The Good

The Super Bowl on Sunday will be broadcast by NBC, and I would like to thank Al Michaels for doing the game in advance.  This might be the last Super Bowl for the team, since they won’t have another one for at least 3 more years.  Out of all the broadcast teams, Michaels and Madden, have been the most entertaining and intelligent.  The rest of them can take a hike, because I am waiting for the time when I can turn the broadcast off, listen to the game in Surround Sound, and just have the PA Announcer from the Stadium.  I know what you are going to say…NBC tried it already and it was a major flop.  Well at that time, NBC did not have the fancy graphics package that shows us down, yardage, penalties, player names, etc.  Also with Directv Sunday Ticket you can follow the game stats while watching the game, thanks to the handy red button.

The Bad

So what is preventing the switch?  Ego.  If we went to a no nonsense broadcast who would pay Phil Simms ridiculous amounts of money to sound like an Jackass?  We wouldn’t get to hear the ex-player talk about his experience and get his view point on life from the millionaire’s club.  To be honest, if the networks were smart they could use the create a seperate sound broadcast for those of us that don’t want to hear the Awful Announcing.  It could be used much like the SAP button is used for spanish broadcasts.  Another good “idea” would be to cut out the high paid third/fourth wheels in the booth and just stick to a two man show.  The country as a whole has past the “Talking Heads” in football knowledge, due to the sheer amount of games seen and video games played.  A lot of guys are tired of explaining to their wives/girlfriends why the so called “smart broadcasters” are wrong in play calls.  You see from my 50 inch HDTV I can see the play a whole lot better then Joe Buck can, some 300 feet away in the booth looking down at a 19 inch monitor.

And...The Ugly.

The guys that are really important are the ones running the show from the broadcast truck who give us the replays we need to see.  And the camara men on the field are also the ones who give us such a great shot of the game anyway.  I would give them all a raise and fire the crappy “talent” in the booth they have working for regional broadcasts.  So maybe they have to keep the National Broadcast Announcers for the general public.  At least give me an option of not listening to them and enjoying a “game like” experience in my living room.  Technology has come a long way, I just want the ability to selectively mute out Phil Simms, someone please make that happen.

Kevin Durant

The Cavs Should Be A Hot Ticket

This weekend brings us a break in the action from the NFL and we get to see the NHL All-Star game in Montreal.  I hope everyone is over their Holiday Hangover and ready for the post-Super Bowl lull before March Madness.  2009 has been interesting so far, we have a new President and maybe a new outlook on life.  We still however are in the same economic downturn and might not be seeing as many games as we normally would want to see.  I would like to point out that if you are gainfully employed and still living comfortably, now is not the time to sit at home and watch.

Pens Need to Get Some Wins

There are a few good things that have happened due to the recession.  First, gas prices are back to being relatively manageable.  Second, with less people traveling the roads aren’t as packed.  And third, there are plenty of hotel deals out there to be had.  So if you are up to any traveling over the winter be it for skiing/snowboarding, visiting friends/family, or just want to visit someplace new, I suggest you try to catch a hockey, basketball, or spring training game.  This is the hangover time when prices are usually down from football season and the hyped holiday events are over.  So here are a few rivalries, within driving distance, you might want to check out during the Break In The Action.

NHL Action (All Games Listed are played Friday through Sunday for weekend travel)

Steve Mason is Becoming a Stud

1. Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals (2/22) and (3/8) Both Sunday match ups will be on National TV and will have a good mix of home and away fans.  Not to mention the Ovechkin/Semin vs. Crosby/Malkin match up.
2. New Jersey Devils at Philadelphia Flyers (3/1) Both teams are battling for the Division Lead.  Plus, the Devils can score now, so it will be an interesting Sunday game.
3. Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers (2/15) Another great inner division match up and two cities that don’t like each other.  Another Sunday TV game for the rest of us.
4. San Jose Sharks at Anaheim Ducks (3/15)  Should be a good Sunday battle between two of the Best in the West.
5. Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers (2/21) A fun Saturday night for all the Canadians in Alberta, check out the NHL network for the rest of us.
   

   Get a Room You Two

6. Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins (2/6) & vs Detroit Red Wings (2/13) So I had to get the Blue Jackets in here twice.  They have a great rookie Goaltender who is worth seeing.  Both games are on Friday nights.
7. Phoenix Coyotes at LA Kings (2/21)  The Coyotes are playing for their franchise life and a drive through the desert for a Saturday night game won’t be too bad.
8. Toronto Maple Leafs at Montreal Canadiens (2/7) Another Hockey Night in Canada tilt, and no love lost here.
9. Carolina Hurricanes at Atlanta Thrashers (2/28) For those in the Southeastern Division who want to check out Atlanta for a Saturday Night Game.
10. Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senetors - (2/28)  And finally the battle for Ontario between the Leafs and Sens.
    

    Sweet Goal

NBA Action

1. Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers (2/22)  Easy drive for an important Sunday match up, just hope there isn’t any Lake Affect Snow.
   

   Paul Pierce

2. Boston Celtics at New York Knicks (2/6) This one is for all those Obnoxious Celtics fans who might want to head to NYC on a Friday night to rub it in.
3. LA Lakers at Phoenix Suns (3/1)  Should be a great Sunday day game and entertaining as usual.
4. New Jersey Nets at Philadelphia 76ers (1/31)  Ok, so if you are a Nets fan you might be proud to drive down the Jersey Turnpike and visit a much nicer city (appearance, not fans).
5. Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets (2/20)  There shouldn’t be any thunderstorms in Houston this time of year so traveling down from Dallas should be fine.
6. Miami Heat at Orlando Magic (2/22)  I know it is tough to get Heat fans and people in Miami to leave the beach to head to Orlando.  But, this match up should be fun to watch.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder at Dallas Mavericks (2/27)  This is a good reason for Thunder fans to go watch their team “develop” outside their own arena.
8. Chicago Bulls at Indiana Pacers (2/22)  Another easy drive weather permitting.  Maybe not as fun as when Jordan and Miller played but still a good time.
   

   Dwight Howard

9. Milwakee Bucks at Chicago Bulls (3/6)  Here’s an excuse to travel to the Second City and enjoy slightly different fattening foods.
10. Washington Wizards at New Jersey Nets (2/20)  Here is a stop over game for any Wizards fans who want to catch a game before heading into the city.

1. Ticket Availability - Two teams make it the game so that means two sets of season ticket holders are put in a “lottery” to see who gets tickets.  Most stadiums hold around 70,000 people and if 80-90% are season ticket holders, that means that 60,000 seats are in the lottery.  So for the Superbowl you can hold around 70,000 or more.  After all the corporate sponsors eat up their hand out tickets, there are probably only 40,000 to 50,000 seats left for the two teams.  So divide that by two and that means each team gets to “hand out” 20,000 to 25,000 tickets.  So you have less then a 1 in 4 chance of getting tickets to the game as a season ticket holder.  You really need the Golden Ticket to get tickets as a Season Ticket Holder.
2. Ticket Price - The way the Superbowl ticket prices and playoff prices has risen over the past few years is ridiculous.  I believe face value tickets this year will be between $500 and $750 a piece.  So if you are “fortunate” enough to pay that price then you are getting a deal.  As far as getting tickets in the secondary market, you are looking at paying at least $1,000 per ticket if not a few thousand per.
3. Hotel Availability - So Hotel prices are going to be through the roof and probably booked by now, so what do you do.  Well thankfully Florida has a lot of Hotels, so staying in Ft. Myers or Orlando might be a good idea.
4. Flight Availability - With the amount of people coming in to party.  Just like a Bowl game, sometimes making a vacation out of the trip is a great idea.  Taking a road trip might also be a great idea.
5. Event Availability - So the Superbowl Parties are apparently the best part of the Superbowl, so how as an average fan do you get in to these events?  Well unless you know someone, I really can’t help you.  What you can do is go to some of the “Open” ones and then maybe make some connections.  Also you also might be able to find passes online, but beware of scams.

So Basically, I am trying not to steer you away from attending a great yearly event.  But if you want to do it once in a lifetime, I suggest you save up, plan accordingly, and make sure your favorite team is playing.  Even if your team doesn’t win, I hope you can enjoy the experience.

A few tips for those heading to for the Bowl Season.

Florida Bowls:

1. If you are going to Tampa/Miami/Orlando area’s take advantage of all the regional airports.  Flying into Ft. Myers isn’t a bad option for Tampa.  And the drive across the Everglades to Miami goes from pretty cool/boring as you see hundreds of Alligators.
2. Stay with Family or Friends if you can!
3. Look for Condo/Timeshare Rentals and compare to Hotel Prices.  You might be surprised with the deal you can get, especially if you have a big group of people.
4. Go Early or Stay Late.  Hey you are in Florida in January, have some fun while you are there.  Hang out on the Beach, or check out Cruise Deals for after New Years and take a vacation.
5. Road Trip.  Gas prices are the lowest they have been in 5 years.  Take advantage and take the Family across America.  It might be cheaper then flying.

Cross Country Tips:

1. Take the family on a cross country vacation to and from the Bowl game.
2. Rent an RV for the trip, it might be cheaper then a hotel and airfare.
3. Stay with Friends and Family, always a good idea.
4. Buy a Bowl Package, it might be pricier but it will contain tickets, flight, hotel and usually transportation.
5. See if you can use hotel or credit card points for your hotel nights.

Tailgating/Game Tips:

1. If you are coming a long way buy drinks/food at a local grocery store and buy a Styrofoam cooler for them.
2. If you are close to home tailgate as usual, no need to change a good thing.
3. Find out when the parking lots open and be early, that will give you plenty of time to enjoy the last game of the season.
4. Visit your school’s hospitality tent (or stop in on your opponents tent at your own risk).
5. Bring your school’s colored beads, you will be a hit and make sure to spread them out to the opposition.
6. Get your merchandise early.  T-shirts and Patches go quick so make sure you get what you want early.
7. Take a walk around and visit other tailgates.  Bowl games are great places to make new friends!
8. Make sure you bring sunglasses (Especially if your game is in Florida/California/Arizona).
9. If you don’t have your own tailgate visit the sponsorship tailgate (it may cost you to get in though).
10. Enjoy your opponents band/tradition you never know when you will play them again.

So let’s take a look at the Bowl Schedule and Prices.

	Date/Time/TV	Bowl	Site	Opponents
	Saturday Dec. 20 Time 4:30 ESPN	St. Petersburg Bowl St. Petersbury Bowl TicketsFrom $58	St. Petersburg, FL Tropicana Field	South Florida vs. Memphis
	Saturday Dec. 20 11:00 am ET ESPN	EagleBank Bowl EagleBank Bowl TicketsFrom $60	Washington, DC RFK Stadium	Navy vs. Wake Forest
	Saturday Dec. 20 4:30 pm ET ESPN	New Mexico Bowl New Mexico Bowl TicketsFrom $35	Albuquerque, NM University Stadium	Colorado State vs. Fresno State
	Saturday Dec. 20 8:00 pm ET ESPN	Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl Las Vegas Bowl TicketsFrom $47	Las Vegas, NV Sam Boyd Stadium	Arizona vs. BYU
	Sunday Dec. 21 8:00 pm ET ESPN	R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl New Orleans Bowl TicketsFrom $45	New Orleans, LA Louisiana Superdome	Troy vs. Southern Miss
	Tuesday Dec. 23 8 :00 pm ET ESPN	San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl Poinsettia Bowl TicketsFrom $42	San Diego, CA Qualcomm Stadium	TCU vs. Boise State
	Wednesday Dec. 24 8:00 pm ET ESPN	Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl Hawaii Bowl TicketsFrom $44	Honolulu, HI Aloha Stadium	Hawaii vs. Notre Dame
	Friday Dec. 26 7:30 pm ET ESPN	Motor City Bowl Motor City Bowl TicketsFrom $32	Detroit, MI Ford Field	Central Michigan vs. Florida Atlantic
	Saturday Dec. 27 1:00 pm ET ESPN	Meineke Car Care Bowl Meineke Car Care Bowl TicketsFrom $57	Charlotte, NC Bank of America Stadium	North Carolina vs. West Virginia
	Saturday Dec. 27 4:30 pm ET ESPN	Champs Sports Bowl Champs Sports Bowl TicketsFrom $43	Orlando, FL Florida Citrus Bowl	Florida State vs. Wisconsin
	Saturday Dec. 27 8:00 pm ET ESPN	Emerald Bowl Emerald Bowl TicketsFrom $70	San Francisco, CA AT&T Park	Miami vs. Cal
	Sunday Dec. 28 8:00 pm ET ESPN	PetroSun Independence Bowl Independence Bowl TicketsFrom $20	Shreveport, LA Independence Stadium	Northern Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech
	Monday Dec. 29 2 :00 pm ET ESPN2	PapaJohns.com Bowl Papajohns.com Bowl TicketsFrom $95	Birmingham, AL Legion Field	Rutgers vs. NC State
	Monday Dec. 29 8:00 pm ET ESPN	Valero Alamo Bowl Alamo Bowl TicketsFrom $28	San Antonio, TX Alamodome	Northwestern vs. Missouri
	Tuesday Dec. 30 4:30 pm ET ESPN2	Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl Humanitarian Bowl TicketsFrom $24	Boise, ID Bronco Stadium	Nevada vs. Maryland
	Tuesday Dec. 30 8:00 pm ET NFL Network	Texas Bowl Texas Bowl TicketsFrom $18	Houston, TX Reliant Stadium	Western Michigan vs. Rice
	Tuesday Dec. 30 8:00 pm ET ESPN	Pacific Life Holiday Bowl Holiday Bowl TicketsFrom $30	San Diego, CA Qualcomm Stadium	Oregon vs. Oklahoma State
	Wednesday Dec. 31 12:30 pm ET ESPN	Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl Armed Forces Bowl TicketsFrom $30	Fort Worth, TX Amon G. Carter Stadium	Air Force vs. Houston
	Wednesday Dec. 31 2:00 pm ET CBS	Brut Sun Bowl Sun Bowl TicketsFrom $15	El Paso, TX Sun Bowl Stadium	Oregon State vs. Pitt
	Wednesday Dec. 31 3:30 pm ET ESPN	Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl Music City Bowl TicketsFrom $3	Nashville, TN LP Field	Vanderbilt vs. Boston College
	Wednesday Dec. 31 5:30 pm ET NFL Network	Insight Bowl Insight Bowl TicketsFrom $35	Tempe, AZ Sun Devil Stadium	Minnesota vs. Kansas
	Wednesday Dec. 31 7:30 pm ET ESPN	Chick-fil-A Bowl Chick-Fil-A Bowl TicketsFrom $60	Atlanta, GA Georgia Dome	LSU vs. Georgia Tech
	Thursday Jan. 1 11:00 am ET ESPN	Outback Bowl Outback Bowl TicketsFrom $59	Tampa, FL Raymond James Stadium	Iowa vs. South Carolina
	Thursday Jan. 1 12:00 pm ET CBS	Konica Minolta Gator Bowl Gator Bowl TicketsFrom $65	Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Stadium	Clemson vs. Nebraska
	Thursday Jan. 1 1:00 pm ET ABC	Capital One Bowl Capital One Bowl TicketsFrom $73	Orlando, FL Florida Citrus Bowl	Michigan State vs. Georgia
	Thursday Jan. 1 5:00 pm ET ABC	Rose Bowl presented by Citi 2009 Rose Bowl TicketsFrom $230	Pasadena, CA Rose Bowl	Penn State vs. Southern Cal
	Thursday Jan. 1 8:30 pm ET FOX	FedEx Orange Bowl 2009 Orange Bowl TicketsFrom $17	Miami, FL Dolphins Stadium	Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
	Friday Jan. 2 2:00 pm ET FOX	AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Cotton Bowl TicketsFrom $63	Dallas, TX Cotton Bowl	Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss
	Friday Jan. 2 5:00 pm ET ESPN	AutoZone Liberty Bowl Liberty Bowl TicketsFrom $45	Memphis, TN Liberty Bowl Stadium	ECU vs. Kentucky
	Friday Jan. 2 8:00 pm ET FOX	Allstate Sugar Bowl 2009 Sugar Bowl TicketsFrom $140	New Orleans, LA Superdome	Utah vs. Alabama
	Saturday Jan. 3 12:00 pm ET ESPN2	International Bowl International Bowl TicketsFrom $42	Toronto, Canada Rogers Centre	UConn vs. Buffalo
	Monday Jan. 5 8:00 pm ET FOX	Tostitos Fiesta Bowl 2009 Fiesta Bowl TicketsFrom $160	Glendale, AZ Univ of Phoenix Stadium	Ohio State vs. Texas
	Tuesday Jan. 6 8:00 pm ET ESPN	GMAC Bowl GMAC Bowl TicketsFrom $52	Mobile, AL Ladd Peebles Stadium	Ball State vs. Tulsa
	Thursday Jan. 8 9 :00 pm ET FOX	BCS National Championship BCS National Championship TicketsFrom $490	Miami, FL Dolphin Stadium	Oklahoma vs. Florida

Joe Paterno

Penn State plays Michigan State this weekend in Happy Valley, in what could be Joe Paterno’s final home game.  There has been a lot of debate on wether this is in fact Joe’s last season as Head Coach of Penn State football.  Much like the US Presidency, Joe gets a new contract every four years.  The only difference is he has had a lot more then two terms.  But this is the final year on his most current deal and there hasn’t been a new contract just yet.  So is this it for Joe Paterno?  I think if there was a time to go, now might be the best time for him and the program.

Hard to Criticize

To see my reasoning, let’s look at the reasons Joe should stay.  First the man is Penn State football and everyone agrees he should go out on his own terms.  Second, he is a great man and has turned into a loved do no wrong grandfather figure.  And lastly, over the past 4 years he has won 3 bowl games and is on the brink of his second Rose Bowl berth.  So…what are the reasons he should go?  First of all is his health, he hasn’t been on the sidelines for over a month now and after seeing him get hit at Wisconsin (in person) I don’t think it is very safe for him down there.  Second, how involved is he in the actual game management?  I am not sure anyone outside the program really knows.  And finally, does he still have the edge to want to compete for a national championship?  I think the 60-90’s JoePa doesn’t even come close to losing at Iowa and wouldn’t have let a team with a bye go on the road so unprepared.

As Iconic as the Lion Shrine?

You Bet!

So depending on your thought process you could go either way.  Being loyal is a noble thing, and I bet Michigan wishes they were a little more loyal to Lloyd Carr right now.  But, how can you make a solid transition from a JoePa led Penn State Program to one without him.  My answer is you have to create a position for him.  Obviously Joe loves coaching and teaching his players.  That is something the program doesn’t want to lose or at least shouldn’t want to lose.  Also his presence helps recruiting, so if you let him go, do you have as strong of a recruiting program.  If Penn State was creative they should give someone inside the program the Interim Head Coach title and JoePa some kind of Head of the Football Program title.  I assume Tom Bradley would become the new Head Coach at some point, but an Interim tag would lend for a tryout/transition away from the Paterno legacy all the while keeping him close to the Penn State program.  A head coach needs to be in control of so many things, but most important is game management and recruiting.  An Interim Head Coach gives you better on the field game management and with JoePa still involved on the teaching/recruiting side you don’t lose an edge in the off season.

Graham Harell Leads Texas Tech

If JoePa can change to a spread offense, I am sure someone could talk him into a lesser role just to stay involved in the program.  It really is in the best interest of the players, students, school, coaches, and administration.  And that is the order of importance that should be considered.

So it is Rivalry Week this week.  Here are the top 10 games!

1. #2 Texas Tech at #5 Oklahoma - No Big Deal, just a National Championship Game is on the line.
2. #15 Michigan State at Penn State - Battle of the Land Grant Trophy
3. #14 BYU at #7 Utah - It is sad this game isn’t on national TV
4. #21 Oregon State at Cal - Oregon State’s Rose Bowl destiny are in their own hands.  A Penn State win means an unlikely rematch.
5. Michigan at #10 Ohio State - Welcome to the Filled in Horseshoe Rich.
6. Florida State at #25 Maryland - Black Out in College Park.  We are still waiting for someone from the ACC to step up…anyone???
7. #20 Pittsburgh at #19 Cincinnati - Apparently the Big East Champion is BCS Bowl eligible…who knew?
   

   Land Grant Rivalry

8. Ole Miss at #18 LSU - SEC teams have more bye weeks then NFL teams
9. #9 Boise State at Nevada - The Mountain West needs some love, big time.
10. NC State at #22 North Carolina - Note to Tar Heels fans, you need to keep Butch Davis.

At least their Students can rush the field.

To be honest I am not too excited about football this weekend.  Last weekend was brutally heartbreaking for me.  After watching my Nittany Lions blow a perfect season (due to horrendous coaching and play calling) and the Steelers screwing up a winnable game against the Colts, I am not very happy.  So I guess the good news of the week is that my Penguins came back twice against the Flyers and Red Wings.  I also got to see the Captitals spank the Rangers in person last Saturday so that made me feel a little better.

But there really is nothing excusable for what Penn State did on Saturday.  They just had a bye week and should have been focused on finishing off the season.  Instead, they showed up gave away a touchdown because of a fumble on the first drive and then played mediocre the rest of the game.  First the first drive was reminiscent of the Michigan game when they went down early.  The big difference there was at least the Lions were home against Michigan and not playing in terrible wind conditions.  I have to give it to Kirk Ferentz, he owns JoePa, and I knew after the interception in the fourth quarter that they would drive to kick a game winning field goal…again.  I had the pleasure of watching Iowa beat us by in overtime and by a field goal before, it is gut wrenching and obviously exciting for Hawkeye alum, students, and fans.  My main problem was the offensive (no pun intended) play calling pretty much during the entire game, but more importantly in the fourth quarter.  So you make a great play to get to the Iowa 30, pretty much you have run all day with both tailbacks and have gotten positiver yardage.  You are going into a 20 mph head wind, what do you do?  Well I can tell you what you don’t do.  You do not call the exact same play that you already scored a Touchdown on…the defense saw that already and now stopped it.  You also don’t run a reverse to the SHORT SIDE of the field.

Hi My Name is Kirk and I own JoePa

Memo to JoePa and Offensive Coaching Staff:  When you have playmakers in the backfield you don’t run them to the short side of the field.  By doing this you effectively take away the playmakers ability to make something out of nothing.  This also includes option plays and screens.  I am pretty sure Pete Carroll never optioned Reggie Bush to the short side of the field.

So you then throw a bad interception negating a field goal opportunity, which probably would have been missed due to the head wind.  The major problem here is you should have went for two back at the end of the 3rd quarter when you scored to go up by 10 instead of 9.  So touchdown and field goal and you lose by 1 point.  I will say this that we did have an unfortunate pass interference call on the last drive, but don’t put your players in that position.  Hey as most people who have read this blog know, I am all for the college athlete.  There are times when you will have bad days and games, these are only kids really.  But when you have a coaching staff with an extra week to prepare, having an “off” week that is unacceptable.  So in my mind the players might have lost to Iowa, but the coaches lost the season for the players.

Here are this weekends games to see.

Here's an Idea: Run the Football

1. South Carolina at Florida - Florida wants a national title and their coaches won’t screw it up.
2. Boston College at Florida State - Big time ACC Title Game Implications here.
3. Oklahoma State at Colorado - Can the Cowboys rebound after a tough loss?
4. California at Oregon State - Will Oregon State win another big home game?
5. Ohio State at Illinois - Buckeye Revenge is in order.
6. North Carolina at Maryland - North Carolina could make it to the ACC Championship Game.
7. Notre Dame at Navy - Back to Back wins against the Irish?
8. USC at Stanford - Trojan Revenge will also be in order.
9. Mississippi State at Alabama - Can the Bulldogs keep the scoring to a minimum?
10. Indiana at Penn State - 1999 Revisited?  Watch the players try to save their season as the coaching staff tries to give it away.

"Gosh Steeling Wins is Just Awesome"

Not much to say about the NFL this week, other then Thank Goodness Bye weeks are over!!!!  We are in the lull before the playoff push and there are some solid matchups this week.  I just hope my Steelers don’t blow another winnable home game.  Here are some questions and comments I have for the weekend.

1. Dallas at Washington - I don’t think Portis plays, so can the Skins do it without him?  We know the Cowboys can’t without Romo, so they are glad he is back.
2. San Diego at Pittsburgh - I just don’t know what Steelers team will show.
3. Denver at Atlanta - The Falcons at home are very dangerous, proving Rookie QB’s are affected in hostile atmospheres.
4. Minnesota at Tampa Bay - The Bucs at home are strong and can stop the run.  Can they stop All Day?
5. Chicago at Green Bay - Whichever team loses here won’t make the playoffs.
6. Baltimore at New York Giants - If the Ravens think they are for real, you need to play well on the road against the Champs.
   

   I heart Willie Parker

7. Cleveland at Buffalo - Two teams in Self Destruct mode, let’s hope the stadium holds.
8. Tennessee at Jacksonville - Sneaky upset game, I am predicting this one will be close.  And if I am wrong, well the Titans are awesome.
9. Oakland at Miami - Just because the Dolphins are fun to watch and the Raiders aren’t.
10. Houston at Indianapolis - The Colts have a pulse, they stole one from the Texans earlier, can they destroy them this time?

Overall the last week in the sports world has been very exciting.  I especially enjoyed watching the Texas Tech upset against Texas.  Below is Michael Crabtree’s touchdown which might be The college play of the year.  Also I got to enjoy my Steelers taking it to the Redskins Monday Night.  Pittsburgh has been a little Jekyl and Hyde this year, which makes me a little nervous.  The offense obviously needs Willie Parker and Santonio Holmes, I am just glad the Defense shows up every week.

So a couple big time games in College Football this week and a few trap games to look out for.  Here is my Top 10 for Saturday November 8th, 2008.  Here are ABC’s regional coverage maps.

1. Oklahoma State at Texas Tech - Tech has a rough two weeks ahead.
2. Alabama at LSU - Alabama gets it’s first real away game at LSU.  When they beat Georgia the game was played in Atlanta instead of Athens.
3. Georgia Tech at North Carolina -  Will someone in the ACC please stand up and take charge.  The conference is starting to look like the Big East.
4. California at USC - I think USC will be set in the BCS, even though that loss to Oregon State is pretty bad, when compared to other one loss teams.  Especially Texas/Oklahoma.
5. Ohio State at Northwestern - Big game for Northwestern here and the beginning of my trap games for the Buckeyes, Sooners, and Nittany Lions.
6. Oklahoma at Texas A&M - The Sooners need some help to sneak into the Big 12 title game, a big win here always helps.
7. Penn State at Iowa - Hopefully the pink locker room doesn’t affect the Lions.
8. Clemson at Florida State -
9. Florida at Vanderbilt - Mini trap game for Florida who can get caught…see Ole Miss.
10. Notre Dame at Boston College - Tough game here for Notre Dame especially after losing to Pitt in overtime.

David Price Finishing Games

BJ Upton Almost Snagging a Single

So no Sunday Night game this week courtesy of the World Series.  The World Series could go the distance this year and has some great story lines.  First if I was a Yankee/Red Sox fan I would be nervous for the next few years.  The Rays are for real and it is because of their pitching/young talent.  David Price is proving to be an absolute stud.  He isn’t just closing 9th innings.  He is finishing games going 2 plus innings.  I keep thinking Joe Maddon is the voice from Mortal Kombat and as he hands Price the ball he says “FINISH THEM.”  As far as the lineup, Evan Longoria and BJ Upton have been playing out of their minds.  When 20 somethings excel this much in the playoffs, they will only want to come back for more.  If the Rays can keep their pitching and their core talent they could make a run like the Braves in the 90’s.

Hines will get to see his old teammate Plax

Eli Goes to the Burgh this week

And now on to the Football side of things.  We are getting close to the end of the bye weeks!  Thank.  Goodness.  I am feeling kind of blah about this weeks set of games.  Really, only the Steelers/Giants and Saints/Chargers interest me, because I think the Titans are going to beat down the Colts.  The college football match ups week to week get me more excited for fringe games then some of the horrible Chiefs/Jets type match ups.  First of all I have no problem with the Jets, but the Chiefs are abominable.  If I lived in Kansas City, I would be furious.  The Chiefs are supposed to be a PROFESSIONAL Franchise.  I think major college programs play better week in and week out then those guys.  Everyone in the entire organization is to blame.  If you really think of it, most of the NFL teams should be on par with each other.  They all take talent from the same NCAA pool and narrow it down to 32 teams.  So with the 100 or so NCAA football teams to take talent from, you would think that at least every NFL team would be entertaining to watch.

Can the Brits Handle the Charger Girls

Saints Cheerleaders touring London

And on that note, here are my top 10 for (horrible) week 8 all times EST.  Teams on bye, Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, and Denver.  So after two mediocre 5-5 weeks my total is now 42-28 on the year.

1. NY Giants at Pittsburgh - 4:15 PM - Steelers 31 - Giants 16
2. Indianapolis at Tennessee - 8:30 PM Monday Night - Titans 27 - Colts 17
3. San Diego vs. New Orleans - 1:00 PM London, England - Chargers 41 - Saints 38
4. Tampa Bay at Dallas - 1:00 PM - Bucs 28 - Cowboys 27
5. Buffalo at Miami - 1:00 PM - Bills 24 - Dolphins 17
6. Arizona at Carolina - 1:00 PM - Panthers 22 - Cardnials 17
7. St. Louis at New England - 1:00 PM - Patriots 28 - Rams 24
8. Cleveland at Jacksonville - 4:05 PM - Jaguars 24 - Browns 10
9. Atlanta at Philadelphia - 1:00 PM - Eagles 27 - Falcons 21
10. Kansas City at NY Jets - 1:00 PM - Jets 38 - Chiefs 16

Wembley Stadium will host the Chargers and Saints

PSU comes to the Enclosed Horse Shoe

Evan Royster

Back to a somewhat normal week for me.  So I am excited about Saturday night’s game between my Nittany Lions and the Buckeyes.  For the first time in 10 years it seems that Penn State has a solid offense that can put up points in bunches.  My only worry for Saturday is how the defense will measure up to Beanie Wells.  I think they will be solid, but not as solid as they could be with Sean Lee anchoring the linebackers.  Not too many people are pointing out the fact that if Sean Lee was playing this season the Nittany Lions would have that big time middle linebacker presence they had with Paul Posluszny and Dan Conner.  For those of you who don’t know, Sean Lee injured his knee last spring and is out for the season.  You can see him on the sidelines helping the team with coaching.  I applaud him on staying involved with the team and helping the younger players.

Chris "Beanie" Wells

So here are my top 10 games for week 9 of the NCAA season.  All time EST.

1. Penn State at Ohio State - 8 PM - Big Ten and homer pick of the week.  FYI, apparently there is a scarlet out so it will be tough going in the stands if you are wearing blue, speaking from experience.  You stay classy OHIO.  Seriously, at least try.
2. Georgia at LSU - 3:30 PM - Can the Bulldogs take a bit out of the Tigers?  Interesting BCS ranking for both teams.  Time to see if that preseason number 1 can get a huge road win.
3. Oklahoma State at Texas - 3:30 PM - Time to see if the Oklahoma’s Cowboys can play better then the Cowboys that play in Dallas.  Texas now has the number 1 bullseye, enjoy!
   

   High Flying Horns

4. Texas Tech at Kansas - 12:00 PM - Red Raider Red Raider send the Jayhawks over!  That is a stretch from the god old days of trying to break arms in the playground playing Red Rover.  Did anyone else end up inadvertently tackling a girl trying to break through the line?
5. Alabama at Tennessee - 8:00 PM - I guess old Rocky Top isn’t so happy these days.  Bama has a tough schedule ahead so hopefully this isn’t a trap game.
6. USC at Arizona - 10:15 PM - To all USC fans - Be glad you play in the PAC 10. Love, SEC/Big 12 country.
7. Virginia Tech at Florida State - 3:30 PM - Hokie Hokie High, please beat the Seminoles and make them cry.
8. Virginia at Georgia Tech - 3:30 PM - Virginia is a Jekyll and Hyde type of team.  The Yellow Jackets aren’t terrible so a home win here is not a stretch.
9. Northwestern at Indiana - 12:00 PM - This is for all my NU wildcat friends.  Everyone, the Wildcats are ranked and will be bowling this year!  I think they make it to the Outback Bowl.
10. Oklahoma at Kansas State - 12:30 PM - Maybe losing to Texas and missing the Big 12 Title game could be a good thing for the Sooners.
    

    Number 1...for now

Penn State vs. Illinois - White House Game

Penn State vs. Michigan - Student White Out Game

8:00 AM - Tailgate Lot outside Beaver Stadium

Early Morning Football

Grilling Beef Tenderloin, yum!

Our RV lot as seen from Beaver Stadium

Michigan after Warm Ups

Everyone Loves The Lion!

One Arm Push-ups!

Rich Rodriguez was a little cold that day

Student Section and Old School Colors

Start of the 3rd Quarter and Comeback

Waiting for a TV Timeout

Final Score