Sunday, October 12, 2008
Advanced Apologies
I am not getting to watch the early games today, because of many different things going on, so I apologize that I am not going to have much to say the early part of this day. I'll be back either during the second games today or definitely for tonight's games.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Red River Rivalry Referee Ridiculousness
I generally try to avoid getting into discussions about bad officiating, because human error is honestly part of the game. You cannot review every single play in a game and you have to trust the on field officiating crew to call a good game. This all being said I must weigh in on what have been some very questionable, and even down right terrible, calls by the crew and review officials of the Oklahoma vs Texas game.
Oklahoma intercepts a pass in the endzone. Everyone, but the officials, immediately said it was a touchdown. Then to the surprise of many, including the announcers, Texas is lined up to kick a field goal - apparently, it had been ruled an incomplete pass. Replay on television clearly showed that the Oklahoma player had possession of the ball until he hit the ground. Last I knew, the ground couldn't cause a fumble. The play was not reviewed - and an incorrect call stood. I do not understand how that call could not be reviewed. A turnover in the end zone causes a huge momentum swing and obviously the field goal for Texas would never have happened. If Oklahoma loses this game by three, be prepared for many to blame that play and that bad call.
In addition, there have been many penalties called that have just been bad. Colt McCoy ran for a first down in the second half with a Sooner chasing him out of bounds. McCoy's run took him into the Longhorn bench/sideline. The defender made no effort to push McCoy down, in fact, from replay it appeared that the defender was actually trying to slow McCoy down, hold him up. The Longhorn sideline immediately starting calling for a flag and after a few moments, the flag was thrown. When did officials start relying on the opinions of one of the teams when making calls? Seems to me the entire point is for the officials to not pay attention to the noise on the sidelines.
Of course, it is only fair to point out that Oklahoma had a similarly ridiculous flag go in their favor. On an Oklahoma punt, Texas brought pressure (though the punt was not blocked). One Texas player barely grazed the punter - from the replay, it did not appear that the Texas player had any actual impact on the punter. Yes, the punter did fall down, but then immediately started to get up. Halfway to standing back up, he suddenly collapsed. Now, I have a feeling he was genuinely injured - he had been hurting after a fake punt earlier in the game, but he certainly was able to play up how hard he got hit and earned a flag.
At this point (now late in the 4th quarter), Texas is pulling away, so perhaps these calls will not impact the game's final result, but it is disappointing to see such an important game have such lackluster officiating. Hopefully the NCAA will take a look at this game and figure out how to avoid such issues happening again.
Oklahoma intercepts a pass in the endzone. Everyone, but the officials, immediately said it was a touchdown. Then to the surprise of many, including the announcers, Texas is lined up to kick a field goal - apparently, it had been ruled an incomplete pass. Replay on television clearly showed that the Oklahoma player had possession of the ball until he hit the ground. Last I knew, the ground couldn't cause a fumble. The play was not reviewed - and an incorrect call stood. I do not understand how that call could not be reviewed. A turnover in the end zone causes a huge momentum swing and obviously the field goal for Texas would never have happened. If Oklahoma loses this game by three, be prepared for many to blame that play and that bad call.
In addition, there have been many penalties called that have just been bad. Colt McCoy ran for a first down in the second half with a Sooner chasing him out of bounds. McCoy's run took him into the Longhorn bench/sideline. The defender made no effort to push McCoy down, in fact, from replay it appeared that the defender was actually trying to slow McCoy down, hold him up. The Longhorn sideline immediately starting calling for a flag and after a few moments, the flag was thrown. When did officials start relying on the opinions of one of the teams when making calls? Seems to me the entire point is for the officials to not pay attention to the noise on the sidelines.
Of course, it is only fair to point out that Oklahoma had a similarly ridiculous flag go in their favor. On an Oklahoma punt, Texas brought pressure (though the punt was not blocked). One Texas player barely grazed the punter - from the replay, it did not appear that the Texas player had any actual impact on the punter. Yes, the punter did fall down, but then immediately started to get up. Halfway to standing back up, he suddenly collapsed. Now, I have a feeling he was genuinely injured - he had been hurting after a fake punt earlier in the game, but he certainly was able to play up how hard he got hit and earned a flag.
At this point (now late in the 4th quarter), Texas is pulling away, so perhaps these calls will not impact the game's final result, but it is disappointing to see such an important game have such lackluster officiating. Hopefully the NCAA will take a look at this game and figure out how to avoid such issues happening again.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Playing 20 innings in just 5.5
Game 2 of the NLCS has been ridiculous so far. In 5.5 innings it is 8-5 Phillies, but the game has felt extremely long. The Dodgers are on, I believe, their 4th pitcher. Myers Ithe pitcher)for the Phillies had 3 hits ... he actually went 3 for 3, so he was done by the end of the 5th because he was worn out, which is an odd thing to think about.
Manny, of course, hit the big home run to get the Dodgers back within 3. He is just insane during October.
My pick of the Dodgers to win is looking at little shaky, but they certainly are not out of it yet.
Manny, of course, hit the big home run to get the Dodgers back within 3. He is just insane during October.
My pick of the Dodgers to win is looking at little shaky, but they certainly are not out of it yet.
NFL Week 6 Picks
It is time for me to go out and make my picks for week 6 in the NFL. I did okay last week, 10-4, and I learned a few things. I am concerned about the Chargers; I do not understand why a team with so much talent is playing so poorly. They certainly have a lot to prove this week - if they lose their game this weekend, they can pretty much count themselves out of the playoffs. The Cowboys worry me as well. They came this close (imagine me holding my fingers less than an inch apart) to losing to the Bengals. So with those things in mind ...
Baltimore at Indy - Baltimore
I know Indy has scraped out some games, but that is why I am concerned. Last week, they needed Houston to just fall apart to win. Baltimore is not going to self destruct, not to mention the always exciting Baltimore D led by Ray Lewis.
Detroit at Minnesota - Minnesota
I think this is a fairly obvious pick. The Lions are just terrible - I am seriously starting to think that they may never win a game this year ...
Oakland at New Orleans - New Orleans
Oakland has a lot of talent, but they are just a wreck as an organization. Yes, they had a bye to start adjusting to a new coach, but that is not going to save them.
Cincy at New York Jets - New York Jets
Cincinnati has shown some fight in a few games - including their game with the Cowboys last week and the Giants a couple weeks ago. But I do not buy moral victories in football. The Bengals just are not consistent enough to win games (particularly with Palmer not starting) and Brent Favre is finally starting to gel with his Jets teammates and they will only get better as the year goes on.
Chicago at Atlanta - Chicago
This one was tough for me to pick. Atlanta is really starting to look good on offense and I am quite impressed with the play of quarterback Matt Ryan. I do not think they will beat the Bears though with the Bears' defense. Expect a good, tight game though - should be fun to watch.
Carolina at Tampa Bay - Carolina
This also could be a good game. I think Carolina's defense will make a difference in this game (I am apparently on a defense kick right now). I expect Tampa Bay to turn the ball over when facing Carolina's tough defense.
St. Louis at Washington - Washington
The Redskins just keep looking better and St. Louis is terrible, simply terrible. Enough said.
Miami at Houston - Miami
Miami is coming onto their own with their last two big wins over the Pats and the Chargers, and Houston is coming off an embarrassing loss where they self destructed. Expect Miami to continue to high and beat the Texans handily.
Jacksonville at Denver - Denver
Jacksonville is 26th against the pass, Cutler has a crazy good arm. Plus, Denver is just insane at home and their defense proved themselves a bit in the tough game against Tampa Bay last week. I don't expect this game to be that close. Denver should score easily and often.
Philly at San Fran - San Francisco
Philadelphia is beaten up. Westbrook is out. I just do not see Philly competing when they are falling apart, literally. San Francisco will come out and surprise people against the Eagles.
Green Bay at Seattle - Green Bay
This game only marginally needs an explanation. Seattle is terrible and Green Bay is a solid football team.
Dallas at Arizona - Arizona
I am not sure this is a much of an upset pick as it may initially appear. Arizona is good at home, very good and they are coming off a big win against Buffalo. Whereas, Dallas has been showing some weaknesses - they lost to Washington and just about gave the game away to Cincy. In addition, all of the drama with Adam Jones adds more difficulty to an already hurting Cowboys secondary.
New England at San Diego - New England
New England stayed on the West Coast this week, rather than travel back East and then turning back around again. Smart move - they will be better rested and more ready to play. Cassel is still not super impressive, but he manages games well and I just cannot pick the Chargers after how poorly they have played this year. They have so much talent, but they are just playing flat and while I think they are a desperate team, I just do not think things will change against what is still a solid New England team.
New York Giants at Cleveland - New York Giants
This game is pretty easy. Cleveland is not that good - despite all of the pre-season hype. Add to that, the team that I would argue is the best team in football - the Giants. Eli Manning looks very, very good and the defense of the Giants is solid as well. We may finally have a relatively boring Monday night game, after so many fun weeks so far.
So there are my picks for the NFL. Should be interesting to see how I do this weekend.
Quick thoughts on a few college games -
Florida over LSU
Oklahoma over Texas
Mizzo over Ok. St
Penn St over Wisconsin
I still am not feeling 100% confident in picking the baseball playoffs, but I do think the Dodgers will win Game 2 - they have a better pitcher going today.
Overall, I really do hope we get Dodgers vs Red Sox in the World Series, so much more fun, so much more drama in that matchup, but I do not think that is a guarantee. The Rays are playing good ball, but I do think we will see Dodgers/Red Sox. Experience for Boston will win out and the Dodgers may have lost Game 1, but they will come back to win their series.
Looking forward to a fun weekend of sports. It should be awesome.
Baltimore at Indy - Baltimore
I know Indy has scraped out some games, but that is why I am concerned. Last week, they needed Houston to just fall apart to win. Baltimore is not going to self destruct, not to mention the always exciting Baltimore D led by Ray Lewis.
Detroit at Minnesota - Minnesota
I think this is a fairly obvious pick. The Lions are just terrible - I am seriously starting to think that they may never win a game this year ...
Oakland at New Orleans - New Orleans
Oakland has a lot of talent, but they are just a wreck as an organization. Yes, they had a bye to start adjusting to a new coach, but that is not going to save them.
Cincy at New York Jets - New York Jets
Cincinnati has shown some fight in a few games - including their game with the Cowboys last week and the Giants a couple weeks ago. But I do not buy moral victories in football. The Bengals just are not consistent enough to win games (particularly with Palmer not starting) and Brent Favre is finally starting to gel with his Jets teammates and they will only get better as the year goes on.
Chicago at Atlanta - Chicago
This one was tough for me to pick. Atlanta is really starting to look good on offense and I am quite impressed with the play of quarterback Matt Ryan. I do not think they will beat the Bears though with the Bears' defense. Expect a good, tight game though - should be fun to watch.
Carolina at Tampa Bay - Carolina
This also could be a good game. I think Carolina's defense will make a difference in this game (I am apparently on a defense kick right now). I expect Tampa Bay to turn the ball over when facing Carolina's tough defense.
St. Louis at Washington - Washington
The Redskins just keep looking better and St. Louis is terrible, simply terrible. Enough said.
Miami at Houston - Miami
Miami is coming onto their own with their last two big wins over the Pats and the Chargers, and Houston is coming off an embarrassing loss where they self destructed. Expect Miami to continue to high and beat the Texans handily.
Jacksonville at Denver - Denver
Jacksonville is 26th against the pass, Cutler has a crazy good arm. Plus, Denver is just insane at home and their defense proved themselves a bit in the tough game against Tampa Bay last week. I don't expect this game to be that close. Denver should score easily and often.
Philly at San Fran - San Francisco
Philadelphia is beaten up. Westbrook is out. I just do not see Philly competing when they are falling apart, literally. San Francisco will come out and surprise people against the Eagles.
Green Bay at Seattle - Green Bay
This game only marginally needs an explanation. Seattle is terrible and Green Bay is a solid football team.
Dallas at Arizona - Arizona
I am not sure this is a much of an upset pick as it may initially appear. Arizona is good at home, very good and they are coming off a big win against Buffalo. Whereas, Dallas has been showing some weaknesses - they lost to Washington and just about gave the game away to Cincy. In addition, all of the drama with Adam Jones adds more difficulty to an already hurting Cowboys secondary.
New England at San Diego - New England
New England stayed on the West Coast this week, rather than travel back East and then turning back around again. Smart move - they will be better rested and more ready to play. Cassel is still not super impressive, but he manages games well and I just cannot pick the Chargers after how poorly they have played this year. They have so much talent, but they are just playing flat and while I think they are a desperate team, I just do not think things will change against what is still a solid New England team.
New York Giants at Cleveland - New York Giants
This game is pretty easy. Cleveland is not that good - despite all of the pre-season hype. Add to that, the team that I would argue is the best team in football - the Giants. Eli Manning looks very, very good and the defense of the Giants is solid as well. We may finally have a relatively boring Monday night game, after so many fun weeks so far.
So there are my picks for the NFL. Should be interesting to see how I do this weekend.
Quick thoughts on a few college games -
Florida over LSU
Oklahoma over Texas
Mizzo over Ok. St
Penn St over Wisconsin
I still am not feeling 100% confident in picking the baseball playoffs, but I do think the Dodgers will win Game 2 - they have a better pitcher going today.
Overall, I really do hope we get Dodgers vs Red Sox in the World Series, so much more fun, so much more drama in that matchup, but I do not think that is a guarantee. The Rays are playing good ball, but I do think we will see Dodgers/Red Sox. Experience for Boston will win out and the Dodgers may have lost Game 1, but they will come back to win their series.
Looking forward to a fun weekend of sports. It should be awesome.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
I am a Slacker
I apologize for the lack of updates this week. Sadly, the real job, which happens Tuesday through Thursday, keeps me away from my sports obsession. I will be free once again starting this evening, so I promise good posts about all things sports.
Including:
Baseball playoffs - I'm very excited for both series. Though, I have a bit more fascination with the Rays and Red Sox.
College football - Texas vs. Oklahoma, LSU vs. Florida and other great games this weekend. I cannot wait.
NFL - Pacman Jones and other fun topics
Preseason NBA - I live in Portland and you would think the entire city had just won the lottery with the level of excitement.
Stay tuned ....
*wishes I could spend all of my days watching, talking, and writing sports. It is really my passion!*
Including:
Baseball playoffs - I'm very excited for both series. Though, I have a bit more fascination with the Rays and Red Sox.
College football - Texas vs. Oklahoma, LSU vs. Florida and other great games this weekend. I cannot wait.
NFL - Pacman Jones and other fun topics
Preseason NBA - I live in Portland and you would think the entire city had just won the lottery with the level of excitement.
Stay tuned ....
*wishes I could spend all of my days watching, talking, and writing sports. It is really my passion!*
Monday, October 6, 2008
So the Championship Series are set
Dodgers and Philles .... Red Sox and Rays ...
I honestly didn't see the games this weekend or tonight, due to my absolute obsession with football, so no series picks for me here. I will do some research though and maybe come in with some tomorrow.
The Vikes pulled out the game - two missed field goals (one of which was returned for a touchdown (a big 10 point swing)) will do that to ya. I know Grammatica has been nursing a groin injury, but you have to make those kicks. He made one from 55 (I think), so either he could have/should have hit the two he missed.
Honestly though, you can't put it all on the kicker. Did you see the first half? The Saints dominated everything, but the scoreboard (which of course is all that really matters). Really the Saints didn't really deserve to win the game. Well, I take that back - Reggie Bush deserved to win. :D Great game on his part.
Fun sports weekend overall! I am glad I got to enjoy it. I'll be back throughout the week with random thoughts, news, etc. Maybe a few rants if I can find something to get worked up about.
*I love this time of year! Yay for baseball, football, and even the preseason basketball to keep me busy!*
I honestly didn't see the games this weekend or tonight, due to my absolute obsession with football, so no series picks for me here. I will do some research though and maybe come in with some tomorrow.
The Vikes pulled out the game - two missed field goals (one of which was returned for a touchdown (a big 10 point swing)) will do that to ya. I know Grammatica has been nursing a groin injury, but you have to make those kicks. He made one from 55 (I think), so either he could have/should have hit the two he missed.
Honestly though, you can't put it all on the kicker. Did you see the first half? The Saints dominated everything, but the scoreboard (which of course is all that really matters). Really the Saints didn't really deserve to win the game. Well, I take that back - Reggie Bush deserved to win. :D Great game on his part.
Fun sports weekend overall! I am glad I got to enjoy it. I'll be back throughout the week with random thoughts, news, etc. Maybe a few rants if I can find something to get worked up about.
*I love this time of year! Yay for baseball, football, and even the preseason basketball to keep me busy!*
Don't Kick to Bush!
So, if you are a punter in the NFL - pay attention! Do NOT under any circumstances kick to Reggie Bush. I just don't get it. He burns the Vikings for one return for a TD, every time he has touched the ball on a kick return he has come within one or two steps of breaking it big. So what do the Vikings do? Kick one right to him, which he runs back for another touchdown. (Beautiful move on Bush's part randomly, what an electric runner!)
As for the Viks touchdown to tie the game at 27 - what a goofy looking play. I'm actually a little unsure which receiver was supposed to get the pass, but Berrian came down with it, took a nice lick from his own teammate, but held on for the score.
I have to say that Monday night football has been amazingly fun this year. Just lots of crazy plays, lots of high scoring games, just all over fun. This is why I drop everything for Monday nights!
*Thinks her dream job would be to report from the sideline on Monday nights*
As for the Viks touchdown to tie the game at 27 - what a goofy looking play. I'm actually a little unsure which receiver was supposed to get the pass, but Berrian came down with it, took a nice lick from his own teammate, but held on for the score.
I have to say that Monday night football has been amazingly fun this year. Just lots of crazy plays, lots of high scoring games, just all over fun. This is why I drop everything for Monday nights!
*Thinks her dream job would be to report from the sideline on Monday nights*
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)