Jets and Dolphins: Same Division, Different Directions

The twice yearly bitter rivalry between the N.Y. Jets and the Miami Dolphins will be played this weekend, and for two teams going in different directions, it may be more interesting than most think.

Jets head coach Rex Ryan began this season proclaiming point blank that the Jets would be in the Super Bowl.  No ifs, ands or buts about it.  Now there are a few big ifs, as in if the Jets don't beat Miami and if they don't get some help from other teams, they wont even be going to the playoffs this year.  Sexy Rexy is looking more and more like a Jerry Glanville.  A brash, smack-talking coach who lacks a filter between his brain and his mouth, and who after a quick-fix of the team he takes over, begins to see diminishing returns.  Twice the Jets have finished 2nd in the AFC East, and twice they have lost in the AFC Championship game.  But the disturbing part of what's happening to the Jets isn't in the W/L columns, but rather in their inability to play the kind of "ground and pound" football that is supposed to be their trademark.

Can the Fins lay the smackdown on Sanchez and the Jets?

While we are touching on the Jets and "inability" we might as well talk about Mark Sanchez.  I'm not sure that Sanchez is the answer in New York.  Not that he can't be a good quarterback, or that he's not a winner...but I don't know if he's the guy who is going to ultimately fit into what the Jets want to do.   Big problem here is, the collective fate of Sanchez and Ryan are basically joined at the hip now.  Ryan has time and time again offered his unwavering support for his young quarterback, and to flip sides on Sanchez now would ultimately spell doom for them both.    

The Jets main issue is that as the running game goes, so go the Jets.  And this year, the running game hasn't gone much of anywhere for them.  If they want to impose their style of football on opponents, then they will need to have a premier, A-list running back to carry the load.  Otherwise, defenses will harass Sanchez all day long, just as they have most of this season.   With that type of running game will come consistency, which is something else the Jets lacked this season.   They opened by winning two straight games, then losing three straight, then winning three straight, then losing two straight, then winning three straight, and then losing two.  Streaky as a car window wiped with sweaty shirt.  A win in either of those last two losses might have locked up a wild card spot of them. 

So how about the other side of this divisional spit-in-your-face game?  The Dolphins began the season looking about as pathetic as any Miami team ever, going 0-7 and looking like they were absolutely quitting on (now former) coach Tony Sparano.   Then they won 3 straight and it looked like the ship may have been righted, only to split wins and losses down the stretch.  With a victory over the hated Jets they still have a chance to stay out of the AFC East cellar, but that's a small consolation for Dolphins fans.

The Dolphins aren't going to the playoffs, and they aren't going to be in the top 5 for draft picks most likely.  They are mired in that middle-of-the-pack no man's land where all you can do is figure what the best way to trade up in the draft will be.  So what do they do?  Look for a premier player?  Stockpile draft picks like divisional foe New England has done for so many years?  Trade for a quarterback?  This team needs a lot of help, and a lot more talent.  Not to mention, a new head coach.  Lots of names thrown around, but nobody has emerged as the front runner yet.  Personally, I'd love to see Brian Billick take over that team.

Matt Moore has been a pleasant surprise at quarterback, but it's still not really clear if he'll blossom into one of those out of nowhere type guys who makes fantasy owners giggle every week, or if he'll just plateau and never be more than an NFL journeyman.   Chad Henne's contract is up, and it's doubtful the Dolphins will resign him.  So they may try to trade up for a shot at Andrew Luck, or possibly RG3.   The retirement of Jason Taylor wont leave as big a hole as some might think.  He's essentially been a player/coach this year, but Miami does need some serious help in the secondary.  And at running back, there's the Reggie Bush question.  After being a complete non-factor at the start of the season, Bush has come on strong and possibly solidified his place as Miami's top back.  However, Bush is noted for being both inconsistent and injury-prone, so the backfield might be another area where the Dolphins need to upgrade.

Right now, the best thing the Dolphins can do is try to knock the Jets out of playoff contention, while at the same time climbing their way out of the division's basement, and see what a new season and a new head coach will bring.   I'm watching this game just to see if the Dolphins can make Rex Ryan eat a big piece of humble pie...and then watch him go back for seconds.   

Dawgs vs Sparty: Outback Bowl Preview

Ok blog readers! Today is a pretty big day for me.  I am now officially a contributor to www.chuckoliver.net covering UGA football.  My first piece for them is on this years UGA/MichSt Outback Bowl. 

Going foward, any articles that are posted on their site, I'll just put a link to here on my blog.

I appreciate all of my readers, so thank you for helping me to make this happen!  It's the first baby step on my way to my goals!

Dawgs vs Sparty: Outback Bowl Preview article on chuckoliver.net

The Tide is Turning for the WWE "Little Guys"

While watching WWE Monday Night RAW last week, I saw something I hadn't seen since the glory days of the WCW.  Three of the major individual title holders were in the ring at once....and none of them were the "old guard", and none of them stood over 6' tall in their bare feet.   No John Cena.  No HHH.  No Randy Orton.  These guys that were holding the belts over their shoulders and barking on the microphone are restoring my faith that the WWE is again figuring things out.

Daniel Bryan, Zack Ryder and CM Punk are returning the cruiserweights to prominence

During the early to mid 1990s in the WCW, there was a division that was known as the "Cruiserweight" division.  It was chock full of talented, but smaller guys.  The general impression up until that time was that these smaller wrestlers couldn't put butts in the seats.  The powers at both WCW and WWE, who were the two main wrestling promotions at that time, both seemed convinced that you had to have the old recognizable names, and they had to be the big, brawling brutes for the fans to show up or tune in on their televisions.  As the popularity of WCW grew and even surpassed the established king of sports entertainment, Vince McMahon's WWE, a strange phenomenon began to happen.  The smaller, athletic wrestlers started to really develop a following.  The cruiserweight matches started moving up on the cards, and "little guys" finally were getting their due.  Names like Chris Benoit, Billy Kidman, Juventud Guerrera, Dean Malenko, the ever popular Rey Mysterio, and even Chris Jericho were among some of the hottest properties in WCW, and many of them carried over to the WWE.  Once WCW was eventually purchased by the WWE, the cruiserwieight championship morphed into a title strictly held in their SmackDown brand, and then by 2007, it was quietly retired by the WWE.

But recently a resurgence of these smaller wrestlers has begun to take place at WWE.  And these little guys aren't just fighting each other for their own "lightweight" belt.  They are challenging the pillars of pro wrestling for the most coveted belts in the business...and the fans are loving it.  These guys move quickly, and can pull off some of the most gravity defying moves you've ever witnessed.  They are proving once again that bigger isn't necessarily better when it comes to sports entertainment.

The U.S Championship belt is currently held by WWE newcomer Zack Ryder, the "Long Island Iced-Z".  Ryder stands 6'2" and weighs about 215 lbs.  He took the "new media" approach to promoting himself once he landed in the WWE.  He began shooting his own YouTube segments, and had faux matches against non-descript opponents until he eventually billed himself as the "Internet Champion" He pounded Twitter and Facebook, getting fan support and even had an online petition going to get the title match he wanted.  His battle cry of "Woo Woo Woo!! You know it!" has become one of the most recognizable in wrestling today.

The World Heavyweight Championship belt was recently won by Daniel Bryan, who joined the WWE in 2009.  Bryan stands (barely) 5'10" and weighs 210 pounds.  Are you making that connection folks? The heavyweight champion doesn't even break 6' tall, and hardly weighs over 200.   But again, his charisma and mat technique have won over the fans.  And it's worth noting that the wrestler who Bryan "defeated" to win this belt was the biggest man in all of sports entertainment, the Big Show, who stands over 7' tall and weighs just under 500 lbs. 

The belt that is considered the top prize in wrestling today, is the WWE Championship Belt.  For the last few years that belt has made it's round-robin circuit between John Cena, Randy Orton, Sheamus, Batista, Alberto Del Rio, and The Miz.  These are all big guys, who like to pound on their opponents, and some of them have been around for many years.  But during 2011, a wrestler named CM Punk began making a lot of noise, both on the microphone and in the ring.  Punk had been stuck in the mid-card level for quite a number of years, and worked in some of WWE's developmental promotions.  Finally, in 2008 he was drafted to the RAW brand, which is where the WWE Championship belt lies.  He kept working hard towards his goal of attaining the coveted belt, while in the process developing a huge fan base as a "heel" (or, a bad guy).  His contract was set to expire in 2011, and it set up a great storyline.  He vowed the "leave the company with the WWE Championship belt" in a match against then-champion John Cena.  Punk won the match, and bolted out of the arena, belt in hand.   When he again reappeared on a WWE stage, he entered with new colors, costume, and entrance music...and just like that, he transformed from "heel", into "face" (fan favorite).

These three current champions show a change in direction at WWE in my opinion.  Not only is the new blood starting to take root, but they aren't necessarily the biggest, baddest men on the planet.  They are wrestling technicians, with lightning swift moves, great fan rapport, and what I consider to be a crucial part of any successful pro wrestler, they are all good on the microphone. 

So while a lot of fans are calling for a return of the cruiserweight division and title, I think using these guys as viable challengers for the prime belts is even better.  Who doesn't love the David and Goliath modus operandi?  Well...other than Goliath.  (sorry, Big Show!)

NFL more about winning?...or timing?

We've all heard the great argument in the NFL, and other sports..."It's all about winning".  Balderdash!  Colin Cowherd of ESPN argued that it's nowhere near all about winning when it comes to your players, and who is on your team.  His contention is that "it's all about discernment and patience when it comes to talent."  I would agree with that statement, but beyond being able to evaluate talent, and know how to handle it, when to pull the reigns, and when to let your stallions run...I'd say it's even more about timing.

Timing, to me, is the most underestimated factor in all of sports, particularly in a sport like football where it's more of a team sport than any other.  Chemistry in a football locker room can make or break a season more than individual achievements and records can.  And, great players who are not "team players" rarely make a true impact on a team enough to carry them to a championship.  The timing of when a player is drafted or traded for, of when they are placed into a starting role, and especially in the case of a quarterback...when they take over as the leader of a team, should never be overlooked.

Timing can make or break a player or group of players.  I mean, who's to say that Ryan Leaf couldn't have been one of the best quarterbacks ever had he been drafted a few years before, or after, he was taken by the Chargers?  Sometimes you get the right guy, but at the wrong time.  A player could be surrounded by the wrong supporting cast, or have the wrong coach or coaches.   I've looked at several NFL teams that have come very close to being champions, and sometimes they were just one small puzzle piece away from having the right formula.

Take the Tim Tebow phenomenon.  There are staunch Tebow supporters (like Skip Bayless) and there are unwavering Tebow doubters (like Keyshawn Johnson).  But the bottom line is, could this be the right person for the Broncos at the wrong time?  Tebow isn't a traditional pocket passer...he has some accuracy issues, and he's still learning to read defenses.  But there has been a marked improvement in his game.  However, the Broncos office and coaching staff might not be ready to continue using a variation of the "option offense" for too long.  They might send Tebow on his way, and truthfully, it might be the best thing for both parties. (And yes, I know Denver fans reading this are screaming bloody murder right now, and looking to hire a brute squad to hunt me down)  But it wouldn't be the first time that something like this happened.

Is Tebow's grit exactly what the Broncos need right now?

A perfect example is Trent Dilfer, a former NFL quarterback who played for the Buccaneers, Ravens, Seahawks, Browns and 49ers.  Dilfer was mired in mediocrity for five seasons in Tampa Bay before heading to Baltimore.  He was constantly ridiculed by the likes of Terry Bradshaw and other NFL analysts, and it seemed he would never be that marquis quarterback that teams wanted.  Most complimented him on his "football smarts" but stopped short of being able to commend his physical talents.  So to the Ravens he went in 2000.  He stepped into a situation that fit his skills perfectly.  A fearsome, relentless, seemingly immovable defense, a very strong running game, and a who's-who of coaching on the sidelines.  All Dilfer needed to do was not make big mistakes to lose games for the Ravens.  Hand the ball off to Priest Holmes and Jamal Lewis.  Throw some dink 'n' dunk passes to Brandon Stokley and Qadry Ismail and let them run with it.  From time to time, stretch the field just to keep the opposing defense honest.  And, then set things up, when needed, for prolific kicker Matt Stover to win games for them.  The timing was perfect for Dilfer.  The Ravens won the AFC Central Division, and went on to beat the Giants 34-7 in the Super Bowl.

Now you could take that same Trent Dilfer, and plug him into 31 other teams that season, and you might not even get a wild card contender.  But the pieces were in place for a QB just like him in Baltimore.  That was his only season with the Ravens, and neither he nor Baltimore returned to the Super Bowl after that season.  Timing folks..just, timing. 

If it was just about winning, then Tony Romo would already have his ring.  If it was just about winning,  Dominique Wilkins would have won multiple NBA championships.  If it was just about winning, the Bobby Cox would have several World Series rings instead of just one.  If it was just about winning, Dan Marino would have hoisted the Lombardi Trophy at least once.  No, it's not just about winning. You have to take those winners, and make sure they are put in the right place, at the right time.  Otherwise, all you get are individual records, statistics and accolades that don't add up to a hill of beans.

Christmas is...

Well, it's just a week until Christmas day is upon us.  I thought I'd take a few minutes and just reflect, ponder and wipe away a few tears as I share a few things with you that I believe "Christmas Is".  Some are personal to me, but I don't mind sharing.  Others you may very well relate to yourself.  No matter what, I hope these musings bring a smile to your face, and cause a Kleenex alert for some of you.

Christmas is....

the aromatic smell of the woodlands lingering in the house, recharging the memories of holidays past.

songs of the season playing softly in the background as you wake up to the smell of cinnamon rolls and coffee.

hearing a completely out of tune children's choir singing carols, and thinking it's the most beautiful thing to hit your ears all year.

a smile from a stranger, assuring you that there will always be someone who wants to spread happiness.

watching football games with dad, and seeing frosty breath stream from the players mouths as they stand ready on the line of scrimmage.

actually seeing someone's heart grow 3 sizes.

a drive through the town, and watching the children's eyes grow big as they stare in awe at the wonder of the lights and decorations on display.

finding someone without a smile...and giving them one of your own.

realizing no matter how many weeks of church you miss, you are always welcomed back with open arms and loving words.

wishing a "Merry Christmas" to someone of another faith, and knowing that it not only doesn't offend them, but makes them feel warm.

the sound of paper being shredded, ripped and crumbled...and still feeling glad you took the time to make it look as pretty as you could.

the silence of a winter's morning, with the only discernible sound being your boots lightly crunching in the snow.

hearing "Silent Night", sung softly in unison and acapella, on Christmas Eve just like every year before...and still not being able to stop tears from streaming down your cheeks.

watching altar boys lighting candles on pillars that are twice as tall as they are.

thinking to yourself "next year, MY team will be on the NBA Christmas Day games. I believe!"

being poor, and knowing that you really don't mind at all.

telling yourself that you aren't going to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" this year...but doing it anyway, because it just would seem like a part of Christmas was missing.

telling yourself you aren't going to cry at the end of "It's a Wonderful Life" this year...but doing it anyway, because it would just seem like a part of Christmas was missing.

friends.  Lots of friends. New friends. Old friends.  Making up with friends you had a falling out with.  Reconnecting with friends you just sort of drifted away from.  Making an effort to find one new friend because that might be the person who needs just one friend.

forgiveness of everything that has been done to hurt you, and asking for forgiveness of everything you did that might have hurt someone else.

using smells, sounds, and pictures to remember past Christmases.

holding hands with loved ones...just because.

knowing you're NEVER too old for Rudolph, Frosty, Charlie Brown, or the Grinch.

a Christmas party with pictures you pray that never make it on Facebook.

the genuine joyful laughter of children, the kind of laugh that no adult will ever be able to replicate.

finding a way to help someone in need without telling them that you've done it.

wondrous colors in combinations that don't match, and would never dare be put together outside of December.

food.  Too much of it, but heavens it's so delicious.

seeing poinsettias on the set of SportsCenter, and remembering that the playoffs are not far away.

And finally, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ.  Even if you aren't a Christian or are not a believer in Jesus as lord, it's hard to argue with his teachings and the profound impact that he had, and still has, on our world.  Kindness, love, forgiveness and compassion are the cornerstones of Christ's teachings. No matter who you are, or what you believe, those are things that we could all use more of in our world.  For all of you reading this, you are my friends and however it is that you have come into my life, I'm thankful for you every day.  If we have yet to meet, then I offer you my hand and heart in friendship.  God bless all of you and your families...and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

College Bowl Pick'em from the Craze

Here it is.  I'm going to give you my picks and thoughts on each and every bowl, both significant and utterly forgettable.  We'll do them in chronological order.  No spreads or over/under.  Just winners. 

Gildan New Mexico Bowl:  Dec. 17th.  Temple (8-4) vs Wyoming (8-4) 
     Actually for one of the smaller bowls, this is pretty intriguing match-up.  Temple has to be excited about this season, and they have a great fan base.  Fairly evenly matched teams, but I'll take Temple.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Dec. 17th.  Ohio (9-4) vs Utah St. (7-5)

     If you watch this one, you deserve to win, no matter what bet you place.  I'll take Ohio to break their 0-5 postseason mark. 

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Dec. 17th  San Diego St. (8-4) vs La. Lafayette (8-4)
     This is LAL's first bowl appearance in 41 years, and it's essentially a home game.  But SDSU's star running back Hillman will be too much for the Rajun Cajuns and their suspect defense. Look for SDSU to pull away big in the 2nd half.

Beef 'O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl: Dec. 20th  FIU (8-4) vs Marshall (6-6)
     Marhall got hot at the end of the season to become bowl eligible, but 2nd year coach Doc Holliday might not have enough ammo in his gunbelt to win this shootout.  I'll take FIU who has a lot of weapons on offense.

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: Dec. 21st  TCU (10-2) vs LaTech (8-4)
      Honestly, this bowl is a bit of an insult to a TCU team who honestly could be competing in a BCS bowl this year.  The Horned Frogs will roll big over LaTech. 

Maaco Las Vegas Bowl: Dec. 22nd  Arizona St. (6-5) vs Boise St. (11-1)
     When I saw this one I was flabbergasted.  This is what happens when you play in a Non-BCS conference and lose only 1 game, despite beating a team that played in the SEC championship game? Broncos will handily win this one.

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl: Dec. 24th  Nevada (7-5) vs Southern Miss (11-2)
     This is Southern Miss' last game under coach Larry Fedora who is moving on to North Carolina.  They shocked the CFB world when they beat Houston, and I expect to see them finish strong.  Golden Eagles win in a close one.

AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl: Dec. 26th  Missouri (7-5) vs North Carolina (7-5)
     Missouri had a disappointing season based on expectations, while North Carolina did much more than expected given the off season issues.  Missouri will want to make a statement heading into the SEC next season, so they'll edge the 'Heels in this one.

Little Caesars Bowl: Dec. 27th  Western Michigan (7-5) vs Purdue (6-6)
     Purdue had to win 2 of it's last 3 games to become bowl eligible,  and they are looking for their first winning season since 2007.  They wont get it this year against a high scoring W. Michigan team. 

Belk Bowl: Dec. 27th  Louisville (7-5) vs N.C. State (7-5)
     Both teams are on the upswing, but look for the Wolfpack to salvage one of the only bowl wins for the ACC this season over a very talented, but young, Louisville team.

Military Bowl - Pres. By Northrop Grumman: Dec. 28th  Toledo (8-4) vs Air Force (7-5)
     Actually not a horrible match-up.  But I've learned over the past few years not to bet against Air Force.  As the only service academy represented in a bowl this year, they'll fly high over Toledo.

Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl:  Dec. 28th  California (7-5) vs Texas (7-5)
     It's been a disappointing year for Mack Brown and the Longhorns...and the trend will continue in this game.  Cal is primed to start challenging in the Pac-12, and will run well against Texas.

Champs Sports Bowl:  Dec. 29th  Florida St. (8-4) vs Notre Dame (8-4)
    THIS should be a great game.  Two great programs with lots of tradition.  Neither team met preseason expectations this year, so both will be going all out to finish on a high note.  Love my Irish, but FSU's defense will prove to be too much.  Noles win.

Valero Alamo Bowl: Dec. 29th  Washington (7-5) vs Baylor (9-3)
     You think I'm going to pick against Baylor and RG3 after just winning the Heisman and pumping up the Bear Nation?  Yup.  I'm taking the Huskies in the upset. 

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl: Dec. 30th  BYU (9-3) vs Tulsa (8-4)
     One of the most evenly matched games of the bowl season.  BYU has been red hot since losing 2 of it's first 3, while Tulsa's 4 losses all came to teams ranked in the top 10 at the time.  Both can score with the best of them.  I'll take the Cougars in a very close game.  Look for the kicker to decide this one.



New Era Pinstripe Bowl:  Dec. 30th  Rutgers (8-4) vs Iowa St. (6-6)
     Rutgers has been inconsistent this season, and 6 turnovers cost them a share of the Big East title against UConn.  Iowa St. has shown it's mettle by knocking off then BCS contender Oklahoma St.   Cyclones in a blowout.

Franklin America Mortgage Music City Bowl:  Dec. 30th  Miss. St. (6-6) vs Wake Forest (6-6)
     Two teams that probably honestly took bowl spots away from more deserving teams.  The two schools have never met, but Miss. St. has a great track record in post-season games.  I'll take the Bulldogs. 

Insight Bowl:  Dec. 30th  Iowa (7-5) vs Oklahoma (9-3)
     Oklahoma was a preseason #1, and had BCS championship hopes.  Even having played a slightly disappointing season, the Sooners should have no problem with the overmatched Hawkeyes.

Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas:  Dec. 31st  Texas A&M (6-6) vs Northwestern (6-6)
     This is the Aggies last hurrah as a Big-12 team before they depart for the SEC next season, in what will essentially be a home game for them.  Northwestern will make a game of it, but the 12th man will travel well, and Texas A&M will prevail in a tight one. 

Hyundai Sun Bowl:  Dec. 31st  Ga. Tech (8-4) vs Utah (7-5)
     The Yellow Jackets started off hot this season, but struggled once getting into the meat of their schedule.  Tech has struggled against the run, the Utes run the ball well, and Utah also has a very stingy defense.  The triple option wont fool the Utes, and the Jackets will get swatted. 

AutoZone Liberty Bowl:  Dec. 31st  Cincinnati (9-3) vs Vanderbilt (6-6)
     If Vandy plays up to their potential, they could potentially upset the high powered Bearcats.  The Cincy was a tie-breaker away from playing in a BCS bowl, so I'll pick them to handle the Commodores. 


Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl:  Dec. 31st  Illinois (6-6) vs UCLA (6-7)
     You got me.  Does it matter?  It's a battle of interim coaches trying to avoid a losing record.  Ah hell, I'll take the Bruins because they'll need to do something good before Mora takes over and makes everything helter skelter in L.A. 

Chick-Fil-A Bowl:  Dec. 31st  Virginia (8-4) vs Auburn (7-5)
      A week ago I would have said Auburn was a lock for a win here.  But, with the suspension of star running back Michael Dyer, and Guz Malzahn announcing his departure this week, the Cavs just might have a leg up.  Still, I think the Tigers manage a 4th quarter miracle. 

Ticketcity Bowl:  Jan. 2nd  Houston (12-1) vs Penn St. (9-3)
     Another also-ran bowl featuring a potential BCS buster.  Houston's undefeated season got derailed by Southern Miss in the C-USA Championship game, but I think redemption is inevitable against a Penn St. squad who...well...nevermind.   Cougars win.

Outback Bowl:  Jan. 2nd  Georgia (10-3) vs Michigan St (10-3)
     A battle between the SEC Runner-up, and the Big-10 Runner-up.  Both with very good defenses.  Both with young weapons at offense.  This one could come down to special teams play, and if so, give the Spartans the edge in this one. 

Capital One Bowl:  Jan. 2nd  Nebraska (9-3) vs South Carolina (10-2)
     Nebraska's first year in the Big-10 has to be looked at as a success.  South Carolina was just short of playing in the SEC Championship game for a 2nd straight year.  The loss of Marcus Lattimore had everyone pretty much writing the Gamecocks off, but this team showed what it's made of.  It's a pick'em..and I'll take Carolina.

Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl:  Jan. 2nd  Ohio St. (6-6) vs Florida (6-6)
     Hard to believe just a few short years ago these two teams were matched up in the BCS championship game.  The Gators coach in that game, Urban Meyer, was just hired by OSU, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of the Gator Nation.  That motivation, plus a healthy Gator team should prove to be too much for the Buckeyes. 

Rose Bowl Game Presented by Vizio:  Jan. 2nd  Wisconsin (11-2) vs Oregon (11-2)
     One of this years most watchable bowls, the Rose Bowl should prove to be the anti-LSU/Bama game. Both prolific scoring teams, both with creative offensive minds.  By game day I'd be willing to bet the over under is in triple figures.  I'll take the Ducks on their own coast. 

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl:  Jan. 2nd  Stanford (11-1) vs Oklahoma St. (11-1) 
     This game could have easily ended up being the BCS Championship Game, and it will come down to quarterback play.  Whichever QB makes the plays, and doesn't make the mistakes will lead his team to victory here.  And when it comes to quarterbacks, few have been as good as Andrew Luck.  I'll take Stanford (because I can't get past the Cowboys loss to Iowa St.)

Allstate Sugar Bowl:  Jan. 3rd  Michigan (10-2) vs Virginia Tech (11-2)
     A Sugar Bowl without the SEC is like Cocoa Puffs without the sugar.  Another thing to thank the BCS for.  The Hokies got blown out by Clemson twice this year, and Michigan double-threat QB Denard Robinson is going to be looking at those films.  Wolverines win big.

Discover Orange Bowl:  Jan. 4th  West Virginia (9-3) vs Clemson (10-3)
     West Virginia won the Big East by virtue of a tie-breaker over Rutgers.  Clemson seemed to be on an early track to the promised land until injuries took their toll.  The Tigers started hitting their stride again in the ACC Championship game, and should be able to score enough to beat the Mountaineers.

AT&T Cotton Bowl:  Jan. 6th  Kansas St. (10-2) vs Arkansas (10-2)
     Kansas St had a remarkable season, unexpected by most everyone.  Arkansas was in the hunt for the SEC and the BCS until the last week of the season.  Both teams can score, but the Razorbacks are a little better on defense, and I'd give them the QB edge.  It'll be WPS in Texas this year.

BBVA Compass Bowl:  Jan. 7th  SMU (7-5) vs Pittsburgh (6-6)
     Pitt just lost another head coach when Todd Graham slithered out the back door on his way to Arizona St, without so much as even notifying his players.  Locker room morale will probably be at an all time low for the Panthers.  Expect the Mustangs to take advantage. 

GoDaddy.com Bowl:  Jan. 8th  Arkansas St. (10-2) vs Northern Illinois (10-3)
     Why?  Well, we need to have something to watch between the New Years bowls and the BCS Championship Game.  Oh..and more commercials featuring Danica Patrick.  Other than that...eehh..I'll go with Ark.St.  Because someone's gotta win.

ALLSTATE BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:  Jan. 9th  Alabama (11-1) vs LSU (13-0)
     Yep.  "The rematch",  "The Game of the Century 2.0",  "The SEC West Championship Game Pt.2"  Call it whatever you want, it's for all the marbles this time.   Will the Tide be well rested...or over rested?  Did all that running up and down the field against Georgia tire out LSU?  The Tigers beat Bama in their house...can the Crimson Tide turn the tables and beat LSU in their backyard?  Will the ratings outside the southeastern U.S. even pull in a 3-Share Nielsen?  One thing is for sure.  The SEC will win it's 6th consecutive BCS championship.  But, on the flip-side, for the first time ever an SEC team will LOSE a BCS championship game.  I'll take Bama (because hopefully they've figured out how to kick a field goal by now)

Would you run against Putin?

So, New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov is going to run for the Russian Presidency against incumbnet Vladimir Putin.  In Russian terms, that's about the equivalent of stepping into North Jersey, and announcing that you are going to supplant Tony Soprano as acting boss.  It could get you "whacked"!

There are a lot of stories that have swirled around about Putin, and whether or not they are true, false or just greatly exaggerated, it doesn't change the fact that they are better stories than we'll ever get from any of our elected leaders.  If Prokhorov is serious about challenging the Russian bad-ass, he might want to take some of these little tales under consideration. 

1.  Reportedly, when wildfires ravaged the Ryazan region of Russia in 2010, Putin didn't just appear in front of a camera to calm the fears of residents.  Instead, he was seen in the front of a Beriev BE-200 amphibious aircraft attempting to kill the fire himself. The Prime Minister took this natural disaster's attack on his country as a personal attack and aimed the plane directly at the fire from the co-pilot's seat and doused the flames.  I'm not sure even Ronald Reagan would have gone that far!

2.  In 2008 Putin visited Ussuri national park with a camera crew to see a tiger that was trapped.  Much to the chagrin of the onlookers, the tiger became "untrapped" and ran loose.  Rather than turn tail and run from the hungry cat,  Putin grabbed a tranquilizer pistol, dropped the tiger, and then helped measure its teeth.  As if facing a wild jungle predator and tranquing it wasn't enough. 

3.  On an official trade visit to Japan in 2003, Putin took time out from negotiations to play Mr. Miyagi with Japan.  In the Kodokan judo headquarters of Japan, right in front of the Japanese Prime Minister, Putin showed he wasn't afraid of showing up the Japanese in their own sport. He donned his gi and showed everyone his various sweeps and moves in a sparring mach with the Kodokan instructor.  In fact, he's the only world leader with his own special move (Haraigoshi).  Qaddafi had to pay foreigners to fight his own people.  Putin would most likely want to personally crush any uprising with his own sweat and round kicks.

So, this is the guy you want to run against, Mr. Prokhorov?  Might want to just concentrate on that salary cap issue with the Nets, and see if it's not too late to land Dwight Howard.  Or, perhaps Putin would be kind enough to come over and just win the NBA Championship on his own for you.  I'd be willing to be he's got the chops!

Ryan Braun - Milwaukee's Finest?

Ryan Braun, National League MVP.  One of the bright young faces of MLB, and the pride of Milwaukee.  Oh yeah...and apparent doper.  Well...allegedly apparent doper.  Well...there was a positive test for a PED (Performance Enhancing Drug), but he's appealing it.  Ok, so...his testosterone level was reportedly found to be higher than ever seen before...but there were "unusual circumstances".  Any of this sound like a record we've heard before?  Yeah..thought so. 

Test results aside, and assuming that his appeal goes the way that every other appeal in these circumstances has gone (no major league player found to have tested positively for any type of PED has had it overturned to date), the question is...what is to become of Braun, and any awards he's collected?  Well, in the case of Braun, he's simply facing the 50 game slap on the wrist penalty imposed by MLB.  Makes you kind of wonder what the deterrent is here.  Hmm..ok, so I'm found guilty of cheating, and I get to sit out the first 2 months of the season and rest my body, and be even healthier and stronger for my team down the stretch.  Yeah...that's punishment.  (Shaking my head)

Beyond the virtual time-out given to Braun by the league, there is another issue.  The MVP award.  Should it be stripped?  If so, should there be a re-vote, or should it just go to the next in line (the Dodgers Matt Kemp) based on the prior vote?  If Braun retains the MVP, is it now a truly meaningless award going forward in the eyes of baseball fans?  Well, first things first.   In this writer's opinion, if the appeal is unsuccessful, then Braun should absolutely be stripped of the award.  However, there are a lot of writers who disagree with that.

The criteria for the MVP (as voted on by the Baseball Writers' Association of America) are as follows, based on letters sent out to all the voters: There is no clear-cut definition of what most valuable means. It is up to the individual voter to decide who was the most valuable player in each league to his team.  The winner need not come from a playoff team. Pitchers and designated hitters are eligible. And voters (2 from each MLB city) should consider offense, defense, number of games played, character, disposition, loyalty and effort.

It's kind of murky to be honest.  No true definition of what they need to look for, just what the voters need to consider and who's eligible.  But wait...what's that word near the end there?  Character. Hmmm.  But does is say "don't vote on bad character" or "good character only allowed"?  Nope..just "consider character"  Again, that leaves an awful lot up to interpretation. 

Simply put, it's still up to the voters on what to do here.  Now I've seen some writers say there is "no precedent" for stripping the award, or that doing so would be a "slippery slope".  Sounds rather meek and apologetic to me.  Bottom line, if Braun is guilty, then he cheated.  And we aren't talking 5 years ago or anything.  This was a test from last season, administered during the post-season.  So we are talking about a reigning MVP who is potentially guilty of cheating during his MVP year.  Welp...there's your precedent in my opinion.  Just make this the precedent.  If you are found guilty of using PED's during the season that you win an MVP, or Cy Young or any other award, then you will be subsequently stripped of that award.  Precedent set.  Period.

Now as for "slippery slope", I really hate that phrase.  To me that sounds like someone is afraid that they might have to make this type of decision again.  Well, it wont be such a slippery slope if you put your foot down and say "no, this will not be tolerated"  The players will be well aware of the consequences of their actions, and should not be surprised or angered if they lose an award due to their actions.  Slippery slope avoided.  You just put up a blockade.

The funny thing is, a lot of the writers who are so hesitant to strip Braun of his MVP award (if found guilty), are the same writers who are refusing to vote on players such as Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Roger Clemens for the Hall of Fame due to their involvement with PEDs.   Oh waiter...I'd like a plate of hypocrisy, and a side of double-talk please.   Seriously, if you are going to take a stand on one, then how can you NOT take a stand on the other?  It seems even more clear cut to me, being that you have an actual time frame for Braun's transgressions.  But with some of those being denied votes for the Hall of Fame, when, how or even if they used PEDs is kind of up in the air.

Baseball writers, let's not make this more complicated than it really is.  If Ryan Braun is found guilty of using PEDs, then he cheated.  If he cheated,  then it was during last season...the season he won his MVP.  Therefore, his accomplishments are tainted and void, and he no longer deserves that award.  Now, whether you re-vote or give it to Matt Kemp...that's a whole other issue that you'll have to decide on amongst yourselves.  But don't let this put one more stain on the game of baseball simply because you are afraid of hurting someone's feelings (I'm not saying that Braun playing for the Brewers, a team formerly owned by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has any bearing on that..ahem..ahem), or feel that it might open the door for further problems.  Just do the right thing.  Baseball deserves it, and so do the fans.

My Tebow Rant (Then I'll let it go)

Ok, let me make this clear once and for all.  I do NOT dislike Tim Tebow.  I don't think he's a bad quarterback.  I think that he's an exceptional leader, and can rally teammates around him in practically any situation.  That being said...ENOUGH ALREADY TEBOW FANS!!

My issue this season has not been with St. Tebow, it's with his fans.  This particularly annoying cult of zombies who seemingly want to throw all kudos and credit to the Denver QB, when in fact, at times they are winning in spite of him.  Then this sect of Te-Zombies want to attack the "faith" of anyone who dares question Tebow's part in the success of the Broncos.  (I personally was the recipient of such attacks last night on Twitter).  Give me one huge break already.   They want to say he just has "it" or "he just wins"   Again...get a grip!  This TEAM has "it" and "just wins" 

Let me put a few questions out there for you.  Did Tebow kick a 59 yard field goal?  Did Tebow strip the ball from Marion Barber?  Did Tebow force Barber's bad decision to go out of bounds?  And those just apply to yesterday's game against the Bears.  He's been the recipient of some "gifts" in a number of games this season.  

Last night, ESPN's Jemele Hill dared to point out that the Broncos and Tebow have been lucky enough to play some very bad teams, and some teams that are minus key players. (Is yesterday's game a different one if the Bears have Jay Cutler and Matt Forte? I'm thinking yes...it's not even close at the end)  Immediately the backlash of Te-Zombies started to fill her Twitter timeline.  People calling her a "hater" and questioning her professionalism.  So is it now unprofessional to point out the truth?  Or is is just against your religion? 

It's time that you Tebow supporters started showing the same type of tolerance that you preach, and stop putting him up there with Mother Theresa.  Give proper credit where it is due.  This Denver team lives on it's defense.  The defense keeps them close in games, and allows Tebow the opportunity to make a last minute rally.  This Denver team has one of the best kickers in the NFL.   Three overtime wins, all thanks to the foot of Matt Prater.  Is Tebow a part of it all?  Well of course he is.  But he's just a cog in the machine.  He's not the entire engine. 

I think it's safe to say that the number of  Tebow "haters" would greatly diminish if his little cult following would simply allow the rest of the football world to arrive at their own conclusions about him, instead of constantly barraging us with their inane observations and ridiculous accolades.  I'd agree with Colin Cowherd's statement that while Rodgers, Manning, Romo and Brady are executive chefs...Tebow is a cook.  Cooks make simple and satisfying meals, like grilled cheese. And I personally like grilled cheese, but I don't want it rammed down my throat.  

Women in Sports - Why Do You Guys Fight It?

(First to my readers, I have to apologize for not having written in a while.  Between the Thanksgiving holiday, and this deathly illness that I came down with, I just didn't have it in me.  Thanks for understanding)

Brandi Chastain ran and pulled her shirt off in a celebratory post-goal sprint after winning the Women's World Cup in 1999 in a 5-4 penalty shootout.  The shirt-removing-sportsbra-showing moment captured the highlights and headlines for days following the game.  But why?  It was a moment of spontaneous joy, after an exhausting match with a physical and talented Chinese team.  It wasn't meant to be a "make me into a sex symbol" gesture.  But yet, the talk of the media always came back to Chastain's actions, even in the midst of an incredible win for the U.S. Women's Soccer team.

Are we destined to always turn women's accomplishments in sports into some sort of eye-candy feature?  Do women ever stand a chance of getting a fare shake in the world of sports and sports entertainment?  Are female sports journalists truly accepted outside of the sidelines or the SportsCenter desk?  I questioned a few women and men to find out what their views are.

In speaking with both men and women, I found that the majority of people I questioned didn't feel like women's sports leagues were viable entertainment.  And it would seem the numbers don't really dispute that assertion.  WNBA attendance figures have steadily declined since the leagues inception in 1997, despite there being more teams in the league now.  Women's soccer has already seen one professional league fold, and the current league is facing financial troubles as well.  So support for women's sports leagues is difficult at best to muster.

I also got a lot of feedback from men in particular stating that they didn't like the idea of women doing live broadcasts of sports that were traditionally male dominated (ie; football, baseball, hockey)  One gentleman I questioned said "Women will never know enough about football to be good announcers.  They should stick to calling gymnastics and ice skating".  Another fellow stated, "All women need to do is stand on the sidelines and look pretty.  They don't belong in the locker room or up in the booth.  Nobody wants to hear a girly voice calling a game"  (Funny how both these guys asked to remain anonymous and not let me use their names)

Laura Okmin would probably disagree with those two men.  Laura is an NFL reporter for FOX, and does sideline reporting as well as pregame features.  When I asked her about her duties and the work she puts in, she told me, "We work hard all week long, compiling interviews and stats, going to production meetings and sorting through the injury reports." She continued "We only report on about 2% of what we know really. So many nuggets we get all week from talking to players and coaches we don't get to share.  It's heartbreaking at times when you think you have great stuff, but totally understood.  The game dictates how much time we can use"

Recently I spoke with Kaytee Rae Weaver, a fitness model and group exercise instructor.  Kaytee brings years of healthy living experience through exercise and nutrition to her writing and is passionate about inspiring others to live a health-filled life. She has experience as a NPC Bikini Competitor, fitness model, group exercise instructor and is currently studying for her ACSM personal training certificate.  I asked Kaytee about some of the problems facing women in the world of sports today:

MC:  When did you decide to look at fitness, sports and personal training as a career choice?

KRW:  I’ve always loved fitness. I fell in love with it when I was probably 16. It helped me realized that being strong and fit was such a powerful tool and could help in all areas of my life. In my far off dreams I wanted to own my own gym or be on the cover of fitness magazines but it wasn’t until this past year that I realized the only way I would ever get there was to start working towards it. Your dreams ARE possible; you just have to map out steps to move you closer to them.  Fitness is my absolute passion and I realized that I want to share that with other people. I took the normal route out of college and entered the corporate world but soon realized that didn’t motivate or inspire me. So now I’m going towards what I love and it may be 100 times more work than having your normal corporate career but in the end I know it will be worth it and I’ll have the chance to touch and change other people’s lives with something that I love and am passionate about. 

MC:  What do you think the biggest obstacle facing women who want to be taken seriously in the sports world is?

KRW:  I think women as sports athletes will always be considered second best to men. Guys will always be stronger, faster, etc. Their just MADE differently than women. But I think we have to equally celebrate women athletes in their strengths as well. Men and women are different. We have to recognize the beauty in a women athlete and not compare her strengths/weaknesses side by side to a man’s. They are both talented in different ways and people need to recognize that and not rate female athletes as lesser than their male counterparts.  

MC:  Do you feel that the media gives too much attention to women who are considered "sex symbols" in sports, and does that make it harder for women who might not want to be looked at in that way?

KRW:   I think it’s more power to them. I also think you have the responsibility to present and create the image you want of yourself. Some female athletes choose to do incredibly risque advertisements or photographs, and I’m not saying they shouldn’t or putting them down for that, but its each individual’s choice for how they portray themselves. If a female athlete doesn’t want to be seen as a ‘sex symbol’ I think it’s fairly easy to choose and monitor what kind of images you put out there of yourself.

MC: What do you think it will take for a women's athletic league to be truly successful?

KRW:  Man, I feel like I can’t answer this. I’m only one person, and there are SOO many more incredibly talented women athletes out there. But my humble opinion would be tied again to the question above- Women athletes need to be recognized and honored for their own strengths instead of constantly being compared to male athletes.

MC:  Do you follow the WNBA or the Women's Professional Soccer League?

KRW:   I don’t… but a big reason probably for that is that I don’t have cable. (laughs)  I love to DO things! But I enjoy watching some games if they're on. I think God has blessed these incredibly talented women and respect all their hard work that goes into their sport.  
 

MC: Tell me about being a bikini athlete.  What types of competitions do you do?

KRW:   This was my first year competing with the NPC (National Physique Committee) which is the amateur organization of the IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness). I did my first show in March in Figure but decided to switch to Bikini as it suits my body type a little better. I competed in Bikini in July in Mesa, Arizona and really enjoyed it. I love challenging workouts and seeing how my body responds to different diet/training methods. I have not won any shows yet but this sport is all a learning experience. I don’t see any show as a waste as you continually learn to make changes and improve your physique. I see it as a complete way of life. I will always train and fuel my body with healthy options no matter if there is a show coming up or not.  
 

MC:  Who are some of your favorite athletes and/or people who have inspired you?

KRW:   There are several figure/bikini IFBB Pro’s that I look up to. Actually I can honestly say I admire and respect them ALL. I know the work they put in is incredibly difficult and they continue to look incredible show after show. A couple of my favorites in the fitness industry are Jessica Putnam and Jamie Eason.  I can relate to Jessica’s faith. Being able to inspire other women and share Christ’s love while doing what I love would absolutely be a dream come true.  
 

MC: Ok, putting you on the spot with this one.  Who are your picks for the Super Bowl this year?

KRW:   AH MANNNN I DON’T KNOW…. This is basically picking out of a hat. I have to say the 49ers because that’s the home team annnnnnd…. (wait a second while I google)… the PATRIOTS! For my little brother.

 

I hope that Kaytee's words will resonate with a lot of men out there.  We shouldn't compare side by side, and decide that men's sports (or reporters) are inherently better than women's.  We should learn to appreciate each for what they bring to the table, and celebrate anyone who takes on the dedication and hard work necessary to be successful in sports.