Monday, October 31, 2011

OSG High: Grande Prairie Composite Plays On...

((HT: GlobalEdmonton))

This story is both disgusting and heart-warming...

A little over a week ago, a drunk driver killed four members of the Grande Prairie Composite ((AB)) High football team with a 5th currently in a medically-induced coma because of the extent of his injuries...

21-year-old Brenden Holubowich is up on 11 charges, including four counts of impaired driving causing death and one count of failing to remain at the scene of an accident.

He was scheduled to show in court this morning, but the case was continued until the end of the month at the request of counsel.

The memorial service was yesterday while the semi-final playoff for the team was Saturday... and they shut out their opponent 40-0...

Here's Linda Nguyen at Grande Prairie...


The kicker... the alleged is out on bail... and the team prepares for the Peace Bowl title game next week...

West Virginia to sue Big East: Why aren't Pitt and Syracuse doing this?

((ht: cbssports.com))

Interesting. We are a bit surprised Pittsburgh or Syracuse hasn't already moved to do this.

According to report on cbssports.com, West Virginia University is filing a lawsuit against the Big East Conference so they can leave the conference at the end of the academic year.

Big East rules stipulate that any school intending to leave the conference must pay a $5 million fee and give....get this, 27 months notice before they will be released.

WVU has already paid the league half of the exit fee, and last week when they announced they were leaving, stated they would be playing in the Big 12 next season.

The other two schools who are leaving, Pitt and Syracuse, have been pretty mum...at least publicly about their intentions.

Read the entire CBSSports.com story RIGHT HERE

We believe this is absurd on several levels and find it hard to believe that any judge is going to force WVU or the other schools to stick around for another 2-years plus before they leave.

The Big East should be happy they are getting the payday for it.

We think that after Tuesday's league meetings in Philadelphia, where it is expected they will announce or plan to add 6 new schools, this all will be a moot point. With 6 new teams, the league doesn't need the three that are leaving. Though we think Pitt and Syracuse joining the West Virginia suit would help matters proceed.

That being said, where are ya Panthers and Orange, are your administrators serious? Or not?

BREAKING: Tony La Russa retires

Tony La Russa
On the heels of winning his 3rd World Series title, St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa announced his retirement Monday morning.

The 67-year old La Russa won 2 titles with the Cardinals and is generally regarded as one of the greatest managers in Major League Baseball history.

He spent time managing the Oakland A's in the late '80's and early '90' after beginning his career in 1979, managing the Chicago White Sox.

As most of you know, the Cardinals won their 2nd title just this past Friday, beating the Texas Rangers for the 2011 World series championship.

He spent 33 years as a baseball manager, the past 16 of them in St. Louis. La Russa has won 1,408 games and will, in 5-years, find himself in the Baseball Hall-of Fame.

Tennessee Students Flashmob at game: Co-Starring Johnny Majors

((utsportstv/youtube))

This was kind of odd and raises a question...at least to us. Can you actually have a "Flash Mob" with 105,000 plus people already in the same place you are?

Here's the deal.

A group of Tennessee students decided during their game Saturday against South Carolina that they would hold a "Flash Mob" to have a little fun with coach Derek Dooley's apparent love of wearing Orange Pants on game days.

So they did.

There were maybe a hundred or so involved in they ended up showing flash cards that said "Fear the Pants". They then turned the cards to reveal a pictogram of the Orange Pants.

Where it gets funny is later in the video, from ground level.

The reason: Former UT Coach Johnny Majors shows up in the middle of the crowd. That, at least to us, is the funny part of this.

Here is your video:

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Ray Kinsella's Farm Sold... "Field of Dreams" Staying...

((HT: KCRG-TV Cedar Rapids, Iowa))

Don and Becky Lansing announced that they have accepted an offer from Mike and Denise Stillman and their company, Go the Distance Baseball LLC, for the Lansing family farm land- which will be developed as a baseball and softball complex. A purchase price was not disclosed even though it was marketed for a little over US$5-million.

"We worked hard to maintain its wholesome allure, and our success says a lot about our nation's love affair with its national pastime," Becky Lansing said in a statement. "It truly is a special place."

Y'all remember the field...
((HT: Movieclips.com/Columbia-TriStar Pictures))


All the HQ can say is that we hope the Stillmans are true to their word...

DEVELOPING: Legendary Sooners Voice Bob Barry, Sr. Dies At 80

((HT: KFOR-TV Oklahoma City))

Former OU play-by-play legend Bob Barry, Sr. passed away at the age of 80. He was found inside his home in Norman after neighbors grew concerned that he had not picked up his morning newspaper. A cause of death is yet to be determined.

He was the voice of the Sooners from 1961 until 1972 and again from 1991 until he retired from the radio last spring. He also was a play-by-play announcer for the University of Tulsa basketball team and also announced football games for Oklahoma State University in between stints at OU.

OU President David L. Boren released this statement...

"Bob Barry represented the best of the Sooner spirit. With his contagious enthusiasm, he was one of the best sports broadcast journalists in the entire nation. He was loved by Oklahomans all across our entire state and will be missed by all of us."

And Oklahoma Head Coach Bob Stoops released this statement...

“We send our condolences to Bob’s family and thank them for sharing him with us for so many years. I know this is a difficult time for them, but hope they can find comfort in a life well-lived and the love of countless fans all over the country.”

Here's a segment of the KFOR-TV program "Flashpoint" from March where the panel interviews Barry after his retirement and release of his latest book...
 

OSG I-AA: Number One Falls At Boone

((HT: WTOC-TV Savannah))

Georgia Southern travelled to Boone, NC but came up short in losing to App State, 24-17. But, as we all know, a lot of people do that...

The Eagles tied the score at 17 but the home team returned the favor to go back up 7. App State's defense stopped the Eagles three times in a row in the 4th quarter.

Jamal Jackson threw three touchdown passes for the Mountaineers who improve to 6-2, 4-1. The win avenges last year's win by the Eagles in Statesboro that ended the Mountaineers' 29-game conference win streak.

The Eagles are now 5-1 in the Southern Conference.
Next week, the Eagles are home against The Citadel.

Here's the highlights...
Ken Griner is standing...

TWTW: Two Weeks In A Row For 'Sconsin...And A Let Down In Lubbock

You have to wonder whether or not the Badgers think they're snake bit or something after the last-second loss to Michigan State last Saturday and the last second loss to Ohio State in a wild fourth quarter this week...

From Bee-Cee-Ess contender to 15th-ranked to, now, who knows what...???
((HT: ESPN on ABC/youtube/NCAA))


Here's Bret Bielema postgame, thanks to our friends at WKOW-TV in Madison


Pete Christy has the details of the best letdown of the year in Division 1...
The Iowa State blood-letting of Coach Tub in Lubbock, 41-7
Here's the story if the window below doesn't pop up...
((HT: KCBD-TV Lubbock))


Losing their 3rd straight game at home, Tech falls to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in the Big 12/10/9/10. This loss keeps the Red Raiders from becoming bowl eligible... so far...

But the HQ figures there's a TicketCity Bowl bid in their future... or some other Texas-based bowl game before the holidays...

Believe 52: LeGrand Makes Statement At Rutgers-WBGV

And all he had to do was come out onto the field...

Carrying the axe across his motorized wheelchair, Rutgers DE Eric LeGrand led the Scarlet Knights out onto the field for their game against West Virginia yesterday.

Here's what he's been up to in the past year...
Taking our jobs...
((HT: NJ.com))


But, Saturday, his next chapter in chopping was front and center...
((HT: GameDayESPN))


Rutgers got out to a big lead early, but the Mountaineers held Rutgers scoreless in the second half to win a Big East game...

If you're interested in learning more about Eric and his efforts, click on the banner on the right-hand side of the page...

Keep Choppin'

Joe Pa Gets Win 409, Penn State Defeats Illinois

How appropriate that Penn State head coach Joe Paterno gets win 409 in a game staight from the old days. Cold, snow and a 10-7 outcome.

That win over the Fighting Illini gives Joe Pa 409 wins passing Grambling coaching legend Eddie Robinson as the NCAA's winningest coach on the Division I level.

Here's a creative game story for your enjoyment. (Thanks PSUfootball1)



Here's the post game comments from Joe Paterno. (Thanks PSUfootball1)

Stanford Gets "Lucky" Over USC


Right now is their any doubt Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is going to win the Heisman Trophy.

Unless Luck suffers a season ending injury and Stanford folds the tents a la the Indianapolis Colts (And Luck may end up in Indy) the Heisman appears to be Luck's to lose.

Saturday against the Southern California Trojans Luck threw for 330 yards and three touchdowns as the Cardinal survived 56-48 in triple overtime over the Trojans.

Here are the highlights. (Thanks Fox Sports)

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=37c2c466-6e30-4367-96bb-6f0c4f5111d4" target="_new" title="">Highlights: (6) Stanford - USC</a>

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck meets the media after the game. (Thanks CSN Bay Area)

Clemson Stung By Georgia Tech, Tigers First Loss


Georgia Tech did what the Yellow Jackets had to do to defeat Clemson. 1. Tech had to run the ball effectively after a couple of poor performances on the ground against Virginia and Miami. Gaining 383 yards helped Georgia Tech's cause. 2. The Yellow Jacket offense had to control the time of possession and keep Clemson's offense on the bench. Keeping the ball for 39:00 did the trick.

Georgia Tech defeated Clemson Saturday night at Boddy Dodd Stadium 31-17 ending Clemson's dreams of an undefeated season and putting a stop to the Yellow Jackets two game losing streak.

"I know a lot of people are disappointed that wrote us off," Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson said in his post game press conference. "Let us finish the season before you do our tombstone."

Here are the highlights from Saturday night. (Thanks ACC Digital Network)



Here's Paul Johnson after the game.



"We just made too many costly errors tonight." Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said after the game. "We turned it over four times, had costly penalties, and allowed too many big plays. It's not complicated, they out executed us in all phases."

"The key to the game was our turnovers." Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd said. "We turned the ball over four times. When you do that, it's hard to win games. We have to execute better. You have to give Georgia Tech a lot of credit. They really executed well tonight. We didn't make the big plays and they did."

Saturday, October 29, 2011

That's A World Series Winner For The Cardinals


Sorry I had to steal Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Buck's call when the St. Louis Cardinals won the 1982 World Series.

Riding the momentum from Game 6 the Cardinals took Game 7 6-2.

Until it gets pulled here's the final out of Game 7. (Thanks Fox Sports)



Here's the celebration on the field. (Thanks KSDK-TV)



World Series MVP David Freese stops by to chat with KSDK's Rene Knott.

Friday, October 28, 2011

OSG High: Threatening Texts Sent To School By Old Coach Before Brawl...???

((HT: AJC.com/Mathis))

The bottom line is that if what George Mathis has found out is true, then what went down in the Warren County ((GA))- Hancock Central ((GA)) brawl that resulted in the caving in of Warren coach David Daniel's face is disgusting...

From Mathis via a letter acquired via open records addressed by school system attorney Mike Dishman to William A. Prior Jr., chief judge of the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit in east Georgia:

Dishman states that Hancock assistant coach Marleau Blount sent several Warren players "vulgar and inappropriate" text messages. Blount resigned as head football coach at Warren County in August, said Warren County superintendent Jean Carey, and was replaced by Daniel.

Hancock County Superintendent Gwendolyn Jefferson Reeves said Blount admitted to her Wednesday that he sent text messages, but she would not disclose what the messages said.

"That is a matter under GBI investigation," said Reeves.


Warren County officials have long requested an investigation by Hancock County authorities in the Daniel assault, and it took the proverbial stomping up-and-down to have the Hancock folks comply. Hancock's Board of Education is looking forward to what they term a "fair" investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Blount's texts include the following alleged exchanges...

...a text message to a Warren County player that read "Better stay yo stupid [expletive] in [Warren County] B4 som1 get really hurt."

And after the fight, Dishman's letter claimed Blount told a Warren County player via an 11:22 p.m. text that he had no idea why the fight occurred: "How th[e] [expletive] I kno[w] about yall bull[expletive]. Yu started this [expletive] last week. Remember yu started this."

The HQ thinks this just warmed up...
More when we know more...

BREAKING: A Nebulously-Worded Testing Situation Goes Badly At UGA...?

Sources close to OSG Sports are telling us that a University of Georgia football player failed a pre-season drug test and had a second test administered this week to either confirm or deny the initial finding.

There are several issues here: One, the HQ knows the player in question. But until we have more specifics, we're not going to announce who it is- although we will admit that his impact would be substantial if he is held out of the Cocktail Game as a result of the tests in question.

No word on whether or not this particular individual made the trip down as of 1315HRS. Through sources, the University is neither confirming or denying any of this.

Second, protocol would mean that the A Sample came back as a positive test for the current college football positive drug test of choice. The B Sample would have had to concur the ruling. Then, unless you're habitually using, the effects of the pre-season sample would be irrelevant in any administration of the test from the past week.

Third, the test would not have been administered unless the University had a suspicion of continual use- thus the "random" test...

More when we know more...

OSG High: Thursday Night In Alabama

((HT: ABC3340.com, Birmingham/

First and foremost, the HQ would like to thank everyone at Phil Campbell ((AL)) High
School for their hospitality and understanding of their being subjects of an upcoming OSG project...

Head football coach Bo Culver, all of 27 years old and full of "Yes, sirs" the entire evening, played rival Hackleburg at a remodeled Parrish Stadium last night on the high school grounds.

The school is in need of repair still as the only lights on in the building are in the library and the environment is still a little surreal with sawed-off trees on the property. The Bobcats showed a lot of fight for a group of 35- losing 34-20.

But that's not what it's about at all...


And, from Birmingham, the families of Clay-Chalkville High School held a prayer vigil last night during and after their win over Spain Park in the hopes that the AHSAA would flip their opinion on the ineligibility of a former Huffman High ((AL)) player that may cost CCHS nine wins and a playoff appearance.

Jefferson County ((AL)) School Superintendent Phil Hammonds and CCHS Football Coach Jerry Hood told the AHSAA that Huffman should have told them earlier.

Hood says he would not jeopardize 83 players for one part time player. He also said the player in question has now been kicked off football team for lying.

Here's the latest on CCHS from FOSG Lisa Crane...
((HT: WVTM-TV))

OSG High: Brookwood's Response Requests Stepping Up

((HT: Joey Moore Productions))

Earlier this week, the HQ was promoting Grayson ((GA)) High School's attempt at calling out rival Brookwood for their rivalry game this Friday...

We now have the official response from the Brookwood kids...


The game can be seen tonight on Georgia Public Broadcasting or on the web at gpb.org/sports as part of the "Football Fridays in Georgia" package...

Enjoy the fireworks...

Once Again Virginia Pulls Off A Win Over Miami

Just when you thought the Miami Hurricanes had found their groove the 'Canes stub their toe.

Virginia ended Miami's two game win streak defeating the Hurricanes 28-21 at Sun Life Stadium.

Here's the highlights from Sun Life Stadium. (Thanks ESPN)



"It's a great win. Road victory against a really good team." Virginia head coach Mike London said after the game.

Since London took over as head coach at UVa last season his Cavalier teams seem to own Miami. It's the Wahoos second win in a row of over the Hurricanes.

Miami head coach Al Golden addressed the media after the game.

Case Keenum Tosses 9 Touchdown Passes Vs Rice, Cougars Win The "Bayou Bucket"

The game didn't start off so good for the Houston Cougars. UH quarterback Case Keenum threw an interception and had a fumble returned for a touchdown in the first quarter. The Rice Owls built a 17-7 lead.

After spotting the Owls 17 points the Cougars were warmed up. What followed was a offensive pounding of the Rick Krypies and Case Keenum lead the way.

Houston outscored Rice 45-3 well into the third quarter and put up 73 points on Rice. Houston easily won the Battle of the Bayou Bucket 73-34.

Case Keenum's numbers for the game, 24-37 passing for 534 yards and 9 touchdowns. Oh by the way Keenum's fifth touchdown on the night set an Football Bowl Subdivision record for career touchdown passes.

"That was probably the most fun I've ever had playing football" Keenum said in a post-game press conference.

That statement can be filed under "no kidding"

Keenum added, "I told the guys before the game, I kind of like playing in the game. I told the guys to keep playing hard and no matter what, rain, sleet, snow, hail, we got to roll with it"

Here's the highlights of Keenum's record setting performance. (Thanks Fox Sports Houston)

<a href='http://www.foxsportshouston.com/pages/video?UUID=1f224543-d16d-49e9-94f2-0483c3c6024a&src=SLPl:embed::uuids' target='_new' title='Highlights: Cougars trounce Rice 73-34'>Video: Highlights: Cougars trounce Rice 73-34</a>

How Can Game 7 Top That!!!!

How many are you are dragging to work because you couldn't break away from Game 6 of the 2011 World Series.

The St. Louis Cardinals were down by two runs twice, down to their last strike twice and cameback to tie and extend the game.

Then in the bottom of the 11th St. Louis native David Freese launched a shot to center field winning it for the Cardinals and if the Redbirds win etching his moment into Cardinal lore.

Here's the game winning home run (Thanks Fox Sports.)



Love Joe Buck using his father Jack's famous call when Kirby Puckett hit the walk-off home-run in Game 6 of the World Series 20 years ago.

Here's Tony LaRussa's post game presser. (Thanks KSDK-TV St. Louis)



Game 6 Cardinal heros Lance Berkman and David Freese talk to the media after the game.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Alabama-Huntsville Downgrades D1 Hockey Program

((HT: WAAY-TV Huntsville))

The UAH Chargers have been on life support for a long while, and the school's new Chancellor has decided to save money and downgrade the program to club status after this season.

The school was the southern-most point for Division 1 hockey in the United States and was set to sponsor the Frozen Four at the Ice Forum in Tampa this year. After the school was bumped out of the CHA conference, they were looking for a new home and no other hockey conference would open their doors.

Here's the death-knell...


The larger question comes from Chancellor Malcom Portera, who isn't answering any questions, about the future of an athletic program and the proposition that the Board of Trustees is disconnected from their Huntsville campus

Realignment Update: Politicians get involved in Big 12 expansion

((ht:star-telegram.com))

Sigh...

We purposely stayed away from reporting on "Galactic Realignment" yesterday because we are growing incredibly weary of it. It has overshadowed a lot of really good things happening this year in College Football.

In today's, okay, yesterday's news, it appears that some politicians have decided to stick their noses in the process. Specifically the Big 12's attempt at rebuilding.

The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Senator Mitch McConnell inserted himself in the decision making process. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram confirmed that report with Big 12 officials.

It had been widely reported that the Big 12 wanted to add West Virginia to replace the soon-to-be departed Missouri Tigers. Many, including the Times reported it was a "Done Deal".

It wasn't.

It appears McConnell's involvement has given Big 12 Chancellors cause to reconsider and think about adding Louisville.

Needless to say, word of that didn't go over too well in West Virginia. Two state senators went on record criticizing McConnell and the war of words continues.

And, according to the Star-Telegram, these guys aren't the only politicians to stick their noses in.

Read the entire story from Star-Telegram.com RIGHT HERE

Okay. This has long passed the "Getting Stupid" stage. Don't politicians have enough problems to stick their noses in? Although since they all seem to disagree with everything unless it is something they suggest.

If the "Ass-Clowns" in Washington want to get involved in "Galactic Realignment" in College Football, then investigate the BC freakin' S. Or ESPN. There's where your problems and legal issues reside.

If a politician wants to get involved in realignment, then make it stop. Tell the NCAA and the College Presidents that they play an AMATEUR sport. They shouldn't be allowed to move between conferences because of money or a better TV deal. They shouldn't be allowed to make decisions without determining what is best for the students and alumni instead of their image. They shouldn't be allowed to make decisions that will end historical rivalries.

Reportedly less than 40 D-1 schools make money in athletics. Did anyone ever think scaling back and not building palatial facilities for FOOTBALL or spending $8 zillion dollars travelling via private jet for recruiting or signing 122 scholar/athletes might lower the budget? Yeah, thought so.

This is about the CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE/CARTEL that is the BCS. This is about the fraud they've perpetrated on College Sports. This is about the sham that is the BCS Championship. The team that wins the "Mythical" title isn't necessarily the actual best team, it's the team the BCS tells us is in THEIR OPINION is the best.

Investigate that you CONGRESSIONAL DOUCHEBAGS!!!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

DEVELOPING: Barry Windham "Near Death"

((HT: Slam.ca))

Slam's wrestling component caught up with Blackjack Mulligan, aka Bob Windham, is saying on his Facebook page that son Barry Windham is in an Intensive Care Unit in a Florida hospital.

"I have a son near death," Windham admits.
Other posts say that the 51-year-old Windham suffered a stroke.

Windham broke into the NWA and was a staple in the WCW days as well before moving over to the WWF/WWE. The HQ remembers Windham in his hey-day and appreciated his athleticism that went with his frame...

Kinda like this...
((HT: WCW/youtube))


Thoughts and prayers to the Windhams- as we know that parts of the family are in south Georgia and we know them through our football connections...

DEVELOPING: Hawks Sale Hits Snag

((HT: AJC.com))

Stop the HQ if you've heard this one before...

Tim Tucker's piece in the AJC says that the bid of California bid-ness man Alex Meruelo has not received the approval of the NBA Board of Governors after/during the vetting process...

From Tucker:

“I have more than ample resources to purchase and operate the Hawks in a first-class manner,” Meruelo’s statement said. “I am committed to the purchase of the Atlanta Hawks.

“While I can’t comment on the details of the approval process, I have [done] and will do everything I can to bring the process to a positive conclusion.”


Can we keep laughing over this...???

Or does the HQ have to focus on the idea that Atlanta Spirit is still in charge of this until another owner is found- unless Meruelo can put up a boatload of financial guarantees...

Gymnastics Coach Peters Resigns Amid Sex Allegations

((HT: MyFoxLA.com))

Former US Olympic gymnastics coach Don Peters has resigned from his club in southern California and his membership in USA Gymnastics according to local reports...

Last month, the Orange County Register newspaper had two accounts from gymnasts formerly under Peters coaching who claimed that he had sex with them when they were minors. One of them, Doe Yamashiro, accused Peters of sexual abuse from 20 years prior...

Chip Yost has the update...

USA gymnastics is holding a hearing November 11th to determine if Peters should be banned from the sport...

The folks on the Interwebs are not pleased...

Tattoo parlor owner behind Ohio St. scandal sentenced

Edward Rife/Ctsy: Dispatch.com
((ht: dispatch.com))

The man who helped bring the issues at Ohio State to the forefront, will spend the next 3-years-in jail.

Edward Rife, a convicted drug dealer and former owner of Fine Line Ink tattoo's in Columbus, Ohio, not only trafficked in drugs out of the shop, he dealt in Ohio State memorabilia.

You'll recall, the pay-for-tats scandal that ensnared former QB Terrelle Pryor and 5 current OSU players. In that, Rife got signed memorabilia from the players in return for tattoo's. The ensuing investigation also cost Jim Tressel, the former coach, his job.

Read the entire story from Dispatch.com RIGHT HERE

Rife eventually would plead guilty to drug charges, which he was sentenced on. As part of the plea deal, he got to keep the memorabilia that he already had.

In reality, this is only the second of several steps tOSU is going to go through as the NCAA wraps up its investigation. It just closes one of several chapters in it.

The school should learn some time in the next few months what the punishment will be for that and other alleged transgressions from the NCAA. We suspect, while stern, they won't be crippling.

The Dirty Dozen and Bottom of the Barrel: I want you to want me

So....we had a couple of upsets last week. You know, if you go back and look at last weeks column, you'll see that a certain someone predicted the Michigan State win...though not the way they won it.

The beauty of college football is that things have a way of equaling out...at least for now. Teams that start undefeated early don't usually finish that way. And you know, despite all of the "Galactic Realignment" stuff, the better teams tend to separate from the field over the course of late October and early November.

In today's clip, our heroes are working hard at their secluded training facility. Much like LSU and Alabama who are playing for the Championship of the Known Universe next week:



Last week: 13-3..who knew Memphis and UAB would win. Overall: 75-15. Not bad, but we don't pick the spread, we don't agree with doing that.

Let's have Casey take us to the countdown:



The Dirty Dozen:


1) LSU 8-0. They flat out annihilated Auburn last week. The hype for the Alabama game has already started. LSU stays in the #1 slot, because they've still played a better schedule. And though the Mad Hatter says the Honey Badger and others weren't "Suspended", it doesn't matter, they'll be back. This Week: BYE

2) Alabama 8-0. We are pretty sure the College Football world will take pause while the game with LSU is played. In fact, we dare say the entire sporting world may pause for this one. Bama struggled..a bit with Tennessee and raised a few questions for the "Game of the Millenium". This Week: BYE


3) Stanford 7-0. The BCS computers are a pathetic joke. This may be the most underrated team in the country. Nobody in the "Semi-Pac 12" has been able to compete with them. And they won't, though this week will be a test. This Week: at USC. Our Pick: Stanford 31, Southern Cal 23


4) Boise St. 7-0. They just keep rollin, rollin, rollin. Air Force put up a good fight, but were still out of their league. We still see no reason this team should lose, they just have to watch everyone in front of them do it. This Week: BYE


5) Clemson 8-0. The fact they haven't choked yet is impressive. And they've scored 56 and 59 points in successive weeks..in conference games. The biggest hurdle of the season comes this week on the road, we will see if they are up to the task. Still feeling like they'll blow a game though. Just our 2-cents. This Week: at Georgia Tech. Our Pick: Clemson 48, Ga. Tech 41


6) Oklahoma State 7-0. We may be the only ones who don't believe in the Fighting Gundy's. The BCS computers love them. But, they still give up too many points. And if they lose Justin Blackmon, they will struggle against a good team. This Week: vs. Baylor. Our Pick: Okie St. 43, Baylor 38. 


7) Oregon 6-1. To their credit, the injury bug hasn't slowed them down..much. And they have time to get healthy. We still don't see them as a threat to any of the teams ahead of them though. This Week: vs. Washington State. Our Pick: Oregon 43, Wash. St. 21


8) Arkansas 6-1. Not totally sold on the Petrino's here either. They really struggled last week with a plucky Ole Miss team. They've been good, not great, though they are better than anyone in the SEC East. This Week: at Vanderbilt. Our Pick: Arkansas 31, Vandy 23


9) Oklahoma 6-1. They must have entered an alternate universe last week. The fold against Texas Tech is inexplicable. No other words can describe it. The "D" is struggling with injuries, that might be the explanation. This Week: at Kansas State. Our Pick: Oklahoma 43, K-State 31


10) Kansas St. 7-0. Yes, another Big 12/10 team. The writers and experts think the 12 is "Awesome", we think there is no "D" in Big 12. Reality is about to set in for these guys, though with coach Bill Snyder, they are a good story. This Week: SEE ABOVE


11) Michigan State 6-1. Well...they got lucky. We figured they'd be up to the task vs. Wisconsin. Despite almost blowing it, they got a break. Good for them. It won't last. Traditionally they gag after a big win and we think this year will be no exception. This Week: at Nebraska. Our Pick: Nebraska 30, Mich. St. 23 UPSET


12) Houston 7-0. They get in by virtue of being undefeated. And Case Keenum setting all kinds of records last week. Sure, the play in C-USA, but they haven't lost. You have to respect that. This Week: vs. Rice. Our Pick: Houston 52, Rice 17


**BONUS PICK*** Florida vs. Georgia--Georgia is better, but they are often better and still lose. This year the Bulldogs are schizophrenic if nothing else and Florida is still looking for an identity. We don't feel totally confident in this pick, but we'll go with it. Our Pick: Georgia 24, Florida 21.


**AND YES, THE #1 Team in 1-AA is still my alma mater--Georgia Southern. We play App State this week, I hope we win, but won't pick it.


The Bottom of the Barrel: 


5) Indiana 1-7. Think about this. Between these guys and the Colts, they have 1 win combined. The Hoosiers beat South Carolina State. Big whoop. They are a prime reason why we hate the Big 10. Hope Kevin Wilson has his resume updated. This Week: vs. Northwestern. Our Pick: Northwestern 43, Indiana 20.


4) Akron 1-6. The home of LeBron James. We wonder if Northern Ohio is just the home of bad sports teams or there is a Lake Erie curse or some other explanation. Either way, the Zips aren't feeling very zippy this year. This Week: vs. Central Michigan. Our Pick: Central Michigan 33, Akron 21.


3) Minnesota 1-6. Somehow, Coach Jerry Kill got a 7-year contract extension this week. Granted he hasn't had much to work with, but this is some really bad football. Combined with Indiana, they add to the argument that the Big 10 sucks...badly. This Week: vs. Iowa. Our Pick: Iowa 112, Minnesota 17. 


2) Florida Atlantic 0-7. Arguably the worst team ever in College Football. Thank god they don't play New Mexico. And that is the only reason they aren't #1 in this part of the poll. Poor Howard Schnellenberger. He's retiring on this...geez. This Week: BYE. Our Pick: BYE 48, FAU 10. 


1) New Mexico 0-7. They were competitive opening day. They haven't even been close since. And no, we don't count they close loss to 1-AA Sam Houston State. This is just painfully bad football. There is hope without Mike Locksley around, but it is several years away. This Week: vs. Air Force. Our Pick: Air Force 43, New Mexico 10. NOTHING CAN STOP THE U.S AIR FORCE!!!




Morning Mess: Dr.J sued by bank

Dr.J in his prime
((ht: ajc.com))

It appears that NBA legend Julius Erving may have some financial issues.

Dr. J his own self is being sued by an Atlanta area bank for not paying off the $200,000-plus that he owes on a loan with the bank.

Erving moved to the Atlanta area a few years ago and has a house in Gwinnett County. He bought a golf club near the town of Tucker around the same time.

According to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Erving got a $1 million line of credit in 2009 from the Georgia Primary Bank. He got the line reduced and apparently paid some of it off. But the outstanding balance, well, that hasn't been paid and that is why the bank is suing.

Read the entire story from AJC.com RIGHT HERE

The story says Erving is auctioning many of his memorabilia items tomorrow (Friday). And while it may not be related to the bank issue, it does seem to hint that the man known as the Doctor may be operating with some financial difficulties.

Our friends at NBAtv give us the Top 10 dunks of the good Doctors career:

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Vikes Cook Apologizes To Fans, Not To Anyone Else...

((HT: MyFoxTwinCities))

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Chris Cook was charged with felony domestic assault after police say he choked a woman in his home until her eyes hemorrhaged.

"My apologies to the fans! Vikings ownership, coaching staff, my teammates and friends and family!!" Cook posted on Twitter Tuesday afternoon after posting a $40,000 bail. That followed a Tweet that said, "There's always two sides to a story!!"

"She was strangled not once, but twice," said Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman.

Officers confirmed marks on the woman’s neck and broken blood vessels in her eye, both signs of strangulation. The woman was then treated for her injuries and Cook was taken into custody from the scene...

Here's the latest from Fox...

Vikings CB Chris Cook Charged With Choking Woman: MyFoxTWINCITIES.com


And the story from our friends at KARE-11...


More when we know more...

More CFB Movement: Notre Dame to end up in Big 12 too?

((ht: orangebloods.com))

As sick as we are about "Galactic Realignment" stories, they just keep coming. And they all seem to make some semblance of sense in one way or another.

This one comes courtesy of the fine folks (ok--Chip Brown) at Orangebloods.com. Chip, who is as plugged into the comings and goings of the Big 12/10 is saying that not only is Missouri leaving, West Virginia coming--but that Notre Dame may be coming too.

Not in all sports...yet. Everything but football for now. And not "Are" coming, but they are talking to Chuck Neinas and the Big 12/10 office about it.

The story from Orangebloods.com RIGHT HERE

We believe this for several reasons. First and foremost, though Notre Dame is stubborn about their football, they need a home in other sports. They currently compete in the Big East that way, but the implication here is they don't have a lot of faith in the continued life of the Big East either.

The other thing of note here is this:

Brown says Missouri is meeting with SEC officials today and there is a very good chance they will hold off their move south until the 2012-13 season. That would leave the SEC at 13 teams for a year, something they've already prepared for.

It also means West Virginia wouldn't leave until the same time period. And we're guessing Syracuse and Pitt will leave the Big East by then too. No, they wouldn't have completed their "Out-Clause", but the speculation is there will be nothing the Big East can do to stop it at this point.

Confused. We aren't, but it is sure dragging out.

Back to the Fighting Irish:

Speculation has already begun that Notre Dame would go to the Big 12/10 and agree to play a set amount of games against current conference schools. That would lead up to the one thing driving all of this change in the first place....

A renegotiated and improved TV deal.

So, again, keep reading or periodically checking in. We expect a Missouri announcement any day now. The Tigers and the SEC want to get this done this week so it can be made during the Texas A&M/Missouri game this weekend..

Time will tell if that will actually happen.


Reports: West Virginia will be in the Big 12

((ht: nytimes.com))

West Virginia University
It was, we suppose, only a matter of time. And no, it isn't yet "Official". But....multiple outlets are reporting that when Missouri gets around to leaving the Big 12/10/9, West Virginia has agreed to replace them.

Though we think it would be hilarious if Missouri decided to stay put.

The move doesn't kill the Big East, though as the strongest football program in that conference, the loss of West Virginia...along with the pending departure of Pitt and Syracuse takes what little bite the Big East had...out.

Read an explanation of how this is supposed to work from the NYTimes RIGHT HERE

Yes, there are still some questions here:

1) When will Missouri leave? We can only assume there is some legal "Mumbo-Jumbo" still to be worked out. When it is...it will happen. Though we don't agree with it.

2) What about the Big East? Good question. They will be down to 5 football schools. Supposedly, they are in talks to merge with C-USA and the MWC. They are also trying to add schools such as UCF, Boise State, Navy and Air Force. We think those schools would be insane to move.

3) What is this all about? Two things. First, a BCS Bowl Bid. There are only the biggest of schools and conferences that are allowed to participate in the BCS. Everyone wants to be in that club. The other, ESPN's money. Every move that has been made to this point...is to get a piece of the pie. ESPN is paying obscene amounts of money to these conferences and has been willing to negotiate just negotiated deals. Any conference that grows, has the ability to get more green.

I know...we are growing weary of all this talk too. We just wish Missouri would do what they are going to do and be done with it. None of the rest of the cards will fall until they do.

Report: NBA to cancel 2-more weeks of season

NBA Commish David Stern
((ht: nydailynews.com))

We have an update to what may be the least noticed lockout in the history of professional sports. And we say that as full-fledged NBA Basketball fans. We qualify it by saying very few people notice the NBA gets going this time of year, because like most sports, it gets overshadowed by Football.

According to the New York Daily News, the league will announce today (Tuesday) that two more weeks of the upcoming season will be cancelled.

That would eliminate games through November 28th.

The season was scheduled to begin on the 1st.

Read the story from the New York Daily News RIGHT HERE

There has been little movement in negotiations between the league and its players union. It isn't that they haven't tried, they have. But the players say they won't agree to the precondition of a 50-50 split that the owners want before they'll come back to the table.

Honestly folks, this isn't going to be resolved anytime soon, if at all. The owners have most of the leverage here and it would behoove the players to come up with something to resolve this.

But that isn't going to happen anytime soon.

The players aren't going to take the hefty pay cuts the owners want without getting something back. And the players don't seem to be real willing to do that. The flip side is, the owners created this mess in the first place, their lack of restraint created the bloated, overpaying system they are now trying to fix.

In the meantime, the players are trying to organize barnstorming tours and their sponsors are willing to pay them for it. Others are signing overseas deals. And while they may not make the money they would by playing, they'll make more money that you and I ever will.

It is unfortunate that this is happening as the league was poised to reclaim some of it's lost mojo. Instead, if and/or when they finally do come around to agreeing on something, they are going to have to try and rebuild everything with the fans. As always, the fans are the ones losing here and really, we think they will make their voices heard when the league comes back....and nobody goes to the games.

Texas A&M blackballed by soon to be former Big 12 opponents

((ht: chron.com))
Kyle Field at Texas A&M

This isn't a total surprise, though Texas A&M seems to be a bit taken aback by their soon to be former Big 12 brethren.

A&M's rival, and cause of much of the Big 12's change, Texas, has already made it clear they won't be available to play in football until at least 2018. They say there is no room in their non-conference schedule for the former rivals to play.

Granted, they haven't updated the schedule's, because if you go to the UT Football website, A&M is still listed in there as the final game of the season.

You can check that out by following the link HERE

And surprisingly (not), the other schools in the Big 12/10/9 have already started trash talking A&M telling recruits. A&M Athletic Director Bill Byrne is saying recruits are being told if they go to College Station,  "They'll never get to play in Texas again".


Read the original story from Chron.com RIGHT HERE

None of this is surprising and we aren't sure why they are going public with it now. Sure, we get that A&M pissed off the rest of the Big 12. And they had to realize that the move to the SEC is going to be held against them.

And we know how important the "Rivalry" with the University of Texas is in Texas. We are quite sure that was taken into consideration before the move was made.

We also looked at the Texas schedule and AD DeLoss Dodds is right. Whomever replaces A&M will undoubtedly take over their slot on the schedule. And there is no "TBA" game until 2018. To the Longhorns credit, it isn't like the "Non-conference" schedule is littered with the type of teams the Big 10 plays early in the year.

Once the egos recover from the bruising, we are quite sure both sides will adjust. Sure, it will be weird for A&M until they find another rivalry, but they will. The Big 12/10/9 will also move on--unless the league implodes. It is just going to take a little time




MLB: Frank McCourt "Looted" Dodgers

Frank McCourt
((ht: latimes.com))

And by "Looted", they meant he took hundreds of millions of dollars out of the team.

Major League Baseball says as a part of their ongoing court battle with Dodgers owner Frank McCourt that he took over $189 million out of the team to use for personal issues.

They also claim he's broken at least 10 Major League Baseball rules while owning the team and that alone should be enough to end his ownership of the once proud franchise.

McCourt says MLB approved his business structure and knew what was going on. They also say Commissioner Bud Selig acted in bad faith by saying he would reject any TV contract McCourt tried to get. Selig and MLB believe that any money he gets from that will immediately be diverted to pay off McCourts massive personal debt, including a $130 million payout to his now ex-wife Jamie.

Read the lengthy and interesting story from the LA Times RIGHT HERE

This story continues to get uglier as it goes. Apparently the seriously injured Bryan Stow will also become a key piece of this court case as both sides appear prepared to use what happened to him as an example of how Dodger stadium is run.

McCourt needs, at this point, to just shut up, allow his team to be sold, take whatever money he can get out of it and go away. And yet he won't.

In the meantime the Dodgers suffer. The brand continues to lose value and fans and players are turned off and want to just run away.

Hopefully the court case gets done sooner rather than later.

We seriously doubt that will happen.

Monday, October 24, 2011

IndyCar Has Drivers Meeting At IMS

((HT: WTHR-TV/Fox59- Indianapolis))

A group of about 20 IndyCar drivers met at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with management to discuss safety in the wake of Dan Wheldon's death on the track in Las Vegas.

"We all got to talk a lot and listen a lot and look at how we can improve things going forward in all areas,"
Dario Franchitti said. "I think it was a very positive and productive meeting and that's the first step. We all want to improve things. It was a massive shock what happened to Dan last week. But we saw in MotoGP yesterday (where rider Marco Simoncelli was killed during the Malaysian Grand Prix) that racing is a dangerous business.

"How we react to this is critical and I'm very encouraged by what I saw today," Franchitti added. "There's still a lot of heavy hearts -- massively -- but everyone is very positive about the outlook. This is the first step and we'll move forward with it."


Kris Kirschner is outside IMS in the dark with a preview...


Randy Bernard, CEO of IndyCar, hasn't said much since the prepared statement he gave in Las Vegas announcing the passing of Wheldon. But Franchitti and other drivers admitted there's a long way to go...

“He had nothing to do with how poorly we were all driving,” Graham Rahal said...

Even Nick Saban Gets Parking Tickets In Alabama

((HT: The Birmingham News))

Saban was in downtown Birmingham speaking to the Monday Morning Quarterback Club in the Harbert Center.

He was driven there by a member of his support staff, who then parked Saban's Mercedes right in front of the building on 4th Avenue North.

In front of a "No Parking" sign...

Here's what will make Ess-E-Cee Fans laugh today...

Report: Missouri may be in the SEC today

((ht: kansascity.com))

According to a published report in today's Kansas City Star, the oft discussed, hotly debated move of the Missouri to the Southeastern Conference may be coming today (Monday).

The reason the paper states: Mizzou Chancellor Brady Deaton is supposed to be in Dallas to meet with members of the Big 12 Board of Directors.

Multiple reports say the Tigers have had an offer on the table for weeks and if you look closely, the timetable for this is very similar to that of Texas A&M.

The other news from that story is that the Big 12 has already targeted West Virginia to take over the Missouri slot. Again, an interesting move...if it happens.

West Virginia is not located anywhere near the other Big12 schools, but then again, Texas A&M and Missouri aren't very convenient to the SEC either.

A West Virginia move hurts the Big East, who is scrambling to rebuild itself in football and is reportedly in talks to merge with Conference USA and the Mountain West to form a football "Mega-Conference".

Confused? You should be.

Read the KC Star story RIGHT HERE

Before you say it, I know, we haven't been sold on Missouri moving. It's happening. We were wrong on that. Though we do stick to our statement that it is a bad move for the fans. It is.

But what is done will be done.

Check out this story from Kansas City on a father of 3 Missouri grads with a kid playing at Kansas. His thoughts on the potential loss of a rivalry: (Courtesy: NBCActionNews.com)

Dumbass Arizona streaker tries explaining himself

((ht: kvoa.com))

He tried to excuse it by saying he wanted to do something to make himself "famous" before he graduated from the University of Arizona.

In that respect, we guess he was successful.

But he may be facing some "Unexpected" legal charges, at least we hope so.

Jace Lankow was the dumbass who managed to get himself on the field Thursday night during the Arizona/UCLA game, which was 42-7 at the half. He proceeded later in the game, to peel off a layer of clothes to reveal a referee uniform, run onto the field, strip...almost all the way before being tackled by security on the field.

That was the warmup for the brawl that cost some 10-players a suspension this week.

Here is the original video:



And here is video of the fight it spawned:



Lankow is apparently in the process of trying to cash in on his fame. He did an interview with KVOA-TV where he tried explaining himself by saying he wanted to do it to help get himself on the TV show "Wipeout". He also says he wanted to something that he'll be remembered for at the University of Arizona.

He's facing felony charges for Criminal Impersonation and will probably be charged for using a fake access pass to get on the field. He claims he wants to use his assumed "Winnings" from Wipeout, to pay his legal fees.

Yes, we know, we shouldn't give free publicity to dumb asses who do things like this for free publicity. Yes, we know, it might encourage others to do this. But we hope the next person who gets a bright idea like this gets tackled by a player instead of just the overweight security guys too.

Here is the interview with Mr. Dumb-ass, explaining himself:

Your Football Futbol Weekend: Ronaldo And ManCity

((HT: youtube))

First and foremost, it looks like Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo goes all Bruce Lee for the third goal in his hat trick against Malaga...


And then, Manchester City flat out embarrasses ManU in their Premier League match-up 6-1...

It was Manchester United's worst home defeat since February 1955, and City is now five points clear at the top of the Premier League. And it was the first time United had conceded six goals at Old Trafford since 1930, when Huddersfield won 6-0 and Newcastle 7-4 within four days of each other.

This was their first home defeat in any competition since April 2010...
Here's your look, before it gets pulled...

Sunday, October 23, 2011

OSG High: Kentucky Has New All-Time Coaching Wins Leader

((HT: WYMT-TV))

The Pike Central ((KY)) Hawks are the 52-20 answer to the trivia question for the Belfry High ((KY)) Pirates. Belfry would win their district championship and Pond Creek, Kentucky's own Phillip Haywood recorded his 346th win as a head high school football coach to become the all-time winningest coach in the state of Kentucky

It's the second story in the Sports Overtime segment below...


Current Pikeville University head football coach Dudley Hilton is now second at 345...

From Pamela Scott Johnson's piece in the Williamson ((KY)) Daily News...

Dudley Hilton, UPike's football coach, held the record at 345 along with retired coach Bob Schneider. Hilton said he admires Haywood.

"There is no better person that I would rather hand it down to," said Hilton. "I've always admired him. He is a first class person. Sure, I would like to keep it but it is time for somebody else and Phillip Haywood definitely deserves it."

Hilton said this was not an easy achievement.

"The good Lord has got to bless you with health to be able to coach every day," Hilton said. "I don't think I ever missed a practice and I know I never missed a game in 36 years. You've got to have good players and you have to have a good school system that will let you work. It all has to work together. I would challenge anybody to see if they can last that long."

The HQ sends an HT to Haywood and Belfry...

OSG High: Police Pepper Spray Tongans At Utah Football Game

((HT: msbree321))

At a high school game in Roosevelt, Utah with Roosevelt-Union playing Uintah High School, Tongan relatives of a player were pepper sprayed during a display of support during a Haka dance.

The Roosevelt police are being accused of overreacting as they asked the kids to clear from where they were and then sprayed the crowd...

"I've never seen anything like it," Union fan Jason Kelly said. "It was totally unprovoked."

Police said the incident is under investigation. They also said many people in the crowd knew the group was going to dance, but the two officers and others didn't.

Here's the dance-off and spraying...

OSG High: tennessee HS Loses Appeal On "Territory" Argument

((HT: WTVC-TV Chattanooga))

This was one of those "precedent setting" arguments...

Signal Mountain ((TN)) High School was in front of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association ((TSSAA)) arguing that the wins that were in question during their football season- six- shouldn't be touched because of what they termed the definition of "territory."

Running back Tim McClendon played one game last year for a Georgia high school team before injuring his knee and not playing anymore for that particular school.

He went back to Tennessee and played for Signal Mountain while living in the town of Brainerd- outside the Signal Mountain district.

John Madewell has the argument before the decision...


Had this gone in favor of McClendon, regional schools and school districts in public areas would have opened the gates for anyone to live anywhere and play any time...

MotoGP's Simoncelli Dies In Malaysian Race

((HT: Youtube))

Italian rider Marco Simoncelli died Sunday after crashing and being hit by two other riders at the Malaysian MotoGP motorcycle race. He was 24.

"He was already unconscious when the medical team arrived," MotoGP medical director Michele Macchiagodena said. "We attempted to resuscitate him but failed. He died 45 minutes later."

Simoncelli died at the same Malaysian circuit where he won the 250cc world title in 2008. He lost control in Turn 11 four minutes into the race, but his bike regained partial grip and swerved across the track and into the path of American Colin Edwards and Italian Valentino Rossi.

Here's the accident...


His death was first fatality in MotoGP since Japan's Daijiro Katoh died from injuries sustained at the 2003 Japanese Grand Prix. The number of deaths in MotoGP since it was founded in 1949 is now at 47, MotoGP said.

The race, the second to last of the season, was canceled.