Deep Thoughts

I would like to start this post of by quoting one of America's true hero's: I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me. There, now we can go on.

* So in case you didn't feel like going back and seeing how I did in my bowl picks, I have the final tally. My geniousness in the field of college football led me to a sparkling 16-19 record on my picks. So if you placed any sort of wager on my predictions, then all I can say to you is what are you thinking!

Anyway, national signing day is less than a week away and as always, things are coming down to the wire. Alabama, Texas, Florida State, LSU and USC lead the way with time running out. Georgia is ranked #7 and on the heels of new head coach Al Golden taking over Miami, the Hurricanes rank #46. But I have a feeling that Golden will be a recruiting beast once he settles in at The U.

* The Rocky Mount Balla League held it's post-season awards ceremony at Buffalo Wild Wings a few weeks back. A whopping 50% of league members showed up. Yippee. Our league winner was Senor Skeet Edmondson. Regular season winner was Braxton Hill. I was shut out. Not happy times.

* So my beloved bride-to-be Tracy had just returned from their annual family ski trip. For the last 2 months, I was the victim of underhanded comments and general mockery for my unwillingness to leave the mild North Carolina winter to pay hard earned money to go hurtling down a mountain, where I would most likely meet an untimely end at the base of a tree. And do I even have to mention that it's cold. I hate the cold. Why would I want to pay to be cold? Anyway, the family returned Saturday. They now all have the flu. Chalk this victory up to me. Wes - 1 Mother Nature - 0.

* I'm not a huge college basketball fan. I would much rather talk football or baseball, but today I must point out something that I never thought would happen. It is the doorstep to February and East Carolina basketball does not suck! Not only that, but they are over .500 on the season! And over .500 in conference play! Now you UNC and Duke fans may take that for granted, but in Pirate Country, this is a miracle! The Pirates have already passed their win total of last season (10) and with 2 more wins will be the winningest Pirate team of the 21st century. The Pirates highest win total in school history is 19, set in the 1974-75 season. While many people opposed the hiring of Head Coach Jeff Lebo due to his college career as a North Carolina Tar Heel, it has been an absolute breath of fresh air for the once moribund Pirate program. This is the most excitement around the program since Bill Herrion guided ECU to home wins over Marquette (with some guy named Dwyane Wade) and Louisville in 2000-2001. Let's hope the ship has been righted for the long run.

* My Netflix account since the late part of the summer has been sending a steady stream of the HBO series 'The Wire'. I would seriously recommend this series to anyone who loves a gritty cop drama. Now I will warn you it is not for the faint of heart or those who have a problem with foul language. If you can get around that, you will be in for an absolute treat. It has been called the most realistic police drama ever made, and I can understand why. It doesn't pull any punches, and it always leaves you ready for the next episode. I am about to start the 5th and final season, and it has been a great ride.

* It's Super Bowl week, so just in case I don't post anything before next weekend, I'll go ahead and give you my pick. (Steelers - 24 Packers - 17) Anyone who could handle Baltimore and the New York Jets and just outphysical them both isn't coming this far to lose. Super Bowl #7 for Blitzburgh.

Well, that's all I've got. I need to start jotting down the ideas that come to my head during the week while I'm out working. Ya'll have a great week and I'll be back soon to spit more of my truth...

Christmas, Gotta Love It

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas from My Super Fun Times. As much money as you had to spend, or rotten family time you log, just remember, it could be worse. You could be a mall Santa with a fat kid who keeps following you around. So from my family to yours, Merry Christmas... 

SOMEBODY DONE BEEN TO THE WAL MART!!!

redneck 12 days of christmas

- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

Well, Do They Know?

Ahh the holidays. A time to get together with friends and family and rejoice and be thankful for all the things we have.

And what am I thankful for? Many things of course. But one of the biggest is that I don't live in Africa.

But thanks to YouTube, we can still bond together for those less fortunate and sing them a crappy song that they will never hear, because they are poor and don't have the internet (or in 1984, electricity). Anyway, I'm half asleep and had at least 7 beers tonight, so I'll stop my rambling and show you the video of my favorite Christmas song. It has all the great elements. The 80's, awesome 80's hair, pre-confirmed gay George Michael, Bono trying to make us feel guilty, and of course, good will toward the less fortunate Africans. Enjoy...

TESTIFY!!!

That's what it's all about. I was listening to the boobs that make up the 3-7 show on 99.9 The Fan today and all they could talk about was that The U hadn't hired a "big name" coach and that they would never climb back without the "big name" coach. Did anyone consider Howard Schnellenberger, Jimmy Johnson, Dennis Erickson or Butch Davis "big name" coaches when they go the Miami job?

NO!!!

They all became "big name" coaches because of what they did at Miami! It doesn't matter what you start out as, it matters what you finish as!

The same goes for the recruiting websites. Look at the 4 and 5 star recruits. Half of them never make an impact on the college level while under the radar guys become All-Americans. Your reputation can only take you so far. Sooner or later, results matter.

I am pleased with the hiring Miami made. Yes, I was a fan of bringing in John Gruden. But that is because I felt he would get the job done. Not because of his name. I guess we'll have to see when September 2011 rolls around...

WELCOME TO THE GOLDEN ERA AT THE U!!!!

My Super Sweet End of Year Bowl Preview Spectacular (Part 2)

I know you have all been waiting eagerly for Part 2. I know you have all been pouring over my fantastically awesome breakdowns. I know you are all betting your hard earned cash on my stone cold lock picks. Well, just for you, my favorite fans, here is Part 2...

Friday December 31

Meineke Car Care Bowl: ESPN Noon Charlotte, NC
Clemson vs South Florida (Clemson - 17 South Florida - 13)
Skip Holtz makes his return to North Carolina and faces off with a disappointing Clemson team looking to end their season on a high note. With their rabid (sometimes literally) fans packing Bank of America Stadium, the Tigers will prove to be the best felines to play on that field this season. Not a happy homecoming for Skip...

Hyundai Sun Bowl: CBS 2:00 El Paso, TX
Miami vs Notre Dame (Miami - 35 Notre Dame - 17)
Catholics vs Convicts? Not quite. Not anymore. 1990 was the last time these bitter rivals met. If you had told their respective fan bases back then that the next time they would meet would be a lower mid-tier bowl game in 2010 with both teams having disappointing seasons, they would have thought you were crazy. But that's where it stands. No Tony Rice, Jerome Bettis or Tim Brown for Notre Dame. No Michael Irvin, Jerome Brown or Cortez Kennedy for the Canes. But the Canes do have a ton of talent. And that is the difference here. Jeff Stoutland will have his one day in the sun as the head coach of The U. And that day will be in the Sun Bowl. And that day will be another W in the rivalry for Dem U Boys. See ya'll again in 2012 Irish...

AutoZone Liberty Bowl: ESPN 3:30 Memphis, TN
Georgia vs Central Florida (Georgia - 31 UCF - 20)
The Dawgs have turned it on late in the season as it's young core, led by QB Aaron Murray has begun to mature. UCF has had a great season and have won some big games, but a Georgia team brimming with confidence is ready to meet them at the gates of Graceland. And the best player in America, Georgia WR AJ Green, is looking to go out in style as he will most likely enter the NFL Draft. I hope Uga has a heavy sweater for this one. Dawgs win...

Chick-fil-A Bowl: ESPN 7:30 Atlanta, GA
South Carolina vs Florida State (USC - 34 FSU - 31)
The Ole Ball Coach always seems to get a little extra pep in his step when he faces his old nemesis, Free Shoe U. And this time, he is bringing a wounded Gamecock squad that just got blasted by Auburn in the SEC title game. Spurrier will preach to his team the pride they have to find against a team like the Crimi- excuse me- Seminoles. And Steve likes nothing more than sending the Tallahassee boys home with a big L...

Saturday January 1

TicketCity Bowl: ESPNU Noon Dallas, TX
Texas Tech vs Northwestern (Northwestern - 23 Texas Tech - 17)
Shows how much the country is pining to see this game when it will be shown on ESPNU. If Northwestern QB Dan Persa hadn't blown out his knee against Iowa, N'Western would probably be in a better bowl. That said, give Pat Fitzgerald over a month to prepare and he will have something fun to show. N'Western pulls away late to win over the Red Raiders who will have problems getting up for this one...

Outback Bowl: ABC 1:00 Tampa, FL
Florida vs Penn State (Florida - 31 Penn State - 20)
With Urban Meyer announcing his retirement earlier in the week, this game will now have the eyes of America on it. Meyer, 46, is stepping down after 6 seasons and 2 national titles to "spend more time with my family". How ironic is it that a guy who has been a head coach for roughly 10 years will coach his final game against a guy who will be 84 when the game kicks off. Meyer is leaving on his own accord. Penn State fans are begging for JoePa to leave and he won't. Just kind of interesting to me. Gators win it to send off Urban...

Capital One Bowl: ESPN 1:00 Orlando, FL
Alabama vs Michigan State ( Alabama - 27 Michigan State - 21)
This is the best of the non-BCS games. And these two teams are better than half the BCS teams. Michigan State claimed a share of the Big 10 title and Alabama is the defending national champion. If not for some bad injuries, Bama might have been getting ready to defend that national title. But instead, they are trying for their 3rd consecutive double digit win-seasons under Nick Saban. Could this be Mark Ingram's swan song in crimson? The Heisman Trophy Winner will want to go out in style. Bama wins a slugfest...

Gator Bowl: ESPN2 1:30 Jacksonville, FL
Michigan vs Mississippi State (Michigan - 41 Miss. St. - 38)
The Big 10 always seems to spring an upset that no one sees. This is the one. Denard Robinson was the most dynamic playmaker in the country this season, and that includes Cam Newton. With a month to get healthy, Robinson will be on display for the nation to see. I love what Dan Mullen has done at MSU. I also wonder if he will still be coaching MSU by the bowl game. I for one would love to see him on the sideline of the Miami Hurricanes, and if he takes that job, he won't stick around Starkville. In an up and down the field fun fest, Michigan wins it. Is it enough to save Rich Rod? Stay tuned...

Rose Bowl: ESPN 5:00 Pasadena, CA
TCU vs Wisconsin (Wisconsin - 23 TCU - 13)
An unstoppable force meets and immovable object. Wisconsin's running game vs TCU's run defense. If you love the smash mouth, old school trenches football, this is your game. I have a feeling that Wisconsin comes out and punches TCU in the mouth in a way no one ever has. the Badgers build a lead before the Horned Frogs can adjust and then they grind out a W, Big 10 style. On a side note, I am so disappointed to see this game on ESPN. The Rose Bowl has always been my favorite bowl game, and part of it was the tradition and pageantry of the game. The game is supposed to be on ABC, following the parade. I guess everything changes. Just wish this wasn't one of them. And of course, nothing will ever replace the legendary voice of Keith Jackson. The man who made me want to be a broadcaster...

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: ESPN 8:30 Glendale, AZ
Connecticut vs Oklahoma (Oklahoma - 38 UConn - 13)
The least anticipated of the BCS games. UConn is the designated Big East whipping boy and the Sooners streak of BCS misery ends with a route. Just a total joke that a team like Michigan State or LSU gets left out of the BCS because the Big East get an AQ. So now we're left to watch a game that Oklahoma will dominate. Crappy way to end my favorite holiday...

Monday January 3

Orange Bowl: ESPN 8:30 Miami, FL
Stanford vs Virginia Tech (Stanford - 28 Va Tech - 24)
I love this game. Repeat, LOVE THIS GAME! The best QB prospect in a generation, Andrew Luck in what is more than likely his final college game. Watching Luck play the position is like watching art. He is so smooth and polished. Great arm, great fundamentals, great athleticism and an advanced understanding of the game. And it will be on display against Bud Foster's defense. Could you ask for a better test for Mr. Luck in his final NFL audition? Maybe not the marquee BCS game, but it will be a fun one for the true football fan. Sit back and enjoy your glimpse into the future...

Tuesday January 4

Allstate Sugar Bowl: ESPN 8:30 New Orleans, LA
Arkansas vs Ohio State (Arkansas - 31 Ohio State - 24)
Can you believe that Ohio State is 0-9 all-time vs SEC teams in bowl games? Crazy huh? Arkansas will make it 10 for 10 for the SEC in the Superdome. Ryan Mallet will be throwing darts all over the field and the Hogs will do just enough to slow down Terrell Pryor as Arkansas wins it's 1st BCS game. Just something about those boys down South that gets to OSU...

Thursday January 6

GoDaddy.com Bowl: ESPN 8:00 Mobile, AL
Middle Tennessee vs Miami (Ohio) (Miami - 23 MTSU - 20)
So after getting us all hyped up with good games, we get this stinker. Who comes up with the bowl schedules? I thought it was always start with the crappy games and build it up. I can guarantee I won't be watching this one...

Friday January 7

Cotton Bowl: FOX 8:00 Dallas, TX
Texas A&M vs LSU (LSU - 27 Texas A&M - 17)
Love the Cotton Bowl. It should be on New Years Day. But TV has to screw with everything. A&M has had a really nice season, winning 6 straight after starting 3-3. And LSU, who the hell knows! Les Miles is a grass eating, riverboat gambling, idiot-savant. One second, he's the second coming of Bear Bryant. the next, he is channeling his inner-Jerry Glanville. Who knows what he'll do next. He is bordering out of control, but somehow it works out for the Mad Hatter. LSU overwhelms a game Aggie team...

Saturday January 8

BBVA Compass Bowl: ESPN Noon Birmingham, AL
Kentucky vs Pitt (Kentucky - 27 Pitt - 14)
Who cares...

Sunday January 9

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: ESPN 9:00 San Francisco, CA
Nevada vs Boston College (Nevada - 42 BC - 14)
Even less people care about this one...

Monday January 10

Tostitos BCS National Championship Game: ESPN 8:30 Glendale, AZ
Auburn vs Oregon (Auburn - 42 Oregon - 35)
The game that decides it all. The two most dynamic offense in college football. Both playing in their first BCS Championship game. The best player in the country vs the best system in the country. The difference: Auburn plays in the SEC. You play Alabama, LSU, Florida, South Carolina, Arkansas and Mississippi State, you get tough. And this game of speed and finesse will come down to who is tougher at the end. You get tough playing an SEC schedule. That is why the SEC is 6-0 all-time in BCS Championship games. If they have survived and made it there, no one is going to knock them off. You give an SEC team over a month to get healthy and prepare, turn out the lights. Ladies and gentlemen, your 2011 BCS National Champions, The Auburn Tigers...

Well, that does it. I hope you have enjoyed My Super Sweet End of the Year Bowl Preview Spectacular. Just FYI, parts 1 and 2 have taken me a grand total of 6 hours to produce. But I knew America needed to hear from me once again. So until next time...

My Super Sweet End of Year Bowl Preview Spectacular (Part 1)

Since my last post was pretty much by college football preview, I figured that almost 4 months later, I should at least wrap up the 2010 season. I'm so considerate like that. So sit back and enjoy My Super Sweet End of the Year Bowl Preview Spectacular. I can't promise the spectacular, but I will try. Listed is the date of the game, the name of the bowl, network and kickoff time. I will give you my pick and my expert analysis. Because let's not forget, I am an expert.

Because there are a whopping 35 bowl games (which btw is so ridiculous it's not even funny) this will be a 2 parter. So here we go with Part 1:

Saturday December 18

New Mexico Bowl: ESPN 2:00 Albuquerque, N.M.
BYU vs UTEP (The Pick: BYU - 20 UTEP - 10)
Analysis: Well, the bowl season has to start somewhere. So I guess this is it. BYU showed a lot of guts to rebound from their awful start. They win one on their way out of the Mountain West and into the land of Independents. Joseph Smith would be proud. As would his many wives...

Humanitarian Bowl: ESPN 5:30 Boise, Idaho
Northern Illinois vs Fresno State (Fresno - 21 Northern Illinois - 17)
Oh my sweet God who decided this game needed to be played! If anyone outside of Fresno or Northern family members watch this game, I will be shocked. I'll take Fresno just because the game is on the West Coast. Gag me...

New Orleans Bowl: ESPN 9:00 Duh, New Orleans, LA
Ohio vs Troy (Troy - 38 Ohio - 17)
Another clunker, but at least this one takes place in one of my favorite cities. It is also the site of my upcoming honeymoon. So nothing too bad to say here. Troy runs a nasty spread and will out-athlete Ohio all over the field. And my rule of thumb: When in doubt, choose the team from the South...

Tuesday December 21

Beef 'O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl: ESPN 8:00 St. Petersburg, FL
Southern Miss vs Louisville (Southern Miss - 24 Louisville - 10)
Picking Southern Miss in this game because Louisville just doesn't have the horses on offense to get it done. Yet. Charlie Strong has done a great job in starting a turnaround in Louisville and in a couple of years, the Cardinals will be back to being a force. That man can absolutely recruit with the best of them, and if the culture change around there is any indication, Louisville won't be back in a crummy bowl like this one anytime soon...

Wednesday December 22

MAACO Las Vegas Bowl: ESPN 8:00 Las Vegas, NV
Boise State vs Utah (Boise State - 52 Utah - 20)
Talk about a kick in the nuts. Two weeks ago, we were talking about Boise in a BCS game. And now after being stunned in overtime by Nevada, Boise plays in the 5th bowl game of the season and will be an afterthought before Christmas. It's a damn shame because this team deserved better. I don't think they were BCS title game worthy, but this is a hell of a team. And they will prove it when they blitzkrieg Utah, who is playing their final game before heading to the Pac-10 (Pac-12?). Kellen Moore is legit and I just hope America watches...


Thursday December 23

Poinsettia Bowl: ESPN 8:00 San Diego, CA
Navy vs San Diego St. (Navy - 35 San Diego St. - 20)
I am actually somewhat interested in this game. Not really interested enough to watch it, but I will care about the outcome. I saw Navy steamroll ECU earlier this year and if San Diego St. isn't careful, it could happen again. Navy will win it, but I love the job Brady Hoke has done at San Diego St. And playing in their home town will help the Aztecs. But Navy has a huge San Diego following as well (thank you Tom Cruise and Top Gun)...

Friday December 24

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl: ESPN 8:00 Honolulu, HI
Hawaii vs Tulsa (Hawaii - 45 Tulsa - 38)
If you are anything like me, you will be clamoring to avoid family interaction on Christmas Eve. This is your out clause and it is a great one! Not many people will pay attention, but 2 of the most explosive offenses in the country will be going head to head in an island shootout. Last team with the ball wins. As is usually the case in Honolulu...

Sunday December 26

Little Caesars Bowl: ESPN 8:30 Detroit, MI
Florida International vs Toledo (FIU - 38 Toledo - 24)
I wouldn't watch this game for all the free Little Caesars pizza in the world. We can only pray the Packers-Giants game gets flexed to Sunday night, or like Elvis once said, it will be a Blue (Day After) Christmas...

Monday December 27 

AdvoCare V100 Independence: ESPN2 5:00 Shreveport, LA
Air Force vs Georgia Tech (Air Force - 28 Georgia Tech - 24)
In what may be the fastest of all bowl games, the nations #1 and #2 ranked rushing offenses square off in what is sure to be frigid Shreveport. For some reason i have always liked this bowl game. It will be a nice appetizer for...

Tuesday December 28

Champs Sports Bowl: ESPN 6:30 Orlando, FL
N.C. State vs West Virginia (N.C. State - 38 West Virginia - 28)
The state of North Carolina's bowl season begins with the Wolfpack facing the Mountaineers in a game that is much bigger for NCSU than WVU. The Pack comes out firing early and build a comfortable lead and cruise home with the W in Russell Wilson's last game. State fans will be happy to see Wilson go so they can slide back to mediocrity behind they over-hyped arm of Mike Glennon. But just remember, it will always be Wilson's fault...

Insight Bowl: ESPN 10:00 Tempe, AZ
Missouri vs Iowa (Iowa - 24 Missouri - 21)
In a game that the Falk brothers will surely stay up for, a fantastic Big 10 vs Big 12 match up takes place. Missouri is coming off one of it's best seasons while the Hawkeyes look to stop the late season bleeding on what had been a very promising year. I may have to join the Falks in viewing this one. Iowa wins on a late field goal...

Wednesday December 29

Military Bowl: ESPN 2:30 Washington, D.C.
East Carolina vs Maryland (ECU - 45 Maryland - 42)
Ruffin McNeil brings the undermanned Pirates to the Nation's Capital to take on a pissed of Maryland team that had hopes of a bigger bowl after knocking N.C. State out of the ACC Championship Game. Maryland has a talent advantage and the ACC pedigree, but the Pirates will have a month to get healthy and a month for Lincoln Riley to throw some new wrinkles into the playbook. Look for a focused Purple and Gold group to come out attacking early and then hang on in a wild finish as the Pirates end a great 2010 with a bowl win and a building block to McNeil's future...

Texas Bowl: ESPN 6:00 Houston, TX
Baylor vs Illinois (Baylor - 31 Illinois - 20)
Ladies and gentlemen, meet Robert Griffin. The Baylor Bears are back in a bowl game for the first time since 1995 and they look to take full advantage of the opportunity. Griffin is a special talent that you have to see to believe and he will make believers out of the Fighting Zooks from Champagne...

Valero Alamo Bowl: ESPN 9:15 San Antonio, TX
Arizona vs Oklahoma State (Arizona - 38 Oklahoma State - 31)
Justin Blackmon is the best wide receiver in college football. But the one thing he is not? He is not from Rocky Mount. Arizona's Travis Cobb is. Advantage - Cobb. Win - Arizona. This will be a VERY fun game to watch...

Thursday December 30

Armed Forces Bowl: ESPN Noon Dallas, TX
Army vs SMU (SMU - 17 Army - 13)
Not a lot to this one, but it's always nice to see a program with the proud tradition of Army back in a bowl game. It's not Red Blake with his Heisman Trophy winners, but it's a hell of a lot better than those 1-11 Army teams we have seen recently. But SMU is at home and that will be the final factor. But Army still has the best fight song ever...

New Era Pinstripe Bowl: ESPN 3:20 Bronx, NY
Kansas State vs Syracuse (Syracuse - 20 Kansas State - 10)
K-State will be so busy trying to find an escape route from the hell hole known as The Bronx that football will be the farthest thing from their minds. Who in their right mind would put a meaningless college football game in The Bronx and have a start time to where the game will not end before dark? I have been to The Bronx twice. In broad daylight. And I was terrified. No thanks...

Music City Bowl: ESPN 6:40 Nashville, TN
North Carolina vs Tennessee (Tennessee - 23 UNC - 21)
Tennessee stormed back from a 2-6 start to secure a bowl berth in Derek Dooley's first season at the helm. Their reward: a North Carolina team that UT dropped from the schedule to try and avoid. No avoiding them here. Tennessee has really grown up over the last month. North Carolina has shown great resolve in a season that began with so much promise, yet crumbled under NCAA investigations. I'm giving Tennessee the win on home soil. But it's a coin toss...

Holiday Bowl: ESPN 10:00 San Diego, CA
Nebraska vs Washington (Nebraska - 38 Washington - 10)
Remember when these two met in in September? You can bet Jake Locker does. He completed 4 of 20 passes and had 2 picks. Locker will play better, but Washington doesn't have the horses to hang with the Huskers. Nebraska waves so long to the Big 12 with a dominating performance...

That concludes Part 1 of My Super Sweet End of the Year Bowl Preview Spectacular! Check back Friday morning for Part 2 including the BCS bowls and more of my fantastic analysis...

For All The Tar Heel Fans (But Mostly the Haters)

Hitler is told about the UNC NCAA Investigation - watch more funny videos

Grenade Free Zone

As I sit in the kitchen watching the new season of "Jersey Shore", I figured I could at the least update the blog while I rot my brain.

Now that the summer is coming to an end, I figure I should give everyone who still checks out this blog a quick update. It's been a pretty big couple of months.

I guess the biggest thing that happened was that one night, I took Tracy down to the beach, got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. After about 5 minutes of weighing the pros and cons, she decided "what the heck" and said YES. So that was pretty cool I would say.

We are getting married April 1, 2011. Definitely my top moment since I formed the My Super Fun Times blog.

But my upcoming nuptials was not the only big time event of the summer. I would have to say the second biggest deal of the summer would have to be the 1st Ever Wes Bradshaw World Cup Pool.

The 2010 World Cup was not the great success that all England fans (myself included) had hoped for. After an early goal tending blunder allowed the United States to steal a 1-1 draw in the opening match, England never fully recovered. After crashing out to Germany in the Round of 16, the Three Lions headed home with their tail between their legs and a tricky job for Euro 2012 qualifying. But that is something to explore at a later date.

The winner of the World Cup Pool was Baseball Britt Johnson. All in all the pool was a great success and I look forward to bringing it back in 4 years. But if anyone is up for a little Euro 2012 action, let me know.

On the Red Sox front, it's starting to resemble the Western Front of literary fame. Injuries have rocked the Sox 2010 campaign, and somehow, today they still stand in striking distance of the American League Wild Card. I must say, I don't know how they have survived this long. The starting pitching has been up and down, the hitting has been spotty and the bullpen is hanging by a thread. Yet the Sox keep fighting, day by day. You might want to, but you can't count them out.

The summer has been a firestorm for the NCAA on the football front. It gets tiring day in and day out turning on the radio and instead of hearing about upcoming seasons and players to watch and the usual fun of late summer, we hear about agents and violations and potential ineligible stars. I'm not going to be one of those people that try to tell you what should happen or what the coaches and players should do to fix the problem. All I know is that there is a problem. The only solution I can come up with is personal responsibility. The players know the rules. Just grow up and follow them.

As for my fearless predictions, here ya go:

1. Alabama will be undefeated late into the season. They will be cruising along, and get ambushed by an under the radar Auburn team. They will bounce back to win the SEC Championship Game, get into the BCS Championship Game and knock off an undefeated Virginia Tech team to win their second straight BCS Championship. But wait, there's a twist.

2. The Twist. USC, with the lure of post-season play out the window, plays the 2010 season like a pissed off Pitt Bull. The Trojans will blow through the regular season, taking names and kicking ass along the way. With a team that is loaded with talent, a chip on their shoulder, and a manageable schedule, the Trojans will finish the season 13-0, the only undefeated team in college football, and be awarded the AP National Championship. Nice twist huh.

3. Miami takes a big step toward their return to dominance. After surviving an early season Death March with road wins at Ohio State, Pitt and Clemson, the Canes cruise to a November 20 showdown with Virginia Tech. The matchup between undefeateds comes down to a last second field goal and the Hokies will escape South Beach with the W and the inside to the BCS Championship Game. But their strong season will earn the Canes an Orange Bowl berth and a big win will propel them into 2011 as the pre-season #1.

4. East Carolina will surprise many by being a .500 team this season. With a new staff, new offensive philosophy, and a new defensive group, many predict this to be a big time rebuilding season in Pirate Country. I am here to tell you that the Pirates will rebuild, but with a plethora of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball and a scheme built to put points on the board, the Pirates will find a way to outscore people. Look for a slow start as ECU travels to Virginia Tech, North Carolina and Southern Miss in consecutive games. Then, it's a home game against NC State. After that, watch out. I look for the Pirate offense to take off and for sparks to fly.

5. My surprise team of the year is Stanford. The Cardinal are unranked coming into the season and expectations are not high after the loss of Heisman Trophy runner-up Toby Gerhart. But  Andrew Luck is the real deal. Forget Jake Locker, Luck is the best quarterback on the Left Coast. Look for Stanford to finish in the Top 12 as Jim Harbough garners some attention as National Coach of the Year.

National Champion: Alabama (BCS) USC (AP)
ACC: Virginia Tech
Big East: West Virginia
Big XII: Nebraska
Big Ten: Iowa/Ohio St.
Pac 10: USC (Oregon will get BCS berth)
SEC: Alabama

BCS Championship Game: Alabama vs Virginia Tech
Orange Bowl: Miami vs West Virginia
Rose Bowl: Oregon vs Iowa
Sugar Bowl: Florida vs Texas
Fiesta Bowl: Nebraska vs Ohio State

Heisman Trophy: Matt Barkley, QB (USC)

Those are my fearless predictions. Let's see if I have any idea what I'm talking about.

A quick nugget before I finish this up. Congrats to Baseball Britt on not only winning the World Cup Pool, but also on his new job as an assistant coach for  Lander University. I always predicted Britt would be a top head coach if he went that direction. After 2 seasons at Nash Central, he continues the journey. Congrats buddy.

Well that's it for this one. I promise it will not be 2 months until my next post. Have a great weekend.

Checking In

his past week hit the ground running and never slowed down. A lot of work in the rental business and on the baseball field. And since rental stuff is boring, let's talk some baseball.

Rocky Mount had a week to remember as they faced off with their top two competitoras for the Big East title in Hunt and Fike. The old proverb is that good pitching beats good hitting. Check this one off in favor of that piece of wisdom.

Rocky Mount - 5
Hunt - 0

Rocky Mount - 4
Fike - 0

When you have Hobbs Johnson (top) and Benton Moss on the mound, those "0's" on the other teams scoreboard have a good chance to stay there. These two have pitched a combined 27 of 28 innings against the pair of Wilson schools this season and have given up a grand total of 0 runs. And those are two of the better offensive teams in North Carolina. If the offense can continue to produce run support, it's going to be a tough task to knock this version of the Gryphons out when the playoffs roll around. RM is now 19-2 (8-0), ranked #1 in the state and have clinched at worst a share of the conference title. A win over Southern Nash Tuesday night or Northern on Thursday will clinch the outrite title.

The Red Sox just finished their first losing April since 1996 as the go 11-12 in the opening month. I'm not quite ready to jump off a bridge about it though, as injurys have hurt this team early. The starting pitching, which is supposed to be the strength, hasn't really come around yet. I just feel if the Sox get healthy, the pitching straightens up and we can get a big bat in June (Adrian Gonzalez, Line 1) then the Sox will compete to the end. I think this is the Wild Card team in the AL.

Ok, that will do it for this update. Gotta head in at noon today. I believe we're heading down to Bayboro and Pamlico County High School to pick up the equipment for their Relay for Life. So it should be another long day. But so far, the paychecks are making it worthwhile and it'll slow down some soon. And then I can get my chill action on. Have a great weekend everybody.

PS: You knew I would leave you something. Chazz Michael Micheals. The world's greatest male figure skater in all his glory...

Oh Boy

Yeah, I know it's been almost 3 weeks since my last post. But when the typical day is getting up at 6:00, going to the gym, being at work by 7:45, then not getting off work until around 9:00, getting on the internet and doing a blog takes a major backseat to taking a shower and playing dead on my bed.

The job is going well. As you can tell, LONG hours, but the paychecks are worth it. We've been to some interesting places, seen some interesting things, and met some, let's say, DIFFERENT people. This week I have worked nearly 80 hours and that doesn't include today, when I'm going in at 12:00 and have a big take-down job to do in Ahoskie. After having to drive to Edenton for 3 straight days, at least it will be a change of scenery.

Baseball season is in full swing as the pros are into their third week of play. I would like you to go back to my January 29 post and read what I wrote about the Red Sox. In particular, Mike Cameron. Tell you what, here is my exact quote:

"Theo Epstein can't seriously be thinking of Mike Cameron being our Opening Day centerfielder can he? I mean really. Mike Cameron was a mediocre bat 5 years ago. He is an above average defender, but he is all pop and will hit .230. not to mention he will be on the DL by May..."

Well, I must admit, I was a little off. Cameron was put on the DL on April 19. And his average is .233. He also has no home runs or RBI. Check this off as one for Wes.

Rocky Mount continues to buzzsaw through the regular season as they stand at 17-2, 6-0 in Big East play. Hobbs Johnson and Benton Moss are showing why they are the best 1-2 pitching punch in the state. The Gryphons have given u[p a grand total of six runs in conference play, and three of those came in the bottom of the 7th inning against Hunt when RM led 7-0 and had a couple of relievers in. If the Gryphon bats can churn out a few runs a game, this is a team with as good a shot as any to be standing on the final weekend of the season. We'll just have to wait and find out.

TIme for me to get a shower and get ready for work. I'll talk to ya'll again soon. As always, I've got you a little something extra. Enjoy...

A Good First Week

A quick update on Wes: I just completed my first week at my new job. It is at Chair and Equipment Rentals in Rocky Mount and thus far it's a keeper. In lew of me having to explain everything here, CLICK HERE and check out their website. If you need anything they offer, give them a call. Keep me busy. Tracy will thank you.

So far I have gotten to set up tents at Clark-Leclair Stadium (home of the ECU Pirates, which was nice) and a couple in Rocky Mount. I am told the work is really about to kick into gear with "Wedding Season" about to kick in. The only drawback is that it limits the time I can do baseball games, which I really enjoy. But at this point, a solid paycheck takes precedence.

As for my baseball teams, the Rocky Mount Gryphons are off to a smoking 13-1 start behind what might be the best pitching in the state. When you have a pair of guys like Benton Moss and Hobbs Johnson toeing the rubber each week, good things are bound to happen. As long as the boys keep putting some runs on the board, the sky is the limit. Tuesday April 6, they will play for the championship of the Johnston County Invitational against either Harnett Central or Clayton. Moss will be on the mound, so I am confident.

As for the ECU Pirates, it has been a war of attrition. Even though the Diamond Bucs stand at 18-11 and are ranked in the NCBWA poll, it seems as if storm clouds are brewing. Four of the teams top players have been dismissed in the last month and there are rumors circulating that the entire athletic department is under scrutiny. Time will tell how this plays out, but the guys on the field continue to go hard every night and there is still plenty of talent. And there is still a lot of baseball to play.


Finally, Major League Baseball kicked off their season with the best rivalry on earth. Red Sox-Yankees. None other comes close. And as usual, these two delivered a good one. Boston rallied from an early 5-1 deficit to get a 9-7 decision over the defending World Champs. With having today off, the Red Sox stand at 1-0, on pace to go 162-0 this season. I am obviously very optimistic. Also, Kevin Youkilis will win the MVP. Seriously, be ready for that one.

The World Cup kicks off in 66 days in South Africa and I am personally very excited for this one. I have already set up an official Pick 'Em World Cup Pool. The entrants are set and when the time comes, each of the eight participants will pick four teams at random. Whoever gets the winner will win the pot. I will be posting the players and their picks when the time comes. So keep an eye on it. Yours truly will have full support for the Beloved Motherland, a.k.a. ENGLAND. Hopefully the lords of the draw will see fit to let me end up with the Three Lions so there will be no torn allegiance in the tournament. After an abysmal campaign by Liverpool, I need a big England run to salvage my year of soccer.

OK, I've gotta run. I work hard and go to the gym beforehand, so I need my beauty sleep. And yes, I know a lot of you just read that and called "bullsh*t". But whatever. Later America.

PS: You knew I would leave you something fun. Enjoy

Well, it has finally come to pass. I have found a job. Let the angels sing and the earth rejoice. Obviously, a new job is a life changing deal. Well, at least it is when you go from 24 hours a week to possibly 60-plus. Keep your eyes out for a LIFE UPDATE in the coming weeks.

On to the events of the past week. The big story in sports has been March Madness. I am pleased to say my championship game on my bracket is still alive. Syracuse vs West Virginia. On the other hand, having Louisville in my Final Four...

Saturday was a great one. Got out to Gryphon Stadium to record our first baseball game of the year for the Stretchlon Sports Show. The weather was perfect, the breeze was blowing out to left and the boys put up an 11-0 win over Tarboro. We can only pray that the weather will hold for the rest of the spring, but it was a great way to kickoff the 2010 Stretchlon outdoor season.

That evening, Tracy and I headed up to Greenville for a little date night. Nice dinner, not so nice trip to the new craft store in G-Ville, and then finished it up with a movie night. "Brooklyn's Finest" was the choice and it lived up to the hype. Just don't ask Tracy if she liked the ending.

That's about all I've got today. I'll leave you a video for your entertainment. Later.

Oh What A Night...

Saturday, March 13, 2010.

Rocky Mount - 84
Concord - 79

And I still have goosebumps writing it three days later.

My group consisting of Britt and Grant Johnson and also Chris and Jay Falk arrived at the Dean Dome in Chapel Hill at about 5:15 for the 7:30 tip. I have been to plenty of baseball games and football games in Chapel Hill, but somehow through all my travels, I have never been to the Dean Dome.

After picking up press passes and making sure everyone got in, I took a moment to look around the mezzanine area of the Dome. It really gives you a blast from the past to look at the pictures of all the UNC teams. Of course the first one I sought out was the 1977-1978 team, which starred former Gryphon great Phil Ford. I figured with it being a Rocky Mount night, who better to find a big picture of than a Rocky Mount legend.

I started down the steps to go to press row and drop off my radio equipment when I started to look up. And up, and up, and up, and...

Now I may not be a Carolina fan, but even I have to admit that it is incredible to just look up into the Dean Dome rafters. It is like a college basketball time machine. Every kid growing up in this state knows the names. Rosenebluth, Cunningham, Miller, Scott, Kupchak, O'Koren, Worthy, Jordan, Kenny Smith, Reid, Fox, Montross, Stackhouse, Jamison, Carter, McCants, Felton, Lawson, Hansbrough. And of course, Ford.

Just an awesome sight. You see the six national championship banners. The ACC championship banners. It kind of gives even the most hardcore Carolina hater a chill.

After finding our seats on press row, I set up the radio equipment and went exploring. The media room had the Georgia Tech-NC State game running, so I watched some of that with Chris Falk, who for the day was posing as Paul Andre so he could use a pass. Next I went in search of the Rocky Mount locker room. After I found this, the nerves started to kick in. So, as I had done before both regional games, I found a trash can and blew out my guts. Lovely huh?

Skip ahead to game time. Our radio broadcast started off great and I was getting a lot of text messages saying we sounded good. I know we had a coast-to-coast listenership and that had us feeling great as well. The broadcast went great and as you know, the game did as well. With about 18 seconds left, Coach Mike Gainey was able to put in the injured TJ Walker and that was the point I almost lost it. To see that kid get to realize his dream of playing in a state championship game was incredible. Torn ACL be damned, he got his chance. As the final buzzer sounded, Tony gave his championship call, which has been played over and over on Jammin 99.3 the last few days. And then everything I felt just welled up inside of me and I said how no one believed this team had the chemistry, the coaching or the grit to win a state title. It was satisfying way to end a heck of a season.

After the press conference and an interview on air with Coach Gainey, we called it a night and signed off our broadcast. I shook Tony's hand, packed up the equipment, found my crew and started to leave. As the guys were heading up the stands, I stopped short for a moment. I then jogged out to mid-court, slapped the logo and smiled. I figured this might be my one and only chance to get on the court at the Dean Dome. I mean, it's been 28 years since Rocky Mount had played for a state title. And you never know when you'll get a chance to get back.

So if I never get back, I will have March 13, 2010. The City of Rocky Mount will have March 13, 2010. The kids will have March 13, 2010.

And really, what better way to be introduced to the legendary Dean Dome than seeing my beloved Gryphons make history on that court. Heck of a lot better than having to see Carolina win on it...

Short, Sweet and to the Point

Sorry about not posting this week. It has been a barn burner of a week from the get go. But now the culmination is almost here.

At 7:30 tonight, in the Dean Dome, Rocky Mount plays Concord for the 3A State Basketball Championship. There it is. Short, sweet and to the point.

If you're not able to attend, we'll be broadcasting the game live on Jammin 99.3 FM. So if you're in listening range, tune us in. If you're not, click on the following link to listen to us live streaming Jammin 99.3. So that's it. Next time I post, I'm hoping Rocky Mount will be State Champs. One way or the other, it's been a heck of a ride.

Have fun America...