Once again a busy Friday is upon us so we're making time for NFL picks and that's it. We apologize and we'll be back on Monday.
NFL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 4-3 Boz: 4-3
Season Ben: 42-29 Boz: 40-31
1) New England (7-4) at Miami (5-6)
Ben: NEW ENGLAND. I thought Miami would make a run for the playoffs, but I feel like New England is overall a better team, and they'll end the 'Phins playoff hopes.
Boz: NEW ENGLAND. The Patriots have struggled on the road this season but those losses have come against good teams. The Patriots will win this one big as Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and Wes Welker put up big numbers.
2) Philadelphia (7-4) at Atlanta (6-5)
Ben: PHILADELPHIA. I had Atlanta down until I remember that Matt Ryan will not play, and that's the end for the Falcons. Simple as that.
Boz: PHILADELPHIA. Both teams have injuries but I think not having Matt Ryan trumps not having Desean Jackson. The Eagles have plenty of other playmakers to make up for it if Jackson doesn't play. Chris Redmond won't be able to make up for not having Matt Ryan against the Eagles defense.
3) Detroit (2-9) at Cincinnati (8-3)
Ben: DETROIT. I feel like my 9 losses picking the Lions so far this season might as well keep rising.
Boz: CINCINNATI. The Lions look to have some type of future but this game isn't being played in the future.
4) Tennessee (5-6) at Indianapolis (11-0)
Ben: INDIANAPOLIS. I really like what Vince Young has helped the Titans do, but this game is at Lucas Oil Stadium and Peyton Manning is still the QB for the Colts.
Boz: TENNESSEE. I know Ben is taking the Colts because he never picks against Peyton Manning. I need to pick up a game so I'm hoping that those close games catch up to Indy. Come on Vince!
5) St. Louis (1-10) at Chicago (4-7)
Ben: CHICAGO. Culter and the Bears as a whole have disappointed all year, but they are still better then St. Louie.
Boz: CHICAGO. The Bears better win this game and Cutler better have a good game. If they lose to the Rams, Lovie Smith might as well start packing his bags.
6) Dallas (8-3) at New York Giants (6-5)
Ben: NEW YORK. I gotta think that the Giants bust out of this slump this week.
Boz: DALLAS. The Giants are really banged up and just aren't the same team we thought they were six games ago. The Cowboys offense will be too much to keep up with.
7) Minnesota (10-1) at Arizona (7-4)
Ben: MINNESOTA. The Vikings are great this year, and they have barely been stopped this season.
Boz: MINNESOTA. No matter whether Kurt Warner is playing or not, the defense is still not good enough to contain both Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson. I know the Cardinals offense is very good, but the defense is not.
8) Baltimore (6-5) at Green Bay (7-4)
Ben: BALTIMORE. I feel like Baltimore's offense is good enough to let them stay in the game, and the defense will make a big play late to get them the win.
Boz: GREEN BAY. It's tough to win at Lambeau this time of year and the Packers are playing good football. There are only three or four quarterbacks playing better than Aaron Rodgers right now and the running attack for the Pack has been back on track.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Day 60: The Big Ten, Nets, Ron Artest and more
HEADLINES
1) The Big Ten won the Big Ten/ACC Challenge for the first time in the 11-year history of the event. Is the Big Ten finally stronger than the ACC this year?
Ben: No -- It is a great accomplishment by the Big Ten to win the challenge this year, but let me say they should be equally disappointed it took 11 years to complete that feat. The Big Ten is not stronger because it took a 23 point come from behind win and the Duke Blue Devils playing some of the dumbest basketball I've seen them play in 10 years. I think the Big Ten top to bottom is closer to the ACC then they have been in recent years, but I would put the top teams in the ACC over any team in the Big Ten this season. I just don't think the Big Ten can hang yet -- but they are getting closer.
Boz: Let me start by saying that I am more than excited that the Big Ten finally pulled in the victory. I've been watching every challenge the past 11 years of my life, waiting and wishing for a Big Ten win. Now that it has happened, I don't think that the Big Ten is stronger than the ACC this season. The ACC isn't as strong on top of the conference as they have been in past seasons, but they are a much deeper conference, something that the Big Ten can't say. The reason why the Big Ten finally won the challenge was because they got upper-hand in the match-ups and were favored with who got home-court advantage. They finally got a couple close games to go their way on the road (i.e.- Illinois' comeback win at Clemson) and the result ends with a win. You'll still see more ACC teams in the NCAA Tournament, which matters more.
2) The New Jersey Nets have set the new record for consecutive games lost to open a season by starting the 2009-10 season with an 0-18 record. How does this Nets team relate to some of sports' all-time worst teams?
Ben: This has to be tops. I mean, it at least competes with the Bucs losing 26 straight games, but they were an expansion franchise, so I'll give them a pass. I mean, these are professional basketball players, sometimes with more rest then the teams playing them and they still can't put it together for 48 minutes and win 1 game. It is really depressing and disappointing for a team potentially trying to land a guy like LeBron.
Boz: They are right up there with last year's Lions and the Tampa Bay Yuck-aneers. It astonishes me that a team of professional-level basketball players can go 18 games without winning one game. I know that not all NBA teams are equally talented, but every NBA team has enough talent to win at least one game against another team. They've had to play someone on a long road trip or even on back-to-back nights, yet they still haven't won a game. If they can't beat the Bobcats at home in their next game, the losing streak could continue for quite some time.
3) Ron Artest stated to an unknown magazine in an interview that he use to drink Hennessy during halftime of games when he played for the Chicago Bulls. What do you make of this situation?
Ben: Artest is just plain dumb. First, why would you say that? Second, why would you do something like that? And third, why would you say that while you are still playing the game? All signs point to "crazy" on the Ron Artest map of emotions. At least Andre Agassi waiting until he was finished playing tennis to "tell-all", Artest still has 5 years left at least. Dumb, is all I can say.
Boz: Ron Artest is off his rocker. You never know what to believe when it comes to Ron Artest. He could have been that crazy and actually drank Hennessy while with the Chicago Bulls or he could be lying and actually just be the new spokesman for Hennessy and is just trying to get the brand out there. Artest also called himself a pimp when he was a 19-year old single father and that he still wants to fight Ben Wallace during the interview. Artest is the NBA version of Manny Ramirez where you just have to chalk these comments up to Ron Artest being Ron Artest. I take it all with a grain of salt.
4) Jesper Parnevik has stated that he regrets introuding Tiger Woods to his now wife, Elin Nordegren, who was once Parnevik's nanny. He said he feels sorry for Elin and hopes that she uses the driver next time instead of the three-iron. What do you make of Parnevik's comments?
Ben: I think Parnevik should mind his own business. What does he know about the situation that we don't -- probably nothing. So, he should probably focus on his own life and stop commenting on Tiger and a former employee of his.
Boz: You don't disagree when he says that he is sorry for Elin because you don't wish any woman to have to go through her husband committing adultry. However, Parnevik needs to be careful when saying that he regrets introducing Elin to Tiger and saying that Tiger isn't as good of a guy as he thought. Before he makes those claims of short-comings against Tiger, Jesper better make sure that he is the perfect man. Yes, Tiger showed faults this week but I am also sure that Jesper Parnevik hasn't been the best husband and father award either. While I am not saying that Jesper Parnevik has committed adultry, I'm sure he has made some mistakes as well, and even though they aren't as severe, he shouldn't throw rocks at a glass house.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 6-1 Boz: 4-3
Season Ben: 57-30 Boz: 48-39
1) No. 16 Oregon State at No. 7 Oregon (Thursday, 8 p.m.)
Ben: Oregon. I think the Ducks are physical and will punish Oregon State in a big matchup for the Rose Bowl berth. Plus, it's at Auzten, and that place is TOUGH to win for a visiting team.
Boz: OREGON. The Ducks are too strong for the Beavers to handle on defense. I think you'll see a lot of points put up on the board, but Jeremiah Masoli and company put up more points.
2) Arizona at No. 18 USC (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: USC. I think the Trojans are a huge disappointment this year -- but they are still better then Arizona.
Boz: USC. It seems weird that the Trojans aren't playing for the Pac-10 title right now, but they'll still get their ninth win and clinch a big non-BCS bowl. The Wildcats have struggled as late and it continues against USC.
3) Fresno State at Illinois (Saturday, 11:30 a.m.)
Ben: Fresno State. Pat Hill says, "Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime" and I admire that. And, Illinois is terrible this year.
Boz: ILLINOIS. Fresno State a good football team but they have to make a long trip to Champaign and that will help the Illini. I just worry that they have nothing to play for and might not show up.
4) No. 21 Houston at East Carolina (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: Houstin. No way the Cougars drop another game with that kind of offense -- I've got them winning by at least 2 scores.
Boz: HOUSTON. East Carolina has the better C-USA record but Case Keenum is too impressive to pick against in this game. Let's just hope that the defense shows up for Houston.
5) No. 10 Georgia Tech vs. Clemson (Saturday, 7 p.m., Tampa, FL)
Ben: Clemson. I'm going with the surprise pick here and taking the Tigers. It's at home, and I think GT is going to lose to the Tigers this time.
Boz: GEORGIA TECH. They played each other earlier this season and the Tigers had the Yellow Jackets beat before allowing a late score for the loss. I think Georgia Tech is playing much better football at this point in the season and win the ACC title.
6) No. 5 Cincinnati at No. 15 Pittsburgh (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: Cincinnati. I want the BCS system to fail, and Cincy winning helps that cause.
Boz: PITTSBURGH. I like the way the Panthers are playing football right now and it's going to be tough for Cincinnati to come in and win at Pittsburgh. The home-field advantage really plays a factor in this game and ruins the Bearcats perfect season.
7) No. 3 Texas vs. No. 22 Nebraska (Saturday, 7 p.m., Dallas, TX)
Ben: Texas. Name a good team that Nebraska has beat this year? You can't, because they only beat bad teams.
Boz: TEXAS. The Longhorns want to get to the BCS title game and they won't let Nebraska get in the way of that goal. Texas is a good football team on both sides of the football and Colt McCoy is playing really good football right now. The Cornhuskers are too inconsistent. Not too mention the game is being played in Texas.
8) No. 1 Florida vs. No. 2 Alabama (Saturday, 3 p.m., Atlanta, GA)
Ben: Alabama. I don't like Urban Meyer -- and while I also has reservations about Nick Saban - I'll take the Tide in a minor upset.
Boz: FLORIDA. This is pretty much as close as a toss up as you can get, but the Florida offense is better than the Alabama offense and thats where this game is won. The Gators win the national championship semifinals.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 39th Birthday Paul Byrd. 3 years ago you were a revived pitcher helping the Indians to the AL Central crown and a ALCS berth. Now you are a washed-up minor leaguer trying to get back to "The Show". Good luck old friend. It was fun while it lasted.
Boz: Happy 39th Birthday Lindsey Hunter. The journey-man veteran back-up point guard is currently with the Chicago Bulls but has played on a total of five NBA teams, spending most of his time in two stints with the Detroit Pistons. He has won two NBA championships with the Pistons (2002, 2004) and always find himself on NBA playoff rosters.
1) The Big Ten won the Big Ten/ACC Challenge for the first time in the 11-year history of the event. Is the Big Ten finally stronger than the ACC this year?
Ben: No -- It is a great accomplishment by the Big Ten to win the challenge this year, but let me say they should be equally disappointed it took 11 years to complete that feat. The Big Ten is not stronger because it took a 23 point come from behind win and the Duke Blue Devils playing some of the dumbest basketball I've seen them play in 10 years. I think the Big Ten top to bottom is closer to the ACC then they have been in recent years, but I would put the top teams in the ACC over any team in the Big Ten this season. I just don't think the Big Ten can hang yet -- but they are getting closer.
Boz: Let me start by saying that I am more than excited that the Big Ten finally pulled in the victory. I've been watching every challenge the past 11 years of my life, waiting and wishing for a Big Ten win. Now that it has happened, I don't think that the Big Ten is stronger than the ACC this season. The ACC isn't as strong on top of the conference as they have been in past seasons, but they are a much deeper conference, something that the Big Ten can't say. The reason why the Big Ten finally won the challenge was because they got upper-hand in the match-ups and were favored with who got home-court advantage. They finally got a couple close games to go their way on the road (i.e.- Illinois' comeback win at Clemson) and the result ends with a win. You'll still see more ACC teams in the NCAA Tournament, which matters more.
2) The New Jersey Nets have set the new record for consecutive games lost to open a season by starting the 2009-10 season with an 0-18 record. How does this Nets team relate to some of sports' all-time worst teams?
Ben: This has to be tops. I mean, it at least competes with the Bucs losing 26 straight games, but they were an expansion franchise, so I'll give them a pass. I mean, these are professional basketball players, sometimes with more rest then the teams playing them and they still can't put it together for 48 minutes and win 1 game. It is really depressing and disappointing for a team potentially trying to land a guy like LeBron.
Boz: They are right up there with last year's Lions and the Tampa Bay Yuck-aneers. It astonishes me that a team of professional-level basketball players can go 18 games without winning one game. I know that not all NBA teams are equally talented, but every NBA team has enough talent to win at least one game against another team. They've had to play someone on a long road trip or even on back-to-back nights, yet they still haven't won a game. If they can't beat the Bobcats at home in their next game, the losing streak could continue for quite some time.
3) Ron Artest stated to an unknown magazine in an interview that he use to drink Hennessy during halftime of games when he played for the Chicago Bulls. What do you make of this situation?
Ben: Artest is just plain dumb. First, why would you say that? Second, why would you do something like that? And third, why would you say that while you are still playing the game? All signs point to "crazy" on the Ron Artest map of emotions. At least Andre Agassi waiting until he was finished playing tennis to "tell-all", Artest still has 5 years left at least. Dumb, is all I can say.
Boz: Ron Artest is off his rocker. You never know what to believe when it comes to Ron Artest. He could have been that crazy and actually drank Hennessy while with the Chicago Bulls or he could be lying and actually just be the new spokesman for Hennessy and is just trying to get the brand out there. Artest also called himself a pimp when he was a 19-year old single father and that he still wants to fight Ben Wallace during the interview. Artest is the NBA version of Manny Ramirez where you just have to chalk these comments up to Ron Artest being Ron Artest. I take it all with a grain of salt.
4) Jesper Parnevik has stated that he regrets introuding Tiger Woods to his now wife, Elin Nordegren, who was once Parnevik's nanny. He said he feels sorry for Elin and hopes that she uses the driver next time instead of the three-iron. What do you make of Parnevik's comments?
Ben: I think Parnevik should mind his own business. What does he know about the situation that we don't -- probably nothing. So, he should probably focus on his own life and stop commenting on Tiger and a former employee of his.
Boz: You don't disagree when he says that he is sorry for Elin because you don't wish any woman to have to go through her husband committing adultry. However, Parnevik needs to be careful when saying that he regrets introducing Elin to Tiger and saying that Tiger isn't as good of a guy as he thought. Before he makes those claims of short-comings against Tiger, Jesper better make sure that he is the perfect man. Yes, Tiger showed faults this week but I am also sure that Jesper Parnevik hasn't been the best husband and father award either. While I am not saying that Jesper Parnevik has committed adultry, I'm sure he has made some mistakes as well, and even though they aren't as severe, he shouldn't throw rocks at a glass house.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 6-1 Boz: 4-3
Season Ben: 57-30 Boz: 48-39
1) No. 16 Oregon State at No. 7 Oregon (Thursday, 8 p.m.)
Ben: Oregon. I think the Ducks are physical and will punish Oregon State in a big matchup for the Rose Bowl berth. Plus, it's at Auzten, and that place is TOUGH to win for a visiting team.
Boz: OREGON. The Ducks are too strong for the Beavers to handle on defense. I think you'll see a lot of points put up on the board, but Jeremiah Masoli and company put up more points.
2) Arizona at No. 18 USC (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: USC. I think the Trojans are a huge disappointment this year -- but they are still better then Arizona.
Boz: USC. It seems weird that the Trojans aren't playing for the Pac-10 title right now, but they'll still get their ninth win and clinch a big non-BCS bowl. The Wildcats have struggled as late and it continues against USC.
3) Fresno State at Illinois (Saturday, 11:30 a.m.)
Ben: Fresno State. Pat Hill says, "Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime" and I admire that. And, Illinois is terrible this year.
Boz: ILLINOIS. Fresno State a good football team but they have to make a long trip to Champaign and that will help the Illini. I just worry that they have nothing to play for and might not show up.
4) No. 21 Houston at East Carolina (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: Houstin. No way the Cougars drop another game with that kind of offense -- I've got them winning by at least 2 scores.
Boz: HOUSTON. East Carolina has the better C-USA record but Case Keenum is too impressive to pick against in this game. Let's just hope that the defense shows up for Houston.
5) No. 10 Georgia Tech vs. Clemson (Saturday, 7 p.m., Tampa, FL)
Ben: Clemson. I'm going with the surprise pick here and taking the Tigers. It's at home, and I think GT is going to lose to the Tigers this time.
Boz: GEORGIA TECH. They played each other earlier this season and the Tigers had the Yellow Jackets beat before allowing a late score for the loss. I think Georgia Tech is playing much better football at this point in the season and win the ACC title.
6) No. 5 Cincinnati at No. 15 Pittsburgh (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: Cincinnati. I want the BCS system to fail, and Cincy winning helps that cause.
Boz: PITTSBURGH. I like the way the Panthers are playing football right now and it's going to be tough for Cincinnati to come in and win at Pittsburgh. The home-field advantage really plays a factor in this game and ruins the Bearcats perfect season.
7) No. 3 Texas vs. No. 22 Nebraska (Saturday, 7 p.m., Dallas, TX)
Ben: Texas. Name a good team that Nebraska has beat this year? You can't, because they only beat bad teams.
Boz: TEXAS. The Longhorns want to get to the BCS title game and they won't let Nebraska get in the way of that goal. Texas is a good football team on both sides of the football and Colt McCoy is playing really good football right now. The Cornhuskers are too inconsistent. Not too mention the game is being played in Texas.
8) No. 1 Florida vs. No. 2 Alabama (Saturday, 3 p.m., Atlanta, GA)
Ben: Alabama. I don't like Urban Meyer -- and while I also has reservations about Nick Saban - I'll take the Tide in a minor upset.
Boz: FLORIDA. This is pretty much as close as a toss up as you can get, but the Florida offense is better than the Alabama offense and thats where this game is won. The Gators win the national championship semifinals.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 39th Birthday Paul Byrd. 3 years ago you were a revived pitcher helping the Indians to the AL Central crown and a ALCS berth. Now you are a washed-up minor leaguer trying to get back to "The Show". Good luck old friend. It was fun while it lasted.
Boz: Happy 39th Birthday Lindsey Hunter. The journey-man veteran back-up point guard is currently with the Chicago Bulls but has played on a total of five NBA teams, spending most of his time in two stints with the Detroit Pistons. He has won two NBA championships with the Pistons (2002, 2004) and always find himself on NBA playoff rosters.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Day 59: Charlie Weis, Bobby Bowden, the Saints and more
HEADLINES
1) Notre Dame fired head football coach Charlie Weis after just five seasons and a lower winning percentage than his two predecessors. What do you think is next for Notre Dame and for Charlie Weis?
Ben: For Charlie Weis is easy. He'll probably get a gig next season as an offensive coordinator, or possibly even a head coach at the pro level. He's developed a great offensive system in South Bend, but nobody has developed the defense or kept Weis paying attention during games. I imagine he'll still be visible in football next season, but in the meantime he'll enjoy his 18 million in buyout money.
For Notre Dame - they will go on to lose their bowl game in a couple weeks and then begin the extensive search for their new coach. I bet on their dream/wish list is Urban Meyer, Bob Stoops, possible Kirk Ferentz -- then the second tier is Brian Kelley, Chris Peterson, and then possibly a guy like Heimendinger from the Tennessee Titans, or Jim Harbaugh from Stanford. I bet they'll end up with one of those guys and continue to disappoint next season.
Boz: For Charlie Weis, I think it's simple where he goes next. He needs to go back to the NFL and be an offensive coordinator, which he has been successful with in the past. I would actually like him to be the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears so that they finally get rid of Ron Turner. There have been sources that six NFL teams have already contacted Weis, so that's where I believe he'll end up.
As for Notre Dame, they'll have a lot of talented coaches that will line up for that coaching position. It's still a good coaching job despite the struggles lately and, despite all of the built up expectations, many coaches will still take that job. I don't think it'll be Urban Meyer and I don't think it'll be Jon Gruden. I think you'll see Cincinnati's Brian Kelly, North Carolina's Butch Davis or Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald in the mix for the job.
2) After 44 years of coaching, 34 with the Florida State Seminoles, Bobby Bowden has announced his retirement. Where does Bowden rank among the all-time coaches?
Ben: I would say he's in the top 10, but he falls because of recent struggles. Bowden was an innovator as far as recruiting, player development, and media relations. Bowden had his flaws, like nepotism, but he ultimately was an amazing head coach that helped Flordia State put itself on the map and become a consistent powerhouse in college football.
Boz: I would say in the mid to late top ten. Florida State was nothing before Bobby Bowden arrived and Bowden turned them into a national powerhouse, winning two national titles in the 1990s. I don't like the way his career is ending with recent struggles and it seeming as if Florida State is forcing him into retirement. I wish he could be like Joe Paterno where the team bounces back to top 25 status and then retire (that is if Joe Pa ever retires). I never really liked Bowden until I watched "We Are Marshall" and realized how nice of a guy he was off the field. He'll be missed.
3) The Drew Brees led offense outshined the Bill Belichick defense last night as the Saints beat the Patriots, 38-17. After watching this impressive performance, what odds are you giving the Saints at going 16-0?
Ben: 0%. There is just no way that the Saints will go undefeated. At some point they will have an offensive letdown -- and I don't think their defense will hold up over 16 full games. I just can't see them playing this well for 16 straight games. I give them a decent shot at the Super Bowl, but can't see them being 16-0.
Boz: I'm giving them a VERY good chance at finishing the regular season 16-0. The Saints are impressive on both sides of the ball and it looks like they have the offensive and defensive MVP of the league in Drew Brees and Darren Sharper. They don't have a tough schedule at all remaining and after dimantling the Patriots and Brees having about 35 weapons on offense, it looks like 16-0 is within reach.
4) Tiger Woods was put at fault in the one-car accident that he was involved in. He was issued a citation, fined $164, and received four points against his driver's licensce. What do you think of the punishment?
Ben: I think the punishment is kind of funny -- but I'm glad there is potential for this to go away. Look, I like Tiger, and I don't want to see a huge fiasco surrounding him that might distort the view of Tiger the golfer. I have no idea who he is in his personal life, and you know what, I don't really care. I like him as a golfer, and am glad people can start focusing on that again.
Boz: It's laughable, but I like that they are treating Tiger Woods like anyone other Joe Shmo that would have been in this accident. Tiger Woods paying $164 dollars is like fining Ben and I a quarter. I don't think that Tiger is worried about the four points against his driver's license because he could hire a full-time driver if he wanted. Now I hope that all of the negative speculation goes away and we can just treat this as a normal car accident and nothing else.
TOSS-UP
1) Which team needs to concussed quarterback more? The Cardinals or the Steelers?
Ben: Cardinals. Dennis Dixon wasn't terrible, while Matt Leinart has shown he can't handle the NFL game. He has been bad in short spurts as the QB in Arizona, and I think that Dixon offers another dimension to the Steelers game. Neither team would be in great shape, but the Steelers would probably be able to get by.
Boz: The Steelers by a long shot and not just because their best back-up is Dennis Dixon. If the season ended today, the Steelers would miss the playoffs. They need Big Ben back to get into the playoffs. The Cardinals are in such a weak division and Leinert didn't look bad in his start against the Titans despite the loss.
2) Which old, former Yankee outfielder is the better free agent? Hideki Matsui or Johnny Damon?
Ben: Matsui. I wouldn't want to take either, but Matsui won the World Series MVP and has a lot of pop left in his bat. I'll take the heavy hitter over the declining outfielder.
Boz: I'm going to say Damon, but I wouldn't want my team to sign either. Damon at least gives you the option of an NL team signing him because he can play the outfield. It seems that Matsui has turned into purely a designated hitter. Damon showed some pop in his bat last season and if he continues to hit that way, he could be a good pick up...key word being COULD.
3) How do you view Alex Ovechkin? As an MVP or dirty player?
Ben: MVP. He is a hockey player, not a friend. His goal isn't to make best buds with his opponents, but punish them and win. He does that better then anyone else. I'll take him as MVP anyday.
Boz: I want to see him as an MVP calibur player but he isn't making it easy. He and Sid the Kid are the best players in hockey, but Ovechkin is starting to get a reputation as a dirty player and recently was suspended for two games for a knee-to-knee hit.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 23rd Anniversary Bobby Layne. On this date in 1986 you passed away, after a long and distinguished career with the Detroit Lions. You were the last great QB to play for Detroit, and also with you leaving Motown, signaled the end of sustained success in Detroit -- it's been over 51 years since a title was brought to Detroit.
Boz: Happy 43rd Birthday to Larry Walker. The former Expo, Rockie and Cardinal was a career .313 hitter with 383 home runs. One of the best Canandian born baseball players was the 1997 NL MVP and would have been a better choice for hitting coach for the Cardinals than Mark McGwire.
1) Notre Dame fired head football coach Charlie Weis after just five seasons and a lower winning percentage than his two predecessors. What do you think is next for Notre Dame and for Charlie Weis?
Ben: For Charlie Weis is easy. He'll probably get a gig next season as an offensive coordinator, or possibly even a head coach at the pro level. He's developed a great offensive system in South Bend, but nobody has developed the defense or kept Weis paying attention during games. I imagine he'll still be visible in football next season, but in the meantime he'll enjoy his 18 million in buyout money.
For Notre Dame - they will go on to lose their bowl game in a couple weeks and then begin the extensive search for their new coach. I bet on their dream/wish list is Urban Meyer, Bob Stoops, possible Kirk Ferentz -- then the second tier is Brian Kelley, Chris Peterson, and then possibly a guy like Heimendinger from the Tennessee Titans, or Jim Harbaugh from Stanford. I bet they'll end up with one of those guys and continue to disappoint next season.
Boz: For Charlie Weis, I think it's simple where he goes next. He needs to go back to the NFL and be an offensive coordinator, which he has been successful with in the past. I would actually like him to be the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears so that they finally get rid of Ron Turner. There have been sources that six NFL teams have already contacted Weis, so that's where I believe he'll end up.
As for Notre Dame, they'll have a lot of talented coaches that will line up for that coaching position. It's still a good coaching job despite the struggles lately and, despite all of the built up expectations, many coaches will still take that job. I don't think it'll be Urban Meyer and I don't think it'll be Jon Gruden. I think you'll see Cincinnati's Brian Kelly, North Carolina's Butch Davis or Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald in the mix for the job.
2) After 44 years of coaching, 34 with the Florida State Seminoles, Bobby Bowden has announced his retirement. Where does Bowden rank among the all-time coaches?
Ben: I would say he's in the top 10, but he falls because of recent struggles. Bowden was an innovator as far as recruiting, player development, and media relations. Bowden had his flaws, like nepotism, but he ultimately was an amazing head coach that helped Flordia State put itself on the map and become a consistent powerhouse in college football.
Boz: I would say in the mid to late top ten. Florida State was nothing before Bobby Bowden arrived and Bowden turned them into a national powerhouse, winning two national titles in the 1990s. I don't like the way his career is ending with recent struggles and it seeming as if Florida State is forcing him into retirement. I wish he could be like Joe Paterno where the team bounces back to top 25 status and then retire (that is if Joe Pa ever retires). I never really liked Bowden until I watched "We Are Marshall" and realized how nice of a guy he was off the field. He'll be missed.
3) The Drew Brees led offense outshined the Bill Belichick defense last night as the Saints beat the Patriots, 38-17. After watching this impressive performance, what odds are you giving the Saints at going 16-0?
Ben: 0%. There is just no way that the Saints will go undefeated. At some point they will have an offensive letdown -- and I don't think their defense will hold up over 16 full games. I just can't see them playing this well for 16 straight games. I give them a decent shot at the Super Bowl, but can't see them being 16-0.
Boz: I'm giving them a VERY good chance at finishing the regular season 16-0. The Saints are impressive on both sides of the ball and it looks like they have the offensive and defensive MVP of the league in Drew Brees and Darren Sharper. They don't have a tough schedule at all remaining and after dimantling the Patriots and Brees having about 35 weapons on offense, it looks like 16-0 is within reach.
4) Tiger Woods was put at fault in the one-car accident that he was involved in. He was issued a citation, fined $164, and received four points against his driver's licensce. What do you think of the punishment?
Ben: I think the punishment is kind of funny -- but I'm glad there is potential for this to go away. Look, I like Tiger, and I don't want to see a huge fiasco surrounding him that might distort the view of Tiger the golfer. I have no idea who he is in his personal life, and you know what, I don't really care. I like him as a golfer, and am glad people can start focusing on that again.
Boz: It's laughable, but I like that they are treating Tiger Woods like anyone other Joe Shmo that would have been in this accident. Tiger Woods paying $164 dollars is like fining Ben and I a quarter. I don't think that Tiger is worried about the four points against his driver's license because he could hire a full-time driver if he wanted. Now I hope that all of the negative speculation goes away and we can just treat this as a normal car accident and nothing else.
TOSS-UP
1) Which team needs to concussed quarterback more? The Cardinals or the Steelers?
Ben: Cardinals. Dennis Dixon wasn't terrible, while Matt Leinart has shown he can't handle the NFL game. He has been bad in short spurts as the QB in Arizona, and I think that Dixon offers another dimension to the Steelers game. Neither team would be in great shape, but the Steelers would probably be able to get by.
Boz: The Steelers by a long shot and not just because their best back-up is Dennis Dixon. If the season ended today, the Steelers would miss the playoffs. They need Big Ben back to get into the playoffs. The Cardinals are in such a weak division and Leinert didn't look bad in his start against the Titans despite the loss.
2) Which old, former Yankee outfielder is the better free agent? Hideki Matsui or Johnny Damon?
Ben: Matsui. I wouldn't want to take either, but Matsui won the World Series MVP and has a lot of pop left in his bat. I'll take the heavy hitter over the declining outfielder.
Boz: I'm going to say Damon, but I wouldn't want my team to sign either. Damon at least gives you the option of an NL team signing him because he can play the outfield. It seems that Matsui has turned into purely a designated hitter. Damon showed some pop in his bat last season and if he continues to hit that way, he could be a good pick up...key word being COULD.
3) How do you view Alex Ovechkin? As an MVP or dirty player?
Ben: MVP. He is a hockey player, not a friend. His goal isn't to make best buds with his opponents, but punish them and win. He does that better then anyone else. I'll take him as MVP anyday.
Boz: I want to see him as an MVP calibur player but he isn't making it easy. He and Sid the Kid are the best players in hockey, but Ovechkin is starting to get a reputation as a dirty player and recently was suspended for two games for a knee-to-knee hit.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 23rd Anniversary Bobby Layne. On this date in 1986 you passed away, after a long and distinguished career with the Detroit Lions. You were the last great QB to play for Detroit, and also with you leaving Motown, signaled the end of sustained success in Detroit -- it's been over 51 years since a title was brought to Detroit.
Boz: Happy 43rd Birthday to Larry Walker. The former Expo, Rockie and Cardinal was a career .313 hitter with 383 home runs. One of the best Canandian born baseball players was the 1997 NL MVP and would have been a better choice for hitting coach for the Cardinals than Mark McGwire.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Day 58: Indianapolis Colts, Colt McCoy, ACC vs. Big Ten Challenge
HEADLINES
1) The Indianapolis Colts won four straight games by a margin of ten points and had to rally from behind to to defeat the Houston Texans yesterday. Can the Colts continue to win these close games and reach 16-0?
Ben: I think they can, but I'm skeptical that it will continue. I think the Colts are going to be Super Bowl contenders, but the thought of keeping up 16-0 is to difficult. I think the ultimate goal should be to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, not going undefeated during the regular season -- and Peyton Manning will relay that to his teammates. I also think that Jim Caldwell might be overmatched if he is asked to "outcoach" someone late in games.
Boz: Yes they can, and the reason is because they have Peyton Manning under center. I think the man has ice running through his veins because nothing seems to rattle him at all. And because of his abilities to lead the team back from any deficit, it instills a sense of confidence in the rest of the team that they are never out of a game. I think that 16-0 is in reach for the Colts because they don't have too tough of a schedule remaining. They do have some teams that can pose some trouble for Indy (such as the Vince Young Titans, Broncos and Jaguars), but those teams are going to have to play a perfect game to beat Peyton Manning and the Colts.
2) Texas quarterback Colt McCoy threw for 304 yards and four touchdowns and carried the ball 18 times for 175 yards and a touchdown in the Longhorns' 49-39 win over Texas A&M. Did McCoy strengthen his chances at winning the Heisman?
Ben: He obviously strengthened them with a solid game, but I'm not sure its going to be enough, only because he played so mediocre (for a Heisman winner) during a stretch in the middle of the year. I like McCoy for a college player, but I don't think he's going to win the trophy this year.
Boz: It was definitely an impressive game. The rush yards was shocking because I didn't think he had that type of running ability. The problem for McCoy is that two other legit candidates had just as strong outings in their regular season finales. Tim Tebow threw for 221 yards and ran for 90 yards and had a total of five touchdowns. Toby Gerhart ran for 205 yards and three touchdowns and even threw an 18-yard touchdown pass in the Cardinal win over the Fighting Irish. So as good as McCoy was in the win over the Aggies, his competitors were just as good.
3) The ACC vs. Big Ten Challenge kicks off tomorrow with Wake Forest at Purdue and Michigan State at North Carolina. Who do you have winning the inter-conference battle?
Ben: It's gotta be the ACC. The Big Ten has to prove to me it has the horses to win this thing before I can pick them to win this weeks challenge. The losses for the Big Ten's top teams against far inferior opponents scare me, and I can't pick the Big Ten now.
Boz: Last week I was actually entertaining the idea that the Big Ten would finally win the ACC vs. Big Ten Challenge. I was so excited because every year I pay close attention to this event hoping that the Big Ten would finally pull a win. However, my enthusiasm quickly turned to despair when I saw Michigan State lose to Florida, Minnesota lose back-to-back games to Portland and Texas A&M, Michigan lose back-to-back games to Marquette and Alabama, and Illinois painfully lose back-to-back games to Utah and Bradley. The ACC is the much deeper conference and while the Big Ten might win the premeir matchups, the ACC will win more games.
4) The Florida State Police are asking for a search warrant to obtain hospital records on injuries treated on Tiger Woods after a one-car accident that Woods was in early Friday morning. The police want the records to help determine if the injuries were from the accident or domestic abuse. What do you make of this situation?
Ben: It is a crazy situation that is only going to get more crazy. Everything about this seems out of place, and I just can't believe all of this stuff that continues to come out. I like Tiger the golfer and want to see him make it through this, but right now -- I can't pick a side, because it just sounds so crazy.
Boz: I'm really undecided on what I think really happened in this situation. There was no alcohol involved in the crash which makes me wonder why he was leaving his house around 2:30 in the morning. Domestic abuse would be a legit reason why he was leaving and had cuts on his lip. If it were just a dumb driving mistake, then why wouldn't Tiger want to talk to the police? I hope that it was just a crash and that everything works out for Tiger. But things look sketchy right now.
ODDS
1) Alabama struggled to beat Auburn in their annual rivalry game. What are the odds that the Crimson Tide can knock off Florida in the SEC title game?
Ben: 50%. Both teams are good, and match up well with each other -- I can't pick for sure right now, but it should be a good game.
Boz: 20%. I just think that Florida is too good on both sides of the ball to give the Crimson Tide a good chance at winning this game. And with the recent injury to Mark Ingram, Alabama is going to have trouble putting up any points against the Flordia defense. The Gators go to the BCS title game.
2) Sources stated that Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay would waive his no-trade clause for a trade to the Yankees. What are the odds that Halladay ends up a Yankee?
Ben: 0%. I can't pick the Yankees to win anything and Halladay is too good to go there. They already have too many good, high-priced players.
Boz: 35%. The Yankees always go after the high-profile players and Halladay would be one of the high-profiled players. However, I don't think that the Yankees enought pieces that they want to part with to complete a trade with the Blue Jays. I think Halladay gets traded, but it'll be to the west coast.
3) Serena Williams was fined $82,500 and put on a two-year probation for her outburst on a lines-judge at the U.S. Open. What are the odds that Serena has another outburst during her probation?
Ben: 51%. I don't think Serena can keep it down. He competitive fire will flare up again and show it's ugly head. It might not be during such a big tournament, but it will happen again.
Boz: 10%. That is a pretty hefty fine and even though Serena can afford it, I don't think she is going to want to pay it again. However, it is Serena Williams and with her temper, anything is possible which is way I didn't say 0%.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 4th Anniversary Boston Red Sox. On this date in 2005 you petitioned a judge to get the ball that made the last out of the 2004 World Series, which Doug Mientkiewicz was trying to keep. He has since loaned it to the team, but still claims ownership to the ball that ended the BoSox 86 year championship drought.
Boz: Happy 47th Birthday to Bo Jackson. The 1985 Heisman Trophy winner at Auburn went on to be the first player to be named an All-Star in two sports, starring with the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Raiders. Even though a hip-injury ended his pro football career after just three seasons, Jackson still ran for 2,700 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career. He only played eight seasons in the bigs but still hit 141 home runs and 415 RBIs. He could be one of the greatest athletes of all time.
1) The Indianapolis Colts won four straight games by a margin of ten points and had to rally from behind to to defeat the Houston Texans yesterday. Can the Colts continue to win these close games and reach 16-0?
Ben: I think they can, but I'm skeptical that it will continue. I think the Colts are going to be Super Bowl contenders, but the thought of keeping up 16-0 is to difficult. I think the ultimate goal should be to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, not going undefeated during the regular season -- and Peyton Manning will relay that to his teammates. I also think that Jim Caldwell might be overmatched if he is asked to "outcoach" someone late in games.
Boz: Yes they can, and the reason is because they have Peyton Manning under center. I think the man has ice running through his veins because nothing seems to rattle him at all. And because of his abilities to lead the team back from any deficit, it instills a sense of confidence in the rest of the team that they are never out of a game. I think that 16-0 is in reach for the Colts because they don't have too tough of a schedule remaining. They do have some teams that can pose some trouble for Indy (such as the Vince Young Titans, Broncos and Jaguars), but those teams are going to have to play a perfect game to beat Peyton Manning and the Colts.
2) Texas quarterback Colt McCoy threw for 304 yards and four touchdowns and carried the ball 18 times for 175 yards and a touchdown in the Longhorns' 49-39 win over Texas A&M. Did McCoy strengthen his chances at winning the Heisman?
Ben: He obviously strengthened them with a solid game, but I'm not sure its going to be enough, only because he played so mediocre (for a Heisman winner) during a stretch in the middle of the year. I like McCoy for a college player, but I don't think he's going to win the trophy this year.
Boz: It was definitely an impressive game. The rush yards was shocking because I didn't think he had that type of running ability. The problem for McCoy is that two other legit candidates had just as strong outings in their regular season finales. Tim Tebow threw for 221 yards and ran for 90 yards and had a total of five touchdowns. Toby Gerhart ran for 205 yards and three touchdowns and even threw an 18-yard touchdown pass in the Cardinal win over the Fighting Irish. So as good as McCoy was in the win over the Aggies, his competitors were just as good.
3) The ACC vs. Big Ten Challenge kicks off tomorrow with Wake Forest at Purdue and Michigan State at North Carolina. Who do you have winning the inter-conference battle?
Ben: It's gotta be the ACC. The Big Ten has to prove to me it has the horses to win this thing before I can pick them to win this weeks challenge. The losses for the Big Ten's top teams against far inferior opponents scare me, and I can't pick the Big Ten now.
Boz: Last week I was actually entertaining the idea that the Big Ten would finally win the ACC vs. Big Ten Challenge. I was so excited because every year I pay close attention to this event hoping that the Big Ten would finally pull a win. However, my enthusiasm quickly turned to despair when I saw Michigan State lose to Florida, Minnesota lose back-to-back games to Portland and Texas A&M, Michigan lose back-to-back games to Marquette and Alabama, and Illinois painfully lose back-to-back games to Utah and Bradley. The ACC is the much deeper conference and while the Big Ten might win the premeir matchups, the ACC will win more games.
4) The Florida State Police are asking for a search warrant to obtain hospital records on injuries treated on Tiger Woods after a one-car accident that Woods was in early Friday morning. The police want the records to help determine if the injuries were from the accident or domestic abuse. What do you make of this situation?
Ben: It is a crazy situation that is only going to get more crazy. Everything about this seems out of place, and I just can't believe all of this stuff that continues to come out. I like Tiger the golfer and want to see him make it through this, but right now -- I can't pick a side, because it just sounds so crazy.
Boz: I'm really undecided on what I think really happened in this situation. There was no alcohol involved in the crash which makes me wonder why he was leaving his house around 2:30 in the morning. Domestic abuse would be a legit reason why he was leaving and had cuts on his lip. If it were just a dumb driving mistake, then why wouldn't Tiger want to talk to the police? I hope that it was just a crash and that everything works out for Tiger. But things look sketchy right now.
ODDS
1) Alabama struggled to beat Auburn in their annual rivalry game. What are the odds that the Crimson Tide can knock off Florida in the SEC title game?
Ben: 50%. Both teams are good, and match up well with each other -- I can't pick for sure right now, but it should be a good game.
Boz: 20%. I just think that Florida is too good on both sides of the ball to give the Crimson Tide a good chance at winning this game. And with the recent injury to Mark Ingram, Alabama is going to have trouble putting up any points against the Flordia defense. The Gators go to the BCS title game.
2) Sources stated that Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay would waive his no-trade clause for a trade to the Yankees. What are the odds that Halladay ends up a Yankee?
Ben: 0%. I can't pick the Yankees to win anything and Halladay is too good to go there. They already have too many good, high-priced players.
Boz: 35%. The Yankees always go after the high-profile players and Halladay would be one of the high-profiled players. However, I don't think that the Yankees enought pieces that they want to part with to complete a trade with the Blue Jays. I think Halladay gets traded, but it'll be to the west coast.
3) Serena Williams was fined $82,500 and put on a two-year probation for her outburst on a lines-judge at the U.S. Open. What are the odds that Serena has another outburst during her probation?
Ben: 51%. I don't think Serena can keep it down. He competitive fire will flare up again and show it's ugly head. It might not be during such a big tournament, but it will happen again.
Boz: 10%. That is a pretty hefty fine and even though Serena can afford it, I don't think she is going to want to pay it again. However, it is Serena Williams and with her temper, anything is possible which is way I didn't say 0%.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 4th Anniversary Boston Red Sox. On this date in 2005 you petitioned a judge to get the ball that made the last out of the 2004 World Series, which Doug Mientkiewicz was trying to keep. He has since loaned it to the team, but still claims ownership to the ball that ended the BoSox 86 year championship drought.
Boz: Happy 47th Birthday to Bo Jackson. The 1985 Heisman Trophy winner at Auburn went on to be the first player to be named an All-Star in two sports, starring with the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Raiders. Even though a hip-injury ended his pro football career after just three seasons, Jackson still ran for 2,700 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career. He only played eight seasons in the bigs but still hit 141 home runs and 415 RBIs. He could be one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Day 57: Albert Pujols, Warriors, Heisman choice and more
HEADLINES
1) Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols was the unanimous pick for the NL MVP award, winning his second straight MVP and his third overall. Do you agree with this pick?
Ben: Is this a serious question? He was obviously the best choice in the National League. The guy is a great player, and, unless a freak injury occurs, will probably be an automatic MVP for the next 4-5 years. He is a great power hitter, a great hit for average guy, a RBI guy, a great defensive player, and a generally nice guy in the media. Pujols, while he plays for the hated Cardinals, is a player just about every team in the majors would want. That, should be the definition of an MVP - a player who would dominate on any team.
Boz: Absolutely. I didn't even know who else was in the running until I read the article today. Pujols was so far above and beyond, not only any other player in the National League, but in the entire Major League. As much as I had to admit it as a Cubs fan, the man is a machine and is the best hitter on the planet. The real question is where will Pujols rank among the best all-time hitters in the history of the game when he is done. He has already won three MVP awards and he is only 29-years old.
2) The Golden State Warriors defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 111-103, despite only playing six players in the game. Was this impressive by the Warriors or pathetic by the Mavericks?
Ben: Both. It is impressive that the Warriors were able to get through an entire game, much-less win the game, with only six players. It is pathetic that the Mavericks were so unenthusiastic about playing this game that they let 6 worn out guys beat them up and down the floor for 48 minutes. It wasn't even like the Warriors tried to play a different style game -- THEY SCORED 110 POINTS!
If I were Rick Carilse I'd be pretty upset with my team.
Boz: It's pathetic on the part of the Mavericks. You are playing at home against a team playing six guys, with three of them playing all 48 minutes. If you want to be considered as a legit title contender you cannot lose these games. I know they are NBA players, but playing all 48 minutes had to get those guys tired. And why wasn't the game plan to draw fouls and get them in foul trouble? It really has to be a demoralizing loss for the Mavs and I am sure Mark Cuban isn't too happy.
What is really pathetic is the two other guys that dressed for the Warriors but didn't play in the game. Are they that bad that they don't even get used when their are only six other active players?
3) With college football season winding down, who is your pick to win the Heismann trophy?
Ben: As much as it pains me to say this, Tim Tebow. I just think that with all the records he's broken this year, and with all the national attention that Flordia gets, he'll have a pretty reasonable shot this year to get that trophy back. Plus he gets a vote -- who do you think he's voting for.
Boz: I'm taking Stanford's running back Toby Gerhart. He has the second-highest running total in the nation with 1,531 yards and leads all running backs with 23 touchdowns. He has almost single-handedly turned the Cardinal around and almost got them into the Rose Bowl. Alabama's running back Mark Ingram is a close second, making it nice to see running backs back in the running after a couple years with nothing but quarterbacks up for the award.
4) With the Lions and Cowboys set the host the Thanksgiving games once again, should the NFL consider giving the Thanksgiving games to better teams or keep with tradition?
Ben: Keep with tradition. Look, I know I am a Lions fan, so you can paint me with the homer brush, but these two teams stepped up when no one else would. The Lions have hosted the Thanksgiving game since 1934. They missed two years since then, 1939, 1940. They also told the NFL when they wanted to sponsor a Thanksgiving game -- Detroit and Dallas were the first two teams to step up and take the responsibility. Ever noticed which car company has the most commercials during NFL games? Ford does. Do you know who the same person owns Ford Motor Company and the Detroit Lions? Find it a coincidence that the NFL has stuck it out with them through this stretch.
Look, I want to see good games on TV too -- but I do not think that just because the Lions happen to be bad they should have the game stripped. Nobody would talk about this if it were the Cowboys, Giants, Jets, Patriots, or Packers terrible.
Boz: Despite not being a fan of either team, I want the NFL to keep the tradition alive and continue to allow the Lions and Cowboys to keep hosting the Turkey Day games. I'm a big stickler for tradition and I would hate to see this one change. Even though the Lions are bad and the Cowboys are playing the Raiders, people will still tune in to watch the games because that's what you do on Thanksgiving. You watch football. If the NFL wants to make better games then don't schedule the Raiders. They knew when making the schedule that they were terrible! They got one game right at least, scheduling a division foe for the Lions with the Packers. Regardless, I'm looking forward to watching both games.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 3-4 Boz: 3-4
Season Ben: 51-29 Boz: 44-36
1) Notre Dame at Stanford (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: STANFORD. Notre Dame doesn't beat anyone that is ranked.
Boz: STANFORD. It was a disappointing loss for the Cardinal last week, crushing their hopes for a Rose Bowl bid. They'll use the Irish as a good way to end the regular season on a high note.
2) Illinois at No. 5 Cincinnati (Friday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: Ill..........kidding...CINCINNATI. I can't pick Illinois here. But it would be a great upset.
Boz: CINCINNATI. This won't even be close unless the Bearcats are overlooking this game and are focusing on Pittsburgh next week. I just don't see it happening.
3) Arkansas at No. 15 LSU (Saturday, 6 p.m.)
Ben: LSU. The Tigers have lost a surprising number of games that were within their grasp this year. This will not be one of them.
Boz: LSU. The Tigers need to bounce back after dropping last week's game against Ole' Miss. If they want to keep a premeir bowl game then they need to beat Arkansas. They'll get it done in Baton Rouge.
4) No. 3 Texas at Texas A&M (Thursday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: TEXAS. Colt McCoy will get the Horn's through this one, and on to bigger and better things. Mike Sherman hasn't gotten things going in College Station yet.
Boz: TEXAS. I said a long time ago that Texas A&M could be trouble for the Longhorns. I'm taking Texas but I just wanted you to know I actually said that incase it happens.
5) No. 2 Alabama at Auburn (Friday, 1:30 p.m.)
Ben: ALABAMA. No way the Tide slip up here. Saban's defense is always strong and Auburn has been real quite since starting the season strong.
Boz: AUBURN. This a big trap game for Alabama and it's a even bigger rivalry game. The Tigers are going to be playing like they have nothing to lose...because they don't.
6) No. 17 Miami at South Florida (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: MIAMI. I'm going to take the 'Canes even though I don't think they are that good of a team. I'll take them to win this one, but they'll fall in the ACC championship game.
Boz: SOUTH FLORIDA. The Bulls want to be the second best team in the state of Florida and they need to win this game to prove that they are. The Hurricanes drop this game to continue the down fall of a once promising season.
7) No. 9 Pittsburgh at West Virginia (Friday, 6 p.m.)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. Pitt is way to good, and West Virginia still doesn't have a consistent team. Although, the Backyard Brawl has a way of turning contenders into spectators.
Boz: PITTSBURGH. This is a trap game for the Panthers also but I don't see them slipping up against West Virginia. They want the Big East championship and a BCS bowl game.
NFL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 7-0 Boz: 6-1
Season Ben: 38-26 Boz: 36-28
1) Green Bay (6-4) at Detroit (2-8)
Ben: DETROIT. I can't stop believing after last weeks win.
Boz: GREEN BAY. If Stafford was playing in this game then I would give the Lions a chance on Thanksgiving, but I don't think he is going to play. Plus, I need to pick up a game here.
2) Oakland (3-7) at Dallas (7-3)
Ben: DALLAS. How does Oakland ever win football games?
Boz: DALLAS. They are playing the Raiders. Yes they surprise the world once in a while, but not this week.
3) New York Giants (6-4) at Denver (6-4)
Ben: GIANTS. I think Denver has fallen and they can't get up. The season is spiraling out of control for them
Boz: NEW YORK GIANTS. Kyle Orton is going to be playing with a bum ankle and the Giants pass rush is going to really be getting after him. The Giants need to win two straight after losing those four straight games.
4) Indianapolis (10-0) at Houston (5-5)
Ben: INDIANAPOLIS. I don't bet against Mannings and Peyton is playing LIGHTS OUT football right now.
Boz: INDIANAPOLIS. I would have given the Texans a small shot at this if I didn't see all of the wind come out of the sails after last week's loss to the Titans.
5) Chicago (4-6) at Minnesota (9-1)
Ben: MINNESOTA. I hate to admit it, but the Vikings are really, really good. That and I'll need to get a game back because I took the Lions earlier.
Boz: CHICAGO. I'm only taking the Bears here because I have forced Ben to take the Lions week in and week out.
6) Pittsburgh (6-4) at Baltimore (5-5)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. I have faith in the Steelers and I think they'll pull of this win. The Ravens haven't played consistent Baltimore football all year, and I think that'll come back to bite them this week.
Boz: BALTIMORE. The Ravens need this win...BAD. Whether or not Big Ben plays in this one, the Ravens still get the win. The defense will really step up this week.
7) New England (7-3) at New Orleans (10-0)
Ben: NEW ORLEANS. At the Superdome. Loud. Drew Brees. Those are my reasons.
Boz: NEW ENGLAND. The Patriots already blew a chance to knock off one undefeated team, they won't let it happen again.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 46th Birthday Bernie Kosar. The former Hurricane and Cleveland Brown has had some trouble post-professional career -- but has been rumored to be a potential candidate as GM of the Browns. I like Kosar and always thought he caught bad breaks during his career. So, this time, I'll give him a good break and give him a shout out on the blog.
Boz: Happy 28th Birthday to Jared Jeffries. The former Hoosier took Indiana to the 2002 NCAA title game before losing to Maryland. I hated Jeffries when he was in the Big Ten and I think I got my revenge because now Jeffries is on the lowly Knicks.
1) Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols was the unanimous pick for the NL MVP award, winning his second straight MVP and his third overall. Do you agree with this pick?
Ben: Is this a serious question? He was obviously the best choice in the National League. The guy is a great player, and, unless a freak injury occurs, will probably be an automatic MVP for the next 4-5 years. He is a great power hitter, a great hit for average guy, a RBI guy, a great defensive player, and a generally nice guy in the media. Pujols, while he plays for the hated Cardinals, is a player just about every team in the majors would want. That, should be the definition of an MVP - a player who would dominate on any team.
Boz: Absolutely. I didn't even know who else was in the running until I read the article today. Pujols was so far above and beyond, not only any other player in the National League, but in the entire Major League. As much as I had to admit it as a Cubs fan, the man is a machine and is the best hitter on the planet. The real question is where will Pujols rank among the best all-time hitters in the history of the game when he is done. He has already won three MVP awards and he is only 29-years old.
2) The Golden State Warriors defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 111-103, despite only playing six players in the game. Was this impressive by the Warriors or pathetic by the Mavericks?
Ben: Both. It is impressive that the Warriors were able to get through an entire game, much-less win the game, with only six players. It is pathetic that the Mavericks were so unenthusiastic about playing this game that they let 6 worn out guys beat them up and down the floor for 48 minutes. It wasn't even like the Warriors tried to play a different style game -- THEY SCORED 110 POINTS!
If I were Rick Carilse I'd be pretty upset with my team.
Boz: It's pathetic on the part of the Mavericks. You are playing at home against a team playing six guys, with three of them playing all 48 minutes. If you want to be considered as a legit title contender you cannot lose these games. I know they are NBA players, but playing all 48 minutes had to get those guys tired. And why wasn't the game plan to draw fouls and get them in foul trouble? It really has to be a demoralizing loss for the Mavs and I am sure Mark Cuban isn't too happy.
What is really pathetic is the two other guys that dressed for the Warriors but didn't play in the game. Are they that bad that they don't even get used when their are only six other active players?
3) With college football season winding down, who is your pick to win the Heismann trophy?
Ben: As much as it pains me to say this, Tim Tebow. I just think that with all the records he's broken this year, and with all the national attention that Flordia gets, he'll have a pretty reasonable shot this year to get that trophy back. Plus he gets a vote -- who do you think he's voting for.
Boz: I'm taking Stanford's running back Toby Gerhart. He has the second-highest running total in the nation with 1,531 yards and leads all running backs with 23 touchdowns. He has almost single-handedly turned the Cardinal around and almost got them into the Rose Bowl. Alabama's running back Mark Ingram is a close second, making it nice to see running backs back in the running after a couple years with nothing but quarterbacks up for the award.
4) With the Lions and Cowboys set the host the Thanksgiving games once again, should the NFL consider giving the Thanksgiving games to better teams or keep with tradition?
Ben: Keep with tradition. Look, I know I am a Lions fan, so you can paint me with the homer brush, but these two teams stepped up when no one else would. The Lions have hosted the Thanksgiving game since 1934. They missed two years since then, 1939, 1940. They also told the NFL when they wanted to sponsor a Thanksgiving game -- Detroit and Dallas were the first two teams to step up and take the responsibility. Ever noticed which car company has the most commercials during NFL games? Ford does. Do you know who the same person owns Ford Motor Company and the Detroit Lions? Find it a coincidence that the NFL has stuck it out with them through this stretch.
Look, I want to see good games on TV too -- but I do not think that just because the Lions happen to be bad they should have the game stripped. Nobody would talk about this if it were the Cowboys, Giants, Jets, Patriots, or Packers terrible.
Boz: Despite not being a fan of either team, I want the NFL to keep the tradition alive and continue to allow the Lions and Cowboys to keep hosting the Turkey Day games. I'm a big stickler for tradition and I would hate to see this one change. Even though the Lions are bad and the Cowboys are playing the Raiders, people will still tune in to watch the games because that's what you do on Thanksgiving. You watch football. If the NFL wants to make better games then don't schedule the Raiders. They knew when making the schedule that they were terrible! They got one game right at least, scheduling a division foe for the Lions with the Packers. Regardless, I'm looking forward to watching both games.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 3-4 Boz: 3-4
Season Ben: 51-29 Boz: 44-36
1) Notre Dame at Stanford (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: STANFORD. Notre Dame doesn't beat anyone that is ranked.
Boz: STANFORD. It was a disappointing loss for the Cardinal last week, crushing their hopes for a Rose Bowl bid. They'll use the Irish as a good way to end the regular season on a high note.
2) Illinois at No. 5 Cincinnati (Friday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: Ill..........kidding...CINCINNATI. I can't pick Illinois here. But it would be a great upset.
Boz: CINCINNATI. This won't even be close unless the Bearcats are overlooking this game and are focusing on Pittsburgh next week. I just don't see it happening.
3) Arkansas at No. 15 LSU (Saturday, 6 p.m.)
Ben: LSU. The Tigers have lost a surprising number of games that were within their grasp this year. This will not be one of them.
Boz: LSU. The Tigers need to bounce back after dropping last week's game against Ole' Miss. If they want to keep a premeir bowl game then they need to beat Arkansas. They'll get it done in Baton Rouge.
4) No. 3 Texas at Texas A&M (Thursday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: TEXAS. Colt McCoy will get the Horn's through this one, and on to bigger and better things. Mike Sherman hasn't gotten things going in College Station yet.
Boz: TEXAS. I said a long time ago that Texas A&M could be trouble for the Longhorns. I'm taking Texas but I just wanted you to know I actually said that incase it happens.
5) No. 2 Alabama at Auburn (Friday, 1:30 p.m.)
Ben: ALABAMA. No way the Tide slip up here. Saban's defense is always strong and Auburn has been real quite since starting the season strong.
Boz: AUBURN. This a big trap game for Alabama and it's a even bigger rivalry game. The Tigers are going to be playing like they have nothing to lose...because they don't.
6) No. 17 Miami at South Florida (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: MIAMI. I'm going to take the 'Canes even though I don't think they are that good of a team. I'll take them to win this one, but they'll fall in the ACC championship game.
Boz: SOUTH FLORIDA. The Bulls want to be the second best team in the state of Florida and they need to win this game to prove that they are. The Hurricanes drop this game to continue the down fall of a once promising season.
7) No. 9 Pittsburgh at West Virginia (Friday, 6 p.m.)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. Pitt is way to good, and West Virginia still doesn't have a consistent team. Although, the Backyard Brawl has a way of turning contenders into spectators.
Boz: PITTSBURGH. This is a trap game for the Panthers also but I don't see them slipping up against West Virginia. They want the Big East championship and a BCS bowl game.
NFL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 7-0 Boz: 6-1
Season Ben: 38-26 Boz: 36-28
1) Green Bay (6-4) at Detroit (2-8)
Ben: DETROIT. I can't stop believing after last weeks win.
Boz: GREEN BAY. If Stafford was playing in this game then I would give the Lions a chance on Thanksgiving, but I don't think he is going to play. Plus, I need to pick up a game here.
2) Oakland (3-7) at Dallas (7-3)
Ben: DALLAS. How does Oakland ever win football games?
Boz: DALLAS. They are playing the Raiders. Yes they surprise the world once in a while, but not this week.
3) New York Giants (6-4) at Denver (6-4)
Ben: GIANTS. I think Denver has fallen and they can't get up. The season is spiraling out of control for them
Boz: NEW YORK GIANTS. Kyle Orton is going to be playing with a bum ankle and the Giants pass rush is going to really be getting after him. The Giants need to win two straight after losing those four straight games.
4) Indianapolis (10-0) at Houston (5-5)
Ben: INDIANAPOLIS. I don't bet against Mannings and Peyton is playing LIGHTS OUT football right now.
Boz: INDIANAPOLIS. I would have given the Texans a small shot at this if I didn't see all of the wind come out of the sails after last week's loss to the Titans.
5) Chicago (4-6) at Minnesota (9-1)
Ben: MINNESOTA. I hate to admit it, but the Vikings are really, really good. That and I'll need to get a game back because I took the Lions earlier.
Boz: CHICAGO. I'm only taking the Bears here because I have forced Ben to take the Lions week in and week out.
6) Pittsburgh (6-4) at Baltimore (5-5)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. I have faith in the Steelers and I think they'll pull of this win. The Ravens haven't played consistent Baltimore football all year, and I think that'll come back to bite them this week.
Boz: BALTIMORE. The Ravens need this win...BAD. Whether or not Big Ben plays in this one, the Ravens still get the win. The defense will really step up this week.
7) New England (7-3) at New Orleans (10-0)
Ben: NEW ORLEANS. At the Superdome. Loud. Drew Brees. Those are my reasons.
Boz: NEW ENGLAND. The Patriots already blew a chance to knock off one undefeated team, they won't let it happen again.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 46th Birthday Bernie Kosar. The former Hurricane and Cleveland Brown has had some trouble post-professional career -- but has been rumored to be a potential candidate as GM of the Browns. I like Kosar and always thought he caught bad breaks during his career. So, this time, I'll give him a good break and give him a shout out on the blog.
Boz: Happy 28th Birthday to Jared Jeffries. The former Hoosier took Indiana to the 2002 NCAA title game before losing to Maryland. I hated Jeffries when he was in the Big Ten and I think I got my revenge because now Jeffries is on the lowly Knicks.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Day 56: Joe Mauer, Vince Young, Greg Oden and more
HEADLINES
1) Twins' catcher Joe Mauer was nearly unanimously chosen as the AL MVP, making him just the second catcher in 33 years to win the award. Did you agree with Mauer winning the MVP?
Ben: Yes. He was a fantastic all-around player, and even when the Twins were hit with some injuries, Mauer stepped up his game and kept them in the playoff race. It was unfair to think he could hit .400 or play 150 games at catcher, but I do think he was easily the best player in the American League and was the most crucial player to lead a team to the playoffs. He is definitely deserving of the award.
Boz: I'm perfectly fine with the fact that Mauer was named AL MVP. He always has the high batting average and this year he added the home runs and the RBIs to his resume. Not to mention that he is nearly perfect behind the dish. Teixiera and Jeter would have been nice choices but Mauer really deserved the award. Mauer led the league in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, making him the first to do so since George Brett in 1980. It's easy to see why he won the award.
What I think is funny is that Mauer earned a $100,000 bonus from the Twins for winning the award, while Miguel Cabrera earned $200,000 from the Tigers for finishing fourth.
2) Vince Young remained undefeated this season and helped the Titans win their fourth in a row after losing their first six games. The Titans are now 4-6. Do they have a shot at making the playoffs with Vince Young under center?
Ben: They probably don't have a shot at the playoffs, needing to win out -- but I do think they are a much more competitive and difficult team to play with Vince taking snaps. I realize he doesn't have the most diverse playbook from a passing standpoint, but the Titans can do so much more with him outside the pocket, like the option, and he makes teams accountable for a variety of plays as opposed to just dropping back and passing, like Kerry Collins.
I don't think they'll make the playoffs, but they are better with VY then with Kerry Collins.
Boz: It would be a fantastic story if they did. I just think that they dug themselves too big of a hole when Kerry Collins was starting at QB for the team. Vince Young can certainly win football games and will help the Titans get back to .500 and possible slightly above. I think with all of the tough teams in the AFC, they would have to win out in order to clinch a wild card spot. Their schedule is nice, but they still have to play the Colts and the Chargers. It's a great story to even finish at .500, but the playoffs are out of reach.
3) Greg Oden scored 24 points and pulled down 12 boards as the Portland Trail Blazers blew out the Chicago Bulls, 122-98. Is Oden finally playing up to his potential?
Ben: No. Not even close. He was pegged at the next great center. When I think of that I think of Hakeem the Dream. I don't think of a player struggling to reach 20 points in his 3rd season. I wouldn't call Oden a bust, but Kevin Durant is a much better scorer and go-to guy for the Thunder, and that's what you need in the NBA these days.
Boz: Not quite yet. It's one thing to have a good game every once in a while. It's another thing to consistently put up those numbers on a regular basis. If Greg Oden wants to show the Portland Trail Blazers and the NBA world why the Blazers took him with the first pick in the draft, he needs to put up these numbers night in and night out and become one of the dominant big men in the league. Dwight Howard has done so and Greg Oden should follow suit. If he stays healthy, with the right coaching such as Howard as received, Oden could eventually become one of those dominant big men.
4) Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen was reportedly sucker-punched outside of a South Bend bar early Sunday morning by a fan where he had apparently just finished eating dinner with a female acquaintance and his family. However, a South Bend police spokesman said that no police reports were filed concerning Clausen. What do you make of the situation?
Ben: I think South Bend is just as stupid as the rest of the country. Notre Dame wants to hold itself to a higher standard and consider itself better morally then the rest of the college football world, but yet they have the same crazed fans and psycho's supporting their team. Not something they can always control, but let's call a spade a spade -- South Bend is a loony bin, just like every other major college football town.
Boz: It doesn't really surprise me much. There are too many hardcore fans out there that were easing the pain of a loss to Connecticut with a Saturday night of drinking. That is a bad combination for a fan that comes across one of the players that people can pin the blame on for the loss. It's pathetic that fans can wrap themselves into the game that much and can't handle the loss with more maturity. I feel bad for Clausen and his family that they had to go through this and I'm sure it doesn't feel the best for Clausen that he has a big shiner this week while preparing for Stanford.
ODDS
1) What are the odds that Matthew Stafford will miss the Lions' annual Thanksgiving game on Thursday against the Packers?
Ben: 50%. It's his non-throwing shoulder and I imagine they'll try to get him out there to get the crowd juiced up for the rest of the game and season. He is their hero, and they'll try to get him out there for a hero's welcome.
Boz: 80%. The guy seperated is shoulder against the Browns and has only three days to heal before his next game. It's too bad because people are getting tired of watching the Lions on Thanksgiving and Stafford would have given some glammer to the Lions on Turkey Day for the first time since Barry Sanders.
2) What are the odds that Urban Meyer is telling the truth when he says he won't leave Florida for the soon-to-be vacant coaching position at Notre Dame?
Ben: 0%. He might stay at Florida, but he's not telling the truth now. He's only saying this now so that Notre Dame offers him tons of money, and then Florida has to come back with even more money. It's a ploy, coaches always do it.
Boz: 100%. Why would he leave the best football program in the nation for a struggling football program at Notre Dame. He's right to say that he wants to stay at Gainesville for as long as they'll have him.
3) What are the odds that the New Jersey Nets will lose 20 games in a row before picking up their first win of the season?
Ben: 12%. I just can't believe an NBA team has gone this long without running into a team on a back-to-back and tired legs. I can't see it continuing, but I can see them with a new coach by January.
Boz: 38%. I have them losing 19 straight games before a December 6th matchup against the Knicks in the Garden. However, it could end earlier the game before with a home game against the Bobcats.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 37th Birthday Jamal Mashburn. Jamal used to be a force to be reckoned with and was definitely one of the top 8 players in the NBA back in his heyday -- but injuries have forced him into the booth, where I think he does a pretty good job.
Boz: Happy 71st Birthday to Oscar Robertson. The Big-O was the 1961 Rookie of the Year with the Cincinnati Royals after averaging 30.5 points per game in his first season and won the MVP in 1964. He won his only NBA Championship of his career in 1971 with the Bucks and finished his career with 26,710 points.
1) Twins' catcher Joe Mauer was nearly unanimously chosen as the AL MVP, making him just the second catcher in 33 years to win the award. Did you agree with Mauer winning the MVP?
Ben: Yes. He was a fantastic all-around player, and even when the Twins were hit with some injuries, Mauer stepped up his game and kept them in the playoff race. It was unfair to think he could hit .400 or play 150 games at catcher, but I do think he was easily the best player in the American League and was the most crucial player to lead a team to the playoffs. He is definitely deserving of the award.
Boz: I'm perfectly fine with the fact that Mauer was named AL MVP. He always has the high batting average and this year he added the home runs and the RBIs to his resume. Not to mention that he is nearly perfect behind the dish. Teixiera and Jeter would have been nice choices but Mauer really deserved the award. Mauer led the league in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, making him the first to do so since George Brett in 1980. It's easy to see why he won the award.
What I think is funny is that Mauer earned a $100,000 bonus from the Twins for winning the award, while Miguel Cabrera earned $200,000 from the Tigers for finishing fourth.
2) Vince Young remained undefeated this season and helped the Titans win their fourth in a row after losing their first six games. The Titans are now 4-6. Do they have a shot at making the playoffs with Vince Young under center?
Ben: They probably don't have a shot at the playoffs, needing to win out -- but I do think they are a much more competitive and difficult team to play with Vince taking snaps. I realize he doesn't have the most diverse playbook from a passing standpoint, but the Titans can do so much more with him outside the pocket, like the option, and he makes teams accountable for a variety of plays as opposed to just dropping back and passing, like Kerry Collins.
I don't think they'll make the playoffs, but they are better with VY then with Kerry Collins.
Boz: It would be a fantastic story if they did. I just think that they dug themselves too big of a hole when Kerry Collins was starting at QB for the team. Vince Young can certainly win football games and will help the Titans get back to .500 and possible slightly above. I think with all of the tough teams in the AFC, they would have to win out in order to clinch a wild card spot. Their schedule is nice, but they still have to play the Colts and the Chargers. It's a great story to even finish at .500, but the playoffs are out of reach.
3) Greg Oden scored 24 points and pulled down 12 boards as the Portland Trail Blazers blew out the Chicago Bulls, 122-98. Is Oden finally playing up to his potential?
Ben: No. Not even close. He was pegged at the next great center. When I think of that I think of Hakeem the Dream. I don't think of a player struggling to reach 20 points in his 3rd season. I wouldn't call Oden a bust, but Kevin Durant is a much better scorer and go-to guy for the Thunder, and that's what you need in the NBA these days.
Boz: Not quite yet. It's one thing to have a good game every once in a while. It's another thing to consistently put up those numbers on a regular basis. If Greg Oden wants to show the Portland Trail Blazers and the NBA world why the Blazers took him with the first pick in the draft, he needs to put up these numbers night in and night out and become one of the dominant big men in the league. Dwight Howard has done so and Greg Oden should follow suit. If he stays healthy, with the right coaching such as Howard as received, Oden could eventually become one of those dominant big men.
4) Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen was reportedly sucker-punched outside of a South Bend bar early Sunday morning by a fan where he had apparently just finished eating dinner with a female acquaintance and his family. However, a South Bend police spokesman said that no police reports were filed concerning Clausen. What do you make of the situation?
Ben: I think South Bend is just as stupid as the rest of the country. Notre Dame wants to hold itself to a higher standard and consider itself better morally then the rest of the college football world, but yet they have the same crazed fans and psycho's supporting their team. Not something they can always control, but let's call a spade a spade -- South Bend is a loony bin, just like every other major college football town.
Boz: It doesn't really surprise me much. There are too many hardcore fans out there that were easing the pain of a loss to Connecticut with a Saturday night of drinking. That is a bad combination for a fan that comes across one of the players that people can pin the blame on for the loss. It's pathetic that fans can wrap themselves into the game that much and can't handle the loss with more maturity. I feel bad for Clausen and his family that they had to go through this and I'm sure it doesn't feel the best for Clausen that he has a big shiner this week while preparing for Stanford.
ODDS
1) What are the odds that Matthew Stafford will miss the Lions' annual Thanksgiving game on Thursday against the Packers?
Ben: 50%. It's his non-throwing shoulder and I imagine they'll try to get him out there to get the crowd juiced up for the rest of the game and season. He is their hero, and they'll try to get him out there for a hero's welcome.
Boz: 80%. The guy seperated is shoulder against the Browns and has only three days to heal before his next game. It's too bad because people are getting tired of watching the Lions on Thanksgiving and Stafford would have given some glammer to the Lions on Turkey Day for the first time since Barry Sanders.
2) What are the odds that Urban Meyer is telling the truth when he says he won't leave Florida for the soon-to-be vacant coaching position at Notre Dame?
Ben: 0%. He might stay at Florida, but he's not telling the truth now. He's only saying this now so that Notre Dame offers him tons of money, and then Florida has to come back with even more money. It's a ploy, coaches always do it.
Boz: 100%. Why would he leave the best football program in the nation for a struggling football program at Notre Dame. He's right to say that he wants to stay at Gainesville for as long as they'll have him.
3) What are the odds that the New Jersey Nets will lose 20 games in a row before picking up their first win of the season?
Ben: 12%. I just can't believe an NBA team has gone this long without running into a team on a back-to-back and tired legs. I can't see it continuing, but I can see them with a new coach by January.
Boz: 38%. I have them losing 19 straight games before a December 6th matchup against the Knicks in the Garden. However, it could end earlier the game before with a home game against the Bobcats.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 37th Birthday Jamal Mashburn. Jamal used to be a force to be reckoned with and was definitely one of the top 8 players in the NBA back in his heyday -- but injuries have forced him into the booth, where I think he does a pretty good job.
Boz: Happy 71st Birthday to Oscar Robertson. The Big-O was the 1961 Rookie of the Year with the Cincinnati Royals after averaging 30.5 points per game in his first season and won the MVP in 1964. He won his only NBA Championship of his career in 1971 with the Bucks and finished his career with 26,710 points.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Day 55: Jimmy Johnson, Brett Favre, Tim Lincecum and more
HEADLINES
1) Jimmy Johnson won his fourth straight Sprint Cup Championship by finishing fifth at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. Neither of us claim to be NASCAR fans, but how impressed are you with Johnson's accomplishment?
Ben: I was just about ready to type "impressed" in here, but I'm going the other way and saying it barely moves me. I'm ready for some competition in NASCAR. I hate The Chase, and I dislike Jimmy Johnson because he is boring and I'd like to see some of the other drivers get wins.
It's nice to win these, but I feel like NASCAR has lost something with Johnson winning these.
Boz: It's an impressive feat to win four straight championships in any professional sport. It's really impressive for Jimmy Johnson to win four straight titles in a sport where a little nudge can knock you out of any competition. Professional racing is the most dangerous sport out there and Jimmy Johnson has been one of the best to get behind the wheel of a car. I know that racing isn't the same as it was back in the days of Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty and others, but you have to think about Jimmy Johnson as one of the best racers of all time.
2) Brett Favre was 22 of 25 for 213 yards and four touchdowns in the Viking's in the 35-9 win over the Seahawks. He already has 21 touchdown passes on the year and a 112.1 QB rating. Should Favre be considered in the MVP talks?
Ben: Nope. Strictly because of what he did this offseason. I cannot give him any awards because of the games he played earlier this season.
I always felt like the MVP should go to players on middle of the road teams. Teams that struggle but make the playoffs because of the stellar play of their superstar.
Boz: Looking at the numbers, I don't see why not. He has just as many touchdown passes at both Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, just as many yards as Brees, and a better QB rating than both of them. Sure Brees and Manning are undefeated at the time, but Favre only has one loss and that was to the defending champs in Pittsburgh. The only thing is that the 40-year old has to be able to keep this up for another seven weeks of the season. But as of right now, I think he deserves to be in the talks.
3) Since we didn't have a full blog on Friday, we missed talking about Tim Lincecum winning the NL Cy Young, edging out Cris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. Did you agree with this decision?
Ben: I agree with Boz here and say that none of the three candidate were bad choices. I wills ay that Carpenter and Wainwright probably stole votes from one another and that's why they didn't win the Cy Young, but Lincecum was lights out as well, and just straight dominating throughout stretches of the season.
I agree with the decision, but I don't think it would've been bad with any of them.
Boz: I think that any one of them were very deserving to win the award, so I would have been alright with any one of them bringing home the trophy. I think it was probably hard for voters to vote for either Wainwright or Carpenter because you could say that Carpenter didn't even lead his time in wins and that Wainwright didn't even lead his team in ERA. They are both talented pitchers but they most likely took votes away from one another. Lincecum is a freak and I can't wait to see how many Cy Yong awards he has at the end of his career.
4) It's almost Thanksgiving and college football still has six undefeated teams. What teams are going to be screwed most by the BCS system?
Ben: Boise State. So far, they are the odd man out in the rankings and if given the chance, the Bowls will SCREW the smallest school. They don't want Boise State to match up against Alabama/Flordia. They don't want the terrible TV ratings that come with Broncos football to mess up the earnings they typically get from BCS games.
It's disappointing, and saddening.
Boz: TCU and Boise State. I don't think Cincinnati is going to remain undefeated as I see them losing at Pittsburgh in a couple of weeks. Obviously it's going to be the winner of the SEC Championship game in the BCS title game. I don't see Texas losing to either Texas A&M or Nebraska which means that they get into the title game as well. TCU has the biggest beef because I think that they are actually capable of knocking off Florida or Alabama in the championship game. I'm not saying that I would bet on them, but definitely have the ability to do so.
TOSS-UP
1) Which upset in the NFL was more surprising? The Chiefs beating the Steelers or the Raiders knocking off the Bengals?
Ben: Raiders beating the Bengals. Anytime the Raiders win is surprising, and especially against a good team like the Bengals.
Boz: The Chiefs beating the Steelers is more surprising to me. The Raiders have already shown that they can knock off a good team at home when they beat the Eagles.
2) Who has been the better addition this year to their team? Vince Carter or Ron Artest?
Ben: Ron Ron. I'm not 100% sure why I feel this way, but I like what Artest offers, and I think he's been a much better compliment to the Lakers, whereas Vince has forced himself into the scoring role for the Magic.
Boz: I have Vince just edging out Artest in this one. While Artest has brought a much needed defensive presence to the Lakers, Vince has given the Magic a prolfic scorer that can consistently put up 20+ points.
3) Which quarterback injury is more crucial to their team? Kyle Orton's ankle or Ben Roethlisberger's concussion?
Ben: Ben's concussion. The Steelers also lost backup Charlie Batch, and therefore will have to go with Dennis Dixon until Roethlisberger gets healthy, putting them in serious trouble until Big Ben gets back.
Boz: Ben's concussion. Anytime you are talking about a concussion with any player it has to be very concerning. Orton showed yesterday that he can at least get out there and drop back and pass. It's not like he was very fast in the first place anyways.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 1 day Anniversary Matt Stafford. Yesterday you threw for 422 yards, 5 touchdowns, one of which was a game winner at the last second against the Cleveland Browns. I don't care if it was against the pitiful Browns, in my eyes, you have to learn to win before you can become consistently successful. Matt Stafford helped the Lions learn to win on Sunday. A small step/game for most franchises, but a giant leap for my team that has struggled to climb out of the cellar for over a decade.
Boz: Happy 38th Birthday Vin Baker. The pride of the University of Hartford was the 8th overall pick in the 1993 draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. Baker had a good career with the Bucks and Sonics before falling apart with the Celtics. He also played with the Knicks, Rockets and Clippers. He played in an NBA Final with the Sonics but lost in six games to the Bulls.
1) Jimmy Johnson won his fourth straight Sprint Cup Championship by finishing fifth at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. Neither of us claim to be NASCAR fans, but how impressed are you with Johnson's accomplishment?
Ben: I was just about ready to type "impressed" in here, but I'm going the other way and saying it barely moves me. I'm ready for some competition in NASCAR. I hate The Chase, and I dislike Jimmy Johnson because he is boring and I'd like to see some of the other drivers get wins.
It's nice to win these, but I feel like NASCAR has lost something with Johnson winning these.
Boz: It's an impressive feat to win four straight championships in any professional sport. It's really impressive for Jimmy Johnson to win four straight titles in a sport where a little nudge can knock you out of any competition. Professional racing is the most dangerous sport out there and Jimmy Johnson has been one of the best to get behind the wheel of a car. I know that racing isn't the same as it was back in the days of Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty and others, but you have to think about Jimmy Johnson as one of the best racers of all time.
2) Brett Favre was 22 of 25 for 213 yards and four touchdowns in the Viking's in the 35-9 win over the Seahawks. He already has 21 touchdown passes on the year and a 112.1 QB rating. Should Favre be considered in the MVP talks?
Ben: Nope. Strictly because of what he did this offseason. I cannot give him any awards because of the games he played earlier this season.
I always felt like the MVP should go to players on middle of the road teams. Teams that struggle but make the playoffs because of the stellar play of their superstar.
Boz: Looking at the numbers, I don't see why not. He has just as many touchdown passes at both Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, just as many yards as Brees, and a better QB rating than both of them. Sure Brees and Manning are undefeated at the time, but Favre only has one loss and that was to the defending champs in Pittsburgh. The only thing is that the 40-year old has to be able to keep this up for another seven weeks of the season. But as of right now, I think he deserves to be in the talks.
3) Since we didn't have a full blog on Friday, we missed talking about Tim Lincecum winning the NL Cy Young, edging out Cris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. Did you agree with this decision?
Ben: I agree with Boz here and say that none of the three candidate were bad choices. I wills ay that Carpenter and Wainwright probably stole votes from one another and that's why they didn't win the Cy Young, but Lincecum was lights out as well, and just straight dominating throughout stretches of the season.
I agree with the decision, but I don't think it would've been bad with any of them.
Boz: I think that any one of them were very deserving to win the award, so I would have been alright with any one of them bringing home the trophy. I think it was probably hard for voters to vote for either Wainwright or Carpenter because you could say that Carpenter didn't even lead his time in wins and that Wainwright didn't even lead his team in ERA. They are both talented pitchers but they most likely took votes away from one another. Lincecum is a freak and I can't wait to see how many Cy Yong awards he has at the end of his career.
4) It's almost Thanksgiving and college football still has six undefeated teams. What teams are going to be screwed most by the BCS system?
Ben: Boise State. So far, they are the odd man out in the rankings and if given the chance, the Bowls will SCREW the smallest school. They don't want Boise State to match up against Alabama/Flordia. They don't want the terrible TV ratings that come with Broncos football to mess up the earnings they typically get from BCS games.
It's disappointing, and saddening.
Boz: TCU and Boise State. I don't think Cincinnati is going to remain undefeated as I see them losing at Pittsburgh in a couple of weeks. Obviously it's going to be the winner of the SEC Championship game in the BCS title game. I don't see Texas losing to either Texas A&M or Nebraska which means that they get into the title game as well. TCU has the biggest beef because I think that they are actually capable of knocking off Florida or Alabama in the championship game. I'm not saying that I would bet on them, but definitely have the ability to do so.
TOSS-UP
1) Which upset in the NFL was more surprising? The Chiefs beating the Steelers or the Raiders knocking off the Bengals?
Ben: Raiders beating the Bengals. Anytime the Raiders win is surprising, and especially against a good team like the Bengals.
Boz: The Chiefs beating the Steelers is more surprising to me. The Raiders have already shown that they can knock off a good team at home when they beat the Eagles.
2) Who has been the better addition this year to their team? Vince Carter or Ron Artest?
Ben: Ron Ron. I'm not 100% sure why I feel this way, but I like what Artest offers, and I think he's been a much better compliment to the Lakers, whereas Vince has forced himself into the scoring role for the Magic.
Boz: I have Vince just edging out Artest in this one. While Artest has brought a much needed defensive presence to the Lakers, Vince has given the Magic a prolfic scorer that can consistently put up 20+ points.
3) Which quarterback injury is more crucial to their team? Kyle Orton's ankle or Ben Roethlisberger's concussion?
Ben: Ben's concussion. The Steelers also lost backup Charlie Batch, and therefore will have to go with Dennis Dixon until Roethlisberger gets healthy, putting them in serious trouble until Big Ben gets back.
Boz: Ben's concussion. Anytime you are talking about a concussion with any player it has to be very concerning. Orton showed yesterday that he can at least get out there and drop back and pass. It's not like he was very fast in the first place anyways.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 1 day Anniversary Matt Stafford. Yesterday you threw for 422 yards, 5 touchdowns, one of which was a game winner at the last second against the Cleveland Browns. I don't care if it was against the pitiful Browns, in my eyes, you have to learn to win before you can become consistently successful. Matt Stafford helped the Lions learn to win on Sunday. A small step/game for most franchises, but a giant leap for my team that has struggled to climb out of the cellar for over a decade.
Boz: Happy 38th Birthday Vin Baker. The pride of the University of Hartford was the 8th overall pick in the 1993 draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. Baker had a good career with the Bucks and Sonics before falling apart with the Celtics. He also played with the Knicks, Rockets and Clippers. He played in an NBA Final with the Sonics but lost in six games to the Bulls.
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