Sports Blog From Youngstown

Turn Out The Lights

2009-06-12T10:09:00.003-04:00

This has been a great NBA/NHL playoff season with both having multiple exciting games. I can't remember a better one in recent year. It is over though for sure after tonight. Game 7 should be a great hockey game tonight if the Penguins defense shows up. If not look for it to be a blow out again.

The Lakers could easily be down 3-1 right now with a mulligan on the Courtney Lee lob at the end of regulation in Game 2 and the entire Magic team making a couple free throws in Game 4.

What the hell is going on with these birds during night games in Cleveland? Coco can't make any excuses because he has a poop arm anyway and wouldn't have thrown the runner out. Maybe it's the reincarnation of Dick Jacobs! Red Sox continue to pown the evil empire.

Not Buying It

2009-06-09T11:43:00.003-04:00

So the Vikings set a deadline for Favre to unretire again and play for them. So you're telling me that in a month when they realize they are screwed with Sage under center that they won't get on their knees and beg for Bret? The worst part of this whole thing is that they have a solid quarterback in TJ. Of course he needs some more work but who doesn't other than the brothers Manning? Before you even say it to yourself, think about it. Tom Brady is coming off a tough injury and still has to work to get back to what he was. Big Ben proved he is great, but he's more of a great football player that throws the ball at the correct time than a great quarterback.

As the baseball season is rolling, so are the hated Yankees. They are getting scary good and with Big Tex and Gay-Roid in the middle of the line-up, it's allowing other players to excel. But there is a lot of good baseball being played by everyone on any given day (except the Nationals, they suck).

Sorry Orlando but the season is over. They might be able to win one at home but this thing won't take longer than 5 games. ESPN.com had a poll up today asking who will win more championships in their career, Shaq and D Howard. It has be Shaq here. He already has 4 and has already let everyone know he's looking to get on a good team to win a 5th before retiring. No doubt about it Howard is the future of big men and could be one of the best ever if he polishes up his game from just off the block down low. The reason he won't win more than Shaq though is because he will never have the supporting cast for more than a year or two in his career to do it.

The NHL playoffs have been more exciting this year than in recent memory and I think it might even get better. If the Penguins can pull of Game 6 tonight then it comes down to the final game of the season. Hell yea it's tough to win in Detroit and their chances aren't great. Detroit's team is unreal but it looks like the Penguins have been playing on their heels when the Wings are on their home ice. If it goes to a 7th game I don't think they will have that same approach. It could easily be over tonight, but don't count out a great ending to a great playoff season.

Back With A Vengeance!

2009-06-04T09:50:00.002-04:00

It's been well over a month since I have written anything. To be honest it just gets away from me and I have very little time to post. Between sleeping, working, coaching baseball, and playing call of duty online (up to a 39 since April 13), I have NO TIME!

Well now I am going to make time. For the four of you out there that have asked me where I have been, I promise to give you a post a day. It might be long, it might be short, but it will be there! It might be important, it might be stupid, but it will be there!

So for today... I don't know why I get my hopes up that my teams are going to win their championships. For the second straight year, both my NHL and NBA teams are in it, but truth is... they will probably fall again. One thing I'm not going to do though is cry over "how hard it's been", I've heard way too much of that from the Cavs fans that came out of the woodwork this year.

Kenny Chesney concert is this weekend in Pittsburgh and I can't wait. Just bought Dave Matthews and Jimmy Buffett tickets for the end of this month as well and can honestly predict that this summer has the potential to be one of the best yet.

Here It Is Folks...

2009-04-24T11:28:00.003-04:00

Ok, so my plan of posting every hour was totally thrown out the window with the huge stack of papers on my desk. So instead of explaining why these teams should take certain players... I'm just throwing it out there. If you want an explanation you can comment.

1. Detroit Lions: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
2. St. Louis Rams: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forrest
4. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
5. Cleveland Browns: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
7. Oakland Raiders: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
9. Green Bay Packers: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
10. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
11. Buffalo Bills: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
12. Denver Broncos: Knowshawn Moreno, RB, Georgia
13. Washington Redskins: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
14. New Orleans Saints: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
15. Houston Texans: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
16. San Diego Chargers: Rey Maulaluga, MLB, USC
17. New York Jets: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
18. Denver Broncos: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
20. Detroit Lions: Alex Mack, C, California
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
22. Minnesota Vikings: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
23. New England Patriots: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
24. Atlanta Falcons: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
25. Miami Dolphins: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
27. Indianapolis Colts: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forrest
28. Buffalo Bills: James Laurinaitis, MLB, Ohio State
29. New York Giants: Scott McKillop, MLB, Pittsburgh
30. Tennessee Titans: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
31. Arizona Cardinals: Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma

Now, again, this is what these teams SHOULD do. Will they? No. They are dumb, I am smart. We will see tomorrow.

Friday Morning

2009-04-24T08:42:00.002-04:00

So just as I am about to post my new mock draft yesterday, the Falcons and Chiefs agree to a deal sending Tony Gonzalez to HOTlanta, which totally ruins my #1 pick for the dirty birds. So back to the big board I went last night. Starting at 9:30 I will post 8 picks, and then another 8 every hour.

The only hockey I have watched thus far has been the Penguins who have played really well in games 1,2, and 4 (wins) but have totally sucked in games 3 and 5 (bad losses). Sorry to the Godbrother and his GVM people for the quick routing they took from the Red Wings. You guys will be back, but for now root for the Pens who need as much help as they can get having to go back to Philadelphia.

The NBA playoffs are heating up and after last night I am convinced that you can't predict anything. Kobe makes 5 shots all night and the Lakers still only lose by 2 IN UTAH!? They played like garbage, making my night very frustrating between them and the Penguins. But this whole thing of blowouts and then taking a total 180 and being a blowout the other way is crazy. Oh, and DAAA BULLS giving the Celtics all they could handle the first 2 games and having a 1-1 series should have crushed the C's when they went back to Chicago especially with no KG or Powe right? Wrong. Still leads me back to believe Tim Donaghy wasn't the only referee fixing games.

Gotta love baseball right now though...

Update

2009-04-20T11:52:00.003-04:00

My new mock draft is complete. Should be posted by tomorrow.

Must See TV

2009-04-16T12:17:00.002-04:00

Last night on national television there was a Boobie slip. No not this boobie slip, but this Boobie , slip.

Though funny, I enjoyed watching the cavs bench players hang with an Eastern Conference playoff team. Wally Scz was hoopin like he changed his last name to James. With KG probably out for the playoffs, it is likely that Cleveland will meet L.A. in the Finals where the world will see the best two players go at each other.

Tim Wakefield took a no-no into the 8th last night. How the hell can't you hit a 54mph pitch for 8 innings! The knuck is easily the most deceiving pitch in baseball, but come on. Maybe if Cust and Giambi were still on the roids they would have been able to hit it.

Ian Kinsler continues to be absolutely sweet.

The Penguins game was very exciting last night. Mostly because they were winning, but there was some fun pushing and shoving and a lot of checking into the boards. Didn't catch any other games but due intend to tune in tonight after The Office.

My Weekend Was Sports+Vodka Tonic

2009-04-13T11:07:00.006-04:00

So Manny says he would like to finish his career up in Cleveland. I would love this. No, it won't change me back over to the tribal gang, but it would increase my attendance at Indians games. The thing is, they won't pay him what he wants and now that Travis Hafner is off the juice, he might be able to stay off the DL. Hafner can't play anywhere on the field (proven) and the Indians like their young outfield they have put together. I would love to see it, but there is no shot.

Bobby Abreu had a right to be pissed. Torii Hunter... you're an idiot. I like the thought of what Beckett did, but it was a little too close. A ball thrown on a line to the backstop is what is called for in the situation but that was a little to close too his head.

Godfather is pretty excited about CBJ. Too bad they have to play Detroit who is most likely going to repeat. The Penguins match up with the Flyers who are scum. Should be a very intense series.

Cavs will probably win tonight setting up for the Lakers to take the championship in game 6 in LA.

Yo

2009-04-10T12:55:00.003-04:00

My new Mock Draft is still under construction due to these trades that have been going on. Will the Browns trade Brady? Will they trade Edwards (I've seen better hands on a snake)? It really doesn't matter because they are going to suck either way.

Sox are on the west coast this weekend to play the Angels. This will certainly be an emotional week for the Halo's and with their best 3 arms still hurt, I expect the Sox to take the series if not sweep. Godfather is home so that means I will have to hear about the crappy Indians and be forced to watch them be sucktacular.

Godfather also loves talking about the Blue Jackets. I'm pretty sure only he and his friends talk about this lowly hockey team. Congratulations you made the playoffs! Now go home after 3 games.

This afternoon Godfather has challenged me to some racquetball. To say the least I am good. I don't expect much out of him either so it should be a blood bath. I shouldn't though because the last time I whooped on someone (8 straight series wins) I forced Curious to basically quit on his 1 year membership to the gym.

Have a Good Friday. Literally.

The Show

2009-04-08T11:16:00.006-04:00

These past 2 days have been filled with a lot of watching baseball. When it's not on I am playing my season in MLB The Show '09. I'm playing with the Sox and I am stacked. With about a month left in the season, I have already clinched the division and have over 100 wins. After numerous trades and letting go most of my young talent, my line-up goes...

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Hanley Ramirez, SS
4. Manny Ramirez, DH
5. Albert Pujols, 1B
6. Jason Bay, LF
7. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
8. Victor Martinez, C
9. Rocco Baldelli, RF

with a rotation of...

1. Josh Beckett
2. Jon Lester
3. Edison Volquez
4. Fransisco Liriano
5. Johnny Cueto

with my bullpen full of...

LHP Clayton Kershaw
RHP Justin Masterson

and sicknasty closer...

RHP Jonathan Papelbon

I am currently in a lot of debt to the bank, but for multiple World Championships, it is worth it. I believe Theo Epstein should hire me for help.

If you can't beat 'em... steal him!

2009-03-25T13:54:00.003-04:00

My postings are continuing to be few and far between. I don't even know why. To everyone who knows me I can usually make up a bull shit answer or reason for everything. Oh well.

Sweet 16 starts tomorrow and I am thinking it is going to be a rather crazy weekend. Not in the sense of huge upsets because, well, all of them are gone. Arizona is not a Cinderella team. Yes, they backed in. Yes, they belong. No, they didn't play the best this year, but they are a storied team that has succeeded within the past ten years.

This weekend will be full of great basketball though that I think mostly every game will go wire to wire with excitement. Though tomorrow is only thursday, during March Maddness it is considered the weekend.

Watched the movie Celtic Pride last night. I thought it was going to be one of those movies that is great when you're a little kid but then you grow up and it's stupid (Ernest Goes To Camp/Jail/NBA/Grave(ouch) ). Well it wasn't the case. Sure it was set in the 90's and is a little out dated but the concept and the movie is still very well done.

It's Been A While

2009-03-18T15:27:00.004-04:00

Haven't been writing as much as I want to lately. Actually, to about everyone's surprise, I have been reading. I'm finishing up "Boys Will Be Boys" which is about the Cowboy dynasty in the early 90's. It's pretty good, pretty crazy though. The picture up top has no relevence to this post. It could lead to a topic about my father but, hey I'm not going to do that.

My updated mock draft is not yet complete. Nor will it anytime soon I believe, especially with cry baby Cutler making a mess of things. John Clayton reported that Cleveland may be interested with giving away Brady Quinn. Mark this down right now, that if they do that, I will resign as a fan from the Browns. I will then become a free agent in the NFL market.

The big dance starts tomorrow and I don't think there will be many upsets. Some notable ones I have are Maryland (loved the way they played in the ACC tournament) and Temple (bunch of hard nosed kids). It's hard to predict upsets because if you miss, you look like a dumb ass. Oh yea sure, Michigan State upset in the first round? It can happen, but if you pick it and it doesn't, you're a retard.

I will leave everyone with these picks as the MLB season is coming upon us. Division winners in the league will be:

AL East: Boston Red Sox
AL Central: Minnesota Twins
AL West: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of California in the U.S. of North America
AL Wild Card: Cleveland Indians

NL East: New York Mets
NL Central: Milwaukee Brewers
NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers
NL Wild Card: Chicago Cubs

That's right both World Series teams from last year miss the playoffs. The Dodgers are a shoe in in (what?) the NL West, and the Cubs get in over the Phills because they get to play Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and the downward Cardinals more than other teams in other divisions.

Hooping it up tonight. Real World after. Excited.

Start It All Over

2009-03-02T11:46:00.002-05:00

Kansas City and New England messed up my whole mock draft. Obviously with trading for Cassel, The Chiefs will no longer take a QB. WIth this whole Jay Cutler pissed they tried to trade him mess, maybe the Lions will make a play at the already proven NFL QB. I am currently in the thought process of my new mock draft so if you have been following along (you haven't) then it will be a couple days until I figure this out. It will also probably be messed up again because of the overrated free agents that will be going places. The only worthy free agent to talk about at this point is Kurt Warner.

While we're on starting over, what are the Dodgers thinking? They got Manny for free last year and he single handedly got them to the NLCS. The whole team played considerably better when Manny came to LA and it would continue on this year. This is obviously a guy who you want to keep happy or else he will be a cancer. This guy will also make way more money for the Dodgers than they will have to pay him. Oh yea, and he produces. The Dodgers are lucky that no other team wants Manny because they would be screwed. I don't see why the Mets wouldn't try and get him in the middle of their line-up. The Mets NEED to win the division this year and get to the World Series after the past 2 seasons they had. Reyes, Beltran, Delgado, Manny, ew...

I am currently looking for a partner that roots for an out of town team to split the mlb.tv subscription with me so that I can watch not only the Red Sox, but any game I want. If you are interested, let me know.

Obviously I have to put in my two cents on the Browns trading K2. WHY!? This guy catches the ball! Wants to play! Wants to punish defenses. This is all the right things in a player. Sure he is a jerk but that doesn't effect his play. Brady Quinn is the future of the Browns and he hooked up with Kellen over 10 times in his Thursday night start against the Broncos. Should have won the game because of it. He loved him. These new guys are trying to make a statement and they picked the wrong guy to move. Dumb move.

Picks 9-12

2009-02-24T13:18:00.003-05:00

Ok, so obviously Andre Smith messed up big time. This will hurt his draft status for sure and drop him down way further than #7 to the Raiders. Michael Crabtree may have hurt his status as well with his injury but I believe Seattle will still take him at #4 because if he is 80% of what he should be, Crabtree will still be great. This said, I'm not going to rearrange my draft. The Raiders suck anyway.

9. Green Bay Packers - Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State (6' 200 lbs.)
Two years ago the Packers secondary was tough. Last year they stunk on ice. Charles Woodson is getting older and this is why the Packers need to take Jenkins here. He is by far the best DB in the draft and can play both shut down corner, or center fielder as a safety. Green Bay could also use a big play wide receiver or interior lineman on both offense and defense, but Jenkins is the safe pick here at nine.

10. San Francisco 49ers - Jason Smith, OT, Baylor (6' 5" 300 lbs.)
Smith could be regarded as the best lineman in the draft but playing at Baylor kept him on the small stage. He now moves up in front of Andre Smith from Alabama after he left the draft early and could be taken higher up in the draft. I think this is the safe pick for the 49ers and they could definitely use the help on the offensive line. San Francisco could go after a play making receiver here or some help on the defense, but I think Smith is the smart choice here.

11. Buffalo Bills - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State (6' 4" 238 lbs.)
Maybin is a tough player with a good motor. He has a nose for the ball, and an even better nose for the quarterback. Buffalo could use him coming off the end to help their pass rush. The Bills have lacked pressure on the quarterback for years and they are one or two players away from being a solid team. They could use some offensive line help but I think they have to think defense with this pick.

12. Denver Broncos - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia (5' 11" 208 lbs.)
I see Denver looking for the return to great running backs by taking Moreno here. This is a solid pick for them as well because of their injury problems they had all year in the backfield. Moreno is a tough runner who is hard to take down and can put a hurting on defenses. He will be able to carry the ball 30 times again as a rookie and start right away for the Broncos.

13-16 tomorrow.

Picks 5-8

2009-02-20T14:32:00.004-05:00

Ok, this first pick is a special one to me. This is the day in sports where all of us Browns fans know we are just going to either get disapointed or get our hopes up that this player we select with our high pick will be a difference maker. Either way I feel bad for this player because they will most likely be labeled a bust for their NFL career when it's not the case at all, they will just be playing in Cleveland. So here we go...

5. Cleveland Browns - Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC (6'2" 260 lbs.)
The Browns could use a pass rusher off the edge to compliment Wimbley but what they need more is a run stopper and smart middle linebacker that wants to take player's heads off. Andre Davis is too slow and can't play at the level the Browns need him to be at. He needs to go and Maualuga can fill this hole right away. The offensive line could use one of the big tackles here but the front office is hoping that it will return to the 2007 form they were in.

6. Cincinnati Bengals - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri (6'1" 200 lbs.)
With the swirling winds about the Bengals losing their best two receivers, I think they go with Maclin here to secure Carson Palmer that when he returns he will still have weapons to throw to. If the Bengals lose Chad Johnson and T.J., it will devistate their passing game. If they only lose one of them and pick up Maclin here with Chris Henry still around, they can be potent. The Bengals also need help at defensive end, defensive backs, and running back. Maclin is a great return man as well filling a hole on the Bengals special teams.

7. Oakland Raiders - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama (6'4" 240 lbs.)
By no means will Al Davis make this selection. Don't believe it. I wrote it and don't believe it. They will draft the best skills player here even if they don't need it. A Malcolm Jenkins would be a great selection here to compliment Asomugha in the secondary shutting down receivers, but the Raiders need to build an offensive line to be able to move the ball. They put money and high picks into JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden, now they have to put a big left tackle in their to block for them.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest (6'2" 246 lbs.)
The Jaguars need help in a couple different areas. They do need a receiver that is a big play threat but not here. They need to draft a safe player that can fill a hole in their defense for years to come. A player like Curry can rush the passer and drop into coverage which is a large leap for the Jaguars.

9-12 coming tomorrow.

Picks 1-4

2009-02-19T12:12:00.003-05:00

The Lions have been on the clock for a while now. I think it was ever since this happened. The Lions do not have a good quarterback and everyone just wants to tab them with the best available one in this draft. Well I have different ideas.

1. Detroit Lions - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia (6'5" 315 lbs.)
Look, the Lions need a lot of things. They have two first round picks thanks to Dallas taking Roy Williams off their hands since they have a better receiver in Calvin Johnson anyway. They have a very talented running back as well in Kevin Smith. All they need is a good quarterback and they have the offensive fundamentals to be functional again. With this said, this is not the year to reach for an average QB with the #1 pick. The Lions will have a top 5 pick next year for sure and more talented quarterbacks will be available (McCoy, Bradford). Why settle for a QB who might be just as good as what you have on your roster now? If Drew Stanton can play a full year, he can take the job. Though this QB class is weak, it is deep and there isn't much seperation 3-10. Grab Graham Harrell in the 2nd or 3rd round in case he turns into a Drew Brees type. Eugene Monroe is a cornerstone tackle that can be their left tackle for years to come.

2. St. Louis Rams - B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College (6'1" 325 lbs.)
St. Louis made large leaps to fill a poor defense last year by taking Chris Long to seal off that side of the line for running backs. Though Raji is not big, he has the motor of a '67 Mustang and has shown he can take on middle linemen that are twice his size. Putting this talent next to Long can sure up their run defense for a long future. Now all they would need to do is stop that thing offenses call passing. Their problems don't fall too heavily on the offensive side of the ball when Steven Jackson, Tory Holt, and Marc Bulger are healthy. Look for them to add explosion to this unit later in the draft though.

3. Kansas City Chiefs - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia (6'3" 236 lbs.)
Ok, I know I just bashed him up at the #1 pick and it shouldn't justify him being taken at #3. BUT, KC is more desperate for a quarterback right now than any other team in the league. Thigpen and Huard aren't going to win more than 5 games for you a season and though Stafford is fat and sub par, he does have a good arm and can read coverages well. I can see the Chiefs using this pick on a running back if Larry Johnson does decide to leave town before the draft but they more depth at running back than they do under center so I see them going with Stafford here.

4. Seattle Seahawks - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech (6'3" 213 lbs.)
I feel Seattle is the least talented team in the NFL. Hasselbeck is getting older by the second and they really have no one to back him up which showed this year when he was injured. I think they could stretch and take Sanchez here but I believe they will also be in the top 5 in the draft next year which makes them available to take one of the many good QB's coming out. Maurice Morris and Julius Jones aren't going to run all over many teams so I could also see them going after a top running back here. Hell, they could take pretty much anyone and it would be an improvement from what they have. I think Crabtree here makes sense because he seems to be able to make plays no matter who is around him. He is the closest thing football has seen to Michael Irvin since his glory days with the Cowboys. He won't be the fastest or strongest person on the field but throw it his way and he is likely to make a play on the ball.

So there is the top four teams in the draft and how I have broken their needs down. Of course I am not a GM or coach in the NFL but as a fan this is what I have seen. Picks 5-8 will be broken down tomorrow.

NFL Draft

2009-02-18T14:59:00.003-05:00

I get more excited over the NFL Draft than I do most NFL games. You have to take in consideration that I am a Browns fan. I know I have been gone a while but I just can't help myself from posting about the draft even with it being over 2 months away. Except for the terrible quarterbacks this year, this draft class is stacked.

First we will start with my mock draft. I will then go into detail of each pick and the reason why by fours. With that said, Detroit has been on the clock since about week 3 of last year and I hate to say it but they aren't going to take Matthew Stafford.

1. Detroit Lions- Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

2. St. Louis Rams- B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

3. Kansas City Chiefs- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

4. Seattle Seahawks- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

5. Cleveland Browns- Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC

6. Cincinnati Bengals- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

7. Oakland Raiders- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

8. Jacksonville Jaguars- Aaron Curry, MLB, Wake Forest

9. Green Bay Packers- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

10. San Fransisco 49ers- Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

11. Buffalo Bills- Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

12. Denver Broncos- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

13. Washington Redskins- Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

14. New Orleans Saints- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

15. Houston Texans- Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

16. San Diego Chargers- Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

17. New York Jets- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

18. Chicago Bears- Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

19. Tampa Bay Buccanears- James Laurinaitis, MLB, Ohio State

20. Detroit Lions- Alex Mack, C, California

21. Philadelphia Eagles- D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

22. Minnesota Vikings- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

23. New England Patriots- Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

24. Atlanta Falcons- Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

25. Miami Dolphins- Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

26. Baltimore Ravens- Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma

27. Indianapolis Colts- Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

28. Philadelphia Eagles- Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

29. New York Giants- Scott McKillop, MLB, Pittsburgh

30. Tennessee Titans- Fili Moala, DT, USC

31. Arizona Cardinals- Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri

32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Herman Johnson, OG, LSU

Be back tomorrow with explanations...

IU Weekend

2009-02-02T14:28:00.004-05:00

What a great college town Bloomington is. Spent less than 24 hours there and am already thinking about traveling out there for the Ohio State football game on October 3rd. It's a fun little town where people just seem to enjoy other people. Noticed right away that there aren't many Teddy's, Samir's, or Hee Sop Choi's (except for the Godfather) which was quite enjoyable after living in Cleveland for 5 years.

Assembly Hall really needs to be bombed. Well I can't say totally because all I have to compare it to was this past Saturday that we went but seats don't get much worse in any stadium that exists. I would rather sit behind a pole at the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium.

There will be many short stories to come in this week recapping the weekend but just wanted to throw out there that Bloomington was awesome.

Al Gore Is An Idiot

2009-01-28T12:54:00.002-05:00

It is official. Al gore is the biggest liar on the face of the earth. Him and Roger Clemens think they are fooling everyone. They aren't. Global warming? Really? It is almost February and we are getting ten inches of snow here IN THE MID-WEST! Bring those polar bears to Youngstown, Ohio and they will be fine from December-April.

Basketball night is cancelled due to Boardman schools closing. It's the right choice. No one should be driving right now.

Snow days were the best in the middle school days though. Obviously you couldn't drive yet because you aren't old enough, but also because you still want to go out and play. What a great time it was to play football in the snow. Sure you can only run about 1/2 a mph but same with everyone else. It leveled the playing field for the slow kids and gave them a chance to light people up. Snow ball fight in the middle of the game? Always.

This is how football is supposed to be played. The Super Bowl needs to get away from wanting to please everyone except for the fans who's teams are actually playing in the game and have a venue that is cold and snowy host it. I would love to see the Super Bowl played in Alaska.

After this weekend football will be over for the year. That sucks bad. It is the in-between time which is full of unexciting NBA games, not-quite-serious-enough-yet college basketball, and baseball is too far to even start getting excited for. Hell, I don't even know who I am rooting for yet since no one has signed Manny.

Rumor has it that the Mets would love to see him in their line-up. I could deal with that even though I hate everything about New York. At least it isn't the evil New York team and it will make Gator happy if someone else he knows roots for the New York Mets.

Bounce.

Why?

2009-01-27T15:17:00.002-05:00

Been gone for a while. Not really all that busy, just not in the mood to write anything. I've read a ton of stuff, and still haven't wanted to write. I know all 6of you have missed me but I am back now.

Even being gone for over a week, I don't have much to talk about. I went to the mall yesterday by myself to return a shirt I had gotten for Christmas. Some people out there, like the lady behind the register, will say "What took you so long!?" Shut up. I just didn't feel like going to the stupid mall how about that? Now that I had to go to pick something up maybe it would be the perfect time to return it!

Of course I gave her the "I just got back in town since Christmas and was hoping it would be ok...". Which it wasn't. No receipt, no return. After I explained I got it in an anonymous gift exchange (actually got it from my parents), she fake smiled and said "I'm sorry, I still need the receipt." After a long conversation of the tag is still on it and all I don't even want the money for it, I want to get something else, I finally threw in the towel.

My question is why? Why can't they take the shirt back? It's not like they would never sell a shirt like that, because they did. Does this girl making minimum wage take classes to become dumb and bitchy?

I got my bourbon chicken and bounced. I hate the mall and the Steelers.

Genius

2009-01-21T15:16:00.002-05:00

My picks for Chmpionship weekend were pretty dead on. A couple points here or there but I was right for the most part. All weekend I was more intrigued by players I had on my playoff fantasy roster rather than the actual games themselves. I did find myself rooting for the Cardinals though because if they can do it, hell I guess the Browns can (no shot).

I trail by 18 points going into the Super Bowl and it is a heads up match, my Kurt Warner vs. the evil (slow) Willie Parker. With our whacky scoring system it could easily happen.

Gator emailed me the "new and improved" version of "Here We Go Steelers". This team song is quite possibly the most catchy but most annoying song in the history of team songs.

Basketball is being played tonight. Stoked!

Voting Post

2009-01-16T12:42:00.002-05:00

Time for readers to decide...

Most memorable sports photo of 2008?

Michael Phelps and the U.S. relay team coming back to beat the French.

Usain Bolt blowing the rest of the world away.

David Tyree's catch on the final drive in the Super Bowl.

Jon Lester throwing a no hitter a year after battling cancer.

Mario Chalmer's shot to send the Championship game into overtime.

Wednesday Night Basketball Recap

2009-01-15T15:05:00.002-05:00

I'm finding it hard to get around today after an intense night of basketball. Missing my meniscus and PCL in my right knee should probably keep me limited to how much time I bang on the court. Forget that though. Knee hurting and knee throbbing after the first game, I continued on. I have to say I played above decent for the second week in a row. Playing well through this torture made me feel like Jordan when he had a fever of 102 in the NBA Finals and still dominated. Alright well maybe not that good but a kid can dream right?

Much of the night I had the pleasure of guarding the Jewish form of Ben Wallace. Or so he thought because he told us he is growing out his jewfro. It turns out he was probably the furthest thing from Ben, as he stood behind the 3-point line all night waiting to shoot. In game 1 he sunk one in my eye. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, well that isn't going to happen. He went scoreless the rest of the night while I was on him.

I liked guarding him though as it kept me out of the lane, since we had a guest appearance by the Ram who took up much of the court. I hadn't seen the Ram in about 4 years and didn't recognize him at first because he looked like he belonged in a WWE Royal Rumble (coming up soon!!!). Still one of the most humble kids to talk to.

All in all it was a fun night. Some good hoopage was played and there were no major incidents (the hole in the ceiling I accidentally kicked the ball through was minor, I didn't even kick it that hard, Center sucks anyway). Gator and Jr were on the same team with me the whole time so it kept it pretty tame. Our team probably had the least talent overall but definitely the most hustle leading to...

MVP: Our entire team.

Divisional Weekend

2009-01-12T13:57:00.004-05:00

I spent most of the weekend watching nearly every second of all four football games this weekend. I enjoyed it greatly, but I can't say the same for my girlfriend who truly believes that football has ruined her life and can't wait for February 2nd.

For some stupid reason, I got talked into watching the Sunday games at Steamers, a Bar & Grill owned by a Steelers fan. I thought it might be fun to go there and just be with people who enjoy playoff football. Well, I am an idiot. I hate Steelers fans worse than most other sports fans and it got even worse Sunday. It all started with the dumb songs they played at a volume that everyone agreed was way too loud. Songs like "The Pittsburgh Polka", "Big, Bad, Ben", and "Here We Go Steelers" (which needs updated) played the entire 20 minutes before the game, after every score, during halftime, and after the game. It made me feel like I was in the movie A Clockwork Orange. Being in a block pool made me stay there until the end and almost persuaded me to slit my wrists north/south.

Steelers fans make it easy to hate them too. Like the idiot at the bar who kept yelling "FIRE IN THE HOLE" every time the Steelers threw a pass over 5 yards. It makes a lot of sense right? So of course others started yelling it every time as well. Even better was the guy at the bar that we named Mike Tomlin, who after every good defensive play he would then stand up, point to someone across the bar, and then raise both arms flexing. He did a great job stopping the San Diego offense so he had the right to do this.

All in all I got drunk and had a fish sandwich that was so big that it's illegal in Rhode Island. This weekend should be about the same, minus the hell hole. Congratulations to the Steelers on their Super Bowl victory this year, and to Mike Tomlin flexing at Steamers. Fire in the hole!

My picks:
Pittsburgh 23 - Baltimore 17
Arizona 33 - Philadelphia 24

...and boom goes the dynamite.

2009-01-08T14:47:00.002-05:00

It started as a typical mid week day as I left work and was heading home in the snow to go to the gym. On my way I get a call from the Gator, which is very unusual now days, to see if I wanted to join along in playing some open gym basketball at BCMS (weak, go Glenwood!). I believe he was surprised to hear my positive answer because normally I decline to play full court driveway ball at his house.

After being pushed back to 9:00 instead of 8:30 and having to play in the downstairs gym for half an hour (adding to Center sucking), we started to hoop it up. Inspired by Titus, I continued to tell people how "wet my j" was (I didn't play the first game because I wasn't one of the first 10 out of 14 to make a free throw).

While sitting there I thought to myself "don't embarrass yourself, just pass the ball and stand in one spot", but of course I began to throw that round thing toward the round thing. I actually surprised myself a little bit by making some tough shots and lay-ups. These cancelled out all of the easy ass shots that I've missed in my career.

Things got chippy toward the end with Gator and Jr., but when you're playing open gym basketball where everyone is between the ages of 22-35 you will have that. Us 22's think that these old men can't hang with us and those 35's think that we think we're hot shit. Well, we're both right which forces wrongs.

I can't wait to get back to it next Wednesday night.

MVP: Javis

See ya later, dude.

2009-01-07T14:28:00.002-05:00

It came! It finally came!!!

My college diploma came in the mail yesterday because I decided I didn't want to do the whole "Oh my god I can't believe it's over" things with my parents. Talk about overrated.

Can you think of a more fun way to spend a spring if you are a baseball lover than being an assistant coach of a freshman team? Talk about bottom of the barrel. But the thing is, what a great time it will be. Get to see kids who should be good by now, continue to be bad. Don't have to worry about making line-up cards and knowing all the signs. Don't have to worry about anyone under me taking my job. Anyway, I'm stoked.

Change

2009-01-05T13:17:00.003-05:00

I'm not a big fan of change. Though I have a great time drinking and pretending like I care about watching the ball drop, I think that New Years Eve is the most overrated night of the year. I would be happy laying on the couch watching college football and SportsCenter's Year in Review.

ESPN.com has been dismantled and I don't like it one bit. The old webpage was simply that, a webpage. It was easy to view and find things you wanted to know and read. This new thing they got going on is a little too much. I was trying to look up the remaining free agents in baseball and somehow wound up clicking on a video about the Yankee dynasty (can anyone remember that far back?).

Anyone up for a petition on getting the old ESPN.com back? While we're at it facebook.com as well.

Tonight is the Fiesta Bowl where ESPN is letting everyone know that "Both teams have something to prove." What is that? That they both played really well this year and are rewarded by playing in a BCS game? No, we're going to dwell on the bad things for the teams instead because everyone seems to hate these two schools more than any other in the country.

I wore an Ohio State jersey to work today, which is natural for Buckeye fans to do the day of a big game right? WRONG. It is pretty lenient around our office but somehow the topic of discussion has to be that I am wearing a football jersey. Did someone draw a swastika on my back or something?

I may be the only that believe the Buckeyes have a change tonight so I put money on them to win straight up. Just to cover my ass I also played them to cover. What's the worst that could happen? Oh, right...

2009-01-02T12:53:00.002-05:00

"With all due respect, those are two great programs, I don't think anybody can beat the Trojans."
-USC coach Pete Carroll

"Umm what as that?"
-Oregon State coach Mike Riley

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T18:54:00.000-05:00

CP3

2008-12-30T11:39:00.003-05:00

Compliments of Deadspin... CP3

CP3 is awesome. This is like Reggie and Spike, but better. This guy isn't famous. He was probably only this close because the Pacers suck and his company was giving the tickets away to anyone who would take them. Anyway... CP3 is awesome.

Enough Already

2008-12-30T10:25:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I enjoy listening to sports talk radio on my way to work in the morning. Because of the terrible people they put on the local stations, I sit there and listen to Mike & Mike because they have the largest broadcast and topic selection. Many times I listen to hear some of the guests they have on there and not them. Both Mikes had off this week and they replaced him Monday morning with Eric Casilias and Jamal Anderson. I must say I enjoyed listening them go back and forth talking about the NFL playoffs, firings, and how much Jamal could still put up on the bench (he claims 405).

Today got me heated up a little bit though. Eric was joined by none other than Stephen A. Smith. For Christ's sake would this guy go away already? Can't he or ESPN take the hint that NO ONE wants to hear it from this guy. All he does is talk shit, more like yell shit, and try to act like he is the blackest person in sports media.

Every time this idiot gets a microphone in front of him he has to bring up race issues. Why? He stated today that Larry Johnson should be a better person off the field because Herm Edwards is a black coach and is making him look bad. Seriously, what the hell does that have to do with anything?

Going off of sports for a little bit but why is it always white people being called racists? I've lived in a city populated by black people and have seen and heard plenty of discrimination toward white people but because our great relatives weren't slaves it is alright and not racist?

I'm not saying there aren't white racists in the world. There are a lot more than black racists. My question is why black racists are allowed to be on television and radio saying things like this. If Golic said that Eli Manning should act better off the field because Tom Coughlin is white and needs it to look good, he would catch heat from all angles, maybe even fined or suspended. Some of the stuff he said was totally wrong and he deserved to be booted, but look at Don Imus.

Of course Golic wouldn't say something like that though because unlike Stephen A., he's not a total idiot.

Here's some more Stephen A. bashing... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAB5lOIl-2U

NFL: Act XLIII, Scene 17

2008-12-29T11:48:00.004-05:00

The NFL is a staged play. This is the only way to explain what went down during the regular season. The script was well written and included all the main characters of past and present. There were heroes and villains and plenty of drama for fans to believe what they were seeing was real.

We had the Brett saga move to New York and saw the Packers do significantly worse without him. Of course they couldn't put it all on Aaron Rodgers so the ridiculously good defense from a year ago had to pretend to be bad and leave them with a 6-10 record.

Of course they couldn't let everyone to believe that Brett could ACTUALLY walk on water, so they had him start out his team 8-3 and then finish the season 1-4 and miss the playoffs.

Then the Jets had to be bumped out of the playoffs by their ex-quarterback who was released for Brett and signed with the Dolphins coming off a 1-15 season. Chad Pennington, the rubber armed no good QB who underachieved for the Jets for so long, led this new Dolphin team to an 11-5 record to keep out the Jets and...

...the New England Patriots. The Patriots went 18-1 last year with their only loss in the Super Bowl which was fixed perfectly. Essentially on the first series of the 2008 season, MVP/Jesus (son of Brett) Tom Brady, hurts his knee and is out for the season. Enter Matt Cassel, a guy who went to USC and sat the bench behind Carson Palmer and then Matt Leinart, gets drafted by the Patriots, and is the back up to Jesus Brady. He struggles his first couple starts but then realizes that he has a great supporting cast and finishes the season with eleven wins but still missing the playoffs. This ultimately may be good for Cassel though because he is a free agent this year and guess who is behind schedule on their recovery from knee surgery.

With this being the main plot, the rest of the league was in the background making its own waves. We had Plexico, Pacman, and Al Davis in their regular bad guy role. The Falcons and Dolphins battling for the "We sucked worse last year and are better this year" crown. T.O. ruining another locker room. Clinton Portis. The Lions making history, but not the kind they were looking for. The NFC West just not caring. The Seahawks getting in on the Brett saga by beating them in week 16 during coach Mike Holmgren's, who was tight with Brett in his earlier Packer days, final home game. The joke of the Ohio teams. Smash and dash in Tennessee/Carolina. And Denver shisting down their leg and losing their last 5 games to miss the playoffs and essentially let San Diego in after being 4-8.

The final scenes, otherwise known as the playoffs, should cap off a great story. I mean season.

Exciting Week 17

2008-12-28T17:02:00.004-05:00

I can't remember a more exciting week 17 in years past for an NFL line up. The playoffs will not be set until the final game is over tonight and can be shaken up at any point. The early games today were fun to watch (except for the Browns and Lions), and these afternoon games have been very interesting so far.

Minnesota clinched the NFC north.
New England stayed in the playoff hunt.
Green Bay completed history.
Carolina clinched the NFC south.
Oakland upset Tampa Bay to pretty much eliminate them.

Now we sit and watch Chad Pennington and the Dolphins try and beat the Jets to get in for the AFC east. As good as Atlanta's turnaround has been this year, the Dolphins a year ago were a close game away with the Ravens to beating the Lions to the 0-16 record and now they are contenders.
Currently: 14-9 Dolphins

The Cowboys and Eagles are battling for a wild card spot in Philadelphia. The Eagles were pretty close to out of it and the Cowboys looked to be unstoppable at one point this year.
Currently: 27-3 Eagles

The Ravens are a win away from being in the second wildcard spot against the could be disappointment of the year Jacksonville Jaguars. The Ravens improved greatly under rookie quarterback Joe Flacco who won the job in the preseason because of a Kyle Boller injury and Troy Smith illness.
Currently: 24-7

Hopefully the playoffs will continue the NFL excitement while the college bowl season progresses.

The Cleveland Browns Are Pathetic

2008-12-28T16:35:00.003-05:00

In case you have stopped paying attention... the Browns have gotten worse with every game they have played this year. A lot of fans thought this was the year for the Browns because of their "promising" 10-6 finish a year ago. This was untrue of myself and should have been of anyone watching them play last year or even this preseason.

Yea, it's the preseason and doesn't mean anything. But it is also the preseason where Peyton Manning didn't play and the Detroit Lions went 4-0. Romeo is as good as gone as soon as tomorrow and Savage might be out the door as well with him. Year after year there is promise for this team and they continue to suck. The jokes begin every year with the draft where they have had one good one since they have come back.

At least they aren't the Lions though...

Top 5 Wins of the 2008 Season

2008-12-22T08:43:00.009-05:00

The 2008 season brought us a hope that we would again finish our season playing in the BCS National Title game. These hopes died in week 3 with a trip out to L.A. to take on the mighty Trojans of USC. Hopes of getting in with one loss then died again with a home loss at night to Penn State. Other than that the year was memorable with a young star in the making, a defense that was closer than most families, and a running back who provided more plays than Broadway. Here are the top 5 wins of the '08 season.

#5 Minnesota, 34-21

-The Golden Gophers came into the Shoe undefeated, looking to show the country that they have totally turned their program around. The Buckeyes had other plans. TP ran for a 33 yard touchdown to take an early 1st quarter lead. After a couple field goals back and forth, a touchdown catch from TP to Robo, another TP rushing touchdown, and another Robo touchdown from Boeckman in some mop-up time, this game was over. Minnesota added a couple 4th quarter touchdowns against the 2nd and 3rd team defenses to save some respect, but this was a day for the Bucks.
** Pryor: 8/13-70-1, 8-27-2
** B. Wells: 14-106
** B. Robiskie: 8-90-2

#4 Illinois, 30-20

-Ahh, time for revenge against the Fighting Illini after an '07 loss at home that ruined Ohio State's 2nd undefeated regular season in a row. This year the Buckeyes' defense stopped Juice Williams from doing his thing, showed by being benched in the 4th quarter, even though they gave up 450+ total yards.
** Pryor: 6/10-49-1, 13-110-1
** B. Wells: 24-143-1
** D. Sanzenbacher: 2-22-1

#3 Michigan State, 45-7

-Wow. I mean like... wow. What a whooping. The Buckeyes went into East Lansing slightly favored and showed that the Big 10 was only going to be a two team race. The 1st half was a highlight reel as they went into the locker room up 28-0. After allowing an early 2nd half touchdown from the back-up quarterback, the Buckeyes recovered two fumbles that went for touchdowns and added on another field goal to hang up 45 points on the Spartans. The D held then Heisman Trophy hopeful Javon Ringer to only 67 yards on 16 carries.
** Pryor: 7/11-116-1, 12-72-1
** B. Wells: 31-140-2
** B. Robiskie: 2-10-1

#2 Wisconsin, 20-17

-Is there a tougher place to play at night than Camp Randall? If there is then it is news to the country. This place is especially tough to play when the opposing team has a freshman starting quarterback. The kid stepped up big time down the stretch and ran in for a late, game winning touchdown. The game looked to be a dominant one for us after Beanie Wells scampered for a 33 yard touchdown early in the first quarter, but then with help from bad play calling and sloppy play, our offense shut down until the final drive. Other than TP and Beanie, the offense played horrendous all game. As much as Brian Hartline tried to give the game away on the final drive, the Buckeyes prevailed 20-17 with great defense.
** Pryor: 13/19-144, 15-20-1
** B. Wells: 22-168-1
** B. Hartline: 3-57

#1 Michigan, 42-7

-This Michigan team was probably the worst anyone that doesn't have a hearing aid has seen from them. They couldn't move the ball, and the defense was forced to play bend but not break, and there were times that they just couldn't hold. As I predicted, Michigan got a broken play that led to a score and that would be it for the day. As for the Buckeyes, they went into the locker room at half with only a 14-7 lead. The play calling was terrible again on this cold day but Beanie was able to break one off and TP had a nice touchdown pass to Hartline. In the second half, the Bucks came out knowing what they wanted to do to Michigan, and pretty much did it. Boom Herron had a long touchdown run coming a play after Beanie went off for one of about 50 himself, making the scoring drive 2 plays, 90+ yards. Boeckman added another score late in some mop up time that had many Buckeyes fans pleased. 42-7, what a great ass kicking to give before the end of the terrible Michigan season.
** Pryor: 5/13-120-2
** B. Wells: 15-134-1
** B. Hartline: 2-71-2

Just Shut Your Damn Mouth

2008-12-18T14:17:00.007-05:00

Seriously dude... shut up. The only thing you should be talking about is your terrible, horrible hands. You couldn't catch a cold. I have seen better hands on a snake.

I'm sure Lions fans never appreciated Chris Spielman because he went to Ohio State. It has to be the faults of the charities and organizations you donate to that you are treated so poorly so you should stop helping them for sure.

Yes you went to the Pro Bowl last year and everyone was behind you, but bringing the Browns out of the darkness? 10-6 and no playoffs is hardly being in the light. After last year we did get a sort of "sunny day light that gets shines on your blinds just enough to not allow you to continue sleeping in" and you were a large part of it. We loved you. We praised you. The thought of you going to Michigan didn't even cross our minds (probably because we were busy beating them). Maybe it is Rich Rod's fault because he gave the beloved #1 Michigan jersey to a freshman DB and that got your panties in a bunch. Maybe it is Jim Tressel's fault for owning you. Or maybe you just suck dick.

Now it is time for you to go. We would love to send you to Hawaii, but you had more drops than an 8th grade boys locker room full of testicles. Hopefully the JOKEland Raiders take a chance on you and want to give us a draft pick. You will fail there too and it will be the fans fault because USC whooped your ass in the Rose Bowl plenty. If you want true peace of mind because you can't close the college yearbook then maybe you should go home to Detroit, where you would be the #2 receiver to Calvin Johnson and even those fans would boo you as he continues to tear it up and you continue to drop passes.

So I'm saying this with all do DISrespect... Go Browns!

UC

2008-12-18T12:35:00.002-05:00

Saw an old high school friend out drinking at the bar last night. He spent 4 years at UC and announced that "If Virginia Tech thought the shooting was bad, wait until they have to play us". He also plans to road trip it to Bloomington with us on the 31 of January. Hopefully the witiness continues.

He's Back

2008-12-17T10:37:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I haven't been around in a while. Let's just say finals whooped my ass and I didn't really feel like typing more than I had to for the past two weeks. Now I am in the working world, which means within 8 hours of the day there is plenty of time for blogging. So let's see, where did I leave off...

Florida and Oklahoma are nasty. Michigan sucks. Texas cries a lot. Auburn, located in ALABAMA, is composed of a bunch of racists. Sam Bradford and Cris Carter would light up score boards.

With that said, the Buckeyes are going back to a place where we have been embarassed before. With a pissed off, high scoring Texas team, I don't expect any different results. Tress will probably come out and try and show that we can run the spread offense too and before we know it blow an early lead (see: Florida '06. LSU '07). If we stick to the double headed running game of Beanie and TP and create turnovers, we will beat the "snubbed" Longhorns.

2008-11-30T12:35:00.002-05:00

I said it's great, to bet, the Florida Gators.
Also insert USC, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Georgia Tech.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T14:59:00.002-05:00

Here is your turkey of the year.

The Waiting Begins

2008-11-25T13:42:00.005-05:00

As of right now the Buckeyes are on the outside of the BCS picture looking in. Ten teams will play in a BCS game and they look to be team 11 because of the Big East and ACC getting an automatic bid. This shouldn't worry any fan of the scarlet and grey though because as we have seen in the past, crazy things will happen over the next couple of weeks.

#1 Alabama: Still has a rivalry game with Auburn and an SEC Championship match up with Florida. Even if they go 1-1 it is likely they get an at-large bid.

Prediction: Sugar Bowl

#2 Texas: Has to play their rival Texas A&M which is a game where anything can happen and usually does. Sitting as a lame duck because of Oklahoma jumping them in the Big 12 South to play in the Conference Championship Game.

Prediction: Fiesta Bowl

#3 Oklahoma: Has Oklahoma State in their rivalry game which could cause them some trouble but will most likely be their stepping stone before playing Missouri in a rematch of the Big 12 Championship from last year. If they win out they are in the National Championship Game.

Prediction: BCS National Championship Game

#4 Florida: Plays Florida State in their rivalry game this weekend which is always a hard hitting match up. Can give the Gators trouble but they should be fine. Then have the SEC Championship Game against Alabama. A loss to FSU and win against Bama keeps them in a BCS game.

Prediction: BCS National Championship Game

#5 USC: Plays Notre Dame and UCLA in the next two weeks. Although, UCLA has upset them before, I don't think it happens this year. Loss to either team sends them out of the BCS picture.

Prediction: Rose Bowl

#6 Utah: Has finished season undefeated and will get an at-large bid.

Prediction: Fiesta Bowl

#7 Texas Tech: Lost shot at BCS title game with blow out loss to Oklahoma. Has Baylor left and is on the outside looking in because no more than two teams can make it in from the same conference.

Prediction: Cotton Bowl

#8 Penn State: Season is over. Have already booked plane tickets to Pasadena.

Prediction: Rose Bowl

#9 Boise State: Has a tough game against Fresno State coming up. Even a win won't get them in this year with Utah taking the at-large. Will most likely finish undefeated and miss a BCS bowl. This is strictly because of money for the bowl site.

Prediction : Humanitarian Bowl

#10 Ohio State: Season over. Two loss team that is sitting on the bubble waiting for someone to fall out. Needs Oregon State to lose so that USC wins the Pac-10 and goes to the Rose Bowl.

Prediction: Orange Bowl

BCS Predictions:

Rose Bowl
Penn State vs. USC

Orange Bowl
Cincinnati vs. Ohio State

Sugar Bowl
Florida State vs. Alabama

Fiesta Bowl
Utah vs. Texas

BCS National Championship
Florida vs. Oklahoma

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

Ann Arbor Girls Are Dirty Whores

2008-11-19T13:43:00.003-05:00

Get it Brutus.

Bob Ross

2008-11-18T21:55:00.000-05:00

Dedicated!

2008-11-18T16:42:00.001-05:00

Go Bucks!

Yea, It's That Time Again...

2008-11-18T01:36:00.004-05:00

Ok, so Chad, Mike, and Jake are gone now. They combined for 12 loses against the Bucks and that's good enough I guess.

This week should be filled with many great videos of our recent domination of the school from up north. Yet to come is "The Catch" in '05, "The Punt Return" of '04, the whole fucking '02 and '06 games, and of course our memorable entrance into "The Big Hole in the Ground" in 1973. Fuck that let's show it now.

On another note I will be getting into Columbus on Friday in time for the Dead Schembechlers concert at the LC Pavilion. Joining me should me The Godfather, AMG, The Gator, Javis, and Georgeous. Would love to see Lobster and McCampus there as well but their sightings have been few and far between in my recent trips. Contrary to what the German Villagers say, everytime I come down to the 614 The 1 is out and having a great time. Should be crazy and that's all the night before "The Beatdown of '08". I went there.

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

FUPA

2008-11-15T18:06:00.003-05:00

Definition of saturated fat.

I Will

2008-11-14T16:33:00.006-05:00

Ok so Todd Boeckman won't ever again and no way he makes that throw to the net with out skipping it. Still a pretty bad ass commerical.

At Illinois 2000

2008-11-12T00:32:00.005-05:00

This was the moment where Mike Doss became my favorite Ohio State player. The man was cruel to ball carriers. Even being in college I think the NFL would have fined him for this hit.

It was a great win for the Buckeyes before losing to Michigan at home on a bull shit no call when all 11 defenders were held on a Chris Perry screen pass for a touchdown early in the game. It was fucking terrible. John Cooper was fired after a loss to South Carolina (FUCK THE SEC) and within months James Patrick Tressel was hired!

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

Tressel's Grudge Will Hurt The Team

2008-11-06T16:31:00.004-05:00

Ray Small has been suspended again and could be out the rest of the year. He won't travel to Northwestern this weekend and probably won't to Illinois either.

Small has seemed to be in Tressel's dog house since he has arrived in Columbus. This time he is being suspended for an unspecified violation of team rules but sources say it's because of missing class. Small and his loud mouth father, who should never fucking get involved or fucking talk to the fucking papers about it, are denying this accusation and saying that it's just Tressel's way of moving him out of the way.

Tressel has been pretty good with players over the years and if you get in to trouble off the field you will usually be an afterthought (see: Marcel Frost, Louis Irrazary, Antonio Henton). I hope for Tressel's sake that he is making the right move because Small is far and away better than Hartline in the punt returning game. Last year the Buckeyes didn't have one return for a score. This year Small has already housed one and holds a 13.2 yard average. Hartline and Robo do not combine for that stat. I would love to see highly recruited freshman Lamaar Thomas back there but it is a long shot because Tressel doesn't trust just anyone back there.

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

Buckeyes Going To The '09 Draft: #1

2008-11-06T14:40:00.002-05:00

1. Chris "Beanie" Wells. 6' 1" 237. RB.

Beanie jumping to the NFL before his senior year would be a huge loss to Buckeye Nation for the '09 season, but you can't blame him. He has been the best running back in college football over the span of the past 2 years and is only getting better. He has been injury prone but when he's 100% he is near unstoppable. NFL scouts are saying that he doesn't run hard enough which can be true at times. He often waits for his blocks to be set up so he can blast into the hole and break a long run. He is a solid combination of power and speed. He can grind out 4 yard carries or break them for long gains. If he decides to come back and join TP in the backfield for another year it could be one of college football's scariest duos of all time.

Prediction: Top 5

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

Buckeyes Going To The '09 Draft: #2

2008-11-04T00:10:00.002-05:00

2. Malcolm Jenkins. 6' 1" 201. CB.

Malcolm is playing his final season as a Buckeye better than ever. He decided to come back with Freeman and Laurinaitis even with a chance to go in the top 15 in last year's draft. He has been taking away half of the field for quarterbacks to throw to and has been even more terrorizing while blitzing off the edge. When offenses are in a running formation, Jenkins sometimes lines up at safety and plays center field so that if there is a pass, he is free to roam and be all over receivers. Critics said last year that he lacked make up speed but it seems like he has taken care of that in the off season. He is a big and strong corner that will be a franchise player to any team he goes to.

Prediction: Top 10

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

Holy Shit!

2008-11-01T15:35:00.002-04:00

No Ohio State game this week. No Penn State game this week. Sound like a boring week for Big Ten football? I thought so too.

It is only 3:30 and there have been 3 Big Ten games that have gone to the wire with crazy finishes. We had a pick six with under 15 seconds left for Northwestern to pull off the win over #17 Minnesota. We had a field goal to cap off a come from behind win for #21 Michigan State over Wisconsin. In West Lafayette, a hook & ladder with 25 seconds left has left this season in history for the Wolverines, clinching their losing season. There will be no post season bowling for Michigan for the first time since 1974 and first losing season since 1967. Let's see if the craziness continues...

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

Buckeyes Going To The '09 Draft: #3

2008-11-01T13:59:00.003-04:00

3. James Laurinaitis. 6' 3" 240. LB.

Laurinaitis has been exactly how he sounds over the past 4 years, a warrior. His fabulous career for the Buckeyes began in 2005 when he replaces the injured Bobby Carpenter in the Michigan game and has been terrorizing offenses ever since. Could have been a top 5 pick last year and was thought of being New England's pick at #10 if he got that far. Deciding to come back with guys like Freeman and Malcolm Jenkins was like a gift from God for Buckeye nation. "Little Animal" has not been seen as playing how he used to but this is only because defenses are keying on him every play. He is getting double teamed as a middle linebacker which shows the respect he deserves but is hurting him at swarming to the ball like he has in the past. He has had problems fighting off blocks while moving lateral but still has the strength, speed, and agility to be destructive in the NFL. With a player like Rey Maualuga (USC) also coming out he could be the second middle linebacker taken.

Prediction: Top 15

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

Buckeyes Going To The '09 Draft: #4

2008-10-30T14:26:00.003-04:00

4. Brian Robiskie. 6'3" 199. WR.

Robo's stock has risen even with a slim choice of wide outs to choose from last year. At 6'3" he is big enough to match up on corners and go deep. His speed isn't great which means an NFL team might like to put him in the slot and match him up against a linebacker or safety. He has great hands but has been injury plagued during his senior season. His father Terry is the wide receivers coach for the Atlanta Falcons who may try and grab him in the second round but I can't see them reaching for him in the middle of the first.

Prediction: Late 1st/Early 2nd round

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

Ok... Let's Get This Over With

2008-10-28T23:22:00.004-04:00

Out coached? Yes
Wanted it more? Them
Better than us? Absofuckinglutely not!

It was turning to be a great day. Good work out in the morning with the Godfather*, amazing breakfast at Easy Street (chocolate chip pancakes), some beers and 3:30 games at campus BW3, and killed a case of beer between 5 people within an hour before going into the stadium at The Varsity Club. Was shaping up to be great...

As we got to our seats the band came out and being pretty wasted and excited I got into it. The plump lady sitting next to me asked "Were you in the band!?" Response: "Fuck no! Were you?"... "Yea...". There was no conversing the rest of the game. We sat in D deck where no one stood for the first three minutes until the people behind me realized that I wasn't going to sit down. D deck was standing midway through the 1st quarter on.

Tressel's play calling was absolutely sucktacular. He didn't open up the playbook at all and let Penn State's defense succeed at what they wanted to do. Stop the run and try to contain the pass. Not being able to move the ball downfield without two-headed monster running attack is inexcusable, especially with a small lead in the 4th quarter.

Penn State will run the table and go to the BCS National Championship. It is there they will lose to the Florida Tebows and we will continue to hear the fucking SEC bull shit.

They are not better than us. We had plenty of chances to win the game. Defense played great. Offense executed for the most part. Coaching sucked! Jim and his boys better figure it out or this season could become a mess. Northwestern has a high flying spread offense and Illinois can be really good when they want to.

The bye week should bring us ways to open the playbook for TP. If there are any doubts about his ability to play at this level again this week and talk about Todd Boeckman coming back I will lose my mind. If he plays I will ignore them for the rest of the year. Tressel needs to quit being so faithful to the upper classmen and understand he has talent sitting around on the sidelines. Why Maurice Wells still sees the field is beyond me.

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

*See German Village Media

Buckeyes Going To The '09 Draft: #5

2008-10-28T21:57:00.006-04:00

5. Marcus Freeman. 6'1" 239. LB.

Freeman's draft stock has dropped since coming back for his 5th year. Before this year he was a fast OLB that could cover in space or rush the quarterback with strength. Even though fellow linebacker James Laurinaitis gets more attention, Freeman is attracting NFL teams with his athletic ability and intelligence. Has shown many weaknesses this year not being able to cover backs out of the backfield, stop the run, fight off blocks, or pressure the QB.

Prediction: 2nd round

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

Keep Your Head Up Big Man

2008-10-27T12:15:00.002-04:00

In no way was this game TP's fault. You can't blame a playmaker for trying to make a play. The offensive play calling all game was terrible and is becoming a serious problem. Keep your head up TP, we're going to need you to make this season a positive in 26 days.

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

Penn State breakdown Pt. 3

2008-10-24T13:27:00.003-04:00

Our Buckeye wide receivers have not been playing as well as many thought they should be this season. After the past two years of big plays and production, Brians Robiskie and Hartline have been under-achieving all year with the exception of this past week against Michigan St. True freshman DeVier Posey should get more looks with his big play potential and already strong relationship with TP. Our tight ends (Ballard, B. Smith, Nicol) have played well all year, look for them to continue to pull in catches and be huge on third down.

Penn State has a potent line-up filled with play making receivers. These guys are what make the offense so dangerous every time they get on the field. With Clark's arm strength and accuracy, all these guys need to do is find a seam and they could be gone for 6. Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood, and Derrick Williams have combined for over 1,000 yards and 9 TD already. I like our DB's matched up on them though because they are all undersized at under 6' but this also gives them ability to sneak through coverage.

Pressuring Clark and making him throw the ball before he is ready gives the Buckeye defense a chance to win this game. Ohio State's receivers have to step it up and hold on to the ball when hit. The deep ball may be open but TP has to take what he can get while throwing.

Nittany Lions +1

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

I Want To See The Bucks!

2008-10-23T22:23:00.002-04:00

Get excited...

Penn State breakdown Pt. 2

2008-10-23T12:17:00.003-04:00

Obviously the running game is in favor of the Buckeyes but just how much? Even Royster (So.) is their leading rusher with over 800 yards and 10 TD on the season. Good numbers through 8 games and is a key part to the PSU offense. At 6-1 212 lbs. He will be a hard runner that the front seven of the Buckeyes should be able to shut down and keep under his 100 yard average. The other threat the Buckeyes have to worry about on the ground is Clark tucking it away himself. Whether it is a designed run or scrambling, he is dangerous. He has 8 touchdowns on just 47 carries and is likely to keep the ball inside the 5 with his 6-2 231 lb. frame.

The Buckeye ground attack could be the most dangerous in college football now that the correct QB is playing and our man Beanie Wells is healthy. The option keep play out of the shotgun should be ran at least 10 times a game with the way it works against teams. All they could do is put 5 people on TP and the other 6 on Beanie, which I still like our odds. The line really needs to play like they did against Michigan State because every other game they have been mediocre.

When Ohio State wins this game, this is where it will be won. Running the ball up and down the field with TP and Beanie will keep the Nittany Lion offense off the field with their potent scoring attack. These two Buckeyes will lead them to a win in the 'shoe at night and open up the back door to the national championship game once again.

Buckeyes +1.5

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

Two years ago..

2008-10-22T23:53:00.002-04:00

We Will Never Forget #10

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

Cooper Honored at Halftime

2008-10-22T23:03:00.003-04:00

At halftime of the big game against the Nittany Lions, former terrible coach/great recruiter John Cooper will be honored for being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Cooper was 111-43-4 in his 13 year career at T.H.E. with 3 Big Ten Titles and a Heisman Trophy winner. These numbers would be great at most other football programs but Cooper was fired because of his performance in the last two games of the season. He was 3-8 in bowl games and an even more hurtful 2-10-1 against the school up north.

In other news, ESPN's College GameDay will be live from Columbus for the big showdown. Giving this campus an extra 7 hours to drink and get rowdy before this game can't be something Penn St. is looking forward to. The last time Joe Pa was in the 'shoe he had to run into the locker room because he had shat himself.

Yea Ohio!
-Athlete

Penn State breakdown Pt. 1

2008-10-22T12:54:00.000-04:00

Instead of having a big long opening about what this blog is about (pretty obvious), I will jump right into what to expect in this upcoming match up with undefeated Pennsylvania State University.

Quarterback play will be the biggest X-factor in the game. Daryll Clark is dangerous. He is dangerous running the ball (190 yards, 8 TD) and dangerous throwing the ball (1531 yards, 11 TD, 2 INT). Our defense needs to put pressure on him all game. Pressuring Hoyer from Michigan State worked all game and the one possession we didn't bring the heat on Cousins, he led the Spartans down the field for a score. Terrelle Pryor (will be referred to as TP from here on out) has to play like he did last week, which means keeping his eyes down field, moving around, and not running backwards. When he feels pressure he has to get the ball off to the short route or try and take off and run. Where he gets into trouble is running backwards where defenders can take a better angle on him in pursuit.

I give the edge to TP. Lacks the experience of Clark but this is also Clark's first year and has yet to play in a hostile environment like the Horseshoe at night.

Buckeyes +1

Yea Ohio!
- Athlete