The NFL announced its Pro Bowl rosters yesterday and 4 Carolina Panthers were named to the NFC squad. Jordan Gross and Julius Peppers will start while Steve Smith and Jon Beason will have to watch for a half. NC State will also be well represented in Hawaii as Adrian Wilson and Mario Williams were selected.
After being highly criticized for being drafted number 1 overall over Reggie Bush and Vince Young, Super Mario now has 29.5 sacks in only his third year. This season, Bush is averaging 3.8 yards per carry and has 440 receiving yards, accounting for just 6 touchdowns; hardly first pick numbers. And after suffering a minor knee injury in the first game of the season, Vince Young was ousted from his job by 36 year old Kerry Collins. Super Mario doesn't seem like such a terrible pick anymore, does it ESPN?
Former NC State QB Philip Rivers was not selected for this years Pro Bowl. This season, Rivers has thrown for 3,515 yards (3rd in AFC) and 28 touchdowns (tied for the league lead with Drew Brees although Rivers has attempted 119 less passes). He also leads the league with a passer rating of 101.4 and his 11 INTs are less than the three AFC Pro Bowl QBs. Sorry Rivers, no free trip to Hawaii this year. Let's just blame it on the BCS.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
I'm Back Like I Forgot Somethin...
When it comes to college football and the BCS, I have a tougher time makin up my mind than Brett Michaels does on "The Rock of Love." But after a little thinking, I may finally have it right.
Okay, I started thinking this while watching the Panthers game yesterday, when I was studying for exams. The biggest argument I hear from people to keep the BCS is because it makes for a more intense atmosphere, yet intensity still strives in the NFL. With the level of excitement I see in the NFL week in and week out, there will be ten times that at the college level. Think about students when they realize they can earn home field advantage for the playoffs, you think they won't get up and be just as focused on the field and just as loud in the stands. You tell me I have a chance for an extra tailgate at the fairgrounds and I'll even cheer for the band at halftime.
Some marquee match ups won't have the same at stake, but for every one of these games lost there will be three others with teams battling for playoff spots. In a system now where you have to strive for perfection over injuries, shaky refs, and bad luck I'm tired of seeing good teams lose one game and disappearing from the scene faster than Chedder Plaxes pistol. If you were dating Brook Burke you wouldn't rule out marriage if the one of twelve dates was terrible (Yes that is how I view my relationships, each date is a game during a season and with the national championship game being with the girl I marry....nah not really I just thought it was a cool analogy) If you really want more intensity from a college football game find a bookie and bet more than you can afford on the game, by the third quarter you'll have bigger sweat stains than Vitale in Cameron Indoor.
Think of the benefits of a playoff aside from just the on-field action. ESPN could conduct their own version of the cbs road to the final four selection show, using the college Gameday crew except replace Chris Fowler with Charles Barkley. Just imagine a camera focused on Barkley's face as Corso tries to explain his point of view, it'd look something like if you told a Raiders fan that Al Davis had a heart attack.....and lived.
Of course you would also have to add some inspirational song to recap the entire playoff after the championship game was over, since "one shining moment" is taken already I was thinking something by the Jonas Brothers maybe.
Okay, I started thinking this while watching the Panthers game yesterday, when I was studying for exams. The biggest argument I hear from people to keep the BCS is because it makes for a more intense atmosphere, yet intensity still strives in the NFL. With the level of excitement I see in the NFL week in and week out, there will be ten times that at the college level. Think about students when they realize they can earn home field advantage for the playoffs, you think they won't get up and be just as focused on the field and just as loud in the stands. You tell me I have a chance for an extra tailgate at the fairgrounds and I'll even cheer for the band at halftime.
Some marquee match ups won't have the same at stake, but for every one of these games lost there will be three others with teams battling for playoff spots. In a system now where you have to strive for perfection over injuries, shaky refs, and bad luck I'm tired of seeing good teams lose one game and disappearing from the scene faster than Chedder Plaxes pistol. If you were dating Brook Burke you wouldn't rule out marriage if the one of twelve dates was terrible (Yes that is how I view my relationships, each date is a game during a season and with the national championship game being with the girl I marry....nah not really I just thought it was a cool analogy) If you really want more intensity from a college football game find a bookie and bet more than you can afford on the game, by the third quarter you'll have bigger sweat stains than Vitale in Cameron Indoor.
Think of the benefits of a playoff aside from just the on-field action. ESPN could conduct their own version of the cbs road to the final four selection show, using the college Gameday crew except replace Chris Fowler with Charles Barkley. Just imagine a camera focused on Barkley's face as Corso tries to explain his point of view, it'd look something like if you told a Raiders fan that Al Davis had a heart attack.....and lived.
Of course you would also have to add some inspirational song to recap the entire playoff after the championship game was over, since "one shining moment" is taken already I was thinking something by the Jonas Brothers maybe.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
10 Movies I Don't Care About
Just look below. What I do care about is how the Panthers demolished the Broncos today, giving them a two game division lead over Tampa Bay and Atlanta. After giving up 10 quick points to the Broncos on their first 2 possessions, the defense shut down Cutler in the second half, holding him to just 172 yards and 1 touchdown for the game. The Panthers were led by Steve Smith, who finished with 9 catches for 165 yards and a touchdown, and again by a dominating run game late. Smash and Dash, or whatever they are called now since LenDale White and Chris Johnson said they created it first, combined for 140 yards and 2 touchdowns. This win gives the Panthers an 11-3 record, tied for first in the NFC after the Giants loss to the Cowboys. So with a win next week against the Giants, the Panthers would clinch first in the NFC and earn home field advantage in the playoffs. The Panthers and Giants will play on Sunday Night Football next week so prepare yourself for John Madden and his ramblings about food and who knows what else.
I would like to end by saying the Panthers appear to be peaking at the right time, beating some decent teams lately and playing their best football of the season. But next week's game will be key for the Panthers because of many reasons, the first of which I touched on before. The Panthers are 8-0 this season in Charlotte. Finishing first in the NFC and getting home field advantage throughout the playoffs will make the road to the Super Bowl a little easier. Furthermore, the Giants are one of the best teams in the NFL this year and to be the best, at some point you will have to beat the best. And if the Panthers are going to get to the Super Bowl, the defending champion Giants will likely be the team to beat in the NFC. Knowing you can beat them will make it that much easier later. Finally and possibly most importantly, we have seen in recent years how important momentum is for a team going into the playoffs and a win in New York will add to the momentum they have gained over the ladder portion of the season. So expect a tough, hard fought game next week as there is a lot on the line for both teams.
I would like to end by saying the Panthers appear to be peaking at the right time, beating some decent teams lately and playing their best football of the season. But next week's game will be key for the Panthers because of many reasons, the first of which I touched on before. The Panthers are 8-0 this season in Charlotte. Finishing first in the NFC and getting home field advantage throughout the playoffs will make the road to the Super Bowl a little easier. Furthermore, the Giants are one of the best teams in the NFL this year and to be the best, at some point you will have to beat the best. And if the Panthers are going to get to the Super Bowl, the defending champion Giants will likely be the team to beat in the NFC. Knowing you can beat them will make it that much easier later. Finally and possibly most importantly, we have seen in recent years how important momentum is for a team going into the playoffs and a win in New York will add to the momentum they have gained over the ladder portion of the season. So expect a tough, hard fought game next week as there is a lot on the line for both teams.
Top 5 Childhood Sports Movies
In contrast to Scooter's top 5 movies, we need to take a look at our sports movies of our childhood. We watched these movies in repetition, passing a rainy day we could not be outside. I don't know anyone that would not stop and still watch these movies if passed while flipping through channels. Lets take a look at my top 5 children sports movies:
5. Angels in the Outfield
This movie shows us the importance of family while incorporating crazy and funny antics that any kid, or adult, will find funny. Roger and J.P. make this movie and manager George Knox, played by Danny Glover, is a perfect complement. We also remember the crazy angle Al, Tony Danza playing the old pitcher and of course the fat catcher who somehow shatters his bat and still manages to hit a home run.
4. Rookie of the Year/Little Big League
I've grouped these together because I would always get them confused as a kid. Rookie of the Year has Henry Rowengartner throw the "stinky cheese" and learn about pitching from the insane and awesome Gary Busey. While Little Big League has Billy Haywood name himself the manager of the Twins and gain the respect of the fans and players alike. I'm giving the nod to Rookie of the Year here but both movies need a mention.
3. The Mighty Ducks
Coach Bombey, the kid from Dawson's Creek, and the token fat and hilarious kid Goldburg. This movie brought awareness of hockey to children living in areas where hockey was not big. We all experienced some street hockey doing the Flying V or the Knuckle Puck (D2).
2. Little Giants
Rooting for the underdog was never as great was pulling for the Little Giants and Danny O'Shea as they took on the Al Bundy and Cowboys in this movie. In this David vs. Goliath match up we get to see the group of misfits not picked to play for the Cowboys, work as a team and take them down. We get the Ice Box, Junior, Hot Hands catching TP, the token fat kid again, and the kind of dorky but lovable kid that runs into the upright at the end of the movie. Chicken little flee flicker and the best football play ever the Annexation of Puerto Rico.
1. The Sandlot
"You play ball like a girl." Enough said.
5. Angels in the Outfield
This movie shows us the importance of family while incorporating crazy and funny antics that any kid, or adult, will find funny. Roger and J.P. make this movie and manager George Knox, played by Danny Glover, is a perfect complement. We also remember the crazy angle Al, Tony Danza playing the old pitcher and of course the fat catcher who somehow shatters his bat and still manages to hit a home run.
4. Rookie of the Year/Little Big League
I've grouped these together because I would always get them confused as a kid. Rookie of the Year has Henry Rowengartner throw the "stinky cheese" and learn about pitching from the insane and awesome Gary Busey. While Little Big League has Billy Haywood name himself the manager of the Twins and gain the respect of the fans and players alike. I'm giving the nod to Rookie of the Year here but both movies need a mention.
3. The Mighty Ducks
Coach Bombey, the kid from Dawson's Creek, and the token fat and hilarious kid Goldburg. This movie brought awareness of hockey to children living in areas where hockey was not big. We all experienced some street hockey doing the Flying V or the Knuckle Puck (D2).
2. Little Giants
Rooting for the underdog was never as great was pulling for the Little Giants and Danny O'Shea as they took on the Al Bundy and Cowboys in this movie. In this David vs. Goliath match up we get to see the group of misfits not picked to play for the Cowboys, work as a team and take them down. We get the Ice Box, Junior, Hot Hands catching TP, the token fat kid again, and the kind of dorky but lovable kid that runs into the upright at the end of the movie. Chicken little flee flicker and the best football play ever the Annexation of Puerto Rico.
1. The Sandlot
"You play ball like a girl." Enough said.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Scooter's Top 5 Sports Movies
I have always been a big fan of sports movies. In general, they usually suck but when they do actually deliver, they are usually incredible movies that you have to watch anytime you see them on television. It was incredibly difficult for me to narrow this list down to 5, but alas I have come up with it. If you haven't seen any of these movies, DO IT NOW! IT'S THE HOLIDAYS!
5) Blue Chips- Nick Nolte is a successful college basketball coach who is finding the landscape of college athletics to be changing before his eyes. No longer can he recruit the top players in the country, as other schools are resorting to "illegal" recruiting by paying players and offering extravagant gifts. He finally relents and joins in on the madness as he desperately wants to get his program back on track. To top it all off, Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway also star in this controversial movie. Also look out for cameos by Bobby Knight, Rick Pitino, and Dick Vitale.
4) Field of Dreams- An all-time classic. One of Kevin Costner's two good movies. Ray Kinsella is a hippie farmer with a love for baseball who hears voices that tell him to build a baseball on his farm. His quest to find out the purpose behind all of this and the purpose of life leads him through baseball lore, and eventually to his father. Even if you aren't a fan of baseball, it is impossible to not like this movie.
3) Rocky- This story can be an inspiration for anyone. Rocky Balboa (Sly Stallone) is a bottom-of-the-barrel boxer in Philadelphia who is struggling just to make enough money to pay his bills. He has the classic tough-guy persona with a "will" to accomplish anything. When he is given a pity shot at the heavyweight title, nobody gives him a chance at lasting more than a few rounds. How will he fare? You'll have to watch to find out. Here is a hint: they made 5 more movies after this one.
2) Remember the Titans- This story detailing the racial tensions prevailing in a recently desegregated Virginia high school is something that everyone can enjoy. Denzel Jackson is the leader of this troubled football team that is spending too much time trying to beat each other rather than beating the other teams. It should also be noted that this is a true story and not only will you have a greater appreciation for respecting other people, but there are plenty of laughs along the way.
1) Caddyshack- This movie has enough quotes in it to last you forever. I really don't think anybody has ever stepped onto a golf course and been able to refrain from referencing this movie. It usually even has a daily quote from those "creative" Sportscenter announcers. I really don't even know how to give a plot summary for this movie. I guess if I could sum it up in two words, they would be "pure hilarity." Check it out.
5) Blue Chips- Nick Nolte is a successful college basketball coach who is finding the landscape of college athletics to be changing before his eyes. No longer can he recruit the top players in the country, as other schools are resorting to "illegal" recruiting by paying players and offering extravagant gifts. He finally relents and joins in on the madness as he desperately wants to get his program back on track. To top it all off, Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway also star in this controversial movie. Also look out for cameos by Bobby Knight, Rick Pitino, and Dick Vitale.
4) Field of Dreams- An all-time classic. One of Kevin Costner's two good movies. Ray Kinsella is a hippie farmer with a love for baseball who hears voices that tell him to build a baseball on his farm. His quest to find out the purpose behind all of this and the purpose of life leads him through baseball lore, and eventually to his father. Even if you aren't a fan of baseball, it is impossible to not like this movie.
3) Rocky- This story can be an inspiration for anyone. Rocky Balboa (Sly Stallone) is a bottom-of-the-barrel boxer in Philadelphia who is struggling just to make enough money to pay his bills. He has the classic tough-guy persona with a "will" to accomplish anything. When he is given a pity shot at the heavyweight title, nobody gives him a chance at lasting more than a few rounds. How will he fare? You'll have to watch to find out. Here is a hint: they made 5 more movies after this one.
2) Remember the Titans- This story detailing the racial tensions prevailing in a recently desegregated Virginia high school is something that everyone can enjoy. Denzel Jackson is the leader of this troubled football team that is spending too much time trying to beat each other rather than beating the other teams. It should also be noted that this is a true story and not only will you have a greater appreciation for respecting other people, but there are plenty of laughs along the way.
1) Caddyshack- This movie has enough quotes in it to last you forever. I really don't think anybody has ever stepped onto a golf course and been able to refrain from referencing this movie. It usually even has a daily quote from those "creative" Sportscenter announcers. I really don't even know how to give a plot summary for this movie. I guess if I could sum it up in two words, they would be "pure hilarity." Check it out.
Reynolds Coliseum
Today's game at Reynolds Coliseum marked the last time I will see the Wolfpack play there as a student. While the Pack has only played there just a few times in the past few years, the experiences from these games will last a lifetime. My favorite memory of Reynolds Coliseum as a student, and I had some good ones as a child, was the NIT game 2 years ago. Sidney Lowe's first year ended in a great run through the ACC Tournament and I realize how disappointing this is, but the Pack was able to play themselves into the NIT. After an opening round win against Drexel, the Pack earned a home game against Marist. With the RBC booked, the game was forced to be played at Reynolds. Students and alumni were buzzing about a competitive game back in "the house that Case built." While an official camp out was not planned, so much excitement forced students who wanted a ticket to get in line early. We got there at about midnight and were close to the front, staying there in the cold until morning. The game was like no other. Packed full of red and white, Reynolds is the loudest building I have ever been inside. The Pack beat Marist 69-62 that night and won every other game there during my four years including today's 74-46 victory over Winston Salem State.
I will never forget these games played in Reynolds because of the great atmosphere Reynolds is in today's world of multi-million dollar mega stadiums. It is very refreshing to see the pack in a building that has so much history. For young people like me, I hope Sidney continues to schedule a few games each year in Reynolds so future students can experience Reynolds the way our parents did and talk so much about. Here are some links so you can experience some of this rich past.
Crowd | Jimmy V | Room of Dreams
I will never forget these games played in Reynolds because of the great atmosphere Reynolds is in today's world of multi-million dollar mega stadiums. It is very refreshing to see the pack in a building that has so much history. For young people like me, I hope Sidney continues to schedule a few games each year in Reynolds so future students can experience Reynolds the way our parents did and talk so much about. Here are some links so you can experience some of this rich past.
Crowd | Jimmy V | Room of Dreams
Friday, December 12, 2008
No-one on the Field has Swagger like Us....
When I was reading about the Carolina Panthers and their game against the Broncos, one question kept popping up, how is this team 10-3. The Panthers are in the top 10 in the league in only one category: total rushing yards per game. They have a less than mediocre +3 turnover ratio, and have the 10th most penalties, yet sit with the 3rd best record in the NFL.
The Panthers have what teams like the Saints and Chargers don't have (anymore): Swagger. Yes, the term coined by rap artist does have a place in sports. It's that noticeable edge a team seems to has as it takes the field, the feeling they give you that no matter what may happen, there's no way they are going to fall because they aren't afraid to play their game. You can't teach swagger, you can't buy it, and you can't fake it, that's why its so important to exploit as much as you can when a team has it. The team is showing more and more swagger as the season goes on. To be a team with it, you have to be exactly that, a team. The Cowboys had it before the year started, before TO could swaggerjack the entire team for theirs. Owens couldn't survive with so much swagger around him, he had to hog it for himself.
Everyone on the Panthers adds to this swagger. Everyone. Yes, even Jake Delhomme has it. At the end of games its when Jakey throws the ball 40 yards down field while Panther fans look more scared than Happy did at the end of Blue Chips. In his case, swagger is the fact that he knows he is a decent quarterback, but even more important, he is gonna throw this ball no matter how good he actually is. Thats because he trusts how good his team is and isn't scared. [quick side note, can you imagine Terrel Owens coming to the Panthers with Jake Delhomme as quarterback. Seriously, do you think TO would even bother trying to get into Jake's mind, or do you think he would just eat at KFC instead of Bojangles.]
The Broncos this Sunday could turn into a game. Shanahan has a ridiculous 5 running backs on the IR and had to re-sign free agent Tatum Bell, this means one thing.......Cutler is gonna pass. Which means our D-Line will not be the focus like it was against the Bucs...which means our DBs are gonna be the focus...which means Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble are big time players for this game...shit. Both have to play a better game than they did Monday when they couldn't have covered Ralph Friedgen running a route. By the way, if either of the recievers have two or three steps on them but Cutler overthrows them so the pass is incomplete, you can't run up and down the field motioning incomplete and yelling "its ova!" just jog back to the huddle with your head down.
With Smash and Dash going up against the Broncos terrible run defense, the Panthers should have this game, hopefully completing the first game in the modern era without attempting a pass.
The Panthers have what teams like the Saints and Chargers don't have (anymore): Swagger. Yes, the term coined by rap artist does have a place in sports. It's that noticeable edge a team seems to has as it takes the field, the feeling they give you that no matter what may happen, there's no way they are going to fall because they aren't afraid to play their game. You can't teach swagger, you can't buy it, and you can't fake it, that's why its so important to exploit as much as you can when a team has it. The team is showing more and more swagger as the season goes on. To be a team with it, you have to be exactly that, a team. The Cowboys had it before the year started, before TO could swaggerjack the entire team for theirs. Owens couldn't survive with so much swagger around him, he had to hog it for himself.
Everyone on the Panthers adds to this swagger. Everyone. Yes, even Jake Delhomme has it. At the end of games its when Jakey throws the ball 40 yards down field while Panther fans look more scared than Happy did at the end of Blue Chips. In his case, swagger is the fact that he knows he is a decent quarterback, but even more important, he is gonna throw this ball no matter how good he actually is. Thats because he trusts how good his team is and isn't scared. [quick side note, can you imagine Terrel Owens coming to the Panthers with Jake Delhomme as quarterback. Seriously, do you think TO would even bother trying to get into Jake's mind, or do you think he would just eat at KFC instead of Bojangles.]
The Broncos this Sunday could turn into a game. Shanahan has a ridiculous 5 running backs on the IR and had to re-sign free agent Tatum Bell, this means one thing.......Cutler is gonna pass. Which means our D-Line will not be the focus like it was against the Bucs...which means our DBs are gonna be the focus...which means Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble are big time players for this game...shit. Both have to play a better game than they did Monday when they couldn't have covered Ralph Friedgen running a route. By the way, if either of the recievers have two or three steps on them but Cutler overthrows them so the pass is incomplete, you can't run up and down the field motioning incomplete and yelling "its ova!" just jog back to the huddle with your head down.
With Smash and Dash going up against the Broncos terrible run defense, the Panthers should have this game, hopefully completing the first game in the modern era without attempting a pass.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
What Time Is It?
It's that time of year again boys and girls!!! Christmas is just around the corner...only 14 days for all you parents waiting until the last minute (cough cough). But that's not what I'm here for. Exam time you ask? Sure is and I haven't slept since umm...what day is it again? But still wrong. If you guessed Baseball's Winter Meetings, then you sir are correct. But seriously, get a life.
The headlines dominate ESPN and other sporting news outlets. Rumor after rumor, it's like a 12 year old girl's birthday party. Mlb.com even has a scoreboard to keep track of trades and free agent signings. The big news out of these meetings came yesterday when C.C. Sabathia (insert obligatory hometown Burlington Indians shout-out here) signed the richest contract ever for a pitcher, $161 million over 7 years. Who with? The hated Yankees. Now I am not here to evaluate this deal from a baseball point of view and I first want to say C.C. deserves every penny he can get, but this deal comes just days after the "beloved by too many" Yanks and Hank Steinbrenner asked the city for MORE money to pay for their new stadium. That sucks for tax paying non-baseball fans in New York. But that is a whole other story (see professional sports in today's economy).
And Hank will not settle for just C.C., he is still looking to acquire the rest of the free agent market - I mean just pitchers named A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, and Ben Sheets. And who knows how much he will pay for them. But I guess whatever worked in the past. Wait, they didn't make the playoffs last year? Yea, that's right. The old veterans lost the race to a young, built from the draft, the way teams are supposed to work Rays. The cumulative salaries of the Rays last season was less than just A-Rod. How about that for a trade? So I offer Hank a lesson, build a solid foundation of young and hard-working players who want to prove themselves. Then fill in the holes with your millions.
Finally, advice for Major League Baseball, give the small markets a chance by regulating team or player salaries so New York and Boston can't buy all the talent other teams work so work hard to produce. And good luck on exams and searching the malls for gifts this holiday season.
The headlines dominate ESPN and other sporting news outlets. Rumor after rumor, it's like a 12 year old girl's birthday party. Mlb.com even has a scoreboard to keep track of trades and free agent signings. The big news out of these meetings came yesterday when C.C. Sabathia (insert obligatory hometown Burlington Indians shout-out here) signed the richest contract ever for a pitcher, $161 million over 7 years. Who with? The hated Yankees. Now I am not here to evaluate this deal from a baseball point of view and I first want to say C.C. deserves every penny he can get, but this deal comes just days after the "beloved by too many" Yanks and Hank Steinbrenner asked the city for MORE money to pay for their new stadium. That sucks for tax paying non-baseball fans in New York. But that is a whole other story (see professional sports in today's economy).
And Hank will not settle for just C.C., he is still looking to acquire the rest of the free agent market - I mean just pitchers named A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, and Ben Sheets. And who knows how much he will pay for them. But I guess whatever worked in the past. Wait, they didn't make the playoffs last year? Yea, that's right. The old veterans lost the race to a young, built from the draft, the way teams are supposed to work Rays. The cumulative salaries of the Rays last season was less than just A-Rod. How about that for a trade? So I offer Hank a lesson, build a solid foundation of young and hard-working players who want to prove themselves. Then fill in the holes with your millions.
Finally, advice for Major League Baseball, give the small markets a chance by regulating team or player salaries so New York and Boston can't buy all the talent other teams work so work hard to produce. And good luck on exams and searching the malls for gifts this holiday season.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Your Gonna Miss the AFL more than you think...
So the Arena Football League is taking a year off to work out some kinks in their business structure. No biggie right, I mean after a year passes we'll be watching Jon Bon Jovi in the owners dreaming for a surprise halftime performance. Wrong! Think about this, the AFL starts up every year around the same time the NFL finishes, smart so all football fans will want to continue watching games and they won't forget how much they love to drink beer and explain their vast knowledge of the game upon friends.
In the summer months, after the NBA and NHL playoffs finish up, sports slow down....literally. NASCAR is a commercial sport (you flip over and watch during commercials of real sports), and PGA and MLB both have too much down time during games. Plus, fans can't get too up or down about baseball since there are more games in a season than there are Paton Oswalt jokes I haven't laughed at.
Sports fans need an occasional fast paced, hard hitting atmosphere that the AFL offered us. Don't believe me, imagine a Sportscenter top 10 plays countdown in mid July 2009.....did you think of a couple long balls, diving catches, occasional hole-in-one and some how-is-that-still-a-league WNBA stuff...I thought so. There needs to be kick returns, concussions handed out, and fan interference interceptions. And this very well could have been the year the next Kurt Warner arrived.
Since they are dropping the AFL for '09, I'm gonna propose the XFL tries to make a one year comeback. How awesome was this league, nowhere else can players get season ending injuries just trying to win the coin toss. Recreate this league, keep the cheerleaders and sweet rules,only make the Detroit Lions play in it if they do go "overfeated"[Thanks B.S.] this year. Honestly, who wouldn't watch them struggle to beat a team of washed up D-II players who are managed by none other than Matt Millan.
In the summer months, after the NBA and NHL playoffs finish up, sports slow down....literally. NASCAR is a commercial sport (you flip over and watch during commercials of real sports), and PGA and MLB both have too much down time during games. Plus, fans can't get too up or down about baseball since there are more games in a season than there are Paton Oswalt jokes I haven't laughed at.
Sports fans need an occasional fast paced, hard hitting atmosphere that the AFL offered us. Don't believe me, imagine a Sportscenter top 10 plays countdown in mid July 2009.....did you think of a couple long balls, diving catches, occasional hole-in-one and some how-is-that-still-a-league WNBA stuff...I thought so. There needs to be kick returns, concussions handed out, and fan interference interceptions. And this very well could have been the year the next Kurt Warner arrived.
Since they are dropping the AFL for '09, I'm gonna propose the XFL tries to make a one year comeback. How awesome was this league, nowhere else can players get season ending injuries just trying to win the coin toss. Recreate this league, keep the cheerleaders and sweet rules,only make the Detroit Lions play in it if they do go "overfeated"[Thanks B.S.] this year. Honestly, who wouldn't watch them struggle to beat a team of washed up D-II players who are managed by none other than Matt Millan.
Bobcats Trade
Leading scorer Jason Richardson and forward Jared Dudley were traded to the Phoenix Suns for guard Raja Bell, forward Boris Diaw and rookie point guard Sean Singletary. The Suns will also receive the Bobcats 2010 2nd round draft pick. Bell, 32, was named to the NBA All-Defensive first team in 2007 and the All-Defensive second team last season. Diaw, 26, was averaging 8 points and 4 rebounds in 24 minutes a game for the Suns this season. You all remember Sean Singletary from UVA when he ran circles around NCSU. I believe the Suns win big here acquiring Richardson as SG was a big need for them. The Bobcats lose their leading scorer but Diaw is a good young player who has played well when the Suns have needed him. We will have to wait and see how it works out for the 'Cats but on the surface, this trade does not appear to be what they need.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Best Part About Being a Bobcats Fan?......Fantasy Teams
Creating an NBA fantasy team is like producing a Hollywood movie. You go out and try to get a big name guy that will bring in the biggest numbers, get a respectable cast who can do their job with no distractions, add a up-and comer, and stick a goofy member who nobody knows why is involved but makes the crowd smile.
Over the years I have found that the most trouble for me is detaching myself from the players on my favorite team to take the best available fantasy player. I call this paradox Phony Fan Expectations Syndrome (PFES), causing owners worldwide to convince themselves that there is good reason to take the players they cheer for over those who statistically will contribute more to the team. I have shifted my current and past fantasy players into 6 categories to give you an understanding as to how and why we can cheer for each of the players.
1) Fresh Princes - The players still topping out(the King), you watch highlights of them night in and night out because lets face it, whatever they do is great and can make any team good, as does Will Smith. You can't get more than one of these due to fantasy sizes and salary caps.
2) Cruisers - You hate to cheer for these players because away from their practice (Ron Artest), they are typically insane attention grabbers who embarrass themselves (see Tom Cruise). Nevertheless, you can still cheer for them because when on the playing field, they still bring it home. Don't get more than two or you'll look like your grasping for attention.
3) Eastwoods - Kobes' and Tim Duncans, the veteran players who still have it. Past their prime but you take them because no matter what they do, they compile numbers, at this phase intimidation alone beats others, like Clint Eastwood. Get two or more if you are feelin lucky. Do ya punk?
3) Col. Jessups - The guy you love to cheer for, but should have retired a while ago (Shaq). Still puts up numbers, but makes people forget how good they were (see The Bucket List and As Good as it Gets for Jack Nicholson). You take them because you have to out of respect.
4) CTZs - Easy to cheer for - good looking players who don't take over games every night, but always achieves and will have the outstanding performance often enough to not let you forget the name, think Hedo Turkoglu. See Catherine Zeta-Jones and her accomplishments.
5) Carusos - The draft pick you are most embarrassed of but allows you to be over-dramatic after a win (slow glasses removal per Horatio Caine) or gives you an out for losses (who wants to have this guy in your movie). As bad as they may seem, they are faithful to one cast and somehow stick around and give you decent numbers on selective nights.
6) Hanna Montanas - Lastly, the risky rookie you take hoping to make it in the bigs so if they do, you can send that email out that you wrote last week about how your the best fantasy GM and your smarter than Chad Ford. Think Greg Oden and his injury history here.
Finding reasons to be able to cheer for players of other teams can be rough on sports fans because you can't show support for various teams, but as a Bobcats fan I am lucky enough to not have to worry about that, seeing as how there is nothing to cheer for in the first place.
Over the years I have found that the most trouble for me is detaching myself from the players on my favorite team to take the best available fantasy player. I call this paradox Phony Fan Expectations Syndrome (PFES), causing owners worldwide to convince themselves that there is good reason to take the players they cheer for over those who statistically will contribute more to the team. I have shifted my current and past fantasy players into 6 categories to give you an understanding as to how and why we can cheer for each of the players.
1) Fresh Princes - The players still topping out(the King), you watch highlights of them night in and night out because lets face it, whatever they do is great and can make any team good, as does Will Smith. You can't get more than one of these due to fantasy sizes and salary caps.
2) Cruisers - You hate to cheer for these players because away from their practice (Ron Artest), they are typically insane attention grabbers who embarrass themselves (see Tom Cruise). Nevertheless, you can still cheer for them because when on the playing field, they still bring it home. Don't get more than two or you'll look like your grasping for attention.
3) Eastwoods - Kobes' and Tim Duncans, the veteran players who still have it. Past their prime but you take them because no matter what they do, they compile numbers, at this phase intimidation alone beats others, like Clint Eastwood. Get two or more if you are feelin lucky. Do ya punk?
3) Col. Jessups - The guy you love to cheer for, but should have retired a while ago (Shaq). Still puts up numbers, but makes people forget how good they were (see The Bucket List and As Good as it Gets for Jack Nicholson). You take them because you have to out of respect.
4) CTZs - Easy to cheer for - good looking players who don't take over games every night, but always achieves and will have the outstanding performance often enough to not let you forget the name, think Hedo Turkoglu. See Catherine Zeta-Jones and her accomplishments.
5) Carusos - The draft pick you are most embarrassed of but allows you to be over-dramatic after a win (slow glasses removal per Horatio Caine) or gives you an out for losses (who wants to have this guy in your movie). As bad as they may seem, they are faithful to one cast and somehow stick around and give you decent numbers on selective nights.
6) Hanna Montanas - Lastly, the risky rookie you take hoping to make it in the bigs so if they do, you can send that email out that you wrote last week about how your the best fantasy GM and your smarter than Chad Ford. Think Greg Oden and his injury history here.
Finding reasons to be able to cheer for players of other teams can be rough on sports fans because you can't show support for various teams, but as a Bobcats fan I am lucky enough to not have to worry about that, seeing as how there is nothing to cheer for in the first place.
"The Mullet"
Everyone's favorite hockey analyst, Barry "The Mullet" Melrose, is returning to ESPN after recently being fired by the dumbest team in the NHL, the Tampa Bay Lightning. How do you fire a guy that was working with a team with the least amount of talent in the league and had them at only 1 game under a .500 record? To top it off, Tampa was probably selling extra tickets just by having the charismatic coach behind the bench. In the eleven games the Lightning have played since firing him, they have only won a single game. Sounds like a candidate for dumbest move of the year to me. Way to give one of the smartest minds in hockey 4.5 months to turn things around.
The great thing about Melrose though is that he will always tell it like it is. In a recent interview, he stated that he hopes the Lightning don't win another game all year, and that any other coach that gets fired mid-season feels the same way. I personally can't wait to get the guy back on television so I can hear more of the same from him. I remember back when the Hurricanes won the cup, before the season he called us a darkhorse when everyone else was predicting us to finish in the bottom 3 of the league. He also picked the Canes to win it all at about midseason and never waivered from that. So he has my endorsement. He's never let anyone tell him that the mullet has gone out of style either.
Professional Sports in Today's Economy
In a time when player’s contracts continue to rise to new heights (Alex Rodriguez will make $27.5 million each year until 2017 from the New York Yankees) we forget that sports are not invincible to our ailing economy. Today, NFL commissioner Rodger Goodell announced the layoff of about 150 of its 1,100 member staff in New York, NFL Films in New Jersey, and television and internet production facilities in Los Angeles. These layoffs are not the first in professional sports this year as NASCAR (starting in July), the NBA (September), and Major League Baseball Advanced Media eliminated 5% of its jobs Monday.
But at first glance, professional sports do seem to be invincible to economic troubles in the United States. The 2008 Major League Baseball regular season attendance was the second highest mark in history, drawing 78,624,324, only slightly less than 2007. When factoring in that 10 games were never played due to inclement weather, 2008 could have been another record year. Still, the National League and seven teams set attendance records. In 2007, the NFL set a regular season paid attendance record for the 5th year in a row, averaging 67,738 per game. Thus far, the 2008 season shows no signs of weakness for the NFL. Considering the average NFL ticket has jumped about $5 each year for the past four seasons to a league wide $72.20 in 2008, where are the weaknesses in professional sports causing these layoffs?
While popularity, attendance, and ticket prices are reaching record levels in professional sports, corporate sponsorships are leaving the sports world like UNC fans in third quarter of a 41-10 thrashing at the paws of the Wolfpack. On November 24, Buick and General Motors seeking to cut costs announced the end of their 9 year contract with Tiger Woods. And DHL may be forced to end its sponsorship of the Atlanta Braves following the termination of 14,900 employees. While the economy is not nearly bad enough to send the major sports packing just yet, cycling fans were disappointed to hear the Tour de Georgia, one of the marquee road races in the United States was canceled in 2009 because of lack of sponsorship. That’s right, canceled; this alone shows how much sponsorships mean to the success of professional sports. Fans alone cannot pay for the stars we love to watch, professional sport franchises will need corporate sponsorships to pay for D-Wade and Lebron in 2010.
But at first glance, professional sports do seem to be invincible to economic troubles in the United States. The 2008 Major League Baseball regular season attendance was the second highest mark in history, drawing 78,624,324, only slightly less than 2007. When factoring in that 10 games were never played due to inclement weather, 2008 could have been another record year. Still, the National League and seven teams set attendance records. In 2007, the NFL set a regular season paid attendance record for the 5th year in a row, averaging 67,738 per game. Thus far, the 2008 season shows no signs of weakness for the NFL. Considering the average NFL ticket has jumped about $5 each year for the past four seasons to a league wide $72.20 in 2008, where are the weaknesses in professional sports causing these layoffs?
While popularity, attendance, and ticket prices are reaching record levels in professional sports, corporate sponsorships are leaving the sports world like UNC fans in third quarter of a 41-10 thrashing at the paws of the Wolfpack. On November 24, Buick and General Motors seeking to cut costs announced the end of their 9 year contract with Tiger Woods. And DHL may be forced to end its sponsorship of the Atlanta Braves following the termination of 14,900 employees. While the economy is not nearly bad enough to send the major sports packing just yet, cycling fans were disappointed to hear the Tour de Georgia, one of the marquee road races in the United States was canceled in 2009 because of lack of sponsorship. That’s right, canceled; this alone shows how much sponsorships mean to the success of professional sports. Fans alone cannot pay for the stars we love to watch, professional sport franchises will need corporate sponsorships to pay for D-Wade and Lebron in 2010.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Panthers Run Past Bucs
Carolina Panthers' running back DeAngelo Williams rushed for 186 yards and 2 touchdowns on 19 carries leading the Panthers to a 38 - 23 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. Rookie Jonathan Stewart added 115 yards and 2 touchdowns of his own. Steve Smith caught 9 passes for 117 yards and 1 touchdown. The game was tied at 17 in the 4th quarter until numerous long runs by Williams (Dash) and Stewart (Smash) blew the game open. This is a huge win for the Panthers, now 10-3 and in the division lead over the Bucs who dropped to 9-4. The Panthers have a tough upcoming schedule against the Broncos, Giants, and Saints but wins in each would give them home-field advantage in the playoffs. Hopefully, the Panthers will be able to maintain momentum from this win for the rest of the season. One thing is for sure, if Smash and Dash are able to continue this production, the Panthers will be contenders for rings come February 1, 2009.
If your coach is in the front office........change teams
Ladies and gentleman, your new Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Kevin McHale? Yup, the same man who is slowly making the franchise irrelevant and building an all around NBA Live team equivalent to an AAU team, is moving down to the bench to be the head coach while still having a vested interest in front office decisions.
Unfortunately, this is just one instance in a trend for NBA franchises, you can't mix coaching duties with those of the front office. Living in Raleigh, I am a Charlotte Hornets (sorry "Bobcats", I forget that David Stern cares about fans as much as I do the WNBA) fan so we can start with them, the inaugural season Berrie Bickerstaff was hired as the first coach and gm and 5 years later he is not even in the same state as the 'Cats anymore. The thing is, he gets to leave, but I'm stuck watching a team full of irrelevant draft picks try to put a win streak of 2 together while they should be competing for a playoff spot in a weak conference and even weaker division.
Pat Riley is a legendary coach, but when he took on operations of team president and head coach, it just didn't work. He did win a championship stepping in at first, but even Bickerstaff could have coached that roster to a Ring. Plus, the 2008 team flopped worse than a Paulus defense. I do love Pat Riley and know he belongs involved with the league in some way or another, but you can't mix on court and front office decisions.
As bad as it is to try to follow the Bobcats, I am scared for every LA Clipper fan out there. I am scared there are going to go to the staples center, black out during one of their standard 4th quarter collapses, and wake up after successfully attacking Coach/GM Mike Dunleavy. This whole blog post could have been shortened by saying "don't have a head coach with front office responsibilities-----see Mike Dunleavy Sr. for more details." I don't watch many Clipper games but when on TNT, most of the fun for me is watching all the Clipper fans look like me when I saw my gpa after my first semester at college. Within a month of becoming general manager, Dunleavy managed to let an all star in Elton Brand leave and is sitting last in their division and 13 games back.
Could I be wrong about the McHale move to coach, of course, but only time will tell. Maybe its more of a punishment for his for trade last year and they are going to put him in one of those "where amazing happens commercials," only this one with a picture of him when he loses his first game and realizes how bad they really are.
Unfortunately, this is just one instance in a trend for NBA franchises, you can't mix coaching duties with those of the front office. Living in Raleigh, I am a Charlotte Hornets (sorry "Bobcats", I forget that David Stern cares about fans as much as I do the WNBA) fan so we can start with them, the inaugural season Berrie Bickerstaff was hired as the first coach and gm and 5 years later he is not even in the same state as the 'Cats anymore. The thing is, he gets to leave, but I'm stuck watching a team full of irrelevant draft picks try to put a win streak of 2 together while they should be competing for a playoff spot in a weak conference and even weaker division.
Pat Riley is a legendary coach, but when he took on operations of team president and head coach, it just didn't work. He did win a championship stepping in at first, but even Bickerstaff could have coached that roster to a Ring. Plus, the 2008 team flopped worse than a Paulus defense. I do love Pat Riley and know he belongs involved with the league in some way or another, but you can't mix on court and front office decisions.
As bad as it is to try to follow the Bobcats, I am scared for every LA Clipper fan out there. I am scared there are going to go to the staples center, black out during one of their standard 4th quarter collapses, and wake up after successfully attacking Coach/GM Mike Dunleavy. This whole blog post could have been shortened by saying "don't have a head coach with front office responsibilities-----see Mike Dunleavy Sr. for more details." I don't watch many Clipper games but when on TNT, most of the fun for me is watching all the Clipper fans look like me when I saw my gpa after my first semester at college. Within a month of becoming general manager, Dunleavy managed to let an all star in Elton Brand leave and is sitting last in their division and 13 games back.
Could I be wrong about the McHale move to coach, of course, but only time will tell. Maybe its more of a punishment for his for trade last year and they are going to put him in one of those "where amazing happens commercials," only this one with a picture of him when he loses his first game and realizes how bad they really are.
Indoor Sports
Just about every young American male has been sitting around the house one day, stared at his sports equipment, and decided to play with it inside, usually out of sheer laziness and having to go outside and God forbid, run. Who hasn't struck up a game of indoor wiffle ball or played a game of catch with the football, all at the risk of breaking everything inside of your house? These always turn out to be fun times until the window, lamp, television, or nearby food gets destroyed by an errant pass or swing. However, on a more positive note, these games are excellent for individual skill development and eye hand coordination. The skills learned in the living room will go a long ways towards your success on the field.
Just tonight the boys and I struck up a game of an indoor hockey shootout. Somebody stood in the doorway while the other person shot a tennis ball at them with a hockey stick, trying to score by getting the ball into the room. It was loads of fun as we threw caution into the wind in order to break up the monotony of studying for exams with a little sports play. It was an excellent avenue to just take a break from the day and do the thing that I love most, play hockey. So I'm here to endorse indoor sports for those of all ages, as long as it is done in the most safe manner possible to prevent things from being broken, and preferably only at night when its too dark to play outside. So have at it kids.
Just tonight the boys and I struck up a game of an indoor hockey shootout. Somebody stood in the doorway while the other person shot a tennis ball at them with a hockey stick, trying to score by getting the ball into the room. It was loads of fun as we threw caution into the wind in order to break up the monotony of studying for exams with a little sports play. It was an excellent avenue to just take a break from the day and do the thing that I love most, play hockey. So I'm here to endorse indoor sports for those of all ages, as long as it is done in the most safe manner possible to prevent things from being broken, and preferably only at night when its too dark to play outside. So have at it kids.
Greg Maddux
Today one of the greatest pitchers to ever play the game hung up his cleats. Compiling 355 wins over his 23 year career, currently 8th all time in wins, Greg Maddux was quite possibly the best pitcher of his generation and my childhood. With consistency and poise, Maddux was an idol to us children of the 1990's. As an Atlanta Braves, and baseball fan I am sad to see him retire, yet grateful I got to see him play. Maddux played the the game with the respect and honor the game deserved in a time when many did not. A for sure inductee to the Hall of Fame it was a privilege for all of us to see him play.
MNF in Charlotte
The Carolina Panthers will hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an important division game for both teams tonight. The Bucs are 9-3 and have won their last 4 games. The Panthers are also 9-3 but have not been playing consistent football the last few weeks. Because of a week 6 blowout loss in Tampa, a loss tonight would virtually end their division title hopes as they would be 2 games down with only 3 to go. A win would likely propel the Panthers into the playoffs and possibly the division title. So that's what is at stake tonight, but who will win?
The Panthers will win because they are playing at home; Why? NFC South teams are 23-2 this season at home. Also, Jake Delhomme is a much better QB at home than on the road this season. Coincidence, possibly, but look at these numbers. At home, he is completing over 63% of his passes accounting for 9 touchdowns with only 2 interceptions. Away, Delhomme is completing just 53% of his passes, throwing 3 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. Williams and Stewart combined for a season low 39 yards in week 6. Look for John Fox to get the ground game going early opening up the big play to Steve Smith down the field. Better QB play from Delhomme combined with a better running game should spell revenge for the Panthers.
The Panthers will win because they are playing at home; Why? NFC South teams are 23-2 this season at home. Also, Jake Delhomme is a much better QB at home than on the road this season. Coincidence, possibly, but look at these numbers. At home, he is completing over 63% of his passes accounting for 9 touchdowns with only 2 interceptions. Away, Delhomme is completing just 53% of his passes, throwing 3 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. Williams and Stewart combined for a season low 39 yards in week 6. Look for John Fox to get the ground game going early opening up the big play to Steve Smith down the field. Better QB play from Delhomme combined with a better running game should spell revenge for the Panthers.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Ohio State
#10 Ohio State will be playing in the Fiesta Bowl against #3 Texas. Great. Wonderful. For the last 2 years, we have watched THE Ohio State Buckeyes lose, no, get demolished in the BCS Championship. This year, THE Ohio State took it among themselves so we would not have a repeat this year. They scheduled a worthy opponent (USC) and just like the last 2 BCS games, they lost in a blowout. They again lost to Penn State just to make sure they would not get to play and lose in their third straight BCS Bowl. Even so, the outstanding individuals in charge of the Fiesta Bowl decided to invite the, excuse me, THE Ohio State Buckeyes to play Texas. Another year, and yet another loss is what we all expect. What put OSU into this game, their outstanding non-conference wins of Youngstown St., Ohio, and Troy or was it their second place finish in the Big 10. That all seems much more deserving than #8 Texas Tech who finished 11-1 after losing to a team playing for the national championship. Now I realize that only 2 teams from any one conference can go to a BCS Bowl but undefeated Boise State would like to say hi from 1 spot higher in the polls. Thanks buckeyes for trying to not make a BCS Bowl this year, but I guess we all just love to watch you lose.
Let's Go Canes
Coming into tonight's game against the Washington Capitals, the Carolina Hurricanes had only 1 victory in their last 7 games. This stretch of losses dropped the Canes into 9th place in the Eastern Conference and out of the playoffs for the time being. Nothing seemed to be going well, resulting in the replacement of head coach Peter Laviolette with former head coach Paul Maurice. Obviously this slump was not just the result of coaching, Eric Staal should take part of the blame as he is off to the worst season in his young career. But as Canes fans were losing hope in this season, the division leader and rival Washington traveled to the RBC. Eric Staal recorded his 9th goal of the season and the Canes picked up 2 points in a crucial 3-1 win. Hopefully, we will look back at this game as the turning point for the season. If the Canes are going to make a push for the playoffs, Staal will have to continue to score goals as he did tonight and lead this team as he has done in the past.
The Knights vs. The Wolfpack
It has now been announced the surging NC State football team will face off against the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers in the Papa Johns Bowl in Birmingham on December 29. This should be a fun match up as both teams have come on very strong to end the season after starting out slowly. A win here for the Wolfpack would mean a 7 win season, which I'm sure any Pack fan would have been thrilled with if you asked them their expectations before the season. There is no doubt that Coach O'Brien has this team on the move, and we will be competing for ACC championships in just a few years. I'm looking forward to seeing how Russell Wilson responds after being named ACC First Team Quarterback and Rookie of the Year, as a win here would be a exclamation point to a great season for him, as he has been through a lot in recovering from his early injuries. It truly was a magical season for him to win these awards after having being taken off the field on a stretcher in the season opener with a devastating concussion. Look for Wilson to lead the Pack to a close victory in our first trip to the postseason in the last 3 years.
Just to Clarify....
Since i lack the creativity to create my own subject and I don't want to do work, I'm just gonna respond to the rest of the posts. First off, I Hate Bob Stoops and couldn't stand watching the end of the big 12 championship. Him running up the score to take over a ridiculous record in college football had me cussing; if I was Missouri player i would have decked Sam Bradford late in a play just to send a message, and coach Prinkle should have not disciplined this action at all. There is no reason to run up the score when Florida already won and no other threat to break the BCS top 2 was even playing Saturday. Also, during the sec championship game, could the announcer be more in love with Tebow? If Tebow ran off the field without twisting an ankle and managed to high five a teammate, he was again the best leader/player/male specimen according to this guy. Maybe it comes from my jealousy of Tebow for being great at so much, but if I wanted to hear love talk from one guy to another, I would just ask milton bradley if Colt Brennon was a good player or watch Vince and Ari say their goodbyes before Ari gets on the plane.
Lastly I'm gonna back up my red coated ranger Sidney Lowe. Granted the teams during my years here at state have not been what I always dreamed they would be and looked so forward to, but I think its going in the right direction. I mean with Herb, we had a ceiling that I don't think we could or would ever get over. Believing Herb will win an NCAA championship is like believing the majority of UNC fans actually did attend or have a real affiliation with the university. Just think Billy Donavan, Roy Williams, Bill Self, and Herb Sendek, who doesn't belong. Lowe actually did have a decent NBA coaching career, winning eastern conference championships and even a world championship. The recruits are coming, even if some are one and done in the beginning, high recruits will follow each other and the chemistry will fall into place....or maybe I am still stuck in high school trying to convince myself that I am a state fan for a reason.
I'm not even gonna touch on hockey cause I don't skate on it, I only wear the ice
Lastly I'm gonna back up my red coated ranger Sidney Lowe. Granted the teams during my years here at state have not been what I always dreamed they would be and looked so forward to, but I think its going in the right direction. I mean with Herb, we had a ceiling that I don't think we could or would ever get over. Believing Herb will win an NCAA championship is like believing the majority of UNC fans actually did attend or have a real affiliation with the university. Just think Billy Donavan, Roy Williams, Bill Self, and Herb Sendek, who doesn't belong. Lowe actually did have a decent NBA coaching career, winning eastern conference championships and even a world championship. The recruits are coming, even if some are one and done in the beginning, high recruits will follow each other and the chemistry will fall into place....or maybe I am still stuck in high school trying to convince myself that I am a state fan for a reason.
I'm not even gonna touch on hockey cause I don't skate on it, I only wear the ice
Saturday, December 6, 2008
National Championship
After an exciting season of college football, the BCS Standings will come out Sunday and unless there is major controversy (that can't happen can it), Florida and Oklahoma will be playing for the National Championship. Florida is arguably the hottest team in America coming off their 11 point win over previously unbeaten and #1 Alabama. Oklahoma has the best offense in the nation (and one of the best ever) scoring over 60 in their last 5 games. All season long, college football fans have watched each week to see who would rise to the top of the Big 12, the best and most exciting conference all season long. While much has been made over the selection of OU over Texas for the right to play Mizzou for the conference championship, we all wanted the winner of this game to play the champion of the SEC, historically the best conference and easily the second best conference this season. This year, the BCS got it right.
Paul Maurice?
At first glance, I think everyone's first question has been "Why would the Hurricanes hire back Paul Maurice?" After all, the Canes did fire him once already, and he isn't exactly Billy Martin. He also hasn't done squat since that time, so there is no reason to think he is any better of a coach now than he was then. But I think that the real plan here is to just groom Ron Francis for the job next year. Francis has made it clear that he isn't interested in being a head coach at this point, probably because he has noticed how poorly fellow hall-of-famer Wayne Gretzky has down out in Phoenix with no experience. So I think that the Hurricanes hired a coach with lots of experience (Maurice) to serve as a mentor to Francis while he learns how to manage a team. There is no question that Maurice is a smart coach who knows the game well, he just hasn't been able to translate that success into a whole lot of wins, save for his magical season where he led to the team to the Stanley Cup, eventually losing to a powerhouse Detroit Red Wings team. Also, when Francis was a player for the Hurricanes, he played for Maurice for a long time, so they obviously already have a strong relationship and will mesh well together.
So while I don't believe that Paul Maurice is the answer to saving this season, I do think that it is the best thing for the team in the long run, as it seems like Laviolette just could no longer get the necessary motivation out of his team (why he couldn't do this would be a whole other blog post). Maybe if they are lucky, Maurice can at least get this years team to the playoffs. However, Canes fans should look towards the future with this hiring, as it means Carolina will eventually get first crack at seeing Ronnie Franchise behind the bench as a head coach.
So while I don't believe that Paul Maurice is the answer to saving this season, I do think that it is the best thing for the team in the long run, as it seems like Laviolette just could no longer get the necessary motivation out of his team (why he couldn't do this would be a whole other blog post). Maybe if they are lucky, Maurice can at least get this years team to the playoffs. However, Canes fans should look towards the future with this hiring, as it means Carolina will eventually get first crack at seeing Ronnie Franchise behind the bench as a head coach.
Woooooo!
Welcome to our blog, The Four Horsemen. The writers on this blog will be Scooter McGavin, milton bradley, The Third Reich, and general Mills, otherwise known as "The Four Horsemen." The four of us are currently roommates and seniors at NC State. We will be discussing all things that are sports, but most prevalently ACC athletics, Carolina Hurricanes, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Braves, and Charlotte Bobcats. We would like to encourage everyone to regularly visit our website and please leave your comments whether you agree with us or not. Thanks and stay tuned for further updates as this is the best time of the year for sports.
Please note that the opinions of one blogger are not necessarily the opinions of all of us.
Please note that the opinions of one blogger are not necessarily the opinions of all of us.
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