While not many games have been played, it is still hard to tell who are the pretenders and contenders in the Big East.
TEAM W L
UCONN 2 0
RUTGERS 2 1
PITT 1 1
SO. FLORIDA 1 1
WVU 1 1
CINCINNATI 1 2
LOUISVILLE 1 2
SYRACUSE 1 2
Is UConn really the best team in the league? Things should start to sort itself out this weekend.
LOUISVILLE vs. PITT
RUTGERS vs. WVU
UCONN vs. SO. FLORIDA
There will be at least 2 more 2-loss teams in the league after this coming weekend.
Nationally, this is an important weekend for sorting out the contenders and pretenders
1 Ohio State @ 25 Penn St.
2 BC @ 8 Va. Tech
3 LSU (IDLE)
4 Arizona St vs. 21 Cal
5 Oregon Vs. 12 USC
6 Oklahoma (IDLE)
7 WVU @ Rutgers
9 Kansas @ Texas A&M
10 So. Florida vs 23 UConn
There are some real challenges this weekend. The opportunity is there for West Virginia, but are the Mountaineers really ready for it? Maybe WVU fans' expections are greater than they should be, but after the Miss. State game many are left wondering.
Are they really the great offensive team that we think we are?
Did they letdown or shutdown after the 2nd play of the 2nd quarter?
Why don't they seem to be consistently potent on offense?
Can their O-line dominate an opponent that has decent defensive athletes?
Last Saturday I saw that: White ran hard. Slaton ran hard. Schimdt rumbled hard. Reynaud looked good. For a quarter, WVU could do no wrong. White's run on the first play was special. The long 88-yd drive that took 12 or 13 plays was great (patience, and eating of the clock are always good things for the better team). Schimdt's rumble to the endzone was something to see. I'll take a slant pass to Reynaud anyday. And, though I would have liked to have seen him get a couple of TD's against USF, I am glad that we were there for Slaton's record setting TD run.
What I didn't see was a real crisp Jarrett Brown. He missed some wide open receivers, and he had no touch on most of his passes. Wes Lyons and Dorrell Jalloh probably needed medical attention after trying to catch a couple of those 200 MPH rockets.
Over the past couple of years, the Mountaineers have grown accustomed to being able to run right over most teams, and having a handful of career type highlight plays every week. That does appear to be happening this year.
Did having an All-American center and one of the best O-line coaches in the business really make that big of difference? Big Shoes to fill?
I am not yet convinced that West Virginia has all the pieces necessary to win 11 or 12 games. And, that is just too bad, because the fans have been looking ahead to the possibilities of the 2007 season since they witnessed the 2005 comeback against U of L.
It's funny, because everyone was concerned about the defense over the winter and into the early part of the season. While I don't see Canute Curtis out there chasing down the opposing players, I do see what is probably the strongest defense of the the Rich Rod era, and, that is saying a bunch when you consider that we have seen Pac-ManJones, Grant Wiley, Brian King, and Mike Lorello during that period.
But, I think that Keilen Dykes, Johnny Dingle, Scooter Berry, Marc Magro, Eric Wicks, Larry Williams and Ryan Mundy are names that someday will likely live long in WVU lore.
In the spring and early fall, Rich complained about the receivers, and again, I don't see David Sanders, Shawn Foreman, or Danny Bugs running around out there, but I do think that Darius Reynaud is a name that will be remembered. And that group has laid some wood on D-backs, which is usually what makes things go. So, what is it about this team that leaves a little concern or questionmark?
Yes, 38 points is a big number to put on another team; just ask Georgia or Georgia Tech. Sylvester Croom didn't seem real happy about it either. But, how many yards did WVU have after the 2nd play of the 2nd quarter? I think they had less than 400 total yards; and less than 300 rushing yards.
Maybe this is all a good thing, and they are in the right position to make a season ending run towards the Big East Title and another New Years day bowl. The possibilities are there, but are the Mountaineers right for the challenge?
Wins against Rutgers and UL could convince me, but after watching them and the other Big East games this weekend, I am confused. Rutgers beat USF by running the ball straight at them with a couple of trick special teams plays thrown in. UConn beat UL on a punt return that was signaled as a fair catch. A lousy Pitt team beat what has been a pretty solid Cincy team. How? Wanstadt should stay in the booth every week.
This has been the most interesting College Football season in many years (no clear cut favorites - just ask USC). Buckle your seat belt, and hold on tight - the next six weeks should get real interesting.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Can the Rockies Sustain the Momentum?
Just something to think about. Can the Colorado Rockies maintain their run? The team has won 21 of their last 22, and now will have been off for eight days prior to begining the World Series in Boston on Wednesday night.
When an athlete is hot a coach tends to leave him in the game whether he is tired or not. When you're hot, you're hot.
It will be interesting to see if the Rocks have cooled off in the last week.
My prediction is Boston in 6.
When an athlete is hot a coach tends to leave him in the game whether he is tired or not. When you're hot, you're hot.
It will be interesting to see if the Rocks have cooled off in the last week.
My prediction is Boston in 6.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Finally Someone Puts Sports Into Perspective
"Why should we panic? We've got a great team. ... It doesn't happen, so who cares? There's always next year. It's not like it's the end of the world."
--Manny Ramirez
OUTRAGE! The media says fans in the Boston area will be outraged by Manny Ramirez's statements!
Come on sports fans, Manny is correct. Please don't let the media make you think otherwise. Yes this game is important to Red Sox nation, probably just as important as it is to Indians nation. But it is what it is, a sporting event.
Men and women from our armed forces are dying everyday on foreign soil to protect our freedom. That's the end of the world.
I am not turning this into a political statement, it's not worth that. All I am saying is Manny is right. IF they Red Sox lose and I still think that's a big IF, the sun will rise over the city of Boston the next day.
Teams lose every day and every year, and as I always say, "Losing builds character, and winning breeds complacency."
The media needs a story and Manny gave it to them. This is the only story you will hear and see all day long besides the possible angle that Ramirez did this to take the focus off the team and Josh Beckett.
What do we tell an 8-year-old boy or girl whose team just lost their athletic contest? "Buck up, it's just a game."
Ramirez gets criticized a lot for his attitude, but finally in my opinon, he says something that makes sense. I think he gets a gold star in my book, and even though Manny makes a lot of money to play a kids game. At least he is using some common sense.
I know that the sports world is a release from reality for many of us including me, but geez, it is what it is.
By the way, on Boston.com this isn't the big story. The BIG STORY is, Theo Epstien and Terry Francona will be on the hot seat if the team doesn't go to the World Series. That is a subject for another time, because that's just Boston fans trying to be like Yankees fans.
The Red Sox won the division over the Yankees and got farther in the playoffs than the Yankees, and MAY STILL GET TO THE WORLD SERIES.
WHY BLAME PEOPLE FOR WINNING? Things could be worse, you could be a baseball fan in Pittsburgh.
--Manny Ramirez
OUTRAGE! The media says fans in the Boston area will be outraged by Manny Ramirez's statements!
Come on sports fans, Manny is correct. Please don't let the media make you think otherwise. Yes this game is important to Red Sox nation, probably just as important as it is to Indians nation. But it is what it is, a sporting event.
Men and women from our armed forces are dying everyday on foreign soil to protect our freedom. That's the end of the world.
I am not turning this into a political statement, it's not worth that. All I am saying is Manny is right. IF they Red Sox lose and I still think that's a big IF, the sun will rise over the city of Boston the next day.
Teams lose every day and every year, and as I always say, "Losing builds character, and winning breeds complacency."
The media needs a story and Manny gave it to them. This is the only story you will hear and see all day long besides the possible angle that Ramirez did this to take the focus off the team and Josh Beckett.
What do we tell an 8-year-old boy or girl whose team just lost their athletic contest? "Buck up, it's just a game."
Ramirez gets criticized a lot for his attitude, but finally in my opinon, he says something that makes sense. I think he gets a gold star in my book, and even though Manny makes a lot of money to play a kids game. At least he is using some common sense.
I know that the sports world is a release from reality for many of us including me, but geez, it is what it is.
By the way, on Boston.com this isn't the big story. The BIG STORY is, Theo Epstien and Terry Francona will be on the hot seat if the team doesn't go to the World Series. That is a subject for another time, because that's just Boston fans trying to be like Yankees fans.
The Red Sox won the division over the Yankees and got farther in the playoffs than the Yankees, and MAY STILL GET TO THE WORLD SERIES.
WHY BLAME PEOPLE FOR WINNING? Things could be worse, you could be a baseball fan in Pittsburgh.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
South Florida Bulls vs Destiny and What Could Have Been for the West Virginia Mountaineers
Rich Rodriguez always says the West Virginia's opponents in football should "put a little more tape on, a little more air in their helmets, and strap it on." referring to playing the Mountaineers and the team's style of football.
Well, they have yet to play that physical style this year on the offensive side of the ball.
The irony of ironies, is that the offense has let down one of the better defenses that Mountaineer fans have seen this decade. Yes, last year the defense was awful, but this year not so bad.
WVU seem to be happy trying to finesse teams with their speed on offense when what they really need to go back to the days of Quincy Wilson, when the Mountaineers simply ran straight over and through opponents (i.e. Miami Hurricanes DB) and made them hurt.
If South Florida survives Thursday night in NJ when they play a reeling Rutgers team, which probably won't be easy, they won't have too many obstacles left in their path; most of their tougher games are at home after that Louisville and Cincinnati.
Though they do play at a surprisingly competitive UConn team next weekend. Which will be 10 days removed from what more than likely be an emotional game with the Scarlet Knights.
Actually, four of the next five weeks USF plays the meat of their Big East schedule @ Rutgers, @ UConn, home against UC, @ Syracuse, and home to U of L.
If they survive all that, only Pitt and the politics of the SEC stand between them and the BCS Title Game.
WVU needs to stay hungry, and realize that a Pat White interception returned for a touchdown, and a missed tackle on Grothe (scramble pass for a long touchdown) are keeping the Mountaineers from being the #1 team right now.
But, the way this season has gone over the last couple of weeks, I'm not sure that being the #1 team is a good thing.
The Buckeyes will be strongly tested over their next five games - Mich. St (now coached by a former OSU asst.), @ Penn St., Wisconson, Illinois, and "That team from up north."
Play hard physical football in all phases, and things will be good for the Mountaineers.
And, Rich Rod, for heaven's sake - keep the the Yankees hats and references in the closet until at least mid-January, or until after you've won as many Big East titles, or national championships as the Yankees!
Well, they have yet to play that physical style this year on the offensive side of the ball.
The irony of ironies, is that the offense has let down one of the better defenses that Mountaineer fans have seen this decade. Yes, last year the defense was awful, but this year not so bad.
WVU seem to be happy trying to finesse teams with their speed on offense when what they really need to go back to the days of Quincy Wilson, when the Mountaineers simply ran straight over and through opponents (i.e. Miami Hurricanes DB) and made them hurt.
If South Florida survives Thursday night in NJ when they play a reeling Rutgers team, which probably won't be easy, they won't have too many obstacles left in their path; most of their tougher games are at home after that Louisville and Cincinnati.
Though they do play at a surprisingly competitive UConn team next weekend. Which will be 10 days removed from what more than likely be an emotional game with the Scarlet Knights.
Actually, four of the next five weeks USF plays the meat of their Big East schedule @ Rutgers, @ UConn, home against UC, @ Syracuse, and home to U of L.
If they survive all that, only Pitt and the politics of the SEC stand between them and the BCS Title Game.
WVU needs to stay hungry, and realize that a Pat White interception returned for a touchdown, and a missed tackle on Grothe (scramble pass for a long touchdown) are keeping the Mountaineers from being the #1 team right now.
But, the way this season has gone over the last couple of weeks, I'm not sure that being the #1 team is a good thing.
The Buckeyes will be strongly tested over their next five games - Mich. St (now coached by a former OSU asst.), @ Penn St., Wisconson, Illinois, and "That team from up north."
Play hard physical football in all phases, and things will be good for the Mountaineers.
And, Rich Rod, for heaven's sake - keep the the Yankees hats and references in the closet until at least mid-January, or until after you've won as many Big East titles, or national championships as the Yankees!
The Next Bucco Skipper & Last Second Timeouts
The Pirates Next Skipper and Last Second Timeouts
I just have a few thoughts for this week. I want to give you my thoughts on who the next Pittsburgh Pirates manager will be. It is my humble opinion that it will be one of two men....either Joe Torre or Tony LaRussa. I know that Jim Tracy is an upstanding man and a good manager but damn, who can put a winning season together with the talent that is proivided you in 'Da Burgh?I would love to see Torre or LaRussa land in Pittsburgh. Do you know why? Because then we will see what kind of leaders they really are. Let's face it, anyone can win if you are the manager of the Yankees or the Cardinals. I mean how hard can it be with a payroll upwards of $100 or $200 million?Hey Joe and Tony, you both want to be included in the talk about the greatest baseball managers of all time.
Well if you really want to be counted as one of the best, accept the challenge, come to Pittsburgh, manage the Pirates and turn a once proud franchise into a contender. Do that and we will REALLY consider you one of the best.I know the Nutting family would have to be willing to consider hiring one of those two. In fact I will give them the benefit of the doubt and say that is why Jim Tracy was released in the first place, because the thought of having Torre or LaRussa possibly available as your manager was too good to pass up.
Gentlemen the ball is in your court. Don't run, accept the challenge and solidify your name in the annals of major league baseball history. Consider the Pirates OFFER!!!! When they actually offer it!
Now the second thing I wanted to rant about was the rediculous, "Hey let's wait til the very last second and call a time out when the kicker is already kicking the ball to win the NFL football game."This rule need changed. I thinks it's a stupid rule that a head coach can call timeout at the very last second before the ball is snapped. I don't know why I feel this way, but I do and let me tell you that I hate the Dallas Cowboys but I am happy for Nick Folk for hitting the shot from 53 yards twice and winning the game.Roger Godell, "Get the rules committee together and change the rule." It's only fair to the kicker. I would hate for this silly rule to change the outcome of the Super Bowl. Even if the rule is legitimate, there's something not right about it......I just don't know what it is.
I just have a few thoughts for this week. I want to give you my thoughts on who the next Pittsburgh Pirates manager will be. It is my humble opinion that it will be one of two men....either Joe Torre or Tony LaRussa. I know that Jim Tracy is an upstanding man and a good manager but damn, who can put a winning season together with the talent that is proivided you in 'Da Burgh?I would love to see Torre or LaRussa land in Pittsburgh. Do you know why? Because then we will see what kind of leaders they really are. Let's face it, anyone can win if you are the manager of the Yankees or the Cardinals. I mean how hard can it be with a payroll upwards of $100 or $200 million?Hey Joe and Tony, you both want to be included in the talk about the greatest baseball managers of all time.
Well if you really want to be counted as one of the best, accept the challenge, come to Pittsburgh, manage the Pirates and turn a once proud franchise into a contender. Do that and we will REALLY consider you one of the best.I know the Nutting family would have to be willing to consider hiring one of those two. In fact I will give them the benefit of the doubt and say that is why Jim Tracy was released in the first place, because the thought of having Torre or LaRussa possibly available as your manager was too good to pass up.
Gentlemen the ball is in your court. Don't run, accept the challenge and solidify your name in the annals of major league baseball history. Consider the Pirates OFFER!!!! When they actually offer it!
Now the second thing I wanted to rant about was the rediculous, "Hey let's wait til the very last second and call a time out when the kicker is already kicking the ball to win the NFL football game."This rule need changed. I thinks it's a stupid rule that a head coach can call timeout at the very last second before the ball is snapped. I don't know why I feel this way, but I do and let me tell you that I hate the Dallas Cowboys but I am happy for Nick Folk for hitting the shot from 53 yards twice and winning the game.Roger Godell, "Get the rules committee together and change the rule." It's only fair to the kicker. I would hate for this silly rule to change the outcome of the Super Bowl. Even if the rule is legitimate, there's something not right about it......I just don't know what it is.
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