NC State +1 1/2
Missouri -2
Ole Miss + 19
Buffalo +35
Miami +5 1/2
UNC +9
Florida -14
Minnesota +27 1/2
Texas -11
Tennesee -3 1/2
We'll see how I did come Sunday morning!
Friday, October 27, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Thumbs Up! Thumbs Down! W/E 10/28
What a weekend of sports action. From college football to baseball to NASCAR, it was all great. There were a lot of great performances and a lot of poor ones. I am here to expose both sides of that spectrum. So, here is this week's installment:
Thumbs Up!: Clemson Football- All purple?!? It was ugly, but effective. If it weren't for a bad place kicker the Tigers would be in the thick of the national title hunt. However, a double-overtime loss to BC gives the Eagles the inside track to the ACC Championship, especially after a big win at Fla. State. If Clemson can take care of business they should make it to Jacksonville Dec. 7. Boston College still has games at Wake and at Miami and will not win both of those. Clemson's biggest test will come at season's end when they host Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Thumbs Up!: Duke- You suck, and you and everyone else on the planet knows it. However, you don't play like it. You give each of your opponent's everything you have. You have put fear inWake Forest, Fla. State, Alabama and, most recently, Miami. You might be winless, but you have given the other team a reason to at least show up, unlike your counterparts in Chapel Hill.
Thumbs Up!: Chicago Cubs- Fans, soo your pain will cease! The Tribune has finally hired a good manager after firing Dusty Baker. The Cubs look poised to give the necessary resources to new manager Lou Piniella. They may go after Alex Rodriguez. Any way you look at it, this is a step in the right direction for the "lovable losers." Lou is old, so it is going to be win now for the Cubbies.
Thumbs Up!: Jimmie Johnson- Counted out of the Chase after the first 2 weeks, and now he is right on, points leade,r Matt Kenseth's door step after a big win this weekend in Martinsville. Now that he is back in it, he has to be most people's favorite. I am going to stick with my original pick of Kevin Harvick, but I can see Johnson winning it.
Thumbs Down!: FSU- Ugly uniforms, and an ugly performance. Now the boosters are calling for Bobby Bowden's retirement. I think its time for that to happen. The 'Noles lost conference game #3 this weekend. Their lone conference win so far came against Duke. The 'Noles will make a bowl game this year, but it will not be a big one. The who's going to replace Bowden conversation needs to begin.
Thumbs Down!: UNC AD Dick Baddour- Finally, John Bunting is gone, or at least he is at the end of the season. Ig you're going to fire a coach, then you need to do it, ot wait until the end of the season to announce it. A lame duck coach is a coach with no power over his players. Some players respond with wins in this situation, and some lose more games in this situation. For some reason I think that the Heels will continue to lose under lame duck Bunting. the best choice to replace Bunting is former ECU head coach, Steve Logan.
Thumbs Down!: Washington Redskins- Lose 2, win 2, lose 2...this pattern will land the redskins at 8-8, which is a decent season. But, it will not get them into the playoffs. The Colts picked apart the 'Skins in the second half and they did it with ease. The Skins need to pick it up or they will be sitting on the couch watching the playoffs. Look for wholesale personnel changes for them this week during their off week.
Honorable Mentions:
(+) Nebraska football; (+) James Davis (RB, Clemson); (+) Kenny Rogers (in with a World Series championship); (-) David Ragan ( how many wrecks can one guy cause?); (-) Kansas State BBall (Practice with new coach Bob Huggins has started); (-) Car of Tomorrow...
Thumbs Up!: Clemson Football- All purple?!? It was ugly, but effective. If it weren't for a bad place kicker the Tigers would be in the thick of the national title hunt. However, a double-overtime loss to BC gives the Eagles the inside track to the ACC Championship, especially after a big win at Fla. State. If Clemson can take care of business they should make it to Jacksonville Dec. 7. Boston College still has games at Wake and at Miami and will not win both of those. Clemson's biggest test will come at season's end when they host Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Thumbs Up!: Duke- You suck, and you and everyone else on the planet knows it. However, you don't play like it. You give each of your opponent's everything you have. You have put fear inWake Forest, Fla. State, Alabama and, most recently, Miami. You might be winless, but you have given the other team a reason to at least show up, unlike your counterparts in Chapel Hill.
Thumbs Up!: Chicago Cubs- Fans, soo your pain will cease! The Tribune has finally hired a good manager after firing Dusty Baker. The Cubs look poised to give the necessary resources to new manager Lou Piniella. They may go after Alex Rodriguez. Any way you look at it, this is a step in the right direction for the "lovable losers." Lou is old, so it is going to be win now for the Cubbies.
Thumbs Up!: Jimmie Johnson- Counted out of the Chase after the first 2 weeks, and now he is right on, points leade,r Matt Kenseth's door step after a big win this weekend in Martinsville. Now that he is back in it, he has to be most people's favorite. I am going to stick with my original pick of Kevin Harvick, but I can see Johnson winning it.
Thumbs Down!: FSU- Ugly uniforms, and an ugly performance. Now the boosters are calling for Bobby Bowden's retirement. I think its time for that to happen. The 'Noles lost conference game #3 this weekend. Their lone conference win so far came against Duke. The 'Noles will make a bowl game this year, but it will not be a big one. The who's going to replace Bowden conversation needs to begin.
Thumbs Down!: UNC AD Dick Baddour- Finally, John Bunting is gone, or at least he is at the end of the season. Ig you're going to fire a coach, then you need to do it, ot wait until the end of the season to announce it. A lame duck coach is a coach with no power over his players. Some players respond with wins in this situation, and some lose more games in this situation. For some reason I think that the Heels will continue to lose under lame duck Bunting. the best choice to replace Bunting is former ECU head coach, Steve Logan.
Thumbs Down!: Washington Redskins- Lose 2, win 2, lose 2...this pattern will land the redskins at 8-8, which is a decent season. But, it will not get them into the playoffs. The Colts picked apart the 'Skins in the second half and they did it with ease. The Skins need to pick it up or they will be sitting on the couch watching the playoffs. Look for wholesale personnel changes for them this week during their off week.
Honorable Mentions:
(+) Nebraska football; (+) James Davis (RB, Clemson); (+) Kenny Rogers (in with a World Series championship); (-) David Ragan ( how many wrecks can one guy cause?); (-) Kansas State BBall (Practice with new coach Bob Huggins has started); (-) Car of Tomorrow...
Friday, October 20, 2006
ACC: Atlantic Coaching Carousel
The coaching landscape of ACC football will look drastically different this time next year. Half the conference could be searching for new coaches at the end of the season. It's a product of the poor quality of the conference this season and the stellar jobs of some. I'm just guessing here and I know nothing more than anyone outside of the situations. However, I think there are some no brainers out there and here they are school by school coach by coach:
NC State: Chuck Amato- This year's squad is currently 3-3 headed into the Maryland game. The media didn't give the 'Pack a chance to win 3 games this year. I think Amato's job was safe regardless. He will be around until he decides to leave. He has made State relevant on a national level and the program continues to move forward.
UNC: John Bunting- Expect the press release and news conference as early as the Monday after their last game is played. The 1-6 Tar Heels are miserable to watch. Bunting is a great guy, but he has driven a program with more tradition than most know straight into the ground. He's gone no matter what at the end of the season. It's time for a change at Carolina. They need to find the next Mack Brown. That could be cuurent offensive coordinator, Frank Cignetti. Other candidates include: Butch Davis (doubtful), Chris Petersen (Boise State), and Mike Price (UTEP).
Wake For
est: Jim Grobe- Good as gone! Not fired, but chasing that dollar. Grobe will be at the top of a lot of lists at season's end. He's ready for the big time and he deserves it. It's probably taken so long because many doubt his offensive system will work at a big time school. But, opponents only have a week to prepare for that offense that you will only see once a year. Look for him to head to an SEC school, most likely in Mississippi. Ole Miss and Mississippi State could be looking for new head coaches. Miss State is the more likely of the two. Michigan State could possibly give Grobe a call, and that would be a good fit. Frank Cignetti would probably be the 'Deacs top choice to replace Grobe, or maybe they keep it in the family of current coaches. However, with facility upgrades coming it would probably be a good idea to keep those writing the checks happy with someone they have heard of. There are a laundry list of mid-major schools who would love to get one step closer to the big time with the Wake Forest job.
Duke: Ted Roof- Probably stays. Who else would take that job? He needs to be gone and in all likelyhood he will be gone. I don't know who would replace him. It would most likely be some position coach from some big time program like Texas or Ohio State. However, no names come to mind because there is no one out there with a reputation who would risk losing it by going to Duke. The best decision for the Blue Devils is to move to D-1AA in football. Don't worry DUIkies, basketball practice has started and the school's best QB, point guard Greg Paulus, is injured.
Virginia Tech: Frank Beamer- Bad year and bad attitudes, but he stays. That is Beamer's program and he isn't going anywhere until he decides it time to step down.
Virginia: Al Groh- His seat has been warm this year, but I think there is talent in that program. They're just too young to win a lot right now. He deserves at least one more year. But, he, like Amato, is building a firm foundation in Charlottesville and he deserves time to make things happen there. Thomas Jefferson wouldn't approve of firing Groh!
Maryland: Ralph Friedgen- One more year. One more year and that's all he gets. His program looks like it has peaked and is not headed back up anytime soon. Since making it to the Orange Bowl a few years back the 'Terps have done nothing but dissapoint. I don't want to speculate who would replace the "Fridge," but once again Cignetti's name will arise and possibly John L. Smith, if Mich. State lets him go. Smith has experience recruiting this area from his time at Louisville.
Boston College: Tom O'Brien- He's not going anywhere anytime soon. He's as much a part of BC as Doug Flutie.
Florida St
ate: Bobby Bowden- He's not going to retire after this season, but I think it is time for him to. If by some twist of fate he does retire, I think that Mickey Andrews, Bowden's long-time offensive coordinator, will get the job for a few years. He deserves it more than anyone. Then look for a possible return of Mark Richt, head coach at Gerogia and former FSU assistant.
Miami: Larry Coker- Oh, this program is need of a change. They need a no nonsense g
uy who will not tolerate thuggery. The Hurricanes need to beg former head coach Butch Davis to return. he was the only person who has been able to control that program over the last 20-25 years. Plus, Coker's national championship was won with Davis' players. If Davis decides not to return, then expect George O'leary (UCF and formerly Ga Tech), JohnChavis (def. coordinator Tenn.), Dan Brooks (Def. line coach Tenn.) and maybe even Jim Grobe to get an interview. It's unfortunate because Coker is a great guy and a good coach. He is just in the wrong situation and he will find the right one, maybe at UNC or somewhere else where a good guy can make a living.
Clemson: Tommy Bowden- He's going to be at Clemson for the next 20 years. One day they will name the field after him like FSU's Bobby Bowden field. It will be Tommy Bowden Field at Memorial Stadium, "Death Valley." Bowden has taken a lot of heat while at Clemson. But, I think he is part of the group that will make the ACC a power conference.
Georgia Tech: Chan Gailey- It didn't work out for him in Dallas, but it is working for him at Georgia Tech. The only wayI see him ever leaving the Ramblin' Wreck is if some school throws millions of millions of dollars at him. He tried the NFL and it did not work. He seems better suited for the college game. And he has taken the 1990 co-national champions back to national relevance. No more Diamond Nuts Seattle Bowl (or whatever) for the Yellow Jackets.
The ACC has a good crop of coaches, and hopefully more are to come. If the ACC is going to reach the level of the SEC, Big XII and Big X, then the coaches will have a lot to do with it. Bowden, Amato, Gailey, Beamer, Groh and O'Brien are going to be around for a long time to come. Schools such as Miami, FSU and UNC need to find long term solutions; while Wake, Duke, Maryland need to cycle through the next crop of good coaches for the country to pick through and then maybe find their own mainstays at the headcoaching position.
Hopefully, Duke will one day be out of the picture in football and be D-1AA. To replace them the conference should think about East Carolina, who has raised their academic standards and reputation to that of an ACC level. However, that would hurt recruiting for the remaining members of the Big-4. Maybe the likes of a Notre Dame or someone else like that could replace them. But that's another argument for another day.
Photos: From top to bottom...
1.http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/33/339296.jpg
2.http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/DOMHIBDOPAJD/032505-bunting2.jpg
3.http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/wake/sports/m-footbl/auto_action/220414.jpeg
4.http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/acc/sports/m-footbl/03-04action/a-duke-roof-filer.jpg
5.http://www.coachillustrated.com/images/CoachImages/50x50/beamer50x50.jpg
6.http://sportsmed.starwave.com/media/ncf/2002/1125/photo/a_groh_i.jpg
7.http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/md/sports/m-footbl/auto_ap/fridgeyell.jpg
8.http://www.king5.com/sports/pac10/stories/M_IMAGE.1009386cd18.93.88.fa.7c.2a21b2ae.jpg
9.http://www.ffc.org/images/events/bobby_bowden/bobby_bowden_hat.jpg
10.http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/6/66/LarryCoker.jpg
11.http://chronicle.augusta.com/images/headlines/082901/Clemson_Bowden_reaxLR.jpg
12.http://publish.netitor.com/photos/schools/geot/sports/m-footbl/auto_action/a-gailey-083102.jpg
NC State: Chuck Amato- This year's squad is currently 3-3 headed into the Maryland game. The media didn't give the 'Pack a chance to win 3 games this year. I think Amato's job was safe regardless. He will be around until he decides to leave. He has made State relevant on a national level and the program continues to move forward.
UNC: John Bunting- Expect the press release and news conference as early as the Monday after their last game is played. The 1-6 Tar Heels are miserable to watch. Bunting is a great guy, but he has driven a program with more tradition than most know straight into the ground. He's gone no matter what at the end of the season. It's time for a change at Carolina. They need to find the next Mack Brown. That could be cuurent offensive coordinator, Frank Cignetti. Other candidates include: Butch Davis (doubtful), Chris Petersen (Boise State), and Mike Price (UTEP).
Wake For
est: Jim Grobe- Good as gone! Not fired, but chasing that dollar. Grobe will be at the top of a lot of lists at season's end. He's ready for the big time and he deserves it. It's probably taken so long because many doubt his offensive system will work at a big time school. But, opponents only have a week to prepare for that offense that you will only see once a year. Look for him to head to an SEC school, most likely in Mississippi. Ole Miss and Mississippi State could be looking for new head coaches. Miss State is the more likely of the two. Michigan State could possibly give Grobe a call, and that would be a good fit. Frank Cignetti would probably be the 'Deacs top choice to replace Grobe, or maybe they keep it in the family of current coaches. However, with facility upgrades coming it would probably be a good idea to keep those writing the checks happy with someone they have heard of. There are a laundry list of mid-major schools who would love to get one step closer to the big time with the Wake Forest job.Duke: Ted Roof- Probably stays. Who else would take that job? He needs to be gone and in all likelyhood he will be gone. I don't know who would replace him. It would most likely be some position coach from some big time program like Texas or Ohio State. However, no names come to mind because there is no one out there with a reputation who would risk losing it by going to Duke. The best decision for the Blue Devils is to move to D-1AA in football. Don't worry DUIkies, basketball practice has started and the school's best QB, point guard Greg Paulus, is injured.
Virginia Tech: Frank Beamer- Bad year and bad attitudes, but he stays. That is Beamer's program and he isn't going anywhere until he decides it time to step down.
Virginia: Al Groh- His seat has been warm this year, but I think there is talent in that program. They're just too young to win a lot right now. He deserves at least one more year. But, he, like Amato, is building a firm foundation in Charlottesville and he deserves time to make things happen there. Thomas Jefferson wouldn't approve of firing Groh!
Maryland: Ralph Friedgen- One more year. One more year and that's all he gets. His program looks like it has peaked and is not headed back up anytime soon. Since making it to the Orange Bowl a few years back the 'Terps have done nothing but dissapoint. I don't want to speculate who would replace the "Fridge," but once again Cignetti's name will arise and possibly John L. Smith, if Mich. State lets him go. Smith has experience recruiting this area from his time at Louisville.
Boston College: Tom O'Brien- He's not going anywhere anytime soon. He's as much a part of BC as Doug Flutie.
Florida St
ate: Bobby Bowden- He's not going to retire after this season, but I think it is time for him to. If by some twist of fate he does retire, I think that Mickey Andrews, Bowden's long-time offensive coordinator, will get the job for a few years. He deserves it more than anyone. Then look for a possible return of Mark Richt, head coach at Gerogia and former FSU assistant.Miami: Larry Coker- Oh, this program is need of a change. They need a no nonsense g
uy who will not tolerate thuggery. The Hurricanes need to beg former head coach Butch Davis to return. he was the only person who has been able to control that program over the last 20-25 years. Plus, Coker's national championship was won with Davis' players. If Davis decides not to return, then expect George O'leary (UCF and formerly Ga Tech), JohnChavis (def. coordinator Tenn.), Dan Brooks (Def. line coach Tenn.) and maybe even Jim Grobe to get an interview. It's unfortunate because Coker is a great guy and a good coach. He is just in the wrong situation and he will find the right one, maybe at UNC or somewhere else where a good guy can make a living.Clemson: Tommy Bowden- He's going to be at Clemson for the next 20 years. One day they will name the field after him like FSU's Bobby Bowden field. It will be Tommy Bowden Field at Memorial Stadium, "Death Valley." Bowden has taken a lot of heat while at Clemson. But, I think he is part of the group that will make the ACC a power conference.
Georgia Tech: Chan Gailey- It didn't work out for him in Dallas, but it is working for him at Georgia Tech. The only wayI see him ever leaving the Ramblin' Wreck is if some school throws millions of millions of dollars at him. He tried the NFL and it did not work. He seems better suited for the college game. And he has taken the 1990 co-national champions back to national relevance. No more Diamond Nuts Seattle Bowl (or whatever) for the Yellow Jackets.
The ACC has a good crop of coaches, and hopefully more are to come. If the ACC is going to reach the level of the SEC, Big XII and Big X, then the coaches will have a lot to do with it. Bowden, Amato, Gailey, Beamer, Groh and O'Brien are going to be around for a long time to come. Schools such as Miami, FSU and UNC need to find long term solutions; while Wake, Duke, Maryland need to cycle through the next crop of good coaches for the country to pick through and then maybe find their own mainstays at the headcoaching position.
Hopefully, Duke will one day be out of the picture in football and be D-1AA. To replace them the conference should think about East Carolina, who has raised their academic standards and reputation to that of an ACC level. However, that would hurt recruiting for the remaining members of the Big-4. Maybe the likes of a Notre Dame or someone else like that could replace them. But that's another argument for another day.
Photos: From top to bottom...
1.http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/33/339296.jpg
2.http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/DOMHIBDOPAJD/032505-bunting2.jpg
3.http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/wake/sports/m-footbl/auto_action/220414.jpeg
4.http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/acc/sports/m-footbl/03-04action/a-duke-roof-filer.jpg
5.http://www.coachillustrated.com/images/CoachImages/50x50/beamer50x50.jpg
6.http://sportsmed.starwave.com/media/ncf/2002/1125/photo/a_groh_i.jpg
7.http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/md/sports/m-footbl/auto_ap/fridgeyell.jpg
8.http://www.king5.com/sports/pac10/stories/M_IMAGE.1009386cd18.93.88.fa.7c.2a21b2ae.jpg
9.http://www.ffc.org/images/events/bobby_bowden/bobby_bowden_hat.jpg
10.http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/6/66/LarryCoker.jpg
11.http://chronicle.augusta.com/images/headlines/082901/Clemson_Bowden_reaxLR.jpg
12.http://publish.netitor.com/photos/schools/geot/sports/m-footbl/auto_action/a-gailey-083102.jpg
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Thumbs Up! Thumbs Down! W/E 10/21
Thumbs Up!- Wake Forest Football- Jim Grobe's Deacons won in Carter Finley for the first time in 22 years this past weekend. Grobe's "I know I can't line up and beat you, so I am going to run in the opposite direction" offense works. With an offensive style more suited for a Mountain West school the Deacs are bowl eligible before Hallow
een. And in one of the wealest conferences in the nation Wake Forest could find themselves in the ACC championship game come the first week in December.
Thumbs Up!-Detroit Tigers- First trip to the World Series since Wake last won in Carter Finley(coincidence? I think not.). Jim Leyland has resurrected one of baseball's greatest franchse. With their combination of experience and youth the Tigers looked poised to lay claim to the World Series after sweeping the A's in the ALCS and handing the Yankees an early exit in the ALDS. Leyland deserves all the credit in the world. He convinced a team who had previously lost 100+ games that they could do anything, and, they have.
Thumbs Up!-Carolina Panthers- The Pantehrs have won 4 in a row after dropping the first 2 games of the season. The offense came alive against the NFL's best defense, the Baltimore Ravens. And Steve Smith looks poised top become the first receiver to be named MVP since 1940. It's time for all you bandwagoners who jumped off after the 0-2 start to jump back on. This week the Panthers head to Cincinatti to play the Bengals and then return home to play TO and the Cowboys Sunday night Oct. 28.
Thumbs Down!-Miami Hurricanes- Like always "The U" has found some way to embarass themselves. This past weekend's brawl with Fla. International was disgusting and the 'Canes deserve to lose their post-season privileges. I don't care who started the fight. Miami has a reputation as a top notch private university to uphold. Sports are supposed to shed a positive light on the university, but at Miami it's probably turning potential students and student-athlete(is there even such a thing as a student-athlete?) away. The ACC dropped the ball with their less than impressive stand. One game suspensions? They shouldn't be allowed to ever suit up again.
Thumbs Down!-NC State Football-If you ever want to see how a team can beat themselves, then all you have to do is watch the game film from the Wake Forest game. The 'Pack let a late 1st half touchdwon happen when Wake was only trying to get 3 points. And before that a fumble led to a safety and 2-pts. for Wake. That's 6-9 points that the 'Pack could have preserved. And that would have led to a win. State's record against inferior talent and competition fell to 1-3 this season. The 'Pack travels to Maryland this weekend for the first of 2 more inferior opponents in a row (Maryland and Virginia) before hosting ACC top-dawg Ga. Tech on Nov. 4. At that point the 'Pack should be on the verge of bowl eligibility and hopefully still in the conference championship race.
Thumbs Down!- The ACC- Is it not bad enough that the football in our conference sucks this year? Our top-3 football schools, FSU, Miami and Va Tech, are all out of the top-25. We have no top-10 BCS ranked team. Our conference championship game could put 2 unranked teams playing each other. Expansion was supposed to boost bothe football and basketball; however, both have taken a hit. And, the Big East, whom we raided, has seen improvements in bothe sports since expansion. Now we have this Miami debacle and the conference has gone weak. If it would have happened at Duke, Wake or Maryland, then there would have been hell to pay. But, since it will seriously hurt the ACC to not have Miami in the conference championship game or a bowl game they have decided that one game is enough. We have been outdone by Fla International, who dismissed 2 players and suspended numerous others indefinitely. 3
Honorable Mentions:
(+) Kasey Kahne; (+) Sam Swank; (+) Chicago Bears; (-) UNC Football; (-) Arizona Cardinals; (-) Georgia Bull Dog Football.
Photos:
1.http://www.dailyherald.com/dow_photos/7/DTS234_ALCS_ATHLETICS_TIG.jpg
2.http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/football/ncaa/10/14/miami.brawl.ap/Hurricanes.jpg
een. And in one of the wealest conferences in the nation Wake Forest could find themselves in the ACC championship game come the first week in December.Thumbs Up!-Detroit Tigers- First trip to the World Series since Wake last won in Carter Finley(coincidence? I think not.). Jim Leyland has resurrected one of baseball's greatest franchse. With their combination of experience and youth the Tigers looked poised to lay claim to the World Series after sweeping the A's in the ALCS and handing the Yankees an early exit in the ALDS. Leyland deserves all the credit in the world. He convinced a team who had previously lost 100+ games that they could do anything, and, they have.
Thumbs Up!-Carolina Panthers- The Pantehrs have won 4 in a row after dropping the first 2 games of the season. The offense came alive against the NFL's best defense, the Baltimore Ravens. And Steve Smith looks poised top become the first receiver to be named MVP since 1940. It's time for all you bandwagoners who jumped off after the 0-2 start to jump back on. This week the Panthers head to Cincinatti to play the Bengals and then return home to play TO and the Cowboys Sunday night Oct. 28.
Thumbs Down!-Miami Hurricanes- Like always "The U" has found some way to embarass themselves. This past weekend's brawl with Fla. International was disgusting and the 'Canes deserve to lose their post-season privileges. I don't care who started the fight. Miami has a reputation as a top notch private university to uphold. Sports are supposed to shed a positive light on the university, but at Miami it's probably turning potential students and student-athlete(is there even such a thing as a student-athlete?) away. The ACC dropped the ball with their less than impressive stand. One game suspensions? They shouldn't be allowed to ever suit up again.
Thumbs Down!-NC State Football-If you ever want to see how a team can beat themselves, then all you have to do is watch the game film from the Wake Forest game. The 'Pack let a late 1st half touchdwon happen when Wake was only trying to get 3 points. And before that a fumble led to a safety and 2-pts. for Wake. That's 6-9 points that the 'Pack could have preserved. And that would have led to a win. State's record against inferior talent and competition fell to 1-3 this season. The 'Pack travels to Maryland this weekend for the first of 2 more inferior opponents in a row (Maryland and Virginia) before hosting ACC top-dawg Ga. Tech on Nov. 4. At that point the 'Pack should be on the verge of bowl eligibility and hopefully still in the conference championship race.
Thumbs Down!- The ACC- Is it not bad enough that the football in our conference sucks this year? Our top-3 football schools, FSU, Miami and Va Tech, are all out of the top-25. We have no top-10 BCS ranked team. Our conference championship game could put 2 unranked teams playing each other. Expansion was supposed to boost bothe football and basketball; however, both have taken a hit. And, the Big East, whom we raided, has seen improvements in bothe sports since expansion. Now we have this Miami debacle and the conference has gone weak. If it would have happened at Duke, Wake or Maryland, then there would have been hell to pay. But, since it will seriously hurt the ACC to not have Miami in the conference championship game or a bowl game they have decided that one game is enough. We have been outdone by Fla International, who dismissed 2 players and suspended numerous others indefinitely. 3
Honorable Mentions:
(+) Kasey Kahne; (+) Sam Swank; (+) Chicago Bears; (-) UNC Football; (-) Arizona Cardinals; (-) Georgia Bull Dog Football.
Photos:
1.http://www.dailyherald.com/dow_photos/7/DTS234_ALCS_ATHLETICS_TIG.jpg
2.http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/football/ncaa/10/14/miami.brawl.ap/Hurricanes.jpg
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Thumbs Up! Thumbs Down! W/E 10-14
It's time for another wonderful installment of "Thumbs Up! Thumbs Down!" Those ineligible this week are the St. Louis Cardinals, New England Patriots and any Ryder Cup team member. Here is this week installment...
Thumbs Up!- Mark Martin- The ever so pessimistic ageless wonder finds himself within 20 points of the points lead with 6 races remaining in the Chase. The circuit heads to Charlotte this weekend for the lone night race of the Chase. Martin has been the most consistent driver in the Chase next to points leader Jeff Burton. It could come down to a one race show down in Homestead for the season's final race between Martin and Burton.
Thumbs Up!- NC State Football- Consecutive primetime cone from behind wins. Chuck Amato's seat has cooled over the past couple of weeks, but it could heat right back up again with a loss to Wake Forest this weekend. However, the Wolfpack have looked like a totally different team since losing consecutive games to Akron and Southern Mississippi and switching quarterbacks. The FSU win said "we're here" and a win against Wake would say "and we're staying."
Thumbs Up!- Jim Grobe- The Wake Forest head football coach could be a hot commodity at season's end. Grobe has his Demon Deacons at 5-1 and on the verge of their first bowl appearance since 2002. The 'Deacs have far surpassed the expectations of this season and they are looking to continue that. Schools such as Miss. State, Texas A&M, TCU, Minnesota, Michigan State and a number of other schools could be looking for a new head coach and Grobe would be a bargain steal.
Thumbs Up!- Jess- The Wake Forest senior is hotter than ever. What can I say? Nothing that would be appropriate for this blog. MMM MMM MMMMM! That is as far as I can go on this site. Smart, funny and HOTT! Never would you find her on the Thumbs Down! list. She is a lock for Thumbs Up! each week. She is not a sports star, but... (?). preparing for her first trip to the State Fair you will be able to see here milking a cow sometime between Oct 13 and Oct 22.
Thumbs Down!- I was going to say the New York Yankees; however, in light of today's tragic event involving Yankee pitcher there will be no Thumbs Down! this week for the Yankees.
Thumbs Down!- John Bunting- Resign already. You're going to be fired after the season, so, cut UNC a break and resign so that they can start rebuilding. The only winnable game left on the Tar Heels schedule is Duke, and that will be a knock out drag out fight known as the Toilet Bowl.
Thumbs Down!- Dale Earnhardt Jr. Fans- Shut up! Brian Vickers did not do anything wrong and he shouldn't need extra security this weekend in Charlotte. He did the same thing that Jr. would have done and that is whatever he had to do in order to get the win..
photos:
1.http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/17/171663.jpg
2.http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/DOMHIBDOPAJD/032505-bunting2.jpg
Thumbs Up!- Mark Martin- The ever so pessimistic ageless wonder finds himself within 20 points of the points lead with 6 races remaining in the Chase. The circuit heads to Charlotte this weekend for the lone night race of the Chase. Martin has been the most consistent driver in the Chase next to points leader Jeff Burton. It could come down to a one race show down in Homestead for the season's final race between Martin and Burton.
Thumbs Up!- NC State Football- Consecutive primetime cone from behind wins. Chuck Amato's seat has cooled over the past couple of weeks, but it could heat right back up again with a loss to Wake Forest this weekend. However, the Wolfpack have looked like a totally different team since losing consecutive games to Akron and Southern Mississippi and switching quarterbacks. The FSU win said "we're here" and a win against Wake would say "and we're staying."
Thumbs Up!- Jim Grobe- The Wake Forest head football coach could be a hot commodity at season's end. Grobe has his Demon Deacons at 5-1 and on the verge of their first bowl appearance since 2002. The 'Deacs have far surpassed the expectations of this season and they are looking to continue that. Schools such as Miss. State, Texas A&M, TCU, Minnesota, Michigan State and a number of other schools could be looking for a new head coach and Grobe would be a bargain steal.
Thumbs Up!- Jess- The Wake Forest senior is hotter than ever. What can I say? Nothing that would be appropriate for this blog. MMM MMM MMMMM! That is as far as I can go on this site. Smart, funny and HOTT! Never would you find her on the Thumbs Down! list. She is a lock for Thumbs Up! each week. She is not a sports star, but... (?). preparing for her first trip to the State Fair you will be able to see here milking a cow sometime between Oct 13 and Oct 22.
Thumbs Down!- I was going to say the New York Yankees; however, in light of today's tragic event involving Yankee pitcher there will be no Thumbs Down! this week for the Yankees.
Thumbs Down!- John Bunting- Resign already. You're going to be fired after the season, so, cut UNC a break and resign so that they can start rebuilding. The only winnable game left on the Tar Heels schedule is Duke, and that will be a knock out drag out fight known as the Toilet Bowl.
Thumbs Down!- Dale Earnhardt Jr. Fans- Shut up! Brian Vickers did not do anything wrong and he shouldn't need extra security this weekend in Charlotte. He did the same thing that Jr. would have done and that is whatever he had to do in order to get the win..
photos:
1.http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/17/171663.jpg
2.http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/DOMHIBDOPAJD/032505-bunting2.jpg
'Deacs Abatte to get Exposed?
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-1, 1-1) will travel to Raleigh to play the NC State Wolfpack (3-2, 2-0) this Saturday. The Deacons are coming off their first loss of the season to Clemson. This game is the most important game on the 'Deacs schedule right now. For several reasons.The first reason is, good teams bounce back from losses and the 'Deacs want and deserve respect. Was the 5-0 start a fluke? Was it because of inferior competition? Well, we'll find out this weekend. I think Wake has a good team. They played 45 minutes of awesome football against the Tigers; unfortunately, a football game is 60 minutes. So, if Wake want to stay relavent, then it needs a good showing this weekend.
Second reason, momentum. Jim Grobe had his troops rolling throught the first 5 and 3/4 games this season. And, then a botched field goal attempt stopped his teams momentum like a NASCAR safer barrier. Grobe and his football team need a quick start against in a hostile environment this weekend. Win or lose the 'Deacs need a strong performance if they hope to continue on to a great season.
Third and finally, Wake cannot afford to lose anymore ground in the conference race. A loss this weekend would essentially put the team 2 games both State and Clemson. Wake still has to play Atlantic Division foes Boston College, Florida State and Maryland. Maryland being the only of those three that Wake will be favored in. On top of that Wake has to play Virginia Tech and North Carolin of the Coastal Division. So, the only "gimme" remaining on the schedule is the Carolina game.
How can the Demon Deacs win this game? Run the ball. They have always given the 'Pack fits with their misdirection running game. If they find themselves in a position where they have to throw the ball, then thye might as well pack it up because the 'Pack has one of the nation's stingiest pass defense. So, get ahead early and be able to utilize the ground game. That would also neutralize the crowd. Carter-Finley is quickly becomming one of the toughest places to play in the conference and country (just ask FSU). So, quietting the crowd will play heavily in the 'Deacs favor.
How can State win? Well, clemson exposed the 'Deacs run defense by putting up 199 yards on the ground. So, running the ball with the two-headed monster of Tony Baker and Andre Brown will be the key to winning. Especially, if Daniel Evans doesn't turn the ball over. If the 'Pack can force the Wake secondary to make more tackles than redshirt-Junior linebacker Jon Abbate, then the 'Pack should win the game. Abbate, who is the heart and soul of that defense if not the whole team, needs to be a big part of things for Wake to win. Clemson kept him quiet and left Winston-Salem with a win. With no Ben(jamin) "P-diddy, puff daddy, Diddy..." Mauk and no De'Angelo Bryant, Abbate is the 'Deacs go to guy.
Pictures:
1. http://www.cutigers.com/2005/wake/slides/2%20108.jpg
2. http://www.newsobserver.com/media/2006/09/25/02/reg-1406697-892836.embedded.jpg
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)