I only have one thing to say about the Carolina Panthers signing Vinny Testaverde (43 years old) to be their backup quarterback.
At least it's not Aaron Brooks.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Why Lou Piniella was wrong
I hate to question Lou Piniella.
I thought the Cubs hired the wrong guy before the season (Joe Girardi would have been my choice), but he proved to be the right person for the job by leading the Cubs to the Central Division title.
Piniella made timely, key decisions during the season, kept his players motivated and orchestrated a tirade at an umpire that energized the team and swept it into the playoffs.
All that said, he was wrong to pull Carlos Zambrano after six innings last night against Arizona.
Look, I understand the logic behind it. Zambrano will pitch again on Sunday in Game 4 (if the series gets that far). Piniella wants to be sure he’s rested, and relied on a bullpen that had been steady the last two weeks.
But if you are Chicago and tied with Arizona 1-1 in Arizona with Brandon Webb pitching, that’s almost a must-win game.
Despite giving up a solo home run, Zambrano was absolutely filthy. Why take him out for essentially a rookie? Carlos Marmol had a great regular season, but he’s still young and without playoff experience.
I think you have to leave in your horse and ride him through about eight innings. Hey, Zambrano is a big-game pitcher too. Even on three-days rest, he’s be ready to go on Sunday.
A 1-0 lead in a best-of-five series is crucial — almost essential. When you have a real chance to get that done, you stick with your best players.
I thought the Cubs hired the wrong guy before the season (Joe Girardi would have been my choice), but he proved to be the right person for the job by leading the Cubs to the Central Division title.
Piniella made timely, key decisions during the season, kept his players motivated and orchestrated a tirade at an umpire that energized the team and swept it into the playoffs.
All that said, he was wrong to pull Carlos Zambrano after six innings last night against Arizona.
Look, I understand the logic behind it. Zambrano will pitch again on Sunday in Game 4 (if the series gets that far). Piniella wants to be sure he’s rested, and relied on a bullpen that had been steady the last two weeks.
But if you are Chicago and tied with Arizona 1-1 in Arizona with Brandon Webb pitching, that’s almost a must-win game.
Despite giving up a solo home run, Zambrano was absolutely filthy. Why take him out for essentially a rookie? Carlos Marmol had a great regular season, but he’s still young and without playoff experience.
I think you have to leave in your horse and ride him through about eight innings. Hey, Zambrano is a big-game pitcher too. Even on three-days rest, he’s be ready to go on Sunday.
A 1-0 lead in a best-of-five series is crucial — almost essential. When you have a real chance to get that done, you stick with your best players.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Breaking down the North Piedmont 3A
Coaches around Iredell County said all throughout the offseason that winning the 10-team North Piedmont 3A would be no easy task.
Turns out that was exactly right.
Here we are four games into the nine-game schedule, the time where usually one or two teams have separated themselves from the rest of the pack. Not so in this league.
East Rowan, Mooresville, Northwest Cabarrus, Statesville, West Iredell and West Rowan are all 3-1 in conference play.
Obviously, any of the six teams has the talent and ability to win the conference, but let's take a look at which team is in the best shape and the big matches each week.
Easiest schedule remaining: West Rowan
The Falcons' remaining five opponents currently have an 8-12 record, and they have three nearly gimmies against Carson (0-4), Lake Norman (1-3) and South Rowan (1-3).
Easiest schedule remaining out of county schools: West Iredell
The Warriors still have North Iredell and Carson (0-8 in NPC) on the schedule. They’ll play three teams currently at 3-1, but get two of them at home.
Hardest schedule remaining: Statesville
The Greyhounds’ remaining five opponents are 12-8, although Statesville does have a few key games at home. All of Statesville's conference wins have come against sub-.500 teams.
County school in the best position: West Iredell
By defeating defending conference champion West Rowan last week, the Warriors should have a leg up on the other two county schools. West Rowan might still be the best team in the conference, and I think the Falcons have a good chance to win the rest of their games. If the Warriors win out, they’ll be tied with West Rowan and will hold the tiebreaker.
Biggest games (by week) the rest of the year
October 5: Northwest Cabarrus at Statesville
This is the only conference game between two teams with winning records during this week. After losing a heartbreaker at home to West Rowan two weeks ago, Statesville gets another shot with a big home game.
October 12: Mooresville at Statesville/West Iredell at Northwest Cabarrus (tie)
Huge week in the NPC –East Rowan will also play at West Rowan. These games could be elimination games in the NPC race for the Greyhounds and Mooresville (who will still have West Rowan left).
October 19: Statesville at West Iredell
This will conclude a brutal three-game stretch for the Hounds.
October 26: Mooresville at West Iredell
Should be a good one when Mooresville's run-it-right-at-you offense takes on West's spread-out-the-field squad.
November 3: West Rowan at Mooresville
If West Rowan and Mooresville both go undefeated until this point, this game will decide the conference champion. Even if one team has lost again, they’ll have a great shot to play the spoiler role and perhaps still clinch a share of the conference crown.
Turns out that was exactly right.
Here we are four games into the nine-game schedule, the time where usually one or two teams have separated themselves from the rest of the pack. Not so in this league.
East Rowan, Mooresville, Northwest Cabarrus, Statesville, West Iredell and West Rowan are all 3-1 in conference play.
Obviously, any of the six teams has the talent and ability to win the conference, but let's take a look at which team is in the best shape and the big matches each week.
Easiest schedule remaining: West Rowan
The Falcons' remaining five opponents currently have an 8-12 record, and they have three nearly gimmies against Carson (0-4), Lake Norman (1-3) and South Rowan (1-3).
Easiest schedule remaining out of county schools: West Iredell
The Warriors still have North Iredell and Carson (0-8 in NPC) on the schedule. They’ll play three teams currently at 3-1, but get two of them at home.
Hardest schedule remaining: Statesville
The Greyhounds’ remaining five opponents are 12-8, although Statesville does have a few key games at home. All of Statesville's conference wins have come against sub-.500 teams.
County school in the best position: West Iredell
By defeating defending conference champion West Rowan last week, the Warriors should have a leg up on the other two county schools. West Rowan might still be the best team in the conference, and I think the Falcons have a good chance to win the rest of their games. If the Warriors win out, they’ll be tied with West Rowan and will hold the tiebreaker.
Biggest games (by week) the rest of the year
October 5: Northwest Cabarrus at Statesville
This is the only conference game between two teams with winning records during this week. After losing a heartbreaker at home to West Rowan two weeks ago, Statesville gets another shot with a big home game.
October 12: Mooresville at Statesville/West Iredell at Northwest Cabarrus (tie)
Huge week in the NPC –East Rowan will also play at West Rowan. These games could be elimination games in the NPC race for the Greyhounds and Mooresville (who will still have West Rowan left).
October 19: Statesville at West Iredell
This will conclude a brutal three-game stretch for the Hounds.
October 26: Mooresville at West Iredell
Should be a good one when Mooresville's run-it-right-at-you offense takes on West's spread-out-the-field squad.
November 3: West Rowan at Mooresville
If West Rowan and Mooresville both go undefeated until this point, this game will decide the conference champion. Even if one team has lost again, they’ll have a great shot to play the spoiler role and perhaps still clinch a share of the conference crown.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Appalachian's response?
Now, we'll find out of this Appalachian State team is a true champion.
After 17 consecutive wins, the Mountaineers dropped a 42-31 decision to Wofford over the weekend.
I had a gut feeling Wofford would present a huge challenge to the Mountaineers, which turned out to be the case. The Terriers won the battle up front, controlled the clock, played smarter, played hungrier and just flat out played better.
It's tough to prepare for an offense that you'll see only once a year - like Wofford's Wingbone. It's also tough to beat a team who plays like its the Super Bowl. That's the way Wofford approached the game, and it worked.
Give all the credit to the Terriers, they played an outstanding game.
Now, let's see how the Mountaineers respond.
Appalachian has not played a good, solid, game since the season-opening win over Michigan. The team sleep-walked (slept-walked? What's the official term here?) to an easy win over Lenoir-Rhyne and showed up in spurts in a win over Northern Arizona.
The defensive line has been suspect, the defense has a whole has not created turnovers and the running game has been grounded. The players still hear about the Michigan game daily.
Perhaps this loss, ultimately, was the best thing that could have happened.
After 17 consecutive wins, the Mountaineers dropped a 42-31 decision to Wofford over the weekend.
I had a gut feeling Wofford would present a huge challenge to the Mountaineers, which turned out to be the case. The Terriers won the battle up front, controlled the clock, played smarter, played hungrier and just flat out played better.
It's tough to prepare for an offense that you'll see only once a year - like Wofford's Wingbone. It's also tough to beat a team who plays like its the Super Bowl. That's the way Wofford approached the game, and it worked.
Give all the credit to the Terriers, they played an outstanding game.
Now, let's see how the Mountaineers respond.
Appalachian has not played a good, solid, game since the season-opening win over Michigan. The team sleep-walked (slept-walked? What's the official term here?) to an easy win over Lenoir-Rhyne and showed up in spurts in a win over Northern Arizona.
The defensive line has been suspect, the defense has a whole has not created turnovers and the running game has been grounded. The players still hear about the Michigan game daily.
Perhaps this loss, ultimately, was the best thing that could have happened.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Panthers get out-Fox-ed
Was at the Carolina Panthers game on Sunday and was one of the many who bolted for the exits in the fourth quarter.
I did manage to beat some of the traffic, but also missed Steve Smith's 74-yard touchdown in person.
Call it an even trade.
I think the biggest thing to take from this is that Houston completely outcoached Carolina's staff. From playcalling to schemes to in-game adjustments, John Fox and Co. were handled by Gary Kubiak. The Texans exploited the middle the field the entire game, taking advantage of sub par Carolina safeties (deemed a non "impact" position earlier in the year). And for some reason, the Panthers went away from Steve Smith in the second and third quarters.
Houston got pressure up front with its defensive line, and Julius Peppers was a non-factor. For some reason, Carolina stuck Dan Morgan on wide receiver Andre Johnson when he lined up in the slot, resulting in two big plays and a touchdown. I don't care how fast a linebacker is, he can't cover Andre Johnson.
The other thing to take is that Carolina again lost all the momentum of a big win. It seems like whenever the Panthers get momentum on their side, they lose it very quickly by losing games big or losing games they ought to win.
Fox will face considerable pressure if a team this talented continues this hot-and-cold routine the rest of the season.
I did manage to beat some of the traffic, but also missed Steve Smith's 74-yard touchdown in person.
Call it an even trade.
I think the biggest thing to take from this is that Houston completely outcoached Carolina's staff. From playcalling to schemes to in-game adjustments, John Fox and Co. were handled by Gary Kubiak. The Texans exploited the middle the field the entire game, taking advantage of sub par Carolina safeties (deemed a non "impact" position earlier in the year). And for some reason, the Panthers went away from Steve Smith in the second and third quarters.
Houston got pressure up front with its defensive line, and Julius Peppers was a non-factor. For some reason, Carolina stuck Dan Morgan on wide receiver Andre Johnson when he lined up in the slot, resulting in two big plays and a touchdown. I don't care how fast a linebacker is, he can't cover Andre Johnson.
The other thing to take is that Carolina again lost all the momentum of a big win. It seems like whenever the Panthers get momentum on their side, they lose it very quickly by losing games big or losing games they ought to win.
Fox will face considerable pressure if a team this talented continues this hot-and-cold routine the rest of the season.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Official NFL predictions
It's that time, the annual make-your-NFL-predictions week.
I'm getting mine in just before the unofficial deadline, which is before the NFL's first games.
Here are my predictions - also, please don't e-mail me and tell me my wins and losses don't add up. I'm just guessing, not going through the schedule and predicting every game.
AFC
East
New England 12-4
Buffalo 7-9
Miami 7-9
New York 6-10
North
Baltimore 11-5
Pittsburgh 9-7
Cincinnati 9-7
Cleveland 5-11
South
Indianapolis 11-5
Tennessee 8-8
Jacksonville 8-8
Houston 6-10
West
San Diego 11-5
Denver 10-6
Kansas City 6-10
Oakland 4-12
NFC
East
Philadelphia 10-6
Dallas 9-7
Washington 8-8
New York 6-10
North
Chicago 12-4
Green Bay 7-9
Detroit 7-9
Minnesota 5-11
South
New Orleans 12-4
Carolina 9-7
Tampa Bay 7-9
Atlanta 5-11
West
St. Louis 10-6
Seattle 9-7
San Francisco 8-8
Arizona 7-9
Playoffs
AFC: New England, Baltimore, Indianapolis, San Diego, Denver, Pittsburgh
NFC: Philadelphia, Chicago, New Orleans, St. Louis, Seattle, Carolina
Title games
AFC: New England over San Diego
NFC: New Orleans over St. Louis
New England wins the Super Bowl (shocker). By the way, I had St. Louis in the Super Bowl for about six hours before I came to my senses and edited this post.
I'm getting mine in just before the unofficial deadline, which is before the NFL's first games.
Here are my predictions - also, please don't e-mail me and tell me my wins and losses don't add up. I'm just guessing, not going through the schedule and predicting every game.
AFC
East
New England 12-4
Buffalo 7-9
Miami 7-9
New York 6-10
North
Baltimore 11-5
Pittsburgh 9-7
Cincinnati 9-7
Cleveland 5-11
South
Indianapolis 11-5
Tennessee 8-8
Jacksonville 8-8
Houston 6-10
West
San Diego 11-5
Denver 10-6
Kansas City 6-10
Oakland 4-12
NFC
East
Philadelphia 10-6
Dallas 9-7
Washington 8-8
New York 6-10
North
Chicago 12-4
Green Bay 7-9
Detroit 7-9
Minnesota 5-11
South
New Orleans 12-4
Carolina 9-7
Tampa Bay 7-9
Atlanta 5-11
West
St. Louis 10-6
Seattle 9-7
San Francisco 8-8
Arizona 7-9
Playoffs
AFC: New England, Baltimore, Indianapolis, San Diego, Denver, Pittsburgh
NFC: Philadelphia, Chicago, New Orleans, St. Louis, Seattle, Carolina
Title games
AFC: New England over San Diego
NFC: New Orleans over St. Louis
New England wins the Super Bowl (shocker). By the way, I had St. Louis in the Super Bowl for about six hours before I came to my senses and edited this post.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
What it all means
Appalachian State 34, No. 5 Michigan 32.
Holy smokes.
Appalachian State, my alma mater, was the focus of all the Web pages and college football shows yesterday. It was THE story of the day, and will be THE story of the season. What does it mean to be an ASU grad right now? I'll try to sum up some thoughts (this might get long, so just bear with me).
Appalachian's two consecutive FCS (formerly Division I-AA) national championships are instantly justified in a world of big-time college football. In an ACC-minded state, there was teasing and trash talk about the implied level of competition ASU faced the last two seasons. Some was just good-natured ribbing, some was just ignorance. Any future prodding of Appalachian's "junior varsity championship" can be quickly rebuked with one simple phrase: 34-32.
Some national columnists were quick to rip apart Michigan. "Congrats to Appalachian, but Michigan ....." I watched the entire game, and the reason Appalachian won was because it completely outplayed (and outcoached) Michigan. That's not only my opinion - Michigan players Mike Hart and Jake Long said the exact same thing. Michigan, one of the most heralded football programs in the country, could not contain Appalachian's speed. This game was not given to the Mountaineers. They went into the Big House and took it.
When Michigan took the lead late in the game, most people - myself included - figured that was the end of the Mountaineers. But, as corny as this may sound, if Appalachian has proven anything over the past two years it's that the team knows how to win football games.
From now on, whenever a big upset in any sport appears like it has a chance of happening, Appalachian State will somehow be mentioned. When football teams all over the country - from middle school to high school to college - take the field against a much bigger, favored opponent, head coaches will use ASU as a motivational too. "If Appalachian can beat Michigan, then we can win, too."
Big-time programs will also use this game as a motivational tool to get players ready against a perceived weaker team. "If Appalachian State can beat Michigan, then this team can beat us, too."
A few more final thoughts:
One of the coolest things about the win was how many people were cheering for ASU. I've read comments by Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan State and Iowa fans all congratulating Appalachian.
I sent and received more than 150 text messages in a four-hour span.
One thing a lot of people don't remember - or know - was that ASU was undermanned in that game. Starting safety Titus Howard was suspended for a violation of team rules, and All-American center Scott Suttle sat out with an injury.
So many plays that had to be made, and so many players that made them. T.J. Courman making a nifty move on the sideline and gaining an extra 10 yards before going out of bounds on that last drive ... converted quarterback CoCo Hillary having the presence to NOT throw downfield on a called WR-pass on the last drive ... offensive guard Kerry Brown's three monster blocks that sent bigger linemen tumbling ... Brian Quick, dropping a sure touchdown pass, and then blocking a field goal moments later ... Leonard Love's interception ... Kevin Richardson gutting out 90 yards against a monster defensive line ...
I think most ASU alumni would not trade those two FCS national championships for anything. But there's no question the exposure the university will receive for this win dwarfs everything else.
Finally, out of every video I've seen, this one is by far my favorite.
Holy smokes.
Appalachian State, my alma mater, was the focus of all the Web pages and college football shows yesterday. It was THE story of the day, and will be THE story of the season. What does it mean to be an ASU grad right now? I'll try to sum up some thoughts (this might get long, so just bear with me).
Appalachian's two consecutive FCS (formerly Division I-AA) national championships are instantly justified in a world of big-time college football. In an ACC-minded state, there was teasing and trash talk about the implied level of competition ASU faced the last two seasons. Some was just good-natured ribbing, some was just ignorance. Any future prodding of Appalachian's "junior varsity championship" can be quickly rebuked with one simple phrase: 34-32.
Some national columnists were quick to rip apart Michigan. "Congrats to Appalachian, but Michigan ....." I watched the entire game, and the reason Appalachian won was because it completely outplayed (and outcoached) Michigan. That's not only my opinion - Michigan players Mike Hart and Jake Long said the exact same thing. Michigan, one of the most heralded football programs in the country, could not contain Appalachian's speed. This game was not given to the Mountaineers. They went into the Big House and took it.
When Michigan took the lead late in the game, most people - myself included - figured that was the end of the Mountaineers. But, as corny as this may sound, if Appalachian has proven anything over the past two years it's that the team knows how to win football games.
From now on, whenever a big upset in any sport appears like it has a chance of happening, Appalachian State will somehow be mentioned. When football teams all over the country - from middle school to high school to college - take the field against a much bigger, favored opponent, head coaches will use ASU as a motivational too. "If Appalachian can beat Michigan, then we can win, too."
Big-time programs will also use this game as a motivational tool to get players ready against a perceived weaker team. "If Appalachian State can beat Michigan, then this team can beat us, too."
A few more final thoughts:
One of the coolest things about the win was how many people were cheering for ASU. I've read comments by Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan State and Iowa fans all congratulating Appalachian.
I sent and received more than 150 text messages in a four-hour span.
One thing a lot of people don't remember - or know - was that ASU was undermanned in that game. Starting safety Titus Howard was suspended for a violation of team rules, and All-American center Scott Suttle sat out with an injury.
So many plays that had to be made, and so many players that made them. T.J. Courman making a nifty move on the sideline and gaining an extra 10 yards before going out of bounds on that last drive ... converted quarterback CoCo Hillary having the presence to NOT throw downfield on a called WR-pass on the last drive ... offensive guard Kerry Brown's three monster blocks that sent bigger linemen tumbling ... Brian Quick, dropping a sure touchdown pass, and then blocking a field goal moments later ... Leonard Love's interception ... Kevin Richardson gutting out 90 yards against a monster defensive line ...
I think most ASU alumni would not trade those two FCS national championships for anything. But there's no question the exposure the university will receive for this win dwarfs everything else.
Finally, out of every video I've seen, this one is by far my favorite.
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