NCAA B
Steph Curry doesn’t play until later this week, but I did catch that entertaining game between Tennessee and Gonzaga last night. I like the Zags a lot this year. They have a lot of balance and always play a tough non-conference schedule. With the rise of St. Mary’s, and Patrick Mills, Mark Few’s team will be as prepared as ever come tourney time.
Other than that, it seems like college football is blanketing college basketball TV coverage on the weekends. I’m looking forward to the coming weeks, as college football will take a temporary backseat to basketball until bowl season really kicks off. (As far as I’m concerned, all those Sportsology.Blogspot.Com Euphoria Bowl’s are a waste of everyone’s time, except for the diehard fans and family members of those involved.)
NFL
Plaxico Burress is an idiot. That’s been well documented. However, athletes definitely have valid reasons to be afraid for their safety. Sean Taylor, Dunta Robinson, Darrent Williams and Javon Walker have all been attacked within the last few years. However, Plax went about things all wrong.
First, if you’re afraid for your safety you might not want to go places where you feel like you may be a target. Second, if you think you’re in danger, hire security. I’m sure he has enough money to hire at least one guy to watch is back on weekends, he got paid $7 million this year. Third, if you’re going to pack your on heat, make sure you have the appropriate licenses.
Honestly, he’ll be lucky to beat this rap. If he doesn’t have a good lawyer, his career path could be headed down the way of Mike Vick.
As for the rest of the league, I’m pretty sure the Lions won’t win this year. However, stranger things have happened. The Cowboys are using matchups against bad teams to help build momentum, but they’ll be in a dogfight for a final playoff spot with the NFC South teams and the Redskins.
In both conferences, there are going to be some good teams left out of the playoffs. I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but the NFL needs to seriously think about expanding the number of teams that make the playoffs.
This year, it may not matter who makes the playoffs, as the Giants might not lose again this year. They are strong in all phases and subphases of the game. Offense, Defense and Special Teams; passing, running, receiving, blocking, run defense, pass defense, pressuring the quarterback, blitzing, kicking, punting and special teams coverage. I don’t see a team out there that is as solid as they are across the board.
NCAA F
Once again, the BCS bashers are out in full force. This time, its Oklahoma going to the Big 12 championship game via the BCS. However, this isn’t the BCS’ fault. People say, “They should decide it on the field.” Well they did. They all are about even.
In this case, I think it definitely should come down to strength of schedule, which Oklahoma won over Texas. If you use the BCS to eliminate the third team, then it would go to head to head between the Sooners and Texas, which would put Texas in the game. This isn’t the BCS’s fault; this was the choice of the Big 12. Or you can do what Mike Leach suggested and send the team with the best graduation rate. Of course, big time college sports are about money and not academics so this would never happen.
Once again, this controversy can disappear with a Missouri victory over the Sooners on Saturday. Keep in mind that recent Bob Stoops teams have had a penchant for looking ahead, or flat out crapping the bed in big games. Throw in a dinged up Sam Bradford and a potent Missouri team and anything can happen.
The one controversy that is out there that nobody is talking about is what’s the difference between USC and Florida? Nobody is really talking about the Trojans, while everyone is penciling in the Gators to play either Oklahoma or Texas, which comes with the assumption that they will beat Alabama this weekend.
Honestly, I think the Trojans might be better than the Gators. If strength of schedule was more important in the BCS, they might just win that battle.
USC lost one game, on the road, by six to a good Oregon State (8-4) team. They will finish the season with 6 road games and 6 home games. Their non-conference slate featured home games against Ohio State, Notre Dame and a roadie to open the season against UVA, along with no I-AA teams. They played three ranked teams and won by a combined score of 96-16. Their opponents’ record is 67-73 (including upcoming 4-7 UCLA), which isn’t good, but this is because two of the worst teams in college football are in their conference.
Meanwhile, Florida has lost one game, at home, by one to a decent Ole Miss (8-4) team. They’ve played 7 home games, one neutral site game (with another on the way) and only four road games. Their non-conference slate included home games against Hawaii, the U, and Citadel (a sorry I-AA team) and a road game against the ‘Noles. They played four ranked teams (thanks to an overrated SEC), and won those games by a score of 201-52. (While their margin of victory in ranked games is 37+ points versus USC’s 26.6 points, keep in mind that Urban Meyer is notorious for running up the score and USC could’ve very easily hung 100 on the two Washington schools.) Their opponents’ record is a whopping 87-56 (excluding 4-8 I-AA Citadel), aided by the SEC whooping up bad non-conference teams and avoiding teams like Auburn and Mississippi State.
I think a question not being asked is if Oregon State is better than Ole Miss. I think so, although not without Jacquizz Rodgers. If that’s the case, I think you at least have to consider USC over Florida. However, if the Gators knock off the number one team in the nation, there’s no way anyone would put USC over Florida. However, I think that USC can beat Alabama too.
The simple solution that the BCS for some reason has yet to institute is the good ole “Plus-1.”
Let’s assume Florida knocks off Alabama and Oklahoma defeats Missouri. Imagine Florida versus USC in one game and an Oklahoma/Texas rematch in another semi-final.
Let’s say Missouri and Alabama win. A Texas/USC rematch in one game while Alabama would take on Florida/Texas Tech/Utah/Penn State in the other game.
Add the excitement of the winner-take-all regular season and you can’t tell me this isn’t better than a playoff.
Showing posts with label New York Giants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York Giants. Show all posts
Monday, December 1, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Quick Hits 7/9
Well folks, its going to be hard for me to post on a regular basis in the coming weeks. I just started my job on Monday, working in the D.C. area. However, I don't even have a place down here yet, so I'm kinda bouncing around between family and friends.
Meanwhile, I have stuff at my mom's apartment in Portsmouth, VA, but most of my stuff is still in Philly. Fortunately, my lease up there isn't up until August 23, so I have some time to find a place in the DMV.
However, I'm going to be bouncing around between DC during the week and Philly or VA on a lot of these weekends. I can't blog at my job, at least not yet, so its going to be tough to keep up.
I will, however, do my best to get a College Football preview, a Fantasy Football Preview, and an NFL preview in time for whoever reads this thing to have a good idea what to expect, or what not to expect seeing how I picked the Giants to go 5-11 last year.
NBA
Some interesting things going on in the NBA. Following the Baron Davis signing with the Clippers, Elton Brand bolted town for Philly. If they can ink Andre Iguodala, they will be a very dangerous team next year.
However, what if Iguodala leaves? And what about the Clippers? Do they throw a lot of money at the other AI or Josh Smith?
On the flip side, the Bucks are rumored to be offering Andrew Bogut $72 mil over 5 years. Talk about a head scratcher. Dude didn't even average a double-double last year.
What is wrong with these NBA GM's? When will they learn that its not important to have a center in this generation's NBA. There's only like 4 or 5 decent post players in the league now over 6'10. There's no need to throw a lot of cash at the Boguts, Dalemberts and Dampiers of the world.
MLB
The NL Central is getting very interesting. The Brewers picked up C.C. Sabathia, who will probably sign elsewhere in the off season along with Ben Sheets. This reminds me of when the Astros picked up Randy Johnson a few years ago, or when they picked up Carlos Beltran a few years ago. Sabathia and Sheets give them the best 1-2 punch in the game.
The Cubs countered that by picking up Rich Harden, who is talented but injury prone. If healthy, he will be the #1 starter they didn't have. If hurt, they aren't losing much besides prospects that may or may not pan out. I like it.
Lurking behind them are the Cardinals. Say what you want about Tony LaRussa, but he has this team fully of mostly no-name players and castoffs in contention. They could potentially spoil either one of those team's stretch runs, especially the Brewers, who haven't exactly been world beater's this year.
Now that I'm paying attention, I'm really excited about this year's baseball season. Too bad it had to compete with the NCAA and NBA for the first few months of the year.
Meanwhile, I have stuff at my mom's apartment in Portsmouth, VA, but most of my stuff is still in Philly. Fortunately, my lease up there isn't up until August 23, so I have some time to find a place in the DMV.
However, I'm going to be bouncing around between DC during the week and Philly or VA on a lot of these weekends. I can't blog at my job, at least not yet, so its going to be tough to keep up.
I will, however, do my best to get a College Football preview, a Fantasy Football Preview, and an NFL preview in time for whoever reads this thing to have a good idea what to expect, or what not to expect seeing how I picked the Giants to go 5-11 last year.
NBA
Some interesting things going on in the NBA. Following the Baron Davis signing with the Clippers, Elton Brand bolted town for Philly. If they can ink Andre Iguodala, they will be a very dangerous team next year.
However, what if Iguodala leaves? And what about the Clippers? Do they throw a lot of money at the other AI or Josh Smith?
On the flip side, the Bucks are rumored to be offering Andrew Bogut $72 mil over 5 years. Talk about a head scratcher. Dude didn't even average a double-double last year.
What is wrong with these NBA GM's? When will they learn that its not important to have a center in this generation's NBA. There's only like 4 or 5 decent post players in the league now over 6'10. There's no need to throw a lot of cash at the Boguts, Dalemberts and Dampiers of the world.
MLB
The NL Central is getting very interesting. The Brewers picked up C.C. Sabathia, who will probably sign elsewhere in the off season along with Ben Sheets. This reminds me of when the Astros picked up Randy Johnson a few years ago, or when they picked up Carlos Beltran a few years ago. Sabathia and Sheets give them the best 1-2 punch in the game.
The Cubs countered that by picking up Rich Harden, who is talented but injury prone. If healthy, he will be the #1 starter they didn't have. If hurt, they aren't losing much besides prospects that may or may not pan out. I like it.
Lurking behind them are the Cardinals. Say what you want about Tony LaRussa, but he has this team fully of mostly no-name players and castoffs in contention. They could potentially spoil either one of those team's stretch runs, especially the Brewers, who haven't exactly been world beater's this year.
Now that I'm paying attention, I'm really excited about this year's baseball season. Too bad it had to compete with the NCAA and NBA for the first few months of the year.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Another Bad Prediction
I can't believe it.
The New England Patriots lost. The team that I had been predicting to go undefeated for most of the season failed me in the end.
Worst, they lost to a team I predicted to finish last in their division. Yup, I thought that between losing Tiki, Tom Coughlin's nagging, and Eli being Eli that the Giants were doomed this season.
Instead they're Super Bowl champs. As for the "Big Game," there's only one thing to blame for the Patriots loss.
Spygate.
Interestingly enough, I wrote in this week's Triangle about how the NFL did a good job of squelching all Spygate talk.
Instead, those chickens came to roost two days before the Super Bowl, with the accusation that New England cheated in their first Super Bowl victory against the Rams.
In case you didn't notice, the Patriots came out flatter than they've ever been and it cost them. They never truly had their swagger for this game, which might be due to distraction. Oh well, now I can go back to hating the Patriots with a passion.
The New England Patriots lost. The team that I had been predicting to go undefeated for most of the season failed me in the end.
Worst, they lost to a team I predicted to finish last in their division. Yup, I thought that between losing Tiki, Tom Coughlin's nagging, and Eli being Eli that the Giants were doomed this season.
Instead they're Super Bowl champs. As for the "Big Game," there's only one thing to blame for the Patriots loss.
Spygate.
Interestingly enough, I wrote in this week's Triangle about how the NFL did a good job of squelching all Spygate talk.
Instead, those chickens came to roost two days before the Super Bowl, with the accusation that New England cheated in their first Super Bowl victory against the Rams.
In case you didn't notice, the Patriots came out flatter than they've ever been and it cost them. They never truly had their swagger for this game, which might be due to distraction. Oh well, now I can go back to hating the Patriots with a passion.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Super Bowl Preview, Sportsology Style
Time for another tale of the tape, Super Bowl XLII edition. This game might be a tad easier to predict than others, as these two teams played an epic match up on the last game of the regular season.
The New England Patriots are on the final leg of their quest to go 19-0, but if you don’t know that then you’ve either been in a coma for a really long time or don’t know how to read. If you have just awaken from your coma, I’m happy for you, although its kind of sad that you chose to come here for your sports news.
Without further ado, here are the match-ups.
New England Passing Game vs New York Giants Passing Defense
The Patriots torched the Giants through the air in their last match-up. However, the recent trend against the Patriots is to double Randy Moss and not give up anything deep. Obviously, this strategy hasn’t worked, but it has sort of slowed New England down. To be quite frank, there’s nothing anybody can do to stop the New England Passing game. However, the Giants do have pass rushing horses to make things a little more difficult.
Advantage: New England
New England Running Game vs New York Giants Rush Defense
A lot of people seem to say that the Patriots weakness is their running game. They obviously don’t pay attention to detail like me. In fact, Maroney (who was lauded as a stud rookie last year) had a better season this year than last.
Look at his stats; in 1 fewer game (but 10 more carries) he had almost 100 more yards than he did last season. The only thing that really holds him back is the shotgun spread, fast break offense New England has employed for most of the season. But when they’ve needed to pound the rock, they know they can rely on Maroney.
Don’t be surprised if the Giants get a heavy dose of Maroney early and often, as they may be expecting another gunslinging game plan.
Advantage: New England
New York Giants Passing Game vs New England Patriots Passing Defense
Sooner or later, Eli Manning has to start playing like Eli Manning. In the biggest game of his life, I expect him to choke in the bright lights down in Phoenix.
Advantage: New England
New York Giants Running Game vs New England Rush Defense
The Patriots only weakness is their run defense. Their linebackers are old and will give up a lot of yards. Oddly enough, their defense seems to get better as the game goes on. Still they pretty much are a bend and sometimes break front seven (in particular the line backers, more specifically Junior Seau and Tedy Bruschi) against the run. If the Giants want to win, or keep it close, they must rely on Brandon Jacobs and company, not Eli Manning.
Advantage: New York
Special Teams
Both teams kicking games worry me.
Advantage: Push
Coaching
There’s no need to even get into this.
Advantage: New England
New England is clearly the better team. With 16-0 on the line in December, they played a decent game. With 19-0 on the line in February, I expect them to play a complete game. The Giants have showed a lot of heart this year, and they have a great foundation to build upon for next year. However, a lot of heart is no match for destiny.
New England 31
New York 20
The New England Patriots are on the final leg of their quest to go 19-0, but if you don’t know that then you’ve either been in a coma for a really long time or don’t know how to read. If you have just awaken from your coma, I’m happy for you, although its kind of sad that you chose to come here for your sports news.
Without further ado, here are the match-ups.
New England Passing Game vs New York Giants Passing Defense
The Patriots torched the Giants through the air in their last match-up. However, the recent trend against the Patriots is to double Randy Moss and not give up anything deep. Obviously, this strategy hasn’t worked, but it has sort of slowed New England down. To be quite frank, there’s nothing anybody can do to stop the New England Passing game. However, the Giants do have pass rushing horses to make things a little more difficult.
Advantage: New England
New England Running Game vs New York Giants Rush Defense
A lot of people seem to say that the Patriots weakness is their running game. They obviously don’t pay attention to detail like me. In fact, Maroney (who was lauded as a stud rookie last year) had a better season this year than last.
Look at his stats; in 1 fewer game (but 10 more carries) he had almost 100 more yards than he did last season. The only thing that really holds him back is the shotgun spread, fast break offense New England has employed for most of the season. But when they’ve needed to pound the rock, they know they can rely on Maroney.
Don’t be surprised if the Giants get a heavy dose of Maroney early and often, as they may be expecting another gunslinging game plan.
Advantage: New England
New York Giants Passing Game vs New England Patriots Passing Defense
Sooner or later, Eli Manning has to start playing like Eli Manning. In the biggest game of his life, I expect him to choke in the bright lights down in Phoenix.
Advantage: New England
New York Giants Running Game vs New England Rush Defense
The Patriots only weakness is their run defense. Their linebackers are old and will give up a lot of yards. Oddly enough, their defense seems to get better as the game goes on. Still they pretty much are a bend and sometimes break front seven (in particular the line backers, more specifically Junior Seau and Tedy Bruschi) against the run. If the Giants want to win, or keep it close, they must rely on Brandon Jacobs and company, not Eli Manning.
Advantage: New York
Special Teams
Both teams kicking games worry me.
Advantage: Push
Coaching
There’s no need to even get into this.
Advantage: New England
New England is clearly the better team. With 16-0 on the line in December, they played a decent game. With 19-0 on the line in February, I expect them to play a complete game. The Giants have showed a lot of heart this year, and they have a great foundation to build upon for next year. However, a lot of heart is no match for destiny.
New England 31
New York 20
Monday, January 21, 2008
Super Lucky, Super Bad, or Super Improvement?
The NFL isn’t rigged!!!!!!! Imagine how crazy the Green Bay vs. New England match-up would’ve been. America’s QB Brett Favre, in what might be his last season, trying to get another ring while knocking off the hated, cheating New England Patriots and ending their perfect season.
Instead, we get a rematch of the Week 17 classic between the Giants and Pats. However, I’m not so sure the game will be close the second time around.
I say this because of what happened to Green Bay. For 17 games, Brett Favre was on point. He was having one of his best seasons, after being on a decline for the last few seasons.
However, in the 18th game, Brett Favre regressed back into the #4 that played the last 2-3 years.
On the flip side, Eli Manning has morphed from a disaster to a solid game manager. It’s only a matter of time before he has a typical Eli Manning game.
I put my money on this one. Always a guy who’s struggled under pressure, this is the ultimate pressure situation. In addition, you know the Pats are going to be on their A game. Belichick has two weeks to get ready for this game, and their game in the regular season finale is probably fresh in his mind.
These are my thoughts for now, I’ll probably do a tale of the tape closer to game time.
Instead, we get a rematch of the Week 17 classic between the Giants and Pats. However, I’m not so sure the game will be close the second time around.
I say this because of what happened to Green Bay. For 17 games, Brett Favre was on point. He was having one of his best seasons, after being on a decline for the last few seasons.
However, in the 18th game, Brett Favre regressed back into the #4 that played the last 2-3 years.
On the flip side, Eli Manning has morphed from a disaster to a solid game manager. It’s only a matter of time before he has a typical Eli Manning game.
I put my money on this one. Always a guy who’s struggled under pressure, this is the ultimate pressure situation. In addition, you know the Pats are going to be on their A game. Belichick has two weeks to get ready for this game, and their game in the regular season finale is probably fresh in his mind.
These are my thoughts for now, I’ll probably do a tale of the tape closer to game time.
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