stuff on the mound to back it up! He can routinely top 100 on the gun and invents his own pitches. And don't forget he works with under-privileged kids... as long as there's a mildly attractive girl involved.

Alex:

Who else would be in the PSFA, the Hanson Brothers? Good choice on Vaughn, he truly does make my heart sing. We're still in need of an outfielder, third base, and a middle infielder. It's time to think out of the box.

#9 - Marla Hooch - 2B - A League of Their Own (1992)

Initially a throw in so Jon Lovitz could get Kit and Dottie, Marla blossomed into a great pick up. She might look a little plain, and doesn't know much about trains, but damn, can she hit. This fills our gap in the middle and gives the lineup yet another switch hitter. This is where I'm supposed to make a joke about the absence of crying in baseball. I won't do it. I will do this: "Hooch" is a badass nickname.

Matt:

The fact that "Hooch" is a nickname for a girl multiplies its awesome-ness by a factor of ten... at least.

#10 - Max "Hammer" Dubois - LF - Mr. Baseball (1992)

I'm not going to lie to you... this was very tough for me. The same actor plays both Pedro Cerrano and the Hammer. I ended up leaning toward the Hammer for these reasons: (1) he can hit a breaking ball, (2) excellent clubhouse guy along the lines of V-Mart, (3) his consistency would give great deep line-up protection for Hooch, and (4) he's nicknamed "Hammer" for his oversized... um... bat. If it doesn't work out, we can always bring Pedro off the bench. And he has a post-baseball future as president or selling insurance... it's a win-win.

(Alex's note: I couldn't find a picture of him from Mr Baseball so this will have to do. An incorrect picture is better than no picture, right?)

Alex:

I have to agree, I love that pick. The Hammer was also on "Magnum P.I." once - furthering the connections!

#11 - Roger Dorn - 3B - Major League (1989)

Since you took the Hammer version of Dennis Haysbert, I don't feel bad about taking yet another Indian. Yes, Dorn has some motivation issues, but there's a reason he got the big contract in the first place - he's a good ball player. Not only offensively, he can flash the leather too: he made two great plays in the final game of the movie, to go along with his yard work. As a bonus, he says one of the greatest movie-to-cable censored lines ever. Instead of the "strike this motherf*****r out", he says "strike this turkey out."

Matt:

I can't imagine a clubhouse without Dorn, and any time you have a chance to strike out a turkey, you have to take it, right?

#12 - Stan Ross - DH - Mr. 3000 (2004)

So it looks like all we need is a DH, and we'll have a line up. I think Stan "The Man" fills that role well. With dominating pitching and a speedy line-up, Ross can be our "five-tool" hitter so-to-speak. Need a bloop single? Got it. A deep sac fly? No problem. Opposing pitcher tipping his hand? Covered. A gaudy sports bar? In spades. Ross is a throwback in many ways. Let's just hope he doesn't throw his back out, shuffling that 280 lb frame around the bases. (Yeah, I'll congratulate myself for that play on words!)

Alex:

Stan Ross? I'm ok with him at the end of the bench and pinch hitting, but maybe not our full time DH. We need someone with power, and a good enough glove where we can stick him in the outfield every few days.

#13 - Bobby Rayburn - DH/OF - The Fan - (1996)

Wesley Snipes gets to play in the outfield next to himself, this is great! Rayburn is another guy who's motivation could be an issue, since he has a love/hate relationship with the fans (one in particular). However, he can the best around when he wants to be. We'll promise to take good care of his children and keep keep Jack Byrnes away from the stadium at all times.

Matt:

While Rayburn is tending to Jack and the kids, Stan will be leading the team in roastburgers (that's RBI for all your newcomers)... you watch!

#14 - Lou Brown - Manager - Major League (1989)

With a clubhouse full of personalities, we'll need an grumpy, old fashioned, no-nonsense manager to keep everybody grounded. And when you consider Lou led his club to two penants in spite of a front office from hell, he may earn the title for best ficitional manager. He uses innovative managing techniques (disrobing a life-size cut out of the GM), isn't fazed by a massive heart attack, and is a nut for British soap operas. What more could you ask for?

Alex:

I like your style, and on that note, I'm going for the Costner tri-fecta:

#15 - Ray Kinsella - Groundskeeper - Field of Dreams (1989)

Who hasn't always wanted a baseball diamond in the middle of a cornfield? With limited equipment and man power - Kinsella can make a beautiful field and save us some coin in the process.

Matt:

Nice... Why not wrap things up with our very own hometown radio man?

#16 - Harry Doyle - Play-by-Play - Major League (1989)

It may be an obvious choice, but it's obvious for a reason. Uecker set the standard that all other movie announcers must live up to... and ultimately fail. He boasts a resume full of one-liners, but I'll leave you with just a few...

Just a reminder, fans, comin' up is our "Die-hard Night" here at the stadium. Free admission to anyone who was actually alive the last time the Indians won a pennant.

Heywood leads the league in most offensive categories, including nose hair. When this guy sneezes, he looks like a party favor.

Juuuuuust a bit outside.

Well, the team is set! Enjoy baseball season!

We're Back!

2010-04-05T09:21:00.001-07:00

Nothing gets the creative juices flowing like Opening Day for baseball. Here's a quick post to say that we've got something coming later today or tomorrow, stay tuned!

Cubicle QB - October 12, 2009

2009-10-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda…
There wasn’t one thing that jumped out at me this week, so this edition of Cubicle QB will be a quick hitting version. We’ve got a lot to cover, so here we go…

We should just call the NFL MVP race off right now. Nobody is even close to touching Peyton Manning through five weeks of NFL action. No one player, coach, scheme, or string of good luck is as responsible for a team’s success as Peyton Manning is for the Indianapolis Colts right now. What’s even scarier is that he’s doing it with a Mormon and a French dude at WR.

I know it was against the Bucs, but could Donovan McNabb be bouncing back from a injury? Don’t look now, but the Eagles have a stable of playmakers in Westbrook, Jackson, Celek, and Maclin… Don’t look now, but the NFC East is a two horse race in the second week of October.

Brett Favre should go straight to hell. The Jets experiment was cute and all… but this Vikings crap has got to stop. I know Brett is upset at the Packer front office and that’s understandable. But not once has he made amends much less given Packer fans’ their due credit. Brett’s career hasn’t always been rosy. There have been several instances when he heaved the ball and his team’s playoff hopes 40 yards down field with nothing but a prayer. Regardless, Packer fan always came to his defense. Drug and alcohol addiction… They looked the other way. Retire, unretire, retire… Looked the other way. This is too much. Time to draw a line in the sand.

The “roughing the passer” and “defenseless receiver” penalties should stop… NOW! Playing football is not a right; it’s a choice. Football is a violent, dangerous game. No one promised anybody millions of dollars and a long happy retirement to go along with the joy of playing a game for a living. Football is special for a reason. It’s because not everybody can do it. If you don’t want to get hit in the face by a 300 lb defender, start a shitty blog called Cubicle QB. You’ll probably make less in a lifetime than a stud QB does in a season. But at least you’ll be safe.

The BCS title game should be moved to Atlanta and played the first weekend in December. I have no reason to believe that either Alabama or Florida will be tested by anybody coming out of the Big 12. Our only hope for excitement is a SEC Title Game rematch in January. Texas looks like a joke. Oklahoma doesn’t have the offensive line to stand a chance against a Bama or Gator defensive front. And as talented as USC is, would you trust your title hopes to a true freshman at QB?

Oh, while we’re at it… we should move the SEC Title Game outdoors. It’s not a track meet. I want to see slobbering noses, steaming heads, and a chilled turf for Alabama and Florida to fight over.

I should apologize to LSU; they are nowhere near the team I thought they would be by now. And Ole Miss fans should apologize to me and everybody else for wasting our time… Give me a break. And the Vols should apologize to Georgia – that was plain embarrassing.

Call of the Week When in doubt, stick to old faithful. Vintage Gus Johnson at the end of the Bengals-Ravens thriller. It’s important to note that Gus Johnson gets more excited than the radio announcers that are paid BY THE TEAM to call the game on a regular basis.

Monday Obits It’s been two weeks, so two teams have gotta go down:
Break out the chicken wings and 9mm… its VY time! The Titans just don’t have it this year. Even if you don’t want him as a franchise QB, better put Vince in and see if he can garner some trade value. RIP Tennessee Titans.
Let’s see… Unprepared head coach? Check. Purging Super Bowl-winning veterans? Check. Quarterback injury? Check. Flat lined playoff hopes? Check. RIP Tampa Buccaneers.

The Deceased: Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Debo’s Xs & Os If I hear another announcer tracing the roots of the Wildcat offense to Arkansas, or Miami, or anything before World War II, I’m going to puke. Take it from someone who created their first offensive playbook at age 13: The Wildcat is a dressed-up version of a decades old offense called the Single Wing. The Single Wing is run heavy offense that’s been used in pop warner, middle school, and high school football for decades.
The basics? A runningback or option quarterback takes the snap. Interior linemen pull across the formation as heavy duty lead blockers. Use misdirection and elaborate fakes to force defenders to stand tall, read, and find the football. If you don’t believe me check Wikipedia or this respected journalist.

The Weekend Menu #20 Oklahoma and #3 Texas clash in the Red River Shoot Out. Yet again, this one has national title implications. Since this is noon game, we’ll keep it simple. Start your football watching with a home made helping of Spicy Bean Salsa.

No salsa would be complete without an ice cold brew to cool you down. And since Oklahoma caps alcohol at 3.2% (WTF?), we turn to Texas and our old friend Shiner. This weekend grab Shiner Smokehaus – a refreshing Helles-style beer with a smoky flavor. It’s a pale malt that’s been smoked with native mesquite flavors. My mouth is watering already…

Don’t forget to send your comments, emails, and gripes. And enjoy your football and enjoy it often!

Power Playoff Wednesday - October 1, 2009

2009-10-01T19:14:00.001-07:00

Believe it or not... I spent a lot of time thinking about these rankings. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately for you), I don't have the time to tell you about them.

NCAA Power Rankings
1. Florida Gators
2. Alabama Crimson Tide
3. Texas Longhorns
4. LSU Tigers
5. Boise State Broncos
6. Virginia Tech Hokies
7. USC Trojans
8. Ohio State Buckeyes
9. Oklahoma Sooners
10. Houston Cougars
11. Miami Hurricanes
12. Oklahoma State Cowboys
13. Cincinnati Bearcats
14. South Carolina Game Cocks

NFL Playoff Power Rankings

1. New York Giants
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. New Orleans Saints
4. New York Jets
5. Indianapolis Colts
6. Minnesota Vikings
7. New England Patriots
8. Cincinnati Bengals
9. Green Bay Packers
10. Atlanta Falcons
11. San Diego Chargers
12. San Francisco 49ers

Cubicle QB - September 29, 2009

2009-09-29T16:25:00.000-07:00

Busy week... I’m a little under the weather… This Cubicle QB may be a little shorter than most, but don’t worry – I’ll make it up to you.

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda…
Here a couple of things we know to be true:
1. It’s a long, long SEC season. All the hits a QB takes can certainly take their toll.
2. Florida always beats Kentucky. The past twenty-two times, as a matter of fact.

Knowing those two things, I’d imagine that Urban Meyer would like another crack at that third down call late in the third quarter Saturday night.
I don’t have a problem with running up the score. The pollsters, the computers, and the BCS system are asking for it. I don’t have a problem with Tebow being on the field late in the third quarter of a blowout. I don’t even have a problem with Tebow dropping back to pass late in the third quarter of a blowout. But you’d better give him adequate protection… even extra protection.
The Gators sent out five receivers near the goal line leaving only five linemen to protect their stud QB. This time it cost them… and may have cost them dearly.
The good news is that Tebow gets an extra week of rest since Florida is on a bye week before heading to LSU. But the simple fact is that Meyer could have run up the score without leaving Tebow vulnerable. The Gators strength season has been running the ball, and their receiving corps has been injury-ridden and disappointing. The smart play was to the run the ball and keep your Heisman QB upright.
I understand Meyer was probably hoping to gain valuable game-time reps for his offense, and he certainly thought he was doing the right thing. But didn’t your mom teach you not play with fire, Urban??

Call of the Week
Despite an upset riddled weekend, it was a bit of a dull week as far announcing goes. So as much as it pains me, I’m offering up Brett Favre and his magical game winning throw in… gulp… Minnesota.

Monday Obits
Kansas City Chiefs. Scott Pioli and Todd Haley are making many friends in KC these days. If you don’t believe me, read Jason Whitlock’s complete undressing of the dynamic duo from the Kansas City Star. Needless to say, the “Chefs” (remember that Snickers commercial) have no business competing with the Ravens, Jets, and Colts of the AFC.

The Deceased: Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs

Debo’s Xs & Os
I give up. Next week.

The Weekend Menu
Not surprisingly, the game of the week involves a certain veteran quarterback facing his team of yesteryear under a Minnesota dome. Brett Favre faces his old Packer teammates for the first time since the retirement drama spun wildly out of control 18 long months ago.
And since we’ve already enjoyed brats this fall, we’ll try a Minnesota pork chop recipe. To make this easier on both of us, I’ll just use a link this time. It’s a simple recipe, and it sounds pretty good… even if it is from Minnesota.

For beer, nothing goes better with Minnesota than good American Miller Brewing Co beer. In this case, treat yourself to the Champagne of Beers, Miller High Life.

Don’t forget to send your comments, emails, and gripes. And enjoy your football and enjoy it often!

Power Playoff Wednesday - September 24, 2009

2009-09-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

NCAA Power Rankings
A big week with a lot of action: highly ranked teams crumbling in stupefying upsets, invincible squads looking rather mortal, and teams splashing unto the national spotlight. I had thoughts of hitting the reset button and making these rankings as if there were preseason expectations. In the end, I decided it’s a long season and looking great in week three doesn’t win anybody a national title.
A couple of notes…. You might have noticed a few trends. While I don’t punish right away for weak scheduling, the axe is looming should a team stumble (Penn St, Ole Miss). Additionally, I try to emphasize what teams have done… not what I think they’ll do. For example, if LSU played Boise State tomorrow, I’m picking the Tigers. But Boise has done more to merit a ranking than LSU. LSU still has its chance to prove its mettle with a SEC conference schedule. If they’re a better team than Boise, they’ll certainly have an opportunity to show it.
1. Florida Gators, 3-0, [LW – 1]
Now, Urban and Lane are bickering over whether the Vols tried to win the game or just keep it close. I this is a very heated rivalry, but this is getting a little silly children. And besides, we’ve got more football to play.
2. Texas Longhorns, 3-0, [LW – 2]
If I hear crap about one more football player "braving the swine flu," I’m gonna puke. Honestly, what college student doesn’t have the flu? The next time I strike out with a cute girl at the bar, I’m coming back with, "Well, I’ve got a touch of the flu, so I’m doing good just be out here."
3. Alabama Crimson Tide, 3-0 [LW – 3]
Finally, actual football is actually being played. Bama and Arkansas will meet this weekend in what should be an interesting test for Bama’s defense and Ryan Mallett’s arm.
4. Miami Hurricanes, 2-0, [LW – NR]
Another big game for young Jacory Harris. A chance for Tyrod Taylor to live up to the hype for a change. I think the ‘Canes will roll, setting up a colossal showdown with the Sooners.
5. California Bears, 3-0, [LW – 8]
The Bears make a trip to Oregon before they have a chance at a knock-out punch against USC. Everyone expects Jahvid Best to run wild on a down and out Oregon team. What’s that I smell? A TRAP GAME you say!?
6. Boise State Broncos, 3-0, [LW – 6]
The Broncos keep muddling along through a powder puff schedule. Even the slightest misstep could cause BCS disaster for Boise.
7. Ole Miss Rebels, 2-0, [LW – 7]
A primetime match-up + SEC opponent + big opportunity = big pressure. Will the Rebs come out firing? Or is it time to bust a Nutt afterall? Eitherway, this game will mean big movement for Rebels on this humble blog.
8. Penn State Nittany Lions, 3-0, [LW – 8]
Revenge game in Happy Valley. JoePa has another chance to run up the score. But this time its against the team that cost him a national title shot in 2008.
9. LSU Tigers, 3-0, [LW – 9]
I really can’t figure these guys out. That road win against Washington looks better and better. But they let Vandy hang around. I know this team is young and will develop more as we get closer to November, but the clock is ticking. After a trip to Miss State, the Tigers are looking at games @ Georgia, vs. Florida, and vs. Auburn. Gulp…
10. USC Trojans, 2-1, [LW – 5]
Matt Barkley is healthy again. Pete Carroll said he pinky swears. Well, he better be right. Now I understand why a true freshman got the preseason nod over Aaron Corp.
11. Ohio State Buckeyes, 2-1, [LW – 10]
If Ohio State has any hopes of a national title run, they’ll have to run the table and do it with style. They start off with a pesky Illinois team that can make their season, by defending their home field against the Buckeyes.
12. Oklahoma Sooners 2-1, [LW – 13]
The Sooners get a week off before traveling to Miami. Is it at all possible for Sam Bradford to make the trip next week? Please?
13. Virginia Tech Hokies 2-1, [LW – 12]
Who am I kidding? Did you watch the Nebraska game last week? There’s no way the ‘Canes let T-Mobile run around, make a sandwich, and then throw a game winner. The Hokies are gonna get creamed.
14. Cincinnati Bearcats, 3-0, [LW – NR]
The Bearcats are putting up some astronomical offensive numbers in Brian Kelly’s hurry-up no huddle. And I guess I have to at least one Big East team… right?

NFL Power Playoff Rankings
1. New York Giants – NFC East, [LW – 2]
Did Eli go to Peyton’s QB camp this year? He looked completely at ease moving the ball, milking the clock and setting up the game winner.
2. New Orleans Saints – NFC South, [LW – 4]
Watching the Saints offense is like seeing Godzilla taking on Tokyo. If their D can be more than a wet paper bag, watch out.
3. Baltimore Ravens – AFC North, [LW – 9]
The Ravens look very impressive. Even more impressive than the Steelers look when they win.
4. New York Jets – AFC East, [LW – NR]
Rex Ryan has the locker room drinking the Kool-Aid. The Jets sound like they can be anybody… and they played like it to.
5. Pittsburg Steelers – AFC Wild Card, [LW – 1]
Are the Steelers just an ugly football team? Ala the Giants of 2007? They muck up the game, turn it into a slugfest, and hope Big Ben has enough in the tank at the end. Seems dicey to me.
6. Atlanta Falcons – NFC Wild Card, [LW – NR]
I didn’t believe in the Falcons a month ago. Well, I’m a believer now.
7. Minnesota Vikings – NFC North, [LW – 7]
This makes me want to throw up. The Vikings have their first real test against the Niners this weekend. And then, Green Bay comes to town for Monday Night Football.
8. Green Bay Packers – NFC Wild Card, [LW – 3]
The Pack looked absolutely atrocious Sunday. But I must admit. It’s nice to have the artist formerly known as Chad Johnson back up to his old tricks.
9. San Francisco 49ers – NFC West, [LW – NR]
Frank Gore looks like he has that old school, retard strength. I wouldn’t want him doing my taxes, but toting the rock? Sounds good to me.
10. Indianapolis Colts – AFC South, [LW – 8]
I can’t decide if the Monday comeback is impressive or depressing. I know Peyton may not want to, but he’d better thank his defense for surviving a long Miami night.
11. Tennessee Titans – AFC Wild Card, [LW – 6]
The Titans need answers fast. Playing the Jets in an 0-2 hole is not one of them.
12. San Diego Chargers – AFC West, [LW – 11]
Somebody has to win the AFC West, right? If the Chargers don’t want to, the Broncos may be the team to do it. San Diego is just too banged up to beat anybody. And the Broncos may have so much karma on their side from the Cutler debacle it may not matter. Look out SD, you’re on notice.

Cubicle QB - September 23, 2009

2009-09-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda…
While watching the Tennessee-Florida game this weekend, I sent a text to a close friend: “It must be hard calling plays with Crompton at the helm.” And he replied, “Seriously, you have to throw at least half the passing plays out of the playbook.”
Over the course of the next couple of days, I did some thinking and looked back over my game notes. We couldn’t have been more right. Check this out: The Vols called a whopping 22 passing plays Saturday. Crompton threw the ball 19 times, six of those on Tennessee’s last ditch effort to score. Take a look at the break down:

Play.................Frequency...........Total Result
Sack..........................1.........................-2 yards
Scramble.....................2........................8 yards
Incompletion...............6........................0 yards
WR Completion.............3........................32 yards
RB/TE Completion.........8........................61 yards
Throws of 20+ yards.....2........................Interception

Outside of the last drive, Crompton had one completion to a WR for 17 yards. One. What does this tell us? The Vols should start using Bryce Brown and Montario Hardesty in the passing game even more.
Use a base set with Hardesty, Brown, one WR, one TE, and one FB. The Vols can line up three wide, four wide, tight end wing, three RB backfields, shotgun wing, shotgun spread, pro-set, etc, etc. All with the same personnel. And Kiffin should start using Brown and Hardesty in the slot, as a wing, as a out wide. Run WR screens, jailbreak screens, play action screens all using the two runningbacks.
It was obvious Saturday that Brown and Hardesty are the two playmakers for this team. But without a legitimate passing attack, defenses will continue to crowd and overcrowd the box further shrinking running lanes. Crompton can complete the short passes. Brown and Hardesty can do some damage in the open field. Using them in the short passing game will spread out the defense, open running lanes, and give the Vols’ playmakers more touches all at the same time.

Call of the Week
I’m adding a new section! I don’t know how well this will work, but after listening to Gus Johnson explode after the Stokely miracle last week, this seems like it could be fun. Each week, I’ll scour the games for the most exciting announcer of the week and include a link to that play. This week? Sean McDonough pulls his best Gus Johnson impersonation in VaTech’s improbable comeback against the Black Shirts of Nebraska.

Monday Obits
Cleveland Browns. The Brownies look to be in complete disarray right now. Some Clevelanders are already calling for Brady Quinn’s head. Scoring only 26 points in two games while giving up over 60 can lead to these kind of problems. After Adrian Peterson embarrassed the Browns in week one, the Broncos continued the party, keeping the Browns scoreless for the final three quarters Sunday. If the Browns keep this up, the dog pound will be full… but not with rabid fans.

The Deceased: Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns

Debo’s Xs & Os
While discussing the Vols woeful offense, I mentioned “jailbreak screens.” And if you caught the end of the Colts-Fins’ Monday night thriller, you saw rookie speedster Pierre Garcon run one to perfection for the winning score. The jailbreak is a favorite play of mine, and you can see its success at almost any level of football – from middle school to the NFL. And it’s our focus in this week’s Xs & Os.
The jailbreak screen is a bit of a hybrid. It is a wide receiver screen; but as in running back screens, linemen move downfield to create a convoy of blockers for the ball carrier. The basic formation used is twins opposite a tightend or split end.
Here’s another tidbit that will make this explanation easier for both of us. A flanker (or slot) is a receiver that lines up “off the ball,’ or one yard behind the line of scrimmage, and is conventionally deemed the Z receiver. A split end (or wide out) is a receiver that lines up “on the ball,” or even with the line of scrimmage, and is deemed the X receiver.
Here, you see the Z (inside) receiver block the DB covering X. X takes a false step forward and then retreats directly back to the QB. The QB will fade back inviting defensive linemen to chase him and deliver the ball to X.
Menawhile the linemen, will chip (block and then release) the interior defensive linemen and release downfield. Once X catches the ball, he should run up and to the middle of the field. As linemen make their blocks, he may need to cross the field entirely or bend back to the play side numbers. If blocked correctly, there should be daylight for X to find.
A key to breaking the big one is often blocking the backside safety; it can mean the difference between first down and touchdown. This is often the backside receiver or tight end. In this diagram, the backside slot should release to the inside and go headhunting for the safety.
We call it a jailbreak screen because the ball carrier runs back into the teeth of the defense and follows his blockers to daylight – often resembling a frenzied jailbreak.

The Weekend Menu
Watch out for Miami streaking up those power rankings! Over the next two weeks, they have a BIG chance to impress – going to VaTech and then hosting a resurgent Oklahoma. If they keep this up, they may enjoy back-to-back appearances on the Weekend Menu. But this week our focus is the upset minded Hokies. Wedding Crashers had it all wrong: CRABCAKES and football! That’s what Virginia does!!

Virginia Crab Cakes and Red Pepper Sauce
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Dash pepper
• 1 pound lump crabmeat, cartilage removed
• 4 French bread, crust removed
• RED PEPPER SAUCE:
• 1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons minced shallots
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Lemon wedges
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients; stir in crab. In a food processor or blender, process bread slices, a few at a time, until fine crumbs form (total volume should be 2-1/2 cups). Add 1 cup to the crab mixture; mix well.
2. Shape 1/4 cupfuls of crab mixture into patties. Coat both sides of patties with remaining bread crumbs, pressing to adhere. Place on a baking sheet; cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours.
3. Meanwhile, for sauce, in a blender of food processor, combine the red pepper, onions, mustard, mayonnaise, shallots, parsley, honey, lemon juice, salt and pepper; cover and process until finely chopped. Refrigerate until serving.
4. In a large skillet, melt half of butter and half of oil. Place half of the crab cakes in skillet. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes on each side or until lightly browned (carefully turn the delicate cakes over). Repeat with remaining butter, oil and crab cakes. Serve with sauce and lemon wedges.

Finding a beer for crab cakes wasn’t as easy as BBQ, but I’ve got the perfect pairing: Spaten Premium Lager. With a golden color and a well-balanced hop-flavor, Spaten has a great crisp finish to polish off any crab cake. Let’s hope Jacory Harris and Tyrod Taylor and match this meal with a QB pairing of their own.
Don’t forget to send your comments, emails, and gripes. And enjoy your football and enjoy it often!

Power Playoff Wednesday - September 17, 2009

2009-09-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

NCAA Power Rankings
1. Florida Gators, 2-0 [LW – 1]
Can Tim Tebow hang half a hundred on Rocky Top? Not if Eric Berry has anything to say about it. A 28 ½ point spread to open the week… Wow. The Tennessee-Western Kentucky spread was only 30 at kickoff. Oh, there’s already a quarterback controversy on Rock Top. Look out, Smokey.
2. Texas Longhorns, 2-0 [LW – 2]
Texas had shaky first half in Wyoming. I don’t think Taylor Potts and Texas Tech will give them that luxury. The Red Raiders are a high scoring offense facing a 17 ½ spread. Now, I’m not calling for an outright upset, but you gotta figure Tech will score thirty. Can Texas really put up a fifty spot?
3. Alabama Crimson Tide, 2-0 [LW – 4]
Northern Texas!? Yawn, is it time for conference play yet?
4. USC Trojans, 2-0 [LW – 4]
I know, I know. No bump for beating a top ten opponent? Well, it was Ohio State, and the Trojans looked pretty shaky at times. Bama looked better when they beat top ten VaTech.
5. BYU Cougars, 2-0 [LW – 5]
The Cougars managed to show up despite the obviously “after upset letdown” potential. Now they can prepare for another match with the big boys: Florida State. If Florida State remembers to pack their offense, we could have an interesting football game.
6. Boise State Broncos, 2-0 [LW – 7]
Boise State didn’t look so dominant the week after Oregon. They have a light schedule by all accounts and will have to impress to keep their BCS hopes alive. Next up: Pat Hill and feisty Fresno State.
7. Ole Miss Rebels, 1-0 [LW – 8]
A week off came a great time. Dexter McCluster had the flu. Greg Hardy was still little beat up. And the Rebs seemed to have slipped out of the national spot light. I think that’s a good thing: it never hurts to have a little distance between Houston Nutt and hype.
8. California Bears, 2-0 [LW – 9]
I seriously thought shuffling the Cal and Penn St, but neither team has played anybody yet and we really don’t know anything. So I figured what the hey… why miss out on a chance to piss off the Big Ten!?
9. Penn State Nittany Lions, 2-0 [LW – 10]
All joking aside, the JoePa’s boys looked absolutely dominant playing the Duke basketball B-team.
10. LSU Tigers, 2-0 [LW – 11]
LSU beat Vandy by two touchdowns. But it felt a lot closer… especially for a night game in Death Valley. The Tigers look light years away from the SEC elite.
11. Ohio State, 1-1 [LW – 12]
Woah! The Buckeyes lose… at home… and STILL move up!? To be honest, they looked good against what many consider to be one of the three most talented teams in the country. They looked better than the next three teams on this list, too.
12. Virginia Tech, 1-1 [LW – 13]
The Hokies bounced back strong by pummeling Marshall. I wish Marshall would make a cold medicine or a hangover cure. “Had a long night, but I took a couple of Marshalls and I’m back on my feet!”
13. Oklahoma Sooners, 1-1 [LW – 14]
Looks like the offense still works. The Sooner proved that Idaho St is no BYU with a 64-0 beat down.
14. Georgia Tech, 2-0 [LW – NR]
Maybe a primetime thriller was just what Tech needed to get on everybody’s radar. Watch out for this team. They could make a slow and steady rise in these rankings.

NFL Power Playoff Rankings
1. Pittsburgh Steelers – AFC North
Big overtime win for the Steel City. But another suspect performance from that offensive line. The Steelers haven’t been a running team for two years now.
2. New York Giants – NFC East
The Giants looked like the same physical team from late 2007 and early 2008. Can they stay upright for twenty more weeks? With the depth they have at every line position, it looks possible.
3. Green Bay Packers – NFC North
It was nice to see the Pack close a game for a change. The defensive scheme seems to be working… just ask Gay Cutler (not a typo). But this team still needs to grow in order satisfy cheesehead expectations.
4. New Orleans Saints – NFC South
Drew Brees + Lions = FANTASY!! Sheesh… Brees embarrassed the entire state of Michigan. But let’s see that defense play an all male football team.
5. New England Patriots - AFC East
The Pats sucked the life out of Buffalo with vintage Brady fourth quarter comeback, to be sure. But that defense looks lost without Jerrod Mayo. And Brady looked absolutely terrified to test that knee.
6. Tennessee Titans – AFC South
Tough, tough loss. Not sure why the Titans D called off the dogs late in the fourth quarter. You have wonder whether the Titans would have crumbled in Three Rivers if Jim Schwartz is still their defensive coordinator.
7. Minnesota Vikings – NFC Wild Card
The Vikings looked strong on opening weekend, flexing their muscles with AP and rookie Percy Harvin. But they were still playing the Browns. And we’ve yet to see how Favre will fare with the game on the line.
8. Indianapolis Colts – AFC Wild Card
Just another day in the life of a Colt. Injuries, close game, Peyton Manning pulls out yet another close win.
9. Baltimore Ravens – AFC Wild Card
Great come-from-behind win… but against the Chiefs without newly minted franchise quarterback Matt Cassel? Ooof. The Ravens defense has a little work to do before they look like the terrifying unit we’ve come to know.
10. Philadelphia Eagles – NFC Wild Card
Surprise, surprise… Donovan is questionable with a cracked rib. And so a quarterback controversy looms in the future. But not for the number one spot. If Kolb struggles and Garcia comes in to clean up, who loses their roster spot?
11. San Diego Chargers – AFC West
Before we all get too surprised to see the Chargers struggle against the bottom-feeding Raiders, remember their 4-8 start from last year. Remember that it takes another year to fully recover from a knee injury like Shawn Merriman suffered. Oh, and their coach? That’s right, it’s still Norv Turner.
12. Seattle Seahawks – NFC West
Beating up on the Rams is becoming a labor of love for this down and out division.

Cubicle QB - September 14, 2009

2009-09-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda…
John Fox shoulda known better. And he should be calling Jeff Garcia right now. I can’t believe he staked the Panthers’ playoff hopes on the right arm of Jake Delhomme. I haven’t heard one person (and especially not Carolina fans) that had any confidence Jake the Snake could bounce back from crapping the bed against Arizona in the playoffs. Look at it this way:

Imagine you’re college. You know a girl who’s pretty attractive and a whole of fun. But she caught her boyfriend making out with another girl at a bar last spring. She snapped. She caused a scene – cursing, throwing things, threatening bodily harm, and eventually getting thrown out.

Now, she’s back for the fall semester. She’s still got her summer tan, she’s lost some weight, and hasn’t mentioned her ex once. She looks good, and you had a great time at big party a few years ago. You wanna ask her out, but you don’t wanna be the first guy to take back to that bar again – especially if you run into her ex.

And you damn sure don’t wanna stake your semester of parties and casual make-outs on her alone. You’d better keep that party girl in your back pocket: you know the one that’s always up for fun, but has pretty much been to a formal with everyone else already (Jeff Garcia)… or even that six year senior who used to be the homecoming queen (Brett Favre)… or why not take a chance on a cute freshman that nobody else has discovered yet (a third round draft pick). Anything’s better than staking your senior year to someone who could be a headcase waiting to explode. You can spend your fall hoping she doesn’t crack, or you can find a back up plan… soon.

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda… Part II
If I’m CBS, Gus Johnson works every big game… no matter what. Jim Nance can stick to golf and his Augusta National poetry. Did you catch the end of the Denver-Cincinnati game? Gus Johnson may very well have had a near coronary on Brandon Stokely’s miracle touchdown. If you missed it check it out. Now that’s what football is supposed to sound like!!

Monday Obits
Another one bites the dust. It’s not rocket science, but Detroit is not close to being playoff ready. The Lions will get more wins than last year, but too many more. Their playoff hopes are dead.

The Deceased: Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions

Debo’s Xs & Os
Michigan’s spread option. It’s actually very simple, as evidenced by Tate Forcier’s quick mastery of it. Here, we’ll focus on their base set and most commonly used play. It goes by many names: the stretch option, the spread read, the read option, the zone option, etc, etc.

The basic formation is shotgun ace (single back, set to either side of the QB, with twin WR each side). In this play, the defensive end is left unblocked for the QB to read. The QB begins the play sticking the ball in the RB’s gut for a handoff. If the end runs up the field at all, the QB should hand the ball off. If the end collapses on the runningback, he pulls the ball to run it himself. The line will block at the point of attack exactly the same regardless of where the ball ends up. Essentially, each lineman has rules that determine who he should block based on how the defense lines up. Each lineman is responsible for a “zone” and blocks whoever lines up in that zone.

Rich Rod has added an extra wrinkle at West Virginia and Michigan. The read-side (the same side as the read defensive end) receivers are available for a quick screen on each play. The inside receiver will block the corner lined up over the outside receiver and the outside receiver will step toward the QB ready to catch a quick screen. In this case, if the QB keeps the ball, he can run it or throw a quick pass to his WR. Because the screen happens so quickly, linemen don’t have an opportunity to get down field before the ball is thrown (avoiding a penalty).

Ideally, the offense forces defenders to make decisions, and the QB always has an open option if he makes the correct read.

The Weekend Menu
This weekend’s game is rematch of last year’s thrilling upset in Lubbock. This time the Red Raiders will travel to Austin to meet the Longhorns. Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree may be gone, but Mike Leach has reloaded his offense, and it’s running on all cylinders. Texas Tech QB Taylor Potts went off seven touchdowns against Rice last week. Colt McCoy still has Heisman and BCS title game hopes. This should be a true Texas shoot out!

For this match up, we’re serving up Texas BBQ spare ribs:

4 lb spare ribs, cut
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup catsup
¼ soy sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
½ cup chili sauce
¼ cup dark rum
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and marinate ribs for 1 hour. Remove ribs from marinade and grill over medium coals for 30-40 minutes turning and basting occasionally.

These spare ribs go great with baked beans, mac n’ cheese, or your favorite BBQ side dish. And you can wash it down with Texas’ own Shiner Blonde. Blonde is made with the same original recipe that began the Shiner brewery. With a distinctive taste and a smooth, crisp finish, an ice cold Blonde is the right lager wash down this in-state battle.

Don’t forget to send your comments, emails, and gripes. And enjoy your football and enjoy it often!

Power Playoff Wednesday - September 10, 2009

2009-09-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

NCAA Power Rankings
One weekend in the books, two huge upsets, and a few close scares. Let’s see how the college boys stack up.

1. Florida Gators, 1-0
Not much has changed. There were no surprises in Florida’s romp over the vaunted Buccaneers of the Big South Conference.
2. Texas Longhorns, 1-0
Like Florida, the Longhorns battled… er, walloped a preseason match up with Louisiana-Monroe.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide, 1-0
Ah, a real football game. Despite the relatively close score, Bama dominated upfront in the annual ACC Shamefest.
4. USC Trojans, 1-0
While they were playing San Jose State, USC showed a powerful running game and a true freshman quarterback they can count on. Oh, and the defense was bad either, giving up only 3 points.
5. BYU Cougars, 1-0
Making a debut in the power rankings at #5 is your reward for toppling a top ranked team with national title aspirations.
6. Oklahoma State Cowboys, 1-0
It looks like I may have been wrong about these Cowboys. After an impressive showing against a talented but inexperienced Georgia squad, OSU can look forward to a shoot out in Houston.
7. Boise State Broncos, 1-0
The Bronco absolutely embarrassed Oregon in the game Thursday. Apparently, Mr. Blount hadn’t had enough and proceeded to embarrass himself immediately after the game.
8. Ole Miss Rebels, 1-0
Beating Memphis is no super human feat, but it is a good start. Now, get ready for real football in the SEC.
9. California Bears, 1-0
After stomping Maryland, Cal has a chance at déjà vu as they meet Eastern Washington.
10. Penn State Nittany Lions, 1-0
Penn State looked absolutely filthy pounding Akron, but I’d still like to see something against a real football team.
11. LSU Tigers, 1-0
LSU logged a nice victory on a long road trip at Washington, but giving up 477 yards of total offense is a bit frightening.
12. Ohio State Buckeyes, 1-0
After six months of preparation, the Buckeyes could still only barely stop Navy’s triple option threat.
13. Virginia Tech Hokies, 0-1
Losing to Alabama is nothing to be ashamed of. Just don’t let anything like that happen against an ACC foe.
14. Oklahoma Sooners, 0-1
Yes, they took an ugly upset and huge blow to their national title hopes. But the Big 12 title is still in sight.

NFL Playoff Predictions
Since there have been no games played, there are no changes to the NFL rankings.

1. Pittsburg Steelers – AFC North
2. New England Patriots – AFC East
3. Green Bay Packers – NFC North
4. New Orleans Saints – NFC South
5. Philadelphia Eagles – NFC East
6. Baltimore Ravens – AFC Wild Card
7. San Diego Chargers – AFC West
8. Minnesota Vikings – NFC Wild Card
9. Tennessee Titans – AFC South
10. New York Giants – NFC Wild Card
11. Indianapolis Colts – AFC Wild Card
12. Arizona Cardinals – NFC West

Cubicle QB - September 10, 2009

2009-09-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda
If I were a Division I head coach, I would spend at least 60 percent of my recruiting efforts on landing top tier offensive and defensive linemen. After watching the first weekend of college football, that seems to be the glaring difference between the BCS elite and the also-rans… regardless of conference. Take a look at these examples:
- Ole Miss vs. Memphis – Don’t let the final score fool you. Memphis was in this football game up until the last half of the fourth quarter. And it was at that late stage of the game, when you could see the difference between SEC talent and C-USA scrubs. Memphis has the skill players, both on offense and in the defensive backfield, to compete with Ole Miss for sixty minutes. But they don’t have the depth in their defensive front to stuff Dexter McCluster and pressure Jevan Snead late in a game. That was the difference in Sunday’s Dixieland debacle.
- Alabama vs. Va Tech – All of Bama’s questions regarding the 2009 season revolved around whether the offense could score just enough points to give the Tide’s vaunted defense breathing room. Well, it certainly seems they can with a punishing running attack and an absolutely huge offensive line. Again, Va Tech was able to hang around, but not for a full sixty minutes. And here’s why: Bama will rotate up to nine guys in their defensive front, slamming wave after wave of bodies against opponents’ offensive lines. Teams like Va Tech may only have six or seven players rotating in the D-line. Those extra few players are the difference. In the fourth quarter, Bama began to dominate the running game while the Hokies caved in.
- Oklahoma vs. BYU – Forget the Sam Bradford injury. BYU played with confidence even with him in the game. They brought a varied, almost erratic, blitzing attack that confused and flustered a young offensive line. Oklahoma lost four starters from their O-line, but they still have talent filling those holes. What they don’t have is the ability to make adjustments and pick up blitzes like an cohesive, experienced unit (read BYU’s offensive line).

What can we learn from these games? Recruit offensive and defensive linemen, recruit them often, and place a high priority coaching and continuity. The opening weekend shined a bright, bright light on the big, often-ignored hog-wallies.

Monday Obits
We’ll wait for a week of actual football before we kill off more dreams.

Debo’s Xs & Os
In honor of the Titans-Steelers matchup on Thursday, we’ll discus the details of Dick LeBeau’s “Zone Blitz.” Most conventional blitzes leave corners and safeties in man coverage. As the name implies, a zone blitz brings at least five pass rushers and leave the remaining six defenders in zone coverage. Why is this advantageous?
First, when corners and safeties are man coverage behind a blitz, they are often forced into press coverage. Press coverage disrupts routes at the line of scrimmage and prevents QBs from taking advantage of hot routes, but it puts defenders at risk of getting beat deep. Using zone coverage allows defenders to give cushion to receivers and prevent the big play. Also, zone defenders are all watching the ball and can gang tackle hot routes. Man-to-man coverage limits gang-tackling because each defender is focused on his individual man.
Second, zone coverage tends to hold receivers in coverage longer, giving pass rushers more time to get to the ball. The rule of thumb is that man coverage can always be beat if receivers have the time to use picks to shed their cover men.
Pittsburgh was the first team to regularly use defensive linemen in coverage. Typically, a defensive end or nose guard will drop into underneath coverage and linebackers will blitz. The ideal zone blitz will drop a linemen in coverage; instead of having a backer blitz where the lineman would have been, the backer/backers will overload a single gap or side of the line – essentially placing more blitzers at the point of attack than can possibly be blocked. Additionally, since zone coverage can hold a smidge longer, it allows blitzers to twist and bring delayed pressure.
So there you have it, drop a lineman into the flat, twist your backers over the opposite tackle, hold zone coverage for a couple of seconds, and enjoy a third down sack.

The Weekend Menu
A new section of Cubicle QB! Here I’ll highlight a game of the week with a recipe and beverage of choice. This week: Chicago at Green Bay. It’s time renew an age old rivalry with an exciting battle of young quarterbacks. And what else to pair with this prime time battle, but a great Wisconsin brat!?
Grab your favorite brat of choice. I prefer Johnsonville beer brats. Grill slowly over medium heat, turning often (and carefully).

For a topping, I love a great beer sauce:
2-14.5 ounce cans diced stewed tomatoes
2 bottles or cans beer
1 large onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Combine ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a simmer. You can also keep the brats warm in the sauce until ready to serve. Serve your brat on a toasted wheat hoagie topped with a generous portion of your beer sauce and hand-shredded pepper jack or provolone cheese.

A piping hot brat goes great with ice cold Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest is a traditional, balanced lager with a hint of caramel.

Don’t forget to send your comments, emails, and gripes. Enjoy kick-off weekend!

Power Playoff Wednesday - September 3, 2009

2009-09-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

What’s a Power Playoff, you say? It’s what I call college football power rankings and NFL playoff predictions rolled into one wonderful column! But wait it's Thursday!? I know, I know. Grandma and Grandpa came to town, and I took them out to eat last night. That's right... grandparents are more important than football even for me!

NCAA Power Rankings
I’ll limit my rankings only to the top 14 since that’s the threshold for BCS Bowl eligibility.
1. Florida Gators
Surprise!! As much as it pains me to admit it, Florida is far and away the most talented, deepest, and most experienced team in college football this year. They won’t go undefeated, however. Not even Jesus… uh, I mean Superman… er, Tim Tebow can escape the SEC unscathed.
2. Texas Longhorns
Colt McCoy has an ax to grind. He missed out on both the Heisman and national title because of a tie-breaker. Something tells me he won’t leave either to chance in 2009. He brought the Longhorns to the brink last year without much help on offense. Imagine what he’ll do with a running game in 2009.
3. USC Trojans
A true freshman QB leading a preseason top five team? You betcha. These Trojans may not be as familiar as Carson, Matt, and Reggie; but they certainly have the Trojan talent of their predecessors. And check out the schedule: Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Cal make up USC’s toughest tests… Do you honestly think that scares anybody in SoCal, even the true freshmen?
4. Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners have loads of talent at the skill positions, but only one returning starter at offensive line. That’s just enough for them to slip to the bottom of the top tier of these rankings.
5. LSU Tigers
This is where things get a little interesting. Since this is the preseason, even the power rankings are a little predictive. I’ve got LSU coming out of the SEC West, and I expect Bama to edge a banged up VaTech squad in Atlanta this weekend. I can’t stomach putting a one or two loss Ohio State team above a one or two loss SEC team. So while I’m not wild about it, Les Miles wins the five spot by default.
6. Alabama Crimson Tide
In my eyes, the most interesting race in college football is the second SEC BCS bowl slot. If Florida holds their end of the bargain and goes to the championship game, we may see a free-for-all for Sugar Bowl tickets. Bama, LSU, Ole Miss, and Georgia all have a shot.
7. Ohio State Buckeyes
While the Buckeyes will lose to USC this year, they won’t be throttled… At least not until their Rose Bowl rematch. Penn St is getting some preseason hype, but they’re too young and are still a year away. The Buckeyes are getting closer to the rest of the Big Ten pack, but they’ll enjoy one more year on top of the pile.
8. Ole Miss Rebels
Locally, Ole Miss fans are calling anything short of a trip to Atlanta a disappointment. I’m calling their ideas of reality a disappointment.
9. Virginia Tech Hokies
Losing your lead runningback before the first kickoff hurts, but it doesn’t change the hogs that were blocking for him in the first place. The Hokies will lose something along with their leading rusher, but someone will fill that void before October. Now if Tyrod can just play like a real quarterback….
10. Georgia Bulldogs
Call me an SEC homer, but the league is deep. And the Bulldogs have dark horse written all over them. If you don’t believe me, check out how they fared with an unproven QB and deep, deep roster in 2005.
11. Oklahoma State
This weekend’s match-up in Stillwater is that close. And I don’t know if I can really hurt either team if they lose a well played game. But we’ll only know the answer to that question next week.
12. California Bears
The Bears are on the outside looking in on most preseason polls, but bettor beware. They get USC at home early in the year. A close game or even an upset will put them in great position to run the table.
13. Penn State Nittany Lions
I don’t think JoePa will catch the spark he did last year, but his Lions won’t be all that bad. Scary for the Big Ten, but you could argue this is a rebuilding year.
14. Boise State Broncos
Boise State’s season is on the line before Labor Day as they welcome Oregon and their metro-sexual uniforms. But don’t worry, Oregon is vastly over-rated and the Broncos can coast to another BCS-busting romp in the Fiesta Bowl. (We hope.)

NFL Playoff Predictions
Here you’ll get my playoff predictions in a power rankings form. WTF!? You’ll see what I mean. But I’ll give you more details next week. It’s a college weekend.

1. Pittsburg Steelers – AFC North
2. New England Patriots – AFC East
3. Green Bay Packers – NFC North
4. New Orleans Saints – NFC South
5. Philadelphia Eagles – NFC East
6. Baltimore Ravens – AFC Wild Card
7. San Diego Chargers – AFC West
8. Minnesota Vikings – NFC Wild Card
9. Tennessee Titans – AFC South
10. New York Giants – NFC Wild Card
11. Indianapolis Colts – AFC Wild Card
12. Arizona Cardinals – NFC West

Cubicle QB - August 31, 2009

2009-08-31T19:22:00.000-07:00

I’m back baby! After a short hiatus, the dawn of a new football season shines on the horizon, breaking the shackles of the sports doldrums of late summer. I can’t promise anything, but I’m rededicating myself for the fall with several weekly features. And please remember, this is all a work in progress. Send in your comments, ideas, requests… This is all for you – the ever faithful reader.
This is the inaugural edition of Cubicle QB. Each week, I’ll give you my take on the weekend that was. I’ll try to include a quick breakdown of one of the bigger games of the week (either college or pro) and several weekly elements. So without further ado…

Game of the Week
Let’s be honest: it’s the preseason. I don’t want to break down a preseason game and you don’t want to read about one. Let’s just move on.

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda…
Each week in this section, I’ll take a “what if” look at something happening in the world of football. This week I’ll start with the New York Giants and injuries.
Tom Coughlin has always held a physical training camp, believing it would better prepare his team for the rigors of the 20-week-plus marathon that is the NFL season. This year it may have handicapped his team before the leaves start to turn. A quick look at the Giants’ injury list should help explain:
Antonio Pierce
David Diehl
Kenny Phillips
Aaron Ross
Danny Ware
David Tyree
Chris Canty
Guy Whimper
Brandon Jacobs
Andrew Carnahan

Wow… And I’m probably missing a few. Coughlin has a veteran squad that knows what it takes to win. In fact, I believe they put together a nice Super Bowl run not too long ago. The Giants have a roster of studs at offensive and defensive line... Solid linebacking corp… Leadership at QB… Depth at runningback. Not to mention, few battles for playing time outside of the receiver position.
Point being, there’s no reason to force these players to physical exhaustion in August. It seemed the Giants had rid themselves of a couple of bad apples in Jeremy Shockey and Plaxico Burress. There’s no reason to upset the locker room chemistry with overly physical practices.
Well, it seems Coughlin and new defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan have done just that. Defensive leader and sack specialist Osi Umenyiora has reportedly gone AWOL – leaving practice Monday without warning or reason. I think you could make an argument that Coughlin would like a few of those hard-hitting practices back.

Monday Obits
There are 32 NFL teams. Only 12 will make the postseason. That means 20 teams will see their play off hopes die between now and week 17. Each week, I’ll point out teams that are DOA.
It should be no surprise that the first team on the chopping block is none other than Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders.
You may have noticed the preseason shellacking the Raiders received at the hands of the Saints this weekend. And what’s worse, is that Tom Cable considers Sean Peyton a close friend. God help them when teams start playing for keeps.
Without their top two RB, the Saints rushed for over 230 yards. And while Drew Brees was tabbed to play into the third quarter, he took a seat 16 minutes into the game. Yikes… Sorry Raiders fans. On the bright side, you can look forward to reaching for another WR in the top ten of next year’s draft.

Debo’s Xs and Os
Here I’ll take an old school chalk board look at a team, a specific scheme, or an individual play in football.
This season two teams will incorporate the two TE, singleback formation into their offense. The Dallas Cowboys (with Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett) and the Baltimore Ravens (with Todd Heap and LJ Smith). Both teams lack depth at the WR position, but feature strong runningbacks and exceptional TEs.
Here I’ll focus on the scheme and ignore personnel. Using a double TE formation has two appealing advantages.
1. Flexibility: A capable TE is a blocking and receiving threat rolled into one. In a double TE set, a team can pass the ball, run the ball, and work play action without tipping their hand with personal changes or formation shifts. The formations are typically symmetrical and therefore force the defense to typically set the strong side based on the wide side of the field. But as narrow as the hash marks are in the NFL, that’s not much of an indicator. Nearly every blitz (whether run or pass) hinges on putting more bodies at the point of attack than an offense can reasonably block. A balanced formation only makes this more difficult.
2. Spreading the line: Adding a TE to each side of the offensive line forces pass rushers further away from your franchise QB and edge setters (run stuffing ends) away from the tackle-to-tackle gaps of interior rushing lanes. This is the same tactic employed by college football’s popular spread offense. Force the defense to spread the field and cover more ground to make plays. Now just get the ball in the hands of your play-makers and allow them to take advantage of that extra space.

So now you can impress your friends and explain why the ‘Boys double TE set is about more than keeping the ball out of Patrick Crayton’s not so sure hands.

Camp Questions: NFC North

2009-08-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

NFC North:
Chicago Bears – Is Jay Cutler a savior or a “p-word”?
I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone bitch his way out of one town only to be hailed as a conquering hero in another so quickly. I’ll be the first to admit it – I pegged Jay Cutler as a future franchise QB after he left Vandy, but I’m starting to have second thoughts. Now there are rumblings in the Bears’ locker room regarding Cutler and his manhood. Obviously, this will be a distant memory by October, but it could also be a pebble in a mountain of trouble if Cutler can’t make playmakers out of Chicago’s suspect receiving corp.

Detroit Lions – Where is the bottom in rock bottom?
Look, the Lions will be a better football team in 2009. There’s no doubting that. But what will it take to become a respectable franchise again? Was 2008 just another bump in an ugly tumble down a long hill or was it the valley for a very dark period. There’s no doubt that the lions can only go up in 2009, but they’ll have to look farther out on the horizon to solve the real issues. Culture changes take a long, long time – just ask the Cardinals.

Green Bay Packers – How long will Dom Capers need to install his 3-4 defense?
I know Aaron Rodgers is the sexy headline, but he had a very solid 2009 (especially considering is dramatic ascension to franchise QB). Rodgers is not 2009’s question mark. A completely revamped defensive scheme is. The Packers are fortunate, Capers has done great work with other defenses all over the league and he is widely considered the 3-4 guru of choice. The Packers are also lucky from a personnel stand point. They have a deep and versatile linebacking corps. Add in a talented secondary and defensive line and you have all the makings of a top tier defense. Now, if they can just master the techniques, assignments, line calls, checks, coverages, blitz packages, alignments, position changes…. I think you get the idea.

Minnesota Vikings – And your starting quarterback is who?
The Packers’ front office must have quietly chuckled when they heard the latest on Brett Favre’s retirement. They know that game all too well. Now, it seems the Vikings are in an even tougher spot that Green Bay was. Tavaris Jackson is hurt which leaves the QB battle all but decided and Sage Rosenfels a starter. I don’t care how talented your defense is and I don’t care who your running back is – when your QB is named Sage, he won’t be holding a Super Bowl trophy in February. I promise.

The Morning Blitz

2009-08-03T06:46:00.001-07:00

Training camps are officially off and running... Football is in the air... And I'm stuck behind a desk... Links!!

- Here's a good tool to check out some quick hits for all NFL training camps. Make sure you look at the most recent Titans' entry.
- Two more Red Sox test positive...kind of.
- Ortiz, and others, knew as early as 2004 of their positive test.
- Rivals.com asks, "How will Memphis fare under Josh Pastner?"
- "Tremors" strike Mongolia. They don't stand a chance without Kevin Bacon.

Camp Questions: NFC South

2009-08-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

NCF South:
Atlanta Falcons – Can the Falcons thin offensive line duplicate 2008’s performance?
The key to keeping QB Matt Ryan from suffering a sophomore slump will be keeping him off his back. The Falcons plan to return their strong running attack featuring Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood, and that will help. But by all accounts Atlanta’s line overachieved in 2008. The 2009 bunch has talent but is thin and can’t afford even a single injury.

Carolina Panthers – Can John Fox finally put together back-to-back winning seasons?
The Panthers return 21 of 22 starters from a squad that finished 12-4 squad, but a glaringly ugly loss to the Cardinals left them with an early playoff exit and a bad taste in their mouths. The Panthers certainly have the talent to take this division again, but it always seems that injuries, complacency, or both prevent them from sustaining that kind of success. If John Fox can’t find the prescription for that fever, he’ll find himself on the hot seat once again.

New Orleans Saints – Can Gregg Williams install his defense in the Bayou?
The Saints put together a remarkable year in 2008 considering they had no defense, no running backs, and an injury report the size of the Super Dome. Their offense has proven it can thrive without a between-the-tackles threat, but this team won’t see January football without a strong defense. Minicamps have shown signs of the defense coming together and being more aggressive, but how will they fair in November when there’s no running game to eat the clock and give the D a rest?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Can I see a roster, please?
This might be the most exciting camp to watch. There are position battles all over as Raheem Morris remakes the Bucs into a younger, faster team. Derrick Brooks, Joey Galloway, Jeff Garcia, Warrick Dunn, et al are long gone. That leaves position battles at QB, LB, 2nd RB, WR, OL… and I’m probably missing a few. I like the direction the Bucs are going, but they released many of those vets without getting anything back in return. Remember that the Bucs traded almost four years of draft picks for stealing Chucky from the Raiders not too long ago. Will shedding those vets for nothing look silly before Thanksgiving?

Camp Questions: AFC East

2009-07-31T15:05:00.000-07:00

AFC East:
Buffalo Bills – How will this TO circus end?
Terrell Owens is running out franchises that will give him a chance. After destroying seasons for San Fran and Philly and leaving Dallas less than impressed, TO has landed in the NFL’s artic northeast. If he can’t put together a successful and uneventful two years in Buffalo, he may have to call Al Davis for a job.

Miami Dolphins – Can the Fins continue 2008’s mirage as a playoff contender?
Bill Parcells may need a new nickname: The Magician. History has proven that when Parcells has control over personnel, he can get more from less than anybody in football. But can he pull another rabbit out of his hat in 2009? Sure, the Dolphins bounced back in a BIG way after a one win season. But you can’t honestly consider them among the NFL’s most talented teams?

New England Patriots – How old are the Patriots really?
Unless you’ve been living in another galaxy you know that Tom Brady is expected to return to training camp healthy. But I think this season hinges on age. Tom Brady can return from his season ending injury, but he won’t be a young man any more and we know NFL elders can struggle with staying healthy. The Patriots defense has been hard to criticize over the last decade, but father time has to catch up eventually. Not to mention, Randy Moss, Vince Wilfork, and Kevin Faulk are all reaching the twilight of their careers.

New York Jets – Can Mark Sanchez break the ugly USC quarterback trend?
I love what new head coach Rex Ryan has done this offseason: promised all the right things (hard hitting, powerful running attack, aggressive defense, etc.), added young talent, and acquired valuable veteran leadership. But it will be all for nothing if Mark Sanchez ends up like his USC brothren – underwhelming. Carson Palmer has long been considered on the cusp of the NFL elite, but hasn’t done anything to lead Cinncy from the bottom of the AFC North. Matt Lienart has struggled to stay out of US Weekly and get off the bench. Jets fans hope Mark Sanchez has more to offer.

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-31T06:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! AFC West rundown is below, and here are some links:

- Odom and the Lakers make up with a four year deal.
- Big Pappi confirms positive steriod test.
- Gatti's death ruled a suicide.
- George Sherrill packs his bags for LA.
- NBA to allow ads on practice jerseys this season.
- The Titans need Kenny Britt in camp.
- Chipper didn't like an umpire's fist bump after a loss on Tuesday.

Camp Questions: AFC West

2009-07-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

32 Camp Questions
I’ve taken a look at each of the league’s teams and come up with questions that must be answered before the season kicks off September 10th. And we’ll be looking at them one division at a time.

AFC West:
Denver Broncos – Is Kyle Orton who we thought he was?
If Kyle Orton is the same guy that suited up for the Bears he simply doesn’t look like a franchise quarterback. The Broncos are definitely entering a rebuilding stage with a young coach, a young defense, and a young (but talented) offensive core. Head coach Josh McDaniels dumped Jay Cutler for Kyle Orton and rumors are already flying about this first year coach struggling to keep his locker room intact. Dumping the homecoming queen for the vice president of the chemistry club won’t be a good start.

Kansas City Chiefs – How much is Matt Cassel worth, really?
QB Matt Cassel just inked a contract worth $40 million in guaranteed money, and he’d better prove his worth quickly. The Chiefs are another team in a rebuilding stage, but Cassel couldn’t lead one of the best run organizations and most talented teams to playoffs in 2008. How will he fair with an under-talented and inexperienced group in KC?

Oakland Raiders – Can anybody pull Al Davis away from the ledge?
Where to start? Tom Cable is good at a press conference, but can he really lead the NFL’s most dysfunctional family to respectability? Can the Raiders make NFL players of their inexplicable draft choices? And perhaps most importantly, can Darren McFadden stay healthy for more than four weeks in a row? If not, Davis will own the true laughing stock of the NFL.

San Diego Chargers – Can the Chargers’ stars bounce back from their injuries?
Shawne Merriman, Antonio Cromartie, and LaDainian Tomlinson all suffered and played with serious injuries in 2008. The Chargers have all the talent they could ask for and should take advantage of a weak division. But with three of their five most talented players coming back from the trainer’s room, the Bolts have a lot to prove and a lot to lose in 2009.

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-30T07:44:00.000-07:00

That's a lot of SEC football below, make sure you check it out.

- Urlacher says Cutler is a little "p-word".
- SEC Media Days = over 900 credentialed media reps. C-USA Media Days = a video conference.
- Plax begs for mercy.
- Kobe appears on "All That" in 1998.
- Cowboys TE Martellus Bennett's Twitter, explained.

SEC West Preview: Part I

2009-07-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

Well, it took me long enough, but here she is: my SEC West preview. Chock full of insight, tidbits, and BS. While we’ve watched several three-way cage matches in the East over the years (Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee), the West will showcase one of their own featuring Bama, LSU, and Ole Miss. Only one team can punch its ticket for Atlanta, and this year’s battle will not lack excitement.

#1 LSU Tigers

I know Ole Miss is the popular pick, but we’ll get to them soon enough. While Houston Nutt and the Rebs have been touring the media as a sex upstart, Les Miles has been assembling another deep and talented roster… Tiger fans have been thinking about a late season loss in Death Valley… And the Tigers themselves have embraced a new offensive leader in Jordan Jefferson. Add those ingredients and you’ve got the perfect recipe for Cajun Upset Stew. Jefferson showed flashes in the Chick-fil-a against Georgia Tech while earning offensive MVP honors. Now he has the chance to prove himself against a full SEC slate. In Miles’ typically dramatic fashion, this LSU team will feature upsets, disappointments, and drama for fourteen long weeks.

The Schedule: LSU faces a typical SEC gauntlet hosting Florida and traveling to Ole Miss and Georgia. Even though they play four games in September, the Tigers’ season doesn’t really start until they meet Georgia and Florida in consecutive October Saturdays. November is no kinder with road trips to Bama and Oxford. If the Tigers can survive this schedule with one loss or less, they’ll get the BCS title game they deserve.
The Result: 11-1

This Tigers’ squad is all about revenge and they won’t forget a 30 pointing thrashing at the hands of the Gators in 2008. Florida will face LSU in Death Valley (most definitely at night, where the Tigers are 21 of their last 22) and LSU fans will have their revenge toppling a #1 rank rival. However, while this young team is flying high they’ll lose a heartbreaker to Bama on the road. And with a title shot on the line, they revenge an ugly 2008 loss to Ole Miss.

The Postseason: While the Tigers get revenge during the regular season, the Gators will get the last laugh in this year’s SEC Championship Game and the Tigers will make the short but familiar trip to the Sugar Bowl.

#2 Alabama Crimson Tide

In Nick Saban’s third year at the helm, he’ll have this Bama team looking like a signature Saban squad. A tenacious defense will provide the back bone for this team while a strong running game and a few big plays by standout WR Julio Jones help an inexperienced QB. While Saban won’t lead this team to the promise land, he will give fans a lot to look forward to in 2010.

The Schedule: Even though they’ll face two top ten teams on the raod, Bama’s schedule isn’t too bad. But that will not be enough to allow an unproven QB to survive the rugged SEC unscathed. Their defense will certainly keep them in games, but won’y be able to win them all for a QB with 11 career attempts. While I don’t usually bet against Saban with this much time to prepare, he can’t protect his young QB against a loaded VaTech defense in his first career start.

The Result: 10-2

As I mentioned, Bama won’t slip past Va Tech in the season opener, and they don’t have the talent to get wins against both Ole Miss and LSU. They’ll take a loss as they’re still learning against Ole Miss and pull out a tough late season win against LSU at home.

The Postseason: Bama will finish a rocky year with a solid record and take high hopes into the Outback Bowl.

#3 Ole Miss Rebels

As a chic top ten pick, Houston Nutt and the Rebels are riding high in Oxford right now. Jevan Snead has dark horse Heisman hopes after a strong Cotton Bowl upset of Texas Tech. But I’ve seen too many late season collapses at the hands of Houston Nutt. While the Rebs do have a favorable schedule (ranked 77th), they’ll spend many weeks with a bulls eye on their back. Can they stand the pressure? Snead’s completion percentage was only 56% with 13 INT to boot in 2008. He’ll have to show more poise in 2009 to fulfill his Heisman chatter.

The Schedule: Like many other teams, Ole Miss won’t be tested until October when they host Bama. Other than that they only need to worry about LSU in November. But it may just be the team that they don’t worry about (Tennessee) that ruins their title aspirations. Remember I’m calling for UT to walk into Oxford and play spoiler in a shocking upset.

The Result: 10-2

Ole Miss’ losses will prove costly as they’ll end up taking one too many conference defeats and lose a tie-breaker to rival Bama. A successful season for any Rebels team, but it will prove disappointing considering their high expectations.

The Postseason: After spending so many weeks in the national spotlight, the Rebs will accept an eager invitation from the Capital One Bowl.

SEC West Preview: Part II

2009-07-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

#4 Arkansas Razorbacks

A brutal schedule is all that is keeping Arkansas from becoming a surprise contender in the West. They face the top five SEC teams from either division and that alone will dig the Hogs a hole to climb out of. But with Ryan Mallett and a host of able backs, Arkansas fans can expect to see improvement from 2008.

The Schedule: The Hogs’ are blessed with the 6th toughest slate in the country featuring tests against Georgia, Bama, Florida, Ole Miss and LSU. Those five schools can ruin any season and will certainly add five losses to Arkansas’.

The Result: 6-6

The Hogs will take their lumps against the SEC elite and will lose a tough game against a South Carolina team desperately looking for wins.
The Postseason: Claiming a bowl bid with this schedule must be considered a success for Bobby Petrino and Hog boosters.

#5 Auburn Tigers

Auburn (perhaps begrudgingly) welcomes a new coach in Gene Chizik with a typically talented defense and an offense looking for leaders. Working without a honeymoon won’t make things any easier on Chizik. Considering that offense has plagued the Tigers for several years and that defense is Chizik’s specialty, I don’t see this marriage starting off very well.

The Schedule: Much like Arkansas, Auburn has a tough fall ahead facing four of the SEC’s top five in the second half of the season. Gene Chizik will have the War Eagle flying after a quick 4-0 start, but the Tigers will soon fall to Earth and by December the Auburn boosters will wondering what happened to Mr. Tuberville. Special ACC note: Mr. Tuberville will be packing his bags for Miami after Randy Shannon struggles to right the ship. The Canes will warmly welcome one of their own with a resume to prove it.

The Result: 6-6

Good ol Gene will soon learn that a lower level bowl bid isn’t enough to keep the fans, media, and boosters from beating down his door. After losing against the SEC’s best, the Tigers will also slip against Tennessee and Arkansas.

The Postseason: It may not be enough for Auburn, but a bowl bid with this first year schedule is not a bad day at the office.

#6 Mississippi State Bulldogs

Urban Meyer said it best: If Dan Mullen can find great players, he’ll win. If not, expect struggles for Starksville. While Miss State has added depth, its still lacks the elite playmakers required to survive in the SEC. I hope State fans are willing to give Mullen time to reload because this roster doesn’t have the talent to fire many bullets. The bottom of the SEC is no fun for a first year coach, but that’s where Dan Mullen will be by Thanksgiving. With only ten returning starters, the Bulldogs will be looking up most of the season. They’ll also be looking for playmakers, and Mullen had better find some fast if likes living in Mississippi.

The Schedule: After facing Auburn, Vandy, LSU, and Georgia Tech in the first five weeks, the Dogs will be in a 1-4 hole. Two quick wins against Houston and MTSU will only be a memory after they close the season with five straight losses.

The Result: 3-9
The Postseason: Mullen may be better served hitting the recruiting trail in early November this year. Game planning may not be necessary.

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

It's the eve of "Willie Step Down Day", so we can celebrate with some links:

- Phelps loses, says it could be the other guy's suit.
- Stephon Marbury is absolutely, 100%, without a doubt, crazy.
- All-Star pick up basketball at the Finch Center.
- Vols pick up another talented recruit.
- Memphis AAU featured in USA Today.
- Eagles DC, Jim Johnson, passes away at 68.

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

NFL training camps just hours away. These links are better than a set of two-a-days in August.

- Shaq rejected at the White House.
- Some rare good news for the Nationals.
- Evaluating Vick's options.
- Jeff George feels like he can still play pro ball. Unfortunately, he's the only one who thinks so.
- Hornets flip Chandler for Okafor.
- Second victim in the Marvin Harrison steps forward with lawsuit.

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

After grocery shopping with Doneal and Tags this weekend, I'm expecting big things from this week. For now, I'll settle for some links.

- NFL moves first rounds of draft to Thursday, Friday nights
- The Quad Countdown: #39 Tennessee
- Rodger Federer's twin baby girls an early favorite to win Wimbeldon
- Hank Aaron finally speaks out on steroid use
- The NFL's 2009 season, as predicted by Madden 10
- Cubs fan still trying to figure out how to use a hat

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

It's never a dull week: Mike Vick, Latavious Williams, and now there's a bikini car wash in Memphis. I need a breather!

- TO leads the Buffalo Bills' circus
- Andy Murray plays in an amatuer doubles tournament and loses
- Ohio man hits two holes in one; one left-handed, one right-handed
- Did Vick go to a strip club with Allen Iverson on his first night as a free man?
- Nine NBA "Hell" Teams (Guess who's number 1...)

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-23T07:36:00.001-07:00

We're here (a little earlier today) with a huge batch of links:

- Marvin Harrison's accuser has been shot seven times in Philly.
- Michael Jordan shares NBC air time with an inflatable friend.
- "Get your cereal ready!": TO's hits shelves.
- Adam LaRoche gets traded; can't complain about this one.
- National Football Post breaksdown Vick's options.
- Pacman Jones looking for a team.
- The infamous "Lebron getting dunked on" tape surfaces, unimpressive.

The Morning Blitz: Afternoon Addition

2009-07-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, some of us had some actual work to do this morning... even if it is SEC media days.

- Tigers' recruit Latavious Williams heading to China instead of Beale Street
- Yankee Stadium opens its doors to Notre Dame
- Rick Rielly gives Tiger the business
- Ricky Williams finds a new healing power

ESPN has a great series of NFL training camp preivews up:
- AFC East
- NFC East
- AFC North
- NFC North

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

Day two of Michael Vick's freedom... What's the over/under on days without an incident? 25? 10? Have we passed it already??

- Steve Nash is staying with the Suns, but some are wondering why
- Beckham and some Galaxy fans say hello to each other
- Ross Perot sues Mark Cuban
- Top Vol recruit and #2 PG (Class of 2010) decommits
- Memphis' Antonio Burks in critical condition after shooting

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

After being wrongfully accused of not posting on Friday, losing one of our best friends to marriage, and barely surviving the weekend, we're back in full force with the links:

- Sunday at the Post from Mike Lombardi (NFL training camps begin this week).
- Mike Vick is a free man and John Clayton wants to talk about it.
- John Daly losing weight, shedding drama, and falling for a Hooter's girl.
- The Braves retire Maddux's number.
- Baseball players' most unfiltered moments.

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-17T06:27:00.001-07:00

It's Friday. I almost pulled a River Bend Links this morning (friends of FTS know what I mean). And today we commemorate the end of Adam Chitwood's life as he knows it (he's getting married tomorrow). In Chitwood's honor, here are the links...

- Becks is booed in return to MLS
- Richard Jefferson gets cold feet...via email
- Day 7 summer league roundup; make sure you read the part of Thabeet vs Griffin
- Jeremy Mayfield's career is over (as a driver, not a drug dealer)
- Yahoo on AI and the Clippers
- The Detroit Lions and their funnny, funny jokes (see banner at top)

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

Thursday is here, and I know what you all have been asking: "Can we get a podcast up in this bitch?" Soon my friends, soon. For now, here are your links:

- Do you think the $822,500 was spent entirely on buffets?
- The BBC picks an Open winner.
- The always helpful Grizz jumping into another three-way deal.
- White Station's own Joe Jackson gets a write up from SI.
- Was Bud Selig drunk last weekend in StL?

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the slow start... It's been a busy day - one that's packed with charity! So go out there and make your mama proud: send in a donation, make a bid, and you might win some neat stuff.

- HR isn't bad for your swing
- 850 mile golf course down under
- Big Mike says the Grizz would be Iverson's last resort
- Lakers pull Lamar's offer off the table
- 730 Fox Sports' Ronald McDonald House Auction
- ESPN's V Foundation Auction

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

Who has two thumbs and won $15 while watching the HR Derby last night? This guy! It's All-Star game Tuesday and here are what I hope you'll think are All-Star links:

- The Redbirds get a new boss.
- 14 regrettable professional sports promotions.
- The Grizzlies play their first summer league game.
- Beckham to Manchester City?
- Why Romo threw Jessica to the curb.

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-13T07:02:00.000-07:00

We made it to the All Star break with the Cards leading the division by 2.5 games. Can't say the same for the Braves (breaks my heart)...

- A guide to the All Star Fanfest
- The future for Minnesota's Williamses brothers remains uncertain
- Justin Timberlake's new golf course opening soon
- Stay updated on all the soccer world's transfers with this "On the Move" blog
- Taekwondo athelete opens brothel to fund Olympic bid
- Elvis Grbac: sexiest athlete in '98?

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

Its Thursday - the weekend is in sight! But the end of my SEC West preview is not... how bout some links!?

- Chris Wallace helps out a Western Conference foe; saves $5 million (<---sarcasm)
- Heisley wants to meet Iverson, possibly offer the above mentioned $5 million
- Andruw Jones turns back the clock
- Lebron gets dunked on? We may never know
- Looking for a drive-in strip club? Try Sweden

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

HUMP DAY... HUMP DAY... HUMP DAY!!!

- Ryan Dempster is a clutz
- DWade has a shady old friend
- Manny skips out on paying for dinner
- Follow the Ashes live
- When he's not suspending players, Roger Goodell climbs mountains

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-07T06:45:00.000-07:00

Today is Tuesday, aka the day of the Michael Jackson memorial in LA. What's the over/under on hours until a riot occurs?

- Jason Whitlock says Serena's big booty is standing in the way of her career.
- An interesting look at NFL rookie contracts.
- Possible sign and trade sending Shawn Marion to big D.
- Favre makes a deposit on a condo in Edina, MN.
- Increasing pace of injuries hampers baseball.

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

Hope everybody had a great holiday weekend... welcome back to the non-holiday grind.

- Steve McNair's top five NFL moments.
- Remembering Steve McNair.
- Buzz Aldrin raps with Snoop Dog... no, really... he did. There's a video and everything.
- Uiniversity of Florida president declares war on college students, fun, and cocktails.
- Joey Chestnut proves Americans can stuff our face better than anyone.
- Dream Team honored in HOF.
- How to fish like Alex and Debo.

SEC East Preview: Part I

2009-07-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

The SEC is once again poised to stake its claim as the country’s toughest football conference. With perennial powerhouses Florida and LSU, up-and-coming contenders Georgia and Alabama, and popular upstart Ole Miss, it looks like the road to the BCS championship game runs through Atlanta and the SEC title game. On top of that, three teams (Tennessee, Miss State, and Auburn) get a fresh start with new coaching staffs. Add it all up, and you’re looking at another wild ride in Dixieland this fall.

Where do we come in? Well, in the coming days and weeks you can expect a break down for each SEC team complete with a full win/loss record, bowl predicitions, highlights and lowlights, and a few upset specials you won’t find anywhere else.

SEC East:

#1 Florida Gators

As the consensus preseason #1 in almost every national ranking, the Gators should be no surpise as my top pick in the SEC East. They return a ridiculous 18 starters and 53 lettermen. They’re lead by a star-studded cast: Tim Tebow, Urban Meyer, and Emmanuel Moody just to name a few.

The Schedule: The scheduling gods have smiled on the Gators in 2009. They only have three legitimate tests - @ LSU, Georgia in Jacksonville, and FSU at home. Baring injuries or major upsets, only LSU stands in the way of an 12-0 season. Meyer lost in his only trip to Death Valley, but the Gators have a bye week leading up to the LSU match-up. And Meyer is 26-3 when his team has more than a week to prepare. Even considering all that, the Gators still face the 34th toughest schedule in 2009 (a testament to the strength of the SEC).

The Result: 11-1

The Gators' outstanding squad cannot escape Baton Rouge unscathed as the Tigers avenge a 30 point embarassment from 2008. Despite that, Florida romps through the remainder of the schedule and packs for a trip to Atlanta and the SEC championship game.

The Postseason: The Gators run roughshod through the SEC title game in preparation for the BCS title game.

#2 Georgia Bulldogs

After a successful but disappointing 2008, the Bulldogs are prepared to reload after losing two first round draft picks (Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno). Fifth-year senior Joe Cox takes over at quarterback with an improved (and hopefully healthier) offensive line. After showing flahes in 2008, Caleb Cox should make for a strong backfield in 2009. Mark Richt seems to do well under lowered expectations and the Dawgs only have three SEC road games (UT, Vandy, and Arkansas).

The Schedule: Despite an easy SEC road schedule, the Bulldogs still face the nation's 7th toughest sked. They face nonconference foes Okalhoma State and Georgia Tech on the road. But they should scoop up several conference wins against South Carolina, Tennessee, Vandy, Auburn, and Kentucky. But besting LSU in Baton Rouge and Florida in Jacksonville is a stretch.

The Result: 10-2

The Dawgs beat all the teams they're expected to and add strong victories at Oklahoma State and Georgia Tech; however, they can't get over the hump against the Gators and Tigers.

The Postseason: The Bulldogs cap a strong season at the Cotton Bowl.

#3 Tennessee Volunteers

After a controversial recruiting season, Lane Kiffin will welcome the chance to actually play some actual football... and actually win. Despite its miserable season, UT quietly put together the country's #3 defense. While not always successful, Jonathon Crompton does bring experience to the QB position. If the Vols can get consistent QB play to help team leaders Eric Berry and Rico McCoy, they should be enjoy a much improved team in 2009.

The Schedule: With the nation's ninth toughest schedule, improvement won't come easy. But UT's only nonconference test comes against UCLA at home. Plus, UT can still stack up wins against the lower rung of the SEC. Add in an upset or two and the Vols can bounce back with a strong 2009.

The Result: 9-3

Playing at Florida and at Alabama are two losses the Vols just can't escape. And while the Vols have both Georgia and UCLA at home, Kiffin can only expect to steal one of those high profile games. But the Vols will have one signature game to hang their hat on: you heard it here first, the Vols head into Oxford on November 14 to shock a top ten ranked team. Just like that Kiffin earns his pay and a few renditions of Rocky Top along the way.

The Postseason: The Vols make everyone's most improved list, but not a New Year's Day bowl. But Vols fans will be happy to spend New Year's in Atlanta for the Chick-fil-a Bowl.

SEC East Preview: Part II

2009-07-03T15:57:00.001-07:00

#4 Kentucky Wildcats

Believe it or not, Rich Brooks has quietly assembled a talented Wildcats team and its foundation is defense (NOT an all-world QB). They return a strong running game, a solid offensive line, and a D-line that extends two deep at every position. They are, however, very young with only 12 returning starters.

The Schedule: While the Wildcats face a typically tough SEC slate, the non-conference schedule is very manageable. They'll take their typical losses against Florida, Bama, Georgia, and UT. But they catch Auburn on a down year and every other game on the schedule is winnable.

The Result: 7-5

While they have four easy losses and five easy wins on their schedule, its the three toss ups that will decide their fate. All are on the road (@ South Carolina, @ Auburn, and @ Vandy). I'm betting they win two of those and coast to a bowl game.

The Postseason: Wrapping up a bowl bid with such a young team in such a rugged conference is no easy feat. And even though they've been 2 out of the last three years, Cat fans are too close to home for the Music City Bowl to pass up.

#5 Vanderbilt Commodores

Coming of their first bowl bid in 26 years, spirits are high for the Commodores. But chances are they'll find that "goin' bowlin" isn't as easy the second time around. Let's face it, the 'Dores caught some lucky bounces to get to a bowl in '08 and lightning can only strike so many times.

The Schedule: Being at the bottom of the SEC means looking up and taking yearly losses (@LSU, Ole Miss, Georgia, @ Florida, and @ UT). The non-conference schedule is manageable and has only one true test (Georgia Tech at home). Basically, Vandy will seal their fate in two toss-up games: @ South Carolina and home against Kentucky.

The Result: 5-7

Let's face it. Vandy can't expect a big season without some big upsets. Unfortunately, most of their SEC foes are on the upswing with top ten finishes on the way. They'll essentially start the season with five losses against those traditional SEC bullies. Georgia Tech is an upstart team and Vandy will likely take a loss there, too. I'm betting they'll split the UK and USC games leaving them with a respectable 5-7 finish. Not bowling, but not bad. The only problem? 2-6 against conference foes.

The Postseason: Once again the 'Dores will spend the holidays at home... but isn't family what's really important?

#6 South Carolina Gamecocks

Yet another year of high hopes and disappointing results for the Ole Ball Coach. Anytime Chris Smelley leaving the rotation leaves your QB situation in doubt, you know you're in trouble. As in previous years, South Carolina's defense will be what keeps in it close games. But they just can't get over the hump offensively. Look for some exciting games and maybe an upset, but the Gamecocks will once again be battling just to get a bowl game invite.

The Schedule: One of the most difficult schedules in the country features games against NC State, Georgia, Ole Miss, Bama, Florida, and Clemson. With a new QB, Spurrier hasn't done himself any favors with this slate. The positives? Half of the games I just mentioned are at home along with Kentucky and Vandy (two important wins that could go a long way to a bowl game).

The Result: 5-7

This is truly a tough slate for USC. I see four automatic losses (@ Georgia, Ole Miss, @ Bama, and Florida) and six games the Cocks can only split at best (@NC State, Kentucky, Vandy, @ UT, @ Arkansas, and Clemson). Add that to two for sure wins (South Carolina St and FAU) and it could be a long season in Columbia.

The Postseason: With the losing record above the Gamecocks will need an upset somewhere down the line to even see the postseason. And we'll all be asking whether the Ole Ball Coach should hang 'em come December.

Alright kids, that's one man's take on the upcoming SEC whirlwind. Print this out, memorize it, keep it in your pocket. You'll sound smart, impress your friends, and even make a little money.

The Morning Blitz

2009-07-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

In honor of our nation's independence these will be the last links for the week, but look for some college football previews over the weekend. Have a great weekend, everybody...

- In case your looking for a date in Knoxville
- Donte Stallworth smoked wacky weed before DUI arrest
- Sixer's offering a Yao stand-in for McGrady and his contract
- Bucks let Villanueva walk as free agent
- Cocktail recipes for your weekend

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

It'sTuesday on what is (hopefully) a short week for everyone. On to the links:

- The NFL's 10 greatest defensive teams.
- Vote for the MLB All-Star game. (Chipper Jones at 3B and Brian McCann at C are excellent choices)
-Bruce Manley accepts Shaq's Twitter challenge.
- Coach fines himself $10,000.

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

Alex and I are recovering from a bachelor party (physically, mentally, and financially), so its a pretty light day.

- MMQB: Trent Green as guest columnist
- Derek Williams headed to Arizona, not Memphis
- Elliot Williams leaving Duke for Memphis and Mom
- A little love for Memphis' own Tim Howard

Podcast 03 - NBA Pre Draft

2009-06-26T05:31:00.000-07:00

Here and Alex and Debo's quick thoughts and predictions for last night's NBA Draft. Post draft analysis to come later today.

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

It's Draft Day, so here's an all NBA version of your Morning Blitz...

- Follow all the NBA news on Twitter.
- Draft Express with the up-to-date Word on the Street
- Rumors from accros the NBA
- Chris Harrington on trades possibilities with the T-Wolves
- Reactions to the Shaq trade

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

Enjoy your Wednesday, unless you're a T-Wolves fan... In that case, step away from the ledge, please.

- The real reason for A-Rod's fatigue
- A little pick up game with Derek Williams and the Tigers
- Packers extend Brandon Jennings
- T-Wolves stockpiling picks or cutting payroll? You decide...
- ANOTHER Tigers recruit on the horizon - Thanks Shelton!

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-23T06:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday, or should I say, "Happy Transformers Opening Day".

- Sad day in ShowBiz: Ed McMahon dies at 86.
- Egypt's soccer team loses 3-0... could be the hookers' fault.
- Celtics shopping Rajon and RayRay.
- 10 most entertaining NBA players or all time.
- And finally, from AC:

"ESPN has purchased the TV rights for some English soccer games from the bankrupt Setanta Sports company.. This is a huge step in the progression of soccer love & knowledge in the US.

I am so excited!!"

We're on Twitter.

2009-06-22T06:56:00.000-07:00

Be sure to follow us on Twitter for all of the latest site updates.

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

We have a lot of stuff to look forward to this week, as well as some good posts from last weekend. Make sure to check it all out.

- Five questions for the '09 Titans.
- The "Michael Jordan of Armwrestling". (Do you think all the "Michael Jordans" of various sports/countries ever get together and hang out? They should.)
- Potential Memphis Tiger Lance Stephenson and why he's still unsigned.
- The FBI doesn't really care if Jimmy Hoffa's body is under Giants' Stadium.
- Mrs. Palmer says no to Ochocinco.
- To celebrate Tuesday night's opening, "The History of Transformers on TV".

2009 SEC East Preview, Part 1

2009-06-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

SEC East:

#1 Florida Gators

The Result: 11-1

The Postseason: The Gators run roughshod through the SEC title game in preparation for the BCS title game.

#2 Georgia Bulldogs

The Result: 10-2

The Dawgs beat all the teams they're expected to and add strong victories at Oklahoma State and Georgia Tech; however, they can't get over the hump against the Gators and Tigers.

The Postseason: The Bulldogs cap a strong season at the Cotton Bowl.

#3 Tennessee Volunteers

The Result: 9-3

The Postseason: The Vols make everyone's most improved list, but not a New Year's Day bowl. But Vols fans will be happy to spend New Year's in Atlanta for the Chick-fil-a Bowl.

Special Report: The State of Team USA Soccer

2009-06-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

I'm no soccer fanatic (definitely not an expert), but even I was disappointed when I saw that Brazil took Team USA behind the woodshed for a beating Thursday. So I turned to my former roommate and long time friend, AC, for a little insight. Not surprisingly, I wasn't disappointed. Check it out:

On Thurs, Jun 18, 2009, Debo wrote:

Ace! What the hell!? I thought Team USA was supposed to be "ready to contend" on soccer's largest stage. I thought we were ranked fairly high and some experts/fans were calling for us to make a splash at the upcoming World Cup. But I see Team USA got blasted by Brazil today. What gives? Is Team USA ever gonna be able to compete? What do they need to do to improve before the 2010 World Cup? Do soccer fans even care about Team USA?
-debo

On Fri, Jun 19, 2009, AC wrote:

Well Debo it is a good thing that the Confederations Cup is only the dress rehearsal for the World Cup. Team USA has a lot of kinks to work out of their system. There is no way for our men to spare their blushes now in the current tournament, and I fear that an extra year of growth before the big dance will do little to stop a future embarrassment.

I feel that the US are falling into the same trap that their previous “dream” teams have experienced. The trap is hope. We are a nation of optimistic fans, who have the audacity to continually hope for the best. You can’t fault the fans for having confidence in their team when they see success in the years between World Cups. America is the dominant power in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), and that is the problem. We can beat the teams inside our region that’s why we are in the Confederations Cup representing CONCACAF. Our biggest competitors have been Mexico, Honduras, and Costa Rica, so when we come face to face with a world super power like Brazil we get our butts handed to us.

The Brazil game showed the world that Team USA and by extension Major League Soccer is still weak. The talent pool our country is deeper than ever, but only in quantity not quality. Amateur mistakes were abundant during the match. The first strike through the heart was the 6th minute goal that came off a free kick awarded after a silly foul in the defensive third of the field. Giving up early goals is like shooting yourself in the foot – it leaves you wounded.

The game was packed full of wasted passes and poor decisions. The simple things went wrong- for example, an easy short corner lead to a lightning quick counterattack goal when the US player looked away and allowed the ball to roll under his foot into the path of a Brazilian defender. The lack of composure was not only displayed in the ball skills, but also in the number of fouls committed. Once the Brazilian Samba Boys began dancing around our players, we resorted to hacking at their legs. For the second game in a row, we have been reduced to 10 men as a result of reckless challenges producing straight red cards. If you thought Brazil was hard to play when the teams were even, then you would know that playing them a man down is pure agony.

What needs to be done to improve the state of American soccer? I would offer two suggestions.

First thing: The US needs more exposure to world-class soccer countries. The best way to achieve that is to schedule as many “friendlies” as possible. A friendly is a competition between two teams that has nothing at stake except for reputation. In all actuality, they tend to be tough games taken very seriously. This is the best way to build experience. Let’s pack our bags and load a bunch of planes and have a freaking world tour. It will take plenty of cash, but we have to do whatever it takes to make our team a threat. The CONCACAF will never produce enough high-caliber countries for us to justify staying home for good football. Gotta get up and go!

Second thought: Play the men who are in-form. I have never liked Bruce Arena, the former US National Team coach, but in the beginning of his career as manager he held close to one good rule of thumb. He stated that he would only call upon players who were consistently proving their merit on the pitch for top-flight club teams. That meant no benchwarmers and no guys taking a hiatus from all competition. Brucie had that one right for most of his tenure. Now Bob Bradley is in charge, and big name stars are getting picked ahead of hard working youngsters. It is a big accomplishment for an American to be selected for a European team. However, if they ride the bench more times than they play, then they are not in top match fitness and should not be placed in the US starting lineup.

To finish up I would say that the fans do need to care. Giving unwavering support for the US system is the simple answer to revitalize the heart of American soccer. Let’s get more people in the stands. When the national team plays within reasonable driving distance to your home, buy a ticket and attend the game. If you can’t do that, then flip on the tele and show ESPN or Fox Soccer Channel or GolTV that there is a growing population of Americans interested in the world’s game. The same goes for MLS teams. All of these organizations need cash to strive. The funds brought in from ticket sales, TV rights, and merchandising allow teams to hire quality management personnel, to purchase new players, and to afford travel. Perhaps unwavering support is not simple - it may take more of an investment than the average fan can produce. You will know the US soccer system is strong enough to compete in the world arena when the day comes that every common sports fan has a soccer fanatic in his circle of friends.
-AC

The Most Exciting Mock Draft on the Internet

2009-06-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the inaugural edition of From The Sideline’s Most Exciting Mock Draft. I’ll go through the first ten picks with two caveats:

1. Each team must trade its pick.
2. Each team must also fill a need (either by position or by managing its salary cap).

So without further delay here we go – place your trays in the upright position and keep your seat belt fastened at all times.

#1 – Los Angeles Clippers: The Clips send #1 pick Blake Griffin, Marcus Camby, and Ricky Davis to the Suns for Shaquille O’neal.

I know you’re thinking, “What the hell!? The Clips trade away the best player in the draft for an aging star past his prime?” But let’s not forget that this is the Clippers. Big Diesel makes his return to Hollywood in the twilight of his career to pair with Baron Davis and Zach Randolph for one last push for the playoffs. Plus, Donald Sterling is delusional enough to look at Shaq as a $20 million expiring contract. Meanwhile, the Suns shed Shaq’s salary and get expiring deals in Camby ($7 mil) and Davis ($5 mil).

#2 – Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizz ship #2 (Hasheem Thabeet) and Mike Conley to Minnesota for the #6 (Jrue Holiday), the #18 (Ty Lawson), and Kevin Love.

The Grizz end their unfruitful marriage with Mike Conley while filling their need for a rebounding power forward in Love. They also get two young PG to supply a starter and back up for years to come. The T-Wolves add a PG to pair with Randy Foye and get their shot-blocking center, allowing Al Jefferson to move to the four.

#3 – Oklahoma City Thunder: The #3 (Ricky Rubio) heads to New York in exchange for the #8 (Tyreke Evans) and an unprotected #1 in 2010.

Mike D’Antoni’s dream comes true in finding his floor general of tomorrow in Rubio while the Thunder get Evans to fill in the backcourt with Russell Westbrook and transition Kevin Durant to the wing. Not to mention OKC GM Sam Presti acquires yet another lottery pick in 2010.

#4 – Sacramento Kings: The Kings package the #4 (Jordan Hill) and Shareef Abdur-Rahim’s expiring contract for Washington’s #5 (James Harden) and Antawn Jamison.

The Kings get ready made scorers in Jamison and Harden. Meanwhile, the Wizards get a $6.6 million expiring deal to help add pieces to Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas, not to mention a younger, cheaper, and more athletic PF in Hill.

#5 – Washington Wizards: See above trade with the Kings.

#6 – Minnesota Timberwolves: See above trade with the Grizzlies.

#7 – Golden State Warriors: The Warriors send the #7 (Stephen Curry) and Ronnie Turiaf to the Suns for Steve Nash.

The dismantling of the Suns nucleus continues (if only in my fantasy world) as Phoenix says goodbye to MVPs Shaq and Nash. But Suns fans can find solace in the beginning of the Stephen Curry and Amare Stoudemire era. On the other hand, we all get the joy of Steve Nash running Nellie-ball for the Warriors.

#8 – New York Knicks: See above trade with the Thunder.

#9 – Toronto Raptors: The Raptors ship the #9 (Demar DeRozan) and Reggie Evans to the Bobcats for Gerald Wallace.

The Raptors shed some dead salary in Evans and bring Chris Bosh some help in Gerald Wallace (16.6 points and 7.8 boards). Larry Brown accumulates more young talent and an expiring deal while ridding himself of Wallace and his attitude.

#10 – Milwaukee Bucks: The #10 (Johnny Flynn) heads to Philly in exchange for the #17 (James Johnson) and a lottery protected 2010 first rounder.

Milwaukee is a small market that’s strapped for cash in this tough economy. So by moving down and getting a 2010 pick, they can fill a need with Johnson, a 6’8” PF, and save some money in the process. The Sixers hope to compete now and find their replacement for free agent Andre Miller in Flynn.

Damn – that was harder than I thought it would be… I could use a beer and some comments.

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

TGIF. Looks like we're going all round ball this morning.

- NBA rumors leading up to the draft.
- Memphis is in the mix for another 2009 recruit.
- DWade to play one on one with Obama.
- Kobe gets his own Disneyland parade.
- Because its Friday and because she's Megan Fox. (TF2 Countdown: 4 days)
- Click here and you'll be sorry. (Or blown away...)

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-18T06:33:00.000-07:00

"I have two weapons - my legs, my arm, and my brains." - Michael Vick

- The world's highest-paid athletes.
- The top ten greatest tailgating songs.
- USA Soccer submits a list of 37 possible venues for the the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. (Neyland Stadium is one!)
- Packers fans showing love for "Brent".
- More speculation on the Grizzlies' draft plans.

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday, and we're halfway home.

- Kurt Schilling recounts his draft experience.
- Plax is interested in the Sunshine State.
- Draft Express breaks down the 2009 point guard class.
- Top 10 all-time baseball free agent bargains.
- Ranking the top 5 Laker championship teams.

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday, and Kobe still isn't the greatest player ever - but onto real links:

- Michael Wilbon showing some love for Phil Jackson.
- The Cards need to sign Pujols... NOW.
- Don't have HBO? Here's "Joe Buck Live" in 10 minutes or less.
- Baseball, softball, and golf are vying for the 2016 Olympics.
- Top 10 athletes to party with.

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a week in which Kobe is the greatest player of all time, Shaq and Lebron will be starting a new dynasty, and the sky is falling in Florida...

- Don't Go to Krystal's in Arizona
- 11 Olympic Sports That Didn't Make the Cut
- The Sleaziest (and perhaps best) Pro Wrestling Stories of All Time
- Just Another Monday in Orlando, Right?
- A Good Laugh for Tiger Fans from Mama Debo

Debo's Game 4 Reaction

2009-06-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Now, I know nine of out of ten people hate Kobe Bryant, but you’ve gotta admit he’s a big part of the most exciting one-sided finals we’ve seen in some time. If Orlando wasn’t in a corner after game one (Phil Jackson is 43-0 after winning game one of seven games series), they certainly are now, down 3-1 (with only one more game in Orlando).

But today, I won’t be focusing on Kobe, Dwight Howard, or any of the so-called “X-factors.” Instead, I want to highlight two players I truly enjoy watching and give a nod to the basketball gods.

I’m sure by now you’ve heard Ariza’s story. He lost his little brother at a young age when he accidentally fell from a high-rise window (while Ariza’s father was playing pro basketball, no less). Now, I’m not usually one for these kind of stories, but Ariza truly seems to wear this on his sleeve (with tattoos to prove it). He named his first-born son after his brother and speaks seriously about his brother’s impact on Ariza’s basketball career.

And now for the basketball: Ariza has been a huge part of the Lakers’ postseason with timely threes, clutch steals, and tough defensive assignments in each series. No one will forget his Denver heroics, but last night was just as impressive. After going oh-for in the first 26 minutes, Ariza began heating up, hitting big threes to keep LA close and chip away from a double-digit deficit.

After shooting 31% from behind the arc in the regular season, Ariza is now shooting 48% in the postseason!! Couple that with his consistent and timely defensive play and it’s obvious the Lakers wouldn’t be here without him.

Derek Fisher! Derek Fisher! OH SNAP, DEREK FISHER!! Two HUGE shots at the end of regulation and in overtime – this after going 0-5 until 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Two steals, no turnovers, timely fouls to prevent easy buckets, and physical D when you need it most. What more can you ask for from Old Man Fish!? Fisher has also stepped up – now shooting 40% for three (up from .067 in the conference semis). And let’s not forget a big reason he’s moved back to LA – to seek treatment for his 3-year-old daughter who is fighting a rare eye cancer.

Long story short: Sure Kobe’s focused, we know that. ESPN called me personally to make sure I got the memo. But it looks like the basketball gods are focused too. And they’re smiling on a couple of quiet role players in Hollywood.

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-11T07:05:00.001-07:00

You know what the best part about Thursday is? Tomorrow is Friday.

- Ryan Leaf calls an audible.
- Mark Cuban's five steps to success
- Reporter dunks; kid cries. (Insert Kobe joke here.)
- The mob knee capped Tim Donaghy in prison?

Email Correspondence

2009-06-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

Matt just moved, and I'm going out of town this weekend, so we didn't think we'd be able to get a podcast up in the next couple days. In lieu of that, we decided to shoot some emails back and forth throughout the day and discuss some NBA topics.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 11:59 AM, Debo wrote:

I can’t let you get a big head just for holding serve at home court in game three, so I thought I’d start a little email back and forth to bring some reality to this situation. First of all, there’s no way the Magic can shoot the lights out of the Amway Center like they did last night – they can shoot well, but not that well. Everybody remember the 75% first half record, but they also finished shooting over 62% and the Lakers barely broke 51% (in part to Kobe crumbling down the stretch, but I digress). The concern for the Magic is that they can’t shoot any better and the Lakers still had a chance in the final minute. Give Kobe an extra day’s rest (like for Game 5 on Sunday) and you have expect him playing more than 7 minutes in the fourth quarter, which leads me to my next point.

Phill Jackson finally gets all of his ones back into the game with only 6 minutes remaining the game! I know they were playing on short rest, and they had to travel. And I know the Lakers had a 2-0 lead. And I know Phil likes to saves his starters for the final push. And I realize that Phil probably only wants to steal one game in Orlando and try to close this out in six… but come on!? This series would have been over if LA had jumped out to a 3-0 lead. Instead, Orlando beats up on Sasha, Farmar, and Walton while Kobe and Fish get too cold to close the game. Does that help the Lakers on Thursday and Sunday – I doubt it… but if they can get a game in Orlando, it will make the trip back to LA a lot more comfortable. And think that’s Phil’s only goal in Florida this week.

Orlando shot so well, they only had five offensive rebounds and only two more total rebounds than LA. I think Orlando has to outrebound LA to keep winning games. The Lakers are good enough as it is – I mean, they were in the game until the final minute even with Orlando shooting over sixty percent. They might be unbeatable with a healthy rebounding advantage. That gives Bynum, Gasol, and Lamar easy points, invigorates their defense, and likely creates foul shot opportunities. Orlando won, but they’ll need more boards to duplicate Game 3’s success.

Finally, they got great games from everybody (Howard, Turk, Alston, Lewis all had more than at least 18 points). Can they catch that kind of lightning in a bottle again and again? I don’t think so, and even if they do, the game is still close (like last night).

I still the Lakers have got control and now it looks like Lakers in six…

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 1:27 PM, Alex wrote:

I actually got a big head and then let it go away because of all the time that has passed already. Sending me the first email at noon? Really? Who does work anyways? While I think you have a point in terms of the Magic not getting too comfortable, we do have a series my friend. Orlando could have very well won game two and there's no reason they can't roll off two more wins at home before the series shifts back to LA. (If that does happen, the NBA would have to go 2-2-1-1-1 for the Finals, right?) The reason the Lakers kept it close was because of their offensive boardage and the countless times the Magic squandered opportunities, specifically in the open floor.

I still think the Lakers take the series, but don't count Dwight and Co. out just yet. Hey, did you know that there was a hockey game last night?

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 2:08 PM, Debo wrote:

A friend of mine told me about said hockey game and I ended up watching the last three minutes. The Pens did well to close out the game and force some excitement back into the NHL. I hate to admit it, but the hockey game was entertaining, but not appointment TV entertaining. It was just as entertaining as if I walked in front of the TV to find softcore porn rolling at three in the afternoon. I don't why it's there, I don't care how it ends, but I'm not changing the channel until I figure out the plot. Same with hockey -- I just need to get a feel for it, and I'm ready to move on.

On to bigger and brighter things... like the Memphis Grizzlies!! There's a little known thing called the draft coming up soon. And I think there's an elephant in the room right now: Rubio will be polite about it, but Rubio wants no part of playing basketball in Memphis more than twice a year. Period. End of story. The Commercial Appeal, the Grizz, and Rubio's agent can dress it up however they want... but that's a fact. I think the Grizz have got to move the pick. Stay in the top ten, add a solid bench player, pick up expiring deals, etc So let's begin a discussion on what the Grizz SHOULD do.

Two rules:

1. Not what the Grizz will do (we can do that later), but what they should do.

2. Salaries don't have to match exactly, but they should be close with draft picks to fill in the gaps.

Throwing out crazy idea #1 (it even goes against moving down and it'll never happen, but it should). The Clips aren't enamored with Blake Griffin and Rubio wants to be in LA (I'm not sure if understands the difference between Clipper and Laker, however). The Clips desparately want to shed Baron Davis and to pick up expiring deals. So the Grizz and the Clips make the following swap:

Memphis sends the #2 and #27 picks, Hakim Warrick (expiring $3 mil in 2010), Darko (expiring $7.5 mil in 2010)

Clips send the #1 and Baron Davis ($11.25 mil in 2010 up to $14 mil in 2013)

I think everybody wins. The Griz get some talent and a much more entertaining team. Lemme know what you think...

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 2:32 PM, Alex wrote:

Yeah, that good friend is super guy by the way. The end of the game was exciting, is all of hockey like that? I'm glad we could get the softcore porn reference in before 5:00, that was on my check list.

Is it even worth trying to talk about what the Grizz will do? I think everyone knows they'll panic about Rubio and end up taking Thabeet or Chris Wallace will ship OJ, Rudy, and the second pick to the Clippers for Camby, Randolph, and Baron.

Does ESPN still have the trade machine? Let me check.

The trade machine is still up, but I can't trade Warrick until he is officially a Grizzlie for 09-10, they've only given him a qualifying offer at this point. The Clippers would also have to do some more shuffling to get under the cap. In the end, I don't want Davis taking shots away from OJ and I sure as hell don't want him for another four years.

The rumor mill is running rampant with speculation involving the Celtics and Knicks. I can't get anything to work with the trade machine with the Celtics since I can't trade picks and they're about 20 million over the cap right now. After looking at the Knicks, I realize that there isn't a single player on that team I want.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 2:34 PM, Alex wrote:

Looking at the Grizzlies current salary breakdown, did you know they paid Steve Francis 2.6 mil, Damon Stoudamire 2.3 mil, and Shaun (wtf) Livingston 0.3 mil last season?

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 2:54 PM, Debo wrote:

Unfortunately, I work for a spectacular employer that limits my internet access in a most delightfully effective way, so I can't access the trade machine. I have to go old school. Even more unfortunately, yes the Grizzlies pay alot of people not to play basketball for them - about $20 million dollars worth actually. And I don't mean "not play basketball" in the sense of Greg Buckner's jump shot... I mean like never stepping on the floor. Pretty sickening...

The Knicks are sad too because I think Mike D'Antoni would make a deal with the devil for Rubio, but I've seen enough of the Knicks to know that I don't want any of them. And I don't believe any of the Celtics rumors. I think they are throwing Chris Wallace a bone by drumming up interest.

And I don't mean to rain on your parade, but yes - Ariza and Odom are FA and this has been discussed pretty frequently in the media. The Lakers will resign one of them, but I don't think they can hold onto both unless Odom is willing to take a discount to stay in LA. He really likes the beach apparently.

So why don't you come out from your tower and stop nay saying... I need a trade from Alex so I can poke holes in it.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 3:16 PM, Alex wrote:

Don't worry - I'll come to your rescue.

You make a deal with the 76ers. At first you say, "What?" Let me break it down for you:

The Grizz want Thabeet because they want someone in the middle to bring a little toughness, and they want Rubio because they're not satisfied with Conley and probably traded away the better guard in Lowry.

The Sixers will lose Andre Miller and only have two other guards on their roster. You trade Darko and the #2 for Dalembert and the #17. Now the Grizz can either package the 17 and 27 and move up, or stand pat and get decent value at the PG position with Ty Lawson, Eric Maynor, or Jeff Teague.

Sorry, I have a phone call real quick - it's Chris Wallace asking if I want his job.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 3:46 PM, Debo wrote:

Thanks for breaking it down.. that was cute. So was the phone call remark, but I still don't like your trade. Here' why:

Dalembert costs waaaay too much - $11 mil. I'd take my chances on me and you finding a energy/rebounding/shot-blocker in the rookie class at #27. Secondly, I don't like Conley at all, but I don't think that the Lawson, Maynor, or Teague are upgrades. And I'm defintely not convinced enough to take that kind of chance. But I like your creativity. You've got moxy and like that in a GM.

Here's another - Grizzlies send Mike Conley and the #2 pick to Milwaukee for the #10, Joe Alexander, and Mbah a Moute (sign and trade)...

Bucks get a young guard they work with and flexibility at the #2. Memphis sheds Conley and gets two solid bench players and picks the best point guard on the board at #10 (Tyreke Evans, Johnny Flynn, etc). Starting Grizz line up: #10, Mayo, Gay, Gasol, and the winner of the Arthur/Alexander cage match. Not a massive improvement, but it doesn't cost much and we get younger bench talent. A step in the right direction.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 3:56 PM, Alex wrote:

I strive for cuteness in all things.

I think that Conley will still be the starter. He showed flashes of good to great by the end of last season and he's still young. There's a certain acclimation period for young PGs not named Chris Paul - the pick at #17 would be a back up.

Here's another fantasy, of the three-way variety: (catch the innuendo there? Hey-o!)

The Grizz ship the #2 to the Celtics for Perkins, the Celtics give up Rondo for Dalembert and swap draft picks with the 76ers. I dont know why the Celtics would do it unless they really arent as high on Rondo as they're looking like right now, BUT Memphis gets Perkins (again) and Philly gets their PG.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 3:57 PM, Alex wrote:

I'm not being nice, I'm sorry - I like your Bucks trade, but in the way someone likes a step brother.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 4:01 PM, Debo wrote:

If your three-way did go down, Boston would burn to the ground in a riot. And for once, I wouldn't blame Celtic fans for acting like idiots. I think Perkins showed his worth this post-season (defending, rebounding, some bench scoring). Celts should keep him. And if I was Rondo, I'd shoot myself in the face after that trade. He's a definitely keeper and possible championship caliber second banana. No way you move him like that.

I can't believe I'm saying this because I made a promise to myself to never turn down a three-way.... but I can't get next to your deal. No sir.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 4:05 PM, Alex wrote:

Do you think this means that the Grizz should just keep the pick? We really haven't found a better option. (And we're infallible.)

The only other option, and this is only if Rubio is guaranteed to be unsignable, is to move down a couple of spots, see if you can pick up a 2010 #1 and just grab Thabeet between four and seven.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 4:10 PM, Debo wrote:

Well, I'm morally opposed to picking Thabeet at all. If we move down, why not go with someone who will have a high pick next year and then take Flynn, Jennings, Hill, Evans or any other guards that have potential. Surely we can find a good back up and a starter between TWO top ten pick PG!?

But I agree, if we can't figure this one out... no way Chris Wallace can. But there will always be next year -- at that means another kick ass draft party!

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

After a magnificent game three, here are your Wednesday links.

- A census map breaking down where each MLB team has fans. (Surrounded by Cards fans...)
- Reebok doesn't like Marcin Gortat's Jordan/Nike tattoo.
- Former Tiger Antonio Anderson works out for the Grizz.
- Dumb NBA quotes, as told by Photoshop.
- Top 10 most over-hyped college players.

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-09T06:12:00.000-07:00

Is it only Tuesday?

- Alex Rios is a dbag, and some fans let him know this fact.
- More on David Ortiz's season-long slump.
- The well could be dry for Boldin.
- Pastner gets kudos from Jeff Goodman.
- Hey, at least Orlando gets a party.

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

Here are a few links to get Monday started off right, and don't forget to check out Saturday's (short) podcast below.

- Texas high schooler wins state track title, by herself.
- Pogo fail. (gif)
- Taggart hires an agent, Memphis career officially over.
- NBA Finals blog from the Orlando Sentinel.
- A recession can't slow down Lane Kiffin.

Podcast 02

2009-06-06T15:05:00.001-07:00

Alex and Debo discuss the NBA Finals and have a special guest in the studio.

Robert Dozier's SAT in Question

2009-06-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

Mark Schlabach has posted an article on ESPN.com detailing Robert Dozier's eligibility issues from 2003-04. This is not news to any die-hard Tiger fans out there. However, the Derrick Rose fiasco has brightened the national spotlight on the U of M academic standards.
I don't think this will have a direct impact on the Tigers' future or Dozier, but it does bolster the NCAA's attempt to vacate the Tigers' most recent trip to the Final Four. When it rains, it pours...

A Request and This Weekend

2009-06-05T08:56:00.001-07:00

Two things:

- We're going to start somewhat of an on going series titled "Tale of the Tape." What we'll do is take two athletes, measure them up and debate who would win in a boxing ring. Obviously, we'll have a lot of people in mind - but we want some suggestions from you. Email us at ftsidelines@gmail.com

- Tomorrow we're planning on doing a (hopefully) short show focusing on the first game of the Finals and some other odds and ends.

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-05T07:17:00.001-07:00

It's Friday. "On the eighth day, God said 'Let there be links.' And there were a lot of links. And it was good." (Much better than the Magic on Thursday night.)

- What happens to the hats thrown after a hat trick?
- Hedo Turkoglu: The Michael Jordan of Turkey.
- A little league coach throws up a fat one.
- No Memphis visit for Rubio.
- The Lakers scary? Only in LA.
- Webber says playing Nelson was a bad idea.
- The ten worst Transformers of all time. (a subject close to our hearts.)

And a guest submission from "Mama Debo":
- Sports' most annoying people. (Notice #1)

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

A few links to get your day started...

- Set your schedules for a Tigers-Jayhawks rematch
- Memphis' own Steve Cohen throws out some advice for the NBA
- Pittsburgh reaction to the Pirates dumping McLouth
- What's next for Tommy Glavine?
- A Gator heads to Rocky Top

Response to the U of M Response

2009-06-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

The University of Memphis’ Response to the NCAA

A couple of notes before I begin:

I’m not at all familiar with the NCAA bylaws or rules concerning “student-athletes.”
I did not read the entire 500-page document. I read the 63-page version on gotigersgo.com.

I thought Memphis did reasonably well for themselves. There obviously was a detailed investigation that began as early as October 2007. The University did look into Rose’s transcripts and tried to determine whether it could be proven that Rose had someone else take a standardized test for him. They did an excellent job of defending the University of Memphis, its coaching staff (Calipari included), and Derrick Rose. They did not, however, find out what really happened and they did not aggressively defend their record 38-win season.

In short, the Inspector General (presumably for Rose’s school district) brought questions regarding Derrick Rose’s transcript to the university in October of 2007. At that time, there was only one grade for one class of one semester in doubt. It was finally determined that it was altered; however, Rose, the university, and its coaching staff were not involved and had no knowledge of it. In fact, had the grade not been changed, Rose would still have been accepted to the U of M and been eligible for NCAA sports. Once settled, the university provided the NCAA with a letter and an updated transcript explaining the situation.

In the university’s investigation, the Inspector General mentioned a rumor that someone else may have taken an ACT (not SAT) exam for Rose. In an interview with the Inspector General, the source of this “rumor” denied any foul play with the Rose test scores. Memphis did look into the test scores at this time, but “found insufficient evidence to conclude that [redacted] did not take the SAT test” (University of Memphis Response, IN-4). Six and a half months later, the university received an email informing them that the SAT score had been invalidated.

Fast forward to today, and I don’t think you can be proud of the university’s defense. It’s my understanding that the only thing on the line here is a record setting 38-win season. There are no implications of lost scholarships, TV penalties, postseason bans, or anything like that. Hell, not even Rose himself will be at this meeting, much less worry about it! But that record setting season isn’t even mentioned in a 500 PAGE document (or at least the 63 pages I saw).

Here’s how Memphis determined that Rose must have taken his own tests: “[redacted] described the various times he took either the ACT or the SAT, and what he did to prepare. The University also attempted to obtain materials from the testing services, but was unable to do so.” (University of Memphis Response, 5-2)

That’s it!! Case closed! We didn’t know about it, so it couldn’t have happened! No worries!

The NCAA obviously obtained materials from the testing services because they had a forensic document examiner analyze them. Did Memphis ask for those materials? Did Memphis retain its own document examiner with a small portion of the $33 million dollars they raised after the 2007-2008 season? Well, they did note that the NCAA forensic examiner only said that Rose “probably” didn’t write the tested writing sample himself. Oh, only probably!?!? Well, everything must be fine then.

The SAT test was invalidated because Rose never responded to letters from the Educational Testing Services that were sent to his Chicago address. These letters were mailed while Rose and most of his family were busy following a little known basketball tournament called the Final Four.

So let me get this straight, Rose misses a deadline, we get a “probably” from a forensic examiner, and that puts the greatest record in Memphis sports history in jeopardy!?!? And now, interviewing Derrick Rose and his mom is the best defense we’ve got!?

In sum, yes, the University of Memphis did a good job covering for themselves, their coaches, and their players. Will there be any penalties in the future? No. Will we miss out on any recruits? Not likely. But there was only one thing at stake here -- an unforgettable and record-setting season. Our best defense was “cause Derrick Rose said so.” Ask yourself, did you get your money’s worth or did RC Johnson sneak out the backdoor leaving us with the bill?

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-03T07:19:00.001-07:00

Another short link day today, make sure you check out the first podcast below.

- Tragedy strikes in Maine.
- The University of Memphis' report regarding their internal investigation into the NCAA Letter of Allegations (from the CA)
- Obama says Lakers in six.
- Jim Beam launches a cherry flavored whiskey.

Podcast 01

2009-06-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Alex and Debo talk about today's headlines, the upcoming NBA Finals, and the first part of the baseball season.

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-02T06:13:00.000-07:00

Shorter list today since we gave you more than enough yesterday; podcast (hopefully) this evening.

- Top 10 baseball meltdowns
- Tigers have a new recruit - IF they want him...
- Tweet at your own risk.
- Forget the balancing part, I wish I had a powerstache like this guy.

The Morning Blitz

2009-06-01T06:33:00.000-07:00

Some stories off the beaten path:

- Students at smaller schools are rejecting "athletic fees".
- The business of sumo.
- $10 to any two people who can re-create this.
- Maurice Clarett has a blog?
- The Cowboys' new stadium will not have a named sponsor. (make sure you read the comments)
-Egyptian cuts off his own penis after he was refused permission to marry the girl of his choice.
-Tyreke's Reaction to Obama and pre-draft hype.
-A very cool way to get your news.

As of today, and this is subject to change, it looks like we'll get our first podcast recorded tomorrow evening. Depending on how long it take me to edit it, we might have a finished product up by Wednesday morning. Stay tuned.

The Morning Blitz

2009-05-29T06:14:00.001-07:00

Each weekday morning, Matt or I will post a few links that we thought were either amusing, newsworthy, or both. We're going to try to stay away from the main stories of the day with this, since most of you have already checked out ESPN and SI.

- Sir Charles and DWade play a little 1 on 1
- Jose Canseco gets rocked by a 7'2 Korean kickboxer
- More Memphis/Calipari chatter
- Jon Roser's most recent "hit" on the Chris Vernon Show
- 10 yr old Tony Hawk (with gardening gloves)
- "One well-known American vehicle manufacturer is rolling out vehicles as usual."

Take a Step Back

2009-05-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, everyone - just exhale.

Take a few seconds.

Now look up, the sky isn't falling. Everything that Debo said is absolutely true, especially concerning RC Johnson. However, even without this investigation, Johnson needs to go, mainly due to the coaching search. (Sidenote: how big of a story would it be if the Tigers would have hired Tim Floyd AND this broke?)

In the end, yes, Memphis will likely have to vacate it's Final Four appearance and their season record 38 wins. While the NCAA record books will not include those accomplishments, there's no way anyone will ever forget that it happened - especially here in Memphis. Additionally, any time a team comes close to that 38 win number, CBS, ESPN, etc will still include the Tigers in the discussion, albeit with an asterisk. In the end, history will recognize the accomplishments of the 2008 team because none of the allegations influenced the on court product (performance enhancers, point shaving, etc).

Onto Calipari: I'm going to take the stand that this might be good for the basketball team and its fans. Pastner has already become more beloved in a short period of time than I thought he ever would. The only caveat is that his team is still 0-0. While the city of Memphis might be enamored with him now, I'm curious to see what happens after a couple of early season losses. With Cal being embroiled in this mess, and assuming that Pastner is exonerated, Memphis fans will be less likely to long for Calipari's return. In a sense, this is a new beginning.

Debo's Reaction to the Tiger's NCAA Infractions:

2009-05-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

Lots of Questions, One Answer

Questions that need to be answered:

a) Memphis received an infraction letter on January 16. Why is this coming out now? Who knew and when? How much did Calipari have to do with keeping this from going public (to facilitate his move to UK)? Did Pastner know about this when accepted the U of M job? And if so, why didn’t he bring it to light then. If he had it would have cast a shadow on the Calipari era, marked the beginning of a new AND DIFFERENT regime (instead of Cal’s top leiutenant), and shifted the focus of the Cal/UK story (opening a can of worms – how would UK boosters react, how would potential Cal/Memphis recruits react).

b) Kentucky reports that Calipari was upfront about allegations throughout the interview process and had a letter from NCAA saying that he is not at risk of being charged with any violations. WTF!?!? How did he get such a letter and when? Has the NCAA already concluded its investigation? What if new information comes to light implicating Calipari? This is similar to how Cal railroaded Memphis on the signed recruits issue a couple of months ago.

c) How will this affect Memphis in the future? Obviously only time will tell. Is this modus operandi for all of big time NCAA basketball? Is Pastner a true golden boy like he seems or will we go back to the swindling backhanded ways of Cal? Who will pay the price for this? Fans? AA, Dozier, Dorsey, CDR, and their record wins? Season ticket holders and the money they’ve contributed?

The RC Johnson Issue:

At a time when Memphis is already licking its wounds and trying to rebound from an unthinkable recruiting hole (losing committed recruits, losing signed recruits, and at one time, in jeopardy of losing currently rostered players), RC Johnson caps what has been a career filled with ten failures for every one success. And now his biggest success (hiring Cal) is more tarnished than ever.

Let’s look at the litany of errors RC Johnson has committed (we’ll only focus on those that have recently come to light).

he let Cal sign players that could back out of that commitment if he left the school
he let Cal leave and take the greatest recruiting class in the history of college basketball go with him
he led a bumbling and moronic coaching search, saved only by the grace of Josh Pastner and God himself
all three above errors occurred while U of M was conducting a complete re-seating of season tickets holders
he sat on a NCAA investigation for over four months
he did not conduct an internal investigation of the above
he didn’t bring the investigation to light while Cal was cutting a trail to UK
he’s essentially caused the university to lie to season ticket holders, boosters, fans, and current and future recruits for over four months
worst of all, if this investigation had been made public by U of M right after Cal left, the entire focus of the UK/Cal hire is changed. Many UK boosters were uneasy to begin with given Cal’s past. Instead of asking how many banners they’ll hang in Rupp, the questions begin to look like this:
a. Did Cal leave to avoid the investigation?
b. Can Cal succeed under the bright lights and media in Lexington?
c. How did Cal receive a letter absolving him of wrong while interviewing for a new job?
d. How will Cal’s recruits react?
e. Will UK boosters/fans accept this kind of SOP
f. Is Memphis better off beginning anew under fresh baby faced Pastner?
g. Should the violations follow Cal (or any coach for that matter)?

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see where I’m going. RC Johnson’s head must roll. Not for this disaster, but for the culmination of his many failures that have more often than not been overshadowed by the success of others or the grace of the basketball gods. You can only dodge a bullet for so long. Johnson has been nicked in the past, but he’s finally been hit with a mortal blow. Its time for Tiger Nation to move on without RC Johnson. If we don’t, I fear RC will dodge another bullet, one that might strike the Memphis Tigers right in the heart.