Previewing Saturday Football

The college season keeps getting better and better, as ten Top 25 teams square off this week, just as conference play begins. My predictions for 6 big games plus an upset special.

21 Texas vs 8 Oklahoma- Texas is coming into the Red River Rivalry game after getting sacked by UCLA at home last week. Youth and inexperience is still a concern for the Longhorns. Look for the Sooners to run in down their throats. OU: 34 TEX: 20

7 Florida vs 1 Bama: These two teams have combined for the 3 of the last 4 BCS championships, as Bama takes on another top 10 team in consecutive weeks. Bama won big last year, and theres no way it goes any other way. Bama 27 UF 13

22 Penn St vs 17 Iowa: The overlooked game of the week, as Big Ten title hopes are up for grab here. The winner sets up a gigantic contest with OSU, but the prize for now is this game. Hawkeyes at home, but not by much. Iowa: 20 Penn St 16

9 Stanford vs 4 Oregon: All the marbles are out for this game as the ultimate prize is not just the Pac-10 championship, but a BCS title bid. Even though its way too early in the season to say the winner is a lock for the big game, the winner of this slug fest will be one of the favorites. Eugene will be rocking for this one. ORG: 39 Stan: 27

11. Wisconsin vs 24 Michigan St: This game flies way under the radar, as the surprising Spartans try to pull the upset over the Badgers. But Wisconsin is no Notre Dame. Wis: 35 Mich St: 32

UPSET SPECIAL

Clemson over 16 Miami: You heard it here first. CLEM: 42 Miami 24

MNF: Packers vs Bears

Some of my thoughts after the thrilling game at Soldier Field:

• The big play for the Bears D finally came, and it wasn't a second too late. All game we were waiting for that turnover the Bears needed, and it never came. But leave it to Briggs and Urlacher to set up the win for Da Bears
• The Packers were dominate on the field, but their own mistakes ultimately cost them the game. 17 yellow flags is ridiculous and undisciplined for a team that is predicted to make it to Dallas in February. 3 interceptions were overturned because of penalties, which led to second chances for the Bears to put points on the board.
• If you haven't notice by man, Jay Cutler is a man. He takes so many hits and then never gets into his line's face. Sure, he has his outbursts, but he knows how to control himself and get back into the huddle calmly.
• DEVIN HESTER. Is he back? He sure looked like he was. Check back in a couple of weeks to see if he is old Devin again.
• Aaron Rodgers is as valuable to the Pack, as Peyton is to the Colts. He knows how to perfectly place balls in coverage and how to change it up at the line. Plus his mobility, wow! The Bears looked like they had him multiple times, and he wasn't even sacked once!
• The most amusing part for me was during the most tense part, ironically. The squib kick at the end of the game, and the Packers committing forward lateral passes. By the third forward pass, the ref was out of flags and used his own hat to end the game.

Early Heisman Hopefuls

Four weeks of college football has gone bye, and Heisman candidates have identified themselves, and some have even gotten themselves dismissed from the discussion already. Five players to watch going forward.

Denard Robinson-QB-Michigan- He has exploded on to the stage this season, and as long as the Wolverines keep winning, he will be one of the favorites.

Ryan Mallet-QB-Arkansas- The lost vs Alabama really hurts him, but there will plenty of more chances for him to shine on the big stage in the SEC.

Mark Ingram-RB-Bama- Even with missing the first 2 games, Ingram is off to a fast start for the #1 Tide. He has really bounced back nicely from his injury, as the Tide will need him to be on his A game against the Gators this week.

Kellen Moore-QB-Boise St- All his premier games are gone now, so he needs to put up major numbers against the WAC to get considered for a finalist.

Terrelle Pryor- QB-Bucks- Pryor is just racking up touchdowns like there going out of style, as the Bucks are coming to Big Ten play.

ignatius vs loyola

After a wolfpack punt on their first possesion, ramblers qb malcom weaver hooks up with EJ Webb for a 26 yd td throw early in the first.

To cap the first quarter, loyola throws for 2 more TDs as loyola is dominating both sides of the field. Ramblers: 21 wolfpack: 0

.start 2nd Both offenses could not get anything going as both teams drove the length of the field but came up with nothing.

At the end of the 2nd quarter, ignatius went on a nice drive, but was turned away with under a minute remaining. The ramblers then got into the endzone with 12 secs left as Weaver threw for his 4th TD.. halftime ramblers 28 wolfpack 0

QB Miceli throws a pick for the wolfpack and 2 mins later Spencer Perry runs it in to make it 35-0 with 7:16 left in 3rd

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final is ramblers 35 ignatius 0....ramblers just run out the clock in the final quarter. All the offense loyola really needed was supplied in the first half by Webb and Weaver. Wolfpack now get ready for GT at Toyota park.

Why I'll be rooting for the Twins

Now, just from looking at the title you may be in shock, and some of you enraged. Even me, as a die-hard Sox fan my whole life, can't believe that I'm muttering these very words. But when you put down the facts and evidence, i somehow gather my conscience and stand by these words. The Twins are the hated rivals of the Sox, yet still they represent something the Sox want to be: AL Pennant contenders. No one wants to see the Yankees win another World Series title. The Rays would be nice, but the Twin story would be something. Young stars in Mauer and Morneau leading the way for a franchise that has been competitive for many years, but can never reach that final step. Pitching that is often overlooked and how they build their minor league teams is also part of the organization's success. Another big reason is big Jim Thome. He's been a class act for MLB all these years. This could possibly be his last season( although I think he will come back for 600 HR) and there is no better way for this great ambassador for baseball to end in a winning way. He has been a major reason why the Twins are now. Its just too bad the Sox let him go, or things would have been very different on the South side.

Saturday Football

After a big week in college football last week, it cools down a tad this week. But don't let that keep you from watching some marquee games with conference play right around the corner.

9 Iowa vs 24 Arizona- Iowa faces a big test in QB Nick Foles and the rowdy Wildcats. If they can snatch this win, it will be a big motivator heading into Big Ten conference play.

Baylor vs #4 TCU- Everyone thinks TCU already played their tough test in Oregon St. in week 1. Baylor is lead by the explosive Robert Griffin at QB, as they try to prove they're not a roll over opponent.

10 Florida vs Tennessee- Can this be the year the Volunteers finally beat those hated Gators? Florida has looked no where near their normal self and you wonder if John Brantley can handle the atmosphere in Neyland Stadium.

ND vs Michigan St- The Irish are coming off a lost on their home turf by Denard Robinson.( or Michigan) A loss against "giant killer" MSU, and Coach Kelly will be feeling the heat.

NFL Injuries

Just a recap of some injuries in week 1 that will impact teams for the rest of the year:

Kris Jenkins- Jets- Even though the Jets have experienced his absence before, it is still a major blow to a defense that is starting to lose players on the D-Line.

Ryan Grant- Packers- With Grant gone, the Packers are essentially going to throw the ball every time. Brandon Jackson and John Kuhn will not be good enough to get it done. Look for a trade made on the Packer's part.

Bob Sanders- Colts- The surprise for the Colts in week 1 was their loss to Houston, not Sander's injury. He has been off and on with his injuries, and the Colts are used to not relying on him.

Jamaal Jackson and Leonard Weaver- Eagles- 2 key players from the Eagles blocking scheme hurts bad, as their seasons' are lost. Plus, there is still more uncertainty, with QB Kevin Kolb out.

NFL Quick Hits: Week 1

I hand out my awards for Week 1 performances on Sunday:

MVP- Tom Brady- Threw for 258 yards and 3 scores, and helped the Pats dismantled the defending AFC North Champion Bengals.

MVP( Fantasy)- Arian Foster- With the Texan's passing game not on key, Foster only ran for 231 yds and 3 TD to help Houston finally take down the Colts.

LVP- Kevin Kolb- Was not having a good game when he left due to a concussion, and may not even start now with the emergence of M. Vick.

LVP(Fantasy) CJ Spiller- Rookie only managed 6 yards total, as debut came no where to expectations.

Biggest Win- Packers- Went into Philly and beat a strong and dangerous team in the Eagles. Now are sitting atop the division, with the Vikings looking up.

Poorest Effort- Niners- Absolutely got run over by Pete Carroll and the "Sea Birds", as NFC West favorites look like the Rams of the division.

People not wanted in Detroit: Ron Artest and the Bears- Lions officiating crew.

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2012 Olympics

Team USA win of the FIBA World Championships was pure dominance. This tournament however, was merely a tryout for some rising stars trying to make the 2012 Summer Olympic squad. Looking forward, here are the names i expect to compete in 2012:

James

Durant

Bryant

Paul

Bosh

Deron Williams

Anthony

Rose

Stoudemire

Howard

Wade

Griffin

Postseason Picks

With a little less than a month left in the MLB season, there are still many tight divisional races going on. Heres who I expect to make it to October:

NL East Phillies

NL Central Reds

NL West Giants

Wild Card Braves

AL East Yanks

AL Central Twins

AL West Rangers

Wild Card Rays

World Series- Phillies vs Yankees

NFL Season Preview: Part 3

My Final NFL Preview part, which i make 5 Bold Predictions for the upcoming Season.

• Derek Anderson will put up 2007 like numbers. Anderson takes over as the Matt Leinart era in Arizona finally ends. Even without Boldin, Anderson will throw for 22+ TD and 3,000 yards. He still has a top 3 WR in Fitzgerald and look for the emergence of Steve Breaston to help.
• The Saints won't go marching into the playoffs. I think the Saints will have another strong 9 or 10 win season, but i think there is too much power in the NFC. The Falcons got more talented, and I see them to win the South.
• CJ Spiller will win Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Bills were criticized for taking Spiller 9th overall, even with a crowded back field. What I see and compare this situation to is Adrian Peterson when he was drafted. Chester Taylor was with the Vikings, but they took the best player available, which is what the Bills also did. I bet the Bills hope the Spiller situation ends like the Peterson one.
• Albert Haynesworth will be traded or cut by mid-season: This distraction has gone on way too long, and Coach Mike Shanahan won't stand for it much longer. Look for the Titans, Texans, and Bucs to pursue him hard.
• The Patriots will bring home another Super Bowl. Tom Brady and Randy Moss are both in contract years, and now fully healthy. The defense has not suffered any significant losses, plus the "hooded genius" is always roaming the sidelines. Add it all up, and the only thing missing is former Super Bowl kicker Adam Vinatieri.

NFL Season Preview: Part 2

NFL Season Preview: Part 2- Here are my division and playoff picks-

AFC North- Ravens

AFC East- Jets

AFC West- Chargers

AFC South- Colts

Wild Cards- Patriots and Steelers

NFC North: Packers

NFC East: Cowboys

NFC West: Cardinals

NFC South: Falcons

Wild Cards- Vikings and Niners

AFC Championship Chargers vs Patriots

NFC Championship Cowboys vs Vikings

Super Bowl Patriots vs Cowboys

Champion: Dallas Cowboys

Nyjer Morgan

If Cub's fans thought Milton Bradley was bad, think again. Nyjer Morgan topped off his eventful two weeks with a straight out brawl against Marlin's pitcher Chris Volstad. This is 4 incidents for the young National's CF in only a span of 12 games. He also recently threw a ball into the stands in Philly, which hit a fan( which is under investigation) and ran over Cardinal's and Marlin's catchers, with the latter sparking the brawl for the next night. Even Morgan's manager called him out, saying his actions with the catcher was unnecessary. Morgan is looking at a maximum suspension of possibly 15 games but the more reasonable is 7-10 games. Morgan was thrown at in his first plate appearance on Wednesday due to running into the catcher the day before. He said he expected that, but when he was thrown at again, he felt that was it and he went at Volstad. Morgan landed a punch, but before he knew it, Gabby Sanchez and the rest of the Marlins were on top of him in a pile. The Nats brought Morgan in to provide speed and versatility, but Nyjer has provided some not-needed late season drama.