Friday, October 22, 2010

STUDY HALL, WEEK EIGHT (no really, this one is right)

Right now, it's all about the O.

We are at the fourth week of October, which means for the most part that we know what teams are going to be there at the beginning of December as national title hopefuls, and which ones are just going to be secondary stories. Oregon looked normal (read:great) last night dismantling a UCLA team with a offense that has turned anemic ever since they left Austin with a win. I have a feeling the Ducks would be at the very minimum a 10-12 point fave over anyone in America on a neutral field for a bowl game. Maybe Boise, Oklahoma, or TCU would be single digits, but you can't say that with Darron Thomas and LeMichael James in that offense that you can slow them down that much. The defense... eh, we'll reserve judgement till they play a game where the offense is stymied (and that doesn't count against Wazzu, the Cougars are awful). Now, onto the games for Saturday. Instead of featuring several games at can't miss matchups, I'm going to bullet point all the games, because in all honesty there are a lot of games that you shouldn't miss. We're going from early to late. Any starting times will be Eastern.

THE GAMES:

#7 Michigan State at Northwestern - Kirk Cousins should have a great day vs the Wildcats. They're getting closer in Evansville, but they still need to find a offense.

Purdue at #10 Ohio State- Worst game of the season last week for the Buckeye offense. Purdue shouldn't be a tough opponent to get healthy against... shouldn't is the key word. If Pryor stinks at all this game, I'd start to question how injured he actually is.

Iowa State at #19 Texas - The Cyclones can move the ball on offense. Unfortunately, the Defense moves too... backwards. If Garrett Gilbert doesnt' score more than 30-34 this game, major issues should come up. Then again, the press there will sugarcoat it just like everything else.

Notre Dame at Navy (in Baltimore) - People are telling the world how Notre Dame should blow Navy out of the water. I don't think that's going to happen here, for some reason this team likes to keep the game closer than it should be. Navy will wear this defense out, but the kicker has been how much Navy has passed for per attempt in the last few years vs. the Irish (number is staggering, like 18-20 yards per pass). Notre Dame, but not by much.

Mississippi at #23 Arkansas - Between the loss last week after Ryan Mallett went out, the failure of the D to keep Auburn under 60 (stellar SEC defenses, right?), and the scathing and truthful comments from Cincinatti Bengals' DC Mike Zimmer (who doesn't say anything mean about anyone), Bobby Petrino needs this game badly to stave off the vultures all of a sudden. A loss here, and you can warm up the bus for Shreveport for them. While for Ole Miss, the reverend Nutt has actually had a decent looking team lately since Jeremiah Masoli has started to blossom. I think that, if Mallett is healthy and ready to go, this game shouldnt' be close. However, if Arkansas loses or looks bad winning, expect the boobirds to rain down on this field.

#6 LSU at #4 Auburn - The GAME OF THE CENTURY OF THE WEEK in the SEC is a pretty damn good one, and one that will give the winner the upper hand on their way to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. This will be the best D that Cam Newton and the espresso-puppy offense that Malzhan will face. Auburn will get their points, and will be stopped at times. However, the game still falls on the maddening yet efficent when their backs against the wall offense that Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee are allowed to manage. If this game is close at the end, remember the horseshoe that Les Miles seems to have shoved up his ass. It's not like Auburn stopped Arkansas last week, they just happened to outscore them. I wanna say Auburn, but this is LSU.

#13 Wisconsin at #15 Iowa - This is a very interesting game in the B10 this week, with the way Wisconsin slapped then -#1 tOSU last week, and how Iowa has seemed to be the most consistant team in the conference this year. If you watch it, it will be a very boring game in that both offenses just control the ball and won't give you anything to take advantage of. I say Iowa only because I feel that Wisconsin will be coming down from the beating of the Buckeyes, and for some reason the Hawkeyes are a much different team in Kinnick.

#16 Nebraska at #14 Oklahoma State - No way did I expect that Taylor Martinez would struggle that much against the UT defense. Then again, there was four drops by Nebraska's receivers that would have changed the game. They go to Stillwater where the Cowboy offense has been unstoppable really. This is a large test for Dana Holgorson's passing offense, going against the top pass efficency team in America in the Blackshirts. Kendrell Hunter will be the X factor here, because he will be asked to carry the ball a lot against a running defense that is good but not as good as they were last year. The saving grace for Nebraska is that they will be able to score against this defense. After last weeks game, Bo will have his team's attention. Think Nebraska by about 10 points here.

#22 Kansas State at Baylor - This game is going to be an upset. Kansas State has had a lot of issues against mobile quarterbacks, and Robert Griffin III is as mobile as they come. There's a lot on the line for Baylor. At home, bowl eligibility with a win... no way do they come out slacking on emotions. Kansas State tends to come out flat in these games. Baylor by 2 touchdowns and they tear down the goalposts after the game.

#8 Alabama at Tennessee - The Tide got healthy last week against Mississippi, and go into Neyland to go against a team that is just struggling to find itself. Tennessee's D isn't very good, but their Offense actually seems to do well against teams that have great defenses. Alabama should run for 400 plus on this team. It won't be close.

#1 Oklahoma at #11 Missouri - College Gameday rolls into Columbia for the first time ever as this Saturday night tussle will pit undefeated teams. Missouri's offense is just as good as normal, however they can't run the ball. Missouri's defense, while ranked pretty highly and very good, hasn't been faced by anyone. Oklahoma has found a great offense all of a sudden, and plays pass defense pretty well. The determining factor, however, is all mental. Like Texas being in Nebraska's head, Oklahoma is in Gary Pinkel's head. Bad. OU will win a game that, while is close the whole night, won't be a real contest.

Washington at #18 Arizona - Remember about three weeks ago when everyone was telling you how Arizona was CLEARLY the Pac 10 frontrunners and should easily win the title? I guess that was before people realized how good Oregon was and how phony Arizona looks. Jake Locker and Sark come to town and have a pretty good vibe going after beating Oregon State. With no Nick Foles to throw, I think Washington wins this game and sends Arizona out of the top 25 for the year.


THE FOOD AND DRINK OPTIONS

Some of you are begging for comfort foods for your Saturday. I'm more than willing to oblige, as long as it goes Southern with just a little bit of butter, y'all.....

Barbeque Meatloaf
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Ingredients:
•1 1/2 pounds ground beef
•1 cup fresh bread crumbs
•1 onion, diced
•1 egg, lightly beaten
•1 1/2 teaspoons salt
•1/2 teaspoon pepper
•2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
•3 tablespoons vinegar
•3 tablespoons brown sugar
•2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
•2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
•1/2 cup water, to thin sauce if necessary
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix together the beef, bread crumbs, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce. Form this mixture into a loaf and place it in a shallow pan. Stir together the remaining tomato sauce, vinegar, sugar, mustard, Worcestershire and the water (if too thick). Pour this sauce over the meatloaf. Bake for 1 hour, basting every 15 minutes with the pan juices.

Cook's Note: Try serving as a sandwich with mayonnaise

Oh yes we will Paula.... we will... Beverage? Guiness stout. With meatloaf, you can't do no wrong.

Ball is in your court, Cam

THE HEISMAN FRONTRUNNERS:

Cam Newton - He can either go a long way or spin down quickly with this week vs. a good LSU D.

Kellen Moore - Still keeps winning and looking good. As stable as you can get.

LaMichael James - normal great game last night, although you wonder if Darron Thomas should get some cred.

Justin Blackmon - This could be his coming out party. He's going against two NFL caliber corners this week in Prince Amukumara and Alfonso Dennard. If he can get his numbers, expect him to skyrocket.

btw... I see that ESPN still has Andrew Luck listed as a candidate. How can the third best QB in the conference be the Heisman winner, WWL?


THE COACHES COOKING ON THEIR CHAIRS:

Tim Brewster - The axe finally fell on Brewster Sunday. To me, I guess that I didn't see the problem with letting him finish the season as the head coach. However, a bonus due at the end of the season made the problem bigger. The issue with Minnesota is that, remember, they fired Glen Mason for being a coach that won 60% of his games. With a new stadium and the extra exposure that the Big 10 will get next year, Minnesota must be thinking that they will get a big time coach. Won't happen. They hired Mark Mangino as a "consultant" before the Brewster firing, expect him to get the job.

Bobby Petrino - As listed above, Petrino has a laundry list of issues all of a sudden, along with the fact that there will be life after Ryan Mallett. Makes you start to wonder if Petrino will start listening to other schools (no NFL unless Jerry calls... maybe?) about job openings. Minnesota would seem good all of a sudden, you also have possibly Texas A&M if Sherman is asked to leave, Colorado if they can find the money for Hawkins.. a lot of possibilities all of a sudden. And, if he says he isn't leaving... well, take it for what it's worth.

Dan Hawkins - Bad loss against Baylor. Just a matter of time.

Greg Schiano - His time at Rutgers has run it's course. He's done everything to get that program going, and they have shot him down along the way. 90% of any other school in America, he'd be at Nick Saban status.

Paul Wulff - Cant see him doing anything to save his job, even with a Apple Cup win.


Not bright, at all.


RANT OF THE WEEK:

Larry Scott... why are you thinking? Why make it to where a team in a BCS conference hosts their own title game? Isn't a conference title game supposed to be a fair, neutral site game where it's a reward for said teams to go to? Do you really think that, for a Arizona/Cal team that wins their division, they could be rewarded by going to Pullman or Boulder in the first week of December? Did you even think of the fans when you decided this? Of course you didn't. Was Glendale, the Rose Bowl, Oakland Coliseum, or Qualicomm Stadiums booked with Billy Graham crusades or Amway conventions? Stop the madness. Make this last one year, period.


Enjoy your weekend people... and, just because... GO RANGERS.

Friday, October 15, 2010

STUDY HALL- WEEK 7

I bet business is BOOMING today over there....
Week eight is upon us, and while we're still wondering how South Florida kept it close with the Gators earlier this year while laying a stinkbomb, we just can't believe that Auburn actually got their head coaching decision right 2 years ago when they didn't take Turner Gill. I understood that Kansas was going to take steps back with both talent and losing Mark Mangino, however there is a level of suprise in the suck that KU has this year. Turner Gill had 2 weeks to prep for that Kansas State game, and..... dear god.  Anyhow, not a whole lot of marquee games to preview, but we will trudge on with what we have. All times Eastern of course...

This kid is good and may be the SEC's best National Title contender remaining
#12 ARKANSAS vs. #7 AUBURN   3:30-CBS

This game will be the first test for Auburn and the espresso filled spread offense that Guz Malzhan uses to the hilt with Cam Newton. While at Arkansas, they need this game to not only keep any national title hopes around, but to stay from the bottom of the LOADED SEC West division (not all the way at the bottom, there is the stellar state of Mississippi). The one thing that Arkansas should and will do is make Newton have to throw it to win. Auburn can run very well however no one has made Cam throw for a win. Mallett will have a better day than he did against Texas A&M, and the Arkansas D isn't too shabby. I can't see a Auburn team play like they did last week against Kentucky and win this game. Four Star game, and I do do think Arkansas wins on the road here.

"He has the ball, run over there! What, it was on tape? What's tape?"
#15 IOWA vs MICHIGAN   3:30- ABC Regional

The very last thing that Michigan needed was to lay an egg at home against a team that was more sound fundamentaly.. and that's exactly what happened last week. As I have said before, since the defense sucks so bad in Ann Arbor (GREG ROBINSON BLOWS), this team lives and dies on the performance of Denard Robinson. However, because Robinson had one bad week, there is NO REASON WHATSOEVER to pull him for Tate Forcier, and I would LOVE to hear the reasons that people have to do that. Iowa, on the other hand, come into town off a bye week, after pasting Penn State at home. Ricky Stanzi still runs a great offense, and Adam Clayborn is due for a homewrecker week. Three stars here, and I do think Iowa wins in Ann Arbor but not by a lot. It's not that I think Denard will have another bad week, however the Wolverine D just can't suck enough.

"Why yes, I think a bowl game in San Antonio or Shreveport is just great travel for our fans."
TEXAS vs. #5 NEBRASKA  3:30-ABC Regional

The day most Husker fans have waited for is here. Red Out Around the World day was first created by the Nebraska marketing staff in June with the motto of "Wear Red, Be Loud, Beat Texas". Since then, Bo Pelini has tapered it down to show some class. Nebraska respects Texas so much in this game, and that will be the difference in this game. Texas has already said they will just keep doing what they have been doing, and that probably makes Longhorn fan cry. O.C. Greg Davis promised earlier this season they would just run the ball down people's throats, and has done everything but. Garrett Gilbert has been asked to throw every game to win it for them, and if he is asked to do this on Saturday, the all-world corners of Alfonso Dennard and Prince Amukumara will own him alive. The best chance Texas has is to just run between the guards all day, and that is the ONE thing that they have refused to do. Texas' D isn't that bad at all, in fact the secondary is pretty stout. However, Taylor Martinez and his two buddies in Rex Burkhead and Roy Helu have run all day long. Nebraska will have to be patient but will get their yards and plays on offense. Four star game here, if anything for the atmosphere and such. Nebraska should just wear out Texas here, the only way UT wins I think is if they get a offensive showing that they haven't had all year. Against the Blackshirts, probably not.

Camp Randall will be rocking Saturday night
#1 OHIO STATE vs. #18 WISCONSIN      7:00- ABC National

Tressel-ball comes into Madison for a Saturday Night game with Wisconsin. The Badgers will be their usual self with boring yet very efficent offense with Scott Tolzien and John Clay carrying the load once again. Ohio State will come in with Terrell Pryor carrying the offense. What people don't get, however, is that Ohio State is 7th in D-1 in scoring defense, averaging a crisp 13.5 points allowed per game. Three star game here, because it will seem like a snoozefest with all the running and such. Ohio State should win this one, but don't put it past Wisconsin to look better here than they did against Michigan State. The lower scoring this game is, the better Wisconsin's chances get.

Other game to keep your eyes on:

Illinois at #13 Michigan State - Do you think that the Illini's performance against Penn State got Sparty's attention? It should have.

#21 Missouri at Texas A&M - I do not get how Mizzou is a dog in this game. It will be the first test of the Tiger Defense all year, in that Jerrod Johnson is much better in College Station. Lots of scoring here, I think, think Missouri wins.

#20 Oklahoma State at Texas Tech -  Again, the ranked road team is a dog here. Oklahoma State can score on anyone, however their D has been shaky at best. Taylor Potts is just good enough here to justify a upset. If OSU makes it, they have a matchup w/ Nebraska in Stillwater next week. Classic look ahead game here.

#10 South Carolina at Kentucky - Here could be your upset special for the week. Gamecocks coming off the huge Alabama win, while Kentucky gave Auburn all they wanted and then some last week. Think it may happen here.

Mississippi State at #20 Florida - Urban and the Gators can't lose 3 in a row... can they?

#3 Boise State at San Jose State - Pay attention to this game if you can. San Jose State went to Nevada last week and gave them all sorts of fits for three quarters. With Boise needing to look impressive the rest of the way, will be interesting to see how much trouble the Broncos have.

#24 Oregon State at Washington -  We told you here last week that the Beavers were going to take down a overrated Arizona team, and we also feel confident about this game with them too. Jake Locker isn't 100% and their D isn't great either.


FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPTIONS FOR THE WEEKEND.

This sounds like the weekend to fire up the smoker and get some brisket done, don't you agree?

Smoked BBQ Brisket
Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay

Ingredients:
•1/2 cup ancho chili powder
•2 tablespoons paprika
•1 tablespoon ground cumin
•1 tablespoon dry mustard
•1 tablespoon kosher salt
•2 teaspoons cayenne
•1 trimmed brisket with a layer of fat at least 1/4-inch thick, about 5 to 6 pounds
•Dark Beer Mop, recipe follows

Directions:
Mix together the spices in a small bowl. Rub the entire brisket with the spice mixture, place on a baking sheet, cover and let stand in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours.

Prepare the smoker according to manufacturer's directions. Place the brisket in the smoker, fat side up and smoke for 4 to 5 hours or until extremely tender. Baste with the mop every 30 minutes.


Dark Beer Mop:

•1 large red onion
•4 cloves garlic
•2 serrano chiles, chopped
•4 bottles of dark beer
•1/4 cup dark brown sugar
•2 bay leaves
•Salt and freshly ground pepper


Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan, season with salt and pepper and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.

I've made it before, it's a great thing. Keep the momentum going with your beverage this week


COACHES WHO ARE REALIZING THEY ARE DONE:

Tim Brewster - reports Friday morning said that if Minnesota loses to Purdue, then Brewster will be let go Monday. Let me get this right, if he wins and stays for a week to go against Penn State and loses, the interim HC will get welcomed to the party with a game against Ohio State? Makes no sense. Either let him go now, or announce he is gone at the end of the season.

Mark Richt - Vanderbilt comes to Athens, better win to have momentum for the Florida game.

Butch Davis -  Seems it has calmed a little in Chapel Hill, but losing to Virginia would get them fired up for all the wrong reasons again.

Paul Wulff - Washington State showed some heart against Oregon last week. With that effort, is is FEASABLE (using that lightly) that Wazzu gives Arizona everything they want in Pullman. IF and I say IF the Cougars pull off that upset, Wulff could be safe for the year.

Houston Nutt - Alabama just lost, Nick Saban is pretty pissed off, and you're the next game. God have mercy on your soul.

EYE CANDY FOR THE WEEK

Brooklyn Decker.. yep yep.





God Bless you, Andy Roddick.

FINAL BURN FOR THE WEEK:

I'm good this week folks. Nothing really frying me out.

On a special note, I will have something up either late Sunday or early Monday with the first BCS rankings and a breakdown of what I see that is good and bad.

Enjoy this weekend, everyone.

Friday, October 8, 2010

STUDY HALL- WEEK 6


The Study Hall is our weekly CFB preview BUT YOU KNOW THIS ALREADY WHY DO I BOTHER..

I'm just like Denard, but with a full team around me.
 We have finally arrived at week six of the season. Last night seemed to be a coming out party for Taylor Martinez and his rediculous straight line speed. However, we were more impressed with a Blackshirt run defense that, depending on who you read at what time, was going to be gashed by Kansas State running back Daniel Thomas. This was supposed to be the game Thomas put his name in for the Heisman and all that.... and for the second game in three weeks (Jake Locker), Nebraska's defense took that thought and scalded it with water from an electric kettle. Thomas was held to almost 100 yards under his season average, and the game was done by midway through the third quarter. Four games this week that deserve the Clipboard preview, and here we go (all listed times Eastern).

Click. Clack.
#1 ALABAMA vs. #19 SOUTH CAROLINA  3:30-CBS

This may be a much closer game than anyone wants to admit. Ballcoach Spurrier has been looking for a game that will finally get him over the hump at South Carolina, and he finally feels like he has a running game with super frosh Marcus Lattimore. While Lattimore has been tolerable through the schedule so far, he has not (and will not, sorry Florida) face a tougher run defense than he will against Alabama. If you have ever read the holy grail of defensive coaching, aka the LSU defensive playbook that Saban created, you know the very first item of goals is "We will stop the running game, and we will not allow ourselves to get beat at the line of scrimmage". To win the game, not only does Stephen Garcia need to keep on the near 70% completion percentage he has been on, the Carolina D will have to shut down the normal offensive threats of Alabama (Ingram, Richardson, Jones, McElvoy). This could be a letdown game for Alabama, but even then they should be too good over a 3 hour span to lose. Four star game here, because this should be a rematch in Atlanta in December.

Still stupid fast... still one play away from Michigan going winless the rest of the season.
#17 MICHIGAN STATE vs. #18 MICHIGAN 3:30-ABC Regional

By far, this is the toughest test that Michigan will face so far this year. Denard Robinson was absolutely stellar last week (read: NORMAL) against a decent Indiana team. The one thing I do believe however, about Michigan, is that with all the attention that Robinson is getting with his Playstation numbers, it is really hiding the fact that, for all intensive purposes, Michigan's defense under Greg Robinson is just as bad as it has been his whole existance. Ben Chappell of Indiana, who is pretty good, threw for 486 on this defense last week. How many times did Robinson have to save that defense? The Spartans have a pretty good quarterback too this year with Kirk Cousins, a serviceable running attack with Edwin Baker, and confidence after beating a pretty good Wisconsin team last week. This is also a Four Star game here, because for once, I think that Denard won't be able to do it all and save Michigan in the end. Mark Dantonio has been at practices and will be at the game in the press box for State. I do like Sparty in this game, but it will be pretty high scoring.

First coach in history with 11 wins in a season to be fired walking off the field?
#12 LSU vs. #14 FLORIDA 7:30-ESPN

Has there ever been a game that, for all intensive purposes, has a chance to go to triple overtime tied at 3-3? Both fan bases are fried at their offensive coordinators, albeit for different purposes. In Baton Rouge, fans are building up a hatred for Les Miles and Gary Crowton, with much reason. The way that LSU got divine intervention in their final minute Chinese fire drill that should have lost the game against Tennessee made most purple cajuns sick in their seats. While in Gainesville, offensive coordinator Steve Addazio has caught a lot of heat for his gameplan (or lack there of) against Alabama last week. To me, there are different reasons for both teams issues. With LSU, it seems like a total lack of trust in coaching ability and decision making. While at Florida, right now it's simply a talent issue. This game is a three and a halfer, because there will be, at some point, a period in the game (or a few) that you'll be able to put the Benny Hill music to what is going on the field. I do think that Florida should win this game, because LSU just can't score at all, it's tragic really. There have been reports that John Brantley has been hurt this week, going so far as to say that Brantley couldn't throw in practice. Jeffery Demps should take some pain away though.

Such a great thrower, and so inconsistant.
#23 FLORIDA STATE vs. #13 MIAMI FL 8:00-ABC National Mirror

Jacory Harris just drives me nuts. He really does. And I am nowhere near being a Canes fan. How can a player that is so good be so damn inconsistant blows my mind. The saving grace here is that Christian Ponder can be just as bad across the way for Florida State. Miami has actually done a very good job through what was originally thought as a tough start to the season. Florida State has also had a pretty good start also, save the debacle in Norman. The one thing that stands out to me about this game is that both teams have pretty good defenses, both averaging less than 16 points per game allowed. Something tells me that Florida State has a better chance than people think. One thing that Florida St. can do well that people don't realize is run the football (over 200 yards a game). Four star game here, very easily could be the ACC title game again in December. I think Jacory is due for a stinker, not saying he will but he's had a bad game every third-fourth game it seems in his career. Florida State by a touchdown.

OTHER GAMES OF NOTE FOR THE WEEKEND.

Indiana at #2 Ohio St.- This will be a decent test for the Buckeye D. Will also see if Tressell-ball comes out to slow the game down.

#11 Arkansas vs. Texas A&M (at Cowboys Stadium/Arlington) - Ryan Mallett could easily go for 550 against TAMU. Jerrod Johnson has to have a massive game to keep Mike Sherman off the cooker, and even then it may not matter.

Oregon State at #9 Arizona - Here's a upset special for you folks. Oregon State is way better than their woodchipper for a schedule has put out there, and I think that Arizona is your fraud in the top 10.

#10 Utah at Iowa State - Paul Rhodes gets his team up for games like this, Kyle Whittingham's team has to be focused. If they are, the game shouldn't be close. Shouldn't.

#8 Auburn at Kentucky - A lot of wannabe bookie superstars are calling for Auburn to get ambushed in Lexington. Not buying it, Cam Newton is too good.

Colorado at #24 Missouri - 20 years after the Fifth Down, these 2 teams will play. Colorado can shorten the game, but I keep thinking Mizzou should tire them out.

USC at #16 Stanford - Kiffykins, a pissed off Jim Harbaugh, at home in San Francisco... woodshed time kids.

Arizona State at Washington - If Jake Locker and Sark wanna be taken seriously, they should roll in this game. ASU is so talented yet always never finish a game for some reason.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES FOR THE WEEKEND.

Stay out of your kitchen this weekend and use your phone.

Tip me well or I will clean my car out in your driveway!!
HEISMAN HOPEFULS

Denard Robinson - Stay upright young man, you are the team

Taylor Martinez - Imagine what will happen when he can read secondaries and can throw when there are 9 in the box.

Greg McElroy - Think it's time to throw him in the mix, don't you think? Never loses and makes the correct decision 90-95% of the time. Why not?

Darron Thomas - Only is the QB of the nation's highest scoring offense.

Ryan Mallett -  Should be able to get his numbers very healthy vs. TAMU's "wrecked crew"

EYE CANDY OF THE WEEK

You could do much worse than Allison Stokke. MUCH worse.



FINAL RANT OF THE WEEKEND.

If my mouth is open, it means I'm talking out of my ass.

This is actually not College Football related...

You suck ass NHL. Not only do you not even let half of America know when your season starts (on a Thursday?), but you also have to have games in Third World European countries that MAYBE half the people in the stands that are there because you gave the tickets away know what are going on. Furthermore, you have to keep Versus with this bad cable contract. How in the hell has ESPN not gotten the NHL back yet? Furthermore, you have the most expensive game package on any cable/sattelite provider, more than MLS for god sakes! How do you make money? When I go to DirecTV (because DISH has still shart the bed with FSN), you better not gouge me for more $$ because you suck Gary Bettman. People in Canada, Kansas City, and other cities beg for your product while you convince us that the league does well in third to half filled arenas in Arizona, Nashville, Miami, and Atlanta. You have no clue to the fans voice, sir. You are the same DERP that thinks Olympic Hockey could be just as good without NHL players. Wrong again, jackass.

Have fun and keep it safe this weekend folks. Till next time.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

MLB Playoff Preview

It's starting to get cooler outside. That means one thing, MLB Playoff time! In my last blog, I told you exactly why the San Fransisco Giants would win the NL West. It was seamingly the only division that didn't have someone who knew they were going to MLB's second season. Now that we have all 8 teams lined up. Lets take a good look and see who will do what.

National League

Cincinatti Reds Vs. Philladelphia Phillies

This years team that came from nowhere to win their division in the NL. Led by Joey Votto's surge to the top of the National League rankings in virtually every category. But other than Votto, I would be willing to bet that the average fan couldn't name 5 ballplayers that the Reds employ. Fortunately for you, I can. The Reds will begin the postseason with Edison Volquez, who has been slightly inconsistent this season. He missed some time with a drug suspension, and then some more time with an injury. For about the next 4 starts after his return he struggled. But after that he was very solid. He gets the nod in game 1 against the Phillies and Roy Halladay. In his career he is 2-0 with a 0.73 ERA against the Phillies. The two teams played 7 games against each other this season, with the Phillies winning 5 of the 7. Halladay did not face the Reds this season, but in his career he is 0-1. Game 2 will feature Bronson Arroyo against Roy Oswalt who the Phillies acquired from Houston just before the trade deadline. The Reds have several injuries. Orlando Cabrera and Jay Bruce both have sore muscles in their torso and are not 100% but will play. Arthur Rhodes has been bothered by a bad foot much of the year. Laynce Nix has a sprained ankle, and Jim Edmonds has an injured right achilles tendon. Halladay was 21-10 this season with 9 complete games. It was his 3rd 20+ win season. Many people will say that the Phillies should already be pencilled in to the World Series. However, lets not do that just yet, there are 3 other teams who might have something to say about that. This is the Phillies 4th straight trip to the postseason and they have the majors best record at 97-65, one game lower than the franchise best ever. Game 1 features two pitchers who have never seen the postseason before. Game 2 features two players who have World Series experience. The Reds are resilient but, the Phillies just have too much firepower. I look for Philly to take this in 4.

Atlanta Braves vs. San Fransisco Giants

Mark my words. This will be the best pitching matchup, game for game in any of the divisional series. There might not be 25 runs scored total. In my opinion, the giants have the best frontline pitching staff in the majors. I've said it before, and I'll say it now. The reason the Giants won the West was because they have the best pitching staff. The Giants don't score alot, but they defend that by starting the former two time Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum. He will face the guy with the best sinker in the game in Dereck Lowe. Lowe was 16-12 and had a less than stellar first half and came on strong as the Braves made a playoff push. Throughout the regular season the Giants threw 888 strikeouts to the braves 771. Game 2 will feature Matt Cain against Tommy Hanson. Cain was 13-11 with a 3.14 ERA and 177 strikeouts, while Hanson was 10-11 with a 3.33 ERA and 173K. Like i said in the outset. I expect this series to be very low scoring. Game 3 will be Johnathon Sanchez (13-9 3.07 205) against Atlanta ace Tim Hudson (17-9 2.83 139). The question in this series is, can the Braces survive without using their ace until game 3? The other big story about this series is it features the two players in the race for the NL Rookie of the Year. Who will come out victorious in this series? Your guess is as good as mine! To true baseball fans, this will be the best series of the DS.

American League

New York Yankees Vs. Minnesota Twins

The fact that the Yankees limped into the postseason, coupled with the fact that beside C.C. Sabathia their starting pitching is in awry really scares me for the saintity of Yankee fans. However, game 1 will be one for the ages. Fransisco Liriano (14-10 3.62 201)and winner of the 2010 AL comeback player of the year award, faces C.C. Sabathia (21-7 3.18 197) coming off of his first 20 win season and a run at the AL Cy Young award. But really after Sabathia, the Yanks are pretty scarce pitching wise. In his last start of the season, Andy Pettitte looked pretty bad.IN his last start against Boston on Saturday, Pettitte went 4 innings, gave up 9 hits, 2 walks and 3 runs. To top it off, they didn't really look like a team that wanted it. They don't at this present time have the killer instinct that they had last season. However in his last 14 ALDS games Ron Gardenhire is 2-12, and has faced the Yankees 3 times in the ALDS, lost everytime. However, this is the first time they've had home-field against them. The Yankees are a much older team than anyone else in the playoffs. As i've stated in a previous Blog post, The average age in the major leagues is 27, and the Yankees average age is 29. In the last few weeks future hall of famer Mariano Rivera has shown that he is aging as he hasn't had all of his good stuff. The 38 year old had the most blown saves (5) since 2003 when he had 6. In their last 26 games, the Yankees are 9-17. However, ESPN would have you believe that this series will be swept by the Yankees. But since you're reading this you already assumed that because you know that ESPN is the most East Coast biased company there is. The Twins were 46-42 before the all star break, and 48-26 afterwards. The Twins are on a tear. They were hoping they could get Justin Morneau back for the playoffs, but that's not going to happen. As it stands right now, I like the Twins in 4.

Texas Rangers Vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Yes, you know. I'm a Rangers homer. Always have been, always will be. That being said. The Rangers are 0-12 in the respective parks that the other AL playoff teams call home. The Rangers are 19-25 in daytime games this season and with the exception of a couple of players, they have relatively no playoff experience. But, they went out and acquired Cliff Lee for this very reason. last season he was 4-0 in 5 playoff games with 2 wins in the World Series. Much has been said about how easy it has been to run on the Rangers this season, and the Rays really like to run. That's what scares me about this series. However, since August 31 Tampa Bay starting pitchers not named David Price are 4-11 with a 5.25 ERA and game 2 starter James Shields was 0-4 with a 7.59 ERA. David Price is very good. If he wasn't he wouldn't be in the Cy Young award discussion. But after him they haven't been that great of late. Josh Hamilton was drafted by the Rays in 1999 and was poised to be in the outfield with Carl Crawford and Rocco Baldelli. Everyone knows of the problems that Hamilton had and how he found himself in Texas. I don't feel like i need to go into anymore detail about it here now. The key to Texas winning this series is Michael Young getting on base. his OBS this season was .330, if he gets on base and lets the 3 guys behind him drive him in, Texas will score a lot of runs. The Rangers decided this week that they will use 4 pitchers instead of 3. These 2 bullpens are the top 2 in the entire major leagues. It all starts in about 13 hours and I for one can not wait! I told you at the start that I am a Rangers homer, and my sunglasses might be red and blue. But, I say the Rangers win this one in 5.

Friday, October 1, 2010

STUDY HALL - WEEK FIVE

Study Hall is our weekly College Football preview.
Most boring interview in college football HE IS A MAN, HE IS 40!


Sorry for the late posting this week, however there are five great games this weekend. Watched the Oklahoma State/Texas A&M game last night, wasn't terribly impressed with either team at times last night. OSU took a long time offensively to get going, while defensively seemed bound to fail with playing a seemingly soft Cover 2 all evening. TAMU on the other hand completely forgot that running the ball was a option given to them, as Jerrod Johnson (who wasn't on my top 10 list of CFB qb's) kept doing a Chad Pennington impersonation by throwing slow pitch softballs up the field last night. Elite quarterbacks do not turn the ball over 4 times in a game. On to the weekend! (all listed times Eastern)

Great place to be this Saturday.
#21 TEXAS vs. #8 OKLAHOMA  3:30pm ABC National

The 2010 Red River Shootout lost a whole lot of luster last week when Texas took it in the teeth thanks to UCLA. However, this game as always will go a long way to deciding who will be the Big 12 South representative in the title game in December across town. Both teams come in portrayed as underacheivers, with Texas' defense giving up a lot of rushing yards, while Garrett Gilbert hasn't been very impressive to go with a running attack that was billed as great yet hasn't done anything. Oklahoma on the other hand has looked unmotivated in 3 of their 4 victories, save a fantastic effort against Florida State. Landry Jones hasn't lived up to a lot of preseason hype either, depending on a whole lot of Demarco Murray. Four star game here, just for the atmosphere and how both teams have a great crowd behind them. I can't see Texas giving up a lot of yards to Murray and winning the game. Oklahoma's defense has been alright, not great but good enough to keep people out of the end zone. If Texas can hold Murray to 120-130 yards rushing, they will have a chance because then Jones still has to prove he can make plays. Think Oklahoma wins a low scoring, mistake filled game.

This man has ONIONS.
 #11 WISCONSIN vs. #24 MICHIGAN STATE  3:30pm, ABC Regional

This game is much better than people think. Michigan State has ended up being decent enough being in the top 30 in both total offense and scoring defense in the nation. Wisconsin also has been impressive in their early season schedule, and brings a top 10 rushing attack into the game at Spartan Stadium. If you're a Big 10 guy, this is easily a four and a half star game. This game just keeps screaming John Clay to me. He already has over 500 yards rushing, and seems to be a great pick to control the tempo. Scott Tolzien is your basic vanilla Wisconsin QB that manages the game and wins it, just what Bret Bielema asks him to do. Kirk Cousins will be asked to do a lot to win this game for Sparty. With coach Mark D'Antonio in the coaches boxes after coming back from a heart attack, and being at home, Michigan State has a very good chance. The key will be making Wisconsin getting out of their comfort zone and throwing a lot, especially on first down. Just do not think Wisconsin is going to be blown away and will squeak by.

Two guys who get it done.
#7 FLORIDA vs. #1 ALABAMA  8:00pm CBS

I know these two teams have won the last few BCS titles. I know these two teams have shared the SEC title the last 3 years. This game, however, shouldn't be that close. Florida, even though they have won, has not looked very good in their games. The offense with John Brantley hasn't been great, and flat out atrocious the first 2 games. Getting the snap back in the shotgun has been a trip even. Furthermore, the one bright spot in Jeffery Demps was in a walking boot earlier this week. Alabama is at home, on a Saturday night, with a offense that gets it done with Greg McElroy, Julio Jones, Mark Ingram, and that FEROCIOUS defense. Ryan Mallett did gash them a little bit last week, but then the D tightened down hardcore and gave the offense a chance to win the game. I am just trying to figure out how Florida will win this game, and everything comes to Alabama not playing well. That isn't happening. Five star game here, and Bama should win by 2 touchdowns at home.

Loud. Very very loud.
#9 STANFORD vs. #4 OREGON  8:00pm  ABC National

Autzen Stadium will be rockin with ESPN College Gameday there in the EARLY morning, and then will be borderline crazy when the game kicks off. Andrew Luck has been touted as a Heisman candidate, and to be honest with you, I have really not seen anything that gives me the reason he should be. Dayne Crist threw for more yards last week in the Stanford/ND game, and Luck has beefed up his numbers against teams like Wake Forest and Sacramento State. Oregon, on the other hand has the highest scoring offense in D-1, averaging almost a point a minute. There will be offense in this game, however Autzen is one of the places that you have to account for playing Oregon. It seems that most teams, when down more than one score, start getting frantic and go downhill very fast. This will be a test of Jim Harbaugh and his staff to get a team that is supposed to be a Top 10 team to have some poise and get through it. Another five star game here, potentially the Pac 10 title game here. Thinking that Oregon just has too much firepower to lose here. Not that Stanford's D is that bad, but Oregon's offense is just that damn good.

I AM A REAL AMERICAN, FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS OF EVERY MAN!
#22 PENN STATE vs. #17 IOWA   8:00 ESPN

Two teams that need to get off to a great start in Big 10 play. Ricky Stanzi and Iowa try to get it back going after the loss against Arizona, while Penn State and Frosh QB Robert Bolden get it going after being embarassed by Alabama. One thing about this game: Iowa is fifth in the nation in points allowed, while Penn State is eighth. I do wish that Iowa brought back the throwbacks for this game instead of last week against Ball State, but that's just me. Penn State must play better than they did against Temple last week, and they are going to Kinnick where they lost 2 years ago on a field goal at the wire. Robert Bolden, meet Adam Clayborn. Iowa wins a low scoring affair.


This man wants a raise.
GEORGIA vs. COLORADO (may not be televised anyhow, read my rant, thank you god) FSN

This is your first one star to zero star game this year. Mark Richt needs it more than Dan Hawkins does, but don't watch unless your family is involved. Go clean the tub and toilet with your tongue, it will give you a better taste in your mouth than this will.


GAMES TO PAY ATTENTION TO:

Ohio State at Illinois: Terrell Pryor is smokin hot right now, and Zooker is in T R O U B L E.

Tennessee at LSU: Tennessee's D is good enough to make this game close. Wouldn't be shocked at the upset here, but this is LSU we're talking about.

Michigan at Indiana: Hoosiers are undefeated and at home. Be interesting to see how healthy Denard Robinson is.

Virginia Tech at North Carolina State: Hokies need this game or else the season could go south quickly.

Washington at USC: Sark and Locker have had 2 weeks for this game, while Kiffykins hates extra points.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES FOR THE WEEKEND:

My wife keeps telling me Hoagies sound good for dinner this weekend. I agree with her, quick and easy:

Steak and Cheese Hoagies
Recipe courtesy Sandra Lee

Ingredients
1 1/2 pound top round steak
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
1 teaspoon chopped rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 hoagie rolls, sliced down the middle
1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon hot sauce

Directions

Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Preheat the broiler.
Season the steak with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill the meat until it is medium-rare, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.


In a large bowl, whisk together the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, mustard, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.


Remove the steak from the grill to a cutting board, cover it with foil, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Slice the steak thinly and toss the slices in the Worcestershire sauce mixture.


Spread the rolls open and arrange on a baking sheet. Sprinkle each roll with a 1/4 cup of the cheese and put them under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 1 to 2 minutes.


In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and hot sauce. Spread the mayonnaise onto the bottom of each roll. Put a quarter of the beef into each of the rolls. (Reserve 4 pieces of beef for the Round 2 Recipe Couscous Stuffed Tomatoes). Cover with the roll tops, cut in half and serve.

Beverage for the weekend? Keep it sober folks, drink a Pepsi.

COACHES WHO BUMS ARE TOASTY:

Tim Brewster: three losses in a row in a new stadium isn't a way to keep your job, boss.

Ron Zook: enjoy Terrell Pryor running around you. Better hope it's Pryor's stinker for the year.

Mark Richt: has a way to get a feel good win against Colorado, better get it.

Dan Hawkins: lose to a underacheving Georgia team, hey they can't afford to fire you anyhow!

Mike Locksley: dude, why bother?


THE FINAL RANT:


Not popular right now, not at all.

If you have Dish Network and the extra sports tier, you woke up this morning to seeing 18 FOX channels not on the air. This is the current result of Dish and News Corp. in a pricing war. Dish Network claims that FOX took their channels off their air, however there are several FSN's still on the air, for example FSN Rocky Mountain, FSN Northwest, and FSN Pittsburgh. To Dish's credit, they are looking out for me as a subscriber as News Corp. wants to bump up their fees by over 50%, which me, the subscriber, would have to end up paying in some way in the future. However, no matter who is looking out for who, the people who lose are the subscribers who, in some instances, give up other things to have sattelite television. Personally, I'm in the last 2 months of my Dish contract, and currently pay $80/month to have what I have with no premium movie channels on my lineup (unless you consider Encore a premium channel, I sure don't). The hurtful thing is that, unless something changes very soon, the last weekend of baseball season, this whole week of College Fooball, and preseason NHL/NBA games are lost for the weekend at least to fans and people who thought they were getting them. I have no reason to go to DirecTV (and never will go back to Time Warner), but if this can't be fixed, I can't say personally I have a reason to stay. And, seeing on Twitter how many people are upset with this on the Dish Network feed (twitter.com/DishNetwork), I can't see this lasting and the company keeping subscribers. If you agree with me, please contact the President of both Fox and Dish (Dish's address is CEO@DishNetwork.com)
 
Have a great weekend, next week will be even better.

Friday, September 24, 2010

STUDY HALL - WEEK FOUR

Editors note, Study Hall is our weekly college football preview. This is for the new ones, most of you know this MAN.



That Brian Kelly.. he needs to play Ron Pawlus against PENN STATE.

Week Four of the College Football season brings with it four very good games where ranked teams are battling each other. Winners of at least three of these games will bring validation and credibility to their national title statements. It will be a very interesting Monday in the polls after several of these games, especially if a certain WAC team looks very good. All times are Eastern.

Dear Fayetville, be careful what you wish for.
#1 ALABAMA vs. #10 ARKANSAS   3:30, CBS National

Ryan Mallett has been everything Arkansas fans and Bobby Petrino has hoped for this year so far. Mallett led a great game-winning drive at Georgia last week. Their reward for it is the Heavyweight Champions of the World till they are dethroned Alabama Crimson Tide. Greg McElroy has Mark Ingram and Julio Jones ready after last week's glorified scrimmage against Duke. This game is Five Star all day long. I think if Mallett can take what Alabama's D will give him (which isn't the long ball), he will be able to have a pretty good day. The problem is that I really don't think Arkansas's Defense will keep them in the game. Alabama has enough of a offense to turn it into a route real quick. Now, whether they gameplan to become conservative as they did last year and hope the Defense hits a home run, that's another thing. I don't think they will. The game being in Fayetville will help Arkansas stay in it early, however the physical nature of Marcel Darius and the Bama D will be too much.

Patience, Irish fan. Patience.
#16 STANFORD vs. NOTRE DAME 3:30, NBC

If this was anyone else but Brian Kelly coaching this Notre Dame team, the hate would be starting to flow pretty fast. However, Kelly has been very competitive in both losses to Michigan and Michigan State, something that Charlie Weis didn't seem to be in some games last year. Jim Harbaugh and Stanford come to Indiana for a matchup this weekend. Amazingly, Stanford leads all of D-1 in pass defense right now, but Crist and company will test them very quickly. I'm still not terribly sold on Andrew Luck being a excellent quarterback, even though he had a great game versus Wake Forest last week. This will be the first tough road enviorment for Luck without Toby Gerhart to help him out. I do think the Cardinal will be good enough to win, but this game will be very close, much closer than people may think. Three stars, primarily if you're not a SEC fan and can't stand watching Petrino or Saban (and you know who you are!)

Who the hell puts Chili on Spaghetti for God's sake?!?
#8 OKLAHOMA vs. CINCINATTI 6:00 ESPN2

This game has got to scare all the Sooner fans out there. Seems that Oklahoma doesn't have a real good focus against teams they should be throttling. Both Utah State and Air Force kept both games within a score, and while the defense showed up, the offense (primarily Landry Jones) seemed to lack a punch, minus DeMarco Murray. Bob Stoops takes his team to Cincinatti to face a Bearcats team that has also sorely underacheived against Fresno State and North Carolina State. However, both games were on the road, and Cincinatti is fairly good at home. However, even with Zack Collaros, the offense is 80th in the nation and doesn't show signs of meshing well. I just can't see how Cincinatti can stay in this game, but I also thought that Oklahoma would blow AF out of the building last week. Three and a half stars, to watch how Landry does against a defense that Russell Wilson blew up for 333 yards last Thursday.

God Bless the school that finally hires Gus Malzahn as Head Coach
#12 SOUTH CAROLINA vs. #17 AUBURN 7:45 ESPN

For all the attention Ryan Mallett is getting, Cam Newton's numbers have been pretty damn good also. He's the first real good Quarterback Gus Malzahn has had in about five plus years in the SEC with Arkansas and Auburn (think Houston wishes he hadn't shat on Gus yet?) While Auburn's offense has been pretty stout, South Carolina has found their own suprise in Frosh RB Marcus Lattimore. Lattimore has been nothing but great, averaging almost 5 yards a carry. Normally, this game screams of a Carolina-Spurrier chokejob on the road (like Georgia basically was), however the hidden gem with South Carolina is that they are 9th in America in scoring defense. Auburn had to scrap to beat Clemson last week in overtime, which will have them much more focused heading into this game. Four stars for this one. Think Lattimore gets his yards, but I still can't forget that 'ole Ballcoach is awful on the road. Auburn within a touchdown.

Oregon State painted their field, yet forgot the crowd, the altitude, the mystique...
#24 OREGON STATE vs. #3 BOISE STATE  8:00 ABC National

The last time we had Boise State on national television, Kellen Moore only led the Broncos on a 80 yard no timeout game winning drive against Virginia Tech and Bud Foster's defense. Since then, the Virginia Tech win has lost it's luster because of VT's lack of competitive nature. However, they can only control who they play and their style points against said opponents. Oregon State have the brothers Rodgers and Ryan Katz who can put up some points. People will be closely comparing how Boise plays against Oregon State and how TCU played them also. Three and a half on this game just for that reason. Boise and Moore should roll in this game, and then FINALLY will Kellen Moore get put in some Heisman talk.

Over/Under on this face on TV Saturday Night: 8.5

#22 WEST VIRGINIA vs. #15 LSU  9:00 (why in the hell so late?) ESPN2

A couple of 3-0 teams that a lot of America thinks are smokeshows will be playing pretty late on Saturday night in Death Valley. West Virginia really got lucky against Marshall twoweeks ago, but rebounded pretty well against Maryland. LSU on the other hand, has played well the last 2 weeks after almost giving up a 3 score lead against North Carolina. WV can move the ball with Noel Devine and Geno Smith and will do so against LSU's defense which is good but not top 10 in America in scoring D good. On the other hand, Stevan Ridley has been a pretty good suprise to take the pressure off of Jordan Jefferson's forecasted tepid start. Three and three quarters star game here, I'm interested to see if LSU's defense can slow down Noel and Geno enough to have the offense keep up. Think LSU wins a very close low scoring game, take the unders if you get it (for entertainment purposes only, of course!).

Other games of note to keep an eye on: 

Northern Colorado at #25 Michigan State: thoughts to Mark D'Antonio, who officially has the biggest onions of any head coach in America after the fake FG winning throw against Notre Dame. Will be interesing to see how the Spartans come out after last week's events.

Virginia Tech at Boston College: The Hokies need this game more than anything, will not have fun against a Eagle defense that brings it at home. Tyrod needs a big game here because he doesn't have Ryan Williams.

UCLA at #7 Texas: Garrett Gilbert should get healthy after this game, and if he doesn't a lot of warning flags will go up. Also, you want to see how Will Muschamp will attack the Pistol formation.

Kentucky at #9 Florida: A game that looked way easier before the season than it does now for Florida and their offensive issues. Brantley had issues last week still, and it has to make you really wonder what's going to happen against teams like, oh, Bama.

#4 TCU at SMU (Friday night): SMU thinks they can play with the Horned Frogs in Dallas. TCU should roll, however I would love to see how many people make the 30 mile drive from Fort Worth to University Park.

THIS WEEK'S CONSUMABLES:

Most of you Northern types are starting to feel some chill in the air. I've been wanting some Chili, so here ya go..

Chunky Chicken and Chorizo Chili
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray

Ingredients
•1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan
•3/4 pound chorizo, chopped
•2 pounds ground chicken
•3 tablespoons chili powder, 3 palm fulls
•1 tablespoon ground cumin, a palm full
•1 onion, chopped
•3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
•1 red bell pepper, chopped
•1 (15-ounce) can red beans, drained
•1 bottle beer
•1 (28-ounce) can diced fire roasted tomatoes
•Salt
•6 cups chicken stock
•2 cups quick cooking polenta
•2 tablespoons butter
•2 scallions, finely chopped
•2 tablespoons freshly chopped thyme leaves


Directions

Heat a big, deep skillet over medium high heat with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. Add chorizo and render its fat, 2 minutes. Push the chorizo off to the sides of the pot and add chicken meat. Brown and crumble the chicken, 5 to 6 minutes. Season the chicken with chili powder and cumin while it cooks. Combine the onions, garlic, peppers and beans to meats and cook another 5 to 6 minutes. Stir the beer into the chili and reduce the liquid a minute then add the tomatoes and heat through. Season the chili with salt, to taste, and reduce heat to low.
Bring 6 cups stock to a boil in a medium pot, stir in polenta and keep stirring until the polenta masses and thickens to a porridge, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in butter, scallions and thyme and season with salt, to taste.
Fill bowls half way with polenta and make a well in the center. Fill up bowls with chili and serve.

Fantastic to eat through the whole day. As a beverage, Arnold Palmers will do the trick. Real Simple:

3/4 quart Lemonade
3/4 quart Iced Tea
1/2 quart Lemon Vodka or Limoncello (optional)

Stir together, enjoy

COACHES WHO REALLY NEED TO CHECK OUT MOVERS ON CRAIGSLIST:

Houston Nutt: we told you here first last week that Vandy wasn't a team to be ignored. Now Fresno State comes to Oxford. IF they lose this one... man, thought there were vultures around the program before... ugh

Ralph Friedgen: Maryland was fairly competitive last week but still lost against West Virginia. Florida International comes to town, and this game will be closer than people think.

Butch Davis: Even though Carolina is 0-2, they have fought very hard against two good teams (LSU, GT) and has been in both games till the end. Just imagine if the NCAA was done and things were back to normal. They could win this week at Rutgers, at the very least they will be in the game.

Mike Locksley: when there are rumors that Mike Leach could take over for you on your bye week, and people say he'd have LESS controversy than you, it's not a good thing.

THE HEISMAN WATCH:

Denard Robinson: didn't have a large letdown last week, think he needs to throw a little more to save his body for the whole year.

Ryan Mallett: you win this week sir, you will leapfrog to the number 1 spot no matter what Robinson does

Terrell Pryor: looked pretty good against Ohio last week. Made up for his mascot's lack of fight.

Taylor Martinez: tough first road start for anyone at Washington, and made them look very slow.

Now, what did DeLoss and Chip want me to say?
THE FINAL RANT:

Dan Beebe.. I have not heard one good word from anyone about him since June. Earlier this week, the Big 12 conference "negotiated" buyouts with Nebraska and Colorado so that both schools could leave the Conference by June 31st, making the Big 12 a ten team league. The big deal about this? Nebraska bought out for about $9.25 million, while Colorado got out for a little over $6 million. Beebe promised the remaining 10 schools that the total buyouts would go almost to $30 million dollars plus. I'm not a math major, but the combined total of a little over than $16 million doesn't really get there, in fact I'm pretty sure that's half. Now, I do get the point of the buyouts and not going to court, as to keep the confidential nature of the talks between all schools, conferences, and Beebe's office private. However, promising several teams $20 million dollars a share isn't a good idea, especially when the first promise you made fell through by a lot. Texas A&M AD Bill Byrne is still holding Beebe to his word that they will receive $20 million in revenue sharing for the 2011 season, as well he should. Beebe has kept telling people that the TV money will make up for this. Don't believe for one moment that ABC/FSN/Versus will double their payout for a conference that, while has one more conference game, will not have a conference title game in Arlington. The Big 12 current TV deal only televises 3 games a week, sometimes 4. I do see it possible that the fifth game will be televised, however I fully believe that the whole conference would not see that extra game (which means PPV more than likely). That could be the next rabbit Beebe pulls out of his hat, but there is no way ABC will pay more for it. Bottom line is this; do not believe anything that Beebe or anyone like Joe Schad or Chip Brown says about what could happen, it's all about what WILL happen.



Enjoy the games this week folks.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Who Will Win the Wild West?

No, not the American League West. Although, if the Rangers do what the Padres have done and lose 10 in a row. We could very well be having that discussion next week.Three weeks ago, San Diego was more or less running away with the division, they had a seven game lead on the San Fransisco Giants then they have a 10 game losing streak. They are doing right now what every manager hopes he never has to go through. They played great baseball for five months. But in the last 3 weeks everything has gone downhill. The Padres made trades for 2 hitters that really didn't pan out how they wanted so far. They picked up Miguel 'how old am I?' Tejada, and Ryan Ludwick. But, their run scoring really hasn't gotten much better. Really that's been their biggest problem all season. The pitching has been superb. From Cy Young contender Matt Latos to all-star closer Heath Bell. Perhaps they have too many innings on them? Your guess is as good as mine!

San Fransisco has come from nowhere to take over the division lead. Led by first baseman Aubrey Huff, and rookie catcher Buster Posey. Posey will probably be shorted in the voting for rookie of the year, although he has had the stuff to win. He's going to fall in that category of where he has enough games to not be called a rookie next season, but doesn't have enough games to really win the award this season. In reality, who wins the NL West comes down to 1 person. Barry Zito. If he shows up as good as he has a few times this year, the Giants staff is the best in the NL. But if he shows up as bad as we've seen him this year as well, then they are just a mediocre staff. Bullpen wise San Diego has the advantage. When you have the guy with the most strikeouts since the end of the 2007 season in Tim Lincecum, and Matt Cain added with a potential good Barry Zito, you have a very dangerous team for the NL playoffs. the Giants finish the season off with 3 games against the Padres in what will be a very big final series of the regular season.The Colorado Rockies have absolutely come unglued lately having won 10 in a row at one point and have currently won 18 out of their last 23 and are leading the Dodgers in the 5th inning 5-3 right now. With the Padres having already lost, and the Giants being 3 hit and shutout in the 6th inning against Milwaukee tonight. It looks as though at the end of the night the Rockies will be down 1.5 to the Giants in their division. The Rockies have played all they will play against the Padres and only have 3 games left against the Giants. They have been led this season by Ubaldo Jiminez and Carlos Gonzalez. CarGo leads the team in every offensive category, and what he has done this season has really overshadowed the good year that Troy Tulowitski has had.

In the end this is all going to come down to the last series with the Giants and Padres. If Bruce Bochy plays his cards right and can finegle his pitching staff to have Lincecum, Cain, and Zito in the last series against the Padres, I full expect them to win it all.

STUDY HALL- WEEK THREE.


(Editor's note... Study Hall is our weekly college football preview. Yes, I know it was called the Cheat Sheet.. that changed. Go back a few days and I explained why. HUZZAH!)

Come back soon Mike! I just can't quit you!!!
Week three of the college football season brings more intriguing matchup's while also kicking off conference games for certain teams. The great thing about starting the conference season for every team is that, no matter what happened at the start of the season, you still have a chance to win your conference. Some have better chances than others obviously, but it still gives you reasons to play on!  Onto the games and this week's gradescale. All times are Eastern (yes, I changed that too PAY ATTENTION DAMNIT!)
FIVE STARS: you're not doing anything other than keeping your butt on the couch. Whatever needs to be bought can be done either online or Sunday morning. Stay home no matter what.

FOUR STARS: you can leave in case the fridge or washer/dryer dies. But, whereever we go, I'm spending the time in the A/V side where the TV's are. Be careful of saying "get whatever you want honey", because you will be broke after that and won't be able to get the bowl tickets for Shreveport.

THREE STARS: it's okay to leave the house, because you got sattelite radio for this reason. You could tape the game to watch later, in case anything later or early Sunday is unwatchable.

TWO STARS: you have the ESPN app for that reason.

ONE STAR: yes, take me to the mall and do not let me see a television. This game is for the families involved and that's all.


Trust me... no? Why not?

#12 ARKANSAS at GEORGIA Noon-ESPN

Ryan Mallett and his million dollar arm hits Sanford Stadium and faces what should be a better Bulldog defense that got zero help in a loss last week to South Carolina. Mark Richt will be on a massive hotseat if he happens to lose this game and go 2 games under in SEC East play. With an offense that is borderline anemic with no rushing from Washaun Ealey, the defense is going to have to shut down Bobby Petrino's offense and Mallett's arm in order to win this game. The thing that sticks out to me here is that Arkanas hasn't really lit up the building yet, and that makes me wonder. Mark Schlabach is calling the upset of Arkansas here. UGA is the more desperate team here, so that's why I agree and think Georgia will win this one, close game though. Three and a half stars on this one, because the country wants to know how good Georgia's defense AND if Arkansas and Petrino/Mallett can go on the road and play well in conference.

Do you know me? You will soon enough.
#8 NEBRASKA vs. WASHINGTON   3:30- ABC Regional

This is the first test for Nebraska and a team that, while is a top 10 team, no one really knows about. The offense has been better, led by Redshirt Freshman Taylor Martinez, who is in the top 10 in America in rushing. While on the other side, Jake Locker and Steve Sarkasian will be facing the best pass efficency defense in America. If Locker really wants to be a Heisman contender the rest of the season, he MUST prove it against this defense. The problem is, throwing against Prince Amukumara, Alfonso Dennard, and (arguably) the best secondary in college football will hurt. Locker is a career 50% passer, and has shown at times that he rushes in the West Coast system that Sark has installed. Nebraska should win easily here, but it's not a given. The Huskers have not taken care of the ball well and seem sloppy at times offensively. Four star game here; to find out how good Nebraska will be in a tough road enviorment.

HEY KNOXVILLE, MISS MY ASS YET?

#10 FLORIDA vs. TENNESSEE    3:30-CBS

Urban Meyer came out Thursday and told the media how "really upset" he is that the Gators' FBall team can't stay out of trouble with the police. Unfortunately, the dismissal of WR Chris Rainey won't be the only issue this week for him, as he takes his team into Neyland Stadium and faces a Tennessee team that, for all intesive purposes, quit on themselves last week against Oregon. Matt Simms and Tauren Poole have been solid so far for the Vols, but this will be the first true test against a defense that has played fairly well this year so far. John Brantley and Jeffery Demps should have good days against this team, but part of me just wonders how this team, who has pretty much has god awful starts against Miami-Ohio and South Florida will start on the road in front of 100k+. Three and a half here, think Florida wins a ugly yet close game.

Jordan Jefferson didn't lose me another game I WIN BITCHES!
MISSISSIPPI STATE vs #15 LSU  7:00- ESPNU

First off, I don't get how this game got put on ESPNU while Clemson/Auburn made ESPN for the night (TIGERS! TIGERS! COLLEGE FOOTBALL ON ESPN!). However, I do believe that this game is more important because I want to see how much confidence Les Miles has in Jordan Jefferson. It's not like Jarrett Lee is a ton better (there's a reason LSU fan calls him "LottoLee", for all the pick 6's he pitches). Gary Crowton took his best other option at quarterback with Russell Shepard and put him at WR, and he's been one of the best running options this team has. Dan Mullen's Bulldogs, while playing well last week, couldn't stop Cam Newton. I give Miss.St. a pretty good chance in this game, considering they're playing a offense without a whole lot of conference Three stars on this one, pay attention to it while you're at Hooters/BWW as you watch other games.

Ah, the ripples this catch caused in 2008. (p.s.. Fowler's face is still money!!)
#6 TEXAS vs. TEXAS TECH  8:00-ABC National

This is Tommy Tubberville's first true test to see if he can handle the Big 12's self ordained kings team to beat. Mack Brown brings a team that has been considered underacheivers by most of their media followers to Lubbock. Gone is Mike Leach, Crabtree, Colt McCoy and Graham Harrell. Replacing them is Fozzy Whitaker, who has made life easier for Garrett Gilbert, and Taylor Potts, who is playing well enough to keep Steven Sheffield off the field. They will be facing a Texas Defense led by Sam Acho, who has given up a lot of yards but kept teams from scoring. If you're a Big 12 fan, especially in the South, this is Five Star as they get. Great conference opener for both teams, to find out how good Tech can be, and how Texas will handle the crowd at Jones ATT Stadium. A lot of people are calling for the Tech upset, I'm really iffy on this one. Gilbert's first true road game (against Rice, with 80% of 80k wearing burnt orange isn't a road game) , and the unknown of how Tech will respond against a great opponent.

Keep an eye on these games:

UMass at #20 Michigan: Hard to get up for this game after beating Notre Dame. And of course, to see what Denard Robinson does.

Maryland at #21 West Virginia: Bill Stewart got lucky as hell last week. Better focus this week.

Arizona State at #11 Wisconsin: Steven Threet comes to Camp Randall, can he sneak a upset?

Baylor at #4 TCU: Frogs had trouble with Jacquizz Rogers, lets see how they handle Robert Griffin

#9 Iowa at #24 Arizona: I'm not buying Zona being good. This team quit in the Holiday Bowl vs. Nebraska. Hawkeyes should roll in this one.


CONSUMABLES FOR THE WEEK:

Those wings last week and the Long Island's were pretty good I have to admit. This week, I'm feeling a little bit Mexican, so lets go Tacos for food. This one is a little elaborate though, have some friends help:

Skirt Steak Tacos with Roasted Tomato Salsa


Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay

Prep Time:15 min Inactive Prep Time:5 min Cook Time:10 min
Ingredients

•8 (6-inch) flour tortillas
•1 1/2 pounds skirt steak
•2 tablespoons canola oil
•Salt and freshly ground black pepper
•1/2 head romaine lettuce, thinly shredded
•1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
•1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, halved and diced
•Grilled Tomato Salsa, recipe follows
•8 ounces sour cream


Directions

Heat grill to high.
Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and on the top rack of the grill while the steak is grilling.
Heat grill pan over high heat. Brush steak with oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Grill on one side until golden brown and slightly charred, about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the steak over and cook to medium-rare doneness, about 3 to 4 minutes longer. Let rest 5 minutes then slice against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices.
Fill each tortilla with some lettuce, 3 to 4 pieces of meat, onion, grilled tomato salsa, sour cream, and avocado.

Grilled Tomato Salsa:

•2 tablespoons canola oil, plus more for brushing tomatoes
•2 serrano chiles
•1 small red onion, coarsely chopped
•4 cloves garlic, peeled
•6 plum tomatoes, halved and seeded
•Salt and freshly ground black pepper
•2 limes, juiced
•1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves


Heat grill to high.
Heat oil in a small saute pan and saute the chiles, onion, and garlic until soft.
Brush tomatoes with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill on both sides until slightly charred and soft.
Transfer tomatoes and serrano mixture to a food processor; add the lime juice and salt and pepper and process until smooth. Add the cilantro and pulse a few times (there should be flecks of cilantro in the salsa.) Transfer to a bowl.


Solid work. Beverage this week? Simple, keep with the theme.. SANGRIA:

Sangria Perea


Recipe courtesy Guy Fieri

Prep Time:5 min

Ingredients
•3 cups ice cubes
•1/4 cup lemon slices
•1/4 cup lime slices
•1/4 cup orange, slices
•1/4 cup pineapple chunks
•1/4 cup seedless grapes
•2 cups red wine
•1/2 cup peach brandy
•1 cup orange juice
•1 cup lemon/lime soda

Directions
In a pitcher, add all the ingredients and stir to combine. Ideally, you want to wait about 1 hour for the fruit and the wine to infuse each other, but you can drink it right away.

No mascots to hate on today. I'm full of love and all that mushy crap.

/whip
/mancard removal

Coaches checking their contracts to see how much their buyout is:

Ron Zook: Not fun times in Champagne at all right now. Northern Illinois comes to town this week, better win big. Even if it won't help, but winning huge is better than making it close, or losing.

Butch Davis: Even more interest of the bad type around the football program, no matter who isn't playing or coaching. It's bad when Roy Williams is distancing himself from you, and you share the same campus. And, to make it worse, you have a Georgia Tech team with a pissed off Paul Johnson and Joshua Nesbitt coming into town. Winning goes a long way, losing... not good.

Frank Beamer: You really can't go 0-3 against East Carolina.... can you???

Mike Locksley:  Ugly against Texas Tech, gonna get worse against Utah

Houston Nutt: Reverend Nutt BOY WE HANDLED THEM GREEN WAVE NOW DIDN'T WE DON'T LOOK AT THE SMOKESHOW I CALLED THAT PLAY BROTHER.... don't blink, Vandy is better than Jacksonville State (we simulated on NCAA '09, WE KNOW).

THE FINISHING RANT OF THE WEEK:

Lets look at one thing that bothers me about the Reggie Bush/USC/Heisman angle. Take away that the NCAA only punished the school over what they found with Bush's stories (or lack thereof) about being paid while in school, and his surrendering of the Heisman trophy. Think of the money that USC is still going to get paid for being in the PAC 10. Don't forget this one thing.. unless I am mistaken (and I'm fairly sure I am not, if I am, please put in the comments where I am and I will retract this), USC will still get equal bowl revenue from the bowl season that the PAC 10 will receive. In other words, even though they are on a post-season ban, they will get the same amount of $$$ that the last place team (more than likely Wazzu). How is this fair? Yes, I know they have gotten a lot of BCS bowl money for the conference, but that money was already going to end up in the conference. No matter if USC or someone else won the conference, the money was showing up. The only difference is if a second P-10 team made the BCS, and even then it was only a $5 million dollar extra payday. Outside of ticket sales (which schools keep a percentage after selling a certain number), each team got the same amount. The Stanfords got the same as the Cal's and the Washington's, even after the winless season. I already thought that USC should have lost all regional/national TV for the next 2 years, but what would have made a bigger impact is limiting what USC would get monetarily. They should have been made to forfeit a percentage (50% sounds fair) of their conference revenue. It's not like that school is going to hurt for money;  they sell out the L.A. Coliseum and do well on gate revenue as well as playing in a large market. The NCAA  is huge right now on going a little overboard on punishments for infractions (see Dez Bryant last year), this is a simple case where they didn't go hard enough.


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