ESPN deserves every bad thing that gets said about them. However, they deserve credit for when they get things right. They embarked on an ambitious mission to produce documentaries on the level of HBO. They reached out to the best filmmakers and you know what they put on a few documentaries on par with HBO. They limited commericals and for the most part stayed away from stories that were already overplayed.
Pony Excess is the last of the 30 for 30 series. Due to the success of the series, ESPN will extend their documentary series and if your not on board yet you should be. I remember watching the first one, Kings Ransom when it debuted in October 2009. I was as bored as can be staying in a hotel in Honesdale, PA. I have seen all the ones that I'm am going to watch and missed just 2 of 30. I decided to lump them into viewing priorities for you to catch up.
The Elite
"Into the Wind" The Terry Fox Story-
Steve Nash was actually a big part of making this film. Terry Fox is a Canadian Hero who decided to run across the country to raise awareness of cancer in children. You may have heard the story but there is some great footage that will have you fighting back the tears.
"The 16th Man"
The story of the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The film follows the impact of Nelson Mandela in South Africa and his attempt to unite the country through sport. It's Invictus without Matt Damon playing a 6-5 South African. in otherwards, it doesn't suck. The film chronicles the emotions of the people in the country throughout the tournament. It's interesting to see the people who cheered together after years of fighting and even those who despised Nelson Mandela for what he did.
"The Two Escobars"
Groundbreaking from ESPN and worthy of the full two hours the network gave it. The relationship between Pablo Escobar and Colombian Soccer and their deaths.
"The Best That Never Was"
The 1981 recruiting of high school football player Marcus Dupree and his life. The film behind the book that changed college recruiting forever. This is my favorite documentary thus far but the margin is small.
"The U"
This is one most people have seen. It discusses the impact of the University of Miami football in the 1980s. Good news is a sequel is on the way.
The Very Good -I'll admit there is not much difference between the solid and very good.
"Winning Time"
Reggie Miller vs. the Knicks in the mid 1990s when M.J. was away.
"The King's Ransom"
Wayne Gretzky's Babe Ruth like sale to L.A. The doc examines the reason for the Great One being sold to the Kings and the heartbreak it caused. It also focuses on the typical L.A trend that followed.
"June 17th 1994"
This is essential just a well but together montage of clips, but for someone who was old enough to understand the gravity of situation but too young to really understand what was happening its interesting how the day unfolded.
"Solid
Pony Excess"
Even though I don't feel this quite lived up to the hype, it's still good. I disagree with those in the doc who said that SMU didn't deserve the death penalty and the everybody was doing it, and everybody does it attitude, but that's not to take away from the amount of interviews they got for this. A
"Tim Richmond: To the Limit"
This has several good interviews and outlines the reluctance to accept AIDS in this country. This doc loses some points for not going after Richmond more and not answering about those he had sex with.
Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL?
Wow Donald Trump is a dickhead. If you didn't already think so, you probably will after watching this doc. There is some nice insight into the USFL but it leaves you wanting more.
"Guru of Go"
Paul Westhead and the Run and Gun offense at Loyola Marymount. There is a special mention of Hank Gathers and his tragic death but chances are you know that story. The strength of the documentary is the interviews with Paul Westhead.
"Muhammad and Larry"
There is some quality footage that was unearthed for this documentary. It was interesting seeing Ali near the end of the line and and his mental capacity before and after the fight. You can tell that Larry Holmes is pained to be figthing Ali when hes not 100%.
"The Birth of Big Air"
I wasn't sure about this one because I'm not into extreme sports. I started watched casually but it roped me in. Matt Hoffman's passion for what he did and the home footage of his jumps were awesome. Check this one out and I think you will be surprised too.
"Once Brothers"
The story of Croatian Dražen Petrović and Serbian Vlade Divac, NBA players and Yugoslavian national teammates, and how upheaval in their homeland adversely and irretrievably affected their friendship.
"Fernando Nation"
I can remember my Dad telling me about Fernando and how good he used to be. I only saw Fernando play for the Phillies so I found this hard to believe.
Without Bias"
Although this doc feels like a rerun because I've seen the story quite a few times, it's still solid, especially if your not familiar with the story.
Fair
"The Legend of Jimmy the Greek"
Maybe I had higher hopes for this but it wasn't as interesting as I was expecting. The fake Jimmy the Greek voice overs were frustrating to listen to.
"Jordan Rides the Bus"
Probably another doc that didn't need to be made due to the high profile of the story at the time. There are good interviews with Terry Francona and Phil Jackson though.
Disappointing
"Run Ricky Run"
I've heard people say this one is awesome. I guess I expected more from a guy claiming to have 6 years of footage to sift through. If you saw the 60 minutes on Ricky Williams, you basically saw this doc.
"House of Steinbrenner"
I know this may offend about half the readership, but I felt this documentary should not have been made. It's unclear what its purpose ultimately is. Are they talking about Steinbrenner, the fans, the new regime? Perhaps the project was started before George's death ( I'm certain it was but this felt slapped together) but it comes off as lame to me. The interviews with Hank Steinbrenner were interesting as was the little nugget about Joe DiMaggio, but this did not need to be done by ESPN. The YES network would have been the perfect forum for this.
"One Night in Vegas"
Ok so Tupac and Tyson were kinda sorta friends. This doesn't exactly break ground on Tupac's death but gives some back story on the relationship between Tupac and Tyson while talking about the two individually. The rapping done but no names in this video to explain the story was painful to listen do and killed this for me.
"No Crossover"
A.I.'s upbringing and his trial. The guy in charge of the doc goes out of his way to thrust himself into the story and its painful to watch.
"The Band that Wouldn't Die"
This was just boring to me. Its an unexplored topic but I would have preferred to see more fan reaction about the Colts leaving Baltimore than the band.
"Straight Outta L.A."
This belonged on BET more than ESPN. Dear Ice Cube and Snoop, you guys aren't major Raider fans so don't be tossing around stories in the Coliseum.
Skip
"Marion Jones: Press Pause"
Is it possible to have less respect for Marion Jones? After watching this documentary I wanted to smack her. It's a brutal hour of her publicly defending herself.
"Four Days in October"
Really ESPN, did we really need a Red Sox documentary on one of the most publicized stories of all time. This product was watched rather reluctantly, and I would bet Red Sox fans would struggle to argue it was better than an extra on a DVD.
Not Viewed
"Unmatched"
This is probably a good documentary if you like women's tennis. Full interviews with Nartolova and Evert.
"Silly Little Game"
Fantasy baseball and dorky reenactments. I passed on this one. I can't see it being good even if you like fantasy sports.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Look Yourself in the Mirror
When you think of Pittsburgh, what do you think of? You think of steel mills. You think of a town with a blue-collar attitude. You think of the Steelers, the Terrible Towel, the Rooney family, and Troy Polamalu's hair. You think of Sidney Crosby (deservedly so or not). You think of PNC Park (but not necessarily the team that plays there). And if you've ever been there, you think of Primanti Brothers. You know what you don't necessarily think of? College football.
That's not a knock on the Pitt Panthers' program, because they've been more than respectable over the years. What it is, is an indictment of those who essentially ushered head coach Dave Wannstedt out the door this week. It's not that I'm a huge fan of Wannstedt (or "Wannstache," as the popular nickname goes), although as defensive coordinator with Dallas he presided over the best defense of the first half of the '90s. He was also the one who, during the 1992 NFC Championship Game, noted the 49ers' defensive backs were slipping in the middle of the field and urged Norv Turner to try to take advantage of it (skip to the 1:00 mark) at a key moment, resulting in the play that singlehandedly put the game to bed. My problem lies with college football programs that have an inflated sense of self-worth.
That's not a knock on the Pitt Panthers' program, because they've been more than respectable over the years. What it is, is an indictment of those who essentially ushered head coach Dave Wannstedt out the door this week. It's not that I'm a huge fan of Wannstedt (or "Wannstache," as the popular nickname goes), although as defensive coordinator with Dallas he presided over the best defense of the first half of the '90s. He was also the one who, during the 1992 NFC Championship Game, noted the 49ers' defensive backs were slipping in the middle of the field and urged Norv Turner to try to take advantage of it (skip to the 1:00 mark) at a key moment, resulting in the play that singlehandedly put the game to bed. My problem lies with college football programs that have an inflated sense of self-worth.
Wannstedt had a 42-31 record in six seasons at Pitt, including a 26-12 mark in the past 3 years. Not bad, right? Right. And when you consider it was the best 3-year run that Pitt has had since Dan Marino led them to three straight 11-1 records from 1979-81, it's certainly not too shabby. I know they play in the perennially weak Big East and failing to grab that chip-shot of a BCS berth is a slight disappointment, but come on. Have a sense of perspective. Understand that your program has not been successful enough over the years to have the right to thumb your noses at 26-12. If you're Oklahoma, Alabama, or Texas, then 26-12 might not cut it. At a place like Pitt, it should be considered a nice step forward. Yes it's a double standard, but it's nonetheless true.
Remember Jaff Jagodzinski? Sure you do. He was the head football coach at Boston College two years ago when he got fired for interviewing with the Jets for their then-vacant head coaching position. I went nuts about this when it happened and it still riles me up. Who the hell is BC to be offended if their coach pursues a chance with an NFL team? You do realize that these guys start out as grad assistants working for peanuts in hopes that one day they can sit down in a room with an NFL owner and GM for a few hours, just to have that chance, right? Boston College, which is on a similar level as Pitt - a competent program in a weak conference that has produced a fair share of NFL stars - does not have a leg to stand on when it comes to this stuff. Once again, if you're a school like LSU, Michigan, Florida, Ohio State, then ok, your head coaching job is almost as big as an NFL job would be. But no one grows up saying their dream is to be the head coach at Boston College. It just isn't the way things go. Probably about 85% of FBS coaches are working right now to try to make a big score on their next job. No one likes being a stepping stone, but if your coach wins for you and does things the right way while he's at your school, you have nothing else to really ask for.
The other thing is, college programs rarely can justify firing a successful coach on the grounds of a lack of a championship. It's just not the same deal as it is in the pros, especially considering the rate at which you have to constantly replenish your team's talent. If you win consistently and keep your program visible for the right reasons, you're doing your job. Remember, the underlying purpose of college sports as a whole is to bring positive attention to the academic institution itself. Of course it's big business, but not as big a business as the professional ranks are (at least in theory - I'm sure if you looked at the NBA's books they'd suggest otherwise).
Like the title says, Pitt needs to look itself in the mirror. OK, you're a respectable program. But you play in the Northeast, where college football is not nearly as big a priority as it is in other parts of the country. You play your home games at the Big Ketchup Bottle and don't exactly fill it. The athletic department's meal ticket, for the most part, is still basketball. Who do you think you're going to get to replace Dave Wannstedt that is really going to be any better than he was? To paraphrase Rick Pitino - Bob Stoops is not walking through that door. Mack Brown is not walking through that door. Nick Saban, Les Miles, Mike Gundy, Chip Kelly, Jim Harbaugh - none of them are walking through that door. I do know a guy who'd come through that door, but you may have to widen it first. And he might not be actually "walking" through that door, he may be cruising in on a little motorized shopping cart.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
5 for Sunday
It's getting cold out there, and it's now the time of year where the weekly NFL slate will feature an odd mix of edge-of-your-seat games between playoff-bound teams (i.e. New England at Chicago) and games that make you say "holy shit, I can't believe this is actually professional football," (i.e. Denver at Arizona). Home teams in CAPS.
JACKSONVILLE (-3.5) over Oakland
The Jags can run the ball (150 ypg, including 258 last week), and like I've said before - if you can run the ball, you can do pretty much anything you want. Jacksonville needs this game to keep pace with the Colts in the AFC South and maintain their hopes of securing themselves a blacked-out home game on Wild Card Weekend. The Raiders baffle me week in and week out, seemingly with alternating great performances and miserable performances. Especially this late in the year, the 1pm East Coast game for a team from out west is not a factor to be ignored. Interestingly, both of these teams have a tight end named Zach Miller.
Atlanta (-7.5) over CAROLINA
The Panthers appear to have their running game back, but the ability to put four solid quarters together is something that just hasn't been there this year. Atlanta is in the driver's seat for homefield throughout the playoffs in the NFC and doesn't seem likely to trip up here. From the few games I've seen Atlanta play this year, they do a good job of minimizing their mistakes, and mistakes are the only way that Carolina would have a chance in this game. If the Falcons are as good as they're supposed to be, they win it by 17 points or so.
Seattle (+5.5) over SAN FRANCISCO
I was all set to take the Giants -3 in Minnesota, but I like to know a team will actually be able to get to the game before I pick them. The long and the short of this dogcrap NFC West game is that San Francisco shouldn't be a 5.5-point favorite to anybody, let alone a team with a record two games better than them and who has already taken them to the woodshed this year. Oh, (sarcasm ahead) that's right, it must be because Alex Smith has been restored as the starting quarterback! I'm not exactly a believer in the 6-6 Seahawks, but they're good enough to at least make this a field goal game.
SAN DIEGO (-9.5) over Kansas City
I liked this game at -7 when there was a chance Matt Cassel would play, so I'll stick with it at -9.5 now that Cassel is most likely out after having an appendectomy this week. The Chiefs' defense doesn't play nearly as well on the road as they do at home, and if they do have to turn to Brodie Croyle, he's 0-9 for his NFL career as a starter. That's enough to make me back the Chargers one more time.
DALLAS (+3.5) over Philadelphia
I've been reluctant to get on the Jason Garrett bandwagon to this point because in my opinion he was as almost much to blame as Wade Phillips was for the team's 1-7 start, but to say the team hasn't turned around in a big way under his watch would be ignorant. If Mike Jenkins can cover DeSean Jackson like he did in all three meeting last year, then it may give DaMarcus Ware a chance to get in Michael Vick's face once or twice. Asante Samuel will not be playing for the Eagles, which would be huge if Dez Bryant didn't break his ankle last week. If they are going to win, Dallas will need to run the ball like they did last week against Indy and especially like they did in the last two meetings of last season against the Eagles. I really don't know if the Cowboys have a great chance, but I'm just glad this team is still watchable. Give me the 3.5.
Last Week : 2-3-0
Season: 34-29-2
JACKSONVILLE (-3.5) over Oakland
The Jags can run the ball (150 ypg, including 258 last week), and like I've said before - if you can run the ball, you can do pretty much anything you want. Jacksonville needs this game to keep pace with the Colts in the AFC South and maintain their hopes of securing themselves a blacked-out home game on Wild Card Weekend. The Raiders baffle me week in and week out, seemingly with alternating great performances and miserable performances. Especially this late in the year, the 1pm East Coast game for a team from out west is not a factor to be ignored. Interestingly, both of these teams have a tight end named Zach Miller.
Atlanta (-7.5) over CAROLINA
The Panthers appear to have their running game back, but the ability to put four solid quarters together is something that just hasn't been there this year. Atlanta is in the driver's seat for homefield throughout the playoffs in the NFC and doesn't seem likely to trip up here. From the few games I've seen Atlanta play this year, they do a good job of minimizing their mistakes, and mistakes are the only way that Carolina would have a chance in this game. If the Falcons are as good as they're supposed to be, they win it by 17 points or so.
Seattle (+5.5) over SAN FRANCISCO
I was all set to take the Giants -3 in Minnesota, but I like to know a team will actually be able to get to the game before I pick them. The long and the short of this dogcrap NFC West game is that San Francisco shouldn't be a 5.5-point favorite to anybody, let alone a team with a record two games better than them and who has already taken them to the woodshed this year. Oh, (sarcasm ahead) that's right, it must be because Alex Smith has been restored as the starting quarterback! I'm not exactly a believer in the 6-6 Seahawks, but they're good enough to at least make this a field goal game.
SAN DIEGO (-9.5) over Kansas City
I liked this game at -7 when there was a chance Matt Cassel would play, so I'll stick with it at -9.5 now that Cassel is most likely out after having an appendectomy this week. The Chiefs' defense doesn't play nearly as well on the road as they do at home, and if they do have to turn to Brodie Croyle, he's 0-9 for his NFL career as a starter. That's enough to make me back the Chargers one more time.
DALLAS (+3.5) over Philadelphia
I've been reluctant to get on the Jason Garrett bandwagon to this point because in my opinion he was as almost much to blame as Wade Phillips was for the team's 1-7 start, but to say the team hasn't turned around in a big way under his watch would be ignorant. If Mike Jenkins can cover DeSean Jackson like he did in all three meeting last year, then it may give DaMarcus Ware a chance to get in Michael Vick's face once or twice. Asante Samuel will not be playing for the Eagles, which would be huge if Dez Bryant didn't break his ankle last week. If they are going to win, Dallas will need to run the ball like they did last week against Indy and especially like they did in the last two meetings of last season against the Eagles. I really don't know if the Cowboys have a great chance, but I'm just glad this team is still watchable. Give me the 3.5.
Last Week : 2-3-0
Season: 34-29-2
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Gruden to Work Mutltiple Jobs
From NAGAYT wire reports
John Gruden, current Monday Night Football analyst and former Raiders and Buccaneers head coach has accepted multiple positions today. Gruden has agreed to accept the head coaching vacancy at the University of Florida He has retained Bill Cowher as his defensive coordinator, and Tony Dungy as his special consultant and part time coach. Gruden will also teach Sociology 201 at Florida, and continue serving as a Monday Night Football analyst.
"I'm thrilled with the opportunities that have been presented to me today. The chance to coach and teach at Florida was something I couldn't pass up. I can stay close to my family. I can continue to pretend to know how to do color commentary. I can get back to doing what doing which is something I have missed."
The media already grasping at straws, will have to work extra hard to churn up bullshit coaching candidates in the future. With their three favorite former NFL coaches accepting new positions, the media may stumble upon real candidates but don't count on it.
Dan Mullen is the most realistic first choice for those really in the know.
John Gruden, current Monday Night Football analyst and former Raiders and Buccaneers head coach has accepted multiple positions today. Gruden has agreed to accept the head coaching vacancy at the University of Florida He has retained Bill Cowher as his defensive coordinator, and Tony Dungy as his special consultant and part time coach. Gruden will also teach Sociology 201 at Florida, and continue serving as a Monday Night Football analyst.
"I'm thrilled with the opportunities that have been presented to me today. The chance to coach and teach at Florida was something I couldn't pass up. I can stay close to my family. I can continue to pretend to know how to do color commentary. I can get back to doing what doing which is something I have missed."
The media already grasping at straws, will have to work extra hard to churn up bullshit coaching candidates in the future. With their three favorite former NFL coaches accepting new positions, the media may stumble upon real candidates but don't count on it.
Dan Mullen is the most realistic first choice for those really in the know.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Guilt Trip of the Year: Avatar
Americans are bad, bad, bad people. Shame on us for just about eveything we do in our conscious lives. We're bad because we like baseball, build things out of plastic, advance our culture, and mow our lawns. Capitalism is the devil. The citizens of the United States should abandon the lives they know, quit their jobs, stop all production, and move into the trees. It's wrong to accumulate wealth and live in comfort. Do not bother seeing James Cameron's glorified cartoon feature "Avatar". I just saved whoever read the above paragraph 2 plus hours of green-happy Hippy bullshit.
I will not go on and on about my disdain for excessive use of computerized graphics in cinema. All I will say is that Avatar is a monument to the abuse of CGI and the death o true filmmaking.
Avatar went overboard with the incrimination of free enterprise as the culprit of all the worlds problems, painted the US military as bloodlusting savages, and frankly did nothing in terms of plot. I believe in recycling paper and aluminum, but recycled storylines don't do much for society. Avatar was merely a fusion of Dances With Wolves and Return of the Jedi. Sorry Avatar, you don't fool me.
I will not go on and on about my disdain for excessive use of computerized graphics in cinema. All I will say is that Avatar is a monument to the abuse of CGI and the death o true filmmaking.
Avatar went overboard with the incrimination of free enterprise as the culprit of all the worlds problems, painted the US military as bloodlusting savages, and frankly did nothing in terms of plot. I believe in recycling paper and aluminum, but recycled storylines don't do much for society. Avatar was merely a fusion of Dances With Wolves and Return of the Jedi. Sorry Avatar, you don't fool me.
Bowl Games Gifts
Your looking at the most surprising gift of bowl season. Miami and Notre Dame will both be receiving Helen of Troy Blow Dryers at the Hyundai Sun Bowl. Racial overtones would suggest one team will be using them more than the next, but that may be decieving.
Other stand out gifts include a gift suite valued at $500 from the BCS National Championship game. This likely include a television and Blue ray player. Most bowls are also offering a gym bag and apperal of some sort along with a watch.
The Alamo Bowl offers the following
Microsoft Xbox 360 with Kinect; $20 Game Stop gift card; Kicker 541 headphones; Apple iPod shuffle. They also include a watch and some other swag.
The Champs Sports Bowl and Capital One Bowl probably win though. $420 Best Buy Shopping Spree and a Watch.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
5 for Sunday
Sometimes I'm glad I don't live in Nevada, because with the NFL run I've been on lately, I definitely would have taken my winnings and spent it irresponsibly. Home teams in CAPS.
GREEN BAY (-9.5) over San Francisco
Let's make this quick. Green Bay beats up on bad teams (don't let last Monday fool you, the 49ers are quite the bad team). The 49ers are on a short week, playing their second straight road game, and have to fly across two time zones and play a 1:00 game. Frank Gore is out for the season and there's a reason Brian Westbrook barely saw the field all year until five days ago. Sunday's forecast in Green Bay is 26 degrees. Why is this line not 11.5-12?
New Orleans (-6.5) over CINCINNATI
The weather conditions in Cincy kind of scare me, considering the Saints are the quintessential dome team, but sign me up for laying one score to this Bengal team that's lost 8 in a row. Bengal fans right now must feel like James Caan at the end of The Program (the video isn't the scene I'm talking about but it'll do) when he looks into Lattimer's eyes and knows that he's back on steroids - all of their suspicion is confirmed and they know that their team's 2009 season was a fraud.
Buffalo (+5.5) over MINNESOTA
That dome-field advantage for the Vikings isn't quite what it was last year, but at least we know the "FIRE CHILDRESS" chants will be no more. Talking heads say the Vikings have to start Tarvaris Jackson to see if they have a QB they can work with or not, but there's no way that interim coach Leslie Frazier does that, considering he has to win in this audition to improve his chances at a head coaching job, wherever it might be. You can't ask a man trying to get to the pinnacle of his profession to voluntarily put someone like Tarvaris Jackson on the field. Jackson gives them zero chance to win, but fortunately for Buffalo, Brett Favre doesn't do the Vikings a ton of favors either. The Bills are somehow still undervalued despite doing nothing but playing close games for almost 2 months now.
BALTIMORE (-3) over Pittsburgh
The last seven games between these teams (including an AFC Championship meeting) have been decided by a grand total of 31 points, so no one's going out on a limb telling you to expect a close one. However, if Ben Roethlisberger's foot is half as bad as it's made out to be, he won't be able to buy as much time on broken passing plays by running away from defenders like they're bouncers at a college bar. I'd love to see Big Ben roll right and throw the ball across the field and across his body right into Ray Lewis' or Ed Reed's hands a few times. Ravens by something like 23-17.
NEW ENGLAND (-3.5) over NY Jets (Monday Night)
The Jets aren't really going to sweep the Pats, are they? New England should let Darrelle Revis cover Deion Branch all he wants and just dink and dunk their way down the field all night. The Jets love to blitz, which plays right into the Pats' hands considering how often they throw hitches and slants to Wes Welker out of the shotgun. As long as Tom Brady can get the ball out of his hands quickly enough, the Jets may have problems tackling the likes of Welker and New England's two tight ends in the open field, especially now that safety Jim Leonhard broke his leg in practice this week. I don't know that the Jets will score enough in this one and it's going to take at least 24 points to win.
Last Week: 4-1-0
Season: 32-26-2
GREEN BAY (-9.5) over San Francisco
Let's make this quick. Green Bay beats up on bad teams (don't let last Monday fool you, the 49ers are quite the bad team). The 49ers are on a short week, playing their second straight road game, and have to fly across two time zones and play a 1:00 game. Frank Gore is out for the season and there's a reason Brian Westbrook barely saw the field all year until five days ago. Sunday's forecast in Green Bay is 26 degrees. Why is this line not 11.5-12?
New Orleans (-6.5) over CINCINNATI
The weather conditions in Cincy kind of scare me, considering the Saints are the quintessential dome team, but sign me up for laying one score to this Bengal team that's lost 8 in a row. Bengal fans right now must feel like James Caan at the end of The Program (the video isn't the scene I'm talking about but it'll do) when he looks into Lattimer's eyes and knows that he's back on steroids - all of their suspicion is confirmed and they know that their team's 2009 season was a fraud.
Buffalo (+5.5) over MINNESOTA
That dome-field advantage for the Vikings isn't quite what it was last year, but at least we know the "FIRE CHILDRESS" chants will be no more. Talking heads say the Vikings have to start Tarvaris Jackson to see if they have a QB they can work with or not, but there's no way that interim coach Leslie Frazier does that, considering he has to win in this audition to improve his chances at a head coaching job, wherever it might be. You can't ask a man trying to get to the pinnacle of his profession to voluntarily put someone like Tarvaris Jackson on the field. Jackson gives them zero chance to win, but fortunately for Buffalo, Brett Favre doesn't do the Vikings a ton of favors either. The Bills are somehow still undervalued despite doing nothing but playing close games for almost 2 months now.
BALTIMORE (-3) over Pittsburgh
The last seven games between these teams (including an AFC Championship meeting) have been decided by a grand total of 31 points, so no one's going out on a limb telling you to expect a close one. However, if Ben Roethlisberger's foot is half as bad as it's made out to be, he won't be able to buy as much time on broken passing plays by running away from defenders like they're bouncers at a college bar. I'd love to see Big Ben roll right and throw the ball across the field and across his body right into Ray Lewis' or Ed Reed's hands a few times. Ravens by something like 23-17.
NEW ENGLAND (-3.5) over NY Jets (Monday Night)
The Jets aren't really going to sweep the Pats, are they? New England should let Darrelle Revis cover Deion Branch all he wants and just dink and dunk their way down the field all night. The Jets love to blitz, which plays right into the Pats' hands considering how often they throw hitches and slants to Wes Welker out of the shotgun. As long as Tom Brady can get the ball out of his hands quickly enough, the Jets may have problems tackling the likes of Welker and New England's two tight ends in the open field, especially now that safety Jim Leonhard broke his leg in practice this week. I don't know that the Jets will score enough in this one and it's going to take at least 24 points to win.
Last Week: 4-1-0
Season: 32-26-2
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Cinq Pour Samedi
Championship Weekend is here, and with it, probably the last edition of our weekly NCAA entries for 2010. After digging a huge midseason deficit, Kevin has made things a virtual tie and is threatening to make me look like the Mets of 2007 and 2008. If we end up tied we'll break it either with Army-Navy next week or during the Bowl season. In any event, home teams in CAPS.
WEST VIRGINIA (-20) over Rutgers
Ordinarily I'd be petrified of laying this many points with the Mountaineers, a team who has played down to its competition several times this year and is not nearly well-coached enough for me to be sure that they're going to come down from the high of smacking Pitt around last week. However, this game means everything for West Virginia as they would grab the least deserving BCS bowl bid of all time with a win and a UConn loss. Here's hoping the Morgantown faithful can find a way to put off all that studying this Saturday (tall task, I know) and keep the place rocking to the point that Rutgers maintains the form that has seen them lose 5 straight and give up 109 points in their last two. Cheers, beers, and the Mountaineers.
Oregon (-16.5) over OREGON STATE
The Ducks' offensive sputtering lasted all of six quarters, put promptly to an end by a 34-point second half last week against Arizona. A win in this latest installment of the Civil War puts Oregon in the BCS Championship, while Oregon State has lost 3 of 4 in increasingly ugly fashion. Many times you'd love the 16.5 with a home team in a rivalry game, but as long as Oregon can play its game, nobody can score with them over the course of 60 minutes.
Auburn (-5.5) over South Carolina (SEC Championship - neutral site)
I originally had a strong feeling to take South Carolina, but that was when I thought the spread was going to come out at something like 8 or 8.5. If Auburn was going to be denied on their way to the title game this year, I think it would have happened already, with the cloud of the Cam Newton case following them, in addition to the 24 points they spotted Alabama in Tuscaloosa last week. Something you have to like about the Tigers is that they are more than their Heisman-candidate quarterback. They got contributions from all phases last week (especially their defense in the second half) and took big advantage of Alabama's mistakes (a dropped pass at the goal line, shanked punts, a substitution penalty on Nick Saban). South Carolina has had a great year and is deserving of their #16 ranking, but they're still only the fourth best team in the SEC. I have no problem with Auburn giving less than six in the Georgia Dome.
Nebraska (+4.5) over Oklahoma (Big 12 Championship - neutral site)
If defense wins championships, it's going to win this one. Oklahoma has been scoring like the Bob Stoops teams of old the past 3 weeks (145 points), but they give up yards almost as easily as they gain them, giving their games the potential to reach higher point totals than most womens' college basketball games that don't involve Tennesee or UConn. Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez and head coach Bo Pelini are said to have buried the hatchet after Pelini's embarrassing sideline tirade two weeks ago, but the win last week over sleep-walking Colorado isn't a conclusive indication. To win this game the Huskers will need to control the ball with the multitalented Martinez and force Oklahoma into a mistake or two on the other side of the ball, but Nebraska came devastatingly close to pulling the upset at Cowboys Stadium in this spot last year and my gut says their chances now are just as good, if not better.
Florida State (+4) over Virginia Tech (ACC Championship - neutral site)
I'm going head-to-head against Kevin here in the game that could end up deciding our friendly competition, and I may end up kicking myself for going against VT in an ACC game, especially the ACC Championship. However, for everything I hear about Florida State's supposedly terrible defense, it's the Hokies who are the ones giving up over 150 yards per game on the ground. Not to mention, I am tired of Tyrod Taylor and his broken play, "two steps back, oh shit there's no one wide open, let me run" style of play. It's part of the reason ACC football has been unwatchable for at least 3 years. I said back in September that Fisher, Ponder & Co. may be able to draw on their early-season tests when the games got big, and they did so in crushing Florida last week. It has been a season of conquests for the Seminoles, so maybe they can take it a step farther and at least give Virginia Tech a run for their money at Bank of America Stadium, where the football has been so pitiful this year that I hear they give you 5 free shares of BAC stock just for buying a ticket these days.
Last Week: 2-3-0
Season: 34-27-4
WEST VIRGINIA (-20) over Rutgers
Ordinarily I'd be petrified of laying this many points with the Mountaineers, a team who has played down to its competition several times this year and is not nearly well-coached enough for me to be sure that they're going to come down from the high of smacking Pitt around last week. However, this game means everything for West Virginia as they would grab the least deserving BCS bowl bid of all time with a win and a UConn loss. Here's hoping the Morgantown faithful can find a way to put off all that studying this Saturday (tall task, I know) and keep the place rocking to the point that Rutgers maintains the form that has seen them lose 5 straight and give up 109 points in their last two. Cheers, beers, and the Mountaineers.
Oregon (-16.5) over OREGON STATE
The Ducks' offensive sputtering lasted all of six quarters, put promptly to an end by a 34-point second half last week against Arizona. A win in this latest installment of the Civil War puts Oregon in the BCS Championship, while Oregon State has lost 3 of 4 in increasingly ugly fashion. Many times you'd love the 16.5 with a home team in a rivalry game, but as long as Oregon can play its game, nobody can score with them over the course of 60 minutes.
Auburn (-5.5) over South Carolina (SEC Championship - neutral site)
I originally had a strong feeling to take South Carolina, but that was when I thought the spread was going to come out at something like 8 or 8.5. If Auburn was going to be denied on their way to the title game this year, I think it would have happened already, with the cloud of the Cam Newton case following them, in addition to the 24 points they spotted Alabama in Tuscaloosa last week. Something you have to like about the Tigers is that they are more than their Heisman-candidate quarterback. They got contributions from all phases last week (especially their defense in the second half) and took big advantage of Alabama's mistakes (a dropped pass at the goal line, shanked punts, a substitution penalty on Nick Saban). South Carolina has had a great year and is deserving of their #16 ranking, but they're still only the fourth best team in the SEC. I have no problem with Auburn giving less than six in the Georgia Dome.
Nebraska (+4.5) over Oklahoma (Big 12 Championship - neutral site)
If defense wins championships, it's going to win this one. Oklahoma has been scoring like the Bob Stoops teams of old the past 3 weeks (145 points), but they give up yards almost as easily as they gain them, giving their games the potential to reach higher point totals than most womens' college basketball games that don't involve Tennesee or UConn. Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez and head coach Bo Pelini are said to have buried the hatchet after Pelini's embarrassing sideline tirade two weeks ago, but the win last week over sleep-walking Colorado isn't a conclusive indication. To win this game the Huskers will need to control the ball with the multitalented Martinez and force Oklahoma into a mistake or two on the other side of the ball, but Nebraska came devastatingly close to pulling the upset at Cowboys Stadium in this spot last year and my gut says their chances now are just as good, if not better.
Florida State (+4) over Virginia Tech (ACC Championship - neutral site)
I'm going head-to-head against Kevin here in the game that could end up deciding our friendly competition, and I may end up kicking myself for going against VT in an ACC game, especially the ACC Championship. However, for everything I hear about Florida State's supposedly terrible defense, it's the Hokies who are the ones giving up over 150 yards per game on the ground. Not to mention, I am tired of Tyrod Taylor and his broken play, "two steps back, oh shit there's no one wide open, let me run" style of play. It's part of the reason ACC football has been unwatchable for at least 3 years. I said back in September that Fisher, Ponder & Co. may be able to draw on their early-season tests when the games got big, and they did so in crushing Florida last week. It has been a season of conquests for the Seminoles, so maybe they can take it a step farther and at least give Virginia Tech a run for their money at Bank of America Stadium, where the football has been so pitiful this year that I hear they give you 5 free shares of BAC stock just for buying a ticket these days.
Last Week: 2-3-0
Season: 34-27-4
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Campus Police Reports: Texas
This will be a new reoccuring series on the blog. I will search high and low for funny campus police reports and post them here on a semi regualr basis. The first one comes from the University of Texas. BurntOrangenation.com tipped me off to the most hilarious story that follows. Note you should read all Non-UT subjects as Texas A&M fans.
The full report can be found here
BRAZOS PARKING GARAGE, 200 East Martin Luther King Blvd.
Possession of Marijuana / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: A UT Police Officer and a Travis County Sherriff�s Deputy discovered two UT students sitting inside a stairwell. Prior to the students realizing two police officers were watching them, the officers watched as one student began loading a glass pipe with a green leafy substance, placed the pipe in his mouth, then ignited the substance with a lighter. During the investigation, the officers located a Kleenex with a small amount of marijuana and confiscated it also with the glass pipe. The officers issued the student a field release citation for Possession of Marijuana. Both students were referred to the Dean of Student�s Office. Occurred on: 11-29-10, at 7:49 PM.
DKR TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM, 405 East 23rd Street
Assault on a Public Servant / Resisting Arrest: A non-UT subject was reported to have been pouring beer on other patrons attending the Texas v Texas A&M football game. The officers were in the process of ejecting the subject from the stadium when he pulled his arms away from the officers and refused to leave. The subject than began fighting with the officers, kicking one officer in the head. The subject was taken into custody for Assault on a Public Servant / Resisting Arrest and was transported to Central Booking, after a short visit to Brackenridge Hospital. Occurred on: 11-25-10, at 9:58 PM.
DKR TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM, 405 East 23rd Street
Public Intoxication: A non-UT subject was reported being obnoxious and cursing at several patrons that were sitting around him. During the investigation, the officer noticed several empty beer cans under the subject�s seat as well as a very strong odor of alcohol on the subject�s breath. The subject was taken into custody for Public Intoxication and was transported to Central Booking. Occurred on: 10-25-10, at 10:45 PM.
DKR TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM, 405 East 23rd Street
Possession of Marijuana / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Police Officers responded to a reported disturbance. A non-UT subject was being verbally abusive towards patrons sitting around him. Officers located the subject and escorted him from the area. During the investigation, the subject attempted to discard a clear plastic baggie containing a green leafy substance and a glass pipe. The subject was taken into custody for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after the substance tested positive for marijuana. The subject was transported to Central Booking. Occurred on: 11-25-10, at 7:50 PM.
DKR TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM, 405 East 23rd Street
Public Intoxication: A non-UT adult female was observed laying in a fetal position yelling and crying. The female became more emotional when she explained that she could not find her dad and her dad was mad at her for being an Aggie. The officers detected a very strong odor of alcohol on her breath and noted other signs of intoxication. The subject was taken into custody for Public Intoxication and was transported to Central Booking. Occurred on: 11-25-10, at 7:43 PM.
That is the sign of a true parent. I mean she should be lucky that her Dad even speaks to her from time to time given that she betrayed her father like that.
DKR TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM, 405 East 23rd Street
Possession of Alcohol by a Minor: A non-UT subject was observed attempting to enter the stadium with bulging pockets and wet pants. The officer detected a very strong odor of alcohol on the subject�s person. The officer soon discovered the subject was attempting to bring in a plastic baggie containing alcohol and the baggie had opened inside his pants. The yellow and blue tabs did not make green. The officer determined the subject was under the legal age of 21 and issued him a court appearance citation for Possession of Alcohol by a Minor. Occurred on: 11-25-10, at 6:50 PM.MANOR PARKING GARAGE, 2017 Robert Dedman Dr.
Public Intoxication / Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor: A UT Police Officer observed a UT student being supported by two other UT student while he was having an extreme physical reaction to the over consumption of alcohol. During the investigation, the officer learned the student was only 19 years of age, even though the student insisted he was 21. The subject was a member of a fraternity and had been pre-gaming at several tail-gate parties. The officers learned the subject had taken 11 shots of whiskey and had consumed several beers. Due to the student�s condition, Austin EMS was requested and treated the subject for alcohol poisoning. Occurred on: 11-25-10, at 10:15 PM.
MANOR PARKING GARAGE, 2017 Robert Dedman Dr.
Public Intoxication: A non-UT subject was reported to have been staggering in a state of confusion. During the investigation, the officers located the subject staggering and swaying back and forth. The officer detected a very strong odor of alcohol on the subject�s breath. The subject informed the officer that she had parked her vehicle inside a parking garage then walked a short distance to the stadium. The subject told the officer that she had parked inside a garage on 17th Street. The officer noted the subject was several blocks away and did not know where she was currently. The subject was taken into custody for Public Intoxication and was transported to Central Booking. Occurred on: 11-25-10, at 10:06 PM.
PARKING LOT 103, 2100 Comal
Public Intoxication / Failure to Identify / Criminal Trespass Warning (3 Counts): A UT Police Officer heard the sounds of firecrackers exploding and discovered three non-UT subjects standing next to a tree lighting another firecracker. The officer stopped all three subjects as they attempted to walk away from the area. During the investigation, the officer detected a very strong odor of alcohol on their breaths. One non-UT subject began yelling at the officers and did not want to comply with their requests. The subject provided the officers with a name and date of birth that had been made up. The officers took her into custody for Public Intoxication and transported her to Central Booking. In addition to the law enforcement action taken, all three subjects were issued written Criminal Trespass Warnings. Occurred on: 11-24-10, at 10:40 PM.
2100 BLOCK SAN JACINTO BLVD
Public Intoxication: A non-UT subject was reported sitting on the ground repeating the name �Jimmy� over and over. During the investigation, the officers detected a very strong odor of alcohol on the subject�s breath and noted other signs of intoxication. The subject was taken into custody for Public Intoxication and was transported to Central Booking. Occurred on: 11-25-10, at 8:51 PM.
3800 BLOCK NORTH IH-35
Driving While Intoxicated / Assist Outside Agency: A UT Police Officer observed a white Chevy collide with the middle high-way barrier with enough force that the rear tires of the vehicle came off the ground. The driver and vehicle left the area prior to the officer being able to get back to the scene. The surrounding area was searched and the smoking vehicle was located in a parking lot. During the traffic investigation, the non-UT driver was located walking around the vehicle. The officer detected a very strong odor of alcohol on the driver�s breath. The officer administered the Standardized Field Sobriety test to the driver. The driver displayed several clues that indicated he was intoxicated. The subject was taken into custody for Driving While Intoxicated and was transported to Central Booking. In addition to the law enforcement action taken, the officer learned the subject had three outstanding Outside Agency arrest warrants for various traffic violations. Occurred on: 11-17-10, at 3:00 AM.
CAMPUS WIDE:
Non-Criminal Calls: In addition to the above criminal cases, the University of Texas Police Department responded to 77 Alarm Calls, 6 Medical Emergency Assists, 7 Suspicious Activity Reports, 6 Suspicious Persons Reports, 4 Fire Alarm Activation, 1 Fire Call, 5 Welfare Concern Reports, 2 Call Box Activation, and 24 Unsecured Door Report between 11/24/10 and 11/30/10.
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The full report can be found here
November 30, 2010
Campus Watch: Below is a summary of campus activity reported to or observed by the University Police Department between Wednesday, 11/24/10 and Tuesday, 11/30/10.BRAZOS PARKING GARAGE, 200 East Martin Luther King Blvd.
Possession of Marijuana / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: A UT Police Officer and a Travis County Sherriff�s Deputy discovered two UT students sitting inside a stairwell. Prior to the students realizing two police officers were watching them, the officers watched as one student began loading a glass pipe with a green leafy substance, placed the pipe in his mouth, then ignited the substance with a lighter. During the investigation, the officers located a Kleenex with a small amount of marijuana and confiscated it also with the glass pipe. The officers issued the student a field release citation for Possession of Marijuana. Both students were referred to the Dean of Student�s Office. Occurred on: 11-29-10, at 7:49 PM.
DKR TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM, 405 East 23rd Street
Assault on a Public Servant / Resisting Arrest: A non-UT subject was reported to have been pouring beer on other patrons attending the Texas v Texas A&M football game. The officers were in the process of ejecting the subject from the stadium when he pulled his arms away from the officers and refused to leave. The subject than began fighting with the officers, kicking one officer in the head. The subject was taken into custody for Assault on a Public Servant / Resisting Arrest and was transported to Central Booking, after a short visit to Brackenridge Hospital. Occurred on: 11-25-10, at 9:58 PM.
DKR TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM, 405 East 23rd Street
Public Intoxication: A non-UT subject was reported being obnoxious and cursing at several patrons that were sitting around him. During the investigation, the officer noticed several empty beer cans under the subject�s seat as well as a very strong odor of alcohol on the subject�s breath. The subject was taken into custody for Public Intoxication and was transported to Central Booking. Occurred on: 10-25-10, at 10:45 PM.
DKR TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM, 405 East 23rd Street
Possession of Marijuana / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Police Officers responded to a reported disturbance. A non-UT subject was being verbally abusive towards patrons sitting around him. Officers located the subject and escorted him from the area. During the investigation, the subject attempted to discard a clear plastic baggie containing a green leafy substance and a glass pipe. The subject was taken into custody for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after the substance tested positive for marijuana. The subject was transported to Central Booking. Occurred on: 11-25-10, at 7:50 PM.
DKR TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM, 405 East 23rd Street
Public Intoxication: A non-UT adult female was observed laying in a fetal position yelling and crying. The female became more emotional when she explained that she could not find her dad and her dad was mad at her for being an Aggie. The officers detected a very strong odor of alcohol on her breath and noted other signs of intoxication. The subject was taken into custody for Public Intoxication and was transported to Central Booking. Occurred on: 11-25-10, at 7:43 PM.
That is the sign of a true parent. I mean she should be lucky that her Dad even speaks to her from time to time given that she betrayed her father like that.
DKR TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM, 405 East 23rd Street
Possession of Alcohol by a Minor: A non-UT subject was observed attempting to enter the stadium with bulging pockets and wet pants. The officer detected a very strong odor of alcohol on the subject�s person. The officer soon discovered the subject was attempting to bring in a plastic baggie containing alcohol and the baggie had opened inside his pants. The yellow and blue tabs did not make green. The officer determined the subject was under the legal age of 21 and issued him a court appearance citation for Possession of Alcohol by a Minor. Occurred on: 11-25-10, at 6:50 PM.MANOR PARKING GARAGE, 2017 Robert Dedman Dr.
Public Intoxication / Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor: A UT Police Officer observed a UT student being supported by two other UT student while he was having an extreme physical reaction to the over consumption of alcohol. During the investigation, the officer learned the student was only 19 years of age, even though the student insisted he was 21. The subject was a member of a fraternity and had been pre-gaming at several tail-gate parties. The officers learned the subject had taken 11 shots of whiskey and had consumed several beers. Due to the student�s condition, Austin EMS was requested and treated the subject for alcohol poisoning. Occurred on: 11-25-10, at 10:15 PM.
MANOR PARKING GARAGE, 2017 Robert Dedman Dr.
Public Intoxication: A non-UT subject was reported to have been staggering in a state of confusion. During the investigation, the officers located the subject staggering and swaying back and forth. The officer detected a very strong odor of alcohol on the subject�s breath. The subject informed the officer that she had parked her vehicle inside a parking garage then walked a short distance to the stadium. The subject told the officer that she had parked inside a garage on 17th Street. The officer noted the subject was several blocks away and did not know where she was currently. The subject was taken into custody for Public Intoxication and was transported to Central Booking. Occurred on: 11-25-10, at 10:06 PM.
PARKING LOT 103, 2100 Comal
Public Intoxication / Failure to Identify / Criminal Trespass Warning (3 Counts): A UT Police Officer heard the sounds of firecrackers exploding and discovered three non-UT subjects standing next to a tree lighting another firecracker. The officer stopped all three subjects as they attempted to walk away from the area. During the investigation, the officer detected a very strong odor of alcohol on their breaths. One non-UT subject began yelling at the officers and did not want to comply with their requests. The subject provided the officers with a name and date of birth that had been made up. The officers took her into custody for Public Intoxication and transported her to Central Booking. In addition to the law enforcement action taken, all three subjects were issued written Criminal Trespass Warnings. Occurred on: 11-24-10, at 10:40 PM.
2100 BLOCK SAN JACINTO BLVD
Public Intoxication: A non-UT subject was reported sitting on the ground repeating the name �Jimmy� over and over. During the investigation, the officers detected a very strong odor of alcohol on the subject�s breath and noted other signs of intoxication. The subject was taken into custody for Public Intoxication and was transported to Central Booking. Occurred on: 11-25-10, at 8:51 PM.
3800 BLOCK NORTH IH-35
Driving While Intoxicated / Assist Outside Agency: A UT Police Officer observed a white Chevy collide with the middle high-way barrier with enough force that the rear tires of the vehicle came off the ground. The driver and vehicle left the area prior to the officer being able to get back to the scene. The surrounding area was searched and the smoking vehicle was located in a parking lot. During the traffic investigation, the non-UT driver was located walking around the vehicle. The officer detected a very strong odor of alcohol on the driver�s breath. The officer administered the Standardized Field Sobriety test to the driver. The driver displayed several clues that indicated he was intoxicated. The subject was taken into custody for Driving While Intoxicated and was transported to Central Booking. In addition to the law enforcement action taken, the officer learned the subject had three outstanding Outside Agency arrest warrants for various traffic violations. Occurred on: 11-17-10, at 3:00 AM.
CAMPUS WIDE:
Non-Criminal Calls: In addition to the above criminal cases, the University of Texas Police Department responded to 77 Alarm Calls, 6 Medical Emergency Assists, 7 Suspicious Activity Reports, 6 Suspicious Persons Reports, 4 Fire Alarm Activation, 1 Fire Call, 5 Welfare Concern Reports, 2 Call Box Activation, and 24 Unsecured Door Report between 11/24/10 and 11/30/10.
Are you a Fan of the University of Texas Police Department? Come join us on Face Book at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/utaustinpolice
Sign up today kids! Get $10 off your first ticket?
5 for Championship Weekend
4-1 last week sets up a showdown between Lou and I for the championship. 35-28-2 on the season.
Miami (Not that Miami) vs. Northern Illinois (-16) Thursday 7 ESPN 2
Northern Illinois has been by far the best team in the conference all year long. With the MAC title a win away, the Huskies will dominate.
South Carolina vs. Auburn (-5) 3:30 CBS Saturday
While I have rode South Carolina all year, this is where we part ways. The Gamecocks are capable of winning but I feel like this spread should be more than 5.
Oregon (-16) @ Oregon State 3:30 ABC
This is a tricky game for Oregon. Oregon State usually plays up to their level of competition and they are desperate to go bowling. It seems like this will play out like most Oregon games, close for a half and the opponent fades in the second half as Oregon pulls away.
Virgina Tech (-4) vs. Florida State 7:45 ESPN
Attendance records are about to be shattered for the ACC Championship. The stadium may reach 75% capacity. As always in the ACC Roulette, bet on Va Tech.
Nebraska (+4) vs. Oklahoma 8 PM ABC
What a perfect way for Nebraska to leave the Big 12. I'm a little disappointed though because I thought I saw the last matchup between the two schools. Last year's game was a defensive struggle with Nebraska winning 10-3 in Lincoln. Landry Jones was terrible in the game with 5 picks. He was young then and has had about 14 more games under his belt since then. There will be more scoring in this years edition, but I see this game as a toss up so I'll take the 4 points Nebraska is getting.
Miami (Not that Miami) vs. Northern Illinois (-16) Thursday 7 ESPN 2
Northern Illinois has been by far the best team in the conference all year long. With the MAC title a win away, the Huskies will dominate.
South Carolina vs. Auburn (-5) 3:30 CBS Saturday
While I have rode South Carolina all year, this is where we part ways. The Gamecocks are capable of winning but I feel like this spread should be more than 5.
Oregon (-16) @ Oregon State 3:30 ABC
This is a tricky game for Oregon. Oregon State usually plays up to their level of competition and they are desperate to go bowling. It seems like this will play out like most Oregon games, close for a half and the opponent fades in the second half as Oregon pulls away.
Virgina Tech (-4) vs. Florida State 7:45 ESPN
Attendance records are about to be shattered for the ACC Championship. The stadium may reach 75% capacity. As always in the ACC Roulette, bet on Va Tech.
Nebraska (+4) vs. Oklahoma 8 PM ABC
What a perfect way for Nebraska to leave the Big 12. I'm a little disappointed though because I thought I saw the last matchup between the two schools. Last year's game was a defensive struggle with Nebraska winning 10-3 in Lincoln. Landry Jones was terrible in the game with 5 picks. He was young then and has had about 14 more games under his belt since then. There will be more scoring in this years edition, but I see this game as a toss up so I'll take the 4 points Nebraska is getting.
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