Bowling Season Extravaganza
Howdy folks, it's been a bit since I've last visited and updated the SportsRant, but I'm back this weekend with a look at the world of sports.
Let's start with the always popular "bowling season" that rolls around this time of year. And in case you're wondering, 64 teams will compete in bowl games this year - over half of Division 1 football teams. Why in the world are watching a 7-5 UCLA team play a 6-6 FSU team? Moreover, how in the world can so many 6-6 teams make bowl games? Baffling.
Let's at least take a look at just a few of them:
STONE COLD LOCK GAME - I'm going with South Florida over East Carolina. I think S. Florida is a pretty decent team that doesn't get looked at very closely/often in the Big East. People forget that they did beat W. Virginia on the road this year as well. One of those 4 losses of theirs was a thin 22-20 against Rutgers. East Carolina on the other hand has some unimpressive wins and less impressive losses (Rice, Navy, UAB, etc.). I think South Florida wins big here.
MOST INTRIGUING GAME - We have a 5-way tie...
a) Cal vs. Texas A&M - This will be very interesting. When Cal is clicking they are petty good, but it's very sporadic. The Aggies have a much-improved defense and that powerful running game. I think Cal's offense is such that if they're on, they can potentially shred the aggie defense - but that's a fairly big if. If the aggies can run the ball like they did against Texas, they'll definitely win this game I think.
b) Virginia Tech vs. Georgia - This is interesting because both teams struggled a bit and fell off the radar this year, but have had a surge at the end of the year. I think both teams are looking to this game to be a catalyst for pre-season recognition next year.
c) Nebraska vs. Auburn - HUGE opportunity for Callahan to get a big statement win heading into next year. Might be prime opportunity as Auburn just seems worn out of late getting blown out by Georgia and then struggling against a very bad Alabama team (I know, it's rivalry, but it was too close). I think Nebraska is thrilled to be here while Auburn may be trying to figure out what happened. Look for the Huskers to come out swinging early. I'm picking Nebraska.
d) Texas vs. Iowa - On their best day Iowa is an average team...AT BEST. Texas however can fold like few others can when they hit a bump in the road. Should be a redemption game for Texas and their seniors - it is a home game after all. But, I think Iowa is far more motivated and thrilled to be here. A win here would absolutely make their season whereas there is little difference between a win and a loss here to many Horns fans. But that's why you play the game. Texas really has to win this one on a positive note, I just wonder if they will match intensity. Oh yea, and how effective will they be with a third-string, walk on QB. Will definitely be interesting.
e) Ohio St. vs. Florida - It's finally a chance to see if the best of the best in two power conferences. The instinct is to think that OSU certainly has the edge here and they do and should be favored. I just wonder how the layoff will affect them (they did not have a bye week this year). You also wonder how they will handle the "comfort" aspect. They haven't had to say or argue anything all year - they've been the best since day one. Whereas the Gators have had to impress, campaign and score "style points" in their victories just to remain in the discussion. They certainly had to fight more for this shot in a sense. It will be interesting and although I'm leaning towards OSU, I'm not entirely discounting Florida and I would not be surprised to see them eek out a close, low scoring victory.
GAME TO WATCH FOR HORNS FANS:
TCU vs. Northern Illinois on Tuesday night. Texas will host TCU in the second game of the year next year - possibly with Jeavan Sneed in the lineup (not sure if he has to sit out or not).
GAME TO WATCH FOR AGGIE FANS:
Miami vs. Nevada on December 30th. Although this game probably won't be an indication of the Canes next year you can still check out some of their players for next year.
LEAST INTRIGUING GAME:
Louisville vs. Wake Forest. I really just don't care. And what's with Southern Miss and Ohio taking the stage the night before the championship game?
PREDICTING BEST OVERALL GAME:
There's probably going to be quite a few very good ones, there usually are. But, I'm going with Michigan vs. USC. Both teams are in the same boat - were in the title hunt going into that final week of games and poof - their now "punished" with a trip to the horrible Rose Bowl. Hopefully these guys have stopped moping around and are focusing on the game. It should be great. No surprise this is a less than 2 point line or pick 'em in most cases. I'm giving the edge to USC because it's a home game for them. Although that didn't necessarily work out for them last year, Chad Henne is not VY. The winner here most definitely finishes #2 in final polls.
AROUND THE NFL:
- I still say the Bears are 1 and done in the playoffs with Grossman as QB.
- No question about it, Vince Young is Rookie of the Year. That will be solidified with a victory against Jacksonville today - the Jags are a TERRIBLE road team too.
- Monday night's Colts/Bengals game was the hardest game to pick for me this week in my pool. Colts look bad.
- How about Seattle losing to the 49ers on Thursday night knowing a win would clinch the division. I think it was the second consecutive week when they lost knowing they could clinch. But the 49ers????
- TO update for the week: Atlanta cornerback DeAngelo Hall accused TO of spitting on him during, I'm sure, one of many trash-talking sessions. TO appears to have apologized for it. Nice. That's what he needs right now. He's an idiot.
- I want to say that the Cowboys are good b/c they seem to be playing so well, but is being the 3rd best team in the NFC good?
NBA NOTES:
- I'm officially throwing this out there. I'm picking San Antonio to win it all. They look like 3 years younger than they did last year. In the few games I've watched on and off, Duncan looks extremely good.
- Kobe Bryant is awesome. Love him or hate him, he's the best all around player right now in the league.
- Just caught the news of the mele in MSG last night and Carmelo Anthony may get hit with a 20-game suspension. I think Stern drops the hammer big time here, Melo deserves it too.
- I guess the Phoenix Suns are still good. 14 and counting...
- Iverson to Minnesota with Garnett. I think it may happen...and work out.
RARE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL NOTE:
- Congratulations to the Westlake Chaps for making it to the state finals. I don't really follow HS football anymore, but I'm pretty sure these guys weren't one of the top picks to make the finals. In the little I've read thus far, South Lake Carroll seems pretty dominant, but what else is new. I think the Chaps may have a tough time with these guys, but anything could happen. Either way, I'm sure Coach Long and staff are pretty happy...and maybe, just maybe, are breathing a little sigh of relief.
Let's start with the always popular "bowling season" that rolls around this time of year. And in case you're wondering, 64 teams will compete in bowl games this year - over half of Division 1 football teams. Why in the world are watching a 7-5 UCLA team play a 6-6 FSU team? Moreover, how in the world can so many 6-6 teams make bowl games? Baffling.
Let's at least take a look at just a few of them:
STONE COLD LOCK GAME - I'm going with South Florida over East Carolina. I think S. Florida is a pretty decent team that doesn't get looked at very closely/often in the Big East. People forget that they did beat W. Virginia on the road this year as well. One of those 4 losses of theirs was a thin 22-20 against Rutgers. East Carolina on the other hand has some unimpressive wins and less impressive losses (Rice, Navy, UAB, etc.). I think South Florida wins big here.
MOST INTRIGUING GAME - We have a 5-way tie...
a) Cal vs. Texas A&M - This will be very interesting. When Cal is clicking they are petty good, but it's very sporadic. The Aggies have a much-improved defense and that powerful running game. I think Cal's offense is such that if they're on, they can potentially shred the aggie defense - but that's a fairly big if. If the aggies can run the ball like they did against Texas, they'll definitely win this game I think.
b) Virginia Tech vs. Georgia - This is interesting because both teams struggled a bit and fell off the radar this year, but have had a surge at the end of the year. I think both teams are looking to this game to be a catalyst for pre-season recognition next year.
c) Nebraska vs. Auburn - HUGE opportunity for Callahan to get a big statement win heading into next year. Might be prime opportunity as Auburn just seems worn out of late getting blown out by Georgia and then struggling against a very bad Alabama team (I know, it's rivalry, but it was too close). I think Nebraska is thrilled to be here while Auburn may be trying to figure out what happened. Look for the Huskers to come out swinging early. I'm picking Nebraska.
d) Texas vs. Iowa - On their best day Iowa is an average team...AT BEST. Texas however can fold like few others can when they hit a bump in the road. Should be a redemption game for Texas and their seniors - it is a home game after all. But, I think Iowa is far more motivated and thrilled to be here. A win here would absolutely make their season whereas there is little difference between a win and a loss here to many Horns fans. But that's why you play the game. Texas really has to win this one on a positive note, I just wonder if they will match intensity. Oh yea, and how effective will they be with a third-string, walk on QB. Will definitely be interesting.
e) Ohio St. vs. Florida - It's finally a chance to see if the best of the best in two power conferences. The instinct is to think that OSU certainly has the edge here and they do and should be favored. I just wonder how the layoff will affect them (they did not have a bye week this year). You also wonder how they will handle the "comfort" aspect. They haven't had to say or argue anything all year - they've been the best since day one. Whereas the Gators have had to impress, campaign and score "style points" in their victories just to remain in the discussion. They certainly had to fight more for this shot in a sense. It will be interesting and although I'm leaning towards OSU, I'm not entirely discounting Florida and I would not be surprised to see them eek out a close, low scoring victory.
GAME TO WATCH FOR HORNS FANS:
TCU vs. Northern Illinois on Tuesday night. Texas will host TCU in the second game of the year next year - possibly with Jeavan Sneed in the lineup (not sure if he has to sit out or not).
GAME TO WATCH FOR AGGIE FANS:
Miami vs. Nevada on December 30th. Although this game probably won't be an indication of the Canes next year you can still check out some of their players for next year.
LEAST INTRIGUING GAME:
Louisville vs. Wake Forest. I really just don't care. And what's with Southern Miss and Ohio taking the stage the night before the championship game?
PREDICTING BEST OVERALL GAME:
There's probably going to be quite a few very good ones, there usually are. But, I'm going with Michigan vs. USC. Both teams are in the same boat - were in the title hunt going into that final week of games and poof - their now "punished" with a trip to the horrible Rose Bowl. Hopefully these guys have stopped moping around and are focusing on the game. It should be great. No surprise this is a less than 2 point line or pick 'em in most cases. I'm giving the edge to USC because it's a home game for them. Although that didn't necessarily work out for them last year, Chad Henne is not VY. The winner here most definitely finishes #2 in final polls.
AROUND THE NFL:
- I still say the Bears are 1 and done in the playoffs with Grossman as QB.
- No question about it, Vince Young is Rookie of the Year. That will be solidified with a victory against Jacksonville today - the Jags are a TERRIBLE road team too.
- Monday night's Colts/Bengals game was the hardest game to pick for me this week in my pool. Colts look bad.
- How about Seattle losing to the 49ers on Thursday night knowing a win would clinch the division. I think it was the second consecutive week when they lost knowing they could clinch. But the 49ers????
- TO update for the week: Atlanta cornerback DeAngelo Hall accused TO of spitting on him during, I'm sure, one of many trash-talking sessions. TO appears to have apologized for it. Nice. That's what he needs right now. He's an idiot.
- I want to say that the Cowboys are good b/c they seem to be playing so well, but is being the 3rd best team in the NFC good?
NBA NOTES:
- I'm officially throwing this out there. I'm picking San Antonio to win it all. They look like 3 years younger than they did last year. In the few games I've watched on and off, Duncan looks extremely good.
- Kobe Bryant is awesome. Love him or hate him, he's the best all around player right now in the league.
- Just caught the news of the mele in MSG last night and Carmelo Anthony may get hit with a 20-game suspension. I think Stern drops the hammer big time here, Melo deserves it too.
- I guess the Phoenix Suns are still good. 14 and counting...
- Iverson to Minnesota with Garnett. I think it may happen...and work out.
RARE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL NOTE:
- Congratulations to the Westlake Chaps for making it to the state finals. I don't really follow HS football anymore, but I'm pretty sure these guys weren't one of the top picks to make the finals. In the little I've read thus far, South Lake Carroll seems pretty dominant, but what else is new. I think the Chaps may have a tough time with these guys, but anything could happen. Either way, I'm sure Coach Long and staff are pretty happy...and maybe, just maybe, are breathing a little sigh of relief.
posted by The Bearden Wonder at 11:07 AM
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