This is the week that every baseball team has been working towards since Spring Training started in March. With six games left for everyone it's time to punch your ticket to the postseason or go home. The American League holds all of the drama as none of the divisions have been decided. There are also no less than four teams still vying for the two Wild Card spots. Four of the five playoff teams, including two of the three division winners, have already been decided in the National League and the final Wild Card looks to be all be sewn up, but Washington still has some work left to do and they are still vying for the top record in all of baseball with Cincinnati.
The big news in the NFL is that the real referees are back and started last night in Baltimore. Football is much more boring when you only have to focus on the game. Thank heavens for fantasy football or else I would have turned off the Ravens/Browns game early with the way each team started. Outside of the ref issues it was quite amazing to have a week like the last one where Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning, Michael Vick and Philip Rivers all lost. That's a big chunk of the face of the NFL going down all at the same time, and you can't even say it was the next generation doing all the work as Cam Newton, RGIII and Andrew Luck all lost too.
College football has a light schedule, but I'm sure there will be a big upset (*Editors note* Did you see Stanford lose late last night??) and some crazy finishes worth noting. Thankfully the PGA has the Ryder Cup going on to balance the weekend out.
Here's what I'll be watching:
10. #14 Ohio St. Buckeyes at #20 Michigan St. Spartans
I realize this is a meeting of two top twenty teams. But this is the Big 10 after all. We've seen what happens to the Big 10 when they play out of conference, it gets quite ugly. You can hype this game up as much as you want, but the fact is neither of these teams are good enough to contend. This game will be exciting like watching paint dry. I hate the Big 10 and I just don't know why I included this on my list. I probably should have stuck with nine games. The winner of this game will be zzzzzzzzzz....sorry fell asleep on my keyboard. Michigan St. 24 Ohio St. 21
9. Miami Dolphins at Arizona Cardinals
In my NFL preview article I predicted the Houston Texans to defeat the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl. They are both 3-0. There is only one other 3-0 team in the NFL and that is the Arizona Cardinals. Yup, I'm as shocked as you are. Not only did they lose their 'starting' quarterback John Skelton to injury and had to turn to their real 'starting' quarterback Kevin Kolb (who they paid big bucks for last season, but lost all faith in him real fast and now have no choice but to play him and he is finally producing the way he was supposed to so maybe they should have stuck with him after all because that only makes financial and football sense anyways), but they have already won in New England so it might be time to take them seriously. Their defense has been stellar as they haven't given up more than 18 points in a game. In fact they have only given up 40 points all season which is about one games worth to us Redskins fans. Even without the services of Skelton and newly injured (re-injured? perpetually injured?) running back Beanie Wells, this should be a cake walk for Arizona. Miami is not very good and their only offensive weapon, Reggie Bush is injured. They also have to travel cross country for Ryan Tannehill's second ever road game. This game will be a blowout, won't it? Arizona 20 Miami 17
8. A.L. Central Race (Detroit Tigers at Minnesota Twins & Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago White Sox)
All season long I have been sticking by my prediction that the Tigers would win the A.L. Central by 4-5 games. It finally looks like I may be right. After losing to Tampa Bay last night, the White Sox have now dropped 3 in a row and are 2-8 in their last 10 games. Detroit has won 4 in a row and 7 of their last 10 to take a seemingly insurmountable two game lead with six to go. Detroit plays only the Twins and Royals the rest of the way and at worst they will go 4-2. Chicago is not going 6-0. This race is...how do you say it Hawk???? O-vah!!! You can put that on the board. Detroit will be up by 3 come Monday.
7. Washington Nationals at St. Louis Cardinals
Two teams that have all but wrapped up their playoff seeding meet. This will be fun to see if the Nationals clinch the N.L. East crown on the same day that the Cardinals clinch the 2nd Wild Card. Dual celebrations!! This is a potential NLDS match up so the advanced scouts will be out in full force trying to pick up on any trends that either team might be showing. Rookie Bryce Harper has found his stroke again and is getting hot just at the right time. The Cardinals welcomed back starting pitcher Chris Carpenter who has missed the entire season since pitching in Game 7 of the World Series in last October. Saturday features the marquee match up with Kyle Lohse who is still an astounding 16-3 against Jordan Zimmermann who has been elevated to the #2 man in the rotation with the absence of Stephen Strasburg. I think Washington wins two of three clinching the N.L. East on Sunday. St. Louis must wait a day for their celebration.
6. #25 Baylor Bears at #9 West Virginia Mountaineers
West Virginia is in the Big 12. West Virginia is in the Big 12. It will take time to remember that one and Saturday they make their debut hosting the Baylor Bears. Geno Smith is a star and on the young season he has 1072 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Baylor has replaced RGIII with Nick Florence and he has responded in kind with 1004 yards passing, 11 touchdowns and 4 interceptions over his first three games. There was a memo sent out to the city of Morgantown where WVU is located reminding fans and students to not burn any couches. Yeah, that will work. Let the couches burn!! West Virginia 38 Baylor 27
5. New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
The Bills have done this recently, the Patriots have not. Last year Buffalo jumped out to a 3-0 record after beating these same Patriots at home. They eventually climbed to 5-2 before injuries took hold and Buffalo dropped seven straight in route to a 6-10 season. The last time the New England Patriots who are 1-2 were below .500 at any point in the season was 2003 when they lost the opening game to the Buffalo Bills. It all comes full circle friends. Buffalo can not only stay atop the AFC East standings with a win, but they can also put two full games between them and New England. I realize that the Patriots aren't worried. After all, when they started 0-1 in 2003 they still won the Super Bowl. But if they lose on Sunday and fall to 1-3 they will be 2 games below .500 for the first time since week 2 of 2001 and that year...oh crap...yeah they won the Super Bowl that year too. New England 27 Buffalo 20
4. New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
Now this is an intriguing game. Both teams stand at 2-1, but only the Giants have looked halfway decent doing so. The Eagles have been using smoke and mirrors to offset their 12 turnovers, which is the worst in the NFL, but that won't work this week. The Giants will take full advantage of any sloppy play by Philadelphia which in lies the key to the game. If Michael Vick can play smart and if Andy Reid relies heavily on their best player, LeSean McCoy, the Eagles will win. If not the Giants will roll out of Philadelphia victorious. New York might have found their newest incarnation of Thunder and Lightning with what Andre Brown did last week and with the return of Ahmad Bradshaw. Add that to what we know Eli Manning can do with Victor Cruz and a healthy(ish) Hakeem Nicks and mix in the emergence of Martellus Bennett and this team has the potential to even be better than the Super Bowl winning squad of last year. Final Score: Philadelphia 27 New York 26
3. A.L. West Race/Wild Card (Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics & Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers)
The two races very near and dear to my heart. Oakland missed out on a glorious chance yesterday to put the fear of God into Texas. With a win they would have closed the gap in the A.L. West to two games, but instead sit four back. With three head to head games left in Oakland, nothing is wrapped up just yet for the Rangers but they are getting close. It won't be easy as the red hot Angels stroll into town with Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana and Zack Greinke pitching. Both teams are in dire need of victories (obviously LA more so) and if the Angels win two of three, the door may be wide open for Oakland to control their own destiny come Monday. The Athletics welcome the Mariners to town which may sound good, but Seattle has been playing with heart. Justin Smoak is on a torrid hot streak, but without Felix Hernandez pitching, I don't see them winning more than a game this weekend. I say both the Angels and Athletics win two of three and the Athletics stay two up on Los Angeles and Tampa Bay while closing the gap in the West to three games.
2. A.L. East Race (Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles & New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays)
Six games left and the surprising Baltimore Orioles refuse to go away. Not only are they leading the first Wild Card by a game over the equally surprising Oakland Athletics, but they trail the mighty Yankees but just a single game. I could make a case for either team winning the East because what I have seen all season long doesn't make sense. Baltimore has roughly used 79 different starting pitchers this season while the future Hall of Fame lineup that New York rolls out every night continues to be hot and cold. Both teams have had devastating injuries, but that is not any different than the rest of MLB. All I know is that the emotion in Charm City this weekend will be palpable. Fans of the Orioles haven't been treated to this since 1997 and they will definitely turn out in droves to sweep away the Red Sox. The atmosphere in Toronto will be a bit more subdued, but it shouldn't stop the Yankees from winning two of three this weekend. Give me a tie atop the standings come Monday morning!
1. The Ryder Cup
If you know anything about me, you know I'm a sucker for high level golf. If you know anything else about me, you know I'm a glutton for country versus country sporting events. The Ryder Cup gets me. USA versus Europe in 72 hours of day long golf with three different formats. The best golfers playing not only for personal pride, but for their country. Yes Rory, Tiger and Phil are all there. So is the FexEx Cup winner Brandt Snedeker. In fact 9 of the top 10 golfers in the world rankings will be partaking in this weekends event. Only Australian Adam Scott is missing. This tournament is only played once every other year and as it rotates between the Unites States and Europe, its only here once every four years. In 2010, Europe held serve by winning 14 1/2 to 13 1/2 so it is imperative for the States to respond on home soil. On paper the United States has the edge, they have home field advantage and I think they win this one with a bit of a cushion 16-12.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
FCNPFFL: Week 3 Results
So that happened. All we can hope is that the embarrassment that is the NFL right now won't affect what we truly love and that is fantasy football. Sad to say, but that won't happen. The final play last night cost a team in this league a win as it did the Green Bay Packers so nobody is safe.
As a reminder there is a Thursday night game between CLEVELAND and BALTIMORE. Please remember to set your lineups.
Also remember that BYE WEEKS have started. INDIANAPOLIS and PITTSBURGH do not play this week. Please use the waiver system to get an active player in your starting lineup.
Onto the games:
Adam looked to not only stay undefeated on the young season but keep me without a victory as we met. With my back against the wall, my team responded in a way to leave no doubt in losing. Thanks to 27 from RGIII, 23 from RunDMC, 16 from Andre Johnson, 13 from Alfred Morris and 10 from Lance Moore I not only won, but also earned $10 for top scoring team of the week. Adam tried his best to keep pace and still was one big play away from pulling even as AJ Green set the pace for his squad with 25. Cam Newton had 15, Stephen Gostkowski booted in 12 and DeMarco Murray chugged for 10 in a losing effort.
Final Score: Escaped Lunatics 104 Biggums' 'Basers 87
That left Nate as the only undefeated team in the Back Wall division as he battled Matt in a game that will always be tied to the debacle in Seattle. At 4pm on Sunday, Matt not only didn't have any points, he had -1 points which has to be a record. To be fair all but two of his players were playing late, but it was comical anyways. Nate did get 23 from Drew Brees, but as soon as Matt Ryan took the field, the lead seemed to be gone. Ryan scored 24 points to close the gap, but Michael Turner scored 14 for Nate to build the cushion back. At night Ray Rice tore apart the Patriots for 19 points and Matt took a slim 1 point lead into the MNF game. All Nate needed was two measly points from the Packers defense. Through the first half, no sacks, no turnovers and 7 points given up. Then the Packers got a sack and Nate had four points and a 3 point lead. It stayed that way until the final play of the game. If Seattle scored a touchdown (and extra point) the game would be tied, if anything else happened Nate would win. Well thePackers intercepted the ball in the end zone and Nate won by 4!!!!!! refs screwed the pooch, called an interception a touchdown, Seattle kicked the extra point and this game ended as it started...deadlocked.
Final Score: The Bounchers 64 Rainbows & Puppies 64
<----------sisters
Mike was in desperation mode as well, looking to notch his first win of the year, this week against Nick G and things did not start well. He lost Hakeem Nicks to injury for the Thursday night game and then David Wilson didn't score a single point even with Ahmad Bradshaw out with injury. That's when MJD came to the rescue. He scored 30 points and Tom Brady tossed in 20 points to get Mike rolling. Even with Peyton Manning scoring 24 and Megatron hauling in 16 it wasn't enough get Nick G a win.
Final Score: Bookoo Barbarians 84 The Lollipop Kids 66
The only undefeated team in the Critter Corner division, Jody, took on Nick B in a low scoring affair. Nick B couldn't get anything going outside of Eli Manning scoring 18 points. Jody fared a bit better getting 13 from Alex Smith, 12 from Michael Bush and 10 from Stevie Johnson, but it was the 17 points poured in by Jason Hanson that was the difference maker. Good news seems to be on the way for Nick B though as Fred Jackson looks to be recovered from his injury and will hopefully play this weekend for the Bills.
Final Score: DoggNutz 66 The Knacks 52
Speaking of the Bills, Ben has been flying high with the addition of CJ Spiller to the starting lineup and with his acquisition of Andre Brown, Luke looked to be in trouble this week. Brown stepped right in on Thursday night and posted 24 points and on Sunday Matt Stafford chipped in 19. It wasn't all good as the aforementioned Spiller went down with an injury. This left the door slightly ajar for Luke, who did get 20 points from a very stout Bears defense, but he was let down mightily by his pair of Eagles. Neither Mike Vick (8) or LeSean McCoy (7) were able to get going and it cost Luke a win in a very high scoring match up.
Final Score: The Magic Wands 82 Deathtongue 76
John picked the wrong opponent to try and earn his first win of the season. Ike steamrolled John this week behind Jamaal Charles who busted loose with 38 points which was only 17 points less than the entire roster of The Situation. Arian Foster scored 16 the Giants defense put up 10 points for Ike whereas John only had one double digit scorer in Andrew Hawkins who blistered the porous Redskins defense for 17 points.
Final Score: Myra's College Fund 94 The Situation 55
Alex and Joel rounded out Week 3 with another blowout. After a team speech inspired Joel to the top scoring team of the week last week, this week he fell flat. Aaron Rodgers had another down week scoring 12 points and that led the way for Joel. Alex got 30 points from his quarterback, Joe Flacco, 13 from Larry Fitzgerald, 12 from Robbie Gould and 11 from the Seahawks defense to earn his 2nd win of the season...ALREADY!!! Okay that was mean.
Final Score: Worthless Peons 81 Nikachu 53
Standings after Week 3:
Back Wall Division
Nate 2-0-1
Ike 2-1
Adam 2-1
Alex 2-1
Matt 1-1-1
Jason 1-2
John 0-3
Critter Corner Division
Jody 3-0
Ben 2-1
Luke 1-2
Nick G 1-2
Nick B 1-2
Joel 1-2
Mike 1-2
Week 4 Schedule
Jody 3-0 vs. Nick G 1-2
Nate 2-0-1 vs. Adam 2-1
Ike 2-1 vs. Luke 1-2
Ben 2-1 vs. Joel 1-2
Alex 2-1 vs. Jason 1-2
Matt 1-1-1 vs. John 0-3
Nick B 1-2 vs. Mike 1-2
As a reminder there is a Thursday night game between CLEVELAND and BALTIMORE. Please remember to set your lineups.
Also remember that BYE WEEKS have started. INDIANAPOLIS and PITTSBURGH do not play this week. Please use the waiver system to get an active player in your starting lineup.
Onto the games:
Adam looked to not only stay undefeated on the young season but keep me without a victory as we met. With my back against the wall, my team responded in a way to leave no doubt in losing. Thanks to 27 from RGIII, 23 from RunDMC, 16 from Andre Johnson, 13 from Alfred Morris and 10 from Lance Moore I not only won, but also earned $10 for top scoring team of the week. Adam tried his best to keep pace and still was one big play away from pulling even as AJ Green set the pace for his squad with 25. Cam Newton had 15, Stephen Gostkowski booted in 12 and DeMarco Murray chugged for 10 in a losing effort.
Final Score: Escaped Lunatics 104 Biggums' 'Basers 87
That left Nate as the only undefeated team in the Back Wall division as he battled Matt in a game that will always be tied to the debacle in Seattle. At 4pm on Sunday, Matt not only didn't have any points, he had -1 points which has to be a record. To be fair all but two of his players were playing late, but it was comical anyways. Nate did get 23 from Drew Brees, but as soon as Matt Ryan took the field, the lead seemed to be gone. Ryan scored 24 points to close the gap, but Michael Turner scored 14 for Nate to build the cushion back. At night Ray Rice tore apart the Patriots for 19 points and Matt took a slim 1 point lead into the MNF game. All Nate needed was two measly points from the Packers defense. Through the first half, no sacks, no turnovers and 7 points given up. Then the Packers got a sack and Nate had four points and a 3 point lead. It stayed that way until the final play of the game. If Seattle scored a touchdown (and extra point) the game would be tied, if anything else happened Nate would win. Well the
Final Score: The Bounchers 64 Rainbows & Puppies 64
<----------sisters
Mike was in desperation mode as well, looking to notch his first win of the year, this week against Nick G and things did not start well. He lost Hakeem Nicks to injury for the Thursday night game and then David Wilson didn't score a single point even with Ahmad Bradshaw out with injury. That's when MJD came to the rescue. He scored 30 points and Tom Brady tossed in 20 points to get Mike rolling. Even with Peyton Manning scoring 24 and Megatron hauling in 16 it wasn't enough get Nick G a win.
Final Score: Bookoo Barbarians 84 The Lollipop Kids 66
The only undefeated team in the Critter Corner division, Jody, took on Nick B in a low scoring affair. Nick B couldn't get anything going outside of Eli Manning scoring 18 points. Jody fared a bit better getting 13 from Alex Smith, 12 from Michael Bush and 10 from Stevie Johnson, but it was the 17 points poured in by Jason Hanson that was the difference maker. Good news seems to be on the way for Nick B though as Fred Jackson looks to be recovered from his injury and will hopefully play this weekend for the Bills.
Final Score: DoggNutz 66 The Knacks 52
Speaking of the Bills, Ben has been flying high with the addition of CJ Spiller to the starting lineup and with his acquisition of Andre Brown, Luke looked to be in trouble this week. Brown stepped right in on Thursday night and posted 24 points and on Sunday Matt Stafford chipped in 19. It wasn't all good as the aforementioned Spiller went down with an injury. This left the door slightly ajar for Luke, who did get 20 points from a very stout Bears defense, but he was let down mightily by his pair of Eagles. Neither Mike Vick (8) or LeSean McCoy (7) were able to get going and it cost Luke a win in a very high scoring match up.
Final Score: The Magic Wands 82 Deathtongue 76
John picked the wrong opponent to try and earn his first win of the season. Ike steamrolled John this week behind Jamaal Charles who busted loose with 38 points which was only 17 points less than the entire roster of The Situation. Arian Foster scored 16 the Giants defense put up 10 points for Ike whereas John only had one double digit scorer in Andrew Hawkins who blistered the porous Redskins defense for 17 points.
Final Score: Myra's College Fund 94 The Situation 55
Alex and Joel rounded out Week 3 with another blowout. After a team speech inspired Joel to the top scoring team of the week last week, this week he fell flat. Aaron Rodgers had another down week scoring 12 points and that led the way for Joel. Alex got 30 points from his quarterback, Joe Flacco, 13 from Larry Fitzgerald, 12 from Robbie Gould and 11 from the Seahawks defense to earn his 2nd win of the season...ALREADY!!! Okay that was mean.
Final Score: Worthless Peons 81 Nikachu 53Standings after Week 3:
Back Wall Division
Nate 2-0-1
Ike 2-1
Adam 2-1
Alex 2-1
Matt 1-1-1
Jason 1-2
John 0-3
Critter Corner Division
Jody 3-0
Ben 2-1
Luke 1-2
Nick G 1-2
Nick B 1-2
Joel 1-2
Mike 1-2
Week 4 Schedule
Jody 3-0 vs. Nick G 1-2
Nate 2-0-1 vs. Adam 2-1
Ike 2-1 vs. Luke 1-2
Ben 2-1 vs. Joel 1-2
Alex 2-1 vs. Jason 1-2
Matt 1-1-1 vs. John 0-3
Nick B 1-2 vs. Mike 1-2
Monday, September 24, 2012
Weekend Viewing Recap 9/24/12
Even though I had a rare full weekend off from work, I found myself doing more work at home than I ever do for my actual job. Isn't that always the way? Saturday was community yard sale day so we lugged out half of our house and tried our very best to give away some junk. Six hours and a bunch of bartering later we made barely enough to cover our efforts, but the house was cleaner and that was what we were aiming for. My wife and I both let go of our childhood furniture that was being used in the guest bedroom. We cleared room for the nursery which now needs painting...anybody willing to help?
Sunday was more cleaning. We started in the kitchen and cleared out the pantry and all the cabinets. Our house wins for most trash bags out on the curb this weekend. Of course this is just the beginning. I'm going to go room by room and gut the house of all the crap that we've acquired in the last five years. With the baby on the way I am going to need all the room I can get for his toys and diapers and stuff. This should be fine.
If you were like me and spent your free time doing housework and hawking junk in a yard sale you probably missed some sports. Here's your recap on the biggest events of the weekend:
10. Houston Texans at Denver Broncos
This was a much better start for Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. They got an early safety and field goal to take a 5-0 lead and things were looking peachy. Then I blinked and the Texans had responded with 3 consecutive passing touchdowns by Matt Schaub and it was 21-5. The lead was extended to 31-11 after Schaub fired his 4th touchdown of the game and this one looked to be wrapped up with a pretty little bow. Peyton was having none of that though as he threw two fourth quarter touchdowns and with three minutes to play it was suddenly a nail biter. Even though the Texans weren't able to run the clock out they only left Manning 30 seconds and 85 yards to score. No miracle this time as Houston looks to be for real and continues to be my favorite to be the AFC representative in the Super Bowl. Denver is going to be okay as Peyton continues to shake off the rust and as they are mired in a season opening gauntlet of tough games. I guessed 30-24 Houston and got 31-25...I win.
9. Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals
As predicted this series has been pretty even. Of the first three games (the fourth being played today) only Friday had final inning fireworks. The Nationals clung to a 2-1 lead before Ryan Braun and the Brewers hit him around for three runs and Milwaukee won 4-2. Saturday was all Washington as Ryan Zimmerman and Ian Desmond both hit 3 run, 4th inning home runs. This was more than enough for Gio Gonzalez who notched his 20th victory of the season, becoming the first pitcher this year to do so and the first Washington pitcher to accomplish the feat since 1933. That was done by some fringe major league pitcher name Walter Johnson. Quite a feat Gio, quite a feat. Sunday lived up to the name thanks to a beautiful, bright sun field that caused Bryce Harper to miss a fly ball leading to the first runs of the game as Milwaukee won to take a 2-1 series lead. Jordan Zimmermann should even the series up for Washington if my prediction is to come true.
8. #22 Arizona Wildcats at #3 Oregon Ducks
Thanks for showing up Arizona. Luckily I was far too exhausted to even give this game a chance Saturday night and I didn't miss much. Matt Scott came into this game on fire and left ice cold. He threw three interceptions including two that were returned for touchdowns as Oregon thumped the Wildcats 49-0. Neither Kenjon Barner nor De'Anthony Thomas were able to score for the Ducks, but none of that seemed to matter. They did have 175 combined total yards on 36 touches which while far lower than the norm were still enough to keep Oregon moving up and down the field. The big takeaway from this game has to be the Oregon defense. Posting a shutout in college football is tough to do. Posting a shutout against a team in your conference is even harder and if they happen to be ranked at the time, well that's a bold statement. Maybe the Ducks are for real this season.
7. Oakland Athletics at New York Yankees
This series was not for the faint of heart. Being an Athletics fan did not help. Hating the Yankees with every ounce of my soul didn't help either. Friday was a classic pitcher's duel between C.C. Sabathia and Jarrod Parker. Down 1-0 in the 9th, Brandon Moss hit a pinch hit home run to tie the score up. Russell Martin trumped that home run with a walk of home run an inning later for New York. Saturday was probably the game of the season in MLB. Oakland started with 3 straight doubles to take a 2-0 lead, New York scored 3 in the bottom of the half of the first. They trade two runs each as the Yankees led 5-4 heading to the 7th when Oakland tied it up with sac fly. Then the offenses went into hibernation. My wife and I walked into Babies R' Us to set up our registry just as Oakland tied it up and two plus hours later we walked out as Jonny Gomes was hitting a go ahead 2 run home run in the...wait for it...13th inning. That was followed by two more mammoth home runs by Oakland and they had a 9-5 lead. Unfortunately they had no major league caliber pitchers left. Three straight singles, a wild pitch, a sac fly and a home run later it was 9-9. The 14th inning went quietly for Oakland and then they basically conceded the game by sending Tyson Ross out to pitch the bottom half. That Yankees scored on an error with two outs and the bases loaded giving Ross his 10th loss on the season in only 73 innings pitched. Sunday was another back and forth with Oakland taking a 3-0 lead only to see New York score 4 to take the lead right back. Oakland tied it up and then took a one run lead in the 6th and miraculously it held up for their lone victory of the series. The Yankees stay a game up on the Orioles in the A.L. East who are one game up on Oakland for the 1st Wild Card spot. Oakland is 2.5 games up on Los Angeles and 3.5 games up on Tampa Bay for the 2nd Wild Card.
6. #18 Michigan Wolverines at #11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame did everything in their power to lose this game. Luckily for them, Michigan tried even harder to lose. It appeared as though both teams were on the take and were trying to shave points before any were even scored. I had this game pegged as my upset special and if Denard Robinson had played even average, Michigan would have walked out of South Bend with a victory. He threw four interceptions during the game which kept the Wolverines scoreless until the 4th quarter. They weren't out of it, though as it was only 10-0. This game was ugly. It wasn't LSU vs. Alabama ugly with two pro defenses facing off, but just ugly, ugly. Notre Dame will continue to rise in the rankings and as long as they keep passing these tests I suppose we have to take them seriously, but they had better play a lot better if they think they are going to beat an SEC team.
5. #15 Kansas St. Wildcats at #6 Oklahoma Sooners
If you were going to tell me that Kansas St. was going to get 149 yards passing and 0 touchdowns from starting quarterback Collin Klein I would have told you Oklahoma won by 30. This did not happen. Kansas St. used a stingy defense that kept Landry Jones in check (at least compared to his dissection of the Wildcats a year ago) and a seemingly unstoppable running attack to upset Oklahoma on the road. John Hubert carried the ball 23 times for 130 yards and a touchdown and while Klein could throw with any significance he did have 79 yards on the ground along with touchdown. Both of these came in the 4th quarter which had started with Oklahoma leading 13-10. Oklahoma will now plummet in the rankings and Kansas St. will now shift its focus to staying undefeated until their trip to Morgantown to face West Viriginia in late October. That will be some couch burning fun.
4. Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Angels
What a dud of a series this turned out to be. The streaky Angels have caught fire again behind their pitching staff and swept away the White Sox from southern California. Los Angeles held the potent Chicago lineup to only 5 runs over the weekend. This included another stellar start from Cy Young candidate Jered Weaver on Sunday who earned his 19th victory with 6.1 innings giving up just a run. Dan Haren and Ervin Santana did their part as well giving up only 3 runs over their 13 innings. With the day off Monday, Los Angeles can even skip the scheduled start of the struggling C.J. Wilson and keep their big guns in turn. For Chicago things could have been much worse. After winning the first game of their series, the Detroit Tigers were promptly swept in a Sunday doubleheader by the Minnesota Twins to lose that series. That leaves Detroit a game behind Chicago even with the White Sox on a current 5 game losing streak.
3. New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens
This game will go down in Baltimore Ravens history as the Torrey Smith game. Playing with a heavy heart from losing his brother just hours earlier Sunday morning, Smith responded with his best game of the year. He hauled in 127 yards and two touchdowns to help bring the Ravens from behind to upend the New England Patriots 31-30. Sure this game was not without its share of unneeded controversy thanks to the replacement refs and sure maybe, just maybe, that last second field goal leaked a little right, but when the Ravens look back it will always be remembered for what Torrey Smith was able to do. After the Patriots scored the first 13 points, it was a Smith touchdown that got the team right and the fans back into it. Ray Rice then took over through the middle of the game amassing 150 total yards and scoring a touchdown. For the Patriots it seemed as though the only thing that could slow them down was their tricky play calling or the fact that they refused to run the ball to milk away the clock when they had the lead. Both Wes Welker and Brandon Llyod eclipsed 100 yards receiving, but when push came to shove, New England couldn't get that final first down that would have iced the game. Not only that, but their incomplete passes kept stopping the clock giving Baltimore invaluable time and timeouts to keep their hopes alive. They took full advantage, scraping together one final drive and hitting a game winning 27 yard field goal as time expired.
2. PGA Tour Championship
Yeah about the Tiger, Phil and Rory Sunday I was hoping for...that didn't happen. The three mega stars of the Tour combined for a +2 weekend and were not a factor at all. Maybe that's why I didn't watch too much golf. Instead American Brandt Snedeker came out of nowhere to capture the Tour Championship and in turn he won the FedEx title. He's not the sexiest of names and the poor performances of the 'Big 3' certainly cost the PGA some viewers, but what it does is give another American some good feelings heading into the Ryder Cup in Chicago. Instead of man versus man it becomes USA vs. Europe. Yippee!
1. #10 Clemson Tigers at #4 Florida St. Seminoles
This was fun. This was college football of the past. Forget suffocating defenses and playing for field position. I wanted a Tecmo Bowl like atmosphere and by God I got it. Twelve touchdowns and just one lonely field goal later, Florida St. emerged as true championship contender. Sure their defense might need to be shored up a bit, but Clemson has a dynamic offense so giving up some points was to be expected. I came in to the game watching what Tajh Boyd was going to do, but it was Florida St. quarterback EJ Manuel that left me with my jaw on the floor. He had 482 total yards, eclipsing 300 in the air and 100 on the ground. That's a good day at the office. As for the game itself, Clemson held a 31-21 advantage midway through the 3rd quarter until the Seminoles reeled off 28 straight points in just under a quarter of play. That was all she wrote and now Florida St. looks at a schedule where they have only one currently ranked team left to play and that isn't until Thanksgiving. In between they have a tough test at Virginia Tech, but this is a very manageable schedule to weave through to get to a possible BCS championship game. Better luck next year at becoming big time Clemson. I had predicted a 13 point FSU win and they won by 12 so not too shabby.
Sunday was more cleaning. We started in the kitchen and cleared out the pantry and all the cabinets. Our house wins for most trash bags out on the curb this weekend. Of course this is just the beginning. I'm going to go room by room and gut the house of all the crap that we've acquired in the last five years. With the baby on the way I am going to need all the room I can get for his toys and diapers and stuff. This should be fine.
If you were like me and spent your free time doing housework and hawking junk in a yard sale you probably missed some sports. Here's your recap on the biggest events of the weekend:
10. Houston Texans at Denver Broncos
This was a much better start for Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. They got an early safety and field goal to take a 5-0 lead and things were looking peachy. Then I blinked and the Texans had responded with 3 consecutive passing touchdowns by Matt Schaub and it was 21-5. The lead was extended to 31-11 after Schaub fired his 4th touchdown of the game and this one looked to be wrapped up with a pretty little bow. Peyton was having none of that though as he threw two fourth quarter touchdowns and with three minutes to play it was suddenly a nail biter. Even though the Texans weren't able to run the clock out they only left Manning 30 seconds and 85 yards to score. No miracle this time as Houston looks to be for real and continues to be my favorite to be the AFC representative in the Super Bowl. Denver is going to be okay as Peyton continues to shake off the rust and as they are mired in a season opening gauntlet of tough games. I guessed 30-24 Houston and got 31-25...I win.
9. Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals
As predicted this series has been pretty even. Of the first three games (the fourth being played today) only Friday had final inning fireworks. The Nationals clung to a 2-1 lead before Ryan Braun and the Brewers hit him around for three runs and Milwaukee won 4-2. Saturday was all Washington as Ryan Zimmerman and Ian Desmond both hit 3 run, 4th inning home runs. This was more than enough for Gio Gonzalez who notched his 20th victory of the season, becoming the first pitcher this year to do so and the first Washington pitcher to accomplish the feat since 1933. That was done by some fringe major league pitcher name Walter Johnson. Quite a feat Gio, quite a feat. Sunday lived up to the name thanks to a beautiful, bright sun field that caused Bryce Harper to miss a fly ball leading to the first runs of the game as Milwaukee won to take a 2-1 series lead. Jordan Zimmermann should even the series up for Washington if my prediction is to come true.
8. #22 Arizona Wildcats at #3 Oregon Ducks
Thanks for showing up Arizona. Luckily I was far too exhausted to even give this game a chance Saturday night and I didn't miss much. Matt Scott came into this game on fire and left ice cold. He threw three interceptions including two that were returned for touchdowns as Oregon thumped the Wildcats 49-0. Neither Kenjon Barner nor De'Anthony Thomas were able to score for the Ducks, but none of that seemed to matter. They did have 175 combined total yards on 36 touches which while far lower than the norm were still enough to keep Oregon moving up and down the field. The big takeaway from this game has to be the Oregon defense. Posting a shutout in college football is tough to do. Posting a shutout against a team in your conference is even harder and if they happen to be ranked at the time, well that's a bold statement. Maybe the Ducks are for real this season.
7. Oakland Athletics at New York Yankees
This series was not for the faint of heart. Being an Athletics fan did not help. Hating the Yankees with every ounce of my soul didn't help either. Friday was a classic pitcher's duel between C.C. Sabathia and Jarrod Parker. Down 1-0 in the 9th, Brandon Moss hit a pinch hit home run to tie the score up. Russell Martin trumped that home run with a walk of home run an inning later for New York. Saturday was probably the game of the season in MLB. Oakland started with 3 straight doubles to take a 2-0 lead, New York scored 3 in the bottom of the half of the first. They trade two runs each as the Yankees led 5-4 heading to the 7th when Oakland tied it up with sac fly. Then the offenses went into hibernation. My wife and I walked into Babies R' Us to set up our registry just as Oakland tied it up and two plus hours later we walked out as Jonny Gomes was hitting a go ahead 2 run home run in the...wait for it...13th inning. That was followed by two more mammoth home runs by Oakland and they had a 9-5 lead. Unfortunately they had no major league caliber pitchers left. Three straight singles, a wild pitch, a sac fly and a home run later it was 9-9. The 14th inning went quietly for Oakland and then they basically conceded the game by sending Tyson Ross out to pitch the bottom half. That Yankees scored on an error with two outs and the bases loaded giving Ross his 10th loss on the season in only 73 innings pitched. Sunday was another back and forth with Oakland taking a 3-0 lead only to see New York score 4 to take the lead right back. Oakland tied it up and then took a one run lead in the 6th and miraculously it held up for their lone victory of the series. The Yankees stay a game up on the Orioles in the A.L. East who are one game up on Oakland for the 1st Wild Card spot. Oakland is 2.5 games up on Los Angeles and 3.5 games up on Tampa Bay for the 2nd Wild Card.
6. #18 Michigan Wolverines at #11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame did everything in their power to lose this game. Luckily for them, Michigan tried even harder to lose. It appeared as though both teams were on the take and were trying to shave points before any were even scored. I had this game pegged as my upset special and if Denard Robinson had played even average, Michigan would have walked out of South Bend with a victory. He threw four interceptions during the game which kept the Wolverines scoreless until the 4th quarter. They weren't out of it, though as it was only 10-0. This game was ugly. It wasn't LSU vs. Alabama ugly with two pro defenses facing off, but just ugly, ugly. Notre Dame will continue to rise in the rankings and as long as they keep passing these tests I suppose we have to take them seriously, but they had better play a lot better if they think they are going to beat an SEC team.
5. #15 Kansas St. Wildcats at #6 Oklahoma Sooners
If you were going to tell me that Kansas St. was going to get 149 yards passing and 0 touchdowns from starting quarterback Collin Klein I would have told you Oklahoma won by 30. This did not happen. Kansas St. used a stingy defense that kept Landry Jones in check (at least compared to his dissection of the Wildcats a year ago) and a seemingly unstoppable running attack to upset Oklahoma on the road. John Hubert carried the ball 23 times for 130 yards and a touchdown and while Klein could throw with any significance he did have 79 yards on the ground along with touchdown. Both of these came in the 4th quarter which had started with Oklahoma leading 13-10. Oklahoma will now plummet in the rankings and Kansas St. will now shift its focus to staying undefeated until their trip to Morgantown to face West Viriginia in late October. That will be some couch burning fun.
4. Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Angels
What a dud of a series this turned out to be. The streaky Angels have caught fire again behind their pitching staff and swept away the White Sox from southern California. Los Angeles held the potent Chicago lineup to only 5 runs over the weekend. This included another stellar start from Cy Young candidate Jered Weaver on Sunday who earned his 19th victory with 6.1 innings giving up just a run. Dan Haren and Ervin Santana did their part as well giving up only 3 runs over their 13 innings. With the day off Monday, Los Angeles can even skip the scheduled start of the struggling C.J. Wilson and keep their big guns in turn. For Chicago things could have been much worse. After winning the first game of their series, the Detroit Tigers were promptly swept in a Sunday doubleheader by the Minnesota Twins to lose that series. That leaves Detroit a game behind Chicago even with the White Sox on a current 5 game losing streak.
3. New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens
This game will go down in Baltimore Ravens history as the Torrey Smith game. Playing with a heavy heart from losing his brother just hours earlier Sunday morning, Smith responded with his best game of the year. He hauled in 127 yards and two touchdowns to help bring the Ravens from behind to upend the New England Patriots 31-30. Sure this game was not without its share of unneeded controversy thanks to the replacement refs and sure maybe, just maybe, that last second field goal leaked a little right, but when the Ravens look back it will always be remembered for what Torrey Smith was able to do. After the Patriots scored the first 13 points, it was a Smith touchdown that got the team right and the fans back into it. Ray Rice then took over through the middle of the game amassing 150 total yards and scoring a touchdown. For the Patriots it seemed as though the only thing that could slow them down was their tricky play calling or the fact that they refused to run the ball to milk away the clock when they had the lead. Both Wes Welker and Brandon Llyod eclipsed 100 yards receiving, but when push came to shove, New England couldn't get that final first down that would have iced the game. Not only that, but their incomplete passes kept stopping the clock giving Baltimore invaluable time and timeouts to keep their hopes alive. They took full advantage, scraping together one final drive and hitting a game winning 27 yard field goal as time expired.
2. PGA Tour Championship
Yeah about the Tiger, Phil and Rory Sunday I was hoping for...that didn't happen. The three mega stars of the Tour combined for a +2 weekend and were not a factor at all. Maybe that's why I didn't watch too much golf. Instead American Brandt Snedeker came out of nowhere to capture the Tour Championship and in turn he won the FedEx title. He's not the sexiest of names and the poor performances of the 'Big 3' certainly cost the PGA some viewers, but what it does is give another American some good feelings heading into the Ryder Cup in Chicago. Instead of man versus man it becomes USA vs. Europe. Yippee!
1. #10 Clemson Tigers at #4 Florida St. Seminoles
This was fun. This was college football of the past. Forget suffocating defenses and playing for field position. I wanted a Tecmo Bowl like atmosphere and by God I got it. Twelve touchdowns and just one lonely field goal later, Florida St. emerged as true championship contender. Sure their defense might need to be shored up a bit, but Clemson has a dynamic offense so giving up some points was to be expected. I came in to the game watching what Tajh Boyd was going to do, but it was Florida St. quarterback EJ Manuel that left me with my jaw on the floor. He had 482 total yards, eclipsing 300 in the air and 100 on the ground. That's a good day at the office. As for the game itself, Clemson held a 31-21 advantage midway through the 3rd quarter until the Seminoles reeled off 28 straight points in just under a quarter of play. That was all she wrote and now Florida St. looks at a schedule where they have only one currently ranked team left to play and that isn't until Thanksgiving. In between they have a tough test at Virginia Tech, but this is a very manageable schedule to weave through to get to a possible BCS championship game. Better luck next year at becoming big time Clemson. I had predicted a 13 point FSU win and they won by 12 so not too shabby.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Weekend Viewing Guide 9/21/12
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Ferris Bueller
Last night I got to witness some mini-history as the Washington Nationals clinched a playoff spot. The crowd was quite electric in watching a DC based baseball team punch its ticket to the post season for the first time since 1933. Of course last night's win only guarantees one extra game at this point, but its a start. When you go to a sporting event, or even watch it at home, you never know what type of history you'll see. Not every game will produce a memorable result, but every once in a while you will get to say "I was there" and those memories might just last forever.
This weekend might just produce one of those jaw dropping, wish I was watching, tell all your friends moments. Those moments that are etched in the hearts and souls of the die hard fans. They will make you weep with sorrow and cry in ecstasy. To this day every time I see Kirk Gibson limp around the bases after hitting the game winning home run off of Dennis Eckersley in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, I well up in anger and fling the remote across the room. I was 10 years old. It was the first time I cried while watching sports. I was hooked for life.
Here's what you should be watching this weekend in the hopes that you catch one of those indelible moments:
10. Houston Texans at Denver Broncos
The incredibly tough schedule that faces Denver to start the season continues this week as they host my Super Bowl winner Houston. After already facing Pittsburgh and Atlanta, the Broncos still have New England and San Diego on the road before their bye week (with Oakland as well) and then New Orleans coming out of the break. Peyton Manning looked downright awful to start on Monday night, but rebounded to give the Broncos a sporting chance. There have been very little issues for the Texans so far this season. They have handled both the mediocre Dolphins and inept Jaguars with relative ease for their 2-0 start. Behind the two headed monster of Arian Foster and Ben Tate (184 yards, 3 TD's) and a very good defense, it has been just like early 2011 before all the injuries hit when the Texans were the breakout team of the season. Final Score: Houston 30 Denver 24
9. Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals
Fresh off of clinching a playoff spot, the Washington Nationals will now turn their focus into wrapping up the N.L. East crown. They host the surging Milwaukee Brewers who have come out of nowhere to threaten for a playoff spot. They have leapfrogged practically the entire National League in the last 30 days with a 22-6 record since August 19th when they were 12.5 games out of the 2nd Wild Card spot. Today they have passed six teams and are only 2.5 games out from making the playoffs. The turnaround has been quite remarkable and has been spearheaded by reigning MVP Ryan Braun who has put together yet another MVP season with 40 home runs, 105 RBI and a current 6.6 WAR for you SABR nerds out there. For Washington, their magic number is 7 meaning they could theoretically wrap up the division as early as Monday with some help from Philadelphia. Realistically these two teams split the four game and Washington clinches on the road.
8. #22 Arizona Wildcats at #3 Oregon Ducks
More west coast football taking the big stage. After last weekends shocking Stanford upset of #2 ranked USC, the Oregon Ducks now have a chance to stake their claim as BCS Championship contenders. Sure the talk will be all about what horrific concoction Oregon rolls out for their jersey of choice, but after we get past that it will be all about their high powered offense. They are currently averaging 54 points a game against inferior competition, but I don't think Arizona will want to do much to slow the pace of the game down. In their only competitive game, the Wildcats won a shootout against then #18 ranked Oklahoma St. 59-38. That is the type of scoring I'm hoping for in this game. Arizona will do their damage in the air behind Matt Scott who has nearly 1000 yards passing already while Oregon will run the ball early and often with Kenjon Barner and do everything athlete De'Anthony Thomas. Thomas leads the Ducks in receiving with 11 receptions and 3 touchdowns, but he also has 13 rushes at 17.5 yards per carry and 4 more scores. That's some silly production to start the season. Final Score: Oregon 55 Arizona 34
7. Oakland Athletics at New York Yankees
So we meet again...unfortunately not for the last time. The team that can't spend enough versus the team that doesn't have any money to spend. The Bronx Bombers versus Moneyball. The future Yankees versus the current Yankees. $197 million payroll vs. $55 million payroll. East coast bias versus a team that is trying to leave its home city. All the differences and yet these two teams come into the final two weeks of play separated by a single game. The Yankees lead the A.L. East by 1 game over the Baltimore Orioles who are tied for the Wild Card lead with the Athletics. Oakland has lost their only 3 veteran starters within the last month and are now completely reliant on a bunch of rookies and castoffs in their rotation. New York on the other hand has recently re-added veteran Andy Pettitte to the rotation which already has former Cy Young award winner C.C. Sabathia. Oakland is hanging together with bubble gum and fishing line, but this weekend could be a disaster if the pitching doesn't hold up. I see the Yankees winning at least two with a real chance at a sweep.
6. #18 Michigan Wolverines at #11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Is it time to take Notre Dame seriously? This would normally be the type of game where the Irish would fall flat after a huge win, but maybe this year version is different. Michigan has picked themselves up off the mat after being throttled by Alabama with wins over Air Force and Massachusetts who aren't quite at the same level as the defending champion, #1 ranked Crimson Tide. Frankly I don't know what to make of Michigan just yet, and that makes me think maybe they can win this one. The key will be how Denard Robinson handles another good defensive unit. We saw him struggle mightily against Alabama, but Notre Dame is no Alabama. Classic trap game here: Michigan 26 Notre Dame 23
5. #15 Kansas St. Wildcats at #6 Oklahoma Sooners
Quick story: Kansas St. always makes me remember a quarterback they once had, Chad May who wore #5. May 5...my birthday, I always liked him for that reason. This Wildcats team is much more competitive than they were with May at the helm, but this week they head to Norman, OK to face a much better Sooners team. Fans will be hoping for a more competitive game than last seasons that ended in a 58-17 blowout in favor of Oklahoma. The scary thought is that game was in Manhattan, KS and it might be even uglier this year around. If anything at least we will get to watch stud quarterback Landry Jones try and carve apart the Wildcats secondary (505 yards passing last year) once again. It will be a bit closer this go around but the story will remain the same Oklahoma 42 Kansas St. 24
4. Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Angels
That loud sound you hear in southern California is the clock ticking away on the Angels season. Every time they make a mini surge they drop a series that they have to win. After winning the first game at home against Texas, they dropped the final two of the key series. With only 12 games remaining the Angels now face the arduous task of making up 5 games on either the Orioles or the Athletics to attempt to salvage a disappointing season. Their opponent, the Chicago White Sox have everything to play for. They have a slim two game lead over the Detroit Tigers in the A.L. Central and will give the Angels fits. I think Chicago wins two of three (okay...I really really really hope they do) and puts a near virtual end to the Angles season...YOU CAN PUT THAT ON THE BOARD....YESSSSS!!!!
3. New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens
I know NBC was hoping for a 2-0 vs. 2-0 battle between these two Super Bowl contenders when the schedule was release. I definitely know that nobody foresaw the loser of this game dropping to 1-2 on the early season. Both teams lost games last week that they should have won. The Patriots with Tom Brady at quarterback had only lost once at home and never in a home opener until last week. They looked awful and lost starting TE Aaron Hernandez for at least a month with an ankle injury. The Ravens had a 10 point halftime lead and a six point fourth quarter lead, both of which they blew losing by a single point. This will be their second prime time, nationally televised game and the schedulers at the NFL will do them no favors as they have to play again four nights after this game. I think Baltimore responds at home with a 27-23 victory.
2. PGA Tour Championship
So it all comes down to this. Can Rory run away with the title by winning his 3rd straight event? Can Tiger come all the way back and hoist the trophy again? Will he quit mid stream because he is too intimidated by Rory? Will Phil come out of nowhere to get back to the top of the mountain? All we can hope for all three of them to be with a shot or two of each other on Sunday afternoon. The NFL season is still early enough that you can miss out on a couple games and settle in for some top notch golf with abundant story lines. I've said it before and I'll say it again, fans must savor weekends like this where the generational gap will be crossing paths. There will only be a small window where we get Tiger and Phil playing top notch golf along with the newest wunderkind in Rory. Just the fact that I can write this entire preview and not use a single last name says all you need to know about the popularity of these three golfers. For the record I have to go with Rory to put a cherry on top of his stellar run here at the end of the season with another victory.
1. #10 Clemson Tigers at #4 Florida St. Seminoles
It's been a while since Florida St. has been this good. Even though they have not played any quality opponents, they have done exactly what has been asked out of them by stomping the living crap out of them. Through their first three games they have outscored their opponents 176-3. That is not a misprint. Clemson vows to be a bit more of a test with the likes of Tajh Boyd, Andre Ellington, Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins all a threat to score every time they get their hands on the ball. If the offense of Clemson can find a way to penetrate the stout Florida St. offense this game could get really exciting. Last season with very similar rosters, Clemson won 35-30 at home, this year it will be the other way around as Florida St. will hold serve and win a shootout 37-24.
Last night I got to witness some mini-history as the Washington Nationals clinched a playoff spot. The crowd was quite electric in watching a DC based baseball team punch its ticket to the post season for the first time since 1933. Of course last night's win only guarantees one extra game at this point, but its a start. When you go to a sporting event, or even watch it at home, you never know what type of history you'll see. Not every game will produce a memorable result, but every once in a while you will get to say "I was there" and those memories might just last forever.
This weekend might just produce one of those jaw dropping, wish I was watching, tell all your friends moments. Those moments that are etched in the hearts and souls of the die hard fans. They will make you weep with sorrow and cry in ecstasy. To this day every time I see Kirk Gibson limp around the bases after hitting the game winning home run off of Dennis Eckersley in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, I well up in anger and fling the remote across the room. I was 10 years old. It was the first time I cried while watching sports. I was hooked for life.
Here's what you should be watching this weekend in the hopes that you catch one of those indelible moments:
10. Houston Texans at Denver Broncos
The incredibly tough schedule that faces Denver to start the season continues this week as they host my Super Bowl winner Houston. After already facing Pittsburgh and Atlanta, the Broncos still have New England and San Diego on the road before their bye week (with Oakland as well) and then New Orleans coming out of the break. Peyton Manning looked downright awful to start on Monday night, but rebounded to give the Broncos a sporting chance. There have been very little issues for the Texans so far this season. They have handled both the mediocre Dolphins and inept Jaguars with relative ease for their 2-0 start. Behind the two headed monster of Arian Foster and Ben Tate (184 yards, 3 TD's) and a very good defense, it has been just like early 2011 before all the injuries hit when the Texans were the breakout team of the season. Final Score: Houston 30 Denver 24
9. Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals
Fresh off of clinching a playoff spot, the Washington Nationals will now turn their focus into wrapping up the N.L. East crown. They host the surging Milwaukee Brewers who have come out of nowhere to threaten for a playoff spot. They have leapfrogged practically the entire National League in the last 30 days with a 22-6 record since August 19th when they were 12.5 games out of the 2nd Wild Card spot. Today they have passed six teams and are only 2.5 games out from making the playoffs. The turnaround has been quite remarkable and has been spearheaded by reigning MVP Ryan Braun who has put together yet another MVP season with 40 home runs, 105 RBI and a current 6.6 WAR for you SABR nerds out there. For Washington, their magic number is 7 meaning they could theoretically wrap up the division as early as Monday with some help from Philadelphia. Realistically these two teams split the four game and Washington clinches on the road.
8. #22 Arizona Wildcats at #3 Oregon Ducks
More west coast football taking the big stage. After last weekends shocking Stanford upset of #2 ranked USC, the Oregon Ducks now have a chance to stake their claim as BCS Championship contenders. Sure the talk will be all about what horrific concoction Oregon rolls out for their jersey of choice, but after we get past that it will be all about their high powered offense. They are currently averaging 54 points a game against inferior competition, but I don't think Arizona will want to do much to slow the pace of the game down. In their only competitive game, the Wildcats won a shootout against then #18 ranked Oklahoma St. 59-38. That is the type of scoring I'm hoping for in this game. Arizona will do their damage in the air behind Matt Scott who has nearly 1000 yards passing already while Oregon will run the ball early and often with Kenjon Barner and do everything athlete De'Anthony Thomas. Thomas leads the Ducks in receiving with 11 receptions and 3 touchdowns, but he also has 13 rushes at 17.5 yards per carry and 4 more scores. That's some silly production to start the season. Final Score: Oregon 55 Arizona 34
7. Oakland Athletics at New York Yankees
So we meet again...unfortunately not for the last time. The team that can't spend enough versus the team that doesn't have any money to spend. The Bronx Bombers versus Moneyball. The future Yankees versus the current Yankees. $197 million payroll vs. $55 million payroll. East coast bias versus a team that is trying to leave its home city. All the differences and yet these two teams come into the final two weeks of play separated by a single game. The Yankees lead the A.L. East by 1 game over the Baltimore Orioles who are tied for the Wild Card lead with the Athletics. Oakland has lost their only 3 veteran starters within the last month and are now completely reliant on a bunch of rookies and castoffs in their rotation. New York on the other hand has recently re-added veteran Andy Pettitte to the rotation which already has former Cy Young award winner C.C. Sabathia. Oakland is hanging together with bubble gum and fishing line, but this weekend could be a disaster if the pitching doesn't hold up. I see the Yankees winning at least two with a real chance at a sweep.
6. #18 Michigan Wolverines at #11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Is it time to take Notre Dame seriously? This would normally be the type of game where the Irish would fall flat after a huge win, but maybe this year version is different. Michigan has picked themselves up off the mat after being throttled by Alabama with wins over Air Force and Massachusetts who aren't quite at the same level as the defending champion, #1 ranked Crimson Tide. Frankly I don't know what to make of Michigan just yet, and that makes me think maybe they can win this one. The key will be how Denard Robinson handles another good defensive unit. We saw him struggle mightily against Alabama, but Notre Dame is no Alabama. Classic trap game here: Michigan 26 Notre Dame 23
5. #15 Kansas St. Wildcats at #6 Oklahoma Sooners
Quick story: Kansas St. always makes me remember a quarterback they once had, Chad May who wore #5. May 5...my birthday, I always liked him for that reason. This Wildcats team is much more competitive than they were with May at the helm, but this week they head to Norman, OK to face a much better Sooners team. Fans will be hoping for a more competitive game than last seasons that ended in a 58-17 blowout in favor of Oklahoma. The scary thought is that game was in Manhattan, KS and it might be even uglier this year around. If anything at least we will get to watch stud quarterback Landry Jones try and carve apart the Wildcats secondary (505 yards passing last year) once again. It will be a bit closer this go around but the story will remain the same Oklahoma 42 Kansas St. 24
4. Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Angels
That loud sound you hear in southern California is the clock ticking away on the Angels season. Every time they make a mini surge they drop a series that they have to win. After winning the first game at home against Texas, they dropped the final two of the key series. With only 12 games remaining the Angels now face the arduous task of making up 5 games on either the Orioles or the Athletics to attempt to salvage a disappointing season. Their opponent, the Chicago White Sox have everything to play for. They have a slim two game lead over the Detroit Tigers in the A.L. Central and will give the Angels fits. I think Chicago wins two of three (okay...I really really really hope they do) and puts a near virtual end to the Angles season...YOU CAN PUT THAT ON THE BOARD....YESSSSS!!!!
3. New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens
I know NBC was hoping for a 2-0 vs. 2-0 battle between these two Super Bowl contenders when the schedule was release. I definitely know that nobody foresaw the loser of this game dropping to 1-2 on the early season. Both teams lost games last week that they should have won. The Patriots with Tom Brady at quarterback had only lost once at home and never in a home opener until last week. They looked awful and lost starting TE Aaron Hernandez for at least a month with an ankle injury. The Ravens had a 10 point halftime lead and a six point fourth quarter lead, both of which they blew losing by a single point. This will be their second prime time, nationally televised game and the schedulers at the NFL will do them no favors as they have to play again four nights after this game. I think Baltimore responds at home with a 27-23 victory.
2. PGA Tour Championship
So it all comes down to this. Can Rory run away with the title by winning his 3rd straight event? Can Tiger come all the way back and hoist the trophy again? Will he quit mid stream because he is too intimidated by Rory? Will Phil come out of nowhere to get back to the top of the mountain? All we can hope for all three of them to be with a shot or two of each other on Sunday afternoon. The NFL season is still early enough that you can miss out on a couple games and settle in for some top notch golf with abundant story lines. I've said it before and I'll say it again, fans must savor weekends like this where the generational gap will be crossing paths. There will only be a small window where we get Tiger and Phil playing top notch golf along with the newest wunderkind in Rory. Just the fact that I can write this entire preview and not use a single last name says all you need to know about the popularity of these three golfers. For the record I have to go with Rory to put a cherry on top of his stellar run here at the end of the season with another victory.
1. #10 Clemson Tigers at #4 Florida St. Seminoles
It's been a while since Florida St. has been this good. Even though they have not played any quality opponents, they have done exactly what has been asked out of them by stomping the living crap out of them. Through their first three games they have outscored their opponents 176-3. That is not a misprint. Clemson vows to be a bit more of a test with the likes of Tajh Boyd, Andre Ellington, Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins all a threat to score every time they get their hands on the ball. If the offense of Clemson can find a way to penetrate the stout Florida St. offense this game could get really exciting. Last season with very similar rosters, Clemson won 35-30 at home, this year it will be the other way around as Florida St. will hold serve and win a shootout 37-24.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
FCNPFFL: Week 2 Results
Hello injury bug. This time every year, rosters begin to crumble due to both injury and ineffectiveness and by the time owners react and fix their team Bye Weeks begin and a whole new set of problems arise. It is imperative to pay attention to the waiver wire, your Bye Weeks and to be open to trades.
As a reminder there is a Thursday Night game again this week with the New York Giants playing the Carolina Panthers. Please set your rosters accordingly.
Onto the games:
Jody and I were locked into another classic battle that came down to his final player on Sunday night. Early on it looked like neither of us were going to have any quality scoring at all. The Josh Freeman got hot in a shootout against the Giants and ended with 18 points. Rob Gronkowski then caught a late TD to end with 11 points. My only early scorer was my kicker, Justin Tucker who posted 16. Then the RGIII show kicked in as he ripped off 37 points to give my team a 12 point lead with only Jason Hanson left to play for Jody. Hanson kicked 4 field goals thanks to a stingy 49ers defense and finished with 15 points to give Jody a (birthday present from me) win.
Final Score: DoggNutz 75 Escaped Lunatics 72
Two undefeated (yeah 1-0, but so what) teams met and provided us with another nail biter. Ike and Nate battled and it was Nate that drew first blood with 14 from the Packers defense backed by 24 from Drew Brees and 10 from Garrett Hartley. Ike roared back with another stellar 19 point effort from Arian Foster, 15 from Tony Romo and then took a lead late Sunday night with a 16 point explosion from Vernon Davis. With a 7 point lead Ike only had to fend off Michael Turner on Monday night, but after a quick interception, Turner got 3 shots from the 1 yard line and finally scored and that was about it for the lead. A few yards later and Nate took the lead for good.
Final Score: The Bounchers 66 Myra's College Fund 63
Last week I chastised our newest owner Joel to get his team on the same page and bring it in week 2. I have to hand it to him, he must have gone all General Patton in the pregame speech because his squad dominated in all aspects this week. Seven of his eight players scored in double digits as not only did Joel win, but he takes home $10 for our top scoring team of the week. Congrats newbie! Rookie Trent Richardson announced himself healthy with 24 points, Victor Cruz salsa'd his was to 23, Aaron Rodgers had a pedestrian 13, Roddy White chipped in 12 and a trio of players notched 10 points each. Mike was on the losing side of this affair as he had four double digits scorers and four players combine for six points.
Final Score: Nikachu 105 Bookoo Barbarians 60
Our tough loss of the week game came between Ben and Nick G who both topped 80 points as they had two of the top four highest scores of the week. Reggie Bush continued his amazing transformation into fantasy stud for Nick G thumping the Raiders defense for 36 points. Ben responded with another scat back doing big things as CJ Spiller got the start for the Bills and cruised to 27 points. Frank Gore kept Nick G ahead with 15 points while Ben kept close with 10 from Brent Celek. Going into Monday night Nick G held a 78-65 advantage and with Peyton Manning left to play the game seemed in the bag. Three interceptions later, Ben was still alive as he had the Falcons D, but because they couldn't score a defensive TD, Ben could never get over the top. Even when Manning threw a touchdown it was to Ben's receiver Demaryius Thomas, but without that defensive score the deficit proved too much to overcome. To make matters worse, Ben lost Matt Forte to injury just as Spiller emerged.
Final Score: The Lollipop Kids 91 The Magic Wands 83
Two teams looking for win #1 on the season squared off as John and Alex played. Each team had a quality running back effort as Ben Tate rumbled for 20 points for John and Marshawn Lynch thrashed the Cowboys, hurting John in multiple ways, for 18 points. The quarterback play was mediocre at best as the two QB's combined for only 19 points. John was dealt a blow losing running back Ahmad Bradshaw early on as he posted just a single point. The same was true for Alex who lost TE Aaron Hernandez for a month with an ankle injury. Through it all we still had a good game as Alex led 55-47 going into MNF. John needed a big night from Matt Bryant and Eric Decker but only Bryant came through with 10 points. Decker was held in check while Alex who had just Willis McGahee remaining flourished as he scored twice and totaled 23 points blowing the game wide open.
Final Score: Worthless Peons 78 The Situation 60
Adam and Matt also played a tight came that was also decided on Monday night. Both teams were also looking to get to 2-0 on the early season and stay with Nate atop the Back Wall division. Adam held a commanding lead thanks to 27 points from Cam Newton and 16 from Stephen Gostkowski. Matt had a very quiet Sunday with only Ray Rice hitting double figures as he finished with just 12 points. Down 25, Matt needed a big time, prime time, effort from Matt Ryan while hoping Jacob Tamme stayed silent. Well Matt got 1/2 his wish as Tamme fell flat failing to score. Ryan was in prime position to have a huge night with the early barrage of Broncos turnovers but he was just a bit off finishing with 19 points.
Final Score: Biggums' 'Basers 66 Rainbows & Puppies 60
For those that mocked the selection of Eli Manning as the 1st overall pick, this weekend Nick B had the last laugh. Manning rebounded from 3 early INT's to throw for 510 yards and 3 TD's (including a bonus 80 yard one) for 38 points. Combined with 18 junk time points from Dwayne Bowe, 14 from Mason Crosby and 10 from Reggie Wayne, Nick B cruised to victory #1 on the season. Luke did get 27 from Mike Vick in a losing effort as 12 each from LeSean McCoy and Doug Martin.
Final Score: The Knacks 99 Deathtongue 75
Standings as as thus:
Back Wall Division:
Adam 2-0
Nate 2-0
Ike 1-1
Matt 1-1
Alex 1-1
Jason 0-2
John 0-2
Critter Corner Division:
Jody 2-0
Luke 1-1
Nick G 1-1
Joel 1-1
Ben 1-1
Nick B 1-1
Mike 0-2
Match ups for Week 3:
Jody 2-0 vs. Nick B 1-1
Nate 2-0 vs. Matt 1-1
Adam 2-0 vs. Jason 0-2
Alex 1-1 vs. Joel 1-1
Ben 1-1 vs. Luke 1-1
Nick G 1-1 vs. Mike 0-2
Ike 1-1 vs. John 0-2
Waivers go through Wednesday night...K/DEF open picks start right after that.
That's it,
Jason
As a reminder there is a Thursday Night game again this week with the New York Giants playing the Carolina Panthers. Please set your rosters accordingly.
Onto the games:
Jody and I were locked into another classic battle that came down to his final player on Sunday night. Early on it looked like neither of us were going to have any quality scoring at all. The Josh Freeman got hot in a shootout against the Giants and ended with 18 points. Rob Gronkowski then caught a late TD to end with 11 points. My only early scorer was my kicker, Justin Tucker who posted 16. Then the RGIII show kicked in as he ripped off 37 points to give my team a 12 point lead with only Jason Hanson left to play for Jody. Hanson kicked 4 field goals thanks to a stingy 49ers defense and finished with 15 points to give Jody a (birthday present from me) win.
Final Score: DoggNutz 75 Escaped Lunatics 72
Two undefeated (yeah 1-0, but so what) teams met and provided us with another nail biter. Ike and Nate battled and it was Nate that drew first blood with 14 from the Packers defense backed by 24 from Drew Brees and 10 from Garrett Hartley. Ike roared back with another stellar 19 point effort from Arian Foster, 15 from Tony Romo and then took a lead late Sunday night with a 16 point explosion from Vernon Davis. With a 7 point lead Ike only had to fend off Michael Turner on Monday night, but after a quick interception, Turner got 3 shots from the 1 yard line and finally scored and that was about it for the lead. A few yards later and Nate took the lead for good.
Final Score: The Bounchers 66 Myra's College Fund 63
Last week I chastised our newest owner Joel to get his team on the same page and bring it in week 2. I have to hand it to him, he must have gone all General Patton in the pregame speech because his squad dominated in all aspects this week. Seven of his eight players scored in double digits as not only did Joel win, but he takes home $10 for our top scoring team of the week. Congrats newbie! Rookie Trent Richardson announced himself healthy with 24 points, Victor Cruz salsa'd his was to 23, Aaron Rodgers had a pedestrian 13, Roddy White chipped in 12 and a trio of players notched 10 points each. Mike was on the losing side of this affair as he had four double digits scorers and four players combine for six points.
Final Score: Nikachu 105 Bookoo Barbarians 60
Our tough loss of the week game came between Ben and Nick G who both topped 80 points as they had two of the top four highest scores of the week. Reggie Bush continued his amazing transformation into fantasy stud for Nick G thumping the Raiders defense for 36 points. Ben responded with another scat back doing big things as CJ Spiller got the start for the Bills and cruised to 27 points. Frank Gore kept Nick G ahead with 15 points while Ben kept close with 10 from Brent Celek. Going into Monday night Nick G held a 78-65 advantage and with Peyton Manning left to play the game seemed in the bag. Three interceptions later, Ben was still alive as he had the Falcons D, but because they couldn't score a defensive TD, Ben could never get over the top. Even when Manning threw a touchdown it was to Ben's receiver Demaryius Thomas, but without that defensive score the deficit proved too much to overcome. To make matters worse, Ben lost Matt Forte to injury just as Spiller emerged.
Final Score: The Lollipop Kids 91 The Magic Wands 83
Two teams looking for win #1 on the season squared off as John and Alex played. Each team had a quality running back effort as Ben Tate rumbled for 20 points for John and Marshawn Lynch thrashed the Cowboys, hurting John in multiple ways, for 18 points. The quarterback play was mediocre at best as the two QB's combined for only 19 points. John was dealt a blow losing running back Ahmad Bradshaw early on as he posted just a single point. The same was true for Alex who lost TE Aaron Hernandez for a month with an ankle injury. Through it all we still had a good game as Alex led 55-47 going into MNF. John needed a big night from Matt Bryant and Eric Decker but only Bryant came through with 10 points. Decker was held in check while Alex who had just Willis McGahee remaining flourished as he scored twice and totaled 23 points blowing the game wide open.
Final Score: Worthless Peons 78 The Situation 60Adam and Matt also played a tight came that was also decided on Monday night. Both teams were also looking to get to 2-0 on the early season and stay with Nate atop the Back Wall division. Adam held a commanding lead thanks to 27 points from Cam Newton and 16 from Stephen Gostkowski. Matt had a very quiet Sunday with only Ray Rice hitting double figures as he finished with just 12 points. Down 25, Matt needed a big time, prime time, effort from Matt Ryan while hoping Jacob Tamme stayed silent. Well Matt got 1/2 his wish as Tamme fell flat failing to score. Ryan was in prime position to have a huge night with the early barrage of Broncos turnovers but he was just a bit off finishing with 19 points.
Final Score: Biggums' 'Basers 66 Rainbows & Puppies 60
For those that mocked the selection of Eli Manning as the 1st overall pick, this weekend Nick B had the last laugh. Manning rebounded from 3 early INT's to throw for 510 yards and 3 TD's (including a bonus 80 yard one) for 38 points. Combined with 18 junk time points from Dwayne Bowe, 14 from Mason Crosby and 10 from Reggie Wayne, Nick B cruised to victory #1 on the season. Luke did get 27 from Mike Vick in a losing effort as 12 each from LeSean McCoy and Doug Martin.
Final Score: The Knacks 99 Deathtongue 75
Standings as as thus:
Back Wall Division:
Adam 2-0
Nate 2-0
Ike 1-1
Matt 1-1
Alex 1-1
Jason 0-2
John 0-2
Critter Corner Division:
Jody 2-0
Luke 1-1
Nick G 1-1
Joel 1-1
Ben 1-1
Nick B 1-1
Mike 0-2
Match ups for Week 3:
Jody 2-0 vs. Nick B 1-1
Nate 2-0 vs. Matt 1-1
Adam 2-0 vs. Jason 0-2
Alex 1-1 vs. Joel 1-1
Ben 1-1 vs. Luke 1-1
Nick G 1-1 vs. Mike 0-2
Ike 1-1 vs. John 0-2
Waivers go through Wednesday night...K/DEF open picks start right after that.
That's it,
Jason
Monday, September 17, 2012
Weekend Recap 9/17/12
Things got a bit testy this weekend in the NFL didn't they? The replacement referees certainly took a step backwards in almost every way. It seemed like each game that I watched was one cheap shot away from a full scale brawl. College football had its share of jaw dropping results including Virginia Tech getting punched in the gut by Pittsburgh who looked no better than a high school team coming in. Obviously I will talk about the other major upsets in a bit. The baseball races continue to have no clear resolution as more and more teams continue to stake their claim for a playoff spot.
All of that pales in comparison to what I did this weekend. My mother brought a box of my old stuff over this week and included my old Playstation. Woot! I cleaned it off, hooked it up and put in Twisted Metal 2. It worked like it was brand new. It took me about 30 seconds to remember how to play and it took me back to high school. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Sure the graphics look archaic to today's standards and the game play is quite simplistic, but that is what I enjoyed about games back then. Yes I'm officially old now.
For those of you who got caught up being young for the weekend and missed out on the sporting world, here are the important events that you may missed:
10. James Madison University vs. West Virginia University (FedEx Field)
You know what, Geno Smith might just win himself a Heisman Trophy this season. I know he hasn't faced the stiffest competition but he has looked exceptional so far. He had as many uncompleted passes (5) as he did touchdown passes (5) against James Madison. My Dukes kept the Mountaineers under 60 as I had predicted and they even scored a safety, but this game belonged to West Virginia from the opening kick. It's great exposure for JMU as they continue to have hopes to eventually jump to 1-A in the future. As for holding this game at FedEx...yeah only 45,000 showed up which is half capacity, so maybe RFK next time guys.
9. St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers
This might be the only prediction I got right all weekend. The Cardinals and Dodgers played a very hotly contested 4 game series which ended in a split, but each team could have staked claim to series win with the right break. Each team scored 15 total runs in this series as the Cardinals continue to hold on to their slim 1 game lead for the second Wild Card spot. As for the teams chasing team, the Phillies blew their golden opportunity against the lowly Astros by losing 3 of 4. The Pirates have already lost 2 of 3 to the Cubs in their four game set. Only the Milwaukee Brewers won a series of the 5 contenders as they took 2 of 3 against the Mets. There are currently five teams within 4 games of that final playoff spot in the National League.
8. New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers
Both New Orleans and Carolina knew that the loser of this game would have about a 12% chance of making the playoffs this season (stat courtesy of NFL Network). Of course I already eliminated the loser and we all know that whatever I say goes. The Panthers looked like a completely different team with the return of Johnathan Stewart. After running the ball 13 times for a measly 10 yards in week 1 versus Tampa Bay, Carolina gutted the Saints defense with 41 carries for 219 yards and 3 touchdowns. That is more like it from the Panthers. The Saints didn't change much from the Week 1 debacle. They gave up 35 more points (75 in two weeks) and Drew Brees threw two more interceptions. The victory went to the team who made better strides and the was Carolina. Your season is now over New Orleans...enjoy the Super Bowl host city curse.
7. Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers
Hey look another game I was completely wrong about. It will be a week long trend and for that I am ashamed. I thought this was finally the time where Tennessee would be able to turn the corner for their revival and doing so against the team that kept them down for so many years would have been sweet. Half way through the 3rd quarter, things were looking good for me and 100,000+ Volunteer fans in Knoxville. Florida then spent the remaining 22 minutes silencing the entire state of Tennessee...again. They outscored Tennessee 24-0 over the remainder of the game and turned a close encounter into a blowout. I do like the orange pants though.
6. Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles
Even though this game resembled a backyard street fight more than a National Football League game it turned out to be one of the best games on Sunday. Joe Flacco did indeed return to mediocrity as he struggled all day with his accuracy while Michael Vick was still inconsistent, but showed flashes of greatness with his arm and legs. It was unfortunate that the biggest takeaway for fans from this game was the horrible officiating as they let players continue to push and shove after the whistle without any punishment. The Eagles took a late lead and the Ravens final drive came up short as Philadelphia climbs to 2-0 and they have yet to look really good so far. The Ravens will be fine if they can survive this tough stretch where they play their first 4 games in a short 17 day span.
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan St. Spartans
What a pile of crap this game turned out to be. Not only did we not get a great ending, but we didn't get a great beginning or middle either. Maybe Notre Dame is really for real this time. They stuffed the Spartans in all aspects of the game including holding dynamic running back Le'Veon Bell to only 77 yards rushing on 19 carries. The Irish will certainly be able to state their case for being elite as they get three more ranked teams including a trip to Oklahoma over their next five games. For Michigan St., college basketball is only two months away and Tom Izzo probably has another great rebounding, blue collar bunch of guys looking to win another Big 10 title!
4. Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees
Two teams in dire need of a good weekend met in the Bronx and the Yankees walked away with a series win. Each game was decided by two runs, but after taking game one behind David Price, neither James Shields nor Matt Moore could keep the potent Yankee offense down enough to get the tepid Rays offense in it. Tampa Bay is now five games behind New York in the A.L. East and 4 games out of the second Wild Card spot currently owned by Baltimore. Of course after last seasons heroics nobody will count the Rays out of it, but they didn't do themselves any favors this weekend. New York, for all of their struggles, only play one more team with winning record (Oakland at home) the rest of the way. The East is once again theirs to lose.
3. USC Trojans at Stanford Cardinal
About Matt Barkley being so angry after going 0-3 against Stanford in his career that he'd take out his frustrations in spades this time around...yeah didn't happen. I don't know if it was just a great defensive effort by the Cardinal defense or just a very horrible Trojans offensive line. Barkley was under great duress the entire game and could never set his feet long enough to make a play. As for Stanford's offense, Josh Nunes played well enough to move the offense, but it was running back Stepfan Taylor who took the bull by the horns, rushing for 153 yards and touchdown on 27 carries. Stanford now emerges as the national title contender from the PAC-12 as Matt Barkley now needs to save face and try to be the #1 draft pick in the NFL Draft next year.
2. Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers
Huzzah! I got one almost perfectly right. The 49ers stifling defense held the Detroit Lions to 5 field goal attempts over the first 58 minutes of the game while continuing to show a much more consistent offensive approach. No longer are the 49ers a run only offense with an occasional pass to keep the defense honest. They have weapons for Alex Smith to target and he has become a very reliable passer and has broken the all time San Francisco record for most consecutive pass attempts without an interception. That's pretty impressive when you consider the hall of fame caliber signal callers that have roamed the grounds there. I'm not calling the Lions dead in the water just yet, but their magic of 4th quarter comebacks (like week 1 and all of 2011) can only last for so long. If Detroit hadn't scored that late touchdown my prediction of 27-13 would have been just about spot on, but I call this one a win for me.
1. Baltimore Orioles at Oakland Athletics
I predicted that the team scoring first would win all three games in this series. They went 0-3. I don't even know why I try. The Orioles scored first in both of the first two games only to see Oakland take the lead right back and hold on the rest of the way. In game three Josh Reddick homered in the 1st inning and it was all downhill the rest of the way as they walked 9 Orioles and Matt Wieters hit two home runs to salvage a game for Baltimore. Oakland didn't lose any ground on Texas or Los Angeles as all three teams won 2 of 3 this weekend. They now embark and a very difficult, make or break, 10 game road trip to Detroit, New York and Texas (4 games) that could very possibly cost them a playoff spot if things go poorly. Baltimore is now a game back of New York, but with no more head to head games remaining they don't control their own fate. None of their next 13 games are against teams with playoff aspirations so they can easily make up ground on Oakland if the Athletics falter with a much more difficult schedule.
All of that pales in comparison to what I did this weekend. My mother brought a box of my old stuff over this week and included my old Playstation. Woot! I cleaned it off, hooked it up and put in Twisted Metal 2. It worked like it was brand new. It took me about 30 seconds to remember how to play and it took me back to high school. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Sure the graphics look archaic to today's standards and the game play is quite simplistic, but that is what I enjoyed about games back then. Yes I'm officially old now.
For those of you who got caught up being young for the weekend and missed out on the sporting world, here are the important events that you may missed:
10. James Madison University vs. West Virginia University (FedEx Field)
You know what, Geno Smith might just win himself a Heisman Trophy this season. I know he hasn't faced the stiffest competition but he has looked exceptional so far. He had as many uncompleted passes (5) as he did touchdown passes (5) against James Madison. My Dukes kept the Mountaineers under 60 as I had predicted and they even scored a safety, but this game belonged to West Virginia from the opening kick. It's great exposure for JMU as they continue to have hopes to eventually jump to 1-A in the future. As for holding this game at FedEx...yeah only 45,000 showed up which is half capacity, so maybe RFK next time guys.
9. St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers
This might be the only prediction I got right all weekend. The Cardinals and Dodgers played a very hotly contested 4 game series which ended in a split, but each team could have staked claim to series win with the right break. Each team scored 15 total runs in this series as the Cardinals continue to hold on to their slim 1 game lead for the second Wild Card spot. As for the teams chasing team, the Phillies blew their golden opportunity against the lowly Astros by losing 3 of 4. The Pirates have already lost 2 of 3 to the Cubs in their four game set. Only the Milwaukee Brewers won a series of the 5 contenders as they took 2 of 3 against the Mets. There are currently five teams within 4 games of that final playoff spot in the National League.
8. New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers
Both New Orleans and Carolina knew that the loser of this game would have about a 12% chance of making the playoffs this season (stat courtesy of NFL Network). Of course I already eliminated the loser and we all know that whatever I say goes. The Panthers looked like a completely different team with the return of Johnathan Stewart. After running the ball 13 times for a measly 10 yards in week 1 versus Tampa Bay, Carolina gutted the Saints defense with 41 carries for 219 yards and 3 touchdowns. That is more like it from the Panthers. The Saints didn't change much from the Week 1 debacle. They gave up 35 more points (75 in two weeks) and Drew Brees threw two more interceptions. The victory went to the team who made better strides and the was Carolina. Your season is now over New Orleans...enjoy the Super Bowl host city curse.
7. Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers
Hey look another game I was completely wrong about. It will be a week long trend and for that I am ashamed. I thought this was finally the time where Tennessee would be able to turn the corner for their revival and doing so against the team that kept them down for so many years would have been sweet. Half way through the 3rd quarter, things were looking good for me and 100,000+ Volunteer fans in Knoxville. Florida then spent the remaining 22 minutes silencing the entire state of Tennessee...again. They outscored Tennessee 24-0 over the remainder of the game and turned a close encounter into a blowout. I do like the orange pants though.
6. Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles
Even though this game resembled a backyard street fight more than a National Football League game it turned out to be one of the best games on Sunday. Joe Flacco did indeed return to mediocrity as he struggled all day with his accuracy while Michael Vick was still inconsistent, but showed flashes of greatness with his arm and legs. It was unfortunate that the biggest takeaway for fans from this game was the horrible officiating as they let players continue to push and shove after the whistle without any punishment. The Eagles took a late lead and the Ravens final drive came up short as Philadelphia climbs to 2-0 and they have yet to look really good so far. The Ravens will be fine if they can survive this tough stretch where they play their first 4 games in a short 17 day span.
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan St. Spartans
What a pile of crap this game turned out to be. Not only did we not get a great ending, but we didn't get a great beginning or middle either. Maybe Notre Dame is really for real this time. They stuffed the Spartans in all aspects of the game including holding dynamic running back Le'Veon Bell to only 77 yards rushing on 19 carries. The Irish will certainly be able to state their case for being elite as they get three more ranked teams including a trip to Oklahoma over their next five games. For Michigan St., college basketball is only two months away and Tom Izzo probably has another great rebounding, blue collar bunch of guys looking to win another Big 10 title!
4. Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees
Two teams in dire need of a good weekend met in the Bronx and the Yankees walked away with a series win. Each game was decided by two runs, but after taking game one behind David Price, neither James Shields nor Matt Moore could keep the potent Yankee offense down enough to get the tepid Rays offense in it. Tampa Bay is now five games behind New York in the A.L. East and 4 games out of the second Wild Card spot currently owned by Baltimore. Of course after last seasons heroics nobody will count the Rays out of it, but they didn't do themselves any favors this weekend. New York, for all of their struggles, only play one more team with winning record (Oakland at home) the rest of the way. The East is once again theirs to lose.
3. USC Trojans at Stanford Cardinal
About Matt Barkley being so angry after going 0-3 against Stanford in his career that he'd take out his frustrations in spades this time around...yeah didn't happen. I don't know if it was just a great defensive effort by the Cardinal defense or just a very horrible Trojans offensive line. Barkley was under great duress the entire game and could never set his feet long enough to make a play. As for Stanford's offense, Josh Nunes played well enough to move the offense, but it was running back Stepfan Taylor who took the bull by the horns, rushing for 153 yards and touchdown on 27 carries. Stanford now emerges as the national title contender from the PAC-12 as Matt Barkley now needs to save face and try to be the #1 draft pick in the NFL Draft next year.
2. Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers
Huzzah! I got one almost perfectly right. The 49ers stifling defense held the Detroit Lions to 5 field goal attempts over the first 58 minutes of the game while continuing to show a much more consistent offensive approach. No longer are the 49ers a run only offense with an occasional pass to keep the defense honest. They have weapons for Alex Smith to target and he has become a very reliable passer and has broken the all time San Francisco record for most consecutive pass attempts without an interception. That's pretty impressive when you consider the hall of fame caliber signal callers that have roamed the grounds there. I'm not calling the Lions dead in the water just yet, but their magic of 4th quarter comebacks (like week 1 and all of 2011) can only last for so long. If Detroit hadn't scored that late touchdown my prediction of 27-13 would have been just about spot on, but I call this one a win for me.
1. Baltimore Orioles at Oakland Athletics
I predicted that the team scoring first would win all three games in this series. They went 0-3. I don't even know why I try. The Orioles scored first in both of the first two games only to see Oakland take the lead right back and hold on the rest of the way. In game three Josh Reddick homered in the 1st inning and it was all downhill the rest of the way as they walked 9 Orioles and Matt Wieters hit two home runs to salvage a game for Baltimore. Oakland didn't lose any ground on Texas or Los Angeles as all three teams won 2 of 3 this weekend. They now embark and a very difficult, make or break, 10 game road trip to Detroit, New York and Texas (4 games) that could very possibly cost them a playoff spot if things go poorly. Baltimore is now a game back of New York, but with no more head to head games remaining they don't control their own fate. None of their next 13 games are against teams with playoff aspirations so they can easily make up ground on Oakland if the Athletics falter with a much more difficult schedule.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Weekend Viewing Guide 9/14/12
No tennis, no golf, no soccer...no worries. There is still a glutton of sports to watch this weekend. I'm not even going to highlight the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears I'm watching as I type that was played last night or the mouth-watering Monday Night Football game between my MVP choice, Matt Ryan and the expected Comeback Player of the Year, Peyton Manning. If you're a betting person...take the over. Either of those games would have cracked my top 3 of the weekend, but I push on, there are still enough main courses to satisfy even the Burgerdays crew.
Let's roll our sleeves up and get right into it:
10. James Madison University vs. West Virginia University (FedEx Field)
Okay don't stop reading, I haven't gone crazy. I went to JMU and I know some guys who went to West Virginia so there's a little more at stake if JMU can keep it close. If you remember, JMU went down to Virginia Tech just two years ago and won so be careful Mountaineer fans. In all actuality this will be a 60-17 type score, but you have two schools that have a ton of alumni in the DC/Maryland area and a 90,000 seat stadium to fill. With a 4:30pm start, the only real question is how many fans will be sober enough to remember to go into the stadium? Let's go Dukes!
9. St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers
What the hell is going on with the National League Wild Card standings? The Cardinals suck, the Dodgers stink and the Pirates are terrible. The only teams that seem to want to play Atlanta in the one game playoff are the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers who have each shaved about 10 games in the standings in the last month. This four game series that started (right about now) Thursday has the chance to make a gruesome mess of everything. By Monday there could be five teams within two games of the second Wild Card. When St. Louis and Los Angeles split these four games they will be at 77 and 76 wins respectively. The Pirates play the crappy Cubs, the Phillies will crush the abysmal Astros and the Brewers should manhandle the Mets. This puts all three of them at 75 wins with sweeps. All five will have either 70-72 losses as well with just over two weeks to go...just how we want it.
8. New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers
Neither team expected to be facing an 0-2 start. Both teams were given a tasty cupcake of an opening week game by the NFL and yet both lost. In a division that I expect the Atlanta Falcons to win easily both of these teams are playing for a Wild Card spot in my opinion. This elevates a rather middling week 2 game into a pretty tasty pressure test. I'm sure if I had the Elias Sports Bureau working for me I could tell you what the chances are for 0-2 teams to make the playoffs, but I can promise you it's not that good. Dammit, I'm calling it...the loser of this game does not make the playoffs. Done. Final Score: Saints 31 Panthers 23
7. Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers
Welcome back from obscurity Tennessee. This game used to be the highlight of the SEC schedule. Then Tennessee disappeared into oblivion while Florida had up and down seasons (with some Tim Tebow greatness as well) and everyone forgot about these teams. Now even though they are relegated to a Week 3 meeting in mid-September, its good to see both schools getting good again at the same time. Both teams are ranked, ESPN is headed to Knoxville and they made my exclusive list of things to watch! Yes rivalry games in college football are exciting and this one has been ignored for far too long. Final Score Tennessee 31 Florida 21
6. Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles
Did you see how good the Ravens looked on Monday? Did you see how bad the Eagles looked on Sunday? All that and Philadelphia is still a 2 point favorite at home this week. A short week and having to play on the road might have a bit to do with that for Baltimore. Something tell me each team will regress to the mean this weekend even if the Eagles are without Jeremy Maclin or DeSean Jackson or both. Michael Vick can't throw 4 more interceptions can he? Joe Flacco isn't going to be an MVP candidate is he? No I don't think either of these will be true. I still have the Ravens squeaking out a 23-20 win.
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan St. Spartans
This is a perfect September game. Two really good September teams that real fans of college football understand have no frickin' shot at being relevant come mid-November. The fans can only hope for another memorable finish like in 2010:
That highlight was made even better with the Star Wars cameo. Notre Dame has not been in the championship picture since the late 80's and the Big Ten is only good when not playing teams from real conferences like the SEC. That makes this game a perfect match up...for September. Final Score Michigan St. 30 Notre Dame 24
4. Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees
I don't understand Tampa Bay. Well I take that back, they can't hit worth a damn. Even though they resemble the Oakland Athletics both on the mound and at the plate and how bad their stadium is, something is missing. There is no magic spark. Time is now beginning to run out on the Rays and unless they walk into New York and win this series, they could be missing the playoffs this year. Things are not looking much better in New York. The age of their core players is starting to become an issue as the injuries continue to mount. Mark Teixeira is injured, Derek Jeter narrowly avoided a bad ankle injury, C.C. Sabathia is hurting and the team just looks sluggish. This starts a 9 game home stand with both the Rays and the Athletics coming to town and we should know the fate of New York by the end of that.
3. USC Trojans at Stanford Cardinal
I bet you didn't realize that senior quarterback Matt Barkley has yet to defeat Stanford. He's 0-3 thanks to Andrew Luck, but unlike Luck, Barkley stayed in school toparty, hang out with co-eds, be the big man on campus
win a BCS Championship. This is the game that USC has to have had
circled on its calendar ever since Barkley decided to return. They owe
the Cardinal some payback for the recent domination that they have had
on their neighbors to the south. The cupboard isn't completely bare for
Stanford as Junior quarterback Josh Nunes has filed in quite admirably,
albeit against lesser competition (yup I'm talking about you Duke).
I've got the over/under on Barkley touchdown passes at 4.5...anyone dare
to take the under? Final Score USC 45 Stanford 27
2. Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers
Ooooooh I remember how this one ended last year. The two head coaches jawing at each other while racing off the field and a little shove fest. Last week the Lions didn't look like the fun 'n gun offensive video game that was 2011. The 49ers did, on the other hand, resemble their 2011 model of being the best defensive unit in the NFL. They also added a better passing game and currently have a healthy Frank Gore. No matter how much I want this to be a good game, I have a feeling this is where the Lions start to crack a bit and the 49ers surge into Super Bowl contenders. Final Score San Francisco 27 Detroit 13
1. Baltimore Orioles at Oakland Athletics
The two best stories in the American League and possibly the Majors meet in the dump that is the O.co Stadium. If the Orioles allowed the Athletics to be the home team, I'd petition Bud Selig to move the series to Camden Yards. Not only would I be able to attend, but it'd be a setting befitting the importance of this series. I know of nobody who thought this series would receive any national media attention, but with the two darlings of baseball playing in mid-September it will be beat reporters dream for its multitude of story lines. Each team is playing for a fallen teammate, Nick Markakis of the Orioles lost for the regular season with a broken hand and Brandon McCarthy of the Athletics lost for the season with a fractured skull. Both teams are currently in the playoffs and have split the season series 3-3 to date so I expect a low scoring series where the team scoring first will win all three games. The bullpens are just too good and the stadium too big for many comebacks to occur.
*Editor's note* After watching 3 quarters of the Packers/Bears game, I change my mind about it being considered for the Top 10 list. Yaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwnnnnnnn! If your best highlight is a punter pitching a ball to a backup tight end, you have not been entertaining.
Let's roll our sleeves up and get right into it:
10. James Madison University vs. West Virginia University (FedEx Field)
Okay don't stop reading, I haven't gone crazy. I went to JMU and I know some guys who went to West Virginia so there's a little more at stake if JMU can keep it close. If you remember, JMU went down to Virginia Tech just two years ago and won so be careful Mountaineer fans. In all actuality this will be a 60-17 type score, but you have two schools that have a ton of alumni in the DC/Maryland area and a 90,000 seat stadium to fill. With a 4:30pm start, the only real question is how many fans will be sober enough to remember to go into the stadium? Let's go Dukes!
9. St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers
What the hell is going on with the National League Wild Card standings? The Cardinals suck, the Dodgers stink and the Pirates are terrible. The only teams that seem to want to play Atlanta in the one game playoff are the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers who have each shaved about 10 games in the standings in the last month. This four game series that started (right about now) Thursday has the chance to make a gruesome mess of everything. By Monday there could be five teams within two games of the second Wild Card. When St. Louis and Los Angeles split these four games they will be at 77 and 76 wins respectively. The Pirates play the crappy Cubs, the Phillies will crush the abysmal Astros and the Brewers should manhandle the Mets. This puts all three of them at 75 wins with sweeps. All five will have either 70-72 losses as well with just over two weeks to go...just how we want it.
8. New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers
Neither team expected to be facing an 0-2 start. Both teams were given a tasty cupcake of an opening week game by the NFL and yet both lost. In a division that I expect the Atlanta Falcons to win easily both of these teams are playing for a Wild Card spot in my opinion. This elevates a rather middling week 2 game into a pretty tasty pressure test. I'm sure if I had the Elias Sports Bureau working for me I could tell you what the chances are for 0-2 teams to make the playoffs, but I can promise you it's not that good. Dammit, I'm calling it...the loser of this game does not make the playoffs. Done. Final Score: Saints 31 Panthers 23
7. Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers
Welcome back from obscurity Tennessee. This game used to be the highlight of the SEC schedule. Then Tennessee disappeared into oblivion while Florida had up and down seasons (with some Tim Tebow greatness as well) and everyone forgot about these teams. Now even though they are relegated to a Week 3 meeting in mid-September, its good to see both schools getting good again at the same time. Both teams are ranked, ESPN is headed to Knoxville and they made my exclusive list of things to watch! Yes rivalry games in college football are exciting and this one has been ignored for far too long. Final Score Tennessee 31 Florida 21
6. Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles
Did you see how good the Ravens looked on Monday? Did you see how bad the Eagles looked on Sunday? All that and Philadelphia is still a 2 point favorite at home this week. A short week and having to play on the road might have a bit to do with that for Baltimore. Something tell me each team will regress to the mean this weekend even if the Eagles are without Jeremy Maclin or DeSean Jackson or both. Michael Vick can't throw 4 more interceptions can he? Joe Flacco isn't going to be an MVP candidate is he? No I don't think either of these will be true. I still have the Ravens squeaking out a 23-20 win.
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan St. Spartans
This is a perfect September game. Two really good September teams that real fans of college football understand have no frickin' shot at being relevant come mid-November. The fans can only hope for another memorable finish like in 2010:
That highlight was made even better with the Star Wars cameo. Notre Dame has not been in the championship picture since the late 80's and the Big Ten is only good when not playing teams from real conferences like the SEC. That makes this game a perfect match up...for September. Final Score Michigan St. 30 Notre Dame 24
4. Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees
I don't understand Tampa Bay. Well I take that back, they can't hit worth a damn. Even though they resemble the Oakland Athletics both on the mound and at the plate and how bad their stadium is, something is missing. There is no magic spark. Time is now beginning to run out on the Rays and unless they walk into New York and win this series, they could be missing the playoffs this year. Things are not looking much better in New York. The age of their core players is starting to become an issue as the injuries continue to mount. Mark Teixeira is injured, Derek Jeter narrowly avoided a bad ankle injury, C.C. Sabathia is hurting and the team just looks sluggish. This starts a 9 game home stand with both the Rays and the Athletics coming to town and we should know the fate of New York by the end of that.
3. USC Trojans at Stanford Cardinal
I bet you didn't realize that senior quarterback Matt Barkley has yet to defeat Stanford. He's 0-3 thanks to Andrew Luck, but unlike Luck, Barkley stayed in school to
2. Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers
Ooooooh I remember how this one ended last year. The two head coaches jawing at each other while racing off the field and a little shove fest. Last week the Lions didn't look like the fun 'n gun offensive video game that was 2011. The 49ers did, on the other hand, resemble their 2011 model of being the best defensive unit in the NFL. They also added a better passing game and currently have a healthy Frank Gore. No matter how much I want this to be a good game, I have a feeling this is where the Lions start to crack a bit and the 49ers surge into Super Bowl contenders. Final Score San Francisco 27 Detroit 13
1. Baltimore Orioles at Oakland Athletics
The two best stories in the American League and possibly the Majors meet in the dump that is the O.co Stadium. If the Orioles allowed the Athletics to be the home team, I'd petition Bud Selig to move the series to Camden Yards. Not only would I be able to attend, but it'd be a setting befitting the importance of this series. I know of nobody who thought this series would receive any national media attention, but with the two darlings of baseball playing in mid-September it will be beat reporters dream for its multitude of story lines. Each team is playing for a fallen teammate, Nick Markakis of the Orioles lost for the regular season with a broken hand and Brandon McCarthy of the Athletics lost for the season with a fractured skull. Both teams are currently in the playoffs and have split the season series 3-3 to date so I expect a low scoring series where the team scoring first will win all three games. The bullpens are just too good and the stadium too big for many comebacks to occur.
*Editor's note* After watching 3 quarters of the Packers/Bears game, I change my mind about it being considered for the Top 10 list. Yaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwnnnnnnn! If your best highlight is a punter pitching a ball to a backup tight end, you have not been entertaining.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
FCNPFFL: Week 1 Results
Hello loyal readers...or those who have mistakenly clicked on this page looking for WSOP highlights. I am going to post my weekly recaps of my fantasy football league that is in its 16th year. We currently have 14 teams and yours truly is the defending champion. I hope this is entertaining to you as I try to keep things light, but also take shots at struggling teams to create some chatter between the owners.
Here is my email that has been sent out to each owner. I have been writing these recaps every Monday night/Tuesday morning since 1998 as a Junior at James Madison University.
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Final Score: Deathtongue 94 Lollipop Kids 74
Here is my email that has been sent out to each owner. I have been writing these recaps every Monday night/Tuesday morning since 1998 as a Junior at James Madison University.
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We're are now officially underway. As a reminder there will be a THURSDAY game EVERY WEEK. Please be attentive to who is playing and make sure you have your rosters set in time. This weeks game is GREEN BAY VS CHICAGO. I know we will have plenty of starters from that game.
Waivers will go through on the computer Wednesday night. Please do not send me any choices as I will ignore them. After they have gone through you can send me your K/DEF selections via email.
Onto the games:
Matt and I played the closest game of the first weekend and we put up two of the top four highest scores to boot. We were both led by stellar quarterback play as Matt Ryan scored 34 for Matt and RGIII tallied 32 for me. Stevan Ridley kept the scoring going for Matt as he scored 19 points, but I answered with 13 each from Andre Johnson and the Patriots D. We went into MNF tied at 70, but I had 3 players left while Matt had just Ray Rice. Before I even turned the game on, I was up 4 points as Torrey Smith caught a long bomb, but that was it for him. Ray Rice took over scoring 19 points and I was suddenly in a 15 point hole. Darren McFadden tried his best to get me back, but neither him nor Antonio Gates could score and I fell just short in this shootout.
Final Score: Rainbows & Puppies 89 Escaped Lunatics 84
Our top scoring team of week 1 came from the battle between Alex and Ike. If you're not new to this league, I'm guessing you already know which team had to most points and which team did not. Ike unloaded on Alex with 27 from Tony Romo, 19 from Arian Foster, 18 from Billy Cundiff and 13 from Brandon Marshall. That's a good start. Poor Alex got 19 from Big Ben and 10 from Robbie Gould, but he was never in this game. Just for fun...Ike's bench lost to Alex's starters by 2. Yikes! Have we found our juggernaut?? Who needs a co-manager anyways, I guess Jason was just hindering Ike all this time. I would win $10, but he shorted me $12 at the draft so that money is mine.
Final Score: Myra's College Fund 101 Worthless Peons 65
Luke came out of the game at full speed as he sprinted by Nick G who has a shiny new avatar this season which makes me happy. Mike Vick threw 4 INT's, but still scratched out 22 points to lead Luke, but it was 19 points from Julio Jones that stands out. He also got 15 points from Nate Kaeding who stay healthy for more than one play this season. To round things out, Luke got 10 points each from his RB's, LeSean McCoy and Doug Martin. Peyton Manning led all scorers with 25 and Frank Gore proved doubters wrong with 17, but the other six starters for Nick G. could only muster 32 more points.
Final Score: Deathtongue 94 Lollipop Kids 74
Ben and Mike met up this week and they had some ugly outputs, but one team looks to be in much better shape in the upcoming weeks. Mike only had one double digit scorer, Tom Brady who mustered 19 points, but he also had the years first negative score as David Wilson fumbled on his first carry and was benched scoring -2 points. MJD got a lot of touches thanks to the injury to Rashad Jennings, but could only score 8 points. For Ben it was hit or miss with his squad as he had three top producers and two 0's. Demaryius Thomas led his team with 19...16 on one play, 18 from Matt Stafford and 16 from Matt Forte. On the other side of the ledger he got no production from either DeAngelo Williams or Wes Welker. The upside for him though is he has CJ Spiller stashed on his bench and with the injury to Fred Jackson, Ben looks to be solid for the next 4-6 weeks at least. I guess Mike shouldn't have cheated on his Bookoo drinks on draft night.
Final Score: The Magic Wands 69 Bookoo Barbarians 54
Nate and John locked horns in a game that was very similar to the one that Matt and I played. Nate had the games top two scorers as Drew Brees scored 26 and AP returned from injury to shock everyone with 20 points. John used team depth to stay in the game with 17 from Matt Schaub, 16 from Matt Bryant, 14 from Ahmad Bradshaw and 11 from Jimmy Graham. He still trailed by 17 with two MNF players thanks in large part to the -3 scored by the paltry Buffalo Bills defense. Anquan Boldin did his part in the early game last night tallying 10 points and it was up to Ronnie Brown who needed 8 points for a comeback victory. Well Brown showed his age and did next to nothing scoring a lone point and John came up short.
Final Score: The Bounchers 75 The Situation 69
Another year, another injury plagued season ahead for Nick B. This year Fred Jackson has already been lost from his team and that was a big reason to the bad score for The Knacks. He did get 14 points from Eli Manning and 10 each from Darren Sproles and the Texans defense, but it was not nearly enough to keep up with Adam. Cam Newton posted 17, Shonn Greene rumbled for 15, DeMarco Murray scrambled for 13 and Jeremy Maclin hauled in 12 points before getting injured to get Adam going in the right direction this season.
Final Score: Biggums' 'Basers 82 The Knacks 51
Last, but certainly not least, our newest member Joel was rudely welcomed to the FCNPFFL by get toss around by original member Jody. DoggNutz had five players post double digits with 15 each from BJGE and the Ravens defense. In fact Jody had more points on his bench (82) than his starting lineup (81) which is never a bad thing. Joel did get 25 from Aaron Rodgers and 16 from David Akers and his 63 yard field goal, but with four players scoring 3 or less points in the starting lineup and six of his seven bench spots scoring 1 or fewer points...things could get ugly real quick if changes aren't made.
Final Score: Doggnutz 81 Nikachu 59
No standings post just yet...if you can't figure out where you stand after one week, you have deeper issues that I cannot fix.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Weekend In Review 9/10/12
...and I'm spent.
Thursday night: Burger grand opening at ZBurger w/ Philly cheese steaks, custard, fries, hot dogs, onion rings and some milkshakes (not necessarily in that order).
Friday night: Burger grand opening at Kraze: w/ fries and a milkshake
Saturday: College Football, work, survived a mini hurricane, dodged a tornado and got some pizza (must find veggies this week)
Sunday: Football, Baseball, Golf, Tennis, Fantasy Football (and still no veggies...do Doritos count?)
If your weekend was like that or maybe you went on Burger Days VI (www.burgerdays.com) you may have missed something...let me catch you up.
10. BMW Championship
I went out on a limb on Thursday and called that Tiger Woods would win this week. Well that didn't happen as Rory McIlroy continued his recent dominance winning for the second week in a row. Tiger finished T-4th, three shots behind. Phil Mickelson remembered that he was once good and came on strong over the weekend tying for second place. With next weeks Tour Championship starting on Thursday, the golf world will be all abuzz with the three biggest draws finally playing well at the same time. McIlroy has put his early season distractions aside and is proving to be the prodigy that everyone thought he was going to be. It will be difficult to go against him winning a third straight and the FedEx Cup in Atlanta.
9. College Football - Upset Alert
Behind six touchdown passes from Matt Barkley, USC eased by Syracuse in New Jersey (although they didn't cover...sorry Luis, I warned you). Florida St. was a 70.5 point favorite over Savannah 'thanks for the $' St. and led 28-0 seven minutes into the game. Then the weather took over. A couple of rain delays and 27 more points later, the game was mercifully called in the 3rd quarter canceling the spread and saving a lot of people some money because it would have been 80-0 easy. As for the games I figured were going to be close. Missouri played a good three quarters, but Georgia played all four quarters, ruining the Tigers first SEC game, losing 41-20. My upset pick at work (trust me) was Wisconsin losing to Oregon St. outright and they did 10-7, scoring their only points with less than 2 minutes left in the game. Nebraska went out west to play UCLA and got upended in a great game 36-30. Of course I can't forget to point out the embarrassment that was Arkansas who got caught looking ahead to #1 Alabama next week by getting utterly shocked by Louisiana-Monroe (who??) 34-31 in OT. Yikes!
8. Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints
Control yourself Jason...settle down...SUPER BOWL HERE WE COME!!! Stop that...sorry for the outburst, but did you see RGIII? He looked good, real good. Of course so did Cam Newton last season after a week and Carolina finished 6-10 and looked pitiful Sunday. All the gadgets, the speed, the offense that was hidden during preseason was unleashed as #10 led the Redskins to 10 points in each quarter to upend the Saints 40-32. I give credit to Drew Brees on never giving in and keeping me on the edge of my seat down to the final play of the game, but his brilliance wasn't enough this weekend. Is it the Super Bowl host city curse?? Maybe, but I'm thrilled to see the Redskins finally show some excitement on the offensive side of the ball. RGIII FOR MVP...NO WAIT HALL OF FAME!!!! Agghhh I can't stop myself.
7. San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers
It appears that the Packers have found their Kryptonite...a really good defense. Two straight games now (dating back to the playoffs against the Giants) the vaunted Green Bay offense was held in check in a loss. Both times at home and in relatively similar fashion this time falling by a score of 30-22 (37-20 vs. New York in the playoffs). The 49ers stuffed the non existent running game of the Packers and pressured Aaron Rodgers just enough to keep him off balance. Green Bay needs to find some offensive balance or one of two things is bound to happen: either they will lose again in the playoffs or Rodgers arm will fall off by Thanksgiving. San Francisco is going to be the real deal again this season. Their offense is leaps and bounds better with Randy Moss and great depth at running back.
6. Texas Rangers at Tampa Bay Rays
4, 6 and 6. The total runs scored in each game. Good pitching won this weekend as it is apt to do come September and October. Tampa Bay took two of three games keeping themselves close in the Wild Card and the A.L. East races. The Rangers saw their lead in the A.L. West shrink to 3.5 games over Oakland as the Athletics swept the Seattle Mariners. Saturday was a great pitchers duel between Yu Darvish andDavid Price Chris Archer (who stepped in for the injured ace) as they combined for 15 in, 6 H, 4 BB, 3 ER and 19 K's. Neither received a decision as Texas won their lone game of the series in extra innings. James Shields lived up to his moniker of 'Big Game James' as he utterly dominated a strong Rangers lineup throwing a complete game 2 hit shutout and was aided by a three home run game from B.J. Upton.
5. U.S. Open Tennis
The weather was the big winner of the weekend as rain caused havoc on the schedule. The Men's Final has been pushed to 4pm today and it will be...drum roll please...Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic. I am as shocked as you are folks. As soon as Roger Federer lost, we knew it would come down to the last of the Big 4 and it did. The women's side was much more tightly contested even though it ended as was expected. Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka played a wonderful three set match in which the #1 seed Azaranka pulled out winning the last two sets. Serena Williams continued to cruise through the Open as she crushed Sara Errani in straight sets. This set up a dream match up for fans and they were treated to some high level, high intensity tennis. Serena won the first set with ease again and I thought the tournament was over. Azarenka had other thoughts as she turned the tables, thumping Williams to force a winner take all third set. Serena was broken early and then broke back. At 3-3 her serve was broken again giving Azarenka a 4-3 lead which she stretched to 5-3. Serena fought back, cutting it to 5-4 and then broke Azarenka who was serving for the match to even the third set at 5 games apiece. Serena held serve and broke Azarenka again to win the championship. It was enthralling and I'm so happy I brought the small television to the man cave and didn't have to miss it.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants
The Dodgers had a great chance to make the N.L. West a true race with a strong weekend, but things got worse for them as the days went by. On Friday, Giants starter Tim Lincecum tried everything in his power to let the Dodgers win. He walked 7 batters in 6.1 innings, but Los Angeles couldn't get the big hit stranding 11 runners in a 5-2 loss where San Francisco scored 4 runs in their final three at bats. Saturday came and the Dodgers were without Matt Kemp who is suffering from a sore shoulder. They had to face Matt Cain and fared as expected as they were trailing 2-1 going to the 8th inning. They tied the score and chased Cain and then got the go ahead and eventual winning run in the 9th. Knowing they had Clayton Kershaw going on Sunday, the Dodgers had to feel excited about taking the series. Then word came Sunday afternoon that Kershaw was scratched with an injury. That must have deflated the locker room as Barry Zito (yes, him) dominated Los Angeles with 6.1 shutout innings as the Giants won 4-0 to extend their lead to 5.5 games.
3. Detroit Tigers at Los Angeles Angels
Somebody in the Detroit locker room better send the Kansas City Royals a thank you card. The Tigers rolled into Los Angeles to face the scorching hot Angels and got swept right out of town. They only lost a game in the standings to the White Sox thanks to Kansas City winning two of three, but have practically fallen out of the Wild Card race. The Angels, on the other hand, have won 6 in a row and 11 of 12 as they welcome Oakland to southern California for a four game series after just taking three straight in Oakland. They are 2.5 games behind the Athletics and 6 behind Texas. Detroit had best lick their wounds quickly as they fly to Chicago to battle the White Sox in their own four game mega-series. Oh about the Verlander-Trout match up...yeah Trout hit a bomb off of Justin in the 1st inning...statement made.
2. New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles
This was the exact opposite series than that of the Rangers/Rays series. 16, 13, 9, 16. That's a lot of runs by two good hitting, average pitching teams. The Orioles won the first game behind 6 home runs, but the Yankees struck back in game two with 3 home runs of their own (as did the Orioles...remember pitching optional) to win. Game three was the 'pitchers duel' of the series between C.C. Sabathia, who is clearly pitching injured, and Joe Saunders. Yup, grasping at straws here. The Orioles hit three more home runs to win another one run game. They tied the Yankees for 1st again, but lost lead off hitter Nick Markakis to a broken hand. This must have stung the Baltimore clubhouse because they got thrashed on Sunday 13-3, failing again at their chance to stand alone atop the A.L. East. Life doesn't getting any easier for Baltimore as Tampa Bay strolls into town with a chance to knock the Orioles to third place.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos
Welcome back Peyton Manning. The NFL missed you while you were gone. After sitting out a year with a neck injury and switching teams, Manning didn't skip a beat. After each team started slowly, things got going in the second quarter when Knoshown Moreno scampered in for a score. Big Ben took the Steelers right down the field and hit Heath Miller for a touchdown as the 1st half ended. Pittsburgh got the ball back to start the 3rd quarter and used 9 minutes to score 3 points. In real time, Peyton Manning didn't run an actual play from scrimmage (kneel down doesn't count to me) in an hour and now trailed 13-7. Two plays and 36 seconds later, it was 14-13 Broncos as Manning connected with Demaryius Thomas on a 71 yard score. Pittsburgh then controlled the ball for the remainder of the 3rd quarter, but still trailed by 1 point. That didn't last long as the Steelers scored in the first minute to go up 19-14. Then Peyton took over. He led the Broncos on back to back scoring drives for 10 points giving them a 25-19 lead and Tracy Porter sealed the deal for Denver with a pick-six touchdown (as he is known to do).
Thursday night: Burger grand opening at ZBurger w/ Philly cheese steaks, custard, fries, hot dogs, onion rings and some milkshakes (not necessarily in that order).
Friday night: Burger grand opening at Kraze: w/ fries and a milkshake
Saturday: College Football, work, survived a mini hurricane, dodged a tornado and got some pizza (must find veggies this week)
Sunday: Football, Baseball, Golf, Tennis, Fantasy Football (and still no veggies...do Doritos count?)
If your weekend was like that or maybe you went on Burger Days VI (www.burgerdays.com) you may have missed something...let me catch you up.
10. BMW Championship
I went out on a limb on Thursday and called that Tiger Woods would win this week. Well that didn't happen as Rory McIlroy continued his recent dominance winning for the second week in a row. Tiger finished T-4th, three shots behind. Phil Mickelson remembered that he was once good and came on strong over the weekend tying for second place. With next weeks Tour Championship starting on Thursday, the golf world will be all abuzz with the three biggest draws finally playing well at the same time. McIlroy has put his early season distractions aside and is proving to be the prodigy that everyone thought he was going to be. It will be difficult to go against him winning a third straight and the FedEx Cup in Atlanta.
9. College Football - Upset Alert
Behind six touchdown passes from Matt Barkley, USC eased by Syracuse in New Jersey (although they didn't cover...sorry Luis, I warned you). Florida St. was a 70.5 point favorite over Savannah 'thanks for the $' St. and led 28-0 seven minutes into the game. Then the weather took over. A couple of rain delays and 27 more points later, the game was mercifully called in the 3rd quarter canceling the spread and saving a lot of people some money because it would have been 80-0 easy. As for the games I figured were going to be close. Missouri played a good three quarters, but Georgia played all four quarters, ruining the Tigers first SEC game, losing 41-20. My upset pick at work (trust me) was Wisconsin losing to Oregon St. outright and they did 10-7, scoring their only points with less than 2 minutes left in the game. Nebraska went out west to play UCLA and got upended in a great game 36-30. Of course I can't forget to point out the embarrassment that was Arkansas who got caught looking ahead to #1 Alabama next week by getting utterly shocked by Louisiana-Monroe (who??) 34-31 in OT. Yikes!
8. Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints
Control yourself Jason...settle down...SUPER BOWL HERE WE COME!!! Stop that...sorry for the outburst, but did you see RGIII? He looked good, real good. Of course so did Cam Newton last season after a week and Carolina finished 6-10 and looked pitiful Sunday. All the gadgets, the speed, the offense that was hidden during preseason was unleashed as #10 led the Redskins to 10 points in each quarter to upend the Saints 40-32. I give credit to Drew Brees on never giving in and keeping me on the edge of my seat down to the final play of the game, but his brilliance wasn't enough this weekend. Is it the Super Bowl host city curse?? Maybe, but I'm thrilled to see the Redskins finally show some excitement on the offensive side of the ball. RGIII FOR MVP...NO WAIT HALL OF FAME!!!! Agghhh I can't stop myself.
7. San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers
It appears that the Packers have found their Kryptonite...a really good defense. Two straight games now (dating back to the playoffs against the Giants) the vaunted Green Bay offense was held in check in a loss. Both times at home and in relatively similar fashion this time falling by a score of 30-22 (37-20 vs. New York in the playoffs). The 49ers stuffed the non existent running game of the Packers and pressured Aaron Rodgers just enough to keep him off balance. Green Bay needs to find some offensive balance or one of two things is bound to happen: either they will lose again in the playoffs or Rodgers arm will fall off by Thanksgiving. San Francisco is going to be the real deal again this season. Their offense is leaps and bounds better with Randy Moss and great depth at running back.
6. Texas Rangers at Tampa Bay Rays
4, 6 and 6. The total runs scored in each game. Good pitching won this weekend as it is apt to do come September and October. Tampa Bay took two of three games keeping themselves close in the Wild Card and the A.L. East races. The Rangers saw their lead in the A.L. West shrink to 3.5 games over Oakland as the Athletics swept the Seattle Mariners. Saturday was a great pitchers duel between Yu Darvish and
5. U.S. Open Tennis
The weather was the big winner of the weekend as rain caused havoc on the schedule. The Men's Final has been pushed to 4pm today and it will be...drum roll please...Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic. I am as shocked as you are folks. As soon as Roger Federer lost, we knew it would come down to the last of the Big 4 and it did. The women's side was much more tightly contested even though it ended as was expected. Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka played a wonderful three set match in which the #1 seed Azaranka pulled out winning the last two sets. Serena Williams continued to cruise through the Open as she crushed Sara Errani in straight sets. This set up a dream match up for fans and they were treated to some high level, high intensity tennis. Serena won the first set with ease again and I thought the tournament was over. Azarenka had other thoughts as she turned the tables, thumping Williams to force a winner take all third set. Serena was broken early and then broke back. At 3-3 her serve was broken again giving Azarenka a 4-3 lead which she stretched to 5-3. Serena fought back, cutting it to 5-4 and then broke Azarenka who was serving for the match to even the third set at 5 games apiece. Serena held serve and broke Azarenka again to win the championship. It was enthralling and I'm so happy I brought the small television to the man cave and didn't have to miss it.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants
The Dodgers had a great chance to make the N.L. West a true race with a strong weekend, but things got worse for them as the days went by. On Friday, Giants starter Tim Lincecum tried everything in his power to let the Dodgers win. He walked 7 batters in 6.1 innings, but Los Angeles couldn't get the big hit stranding 11 runners in a 5-2 loss where San Francisco scored 4 runs in their final three at bats. Saturday came and the Dodgers were without Matt Kemp who is suffering from a sore shoulder. They had to face Matt Cain and fared as expected as they were trailing 2-1 going to the 8th inning. They tied the score and chased Cain and then got the go ahead and eventual winning run in the 9th. Knowing they had Clayton Kershaw going on Sunday, the Dodgers had to feel excited about taking the series. Then word came Sunday afternoon that Kershaw was scratched with an injury. That must have deflated the locker room as Barry Zito (yes, him) dominated Los Angeles with 6.1 shutout innings as the Giants won 4-0 to extend their lead to 5.5 games.
3. Detroit Tigers at Los Angeles Angels
Somebody in the Detroit locker room better send the Kansas City Royals a thank you card. The Tigers rolled into Los Angeles to face the scorching hot Angels and got swept right out of town. They only lost a game in the standings to the White Sox thanks to Kansas City winning two of three, but have practically fallen out of the Wild Card race. The Angels, on the other hand, have won 6 in a row and 11 of 12 as they welcome Oakland to southern California for a four game series after just taking three straight in Oakland. They are 2.5 games behind the Athletics and 6 behind Texas. Detroit had best lick their wounds quickly as they fly to Chicago to battle the White Sox in their own four game mega-series. Oh about the Verlander-Trout match up...yeah Trout hit a bomb off of Justin in the 1st inning...statement made.
2. New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles
This was the exact opposite series than that of the Rangers/Rays series. 16, 13, 9, 16. That's a lot of runs by two good hitting, average pitching teams. The Orioles won the first game behind 6 home runs, but the Yankees struck back in game two with 3 home runs of their own (as did the Orioles...remember pitching optional) to win. Game three was the 'pitchers duel' of the series between C.C. Sabathia, who is clearly pitching injured, and Joe Saunders. Yup, grasping at straws here. The Orioles hit three more home runs to win another one run game. They tied the Yankees for 1st again, but lost lead off hitter Nick Markakis to a broken hand. This must have stung the Baltimore clubhouse because they got thrashed on Sunday 13-3, failing again at their chance to stand alone atop the A.L. East. Life doesn't getting any easier for Baltimore as Tampa Bay strolls into town with a chance to knock the Orioles to third place.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos
Welcome back Peyton Manning. The NFL missed you while you were gone. After sitting out a year with a neck injury and switching teams, Manning didn't skip a beat. After each team started slowly, things got going in the second quarter when Knoshown Moreno scampered in for a score. Big Ben took the Steelers right down the field and hit Heath Miller for a touchdown as the 1st half ended. Pittsburgh got the ball back to start the 3rd quarter and used 9 minutes to score 3 points. In real time, Peyton Manning didn't run an actual play from scrimmage (kneel down doesn't count to me) in an hour and now trailed 13-7. Two plays and 36 seconds later, it was 14-13 Broncos as Manning connected with Demaryius Thomas on a 71 yard score. Pittsburgh then controlled the ball for the remainder of the 3rd quarter, but still trailed by 1 point. That didn't last long as the Steelers scored in the first minute to go up 19-14. Then Peyton took over. He led the Broncos on back to back scoring drives for 10 points giving them a 25-19 lead and Tracy Porter sealed the deal for Denver with a pick-six touchdown (as he is known to do).
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