All the great picks and analysis with The Football Scientist KC Joyner and Ken Moll and Matt Williamson from Scouts' INC.
-Detroit-Denver is a really interesting one right off the bat. The Broncos played well last week, but got heartbroken by the Packers. How will they respond? I'm gonna side with the Lions and Jon Kitna at home, and I'll put my money on Kevin Jones having a really good game against a weak Denver run d.
-Who do i trust more, the Falcons or those Phishing sites? I mean, I might believe some fake person pretending to be a diamond trader in Burkina-Faso more than Atlanta. I think that Alex Smith and Vernon Davis are back at full strength and I'll take the Niners in an upset.
-Buffalo is on the rise, the Bengals are in decline. It will be closer with Just Pathetic Losman at the helm for the Bills, Cincy is on such a downward spiral that I'll go with Marshawn Lynch and Buffalo.
-The Titans defense will be primed and ready against a Carolina team with David Carr at QB. The Panthers must get Steve Smith the ball if they want to win; he had a grand total of two catches in a loss last week, and they'll be toast once again in a hostile environment if that is once again the case. I think that Vince Young will have to play a bigger role this week, because LenDale White won't be studly forever. I'll take Tennessee by five plus.
-Packers-Chiefs. Favre and Larry Johnson. What's gonna happen, Ken Moll?
"The K.C. defense has played better in the past few weeks but Favre will get his yards. They need to make sure that the Packers don't have an effective ground attack as they did vs. the Broncos. The Pakcers will crowd the LOS and over play LJ and this should open up the passing game for K.C."
A major reason why Green Bay won last week is that Ryan Grant kept the defense honest with a really good game, which enabled Favre to go deep over the top for the win. The Pack will definitely key on Johnson on the defensive side, which could open things up for Tony Gonzalez and Dwayne Bowe. That being said, I'll take the Pack riding the momentum wave.
-The Vikings lack of QB play will once again doom them against the Chargers. San Diego could put nine men in the box against AP and still shut them down. Can the Minnesota slow LaDanian Tomlinson down, and force Phillip Rivers to throw more than he should? This has blowout written ALL over it.
-Saints-Jaguars is a great battle of two opposing units. The New Orleans offense is finally hitting its stride, and Jacksonville's defense is always supertough. If THE GAME ends up being a blowout, this could be the best of the weekend. I'll take the Jags D in a close one.
-The Scientist has arrived! What is KC Joyner's lock of the week?
"Skins over Jets in a blowout. Jets can't stop the run, can't stop the pass and Clemens looked positively mediocre last week. Skins will bounce back in a big way and dominate this game."
-Arizona usually plays a team like Tampa Bay tough, but I think that Gruden gets the Bucs up for this one, and they'll cover against the Cards.
-The Browns and Seahawks is also one of those overlooked games in a great matchup week. Matt Williamson has the keys to this one:
"I think Seattle will come out throwing from multiple WR sets much more so than they have in the past this season. Can Cleveland get to Hasslebeck at ALL? Can the DBs keep up?"
I also think that Alexander will have a good game, and Marcus Trufant could do a really good job against Braylon Edwards. How will the Browns respond in a big game when they're favored. I say they'll wilt, gimme the Hawks.
-I'm sure you've heard analysis from everyone in the world about Pats-Colts, but I'll make it really Miss Teen South Carolina simple: Until someone is able to slow New England down, they won't lose, and I don't think it'll be the Colts. Pats between 10-20 points.
-I'll take the Raiders to win plus a field goal against a down Texans team.
-Does the NFC East really go through Philly? If so, then give Dallas the division crown and the three points.
-Great MNF rivalry match. The Ravens and Steelers always play really close, and though PGH may win, they won't cover a TD plus.
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Saturday, November 3, 2007
Friday, November 2, 2007
NBA Today
News, views, and analysis with ESPN's David Thorpe and SOS lead NBA analyst Cameron Berns.
NBA Recaps
Last night, Tayshaun Prince scored a 34 points with 12 boards as Detroit beat a shorthanded Miami team 91-80. Ricky David led the team with 23, and the Heat were without Dwayne Wade.
The Rockets wanted to exact some revenge on the Jazz, who ousted Houston in last year's postseason. Tracy McGrady scored a league high 47 points to win at SLC 106-95 despite 30 and 16 from Carlos Boozer. They have T-Mac and Yao, Battier and the rookie Luis Scola, and a good PG combo and Mike James and Rafer Alston. David Thorpe sites a John Hollinger prediction which looks good for the Rockets:
"The Professor (Hollinger) picks them to win it all, and he did call out the Spurs vs. Cavs last October as his Finals team, so they have that going for them."
23 points and 11 boards from Amare Stoudamire guided the Suns past the Sonics 106-99 in the home opener for Seattle. But Sonics owner and Oklahoma City native Clay Bennett announced today that he will file for the relocation of the Sonics and the Storm of the WNBA to OKC as soon as next season. Bennett cites the "outdates" KeyArena for his reason for filing for relocation.
News and Analysis
On Wednesday, Orlando blasted the Bucks behind Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard, who Cameron Berns calls "an absolute beast". The Kings were beat up by the Hornets in their return to New Orleans 104-90 behind 22 points and 12 assists from Chris Paul. Berns had this to say about Sacramento:
"Sacramento is the worst team in the NBA. A fire sale may be in Sacramento's future."
The Kings will be without Mike Bibby for a couple of months, and the team signed former Spurs backup Beno Udrih to fill the void. Berns also said that the Lakers have backed themselves into a corner with the Kobe situation, which is likely true despite the statement made by Chicago GM John Paxson that no deal was imminent. I think that the talks are ongoing like Phil Jackson said. Bryant literally has this club taken hostage, even more than Allen Iverson did with the Sixers last year. The Lakers are 0-1, while AI, Carmelo Anthony and Denver are looking good.
Upcoming Schedule
Tonight, an ESPN doubleheader has Gilbert Arenas and the Wizards traveling to Boston for the first regular season game of the KG-Allen-Pierce Celtics. Nash and the Suns battle Kobe and the Lakers in the nightcap.
Saturday night has Roy, Aldridge and Portland taking on Yao, T-Mac and the Rockets on NBATV.
Sunday on NBATV, LeBron and the Cavs take on Phoenix at 8pm.
The Rockets take on the Mavericks on Monday on NBATV.
Tuesday on NBATV, Denver takes on Eddy Curry, Zach Randolph and the Knicks.
The Wednesday ESPN twinbill has Shaq and the Heat taking on Duncan and the Spurs, followed by Cleveland at Boozer, AK, DeRon and the Jazz.
The TNT doubleheader next week will have Detroit and Chicago followed by the Mavericks returning to the Bay Area to take on Baron Davis and the Warriors. That's a must see rivalrous night of action if I do say so myself. And that's your NBA Today.
NBA Recaps
Last night, Tayshaun Prince scored a 34 points with 12 boards as Detroit beat a shorthanded Miami team 91-80. Ricky David led the team with 23, and the Heat were without Dwayne Wade.
The Rockets wanted to exact some revenge on the Jazz, who ousted Houston in last year's postseason. Tracy McGrady scored a league high 47 points to win at SLC 106-95 despite 30 and 16 from Carlos Boozer. They have T-Mac and Yao, Battier and the rookie Luis Scola, and a good PG combo and Mike James and Rafer Alston. David Thorpe sites a John Hollinger prediction which looks good for the Rockets:
"The Professor (Hollinger) picks them to win it all, and he did call out the Spurs vs. Cavs last October as his Finals team, so they have that going for them."
23 points and 11 boards from Amare Stoudamire guided the Suns past the Sonics 106-99 in the home opener for Seattle. But Sonics owner and Oklahoma City native Clay Bennett announced today that he will file for the relocation of the Sonics and the Storm of the WNBA to OKC as soon as next season. Bennett cites the "outdates" KeyArena for his reason for filing for relocation.
News and Analysis
On Wednesday, Orlando blasted the Bucks behind Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard, who Cameron Berns calls "an absolute beast". The Kings were beat up by the Hornets in their return to New Orleans 104-90 behind 22 points and 12 assists from Chris Paul. Berns had this to say about Sacramento:
"Sacramento is the worst team in the NBA. A fire sale may be in Sacramento's future."
The Kings will be without Mike Bibby for a couple of months, and the team signed former Spurs backup Beno Udrih to fill the void. Berns also said that the Lakers have backed themselves into a corner with the Kobe situation, which is likely true despite the statement made by Chicago GM John Paxson that no deal was imminent. I think that the talks are ongoing like Phil Jackson said. Bryant literally has this club taken hostage, even more than Allen Iverson did with the Sixers last year. The Lakers are 0-1, while AI, Carmelo Anthony and Denver are looking good.
Upcoming Schedule
Tonight, an ESPN doubleheader has Gilbert Arenas and the Wizards traveling to Boston for the first regular season game of the KG-Allen-Pierce Celtics. Nash and the Suns battle Kobe and the Lakers in the nightcap.
Saturday night has Roy, Aldridge and Portland taking on Yao, T-Mac and the Rockets on NBATV.
Sunday on NBATV, LeBron and the Cavs take on Phoenix at 8pm.
The Rockets take on the Mavericks on Monday on NBATV.
Tuesday on NBATV, Denver takes on Eddy Curry, Zach Randolph and the Knicks.
The Wednesday ESPN twinbill has Shaq and the Heat taking on Duncan and the Spurs, followed by Cleveland at Boozer, AK, DeRon and the Jazz.
The TNT doubleheader next week will have Detroit and Chicago followed by the Mavericks returning to the Bay Area to take on Baron Davis and the Warriors. That's a must see rivalrous night of action if I do say so myself. And that's your NBA Today.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
College Hoops Key Game Previews- Atlantic Sun
Someone reading this will care! It's a one bid league, let's see who makes it count.
-Belmont won the league last year, and will have games at Cincy, Bowling Green, and Alabama in November. They'll be at Xavier, a home and home with Middle Tennessee State, before a home game with Austin Peay and a game at Wright State.
-Campbell Fighting Camels. Wow, so many jokes. They'll host Appalachian State (who was good at hoops last year not just known for the Michigan game), and travel to South Carolina, but it's pretty bland after that.
-East Tennessee State is fairly competetive. They'll have games at Dayton, a home and home with Marshall, followed by games at Syracuse, OK State, and Georgia. They also host App State.
-Florida Gulf Coast. Not a bad slate at all in November. Home Drexel, at Iowa and Bradley, home Austin Peay, at Arizona State. In December, games at Army, and then home games against Butler and Penn. They're at DePaul in January, and they end their season with a game at Marquette.
-Gardner-Webb is not a pharmaceutical company. And to their credit, they're the only team with a TV game so far, 11/20 at UConn on Full Court. They're at Clemson, Tulane, and Charlotte as well.
-The Jacksonville Dolphins, just sounds weird. November at UAB, home Georgia State. In December, they run the gauntlet. At Michigan State, at Florida, at Georgetown, at South Alabama. Rough.
-Kennesaw State, reminds me of baseball. November: at Western Kentucky, at Auburn. December: at UNLV, at Minnesota.
-Lipscomb, reminds me of plastic surgery. Hey, botox man! November games at App State, and at Purdue. December games at Vandy, at Marshall.
-Mercer. At USC, home Alabama, Boston roadies at Harvard and BC. 12/19 at Auburn. 1/2 home VMI.
-North Florida leads the conference in exposure as they're at Maryland first game of the year on ESPNU. They also have games at Florida, at Miami, and at Notre Dame.
-South Carolina-Upstate, not a prison or mental institution, not a bad noncon slate. At Utah, home Akron, at Cincy, at Wake, at SMU, at UTEP, at Duquesne, at Iowa State (Full Court!!!!). Exposure!!!
-Stetson Hatters, how lame is that. November includes at UAB, home Rhode Island, at Florida, at FSU. December includes at Miami, home to Charleston Southern.
I hope you have been entertained and enlightened. If you've read this far, you're hardcore and have no life just like me.
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-Belmont won the league last year, and will have games at Cincy, Bowling Green, and Alabama in November. They'll be at Xavier, a home and home with Middle Tennessee State, before a home game with Austin Peay and a game at Wright State.
-Campbell Fighting Camels. Wow, so many jokes. They'll host Appalachian State (who was good at hoops last year not just known for the Michigan game), and travel to South Carolina, but it's pretty bland after that.
-East Tennessee State is fairly competetive. They'll have games at Dayton, a home and home with Marshall, followed by games at Syracuse, OK State, and Georgia. They also host App State.
-Florida Gulf Coast. Not a bad slate at all in November. Home Drexel, at Iowa and Bradley, home Austin Peay, at Arizona State. In December, games at Army, and then home games against Butler and Penn. They're at DePaul in January, and they end their season with a game at Marquette.
-Gardner-Webb is not a pharmaceutical company. And to their credit, they're the only team with a TV game so far, 11/20 at UConn on Full Court. They're at Clemson, Tulane, and Charlotte as well.
-The Jacksonville Dolphins, just sounds weird. November at UAB, home Georgia State. In December, they run the gauntlet. At Michigan State, at Florida, at Georgetown, at South Alabama. Rough.
-Kennesaw State, reminds me of baseball. November: at Western Kentucky, at Auburn. December: at UNLV, at Minnesota.
-Lipscomb, reminds me of plastic surgery. Hey, botox man! November games at App State, and at Purdue. December games at Vandy, at Marshall.
-Mercer. At USC, home Alabama, Boston roadies at Harvard and BC. 12/19 at Auburn. 1/2 home VMI.
-North Florida leads the conference in exposure as they're at Maryland first game of the year on ESPNU. They also have games at Florida, at Miami, and at Notre Dame.
-South Carolina-Upstate, not a prison or mental institution, not a bad noncon slate. At Utah, home Akron, at Cincy, at Wake, at SMU, at UTEP, at Duquesne, at Iowa State (Full Court!!!!). Exposure!!!
-Stetson Hatters, how lame is that. November includes at UAB, home Rhode Island, at Florida, at FSU. December includes at Miami, home to Charleston Southern.
I hope you have been entertained and enlightened. If you've read this far, you're hardcore and have no life just like me.
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NFL Daily Presents: Analytical Assault Week 8
Last week was a pretty boring week, but it gives us things to look forward to. Like that big game on Sunday in Indy, for instance. Gregg Easterbrook and Chris Mortensen share some insight today, as I proceed to brutally assault you. Trick or treat? Why not both!
Flash Forward
"it's like playing the Bachelor game with three fat and ugly chicks"
"It's so simple, that even Miss Teen South Carolina could understand"
"Those gray pants make them look slow"
"I swear Quinn Gray is the perfect soap opera name"
"No recount here"
"suicide watch week in the greater Denver area"
-Lions and 5-2? Usually I'd be called drunk, retarded, or maybe dyslexic. But Brian Griese critical errors allowed Detroit to win despite playing a fairly average game. They did hold the ball for almost 35 minutes, but Griese was picked off three times in the end zone! Kitna was efficient and Kevin Jones ran the ball well, two things that cannot be said for Chicago's "skill" players. Are we ready for the Kyle Orton era? With the QB's in the Windy City, it's like playing the Bachelor game show with three fat and ugly chicks. You lose no matter who you choose. At 3-5, the Bears are continuing the trend of Super Bowl losers doing poorly the next season.
-The Bengals are toast, as is Marvin Lewis. They play in a competetive division, and this is a game they had to have. The key to success for the Steelers is controlling the clock and limiting Big Ben's throws. 32 minutes of ball control, check. 26 throws for Roethlisberger, check. Win, check. It's so simple, that even Miss Teen South Carolina could understand. Parker had a very good game, Ward and Holmes were excellent, and Carson Palmer and co just didn't have enough. Kenny Watson was good, but their run defense sucks it long and hard (Trebeck). The Steelers are legit, folks.
-It was a good, defensive battle but the Titans run D turned out to be the difference. They held Oakland to 3.4 yards a carry, and forced Daunte Culpepper to win the game, which he cannot do anymore. Vince Young only threw 14 times, but Tennessee ran it 36 times at 5.3 yards a clip and earned the victory. By no means are the Titans elite on offense, but their defense could carry them a long way. Jeff Fisher really knows how to get the most out of a football team.
-At least the Rams looked competetive on Sunday, and Cleveland looked good persevering and coming back from a 14-0 defecit. Steven Jackson was a huge spark for St Louis, but he got injured and they pretty much lost it after that. The passing offense was finally clicking for the Rams, but their defense has to get back up to speed. Cleveland committed 14 penalties, but Anderson to Edwards sounds pretty good; music to the Dawg Pounds' ears. Cleveland is in the playoff picture.
-That London game was awful, but the Giants got a win out of it. The passing stats may have been the worst I've ever seen, but Brandon Jacobs ran well, and New York capitalized off of turnovers. If Miami had a few more breaks, they would have come up with that one. Jesse Chatman looks like a keeper, but are the Giants for real at 6-2? Gregg Easterbrook has the answer, treat!
"I am not sold on the Giants. Among other things, those gray pants make them look slow."
Trick! Not only does TMQ diss their NFC hopes, he ranks on their fashion sense. New York may be sporting a good record, but we can see right through them.
-For all this talk about the Vikings defense, there's very little walk. McNabb was on fire along with Reggie Brown, and Adrian Peterson was very average. Let's do some crappy football math shall we? One crappy QB+ one crappy QB= crappy QB play. Minnesota needs some help in the draft, badly. Until they get their offense for their overrated defense or there could be trouble. If McNabb has turned the corner here, the Eagles could be dangerous the rest of the way.
-It started out well for Carolina, but Indianapolis got the big plays going with Reggie Wayne, and you can't turn it over 3 times and expect to beat the Colts. The Panthers had it for over 36 minutes, but they only got 4.1 yards per pass attempt which is woeful. And without Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith is invisible in this offense. It's inexcusable to only get your star two catches, and that's the fault of the QB's and the coaching staff. Smith is one of those players that you want the ball in his hands whenever possible. Do some trick plays, some direct snaps, this offense needs a spark. Until then, the Colts will be the Colts and the Panthers will be in trouble.
-Finally! Chad played stinky enough to get yanked! Too bad the move was made at 1-7. Buffalo is very respectable because they played hard and made the right move at QB. The Jets play with no passion, and their a bunch of losers. A lot of players said they don't like playing for Mangini. Thomas Jones played fairly well, but he has to pick up the team's QB play if they want to succeed. Lee Evans is cultivating a good relationship with Trent Edwards, which is vital. Unfortunately he's injured and Just Pathetic Losman will start next week. These are two teams in opposite directions.
-It put a big fat smile on my face to see the Chargers win big last week against Houston. The brothers Antonio, Gates and Cromartie scored twice each and the Bolts cruised. The Texans are like people who get put back in prison right after they get out: they never learn from their mistakes. The offensive line has been atrocious for the total time span of this franchise's existence, and that's why the QB's threw 4 picks. No protection leads to disease; in this situation, a severe case of losing. See another young QB trend: Phillip Rivers threw 11 times, they won by 25. This never fails!!!! The Chargers are hitting stride.
-Jags-Bucs was one of those old school, physical, grindout games. But J-Ville played this really well. They suffocated Tampa with the run, which is what they had to do with Quinn Gray at QB. The man I call the Soap Opera QB (I swear Quinn Gray is the perfect soap opera name) only needed to throw 16 times, and the defense was tremendous. They got an INT QB and with a 17-3 lead, Jeff Garcia had to throw 41 times, which is way too much for him and they lost; not a surprise.
-Can anyone stop New England? Bill Bellichik is angry, and they ran up the score on a helpless Washington team to the tune of 52 points. But then the Skins had to bitch and moan about how they got ran up on. Tell Randall Godfrey to just shut up, if you don't wanna get embarrassed, stop them! What say you, Chris Mortensen?
"If I had been in their shoes, I would have it taken like men publicly (which most of them did) and seethed privately for about 24 hours."
Better luck next time, Godfrey. In 4 years.
-Drew Brees and Marques Colston, welcome to NFL 2K7. You're a bit late, but you guys can still get back to the bizz and take the division. Brees and MC were sickdiculous, and Bush did his thing. Losing sign for the Niners, Smith had 43 throws, Gore had 12 runs. Man someone isn't winning the popular vote in this offense. No recount here, Bush destroys Gore, no Florida necessary.
-When I'm 65 with grandchildren and emperor of the sports universe, I'll tell them that I was privileged to witness the career of Brett Favre. Those two big pass plays bookended the game and ended a suicide watch week in the greater Denver area. Big ups to Jay Cutler and Jason Elam for that game tying drive, but they were only the coming attractions for the main show. It didn't last long, but a message was sent to the Broncos and the National Conference is on notice.
Flash Forward
"it's like playing the Bachelor game with three fat and ugly chicks"
"It's so simple, that even Miss Teen South Carolina could understand"
"Those gray pants make them look slow"
"I swear Quinn Gray is the perfect soap opera name"
"No recount here"
"suicide watch week in the greater Denver area"
-Lions and 5-2? Usually I'd be called drunk, retarded, or maybe dyslexic. But Brian Griese critical errors allowed Detroit to win despite playing a fairly average game. They did hold the ball for almost 35 minutes, but Griese was picked off three times in the end zone! Kitna was efficient and Kevin Jones ran the ball well, two things that cannot be said for Chicago's "skill" players. Are we ready for the Kyle Orton era? With the QB's in the Windy City, it's like playing the Bachelor game show with three fat and ugly chicks. You lose no matter who you choose. At 3-5, the Bears are continuing the trend of Super Bowl losers doing poorly the next season.
-The Bengals are toast, as is Marvin Lewis. They play in a competetive division, and this is a game they had to have. The key to success for the Steelers is controlling the clock and limiting Big Ben's throws. 32 minutes of ball control, check. 26 throws for Roethlisberger, check. Win, check. It's so simple, that even Miss Teen South Carolina could understand. Parker had a very good game, Ward and Holmes were excellent, and Carson Palmer and co just didn't have enough. Kenny Watson was good, but their run defense sucks it long and hard (Trebeck). The Steelers are legit, folks.
-It was a good, defensive battle but the Titans run D turned out to be the difference. They held Oakland to 3.4 yards a carry, and forced Daunte Culpepper to win the game, which he cannot do anymore. Vince Young only threw 14 times, but Tennessee ran it 36 times at 5.3 yards a clip and earned the victory. By no means are the Titans elite on offense, but their defense could carry them a long way. Jeff Fisher really knows how to get the most out of a football team.
-At least the Rams looked competetive on Sunday, and Cleveland looked good persevering and coming back from a 14-0 defecit. Steven Jackson was a huge spark for St Louis, but he got injured and they pretty much lost it after that. The passing offense was finally clicking for the Rams, but their defense has to get back up to speed. Cleveland committed 14 penalties, but Anderson to Edwards sounds pretty good; music to the Dawg Pounds' ears. Cleveland is in the playoff picture.
-That London game was awful, but the Giants got a win out of it. The passing stats may have been the worst I've ever seen, but Brandon Jacobs ran well, and New York capitalized off of turnovers. If Miami had a few more breaks, they would have come up with that one. Jesse Chatman looks like a keeper, but are the Giants for real at 6-2? Gregg Easterbrook has the answer, treat!
"I am not sold on the Giants. Among other things, those gray pants make them look slow."
Trick! Not only does TMQ diss their NFC hopes, he ranks on their fashion sense. New York may be sporting a good record, but we can see right through them.
-For all this talk about the Vikings defense, there's very little walk. McNabb was on fire along with Reggie Brown, and Adrian Peterson was very average. Let's do some crappy football math shall we? One crappy QB+ one crappy QB= crappy QB play. Minnesota needs some help in the draft, badly. Until they get their offense for their overrated defense or there could be trouble. If McNabb has turned the corner here, the Eagles could be dangerous the rest of the way.
-It started out well for Carolina, but Indianapolis got the big plays going with Reggie Wayne, and you can't turn it over 3 times and expect to beat the Colts. The Panthers had it for over 36 minutes, but they only got 4.1 yards per pass attempt which is woeful. And without Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith is invisible in this offense. It's inexcusable to only get your star two catches, and that's the fault of the QB's and the coaching staff. Smith is one of those players that you want the ball in his hands whenever possible. Do some trick plays, some direct snaps, this offense needs a spark. Until then, the Colts will be the Colts and the Panthers will be in trouble.
-Finally! Chad played stinky enough to get yanked! Too bad the move was made at 1-7. Buffalo is very respectable because they played hard and made the right move at QB. The Jets play with no passion, and their a bunch of losers. A lot of players said they don't like playing for Mangini. Thomas Jones played fairly well, but he has to pick up the team's QB play if they want to succeed. Lee Evans is cultivating a good relationship with Trent Edwards, which is vital. Unfortunately he's injured and Just Pathetic Losman will start next week. These are two teams in opposite directions.
-It put a big fat smile on my face to see the Chargers win big last week against Houston. The brothers Antonio, Gates and Cromartie scored twice each and the Bolts cruised. The Texans are like people who get put back in prison right after they get out: they never learn from their mistakes. The offensive line has been atrocious for the total time span of this franchise's existence, and that's why the QB's threw 4 picks. No protection leads to disease; in this situation, a severe case of losing. See another young QB trend: Phillip Rivers threw 11 times, they won by 25. This never fails!!!! The Chargers are hitting stride.
-Jags-Bucs was one of those old school, physical, grindout games. But J-Ville played this really well. They suffocated Tampa with the run, which is what they had to do with Quinn Gray at QB. The man I call the Soap Opera QB (I swear Quinn Gray is the perfect soap opera name) only needed to throw 16 times, and the defense was tremendous. They got an INT QB and with a 17-3 lead, Jeff Garcia had to throw 41 times, which is way too much for him and they lost; not a surprise.
-Can anyone stop New England? Bill Bellichik is angry, and they ran up the score on a helpless Washington team to the tune of 52 points. But then the Skins had to bitch and moan about how they got ran up on. Tell Randall Godfrey to just shut up, if you don't wanna get embarrassed, stop them! What say you, Chris Mortensen?
"If I had been in their shoes, I would have it taken like men publicly (which most of them did) and seethed privately for about 24 hours."
Better luck next time, Godfrey. In 4 years.
-Drew Brees and Marques Colston, welcome to NFL 2K7. You're a bit late, but you guys can still get back to the bizz and take the division. Brees and MC were sickdiculous, and Bush did his thing. Losing sign for the Niners, Smith had 43 throws, Gore had 12 runs. Man someone isn't winning the popular vote in this offense. No recount here, Bush destroys Gore, no Florida necessary.
-When I'm 65 with grandchildren and emperor of the sports universe, I'll tell them that I was privileged to witness the career of Brett Favre. Those two big pass plays bookended the game and ended a suicide watch week in the greater Denver area. Big ups to Jay Cutler and Jason Elam for that game tying drive, but they were only the coming attractions for the main show. It didn't last long, but a message was sent to the Broncos and the National Conference is on notice.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
NBA Predictions
My staff of analysts and i pick everything from the standings to the seeds, the winners, and the awards. Let's kick it.
The landscape of the East has definitely changed with the Big Three in Boston being the talk of hoopland. The Nets still have their 3 stars, and Toronto is a team on the rise. The Knicks added Zach Randolph to their frontcourt and the Sixers are rebuilding. The Cavs went to the Finals last year, and Chicago and Detroit are bigtime East contenders. The Bucks added Yi Jianlian to go with Bogut, Mason, Redd, and Williams, and O'Neal and Granger lead a young Pacers team. The Southeast could get interesting with Orlando adding Rashard Lewis to go along with Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson, and D-Wade leads Miami along with Shaq and Ricky Davis. The Hawks could finally get better with a good young core, and Charlotte added Jason Richardson to their lineup.
Kobe rumors continue to swirl in the West, but the Texas Triangle is making all the noise. The Spurs just locked Tim Duncan up for 2 more years, and Parker, Ginobili, Bowen, and the gang return to defend their crown. But the sexy, in vogue pick has been Houston. New coach Rick Adelman will have a healthy Yao & McGrady (for now) along with Battier and very promising rookie Luis Scola. And are people really sleeping on Dirk and the Mavs? The Hornets could be a dark horse with CP3 running it along with free agent signee Morris Peterson, and Peja, West, and Tyson Chandler manning the middle. Even Memphis with Mark Iavaroni boasts a healthy Pau Gasol along with new addition Darko, complimented by rising Rudy Gay, Mike Miller, and Mike Conley. The Pacific still goes through the PHX, as Nash, Amare, Marion and co are still together and ready to rip it up. The Warriors were feel good last year, and Baron Davis leads his group with a bunch of good, young players including rookie Brandon Wright and very promising Marco Belinelli. Kobe is still on the Lakers with the players he doesn't like; Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, and young Andrew Bynum. The Kings are in a rebuilding mode with Bibby out a while. But Kevin Martin leads this crew with Ron Artest and Brad Miller by his side. The Clips will be without Elton Brand for a while, and It'll be tough for them. The Northwest is a two team race. AI, Melo, Camby, and Nene lead a very underrated Nuggets team. Utah still has a great frontcourt in Boozer, AK, and Okur, and they have a bigtime point in Deron Williams. Seattle will be young and developing with Kevin Durant and vets like Wally Szcerbiak, Chris Wilcox, and more people who aren't that good. Portland will lose a lot, but will be fun doing it without Greg Oden. Brandon Roy is a stud, and LaMarcus Aldridge will have a huge breakout year. That leaves the young Wolves who will be without Randy Foye, and this is Al Jefferson's team.
SOS' Picks (conference seed in parenthesis)
Atlantic
Boston (1)
Toronto (6)
New Jersey (7)
New York
Philadelphia
Central
Chicago (2)
Detroit (3)
Cleveland (5)
Milwaukee
Indiana
Southeast
Orlando (4)
Miami (8)
Washington
Atlanta
Charlotte
West
Pacific
Phoenix (1)
Golden State
Lakers
Sacramento
Clippers
Southwest
Dallas (2)
San Antonio (3)
Houston (5)
New Orleans (7)
Memphis (8)
Northwest
Denver (4)
Utah (6)
Portland
Seattle
Minnesota
Playoffs
East
Boston over Miami, Chicago over New Jersey, Toronto over Detroit, Cleveland over Orlando
West
Phoenix over Memphis, Dallas over New Orleans, San Antonio over Utah, Houston over Denver
East
Boston over Cleveland, Chicago over Toronto
West
Houston over Phoenix, San Antonio over Dallas
Semis
Boston over Chicago, San Antonio over Houston
Finals
San Antonio over Boston
Awards
MVP-Steve Nash, PHX
Defensive Player- Kevin Garnett, BOS
Coach- Mark Iavaroni, MEM
6th man- Manu Ginobili, SA
Most Improved- Luol Deng, CHI
Rookie- Kevin Durant, SEA
Rookie Non Durant- Marco Belinelli, GS
Cameron Berns
atlantic - boston, new jersey, toronto, new york, philadelphia.
central- detroit, chicago, clevland, indiana, milwaulkee.
southeast- orlando, washington, atlanta, miami, charlotte
southwest- Dallas houston san antonio memphis new orleans
northwest- denver, utah, portland, seattle, minesota
pacific- suns, warriors, lakers, clippers, sacramento
East
1.Boston
2. Detroit
3. chicago
4. orlando
5. new jersey
6. cleveland
7. washington
8. toronto
east champion- Boston
West
1. Phoenix
2. Dallas
3. Houston
4. Denver
5. San Antonio
6. . Warriors
7. Utah
8.Memphis
west champion- Phoenix Suns over Celtics in 7
Awards
MVP- Garnett, BOS
dpoy- Marcus Camby
COACH-rick adelman, HOU
6th- al harrington, GS
improved- josh smith, ATL
roy- durant
roy- luis scola, HOU
The landscape of the East has definitely changed with the Big Three in Boston being the talk of hoopland. The Nets still have their 3 stars, and Toronto is a team on the rise. The Knicks added Zach Randolph to their frontcourt and the Sixers are rebuilding. The Cavs went to the Finals last year, and Chicago and Detroit are bigtime East contenders. The Bucks added Yi Jianlian to go with Bogut, Mason, Redd, and Williams, and O'Neal and Granger lead a young Pacers team. The Southeast could get interesting with Orlando adding Rashard Lewis to go along with Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson, and D-Wade leads Miami along with Shaq and Ricky Davis. The Hawks could finally get better with a good young core, and Charlotte added Jason Richardson to their lineup.
Kobe rumors continue to swirl in the West, but the Texas Triangle is making all the noise. The Spurs just locked Tim Duncan up for 2 more years, and Parker, Ginobili, Bowen, and the gang return to defend their crown. But the sexy, in vogue pick has been Houston. New coach Rick Adelman will have a healthy Yao & McGrady (for now) along with Battier and very promising rookie Luis Scola. And are people really sleeping on Dirk and the Mavs? The Hornets could be a dark horse with CP3 running it along with free agent signee Morris Peterson, and Peja, West, and Tyson Chandler manning the middle. Even Memphis with Mark Iavaroni boasts a healthy Pau Gasol along with new addition Darko, complimented by rising Rudy Gay, Mike Miller, and Mike Conley. The Pacific still goes through the PHX, as Nash, Amare, Marion and co are still together and ready to rip it up. The Warriors were feel good last year, and Baron Davis leads his group with a bunch of good, young players including rookie Brandon Wright and very promising Marco Belinelli. Kobe is still on the Lakers with the players he doesn't like; Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, and young Andrew Bynum. The Kings are in a rebuilding mode with Bibby out a while. But Kevin Martin leads this crew with Ron Artest and Brad Miller by his side. The Clips will be without Elton Brand for a while, and It'll be tough for them. The Northwest is a two team race. AI, Melo, Camby, and Nene lead a very underrated Nuggets team. Utah still has a great frontcourt in Boozer, AK, and Okur, and they have a bigtime point in Deron Williams. Seattle will be young and developing with Kevin Durant and vets like Wally Szcerbiak, Chris Wilcox, and more people who aren't that good. Portland will lose a lot, but will be fun doing it without Greg Oden. Brandon Roy is a stud, and LaMarcus Aldridge will have a huge breakout year. That leaves the young Wolves who will be without Randy Foye, and this is Al Jefferson's team.
SOS' Picks (conference seed in parenthesis)
Atlantic
Boston (1)
Toronto (6)
New Jersey (7)
New York
Philadelphia
Central
Chicago (2)
Detroit (3)
Cleveland (5)
Milwaukee
Indiana
Southeast
Orlando (4)
Miami (8)
Washington
Atlanta
Charlotte
West
Pacific
Phoenix (1)
Golden State
Lakers
Sacramento
Clippers
Southwest
Dallas (2)
San Antonio (3)
Houston (5)
New Orleans (7)
Memphis (8)
Northwest
Denver (4)
Utah (6)
Portland
Seattle
Minnesota
Playoffs
East
Boston over Miami, Chicago over New Jersey, Toronto over Detroit, Cleveland over Orlando
West
Phoenix over Memphis, Dallas over New Orleans, San Antonio over Utah, Houston over Denver
East
Boston over Cleveland, Chicago over Toronto
West
Houston over Phoenix, San Antonio over Dallas
Semis
Boston over Chicago, San Antonio over Houston
Finals
San Antonio over Boston
Awards
MVP-Steve Nash, PHX
Defensive Player- Kevin Garnett, BOS
Coach- Mark Iavaroni, MEM
6th man- Manu Ginobili, SA
Most Improved- Luol Deng, CHI
Rookie- Kevin Durant, SEA
Rookie Non Durant- Marco Belinelli, GS
Cameron Berns
atlantic - boston, new jersey, toronto, new york, philadelphia.
central- detroit, chicago, clevland, indiana, milwaulkee.
southeast- orlando, washington, atlanta, miami, charlotte
southwest- Dallas houston san antonio memphis new orleans
northwest- denver, utah, portland, seattle, minesota
pacific- suns, warriors, lakers, clippers, sacramento
East
1.Boston
2. Detroit
3. chicago
4. orlando
5. new jersey
6. cleveland
7. washington
8. toronto
east champion- Boston
West
1. Phoenix
2. Dallas
3. Houston
4. Denver
5. San Antonio
6. . Warriors
7. Utah
8.Memphis
west champion- Phoenix Suns over Celtics in 7
Awards
MVP- Garnett, BOS
dpoy- Marcus Camby
COACH-rick adelman, HOU
6th- al harrington, GS
improved- josh smith, ATL
roy- durant
roy- luis scola, HOU
Monday, October 29, 2007
NBA Predictions- By Adam Ehrenreich
Eastern Conference:
1. Boston Celtics (#1 Atlantic)
2. Chicago Bulls(#1 Central)
3. Detroit Pistons
4. Cleveland Cavs
5. New Jersey Nets
6. Miami Heat(#1 Southeast)
7. Orlando Magic
8. Charlotte Bobcats
--
9. Wizards
10.Raptors
11. Knicks
12. Hawks
13. Bucks
14. Pacers
15. 76ers
Western Conference:
1. San Antonio Spurs(#1 Southwest)
2. Phoenix Suns(#1 Pacific)
3. Dallas Mavericks
4. Utah Jazz(# Northwest)
5. Houston Rockets
6. Denver Nuggets
7. New Orleans Hornets
8. Memphis Grizzles
--
9. Warriors
10. Lakers
11. Kings
12. Blazers
13. Sonics
14. Clippers
15. T-Wolves
Playoffs:
East:
Round1:Celtic over Bobcats
Bulls over Magic
Heat over Pistons
Cavs over Nets
Round 2:
Celtics over Heat
Bulls over Cavs
Eastern Finals:
Bulls over Celtics
West:
Round 1:
Spurs over Grizzles
Suns over Hornets
Mavs over Nuggets
Rockets over Jazz
Round 2:
Spurs over Rockets
Mavs over Suns
Western Finals:
Spurs over Mavs
NBA Finals: SPURS over Bulls
MVP: Paul Pierce, Celtics
Defensive Player of the Year: Shawn Marion, Suns
ROY: Kevin Durant, Sonics
ROYOTD( Other Than Durant): Mike Conley Jr., Grizzles
Most Improved: Ronnie Brewer, Jazz
Coach of the Year: Sam Vincent, Bobcats
1. Boston Celtics (#1 Atlantic)
2. Chicago Bulls(#1 Central)
3. Detroit Pistons
4. Cleveland Cavs
5. New Jersey Nets
6. Miami Heat(#1 Southeast)
7. Orlando Magic
8. Charlotte Bobcats
--
9. Wizards
10.Raptors
11. Knicks
12. Hawks
13. Bucks
14. Pacers
15. 76ers
Western Conference:
1. San Antonio Spurs(#1 Southwest)
2. Phoenix Suns(#1 Pacific)
3. Dallas Mavericks
4. Utah Jazz(# Northwest)
5. Houston Rockets
6. Denver Nuggets
7. New Orleans Hornets
8. Memphis Grizzles
--
9. Warriors
10. Lakers
11. Kings
12. Blazers
13. Sonics
14. Clippers
15. T-Wolves
Playoffs:
East:
Round1:Celtic over Bobcats
Bulls over Magic
Heat over Pistons
Cavs over Nets
Round 2:
Celtics over Heat
Bulls over Cavs
Eastern Finals:
Bulls over Celtics
West:
Round 1:
Spurs over Grizzles
Suns over Hornets
Mavs over Nuggets
Rockets over Jazz
Round 2:
Spurs over Rockets
Mavs over Suns
Western Finals:
Spurs over Mavs
NBA Finals: SPURS over Bulls
MVP: Paul Pierce, Celtics
Defensive Player of the Year: Shawn Marion, Suns
ROY: Kevin Durant, Sonics
ROYOTD( Other Than Durant): Mike Conley Jr., Grizzles
Most Improved: Ronnie Brewer, Jazz
Coach of the Year: Sam Vincent, Bobcats
College Hoops Key Game Previews-ACC
This is always one of the top 2 or 3 conferences in the land, let's see the big games and TV listings.
ACC
-BC should be back in the tourney again this year, and they have good early road tests at Michigan in the Challange (ESPNU) and Providence (ESPN Classic). They start they're conference slate with a game at rival Maryland on 12/9. They then host UMass 3 days later (ESPNU), and then they host Kansas on 1/5 (ESPN). Big conference games include games at UNC (ESPN), at Duke (CBS), hosting UNC (ABC), and a closing home game against Georgia Tech (ABC).
-Clemson faded late last year, they hope to finish well this season. They play at Miss State (Full Court), and they host Purdue in the Challange (ESPN2). They then host rival South Carolina, and then play LaSalle, DePaul, and Ole Miss in tourney play. They close out noncon at Alabama (Full Court). Big ACC games include a game at Duke on 1/19 (ESPN).
-Duke will always be a title contender, and they start noncon with home titls with New Mexico State and Princeton (ESPN2). They then host Wisconsin (ESPN) and Davidson (ESPNU), Michigan (CBS) and Albany (ESPN2) before a big game at Pitt (ESPN) and a game at Temple (ESPN) before conference play. National games include at FSU and home Clemson (ESPN both), Miami (ABC), at UNC (ESPN), BC (CBS), Maryland (ESPN), St John's (CBS), GT (ESPN), at NC State (CBS), and at Virginia and home UNC (ESPN).
-Florida State has been up and coming as of late, let's see if they can keep it up. They host UAB and USF in November, and then play at Florida. They host Minnesota in the Challange (ESPN2), and then play at Butler and Providence before they start conference play at Georgia Tech. Their home game against Duke is their only nationally televised conference game.
-Speaking of the Yellow Jackets, let's see what's in store for them. They have November games at home against Charlotte, at Indiana (ESPN) in the Challange, and then start December at Vandy (Full Court) and at Georgia State (ESPNU). Their 12/18 home game against Kansas (ESPN) is huge. They start ACC play against FSU on 12/30, and end their noncon slate at Georgia (Full Court). Nationally televised conference games include home UNC (ESPN), home Maryland (ESPN2), a big noncon battle at UConn (ESPN), at Duke (ESPN), and the regular season finale at BC (ABC).
-Maryland reached the 2nd round of the tourney last year, but can they get back with a younger team? You can get an early look at them on 11/11 when they host North Florida (ESPNU). They'll then host Illinois in the Challange (ESPN2) before a tough home game against VCU. They'll host BC on 12/9 as an early conference kickoff. Their noncon slate ends with a road game against Charlotte (ESPNU) and a home match with Holy Cross. Notables in conference include their game at UNC (ABC), home to Virginia (ESPN), at Georgia Tech (ESPN2), at BC (ESPNU), and at Duke (ESPN).
-Let's see if Miami could show some improvement this season. They host Marist on 11/15 (ESPNU), St John's on 12/2, and play at Miss State on the 13th (Full Court). They'll have home games against Winthrop and Penn before opening their conference slate with GT (Full Court). Notable ACC tilts include a game at Duke (ABC), and a home game with BC (ESPNU).
-UNC is a bigtim National Championship contender. They'll have a very large percentage of their games on TV. Let's go through it. Davidson (ESPN), Iona (ESPNU), ODU (ESPNU), before an 11/28 game at Ohio State (ESPN). They begin December at Kentucky (ESPN2), at Penn (ESPNU), at Rutgers (ESPN), and home to Nicholls State (ESPNU). Home games with Nevada (ESPN2), Kent State (ESPN), and UNC Ashville (ESPNU) will finish off the noncon slate with their ACC opener at Clemson in between. Nationally televised conference games include NC State and at GT (ESPN), Maryland (ABC), BC and Duke (ESPN), at Virginia (ESPN2), VaTech (CBS), at BC (ABC), and at Duke (ESPN).
-NC State has a faily challenging noncon schedule. They have an ESPN2 game at Rider before their big Challange match at Michigan State (ESPN). The slate heats up towards late December as they host Davidson and Cincinnati before a game at Seton Hall (ESPNU). Conference notables include their ACC opener at UNC (ESPN), home GT and at Duke (ESPN2), home VaTech (ESPNU), at BC (ESPN), and home against Duke (CBS).
-Virginia should be good this year, and they have a very tough slate this year. They start at home with Vermont and then go out to Arizona. Then they host Drexel, go to Penn, host Northwestern (ESPNU), and have a good home test with Syracuse (ESPN2). In a tuneup before conference, they're at Xavier in January before their opener at Duke. Televised ACC games include home VaTech (ESPNU), at Maryland (ESPN), home against Clemson (ESPN2), at Wake Forest (ABC), home UNC (ESPN2), and home Duke (ESPN).
-VaTech had a breakout year last season, and will look to build on their success. November is light, just a game at Penn State (ESPN2). In December, they host GW, and play at ODU before an early ACC opener at Wake. They then travel to Richmond and to MSG to play Hofstra followed by their conference games. Televised games: at Virginia (ESPNU), home against Duke (ESPN), at NC State (ESPNU), at UNC (CBS), and home for BC (ESPNU).
-This will be a year of adjustment for Wake Forest after the tragic loss of Skip Prosser. They end November with a Challange game against Iowa (ESPN2), and a tilt at Charlotte. They start December with games at Vandy and Georgia (Full Court), before they go home to face Bucknell, USF, and VaTech in the ACC opener. Then they host tough opponents Air Force and BYU before ACC play. Their lone national conference game is a home date with Virginia on ABC.
ACC
-BC should be back in the tourney again this year, and they have good early road tests at Michigan in the Challange (ESPNU) and Providence (ESPN Classic). They start they're conference slate with a game at rival Maryland on 12/9. They then host UMass 3 days later (ESPNU), and then they host Kansas on 1/5 (ESPN). Big conference games include games at UNC (ESPN), at Duke (CBS), hosting UNC (ABC), and a closing home game against Georgia Tech (ABC).
-Clemson faded late last year, they hope to finish well this season. They play at Miss State (Full Court), and they host Purdue in the Challange (ESPN2). They then host rival South Carolina, and then play LaSalle, DePaul, and Ole Miss in tourney play. They close out noncon at Alabama (Full Court). Big ACC games include a game at Duke on 1/19 (ESPN).
-Duke will always be a title contender, and they start noncon with home titls with New Mexico State and Princeton (ESPN2). They then host Wisconsin (ESPN) and Davidson (ESPNU), Michigan (CBS) and Albany (ESPN2) before a big game at Pitt (ESPN) and a game at Temple (ESPN) before conference play. National games include at FSU and home Clemson (ESPN both), Miami (ABC), at UNC (ESPN), BC (CBS), Maryland (ESPN), St John's (CBS), GT (ESPN), at NC State (CBS), and at Virginia and home UNC (ESPN).
-Florida State has been up and coming as of late, let's see if they can keep it up. They host UAB and USF in November, and then play at Florida. They host Minnesota in the Challange (ESPN2), and then play at Butler and Providence before they start conference play at Georgia Tech. Their home game against Duke is their only nationally televised conference game.
-Speaking of the Yellow Jackets, let's see what's in store for them. They have November games at home against Charlotte, at Indiana (ESPN) in the Challange, and then start December at Vandy (Full Court) and at Georgia State (ESPNU). Their 12/18 home game against Kansas (ESPN) is huge. They start ACC play against FSU on 12/30, and end their noncon slate at Georgia (Full Court). Nationally televised conference games include home UNC (ESPN), home Maryland (ESPN2), a big noncon battle at UConn (ESPN), at Duke (ESPN), and the regular season finale at BC (ABC).
-Maryland reached the 2nd round of the tourney last year, but can they get back with a younger team? You can get an early look at them on 11/11 when they host North Florida (ESPNU). They'll then host Illinois in the Challange (ESPN2) before a tough home game against VCU. They'll host BC on 12/9 as an early conference kickoff. Their noncon slate ends with a road game against Charlotte (ESPNU) and a home match with Holy Cross. Notables in conference include their game at UNC (ABC), home to Virginia (ESPN), at Georgia Tech (ESPN2), at BC (ESPNU), and at Duke (ESPN).
-Let's see if Miami could show some improvement this season. They host Marist on 11/15 (ESPNU), St John's on 12/2, and play at Miss State on the 13th (Full Court). They'll have home games against Winthrop and Penn before opening their conference slate with GT (Full Court). Notable ACC tilts include a game at Duke (ABC), and a home game with BC (ESPNU).
-UNC is a bigtim National Championship contender. They'll have a very large percentage of their games on TV. Let's go through it. Davidson (ESPN), Iona (ESPNU), ODU (ESPNU), before an 11/28 game at Ohio State (ESPN). They begin December at Kentucky (ESPN2), at Penn (ESPNU), at Rutgers (ESPN), and home to Nicholls State (ESPNU). Home games with Nevada (ESPN2), Kent State (ESPN), and UNC Ashville (ESPNU) will finish off the noncon slate with their ACC opener at Clemson in between. Nationally televised conference games include NC State and at GT (ESPN), Maryland (ABC), BC and Duke (ESPN), at Virginia (ESPN2), VaTech (CBS), at BC (ABC), and at Duke (ESPN).
-NC State has a faily challenging noncon schedule. They have an ESPN2 game at Rider before their big Challange match at Michigan State (ESPN). The slate heats up towards late December as they host Davidson and Cincinnati before a game at Seton Hall (ESPNU). Conference notables include their ACC opener at UNC (ESPN), home GT and at Duke (ESPN2), home VaTech (ESPNU), at BC (ESPN), and home against Duke (CBS).
-Virginia should be good this year, and they have a very tough slate this year. They start at home with Vermont and then go out to Arizona. Then they host Drexel, go to Penn, host Northwestern (ESPNU), and have a good home test with Syracuse (ESPN2). In a tuneup before conference, they're at Xavier in January before their opener at Duke. Televised ACC games include home VaTech (ESPNU), at Maryland (ESPN), home against Clemson (ESPN2), at Wake Forest (ABC), home UNC (ESPN2), and home Duke (ESPN).
-VaTech had a breakout year last season, and will look to build on their success. November is light, just a game at Penn State (ESPN2). In December, they host GW, and play at ODU before an early ACC opener at Wake. They then travel to Richmond and to MSG to play Hofstra followed by their conference games. Televised games: at Virginia (ESPNU), home against Duke (ESPN), at NC State (ESPNU), at UNC (CBS), and home for BC (ESPNU).
-This will be a year of adjustment for Wake Forest after the tragic loss of Skip Prosser. They end November with a Challange game against Iowa (ESPN2), and a tilt at Charlotte. They start December with games at Vandy and Georgia (Full Court), before they go home to face Bucknell, USF, and VaTech in the ACC opener. Then they host tough opponents Air Force and BYU before ACC play. Their lone national conference game is a home date with Virginia on ABC.
NBA 2007-08 Predictions
NBA 2007-08 PREDICTIONS
Eastern Conference (playoff seed in parentheses)
Atlantic Division:
1. Boston Celtics (2)
2. New Jersey Nets (4)
3. Toronto Raptors
4. New York Knicks
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Central Division:
1. Detroit Pistons (1)
2. Chicago Bulls (3)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (5)
4. Indiana Pacers
5. Milwaukee Bucks
Southeast Division:
1. Miami Heat (6)
2. Orlando Magic (7)
3. Washington Wizards (8)
4. Charlotte Bobcats
5. Atlanta Hawks
Playoffs:
1st Round: Pistons over Wizards, Celtics over Magic, Bulls over Heat, Cavs over Nets.
Eastern Conference Semifinals: Pistons over Cavs, Bulls over Celtics.
Eastern Conference Finals: Pistons over Bulls
Western Conference
Northwest Division:
1. Denver Nuggets (5)
2. Utah Jazz (6)
3. Portland Trailblazers (13)
4. Seattle Supersonics (14)
5. Minnesota Timberwolves (15)
Pacific Division:
1. Phoenix Suns (2)
2. Golden State Warriors (8)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (9)
4. Sacramento Kings (11)
5. Los Angeles Clippers (12)
Southwest Division:
1. Dallas Mavericks (1)
2. San Antonio Spurs (3)
3. Houston Rockets (4)
4. New Orleans Hornets (7)
5. Memphis Grizzlies (10)
Playoffs:
1st Round: Mavericks over Warriors, Suns over Hornets, Spurs over Jazz, Rockets over Nuggets
Western Conference Semifinals: Mavericks over Rockets, Spurs over Suns
Western Conference Finals: Mavericks over Spurs.
NBA Finals: Mavericks over Pistons.
NBA Awards:
MVP: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Defensive Player of Year: Rasheed Wallace, Detroit Pistons
Coach of Year: Rick Adelman, Houston Rockets
Most Improved Player: Ronnie Brewer, Utah Jazz
6th Man Award: Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix Suns
Rookie of Year (other than Kevin Durant): Al Horford
Eastern Conference (playoff seed in parentheses)
Atlantic Division:
1. Boston Celtics (2)
2. New Jersey Nets (4)
3. Toronto Raptors
4. New York Knicks
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Central Division:
1. Detroit Pistons (1)
2. Chicago Bulls (3)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (5)
4. Indiana Pacers
5. Milwaukee Bucks
Southeast Division:
1. Miami Heat (6)
2. Orlando Magic (7)
3. Washington Wizards (8)
4. Charlotte Bobcats
5. Atlanta Hawks
Playoffs:
1st Round: Pistons over Wizards, Celtics over Magic, Bulls over Heat, Cavs over Nets.
Eastern Conference Semifinals: Pistons over Cavs, Bulls over Celtics.
Eastern Conference Finals: Pistons over Bulls
Western Conference
Northwest Division:
1. Denver Nuggets (5)
2. Utah Jazz (6)
3. Portland Trailblazers (13)
4. Seattle Supersonics (14)
5. Minnesota Timberwolves (15)
Pacific Division:
1. Phoenix Suns (2)
2. Golden State Warriors (8)
3. Los Angeles Lakers (9)
4. Sacramento Kings (11)
5. Los Angeles Clippers (12)
Southwest Division:
1. Dallas Mavericks (1)
2. San Antonio Spurs (3)
3. Houston Rockets (4)
4. New Orleans Hornets (7)
5. Memphis Grizzlies (10)
Playoffs:
1st Round: Mavericks over Warriors, Suns over Hornets, Spurs over Jazz, Rockets over Nuggets
Western Conference Semifinals: Mavericks over Rockets, Spurs over Suns
Western Conference Finals: Mavericks over Spurs.
NBA Finals: Mavericks over Pistons.
NBA Awards:
MVP: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Defensive Player of Year: Rasheed Wallace, Detroit Pistons
Coach of Year: Rick Adelman, Houston Rockets
Most Improved Player: Ronnie Brewer, Utah Jazz
6th Man Award: Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix Suns
Rookie of Year (other than Kevin Durant): Al Horford
Breaking Baseball News
Monday, 1:30pm
According to Buster Olney and 1050 ESPN Radio in New York, the Yankees have offered Joe Girardi (and not Don Mattingly!!!!) a 3 year contract worth 6 million dollars to manage the team. He's currently in Denver and an announcement will reportedly be made tomorrow. This comes as the only good news in a while for the Yankees, who have lost a playoff series, their longtime manager, and most likely their best player. This is undoubtedly the right move, and the new Joe will bring continued success to the Yankees franchise.
According to Buster Olney and 1050 ESPN Radio in New York, the Yankees have offered Joe Girardi (and not Don Mattingly!!!!) a 3 year contract worth 6 million dollars to manage the team. He's currently in Denver and an announcement will reportedly be made tomorrow. This comes as the only good news in a while for the Yankees, who have lost a playoff series, their longtime manager, and most likely their best player. This is undoubtedly the right move, and the new Joe will bring continued success to the Yankees franchise.
College Hoops Key Game Previews- Atlantic 10
A-10
Should be an exciting conference, let's look at the noncon games and televised battles.
-Charlotte can be very good this year, and they play a lot of good teams. They play at Georgia Tech and host Wake Forest in November, and they host Davidson and Southern Illinois to begin December. The play at Hofstra and Tulsa the week after that, and they host Maryland (ESPNU) and play at Clemson. They should be competetive in conference play.
-Dayton has some tough games, and play at George Mason, Holy Cross, and Louisville (ESPN2), and they host Pitt to end December (ESPN2).
-Duquesne is on their way back up, and they'll host Pitt on ESPNU and will go to West Virginia on Full Court.
-Fordham is on the rise. They'll play at Syracuse, host Hofstra and Binghampton, and then go to Georgetown to close out the calendar year.
-No TV games for GW, but they have a tough slate out of conference. They'll host BU and play at UCLA in November. They host Auburn on 12/2, play at VaTech a week later, at Binghampton on the 13th, and at Alabama on the 29th.
-LaSalle will play some teams. They'll be at Bucknell, and then they'll play Clemson, Ole Miss, and DePaul in tourney play, at Villanova a week later on ESPNU, and at Florida State on 1/5.
-UMass will compete for the title and will be at Northern Iowa, Syracuse (ESPN Classic), will host Marist, and at BC (ESPNU). They'll host BU and Houston and play at Vandy.
-Rhode Island plays at USF, hosts UAB, and play at BC in November. In December, they host Providence, play at Syracuse (ESPN Full Court), and they host Hofstra.
-The Richmond Spiders could be a player as they could meet Memphis next week in tournament play. They take it easy in November, with a few minor tests with games at East Carolina, Rice, and Marist. But they have a tough December, where they play at home to USF, at VCU, and home against ODU. They finish off the noncon schedule with a home battle with VaTech.
-Saint Louis will be an improved bunch under head coach Rick Majerus. They'll take November trips to Pitt (Full Court), Missouri State, and Kent State, and have a tough December. They'll host Long Beach State, play at BC, host Sam Houston State, and Southern Illinois (ESPNU) before conference play.
-St Bonaventure is venturing on their road up, and will play at BU and host Binghampton right off the bat. They'll also take a trip to New Mexico in November. They'll host Albany in December, play at Binghampton, and then host Bucknell in January.
-Temple is looking to get their cred back up, and their noncon slate is easily toughest in the conference. They'll start with games at Tennessee (Full Court) and Providence (ESPNU), then games at Bowling Green and Akron before hosting Towson and Villanova (ESPNU). They'll play at Drexel (ESPNU), at Florida, and then they'll host Duke (ESPN) before conference play and Penn during.
-Xavier will argue that their noncon schedule is tougher. They play at Miami (OH), and Kent State in November, and then they'll host Creighton and crosstown rival Cincy (ESPN2) to begin December. Then they'll play at Arizona State, at home against Tennessee (ESPN) before they host Delaware State and Kansas State (ESPNU) to close out the year. They then host Virginia and play at Auburn (Full Court) before conference play.
Should be an exciting conference, let's look at the noncon games and televised battles.
-Charlotte can be very good this year, and they play a lot of good teams. They play at Georgia Tech and host Wake Forest in November, and they host Davidson and Southern Illinois to begin December. The play at Hofstra and Tulsa the week after that, and they host Maryland (ESPNU) and play at Clemson. They should be competetive in conference play.
-Dayton has some tough games, and play at George Mason, Holy Cross, and Louisville (ESPN2), and they host Pitt to end December (ESPN2).
-Duquesne is on their way back up, and they'll host Pitt on ESPNU and will go to West Virginia on Full Court.
-Fordham is on the rise. They'll play at Syracuse, host Hofstra and Binghampton, and then go to Georgetown to close out the calendar year.
-No TV games for GW, but they have a tough slate out of conference. They'll host BU and play at UCLA in November. They host Auburn on 12/2, play at VaTech a week later, at Binghampton on the 13th, and at Alabama on the 29th.
-LaSalle will play some teams. They'll be at Bucknell, and then they'll play Clemson, Ole Miss, and DePaul in tourney play, at Villanova a week later on ESPNU, and at Florida State on 1/5.
-UMass will compete for the title and will be at Northern Iowa, Syracuse (ESPN Classic), will host Marist, and at BC (ESPNU). They'll host BU and Houston and play at Vandy.
-Rhode Island plays at USF, hosts UAB, and play at BC in November. In December, they host Providence, play at Syracuse (ESPN Full Court), and they host Hofstra.
-The Richmond Spiders could be a player as they could meet Memphis next week in tournament play. They take it easy in November, with a few minor tests with games at East Carolina, Rice, and Marist. But they have a tough December, where they play at home to USF, at VCU, and home against ODU. They finish off the noncon schedule with a home battle with VaTech.
-Saint Louis will be an improved bunch under head coach Rick Majerus. They'll take November trips to Pitt (Full Court), Missouri State, and Kent State, and have a tough December. They'll host Long Beach State, play at BC, host Sam Houston State, and Southern Illinois (ESPNU) before conference play.
-St Bonaventure is venturing on their road up, and will play at BU and host Binghampton right off the bat. They'll also take a trip to New Mexico in November. They'll host Albany in December, play at Binghampton, and then host Bucknell in January.
-Temple is looking to get their cred back up, and their noncon slate is easily toughest in the conference. They'll start with games at Tennessee (Full Court) and Providence (ESPNU), then games at Bowling Green and Akron before hosting Towson and Villanova (ESPNU). They'll play at Drexel (ESPNU), at Florida, and then they'll host Duke (ESPN) before conference play and Penn during.
-Xavier will argue that their noncon schedule is tougher. They play at Miami (OH), and Kent State in November, and then they'll host Creighton and crosstown rival Cincy (ESPN2) to begin December. Then they'll play at Arizona State, at home against Tennessee (ESPN) before they host Delaware State and Kansas State (ESPNU) to close out the year. They then host Virginia and play at Auburn (Full Court) before conference play.
College Hoops Key Game Previews- America East
America East
-The Albany Great Danes are the defending champs, edging out Vermont for the conference crown last year. Albany has an 11/10 date at Patriot League contender Bucknell, and has a December 17th date a Duke that should be a measuring stick. They host Boise State and play at Iowa State to round out their nonconference slate. Both their Vermont matches is on an ESPN affiliate, as is their big game at Boston University on 1/16.
-Binghampton is a dark horse in the A-East, and games at Akron, home for George Washington, and a match at A-10 sleeper Fordham highlight their noncon schedule. Both games against Stony Brook in conference is on an ESPN affiliate.
-Boston University is one of the contenders this year in conference. They have a very healthy noncon schedule, playing GW, St Joe's, and Pitt in November. They have games at UMass and Holy Cross to round it out in December. Games against Hartford, Albany, and Vermont is ESPN affiliated.
-Hartford treks to many big teams including games at Louisville, BYU, Villanova, and Virginia. Their game at the Cardinals and a BU game is ESPN'd.
-Maine opens the season against Richmond in Memphis. The Black Bears play at Providence, Florida State, and UConn (ESPN affiliated) out of conference. They'll likely be one of the conference bottom feeders.
-UMBC shouldn't be so bad this season. The Retreivers have a challanging schedule out of conference. In November they travel to LaSalle and Richmond and host GW. They take December trips to Wichita State, West Virginia, and Ohio State.
-New Hampshire leads off at BC, but their schedule is ordinary the whole way, ans will try to keep up in AE play.
-Stony Brook will do some check collecting as they play at Villanova and Kentucky before noncon trips to Hofstra and Fairleigh Dickenson. Their Kentucky and both Binghampton games will be ESPN affiliated.
-Vermont is always a contender, and they schedule like it with their first two games at George Mason and Virginia. They also happen to travel down south to play the defending champs Florida. Both Albany games and a BU game are ESPN affiliated.
-The Albany Great Danes are the defending champs, edging out Vermont for the conference crown last year. Albany has an 11/10 date at Patriot League contender Bucknell, and has a December 17th date a Duke that should be a measuring stick. They host Boise State and play at Iowa State to round out their nonconference slate. Both their Vermont matches is on an ESPN affiliate, as is their big game at Boston University on 1/16.
-Binghampton is a dark horse in the A-East, and games at Akron, home for George Washington, and a match at A-10 sleeper Fordham highlight their noncon schedule. Both games against Stony Brook in conference is on an ESPN affiliate.
-Boston University is one of the contenders this year in conference. They have a very healthy noncon schedule, playing GW, St Joe's, and Pitt in November. They have games at UMass and Holy Cross to round it out in December. Games against Hartford, Albany, and Vermont is ESPN affiliated.
-Hartford treks to many big teams including games at Louisville, BYU, Villanova, and Virginia. Their game at the Cardinals and a BU game is ESPN'd.
-Maine opens the season against Richmond in Memphis. The Black Bears play at Providence, Florida State, and UConn (ESPN affiliated) out of conference. They'll likely be one of the conference bottom feeders.
-UMBC shouldn't be so bad this season. The Retreivers have a challanging schedule out of conference. In November they travel to LaSalle and Richmond and host GW. They take December trips to Wichita State, West Virginia, and Ohio State.
-New Hampshire leads off at BC, but their schedule is ordinary the whole way, ans will try to keep up in AE play.
-Stony Brook will do some check collecting as they play at Villanova and Kentucky before noncon trips to Hofstra and Fairleigh Dickenson. Their Kentucky and both Binghampton games will be ESPN affiliated.
-Vermont is always a contender, and they schedule like it with their first two games at George Mason and Virginia. They also happen to travel down south to play the defending champs Florida. Both Albany games and a BU game are ESPN affiliated.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
NFL Daily Presents: Week 8 ATS
My quick picks, plus Chris Mortensen from ESPN.
-Despite the loss of Marvin Harrison, the Colts offense is still the Colts offense. They'll still have Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark as receiving options, and Tony Dungy's mouth is watering at the thought of sending his defense after Vinny Testaverde. As long as the Indianapolis corners can keep up with Steve Smith and prevents the big play, the Colts should win by a healthy margin. Colts by TD+.
-I don't trust the Rams at all, but I can definitely see them beating Cleveland today. But until
they actually get a win, my pick is with the Browns plus a field goal. Jamal Lewis will be a big factor in this game if he plays.
-I'd like to be seeing eye dog optimistic about the Dolphins across the pond against the Giants, but my realism sticks out like Joe Theisman's leg when LT broke it in half. The Dolphins are banged up and awful, and the Giants could enjoy tea and warm beer on the sidelines as they celebrate their double digit win.
-Tarvaris is benched! There is hope in the greater Twin Cities area. Kelly Holcomb gives this team a chance to win, and Chris Mortensen believes that Adrian Peterson will carry the ball a lot more this week after Brad Childress was heavily criticized last Sunday for his play calling:
"After catching so much heat for this past week, I would bet Peterson gets 20-plus carries. But he can't lose a fumble inside his own red zone and expect to be rewarded."
But does Minnesota have a choice besides living and dying with Peterson? Given the Eagles' poor run defense, expect the AP train to blast full steam ahead and the Vikes will pull the upset.
-Pittsburgh really played well last week, but a loss will have Mike Tomlin's team motivated to give it their all in a contest where they could put the Bengals away. Cincy cannot expect another great output from Kenny Watson against the Steelers defense, and Carson Palmer does not have a good history against the Black & Gold. I'll take the Steelers, and the thermostat to turn up the heat on Marvin Lewis' seat.
-I am a believer in Jon Kitna. I am not a believer in the Bears. I do think that Cedric Benson could have a really good game against Detroit, but Chicago will fail in pass coverage and the Lions will pull the upset, if they stay away from Devin Hester.
-The Titans will neutralize the ground game and force Daunte Culpepper to throw. 7.5 is a large spread for this game, but I'm taking Tennessee to cover it anyway, but it wouldn't shock me if the Raiders kept this pretty close.
-Vilma is now out for the season, and Marshawn Lynch will bust a big one today. The Jets should look at the Bills as a team they should emulate. They're giving it their all every week despite several season ending injuries, and they made a change to a young, up and coming QB. Gimme the Bills, they scrap, the Jets are crap.
-The Bucs won't be able to run against the Jags defense, and Tampa will get blown out if they have as many turnovers as they did against Detroit last week. J-Ville needs to get their ground game going, because they don't want to have Quinn Gray throw on 3rd and longs. It'll be a close one, but I'll take the Jags on the road.
-San Diego will be charged up at home after the wildfires, and the city will rally around the team and scorch a helpless Houston team plus the 10.
-The Niners is another team I don't trust, especially since their going against a New Orleans team with a head of steam after a big division win against Atlanta.
-I may even pick New England to win on their bye week. The Redskins may have good corners, but they won't be able to keep up vertically with Moss, Stallworth, or Hester. Bill Bellichik will call more over the top than a hoops referee not betting on the game. But if I had to take Joey Crawford into my favorite casino, I'd tell him to put his Spurs money on New England.
-Isn't the Packers-Broncos game on Monday a really interesting one, Chris?
"It really is. The Packers are fresh off a bye and the Broncos made some nice adjustments during their bye week. I probably would lean toward the Broncos on this one, especially if Champ Bailey is healthy at CB for Denver."
This is a Denver secondary that will feed off of Brett Favre's gunslinger mentality. They have 2 stud corners which is important against a Green Bay team that has little to no running game. If Denver keeps the Pack passing attack and Jay Cutler under control, they'll come away with the win, and Denver will once again be a Broncos town again. (sorry, rox)
-Despite the loss of Marvin Harrison, the Colts offense is still the Colts offense. They'll still have Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark as receiving options, and Tony Dungy's mouth is watering at the thought of sending his defense after Vinny Testaverde. As long as the Indianapolis corners can keep up with Steve Smith and prevents the big play, the Colts should win by a healthy margin. Colts by TD+.
-I don't trust the Rams at all, but I can definitely see them beating Cleveland today. But until
they actually get a win, my pick is with the Browns plus a field goal. Jamal Lewis will be a big factor in this game if he plays.
-I'd like to be seeing eye dog optimistic about the Dolphins across the pond against the Giants, but my realism sticks out like Joe Theisman's leg when LT broke it in half. The Dolphins are banged up and awful, and the Giants could enjoy tea and warm beer on the sidelines as they celebrate their double digit win.
-Tarvaris is benched! There is hope in the greater Twin Cities area. Kelly Holcomb gives this team a chance to win, and Chris Mortensen believes that Adrian Peterson will carry the ball a lot more this week after Brad Childress was heavily criticized last Sunday for his play calling:
"After catching so much heat for this past week, I would bet Peterson gets 20-plus carries. But he can't lose a fumble inside his own red zone and expect to be rewarded."
But does Minnesota have a choice besides living and dying with Peterson? Given the Eagles' poor run defense, expect the AP train to blast full steam ahead and the Vikes will pull the upset.
-Pittsburgh really played well last week, but a loss will have Mike Tomlin's team motivated to give it their all in a contest where they could put the Bengals away. Cincy cannot expect another great output from Kenny Watson against the Steelers defense, and Carson Palmer does not have a good history against the Black & Gold. I'll take the Steelers, and the thermostat to turn up the heat on Marvin Lewis' seat.
-I am a believer in Jon Kitna. I am not a believer in the Bears. I do think that Cedric Benson could have a really good game against Detroit, but Chicago will fail in pass coverage and the Lions will pull the upset, if they stay away from Devin Hester.
-The Titans will neutralize the ground game and force Daunte Culpepper to throw. 7.5 is a large spread for this game, but I'm taking Tennessee to cover it anyway, but it wouldn't shock me if the Raiders kept this pretty close.
-Vilma is now out for the season, and Marshawn Lynch will bust a big one today. The Jets should look at the Bills as a team they should emulate. They're giving it their all every week despite several season ending injuries, and they made a change to a young, up and coming QB. Gimme the Bills, they scrap, the Jets are crap.
-The Bucs won't be able to run against the Jags defense, and Tampa will get blown out if they have as many turnovers as they did against Detroit last week. J-Ville needs to get their ground game going, because they don't want to have Quinn Gray throw on 3rd and longs. It'll be a close one, but I'll take the Jags on the road.
-San Diego will be charged up at home after the wildfires, and the city will rally around the team and scorch a helpless Houston team plus the 10.
-The Niners is another team I don't trust, especially since their going against a New Orleans team with a head of steam after a big division win against Atlanta.
-I may even pick New England to win on their bye week. The Redskins may have good corners, but they won't be able to keep up vertically with Moss, Stallworth, or Hester. Bill Bellichik will call more over the top than a hoops referee not betting on the game. But if I had to take Joey Crawford into my favorite casino, I'd tell him to put his Spurs money on New England.
-Isn't the Packers-Broncos game on Monday a really interesting one, Chris?
"It really is. The Packers are fresh off a bye and the Broncos made some nice adjustments during their bye week. I probably would lean toward the Broncos on this one, especially if Champ Bailey is healthy at CB for Denver."
This is a Denver secondary that will feed off of Brett Favre's gunslinger mentality. They have 2 stud corners which is important against a Green Bay team that has little to no running game. If Denver keeps the Pack passing attack and Jay Cutler under control, they'll come away with the win, and Denver will once again be a Broncos town again. (sorry, rox)
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