Big game for Ohio State tonight as they squared off against Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl. The Buckeyes would get a sizable lead for the half but the Razorbacks would regroup and get within 5 points with about 9 minutes to go. They had their chances and even some big breaks but couldn't capitalize as the Buckeyes would hold on defensively and win, 31-26. The thing I found funny was that many of the big plays were made by some of the players who are going to be suspended for the first 5 games of next season. Players like Terrelle Pryor (of course), DeVier Posey, and Soloman Thomas who made the interception to seal the win for the Buckeyes. Funny how the game is affected so much by those players. It's like the NCAA knew they were key players.
P.S. Okay, so the NCAA let some players play when they weren't logically supposed to but hey, at least it wasn't for the illegitimate BCS National Championship. They're letting Cameron Newton play for that.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Raiders (Al Davis) Decline Tom Cable's Option
Okay so Al Davis isn't so old that he's slow on some decisions. He is senile though.
The Raiders decided to not exercise their option on Tom Cable for two more seasons at $5 million. The assumption now is that the Raiders will promote their Offensive Coordinator, Hue Jackson, to Head Coach considering that the 49ers have recently got permission from the Raiders to interview him for their Head Coaching vacancy. But this move has quite some controversy with it. Tom Cable is let go after the Raiders' best record (8-8) since 2002 when the Raiders were the AFC Champions. This record is actually a significant sign of improvement as the team was 5-11 in the previous season and actually won every divisional game this season.
Unfortunately for Tom Cable, the Raiders are run by an old man who gets cranky when things are not run in his way. This decision makes no sense to me. Instead of trying to development a team around a guy who has shown considerable improvement, they go with someone else and start fresh. Well, not totally fresh as Hue Jackson is in the organization. Still, you don't how he will do as a head coach. There is player development, scouting, trying to manage an entire game including tough calls to make in key situations. Of course Al Davis is going to do what he wants to do and for that the Raider Nation suffers.
P.S. Don't feel bad for Tom Cable totally. He'll definitely get another job as a head coach somewhere. But be careful, Tom. You can punch a guy in the face but your not allowed to improve your team's record (HA HA HA).
P.P.S. Maybe the news of Cable's punch is finally being heard by Al Davis after repeating it a million times in his ear. Then I'd better start saying this now. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, AL. YOU'RE MAKING THE 49ERS LOOK REALLY GOOD!!!
The Raiders decided to not exercise their option on Tom Cable for two more seasons at $5 million. The assumption now is that the Raiders will promote their Offensive Coordinator, Hue Jackson, to Head Coach considering that the 49ers have recently got permission from the Raiders to interview him for their Head Coaching vacancy. But this move has quite some controversy with it. Tom Cable is let go after the Raiders' best record (8-8) since 2002 when the Raiders were the AFC Champions. This record is actually a significant sign of improvement as the team was 5-11 in the previous season and actually won every divisional game this season.
Unfortunately for Tom Cable, the Raiders are run by an old man who gets cranky when things are not run in his way. This decision makes no sense to me. Instead of trying to development a team around a guy who has shown considerable improvement, they go with someone else and start fresh. Well, not totally fresh as Hue Jackson is in the organization. Still, you don't how he will do as a head coach. There is player development, scouting, trying to manage an entire game including tough calls to make in key situations. Of course Al Davis is going to do what he wants to do and for that the Raider Nation suffers.
P.S. Don't feel bad for Tom Cable totally. He'll definitely get another job as a head coach somewhere. But be careful, Tom. You can punch a guy in the face but your not allowed to improve your team's record (HA HA HA).
P.P.S. Maybe the news of Cable's punch is finally being heard by Al Davis after repeating it a million times in his ear. Then I'd better start saying this now. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, AL. YOU'RE MAKING THE 49ERS LOOK REALLY GOOD!!!
New Year's Coaching Resolutions
Of course with the end of the NFL and College Football seasons upon us there are several coaching decisions to be made and have been made. One such situation is Eric Mangini recently being fired from the Cleveland Browns with a 5-11 record for both years there. As for who will coach the team, it is still unknown but Mike Holgren has not completely ruled himself out but says he is not in the initial search. I would be surprised if Manginiis back as a Head Coach in the NFL next year. An assistant coach or cooridnator job should suit him.
As for the other vacancies, the 49ers are still looking and have Jim Harbaugh at the top of the list of possibles. Harbaugh is also being pulled to the Broncos and possibly Michigan now that they have officially fired Rich Rodriguez though recent reports indicate that Harbaugh wouldn't take the Michigan job. There is also a possible vacancy in Oakland as Tom Cable is expected to lose his job even though he has improved the team to 8-8 and has won every game in the division. Knowing the Raiders, they won't make this decision for a couple of weeks due to Al Davis being old (BURN!!!). Also, Carolina has an opening with John Fox leaving. Any coach that comes in will have to remake the team starting with the number one pick in the draft.
There won't be any vacancy in Minnesota as Leslie Frazier is now the official head coach of the Vikings. Jason Garrett, meanwhile, looks like he will stay as the Cowboys head coach but is not a sure thing as of yet. Tom Coughlin is safe in New York as the Giants say they will keep him. Jack Del Rio will stay on in Jacksonville but will get the boot if he fails to get a playoff spot next year. Marvin Lewis is actually going to stay in Cincinnati as he just signed a contract extension despite the Bengals dropping to 4-12. Lastly, Miami may have a vacancy as Tony Sparano is in the hot seat. Though the firing of Sparano may not do anything as the team is still in the AFC East with the Pats and the Jets.
I'm sure there will be some more coaching news in the week to come and Jon Gruden and Bill Cowher will aslo have there names thrown around. Any chance the 49ers can get one of them instead?
As for the other vacancies, the 49ers are still looking and have Jim Harbaugh at the top of the list of possibles. Harbaugh is also being pulled to the Broncos and possibly Michigan now that they have officially fired Rich Rodriguez though recent reports indicate that Harbaugh wouldn't take the Michigan job. There is also a possible vacancy in Oakland as Tom Cable is expected to lose his job even though he has improved the team to 8-8 and has won every game in the division. Knowing the Raiders, they won't make this decision for a couple of weeks due to Al Davis being old (BURN!!!). Also, Carolina has an opening with John Fox leaving. Any coach that comes in will have to remake the team starting with the number one pick in the draft.
There won't be any vacancy in Minnesota as Leslie Frazier is now the official head coach of the Vikings. Jason Garrett, meanwhile, looks like he will stay as the Cowboys head coach but is not a sure thing as of yet. Tom Coughlin is safe in New York as the Giants say they will keep him. Jack Del Rio will stay on in Jacksonville but will get the boot if he fails to get a playoff spot next year. Marvin Lewis is actually going to stay in Cincinnati as he just signed a contract extension despite the Bengals dropping to 4-12. Lastly, Miami may have a vacancy as Tony Sparano is in the hot seat. Though the firing of Sparano may not do anything as the team is still in the AFC East with the Pats and the Jets.
I'm sure there will be some more coaching news in the week to come and Jon Gruden and Bill Cowher will aslo have there names thrown around. Any chance the 49ers can get one of them instead?
Monday, January 3, 2011
Stanford Reaches Their Peak and Sees Their Decline
The third BCS Bowl game commenced today with the Orange Bowl featuring Stanford and Virginia Tech. Stanford felt very lucky in this one as their QB Andrew Luck threw for 287 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT. Stanford would end up winning this game 40-12. Virginia Tech managed to keep pace in the first half but just couldn't score a point in the 2nd. Jim Harbaugh gets Stanford their first bowl win in 14 years and a BCS Bowl win at that.
Unfortunately, it's probably all downhill from here. Andrew Luck will likely enter the NFL Draft and there are many coaching possibilities for Jim Harbaugh. The 49ers are very interested in Harbaugh along with the Broncos and possibily Michigan. So for now, enjoy the victory, Stanford, because everyone is about to jump ship anyway.
Unfortunately, it's probably all downhill from here. Andrew Luck will likely enter the NFL Draft and there are many coaching possibilities for Jim Harbaugh. The 49ers are very interested in Harbaugh along with the Broncos and possibily Michigan. So for now, enjoy the victory, Stanford, because everyone is about to jump ship anyway.
Week 17: Packers Playoff Bound, Colts Claim the AFC South, the Seahawks Win the Mild Mild West and More
Last week of the regular season with the playoffs starting next week. Packers went in controlling their own destiny and needing a win over the Bears to claim the last Wild Card spot. Even though the Bears clinched a bye week already, they were still hoping for Home Field Advantage and gave it their all. It turned out to be a defensive game at Lambeau with the edge going to the Packers, 10-3. They get into the playoffs as the 6th seed. The Packers have had a crazy year but get back to the Postseason.
The Colts also needed a win to get a playoff spot or risk losing it to Jacksonville. The Colts would get a game winning field goal by Adam Vinatieri as time expired, 23-20. Peyton Manning threw for 264 yards and 2 TDs while the ground game ran for 101 combined yards. Jacksonville would lose their game, anyway, to the Texans, 34-17. As for settling the AFC North, Steelers had a edge going into the week over Baltimore with a better division record. The Steelers knew that and won their game over the Browns, 41-9, for a first round bye. Big Ben threw for 280 yards and 2 TDs in the AFC North Clinching game. The Ravens still win their game over the Bengals, 13-7, but doesn't amount to anything more than the 5th seed in the AFC postseason picture.
The Sunday Night Game featured a default NFC West Division Title game between the Rams and the Seahawks in a loud Qwest Field. It was a defensive game throughout and, other than a 4 yard TD pass from Charlie Whitehurst to Mike Williams on the first drive, there were no TDs scored. Thanks to the crowd noise and some cushion from that first drive, the Seahawks won the game and the Division, 16-6. They finish at 7-9 and are the first team to win a division title with a record under .500. An historic low for any playoff team but it's a playoff spot and that's what counts. This 7-9 team will host the 11-5 Saints next week. That's weird to say.
Other games included Brett Favre watching his last game go bye bye as the Vikings lose to the Lions, 20-13. Joe Webb not as great tonight as he threw for 145 yards, no TDs, and 1 INT. Giants and Bucs wins their respective games but do not get into the playoffs because of the Packers beating the Bears. Giants say they will keep Tom Coughlin, despite missing the playoffs, while Raheem Morris is looking good knowing that he has improved the Bucs considerably with Josh Freeman as QB. And the Atlanta Falcons take Home Field Advantage by beating the Panthers, 31-10. Matt Ryan threw for 236 Yards and 2 TDs in important last regular season game.
The Playoff picture is now crystal clear: The NFC games will be the Saints at the Seahawks and the Packers at the Eagles with the Falcons and Bears getting the bye. The AFC games will be the Jets at the Colts and the Ravens at the Chiefs while the Patriots and the Steelers take the week off as the top 2 seeds. Is it Super Bowl time yet?
P.S. Looks like Bill Cowher will not go to the Giants. Can somebody tell him there is an opening in San Francisco? It doesn't snow at all.
The Colts also needed a win to get a playoff spot or risk losing it to Jacksonville. The Colts would get a game winning field goal by Adam Vinatieri as time expired, 23-20. Peyton Manning threw for 264 yards and 2 TDs while the ground game ran for 101 combined yards. Jacksonville would lose their game, anyway, to the Texans, 34-17. As for settling the AFC North, Steelers had a edge going into the week over Baltimore with a better division record. The Steelers knew that and won their game over the Browns, 41-9, for a first round bye. Big Ben threw for 280 yards and 2 TDs in the AFC North Clinching game. The Ravens still win their game over the Bengals, 13-7, but doesn't amount to anything more than the 5th seed in the AFC postseason picture.
The Sunday Night Game featured a default NFC West Division Title game between the Rams and the Seahawks in a loud Qwest Field. It was a defensive game throughout and, other than a 4 yard TD pass from Charlie Whitehurst to Mike Williams on the first drive, there were no TDs scored. Thanks to the crowd noise and some cushion from that first drive, the Seahawks won the game and the Division, 16-6. They finish at 7-9 and are the first team to win a division title with a record under .500. An historic low for any playoff team but it's a playoff spot and that's what counts. This 7-9 team will host the 11-5 Saints next week. That's weird to say.
Other games included Brett Favre watching his last game go bye bye as the Vikings lose to the Lions, 20-13. Joe Webb not as great tonight as he threw for 145 yards, no TDs, and 1 INT. Giants and Bucs wins their respective games but do not get into the playoffs because of the Packers beating the Bears. Giants say they will keep Tom Coughlin, despite missing the playoffs, while Raheem Morris is looking good knowing that he has improved the Bucs considerably with Josh Freeman as QB. And the Atlanta Falcons take Home Field Advantage by beating the Panthers, 31-10. Matt Ryan threw for 236 Yards and 2 TDs in important last regular season game.
The Playoff picture is now crystal clear: The NFC games will be the Saints at the Seahawks and the Packers at the Eagles with the Falcons and Bears getting the bye. The AFC games will be the Jets at the Colts and the Ravens at the Chiefs while the Patriots and the Steelers take the week off as the top 2 seeds. Is it Super Bowl time yet?
P.S. Looks like Bill Cowher will not go to the Giants. Can somebody tell him there is an opening in San Francisco? It doesn't snow at all.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Coach Already Fired, Urban Meyer Finishes with a Win, and Chalrie Weis Headed to Florida
Some notable college football coaching news has already hit 2011. First was the firing of Pittsburgh Head Coach. Didn't the head coach resign? No, that was Dave Wannstedt a month ago. They fired the new coach, Mike Haywood, after he was arrested for a domestic violence charge. He only served as head coach for 2 1/2 weeks and never coached a game. You'd think George Steinbrenner was behind this. A little pathetic to see a new coach already fired from his job but proves that image is key to any relationship. Too bad Haywood's is already ruined.
As for Florida, Urban Meyer has coached his last game in college football (for now). The Gators got Meyer the win, 37-24, over Penn State in the Outback bowl. Hope Meyer enjoys his family life. Some big changes were recently made at the university while Meyer was still there. They hired a new head coach (after making sure that Meyer was serious about leaving this time) and his name is Will Muschamp. He is a first time head coach who has been a defensive coordinator at one place or another for the past ten years, most recently Texas. Muschamp was hired back in December.
Florida has already made another significant hire to help Muschamp out. Charlie Weis, who seems to have reinvigorated the Chiefs offense, has taken the job of Offensive Coordinator at Florida. I wonder how much better the pay is to work at a College Football program like Florida compared to working for the Chiefs. Or perhaps Chalrie Weis like working with college kids more than pro athletes. Whatever the reason, he's going back to school.
I wonder who Pitt will hire then fire next and it looks like Florida will be a major player again in 2011 if Weis can get that offense working above par once more.
As for Florida, Urban Meyer has coached his last game in college football (for now). The Gators got Meyer the win, 37-24, over Penn State in the Outback bowl. Hope Meyer enjoys his family life. Some big changes were recently made at the university while Meyer was still there. They hired a new head coach (after making sure that Meyer was serious about leaving this time) and his name is Will Muschamp. He is a first time head coach who has been a defensive coordinator at one place or another for the past ten years, most recently Texas. Muschamp was hired back in December.
Florida has already made another significant hire to help Muschamp out. Charlie Weis, who seems to have reinvigorated the Chiefs offense, has taken the job of Offensive Coordinator at Florida. I wonder how much better the pay is to work at a College Football program like Florida compared to working for the Chiefs. Or perhaps Chalrie Weis like working with college kids more than pro athletes. Whatever the reason, he's going back to school.
I wonder who Pitt will hire then fire next and it looks like Florida will be a major player again in 2011 if Weis can get that offense working above par once more.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy 2011: TCU Wins the Rose Bowl, Oklahoma Has a Fiesta, and the Capitals Win the Winter Classic
Happy New Year everyone. Of course certain sports like to have big games on the first day of the every year and there were three that stood out. One of those was the Rose Bowl as usual. Wisconsin squared off against TCU in lovely Pasadena. Many gave the edge to the Badgers but the Horned Frogs had heart and showed it in this one. TCU managed to hold a lead for most of the game and denied a key two point conversion from Wisconsin with just two minutes to go. TCU would get the ball off the onside kick and managed to run out the clock for the victory, 21-19. They proved to everyone, even me, that they belonged on the BCS Stage. Enjoy the Roses.
The next big game was the Fiesta Bowl featuring UConn and Oklahoma. The Sooners played big in this bowl game crushing the Huskies, 48-20. Landry Jones threw 3 TDs and 429 yards on route for the victory. Congrats to Bob Stoops and the Sooners as they rebound from last season's disappointments.
The last big game of the day was in Hockey with the annual Winter Classic. This year featured the Capitals and the Penguins at Heinz Field in the first Winter Classic Game at night. Eric Fehr of the Capitals became the hero tonight scoring two goals to give the Caps the win, 3-1. Though just a regular season game, 68 thousand plus was in attendance to give some serious cash flow.
Great set of games to kick off the new year and some more on the way. Last week of the NFL is tomorrow and then the Orange and Sugar bowl are right after that. Looks like a great year already.
My New Years Resolution:
To watch more MLS.
To curse the hypocrisy of College Football everyday.
To try and care about the NBA (Most Difficult).
The next big game was the Fiesta Bowl featuring UConn and Oklahoma. The Sooners played big in this bowl game crushing the Huskies, 48-20. Landry Jones threw 3 TDs and 429 yards on route for the victory. Congrats to Bob Stoops and the Sooners as they rebound from last season's disappointments.
The last big game of the day was in Hockey with the annual Winter Classic. This year featured the Capitals and the Penguins at Heinz Field in the first Winter Classic Game at night. Eric Fehr of the Capitals became the hero tonight scoring two goals to give the Caps the win, 3-1. Though just a regular season game, 68 thousand plus was in attendance to give some serious cash flow.
Great set of games to kick off the new year and some more on the way. Last week of the NFL is tomorrow and then the Orange and Sugar bowl are right after that. Looks like a great year already.
My New Years Resolution:
To watch more MLS.
To curse the hypocrisy of College Football everyday.
To try and care about the NBA (Most Difficult).
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