Boomer with a Bleacher View

Super Sunday Again Super Bowl XLVI

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:45:00 +0000

Many Super Sundays have been busts but I anticipate a good close game between the Patriots and the Giants. Both teams know each other very well, and both know that the game could hinge on very minor mistakes and a few standout performances.

I like this match-up, and, although I am not a big fan of either team, I would like to see the Giants win this, just to pass around the honors a little. I don't believe it is good for any sport when only one or two teams are dominate. So...spread around the Rings!. Update: Final NY 21, NE 17.

Pittsburg Mayor Luke Ravenstahl Tebows

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:42:00 +0000

Pittsburg Mayor Luke Ravenstahl (Twitter photo)

Pitttsburg Mayor Luke Ravenstahl makes good on a pregame wager as he "Tebows" following the Steelers loss to the Denver Broncos. He also donned a Tebow jersy. Good sport.

Red Sox Mom: Tebowing

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:28:00 +0000

Six-year-old and four-year-old daughters of a Colorado Mom show that, they too, know how to "Tebow." They were also informed by their Mom that Tebow is praying when HE does this. See the link.

Link:
Red Sox Mom: Tebowing

Alabama Crushes LSU 21-0 in BCS Championship

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:39:00 +0000

Alabama Quarterback AJ McCarron

AJ McCarron was nearly perfect in executing Alabama Offensive Coordinator Jim McElwain's game plan and the Alabama Defense of Head Coach Nick Saban would not bend as the Tide Rolled over LSU 21-0 in the BCS National Championship game January 9, 2012.

Alabama Coach Nick Saban

Several Alabama players stepped up their game including running back Eddy Lacy, wide receiver Kevin Norwood and placekicker Jeremy Shelley. On the defensive side, it was a total team effort that shut down LSU, but Nick Gentry and Courtney Upshaw deserve special mention.
Of note, this was the first time we have had a shutout in a BCS championship game, and AJ McCarron is the first SOPHOMORE quarterback to win a national championship.

I took a certain pleasure in watching Alabama fulfill my expectations, including the field goal kicking unit. (See my Previous Post game prediction.)

Nick Gentry

Courtney Upshaw

BCS 2012 National Championship

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:46:00 +0000

I've been distracted by all the bowl games and the NFL and the NBA over the holidays, but now it is time for the big showdown between LSU and Alabama.

My pick to win it all remains Alabama, as I, like so many others, thought Alabama was the better team on the field in Tuscaloosa and should have won the first match with LSU.

Now, I acknowledge that many weeks have gone by and both teams are different now than they were then. But which has improved the most? Many think that LSU has been tested and has risen to the challenge; that LSU is a better team now than when they visited Tuscaloosa. That is possible. This is why I really like this re-match. They are the best two teams in the country and they will each have to bring their best game to New Orleans.

I pick Alabama by 6, which means their field goal kicking team will have to be better than it was during the first match. Much better.

I really enjoyed the Alamo Bowl, Fiesta Bowl and Rose Bowl shoot-outs. I love offense. I love big scores. 7-3 and 9-6 scores do not excite me. Let's hope the LSU and Alabama offenses can produce this time.

Lakers Give the First Game of the season to the Bulls

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:39:00 +0000

The Lakers gave that game away. True, Rose made a good play, actually a really good play, but the Lakers' FOUR consecutive missed free throws is what gave the game away.

Sloppy play, turnovers, missed assignment. Wow. The long layoff really showed. The new players needed more time, that much is obvious.

Bears a Bust? The Pack will SACK!

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 20:28:00 +0000

I like the Chicago Bears; always have. I became a fan first during the 80s when they had that great run to the 1985 Super Bowl XX with Jim McMahon under Mike Ditka.

When Brian Urlacher added enthusiasm to the defense I again began to watch them play decent football. We had high hopes for this 2011 season until QB Cutler went down. Then the RB Forte. Now they also have a player in trouble with the law.

Tonight, the Bears have to travel to play Green Bay. I hope it isn't too much of a slaughter. New polls say the Packers are now America's favorite team (replacing the Cowboys). Oddsmakers favor the Pack to go all the way and then win the Super Bowl.

Newly signed QB Josh McCown will start for the Bears. Game time is 8:20 pm, ET, on NBC.

What most of us recognize is that nothing creates a fan base and maintains loyalty like WINNING! People LOVE to say their team WON, just as though, by association, they are "winners" too. What funny group of people: sports fans.

BCS Bowl Games Worth Watching

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:10:00 +0000

Overall, in the absence of a BCS playoff system, the match-ups in the Bowl Games this year are pretty good. Here are the ones I deem worthy of watching (and why).

The Bowl Games are listed by calendar date

MAACO Bowl Las Vegas Dec 22, 8 pm ET on ESPN. Arizona State vs Boise State. Just because I like to watch Boise.

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl Honolulu, Dec 24, 8:00 pm ET on ESPN. Southern Miss vs Nevada. I watch it just 'cause it's in Hawaii. Southern Miss seems better on paper, but paper records don't count on the field.

Holiday Bowl San Diego Dec 28, 8 pm ET on ESPN. California vs Texas. Holiday Bowl games are famous for exciting finishes. And I love America's Finest City.

CHAMPS Sports Bowl Orlando, Dec 29, 5:30 pm ET on ESPN. Florida State vs Notre Dame. Two 8-4 teams with a lot of history and tradition. A toss-up game.

Velero Alamo Bowl San Antonio, Dec 29, 9:00 pm ET on ESPN. Baylor vs Washington. Heisman winner Robert Griffin III makes this a more interesting game to watch. Should be Baylor's game.

Ticket City Bowl Dallas, January 2, 2012, 12:00 noon ET on ESPNU. Houston vs Penn State. Houston (12-1) was looking at a bigger Bowl until they lost that one game at the end of the season. Sort of a consolation game for both school. Penn State needs redemption but it may have to wait until next season.

Gator Bowl Jacksonville Florida, January 2, 12:00 noon ET on ESPN2. Ohio State vs Florida. I will probably be watching the Ticket City Bowl instead. "Just wait til next year" is the situation with both of these teams.

Outback Bowl Tampa, January 2, 1:00 pm ET on ABC. Michigan State vs Georgia. Them Dogs are perhaps the best three-loss team in the country.

Rose Bowl Pasadena, January 2, 5:00 pm ET on ESPN. Wisconsin vs Oregon. I will be watching. I love them Ducks! Two of the best four teams not in the Championship game.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Glendale AZ, January 2 8:30 pm ET on ESPN. Stanford vs Oklahoma State. The other two of the best four teams not in the BCS Championship. Both had championship bowl aspirations until late in the season. Heisman runner-up Andrew Luck will have his work cut out for him against the Cowboys.

Sugar Bowl New Orleans, January 3, 8:30 pm ET on ESPN. Michigan vs Virginia Tech. This one doesn't get me very excited.

Orange Bowl Miami, January 4, 8:30 pm ET on ESPN. West Virginia vs Clemson. Practically becoming a home game for Clemson. Sorta ho-hum for me.

Cotton Bowl Arlington Texas, January 6, 8:00 pm ET on FOX. Kansas State vs Arkansas. Not likely to generate much interest outside of Kansas and Arkansas.

BCS Championship Game New Orleans, Jan 9, 8:30 pm ET on ESPN. LSU vs Alabama, the match-up of #1 vs #2, the rematch I predicted (and preferred) after LSU beat Alabama 9-6 in a game that I thought Alabama should have won.

Bears Gave One Away to Tebow and Company

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Tim Tebow Denver Broncos QB

The Chicago Bears had the game in the bag and still managed to fumble away a victory on Sunday. But it wasn't just the Marion Barber fumble that gave the Denver Broncos new life, it was the Bears' 4th quarter defensive realignment that provided Tebow with just enough room to get the line of scrimmage moved ten yards at a time. His short passing game was all he needed. Yes, the Bears "prevented" any Hail Mary passes but what a stupid way to lose a game.

The kicking game was amazing. But I hate field goals. The game of football was supposed to be about touchdowns, then they came up with the point after and then the 3 point field goal. Now that the league's best placekickers are regularly putting the ball between the uprights from 55 yards away, offense is geared to getting the ball to the 35. What a difference from the game I grew up with forty years ago.

Albert Pujols Signs With Angels. C J Wilson Signs With Angels.

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:33:00 +0000

Wow. Big money players to a big money city. Albert Pujols signed with the Los Angeles Angels for ten years and a reported $250 million. This only makes sense to me in that he will be able to play Designated Hitter for the last half of his contract. Pujols is 32 and I haven't been impressed with his durability the past couple of years.

But...

With the addition of Orange County home-towner C. J. Wilson from the Rangers (five years, $77 million), I think the Angels have put themselves in position for a run to the World Series in 2012. I can't wait to see how this pans out.

Bears, Lions, Chiefs NFL seasons in flux

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:20:00 +0000

I like the Chicago Bears, but there just doesn't seem to be much hope for the team without Cutler at QB. Have lost all hope after embarrassing loss to Kansas City. Worst case scenario of all: To lose to the Tebow Train and Denver Broncos. Painful. I may not be able to watch. (Oh, but I probably will.)

The Chiefs' Tyler Palko has a chance to shine, and his performance improved this week, with the 10-3 win over the Bears. His real test may be against the Jets this week. Time for a gut-check. Does he have the skill and confidence?

The Detroit Lions deserve a mention. Stafford is decent, but the defense missed Suh up against a surging Saints offense. I've been a Lions fan this year, but they need to win now or I don't see them in the playoffs. Time to "right" the ship; no more self-defeating behavior.

NBA Season Salvaged

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:12:00 +0000

NBA owners have won. The 2011-2012 NBA season will begin on December 25 with a triple-header broadcast schedule.
Here are the opening day games.

(All times are Eastern Standard Time)

Celtics at Knicks Noon (TNT)
Heat at Mavericks 2:30 pm (ABC)
Bulls at Lakers 5:00 pm (ABC)
Magic at Thunder 8:00 pm (ESPN/ESPN3)
Clippers at Warriors 10:30 pm (ESPN/ESPN3)

They plan on a 48-game season. I've pretty much lost interest in these guys. The NBA season and all the playoffs just don't excite me anymore.

2011-2012 NBA season teetering on the brink of disaster

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:15:00 +0000

NBA Commissioner David Stern

NBA players have been offered a 50-50 revenue split, which the owners say is their final offer, or at least their best offer. This lock-out has been going on much too long. Owners say that franchises are failing because players are paid too much, but others point out that many franchises are doing just fine; that the expansion franchises are the ones mostly in trouble, and those are the ones in small markets, or perhaps I should day the smaller markets.

What a mess. The next couple of days will determine whether there will even be a season. if the player reps agree to the latest offer, the proposal will be put to the players, and there are a lot of them who are opposed to it, but can't afford to skip an entire season.

Penn State Coach Joe Paterno Fired

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:23:00 +0000

Joe Paterno

[This is an updated post]
Joe Paterno was one of the most successful coaches in football history. Thousands of words have already been written about Coach Paterno and what actions he took or failed to take regarding the Jerry Sandusky molestation charges at Penn State. I don't know anything but what I read. What I read is not looking very good.

The Penn State Board of Trustees elected to fire Coach Paterno, along with University President Graham Spanier. This had been expected by most sports fans and coaches, at least here in the USA. Paterno's support weakened as each day passed. On Wednesday, Nov 9, he held a press conference to announce that 2011 would be his final season and he would retire. The decision of when to leave was not left up to him.

In announcing his retirement, Paterno said that the Board of Trustees should not spend any more time on this matter. Well, that pretty much sealed his fate. To me, that remark reflects a man who still did not understand the gravity of the accusations and his lack of moral leadership. In the end, Joe Paterno just did not get it.

I won't have anything further to say about the legal and moral responsibilities of a man in his position other than to remark that I am disappointed.

Bears vs Eagles Monday Night Football

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:36:00 +0000

UPDATE: BEARS BEAT EAGLES 30-24. FORTE IS A BEAST. CUTLER IS BETTER THAN SOME PEOPLE CREDIT HIM. (Oh, yah, and Robbie Gould is like money in the bank!)

Monday night the Bears face off against the Eagles and Michael Vick. This should be a close game and it is a fairly important game for each team.

I am a Bears fan so that's all I can say about that. I will have some comments in this space after the game.

LSU #1, Alabama Falls to # 3 in BCS poll #4 in AP

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:30:00 +0000

Personally, I was hoping Alabama could hang on to the number two spot in the polls, just based on how the game was played; in fact, Alabama played a better game except for the missed field goals. But I understand the new polls and so we live with it. There are still games to be won (and lost).

Alabama is ranked #3 in the BCS poll, just ahead of Stanford and behind Oklahoma State. In the Associated Press poll, Alabama is placed #4, and below Stanford. Oklahoma State is #2 in both polls.

LSU Tigers manage OT win over Alabama to Hang on to Top Spot

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:42:00 +0000

The big coaches will tell us that Defense wins big games. But...the kicking game won and lost this game.

Alabama should have won. Their offense was better...but, their kicker was not.

I'm sure Alabama would love a return engagement against LSU.

LSU vs Alabama pits Number 1 vs Number 2

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:51:00 +0000

The Alabama Crimson Tide host Number 1 Louisiana State University on Saturday night, November 5th, 2011, in an unusual mid-season showdown between teams ranked One and Two in the polls.

The setting on Saturday night will be one of college football's proudest venues, the 100 thousand plus capacity Bryant-Denny Stadium. Game time is 8 pm EDT.

U of Alabama Bryant-Denny Stadium

I predict that the two teams will still be ranked 1-2 after the game unless a blowout shows a weakness in one team or the other that could doom them in future polls.

Since both teams are 8-0 as of game time, I think we will go with the Polls and predict an LSU victory, even in Alabama's home stadium.

This one should be fun to watch, and you can be certain that Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Stanford and Boise State will be paying close attention to the plays, the formations, the stars, and the outcome.

Tony LaRussa to Retire from St. Louis Cardinals

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:14:00 +0000

Tony LaRussa will certainly be remembered in baseball history as one of the great managers. A detail guy, a control guy, a winning guy.

After three World Series Championships, including 2011, the 67-year-old maestro decided it was time to retire.

I just LOVE it when a star player or coach leaves the game at a time of his own choosing, and at the top of his career. That's Tony LaRussa. Who knows, he may be around major league baseball for many years in one administrative capacity or another, but he won't be in the dugout or on the field.

I always liked his style, even though I was not a St. Louis Cardinal fan. I enjoyed watching him manage the big games as well as the regular season.

St. Louis Cardinals Take Game 7 and World Series

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:13:00 +0000

Series MVP Freese

The St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series by beating the Texas Rangers, 6-2, in a series that went to all seven games.

After winning Game 6 on a walk-off home run in the 11th inning, the Cardinals made sure Game 7 never got that far by taking the lead in the third inning and extending it in the fifth and seventh innings.

The Rangers jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, but those would prove to be the only runs they would score Friday night.

The championship is the Cardinals' 11th, the most of any National League franchise and second overall in the majors behind the New York Yankees, who have won 27.

The Rangers lost their second straight World Series despite winning three of the first five games.

The Cardinals were the National League's wild-card entry in the baseball postseason, winning that distinction on the final day of the regular season.

Cardinal's third baseman David Freese was named MVP. He batted .348, with seven RBI, hit three doubles and one huge home run in game 6.

It was a well-fought battle and Major League Baseball benefited by the excitement and large television audience.

Eleventh Inning Walk-off Home Run Saves Cards in Game 6

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:46:00 +0000

I don't think anything in sports is quite so exciting as the "walk-off" home run. It is a sudden death victory for the home team.

The St. Louis Cardinals won Game Six in the bottom of the eleventh inning, 10-9, on a David Freese walk-off home run. In what is being described as one of the most exciting games in baseball history, the Cardinals came back to win after being down to their final out TWICE! Freese was the hero twice as well, having tied the game in the bottom of the ninth inning with a two-run triple.

Game Seven will be played Friday night, October 28, at St. Louis.

I look for a pitching duel but I have no predictions. I has been an exciting Series. The television audience has been big, and deservedly so.

Rangers Keep it Going, now going on to St. Louis

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:19:00 +0000

Congratulations to the Rangers. They won two games that they really needed if they were to have any chance to win the World Series.

After pulling out the game 4-2 on Monday night, that's what they now have, a chance, holding a 3-2 game advantage going to St. Louis for the final game (or two).

I think both teams will be up and ready. Should be a terrific conclusion to the Series. Colby Lewis will be on the mound for the Rangers, and Jaime Garcia for the Cards, a re-match of the Game 2 starters. GAME 6 POSTPONED BY WEATHER UNTIL THURSDAY OCT 27. Game time is 8:05 pm EDT.

Derek Holland Evens Series 2-2

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:08:00 +0000

Derek Holland

Texas Ranger pitcher Derek Holland dominated the St. Louis Cardinals and shut them out 4-0 to even the World Series at two games apiece...

Holland, the 25-year-old lefty, threw 8 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits...

This is now a three-game series to be won or lost in St. Louis. The Rangers host Game 5, then the final games will be played in St. Louis. If the Rangers can take game 5 they may still win it all, but a loss may prove fatal. Nobody in Texas wants to go to St. Louis needing to beat them twice at home.

Game 5, Monday October 24, 2011, 6:05 pm EDT. Chris Carpenter on the mound for St. Louis, CJ Wilson for the Rangers.

Dophins now 0-6. Dan Carpenter Shines

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:54:00 +0000

Dan Carpenter

The Miami Dolphins' 2011 season is in shambles after yet another home loss leaves them 0-6, with the bad taste of Tim Tebow at the back of their throats. With the Dolphins leading 15-0 with just 5:23 to play, Tebow turned HIS game around and the Broncos to an unexpected win in overtime, 18-15...

Two 4th quarter touchdowns, a two-point conversion (Tebow carried it in), to tie it at 15-15 at the end of regulation. Denver won the game with a 52-yard field goal in the overtime.

About the only bright spot for Miami was placekicker Dan Carpenter, who hit three field goals. At least this third-year man out of the University of Montana did his job. Too bad he didn't have a chance to win it in OT.

Michigan State Hail Mary beats Wisc 37-31

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:28:00 +0000

Michigan State University defeated Wisconsin 37-31 in East Lansing, Michigan, on a last second Hail Mary pass on Saturday, October 22, 2011. QB Kirk Cousins threw the pass completion to Keith Nichol. Well, at least he was the guy who caught it. Watch the ball bounce off another player first.