Jan 05
Ohio State hasn’t shown up in its last two bowl games against the SEC (Lost 41-14 to Florida and 38-24 to LSU), and it appears as if this year’s Texas Longhorns have SEC speed. Especially that Jordan Shipley guy! He’s the new Wes Welker. (PS - Listen closely to what Brent says in that video. On Thursday, Brandon James might have the type of day DeSean Jackson just had against the Vikings.) Read the rest of this entry »
ESPN Redesign: First thing of note: If you thought the auto-video was bad before, it's awful now, with a Sportscenter host shouting at us. Not a huge fan of the snazzy colors in the background. Then again, we're very basic, and ultimately, are trying to persuade the wife into letting us have a minimalist family room - sectional sofa, recliner, table, and TV. Nothing on the table, bare walls, hidden TV wiring, no crown modeling (why do women love this?), no blinds, nothing. Well, maybe blinds for to cut down on the glare on the TV. At any rate, it is nice that Bill Simmons and Rick Reilly have been placed below the fold. It's as if ESPN is promoting news over opinion, which we love. For that reason alone (and assuming the shouting SC host is a one-time thing), we actually like it. (14)
Jan 05
Now that mighty North Carolina has fallen, the door is wide open from a team from the BEST CONFERENCE IN THE HISTORY OF COLLEGE BASKETBALL CONFERENCES to swoop in and collect that coveted “team to beat” honor.
Pittsburgh: 14-0. A win over young Georgetown - a convincing one - on the road, but still largely untested.
Connecticut: 12-1. Probably has the most talented starting five in the league; so they’re like the Chargers or Cowboys that way. Read the rest of this entry »
Mort vs. the Raiders: "Mortensen responded in an e-mail to the AP that he wouldn't give the Raiders the "privilege" of commenting on his stories any longer. 'This stems from their history of denials to most stories I have reported — as well as others in the media — when those stories have eventually proven to be true,' he said." So the Raiders have now feuded with the San Jose Mercury News, the coach they fired midseason, and ESPN. The LA Times should send TJ Simers in to do an offseason hatchet job on those misfits. That would really send the Black Hole's PR staff into a frenzy. (Game On) (10)
Jan 05
It is hard to assess winners and losers in this season’s free agent market. Nearly every team not opening a new stadium in the Bronx is battening down for more favorable economic winds. With spending down $250 million from 2007, the Halcyon days of $60 million for Aaron Rowand seem remotely extravagant.
Yankees (Winners): The Yankees signed three of Keith Law’s top four free agents. If Manny Ramirez keeps lingering without a contract, Boras could grant them all four. There likely will be more hype for Sabathia, Burnett, and Teixeira than benefit from them, as those players still must replace Mussina, Pettitte (for now) and Jason Giambi. However, the inertia of others magnifies the impact of the Yankees’ modest gains. This winter’s signings pit them as definite AL East contenders. Read the rest of this entry »
Media Musings: "NFL Network will merge with a media company." Not that much of a longshot, is it? "The NCAA will decide to expand the men’s basketball tournament." Now that we wouldn't like. Sixty-four is perfect, and a money grab for more games would cheapen the tourney and make it less inclusive. What's frustrating is that this is even up for discussion, and yet college football can't budge for five years. (Sports Business Journal) (10)
Jan 05
Greatest email we’ve received thus far in the new year that helps the case for Utah as National Champs, regardless of what happens Thursday:
The Mountain West Conference went 6-2 against the Pac-10, including the bowl games:
BYU beat Washington 28-27
BYU beat UCLA 59-0
BYU lost to Arizona 31-21 (bowl game)
Colorado State lost to Cal 42-7
New Mexico beat Arizona 36-28
TCU beat Stanford 31-14
UNLV beat Arizona State 23-20
Utah beat Oregon State 31-28 Read the rest of this entry »
Tony Dungy Must Go: What a weekend for columnist Bob Kravitz. First, he calls the Colts "underachievers" because they lost to the Chargers. (Like going on the road and losing is something to be ashamed of.) Now, Kravitz says it's time for Dungy to go. (Then again, that's his job - firestarter, get people talking, etc.) So getting to the playoffs 10 years in a row (NFL record) means nothing? The Super Bowl means nothing? We're still surprised everyone drank the Colts kool-aid because they won nine games in a row. Remember when the Eagles tied the Bengals this season and everyone wanted Andy Reid and D-Mac banished? Ha! Knee-jerk columnist reactions - love it! (Indy Star) (50)
Jan 05
Who does Dominique Franks think he is, Anthony Smith? Can’t wait for Heisman runner-up Tim Tebow to size up the 6-foot, 189-pound Franks and truck him the way he runs over most undersized defensive banks: Read the rest of this entry »
Shedding the Holiday Pounds: Brazilian legend Ronaldo still has to lighten his load a bit. The 32-year-old finished last among 28 players at new club Corinthians in speed and resistance exercises. However, he ranks first in World Player of the Year trophies and goals scored in the World Cup. So, perhaps, the club will be patient with him. (Dirty Tackle) (2)
