Baily's Sports & Stuff

NFL Conference Championship Picks

2012-01-22T12:51:00.001-08:00

Here are Baily's NFL conference championship picks.

Patriots 24, Ravens 17 (current score 3-3)

49ers 27, Giants 20

Super Bowl XLVI: Patriots 31, 49ers 24

Great 49ers Video Links

2012-01-21T15:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjx65zSJyOM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw5Eld-KRuQ&feature=related

The first link is to an Ashkon remix, with the remix titled "Niners in Paris". The second link is to a rap from Bailey, who's song is titled "Who's Got it Better", emphasizing the team's primary slogan from the season.

NFL Playoffs: Why the 49ers Will Dominate the Giants and Head to the Super Bowl

2012-01-21T15:08:00.000-08:00

It's back to the 80's and 90's, because the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers are facing off in the NFC Championship game.

This time, however, there is no Joe Montana, no Steve Young, no Phil Simms, no Jeff Garcia, and no Kerry Collins. It's two number-one draft picks, Eli Manning and Alex Smith.

Last week, San Francisco upset the New Orleans Saints and won a dramatic game with an Alex Smith touchdown pass, when only nine seconds remained on the clock. New York didn't need the dramatics, but they got the upset as well, beating the defending champion Green Bay Packers 37-20 in Green Bay.

Now, Manning meets Smith for a Super Bowl berth.

Earlier in the year, San Francisco got a home game against the Giants and won 27-20, but a lot has changed since then.. The 49ers defense picked off Manning twice and stopped the Giants rushing attack, but they needed Justin Smith to knock down a last-second pass to clinch the win.

For this one, though, the stakes are much higher.

The 14-3 Niners are the favorite to beat the 11-7 Giants, although New York has won four straight (the Niners have as well). Frank Gore gives the 49ers the rushing edge, especially since San Francisco has a great run defense.

Ahmad Bradshaw doesn't stand a chance.

How about Eli Manning? Any more heroics for him? I don't think so.

San Francisco's defense forces a lot of takeaways, but the 49ers aren't the best at capitalizing on those turnovers. David Akers set a record with 52 field goal attempts and 44 kicks through the uprights during the season, and he added three to both totals against the Saints.

None of that can happen.

Manning is a quarterback that does make mistakes. He threw an interception in Green Bay, got called for intentional grounding in the end zone (safety) against the Falcons, and he has 16 interceptions this year.

Alex Smith has five.

The turnover battle will be critical, and the 49ers have shown they can dominate when it comes down to that aspect of the game. San Francisco forced three fumbles and intercepted two passes against the Saints, and they also lead the league in takeaways.

San Francisco averages 2.5 per game. The Giants average 1.9. Advantage: San Francisco.

When it comes down to receivers, the Giants look to have an edge, but if Michael Crabtree steps up and hangs on to passes thrown his way, San Francisco could be in good hands. Kyle Williams is a talented young receiver, and Delanie Walker will be back, and he is a threat out of the backfield.

Oh, and don't forget last week's hero.

Vernon Davis caught seven passes for 180 yards against the Saints, including the winning touchdown with nine seconds left. He attached his hands to just about every pass thrown to him, and he emerged as a leader.

Because of that, you'd better believe the Giants will be zeroing in on Davis. Losing the tight end battle would be a big blow for New York, even though Jake Ballard isn't expected to outplay Davis.

San Francisco's offensive line has protected Alex Smith well, and they have allowed him time to find the open receiver. During the regular season and playoffs, Smith has thrown for 20 touchdowns and just five picks.

How's that for the man who had one more chance to make things right by the bay? Pretty good.

The 49ers defense has supported Smith by pressuring the quarterback and forcing bad throws (Aldon Smith, Justin Smith), making key tackles (Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman), covering receivers extremely well and picking off passes (Dashon Goldson, Donte Whitner, Carlos Rogers).

A team once finding the light with offense is now winning with the top-ranked defense. One more game and Eli Manning's name will be added to the list of victims.

They'll force turnovers. They'll run the ball up your throat. They'll buy time and throw touchdowns. They'll kick field goals. They'll make tackles. They'll sack Eli. They'll keep the game close, no matter what it takes.

And they'll win one for the red and gold.

Watch out New York, we're back. A new Niner dynasty is under way.

Indianapolis, meet the San Francisco 49ers.

49ers vs Saints: Alex Smith Rewrites 49ers Record Book, Leads Niners to Amazing Divisional Round Win

2012-01-15T08:23:00.000-08:00

Another unbelievable playoff moment just happened down at Candlestick.

But this time, there was no Joe Montana or Dwight Clark. No Steve Young or Terrell Owens. Not even Jeff Garcia was piloting the Niners.

It was Alex Smith and Vernon Davis, etching their names into the 49er lure forever.

Smith hit Davis for a fourteen-yard scoring strike with nine seconds left, giving the 49ers a 36-32 win over the Saints and powering them into the NFC Championship.

The first overall pick in the 2005 draft finally lived up to his potential, throwing for three touchdowns and running for one. The defense forced five turnovers, two of them interceptions.

Early on, San Francisco led 17-0, and with the top-ranked defense in the NFL, they looked poised to hold on and win. However, Brees and the Saints rallied, and in the second quarter, Brees hit Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston for touchdowns, and the score was 17-14.

San Francisco, who were known for field goals, were able to score touchdowns early, as Smith hit Davis for a 49-yard strike and Michael Crabtree caught a 4-yard pass from Smith, set up by a Dashon Goldson interception.

However, in the third quarter, they couldn't convert. Darren Sproles fumbled a punt, and the 49ers got the ball in field goal range.

A touchdown was the expectation, but the 49ers could only manage a field goal, which left the Saints a touchdown away from the lead.

Brees was able to lead the Saints across midfield, which he did a lot, and he got them a field goal, but San Francisco still owned the lead. Brees needed to come through with a big play.

Instead, he met the San Francisco defense, who sacked him once and forced a bad throw once, forcing a punt. San Francisco had the ball, the lead, and the momentum.

Frank Gore added to that.

Gore broke free up the middle for 42 yards, setting San Francisco up at the New Orleans 22. A touchdown would make the score 27-17, but that wouldn't happen.

Instead, kicker David Akers trotted on to the field, and he made his 46th field goal, adding on to his record and the 49ers lead, making it 23-17.

The game was in the hands of Drew Brees, and the 49ers defense. Not a good thing for San Francisco.

Brees converted on a 3rd and 9, and then led the Saints march into San Francisco territory. And before we knew it, Brees found Sproles for a 43-yard touchdown, which turned from a screen to a touchdown, following a juke and a block.

With 4:02 left, the "bust" Alex Smith got the ball. 1 minute, 51 seconds later, he had delivered the biggest play of his life to date. To date.

Smith hit Vernon Davis on a long pass to the 30 yard line, and San Fran was set up for a 3rd and 3 when a penalty was called, and a timeout was called. It looked like the 49ers needed a field goal and a defensive stand.

Instead, Smith made magic happen. With his feet.

On third and eight, Jim Harbaugh called for a quarterback run left. Smith took the snap and took off, picked up a downfield block, and raced into the end zone to give San Francisco the lead.

One problem: Drew Brees got the ball, down 5 (29-24, 49ers missed 2-point conversion) with 2:11 left. Brees only needed 34 seconds.

It was 1st and 10 at the Saints 34. Brees looked deep for Graham, who went up and caught the ball. He shook off a tackler, picked up a block, and refused to go down when Carlos Rogers tried to bring him down.

2 points later, San Francisco trailed 32-29.

Alex Smith had 1:37 left and the moment every quarterback dreams of within reach. He made it closer when he hit Vernon Davis for a 47-yard gain.

Davis got open over the middle, and Smith hit him right on the numbers before Davis ran down to the 20. Smith then found Gore for six yards, and spiked the ball.

3rd and 4 at the New Orleans 14. Nine seconds left. One play for Alex Smith to win the game.

Harbaugh called for Davis to run the same slant route that got him 47 yards, just from the opposite side. Smith saw Davis and released the throw right when Davis made his cut and got behind Scott Shanle.

Davis turned, looked, laid his fingers on the ball and brought the ball into his body.

Even a collision with Roman Harper couldn't stop Davis. He won the game for the 49ers.

Now, Smith and Davis are right up there with The Catch, The Catch II, and The Comeback. They made The Grab.

The grab that sent San Francisco past New Orleans and into the NFC Championship.

Broncos vs Steelers; Tebow Does it Again, Broncos Pull Stunner

2012-01-09T16:27:00.000-08:00

According to the "experts", Tebow Time was over.

First, you have to check with Tim Tebow.

Tebow didn't approve.

In the biggest game of Tebow's NFL career, he put on his biggest show yet. Tebow threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns, including the 80-yard winner to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime.

Nobody thought they could do it. All 10 ESPN NFL analysts picked Pittsburgh to beat Denver and move on for a classic Roethlisberger-Brady battle. Instead, it's Brady and Tebow.

In the first quarter, Denver fell behind 6-0, and if it wasn't for a 3rd down drop by Jericho Cotchery, the score likely would have been at least 9-0.

During the second quarter, Denver scored 33 points all season, 14 of those in a loss to Green Bay. Against Pittsburgh, they scored 20. Tebow hit Thomas for a 51 game when Thomas saw his quarterback in trouble and ran deep (undesigned) to give Tebow a target.

That set up the first touchdown of the game, when Tebow threw a perfect pass to Eddie Royal in the right corner of the end zone, and Royal made a spectacular catch, giving Denver a 7-6 lead.

Denver had the lead, but all fans feared the second-quarter struggles would catch the Broncos. But it never did. Mike Wallace hauled in a deep pass to put Pittsburgh in field goal range, only to have it reviewed and overturned.

Tebow got the ball back with all the momentum on his side, and did he ever take advantage. Tebow found Thomas again, and Thomas had room to run after making the catch, racking up 58 yards on the play.

Tebow ran for eight yards and a touchdown two plays later, and after a Quinton Carter interception and a deep Tebow pass to Daniel Fells, Denver led 20-6 (both plays led to field goals).

Pittsburgh was driving late in the second quarter, and they were reaching Shaun Suisham's range when Doug Legursky snapped the ball wildly, taking Pittsburgh out of field goal range. Denver led 20-6 at the half.

However, we've seen Steeler comebacks during the postseason before, and another one was coming up. Big Ben effectively led the Steelers downfield, and before we knew it, the score was 23-23, and although Tebow got Denver yards, all they managed was a field goal.

The Florida star failed to lead Denver downfield in regulation, and Pittsburgh had a chance to win it, with the ball at the Denver 45, 29 seconds and a timeout. However, Elvis Dumervil sacked Roethlisberger, prompting Mike Tomlin to use his last timeout.

Pittsburgh had the option to let Shaun Suisham kick a 66-yard field goal, or go for a hail mary, and they chose the hail mary. Roethlisberger was sacked, and the game went into overtime.

The NFL changed their overtime rules for the playoffs, and it was no longer sudden death. Only a first-possession touchdown could end the game, so the coin toss wasn't as big of a factor. Still, Pittsburgh called tails, and the coin came up heads. Denver had a shot to win.

The kickoff went through the end zone, so Tebow took the ball at the 20. On the first play, Mike McCoy called for a pass over the middle to Demaryius Thomas. Thomas broke free and caught Tebow's perfect pass, stiff-armed Ike Taylor, and outran Ryan Mundy to end the first non-sudden death game in NFL history, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

So much for no sudden death.

Tebow raced to the end zone, caught up with Thomas, and did his traditional move: Tebowing, before taking a victory lap around Sports Authority Field.

Now, we have one more obstacle for Tebow.

Go on the road and beat Tom Brady.

Iowa State Pulls off Stunner; Who Gets the Nod Between Bama and Oregon?

2011-11-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

Oklahoma State led 24-7 in the third quarter. Both teams had missed chances, and even with the crowd on their backs, Iowa State wasn't able to get much going.

Zach Guyer missed a 34-yard field goal, Jared Barnett threw an interception, and the rest of their possessions were marked by three-and-outs.

So, when Oklahoma State was caught napping about Oklahoma, the Cyclones marked a comeback.

And they shocked the football world.

Jeff Woody's 4-yard touchdown run gave Iowa State a 37-31, double-overtime win on Friday night, giving Iowa State a crucial victory, and bowl eligibility.

The Cowboys that just plowed through Texas Tech looked very different on Friday. Brandon Weeden threw three interceptions, though the last wasn't his fault.

After a long touchdown run by James White, a great touchdown catch by Albert Gary, an interception by Leonard Johnson, a touchdown pass from Barnett to White, and an interception by Ter'Ran Benton, Iowa State was in position. And Jeff Woody bulled through the defensive line and gave the Cyclones a win.

All this was watched by both Oregon and Alabama happily, as the Ducks and Crimson Tide know if they impress the committee with impressive wins, they can secure the final spot (definitely for Alabama).

The Crimson Tide and Ducks both lost to LSU, but while Oregon lost at a neutral location early in the year, the Tide lost a sloppy game late in the year.

Who deserves the final BCS spot?

Normally, the SEC takes the nod over the Pac-12, and Oregon's impressive win over Stanford won't mean anything if Alabama finds their way to the BCS Title game.

Both teams have impressive wins. Oregon beat then eighteenth-ranked Arizona State, then fourth-ranked Stanford, Washington, California, and Nevada.

On the flip side, the Tide beat Arkansas (who should crack the Top 5 this week), then twelfth-ranked Florida, and current #21 Penn State. Alabama has looked great in these wins (although Florida is 5-5 now, and most teams they beat aren't contenders at all.

Both teams have impressive resumes. If LSU wins out (beating Ole Miss, Arkansas, and SEC Championship), then the debate continues.

Pac-12 vs SEC. Oregon vs Alabama. The debate is officially on.

Now, college football has begun for real.

Week 12 Bowl Projections

2011-11-13T08:41:00.000-08:00

Sun Bowl: Utah vs Georgia Tech
Cotton Bowl: Texas vs Wake Forest
Gator Bowl: Florida vs Nebraska
Liberty Bowl: Southern Miss vs Florida
Capital One Bowl: Georgia vs Penn State
Chick Fil-A Bowl: Virginia Tech vs Auburn
Independence Bowl: Wyoming vs Tulsa
Holiday Bowl: Washington vs Baylor
Outback Bowl: South Carolina vs Michigan
Insight Bowl: Missouri vs Wisconsin
Champs Sports Bowl: Notre Dame vs Florida State
Las Vegas Bowl: TCU vs UCLA
Alamo Bowl: Arizona State vs Texas
Potato Bowl: Louisiana Tech vs Temple
Little Caesers Bowl: Northern Illinois vs Illinois
Music City Bowl: Vanderbilt vs North Carolina
GoDaddy.com Bowl: Ohio vs Lousiana-Lafayette
Meineke Car Care Bowl: Texas A&M vs Ohio State
New Mexico Bowl: San Diego State vs Northwestern
New Orleans Bowl: Arkansas State vs SMU
Belk Bowl: Rutgers vs Virginia
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: California vs Miami
Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii vs Iowa State
Armed Forces Bowl: SMU vs BYU
Poinsettia Bowl: Boise State vs Nevada
Compass Bowl: Connecticut vs Mississippi State
Military Bowl: Navy vs Syracuse
Beef O'Brady's Bowl: South Florida vs Purdue
Pinstripe Bowl: Pittsburgh vs Texas Tech
TicketCity Bowl: Houston vs Iowa

BCS Bowls
Rose Bowl: Michigan State vs Oregon
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs Stanford
Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs Arkansas
Orange Bowl: West Virginia vs Clemson
BCS Title: LSU vs Oklahoma State

Cardinals Finish off Rangers; Why the Rangers Should Have Won Already

2011-10-29T08:20:00.001-07:00

The Cardinals lost and won the same World Series.

David Freese won it for them. Allen Craig won it for them. The Rangers lost it for them.

After a thrilling Game 6 where the Rangers lost the World Series three times in one game, Chris Carpenter and Yadier Molina helped the Cardinals finish Texas off in the World Series.

Game 7 was interesting to see, but Game 6 was what really lost this World Series for Texas. Jaime Garcia was ineffective, and the Rangers were up by 2, and they needed one more strike.

All of the sudden, David Freese whacked a ball the opposite way, just over the head of Nelson Cruz, who probably should have run down the ball. Ryan Theriot and Lance Berkman tied the game again in the tenth, and...

David Freese stepped up again.

In Game 7, he hit a two-run double to tie the game, and made a great catch on defense. Allen Craig hit a home run and robbed another one, as well as catching David Murphy's deep fly to end the series.

This World Series had everything you could ask for. Utility man Allen Craig stepped up and hit three homers, all in Cardinal wins. Albert Pujols had a historic game, and David Freese played god for a while.

While the bats were sensational, so was the pitching. Yadier Molina dominated, knocking in two runs and catching a great game from Chris Carpenter, who struggled early but dominated the last four innings.

Just about everybody stepped up for the Cardinals, as Jake Westbrook and Lance Lynn even got wins for the Cardinals. The Cardinals also took advantage of poor decisions, like intentional walks and pitching changes (that didn't pay off).

Matt Harrison starting Game 7?

The Cardinals had already seen him once, and they lit him up, scoring 5 runs off of him and keeping him out of the fifth inning. They did that again, and the inning after Harrison came out, St. Louis scored two runs.

The bullpen wasn't fully rested, and Harrison had to stay in the game longer.

If Washington had saved Holland for a potential Game 7 instead of Harrison, who cost the Rangers greatly, the final result could have been different.

Texas took a 2-0 lead and forced St. Louis to gain the momentum back, which David Freese did for them. Once Allen Craig's home run to right field cleared the fence, the series was in the books.

Carpenter didn't let up. Neither did St. Louis.

The final result? Nobodies becoming somebodies. A city rejoicing. An 11th championship.

Upsets in East Lansing, Norman; Luck, Cardinal Dominate Huskies

2011-10-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

Michigan State was losing, then winning, then tied, then going for a hail mary.

Caught! Wait, just short. Overtime in East Lansing.

No, hold on. Touchdown! Spartans win!

Keith Nichol caught a deflected hail mary to send Michigan State to a 37-31 win over Wisconsin, which looks to set up a likely Leaders vs Legends battle in the Big 10 Championship game.

The Spartans fell behind 14-0, but went on a 31-3 run to take a comfortable double-digit, final quarter lead. However, Russell Wilson couldn't be stopped in the fourth quarter, and he tied the game up.

Michigan State almost fumbled the ball away in field goal range, but luckily a lineman recovered, and helped set up the big play, the instant ESPN classic, in the blink of an eye.

Kirk Cousins heaved the pass into the air, and it went off the fingertips of a Wisconsin Badger, off the chest of a Spartan, and into the anxious hands of Keith Nichol.

Nichol fought with every ounce of strength in his slowly tiring body, as did two Wisconsin defenders hoping to keep Nichol out of the end zone.

The play wasn't ruled a touchdown at first, but instant replay determined that it was indeed the dagger, and that the Spartans had pulled the huge upset.

Upset was the key word that Oklahoma was trying to avoid in Norman, but it didn't work in the beginning. Alex Torres and Seth Doege stepped up, and Oklahoma failed to convert key plays.

At the half, the Red Raiders led 24-7, thanks to big throws and great catches. The Red Raiders had a 31-7 lead in the third quarter, and they led 41-24 in the fourth.

However, what Oklahoma did almost sparked a huge comeback, except Michael Hunnicut ruined those chances by clanking a field goal try off the right upright, and ending all Oklahoma's hopes.

Stanford and Washington played a different kind of game, with no upsets or no tight games. It was a game until late in the second quarter, when two touchdowns put Stanford up by 24.

Stefan Taylor, Tyler Gaffney, Anthony Wilkerson, and the rest of the team combined to rush for 446 yards, powering the Cardinal, while Andrew Luck tossed two touchdowns, extending the nation's longest winning streak to 15 games.

The score was 65-21 at the end.

Fall Classic Game 1: Unlikely Hero Steps Up for St. Louis, Bullpen Shines Again in Game 1 Victory

2011-10-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

Allen Craig wasn't thinking about what could be if he made a clutch hit.

His eyes were locked in on the pitcher, ready to make something happen. And when Nelson Cruz's glove failed to come up with the ball, he did.

Craig's slicing liner proved to be the difference in the Cardinals Game 1 win over the Rangers, where many players shined. Now, St. Louis has the momentum, and the edge.

Marc Rzepczynski got two key strikeouts, Jason Motte got the save, Arthur Rhodes got a key out in his first World Series appearance, and Chris Carpenter got the win, giving up just two runs in six innings.

On the batting side, David Freese got the go-ahead run, Lance Berkman hit a two-run single, and Matt Holliday and Albert Pujols had a run.

With St. Louis on the board first, they now are three wins from capturing the World Series title they have craved so much since that magical '06 journey.

Neutralizing some of Texas' stars was the key in this one. Ian Kinsler did nothing, except get an infield hit and get caught stealing. Elvis Andrus, Michael Young, and Josh Hamilton were all no-shows.

Chris Carpenter did a great job with that, but he made one mistake. With Adrian Beltre on first, he missed his location and gave up a high fastball to Mike Napoli.

That evened up the Fall Classic's first game and sent this one into dramatic fashion. However, Allen Craig didn't want to go to extra innings.

The bullpen was pitching for short periods of time, and it took five pitchers to get the final nine outs. The Cardinals weren't equipped to handle extra innings.

So, with David Freese on third (double, wild pitch) and Nick Punto on first (walk), Craig hit a low fastball into right field, slicing towards the foul pole...

Cruz raced over and slid out, but the glove trapped the ball, and the ball fell onto the Busch Stadium grass, displaying to everyone that the Redbirds had their first lead of the game.

So while the Rally Squirrel helped the Cardinals climb back from tough deficits against quality teams, it looks like the Squirrel can take a break.

St. Louis has the lead. And by the way they played last night, it doesn't look likely that they'll relinquish it.

2011 World Series: Why You Should Definitely Tune in to Every Game of the World Series

2011-10-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

The Texas Rangers and the San Francisco Giants meshed together to create an interesting World Series.

Now, with the St. Louis Cardinals and their functioning bats, the World Series is just going to be that much interesting.

St. Louis survived Milwaukee and advanced to the World Series with the 12-6 win, in which David Freese, Albert Pujols, and Rafael Furcal homered. Marc Rzepzynski got the win for the Redbirds.

St. Louis took a 4-0 lead early and never gave it up. David Freese hit a Shaun Marcum slider out, and Rafael Furcal and Albert Pujols took Chris Narveson deep.

Pujols and the Cardinals have averaged 10 runs per game in Milwaukee, while Texas has averaged 9 runs per game in their last three games. So, unless Chris Carpenter or C.J. Wilson turns on the jets, no one is going to be slowed down.

I'd bet you everything I own that just about no one expected these two teams to be here. Everyone liked New York, or Philadelphia, or Detroit or Milwaukee.

St. Louis was ten and a half games back with 32 to play, and they fought back. In the playoffs, they got an unexpected spark, named the Rally Squirrel.

So you have the Rally Squirrel against the Claw and Antlers. Nelson Cruz (6 homers in ALCS). David Freese (.545 BA in NLCS). Chris Carpenter against C.J. Wilson.

The real treat in the World Series is the even matchups. Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday, Lance Berkamn, and David Freese for the Cardinals against Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, Adrian Beltre, and Mike Napoli for the Rangers.

And the bullpen. Jason Motte has stepped up big-time for the Cardinals, getting the last out of the NLCS to advance the Redbirds.

St. Louis and Texas are pretty evenly matched. The Cardinals fought through lots of adversity and challenges, while the Rangers have the experience from 2010 and 2011.

However, in this particular scenario, you can't go against St. Louis. Pujols, Freese, and Holliday are on fire, and so is the bullpen.

Prediction: Cardinals in 6.

Brewers, Cardinals Shock MLB, Set Up ALCS, NLCS No One Saw Coming

2011-10-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

Milwaukee and St. Louis have been rivals for a long time, but none of their matchups have ever been this important.

And none of the matchups have ever been more unexpected.

The Brewers and Cardinals both held on in decisive Game 5's, as they advanced to the NLCS to fight for a berth to the Fall Classic. Nyjer Morgan and Chris Carpenter were the heroes.

Morgan hit an RBI single with one out to send the Brewers on, while Carpenter dealt a three-hitter to send the Cardinals on past the heavily favored Phillies.

The Comeback Cards, powered by Albert Pujols and the Rally Squirrel, were ten and a half games back with 32 games to play. The Atlanta Braves looked to easily have the division, wrapped up in a gold gift bag.

But they gave that bag away to St. Louis, as the Braves lost their last five games, including the last game of the season, where Hunter Pence's opposite-field bloop ended the Braves season.

That proved to be costly for the Phillies.

While in the past, heartbreakers always seemed to go against the Phillies, that's not what has happened recently. Here, though, heartbreakers went against Philadelphia.

Philadelphia was up 4-0 in the fourth inning of Game 2, perhaps looking ahead to a possible clinching Game 3. However, they weren't ready for Jon Jay and Albert Pujols.

Jay knocked in two runs, and Pujols hit an RBI single to plate Allen Craig for what proved to be the winning run. Jason Motte got a groundout to end the game.

In Game 5, Carpenter, who gave up four runs in Game 2, had the breaking ball working early, and he got a groundout to end the game, thanks to a breaking ball.

In the first, Rafael Furcal hit an outside fastball deep to right center field. Skip Schumaker hit that same pitch down the line for an RBI double.

Which was all Carpenter needed.

Raul Ibanez crushed a ball with two on and two out, but it landed on the track, in Lance Berkman's glove. Yadier Molina threw out Chase Utley trying to steal in the 6th, and Howard grounded out to end it.

In Milwaukee, you had the "Comeback Snakes", who had been defeating the odds all year long. People thought the hot-hitting Brewers had the series wrapped up.

Defeating the odds once again, Shaun Marcum and Randy Wolf fell for Milwaukee, leaving the series in the hands of Milwaukee ace Yovani Gallardo.

He delivered.

While the win goes to Jon Axford (who also blew the save), Gallardo went six strong innings, and Takashi Saito and K-Rod held the D-Backs in check.

Axford's fate was much different.

He gave up a double and a single to start the ninth, then couldn't a single out on Willie Bloomquist's run-scoring bunt.

In the tenth, with Axford still in, the Brewers held Arizona in check, and they were much the opposite on offense. Carlos Gomez singled and stole second.

With Nyjer Morgan up (you knew he'd come through), D-Backs closer J.J Putz gave Morgan an outside fastball that got past the middle.

The speedy Gomez raced home ahead of Chris Young's wild throw, as the Brewers took the game, and the series, to set up a critical matchup in the NLCs.

NLCS Prediction: Brewers in 7.

Tigers Stun Yankees, Set Up Battle of the Bats with Rangers

2011-10-07T07:15:00.000-07:00

Jose Valverde crouched down, pumped his fist, and exploded up.

The Detroit Tigers poured out of the dugout, and in the blink of an eye, crowded Valverde.

They had reason. The Tigers just took down the New York Yankees.

After A.J. Burnett's stellar Game 4 performance, with the series coming back to Yankee Stadium, no one saw the Tigers completing the upset. But Doug Fister was great, and the Tigers did it.

Don Kelly and Delmon Young hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning, Victor Martinez hit an RBI single and Valverde converted his 51st save this year.

Alex Rodriguez, who had struck out with the bases loaded and one out in the seventh, had the same fate in the 9th, as a Valverde slider got him swinging to end the series.

After a long, hard-fought series where Delmon Young hit three important jacks and Miguel Cabrera packed some power into, it's the Tigers moving on to Arlington, where they take on C.J. Wilson and the Rangers.

Justin Verlander, who was supposed to start in Game 1, and did (but it got suspended), will take the ball for the Tigers.

This entire series featured close Tiger wins and blowout Yankee wins. Detroit spit, scratched and clawed for every run they could accumulate in all three wins, notably Game 3, where Young's opposite-field jack won the game for the Tigers.

Now, with the top-seeded team out of the way, no old-school team is going to the World Series. New York and Boston are both done.

Detroit isn't, though.

Fister, the Tigers mid-season acquisition who has shined during his whole Tiger tenure, worked his plan of hitting the corners and fooling the Yanks to perfection. In Game 1, Fister struggled deeply, and with the Mariners, Fister gave up 3 runs in 7 innings.

Now, Verlander is ready to go for Game 1 and the Tigers are looking good, even against the Rangers bats.

If you meet the Tigers, watch out for the claw to strike.

On the mound and at the plate.

Week Four Recap; Comebacks Hold Dallas, Philly Speechless; Rodgers sets record

2011-10-04T07:18:00.000-07:00

Dallas and Philadelphia both haven't gotten where they wanted. The Cowboys wanted to beat the Jets and plow over the 49ers and Redskins. But against the Lions, they thought they had the win, and the performance, they finally needed.

Boy, were they wrong.

Detroit rallied from a 27-3 deficit to stun the Cowboys, and San Francisco did the same (just a 23-3 deficit) in Philly. Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson hooked up for the winning touchdown.

That connection, as well as Alex Smith's improvement, have proved key elements to the comebacks. The Eagles had the momentum, and they had Michael Vick.

The Cowboys had Tony Romo.

But that didn't prove anything. Andy Reid tried to milk the clock, and when the Niners got the lead, Jeremy Maclin fumbled away the game.

Tony Romo threw three interceptions, two that were returned for touchdowns, the other setting up the winning score. And Matthew Stafford? He weaved together two drives like magic, hitting Calvin Johnson on great grabs to win the game.

Alex Smith? He threw for two scores and set up the winning blow, a twelve-yard run by Frank Gore. The 49ers now lead the NFC West by two games at 3-1. And the Lions are now 4-0.

Monday Night Football brought another comeback, but less significant. The Colts took a 10-0 lead on the Buccaneers, but Josh Freeman led Tampa Bay back, rushing and throwing for a touchdown.

Curtis Painter threw for two scores, but couldn't get anything going in the fourth quarter. LeGarrette Blount could, though.

Blount got a carry at the Colts 35, and he broke a tackle and found a hole up the middle, which he stretched to the right for the winning score. Freeman sealed it with a QB Keeper on 4th and inches.

While this next game wasn't exactly close, it did show one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL at his best. Or, maybe not his best.

Aaron Rodgers became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 400 yards and four scores, and run for two scores. He also threw an interception, but it was on a drop.

He was hitting targets, and every one of his touchdown passes was a ball delivered perfectly in tight coverage at beautiful Lambeau Field. He scrambled and found the end zone twice, while Charles Woodson provided the other score with a pick-six.

Denver, on the other hand, looked horrible. Daniel Fells had a key fumble. Kyle Orton threw three interceptions and missed wide open targets. The only bright spot was Willis McGahee, who ran for 103 yards.

The final score was 49-23.

Other headlines
Late touchdown, blown call key in Giants 31-27 win over Arizona.

Atlanta blows lead but holds on in 30-28 win over Seattle.

Three defensive touchdowns anchor Baltimore's 34-17 blowout of the Jets.

Dalton's late magic, last-second field goal help Cincinnati defeat Buffalo.

Foster's big run keys Houston's 17-10 win over injury-plauged Pittsburgh.

Ryan Torian's big game powers Washington's 17-10 win over St. Louis.

Badgers Give Huskers Rude Welcome: Why Wisconsin is the Big Bully in College Football

2011-10-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

About six years ago, Wisconsin sports wasn't much to look at. The Badgers, Packers, and Brewers were average, and the Bucks were struggling.

Now look at where they are, with the Badgers as their leader.

Wisconsin dominated the last three quarters against new Big Ten member Nebraska, outscoring them 41-3 to end the game in a 48-17 win, where the whole country got to see Russell Wilson.

Camp Randall Stadium was rocking all game long, and they had great reason. The game was close until the second half, when Wisconsin pulled away.

Bret Bielema's squads have been known to develop running backs, Montee Ball included. Ball rushed for 151 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Wilson threw two deep touchdowns to turn the tide of the game.

Now, the seventh-ranked Badgers have grasped the country's attention. Sure, they played in a thrilling Rose Bowl last year. But now, with a quarterback who seems to make all the right decisions and two running backs who can do everything, Wisconsin looks like the team to beat: not just in the Big Ten, but all across the country.

Sure, their first three games were against UNLV, Oregon State, and Northern Illinois, but Wilson lit them up, just as they did the Huskers. And when you have a defense that only allows points during miscommunications, you are sure to have trouble.

Nebraksa, a national powerhouse, sure did.

If you saw Camp Randall stadium, you would be shocked. Everyone in the stadium was decked out in red, ready to support Madison's team.

They were treated to a show. And they have more to come.

The Badgers can effectively mix runs and passes and easily keep defenses off balance, and they can read that on defense. Taylor Martinez was intercepted three times, and Rex Burkhead was shut down.

It looked like a shootout early on, until the safeties adjusted to Nebraska's style Martinez was intercepted on three straight drives, and it changed the score from 14-13 Nebraska to 34-14 Wisconsin.

So far, it looks like Wisconsin is the team to beat, even more so then top-ranked LSU. And if you face them...

Watch out for the claw to come down on you. It won't be pleasant.

Rays Blank Rangers; Is Tampa Bay the American League's Team to Beat?

2011-10-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Matt Moore? Who's Matt Moore? Isn't he that quarterback for the Miami Dolphins or something?

Yes, but there's another Matt Moore who will become much more heralded.

Moore, a southpaw making his second career start, blanked the Rangers and keyed Tampa Bay's 9-0 win over the Rangers in the playoff opener. Moore struck out six in seven innings.

The kid's dominating fastball and powerful off-speed pitches were the masterful combo he used to punch out the Rangers, who had pounded opponents with power and speed, with their bats and on the paths.

He was backed by three homers, two from catcher Kelly Shoppach, who isn't known for being a heavy hitter. Johnny Damon hit a two-run jack as well to back Moore and open the scoring.

Tampa Bay only got two hits, both provided by Josh Hamilton. Moore may have had adrenaline rushing throughout his body, but he didn't show it. After striking out 11 against the Yankees in a big September 22 win, he got another huge W for the Rays.

People were seeing this as an easy win for the Rangers, although they entered the game 3-8 at home in the postseason, including two home losses to the Rays last year.

But Moore showed otherwise, as Rangers ace C.J Wilson pitched supposedly his worse game of the year, while Moore pitched one of his best. He has made a couple relief appearances.

As Moore stated, it's easier to pitch with run support, and Moore got some and made the most of it. Shoppach caught a gem, and jacked two, backing the stable Moore.

Texas knew C.J would pitch a week ago, and they had him prepared. Tampa Bay didn't know if they would make the playoffs until Evan Longoria's dramatic line-drive homer sent the Rays to the playoffs, minutes after Robert Andino's single completed the Red Sox historic collapse.

Even with many light-hitting bats and old players, the Rays have found away to make the playoffs and gain an edge. No Carl Crawford. No Carlos Pena. Just hot-hitting Evan Longoria, experienced Johnny Damon, and inconsistent Ben Zobrist.

This, plus a core of pitchers consisting of David Price, James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson, and Moore doesn't seem like much, but it is. And when the bats are smacking baseballs hard and far, and the staff is hitting spots and in control, this is a formidable team.

The Rangers have Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, Adrian Beltre, Michael Young, and a bunch of guys who can whack the ball all around the park, but will it be enough?

Last year, you saw the Rangers lose two games at home to Tampa Bay and need two gems from Cliff Lee to get by Tampa Bay, and now, they are struggling again.

Nobody expected Tampa Bay to make the playoffs when they were nine games back, and now, nobody expects the Rays to go far. But you should.

Or else, they will sting you. Sting you so badly you can't shake it off, as they swim through the playoffs.

Why Last Night's Events Were Like No Other in the History of Baseball

2011-09-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

Last night, you didn't just see a couple good games and a walk-off or two. You saw some of the most dramatic moments in the history of the game, all in the span of two minutes.

What you witnessed will not be seen by most people. You saw two games deciding the AL Wild Card go down to the wire, and the Braves lose a harsh fight in Philly.

The Rays were ready to end their year having fought hard but not hard enough. However, that would soon change. Tampa Bay finally got back in the game, and Boston collapsed.

The Rays scored their first three runs on a walk, HBP, and sac fly, but Evan Longoria provided the real punch with a three-run blast. In the ninth, the Rays had more to offer.

At the time, Joe Maddon's move to send Dan Johnson, hitless since April 27, to the plate, seemed dumb. And you could still argue that it was risky. But it worked.

Johnson took a 2-2 slider deep to right field, and the pitch left the yard. Tampa Bay had tied it, and there were more dramatics to come.

In the twelfth, Longoria took a two-strike pitch deep to left field, just long enough, just high enough, and just fair. The Rays poured onto the field, knowing they were in the playoffs, following Boston's loss.

AL Playoff Matchups
(3) Detroit at (1) NY Yankees

(4) Tampa Bay at (2) Texas

In the National League, you saw more of the same thing, just the other way around. St. Louis and Atlanta opened the day tied for the NL Wild Card, and St. Louis took their game against the Astros. The Braves had to win to stay alive.

While the Phillies were playing all of their regular guys, they did come through. Chase Utley got the tying sac fly in the ninth, and then Hunter Pence came through.

Pence hit a bloop single landed in the infield, then rolled into the outfield. Brian Schneider came in with the go-ahead run, and three outs later, Atlanta was done.

NL Playoff Matchups
(4) St. Louis at (1) Philadelphia

(3) Arizona at (2) Milwaukee

NLDS Predictions
Philadelphia over St. Louis: The Cardinals may be coming in hot, but they are no match for Pence, Utley, Howard, and the Phillies. Albert Pujols and the Redbirds will think otherwise, but the Phillies lineup packed with bats and arms will be too much.

Milwaukee over Arizona: Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun anchor an offense packed with power, and Shaun Marcum, Yovani Gallardo and Zack Grienke headline some talented arms. Arizona has talent on both sides (Ian Kennedy is 21-4), but I think the Brewers will come through when they need to and hold on to win.

Texas over Tampa Bay: As amazing as the Rays rally was, I don't think they can come through against the Rangers and their hot bats. Texas has basically the same team (except for the addition of Adrian Beltre and the loss of Vlad Guerrero) that got them past Tampa Bay and New York last year, and while Evan Longoria and co. are good, it won't be enough to overtake the Rangers.

New York Yankees over Detroit: The Yankees may not have the best pitching (although it isn't horrible), but they have Curtis Granderson, Derek Jeter, A-Rod, Robinson Cano, and many other guys who can whack the ball all around the park. The Tigers have become legit competitors, but the Yankees will be riding the wood and C.C. Sabathia past Detroit easily.

World Series Prediction: Yankees over Phillies

Surprises, Thrillers Highlight Week 3: Why the NFL Season WIll Be Full of Action and Surprises

2011-09-27T07:07:00.000-07:00

In the NFL, three teams currently reside undefeated. Green Bay, Buffalo, and Detroit. Now, if I had told you that before the season, you'd think I was crazy.

For Green Bay, probably not. The defending champs are returning basically the exact same team with the exact same quarterback, and even though New Orleans and Chicago stood in their way, the Packers simply find ways to win.

But the Lions and Bills?

Nobody expected Buffalo to knock off New England. Not many expected Detroit to beat Tampa Bay, Kansas City, and Minnesota. The Bills and Lions did.

This year, will the unexpected actually happen? The Bills, Lions, Raiders, and all other small-market teams to blitz the playoffs? Nobody expects it.

Surprising things happen. The Eagles have been sloppy, and the so-called "Dream Team" isn't living up to expectations. Matt Ryan and Eli Manning have thrown back-to-back four touchdown games on Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

The Minnesota Vikings looked great in the first half of all their games. The thing is, they also blew a double-digit lead in all their games. Detroit rallied from down 20-0 to stun the Vikings as Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford were unstoppable.

And of course, the Bills. They dominated Kansas City in Week 1, but they fell behind 21-3 to Oakland. Then, Ryan Fitzpatrick showed up.

Fitzpatrick threw for three scores, including the game-winner with fourteen seconds left...on fourth down! And with New England in town, he worked that magic.

After rallying his team from down 21-0, Fitzpatrick hit Fred Jackson over the middle, and he got what was initially ruled a touchdown. The call was overturned, but Buffalo was grateful.

They would kneel to milk the clock, and a penalty on the Patriots lost any chances of New England winning. Rian Lindell drilled a field goal, and the Bills won.

How about the NFC West? The Rams look sloppy, letting rookie Torrey Smith catch three touchdowns on them, but the 49ers, not so much.

Maybe San Francisco struggled in Cincinnati, but the defense was spectacular. Alex Smith and Vernon Davis played well, and rookie Kendall Hunter ran for the only score as the Niners held on for a 13-8 win.

The Arizona Cardinals were a lot worse, however. They let Seattle and their depleted offensive line take them down, as Tavaris Jackson's amazing 12-yard scoring run and Kam Chancellor's game-sealing interception were the highlights of that one.

In another low-scoring battle, the Buccaneers prevailed over the defending NFC South champion Atlanta Falcons, as the defense picked up Josh Freeman.

Matt Ryan and the Falcons were hit hard, as the Buccaneers blitzed worked to perfection. Josh Freeman ran for a score, and the final there was 16-13 in favor of Tampa Bay.

New Orleans and Houston put on a show at the Superdome, as Drew Brees threw for three touchdowns, the game-winner to Lance Moore included. The Saints and Bucs are tied for the NFC South lead.

The other team in the NFC South is the Panthers, who won thanks to Cam Newton's touchdown pass to Greg Olsen. Newton played his worst game, but piled on another touchdown pass and his first win.

NFL Recap: Ryan, Falcons Win Sunday Night Battle; Surprising Bills, Lions Take Another Win

2011-09-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

Every year, teams we didn't see coming surprise everyone and start winning game, and often, make the playoffs. This year, we already have two.

The Detroit Lions may have had higher expectations, but no one expected them to beat Kansas City by 45. Matthew Stafford is playing like the quarterback Detroit drafted in 2009.

Stafford has thrown seven touchdowns already in the first two games, and while the Lions 27-20 win over Tampa Bay wash't a real show, the Lions of the future showed themselves on Sunday.

Now, all of the sudden, you have the Lions, who have been plowing through opponents, against the 0-2 Vikings, who, other than Adrian Peterson, have looked worse than bad.

Right now, we're looking at an easy 3-0 start for the Lions. Their schedule is favorable. And if they continue to steamroll opponents, the Green Bay Packers might have some competition.

Another team looking poised for success is the 2-0 Buffalo Bills, who won two very different games against Kansas City and Oakland. At Arrowhead Stadium in Week 1, Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for four scores and the Bills plowed the hometown team.

In Week 2, Buffalo fell behind 21-3, but managed to rally thanks to Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson. Jackson broke some big runs, and Fitzpatrick threw for three scores.

Fitzpatrick engineered a majestic 14-play, 80-yard drive, hitting David Nelson on fourth down for the game-winning score. The Bills are now looking poised for a big year.

Around the NFL

Michael Vick left the game, leaving his cleat marks on the turf at the Georgia Dome. And once he left, the Falcons knew it was time to capture their prey.

Atlanta rallied from down ten points to beat the Eagles 35-31 on Sunday Night Football, led by four scoring passes from Matt Ryan. Michael Turner's scoring run with 4:48 left was the difference.

Mike Kafka almost led the Eagles on the winning drive, but his fourth-down pass was dropped by Jeremy Maclin. The Falcons then had a hard-earned win.

The Falcons were boosted by two great touchdown grabs, one a one-handed grab that lit up the state of Georgia, and the other Roddy White's tough catch to open the scoring.

Other Headlines
Eric Decker caught two touchdowns as the Broncos held off the Bengals 24-22.

Tony Romo came back after puncturing his lung, and he threw a big pass in overtime, helping Dallas stun San Francisco 27-24.

Colt McCoy threw two touchdowns as Peyton Manning's absence was costly in a 27-19 Browns win.

Rex Grossman led the Redskins to nine key fourth quarter points in a 22-21 win over the Redskins.

College Football Recap; Who Shined and Who Struggled Under the Saturday Night Lights

2011-09-18T08:35:00.000-07:00

The Good
Oklahoma: The Sooners were able to hold E.J Manuel and the Florida State Seminoles in check, and when Landry Jones needed to deliver, he did.

With the score tied at 13, Jones hit Kenny Stills for a touchdown, and then Javon Harris intercepted a Florida State pass. The Sooners had three interceptions.

Oklahoma's defense stopped Florida State almost every time, and while their offense wasn't perfect, it was enough. The Sooners are guaranteed to hold their number one ranking.

The Bad
South Carolina: Stephen Garcia and the Gamecocks struggled, and while they held off Navy (who is not a tough opponent), this will not go by in the SEC. South Carolina would've got blown out if they played this way against Georgia.

Marcus Lattimore had a career day, rushing for 246 yards and 3 scores. But Stephen Garcia was missing passes, failed to throw a touchdown, and he wasn't good.

The Midshipmen are not a challenging opponent, but this game may hurt South Carolina in the polls, and Stephen Garcia in the depth chart.

The Good
Stanford: The Cardinal and Andrew Luck had a strong defense, a strong run game, and of course, a strong pass game. Andrew Luck picked apart the Arizona defense and threw two touchdowns, and Stanford dominated the second half.

Stefan Taylor rushed for 153 yards and Anthony Wilkerson got a touchdown for the Cardinal, who were in a battle until the second half.

Andrew Luck turned it on, and the Cardinal defense responded, as they held Arizona's potent offense to ten points. And the offense? All questions are answered.

The Bad
BYU: The Cougars headed into their rivalry game against Utah ready for action and fired up. Midway through the second quarter, they took a 10-7 lead. At the half, they trailed by four.

Then the wheels came off, the defense was powerless, and the offense couldn't do anything. The Cougars lost six fumbles, and they allowed 40 points in the second half.

Losing a rivalry game at home is embarrassing. Losing a rivalry game 54-10 is even more embarrassing. The Cougars simply stopped playing.

Around the Pac-12
Matt Barkley threw five touchdowns as USC took down Syracuse 38-17.

Arizona State was held in check by Illinois, who got a touchdown early in the fourth to stun The Devils 17-14.

Case McCoy threw 2 touchdowns, Malcolm Brown ran for 110 yards as Texas dominated UCLA 49-20.

Andrew Luck threw two touchdowns as Stanford held Arizona in check in their 37-10 win.

Darron Thomas and Bryan Bennett combined to throw five touchdowns in Oregon's 56-7 blowout of Missouri State.

Rex Burkhart led a powerful Nebraska rushing attack as the Cornhuskers downed Washington 51-38.

John White IV ran for three scores, Utah forced six fumbles and the Utes beat BYU 54-10.

Zach Maynard threw three touchdowns, Isi Sofele ran for two touchdowns and Jeff Tedford passed the Cal wins mark in a 63-12 win over Presbyterian.

Tyler Hansen threw two touchdowns as Colorado defeated Colorado State 28-14.

Ronnie Hillman ran for four touchdowns as San Diego State bested Washington State 42-24.

Cal Bears Football: Can the Bears Become a Legit Contender?

2011-09-17T09:38:00.000-07:00

If you are a loyal Cal Bears fan, you can press rewind to the glory days for California. Ranked number two. A share of a Pac-10/12 championship. And the Bears can still win, but they aren't the same team.

But can they be?

The Bears do have talent. They started 2-0 by beating some teams that have talent, Fresno State and Colorado. Fresno State's potent offense was held in check by the Bears defense.

While transfer Zach Maynard wasn't at his best in Week 1, he guided Cal to a win, and in Week 2, he was stellar. Maynard threw four touchdowns, and hit Keenan Allen for a five-yard, game-winning score.

California won't get much, if any credit, for this week's game, a battle against FCS school Presbyterian, but next week, they take on 2-0 Washington, and following a bye, they take on Oregon, USC, and Utah.

In California's home opener, the Blue Hose travel to AT&T Park for what looks like an easy win for the Bears. If Cal prevails, they will improve to 3-0.

With Maynard at quarterback, the talented Isi Sofele at running back and Marvin Jones and Keenan Allen anchoring the receiving core, the Bears offense can answer questions. And the defense?

Cal's defense has been their main strong spot. Their core of cornerbacks and safeties consisting of Marc Anthony, Sean Cattouse, and Steve Williams is great, and Mychal Kendricks and D.J Holt are great linebackers.

While the home opener against Presbyterian is basically a lose-lose situation, their next five games have meaning. Keith Price and the Washington Huskies are 2-0, and they defeated a high-scoring Hawaii team.

Maynard and Price match up pretty well, and the Bears-Huskies tilt will be a good game. It will also be one of the many chances for the Bears to prove themselves, as well as Zach Maynard.

The Buffalo transfer is mobile, accurate, and talented, and he is the guy that Cal has been looking for since Kevin Riley went down. Brock Mansion was terrible, but with Maynard at the helm, the Bears are looking good.

Cal definitely has the potential to pull some big upsets, and grab the attention of the entire country. While no one expects it, it could happen. When Cal plays on consecutive Thursdays against Oregon and USC, they can grab the spotlight,

And they will.

NFL Week One; Final Analysis From Gameday

2011-09-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

NFL Week 1 always brings us something we didn't expect. Maybe the Bengals grinding out a win. The Jets shocking the Cowboys. Jacksonville taking down Tennessee.

Or the Ravens obliterating the Steelers.

Pittsburgh came into this season with high expectations and high hopes. They still have those hopes, but picking up the W against Baltimore was crucial.

The Ravens came out of the gates hungry. Ray Rice ripped a big run. Joe Flacco hit Anquan Boldin for a touchdown. Baltimore forced a fumble and got a touchdown.

In all, Baltimore forced seven turnovers. It added up to a 35-7 clobbering of their bitter rivals, which will put Baltimore on everyone's "don't want to play" list.

Baltimore scored 20 points off of turnovers and halted two more possible touchdown drives. In all, it added up to an easy Baltimore win.

In another game featuring highly touted teams, Dallas and the New York Jets faced off. Early on, it looked like a repeat of Pittsburgh-Baltimore, as Dallas dominated.

Tony Romo looked like Joe Montana on the Cowboys opening drive, throwing perfect passes and leading Dallas to a touchdown. The Cowboys led 10-0 early.

Mark Sanchez would lead the Jets on a touchdown drive to end the half, hitting Dustin Keller for six, but the Jets trailed at the half. In the fourth, after a Dallas interception, the score was 24-10 Dallas.

New York was simply turning the ball over too much. But Sanchez wouldn't turn it over this time, and he and Plaxico Burress executed a perfect fade route to cut the deficit in half.

Dallas got down to the Jets 2, but when Tony Romo was trying to take the ball into the end zone, he fumbled, and New York recovered. After a few minutes of sloppy play, the Jets turned the tide...

Speedy Joe McKnight came out of nowhere and blocked a Dallas punt. The bounce went right to Isaiah Trufant, who took it for a touchdown. The game was tied!

After both teams exchanged punts, Tony Romo made a big mistake. He tried to hit Dez Bryant on a deep curl, but Darrelle Revis jumped the route. After the Jets couldn't convert, Nick Folk drilled a 50-yard field goal. The Jets had won the game!

Other Headlines
Andy Dalton, Bruce Gradkowski and the Bengals took down Cleveland, as rookie AJ Green caught the go-ahead touchdown.

Ted Ginn Jr. returned one punt and one kickoff the distance, as the 49ers held off Seattle.

Chicago's defense forced three turnovers and Jay Cutler threw two touchdowns as Chicago beat Atlanta.

Rex Grossman looked like 2006 as he threw two touchdowns in the Redskins win over the Giants.

Ryan Fitzpatrick threw four touchdowns as Buffalo clobbered Kansas City, forcing three turnovers.

LeSean McCoy ran for 122 yards and a touchdown as Philadelphia defeated St. Louis 31-13.

Matthew Stafford threw three touchdowns and the Lions defense held Josh Freeman in check in a 27-20 win over Tampa Bay.

Matt Hasselbeck was thrown around all game, and Maurice Jones-Drew ran for a score in Jacksonville's win over Tennessee.

Ben Tate ran for 116 yards and a score and Houston blew out Kerry Collins and the Colts 34-7.

Kevin Kolb threw two touchdowns, Patrick Peterson returned a punt the distance and Arizona held off Cam Newton and Carolina.

Phillp Rivers was sloppy, but so was Donovan McNabb, as the Chargers held off Minnesota.

Monday Night Predictions
New England 28, Miami 10
Oakland 17, Denver 31

College Football Recap: Thrillers All Over the Country Highlight Action

2011-09-11T08:20:00.000-07:00

Notre Dame had Michigan beaten. They were up 24-7 in the fourth quarter, and they had just forced a fumble. The Irish had quieted the Big House.

As Lee Corso would say, "not so fast!"

Michigan agreed.

Denard Robinson hit Roy Roundree for a touchdown with two seconds left as the Big Blue took down Notre Dame with four fourth quarter touchdowns. Michigan dropped Notre Dame to 0-2.

With the Irish up 24-7, Michigan fumbled at the Notre Dame 1, but Denard Robinson recovered and sped in for the touchdown. Notre Dame went three-and out.

The Wolverines marched right down the field, and Denard Robinson and Jeremy Gallon executed a fade perfectly for a touchdown. It looked like Notre Dame would answer, but the Big Blue forced a fumble.

Michigan was poised to take the lead, but Robinson threw an interception and Notre Dame had a chance to put it away.

However, the Irish did nothing, and the Big Blue responded. Robinson got Michigan into Notre Dame territory, then threw a touchdown to Vincent Smith on a screen. Smith broke a tackle and juked a couple people before reaching his destination.

While Notre Dame had been quiet for a while, they finally woke up. Rees hit Theo Riddick on a slant for a 29-yard touchdown with 30 seconds left. It looked like Notre Dame had escaped.

But again, "not so fast." Robinson and Gallon connected on a 64-yard pass to get the Wolverines at the Notre Dame 16 with eight seconds left. Then, the fade.

"The fade" worked perfectly. Robinson found Roy Roundtree for a 16-yard, game-winning touchdown as the Wolverines took the first night game in the Big House.

While the Wolverines-Fighting Irish game was the highlight of the day (and night), we had some other tight tilts. One was in the SEC.

South Carolina dropped Georgia to 0-2 with a 45-42 win, where you saw a back-and-forth scoring affair. In the fourth quarter, the two teams combined for 39 points.

The Cocks had a lot of help from defense and special teams. Melvin Ingram scored on a fake punt, and he recovered a fumble for a touchdown. Antonio Allen also intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown.

However, Marcus Lattimore and South Carolina were good. Lattimore's two-yard touchdown gave South Carolina a 38-35 lead, then Jadeavon Clowney sacked Aaron Murray and forced a fumble...

Ingram picked it up for a touchdown, and while Georgia answered with a quick score, it wasn't enough. South Carolina held on for a huge victory.

Another thriller featured California and Colorado. Zach Maynard and Cal battled until the end, and late in the third quarter, they held a 23-13 lead and they looked poised to win.

However, Paul Richardson didn't think so. He turned a couple short completions into long touchdowns, and Colorado took the lead. CJ Anderson got it back with a touchdown run up the middle, but Colorado tied it.

In overtime, the Buffs pulled ahead, but Cal answered back. Maynard hit Keenan Allen to convert a 1st and 30, then went back to him on a corner to win the game for Cal.

Green Bay is Going to Be a Good Team for Years to Come

2011-09-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

The Green Bay Packers relied on Brett Favre to bring them a championship for so many years. And so many times, he failed.

Now, it's Aaron Rodgers. Happy?

Green Bay is.

And they sure have reason to be.

Rodgers' led the Packers to 42 points, and the Packers defense made a huge goal-line stand as Green Bay beat New Orleans in the NFL season opener.

While Rodgers and Drew Brees were spectacular, Randall Cobb stole a lot of the show. He returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown, and in the process, he did a flip and somehow maintained his balance.

The Packers are pretty much the same team, and while new contenders come and go, the Packers will be up there for a while. They have a good defense, although it gave up 34 points Thursday.

Greg Jennings continued to make great catches and solidify his position as the core of the receivers, while Cobb, Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver, and Jermichael Finley are the secondary receivers.

At running back, where the Packers are improving, James Starks and Ryan Grant split carries. Starks played better, rushing for 57 yards and a touchdown.

Ryan Grant is young, but the injury bug has plagued him. James Starks had a successful postseason, as he was the Packers go-to back from the last two games of the regular season until the Super Bowl.

Grant struggled to find holes, and while he rushed well, it looks like the Packers are going to go with the future-now decision and give Starks the starting nod. He has a good O-line to work with.

While the defense struggled, they made two huge stands, including stopping Mark Ingram short of the end zone on the last play of the game, sealing the 42-34 win.

The other time, they forced Drew Brees to throw an incomplete pass on fourth and one, with great pressure. The D thrived in the postseason, and will do the same here.

The Packers will likely dominate Carolina, especially young Cam Newton. The pressure will be key, and if they execute it, Green Bay is easily 2-0.

Green Bay has a young team, and the Packers have been able to succeed. They already took the hardest game of the year. And everyone played a part. Like last year.

Everything is like last year in Green Bay. Just this year.

BD Top 25 Polls; Week One

2011-09-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

College football is sure to generate twists, suspense, surprises, and much, much more in the current 2011 season. If you blink, you miss it.

And if you blink, you miss the rankings. That's how fast the season goes. So, without further ado, the BD Top 25 Rankings.

Note: Still Pending Result of Miami Florida-Maryland game.

25. Arizona State
24. Penn State
23. USC
22. TCU
21. Auburn
20. West Virginia
19. Missouri
18. Florida
17. Michigan State
16. Mississippi State
15. Ohio State
14. Arkansas
13. South Carolina
12. Virginia Tech
11. Oklahoma State
10. Nebraska
9. Oregon
8. Texas A&M
7. Wisconsin
6. Florida State
5. Alabama
4. Stanford
3. Boise State
2. LSU
1. Oklahoma

Others
Notre Dame, Georgia, Northwestern, Miami (FL), Texas, Iowa, BYU, Michigan, Houston, Air Force, NC State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee

College Football Pick 'Em
College Football Pick 'Em is back! I'll list a few games to pick the result of and each game adds an amount of points to your total. Comment on my article if you'd like to join.

Fan-Picked Polls
Fan-Picked Polls are back! I will list a bunch of worthy teams to pick from and the teams that get the most votes by a certain deadline will be in the Top 25.