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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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 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
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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.
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...
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.
I think that God has a sense of humor. I truly do. And I'm not trying to be sacrilegious or anything. I just truly believe he does.
I believe he read my blog post from last week. You remember, the one where I was talking about how he gave us great weather just as baseball was arriving and it was his way of rewarding us for all the crummy weather we have had in 2010. Well, as I sit here now, the wind is blowing about 35 mph, and there is a mixture of rain and snow falling mercilessly. And today was opening day of high school baseball season. Wild guess on how that ended.
So anyway, now we sit back and wait for... WHY!!! WHY!!!! WHY!!!!!! IT WAS SO PERFECT!!! THE WEATHER, THE BASEBALL, THE ACTIVITIES!!!!
Please excuse that last outburst. Back to my post...
This past weekend was chilly, but the sun was out and ball was played. I personally attended my first ever women's college softball game thanks to Britt Johnson. (Britt's girlfriend Kendall Street pitches and plays 1st base for Barton) *SIDENOTE: I was also promised getting to go to the UNC baseball game, which never materialized. But we'll live.* I got the chance to take in a doubleheader involving the Barton Bulldogs and truthfully, I went in with very low expectations. They were blown off the map. I had a great time with Baseball Britt and got a chance to meet the Street family, and they are great people. When Kendall's sister, Megan, began harassing the umpires along with Britt and myself, I knew I was in an OK place. Barton lost both games (both to D-I schools) but played hard and looks to have a successful season ahead.
In college baseball news, East Carolina took two of three games against the #10 nationally ranked South Carolina Gamecocks. I attended the Friday game, which of course ECU lost. On Saturday, the Pirates tied and then won the game in the bottom of the ninth inning, with former Washington star Trent Whitehead knocking in the winning run. A big thanks to Grant Johnson for keeping me up to date on Sunday's game, which the Pirates won 4-2. A big thanks to Megan Street for the use of her cell phone, since the ole Crackberry refused to call out while at the Thomas Brooks Park in Cary. Yes Megan, your phone IS better than mine. Happy?
Tyler Joyner did not pitch any over the weekend, but I would not be surprised at all if TJ picks up some innings Wednesday as the Pirates travel to High Point for their first road test of the year. If you're in the Triad, catch the Pirates for a 4:00 first pitch at Williard Park. ECU is back in Greenville this weekend as they host Western Carolina, Illinois and West Virginia in the 7th Annual Keith LeClair Classic.
UNC took two of three against a very game Maine Black Bears squad. The highlight of the weekend was Brian Goodwin's first college homerun in Saturday's game. Then to cap off the weekend, B Good went 3-5 with a double in Sunday's game. You know, I have heard word of a former UNC player who is quite well known in these parts saying Brian would be nothing more than a pinch runner this season for the Tar Heels. I guess he was a little off in that observation as Brian leads UNC in total bases and RBI.
On the high school front, basketball is still going and the Gryphons are in the Eastern Regional. RM takes on Northern Guilford Thursday night at 7:00 at Minges Coliseum in Greenville. We are set up to do The Stretchlon Sports Show and hopefully a Gryphon win will be coming our way. If it does, Rocky Mount will play Saturday at 3:00 for a berth in the state championship game. Good luck to the boys on the hardwood and to head coach Mike Gainey!
I guess that will wrap it up for today. Keep an eye out this week for my Rocky Mount Baseball preview!! And yeah, it still sucks outside. But trust me, it will get better. God has a sense of humor, but I know he loves baseball too. And he will let us have it soon enough. Good night America...
PS: I know it's cold outside, and it doesn't feel like baseball weather. But these two will make anyone want to enjoy America's pastime.
<--- Since college football ended, this has been me. Just replace the monkey with the bulldog. And I have a much better 6-pack. But for real, it has been just nothing. Boredom. And then this weekend happened.
After a month filled with crappy weather, crappier basketball and a significant lack of sunshine, God seemed to know we needed a break in Eastern North Carolina. So this past weekend, he gave us 62 degrees, sunshine, and the greatest game on Earth. Baseball is back.
I got out to my first game of the year Sunday as I made my way to Greenville for the rubber match of the ECU-Virginia series. Not too bad when opening weekend matches a pair of Top 25 teams and one of them is #2. UVA had won the opener on Friday 6-2 and the Pirates got some back on Saturday with a 6-1 win.
Sunday was a glorious day for ball. The sun was bright, it was warm but not hot. Just a taylor made day. UVA jumped on ECU early and built leads of 9-2 and 13-4. In the end, the ECU bats cam alive, but not enough firepower as UVA held on for a 14-11 win and a series win. Not a bad showing for the Pirates, though, as they get a win and a pair of close losses to the #2 team in the country.
One big moment for me came on Sunday in the 2nd inning. Former Nash County Babe Ruth legend (and Northern Nash standout, which we forgive him for) Tyler Joyner made his Pirate debut out of the bullpen. TJ showewd flashes of what is to come in Greenville as he popped the mitt with some nasty heat more than a few times. Overall, Tyler's control was not sharp and his official line was 1.1 innings pitched, 4 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks and 1 strikeout. I have a good feeling that it will get MUCH better for TJ as his career advances.
Members of Rocky Mount's 2008 3A State Championship team got there first tasts of action for the 2010 season this weekend. The marquee name was Brian Goodwin, who made his Tar Heel debut Friday afternoon. B Good knocked in his first career run on a sacrifice fly. After a pair of 0-4 days, Brian broke through on Sunday with his first college hit. And in typical B Good form, he turned on the wheels and stretched what should have been a double into a triple. He played a solid right field for the series, and much like Tyler, I expect it will get much better for Brian.
Jim Leggett began his first season at Pitt Community after redhsirting last year at Belomnt-Abby. Jim actually got his season underway last weekend with a couple of innings pitched. This weekend, he closed the first game of a double-header against Wake Tech. He faced four batters, and would have only faced three if not for a fielding error on a perfect ground ball. We'll definitely be keeping tabs on Jim this year.
Speaking of Wake Tech, the Eagles are in their first season as a program. It has been a somewhat bumpy ride thus far as they face established programs like Pitt and Louisburg. But at least one of their players has some experience winning big. That player is Outfielder Cameron Ramsey. Cameron was a member of the back-to-back Babe Ruth World Series teams in 2004 and 2005. Also, he was a mamber of the 2008 RMHS state championship team and this past summers American Legion Post 58 team that made the state tournament. Cameron had 4 hits this weekend for Pitt including a pair of doubles. Not a bad start for a guy helping to get a program off the ground. It's a great opportunity that Cam is taking advantage of. We'll keep an eye on his season.
Down at Bouis Creek, Ben Fish made his Campbell debut on Sunday as a pinch hitter. With the bases loaded, Ben took the first pitch he saw and deposited it about 450-feet: foul. But he did a good job, battled back and hit a screamer down the 3rd base line. The 3rd baseman made a play on it, but bobbled the ball and could only record the out at 2nd. So Ben ended up with a fielders choice and a RBI. Ben will play a backup role this season behind former Northern Nash player Brian Braswell. But with his bat, Ben will have a chance to make an impact.
Well, that's gonna do it for today. Gotta run out quick. Talk to ya'll later.
PS: Sweet revenge on Tracy for pulling against the Pirates yesterday. She got sunburned. The lesson: Don't go to Purple Heaven and blaspheme. Or you will get burned. BOOYA!!!
I was cruising ESPN.com and came across this article. You college football fans may remember Myron Rolle as an All-ACC safety at Free Shoe U or as the #1 prospect in the country his senior year in high school. Well, he will be working out at the NFL Combine coming up soon and with his awesome talents, has a good chance to be a late 1st round pick. But he spent his senior year of college a little differently than your average NFL prospect. Instead of flying around the field at Doak-Campbell Stadium, he has been studying at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. Not bad. A little better than Matt Leinhart taking Ballroom Dancing his senior year at USC.
So anyway, here's the link: The Burden of Myron Rolle. Hope ya'll have a chance to check it out. I'll be back later with more fun from the Wonderful World of Wes as we look at why Tiger Woods may have screwed up, but at least he had fun doing it...
Alrighty then. Here we go. The Winter Olympics kicked off tonight in Vancouver (which happens to be the strip club capital of The Great White Satan to the North, a.k.a. Canada. I learned this nifty fact on Bon Jovi's "Behind the Music")
And you say, "Wes, why in God's name would you care about the Winter Olympics? You hate snow and cold of any kind, and there is no baseball."
Well, you would be correct on all of the above reason. It is cold. There is a ton of snow. And there is definitely no baseball. But there is one thing, or should I say one person, who will draw my attention to these Winter Games.
Her name is Tanith Belbin. And she rates an 11 out of 10 on the unofficial ( and unsponsored to this point) "Wes Bradshaw Hot Athlete Scale". And basically that is all I need to watch a women's sporting event. Other athletes who apply to the rule include Maria Sharapova (tennis), Amanda Beard (swimming), Jennie Finch (softball) and the newly appointed Allison Stokke (pole vault). Just google any of these and you will see why they hold any guys attention.
Anyway, color me a fan of Ice Dancing. No, I don't know how something called 'Dancing' can be considered an Olympic sport, but at this point, I could friggin care less. My reasons are below. As always, you're welcome.
PS: Yes, I cropped out the douchebag looking skating partner. He sucks.
I hope everyone stuck around for the entire Super Bowl game. I hope The Who didn't make you click the channel and end up watching an "Ace of Cakes" marathon.
WHAT A GAME!!! I've got some friends down in New Orleans (a.k.a. The 504) and I'm so happy for them today. For my buddy Jon, it's been a long time coming. And I can guarantee you, these folks were Saints fans before it was cool. I know because I have given Jon more hell over the years about his Saints than anyone deserved. But, as he congratulated me in 2002 when the Tampa Bay Bucs won the Super Bowl, today I gladly return the congrats to him.
I would also like to point out the contributions of a couple of guys who played their college ball right down the road at a little place called THE U! Jonathan Vilma made a huge touchdown saving deflection when Peyton Manning was going deep to Austin Collie and also made a couple of nice tackles for loss. And then my man, one of my 5 favorite Canes to ever put on the white helmet, Mr. Game Winning TD Catch himself, JEREMY SHOCKEY!!!! Shock redeemed himself from a tumultuous end to his time as a New York Giant with the biggest catch in Nolia history. From being a guy who had to pay his own way to see his team win it two years ago, to being the hero of the Who Dat Nation, Shock and Awe was in full display when it mattered most.
As for the game, I thought it was really well played. Not a lot of penalties and until the end, n turnovers. I think no matter who we were pulling for, we just wanted to be entertained into the 4th quarter. And this game delivered. Peyton Manning is the best QB in the world, and he played like it until he made one mistake. But we have come to find out the last decade in the NFL, the team that makes the fewest mistakes usually wins. And that's exactly what happened.
Overall I think this will go down as one of the most memorable Super Bowls of all time. And for my 504 folks, it will go down as the night they arrived. WHO DAT!!!
PS: Here are a couple of pics, just because the Saints cheerleaders are unbelievable...
With the Super Bowl coming up this weekend, the Bleacher Report did a list of their favorite Super Bowl commercials of all-time. The short version of Terry Tate: Office Linebacker was on there. I went to YouTube and found the long version. I can't think of many things better in this world. And just for my buddy Randy Langley, Terry Tate will be a junior LB at Rocky Mount this coming up season. Enjoy:
The world's game gives us some of the world's hottest fans. And if you needed another reason to pull for Brazil, their women are better than their style of play. Case in point to my left. Once again, you're welcome. Click the link and enjoy:
Well, the woman is off snow skiing for the weekend (even though she could have stayed home and had the same experience if the radar holds true). Therefore, my boredom is coming like a torrential downpour.
The saving grace was going to see the Rocky Mount - Nash Central game scheduled for Friday night. Then, of course, the game got moved to Thursday and my director of information ‘forgot’ to make a simple phone call and let me know the game got moved to Thursday. So I missed Tashawn Mabry score 37 points and pull 17 rebounds while the director sat front and center. This misdeed will not go unpunished. Btw, Rocky Mount wins 82-71 to go to 15-1 on the season.
In related news, we had a big week of Stretchlon Sports Show tapings. First, we got the opportunity to see UNC commitment Reggie Bullock and the Kinston Vikings match up SouthWest Edgecombe in Pinetops. Kinston did us all a favor keeping it close until running SWE out of the building in the 4th quarter. Mr. Bullock was our Telco Credit Union Player of the Game as he scored 35 points. He thoroughly impressed the near capacity crowd with an array of 3-point shots, alley oop dunks and mid range jumpers. He’s a very smooth player who should translate well into a top player for Coach Roy Williams and the Tar Heels.
This past Tuesday night, we got to see history made at the Rocky Mount High School gym. The above mentioned Mr. Mabry needed 23 points against arch-rival Northern Nash to pass the legend Phil Ford for 1st place all time on Rocky Mount’s career scoring list. He scored 31 in the Gryphons’ blowout of the Knights. A 3-pointer early in the 3rd quarter was the record setter. Tashawn was of Player of the Game and we had a really nice interview with him and his parents in the post-game show. A talk with Mike Gainey afterwards gave some really good insight into Rocky Mount’s recent run of high level play. Mike is always a very good interview with a lot of things to say. A true pleasure to deal with and a great face for his program.
After I got home Tuesday night, I caught the 2nd half of the UNC - NC State game. My final verdict: bad basketball. UNC is young and very inexperienced. Talented yes, but not ready to make a run. John Wall would be a perfect fit for this team at point guard, but I understand why Coach Williams didn’t recruit him. One and done is not his thing and also Wall has baggage. But he would be great running that system. NC State has some nice pieces in place, my favorite being forward Tracy Smith. State’s backcourt play is embarrassing though. We will see if Sidney can save his job after next year when he brings in his two hotshot guards, Ryan Harrow and Lorenzo Brown. It will be the best backcourt Lowe has put on the floor since being at State.
I flipped over to ESPN with about 10:00 left in the South Carolina - Kentucky game. Now this was exciting. John Wall and Derrick Cousins for UK and Devan Downey for SC kept us all entertained with a frenetic up and down pace that came down to the last 10 seconds. Downey hit some huge shots and was fast as lightning as SC held off UK for the upset win. A big thanks to President Barack Obama for giving UK the ‘Kiss of Death’ phone call earlier in the day.
On the Red Sox front, 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, make another trip in July and be hobbling into the playoffs (fingers crossed) to go 1-14 with 8 K's. While I have no problem with Boston letting OF Jason Bay walk (too much money for a streaky hitter), there are still solutions available. My pick: Johnny 'Jesus' Damon. My reasons: A.) He can still hit. Not quite the fielder Cameron would be, but you move Jacoby Ellsbury back to CF and let JD play the Monster in left. Easy solution. B.) JD can bring back the beard. And really, that is what has been missing since he left town. The beard. C.) Wouldn't you just feel a lot more comfortorable as a Sox fan with Damon patrolling the outfield and getting meaningful at-bats than Mike Cameron?
VERDICT: Bring back Johnny!! It might cost more, but both are past there prime. Damon just has a better twilight.
Well, this is where we come to the end. Everyone be careful in the snow this weekend. I will personally be finishing up a dynasty on NCAA Football 2006 (this one went UMass to SMU to Miami where I have currently won 2 national titles in 5 years) and checking out my Netflix of the week, "Public Enemies". If I get too bored, I might even fire up "Pineapple Express" and 'The Godfather 1 & 2'. And now I leave you with our quote of the week. This week's quote is from Lil' Wayne:
Man I got Summer hating on me cause I'm hotter than the sun Spring hating on me cause I ain't never sprung Winter hating on me cause I'm colder than ya'll And I would never I would never I would never Fall
I am a huge fan of the TV show "The Office". You may notice on the sidebar of the page that there is a daily Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute quote box. You cannot go wrong with this show. I found this video on YouTube of pranks played on Dwight. It's about 10 minutes long, but totally worth it. Enjoy...
Pat Forde put out a very interesting article on ESPN.com ranking the Top 10 College Football Teams of the Decade today. Top 10 Teams of the Decade
I just knew when I read the title that Pat (who is very bright) would nail the #1 team and crown the 2001 Miami Hurricanes.
Oh Pat. You were so close.
Instead, Forde makes an abismal misstep and names the 2004 USC Trojans his #1 team and leaves the greatest team to ever put on pads as #2. I was beyond stunned. As I sat in the back of the Pinetops Piggly Wiggly on my lunch break, I almost couldn't finish my Red Baron French Bread pizza. Almost.
Now I know that you are all aware that I love the Miami Hurricanes. I know that I can be quite obnoxious about it sometimes. But dammit, you can't argue with the facts. And the 2001 National Champions are a group unequalled anywhere by anyone.
While USC had the likes of Reggie Bush, Matt Leinhart, LenDale White, Dwayne Jarrett, Steve Smith and a very nice group of defensive players, those guys pale in comparison with the group Butch Davis assembled and handed to Larry Coker. They scored over 42 points per game and gave up only 9 per game!
Just take a look at this group of guys who are or have played in the NFL from the '01 Hurricanes: Willis McGahee (RB), Najeh Davenport (RB), Andre Johnson (WR), Antrell Rolle (CB), Mike Rumph (CB), Ken Dorsey (QB), DJ Williams (LB), Ed Reed (S), Kelly Jennings (CB), Marcus Maxey (CB), Darryl Jones (LB), James Lewis (CB), Sean Taylor (S), Clinton Portis (RB), Phillip Buchanon (CB), Frank Gore (RB), Leon Williams (LB), Rocky McIntosh (LB), Jonathan Vilma (LB), Vernon Carey (OT), Joaquin Gonzalez (OG), Martin Bibla (OG), Brett Romberg (C), Bryant McKinnie (OT), Eric Winston (OT), Kellen Winslow Jr. (TE), Jeremy Shockey (TE), Roscoe Parrish (WR), Kevin Everette (TE), William Joseph (DE), Jerome McDougal (DE), and Vince Wilfork (DT).
That is 32 guys that I can say for sure were or are in the NFL! Look at that list! A ton of Pro Bowlers! The deepest RB group the college game has ever seen! The best WR in the NFL! Two of the best safeties in NFL this decade! And yes, Sean Taylor was the prototype!
Ken Dorsey won the Maxwell Award and finished 3rd in the Heisman voting. Bryant McKinnie won the Outland Trophy. Ed Reed was the runner-up to the most overhyped DB is NCAA history, Roy Williams, for the Thorpe Award.
McKinnie, Rumph, Reed, Shockey, Buchanon, Johnson, McDougle, McGahee, Joseph, Rolle, Taylor, Winslow, Vilma, Williams, Carey, Wilfork, and Jennings were all 1st Round Picks in the NFL Draft. SEVENTEEN 1st Round picks!!!
Mr. Forde, I believe was blinded, like many, by the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood media coverage. Because when you break it down to simple X's and O's, the Miami Hurricanes of 2001 were far and away the best team of the decade.
I rest my case. And just to put the topping on the cake, check out the video below...
In case you don't get the pleasure of listening to me spit my knowledge, I'll let you in on some of the important things about Wes Bradshaw.
BIRTHDAY: May 8 (Taurus aka The Brahma Bull)
ACTVITIES: Calling sports on the radio and the occassional TV gig. Going to the gym (that's a new one). Watching college football and Boston Red Sox baseball. Listening to 'The Herd' on ESPN Radio, Monday-Friday 10:00 to 2:00 Eastern. Teaching The Boy how to do endzone dances after he scores touchdowns. Yes, I am hoping he takes after a late 1980's Miami Hurricane. And finally spending time with the people I love. There aren't many of them, so if I spend time with you, feel special...
FAVORITE MOVIES: Including but not limited to the following 15: The Godfather, The Godfather 2, Goodfellas, Varsity Blues, Friday Night Lights, The Hangover, Step Brothers, Anchorman, Apocalypse Now, Platoon, Tombstone, The Good The Bad And The Ugly, Top Gun, We Were Soldiers, Legends of the Fall. And if you laugh at Legends of the Fall, you have obviously never seen it.
FAVORITE MUSIC: (Update, we're making this a Baker's Dozen): Pearl Jam, Jay-Z, George Strait, Tim McGraw, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Nirvana, The Police, 2pac Shakur, The Killers, Guns 'n Roses, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors.
MY THEME SONG: If I was followed everywhere by music, it would be 'Requiem For A Dream'. Unbelievable. It gets you equally hype as well as intensely focused.
MY DREAM DESTINATION: ALCS. Game 7. Fenway Park. Boston, MA. Red Sox vs Yankees. I think this would be better and more intense than any World Series game could ever be.
6 DINNER GUESTS: (My grandfather) Wes Parrish, Robert E. Lee, Bear Bryant, John F. Kennedy, Ted Williams, George S. Patton
4 HOURS. 4 GUITARISTS. PRIVATE CONCERT: Hendrix, Page, Clapton, Slash. Melt your face and blow your mind.
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... 
