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.
Monday, August 16, 2010
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.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Five storylines to preview SEC football
1. New coaches at UK, UT and Vanderbilt
Joker Phillips, the new Kentucky head coach and former offensive coordinator, has been groomed for this season for a while now, and UK was at the forefront of the move to name coaches-in-waiting.
Derek Dooley ,who was a surprise hire after the slimy Lane Kiffin bolted for USC, has gained some fans this summer by trying to install a zero tolerance policy following a bar fight involving Volunteer football players.
Robbie Caldwell is a no-name who may be the hottest topic of the annual cattle call, at this week’s SEC Media Days in Hoover, Ala.
I’ll give Phillips the edge mostly because the Cats have been above average in the SEC recently, including a win at Georgia last year, and he’s most familiar with the program, with the least amount of transition. Dooley has a chance, but will have a new quarterback and without playmaking safety Eric Berry.
Caldwell is in somewhat of an envious position, if he can get past the initial shock and thrown-into-the-deep-end situation. If he wins, he’ll probably win the full-time job. If he loses, oh well, he could probably secure himself on another staff.
2. Has South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia finally arrived?
The start of Garcia’s USC career was tainted by several arrests, which forced him to miss chunks of practice and game time. But Garcia’s shown steady improvement the last season and a half, even without multiple above average receivers.
In his defense, Garcia has suffered behind a revolving door offense line, and inconsistent running game. But with the SEC East pretty wide open this year, at least to finish second, Garcia is poised for his best season yet. And the fact that his coach, Steve Spurrier, has already started the Lou Holtz treatment, Garcia must be looking good in the offseason.
Because the Gamecocks’ defense appears to be in good hands with Ellis Johnson and Co., it’s ironic that the offensive-minded Spurrier hasn’t had an elite QB yet. This could be the season that happens. If Garcia has a big season, the Gamecocks should have a great chance to beat Florida and win the East.
3. Georgia has a new QB and a new defense
It seems like forever since redshirt freshman Aaron Murray was proclaimed the starting QB for the Dawgs.
Murray, the highly touted recruit from Tampa, Fla. will look to feed A.J. Green as often as possible while also relying on a running game that picked up at the end of last season.
Murray shouldn’t have any higher expectations than Joe Cox did last year. But that also means he won’t put the defense in such bad positions as Cox did with his 15 interceptions.
Murray’s first test, obviously, is at South Carolina in Week 2. Moving the ball when Green is covered, especially on third down, will be Murray’s biggest chore.
New defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has promised an aggressive style with his newly installed 3-4 defense. And Bulldog Nation is anxious for a consistent pass-rushing defense for the first time in several years.
If that defense is successful, that could help Murray have a better season than any number of touchdown passes he might throw.
4. Will the Heisman winner come out of the SEC West again?
Reigning Heisman winner Mark Ingram, the Alabama RB, is in a similar role that Tim Tebow was in after he won the Heisman.
There is plenty of talent around you to give you another chance to be in the spotlight each week. But will that talent also diminish your stats when compared to other Heisman frontrunners?
What’s more, as a returning Heisman winner, a player is often compared against his own stats from the previous year more so than those competing against him.
Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett has played himself into the top five of any Heisman list, and a Bobby Petrino offense gives him plenty of chances to put up gaudy numbers. (Not to mention the Arkansas defense is Swiss cheese, so the Hogs will probably be in a lot of shootouts again.)
Because Ingram likely won’t have as big a year as last year, and Mallett and the Hogs aren’t slated to play in a big-time bowl game, the educated guess is no.
5. Which coach is on the hottest seat?
A season usually doesn’t start without an SEC coach on the hot seat. Most years there are several. This time, it’s LSU coach Les Miles.
Entering his sixth season in Baton Rouge, La., Miles is two or three years removed from the benefit of Nick Saban’s recruits.
Despite a national championship three years ago, the last two seasons haven’t helped his argument that he didn’t live off of Saban’s recruiting spoils during the 33-6 start to start his LSU tenure.
The last two seasons under Miles, LSU is 17-8 and coming off a loss to Penn State in the Capital One Bowl. To his credit, Miles maintains a winning record despite never really having a bona fide star quarterback.
The tough climb Miles faces this year, though, is a schedule that includes a neutral site (Atlanta) game against North Carolina, a home game against West Virginia, and games at Florida and Auburn.
Joker Phillips, the new Kentucky head coach and former offensive coordinator, has been groomed for this season for a while now, and UK was at the forefront of the move to name coaches-in-waiting.
Derek Dooley ,who was a surprise hire after the slimy Lane Kiffin bolted for USC, has gained some fans this summer by trying to install a zero tolerance policy following a bar fight involving Volunteer football players.
Robbie Caldwell is a no-name who may be the hottest topic of the annual cattle call, at this week’s SEC Media Days in Hoover, Ala.
I’ll give Phillips the edge mostly because the Cats have been above average in the SEC recently, including a win at Georgia last year, and he’s most familiar with the program, with the least amount of transition. Dooley has a chance, but will have a new quarterback and without playmaking safety Eric Berry.
Caldwell is in somewhat of an envious position, if he can get past the initial shock and thrown-into-the-deep-end situation. If he wins, he’ll probably win the full-time job. If he loses, oh well, he could probably secure himself on another staff.
2. Has South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia finally arrived?
The start of Garcia’s USC career was tainted by several arrests, which forced him to miss chunks of practice and game time. But Garcia’s shown steady improvement the last season and a half, even without multiple above average receivers.
In his defense, Garcia has suffered behind a revolving door offense line, and inconsistent running game. But with the SEC East pretty wide open this year, at least to finish second, Garcia is poised for his best season yet. And the fact that his coach, Steve Spurrier, has already started the Lou Holtz treatment, Garcia must be looking good in the offseason.
Because the Gamecocks’ defense appears to be in good hands with Ellis Johnson and Co., it’s ironic that the offensive-minded Spurrier hasn’t had an elite QB yet. This could be the season that happens. If Garcia has a big season, the Gamecocks should have a great chance to beat Florida and win the East.
3. Georgia has a new QB and a new defense
It seems like forever since redshirt freshman Aaron Murray was proclaimed the starting QB for the Dawgs.
Murray, the highly touted recruit from Tampa, Fla. will look to feed A.J. Green as often as possible while also relying on a running game that picked up at the end of last season.
Murray shouldn’t have any higher expectations than Joe Cox did last year. But that also means he won’t put the defense in such bad positions as Cox did with his 15 interceptions.
Murray’s first test, obviously, is at South Carolina in Week 2. Moving the ball when Green is covered, especially on third down, will be Murray’s biggest chore.
New defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has promised an aggressive style with his newly installed 3-4 defense. And Bulldog Nation is anxious for a consistent pass-rushing defense for the first time in several years.
If that defense is successful, that could help Murray have a better season than any number of touchdown passes he might throw.
4. Will the Heisman winner come out of the SEC West again?
Reigning Heisman winner Mark Ingram, the Alabama RB, is in a similar role that Tim Tebow was in after he won the Heisman.
There is plenty of talent around you to give you another chance to be in the spotlight each week. But will that talent also diminish your stats when compared to other Heisman frontrunners?
What’s more, as a returning Heisman winner, a player is often compared against his own stats from the previous year more so than those competing against him.
Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett has played himself into the top five of any Heisman list, and a Bobby Petrino offense gives him plenty of chances to put up gaudy numbers. (Not to mention the Arkansas defense is Swiss cheese, so the Hogs will probably be in a lot of shootouts again.)
Because Ingram likely won’t have as big a year as last year, and Mallett and the Hogs aren’t slated to play in a big-time bowl game, the educated guess is no.
5. Which coach is on the hottest seat?
A season usually doesn’t start without an SEC coach on the hot seat. Most years there are several. This time, it’s LSU coach Les Miles.
Entering his sixth season in Baton Rouge, La., Miles is two or three years removed from the benefit of Nick Saban’s recruits.
Despite a national championship three years ago, the last two seasons haven’t helped his argument that he didn’t live off of Saban’s recruiting spoils during the 33-6 start to start his LSU tenure.
The last two seasons under Miles, LSU is 17-8 and coming off a loss to Penn State in the Capital One Bowl. To his credit, Miles maintains a winning record despite never really having a bona fide star quarterback.
The tough climb Miles faces this year, though, is a schedule that includes a neutral site (Atlanta) game against North Carolina, a home game against West Virginia, and games at Florida and Auburn.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Tiger's career approaches a turning point
Tiger Woods is nearing a crossroads in his career. There’s only one major championship remaining before the one-year anniversary of when his life took a downward spiral.
This is the second-longest drought of his career, and first that doesn’t include a swing tuneup. Despite firing swing coach Hank Haney two months ago, Tiger doesn’t appear to have the swing flaws of his past. He also hasn’t returned to his trademark wayward driving. He simply can’t make a big shot when needed – a la the 2008 U.S. Open again Rocco Mediate – or get on a birdie train.
Not only has Woods not won a major championship, he hasn’t won a tournament period in 2010, in seven events. That’s Woods’ longest drought in 12 years. The major championship drought is nine, the longest since 2003-04.
Before the British Open at St. Andrews, Woods was viewed as a favorite, 6-1 odds according to one British bookmaker, and was even picked by many analysts to win the tournament.
But despite a change in putters, which lasted only three rounds, Woods finished tied for 23rd and never threatened the top of the leaderboard. In 2000 and 2005 at St. Andrews, Woods won by a combined 13 shots.
As Bob Harig wrote on ESPN.com, Woods used to win tournaments by double digit strokes. Now he’s losing them by that margin. It’s not that he finished 13 shots behind champion Louis Oosthuizen. It’s that he was also six shots out of second place. It’s easy to be a prisoner of the moment, and look to closely at what Woods hasn’t done. But what gives you hope?
He’s won half of his 14 majors at Augusta National, Pebble Beach and St. Andrews. But despite fourth place finishes at The Masters and U.S. Open, he never gave me the idea that he would challenge the leaders. It doesn’t help that he’s never won a major without having the lead after three rounds.
Woods’ apologists might say that he’s had droughts like this before. And in those years, he had a larger gap to close, but he at least had the swing tuneup to fall back on. Now he’s got the mental hurdles of his personal life, and an influx of young stars like Anthony Kim, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler. They don’t appear fazed by Woods’ intimidation.
No matter if Woods, who's won 14 majors, falls short of Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 majors, or if he never wins another, one thing is sure: the awe is gone. The separation he had from other golfers in the mind of non-golf fans, like the average woman who knew a lot more about him than even Phil Mickelson, for example.
What this does is put more pressure on Woods at Whistling Straits, the site of the PGA Championship. The longer this lack of winning goes on, the more Woods must feel a sense of urgency to inch closer to Nicklaus.
As Rick Reilly wrote on ESPN.com, the all-time golfing greats, from Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer, to Nick Faldo, Greg Norman and Nicklaus, hardly won any majors after their mid-30s. Watson and Palmer didn’t win any after 33 and 34, respectively. Woods, by the way, turns 35 on Dec. 30.
This is the second-longest drought of his career, and first that doesn’t include a swing tuneup. Despite firing swing coach Hank Haney two months ago, Tiger doesn’t appear to have the swing flaws of his past. He also hasn’t returned to his trademark wayward driving. He simply can’t make a big shot when needed – a la the 2008 U.S. Open again Rocco Mediate – or get on a birdie train.
Not only has Woods not won a major championship, he hasn’t won a tournament period in 2010, in seven events. That’s Woods’ longest drought in 12 years. The major championship drought is nine, the longest since 2003-04.
Before the British Open at St. Andrews, Woods was viewed as a favorite, 6-1 odds according to one British bookmaker, and was even picked by many analysts to win the tournament.
But despite a change in putters, which lasted only three rounds, Woods finished tied for 23rd and never threatened the top of the leaderboard. In 2000 and 2005 at St. Andrews, Woods won by a combined 13 shots.
As Bob Harig wrote on ESPN.com, Woods used to win tournaments by double digit strokes. Now he’s losing them by that margin. It’s not that he finished 13 shots behind champion Louis Oosthuizen. It’s that he was also six shots out of second place. It’s easy to be a prisoner of the moment, and look to closely at what Woods hasn’t done. But what gives you hope?
He’s won half of his 14 majors at Augusta National, Pebble Beach and St. Andrews. But despite fourth place finishes at The Masters and U.S. Open, he never gave me the idea that he would challenge the leaders. It doesn’t help that he’s never won a major without having the lead after three rounds.
Woods’ apologists might say that he’s had droughts like this before. And in those years, he had a larger gap to close, but he at least had the swing tuneup to fall back on. Now he’s got the mental hurdles of his personal life, and an influx of young stars like Anthony Kim, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler. They don’t appear fazed by Woods’ intimidation.
No matter if Woods, who's won 14 majors, falls short of Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 majors, or if he never wins another, one thing is sure: the awe is gone. The separation he had from other golfers in the mind of non-golf fans, like the average woman who knew a lot more about him than even Phil Mickelson, for example.
What this does is put more pressure on Woods at Whistling Straits, the site of the PGA Championship. The longer this lack of winning goes on, the more Woods must feel a sense of urgency to inch closer to Nicklaus.
As Rick Reilly wrote on ESPN.com, the all-time golfing greats, from Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer, to Nick Faldo, Greg Norman and Nicklaus, hardly won any majors after their mid-30s. Watson and Palmer didn’t win any after 33 and 34, respectively. Woods, by the way, turns 35 on Dec. 30.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
A $5,000 car could be a wise option
Put your vanity aside and consider recession-proof transportation: a $5,000 car.
MSN Money wrote about this in the spring, and the more I think about it, the better it gets.
Sure, you might have to get used to your friends’ blank stares or raised eyebrows. But isn’t saving money supposed to be in style these days?
The premise is taking advantage of the technological improvements in cars that historically tapped out at 100,000 miles, but now easily approach 200,000. Especially with regular oil changes and other basic maintenance.
As long as you don’t have a hefty commute, and the car is close to 100,000 miles, it should last at least five years. Think of the savings you would enjoy.
Most car payments are in the $300 range for a mid-sized sedan or small SUV. Instead of applying that $5,000 toward a down payment, and then have to deal with 36-60 monthly payments, put that money in a savings account. Over three years, that’s at least $10,800 before interest.
Among the other areas to save:
- Sales tax
- Insurance
- Registration
Of course this scenario is not for most people. You’d have to not only know a mechanic, but have a good relationship with yours, unless you are confident to maintain the car yourself. Be diligent on maintenance and keep organized records. Before you buy, research the owner and car history thoroughly.
If you think it’s difficult to find a car in this price range, like I did initially, consider all of the places you could find one. A church bulletin board. The local pizza place. A corner convenience store. And one of the most popular places for salvaging great deals: an estate sale.
For examples of actual cars, check out this list from Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports’ top picks, $4,000-$6,000
2001 Acura CL
2002-03 Mitsubishi Lancer
2001 Acura Integra
2000 Nissan Frontier (2WD)
2000 Acura RL
2002 Nissan Xterra
2000 Acura TL
2003 Pontiac Vibe
2004 Buick Century
2003 Subaru Impreza wagon
2003 Buick Regal
2000 Toyota Avalon
2003-05 Hyundai Sonata
2000-01 Toyota Camry
2000, 2002 Infiniti G20
2000-02 Toyota Solara
2000 Infiniti I30
2000 Toyota Celica
2001-02 Lincoln Continental
2002 Toyota Corolla
2000-01 Mazda B-Series (2WD)
2003-05 Toyota Echo
2002 Mazda Protégé
2001-02 Toyota Prius
2000-02 Mercury Grand Marquis
2000-01 Toyota Sienna
2004 Mercury Sable
2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
MSN Money wrote about this in the spring, and the more I think about it, the better it gets.
Sure, you might have to get used to your friends’ blank stares or raised eyebrows. But isn’t saving money supposed to be in style these days?
The premise is taking advantage of the technological improvements in cars that historically tapped out at 100,000 miles, but now easily approach 200,000. Especially with regular oil changes and other basic maintenance.
As long as you don’t have a hefty commute, and the car is close to 100,000 miles, it should last at least five years. Think of the savings you would enjoy.
Most car payments are in the $300 range for a mid-sized sedan or small SUV. Instead of applying that $5,000 toward a down payment, and then have to deal with 36-60 monthly payments, put that money in a savings account. Over three years, that’s at least $10,800 before interest.
Among the other areas to save:
- Sales tax
- Insurance
- Registration
Of course this scenario is not for most people. You’d have to not only know a mechanic, but have a good relationship with yours, unless you are confident to maintain the car yourself. Be diligent on maintenance and keep organized records. Before you buy, research the owner and car history thoroughly.
If you think it’s difficult to find a car in this price range, like I did initially, consider all of the places you could find one. A church bulletin board. The local pizza place. A corner convenience store. And one of the most popular places for salvaging great deals: an estate sale.
For examples of actual cars, check out this list from Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports’ top picks, $4,000-$6,000
2001 Acura CL
2002-03 Mitsubishi Lancer
2001 Acura Integra
2000 Nissan Frontier (2WD)
2000 Acura RL
2002 Nissan Xterra
2000 Acura TL
2003 Pontiac Vibe
2004 Buick Century
2003 Subaru Impreza wagon
2003 Buick Regal
2000 Toyota Avalon
2003-05 Hyundai Sonata
2000-01 Toyota Camry
2000, 2002 Infiniti G20
2000-02 Toyota Solara
2000 Infiniti I30
2000 Toyota Celica
2001-02 Lincoln Continental
2002 Toyota Corolla
2000-01 Mazda B-Series (2WD)
2003-05 Toyota Echo
2002 Mazda Protégé
2001-02 Toyota Prius
2000-02 Mercury Grand Marquis
2000-01 Toyota Sienna
2004 Mercury Sable
2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Friday, July 16, 2010
Vandy's Johnson made right decision
Bobby Johnson’s sudden resignation or retirement, depending on your viewpoint, has caused plenty of questions about the Vanderbilt football coach’s real motive. Was there something behind stepping down three weeks before the season? Does he have a health problem? Was he trying to set up his assistant, Robbie Caldwell, to get the job?
There are two reasons that have been mentioned as Johnson’s motivation that I believe: he gave up fighting the academic battle, and he was simply tired.
You might call him a quitter. Or think there could have been a better time to announce a retirement. But the dog days of summer is fine with me. Even one of the more preferred times of year.
When else would you do it? December? I don’t think so. Think how that would leave your successor, likely an assistant promoted into an interim role?
Recruiting, with a month to go until National Signing Day, would take a big blow. Whatever momentum you could gain from a bowl game would be gone. And it would be impossible to avoid the argument that you checked out midway through the season.
The losing battle of competing in the SEC, and maintaining the high academic standard at the so-called Ivy League of the South makes it one of the toughest jobs in the country.
If you win big, that’s fantastic, but you wouldn’t be recognized nearly as much within the university – which doesn’t have a traditional athletics department anymore - as you would at other schools. If you’re .500 or worse, well, you’re Vandy, so enjoy being most teams Homecoming opponent. Not to mention it’s virtually impossible to finish about third in your own division in the SEC.
So give Johnson credit for recognizing there are more important things in life than spending countless hours draining your health away from your family. He’s made enough money, and could work as a consultant, or TV/radio guest to stay involved.
At 60, Johnson made the right decision before it was too late. And he’s about the only coach around that has made the right call.
There are two reasons that have been mentioned as Johnson’s motivation that I believe: he gave up fighting the academic battle, and he was simply tired.
You might call him a quitter. Or think there could have been a better time to announce a retirement. But the dog days of summer is fine with me. Even one of the more preferred times of year.
When else would you do it? December? I don’t think so. Think how that would leave your successor, likely an assistant promoted into an interim role?
Recruiting, with a month to go until National Signing Day, would take a big blow. Whatever momentum you could gain from a bowl game would be gone. And it would be impossible to avoid the argument that you checked out midway through the season.
The losing battle of competing in the SEC, and maintaining the high academic standard at the so-called Ivy League of the South makes it one of the toughest jobs in the country.
If you win big, that’s fantastic, but you wouldn’t be recognized nearly as much within the university – which doesn’t have a traditional athletics department anymore - as you would at other schools. If you’re .500 or worse, well, you’re Vandy, so enjoy being most teams Homecoming opponent. Not to mention it’s virtually impossible to finish about third in your own division in the SEC.
So give Johnson credit for recognizing there are more important things in life than spending countless hours draining your health away from your family. He’s made enough money, and could work as a consultant, or TV/radio guest to stay involved.
At 60, Johnson made the right decision before it was too late. And he’s about the only coach around that has made the right call.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Decision: Top 10 reasons ESPN outdid its own over-the-top precedent
Forget LeBron announcing his choice to play for the Miami Heat this season. This made-for-TV ESPN "special" had all the typical Worldwide Leader ingredients of hyperbole, recycled breaking news and overheated egos.
10. Stuart Scott opens with this show-stopper: "The focus of the sports world is on LeBron tonight." It wasn't quite as bad as Adam Schefter's tweet earlier in the week about this being a remember-where-you-were-moment, but it was classic Scott, who has way more style than substance. And he doesn't even have that much style.
9. Announcer voice, sounding like a Dollar Store James Earl Jones: "With breathless anticipation..." Not really. Most fans, especially non-sports/NBA fans have been waiting for this saga to end. Yesterday. Sure, it might have succeeded in the individualized NBA marketing plan, but it wore out its welcome weeks ago.
8. Scott asks NBA Insider Chris Broussard for the latest news on the situation. That's the first punch line of the show, given that some combination of LeBron's people and freelance interviewer Jim Gray hatched this made-for-TV idea weeks ago. Broussard spews the recycled news that he reported nearly 24 hours ago, that the Heat appear to be the team James is leaning toward. Say what you want about the WWL, but one of its best traits is presenting old news as if it's fresh.
7. Scott then mentions that the network has "blanket coverage" of the "event," which it should given the organization and agreement from Gray and Leon Rose, James' agent. Awful pat on the back for something that was handed to you.
6. In perhaps the biggest reach of the event, Jon Barry, a studio analyst and former player, makes a reference to the early 1980s comedy, Trading Places, starring Paul Gleason as Clarence Beeks. As the only former player on the set, it's laughable that Barry used a line he recycled at least twice on radio interviews earlier in the day. It's something Dennis Miller or Tony Kornheiser might've said from the Monday Night Football booth.
5. Was it really necessary to show old highlights of the Olympic team, or LeBron's McDonald's All-American game? Like we haven't seen this guy dunk before?
4. Speaking of dunks, a fun drinking game could have been to drink every time ESPN showed a dunk highlight. Fun, or dangerous, whichever came first.
3. Incidentally, does anybody know what Kobe, you know, the guy with five rings, thought of this made-for-TV event?
2. And of course, it wouldn't be an ego-driven, sponsor-controlled spectacle, without a use of the third-person. When asked by Michael Wilbon about his reaction to Cavaliers' fans burning his jersey in the streets, LeBron said, "I can't get involved in that. I had to do what was best for LeBron James." Somewhere, Rickey Henderson is proud.
1. Finally, does anybody remember the old Nike "Witness" campaign? Guess it worked. We can mock this show all we want, but just wait for the ratings.
10. Stuart Scott opens with this show-stopper: "The focus of the sports world is on LeBron tonight." It wasn't quite as bad as Adam Schefter's tweet earlier in the week about this being a remember-where-you-were-moment, but it was classic Scott, who has way more style than substance. And he doesn't even have that much style.
9. Announcer voice, sounding like a Dollar Store James Earl Jones: "With breathless anticipation..." Not really. Most fans, especially non-sports/NBA fans have been waiting for this saga to end. Yesterday. Sure, it might have succeeded in the individualized NBA marketing plan, but it wore out its welcome weeks ago.
8. Scott asks NBA Insider Chris Broussard for the latest news on the situation. That's the first punch line of the show, given that some combination of LeBron's people and freelance interviewer Jim Gray hatched this made-for-TV idea weeks ago. Broussard spews the recycled news that he reported nearly 24 hours ago, that the Heat appear to be the team James is leaning toward. Say what you want about the WWL, but one of its best traits is presenting old news as if it's fresh.
7. Scott then mentions that the network has "blanket coverage" of the "event," which it should given the organization and agreement from Gray and Leon Rose, James' agent. Awful pat on the back for something that was handed to you.
6. In perhaps the biggest reach of the event, Jon Barry, a studio analyst and former player, makes a reference to the early 1980s comedy, Trading Places, starring Paul Gleason as Clarence Beeks. As the only former player on the set, it's laughable that Barry used a line he recycled at least twice on radio interviews earlier in the day. It's something Dennis Miller or Tony Kornheiser might've said from the Monday Night Football booth.
5. Was it really necessary to show old highlights of the Olympic team, or LeBron's McDonald's All-American game? Like we haven't seen this guy dunk before?
4. Speaking of dunks, a fun drinking game could have been to drink every time ESPN showed a dunk highlight. Fun, or dangerous, whichever came first.
3. Incidentally, does anybody know what Kobe, you know, the guy with five rings, thought of this made-for-TV event?
2. And of course, it wouldn't be an ego-driven, sponsor-controlled spectacle, without a use of the third-person. When asked by Michael Wilbon about his reaction to Cavaliers' fans burning his jersey in the streets, LeBron said, "I can't get involved in that. I had to do what was best for LeBron James." Somewhere, Rickey Henderson is proud.
1. Finally, does anybody remember the old Nike "Witness" campaign? Guess it worked. We can mock this show all we want, but just wait for the ratings.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Why Strasburg should be in the All-Star game
Major League Baseball has an opportunity this month to parlay some built-in star power and extend the excitement of Stephen Strasburg’s rookie season.
Two losses, including Monday’s poor 7th inning, aside, the Washington Nationals' phenom should be on the National League roster for the All-Star game in Anaheim, Calif.
The traditional format of an all-star game makes it easy for Charlie Manuel of the Phillies to select Strasburg. Most pitchers go one inning – so the Nationals shouldn’t have to worry about a pitch count – and the overriding reason for the exhibition in the first place is it’s a treat for the fans.
Speaking of the fans, check the turnstile at Monday's game in Atlanta for Exhibit A of how much fans care. In the days between Strasburg's last start and Monday, the Braves sold more than 21,000 tickets, and nearly 10,000 on Monday alone. It's not like this was Chicago or Philadelphia. Atlanta is arguable the most apathetic sports town in the country, especially on a non-holiday Monday. But they showed up for the Strasburg sensation.
His numbers are historic. In his first four starts, he broke a 55-year strikeout record when he recorded 41 strikeouts.
That came after he fanned 32 in his first three starts, the most since J.R. Richard struck out 29 in 1971.
He has superstar power rarely seen in baseball. As Mark Bradley wrote in the AJC, it's usually seen in the NBA.
Don't give me the tired, old man argument of "paying dues" or he hasn't been in the majors long enough. If you're all-star caliber and the fans want you there, you should be there. There should be 15 pitchers on the roster. Not only is Strasburg among the top 15, he’s probably in the top five.
Strasburg's stats further help the argument. Despite virtually no run support in two losses, Strasburg has struck out 48, walked seven in 31 2/3 innings. How is he not among the best 10-12 pitchers in the National League? Before Strasburg's debut, Curt Shilling said he might be the best pitcher in the league, and not many have argued against that in his first five starts.
The National League’s 13-game losing streak in the All-Star game should be more of a reason to select him.
Major League Baseball has fallen behind the NFL and NBA in the way it markets its superstars. Well, this is its best young superstar in at least 30 years, and to grow the game and bring in both the traditional and casual fan, MLB needs Strasburg in the Midsummer Classic.
Especially because home field advantage is at stake, the NL has a better chance of winning if he’s on the mound. He should be there, regardless of his age or experience.
Two losses, including Monday’s poor 7th inning, aside, the Washington Nationals' phenom should be on the National League roster for the All-Star game in Anaheim, Calif.
The traditional format of an all-star game makes it easy for Charlie Manuel of the Phillies to select Strasburg. Most pitchers go one inning – so the Nationals shouldn’t have to worry about a pitch count – and the overriding reason for the exhibition in the first place is it’s a treat for the fans.
Speaking of the fans, check the turnstile at Monday's game in Atlanta for Exhibit A of how much fans care. In the days between Strasburg's last start and Monday, the Braves sold more than 21,000 tickets, and nearly 10,000 on Monday alone. It's not like this was Chicago or Philadelphia. Atlanta is arguable the most apathetic sports town in the country, especially on a non-holiday Monday. But they showed up for the Strasburg sensation.
His numbers are historic. In his first four starts, he broke a 55-year strikeout record when he recorded 41 strikeouts.
That came after he fanned 32 in his first three starts, the most since J.R. Richard struck out 29 in 1971.
He has superstar power rarely seen in baseball. As Mark Bradley wrote in the AJC, it's usually seen in the NBA.
Don't give me the tired, old man argument of "paying dues" or he hasn't been in the majors long enough. If you're all-star caliber and the fans want you there, you should be there. There should be 15 pitchers on the roster. Not only is Strasburg among the top 15, he’s probably in the top five.
Strasburg's stats further help the argument. Despite virtually no run support in two losses, Strasburg has struck out 48, walked seven in 31 2/3 innings. How is he not among the best 10-12 pitchers in the National League? Before Strasburg's debut, Curt Shilling said he might be the best pitcher in the league, and not many have argued against that in his first five starts.
The National League’s 13-game losing streak in the All-Star game should be more of a reason to select him.
Major League Baseball has fallen behind the NFL and NBA in the way it markets its superstars. Well, this is its best young superstar in at least 30 years, and to grow the game and bring in both the traditional and casual fan, MLB needs Strasburg in the Midsummer Classic.
Especially because home field advantage is at stake, the NL has a better chance of winning if he’s on the mound. He should be there, regardless of his age or experience.
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