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.
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