Sure, Alabama is the consensus preseason No. 1. But that hardly means the Crimson Tide will sit atop the polls in January. Sure, it was an easy pick for the SEC media to win the league championship. But that group has only been correct three times since 1992.
Certainly it will be more difficult with the absence of RB Mark Ingram (knee), if only for two or three weeks.
Even beyond the SEC, the historical challenge of starting and finishing the season on top is rare. Since 1991, it has happened three times: FSU in 1993 and 1999, and USC in 2004. Here's a sampling of the preseason and postseason No. 1s since 2002.
Preseason Postseason
2002 Miami Ohio State
2003 Alabama/Oklahoma USC/LSU
2004 USC USC
2005 USC Texas
2006 Ohio State Florida
2007 USC LSU
2008 Georgia Florida
2009 Florida Alabama
The questions for Alabama are mainly on defense and special teams. They have to replace nine starters on defense, including six draftees, although many of last year's backups saw significant playing time, and all three main specialists. Kicker, punter, returner, but also long snapper and holder.
Of course the schedule is tough, with a well-documented six games against teams who have their bye week scheduled the week before playing the Crimson Tide. Not to mention road games against Arkansas and LSU.
It's difficult to bet against Nick Saban when he's on the college sidelines. But all it takes is a blocked kick, injury (see above) or wacky turnover to derail a championship run. History is tough to argue against.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
College football nuggets to pass the time
Three days until the official kickoff, here's a few items to get to the starting line...
Mark Ingram faces a daunting task to start this season: He's a returning Heisman Trophy winner. And returning Heisman winners are held to a higher standard than other contenders. It's human nature to compare a player to his own stats from the previous season. But it also adds an imaginary opponent to a player's competition for the coveted trophy.
Every season, there's a weekend where you might just want to make a dent in the honey-do list, and put the games in the background. What week will it be this year? Oct. 9? Here are some games that day: No. 1 Alabama at South Carolina, Indiana at No. 2 Ohio State, No. 21 LSU at No. 4 Florida, No. 11 Oregon at Washington State, Clemson at No. 18 North Carolina. Several decent games, but nothing that really moves the meter, barring an upset or an unexpected undefeated team.
How are blue bloods Notre Dame and Tennessee rebuilding with weak schedules? Forget all the tradition talk with the Irish and the military schools. They won't be taken seriously until they schedule multiple power conference teams that are ranked. Tennessee's reputation took a major hit when it pulled out of an agreement to play North Carolina. Is this designed to lengthen Derek Dooley's stay in Knoxville?
Speaking of Notre Dame, the Irish could have added an asterisk after word surfaced last week that they're working with NBC to schedule shorter commercial breaks, which would help Notre Dame's up-tempo offense. All this does is add to Notre Dame's elitist nature. If they are to play for a national championship one day, what will happen during the conventional commercial breaks? Of course, this could be much ado about nothing, and it might have little impact. Still, no other school would pull a stunt like this, so it's just another reason to believe the Irish think they're more important than everyone else.
Mark Ingram faces a daunting task to start this season: He's a returning Heisman Trophy winner. And returning Heisman winners are held to a higher standard than other contenders. It's human nature to compare a player to his own stats from the previous season. But it also adds an imaginary opponent to a player's competition for the coveted trophy.
Every season, there's a weekend where you might just want to make a dent in the honey-do list, and put the games in the background. What week will it be this year? Oct. 9? Here are some games that day: No. 1 Alabama at South Carolina, Indiana at No. 2 Ohio State, No. 21 LSU at No. 4 Florida, No. 11 Oregon at Washington State, Clemson at No. 18 North Carolina. Several decent games, but nothing that really moves the meter, barring an upset or an unexpected undefeated team.
How are blue bloods Notre Dame and Tennessee rebuilding with weak schedules? Forget all the tradition talk with the Irish and the military schools. They won't be taken seriously until they schedule multiple power conference teams that are ranked. Tennessee's reputation took a major hit when it pulled out of an agreement to play North Carolina. Is this designed to lengthen Derek Dooley's stay in Knoxville?
Speaking of Notre Dame, the Irish could have added an asterisk after word surfaced last week that they're working with NBC to schedule shorter commercial breaks, which would help Notre Dame's up-tempo offense. All this does is add to Notre Dame's elitist nature. If they are to play for a national championship one day, what will happen during the conventional commercial breaks? Of course, this could be much ado about nothing, and it might have little impact. Still, no other school would pull a stunt like this, so it's just another reason to believe the Irish think they're more important than everyone else.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Of course 'My Wife Knows Everything' wins
One of my favorite videos of all time. Kudos to the track announcer for keeping a straight face, except for one line.
Conference by conference breakdown, predictions
After I previewed and predicted the SEC last week, here are the rest of the power conferences and my prediction for the national championship in Glendale, Ariz.
ACC
Virginia Tech over Florida State
The Hokies have been the ACC's most consistent team for several years (possibly since the glory days of Florida State's run in the 1990s), and have finished in the top 12 nationally in scoring and total defense each of the last six seasons. Coach Frank Beamer has a loaded offensive backfield, but lost six starters on defense. He did keep coordinator Bud Foster, who got a raise after flirting with Georgia and other openings.
Florida State opens the Jimbo Fisher era with a new defensive coordinator (Mark Stoops) and one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Christian Ponder. The Noles are fortunate to play in a weak division in which the second best team, Clemson, returns a top QB in Kyle Parker, but will dearly miss offensive playmakers C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford.
Virginia Tech is simply a more stable program, and honestly, in the ACC, that's all you need.
Big East
Pitt over UConn
Like him or not, Dave Wannestadt has Pitt on the right track and should wrap up a conference championship. The Panthers have three of the best players in the league in RB Dion Lewis, WR Jonathan Baldwin and DE Greg Romeus.
Even though the Huskies were 8-5 last year, they lost every game by four points or less, and embarrassed South Carolina in the Papajohns.com Bowl. RB Jordan Trodman should be better than last year's 1,188-yard rushing season. The 16 starters is a big reason why they'll contend, and possibly win the conference title. What's more, the Huskies get West Virginia, Pitt and Cincinnati at home. But Pitt's talent will overcome UConn's experience.
Big Ten
Ohio State over Iowa
Largely based on Terrelle Pryor's performance in the Rose Bowl, the Buckeyes are a popular pick to not only win the league, but play for the national championship. This season could be a replay of last year's overtime win against Iowa at home. The Hawkeyes should be OSU's toughest competition in the conference, and this time, they travel to Iowa City. Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn and S Tyler Sash will be charged with slowing Pryor and Co.
The Hawkeyes have a legitimate chance to unseat the Buckeyes if only by their sheer number of home games against the conference's elite. Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan State, along with the Buckeyes, will play among the black and gold.
Big 12
Oklahoma over Nebraska
The last time NeBraska was ranked in the preseason top 10 was 2002. In only the second season for coach Bo Pelini, the Cornhuskers have gained a lot of fans this offseason, as not many have forgotten how their barely lost last year's Big 12 Championship game on a controversial call.
Fortunately for the Huskers, Texas is the only top 10 team on their schedule, unless Missouri gets hot.
The Big 12 South will be decided by two quarterbacks (Landry Jones and Garrett Gilbert) who were called into duty last year following injuries to Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy. In DeMarco Murray, the Sooners have a top flight running back, and another solid defensive unit. The big question is the offensive line. A matchup against Nebraska could expose that weak link.
Pac 10
Oregon over Oregon State
For the second straight season, the Civil War should decide the Pac-10. The Ducks should be favored by a touchdown in every game but Oregon State, Cal and USC. It wouldn't be a shock if the Ducks finished with a one-loss season. Despite the loss of QB Jeremiah Masoli to Ole Miss, senior Nate Costa has garnered some accolades in the preseason and is expected to win the job over sophomore Darron Thomas.
LaMichael James, an RB who took over for LaGarrette Blount last season, is an undersized by speedy back who will be a focal point of the offense. Last year, he had six games of more than 150 rushing yards.
The Beavers return 14 starters, including an all-namer, Jacquizz Rodgers, an RB who burst on the scene two years ago in an upset of USC. Rodgers and his brother, James are a tough combination for defenses. James Rodgers led the Pac-10 in all-purpose yards per game (179.1) last season. The trouble for Rodgers is OSU's passing game won't scare many opponents. Much like the offense, the defense is built on DT Stephen Paea, and not much else.
Oregon, which was the first team other than USC to win the conference since 2001, should have plenty of confidence. And more depth than its arch-rival, which will be the difference.
National Championship
Because of the BCS formula, choosing a national championship matchup is largely based on where a team starts the season in the polls. And because a loss means a team will have to rely on help from others, it's easy to narrow the prediction to teams that should lose one game or less.
Taking that into account, it's difficult to list any team outside of the top 10 as a national championship contender.
Coaches poll:
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Boise State
6. Virginia Tech
7. TCU
8. Oklahoma
9. Nebraska
10. Iowa
The BCS Standings are a combination of the coaches' poll, the Harris Interactive poll, which consists of former players, coaches, administrators, and current and former media, and six computer rankings (Peter Wolfe, Wes Colley, Sagarin Seattle Times, Richard Billingsley, Kenneth Massey).
Off the bat, it's difficult to put two SEC teams in the final game. Similar to last year, Alabama and Florida are expected to play for the SEC Championship, and therefore, both shouldn't advance to the Big Game. Because of the Crimson Tide's schedule, which is loaded with opponents coming off of bye weeks, and improvement from teams like Arkansas and South Carolina. Take out Florida because of the inexperience at quarterback, and the youth on defense.
Alabama and Florida will each have at least one loss after the SEC Championship, and it wouldn't be a shock for each to have two.
Boise State's season starts and ends on Labor Day against Virginia Tech. Win, and the Broncos can coast to the Fiesta Bowl provided they aren't punished by a weak schedule. Boise State won't make the Fiesta Bowl for one of two reasons: It'll lose to Virginia Tech, or its schedule will keep it out of the top two slots.
That leaves us with Oklahoma and Ohio State.
Each team must largely survive one conference game (Texas, Iowa) to preserve hopes of a trip to Glendale, Ariz.
When the lights go down in Glendale, it'll be Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes who prevail with a win what was taken from them at the end of the 2002 season.
ACC
Virginia Tech over Florida State
The Hokies have been the ACC's most consistent team for several years (possibly since the glory days of Florida State's run in the 1990s), and have finished in the top 12 nationally in scoring and total defense each of the last six seasons. Coach Frank Beamer has a loaded offensive backfield, but lost six starters on defense. He did keep coordinator Bud Foster, who got a raise after flirting with Georgia and other openings.
Florida State opens the Jimbo Fisher era with a new defensive coordinator (Mark Stoops) and one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Christian Ponder. The Noles are fortunate to play in a weak division in which the second best team, Clemson, returns a top QB in Kyle Parker, but will dearly miss offensive playmakers C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford.
Virginia Tech is simply a more stable program, and honestly, in the ACC, that's all you need.
Big East
Pitt over UConn
Like him or not, Dave Wannestadt has Pitt on the right track and should wrap up a conference championship. The Panthers have three of the best players in the league in RB Dion Lewis, WR Jonathan Baldwin and DE Greg Romeus.
Even though the Huskies were 8-5 last year, they lost every game by four points or less, and embarrassed South Carolina in the Papajohns.com Bowl. RB Jordan Trodman should be better than last year's 1,188-yard rushing season. The 16 starters is a big reason why they'll contend, and possibly win the conference title. What's more, the Huskies get West Virginia, Pitt and Cincinnati at home. But Pitt's talent will overcome UConn's experience.
Big Ten
Ohio State over Iowa
Largely based on Terrelle Pryor's performance in the Rose Bowl, the Buckeyes are a popular pick to not only win the league, but play for the national championship. This season could be a replay of last year's overtime win against Iowa at home. The Hawkeyes should be OSU's toughest competition in the conference, and this time, they travel to Iowa City. Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn and S Tyler Sash will be charged with slowing Pryor and Co.
The Hawkeyes have a legitimate chance to unseat the Buckeyes if only by their sheer number of home games against the conference's elite. Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan State, along with the Buckeyes, will play among the black and gold.
Big 12
Oklahoma over Nebraska
The last time NeBraska was ranked in the preseason top 10 was 2002. In only the second season for coach Bo Pelini, the Cornhuskers have gained a lot of fans this offseason, as not many have forgotten how their barely lost last year's Big 12 Championship game on a controversial call.
Fortunately for the Huskers, Texas is the only top 10 team on their schedule, unless Missouri gets hot.
The Big 12 South will be decided by two quarterbacks (Landry Jones and Garrett Gilbert) who were called into duty last year following injuries to Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy. In DeMarco Murray, the Sooners have a top flight running back, and another solid defensive unit. The big question is the offensive line. A matchup against Nebraska could expose that weak link.
Pac 10
Oregon over Oregon State
For the second straight season, the Civil War should decide the Pac-10. The Ducks should be favored by a touchdown in every game but Oregon State, Cal and USC. It wouldn't be a shock if the Ducks finished with a one-loss season. Despite the loss of QB Jeremiah Masoli to Ole Miss, senior Nate Costa has garnered some accolades in the preseason and is expected to win the job over sophomore Darron Thomas.
LaMichael James, an RB who took over for LaGarrette Blount last season, is an undersized by speedy back who will be a focal point of the offense. Last year, he had six games of more than 150 rushing yards.
The Beavers return 14 starters, including an all-namer, Jacquizz Rodgers, an RB who burst on the scene two years ago in an upset of USC. Rodgers and his brother, James are a tough combination for defenses. James Rodgers led the Pac-10 in all-purpose yards per game (179.1) last season. The trouble for Rodgers is OSU's passing game won't scare many opponents. Much like the offense, the defense is built on DT Stephen Paea, and not much else.
Oregon, which was the first team other than USC to win the conference since 2001, should have plenty of confidence. And more depth than its arch-rival, which will be the difference.
National Championship
Because of the BCS formula, choosing a national championship matchup is largely based on where a team starts the season in the polls. And because a loss means a team will have to rely on help from others, it's easy to narrow the prediction to teams that should lose one game or less.
Taking that into account, it's difficult to list any team outside of the top 10 as a national championship contender.
Coaches poll:
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Boise State
6. Virginia Tech
7. TCU
8. Oklahoma
9. Nebraska
10. Iowa
The BCS Standings are a combination of the coaches' poll, the Harris Interactive poll, which consists of former players, coaches, administrators, and current and former media, and six computer rankings (Peter Wolfe, Wes Colley, Sagarin Seattle Times, Richard Billingsley, Kenneth Massey).
Off the bat, it's difficult to put two SEC teams in the final game. Similar to last year, Alabama and Florida are expected to play for the SEC Championship, and therefore, both shouldn't advance to the Big Game. Because of the Crimson Tide's schedule, which is loaded with opponents coming off of bye weeks, and improvement from teams like Arkansas and South Carolina. Take out Florida because of the inexperience at quarterback, and the youth on defense.
Alabama and Florida will each have at least one loss after the SEC Championship, and it wouldn't be a shock for each to have two.
Boise State's season starts and ends on Labor Day against Virginia Tech. Win, and the Broncos can coast to the Fiesta Bowl provided they aren't punished by a weak schedule. Boise State won't make the Fiesta Bowl for one of two reasons: It'll lose to Virginia Tech, or its schedule will keep it out of the top two slots.
That leaves us with Oklahoma and Ohio State.
Each team must largely survive one conference game (Texas, Iowa) to preserve hopes of a trip to Glendale, Ariz.
When the lights go down in Glendale, it'll be Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes who prevail with a win what was taken from them at the end of the 2002 season.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Appetizers: Sex-for-rent plan goes awry; Crooked stockbroker to play poker to stay out of jail
A couple of unique stories in the news this week. Here's a rundown.
Two Fairfax County, Va. women have been charged with trying to extort money from their landlord after a sex-for-rent plan deteriorated. It's a tough debate to determine who made the worst decision: the landlord or the women in their 20s. The man's first mistake, according to The Washington Post story, was undressing in the bedroom by himself. If you're entering in to a situation like this, you say two words before proceeding: You first. But the women compounded a bad decision by escalating the initial bad offer into a demand for $11,000. Be honest, how long would a sex-for-rent deal last before it took a negative turn? The sad thing is police said this isn't a rare occurrence, it's the blackmail part that gets the authorities involved. It's a bad situation all around: The women will sit in jail for several years - a maximum of 10 - and the landlord has some serious splaining to do to his wife. If his marriage isn't already on the rocks after this.
Maybe this guy is in the wrong profession. An Albuquerque stockbroker, Samuel McMaster, received a creative sentence from a judge for swindling more than $400,000 from investors. McMaster can play poker as long as he makes monthly payments. He "earned" this sentence because he was diagnosed with a gambling problem. (How do lawyers find a doctor that would sign off on that diagnosis?) This story asks a legitimate question: Would you allow an alcoholic to drink his way out, or bartend? Of course, this has a catch for McMaster. He must make monthly payments of $7,500, and if he misses two straight payments, he will be sentenced to up to 12 years in the slammer.
Two Fairfax County, Va. women have been charged with trying to extort money from their landlord after a sex-for-rent plan deteriorated. It's a tough debate to determine who made the worst decision: the landlord or the women in their 20s. The man's first mistake, according to The Washington Post story, was undressing in the bedroom by himself. If you're entering in to a situation like this, you say two words before proceeding: You first. But the women compounded a bad decision by escalating the initial bad offer into a demand for $11,000. Be honest, how long would a sex-for-rent deal last before it took a negative turn? The sad thing is police said this isn't a rare occurrence, it's the blackmail part that gets the authorities involved. It's a bad situation all around: The women will sit in jail for several years - a maximum of 10 - and the landlord has some serious splaining to do to his wife. If his marriage isn't already on the rocks after this.
Maybe this guy is in the wrong profession. An Albuquerque stockbroker, Samuel McMaster, received a creative sentence from a judge for swindling more than $400,000 from investors. McMaster can play poker as long as he makes monthly payments. He "earned" this sentence because he was diagnosed with a gambling problem. (How do lawyers find a doctor that would sign off on that diagnosis?) This story asks a legitimate question: Would you allow an alcoholic to drink his way out, or bartend? Of course, this has a catch for McMaster. He must make monthly payments of $7,500, and if he misses two straight payments, he will be sentenced to up to 12 years in the slammer.
Monday, August 16, 2010
SEC predictions: Alabama over Florida, but who's third?
Unless you're a tree-hugger, or eat granola bars and nuts for lunch, you realize the SEC is the best conference in the land. But it is a bit top heavy this season, punctuated by three new coaches. One of the toughest decisions is figuring out the third-best team in the SEC, behind Alabama and Florida.
Here are my predictions and explanations:
East
1. Florida 11-1
2. Georgia 9-3
3. South Carolina 8-4
4. Kentucky 7-5
5. Tennessee 5-7
6. Vanderbilt 5-7
West
1. Alabama 11-1
2. Arkansas 9-3
3. Auburn 8-4
4. Ole Miss 8-4
5. LSU 7-5
6. Mississippi State 6-6
While the Crimson Tide and Gators are the cream of the SEC, they won't be perfect this season. Bama will lose to either Arkansas or South Carolina. Florida will lose to either Bama or Georgia.
South Carolina, while it may look good early, and will probably be ranked in the teens, will fall off after a possible upset of Alabama at home. It's almost an annual rite in Columbia.
Georgia will be improved from last season, which will take the unnecessary heat off of Mark Richt. The biggest question marks, the new defense and new quarterback Aaron Murray, will be better than expected. Still, the Dawgs aren't without flaws, and that's why they'll lose three of these games: South Carolina, Arkansas, Florida, Auburn or Georgia Tech.
Kentucky is a wild card because of first-year coach Joker Phillips' experience on staff and the dynamic play of Randall Cobb and Derrick Locke. The Wildcats have shown the ability to beat Georgia twice in recent memory, and could also be buoyed by a win over Tennessee to end their quarter-of-a-century drought.
Tennessee and Vanderbilt, with new coaches, will beat the built-in cream puffs on their schedules, and then tack on a win or two against another conference bottom feeder.
In the West, the biggest story beyond Alabama, is the transfer of QB Jeremiah Masoli from Oregon to Ole Miss, which should give the Rebels two or three more wins. The Rebels were picked last in the division in several preseason polls, but won't be quite as bad thanks to Masoli.
The Hogs have the most upside in the division, and possibly the league ahead of Georgia. Their biggest stretch is back-to-back games at Georgia and home against Alabama. Win those two, and their fans could book plans for Atlanta on Dec. 4. Even if they split those games, they'll still have tall orders at Auburn, at South Carolina and home against LSU.
Auburn's depth is helped by the influx of big-time recruits. But they're still freshmen. One of the season's turning points will come when the Tigers travel to Oxford, Miss. on Oct. 30 in a game they should win.
Because of uncertainty at QB with John Brantley in Florida, and the Gators' defensive youth, the pick here is the Crimson Tide. The loss, whenever it comes, will only help Saban and Co. look for motivation come BCS bowl time.
Here are my predictions and explanations:
East
1. Florida 11-1
2. Georgia 9-3
3. South Carolina 8-4
4. Kentucky 7-5
5. Tennessee 5-7
6. Vanderbilt 5-7
West
1. Alabama 11-1
2. Arkansas 9-3
3. Auburn 8-4
4. Ole Miss 8-4
5. LSU 7-5
6. Mississippi State 6-6
While the Crimson Tide and Gators are the cream of the SEC, they won't be perfect this season. Bama will lose to either Arkansas or South Carolina. Florida will lose to either Bama or Georgia.
South Carolina, while it may look good early, and will probably be ranked in the teens, will fall off after a possible upset of Alabama at home. It's almost an annual rite in Columbia.
Georgia will be improved from last season, which will take the unnecessary heat off of Mark Richt. The biggest question marks, the new defense and new quarterback Aaron Murray, will be better than expected. Still, the Dawgs aren't without flaws, and that's why they'll lose three of these games: South Carolina, Arkansas, Florida, Auburn or Georgia Tech.
Kentucky is a wild card because of first-year coach Joker Phillips' experience on staff and the dynamic play of Randall Cobb and Derrick Locke. The Wildcats have shown the ability to beat Georgia twice in recent memory, and could also be buoyed by a win over Tennessee to end their quarter-of-a-century drought.
Tennessee and Vanderbilt, with new coaches, will beat the built-in cream puffs on their schedules, and then tack on a win or two against another conference bottom feeder.
In the West, the biggest story beyond Alabama, is the transfer of QB Jeremiah Masoli from Oregon to Ole Miss, which should give the Rebels two or three more wins. The Rebels were picked last in the division in several preseason polls, but won't be quite as bad thanks to Masoli.
The Hogs have the most upside in the division, and possibly the league ahead of Georgia. Their biggest stretch is back-to-back games at Georgia and home against Alabama. Win those two, and their fans could book plans for Atlanta on Dec. 4. Even if they split those games, they'll still have tall orders at Auburn, at South Carolina and home against LSU.
Auburn's depth is helped by the influx of big-time recruits. But they're still freshmen. One of the season's turning points will come when the Tigers travel to Oxford, Miss. on Oct. 30 in a game they should win.
Because of uncertainty at QB with John Brantley in Florida, and the Gators' defensive youth, the pick here is the Crimson Tide. The loss, whenever it comes, will only help Saban and Co. look for motivation come BCS bowl time.
5 key college football storylines
Each summer, there are a handful of storylines that dominant the conversation as media days give way to practice, and Labor Day signals the start of this country's most anticipated season. Here are the main stories that have buzzed over the summer, and will make newspaper and magazine headlines as previews hit newsstands soon.
Will Boise State take advantage of starting the season in the top 5?
The Broncos have carried the flag for the small schools since before their shocking upset of Oklahoma at the end of the 2006 season. Their annual undefeated starts were always the first arguments for those looking to eliminate the BCS system. This time, they start against Virginia Tech at FedEx Field in Washington in what is one of the most anticipated games of the season. It only helps that the game starts the season in the traditional Labor Day evening slot.
While the Hokies have a top notch backfield, featuring the versatile QB Tyrod Taylor and Heisman hopeful Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech is always known for its special teams. It's ironic because Boise State has also made a name off of special teams with the Statue of Liberty play against the Sooners, and the fake punt to beat TCU last season.
It'll be interesting to see how Boise State handles an entire offseason of distractions instead of slowly building its case throughout the season. This is the second time since the Broncos hit the national scene that they start with a high caliber opponent. (Last year they opened against Oregon.) And college football is the least forgiving sport for early season losses. Win, and the hype will reach unprecedented levels. Lose, and the Broncos are again put on the small-school back burner.
How will the coaching carousel spin?
Speaking of Boise State, its coach, Chris Peterson, will no doubt be among the names tossed around for the big-time openings later this season, probably even if the Broncos lose more than a game. You have to wonder, though, if Peterson will think of his former boss, and former Boise State head coach, Dan Hawkins, who is hanging by a thread at Colorado. Many were surprised when he survived at the end of last season. Hawkins' innermost thoughts have to at least give a passing thought to what would have happened if he stayed at Boise. (After all, this is the Big 12, it ain't intramurals, brother.)
The most high profile coaches expected to move are Michigan's Rich Rodriguez and LSU's Les Miles, who might return to his alma mater in Ann Arbor. Although depending on LSU's season, the Wolverines might not see Miles as an appealing choice. Given his recent run at Stanford, many expect Jim Harbaugh to take over the program he used to quarterback. Because of the rules investigations at West Virginia and Michigan, Rodriguez is building an unfortunate reputation that could be difficult to reverse. While Miles is increasingly unpopular among Tiger fans, his huge buyout ($15 million) has to be a hurdle to changing coaches.
Back in the Big Ten, Illinois coach Ron Zook is running out of time to see the dividends of his recruiting successes from two and three years ago. And given the expectation of Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin and Penn State above the Illini, Zook should probably find a realtor soon.
Those expected to get interviews for these impending openings have to be UConn coach Randy Edsell, Will Muschamp, Texas' defensive coordinator and head coach in waiting, and Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart.
Will Notre Dame return to the upper echelon?
Not until 2011 or 2012. The hiring of Brian Kelly is universally popular, mainly because he's won everywhere from Grand Valley State to Cincinnati. His challenge is to get the Irish back to the top of the rankings and not a second fiddle game on NBC, which sits behind ESPN and CBS in top flight college football games.
It won't happen this year because of the soft schedule, which features the likes of Western Michigan, Tulsa and Army. No matter if ND starts 6-0, with four of those at home, like it did two coaches ago, only to unravel quickly, it won't get the credit of an SEC or Big 12 school because it won't have a quality win, and maybe not even a ranked win.
Under Charlie Weis, the Irish didn't have much trouble landing 5-star recruits, or putting up points. It just couldn't hold leads or shut down opponents. ND again appears to have a quality group of wide receivers and Kelly's forte is offense. The Irish have to put it all together against multiple ranked teams, which it hasn't done in nearly 10 years. Since Bob Davie was the coach, the Irish have struggled to beat teams that remain in the rankings by the end of the season. Since '97, the Irish have only beaten nine teams that were ranked when the game was played and at the end of the season.
Will the agent fiasco have an impact?
Despite the hot air bravado from Nick Saban and Urban Meyer about agents causing problems on campuses with cash and gifts, it's doubtful that anything major will come out several weeks after the story first made headlines. Even when findings and penalties are handed down, it's doubtful a key player will be suspended for a lengthy period of the season.
The schools most often mentioned in relation to the agent investigation are North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.
The trouble spots remain in the Carolinas. In Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels are still waiting to hear if DT Marvin Austin or WR Greg Little will be penalized before their opener against LSU.
In Columbia, Weslye Saunders, an above average tight end, only appears to be in a worse situation as each week passes as reports surface about a local hotel housing Gamecock football players. Saunders also is being investigated about whether he engaged in dealings with an agent.
This is a story that will linger because of the overlapping and year round schedule of college football, the NFL and the NFL Draft. But it shouldn't cause more than a ripple, especially if the NFL imposes harsher rules against the "rogue agents."
How will the sanctions affect USC and the Pac-10?
The key is the recruiting pitch. With 10 fewer scholarships per season for three years, how will Lane Kiffin and his staff sell the program to continue to land top-shelf recruits. Without a bowl bid, like a BCS appearance, to dangle.
It not only cuts into the depth to cover annual problems like transfers, injuries and academic inedibility. But it also opens 10 players who could land at another Pac-10 school in a conference where several programs are on the rise behind up-and-coming coaches.
Kiffin has preached that he's cutting back on practices to preserve the Trojans' limited depth.
But what fans wonder most is how Kiffin, who hasn't had a head coaching job for more than two years at each stop, can hold a program together and return it to the top of the polls. Given his dumpster fires exits at Oakland and Tennessee, not many give him a chance.
The biggest question is how the new athletics director, Pat Haden, views Kiffin's job performance. A better question might be about the strength of the Pac-10, and if Washington and UCLA can join Oregon in challenging the Trojans' conference dominance. They're on the clock for three years to let us know.
Will Boise State take advantage of starting the season in the top 5?
The Broncos have carried the flag for the small schools since before their shocking upset of Oklahoma at the end of the 2006 season. Their annual undefeated starts were always the first arguments for those looking to eliminate the BCS system. This time, they start against Virginia Tech at FedEx Field in Washington in what is one of the most anticipated games of the season. It only helps that the game starts the season in the traditional Labor Day evening slot.
While the Hokies have a top notch backfield, featuring the versatile QB Tyrod Taylor and Heisman hopeful Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech is always known for its special teams. It's ironic because Boise State has also made a name off of special teams with the Statue of Liberty play against the Sooners, and the fake punt to beat TCU last season.
It'll be interesting to see how Boise State handles an entire offseason of distractions instead of slowly building its case throughout the season. This is the second time since the Broncos hit the national scene that they start with a high caliber opponent. (Last year they opened against Oregon.) And college football is the least forgiving sport for early season losses. Win, and the hype will reach unprecedented levels. Lose, and the Broncos are again put on the small-school back burner.
How will the coaching carousel spin?
Speaking of Boise State, its coach, Chris Peterson, will no doubt be among the names tossed around for the big-time openings later this season, probably even if the Broncos lose more than a game. You have to wonder, though, if Peterson will think of his former boss, and former Boise State head coach, Dan Hawkins, who is hanging by a thread at Colorado. Many were surprised when he survived at the end of last season. Hawkins' innermost thoughts have to at least give a passing thought to what would have happened if he stayed at Boise. (After all, this is the Big 12, it ain't intramurals, brother.)
The most high profile coaches expected to move are Michigan's Rich Rodriguez and LSU's Les Miles, who might return to his alma mater in Ann Arbor. Although depending on LSU's season, the Wolverines might not see Miles as an appealing choice. Given his recent run at Stanford, many expect Jim Harbaugh to take over the program he used to quarterback. Because of the rules investigations at West Virginia and Michigan, Rodriguez is building an unfortunate reputation that could be difficult to reverse. While Miles is increasingly unpopular among Tiger fans, his huge buyout ($15 million) has to be a hurdle to changing coaches.
Back in the Big Ten, Illinois coach Ron Zook is running out of time to see the dividends of his recruiting successes from two and three years ago. And given the expectation of Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin and Penn State above the Illini, Zook should probably find a realtor soon.
Those expected to get interviews for these impending openings have to be UConn coach Randy Edsell, Will Muschamp, Texas' defensive coordinator and head coach in waiting, and Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart.
Will Notre Dame return to the upper echelon?
Not until 2011 or 2012. The hiring of Brian Kelly is universally popular, mainly because he's won everywhere from Grand Valley State to Cincinnati. His challenge is to get the Irish back to the top of the rankings and not a second fiddle game on NBC, which sits behind ESPN and CBS in top flight college football games.
It won't happen this year because of the soft schedule, which features the likes of Western Michigan, Tulsa and Army. No matter if ND starts 6-0, with four of those at home, like it did two coaches ago, only to unravel quickly, it won't get the credit of an SEC or Big 12 school because it won't have a quality win, and maybe not even a ranked win.
Under Charlie Weis, the Irish didn't have much trouble landing 5-star recruits, or putting up points. It just couldn't hold leads or shut down opponents. ND again appears to have a quality group of wide receivers and Kelly's forte is offense. The Irish have to put it all together against multiple ranked teams, which it hasn't done in nearly 10 years. Since Bob Davie was the coach, the Irish have struggled to beat teams that remain in the rankings by the end of the season. Since '97, the Irish have only beaten nine teams that were ranked when the game was played and at the end of the season.
Will the agent fiasco have an impact?
Despite the hot air bravado from Nick Saban and Urban Meyer about agents causing problems on campuses with cash and gifts, it's doubtful that anything major will come out several weeks after the story first made headlines. Even when findings and penalties are handed down, it's doubtful a key player will be suspended for a lengthy period of the season.
The schools most often mentioned in relation to the agent investigation are North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.
The trouble spots remain in the Carolinas. In Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels are still waiting to hear if DT Marvin Austin or WR Greg Little will be penalized before their opener against LSU.
In Columbia, Weslye Saunders, an above average tight end, only appears to be in a worse situation as each week passes as reports surface about a local hotel housing Gamecock football players. Saunders also is being investigated about whether he engaged in dealings with an agent.
This is a story that will linger because of the overlapping and year round schedule of college football, the NFL and the NFL Draft. But it shouldn't cause more than a ripple, especially if the NFL imposes harsher rules against the "rogue agents."
How will the sanctions affect USC and the Pac-10?
The key is the recruiting pitch. With 10 fewer scholarships per season for three years, how will Lane Kiffin and his staff sell the program to continue to land top-shelf recruits. Without a bowl bid, like a BCS appearance, to dangle.
It not only cuts into the depth to cover annual problems like transfers, injuries and academic inedibility. But it also opens 10 players who could land at another Pac-10 school in a conference where several programs are on the rise behind up-and-coming coaches.
Kiffin has preached that he's cutting back on practices to preserve the Trojans' limited depth.
But what fans wonder most is how Kiffin, who hasn't had a head coaching job for more than two years at each stop, can hold a program together and return it to the top of the polls. Given his dumpster fires exits at Oakland and Tennessee, not many give him a chance.
The biggest question is how the new athletics director, Pat Haden, views Kiffin's job performance. A better question might be about the strength of the Pac-10, and if Washington and UCLA can join Oregon in challenging the Trojans' conference dominance. They're on the clock for three years to let us know.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Would you pay $8 to have groceries delivered curbside?
Most everything is available for pickup or takeout these days. Now you can add groceries to that list.
The AJC reports that Publix is offering customers the opportunity to order their bread, milk and Cheerios online or over the phone, and have it delivered at the curb of the store. (Currently only at the North Druid Hills Road location in Atlanta.) For $8. The grocer is banking on busy moms with kids to call on the way from daycare or sports practice. Because, in today's society, who can manage three kids, update Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare, and pick up the peanut butter at the same time?
The format doesn't appear to be restricted to the size of each order, or limit buy-one-get-one-free deals. Everything in the store is available. The only stipulation is customers must give a 30-minute window for the order to be ready.
This isn't a new business model, but most of the previous tries at pre-order groceries centered around delivery to your home. And those are still alive and well in big cities.
This setup puts shoppers into two categories: the browsers and the listers. The browsers like to compare brands and prices while interacting with employees and fellow shoppers. They view the shopping experience as a recreational or leisure activity. The listers like to keep things in order, and probably have better ways to spend their time, like crossing off other lists. Most aren't as frugal as the browsers, and they view the $8 fee as a mere convenience.
If this catches on, it's another example of our society breaking away from the laid back friendly pace of even 25 years ago. It's another example of the 'me' society that's increasingly popular with the millennium generation. If a mom uses this, is that a sign that she's a bad parent, or can't handle her kids? Yes, if this is her only way of grocery shopping.
The positives are that this format turns every customer of this model into a lister. Forcing people to stick to a list keeps them from impulse buys, which easily cost more than $8. It prevents candy bars, cookies and desserts from jumping into the cart, and saves money. (Be honest, even if you use a list, how many of you only buy the items on it?)
Curbside shopping should catch on, and is an interesting business model, both for the grocer's bottom line, and your personal budget. But if people use it exclusively, it's another sign of laziness creeping into our society and the country moving away from its old-fashioned ways.
The AJC reports that Publix is offering customers the opportunity to order their bread, milk and Cheerios online or over the phone, and have it delivered at the curb of the store. (Currently only at the North Druid Hills Road location in Atlanta.) For $8. The grocer is banking on busy moms with kids to call on the way from daycare or sports practice. Because, in today's society, who can manage three kids, update Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare, and pick up the peanut butter at the same time?
The format doesn't appear to be restricted to the size of each order, or limit buy-one-get-one-free deals. Everything in the store is available. The only stipulation is customers must give a 30-minute window for the order to be ready.
This isn't a new business model, but most of the previous tries at pre-order groceries centered around delivery to your home. And those are still alive and well in big cities.
This setup puts shoppers into two categories: the browsers and the listers. The browsers like to compare brands and prices while interacting with employees and fellow shoppers. They view the shopping experience as a recreational or leisure activity. The listers like to keep things in order, and probably have better ways to spend their time, like crossing off other lists. Most aren't as frugal as the browsers, and they view the $8 fee as a mere convenience.
If this catches on, it's another example of our society breaking away from the laid back friendly pace of even 25 years ago. It's another example of the 'me' society that's increasingly popular with the millennium generation. If a mom uses this, is that a sign that she's a bad parent, or can't handle her kids? Yes, if this is her only way of grocery shopping.
The positives are that this format turns every customer of this model into a lister. Forcing people to stick to a list keeps them from impulse buys, which easily cost more than $8. It prevents candy bars, cookies and desserts from jumping into the cart, and saves money. (Be honest, even if you use a list, how many of you only buy the items on it?)
Curbside shopping should catch on, and is an interesting business model, both for the grocer's bottom line, and your personal budget. But if people use it exclusively, it's another sign of laziness creeping into our society and the country moving away from its old-fashioned ways.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Key SEC football games to decide the season
Most pundits have Alabama and Florida continuing their dominance of the last couple of seasons. The trouble is, nobody can predict which team finishes second in either division. That's why all it takes is an upset or two, an injury or arrest, and the summer predictions go poof.
GEORGIA AT SOUTH CAROLINA, SEPT. 11
Traditionally, this is a make-or-break game for both teams, but with Florida controlling the East the last several years, these two are jockeying for second. Neither team plays a big-time school in its first game, so it gives fans a chance to see a new quarterback (UGA) or if the incumbent quarterback is improved (USC). The Gamecocks' defense has been among the best in the league for a couple seasons, and the Dawgs have a new scheme and a new coordinator. I'll give a slight edge to QB experience and the Gamecocks.
Prediction: South Carolina 21, Georgia 20
ALABAMA AT ARKANSAS, SEPT. 25
Take out the old-school game with Penn State, this is the Crimson Tide’s biggest contest in the first month of the season. Especially because it’s in conference. Everyone knows Arkansas will probably have the best offense in the league this year, and Nick Saban’s defense should get its first big test of the season, especially in the passing game. It’s probably a bigger game for the Hogs, who are looking for their first SEC West crown since 2006. I like the Hogs in an upset.
Prediction: Arkansas 28, Alabama 24
SOUTH CAROLINA AT AUBURN, SEPT. 25
This comes one week after Auburn plays Clemson, also on The Plains. Most people don't think the AU Tigers will win both games against the Palmetto State teams. This game could reveal if Auburn's recruiting successes will help with depth, which was a problem last season and led to a 3-5 finish. Fans will see if Cam Newton, the Florida transfer who won the QB job in the spring, has adjusted to how defenses handle his run-pass option. The Gamecocks should have one of the top three defenses on Auburn's schedule.
Prediction: South Carolina 17, Auburn 10
FLORIDA AT ALABAMA, OCT. 2
Arguably the biggest game of the year nationally, the teams that played for the SEC Championship last year, and have won three of the last four BCS National Championships, meet for what could be the first of two meetings this season. (Wouldn’t a rematch in the Georgia Dome on Dec. 4 be interesting?) Florida's challenge is hanging around, which it couldn't do in the SEC Championship, as it trailed 19-3 at halftime and ultimately lost, 32-13. The challenge for Florida will be to stop Alabama's strong running game without departed linebackers Brandon Spikes and Ryan Stamper. The Tide more than tripled the Gators in rushing yards in last season's meeting.
Prediction: Florida 24, Alabama 17
ALABAMA AT SOUTH CAROLINA, OCT. 9
The Gamecocks are one of six opponents that play Alabama following their bye week, which is one of the biggest concerns most have with handing the Tide the trophy again. Alabama, meanwhile, is coming off games at Arkansas and against Florida in Tuscaloosa. So this is a classic trap game for Nick Saban’s boys. Give the Gamecocks wins over Georgia and Auburn, and Steve Spurrier’s team has a ton of confidence and a high ranking. If history is any indication, USC will make things really interesting for three quarters, and then watch turnovers and/or penalties give the game away.
Prediction: Alabama 27, South Carolina 17
TENNESSEE AT GEORGIA, OCT. 9
Hard to believe that only two years ago, the last time these teams met in Athens, Phil Fulmer walked the orange sideline. Short of two undefeated records, the focus of this game will be on first-year Tennessee coach Derek Dooley, son of legendary Georgia coach Vince Dooley. The story will certainly dominate the days leading up to the game, but lost some buzz when Vince said months ago that he would watch the game at home, and not subject himself to constant television reaction shots from the stands. Given the Vols' 45-19 win last season, another theme will be Georgia's revenge, but also both teams using rookie QBs. That will decide the outcome, and it'll go to the home team.
Prediction: Georgia 30, Tennessee 21
GEORGIA VS. FLORIDA at Jacksonville, OCT. 30
The old World’s Largest Cocktail Party has lost some buzz in recent years, both because of Florida’s recent dominance, and the removal of the game’s official nickname. Last year was marred by the gouging of Washaun Ealey’s eyes by Brandon Spikes, and a second straight lopsided Florida win. With a new quarterback for the Gators, and a new defense for the Dawgs, this one doesn’t feel as out of reach for Georgia as it has recently. They key matchup will be Florida's secondary, arguably the best in the league, against WR A.J. Green and the Dawgs' plethora of tight ends.
Prediction: Georgia 28, Florida 24
AUBURN AT ALABAMA, NOV. 27
The Iron Bowl is one of the best rivalries in sports because the fans ask talk show hosts for predictions in July. Last year, Auburn made the game interesting into the fourth quarter, and given the recruiting momentum that has arrived in the offseason, Gene Chizik should have more than a puncher’s chance. Not to mention Auburn’s "historical" dominance in Tuscaloosa. (The majority of the Iron Bowl games were played at Legion Field in Birmingham.) Order will be restored by the Tide as they should be extra motivated by what could be a tight race in the West.
Prediction: Alabama 21, Auburn 13
GEORGIA AT SOUTH CAROLINA, SEPT. 11
Traditionally, this is a make-or-break game for both teams, but with Florida controlling the East the last several years, these two are jockeying for second. Neither team plays a big-time school in its first game, so it gives fans a chance to see a new quarterback (UGA) or if the incumbent quarterback is improved (USC). The Gamecocks' defense has been among the best in the league for a couple seasons, and the Dawgs have a new scheme and a new coordinator. I'll give a slight edge to QB experience and the Gamecocks.
Prediction: South Carolina 21, Georgia 20
ALABAMA AT ARKANSAS, SEPT. 25
Take out the old-school game with Penn State, this is the Crimson Tide’s biggest contest in the first month of the season. Especially because it’s in conference. Everyone knows Arkansas will probably have the best offense in the league this year, and Nick Saban’s defense should get its first big test of the season, especially in the passing game. It’s probably a bigger game for the Hogs, who are looking for their first SEC West crown since 2006. I like the Hogs in an upset.
Prediction: Arkansas 28, Alabama 24
SOUTH CAROLINA AT AUBURN, SEPT. 25
This comes one week after Auburn plays Clemson, also on The Plains. Most people don't think the AU Tigers will win both games against the Palmetto State teams. This game could reveal if Auburn's recruiting successes will help with depth, which was a problem last season and led to a 3-5 finish. Fans will see if Cam Newton, the Florida transfer who won the QB job in the spring, has adjusted to how defenses handle his run-pass option. The Gamecocks should have one of the top three defenses on Auburn's schedule.
Prediction: South Carolina 17, Auburn 10
FLORIDA AT ALABAMA, OCT. 2
Arguably the biggest game of the year nationally, the teams that played for the SEC Championship last year, and have won three of the last four BCS National Championships, meet for what could be the first of two meetings this season. (Wouldn’t a rematch in the Georgia Dome on Dec. 4 be interesting?) Florida's challenge is hanging around, which it couldn't do in the SEC Championship, as it trailed 19-3 at halftime and ultimately lost, 32-13. The challenge for Florida will be to stop Alabama's strong running game without departed linebackers Brandon Spikes and Ryan Stamper. The Tide more than tripled the Gators in rushing yards in last season's meeting.
Prediction: Florida 24, Alabama 17
ALABAMA AT SOUTH CAROLINA, OCT. 9
The Gamecocks are one of six opponents that play Alabama following their bye week, which is one of the biggest concerns most have with handing the Tide the trophy again. Alabama, meanwhile, is coming off games at Arkansas and against Florida in Tuscaloosa. So this is a classic trap game for Nick Saban’s boys. Give the Gamecocks wins over Georgia and Auburn, and Steve Spurrier’s team has a ton of confidence and a high ranking. If history is any indication, USC will make things really interesting for three quarters, and then watch turnovers and/or penalties give the game away.
Prediction: Alabama 27, South Carolina 17
TENNESSEE AT GEORGIA, OCT. 9
Hard to believe that only two years ago, the last time these teams met in Athens, Phil Fulmer walked the orange sideline. Short of two undefeated records, the focus of this game will be on first-year Tennessee coach Derek Dooley, son of legendary Georgia coach Vince Dooley. The story will certainly dominate the days leading up to the game, but lost some buzz when Vince said months ago that he would watch the game at home, and not subject himself to constant television reaction shots from the stands. Given the Vols' 45-19 win last season, another theme will be Georgia's revenge, but also both teams using rookie QBs. That will decide the outcome, and it'll go to the home team.
Prediction: Georgia 30, Tennessee 21
GEORGIA VS. FLORIDA at Jacksonville, OCT. 30
The old World’s Largest Cocktail Party has lost some buzz in recent years, both because of Florida’s recent dominance, and the removal of the game’s official nickname. Last year was marred by the gouging of Washaun Ealey’s eyes by Brandon Spikes, and a second straight lopsided Florida win. With a new quarterback for the Gators, and a new defense for the Dawgs, this one doesn’t feel as out of reach for Georgia as it has recently. They key matchup will be Florida's secondary, arguably the best in the league, against WR A.J. Green and the Dawgs' plethora of tight ends.
Prediction: Georgia 28, Florida 24
AUBURN AT ALABAMA, NOV. 27
The Iron Bowl is one of the best rivalries in sports because the fans ask talk show hosts for predictions in July. Last year, Auburn made the game interesting into the fourth quarter, and given the recruiting momentum that has arrived in the offseason, Gene Chizik should have more than a puncher’s chance. Not to mention Auburn’s "historical" dominance in Tuscaloosa. (The majority of the Iron Bowl games were played at Legion Field in Birmingham.) Order will be restored by the Tide as they should be extra motivated by what could be a tight race in the West.
Prediction: Alabama 21, Auburn 13
So long, Cubs
For as long as I’ve watched Major League Baseball, the Cubs have been my team. It was fun hearing Harry Caray call a game, and butcher the pronunciations of every other player.
The 1998 home run chase between Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire remains one of my most cherished sports memories. It hooked me as a baseball fan. It helped that Pat Hughes and Ron Santo brought the games alive from the radio booth, and even though I was at home after school in Louisville, Ky., they made it seem like we were in the bleachers. We celebrated triumphs, and pounded the desk at blunders. It was thrilling to watch and hear Kerry Wood and later Mark Prior come into their own.
But besides the fateful 2003 season, underscored by the Bartman ball loss to the Marlins in the NLCS, the Cubs have been a mediocre franchise. The embarrassing flameouts in 2007 and '08, following division titles, turned out to be temporary teases in just another chapter of disappointment.
There have been momentary jolts of excitement, but by and large, it’s been summarized by bloated contracts, tantrums and managers who never seem to find the right combination. This season in particular has been one of the most demoralizing I can remember in following the team for more than 13 seasons.
So it’s come to this. I hereby relinquish my claim as a full-time Cubs fan.
The thought first crossed my mind in the spring when they called up top prospect Starlin Castro, a shortstop. I read about this guy in spring training, and wondered when it might happen. Then realized I missed his debut because I didn’t care enough about the team, even that early in the season, to notice.
(You might wonder if, living in Atlanta now, I’m caught up in the first-place Braves, and the answer is yes, but not yet to the point of being a “fan.” Of course it’s fun watching a team not many expected to be at the top win like it has. But I’m in that place where, like someone coming out of a relationship, I’m not quite ready to pledge allegiance to a new franchise.)
Follow that with Carlos Zambrano’s third or fourth major meltdown, the virtual non-existent offense from Derrick Lee and Aramis Ramirez, and finally, Sweet Lou’s no-surprise retirement.
I’ve decided I’d do what most sports fans, especially those of teams like the Cubs, hardly ever do: Give up on their team. It’s fruitless to gear up each spring only to be disappointed long before Labor Day. I don’t have the patience to wait for the new ownership to clean house, or fire Jim Hendry. The rumors of Ryne Sandberg or Joe Girardi taking over the team are mildly interesting. But only really makes me shrug my shoulders.
This is like a breakup in any relationship. Things went stale and I don’t see them being repaired, or improved, any time soon.
So long, Cubs. It was a fun ride, especially in the late ‘90s. I’ll be watching, but unfortunately, my full-fledged cheering is over.
The 1998 home run chase between Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire remains one of my most cherished sports memories. It hooked me as a baseball fan. It helped that Pat Hughes and Ron Santo brought the games alive from the radio booth, and even though I was at home after school in Louisville, Ky., they made it seem like we were in the bleachers. We celebrated triumphs, and pounded the desk at blunders. It was thrilling to watch and hear Kerry Wood and later Mark Prior come into their own.
But besides the fateful 2003 season, underscored by the Bartman ball loss to the Marlins in the NLCS, the Cubs have been a mediocre franchise. The embarrassing flameouts in 2007 and '08, following division titles, turned out to be temporary teases in just another chapter of disappointment.
There have been momentary jolts of excitement, but by and large, it’s been summarized by bloated contracts, tantrums and managers who never seem to find the right combination. This season in particular has been one of the most demoralizing I can remember in following the team for more than 13 seasons.
So it’s come to this. I hereby relinquish my claim as a full-time Cubs fan.
The thought first crossed my mind in the spring when they called up top prospect Starlin Castro, a shortstop. I read about this guy in spring training, and wondered when it might happen. Then realized I missed his debut because I didn’t care enough about the team, even that early in the season, to notice.
(You might wonder if, living in Atlanta now, I’m caught up in the first-place Braves, and the answer is yes, but not yet to the point of being a “fan.” Of course it’s fun watching a team not many expected to be at the top win like it has. But I’m in that place where, like someone coming out of a relationship, I’m not quite ready to pledge allegiance to a new franchise.)
Follow that with Carlos Zambrano’s third or fourth major meltdown, the virtual non-existent offense from Derrick Lee and Aramis Ramirez, and finally, Sweet Lou’s no-surprise retirement.
I’ve decided I’d do what most sports fans, especially those of teams like the Cubs, hardly ever do: Give up on their team. It’s fruitless to gear up each spring only to be disappointed long before Labor Day. I don’t have the patience to wait for the new ownership to clean house, or fire Jim Hendry. The rumors of Ryne Sandberg or Joe Girardi taking over the team are mildly interesting. But only really makes me shrug my shoulders.
This is like a breakup in any relationship. Things went stale and I don’t see them being repaired, or improved, any time soon.
So long, Cubs. It was a fun ride, especially in the late ‘90s. I’ll be watching, but unfortunately, my full-fledged cheering is over.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Take Richt and Spurrier off the hot seat
It's becoming more and more popular to put Steve Spurrier and Mark Richt on the hot seat. But if you look at each school's football history, that doesn't make much sense.
A common and easy misconception is the history of both programs, South Carolina and Georgia, which makes it idiotic to think either program would get rid of either head coach anytime soon. Both coaches, especially Spurrier, have a better chance of leaving on their own terms.
Spurrier has coached the Gamecocks to the most successful 5-year run of any USC coach (35 wins). While his critics say he's just cashing checks in Columbia, he's been a consistent 7-5 coach and maintained a level of enthusiasm despite lackluster quarterback play and a sub-par offensive line.
(If his teams only played on Thursday nights, he might be the winningest coach ever.)
What’s more, Spurrier scored one of the biggest recruiting signings of this class by inking RB Marcus Lattimore from Duncan, S.C. And he’s kept other blue chip in-state recruits Stephon Gilmore and Alshon Jeffery in state, which means he hasn’t let the recruiting trail go stale.
Richt’s problem is he’s struggled against arch-rival Florida, and got blown out by Alabama two years ago when the Dawgs began the season ranked No. 1 in the preseason. On the other hand, Richt is 8-1 against Georgia Tech.
Last season, there was more heat on his coordinators than Richt. And shortly after the season, he overhauled his defensive staff, most notably firing coordinator Willie Martinez. That typically buys a coach two seasons.
Richt is in this position because of lopsided losses Alabama and Florida. In 2008, when the Dawgs began the year ranked No. 1, the season was derailed by the Alabama loss at home, which included a 31-0 halftime score. The Florida series lately has been marked by “The Gator Stomp,” a rare UGA win, and blowouts the last two seasons when the Gators put up more than 40 points in each game.
Despite not winning a national championship in 30 years, Dawg fans are getting restless by watching Florida, Alabama and LSU win BCS titles.
Because Richt has been near-perfect against Tech, and solid in bowl games (7-2), all he needs to quiet the critics is a win over Florida or an SEC East championship. That should be enough to satisfy the most rabid Dawg fans.
I wonder how many Dawg fans realize that Richt has a better winning percentage (90-27, .769) than even the legendary Vince Dooley (201-77, .715).
Spurrier bought some time at the beginning of his South Carolina tenure by criticize the recruiting efforts of former coach Lou Holtz. It helped his case that several players were kicked off the team following arrests before Spurrier’s first season. He’s averaged a 7-5 season, which is pedestrian for the power conference heavyweights, but given the Gamecocks’ history, it’s difficult to expect more. The problem is, Spurrier’s critics get caught up comparing him to his Florida teams. The Gamecocks simply can’t recruit to that level.
Compare him to just the previous three USC coaches and he’s better than every one of them. In fact, he’s the only one with at least a .500 record (35-28).
The bottom line is fans need to realize what they have with these two coaches, and remember that they’re each among the best coaches in school history. Don’t be a prisoner of a 3- or 4-year period.
A common and easy misconception is the history of both programs, South Carolina and Georgia, which makes it idiotic to think either program would get rid of either head coach anytime soon. Both coaches, especially Spurrier, have a better chance of leaving on their own terms.
Spurrier has coached the Gamecocks to the most successful 5-year run of any USC coach (35 wins). While his critics say he's just cashing checks in Columbia, he's been a consistent 7-5 coach and maintained a level of enthusiasm despite lackluster quarterback play and a sub-par offensive line.
(If his teams only played on Thursday nights, he might be the winningest coach ever.)
What’s more, Spurrier scored one of the biggest recruiting signings of this class by inking RB Marcus Lattimore from Duncan, S.C. And he’s kept other blue chip in-state recruits Stephon Gilmore and Alshon Jeffery in state, which means he hasn’t let the recruiting trail go stale.
Richt’s problem is he’s struggled against arch-rival Florida, and got blown out by Alabama two years ago when the Dawgs began the season ranked No. 1 in the preseason. On the other hand, Richt is 8-1 against Georgia Tech.
Last season, there was more heat on his coordinators than Richt. And shortly after the season, he overhauled his defensive staff, most notably firing coordinator Willie Martinez. That typically buys a coach two seasons.
Richt is in this position because of lopsided losses Alabama and Florida. In 2008, when the Dawgs began the year ranked No. 1, the season was derailed by the Alabama loss at home, which included a 31-0 halftime score. The Florida series lately has been marked by “The Gator Stomp,” a rare UGA win, and blowouts the last two seasons when the Gators put up more than 40 points in each game.
Despite not winning a national championship in 30 years, Dawg fans are getting restless by watching Florida, Alabama and LSU win BCS titles.
Because Richt has been near-perfect against Tech, and solid in bowl games (7-2), all he needs to quiet the critics is a win over Florida or an SEC East championship. That should be enough to satisfy the most rabid Dawg fans.
I wonder how many Dawg fans realize that Richt has a better winning percentage (90-27, .769) than even the legendary Vince Dooley (201-77, .715).
Spurrier bought some time at the beginning of his South Carolina tenure by criticize the recruiting efforts of former coach Lou Holtz. It helped his case that several players were kicked off the team following arrests before Spurrier’s first season. He’s averaged a 7-5 season, which is pedestrian for the power conference heavyweights, but given the Gamecocks’ history, it’s difficult to expect more. The problem is, Spurrier’s critics get caught up comparing him to his Florida teams. The Gamecocks simply can’t recruit to that level.
Compare him to just the previous three USC coaches and he’s better than every one of them. In fact, he’s the only one with at least a .500 record (35-28).
The bottom line is fans need to realize what they have with these two coaches, and remember that they’re each among the best coaches in school history. Don’t be a prisoner of a 3- or 4-year period.
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