1.New England Patriots(10-2)- Someone Tom Brady makes anyone and everyone look like a probowler. Him and Bill Belichick are one of the best QB-Coach tandems in the history of the game. And Danny Woodhead... He looks like he should be a WWE Superstar and slowly becoming a playermaker for The Division leading Patriots.
2.Chicago Bears(9-3)- If Jay Cutler can mistake free ball and Knox and Hester can make big plays this Bears team could be one of the best Bears team in recent memory. Their Defense could single-handlely make them a tough challenge for any NFC foe come playoff time.
3.Atlanta Falcons(10-2)- I'm slowly becoming sold on this team as a whole. A few weeks ago I was sketchy about how this team could do in the playoffs. Slowly they are making me a believe. "Matty Ice" Ryan and Roddy White are 2 players listed in my MVP Watch List. They just need to learn to start out faster and not having all these dramatic 4th quarter wins although it's good to see they can come up big when the time is right.
4.Pittsburgh Steelers(9-3)- Really tough team, following an impressive win vs Baltimore, I see them rolling into the playoffs on a high note. James Harrison is playing terrific ball along with Troy do I need to mention his last. If they earn a bye week in the playoffs they could be my pick to meet the Patriots in the AFC Championship.
5.New Orleans Saints(9-3)- The Defending SuperBowl New Orleans Saints are starting to catch fire again and what a time to do it. With Atlanta at 10-2 and in the driver's seat for the NFC South division the Saints could be a tough draw for a first round opponent in the NFC(assuming they make the wildcard). They are showing they won't relinquish the Championship without a fight.
6.Green Bay Packers(8-4)-Although the Packers may not own a playoff spot as of now that might not last long. My early season pick to represent the NFC in the Superbowl injuries slowed them down. Now I see the Rogers to Jennings connection still taking them deep into the playoffs.
7.Baltimore Ravens(9-3)-After a tough loss to the Steelers this past Sunday night they need help if they want to win their division. They should still be a wildcard team come January and they could be a tough matchup on the road. Defense is pretty stout but I believe Flacco has alot more improving to do. Should have just tried the field goal for the tie.
8.New York Jets(9-3)-The Jets Jets Jets took a big hit in my Power Rankings after the thrashing at the hands of the Patriots. Sanchez seems to be a little overrated in my book, but LT is showing he still has gas left in the tank. Their D makes them a strong team but if they played how they did Monday Night they possibly be ousted by the Chiefs or Jaguars in te first weekend of the playoffs.
9.New York Giants(9-3)-Injuries galor!!! Slowly the Giants will get healthy and watch out. With the win over the Redskins this past Sunday their RB Tandem showed they could be one of the best in the league. I see them pulling the division out over the Eagles down the stretch.
10.Kansas City Chiefs(8-4)-After the Chiefs opened up the season on a fast start I thought I would see them fall apart. They have proved me completely wrong. 8-4 after 12 games? Who would have guessed it? Tamba Hali quickly jumped into my top 10 MVP watch with 10 sacks through 12 games. The combination of Cassel and Bowe is looking like top tier connection. And the reason I believe for the turnaround-3 former Pats Personnel Haley, Romeo and Charlie. This is the year the Chiefs end San Diego's division dominance.
11.Philadelphia Eagles(8-4)- Two words- Mike Vick... He was my early favorite for the MVP award and still ranks in my top 5 award. I see the Eagles losing out on a division to the Giants but could make a run into the playoffs. Mike Vick's pass first mentality has showed that he is truely a better QB then in the past. With weapons like Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin this team could be unstoppable. Watch Out!!!
12.Jacksonville Jaguars(7-5)-This my favorite team but their beginning to look pretty strong. With Mojo Drew leading the way, slowly coming into the MVP talks lately, they remind me of the Arizone Cardinals from a few years back. Only thing that concerns me with the Jaguars is play of Garrard. If he stays consistent and plays mistake free football they could be dangerous. On D they need to work on pass coverage and their set.
13.St. Louis Rams(6-6)-No this isn't a mistake. With Sam Bradford at the helm the Rams have a bright future to look forward to. They should win their division and be gone quick in the playoffs pretty quick but their a team on the rise.
14.Oakland Raiders(6-6)-Another team I see on the up. No wildcard chance and slim division chances but with a win over KC and an impressive win this past Sunday over the Chargers the question is do they have an impressive streak to end the season or are they to inexperienced???
15.San Diego Chargers(6-6)-Looked like they were going to start their usual late season run but with a big loss to the Raiders on Sunday it looks like it could be the year their comeback comes up short. But Phillip Rivers will still be in the MVP race till the end.
16.Tampa Bay Buccaneers(7-5)-This is one of those teams I'm not yet sold on yet. They have impressed me by beating the teams they should but they MUST beat teams like Atlanta if they want to content. I see them being another team to watch next season. With Freeman and Blount they have a good offensive tandem set for years to come.
17.Seattle Seahwaks(6-6)-Still have a real good shot at the playoffs but don't seem like they have a run in them.
18.Indianapolis Colts(6-6)-Due to injuries it looks as if the Colts have lost their stranggle hold on the AFC South. Should they panic? I believe so. After 3 straight losses and 11 int's in those 3 games I can't see them being the same force in the playoffs as they usually are. We'll see how they start rebounding against Tennessee tomorrow night. That could tell the tale of their season.
19.Dallas Cowboys(4-8)-With an impressive win over the Colts(a win is a win), they looks as iff they got it going under Coach Garrett. Although it's to late, if Garrett continues coaching through next season they could be back to form. Took a bad hit with Dez Bryant out for the final four games, but expect him to be back next season and make a major impact.
20.Minnesota Vikings(5-7)-As are the Cowboys, the Vikings are playing very well under Coach Frazier. We just need to see how the Brett Favre Saga plays out. Still a solid team but the QB situation is whats going to hold them down. My Solution-Mallet or Luck! Look towards next year guys.
21.Cleveland Browns(5-7)-The Browns have played most opponents tough this season but have come up short in alot of them. To big Stars in Peyton Hillis and Joshua Cribbs. They could be the ones looking to ruining other teams playoff dreams the final four weeks of the season.
22.Houston Texans(5-7)-Started off the season with a huge win over the Colts but have lately slipped up. The trio of Schaub, Johnson and Foster is one of the best and we'll see what they have down the stretch. They could wind up playing one of the biggest games in franchise history in week 17 vs Jacksonville.
23.Washington Redskins(5-7)-Do the Redskins regret giving Donovan that contract? I don't honestly see him their next season. Albert Haynesworth??? Well we all know that was a wash.
24.Miami Dolphins(6-6)-I was one of the ones who loved the Brandon Marshall pick-up but I guess with QB injuries he can't be as affecctive.
25.Tennessee Titans(5-7)-What to say about the Titans WOW! With the Vince Young debacle they are in trouble. They still have Chris Johnson and he is a beast but Vince Young needs to be their starter. He has 30 wins with the franchise. With a horrible loss to The Jaguars things aren't looking good. Jeff Fishers need to re-evaluate the team, but he needs to be coaching them' no-one else.
26.San Francisco(4-8)-The 49er's were a big preseason pick to win the Division but with Quarterback problems and an injury to Frank Gore their season came to a screeching halt.
27.Arizona Cardinals(3-9)-No Kurt Warner, No Boldin, their team quickly became one of the leagues elite bottom feeders. They still have Larry but one man can't do it all.
28.Cincinnati Bengals(2-10)-My preseason pick to meet up with the Packers they quickly proved me wrong. They have the offensive fire power but with plays like the offsides that cost them the game vs the Saints it seems like they just can't win.
29.Buffalo Bills(2-10)-Buffalo has hung in there in alot of games this season but if you don't win it doesnt matter. C.J. could be an elite player in the league very soon but they have alot more things that need to be done before they cam content.
30.Detroit Lions(2-10)-Great playmaker in Calvin Johnson. Another up and coming star in RB Jahvid Best. The one thing I can say is the best Thing to come the Motor City? Drew Stanton and his Dougie. John Wall eat your heart out!
31.Denver Broncos(3-9)-This team is in shambles. After a close loss to the Chiefs in which they out rushed the Chiefs, they Parted ways with Josh McDaniels. Kyle Orton has decent stats so far but something had to give, not suprisingly it was the coaches job. Looks like they could tank it and wind up with a top 3 pick in the NFL Draft.
32.Carolina Panthers(1-11)Their record speaks for itself. Can they play spoiler? Don't count on it. If you need a win go to the Panthers.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
5 Points on My Mind
1. Take the Conference Labels of Bowl Games: I understand the Bowl Committee wants the best Bowl Matchup possible, but I don't their getting them 100%. I also understand that the Bowls are also presented to draw as much money as they can. Here's a question: wouldn't Ron Zook and Illinois vs his former team, The Florida Gators, be a monney draw? I believe it would be. I personally would take time to sit down and watch. I agree with Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com in his matchups. I would love to see #4 Stanford vs #5 Wisconsin. Boise St. Vs Ohio St??? Love it. Let's see how Boise St. stacks up against a powerhouse from the Big Ten. I would differ with Oklahoma. I would rather see them up against ACC Champions Virgina Tech. Please can't we do away with the conference labels? No more BCS bids for certain conferences! I'm not a UConn hater, but do they really deserve a BCS game? I guess we will see. I'm not voicing for a playoff because I am a more traditional kind of guy. All I want is to see better matchups and the matchups everyone else wants to see.
2. Werth but not Crawford???- I got a question for all my readers: How does Jason Werth get 7 years, $126 million and Carl Crawford can't? Let's take at each of their stats the past 4 years:
Crawford
2007- .315 11 HR 80 RBI's .466 SLUG%
2008- .273 8 HR 57 RBI's .400 SLUG%
2009- .305 15 HR 68 RBI's .452 SLUG%
2010- .307 19 HR 90 RBI's .495 SLUG%
Werth
2007- .298 8 HR 49 RBI's .459 SLUG%
2008- .273 24 HR 68 RBI's .498 SLUG%
2009- .268 36 HR 99 RBI's .506 SLUG%
2010- .296 27 HR 85 RBI's .532 SLUG%
Besides from the slugging percentage, the stats are very comparible. Crawford is also 2 years younger then Werth. I asked Marc Topkin who cover the Rays for the St. Petersburg times via twitter, How has Werth signed and not Crawford? He replied "Crawford has # of teams interested so talks needed, Werth got too-good-to-refuse offer"- Marc Topkin. Please MLB clubs, look at what your doing before you do it. With Crawford you get a younger player with stats that are up to par with Werth's. For updates on Crawford'ss or any other Ray's News be sure to check out a very good Columnist- Marc Topkin at http://www.tampabay.com/writers/marc-topkin
3. What are the Refs doing?- It's all good trying to make the league a safer place for players' but if your going to do that please atleast get the calls right. This past Sunday I was flipping back-and-forth between the Jaguars-Titans game on CBS and NFL Redzone on Comcast and I noticed they showed the Detroit Lions being penalized for Suh supposedly using his forarm to nail Bear's Quarterback Jay Cutler. Then they showed a instant replayed that clearly showed Suh NEVER used his forarms, but just shoved Cutler, hands only. That isn't even what had me upset. Later on Sunday night I'm watching one of the best SNF ever between the Ravens and Steelers. Then I see McClain crush Heath Miller with an obvious hit that put Miller out of the game. The league aleady said that there should have been a flag on the play. I realize the no ones perfect and it's hard for the refs to see, let alone, make every single right call, but if your going to make the league more safer for the players you have to think of one word-"Consistency". The main focus should be keeping these players safe while still entertaining the fans. I do want to congradulate the league officials and refs for doing a great job of cracking down on injuries, mainly concussions. Players avg career lengths are shortening due to these nagging injuries. Let's make it where the lengths of careers will get longer.
3.Should the Vikings Start thinking about Next Year?- I can't lie I'm one of those fans who thinks Brett Favre should have called it quit after his years with the Packers. Then he proved me wrong last season with one of the best seasons of his career. Now I am 100% sure that it is time for him to call it a career. I believe that the Viking need to begin thinking about next season. Randy Moss coming back and that was a wash. Now that Sidney Rice is back the Vikings seem to be hitting a stride. They have a great running back in Adrian Peterson. I believe Toby Gerhart is a decent backup to Adrian Peterson. It won't be fixed until Brett calls it quits and they bring in a QB for the future. I hope new Vikings coach Leslie Frazier sees this and looks into the draft to fill this need. Andrew Luck or even Ryan Mallet could be the answer. If there not, It's worth a try ain't it? I don't think Tavaris Jackson is the answer. Don't tank the season either. Play like your going to the playoff to get the chemistry ready for next season. Take the draft pick you are given and work out the QB situation. Don't try and sign or trade for old veterans. Get Mallet or Luck to have a guy to get Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice the ball. Just start where you need to start and work from there.
4. No to 18 Schedule- Let me star off by repeating myself-Players careers are already short, DON'T MAKE THEM SHORTER!!! Why add 2 games to the Season? Players are already getting hurt on the regular, let's not make it more chances for them to get hurt. I like 16 games as is. Us fans do not need a year round schedule like baseball, it's just fine the way it is. The old say,"if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Can we please keep it that way? And for saleries. It's already hard enough for some teams to sign players, now the players are goning to want more money, money, money. Please NFL don't change it.
Now I'm going to babble on some random things:
Top 10 NFL MVP Watch through week 13
1.Tom Brady
2.Mike Vick
3.Matt Ryan
4.Phillip Rivers
5.Roddy White
6.Clay Matthews
7.Maurice Jones-Drew
8.Julius Peppers
9.Aaron Rodgers
10.Tamba Hali
2. Werth but not Crawford???- I got a question for all my readers: How does Jason Werth get 7 years, $126 million and Carl Crawford can't? Let's take at each of their stats the past 4 years:
Crawford
2007- .315 11 HR 80 RBI's .466 SLUG%
2008- .273 8 HR 57 RBI's .400 SLUG%
2009- .305 15 HR 68 RBI's .452 SLUG%
2010- .307 19 HR 90 RBI's .495 SLUG%
Werth
2007- .298 8 HR 49 RBI's .459 SLUG%
2008- .273 24 HR 68 RBI's .498 SLUG%
2009- .268 36 HR 99 RBI's .506 SLUG%
2010- .296 27 HR 85 RBI's .532 SLUG%
Besides from the slugging percentage, the stats are very comparible. Crawford is also 2 years younger then Werth. I asked Marc Topkin who cover the Rays for the St. Petersburg times via twitter, How has Werth signed and not Crawford? He replied "Crawford has # of teams interested so talks needed, Werth got too-good-to-refuse offer"- Marc Topkin. Please MLB clubs, look at what your doing before you do it. With Crawford you get a younger player with stats that are up to par with Werth's. For updates on Crawford'ss or any other Ray's News be sure to check out a very good Columnist- Marc Topkin at http://www.tampabay.com/writers/marc-topkin
3. What are the Refs doing?- It's all good trying to make the league a safer place for players' but if your going to do that please atleast get the calls right. This past Sunday I was flipping back-and-forth between the Jaguars-Titans game on CBS and NFL Redzone on Comcast and I noticed they showed the Detroit Lions being penalized for Suh supposedly using his forarm to nail Bear's Quarterback Jay Cutler. Then they showed a instant replayed that clearly showed Suh NEVER used his forarms, but just shoved Cutler, hands only. That isn't even what had me upset. Later on Sunday night I'm watching one of the best SNF ever between the Ravens and Steelers. Then I see McClain crush Heath Miller with an obvious hit that put Miller out of the game. The league aleady said that there should have been a flag on the play. I realize the no ones perfect and it's hard for the refs to see, let alone, make every single right call, but if your going to make the league more safer for the players you have to think of one word-"Consistency". The main focus should be keeping these players safe while still entertaining the fans. I do want to congradulate the league officials and refs for doing a great job of cracking down on injuries, mainly concussions. Players avg career lengths are shortening due to these nagging injuries. Let's make it where the lengths of careers will get longer.
3.Should the Vikings Start thinking about Next Year?- I can't lie I'm one of those fans who thinks Brett Favre should have called it quit after his years with the Packers. Then he proved me wrong last season with one of the best seasons of his career. Now I am 100% sure that it is time for him to call it a career. I believe that the Viking need to begin thinking about next season. Randy Moss coming back and that was a wash. Now that Sidney Rice is back the Vikings seem to be hitting a stride. They have a great running back in Adrian Peterson. I believe Toby Gerhart is a decent backup to Adrian Peterson. It won't be fixed until Brett calls it quits and they bring in a QB for the future. I hope new Vikings coach Leslie Frazier sees this and looks into the draft to fill this need. Andrew Luck or even Ryan Mallet could be the answer. If there not, It's worth a try ain't it? I don't think Tavaris Jackson is the answer. Don't tank the season either. Play like your going to the playoff to get the chemistry ready for next season. Take the draft pick you are given and work out the QB situation. Don't try and sign or trade for old veterans. Get Mallet or Luck to have a guy to get Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice the ball. Just start where you need to start and work from there.
4. No to 18 Schedule- Let me star off by repeating myself-Players careers are already short, DON'T MAKE THEM SHORTER!!! Why add 2 games to the Season? Players are already getting hurt on the regular, let's not make it more chances for them to get hurt. I like 16 games as is. Us fans do not need a year round schedule like baseball, it's just fine the way it is. The old say,"if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Can we please keep it that way? And for saleries. It's already hard enough for some teams to sign players, now the players are goning to want more money, money, money. Please NFL don't change it.
Now I'm going to babble on some random things:
Top 10 NFL MVP Watch through week 13
1.Tom Brady
2.Mike Vick
3.Matt Ryan
4.Phillip Rivers
5.Roddy White
6.Clay Matthews
7.Maurice Jones-Drew
8.Julius Peppers
9.Aaron Rodgers
10.Tamba Hali
Monday, December 6, 2010
MNF Pick
Patriots(-3.5) 31
Jets 21
My Take: I'm going to be totally honest with all my readers: The Pats roster is different from the one I know. Some of these I've never heard about before this season. I guess when Tom Brady is your QB I guess it doesn't matter if there are anymore stars on the team. I know the Jets won the first matchup and their D is strong but I have to go with Tom Brady. I'm not going to get all into stats on a game that could be unpredictable, but let's just say this is going to be one heck of a slobber knocker. I see former Jet Woodhead to have a huge game and Sanchez making the mistakes down the stretch to preserve the Patriots win. I believe Wes Welker could be another player to keep an eye on. One of the best, if not best, slot receiver EVER. I'm seeing a nail biter until the 4th quarter, when I see Brady outplaying the Jets D to take a win and gaining a step on winning the division(They Will Win The Division).
Jets 21
My Take: I'm going to be totally honest with all my readers: The Pats roster is different from the one I know. Some of these I've never heard about before this season. I guess when Tom Brady is your QB I guess it doesn't matter if there are anymore stars on the team. I know the Jets won the first matchup and their D is strong but I have to go with Tom Brady. I'm not going to get all into stats on a game that could be unpredictable, but let's just say this is going to be one heck of a slobber knocker. I see former Jet Woodhead to have a huge game and Sanchez making the mistakes down the stretch to preserve the Patriots win. I believe Wes Welker could be another player to keep an eye on. One of the best, if not best, slot receiver EVER. I'm seeing a nail biter until the 4th quarter, when I see Brady outplaying the Jets D to take a win and gaining a step on winning the division(They Will Win The Division).
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Mr. 321 Sports Sunday's NFL action Predictions...
Cincinnati (+6.5) 34
New Orleans 38
Something eventually has to go write for c
Cincinnati, but I don't think it comes this week vs the deffending Champs.
Chicago(-4.5) 34
Detroit 17
I see this one as a laugher. I expect Calvin Johnson to have a big game, but I see Jay Cutler continuing his superb play for a Detroit team who will fight and keep it close but in the end be outmatched.
San Francisco(+8.5) 24
Green Bay 31
San Franciscon will hang in there with the Pack but no Gore will stop any chance at a victore for the 49ers
Jacksonville(+3) 34
Tennessee 24
This is kind of a homer pick but I see in the end the Jaguars wanting this one more then the Titans. Both teams are banged up. I see Jones-Drew continuing his streak to 5 straight games of atleast 100 rush yards.
Denver(+8.5) 27
Kansas City 30
Matt Cassel will bring back the old Matt Cassel and keep Denver in the game, but I see Charles getting Kansas City this win.
Cleveland(+5) 24
Miami 17
Cleveland might have the record to show it but they have been playing like a real team this year. Miami's QB situation scares me away from picking them.
Minnesota(-4.5) 35
Buffalo 20
Player to Watch: RB Toby Gerhart
NY Giants(+7) 31
Washington 21
Player to Watch: QB Eli Manning
Oakland(+13) 24
San Diego 34
Player to Watch: The Oakland Running Back Core
Dallas(+5.5) 27
Indianapolis 31
Player to Watch: QB Jon Kitna(YES I said Jon Kitna)
St. Louis(-3) 27
Arizona 23
Player to Watch: QB Sam Bradford
Seattle(-4) 44
Carolina 22
The biggest win of the day. Seattle has something to lose. Carolina??? Well they have something to win... The number one pick.
Atlanta(-3) 27
Tampa Bay 14
Players to Watch: QB Matt Ryan, WR Roddy White, TE Tony Gonzalez, QB Josh Freeman, WR Mike Williams
Pittsburgh(-3) 21
Baltimore 17
Players to Watch: QB Ben Rothlisberger, RB Ray Rice, LB Ray Lewis
Overall I see most of the teams that should will, will win. This is the time of the year where teams are fighting for the playoffs. Then there are the teams fighting for that all important number one draft. I see some Division Races becoming more clear after today's games.
New Orleans 38
Something eventually has to go write for c
Cincinnati, but I don't think it comes this week vs the deffending Champs.
Chicago(-4.5) 34
Detroit 17
I see this one as a laugher. I expect Calvin Johnson to have a big game, but I see Jay Cutler continuing his superb play for a Detroit team who will fight and keep it close but in the end be outmatched.
San Francisco(+8.5) 24
Green Bay 31
San Franciscon will hang in there with the Pack but no Gore will stop any chance at a victore for the 49ers
Jacksonville(+3) 34
Tennessee 24
This is kind of a homer pick but I see in the end the Jaguars wanting this one more then the Titans. Both teams are banged up. I see Jones-Drew continuing his streak to 5 straight games of atleast 100 rush yards.
Denver(+8.5) 27
Kansas City 30
Matt Cassel will bring back the old Matt Cassel and keep Denver in the game, but I see Charles getting Kansas City this win.
Cleveland(+5) 24
Miami 17
Cleveland might have the record to show it but they have been playing like a real team this year. Miami's QB situation scares me away from picking them.
Minnesota(-4.5) 35
Buffalo 20
Player to Watch: RB Toby Gerhart
NY Giants(+7) 31
Washington 21
Player to Watch: QB Eli Manning
Oakland(+13) 24
San Diego 34
Player to Watch: The Oakland Running Back Core
Dallas(+5.5) 27
Indianapolis 31
Player to Watch: QB Jon Kitna(YES I said Jon Kitna)
St. Louis(-3) 27
Arizona 23
Player to Watch: QB Sam Bradford
Seattle(-4) 44
Carolina 22
The biggest win of the day. Seattle has something to lose. Carolina??? Well they have something to win... The number one pick.
Atlanta(-3) 27
Tampa Bay 14
Players to Watch: QB Matt Ryan, WR Roddy White, TE Tony Gonzalez, QB Josh Freeman, WR Mike Williams
Pittsburgh(-3) 21
Baltimore 17
Players to Watch: QB Ben Rothlisberger, RB Ray Rice, LB Ray Lewis
Overall I see most of the teams that should will, will win. This is the time of the year where teams are fighting for the playoffs. Then there are the teams fighting for that all important number one draft. I see some Division Races becoming more clear after today's games.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Mr. 321 Sports Pick Em' 12/5/10
West Virgina 42 Rutgers 28
LaTech 37 Nevada 34
Reason: Still over excited, after their shocking 4th qrt comeback victory over Boise St, I see Nevada sleeping on Latech. I see Tech taking advantage of this opportunity and they pull of an upset for themselves.
Boise St. 58 Utah St. 17
Oregon 52 Oregon St. 28
Reason: In my eyes Oregon is the best team in College Football and they earn their trip to the National Title Game.
Virginia Tech 34 Florida St. 24
Reason: The Noles put forth their best effort at earning a BCS bid but I believe they are over matched vs the Hokies.
Oklahoma 31 Nebraska 28
Reason: No Sam Bradford??? No Problem!!? I see this game coming down to the wire but Oklahoma drives down and kicks a game winning Field Goal with under a minute to play.
UConn 35 USF 31
Upset Picks:
South Carolina over Auburn 38-27
Reason: All the close calls Auburn has escaped this season I believe this one gets away from them. The Old Ball Coach crushes yet another dream. This loss by Auburn opens way for either Stanford or Wisconsin to slide into the title game, leaving TCU out, and opening up talks about a potential playoff format.
Western Illinois 27 App St. 24
Reason: This is kind of a homer pick for me,seeing how I've lived in Macomb, Ill.
LaTech 37 Nevada 34
Reason: Still over excited, after their shocking 4th qrt comeback victory over Boise St, I see Nevada sleeping on Latech. I see Tech taking advantage of this opportunity and they pull of an upset for themselves.
Boise St. 58 Utah St. 17
Oregon 52 Oregon St. 28
Reason: In my eyes Oregon is the best team in College Football and they earn their trip to the National Title Game.
Virginia Tech 34 Florida St. 24
Reason: The Noles put forth their best effort at earning a BCS bid but I believe they are over matched vs the Hokies.
Oklahoma 31 Nebraska 28
Reason: No Sam Bradford??? No Problem!!? I see this game coming down to the wire but Oklahoma drives down and kicks a game winning Field Goal with under a minute to play.
UConn 35 USF 31
Upset Picks:
South Carolina over Auburn 38-27
Reason: All the close calls Auburn has escaped this season I believe this one gets away from them. The Old Ball Coach crushes yet another dream. This loss by Auburn opens way for either Stanford or Wisconsin to slide into the title game, leaving TCU out, and opening up talks about a potential playoff format.
Western Illinois 27 App St. 24
Reason: This is kind of a homer pick for me,seeing how I've lived in Macomb, Ill.
Friday, December 3, 2010
No More Hall Snubs... PLEASE!!!
This is my first article for my blog but it's one that comes from the heart. I'll admit I didn't do as much reseach as I should have but I don't feel like it was completely nessesary. It all started 20 years ago when I moved from Florida to Indiana. I was 2 back then but I swear that's when my love for sports all began. Getting older I began to watch sports more and more. Albeit I'm a Warriors fan by heart I grew up in a house full of Indiana Pacer fans. Over the years I did take a liking to watching one of the greatest players of my time not named MJ. Of course I'm speaking of Reggie "DOWNTOWN" Miller. I remember watching countless games on t.v. and hearing the roars of BOOMBABY screaming from the screen. I remember where I was at when, "The Brawl" that brought the Pacers down, happened. Buzzer beater after buzzer beater drained from anywhere and everywhere on the court. The countless moments Reggie singled handedly destroyed Knick fans. All stats aside he was a hero and role model to me and the hundred of thousands of other Pacer followers.
Reggie Miller, born Reginald Wayne Miller on August 24th, 1965, attented Riverside Polytech in Riverside, California. The 6'7, 185lbs forward/guard was drafted 11th overall in the 1987 NBA draft, from the UCLA Bruins to the Indiana Pacers. He played his whole 18 year career with the Pacers. He is third all-time is games played with one team, only behind Karl Malone and John Stockton formally of the Utah Jazz.
Now on to all those stats, for all you statistic-holics. Let me start off by listing some of his career averages...
34.3 MPG
18.2 PPG
3.0 RBG
1.1 SPG
3.0 APG
1.7 TPG
0.2 BPG
I understand clearly that these are not stats like that of MJ, Rick Berry, Larry Bird ect... In my eyes he wasn't known for his high scoring ability but his leadership, his hustle, and his clutch consistancy. In my opinion he has to be considered in the top 3 of players you would call upon in the last minute of any game. Mike most likely would agree with that statement. That's if he wants to remember back to May 25, 1998 when, with less then 3 seconds, Reg broke away from him and sank a game winning 3 in a 96-94 in Game 4 at MSA.
Next we MUST get into Reggie Miller "The Knick Killer." I'm sure 100% of Knicks fans remember the date May 7th, 1995. Close your eyes for a moment. Now picture this change of events.... 18.7 seconds left in Game 1 of the Conference Semifinals. Reggie makes a first 3 pointer, then all of a sudden he steals the inbound pass from Greg Anthony and runs back and "swoosh" drains another 3 pointer. After a Pacer foul, Miller rebounds the second attempt and gets fouled. There you you have it Knicks fans, 8 points in a matter of 8.9 seconds. In less then 9 seconds Miller becomes one of the most hated Sports Figures in New York History. The constant battles back and forth between him and one Spike Lee. No need to continue pouring on the hatred New York has for Reggie Miller.
Reggie Miller holds the Indiana Pacers single game scoring record with 57 points on November 28th, 1992. He is also one of only 5 players who has their jersey retired the Pacers. He is joined on that list by Roger Brown, Mel Daniels, Bobby "Slick" Leonard and George McGinnis. In 2007 he was recognized on Indiana's 40th anniversary team. His loan NBA Finals appearance came in 2000 vs the Lakers and the duo of Kobe and Shaq. Although the Pacers were defeated 4-2, Miller averaged 24.3 ppg during the series. Reggie's career in the playoff was just as good. In 144 career playoff games he averaged 20.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.5 apg. He shot 44% from insside the arc and 39% from beyond. His playoff average at the charity stripe is as good as told, with an astounding 89% at the line.
His career totals has him ranked high on all-time list in multiple categories. His career total in points, 25,279, is 12th best in NBA history. He ranks 6th in minutes played with 47,619 and 7th with 1389 games played. Highly recognized as one of the best free throw shooters ever, his 88% ranks 7th all-time. One thing we all know is about Reggie Miller is that he was one heck of a shooter from beyond the arc. Although many people make arguements for Ray Allen, Reggie's 2,560 is the all-time record for career 3 point fields in a career. His career achievements also include 5 appearances in the all-star game('90, '95, '96, '98, '00). He was also recognized on the All-NBA third team three times('94-95, '95-96, '97-98).
Although his stats might not be untouchable, it would be a crying shame for Reggie Miller not to be a first ballot Hall of Famer. I'm not the biggest Pacers fan of all-time, but I do know a great player when I see one. If I had a vote my vote would be for Reggie. I really hope that the voters see the same great player I grew up watching for years. Not having won an NBA Championship might be one of his downfalls. He also earned my respect by playing his whole career out with one team, which not many players can say they have done. That's another thing that upsets me with alot of great players. They play a long career with one team and once a ring doesn't come their way they jump ship. I created a facebook page, Reggie Miller for Hall of Fame, in support of his journey to the Hall of Fame. So as I close out my first article I ask for all the Hall of Fame voters to consider into mind the lustrious career and countless great memories Reggie Miller has left Indiana Pacer and NBA fans alike with. -Bernard Stasen
References- Stats & Information
www.wikipedia.com Search "Reggie Miller"
www.basketball-reference.com
Images-
www.google.com Google Images
Reggie Miller, born Reginald Wayne Miller on August 24th, 1965, attented Riverside Polytech in Riverside, California. The 6'7, 185lbs forward/guard was drafted 11th overall in the 1987 NBA draft, from the UCLA Bruins to the Indiana Pacers. He played his whole 18 year career with the Pacers. He is third all-time is games played with one team, only behind Karl Malone and John Stockton formally of the Utah Jazz.
Now on to all those stats, for all you statistic-holics. Let me start off by listing some of his career averages...
34.3 MPG
18.2 PPG
3.0 RBG
1.1 SPG
3.0 APG
1.7 TPG
0.2 BPG
I understand clearly that these are not stats like that of MJ, Rick Berry, Larry Bird ect... In my eyes he wasn't known for his high scoring ability but his leadership, his hustle, and his clutch consistancy. In my opinion he has to be considered in the top 3 of players you would call upon in the last minute of any game. Mike most likely would agree with that statement. That's if he wants to remember back to May 25, 1998 when, with less then 3 seconds, Reg broke away from him and sank a game winning 3 in a 96-94 in Game 4 at MSA.
Next we MUST get into Reggie Miller "The Knick Killer." I'm sure 100% of Knicks fans remember the date May 7th, 1995. Close your eyes for a moment. Now picture this change of events.... 18.7 seconds left in Game 1 of the Conference Semifinals. Reggie makes a first 3 pointer, then all of a sudden he steals the inbound pass from Greg Anthony and runs back and "swoosh" drains another 3 pointer. After a Pacer foul, Miller rebounds the second attempt and gets fouled. There you you have it Knicks fans, 8 points in a matter of 8.9 seconds. In less then 9 seconds Miller becomes one of the most hated Sports Figures in New York History. The constant battles back and forth between him and one Spike Lee. No need to continue pouring on the hatred New York has for Reggie Miller.
Reggie Miller holds the Indiana Pacers single game scoring record with 57 points on November 28th, 1992. He is also one of only 5 players who has their jersey retired the Pacers. He is joined on that list by Roger Brown, Mel Daniels, Bobby "Slick" Leonard and George McGinnis. In 2007 he was recognized on Indiana's 40th anniversary team. His loan NBA Finals appearance came in 2000 vs the Lakers and the duo of Kobe and Shaq. Although the Pacers were defeated 4-2, Miller averaged 24.3 ppg during the series. Reggie's career in the playoff was just as good. In 144 career playoff games he averaged 20.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.5 apg. He shot 44% from insside the arc and 39% from beyond. His playoff average at the charity stripe is as good as told, with an astounding 89% at the line.
His career totals has him ranked high on all-time list in multiple categories. His career total in points, 25,279, is 12th best in NBA history. He ranks 6th in minutes played with 47,619 and 7th with 1389 games played. Highly recognized as one of the best free throw shooters ever, his 88% ranks 7th all-time. One thing we all know is about Reggie Miller is that he was one heck of a shooter from beyond the arc. Although many people make arguements for Ray Allen, Reggie's 2,560 is the all-time record for career 3 point fields in a career. His career achievements also include 5 appearances in the all-star game('90, '95, '96, '98, '00). He was also recognized on the All-NBA third team three times('94-95, '95-96, '97-98).
Although his stats might not be untouchable, it would be a crying shame for Reggie Miller not to be a first ballot Hall of Famer. I'm not the biggest Pacers fan of all-time, but I do know a great player when I see one. If I had a vote my vote would be for Reggie. I really hope that the voters see the same great player I grew up watching for years. Not having won an NBA Championship might be one of his downfalls. He also earned my respect by playing his whole career out with one team, which not many players can say they have done. That's another thing that upsets me with alot of great players. They play a long career with one team and once a ring doesn't come their way they jump ship. I created a facebook page, Reggie Miller for Hall of Fame, in support of his journey to the Hall of Fame. So as I close out my first article I ask for all the Hall of Fame voters to consider into mind the lustrious career and countless great memories Reggie Miller has left Indiana Pacer and NBA fans alike with. -Bernard Stasen
References- Stats & Information
www.wikipedia.com Search "Reggie Miller"
www.basketball-reference.com
Images-
www.google.com Google Images
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