tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69480035483883586462024-03-07T20:56:53.362-08:00Barry's Sports BlastAn editorial on national sports issues written by a life-long, passionate sports fan.Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-20677576504766743612012-03-26T19:41:00.001-07:002012-03-28T03:32:29.953-07:00He's Back: Woods dominates at Bay Hill<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tiger Woods
looked like the Tiger of old as he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday.
Tiger looked impressive as he made clutch putts and hit approach shots with
laser-like accuracy. His victory reminded golf fans of how fun it is to
watch him play well. I’m sure that Tiger’s victory also had TV
executives smiling in their suits as the ratings on Sunday rivaled those of the
NCAA tournament games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tiger Woods
is definitely not the same dominate player that we all remember from the past
ten years. A ruined reputation and an aging body have taken their toll on the
former number one player in the world. Throw in a new swing coach, new caddie,
and several swing changes, and it all adds up to a 30 month official win
drought. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tiger’s win
could not have come at a better time. Two weeks ago, he had to withdraw at
Doral due to a nagging injury. That had people actually debating if he would
ever win a tournament again. Now, it looks like Tiger is rounding his game
into championship form two weeks before The Masters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And oh yeah,
did I mention the tell-all book written by former coach Hank Haney? Haney’s book
comes out on Tuesday, and is said to paint a very negative picture of Tiger.
What’s he really going to tell us? Tiger is arrogant, cold with the media, and
loved to cheat on his wife. Really? Tell me something I don’t know. That’s all
old news. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve said it once, and I’ll continue saying
it- golf is just better when Tiger Woods is winning. Regardless of the poor
choices he has made in his personal life, Tiger Woods has brought millions of
fans to the sport of golf. Even the most casual golf fan gets interested when
Tiger is in contention. Heck, my 2 year- old daughter chose watching Sunday’s
final round over playing outside. (She pointed to the TV and yelled whenever I
turned it off!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just imagine
the scene on Easter Sunday if Tiger Woods is in contention on the back nine at
Augusta. All of the doubters may have to fall silent as Tiger adds one more
major and takes a step closer to breaking Jack’s record of 18 major titles. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Talk about “Must See TV.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-22238662058375821672012-03-22T19:47:00.002-07:002012-03-23T03:40:55.036-07:00Tebow Mania Heads to NY<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the
signing of Peyton Manning, the Denver Broncos had no choice but to trade Tim
Tebow. (That gust of wind you felt was John Elway letting out a sigh of relief)
The Broncos are now stable at the QB position and do not have to worry about
pleasing fans by playing Tebow. Tim Tebow has been traded to the NY Jets and
will presumably run their version of the Wildcat Offense. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think that
this is a terrible move for both Tebow and the Jets. The New York Jets are the
most dysfunctional team in the NFL. The last thing that they need is the hype
and drama that comes with Tim Tebow. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
to mention that fact that he is once again probably the third best QB on the
depth chart behind Mark Sanchez and Drew Stanton. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Jets
already have guys in the locker room, as well as many fans that question the
ability of starting QB Mark Sanchez. The addition of Tim Tebow will only add
fuel to the fire. Can you imagine if Sanchez comes out and struggles mightily
in the first 3 games? All of New York will be screaming for Tebow Time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Jets
just committed to Mark Sanchez a few weeks ago by signing him to a contract
extension. So what is the point of bringing in a backup QB (with terrible passing stats) who brings so much media
attention? I just don’t see how this can work. I know that the Jets effectively
ran the wildcat with Brad Smith a few years ago, but who cares. Tebow may end
up being on the field 10 plays during a game. Is this really worth the
attention that comes with bringing in a polarizing figure such as Tebow?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tebow does
have value in the NFL, most likely as a short yardage back. I love his story
and really want to see him succeed. I just don’t think NY is the place that is
going to happen. I feel Jacksonville (Tebow had the choice between NY and Jax)
would have been a much better fit. That would have also benefited the league by
greatly raising tickets sales for a struggling franchise. In the end I think
this is going to turn out to be a horrible football move. It will, however, benefit
the Jets financially through the sale of # 15 jerseys. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who really
knows how this will turn out? All I know is that I hope HBO brings back the
acclaimed show, Hard Knocks: NY Jets. I can’t wait to see Tebow’s reaction the
first time that Rex Ryan goes into one of his f-bomb laced rants. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-27344036465270583292012-03-20T18:02:00.000-07:002012-03-20T18:04:50.962-07:00Bracket Madness<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can see from my lack of posts, I have
been pretty busy lately with all sorts of different things. (I’m on Twitter
now! <span style="color: black;">@barryleonardjr</span>) I’ve had many opinions on different sports topics in the
past month. I just haven’t had time to write them down. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That doesn’t mean there hasn’t been anything
going on in the world of sports. In fact, this is one of the busiest sports
times of the years.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">What better
topic to discuss than March Madness? This is the time of year where everyone,
including myself, becomes an “expert” on college hoops. We all fill out
our office brackets in hopes of winning the grand prize- bragging rights for a
year (I wouldn’t dare suggest that we would get some sort of financial gain
from it) It’s pretty comical that so many people, who know so little about the
sport, get involved in this “national pastime” <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">No matter
what bracket pool you join, you're bound to have the same characters in it: The
guy who claims he knows everything about every team, the guy who picks all
favorites ,the guy who is convinced his 13 seed sleeper will surprise everyone ,
and my favorite, the guy who lets his wife pick for him by using mascots or
uniform colors. The reality is, no matter what anyone says, luck plays a major
part in having a successful bracket.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">Don’t get me
wrong, I am guilty of entering at least one bracket pool every year for the
last ten years or so. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I like to
think that I do actually put some thought and research into my picks. Sure, I
could pick with my heart and say that Syracuse will win it all every year, but
I know that is not reality. (Of course I did pick them this year, even without
Fab Melo!) I usually end up in the middle of the pack, often
getting messed up by listening to the “experts” Jay Bilas and Doug Gotleib on
Bracketology.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">I am sad to
say that I only have eight of this year’s Sweet Sixteen teams in my bracket.
I am pretty proud of my Ohio pick though. (I only picked them from the start
because they were playing Michigan!) Although my bracket was pretty much
finished midway through the second day (thanks Norfolk St. and Lehigh!), I will
still watch every game and cheer for my Orange to come through again. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">I’m
just embarrassed that somewhere out there sits a person with a 90% correct
bracket who probably let their dog choose for them. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;"><o:p>Oh well, better luck next March.</o:p></span></span></span></div>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-88061415940444756982012-02-14T20:24:00.000-08:002012-03-22T17:00:36.424-07:00"Linsanity" Brightens up Dull Sports Season<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> There has been little to write about in the sports world over the past few weeks. The Super Bowl came and went, ending the season that most sports fans care about. We now find ourselves in sort of a sports lull. There is not much that goes on until March Madness begins in a few weeks. Sure, the NBA and NHL seasons are in full swing, but does anyone really beleive that those regular season games mean anything?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> Suddenly, an unknown, undrafted, asian-american kid out of Harvard has captivated the sports world over the last week. New York Knicks pointguard, Jeremy Lin erupted on the sports scene by scoring an NBA record 109 points in his first four starts. Something not even Kobe, Michael, or Shaq could do. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> This story would probably not make it on the radar of the average sports fan if not for the backstory of Jeremy Lin. He graduated from Harvard (not a typical producer of NBA superstars), spent last year in the minor leagues of professional basketball, and was cut by both Golden State and Houston this season. Lin is also the first american born, asian player to make it into the NBA. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> The struggling Knicks signed Lin to fill out their bench as a reserve. Last week he was thrust into action due to injury and other circumstances. All Lin did was put up historical numbers and help the Knicks to five straight wins. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> "Linsanity" has overtaken New York and has now become a national story. It doesn't hurt that he is doing all of this in the biggest media market in the country. Lin's #17 jersey wasn't even produced two weeks ago. It is now the highest selling Knicks jersey and highest selling NBA jersey of the week. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">American sports fans have always loved a good underdog story. Jeremy Lin is the epitome of what an underdog in sports is. In a weeks time he has gone from struggling to make his dream a reality, to the king of New York City. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> By March, the NCAA tournament and Spring Training will be the the main thing on the minds of fans. The Jeremy Lin story will probably be a distant memory. But for now, it's a great way to get through the humdrum of the winter sports season. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">*As I was posting this on Tuesday night "Linsanity" continued to grow. Lin hit a game winning three with 0.5 seconds left to give the Knicks their 6th straight win. -Simply Amazing</span>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-88602867452215536492012-01-29T20:01:00.000-08:002012-01-29T20:03:43.538-08:00Thoughts from the Paterno Memorial<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> On Thursday, January 27th, I was lucky enough to attend the memorial service for Joe Paterno with my wife Becky. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Being an alum, <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1327895001_0">Penn State</span> has always been a big part of my life. I attended games when I was a student there and now I have had season tickets for the last 6 years. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before the scandal,I always said that no matter what, I would be at Paterno's public service. Now more than ever, I felt it was important to show my support to my "Penn State Family"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> It was a surreal scene. I'm used to sitting in the BJC at "TailGreat" before home football games. The band is always playing and everyone is upbeat and happy. This was a totally different atmosphere. I saw people crying even before the service started. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> The service was exaclty what a memorial service is meant to be- a celebration of the person's life. Several videos showing Paterno through the years were mixed in between those who spoke. Players from six different decades spoke at the service. That to me, was amazing. Everyone who spoke had the same message-Joe Paterno was so much more than a football coach. He was a very charitable human being who cared for others as if they were family. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"> <span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1327894866230108">The most poignant part of the service for me was when Jay Paterno spoke about his dad and gave us some insight into what it was like to be a part of his life. I felt that Jay was very well-spoken and held it together very well. Hearing him speak about his dad's final moments in the hospital and telling him, "Dad, we won, you can go home now" really brought me to tears.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> This was a historical event that I will never forget. <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1327894866230112" style="color: #0000bf;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was so great to be around so many Penn Staters who were all there to celebrate the great work that Joe Paterno has done. Penn State would not be half of what it is today without him.</span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Now, I know that some people will say that Joe Paterno did not deserve a memorial service that praised him. There are plenty of people who feel he was an awful human being for helping to cover up the horrible child sex abuse scandal. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The only thing I would say to those people is this- Joe Paterno reported what he was told and those above him dropped the ball. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Paterno cared about Penn State and treated everyone that he coached as if they were family. No coach has ever done as much for their university as Paterno has done. The memorial service was exactly what I hoped it would be. A great celebration of a wonderful humanitarian. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> </span>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-10282257995384384742012-01-22T10:54:00.000-08:002012-01-22T17:54:26.498-08:00The Passing of a Legend <span style="font-size: large;">The passing of Joe Paterno this morning will leave a void in the lives of thousands of people who were positively affected by him. The legendary coach leaves behind countless contributions to young people and a legacy of "Success with Honor" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Sadly, I was not surprised by the news of his death. Can you imagine what this 85 year old man was feeling when he was abruptly fired in November? Paterno spent most of his life making Penn State one of the most prestigious universities and football programs in the country. It is not crazy to think that he simply lost his will to live. Penn State football was all Paterno knew for the last sixty years. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Of course, Paterno's legacy will now be forever tarnished by the terrible Jerry Sandusky situation. Sure, a man in Paterno's position should have morally done more to make sure that the victims were being protected. But let's not forget, Paterno was cleared legally and it is well documented that he technically followed the correct protocol. What happened to those children is a horrible crime. However, Jerry Sandusky is the bad guy, not Joe Paterno. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I had a brief encounter with Paterno while walking on campus one day during my senior year. I couldn't believe my eyes when I realized that the older man walking slowly towards me was actually the great Joe Paterno. Through my shock, I was able to muster a mere, "Hello Coach" as he approached me. He took five seconds out of his busy life to stop and say "Hello" back to me. Its moments like that that Paterno will be remembered for. He did so much for that university and meant so much to the people who attended it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The Penn State family lost its patriarch today. Alumni and fans alike will always remember the good times with Joe Paterno and everything he did to make Penn State football what it is today. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The coke-bottle glasses, blue windbreaker, khaki pants, and black Nikes is a memory that will live forever with all of us. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Rest in peace JoePa - you will live on in the hearts of Penn Staters everywhere. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> WE ARE...... PENN STATE</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-16830126341609854202012-01-19T20:34:00.000-08:002012-01-20T03:58:36.633-08:00Ed Reed: Major Distraction or Master Motivator?<span style="font-size: large;"> As a Baltimore Ravens fan, I am looking forward to the AFC Championship matchup with the New England Patriots. However, instead of focusing on the game, the Ravens have had to deal with controversy all week. The team has had to answer questions about the comments star Safety Ed Reed made about Quarterback Joe Flacco. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Reed, speaking honestly, said that Flacco was rattled by the Houston Texan's defense last week and he didn't seem able to handle the pressure. These comments were not a surprise to anyone who follows the Ravens. Defense has always reigned supreme in Baltimore. The offense has always been there to just "not screw up too badly."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I have no problem with what Reed said. A defense full of superstars is bound to get frustrated with an offense that struggles to find consistency. After Flacco's horrid performance last week, he needs something to wake him up. I just wish Reed's comments would have been kept private. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The problem I have with this is now it has become a distraction to the team. Baltimore is gearing up for its biggest game of the year. They should be planning how to stop Tom Brady, not fielding questions about a defense that seems disgruntled with an ineffective offense. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Again, the fact that there is a rift between the defense and the offense is no real shocker. However, there is an unspoken rule in professional sports that a team's dirty laundry is not to be aired in public. Ed Reed later claimed that he was just trying to motivate Flacco. </span><span style="font-size: large;">As true as his comments were, calling out a teammate days before a huge game is not the best motivation strategy. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hopefully, this will be forgotten about by Monday morning and the Ravens will be celebrating an AFC Championship. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-52590540151838576202012-01-13T20:56:00.000-08:002012-01-14T07:41:36.179-08:00NFL Predictions <span style="font-size: large;"> After going 4-0 with last week's Wild Card predictions, I've decided to try it for this weekend's games. The divisional round usually offers some of the best games of the playoffs. Below are my quick picks for the weekend. </span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Saints @ 49ers</span></u><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> <span style="color: black;">T</span><span style="color: black;">he 49ers are a great story, but Drew Brees has been putting up crazy numbers. The SanFran D will hold him....to just under 400 yards. The Saints win this one easily. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <u><span style="color: blue;">Broncos @ Patriots</span></u></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> <span style="color: black;">Tom Brady and the Patriots made Tim Tebow and the Broncos look silly just a few weeks ago in Denver.. </span><span style="color: black;">Noone in their right mind would pick the Broncos to win this game. That is exaclty why I am... Tebow Mania lives on for yet another week. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <u><span style="color: blue;">Texans @ Ravens</span></u></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> <span style="color: black;">If the Ravens were on the road I would be a little worried. Lucky for them, they get to play in the friendly confines of M&T Bank Stadium surrounded by 70,000 purple-clad maniacs. Two good defenses will keep this one a close, low-scoring affair. Baltimore prevails. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <u><span style="color: blue;">Giants @ Packers</span></u></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"> Only the Patriots defense was worse than Green Bay this year. The Giants can control the clock with their run game and Eli Manning can sling it when necessary. This Packers team is vulnerable, even with the home field advantage. Both teams will probably put up over 30 points, with the Giants finishing on top. </span>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-68458476194236451752012-01-11T20:23:00.000-08:002012-01-12T03:34:25.282-08:00Penn State: Starting Fresh<span style="font-size: large;"> With the hiring of Bill O'Brien, Penn State has officially closed the door on the Joe Paterno era. It was an era that saw the university grow into one of the most storied football programs in the country, only to be abruptly ended by a terrible scandal involving a former coach. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> As an alumni and a season ticket holder, I've had mixed feelings since that terrible day in November when Paterno was fired before all of the facts had been gathered. The alleged actions of Jerry Sandusky are reprehensible and the fact that there was a cover up by people in power makes it even worse. It's just unfortunate that a legendary figure in college football had to take the fall. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> In the months since Paterno's firing I have come to peace with the fact that Penn State needs to move on from this terrible situation and start fresh. That means clearing out the old regime and starting over with a fresh perspective. Keeping Paterno around would have meant always facing questions about the scandal. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> O'Brien's hiring has caused a huge backlash from alumni and former players. Most are upset that a "Penn State guy" was not hired. I am ok with someone from the "outside" being hired, I would have just preferred a coach with a more impressive college resume. Former linebacker Lavarr Arrington stated that he is done with Penn State and will be getting rid of all of his Penn State memorabelia. According to Arrington, "We are Penn State is no more for me."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I am appalled at the statements from Arrington. I can understand his anger at the situation and feeling that the Univeristy Board is blaming the wrong people. But how can he turn his back on the university that made him who he is? In this trying time, it is imperative that all Penn State alumni and fans unite together. The student athletes who will be wearing the famed blue and white in the coming years had nothing to do with what went on in the past. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Bill O'Brien and the new staff will be burdened with the task of restoring "Penn State Pride" and rebuilding the motto of "Success with Honor." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Though I may not agree with the way everything went down at Penn State, I will still proudly wear my blue and white and cheer loudly from section NC on Saturday afternoons this Fall. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> For now and forever... We Are Penn State!!</span>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-54437931643796906362012-01-04T19:06:00.000-08:002012-01-04T19:06:28.678-08:00Wild Card Weekend Predictions<span style="font-size: large;"> This weekend marks the start of the NFL playoffs. The Wild Card round traditionally presents some opportunities for upsets. (Remember Seattle over New Orleans last year?) Below are my thoughts on all four match-ups</span><span style="font-size: small;">. </span><br />
<br />
<u> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Bengals @ Texans</span></u> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Probably the least watched game of the weekend, rookie QB T.J. Yates leads the Texans against fellow rookie Andy Dalton. This game could be an ugly, defensive battle. The Texans boast more playmakers on offense- I'll take them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> <span style="color: red;"><u>Lions @ Saints </u></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> <span style="color: black;">The Lions, two years removed from an 0-17 season, are a great story this year. However, Drew Brees has been putting up video game like numbers and making good defenses look silly. Throw in the lightning fast Superdome turf and this game will probably be out of hand early. I'll take the Saints in a run-away. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <u><span style="color: red;">Falcons @ Giants</span></u></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> <span style="color: black;">I keep going back on forth on this one, both teams have been extremely inconsistent all year. Atlanta looked great in their last game, albeit against one of the worst teams in the league. Just when I thought the Giants would be contenders this year, they went and got swept by the "Dead"skins. I'll take the Giants in this one- only because they are at home. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <u><span style="color: red;">Steelers @ Broncos</span></u></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> <span style="color: black;">I told myself I wouldn't be biased with this pick, but who am I kidding?! I am the biggest Tebow fan this weekend. All joking aside, I feel the Broncos have a better than decent shot in this game. Not only are the Steelers playing without their starting running back and safety, Ben is still hampered by a bum ankle. I'll probably watch the game on mute so I don't have to hear the 52 references about how tough Roethlisberger is. Yes, Tebow will need divine intervention to get this win- I have faith. </span></span><br />Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-91516895807245452502012-01-01T11:14:00.000-08:002012-01-04T16:52:27.298-08:00Too Many Bowls<span style="font-size: large;"> In the few spare minutes that I had over Christmas break I spent some time flipping through several college bowl games. The more games that I watched, the more I realized that something is terribly wrong. Every game that has been played so far has been pretty much meaningless. Whatever happened to the days where making a bowl game actually meant something special? Teams can now have a .500 season and still make a bowl. Heck, I watched UCLA play in a bowl game with a 6-7 record! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The NCAA is so blinded by money now, that they have fogotten the tradition that used to make the college football so great. Watching the nation's top teams compete in classic bowls on New Year's Day is what people used to love. Instead of just bowls like the Cotton, Rose, and Orange- We are now stuck with several terrible matchups in strangely named bowls that began way back on December 17th. Who cares about the Belk Bowl or the Humanitarian Bowl? Don't get me wrong, I will be cheering loudly for my Nittany Lions in the Ticket City Bowl. But, does the outcome really matter?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I do not forsee this problem going away anytime soon. As long as companies are willing to pay money to sponser these bowls, the games will stick around. At the very least, the NCAA needs to raise its standards for making a bowl game. As it stands now, a team only needs 6 wins to be bowl eligible. I feel that at least 8 wins would guarantee that being bowl eligible is actually special. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Message to the NCAA: We can live with out the Little Caesars Bowl or the Compass Bowl. Bring back the great New Year's Day tradition and restore the integrity of the league. </span>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-80609447738658072072011-12-26T14:10:00.000-08:002011-12-26T14:10:35.687-08:00Update<span style="font-size: large;"> Thanks to all of you who read this blog! I wanted to update you and let you know that I am now writing articles on a sports website. Check me out at <a href="http://www.e-sports.com/">www.e-sports.com</a> I currently have 2 of my blog posts rewritten as edited articles on the first page. I will be adding articles to that site and I will continue to post new material every few days on this blog. Thanks for reading!</span>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-28460756126392065402011-12-19T14:53:00.000-08:002011-12-19T15:45:24.567-08:00Green Bay Should Be Happy With Loss <span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In an improbable upset, the lowly Kansas City Chiefs defeated the previously undefeated Green Bay Packers on Sunday. There were several games this year where I picked Green Bay to lose. This was definitely not one of those games. The Chiefs entered with only five wins, and had just fired their head coach on Monday. Green Bay was thought of as possibly one of the best teams ever. The loss prevents the Packers from a perfect season, and assures that the 1972 Miami Dolphins are still the only NFL team to finish a complete season without a loss. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> As bad as this loss seems, I would actually be happy if I were a Packers fan. The Packers no longer have to deal with the added pressure of trying to remain unbeaten. It was impossible for the players to do an interview without being asked about going undefeated. Although they all claimed they were not thinking about it, you know they were. They can now put all of their time and effort into preparing for the end of the season and the playoffs. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> If I'm head coach Mike McCarthy, I am the happiest guy on the planet today. He no longer has to make the difficult decision to rest his starters or play them while playing for an undefeated season. He would have been scrutinized for making either decision. Some would call him a coward for resting them and sacraficing an undefeated sason. Others would have called him a fool if Rodgers would have been injured while trying to stay unbeaten.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> Look at what Jim Caldwell went through with the Colts a few years back when they were undefeted and already the top seed in the playoffs. He decided to rest his starters to assure a healthy team for the playoffs- rather than going for an undefeated season. Caldwell caught all kinds of flack for throwing away a perfect season due to his fear of an injury to ones of his stars. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> Luckily for McCarthy and Green Bay, the only thing they have to worry about is locking up the #1 seed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> So, while all you Cheeseheads were probably upset yesterday, just remember that the loss to KC is a blessing in disguise. Besides, a 16-0 regular season does not guarantee a Super Bowl title- just ask the 2007 Patriots. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> </span>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-48762448421214652982011-12-15T19:06:00.000-08:002011-12-16T03:30:36.537-08:00`Who Dropped the Ball in Cleveland?<span style="font-size: large;"> The lastest controversy in the NFL has to do with last Thursday's Browns vs. Steelers game. I'm sure that by now you have seen the vicious, helmet to helmet hit that Browns QB Colt McCoy took from Pittsburgh's James Harrison. Harrison has a history of these types of hits, and has since been suspended for 1 game. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> T</span><span style="font-size: large;">he news that came out earlier this week is even more disturbing than the hit itself. Colt McCoy claims to not remember the hit, or anything about the game after taking the hit. He was also suffering from concussion symptoms after the game. Guys have had concussions before, so why is this a big deal? McCoy was only briefly evaluated on the sidelines, and allowed to return to the game. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> When McCoy came to the sideline he was holding his hand, so that 's what the trainers checked. The Browns are claiming that the trainers never saw the hit (they were busy working on other players), so they didn't know to conduct the full concussion test on McCoy. Are you kidding me? Have you ever seen an NFL game? There are about 100 people standing on the sidelines, not to mention all of the people up in the boxes. You can't tell me that noone saw McCoy get hit in the head. I have to put this one on the head coach, you know that he saw McCoy get drilled in the head. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The NFL has taken an initiative against concussions. There are strict rules in place to check players before thye are allowed to go back into a game. Every team knows how serious the league is on this issue. It blows my mind that Cleveland let this happen. I know that as bad as the Browns are, even a concussed McCoy is probably their best chance to win. But that doesn't mean that you jeopardize a guy's career just to win a game. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I totally agree with Harrison being suspended for the hit (I feel 1 game is too light). However, I feel that the Browns organization needs to be fined or penalized as well. Allowing a concussed player back into a game is an egregious error. It's not like this happened in some rural high school game. This happened in the nation's most watched sports league. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Not administering a concussion test on because the trainers didn't see the hit is a horrible excuse. Own up to your mistake, because now you just look foolish. </span>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-21092075703878111722011-12-13T20:20:00.000-08:002011-12-14T03:28:52.396-08:00Reaction to the Braun Positive Test<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Stop me
if you’ve heard this one before: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Major
League Baseball slugger testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most recent case is a very surprising one.
The reigning National League MVP and fan favorite Ryan Braun has failed a drug
test that was taken during the playoffs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Braun joins the likes of Barry Bonds, Mark McGuire, Alex Rodriguez, and
Rafael Palmerio as power-hitting stars who have all tested positive for Performance
Enhancing Drugs. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Braun is
claiming that he never knowingly took any PED’s. Really dude?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the same old excuse that Bonds and the others tried
to use. I really find it hard to believe that a baseball star would let someone
inject them with, or give them an unknown substance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baseball has tried to take the lead on PED’s
with strict testing and severe penalties. (50 game suspension for the first
offense)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The most
disheartening thing about the Braun case is the fact that it is such a
surprise. Braun has turned into a superstar over the past few years, and has
always seemed to do things the right way. He has helped to rejuvinate the Brewers franchise and make them a force in the National League. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This positive test now makes it hard to root for anyone anymore.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
second part of this story is that the Baseball Writers Association of America,
the voters who pick the MVP, are not going to make Braun give back his award.
This is absolutely absurd to me! How can an MVP award be given to a guy that
was on an illegal substance during that time? I think that the award needs to
be taken from Braun and given to the runner up, Matt Kemp of the LA Dodgers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really
do hope that this test was a major mix-up, and that Braun really is innocent.
However, based on recent history, this is probably not the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much pressure to succeed in today’s
society that even the good guys feel they have to cheat to get ahead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Braun, if this test result is true: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the best thing that you can do is admit your
mistake, give back your MVP, serve your suspension, and come back a stronger player than you were
before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-6791686365465939402011-12-12T18:57:00.000-08:002011-12-13T18:45:45.806-08:00Where is the NBA I Grew Up With?<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">It seems that every time the NBA starts to make progress, something happens to set the league back again. After years of being down, guys like Carmelo Anthony and Lebron James came into the league and rejuvenated it. Then, just like that, there was “The Decision” and the realization that superstars could now join up and form dream teams. Now, after the most exciting playoffs in recent memory, there was a lockout and more players trying to join forces in search of a championship.</span></span></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The reality of today‘s NBA is that there are about five or six teams who can legitimately compete for a title each year. This is due to reasons such as: expansion, players leaving college before they are ready, and superstars playing together in the major markets. Whatever happened to the days where all but three or four teams came into the season with a shot at winning?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I grew up a big NBA fan in the 1980’s and early 1990’s. I can think back to that time and basically name a superstar from every team in the league. (I dare you to try that with today’s teams) Take a look at the small list I made below, and you will notice that even teams considered to be small markets had a superstar.</span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Olajuwon - Houston</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Malone- Utah</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shaq - Orlando</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miller – Indiana<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Kemp – Seattle</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wilkins - Atlanta<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These were the days when the NBA was the best game in town. These guys were all competitors. I think the argument could be made that in the late 80’s/early 90’s, the NBA was actually more popular than the NFL.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I would love to see the NBA that I remember as a kid return. There would be no one just following the money or teaming up just because they can’t win alone. Could you imagine if Jordan would have approached Bird about teaming up together in Chicago? It never would have happened! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It looks like for now I am stuck with poor quality replays of what I remember on the NBA Network’s Greatest Games. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-58432567704892139172011-12-11T19:03:00.000-08:002011-12-12T18:16:44.902-08:00Tebow Fever<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Dating back to his college days at Florida, it seems that Tim Tebow has always been a polarizing figure. You either love Tim Tebow or you hate Tim Tebow. I never considered myself a hater, I just was not a total believer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> As the Broncos keep winning, Tebow Fever continues to rage. I was sure that I was immune to this “disease”. His passing stats are terrible (remember the 2 for 8 passing game), his mechanics are unconventional, and his style couldn’t be further from what we think an NFL quarterback should have. I used to say, “There’s no way this guy wins in the NFL.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The first time I realized that I too may be coming down with “the fever” was a few weeks ago on a Thursday night. I found myself staying up until midnight to watch Tebow drive his team 95 yards down the field to beat the NY Jets. Of course, the winning drive was capped off with an amazing Tebow touchdown run in the final minutes. I remember thinking “Wow, so this is what all the hype is about.”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Now, three more Tebow wins later, I must say that I have Tebow Fever. Did I mention that in five of the wins Denver was losing in the 4<sup>th</sup> quarter? Or that three of Tebow’s seven wins have come in overtime. Regardless of his passing stats, the stat that matters the most is wins. The Broncos were 1-4 before Tebow took over as starter. They are now 8-5, 7-1 with him as the starter. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Critics of Tebow will point to the fact that the wins have come against some bad teams. They will also say that Denver's recent resurgance on defense has a lot to do with the new found success. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I don’t know if this success is sustainable, but it sure is fun to watch.</span></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tim Tebow is a winner who does it the right way. How can you root against that?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-89694928788547288272011-12-10T21:27:00.000-08:002011-12-12T19:05:55.637-08:00When Will Harrison Learn? <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Here we go again … another vicious and illegal hit from Pittsburgh’s James Harrison. I’m surprised that we haven’t heard a comment yet about how the league is out to get him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When is this guy going to learn? Yes, football is a violent sport, but there are rules that must be followed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harrison has been fined more than any player in the league over the last few years, and yet he continues to land these hits with the intent to injure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This guy just does not get it. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The thing that bothers me most about Harrison is that he feels he is right and everyone else is wrong. He gets upset after getting a personal foul called for the hit. Newsflash: because of you, the league has been cracking down on helmet to helmet hits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">If you watch the video from the Thursday night game, you can clearly see Harrison lower his head as he gets set to hit Cleveland's Colt McCoy. This is clearly a violation of the new rules. Steelers fans will argue that since McCoy left the pocket, he was no longer covered by the “protect the quarterback” rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My argument is that this was clearly a helmet to helmet hit on a defenseless player.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">It’s obvious that the flags and fines are not teaching him a thing. If the Steelers care at all about their image they will kick him off the team. He is a liability. At the very least he needs to be suspended. If Ndamukong Suh was suspended 2 games for his Thanksgiving Day stomp, then Harrison deserves at least 5. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Courier New;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Message to James Harrison: stop being selfish and embarrassing yourself. You are hurting your team and need to grow up or get out. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</div>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-89090736945168121622011-12-08T19:50:00.000-08:002011-12-09T16:55:18.987-08:00Tiger on Top<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> I found myself this past Sunday being drawn away from watching my favorite NFL team (Baltimore) to watch a meaningless, unofficial golf tournament that featured a minute field of only 18 golfers. Granted, those golfers were ranked in the top 50 in the world. You are probably wondering why would I do something as sacreligious as watch golf over football on a Sunday in December? Answer: Tiger Woods was in position to win a golf tournament for the first time in over 2 years.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> Like it or not, Tiger being on top is great for the game of golf. I have always been an avid fan of the PGA, but for the last 2 years I found myself watching it less and less due to Tiger's absence. Watching Tiger drain birdie putts on 17 and 18 this past Sunday took me back to 2008 at Torrey Pines when Tiger was limping around the course and draining putts to win the US Open. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> No offense to any of the current guys on tour, but fair weather golf fans are not going to tune into Webb Simpson or Brandt Snedeker battling it out to win tournaments. Tiger fist-pumping and yelling at camermen for snapping a photo in his backswing is what draws fans to tune in. When Woods burst onto the golf scene in the mid 90's, he opened up a whole new generation of fans to the game of golf. He brought a new passion and attitude to the game. It is for that reason that when Tiger drains a 20 ft sanke on the 18th to win an obscure golf tournament, people are going to ignore what happened in November of 2009 and get back to jumping out of their seats and cheering. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I will be right there yelling along with them.</span> </span>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948003548388358646.post-75676540996466585482011-12-08T18:59:00.000-08:002011-12-09T14:29:39.679-08:00BCS: Great System or Just BS? <span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">In the wake of Sunday's announcement of LSU meeting Alabama in a rematch for the national championship,</span> <span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">s</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">ports radio has been filled this week with arguments for and against the Bowl Championship Series system. Should the system stay the same, should there be a "plus one" game, or should there be a full fledged playoff system? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> Proponents of the BCS system claim that its goal is to assure that the two best teams in the nation meet each other for the national championship. Is that really what happened this year? I really don't have a problem with LSU playing against Alabama again. (Though LSU vs. OK State would have been a really fun matchup and I am tired of the SEC ruling the BCS)</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> My beef this year really lies with the Sugar bowl selections. Seriously, how do they take Michigan (2 losses) and VA Tech (2 losses) over Boise St. (1 loss) or Kansas State (2 losses but a tougher schedule)?!?! Everythng that I have heard said that the Sugar bowl took Michigan and VA Tech because they "travel well" and "bring money". I don't care about money, I want to see the true better teams in the nation get the best opportunities. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> I have been a fan of a playoff system since 1994 when my beloved Nittany Lions went undefeated and were bettered in the polls by an undefeated Nebraska team without a real explanation. I would love to see the NCAA start with an 8 team playoff, with the possibility to expand to 16. Could you imagine a mini March Madness in December? If you take the top 8 teams after the regular season and let them play it out on the filed, instead of in the polls and computers, this would give us a true champion. Once you get those teams in a playoff- all bets would be off. Imagine if Boise St. would beat Oregon, OK State, and then LSU in the championship game. What a great and interesting system that would be. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Oh well, I guess for now we are stuck with the BS...oops, I mean BCS.</span> </span>Barryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794473477703193622noreply@blogger.com0