The Sports Halo

Sweet Carolina Blues?

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:47:00 +0000

As winter begins to hit the country with its blustery weather and shorter and shorter days, we can all look forward to a new season of college basketball, which just kicked off. Tomorrow, viewers across the country get the pleasure of watching undoubtedly the best team in the country, the #1 North Carolina Tar Heels. Returning players include the ever quick Ty Lawson, pinpoint shooter Wayne Ellington, rebounding presence Marcus Ginyard, bench master Danny Green, and the man we all know as "Psycho T" Tyler Hansbrough. (Naismith Player of the Year in 2007) or the best player in the country to put it simply. As the Tarheels get set to take on the Kentucky Wildcats, who haven't started off well with a loss to VMI, the Tarheels get set to make yet another run at a national title as they seemingly always do. Why is this year any different you might ask? Well, experience is the answer. With the starting five all juniors or seniors, and in the last two years taking the team to the Elite 8 and the Final 4, the North Carolina Tar Heels are confident that this is the time to hang another banner up in those Dean Dome rafters. Besides, who can challenge the Heels this year? Kansas lost its talent as defending champion, Florida is still rebuilding, Duke and Pitt are waiting in the wings, UCLA is always lurking, but the point is, UNC is just too good right now for anyone. As it looks right now, expect flashes of the '05 season as Coach Roy Williams and the boys parading around Chapel Hill with another deserved title.

Can't Miss Sports Video

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:19:00 +0000

Here at the Sports Halo I'll be starting a new feature, providing a Can't Miss Sports video whenever one arises. (Site taken will be provided or link displayed.)

Today's video: OU gets blasted by Texas fans

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7_OGWACKbA

Tennessee Titans: Ruling the Galaxy Undefeated?

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:51:00 +0000

Titans in ancient myth were beings that ruled over their galaxy, being more powerful than any who came before them, and that exactly what they are trying to prove down in Tennessee in 2008. Heading into Week 11 of the NFL season, the Titans have surprised us all by pulling off win after win, culminating right now with a 9-0 record. Yet perhaps the most shocking to us all, or to me at least, is that the Titans are streaking to a seat next to the '07 Patriots while going through the AFC South, one of the more tougher divisions in football. Well all know that the Patriots were one of the best teams in history, but last year's Jets, Bills, and Fins weren't much of a test. The Titans have outplayed players like Peyton Manning, Maurice Jones-Drew, Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne, David Garrard, the list goes on and on. But they aren't done, and once again, we have a team gunning for perfection nearing the close of the regular season. But can they do it? With a remaining schedule of the Jaguars, Jets, Lions, Browns, Texans, Steelers, and finally the Colts, the odds are against them as they go on the road 4 out of the next 7 final weeks. Still, we are looking at a team that allows just over 13 points a game, the best in the league, so maybe at the end of January we still won't be wondering just how good the Titans are.

Back Again

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:50:00 +0000

Hey guys, although its been awhile, I've decided to come back and keep on writing here. Even though the landscape of sports has changed drastically while I was gone, I'll do my best to fill you in on a daily basis.

Girardi or Torre?

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:11:00 +0000

With the latest shakeup in Major League baseball coaching spots, the most interesting has to be Joe Torre heading west to L.A., and the famed Joe Girardi taking his place with the New York Yankees. Both are excellent coaches, Torre with several World Series rings in his possession, and Girardi recently was named Coach of the Year for the A.L. Now, with both coaches in ideal berths for pennant chases, which will be more successful? Girardi has inherited possibly the winningest franchise in all of North American sports, but with departures of Pettite, Rodriguez, possibly Roger Clemens, and Joe Torre himself, can Joe Girardi doe what Torre could not in the last several years: make it past the ALCS and more importantly, win another World Series for the Bronx. Yet on the opposite coast, the older Joe has given the Dodger organization quite a stir, he has the components with the young players and solid pitching, but Torre's challenge sums up to this: Can his managerial talents stand up to the frustrating years the Dodgers have showcased in the recent past.

In this situation, I want to go with Girardi and the Bombers, but there isn't enough talent that shows me that they can survive and keep their heads above water, especially with their arch-rival and defending World Champion Boston Red Sox looking to push them away as the season will progress. So I guess I'm going to have to say sorry to the Joes; Girardi, you need some time to fill those big ol' shoes Torre left for you, and Torre, your crew out west isn't the hottest thing I can see. Maybe next year guys.

Happy Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 20:51:00 +0000

Happy Halloween! To all you sports fans, from tip off of the NBA season to the Red Sox World Series, or some iced up fun, have blast this Halloween!

Its ROCKTOBER!

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 21:32:00 +0000

For over a decade, fans of the Colorado Rockies haven't had much to cheer about, and they're now getting it all in one sitting. Young stars and older ones alike such as Todd Helton, Matt Holliday, Troy Tullowitzky, Garret Atkins, Yorvit Torrealba have given the Rockies the most memorable year in their history. They had won 1 postseason game in 13 years, now they have won 7 in a row. They had never made an appearance in the NLCS, and never a berth in a World Series, and now they have. Losing only 1 game in almost two months, the Rockies are proving the country and the world....

ITS ROCKTOBER!

National Title Game Still Unclear

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 14:34:00 +0000

After this weekend, the outlook for the BCS Title Game this year in Louisiana is even more unclear than before. On this edition, we examine possible matchups for the game, using the top 25 teams in the nation.

Undefeated Teams

Boston College Eagles
South Florida Bulls
Ohio State Buckeyes

Lets now see scenerios in which teams will be paired against one another, undefeateds and one loss teams alike.

My Pick: Boston College vs Ohio State

If BC loses: OSU vs USF

If OSU and USF lose: BC vs LSU

IF BC and USF lose: OSU vs LSU

And so on...

Now for the complicated part, the one loss teams

IF BC, OSU, USF lose: LSU vs OSU

And fornow we'll leave the rest to imagination

LCS Sets up for History Making

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 22:28:00 +0000

This year in both the ALCS and the NLCS, all four teams carry unusual stories, and one will have their miracle season after all. Lets start with the Boston Red Sox. After the most unbelievable championship droughts in all of sports, the Red Sox could head to the World Series for the second time in five years, the new superpower in MLB. The Cleveland Indians were previously one of the most struggling teams in baseball, but have used their pitching rotation to win the AL Central title in 2007. The Colorado Rockies have been the bandwagon team for undecided fans across the United States, following their amazing 1- game playoff comeback in extra innings, to the sweep of the soaring Phillies, to their first NLCS appearance in history. More impressive, is that they only have 4 postseason wins in their franchise's span. The Arizona Diamondbacks turned it around, leading the turnaround from the laughing stock of the National League, all the way up to legitamate pennant winners and World Series champs. All these teams have MVP type players, and the impatience of youth scattered through their roster. But, like they say, there is only one October, and their will be only one World Champion.

And the Winner Is?

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:45:00 +0000

After top ranked Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, West Virginia, and Rutgers fell in a slew of upsets, who really is the best? And, who are the mos consistent teams in the country? To me, a select few stand out as the elite teams in the country. LSU stays unbeaten, and their defense is the most dominant and unrelenting in the nation. USC has gone relatively unchallenged asides for Washington, where they barely made it out unscathed, but they have what seem to be the best rushing tandem, and as of now are championship bound.

Now for the next tier of elites: the standouts. Boston College leads the pack, 5-0 for the first time in 50 or so years, the Eagles could go unbeaten with the tools they posses. Ohio State leads a balanced passing attack and defensive scheme, but have not faced ay real challenges in the Big 10 thus far, and can't be considered a top tier team. The most exciting team in the nation right now, the South Florida Bulls, have a talented and quick offense across their hard hitting fast-paced defensive pack. Wisconsin also falls in this group. Despite their undefeated season so far, they have looked shaken in nearly every game, and don't have the elite poise and control to be mentioned with the great teams today.

Now for the letdowns. Texas and Oklahoma, fallin in upset fashions to conference foes, don't look so high and mighty now, not to mention this week's Red River Shootout lost a bit of steam as well. Penn State falls low again, they looked talented to me, but upsets to Michigan and Illinois back to back push them farther and farther away from the spotlight, and shows a dissapointing season so far. Florida is somewhere between the last two groups, and will make an interesting flop or jump from this week's powerhouse matchup.

And onto the teams looking to make a splash. Auburn has turned their season around, and the Tigers made an impact by beating the Gators in the swamp last week. Rutgers looks to use their star runner Ray Rice to turn things in the opposite direction by beating the tough Cincinnati defense in a shootout style matchup.

So there you have it. Now its up for you to decide, who is really the best? Here's my top 10.

1. LSU
2. USC
3. California
4. Wisconsin
5. Boston College
6. South Florida
7. Kentucky
8. South Carolina
9. Florida
10. Oklahoma

Irish Fighting to End Skid?

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 23:27:00 +0000

When South Bend is brought to attention, many people would think of athletic and academic excellence, but now, all it revives are stinging memories of a once great football team embarrassing themselves on the national stage. Last year, 10 wins and a BCS bowl berth. This year, nothing of the sort. After losing their worst home opening game in history to the Yellow Jackets from Atlanta, head coach Charlie Weis opted to start Jimmy Clausen, undefeated in high school, to start in Happy Valley against the then 14th ranked Nittany Lions, where they could not score an offensive touchdown. Finally, against storied and also struggling Michigan, they fell mightily 38-0, and Clausen was benched in humiliation. After the game, Weis stated that they would start over, with all positions up for grabs. Now the question is, can the team with the worst overall offense in NCAA football actually win a game anytime soon? Their schedule says, not this month guys. With teams like UCLA, Boston College, USC, and other big name schools, they are set to see nothing but L's on the schedule for quite some time. Hello world, lets get ready to lose again! Seemingly, the Irish of Notre Dame can only fight that mentality, far from actually winning a game.

Quick Lists: Greatest Games

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:29:00 +0000

Every day to involve readers, we will have a different quick list, or top ten in a category of sports. We will start off with the best games in history. (Note these are games that I have seen, and in some way struck me as the most memorable)

1. Miracle on Ice: USA vs. USSR (1980 hockey)

2. Statue of Liberty: Boise State vs Oklahoma (2007 football)

3. We've Done It!: Boston Red Sox vs St. Louis Cardinals (2004 baseball)

4. Hail Mary!: Boston College vs Miami (FL) (1984 football)

5. Bluegrass Miracle: LSU vs Kentucky (2002 football)

6. Miracle in Michigan: Colorado vs Michigan (1994 football)

7. Who is Texas Western?: Texas Western vs Kentucky (1966 basketball)

8. Helmet Off: Denver Broncos vs Atlanta Falcons (1998 football)

9. See Vince Run!: Texas vs. USC (2005 football)

10. Champions Again: Florida vs Ohio State (2007 basketball)

Feel free to send in your own condensed lists of top ten memorable games!

Best Sports Movies List

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 01:02:00 +0000

Feel free to disagree, but here are my favorite sports movies. Note, there may be a few ties between the better ones. Here it is!

1. Miracle (hockey)

2. We Are Marshall (football)

2. Friday Night Lights (football)

4. Glory Road (basketball)

5. Rudy (football)

6. The Greatest Game Ever Played (golf)

7. Remember the Titans (football)

8. Invincible (football)

9. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (dodgeball)

10. Bad News Bears (baseball)

College Football Player Rankings- Quarterbacks

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:41:00 +0000

Now lets rank the best overall players in the nation, and lets start off with the flagship of the offense, the quarterback.

1. Brian Brohm- Louisville: Brohm has the leadership, and weapons on the Cardinal offense to put up big yards and scorch opposing defenses. Brohm's arm power and pinpoint accuracy make him a QB front runner for the Heisman, and as a member of the Orange Bowl winning team over Wake Forest last January, Brian Brohm aims for higher goals, such as a possible national championship berth or a BCS Bowl Game.

2. John David Booty- USC: Booty brings a lot to the table for the Trojan's offense, as he completed his first year as a starter at USC with over 3000 yards through the air and 29 passing touchdowns. Booty has the USC team around him, and can possibly go for 4000 yards and 35 TD's with his potential, not to mention the leadership, accuracy, and pocket poise that can lead the USC team to the national championship game in Baton Rouge.

3. Colt Brennan- Hawaii: Brennan has already shown that he can be the best QB in college football, and a top notch variety in maybe the NFL one day, and his potential has expectations for him around the notch of an undefeated season, 60 TD passes, and 5000+ passing yards. Brennan can put up those numbers, yet it has lead to some doubts that his conference is too easy, which is why he is ranked at number 3 instead of the best overall quarterback in NCAAF.

4. Chad Henne- Michigan: Despite suffering one of the most horrendous upsets in NCAAF history, the Wolverines must pick themselves up and rally around their senior quarterback, Chad Henne. Henne has had 2500+ passing yards in his last three seasons in Ann Arbor, and he is looking to keep up the pace in 2007. Despite having no shot at a National Title in '07, Henne has the passing ability to lead the Wolverines to a Big 10 title and possibly a Rose Bowl, as he has Mario Manningham as his go-to receiver to help build his passing numbers.

5. Matt Ryan- Boston College: Matt Ryan demonstrated enormous amounts of maturity in his '07 season opener against Wake Forest, as he threw 5 Touchdowns and 408 yards. Ryan has the talent to become possibly the best quarterback to ever graduate from Boston College, and Matt Ryan could be a premier pick and player in the NFL sooner than many think.

6. Tim Tebow- Florida: As we have all heard, Florida has increased speed, and overall talent in hopes for a title repeat. Consider the repeat championship a distant reality, yet Tebow's growing talents are going to be staring college football fans in the face for several years more. Tebow can run, not around defenders, but through them as his bulky frame can cause nightmares for opposing tacklers. Tebow is most likely the best dual threat QB in D-I football, as he can throw deep down field with his refined arm strength, or run for the first down when it is required.

7. Colt Mccoy- Texas: Mccoy, last year as a redshirt freshman, has a full slate of goals to be reached in Austin, as he could be the next great quarterback to lead them to a BCS Bowl game. Mccoy had over 2500 yards passing last season, and is looking to tack on 500 or even close to 1000 more to that number. To help McCoy in his passing mission, Colt joins Limas Sweed, one of the premier wideouts in the nation to provide Colt with a tough target to cover.

8. Ben Olson- UCLA: Coming off of a momentous upset of USC last year, Olson has shown that he can be the quarterback they need to return them to prominence in the college football world. Despite having low statistics the last few years, Ben is projected to ave a breakout year of over 3000 yards passing, and can help to pose a real threat in the PAC-10 Conference.

9. Erik Ainge- Tennessee: Despite a loss in his season opener, Ainge is looking to end his senior season with a bang, as Ainge is one of the most proficient pocket passers in the country. Even in a loss at Berkeley, Ainge had over 250 passing yards and tallied three TD passes. Ainge suffered an injury last year that hindered his performance, yet if he stays healthy, Tennessee can 'Volunteer' to be a viable threat to national title hopes of SEC teams such as Auburn, Florida, and possibly even LSU.

10. Mike Teel- Rutgers: Teel had a strong season in the most memorable of Scarlet seasons in Rutgers' school history. In his season opener, Teel had two touchdown passes and 328 yards. Good way to start of the season huh? Anyway, Teel had over 2000 yards in a season which saw them win in the inaugural Texas Bowl game, bringing memories to Scarlet Knights all over the country. And who could forget his 100+ passing yards and a touchdown in last year's upset of #3 ranked Louisville Cardinals?

Next up: Running backs.

Did that Just Happen?

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 23:38:00 +0000

The football world was shocked today, in one of the most unlikely of ways, and what does it mean for the teams, players, and communities involved? Well, lets get to the upset. It seems like just an average non-conference slot game, Appalachian State against the University of Michigan, in the Big House in Ann Arbor. It seemed that the fifth ranked Wolverine squad would be able to handle to the former I-AA school team, especially with the leadership provided by senior quarterback Chad Henne, senior runningback and Heisman trophy candidate Mike Hart, and one of the best offensive linemen in the nation in Jake Long, all of which decided to return to the great blue north for a shot at a national championship. Yet, things would be wild and crazy, and one of the most shocking games of the year, took place on opening Saturday. Mike Hart's short run started the game off right for the maize and blue, 7-0 in the first quarter, yet APP tied the game at 7 apiece when Dexter Jackson took a pass from Armanti Edwards 68 yards to the endzone. Michgian seemed to handle its offense in stride, with a pass from senior Chad Henne guided to the endzone by Greg Matthews to end the scoring in the first quarter 14-7 UM. Then things fell apart in various places during the second quarter, as Michigan's defense, (ranked highly in 2006, yet with few returning starters in '07) crumbled. Appalachian State QB Armanti Edwards utilized both his arm and legs to throw two TD passes and run in another to make the score 28-14 before the University of Michigan of players could stop the streak nearing halftime to tally a field goal from 22 yards out, score at the half, 28-17, APP favored. The second half favored Michigan's offense alongside shades of their prominent defense, allowing a total of 6 points, two field goals, in a complete 30 minutes of play. Two field goals were tacked on for each, making the score 31-20, still in the hands of the upstart team from North Carolina. Mike Hart, whose day would end in a noble 188 rushing yards along with three rushing TD's, would reach the endzone on a 4 yard try, and with a failed 2-point conversion, made the score 31-26. Hart would then reguvinate the sellout crowd in the Big House, with a 54 yard touchdown run to put the Wolverines up by 1 point, 32-31. A blocked Wolverine field goal attempt would result in the most miraculous of drives for all underdog fans, and the most dreadful and shocking for residents of Ann Arbor. A 69 yard Mountaineer drive on 7 total plays took them to the five yard line of the wavering Wolverine squad, where they would tack on what seemed to be the game winning field goal, 34-32. Still, Michigan still had some tricks up their sleeve, as Chad Henne would throw a long pass to Mario Manningham, hauled in inside the APP 20 yard line, a perfect opportunity to end the game on a winning note. Yet the 37 yard field goal attempt was doomed to fail, and with 6 seconds left on the game clock, was blocked by APP defender Corey Lynch and returned it well over 50 yards. Not for a touchdown, but easily chewed up the remaining time, and sealed the what is most likely the greatest upset in NCAA football history. Never, in the history of the Associated Press NCAAF rankings, has a team from a lesser division defeated a ranked football team from D-IA. Much less a top ten opponent ( Michigan was ranked number 5, but is sure to drop) as did their hopes for a national championship, and maybe even being barred from a BCS Bowl game.

But now what is the effect on both teams? Surely the Mountaineers from Appalachian State, North Carolina, will remember this game, but will anything ever become of it? I don't belive so, considering that they do not have the consistent skills to compete for a solid full Division I ranking, Now toward the shocked city of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Fans, alumni, and school members of the team are devastated. Their program becomes the first in history to succomb to this variety of loss. The Wolverines are almost sure to fail to compete for the BCS National Championship game in Louisiana, and this recollection will certainly affect them for several years after this settles down. Worse yet, this football program which was perceieved to be a contender to challenge teams like USC and LSU for the title has now been faced with the reality of losing out on the National Championship, Rose Bowl, and maybe even the Big 10 Conference Championship. Head coach Lloyd Carr was speechless, and nothing he can conjure can heal this dramatic blow to Wolverines all over the country. After presenting all these stats, angles, and viewpoints, all I can say is, "Did that Just Happen?"

Cy Young Races (Part Two)

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:03:00 +0000

Its time you pick up the closer investigation of the tightly packed Cy Young award competition. Now, its time to take an evaluation of western pitching ace Jake Peavy.

Jake Peavy, San Diego Padres: Jake Peavy has enjoyed quite a stay during his 6 years and counting in the MLB, and has made the most of his chances with the same San Diego Padre franchise. In 2007, Peavy has stood out from the competition, but has been overshadowed at times by more expert aces in Tim Wakefield, Josh Beckett, and even teammate Chris Young. Yet Peavy's stats and talents are quiet, but after a closer look, reveal a potential candidate for the best pitcher, and maybe one of the best overall players in major league baseball today, and possibly a future involving his name being a household variety. Peavy's pitch types vary, and he can pull of several varieties of confusing and mind-boggling throws for opposing hitters to swing and miss at. Jake's fastball is his main weapon, reaching tops of 99 or even 100 MPH speeds, and Peavy's versatility allows him to strike at all corners of the strike zone, and unlike many pitchers, not allow batters to find out which section of the plate is opportune, and renders him with an extremely high strikeout count on his resume after every month of play. His curveball and slider may not contain the same rocketry and speed that his fastball is linked to, yet they continue to agitate and frstrate batters at the plate, far after the game is sealed. Now to Peavy's incredible pitching stats, still with a month left in the baseball season until the playoffs I remind you. Peavy, a solid pitcher in every right, may not be viewed as the most winningest pitcher, but fans and critics alike overlook the fact that his number of wins ranks tied for fifth in major league baseball, with 15 wins, and 5 rare losses. That particular stat puts Peavy third in winning percentage, behind Aaron Harang and Brad Penny. (.750 by the way). Jake Peavy is also third in the league in strikeouts, and by this time in the year has recorded 197 strikeouts in 27 games pitched, just 20 away from breaking his season high 216, with a month left in the regular season. And in the ERA column, guess who leads the league? You got it, westerner Jake Peavy tops the category once more, and has tallied an amazing ERA in 2007 of 2.18, just think about how that would help your team out. Anyway, Jake Peavy is one of my favorite players in the big leagues, and definately is one of the elite few today that have a legitimate shot at taking home the Cy Young award in 2007.

Next up on the list, LA Angel, John Lackey

Cy Young Races

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 15:40:00 +0000

As the season rounds into the final month, the race for the much treasured Cy Young award for the best major league pitcher heats up drastically, and with many competitors leading off, and plenty more waiting in the wings. Lets analyze the best pitchers in baseball shall we?

Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox: Josh Beckett has been in MLB for 7 years now, and the raw talent can be displayed anywhere you look. The winningest pitcher (tied for first) with 16 wins, has been the driving arm behind the thundering Boston Red Sox, and has 16-6 record in 2007. Beckett is known for his electric fastball, known to be 90-99 MPH, and despite his weaker variety of changeups (tops at 86 MPH), Beckett makes up in the category with a deceptive low 90 MPH sinkers. Beckett has displayed good qualities this season, as he has reached a career high and season high 16 wins in 2007. His talent has not only been limited to the Boston area, as Beckett, a member of the 2003 World Series champion Florida Marlins, gained victory and walked away with the World Series Most Valuable Player award. Back to the present, no category seems to be dipping for Josh Beckett; as he is currently in three way tie for most wins, 10th in the league in strikeouts tallying 158, and 15th in the entire league in ERA with and average of 3.29 runs allowed per game. Beckett, with a reinvigorated team, and a strong injury-free throwing arm this year, has made a strong push to bringin the Cy Young trophy back to Boston. Heck, with his talent, maybe even a pennant, or the big fish itself?

Next up, pitcher Jake Peavy of the San Diego Padres.

The Sideline: Readers' Choice

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:25:00 +0000

Just a quick survey of interests, if all readers here at the sports fan's heaven could post a comment with their favorite team and sport, it would help in order for me to concentrate my writing on the most important issues to all of you. Thanks again for helping to make the Sports Halo a nesting ground for the best sports news around! (Well you all know what I mean!)

Thanks again!

The Sideline: Feature Replaced

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 19:15:00 +0000

Starting now, the MLB Game of the Day feature will be removed, but baseball news will still be posted occaisionally in the Sports Halo. With NCAA seasons picking up, and the NFL and NHL set to resume, the baseball game of the day will have to take a backseat, unless someone wishes to continue it. Thanks and enjoy another great season!

NCAA Preview: Breakout Teams Part Three

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:31:00 +0000

Now for our final preview team to let loose, the predicted Big 12 Champs.

Big 12- Texas Longhorns: Down in Austin, a national title contender is waiting in the wings. Just a year after losing its star quarterback to the NFL Draft, the Longhorns have found a suitable replacement in Colt McCoy. A good frame and durable body, Colt threw for over 2500 yards and 29 touchdowns in his first year as a starter, and who knows, Heisman in the near future? Too add to McCoy's passing ability, WR Limas Sweed who reeled in over 40 passes for 800+ yards and 12 TD's has returned to Texas for his senior year. The Longhorn rushing attack is also revamped, despite losing one of its featured backs in the dual rushing system, Jamaal Charles can really carry the load, with over 800 yards splitting time last season. The defense must step up in order for the burnt orange to sweep the nation once more, losing stars such as Tim Crowder, Aaron Ross, and Michael Griffin, to the NFL Draft. Still, the Longhorn team still witholds some of teh key aspects to a good, solid, football team.

Key Matchups: Kansas State, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas A&M

Projected Record- 10-2 (Losses to Oklahoma and Nebraska)

NCAA Preview: Breakout Teams Part Two

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 15:54:00 +0000

Continuing on our pre-NCAA season preview, we have the SEC team to beat, the LSU Tigers

SEC- LSU Tigers: The LSU Tigers are poised to head to a top Bowl Game this year, and with no fluke. Despite losing two receivers and their quarterback as the number one pick in the NFL Draft, the Tigers have formulated a solid team all the way around. Quarterback Matt Flynn is expected to start the season, and has started more than 35 games thus far, making him anything but a first year starter. RB Keiland Williams is known for finding the right holes, and can take the pressure off of Flynn in the pocket. On the defensive end, the Tigers house one of the best defensive linemen in the country, Glenn Dorsey at DT. His talent to worm into the backfield to get the big tackles and sacks is almost unparalleled. Not to mention sack machine DE Tyson Jackson and lockdown corner Chevis Jackson. Their schedule may be tough, but they have the talented defense and a youthful, talented offense. Expect to hear Tiger talk all year long.

Key Matchups: Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Florida, Auburn

Projected Finish: 11-1, (Loss to Auburn)

NCAA Preview: Breakout Teams

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:00:00 +0000

In our NCAA preview of the upcoming college football season, we will be examining the team in every conference ready to break loose and gain national attention. Here we go.

ACC- Virginia Tech Hokies: The Hokies have been overcome by greif with the overshadowing tragedy, yet tehy have found strength in their team, and have pulled closer to be able to contend for the BCS Championship. They anchor one of the most regarded and talented defenses in the NCAA; led by CB Victor Harris and LB Xavier Adibi. Their offense has growing talent, with a quiet RB in Branden Ore, with over 1000 yards and 16 touchdowns. They have a maturing quarterback in Sean Glennan who had an average year, and a young talent in Ike Whitaker waiting in the wings. Coach Beamer has led the team to several acheivements, such as an ACC Championship and a national championship. Also, the team has one of the toughest stadiums for visiting teams, Lane Stadium in Blacksburg. (With nearly 70,000 seating)

Key Matchups: At LSU, Boston College, FSU, Miami(FL)

Projected Finish: 10-2 (Losses to LSU and Miami(FL)

Big 10- Michigan Wolverines: The University of Michigan suffered a dissapointing end to last year's season, with losses to rival Ohio State, and USC in the Rose Bowl game. This year they have bounced back, retaining several key players; such as RB Mike Hart, QB Chad Henne, WR Mario Manningham and a revamped defense. At the helm, Chad Henne was excellent, throwing over 20 touchdowns and 2500 passing yards, and can only improve this year. Lloyd Carr has coached the Wolverines to a national championship in 1997, and 5 Big Ten titles during his tenure. The Wolverines also call the Big House home, which seats over 100,000 fans, one of the largest football stadiums in America.

Key Matchups: Notre Dame, Ohio State, at Michigan State, at Wisconsin

Projected Finish: 11-1 (Loss to Wisconsin)

Pac 10- USC Trojans: Yes we all know who they are, and they are definately back. John David Booty leads the team from the QB role, and had a breakout year last season, with a win in the Rose Bowl. Chauncey Washington at the RB spot led a loaded corps, with 700+ yards and 9 TD's. The USC defense is ready to shine, sacking QB Chad Henne several times in the Rose Bowl game against Michigan. Now, with Pete Carrol at the coachin spot who has won a National Championship before, this team can really go all the way.

Key Matchups: At Notre Dame, At California, At Nebraska, UCLA

Projected Finish: 11-1 (Loss to Notre Dame)

More on Part Two: SEC, WAC, Independents, Big East, Big 12

Hope Comes Alive

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 21:00:00 +0000

Hope comes alive. For the Denver Broncos the healing has strengthened, and an unwavering community has bonded for life. On January 1, 2007, Darrent Williams was slain in a senseless shooting in the streets of downtown Denver. The event rocked the football world, and altered lives of the community and players alike forever. Mourning would eventually subside, but just two months after the healing process would begin, fellow Bronco Damien Nash would collapse and never again awake. With continued support from citiznes across the country, hope came alive. Denver Bronco wideout Javon Walker, who was the last to see Williams alive, was shaken deeply by the tragedy. The Bronco community was lost, and now they have been found. With training camp continuing, players have found strength in numbers, and their actions have carried the hearts of thousands across the United States. The bonds of friendship have grown, never to falter, and the memories of Darrent Williams and Damien Nash have been proudly carried on by friends, family, fans, and teammates. Yet time goes on in Dove Valley, Colorado, where the Denver Broncos are preparing to play their first football game since the loss of cornerback Darrent Williams. Yet the Bronco players and coaches are not mourning, nor are they lost in emotions of greif and sadness. And now months after loss, the Denver Broncos are soaring full speed ahead, remembering fondly what was once there, and carrying on the dream for the ones that can't. Now with the season quickly approaching, they remember the smiling and energetic lives their late teammates and friends once proudly led, and they know. They know that whatever happens, memories will never fade, bonds will never falter, friendships never die, and hope comes alive.

MLB Game of the Day: Nationals vs Giants

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:27:00 +0000

Yes, the game that everybody knew would come one day. As Barry Bonds stepped up to the plate and hit that historic baseball, he would return to be the king of major league home runs. Number 756 would enable Bonds to stand alone, not amongst baseball's greats, but solely himself. To the spectacular, unforgettable, euphoric event that will uiltimately seat itself alongside baseball's finest moments. The first inning went by with no action, but it would be made up for later on in the ball game. Two Giant RBI's would tally a 2-0 lead after the second inning, and then the momentum would shift to the visiting Nationals team, who with a solo home run and a two run homer, took the lead 3-2. Bengie Molina's double home run would send himself and Bonds around to home plate, seizing the lead 4-3 in the process. Yet another home run would be tallied by the Nats, as Brain Schneider scored, tying the game on his solo shot effort. With all the home runs being scored, there was one player who would not be denied yesterday, as Barry Bonds stepped up to home plate and blasted career HR #756 in front of a his family and a sellout crowd of supporters. Bonds celebrated deservingly, and the home crowd enjoyed the lead once more. Randy Winn's run scoring base hit would give the Giants a 6-4 lead heading into th 8th inning. Would the Giants be able to make history and give the home crowd a 'W' on the schedule? Not if the Nats had anything to say about it. Four precisely planted hits from the Washington Nationals, to the crowd's dismay, would score four runs to give the Nats an 8-6 lead with one inning of play remaining. Despite their best efforts to preserve Bond's night of glory, the Giants would lose the game by the same score, 8-6.

MLB Game of the Day: Cubs vs Reds

noreply@blogger.com (PDog) — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 13:47:00 +0000

In yesterday's game of the day, the soaring Cubs, the hottest team in the MLB lately, took to Cincinnatti, Ohio, to do battle with the Reds and their all-star slugger Ken Griffey Jr. The pitching matchup was interesting, with Carlos Zambrano opposing Matt Belisle. A double shot in the first inning scored two runs for the visiting Cubbies, and then Mark DeRosa's sac fly scored another run in the first, giving the Cubs a 2-0 on the road. It only got worse for the home team, as Derek Lee's home run in the 7th gave them not one, but two more runs to tack onto the lead. With a 4-0 lead heading to the eighth, the Reds were unable to mount anything in return, they were shut down my the intense pitching of Zambrano on the mound, and doomed them to a loss. To add insult to injury, the Cubs' Angel Pagan singled to center field, and two more runs scored in the ninth inning. 6-0 the final score. The hero of the game was Carlos Zambrano, who gained a win by not just his arm, but with the swing of the bat, as he wen 3 for 4 at the plate and helped to put runners closer to home plate. He also pitched the entire shutout game, and gained his 14th win. His season record is 14-7, and his helping the Cubs' magical roll toward the playoffs.