(IRVINE)- The Mids have lost two games but made strides, considering they are playing freshmen a lot of minutes. The Mids trailed by 17 tonight against Louisiana Tech, but cut it to 59-57, before succumbing, 80-65.
A group of Navy fans greets the guys at the hotel and takes a big group picture. Panera Bread sandwiches arrive.
One more game to go, Sunday at 6 eastern against Seattle University. What seems like the longest trip of my life is almost over.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
ON THE ROAD WITH NAVY HOOPS: DAY TWO
(IRVINE)- Day two of this five day trip was uneventful until practice started at NAIA Vanguard University, home of the 2008 NAIA Womens National Champions. An interesting campus, colorful dorms, easy going folks, and lots of hand sanitizer dispensers.
Breakfast at the Marriott Irvine Towers was delicious, though the Potatoes were a bit dry, the waffle and oatmeal tremendous.
Mids had energetic practice despite jet lag, and adjustig to Pacific Time Zone. Mids made some offensive adjustments and all well prepared for the game at Irvine, Friday night.
It is awesome watching hoops at 11am. Watching games from Puerto Rico, Harrison Barnes looks as good as advertised. Hoping the Hoyas can play as well against Wofford as they did Coastal Thursday.
Dinner in the meeting room post practice was great. Lemon chicken and cheese ravioli. A relatively uneventful day otherwise. Game Dat tomorrow.
Breakfast at the Marriott Irvine Towers was delicious, though the Potatoes were a bit dry, the waffle and oatmeal tremendous.
Mids had energetic practice despite jet lag, and adjustig to Pacific Time Zone. Mids made some offensive adjustments and all well prepared for the game at Irvine, Friday night.
It is awesome watching hoops at 11am. Watching games from Puerto Rico, Harrison Barnes looks as good as advertised. Hoping the Hoyas can play as well against Wofford as they did Coastal Thursday.
Dinner in the meeting room post practice was great. Lemon chicken and cheese ravioli. A relatively uneventful day otherwise. Game Dat tomorrow.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
On The Road With Navy Hoops: IRVINE DAY ONE
The life of a broadcaster is sometimes exciting. You meet great people, travel to great places and get to see the country in ways some envy.
Sometimes though, there are days which really stink. Take for instance today for me.
I drop my daughter off this morning and knowing I will not see her except for my computer background for five days left me tearing up as I left our Aunt’s house. My older son is college is calling me for an opinion on a school paper, meanwhile I’m desperately waiting for Al my tire technician to finish putting tires on since I have to be at the Naval Academy by 4pm. Al comes through in the clutch. I’m out the door by 3:30. By the way I killed time walking around the mall which is always exciting, and found out JC Penney is open at 3am the day after Thanksgiving and send that information to my wife via text. %:22, my middle son texts and says who is picking me up? I replay Mom, and before I can say anything else he hangs up!
The best part of the day is sitting across from Navy Head Basketball Coach Billy Lange and taking in knowledge that I can use and some I can’t on the air as The Mids are set to play three games in three days in Irvine, California. Yes I get to see the Anteaters!
Good news, the flight to Denver arrives on time, and after a purchase of Chocolate Chex Mix, its on to the connector to Orange County, California and John Wayne Airport. We’re early the pilots says with glee as if they have done us a favor! Well it has been a good flight.
While people say “Wow that’s a great job” and don’t get me wrong it beats making a living in much tougher and less rewarding ways, it’s times like this where some of us who have taken family for granted at times while collecting our experience through this career, get a reality check.
No matter how fun, how exciting, when all is said and done, all you have when the game is over, is your family. Right now, I miss mine.
Sometimes though, there are days which really stink. Take for instance today for me.
I drop my daughter off this morning and knowing I will not see her except for my computer background for five days left me tearing up as I left our Aunt’s house. My older son is college is calling me for an opinion on a school paper, meanwhile I’m desperately waiting for Al my tire technician to finish putting tires on since I have to be at the Naval Academy by 4pm. Al comes through in the clutch. I’m out the door by 3:30. By the way I killed time walking around the mall which is always exciting, and found out JC Penney is open at 3am the day after Thanksgiving and send that information to my wife via text. %:22, my middle son texts and says who is picking me up? I replay Mom, and before I can say anything else he hangs up!
The best part of the day is sitting across from Navy Head Basketball Coach Billy Lange and taking in knowledge that I can use and some I can’t on the air as The Mids are set to play three games in three days in Irvine, California. Yes I get to see the Anteaters!
Good news, the flight to Denver arrives on time, and after a purchase of Chocolate Chex Mix, its on to the connector to Orange County, California and John Wayne Airport. We’re early the pilots says with glee as if they have done us a favor! Well it has been a good flight.
While people say “Wow that’s a great job” and don’t get me wrong it beats making a living in much tougher and less rewarding ways, it’s times like this where some of us who have taken family for granted at times while collecting our experience through this career, get a reality check.
No matter how fun, how exciting, when all is said and done, all you have when the game is over, is your family. Right now, I miss mine.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Take Duke lightly, no way say Mids.
It would be easy for Navy to take Duke lightly on paper. Afterall, the Blue Devils are 1-6. They played Miami tough two weeks ago, put up 48 against Wake Forest and threatened late at Maryland before losing by five.
They are also the same Duke team that gives up over 200 yards a game on the ground and this is the same Navy offense that just ran for 367 on Notre Dame. I did have that capped except Notre Dame is only 4-4.
"They do have some athletes and they have played better than the record,'' Navy Defensive Cooridinator Buddy Green said.
Nose guard Chase Burge and Jordan Marks have done a great job filling in for the injured Shane Bothel and Burge knows this team can't take anyone lightly.
"We know that we have to be focused. we have to put last week behind us and concentrate on our assignments this week,'' Burge said.
Last week's 35-17 win over the Fighting Irish was a sight to behold.
75,000 people saw it in person, a ntional TV audience, and Notre Dame fans watching outside the interview rooms and cheering Navy Coach Ken Niamatalolo and his players as they stepped down from the podium.
No, this wasn't Dr. Lou's 1988 National Title team, but, its still Notre Dame. People noticed.
"We had lots of messages and e-mails, and kids requesting to come visit so it was was very big day from that perspective,'' Niamatalolo said.
Navy's recruiting during the triple-option era has been off the chart for Navy Football. Never, could Navy have withstood losing six senior starters during the course of the season and still managed to not only compete but still WIN against Notre Dame. Navy now has 18 wins against BCS teams since 2002, the most by any non-BCS school.
WHY? Navy started Sophmore Devon Richardson in place of Emmett Merchant, Alexander Teich in place of Vince Murray, Burge for Bothel, Doug Furman/Brandon Turner/Matt Aiken for Mike Shupp, Ryan Bassford for Matt Malloy and kicker Jon Teague for Joe Buckley. Keep in mind too Marks was in on the goal-line stand on Notre Dame's first drive also. Hello?
The Mids have gone into places like Texas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina and convinced kids this is a great place to play football and set yourself up for life. Coaches have truly coached them up and just when you thought this program may fade to black after the loss to Air Force, think again. Just ask Notre Dame.
They are also the same Duke team that gives up over 200 yards a game on the ground and this is the same Navy offense that just ran for 367 on Notre Dame. I did have that capped except Notre Dame is only 4-4.
"They do have some athletes and they have played better than the record,'' Navy Defensive Cooridinator Buddy Green said.
Nose guard Chase Burge and Jordan Marks have done a great job filling in for the injured Shane Bothel and Burge knows this team can't take anyone lightly.
"We know that we have to be focused. we have to put last week behind us and concentrate on our assignments this week,'' Burge said.
Last week's 35-17 win over the Fighting Irish was a sight to behold.
75,000 people saw it in person, a ntional TV audience, and Notre Dame fans watching outside the interview rooms and cheering Navy Coach Ken Niamatalolo and his players as they stepped down from the podium.
No, this wasn't Dr. Lou's 1988 National Title team, but, its still Notre Dame. People noticed.
"We had lots of messages and e-mails, and kids requesting to come visit so it was was very big day from that perspective,'' Niamatalolo said.
Navy's recruiting during the triple-option era has been off the chart for Navy Football. Never, could Navy have withstood losing six senior starters during the course of the season and still managed to not only compete but still WIN against Notre Dame. Navy now has 18 wins against BCS teams since 2002, the most by any non-BCS school.
WHY? Navy started Sophmore Devon Richardson in place of Emmett Merchant, Alexander Teich in place of Vince Murray, Burge for Bothel, Doug Furman/Brandon Turner/Matt Aiken for Mike Shupp, Ryan Bassford for Matt Malloy and kicker Jon Teague for Joe Buckley. Keep in mind too Marks was in on the goal-line stand on Notre Dame's first drive also. Hello?
The Mids have gone into places like Texas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina and convinced kids this is a great place to play football and set yourself up for life. Coaches have truly coached them up and just when you thought this program may fade to black after the loss to Air Force, think again. Just ask Notre Dame.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Not afraid to show you my Harris Poll voting
As a voter in the Harris Poll which helps determine the National Championship Game teams, I, for one, am not afraid to show you my poll and why.
I wrestled with the last couple of spots. I think Butch Davis is doing the best job in college football this season, I just gave a slight edge to the SEC and Mississippi State right now. Virginia Tech was top-five early this season and his rounding into form.
Here's how I voted and why..
1. Oregon- I voted them there last week and they didn't play this week, so no need to move them.
2. Boise State- The beat everyone they play to a bloddy pulp. No fooling around.
3. TCU- I wavered here since Oklahoma is looking good and so is Auburn, but why penalize the Horned Frogs for killing people too.
4. Oklahoma- No Bradford, No problem and a seriously good running game too.
5. Auburn- Please welcome Cam Newton to the Heisman conversation.
6. Alabama- I still think they are the best team in the country on a neutral field.
7. LSU- Unbeaten, but better than Bama?
8. Michigan State- Wicked circumstances with their coach, yet still impressive each week.
9. Ohio State- You can be crtical of Pryor and the O but none of them play D.
10. Iowa- A couple of goofy things at Arizona away from being possible top-five team.
11. Nebraska- ? unexplainable. Youth can be good and bad.
12. Wisconsin- Only loss is to #8. Powerful performance against Buckeyes.
13 Oklahoma State- Not even the best in their state...for now.
14. Utah- Still the biggest question mark overall in top-15 to me, but when I see them they dominate their opponents and program has earned its place.
15. Stanford- IMHO they would beat a couple of the teams ahead of them on a neutral field.
16. Missouri- I saw the beatdown by Navy in person. Their coaching staff has learned its lesson and Blaine Gabbert keeps getting better and better.
17. Florida State- Loss to Oklahoma doesn't look so bad now and neither do the Noles.
18. South Carolina- They tried to win the game, isn't that what Herm Edwards once told us?
19. Arizona- Thought about putting Texas here, who do you like on a neutral field?
20. Arkansas- Was that an EA Sports simulation yesterday against Auburn?
21. Texas- Mack Brown and crew too good to keep losing, but I don't think anyone expected that yesterday.
22. Virginia Tech- I don't know what Tyrod Taylor will play in the pros, but in college he's growing on me.
23 West Virginia- BIG East? This is the lone team that can hang with many outsiders they have ridiculous speed.
24. Michigan- Their only losses are to #8 and #10. A must win at Penn State next week to hang around.
25. Mississippi State- Edge out Carolina for my final vote because the ACC is better than SEC and Dan Mullen has done a great job getting Bulldogs competitive again.
I wrestled with the last couple of spots. I think Butch Davis is doing the best job in college football this season, I just gave a slight edge to the SEC and Mississippi State right now. Virginia Tech was top-five early this season and his rounding into form.
Here's how I voted and why..
1. Oregon- I voted them there last week and they didn't play this week, so no need to move them.
2. Boise State- The beat everyone they play to a bloddy pulp. No fooling around.
3. TCU- I wavered here since Oklahoma is looking good and so is Auburn, but why penalize the Horned Frogs for killing people too.
4. Oklahoma- No Bradford, No problem and a seriously good running game too.
5. Auburn- Please welcome Cam Newton to the Heisman conversation.
6. Alabama- I still think they are the best team in the country on a neutral field.
7. LSU- Unbeaten, but better than Bama?
8. Michigan State- Wicked circumstances with their coach, yet still impressive each week.
9. Ohio State- You can be crtical of Pryor and the O but none of them play D.
10. Iowa- A couple of goofy things at Arizona away from being possible top-five team.
11. Nebraska- ? unexplainable. Youth can be good and bad.
12. Wisconsin- Only loss is to #8. Powerful performance against Buckeyes.
13 Oklahoma State- Not even the best in their state...for now.
14. Utah- Still the biggest question mark overall in top-15 to me, but when I see them they dominate their opponents and program has earned its place.
15. Stanford- IMHO they would beat a couple of the teams ahead of them on a neutral field.
16. Missouri- I saw the beatdown by Navy in person. Their coaching staff has learned its lesson and Blaine Gabbert keeps getting better and better.
17. Florida State- Loss to Oklahoma doesn't look so bad now and neither do the Noles.
18. South Carolina- They tried to win the game, isn't that what Herm Edwards once told us?
19. Arizona- Thought about putting Texas here, who do you like on a neutral field?
20. Arkansas- Was that an EA Sports simulation yesterday against Auburn?
21. Texas- Mack Brown and crew too good to keep losing, but I don't think anyone expected that yesterday.
22. Virginia Tech- I don't know what Tyrod Taylor will play in the pros, but in college he's growing on me.
23 West Virginia- BIG East? This is the lone team that can hang with many outsiders they have ridiculous speed.
24. Michigan- Their only losses are to #8 and #10. A must win at Penn State next week to hang around.
25. Mississippi State- Edge out Carolina for my final vote because the ACC is better than SEC and Dan Mullen has done a great job getting Bulldogs competitive again.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Greetings From Monroe...
(RUSTON, LA)- It is hot and humid and the Mids have come to Ruston hoping to improve to 2-1. Last week, Navy had trouble getting the vaunted triple-option going against Georgia Southern, coached by former Navy assistant, Jeff Monken.
This week, they take on Louisiana Tech, coached by 40-year old Sonny Dykes, who actually thinks the triple-option could come back as a regualr staple of offense for college football teams.
"I think it makes perfect sense for the service acadamies to run it, but also look at what Paul Johnson has done at Georgia Tech,'' Dykes said. "Things are cyclical and I wouldn't be surprised to see a few more teams go to it.''
Dykes employs the spread and has been trying to settle on a quarterback as Colby Cameron, a freshmen, gets the nod this week. Tech struggled on defense last week as Texas A&M pulled away in the second half and ran for 216 yards against the Bulldogs.
Navy is number-five in the country in total defense and tops in pass efficiency defense. One question for Navy will be the health of saftey Emment Merchant. The senior left last week's game with a concussion, but did make the trip to Ruston. Starting tackle Matt malloy did not, also suffering from a concussion occuring in week one.
Offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper hasn't lost confidence in the offense at all. In fact, he knows what needs correcting and those errors that have happened are easy fixes.
"It's about execution. It's easy to see on film where some plays have been breaking down so we feel confident that we can make those corrections and execute better. Last week, we simply wanted to make sure didn't do something to lose the game because our defense was playing outstanding football. Sometimes as a coordinator, you have to keep that in mind too, you may not be playing well, but you can do something to put your defense in a bad spot too,'' Jasper said this week.
Navy has been strong in both games on defense. This week will be a test of tackling for Navy against the short posession passing game of Tech.
"We have to tackle people and get them to the ground on first contact. Its a fundamental part of every game but if you don't tackle well this week, small short gains become big plays,'' Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green said.
Linebacker Jerry Hauburger agrees and thinks there could be some plays there for the defense to make.
"If you follow your assignment and the guys up front keep playing the way they have you know there will a tipped ball or two and a chance to make a big play, Im hopeing to make one,'' Hauburger said.
KEY MATCHUPLouisiana Tech defensive end Matt Broha against Navy offensive tackle Ryan Bassford. Broha has 3.5 sacks through two games, and the best way to slow down ana ggressive defensive end is by running at him. If the Mids control Broha they should be able to make some plays on the edge.
REMEMBER HIM?Phillip Livas, an all-WAC performer from last year is back again. Last year he returned a punt 85-yards for a touchdown against the Mids in Annapolis. His entire career at Tech is filled with highlight film plays.
NOTES: Kickoff is set for 7pm eastern time and will be available on ESPN3.com and the Navy Radio Network. For a list of stations and internet options go to Navysports.com. The Mids are actually staying in Monroe, the home of Louisiana-Monroe which is coached by former Army Coach Todd Berry who took over from former Navy coach Charlie Weatherbie. Navy is 32-20 in the road in the past eight seasons. Wyatt Middleton will make his 38th straight start for the Mids. Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo will be seeking his 20th career win saturday night. This is the first time the Mids have visited Louisiana without the game being in New Orleans. Navy has won only twice in the Pelican State, one of the wins a 1955 Sugar Bowl win against Mississippi.
This week, they take on Louisiana Tech, coached by 40-year old Sonny Dykes, who actually thinks the triple-option could come back as a regualr staple of offense for college football teams.
"I think it makes perfect sense for the service acadamies to run it, but also look at what Paul Johnson has done at Georgia Tech,'' Dykes said. "Things are cyclical and I wouldn't be surprised to see a few more teams go to it.''
Dykes employs the spread and has been trying to settle on a quarterback as Colby Cameron, a freshmen, gets the nod this week. Tech struggled on defense last week as Texas A&M pulled away in the second half and ran for 216 yards against the Bulldogs.
Navy is number-five in the country in total defense and tops in pass efficiency defense. One question for Navy will be the health of saftey Emment Merchant. The senior left last week's game with a concussion, but did make the trip to Ruston. Starting tackle Matt malloy did not, also suffering from a concussion occuring in week one.
Offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper hasn't lost confidence in the offense at all. In fact, he knows what needs correcting and those errors that have happened are easy fixes.
"It's about execution. It's easy to see on film where some plays have been breaking down so we feel confident that we can make those corrections and execute better. Last week, we simply wanted to make sure didn't do something to lose the game because our defense was playing outstanding football. Sometimes as a coordinator, you have to keep that in mind too, you may not be playing well, but you can do something to put your defense in a bad spot too,'' Jasper said this week.
Navy has been strong in both games on defense. This week will be a test of tackling for Navy against the short posession passing game of Tech.
"We have to tackle people and get them to the ground on first contact. Its a fundamental part of every game but if you don't tackle well this week, small short gains become big plays,'' Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green said.
Linebacker Jerry Hauburger agrees and thinks there could be some plays there for the defense to make.
"If you follow your assignment and the guys up front keep playing the way they have you know there will a tipped ball or two and a chance to make a big play, Im hopeing to make one,'' Hauburger said.
KEY MATCHUPLouisiana Tech defensive end Matt Broha against Navy offensive tackle Ryan Bassford. Broha has 3.5 sacks through two games, and the best way to slow down ana ggressive defensive end is by running at him. If the Mids control Broha they should be able to make some plays on the edge.
REMEMBER HIM?Phillip Livas, an all-WAC performer from last year is back again. Last year he returned a punt 85-yards for a touchdown against the Mids in Annapolis. His entire career at Tech is filled with highlight film plays.
NOTES: Kickoff is set for 7pm eastern time and will be available on ESPN3.com and the Navy Radio Network. For a list of stations and internet options go to Navysports.com. The Mids are actually staying in Monroe, the home of Louisiana-Monroe which is coached by former Army Coach Todd Berry who took over from former Navy coach Charlie Weatherbie. Navy is 32-20 in the road in the past eight seasons. Wyatt Middleton will make his 38th straight start for the Mids. Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo will be seeking his 20th career win saturday night. This is the first time the Mids have visited Louisiana without the game being in New Orleans. Navy has won only twice in the Pelican State, one of the wins a 1955 Sugar Bowl win against Mississippi.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
NFL PICKS 2010
There is nothing scientific about making predictions. It's glorified guessing. I struggled with wild cards, but the division winners were easy for me to come by. Here goes nothing.
NFC EAST
Dallas- Hard for me to pick the worst coached team in this division, but talented.
Washington- This could be a 3-way tie at 8-8.
Philadelphia- If Kolb steals one here and there they better this rating.
N.Y. Giants- O is decent, D-suspect. Not the division to be suspect on D.
NFC North
Green Bay- Rodgers invigorates cheese heads. Defense just needs to be average.
Minnesota- Yes they have Favre, Peterson, but will Brett be content to handoff?
Detroit- They will be much better.
Chicago- Martz, Cutler could spell end of Lovie in Chi-town.
NFC South
New Orleans- Clear class of the division.
Atlanta- Ryan could be good enough to help Falcons contend for wild card.
Carolina- Unproven QB play complimenting good run game and a questionable D.\
Tampa Bay- Much more bad than good.
NFC West
San Francisco- In Singletary we trust. Alex Smith key to SF's fortune.
Arizona- Might Max Hall be playing by week eight?
St.Louis- Steven Jackson is worth a few wins, and Bradford gives reason for hope.
Seattle- Pete Carroll, yeah.
Wild Cards Minnesota, Atlanta
Champ- Green Bay
AFC East
New England- As long as they have Brady and Moss and Belichick, my choice.
N.Y. Jets- Revis returns, but will Sanchez get better?
Miami Dolphins- Chad Henne to Brandon Marshall good enough to vault past NY?
Buffalo- C.J. Spiller yes, Trent Edwards, no.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens- Offensive weapons, but is D good enough for 16 games+?
Cincinnati Bengals- Does Palmer have enough left to use tremendous weapons?
Pittsburgh Steelers- If they are close when Big Ben returns, could win division.
Cleveland Browns- Jake Delhomme and Josh Cribbs, a chance to improve.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts- Until Houston beats them, they win it.
Houston Texans- I love this team, but is Kubiak the coach to get them over the top?
Tennessee Titans- Decent team, tough division.
Jacksonville Jaguars- If they get all eight home games on TV thats a plus.
AFC West
San Diego Chargers- Default winner?
Oakland Raiders- Most improved team in AFC this year.
Denver Broncos- Who will Kyle Orton throw to now?
Kansas City- Some good young players, but will they grow up fast enough?
Wild Cards- Houston Bengals
Champion Ravens.....
Super Bowl
Green Bay over Baltimore
NFC EAST
Dallas- Hard for me to pick the worst coached team in this division, but talented.
Washington- This could be a 3-way tie at 8-8.
Philadelphia- If Kolb steals one here and there they better this rating.
N.Y. Giants- O is decent, D-suspect. Not the division to be suspect on D.
NFC North
Green Bay- Rodgers invigorates cheese heads. Defense just needs to be average.
Minnesota- Yes they have Favre, Peterson, but will Brett be content to handoff?
Detroit- They will be much better.
Chicago- Martz, Cutler could spell end of Lovie in Chi-town.
NFC South
New Orleans- Clear class of the division.
Atlanta- Ryan could be good enough to help Falcons contend for wild card.
Carolina- Unproven QB play complimenting good run game and a questionable D.\
Tampa Bay- Much more bad than good.
NFC West
San Francisco- In Singletary we trust. Alex Smith key to SF's fortune.
Arizona- Might Max Hall be playing by week eight?
St.Louis- Steven Jackson is worth a few wins, and Bradford gives reason for hope.
Seattle- Pete Carroll, yeah.
Wild Cards Minnesota, Atlanta
Champ- Green Bay
AFC East
New England- As long as they have Brady and Moss and Belichick, my choice.
N.Y. Jets- Revis returns, but will Sanchez get better?
Miami Dolphins- Chad Henne to Brandon Marshall good enough to vault past NY?
Buffalo- C.J. Spiller yes, Trent Edwards, no.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens- Offensive weapons, but is D good enough for 16 games+?
Cincinnati Bengals- Does Palmer have enough left to use tremendous weapons?
Pittsburgh Steelers- If they are close when Big Ben returns, could win division.
Cleveland Browns- Jake Delhomme and Josh Cribbs, a chance to improve.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts- Until Houston beats them, they win it.
Houston Texans- I love this team, but is Kubiak the coach to get them over the top?
Tennessee Titans- Decent team, tough division.
Jacksonville Jaguars- If they get all eight home games on TV thats a plus.
AFC West
San Diego Chargers- Default winner?
Oakland Raiders- Most improved team in AFC this year.
Denver Broncos- Who will Kyle Orton throw to now?
Kansas City- Some good young players, but will they grow up fast enough?
Wild Cards- Houston Bengals
Champion Ravens.....
Super Bowl
Green Bay over Baltimore
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
WEEK TWO COULD BE BEST OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON
You name the game, it has meaning, intrigue, great storylines, and most important high entertainment value for the college football fan this week.
Lets start with say, Miami at Ohio State.
Two potential Heisman candidates collide here as Miami's Jacory Harris and Ohio State Terell Pryor square off on the national stage. High profile wins are a premium for Miami with the ACC still in the rears looking up at its BCS colleagues. The Canes are on the verge of getting back to college football's top level. Randy Shannon had a tough task when he took over, and while he was a player on those renegade Miami teams, he has them playing first class football. If Harris plays within himself and doesn't try to be a hero, Miami has enough speed on defense to contain Pryor, but tackling will be a premium for Miami.
For Ohio State, will Brandon Saine be as good as he was last week against Marshall? They don't need him to be Beanie Wells, but if they get that kind of ground production, they will be in business and takes some of the load of Pryor.
I think this is the game of the week. I think Miami wins in a close one, 27-24.
Other great contests this week include:
Penn State at Alabama. We can never forget the Barry Krause stop on the cover of Sports Illustrated from the Sugar Bowl, but this one will be higher scoring that that 14-7 classic. Likely no Ingram for Alabama, no problem. Penn State will be very good...in November. Saban and the Tide at home..26-13.
Florida State at Oklahoma Christian Ponder kicked off the Jimbo Fisher era in style and will do well again in week two. I know this isn't Samford, but Oklahoma better be more interested than they looked last week against Utah State. Seminoles 27 Oklahoma 14..
QUICK SLANTS:As a Harris Poll voter, which determines a percentage of the BCS, Im glad we don't vote until a couple of weeks have gone by. You get an idea of what a team will be like and thus a realistic ranking to start with.
Right now, two non-bcs teams, Boise State and TCU, are in the top-five in the polls already out. Oregon State had chances in Arlington against TCU. Boise also gets the Beavers. Give Mike Riley credit for taking his Beavers where few will fear to tred.
SEC Fans watched in horror as Florida and LSU played two of the poorest halves of football in those programs history on Saturday. With so many good head-to-head matchups in the SEC this year, its very possible no SEC will go unbeaten. Of course Florida fans may say last week should be an incomplete grade since they couldn't get the snap to the QB on a consistent basis. I liked what I saw from South Carolina and Georgia and even Tennessee showed a pulse against inferior competition. However, what Ole Miss did in the second half against Jacksonville State can only be described as Twilight Zone.
Stock Rising. The soon to be departed Mountain West teams, UTAH and BYU. Fresno State, a future MWC member, Michigan, LSU super man Patrick Peterson, and new ECU Coach Ruffin McNeil.
Stock Declining: Tim Tebow haters, THE BIG EAST, Reggie Bush Heisman memorabilia, College Football in Washington State.
PUT A CLOCK ON IT.CBS College Sports better get Adam Zucker and Brian Jones ready for some filler time. Navy welcomes former assistant coach Jeff Monken and Georgia Southern to Annapolis Saturday. Both teams run the triple-option. While many first week games nearly took four hours of TV time, this one will likley be over in under 3. The over-under on total passes in the game is 10. I like the under.
Last week my colleague Joe Miller was 7-1-1 in his college football picks. We will have his picks and mine against the spread coming up Friday.
Listen to Miller and Medhurst Wednesday night at 10pm on 105.7 THE FAN in Baltimore and at www.1057thefan.com. Boise State play-by-play voice Bob Behler will join us at 11pm eastern time tonight.
Lets start with say, Miami at Ohio State.
Two potential Heisman candidates collide here as Miami's Jacory Harris and Ohio State Terell Pryor square off on the national stage. High profile wins are a premium for Miami with the ACC still in the rears looking up at its BCS colleagues. The Canes are on the verge of getting back to college football's top level. Randy Shannon had a tough task when he took over, and while he was a player on those renegade Miami teams, he has them playing first class football. If Harris plays within himself and doesn't try to be a hero, Miami has enough speed on defense to contain Pryor, but tackling will be a premium for Miami.
For Ohio State, will Brandon Saine be as good as he was last week against Marshall? They don't need him to be Beanie Wells, but if they get that kind of ground production, they will be in business and takes some of the load of Pryor.
I think this is the game of the week. I think Miami wins in a close one, 27-24.
Other great contests this week include:
Penn State at Alabama. We can never forget the Barry Krause stop on the cover of Sports Illustrated from the Sugar Bowl, but this one will be higher scoring that that 14-7 classic. Likely no Ingram for Alabama, no problem. Penn State will be very good...in November. Saban and the Tide at home..26-13.
Florida State at Oklahoma Christian Ponder kicked off the Jimbo Fisher era in style and will do well again in week two. I know this isn't Samford, but Oklahoma better be more interested than they looked last week against Utah State. Seminoles 27 Oklahoma 14..
QUICK SLANTS:As a Harris Poll voter, which determines a percentage of the BCS, Im glad we don't vote until a couple of weeks have gone by. You get an idea of what a team will be like and thus a realistic ranking to start with.
Right now, two non-bcs teams, Boise State and TCU, are in the top-five in the polls already out. Oregon State had chances in Arlington against TCU. Boise also gets the Beavers. Give Mike Riley credit for taking his Beavers where few will fear to tred.
SEC Fans watched in horror as Florida and LSU played two of the poorest halves of football in those programs history on Saturday. With so many good head-to-head matchups in the SEC this year, its very possible no SEC will go unbeaten. Of course Florida fans may say last week should be an incomplete grade since they couldn't get the snap to the QB on a consistent basis. I liked what I saw from South Carolina and Georgia and even Tennessee showed a pulse against inferior competition. However, what Ole Miss did in the second half against Jacksonville State can only be described as Twilight Zone.
Stock Rising. The soon to be departed Mountain West teams, UTAH and BYU. Fresno State, a future MWC member, Michigan, LSU super man Patrick Peterson, and new ECU Coach Ruffin McNeil.
Stock Declining: Tim Tebow haters, THE BIG EAST, Reggie Bush Heisman memorabilia, College Football in Washington State.
PUT A CLOCK ON IT.CBS College Sports better get Adam Zucker and Brian Jones ready for some filler time. Navy welcomes former assistant coach Jeff Monken and Georgia Southern to Annapolis Saturday. Both teams run the triple-option. While many first week games nearly took four hours of TV time, this one will likley be over in under 3. The over-under on total passes in the game is 10. I like the under.
Last week my colleague Joe Miller was 7-1-1 in his college football picks. We will have his picks and mine against the spread coming up Friday.
Listen to Miller and Medhurst Wednesday night at 10pm on 105.7 THE FAN in Baltimore and at www.1057thefan.com. Boise State play-by-play voice Bob Behler will join us at 11pm eastern time tonight.
Monday, August 30, 2010
This is an exciting time of year as football gets going.
This is an exciting time of year as football gets going. In the Baltimore-Washington area, here are my top-five guys who will likely make headlines in 2010.
#5. Darius Jennings. The super athlete from the Gilman School in Baltimore put on a show in his teams opener against Archbishop Spalding. Four touchdowns in the first half, and for University of Maryland fans be glad your on his list, if he were two inches taller the entire SEC would be watching each Friday. He’s listed at 6-0 180, which means he’s probably closer to 5-10, 5-11 but he’s a quality kid and he will likely be a mean return man for someone in 2011.
#4 Ricky Dobbs- The Naval Academy quarterback has been a show since he had a 42-carry performance in his first major appearance in the Navy lineup in a monsoon against SMU. What strikes you about Dobbs is yes he’s a good football player, but he’s also a great kid. Vice-President of the senior class, respectful of his teammates, coaches, and his God. In an era where arrogance tends to pervade with many athletes, Dobbs thankfully sets a perfect example that many young men can follow. National media are even taking note and mentioning him in a candidacy for the Heisman Trophy. If there was a ever a model for college football’s top award, it is this young man from Georgia.
#3 Ralph Friedgen. The Head Coach at the University of Maryland as brought Maryland’s football profile back in his tenure at Maryland. Some will be critical of a lack of local star power on the roster as some have gone south, north, and west, though I’m not sure if Maryland has lost many players to Salisbury or Wesley College so I won’t see East. Though how did BYRON Westbrook end up on the shore. The problem on top of it for Friedgen is the fact that there is no Athletic Director, and oh yeah, the previous one made a deal that if the offensive coordinator James Franklin isn’t the coach after 2011, he gets a million dollars. There is a lot of inexperience on this team and the schedule has a stretch that is brutal with four on the road in a five game run. The opener is against Navy who some Maryland fans can’t believe is a 6 ½ point favorite. If they start off poorly, it will make for a long year and many empty seats on in College Park. I can see Ralph being a guy that backed into a corner will rally the troops.
#2 Joe Flacco- The 3rd-year NFL quarterback from Delaware via the University of Pittsburgh, has multiple weapons for the first time in his Ravens career. Anquan Boldin looks the part. He seems like he still has what made him a solid receiver in Arizona. Ray Rice is a game-breaking running back which would lead you to believe that the Ravens should score more points. They will have to. This is not your 2000 Ravens defense, but its not awful either. Flacco should make incremental improvements this year if given the chance by offensive coordinator Cam Cameron/ One wonders, if Flacco struggles, how long the leash would be. I don’t think it will come to that.
#1 Donovan McNabb-The quarterback of the Washington Redskins no matter who it is, is always the center of attention in the Nations Capital. He comes a division rival, he’s been to a Super Bowl, He’s won a lot of games. He’s somewhat inconsistent. He’s 33, He’s has an injured ankle, and he’s got questionable wide receivers. His play should be better than that of Jason Campbell, who led the Skins to four great wins a year ago. Will Clinton Portis revive his career with former Head Coach Mike Shanahan here? Will Anthony Armstrong play in the regular season like he has in pre-season and will Chris Cooley and Fred Davis look like Eagles tight ends with McNabb? The last 5 burgundy and gold regular season quarterback was a first round pick and turned out no too good. Here’s hoping this number five turns out better, because if it doesn’t, it will be a long season Washington.
#5. Darius Jennings. The super athlete from the Gilman School in Baltimore put on a show in his teams opener against Archbishop Spalding. Four touchdowns in the first half, and for University of Maryland fans be glad your on his list, if he were two inches taller the entire SEC would be watching each Friday. He’s listed at 6-0 180, which means he’s probably closer to 5-10, 5-11 but he’s a quality kid and he will likely be a mean return man for someone in 2011.
#4 Ricky Dobbs- The Naval Academy quarterback has been a show since he had a 42-carry performance in his first major appearance in the Navy lineup in a monsoon against SMU. What strikes you about Dobbs is yes he’s a good football player, but he’s also a great kid. Vice-President of the senior class, respectful of his teammates, coaches, and his God. In an era where arrogance tends to pervade with many athletes, Dobbs thankfully sets a perfect example that many young men can follow. National media are even taking note and mentioning him in a candidacy for the Heisman Trophy. If there was a ever a model for college football’s top award, it is this young man from Georgia.
#3 Ralph Friedgen. The Head Coach at the University of Maryland as brought Maryland’s football profile back in his tenure at Maryland. Some will be critical of a lack of local star power on the roster as some have gone south, north, and west, though I’m not sure if Maryland has lost many players to Salisbury or Wesley College so I won’t see East. Though how did BYRON Westbrook end up on the shore. The problem on top of it for Friedgen is the fact that there is no Athletic Director, and oh yeah, the previous one made a deal that if the offensive coordinator James Franklin isn’t the coach after 2011, he gets a million dollars. There is a lot of inexperience on this team and the schedule has a stretch that is brutal with four on the road in a five game run. The opener is against Navy who some Maryland fans can’t believe is a 6 ½ point favorite. If they start off poorly, it will make for a long year and many empty seats on in College Park. I can see Ralph being a guy that backed into a corner will rally the troops.
#2 Joe Flacco- The 3rd-year NFL quarterback from Delaware via the University of Pittsburgh, has multiple weapons for the first time in his Ravens career. Anquan Boldin looks the part. He seems like he still has what made him a solid receiver in Arizona. Ray Rice is a game-breaking running back which would lead you to believe that the Ravens should score more points. They will have to. This is not your 2000 Ravens defense, but its not awful either. Flacco should make incremental improvements this year if given the chance by offensive coordinator Cam Cameron/ One wonders, if Flacco struggles, how long the leash would be. I don’t think it will come to that.
#1 Donovan McNabb-The quarterback of the Washington Redskins no matter who it is, is always the center of attention in the Nations Capital. He comes a division rival, he’s been to a Super Bowl, He’s won a lot of games. He’s somewhat inconsistent. He’s 33, He’s has an injured ankle, and he’s got questionable wide receivers. His play should be better than that of Jason Campbell, who led the Skins to four great wins a year ago. Will Clinton Portis revive his career with former Head Coach Mike Shanahan here? Will Anthony Armstrong play in the regular season like he has in pre-season and will Chris Cooley and Fred Davis look like Eagles tight ends with McNabb? The last 5 burgundy and gold regular season quarterback was a first round pick and turned out no too good. Here’s hoping this number five turns out better, because if it doesn’t, it will be a long season Washington.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Honor well deserved far over due
AS a kid growing up, you have your favorite players you idolize, and in my case, it was broadcasters too. From the age of five, its all Ive ever wanted to do.
For me, there was Verne Lundquist, Vin Scully, Curt Gowdy, Dick Enberg, and Keith Jackson. They were all network guys that always had the good games so you saw them a lot. You knew Pat Summerall and Tom Brookshier would have the Redskins and Cowboys, yes kids, that's beforee John Madden came along. You knew Charlie Jones would likely have the 4pm AFC west offering which always seemingly came from Denver or Oakland in those days.
But for any kid growing up its your local announcers who really make the biggest impact because you usually heard them every night. Before there was SUPER TV, HTS, and if you were lucky a game of the week, you counted on your local radio guy to give you the story. How spoiled we were in the Baltimore-Washington area growing up. We got a free clinic every night.
The Bullets had Frank Herzog, the Redskins, ah...Frank Herzog! The Orioles Chuck Thompson and Bill O'Donnell. The Colts had ahhhh Chuck Thompson and Vince Bagli. There was a fledgling hockey team whose fortunes for years weren't that good. In fact they were 8-67-5 in their first season. It took them 35 tries to beat Montreal. The one thing that was great all those years? Ron Weber.
His opening was the same. Stating how many games it was in team history and welcome to the fastest team sport, I'm Ron Weber with Capitals Hockey. I get goose bumps typing it because I can still hear it. Listening to some highlights that have poppped up as a result of his announcement of being inducted into the hockey Hall of Fame, it's border line tears of joy. The greatest goal in Capitals history scored but Dale Hunter. The nine-goal outburst against Edmonton in 84, or something as simple as the Caps clinching their first playoff berth in 83 and what joy it must have been for him after all the seasons of building the franchise had been doing.
What joy and angst it must have been for Weber, parted from the job much too early in 1997 by then Capitals Management, to hold on to the news for a month. He found out a month ago but had to wait for the formal press release on Monday.
It was a true joy growing up to listen to him, when I was old enough to get into the press box to meet him, and now its certainly pleasure to crack a smile knowing that one of Washington most under appreciated broadcasting treasures is now finally being recognized.
Short Circuits: Stephen Strasburg makes his Washington Nationals debut on June 8 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team itself is still hanging around in the National League East and this could be a fun summer at the Ball Park if they can hang in there. Kudos to my colleague Craig Heist of WTOP who provided this nugget. The Nats last year were 14-31 at one point. So were this years Orioles. There is hope Baltimore fans...Just wait til next year.
I like the Ravens getting Shayne Graham, at 32 he can still kick. The Redskins should try to get O.J. Otagwe who was just bladed by the Rams. He can help a thin position at Free Safety.
UPCOMING BROADCASTS: Doing updates 5:30-12 tonight on WJFK 106.7 in Washington, hosting with Joe Miller Thursday night 6:30-10 on 105.7 in Baltimore, Updates 7-9 onWJFK Friday morning and then back again 5:30-12. Hosting Saturday with Joe Miller 12-3 Sunday on 105.7 with a World Cup preview in the 2pm hour.
For me, there was Verne Lundquist, Vin Scully, Curt Gowdy, Dick Enberg, and Keith Jackson. They were all network guys that always had the good games so you saw them a lot. You knew Pat Summerall and Tom Brookshier would have the Redskins and Cowboys, yes kids, that's beforee John Madden came along. You knew Charlie Jones would likely have the 4pm AFC west offering which always seemingly came from Denver or Oakland in those days.
But for any kid growing up its your local announcers who really make the biggest impact because you usually heard them every night. Before there was SUPER TV, HTS, and if you were lucky a game of the week, you counted on your local radio guy to give you the story. How spoiled we were in the Baltimore-Washington area growing up. We got a free clinic every night.
The Bullets had Frank Herzog, the Redskins, ah...Frank Herzog! The Orioles Chuck Thompson and Bill O'Donnell. The Colts had ahhhh Chuck Thompson and Vince Bagli. There was a fledgling hockey team whose fortunes for years weren't that good. In fact they were 8-67-5 in their first season. It took them 35 tries to beat Montreal. The one thing that was great all those years? Ron Weber.
His opening was the same. Stating how many games it was in team history and welcome to the fastest team sport, I'm Ron Weber with Capitals Hockey. I get goose bumps typing it because I can still hear it. Listening to some highlights that have poppped up as a result of his announcement of being inducted into the hockey Hall of Fame, it's border line tears of joy. The greatest goal in Capitals history scored but Dale Hunter. The nine-goal outburst against Edmonton in 84, or something as simple as the Caps clinching their first playoff berth in 83 and what joy it must have been for him after all the seasons of building the franchise had been doing.
What joy and angst it must have been for Weber, parted from the job much too early in 1997 by then Capitals Management, to hold on to the news for a month. He found out a month ago but had to wait for the formal press release on Monday.
It was a true joy growing up to listen to him, when I was old enough to get into the press box to meet him, and now its certainly pleasure to crack a smile knowing that one of Washington most under appreciated broadcasting treasures is now finally being recognized.
Short Circuits: Stephen Strasburg makes his Washington Nationals debut on June 8 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team itself is still hanging around in the National League East and this could be a fun summer at the Ball Park if they can hang in there. Kudos to my colleague Craig Heist of WTOP who provided this nugget. The Nats last year were 14-31 at one point. So were this years Orioles. There is hope Baltimore fans...Just wait til next year.
I like the Ravens getting Shayne Graham, at 32 he can still kick. The Redskins should try to get O.J. Otagwe who was just bladed by the Rams. He can help a thin position at Free Safety.
UPCOMING BROADCASTS: Doing updates 5:30-12 tonight on WJFK 106.7 in Washington, hosting with Joe Miller Thursday night 6:30-10 on 105.7 in Baltimore, Updates 7-9 onWJFK Friday morning and then back again 5:30-12. Hosting Saturday with Joe Miller 12-3 Sunday on 105.7 with a World Cup preview in the 2pm hour.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Random Thoughts
Sitting in stunned amazement, sports again proved that the best team doesn't always win. The Washington Capitals, the top-seed in the NHL Eastern Conference Playoffs, fell last night at home in game 7 of their series against the number-eight seed Montreal.
Stats tell us that the Capitals, who play in a division that had ZERO other playoff teams, dominated the Southeast enough to win the President's Trophy for having the most points this season.
High scoring offense, the games best goal scorer, yet still defensemen that made crippling mistakes that cost this team dearly in this series.
The Canadiens, god bless Jaroslav Halak, couldn't score without the extra-man. Mike Green heads to the box, Habs score. the Caps on the other hand did everything. Creating penalties, shooting a lot, and yet zippy.
The goalie decision was correct. The Caps did everything they could but a get a puck past Halak. Decisions will be criticized. Players will hear it from fans. This is a team that marketed itself into the hearts of Washington sports fans. Want to be like the Redskins right? Hopefully the Capitals will leave their message board up. If you want to be like the big boys in town, you have to be willing to take the good with the bad. Perhaps Dan Snyder should call Ted Leonsis and tell him how to deal with frustration of an owner who is also a really big fan.
DON'T LOOK NOW
Is that the Milwaukee Bucks who now have the Atlanta Hawks on the ropes in the Eastern Conference playoffs in the NBA? The team that has seen more injuries to its franchise players, than had playoff wins the past few years, now has another franchise player in Brandon Jennings. Jennings had 25 and Luke Ridenour came off the pine to net 15 as the Bucks late 14-0 run stole the game in Atlanta. Not bad considering they have no Michael Redd (whose jersey they are still pimping on NBA .com) and Andrew Bogut. I'll take a Jennings jersey thank you. Somewhere Junior Bridgemen. Bob Lanier and Brian Winters have to be smiling.
THOSE PESKY NATS
One of the best stories of the early baseball season has to be the Red jersey guys who are actually scoring in Washington right now. Winning close games and getting 10 saves already from Matt Capps, the Nationals are playing entertaining baseball and Stephen Strasburg isn't even out of Harrisburg yet. Kudos to Mike Rizzo who went with his instinct and left Jim Riggleman in place. The Pitching has been brilliant, especially from 210-year old right-hander Livan Hernandez who continues to prove its not how hard you throw it, but where you throw it.
Did u know my favorite Nats player Nyjer Morgan used to play hockey at one point? If you see George McPhee at a Nats game, be very afraid Mike Rizzo.
A NOT SURPRISING NO-NO
Props to former Bowie Baysox right-hander Chris Tillman who hurled a no-hitter Wednesday against Gwinett County, the Braves Triple-AAA affiliate.
THE STREAK IS OVER
The Navy mens lacrosse team broke a 36-game losing streak against Johns Hopkins last Saturday, 9-8, in overtime. Im one of these guys that still gets goosebumps when I see John Riggins run 42-yards for a touchdown in Super Bowl 17. Im emotional about the kids at Navy since I have been with the program since 1997. I know what these kids do daily, and after graduation. I know the work they and the coaches put in. They don't just forefit Hopkins week and say no one expects to win so we wont.
There have been many days where the Mids were as good if not better than the Blue and Black, but the lacrosse gods shined on the Charles Street 10. Finally, an emotional Richie Meade and his players got the result. Ive never cried during a broadcast before until Saturday. There is an emotion you feel as a person for the team you are covering and as much as you fight it, each hug, each player who came up smiling, more important, when I saw coach Meade's daughters come out of the tunnel and run onto the field to come hug their DAD thats when I as a parent of three lost it a bit in commercial break. We forget that these people who coach, teach, mold men and take the heat after close losses, are Fathers and Husbands too. That was a scene Ill never forget. Some coaches fluff it up a bit. Some coaches cliche you to death. Richie Meade loves his players dearly, past and present. As he stated in his teary eyed post-game, the fact that their were so many former players, now current protectors of this country in the locker room sharing the moment with the players of today was as important to him as anything Saturday.
The Mids head to West point of all places to play for their season. Friday at 5:45 against Lafayette in the semifinals of the Patriot League Tournament. The game can be heard on 1430-AM WNAV and www.wnav.com. The game will also air on Sirius Channel 121.
A GREAT SITE TO SEE
Ive been a basketball ref and baseball umpire for more than 20 years now. In baseball people often claim where have all the African-American youngsters gone? Tuesday night, I saw some very talented young men playing for Bowie in the CBA League. In fact, the two best pitchers that played in the game were two African-American kids for Bowie. They were nearly perfect. One pitcher threw 20 pitches in three innings to get his nine outs. More important, there were many black fathers involved on the coaching staff and keeping score. Thats as important as anything.
COME OF JEFF
Jeff Gordon is angry with Jimmy Johnson. Johnson came down and nearly wrecked the driver of the DuPont Chevrolet. Well Jeff, I have an idea for you . FIRE HIM!!!!! You own the car. Suspend him. Guarantee you if you put Mike Bliss or Mike Skinner in the #48 you will finish ahead of that team next week.
Stats tell us that the Capitals, who play in a division that had ZERO other playoff teams, dominated the Southeast enough to win the President's Trophy for having the most points this season.
High scoring offense, the games best goal scorer, yet still defensemen that made crippling mistakes that cost this team dearly in this series.
The Canadiens, god bless Jaroslav Halak, couldn't score without the extra-man. Mike Green heads to the box, Habs score. the Caps on the other hand did everything. Creating penalties, shooting a lot, and yet zippy.
The goalie decision was correct. The Caps did everything they could but a get a puck past Halak. Decisions will be criticized. Players will hear it from fans. This is a team that marketed itself into the hearts of Washington sports fans. Want to be like the Redskins right? Hopefully the Capitals will leave their message board up. If you want to be like the big boys in town, you have to be willing to take the good with the bad. Perhaps Dan Snyder should call Ted Leonsis and tell him how to deal with frustration of an owner who is also a really big fan.
DON'T LOOK NOW
Is that the Milwaukee Bucks who now have the Atlanta Hawks on the ropes in the Eastern Conference playoffs in the NBA? The team that has seen more injuries to its franchise players, than had playoff wins the past few years, now has another franchise player in Brandon Jennings. Jennings had 25 and Luke Ridenour came off the pine to net 15 as the Bucks late 14-0 run stole the game in Atlanta. Not bad considering they have no Michael Redd (whose jersey they are still pimping on NBA .com) and Andrew Bogut. I'll take a Jennings jersey thank you. Somewhere Junior Bridgemen. Bob Lanier and Brian Winters have to be smiling.
THOSE PESKY NATS
One of the best stories of the early baseball season has to be the Red jersey guys who are actually scoring in Washington right now. Winning close games and getting 10 saves already from Matt Capps, the Nationals are playing entertaining baseball and Stephen Strasburg isn't even out of Harrisburg yet. Kudos to Mike Rizzo who went with his instinct and left Jim Riggleman in place. The Pitching has been brilliant, especially from 210-year old right-hander Livan Hernandez who continues to prove its not how hard you throw it, but where you throw it.
Did u know my favorite Nats player Nyjer Morgan used to play hockey at one point? If you see George McPhee at a Nats game, be very afraid Mike Rizzo.
A NOT SURPRISING NO-NO
Props to former Bowie Baysox right-hander Chris Tillman who hurled a no-hitter Wednesday against Gwinett County, the Braves Triple-AAA affiliate.
THE STREAK IS OVER
The Navy mens lacrosse team broke a 36-game losing streak against Johns Hopkins last Saturday, 9-8, in overtime. Im one of these guys that still gets goosebumps when I see John Riggins run 42-yards for a touchdown in Super Bowl 17. Im emotional about the kids at Navy since I have been with the program since 1997. I know what these kids do daily, and after graduation. I know the work they and the coaches put in. They don't just forefit Hopkins week and say no one expects to win so we wont.
There have been many days where the Mids were as good if not better than the Blue and Black, but the lacrosse gods shined on the Charles Street 10. Finally, an emotional Richie Meade and his players got the result. Ive never cried during a broadcast before until Saturday. There is an emotion you feel as a person for the team you are covering and as much as you fight it, each hug, each player who came up smiling, more important, when I saw coach Meade's daughters come out of the tunnel and run onto the field to come hug their DAD thats when I as a parent of three lost it a bit in commercial break. We forget that these people who coach, teach, mold men and take the heat after close losses, are Fathers and Husbands too. That was a scene Ill never forget. Some coaches fluff it up a bit. Some coaches cliche you to death. Richie Meade loves his players dearly, past and present. As he stated in his teary eyed post-game, the fact that their were so many former players, now current protectors of this country in the locker room sharing the moment with the players of today was as important to him as anything Saturday.
The Mids head to West point of all places to play for their season. Friday at 5:45 against Lafayette in the semifinals of the Patriot League Tournament. The game can be heard on 1430-AM WNAV and www.wnav.com. The game will also air on Sirius Channel 121.
A GREAT SITE TO SEE
Ive been a basketball ref and baseball umpire for more than 20 years now. In baseball people often claim where have all the African-American youngsters gone? Tuesday night, I saw some very talented young men playing for Bowie in the CBA League. In fact, the two best pitchers that played in the game were two African-American kids for Bowie. They were nearly perfect. One pitcher threw 20 pitches in three innings to get his nine outs. More important, there were many black fathers involved on the coaching staff and keeping score. Thats as important as anything.
COME OF JEFF
Jeff Gordon is angry with Jimmy Johnson. Johnson came down and nearly wrecked the driver of the DuPont Chevrolet. Well Jeff, I have an idea for you . FIRE HIM!!!!! You own the car. Suspend him. Guarantee you if you put Mike Bliss or Mike Skinner in the #48 you will finish ahead of that team next week.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Some obvious, some not so much
The NFL Draft is set for Thursday night and some things are shaping up pretty obvious.
With the number one pick in the NFL Draft, The St. Louis Rams select, Ron Jaworski, no wait, I mean Sam Bradford. Sorry, 1970's flashbacks happening there.
Detroit can monkey wrench some teams by taking Russell Okung. They need protection for Matt Stafford and Okung may be the man. That means Tampa and Washington's phone starts to ring off the hook from people interested in Gerald McCoy and Mr. Suh how do u do, please come to Washington. This could give the Skins prime reason though to vacate the four, trade down and still get a lineman and maybe a round two or three pick they don't have.
Raiders fans, early mock drafts had you maybe taking Bruce Campbell the lineman from Maryland. However, I'd be stunned if the Raiders got duped two seasons in a row by a combine star from Maryland.
In the questions without answers category.
What would possess an opposing coach to put his hands on a kid from another team? Why do some coaches allow their players to talk and taunt on the field? My players don't do it, and I certainly wouldn't touch a kid.
NBA PLAYOFFS
Kevin Durant did better in game two in the Western conference playoffs against L.A., but the stats that give the Lakers the edge? Rebounding and Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar were a combined + 21 when they were in the game, thats good bench play.
The Miami Heat sure gave Dwayne Wade a great reason to want to come back to Miami in free agency in game two? Is that another Miami brick, yes.
The more I watch Cleveland, the more I really do think they will win this thing this year. Shaq, looks like a contributor, not a statue, and its supporting cast is playing with LeBron as opposed to standing and watching.
NHL PLAYOFFS
Nothing better in sports, except maybe an NFL playoff game going to overtime. The best series so far, L.A. and Vancouver for exciting play. How about Philly making life miserable for New Jersey. Looks like Washington-Pittsburgh may happen inthe Eastern Conference Finals after all.
The Caps star players have awaken and a new star is rising in John Carlson. He is doing what Mike Green is supposed to be doing, being Washington's best all-around defensemen.
MLB
For those of us who have waited to have a Washington Baseball team to root for, thanks to Stan Kasten, Mike Rizzo and the Nationals. 7-7 is better than many expected at this point and the team is very competitive. Ivan Rodriquez hitting over .400, and is Mr. Morgan at the top of the lineup Mickey Rivers, 2010?
With the number one pick in the NFL Draft, The St. Louis Rams select, Ron Jaworski, no wait, I mean Sam Bradford. Sorry, 1970's flashbacks happening there.
Detroit can monkey wrench some teams by taking Russell Okung. They need protection for Matt Stafford and Okung may be the man. That means Tampa and Washington's phone starts to ring off the hook from people interested in Gerald McCoy and Mr. Suh how do u do, please come to Washington. This could give the Skins prime reason though to vacate the four, trade down and still get a lineman and maybe a round two or three pick they don't have.
Raiders fans, early mock drafts had you maybe taking Bruce Campbell the lineman from Maryland. However, I'd be stunned if the Raiders got duped two seasons in a row by a combine star from Maryland.
In the questions without answers category.
What would possess an opposing coach to put his hands on a kid from another team? Why do some coaches allow their players to talk and taunt on the field? My players don't do it, and I certainly wouldn't touch a kid.
NBA PLAYOFFS
Kevin Durant did better in game two in the Western conference playoffs against L.A., but the stats that give the Lakers the edge? Rebounding and Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar were a combined + 21 when they were in the game, thats good bench play.
The Miami Heat sure gave Dwayne Wade a great reason to want to come back to Miami in free agency in game two? Is that another Miami brick, yes.
The more I watch Cleveland, the more I really do think they will win this thing this year. Shaq, looks like a contributor, not a statue, and its supporting cast is playing with LeBron as opposed to standing and watching.
NHL PLAYOFFS
Nothing better in sports, except maybe an NFL playoff game going to overtime. The best series so far, L.A. and Vancouver for exciting play. How about Philly making life miserable for New Jersey. Looks like Washington-Pittsburgh may happen inthe Eastern Conference Finals after all.
The Caps star players have awaken and a new star is rising in John Carlson. He is doing what Mike Green is supposed to be doing, being Washington's best all-around defensemen.
MLB
For those of us who have waited to have a Washington Baseball team to root for, thanks to Stan Kasten, Mike Rizzo and the Nationals. 7-7 is better than many expected at this point and the team is very competitive. Ivan Rodriquez hitting over .400, and is Mr. Morgan at the top of the lineup Mickey Rivers, 2010?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Gaudio a victim of win now attitude in college hoops
Dino Gaudio was 61-31 at Wake Forest in three seasons of coaching after taking over for his mentor, the late Skip Prosser. It netted him a contract extension last year. This year, his team was bounced in the first round of the ACC Tournament, then even after a gutsy first round NCAA win against Texas, Gaudio was given the boot today.
The win now culture of basketball has gobbled up another victim. Gaudio, nearly flawless as a recruiter, didn't win enough in the post season and its as simple as that.
Two ACC jobs are now open. Im sure we will hear the name of Richmond's Chris Mooney and Dayton's Brian Gregory and Im Sure someone will make a call to Brad Stevens of Butler.
61-31 and out of work. Ouch....
The win now culture of basketball has gobbled up another victim. Gaudio, nearly flawless as a recruiter, didn't win enough in the post season and its as simple as that.
Two ACC jobs are now open. Im sure we will hear the name of Richmond's Chris Mooney and Dayton's Brian Gregory and Im Sure someone will make a call to Brad Stevens of Butler.
61-31 and out of work. Ouch....
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Thank you Geno!
Through UCONN's 78-game wininng streak and now back-to-back NCAA Championships, people, mainly ESPN, have referenced UCLA's mens winning streak. Rebecca Lobo, the former UCONN player who worked the sidelines for ESPN asked Huskies Coach Geno Auriema about being in John Wooden's company.
The coach hit it right on the head. "He has no company."
Thank you Geno for bringing some common sense to this accomplishment. yes, it is noteworthy and tremendous to do what UCONN has done. Stanford gave a great try, but the Huskies came from behind and won it all again.
I will see Geno during the summer as I did last year at the US Junior Nationals when I ref and simply give him a handshake and say congratulations. He wins, because he beats the hedges and gets out and sees the talent. He doesn't rest on his laurels and gets out and does the work. For those of you keeping score, thats seven titles now. Maybe DePaul's mens program should have hired him.
Speaking of which, Oliver Purnell are you serious? Did you get so frustrated that you couldn't knock off Duke and North Carolina, that you now want to climb the mountain of 16 teams in the BIG EAST? Hope the checks clear, the Rosemont Horizon will seem like a morgue compared to the great atmosphere in the land of orange.
The Orioles gave fans hope that change was in the air on opening night. A power surge of three long balls gave the O's a 3-2 lead into the ninth inning. Then last year's demons came calling.
Runners on first and third in the ninth with nobody out, and Garrett Atkins heads home on a ball to third and of course gets thrown out by a mile. For ten years I coached the kids of Shady Side and likely called for a runner to go home on a ball to left side with less than two outs, zippy times. Maybe Dave Trembley wants to lose? Of course thats not the case but this team had major base running mistakes last year and this year it cost them what proved to be valuable insurance in the ninth. Why?
Mike Gonzalez gave up the game in the bottom of the inning as the Rays scored twice to beat the O's 4-3. Kevin Millwood deserved better. Will Ohman, and Jim Johnson deserved better. Adam Jones and Matt Wieters deserved better. The lefty couldn't get out Crawford, a lefty or the slugging pinch hitter Kell Shoppach who nearly went yard the batter before. Ugh.
Finally, a man of true class met the media in Ashburn, Virginia. Donovan McNabb is the new quarterback of the Washington Redskins.
He could have taken shots at the Eagles his former team, but the closest he came was when he endorsed Andy Reid in a quote about being a future Hall of Fame Coach. He may not win 10 or 11 games for this team, but he and Mike Shanahan have already improved the class of this franchise which was in serious doubt this decade. Hopefully he wont suffer the fate of the last two quarterbacks to wear number five in Washington, Heath Shuler and Colt Brennan.
The coach hit it right on the head. "He has no company."
Thank you Geno for bringing some common sense to this accomplishment. yes, it is noteworthy and tremendous to do what UCONN has done. Stanford gave a great try, but the Huskies came from behind and won it all again.
I will see Geno during the summer as I did last year at the US Junior Nationals when I ref and simply give him a handshake and say congratulations. He wins, because he beats the hedges and gets out and sees the talent. He doesn't rest on his laurels and gets out and does the work. For those of you keeping score, thats seven titles now. Maybe DePaul's mens program should have hired him.
Speaking of which, Oliver Purnell are you serious? Did you get so frustrated that you couldn't knock off Duke and North Carolina, that you now want to climb the mountain of 16 teams in the BIG EAST? Hope the checks clear, the Rosemont Horizon will seem like a morgue compared to the great atmosphere in the land of orange.
The Orioles gave fans hope that change was in the air on opening night. A power surge of three long balls gave the O's a 3-2 lead into the ninth inning. Then last year's demons came calling.
Runners on first and third in the ninth with nobody out, and Garrett Atkins heads home on a ball to third and of course gets thrown out by a mile. For ten years I coached the kids of Shady Side and likely called for a runner to go home on a ball to left side with less than two outs, zippy times. Maybe Dave Trembley wants to lose? Of course thats not the case but this team had major base running mistakes last year and this year it cost them what proved to be valuable insurance in the ninth. Why?
Mike Gonzalez gave up the game in the bottom of the inning as the Rays scored twice to beat the O's 4-3. Kevin Millwood deserved better. Will Ohman, and Jim Johnson deserved better. Adam Jones and Matt Wieters deserved better. The lefty couldn't get out Crawford, a lefty or the slugging pinch hitter Kell Shoppach who nearly went yard the batter before. Ugh.
Finally, a man of true class met the media in Ashburn, Virginia. Donovan McNabb is the new quarterback of the Washington Redskins.
He could have taken shots at the Eagles his former team, but the closest he came was when he endorsed Andy Reid in a quote about being a future Hall of Fame Coach. He may not win 10 or 11 games for this team, but he and Mike Shanahan have already improved the class of this franchise which was in serious doubt this decade. Hopefully he wont suffer the fate of the last two quarterbacks to wear number five in Washington, Heath Shuler and Colt Brennan.
Whacky weekend
As a member of the media in many of its forms as a play-by-play man, talk show host, Horse Racing track announcer, I pay attention to a lot of things.
Nothing however, could prepare me for what happened on Friday night when I arrived at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Upon arriving, I set up my radio equipment like normal to do the Radio Broadcast on the Navy Radio Network. Fifteen minutes later, "we need you to do TV, the TV guy is laying in the press box surrounded by medical people."
Luckily, CBS College Sports Network had an extra golf shirt, I only wished I had shaved, luckily we were on camera only once. Props to the entire staff at Navy and CBS since you can go some places and never have medical people around that fast and the fact that color man Matt Danowski and I went on as if nothing happened and made the broadcast happen.
Saturday we saw one good game at the final four, and you saw Duke put on a show.
Sunday, became a wild day. Joe Miller, my co-host on Playmakers on 105.7 in Baltimore (when there is no Orioles) and me hosted a 5-hour Easter Sunday marathon. We dismissed the rumors as impossible that the Eagles would trade Donovan McNabb in the division, yet three hours later they did. The move keeps the Redskins legit for a season or two depending on what they surround him with. His presser at Noon Tuesday should have some inetresting nugget potential, but as he has done almost all the time, DM will likely take the high road.
Last night, our first caller Brian, said it was a racial thing why he was moved. Phones blew up. While the caller in this instance was incorrectly applying the race card, its still a polarizing topic on talk shows.
Duke and Butler gave us an exciting game to watch for 40 minutes. Duke's ability to defend, often overlooked this year, was the difference in this game. Yeah the big three of Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith did their thing, but Brian Zoubek's rebounding in this tournament on defense on Gordon Hayward's shot with :05 second left was a difference making play. Congrats to Coach K on title number four.
Today is a day to breathe. Update coming later after the McNabb presser.
Nothing however, could prepare me for what happened on Friday night when I arrived at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Upon arriving, I set up my radio equipment like normal to do the Radio Broadcast on the Navy Radio Network. Fifteen minutes later, "we need you to do TV, the TV guy is laying in the press box surrounded by medical people."
Luckily, CBS College Sports Network had an extra golf shirt, I only wished I had shaved, luckily we were on camera only once. Props to the entire staff at Navy and CBS since you can go some places and never have medical people around that fast and the fact that color man Matt Danowski and I went on as if nothing happened and made the broadcast happen.
Saturday we saw one good game at the final four, and you saw Duke put on a show.
Sunday, became a wild day. Joe Miller, my co-host on Playmakers on 105.7 in Baltimore (when there is no Orioles) and me hosted a 5-hour Easter Sunday marathon. We dismissed the rumors as impossible that the Eagles would trade Donovan McNabb in the division, yet three hours later they did. The move keeps the Redskins legit for a season or two depending on what they surround him with. His presser at Noon Tuesday should have some inetresting nugget potential, but as he has done almost all the time, DM will likely take the high road.
Last night, our first caller Brian, said it was a racial thing why he was moved. Phones blew up. While the caller in this instance was incorrectly applying the race card, its still a polarizing topic on talk shows.
Duke and Butler gave us an exciting game to watch for 40 minutes. Duke's ability to defend, often overlooked this year, was the difference in this game. Yeah the big three of Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith did their thing, but Brian Zoubek's rebounding in this tournament on defense on Gordon Hayward's shot with :05 second left was a difference making play. Congrats to Coach K on title number four.
Today is a day to breathe. Update coming later after the McNabb presser.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Thursday Sweet 16 game thoughts...
It is amazing as a sports talk host what some people interpret about some programs and what some hosts actually don't know about some of the teams playing.
Of course everyone is waiting for the Cornell and Kentucky. The great things is people assume that Cornell plays like Princeton.
Outside of the games against the Tigers, Cornell scored 60 or more in EVERY GAME. They also scored 90 twice and 104 once. They threw down 87 against Wisconsin and won at Alabama and UMASS.
This is not your typical IVY League team. They can play. They can shoot and they have a big man. They also have a coach who certainly knows what he is doing.
I think everyone outside of Lexington, Kentucky is rooting for Cornell. DeMarcus Cousins, not John Wall is the key to this game. He will have to guard Jeff Foote all over the frontcourt and Ryan Wittman at 6-7 will shoot over some of Kentucky's defenders. George Mason once made the final four, Cornell can too. They are coached well, while I wonder if Wall and company are listening to Calipari at all. CORNELL 84 Kentucky 82
Truck Bryant's injury will hurt West Virginia but not until they play Kentucky or Cornell. I think West Virginia will defend Washington well. Bob Huggins always seems to have the darndest luck when he looks like he could win it all. Mr. Butler will do enough to get the Mountaineers through this one. West Virginia 68 Washington 61.
Butler has shot lights out recently, and done it against mainly man to man defensive teams. Anyone think Brad Stevens looks not even old enough to drink? I think Syracuse is resembling the team we all thought in early February was going to win this thing. Wesley Johnson coming on a 31-14 effort is enough to sell me here, and Butler having to deal with zone and one shot and done possessions. SYRACUSE 88 BUTLER 69
Xavier is one of the nations most underappreciated programs over the past ten years. Another good team in the sweet 16 even though Sean Miller moved on to coach Arizona. Kansas State has watched its nemesis, Kansas, get eliminated. The Wildcats are confident and shooting the ball very well. Kansas State 73 Xavier 66
Dont forget to Catch me and Joe Miller along with Jeremy Conn of the Scott Garceau Show Friday night at Buffalo Wild Wings in Westminster, Maryland starting at 6pm-10 on 105.7fm and www.1057thefan.com
Of course everyone is waiting for the Cornell and Kentucky. The great things is people assume that Cornell plays like Princeton.
Outside of the games against the Tigers, Cornell scored 60 or more in EVERY GAME. They also scored 90 twice and 104 once. They threw down 87 against Wisconsin and won at Alabama and UMASS.
This is not your typical IVY League team. They can play. They can shoot and they have a big man. They also have a coach who certainly knows what he is doing.
I think everyone outside of Lexington, Kentucky is rooting for Cornell. DeMarcus Cousins, not John Wall is the key to this game. He will have to guard Jeff Foote all over the frontcourt and Ryan Wittman at 6-7 will shoot over some of Kentucky's defenders. George Mason once made the final four, Cornell can too. They are coached well, while I wonder if Wall and company are listening to Calipari at all. CORNELL 84 Kentucky 82
Truck Bryant's injury will hurt West Virginia but not until they play Kentucky or Cornell. I think West Virginia will defend Washington well. Bob Huggins always seems to have the darndest luck when he looks like he could win it all. Mr. Butler will do enough to get the Mountaineers through this one. West Virginia 68 Washington 61.
Butler has shot lights out recently, and done it against mainly man to man defensive teams. Anyone think Brad Stevens looks not even old enough to drink? I think Syracuse is resembling the team we all thought in early February was going to win this thing. Wesley Johnson coming on a 31-14 effort is enough to sell me here, and Butler having to deal with zone and one shot and done possessions. SYRACUSE 88 BUTLER 69
Xavier is one of the nations most underappreciated programs over the past ten years. Another good team in the sweet 16 even though Sean Miller moved on to coach Arizona. Kansas State has watched its nemesis, Kansas, get eliminated. The Wildcats are confident and shooting the ball very well. Kansas State 73 Xavier 66
Dont forget to Catch me and Joe Miller along with Jeremy Conn of the Scott Garceau Show Friday night at Buffalo Wild Wings in Westminster, Maryland starting at 6pm-10 on 105.7fm and www.1057thefan.com
Friday, March 19, 2010
Poor at-large field, you bet!
Many of us who watch college hoops have said this was a mediocre at-large group and you know what? We're finding out thats right on the money. Little did we know though that it was as mediocre as three and four seeds!
Number-three seed Georgetown my childhood team, gone. Patrick where were you when we needed you, hell Micahel Graham would have planted D.J. Cooper and Armon Bassett after their first trip into the paint and they never would have ventured there again.
Vanderbilt of the SEC, see you, you were a victim of more March Madness. Temple of the rejuvinated A-10, joinh Richmond on the sidelines, those non-scholarship guys from Cornell smoked you. Pretty soon, they will want to ban non-scholarship teams from the tourney for making scholarship teams look bad.
Wofford, which has as many kids as my son Division III school, nearly shocked Wisconsin. By the way thats around 1400+ at last check.
If the NCAA expands t0 96 will that raise the cost of most pools for accounting fees?
Which coach will parlay this years tourney to more $$$ next year. Mike Rice, Robert Morris. Someone should offer a job to Blaine Taylor at ODU too. Are you listening DePaul? Seton Hall, St. John's? Whichever job Tom Pecora doesn't get offered, Taylor should get it.
Perhaps the next announcement made at a WAL-MART will be "Number-seven seeds, please exit the tournament now."
When will people realize that with only 12 scholarships per school, that someone not named Kansas, Calipari, or Duke has good players too.
How many times did Tim Brando mention Bentley's in College Park during the Maryland-Houston broadcast? Perhaps as many rebounds as Jordan Williams had, 213. Shocker this game wasnt over til 12:45 eastern time. Could someone have put Cal-Gonzaga as an 8-9 game or something in this late time slot?
My champion looked good as did my picks of ODU, Ga. Tech, and Purdue. Why do u mention Purdue Pete they are a four-seed right? No one picked them but me it seemed. Siena was very average over the past six games heading in.
The two coaches I thought needed wins coming in were Dino gaudio and Oliver Purnell. Dino did, Oliver, not so much.
I walked into an Outback Steakhouse for dinner tonight and would you believe on the TV monitors, an NIT game and a Caps-Hurricanes game from last night. Hello?
Thank god the number-one seeds restored order in day two of the tourney, but there still is nothing like the little guy flexing his bicep once in a while too.......
Number-three seed Georgetown my childhood team, gone. Patrick where were you when we needed you, hell Micahel Graham would have planted D.J. Cooper and Armon Bassett after their first trip into the paint and they never would have ventured there again.
Vanderbilt of the SEC, see you, you were a victim of more March Madness. Temple of the rejuvinated A-10, joinh Richmond on the sidelines, those non-scholarship guys from Cornell smoked you. Pretty soon, they will want to ban non-scholarship teams from the tourney for making scholarship teams look bad.
Wofford, which has as many kids as my son Division III school, nearly shocked Wisconsin. By the way thats around 1400+ at last check.
If the NCAA expands t0 96 will that raise the cost of most pools for accounting fees?
Which coach will parlay this years tourney to more $$$ next year. Mike Rice, Robert Morris. Someone should offer a job to Blaine Taylor at ODU too. Are you listening DePaul? Seton Hall, St. John's? Whichever job Tom Pecora doesn't get offered, Taylor should get it.
Perhaps the next announcement made at a WAL-MART will be "Number-seven seeds, please exit the tournament now."
When will people realize that with only 12 scholarships per school, that someone not named Kansas, Calipari, or Duke has good players too.
How many times did Tim Brando mention Bentley's in College Park during the Maryland-Houston broadcast? Perhaps as many rebounds as Jordan Williams had, 213. Shocker this game wasnt over til 12:45 eastern time. Could someone have put Cal-Gonzaga as an 8-9 game or something in this late time slot?
My champion looked good as did my picks of ODU, Ga. Tech, and Purdue. Why do u mention Purdue Pete they are a four-seed right? No one picked them but me it seemed. Siena was very average over the past six games heading in.
The two coaches I thought needed wins coming in were Dino gaudio and Oliver Purnell. Dino did, Oliver, not so much.
I walked into an Outback Steakhouse for dinner tonight and would you believe on the TV monitors, an NIT game and a Caps-Hurricanes game from last night. Hello?
Thank god the number-one seeds restored order in day two of the tourney, but there still is nothing like the little guy flexing his bicep once in a while too.......
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Southwest Airlines should thank NAVY fans
Surprised, a little. Of course, then again, these were Navy Football fans.
As I boarded the plane, it was quite apparent, Navy Football fans were once again ready to represent in high numbers at Reliant Stadium on Thursday for the Texas Bowl against Big 12 foe Missouri.
In fact, if not for Navy fans, this flight would have been say, 25% full. Southwest Airlines quietly Im sure sends its best to the Mids for qualifying again for a bowl game.
What an experience it is to be involved with one of the classiest programs in all of sports. We're reminded just how good we have it when we show up and oh by the way President George Herbert Walker Bush is wearing a Navy Football hat on our sidelines before the game shaking hands with anyone who asked and taking pictures. I merely was satisfied with the handshake since I dont have a fancy camera phone foe someone to take it for me.
Houston overall, was exceptional, for a second time this year to Navy as the Mids routed Rice earlier this year, 63-14. This time the Mids were a couple of red zone miscues from a similar rout. In a repeat of the Rice game, it was apparent there were many more here for the blue and gold then the black and gold, and thats a school with 30,200 students!
Navy's coaches were incredible in the little time time to prepare for a talented Missouri team. Navy's offense came out up tempo with no-huddle. Navy's defense came out with two down lineman. All week long we heard how big Missouri was, but, they never really used it to their advantage. Navy's defense made life miserable for quarterback Blaine Gabbert, he could have been picked four maybe even five times. Ricky Dobbs was well, Ricky Dobbs. Despite some careless ball handling in the red zone, his reads were right on, as the Mids rushed for 385 yards, two guys over 100-yards (Dobbs and Marcus Curry) and slot backs Bobby Doyle, Gee Gee Greene and Cory Finnerty all had productive days. Brady DeMell had to step up at center as he did a great job.
But the real winners besides Navy, were the fans, as Houston does an exceptional job of hosting, despite chilly weather, and the food in the southwest is awesome. Our hotel, the J.W. Marriott was first rate, though, lesser hotels down the street, had free wi-fi, JW makes you pay. But, if thats the only thing you can find wrong with the place, thats not bad, overall a 98% for me. Beds were comfortable, room service timely, and you know your in a great hotel when there is a phone in the BATHROOM!
Southwest was on time as usual for me on the way down. Also engaged in great conversation with Navy Grad GREG Olson on the way down and got a ride to the hotel.
HOUSTON overall was a great place, the Galleria rocks, the people were hospitable, a joy to socialize with and Navy Football again proves why its a great business partner now in College Football.
On one final note, Im a sap when it comes to stuff like this. As someone who gets to work closely with these people during the season, seeing the work they put in week-to-week to acheive goals that many college football fans would never think a team of this physical makeup could attain.Its about the respect the program has for everyone in it. The doctors and trainers whose work goes unnoticed on the surface, the support staff of Greg Morgethaler and his group, the marketing people who sell this program and the administrators who support it to the best of its abilities. AD Chet Gladchuck, Superintendent Jeff Fowler, as well as O-reps, and academic advisors who help keep the kids on task.
Navy's sports information department makes broadcasting Navy Football one of the easiest tasks a broadcaster could ask for. There isnt a request that goes denied, (just ask me and Bill Wagner as we have a worse on-time record then some airlines) and there isnt a piece of information not uncovered.
I for one will miss current Commandant of the brigade, Capt. Matt Klunder. I will miss his enthusiasm for the student athletes. Not just football players either. He went off the high dive too when Navy swept Army in Swimming too! I will miss he 63 pushups we did at Rice. I will miss his conversations during games, but I will miss the always respectful handshake he always offered when ever he saw you. There isnt a finer guy you could pick for Admiral Select.
Watching kids like Ross Pospisil, Curtis Bass, Osei Asante, and many of the other Texas kids, and the other selfless seniors, like Doyle and Finnerty, and how about Jack Hatcher, finally getting in for his first ever play in a Navy uniform and now he can tell his family years from now he was tackled , actually lifted up in the air with a perfect from tackle by future pro Sean Witherspoon from Missouri. Seeing their satisfaction and celebration, the hugs between the coaches, in a win-now mentality of sports, its all worth it and I dont think your human if you didn't share a tear of joy for the boys in blue and gold, who for seven straight years have given Navy fans the best that this program and institution have to offer. Classy on the field and off, Navy football 2009 will go down as one the best in Academy History. Thanks to the men and women who make Navy Football what it is.
As I boarded the plane, it was quite apparent, Navy Football fans were once again ready to represent in high numbers at Reliant Stadium on Thursday for the Texas Bowl against Big 12 foe Missouri.
In fact, if not for Navy fans, this flight would have been say, 25% full. Southwest Airlines quietly Im sure sends its best to the Mids for qualifying again for a bowl game.
What an experience it is to be involved with one of the classiest programs in all of sports. We're reminded just how good we have it when we show up and oh by the way President George Herbert Walker Bush is wearing a Navy Football hat on our sidelines before the game shaking hands with anyone who asked and taking pictures. I merely was satisfied with the handshake since I dont have a fancy camera phone foe someone to take it for me.
Houston overall, was exceptional, for a second time this year to Navy as the Mids routed Rice earlier this year, 63-14. This time the Mids were a couple of red zone miscues from a similar rout. In a repeat of the Rice game, it was apparent there were many more here for the blue and gold then the black and gold, and thats a school with 30,200 students!
Navy's coaches were incredible in the little time time to prepare for a talented Missouri team. Navy's offense came out up tempo with no-huddle. Navy's defense came out with two down lineman. All week long we heard how big Missouri was, but, they never really used it to their advantage. Navy's defense made life miserable for quarterback Blaine Gabbert, he could have been picked four maybe even five times. Ricky Dobbs was well, Ricky Dobbs. Despite some careless ball handling in the red zone, his reads were right on, as the Mids rushed for 385 yards, two guys over 100-yards (Dobbs and Marcus Curry) and slot backs Bobby Doyle, Gee Gee Greene and Cory Finnerty all had productive days. Brady DeMell had to step up at center as he did a great job.
But the real winners besides Navy, were the fans, as Houston does an exceptional job of hosting, despite chilly weather, and the food in the southwest is awesome. Our hotel, the J.W. Marriott was first rate, though, lesser hotels down the street, had free wi-fi, JW makes you pay. But, if thats the only thing you can find wrong with the place, thats not bad, overall a 98% for me. Beds were comfortable, room service timely, and you know your in a great hotel when there is a phone in the BATHROOM!
Southwest was on time as usual for me on the way down. Also engaged in great conversation with Navy Grad GREG Olson on the way down and got a ride to the hotel.
HOUSTON overall was a great place, the Galleria rocks, the people were hospitable, a joy to socialize with and Navy Football again proves why its a great business partner now in College Football.
On one final note, Im a sap when it comes to stuff like this. As someone who gets to work closely with these people during the season, seeing the work they put in week-to-week to acheive goals that many college football fans would never think a team of this physical makeup could attain.Its about the respect the program has for everyone in it. The doctors and trainers whose work goes unnoticed on the surface, the support staff of Greg Morgethaler and his group, the marketing people who sell this program and the administrators who support it to the best of its abilities. AD Chet Gladchuck, Superintendent Jeff Fowler, as well as O-reps, and academic advisors who help keep the kids on task.
Navy's sports information department makes broadcasting Navy Football one of the easiest tasks a broadcaster could ask for. There isnt a request that goes denied, (just ask me and Bill Wagner as we have a worse on-time record then some airlines) and there isnt a piece of information not uncovered.
I for one will miss current Commandant of the brigade, Capt. Matt Klunder. I will miss his enthusiasm for the student athletes. Not just football players either. He went off the high dive too when Navy swept Army in Swimming too! I will miss he 63 pushups we did at Rice. I will miss his conversations during games, but I will miss the always respectful handshake he always offered when ever he saw you. There isnt a finer guy you could pick for Admiral Select.
Watching kids like Ross Pospisil, Curtis Bass, Osei Asante, and many of the other Texas kids, and the other selfless seniors, like Doyle and Finnerty, and how about Jack Hatcher, finally getting in for his first ever play in a Navy uniform and now he can tell his family years from now he was tackled , actually lifted up in the air with a perfect from tackle by future pro Sean Witherspoon from Missouri. Seeing their satisfaction and celebration, the hugs between the coaches, in a win-now mentality of sports, its all worth it and I dont think your human if you didn't share a tear of joy for the boys in blue and gold, who for seven straight years have given Navy fans the best that this program and institution have to offer. Classy on the field and off, Navy football 2009 will go down as one the best in Academy History. Thanks to the men and women who make Navy Football what it is.
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