The last week of the regular season! Very excited to see what comes of the games this week as there are quite a few with major playoff implications. I've been 10-6 for the past 2 weeks in a row, giving me a grand total of 152-88, for 63.3% correct predictions this year. Not bad, I'll take it! So, here we go!!
Miami @ New England: Pats should win this one pretty easily. A pretty disappointing year for the Fins this year.
Minnesota @ Detroit: Favre isn't playing, or probably won't be playing, and the Vikes have done better without him. I got the Vikes in this one, but wouldn't be too surprised if the Lions take it too. Still, Vikes.
Carolina @ Atlanta: Atlanta, easily. They'll come to play in this one, because a win in this one gives them home field throughout the NFC playoffs.
Oakland @ Kansas City: I think Todd Haley may be the NFL coach of the year. He's done a great job with this Chief's team getting them to a division title. I think the Chiefs will take this one as well, and get to 11 wins on the season. Hats off to Todd Haley.
Pittsburgh @ Cleveland: Steelers.
Buffalo @ NY Jets: I have a weird feeling about this one, and somehow just think the Bills are going to upset the Jets here, who are now more concerned about the playoffs.
Tampa Bay @ New Orleans: Tampa needs a big win in order to get into the playoffs. New Orleans needs a win and has to hope for a Falcons loss in order to steal that #1 seed in the NFC. Will it happen, don't know about that, but I do think that the Saints play to win, and do win.
Cincinnati @ Baltimore: Baltimore definitely needs a win if they want the division title, look for them to come with all their tricks this weekend. Ravens beat the lowly Bungles.
San Diego @ Denver: San Diego should be completely and totally PO-ed at the way that this season has ended up for them, and look for them to take all of that out on a truly horrible Broncos team. I'll give Tebow his due, he played very well against Houston. But I will also remember that he played a bad defense in the Texans. San Diego is going to be something very different for him this time around. Broncos get hammered in this one.
Chicago @ Green Bay: Packers really let one get away last time they played the Bears. The Packers absolutely have to win if they want in the playoffs, and I think they'll get the job done. Packers.
NY Giants @ Washington: G-men also need a win if they are going to get into the playoffs, and they need a Packers loss since they lost the head to head game against the Packers. I think the Giants can take down the Skins in this one, and they will.
Jacksonville @ Houston: This is a must win for Jacksonville. They really have to hope that Indy falls, as well. The Texans are really playing for Coach Gary Kubiak's job, if you ask me. Houston has had a hard time winning, but I think they'll break through in this one, and spoil the Jag's playoff hopes. Though it will still probably be Kubiak's last game as Texans coach.
Dallas @ Philadelphia: Philly needs a big win here to ensure them of the #2 seed, and I think that they'll get it.
Tennessee @ Indianapolis: Indy needs a win, and it is almost impossible to bet against Peyton Manning in a must win situation. Plus, the Colts have suddenly developed a running game, right when they need it, and they'll use that to put the Titans down.
Arizona @ San Francisco: Arizona has found some success with their rookie QB. I think he'll take them to one more win this season over a pathetic Niners team.
St. Louis @ Seattle: Once again, the NFL's weakest division comes through. We will have a team in the playoffs that does not have a winning record. There may even be a first time that a team with less than .500 record making they playoffs. Unless I'm mistaken, I don't think that's ever happened before. I don't think it will happen this year either. Sam Bradford finishes off his rookie of the year season with a win, and a playoff spot. Rams.
Great season of football! I'm looking forward to the playoffs!!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Avs vs. Oilers Recap
Well, the Avs haven't had the best 3 game stretch. 0-2-1 in their last 3. Heartbreaking loss to the Red Wings last time out, in a game that they really dominated and should have won. Can they turn thing around against an Oilers team that is last place in the Western Conference, or will the Avs come out asleep again?
Scoring recap
Period 1
Avs came out strong in this one. All lines firing. T.J. Galliardi got the scoring started on this one. Good play in the offensive zone, get the puck at the net, and Galliardi put one in off an Edmonton defensive player. That was at 3:22 of the first. A really good, fast start for the Avs on the road.
Paul Stastny was the beneficiary of a fantastic play by David Jones for the second goal of the game. Jones chased a dumped puck into the corner, won the 1-on-1 battle. He worked towards the net, smooth stick work, and made a great back hand pass to Stastny who buried it by the Edmonton goalie. 2-0 Avs.
Probably the best line of the evening was the Duchene-Hejduk-Fleischmann line. After a great shift of a lot of pressure in the Edmonton zone, Matt Duchene forced a bad pass from the Oilers defenseman that trickled right out to Flash who made no mistake putting it behind the Oilers goalie for a huge 3-0 lead.
Period 2
After the team traded power play opportunities, and failed, the Oilers ended up with a decent amount of momentum. Avs struggled a lot getting the puck out of their own zone in this one, and paid the price after Edmonton one a few physical battles to get the puck down low. Gagner made a great pass to Taylor Hall, who was all alone in front of the net, and he pounded it home. Andy had no chance on this one.
Avs had a lot of great scoring chances in this period but either got too cute, just plain missed, or were robbed.
Period 3
After the Avs fail on another golden opportunity to take a strangle hold of the game, Oilers take it down the ice, Hemsky takes it into the middle and burries it top shelf, over Andy's blocker to make it a 3-2 game.
Avs defense continues to fall asleep and just plain lets Edmonton back into the game. After a dominant beginning, the Avs expected the Oilers to roll over, and they didn't. 3-3 as Hemsky comes flying back into the zone, lulls the D to sleep, who just leaves Cogliano alone in front of the net who hammered it home for a 3-3 tie.
OT
The poor officiating continues. Avs got a PP, then the refs gave the Oilers a make up call that was weak, and that is being very, VERY nice. Teams trade PPs, and fail. Shootout.
Shootout
Andy makes first save on Jordan Eberle
Hejduk buries the first one for the Avs.
Andy then stuffs Hemsky
Dutchy gets stopped
Andy then stops Taylor Hall, who earns the Avs the extra point, that they really didn't deserve.
Andy played pretty well during this game. Gave up 3 goals, but was totally abandoned by his defense on this one. The most troubling part about this game is that the Avs blew a 3-0 lead, and constantly had trouble getting out of their own zone. Defensive pairs were all bad in this game, and we pretty much only won because Andy realized he would have to win it by himself this time around.
Avs got outshot by the worst team in the Western Conference and just seemed as if they expected that the game would be done after the first period; and that they really didn't know how to respond when Edmonton just wouldn't go down for good. Coming from a team that seems to pride itself on never giving up on games when they get down, it seems odd that the Avs would just try and put it in cruise control so early. As well as they played in the first, they were really just awful, collectively, in the last 2 periods.
As poor as things went for the Avs in the last 2 periods, you have to put part of this towards the officiating which was just plain awful, and that is putting it nicely. Seemed like since the Avs were up 3-0 at the start of the 2nd period, that meant that there would be absolutely nothing called for the Avs. Multiple times Oilers players barreled into the Avalanche goaltender, Craig Anderson, and somehow the Avs would end up with the penalty out of that situation. I don't understand how players can go crashing into the net, especially when the goalie is deep in his crease, and the penalty is not called. Pretty pathetic officiating, it definitely something that the NHL does not want. You never like it when it is so obvious that the officiating had such a strong impact on the game. That's a larger picture thing that the NHL needs to deal with.
In the end, the Avs end up with a win. Tomorrow night, the Avs are in Calgary. They'll have to come with a more complete game in order to beat a Calgary team that is always tough.
Oh, also, Hunwick was -1 again tonight. This guy has been a huge trade bust thus far. Think the Bruins would be willing to take this guy back?
Scoring recap
Period 1
Avs came out strong in this one. All lines firing. T.J. Galliardi got the scoring started on this one. Good play in the offensive zone, get the puck at the net, and Galliardi put one in off an Edmonton defensive player. That was at 3:22 of the first. A really good, fast start for the Avs on the road.
Paul Stastny was the beneficiary of a fantastic play by David Jones for the second goal of the game. Jones chased a dumped puck into the corner, won the 1-on-1 battle. He worked towards the net, smooth stick work, and made a great back hand pass to Stastny who buried it by the Edmonton goalie. 2-0 Avs.
Probably the best line of the evening was the Duchene-Hejduk-Fleischmann line. After a great shift of a lot of pressure in the Edmonton zone, Matt Duchene forced a bad pass from the Oilers defenseman that trickled right out to Flash who made no mistake putting it behind the Oilers goalie for a huge 3-0 lead.
Period 2
After the team traded power play opportunities, and failed, the Oilers ended up with a decent amount of momentum. Avs struggled a lot getting the puck out of their own zone in this one, and paid the price after Edmonton one a few physical battles to get the puck down low. Gagner made a great pass to Taylor Hall, who was all alone in front of the net, and he pounded it home. Andy had no chance on this one.
Avs had a lot of great scoring chances in this period but either got too cute, just plain missed, or were robbed.
Period 3
After the Avs fail on another golden opportunity to take a strangle hold of the game, Oilers take it down the ice, Hemsky takes it into the middle and burries it top shelf, over Andy's blocker to make it a 3-2 game.
Avs defense continues to fall asleep and just plain lets Edmonton back into the game. After a dominant beginning, the Avs expected the Oilers to roll over, and they didn't. 3-3 as Hemsky comes flying back into the zone, lulls the D to sleep, who just leaves Cogliano alone in front of the net who hammered it home for a 3-3 tie.
OT
The poor officiating continues. Avs got a PP, then the refs gave the Oilers a make up call that was weak, and that is being very, VERY nice. Teams trade PPs, and fail. Shootout.
Shootout
Andy makes first save on Jordan Eberle
Hejduk buries the first one for the Avs.
Andy then stuffs Hemsky
Dutchy gets stopped
Andy then stops Taylor Hall, who earns the Avs the extra point, that they really didn't deserve.
Andy played pretty well during this game. Gave up 3 goals, but was totally abandoned by his defense on this one. The most troubling part about this game is that the Avs blew a 3-0 lead, and constantly had trouble getting out of their own zone. Defensive pairs were all bad in this game, and we pretty much only won because Andy realized he would have to win it by himself this time around.
Avs got outshot by the worst team in the Western Conference and just seemed as if they expected that the game would be done after the first period; and that they really didn't know how to respond when Edmonton just wouldn't go down for good. Coming from a team that seems to pride itself on never giving up on games when they get down, it seems odd that the Avs would just try and put it in cruise control so early. As well as they played in the first, they were really just awful, collectively, in the last 2 periods.
As poor as things went for the Avs in the last 2 periods, you have to put part of this towards the officiating which was just plain awful, and that is putting it nicely. Seemed like since the Avs were up 3-0 at the start of the 2nd period, that meant that there would be absolutely nothing called for the Avs. Multiple times Oilers players barreled into the Avalanche goaltender, Craig Anderson, and somehow the Avs would end up with the penalty out of that situation. I don't understand how players can go crashing into the net, especially when the goalie is deep in his crease, and the penalty is not called. Pretty pathetic officiating, it definitely something that the NHL does not want. You never like it when it is so obvious that the officiating had such a strong impact on the game. That's a larger picture thing that the NHL needs to deal with.
In the end, the Avs end up with a win. Tomorrow night, the Avs are in Calgary. They'll have to come with a more complete game in order to beat a Calgary team that is always tough.
Oh, also, Hunwick was -1 again tonight. This guy has been a huge trade bust thus far. Think the Bruins would be willing to take this guy back?
Saturday, December 25, 2010
KGs week 16 picks
Merry Christmas everybody! I certainly hope that your holiday season was fantastic, and that you all got a lot of great rest! College bowls are still running around, and I'm doing pretty decently thus far. Anywho, on to week 16!
I got the Steelers over the Panthers, continuing to improve my Thursday records!
Dallas @ Arizona: This is being played tonight. I didn't think the NFL had games on Christmas day. Guess I was wrong. At any rate, Cardinals stink worse than the Cowboys right now, so give me the Boys.
New England @ Buffalo: New England wins this one as they continue trucking through their schedule.
New York Jets @ Chicago: Bears have been playing well, and the Jets have been super inconsistent. I gotta go with the Bears.
Baltimore @ Cleveland: Baltimore should take this one, though Cleveland will make this competitive.
Tennessee @ Kansas City: Tennessee has self-destructed this year. KC should win this one, and get one step closer to the AFC west title.
San Francisco @ St. Louis: St. Louis should beat the Niners here. Kudos to the Rams for a great turn around this year. They are a respectable team, though still not that good of a team.
Detroit @ Miami: Miami is another team that has just been so inconsistent that you can't really trust them week in and week out. Lots can depend on whether or not they bother to show up to the game. I think they take this one off, and get upset at home by the Lions.
Washington @ Jacksonville: Once again, I must ask, WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND PUTS REX GROSSMAN IN OVER DONOVAN MCNABB?!!? WHO!???! Makes no sense Shanny. Jags.
San Diego @ Cincinnati: Cinci stinks, and is now without TO, who has really been their best receiver all year long. On the plus side, for TO anyways, now he can focus on his insanely ridiculous TV show with fellow egomaniac and career underachiever Chad Johnson (still refuse to call him Ocho cinco). Lord knows that's the more important thing to both of those guys. Chargers win.
Houston @ Denver: Denver's next coach, possibly, Gary Kubiak, will beat down the current Broncos. Tebow gets another start, though it doesn't make sense, and no matter what happens, too many people in Denver will act as if he was the second coming of Elway. Remember though, Denver fans (remembering that I'm a die-hard Bronco fan as well), what happened to the last guy that we all deified as the next incarnation of John Elway?
Indianapolis @ Oakland: Oakland has a shot in this game, but they really need to run the ball well. I still take the Colts who are almost always able to win when they need to.
New York Giants @ Green Bay: Giants should be severely pissed after the way they let last week's game get away from them. Aaron Rodgers is back after another concussion. What will give? I'll take the Pack on the Frozen Tundra!
Seattle @ Tampa Bay: Seahawks are better than they were, but will lose to the Bucs.
Minnesota @ Philadelphia: Philly, easily. Thank goodness, we should NOT see Brett Favre in this game, or hopefully ever again in the NFL. He got exactly what I, and many other people, said he would get if he kept coming back. His legacy as a great QB is gone, completely. He is not the little old man who wouldn't retire until he got hurt by 2 no-name rookies that eventually put him out. I'm sure that's exactly how he wanted to go out of the game.
New Orleans @ Atlanta: This will be the game of the week. Big time battle with playoff implications. Saints have regained much of their form from last year, and the Falcons have been finding ways to continue winning. Atlanta gets a slight edge since they are hosting this one, and I'll take the Falcons at home. These 2 may end up playing a third time in the playoffs.
I got the Steelers over the Panthers, continuing to improve my Thursday records!
Dallas @ Arizona: This is being played tonight. I didn't think the NFL had games on Christmas day. Guess I was wrong. At any rate, Cardinals stink worse than the Cowboys right now, so give me the Boys.
New England @ Buffalo: New England wins this one as they continue trucking through their schedule.
New York Jets @ Chicago: Bears have been playing well, and the Jets have been super inconsistent. I gotta go with the Bears.
Baltimore @ Cleveland: Baltimore should take this one, though Cleveland will make this competitive.
Tennessee @ Kansas City: Tennessee has self-destructed this year. KC should win this one, and get one step closer to the AFC west title.
San Francisco @ St. Louis: St. Louis should beat the Niners here. Kudos to the Rams for a great turn around this year. They are a respectable team, though still not that good of a team.
Detroit @ Miami: Miami is another team that has just been so inconsistent that you can't really trust them week in and week out. Lots can depend on whether or not they bother to show up to the game. I think they take this one off, and get upset at home by the Lions.
Washington @ Jacksonville: Once again, I must ask, WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND PUTS REX GROSSMAN IN OVER DONOVAN MCNABB?!!? WHO!???! Makes no sense Shanny. Jags.
San Diego @ Cincinnati: Cinci stinks, and is now without TO, who has really been their best receiver all year long. On the plus side, for TO anyways, now he can focus on his insanely ridiculous TV show with fellow egomaniac and career underachiever Chad Johnson (still refuse to call him Ocho cinco). Lord knows that's the more important thing to both of those guys. Chargers win.
Houston @ Denver: Denver's next coach, possibly, Gary Kubiak, will beat down the current Broncos. Tebow gets another start, though it doesn't make sense, and no matter what happens, too many people in Denver will act as if he was the second coming of Elway. Remember though, Denver fans (remembering that I'm a die-hard Bronco fan as well), what happened to the last guy that we all deified as the next incarnation of John Elway?
Indianapolis @ Oakland: Oakland has a shot in this game, but they really need to run the ball well. I still take the Colts who are almost always able to win when they need to.
New York Giants @ Green Bay: Giants should be severely pissed after the way they let last week's game get away from them. Aaron Rodgers is back after another concussion. What will give? I'll take the Pack on the Frozen Tundra!
Seattle @ Tampa Bay: Seahawks are better than they were, but will lose to the Bucs.
Minnesota @ Philadelphia: Philly, easily. Thank goodness, we should NOT see Brett Favre in this game, or hopefully ever again in the NFL. He got exactly what I, and many other people, said he would get if he kept coming back. His legacy as a great QB is gone, completely. He is not the little old man who wouldn't retire until he got hurt by 2 no-name rookies that eventually put him out. I'm sure that's exactly how he wanted to go out of the game.
New Orleans @ Atlanta: This will be the game of the week. Big time battle with playoff implications. Saints have regained much of their form from last year, and the Falcons have been finding ways to continue winning. Atlanta gets a slight edge since they are hosting this one, and I'll take the Falcons at home. These 2 may end up playing a third time in the playoffs.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Avs vs. Wild Recap
Well, the Avs had a 6 game win streak snapped by the Kings last game. Snapped is the nicest way to put it, as the Avs were completely dominated in every aspect of the game in a 5-0 beat down. So they were definitely in need of a good showing against the Wild just before a brief Christmas break for the league. Plus, it's a divisional game, so you'd think that they would be rearing and ready to play tonight. Well, you'd think that.
Period 1:
Avs came out with a good pace, and even had an early power play. Unfortunately, Shattenkirk wiffed on a simple D-to-D pass, giving Clutterbuck a breakaway on Andy. Save on the breakaway, but no hope for the early Christmas present right in front of the net. Hammered home by Matt Cullen for a 1-0 lead, Shorthanded.
Avs don't wait long to even things up, as David Jones hammers home a weak rebound on the remaining PP to even it up at 1. Backstrom thought he had the puck covered, but Jones managed to find it and slam it in.
Then, the Avs gave up another one as a shot from the point was sent intentionally wide. Andy seemed to overreact to this puck, slid way of the net and tried to cover it as it came sliding back through the crease, but couldn't turn himself fully around. He actually knocked the puck into the post, and then it sat in the crease, once again, awaiting the stick of Matt Cullen who put home his second goal of the night. Period 1 ended 2-1 in favor of the Wild.
Period 2:
Avs came out looking pretty decent in the second, until David Koci, the biggest waste of a roster space in the NHL, took an incredibly stupid penalty, pile-driving a Wild player into Backstrom about 10 seconds AFTER Backstrom had covered the puck.
Ensuing power play, a one timer from the point went a bit wide, and Andrew Brunette, a former member of the Avalanche, put a little backhander over the unnecessarily sprawling body of Craig Anderson. Andy looked horrible on goals 2 and 3. Out of position, unable to move back once he had committed anywhere, and just flopped all over the place. Andy was pulled after this goal, very deservedly so.
Avs were very soft for the rest of the period, with the exception of the last 3 minutes. Budaj made some good saves in this period, and a few other really good ones in the third to keep the Avs close.
Period 3:
No scoring, but lots more action. Avs got very brave, out of necessity, with their D jumping up in the play. Budaj played very well in relief of Anderson, and really was the only reason it stayed at 3-1. Avs just couldn't buy one offensively. Backstrom was on his game, the Wild blocked a ton of shots, and they just missed a ton of shots wide, high, wherever. Game ends with a 3-1 Wild victory.
Things to note.
Craig Anderson has looked AWFUL the last few games. He has had 1 or 2 goals against in the last 3 games where he just flops around in hopes that he might be able to grab it. Makes a lot of us following the Avs think that there might still be something wrong with his leg, his hip, his groin, or something because he has not been sharp.
Greg Mauldin knocked himself out of the game late in the game when he went head first into the glass when tripping himself over a Wild player. He left the game. Looked like he might have lost a tooth in this one.
Cal Clutterbuck, the league leader in hits, had a couple of questionable hits, most notable on Kevin Porter. Porter had turned his numbers very clearly out to the players, which means you aren't supposed to hit them, out of safety. Clutterbuck hit Porter, probably a bit softer than he could have but still a bit harder than he should. Adam Foote stepped in to protect his teammates, and Clutterbuck cowered away when he was challenged. Martin Havlat also took a few cheap shots. Was called for a blatant slash on Duchene early, then took a couple of little swipes at Foote throughout the rest of the game. Then, again, when Foote stepped up into his face, Havlat scooted backwards and started yapping once 3 of his teammates were between him and Foote. Some lack of class there. Though you expect tempers in a divisional game.
Speaking of divisional games, with this loss, the Avs are now 2-6-1 against teams in the Northwest Divison. That is not going to be good enough if you want to get to the playoffs. The Avs also have a lot of divisional games coming up. The play Edmenton and Calgary on back to back nights, and then host Vancouver. They need to play better within their division if they want to go anywhere in the post season.
Avs defense continues to hurt them. Shattenkirk had a horrible giveaway on their first goal. D unable to clear people from the front of the net in several situations. That has to improve. Avs also need to get healthy. They are seriously missing the likes of Chris Stewart and Milan Hejduk. Stewarts power and versatility is always tough for teams to deal with, and Hejduk just has so many intangible that he can always do what is needed.
Avs now get a few days off to think about what needs to get fixed, and then come back against Detroit on Monday.
Period 1:
Avs came out with a good pace, and even had an early power play. Unfortunately, Shattenkirk wiffed on a simple D-to-D pass, giving Clutterbuck a breakaway on Andy. Save on the breakaway, but no hope for the early Christmas present right in front of the net. Hammered home by Matt Cullen for a 1-0 lead, Shorthanded.
Avs don't wait long to even things up, as David Jones hammers home a weak rebound on the remaining PP to even it up at 1. Backstrom thought he had the puck covered, but Jones managed to find it and slam it in.
Then, the Avs gave up another one as a shot from the point was sent intentionally wide. Andy seemed to overreact to this puck, slid way of the net and tried to cover it as it came sliding back through the crease, but couldn't turn himself fully around. He actually knocked the puck into the post, and then it sat in the crease, once again, awaiting the stick of Matt Cullen who put home his second goal of the night. Period 1 ended 2-1 in favor of the Wild.
Period 2:
Avs came out looking pretty decent in the second, until David Koci, the biggest waste of a roster space in the NHL, took an incredibly stupid penalty, pile-driving a Wild player into Backstrom about 10 seconds AFTER Backstrom had covered the puck.
Ensuing power play, a one timer from the point went a bit wide, and Andrew Brunette, a former member of the Avalanche, put a little backhander over the unnecessarily sprawling body of Craig Anderson. Andy looked horrible on goals 2 and 3. Out of position, unable to move back once he had committed anywhere, and just flopped all over the place. Andy was pulled after this goal, very deservedly so.
Avs were very soft for the rest of the period, with the exception of the last 3 minutes. Budaj made some good saves in this period, and a few other really good ones in the third to keep the Avs close.
Period 3:
No scoring, but lots more action. Avs got very brave, out of necessity, with their D jumping up in the play. Budaj played very well in relief of Anderson, and really was the only reason it stayed at 3-1. Avs just couldn't buy one offensively. Backstrom was on his game, the Wild blocked a ton of shots, and they just missed a ton of shots wide, high, wherever. Game ends with a 3-1 Wild victory.
Things to note.
Craig Anderson has looked AWFUL the last few games. He has had 1 or 2 goals against in the last 3 games where he just flops around in hopes that he might be able to grab it. Makes a lot of us following the Avs think that there might still be something wrong with his leg, his hip, his groin, or something because he has not been sharp.
Greg Mauldin knocked himself out of the game late in the game when he went head first into the glass when tripping himself over a Wild player. He left the game. Looked like he might have lost a tooth in this one.
Cal Clutterbuck, the league leader in hits, had a couple of questionable hits, most notable on Kevin Porter. Porter had turned his numbers very clearly out to the players, which means you aren't supposed to hit them, out of safety. Clutterbuck hit Porter, probably a bit softer than he could have but still a bit harder than he should. Adam Foote stepped in to protect his teammates, and Clutterbuck cowered away when he was challenged. Martin Havlat also took a few cheap shots. Was called for a blatant slash on Duchene early, then took a couple of little swipes at Foote throughout the rest of the game. Then, again, when Foote stepped up into his face, Havlat scooted backwards and started yapping once 3 of his teammates were between him and Foote. Some lack of class there. Though you expect tempers in a divisional game.
Speaking of divisional games, with this loss, the Avs are now 2-6-1 against teams in the Northwest Divison. That is not going to be good enough if you want to get to the playoffs. The Avs also have a lot of divisional games coming up. The play Edmenton and Calgary on back to back nights, and then host Vancouver. They need to play better within their division if they want to go anywhere in the post season.
Avs defense continues to hurt them. Shattenkirk had a horrible giveaway on their first goal. D unable to clear people from the front of the net in several situations. That has to improve. Avs also need to get healthy. They are seriously missing the likes of Chris Stewart and Milan Hejduk. Stewarts power and versatility is always tough for teams to deal with, and Hejduk just has so many intangible that he can always do what is needed.
Avs now get a few days off to think about what needs to get fixed, and then come back against Detroit on Monday.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Avs vs. Kings Recap
The Avs came into this game with the longest active win streak, at 6 games. Could the push it to 7? We would see.
Scoring Recap
The Kings got things going on a pretty weak goal. Rob Scuderi put a shot on Anderson from the point. Andy made the save, but kicked the rebound right back to Scuderi. Scuderi put it to the back hand and put it past Andy on the short side. Andy reacted very poorly to that move, waiting until after Scuderi had made the move and shot the puck before he reacted. 1-0 Kings
Second period
The whole second period belonged to the Kings. The Kings had a few shifts that lasted a long time in the Avs zone. Brad Richardson got his 4th goal of the year against the Avalanche, he has 5 total in the season by the way. He redirected a pass by Doughty who made a great move after the Avs were unable to clear the puck from their zone. That has been one of the things that the Avs have struggled with, quick, efficient clears to get the puck out of their zone.
Third period
Avs just couldn't get anything going, at all. Dustin Brown got a goal where he basically was picking up the scraps. Kopitar made a great move to the front of the net and muscled his way past Kevin Shattenkirk. Andy stopped that one, but couldn't control the puck, or himself. The puck stayed still, and Andy slid out of the way, allowing Brown to just put it home uncontested. I say uncontested because Hunwick just stood there and watched as Brown scored. 3-0 Avs.
Dustin Brown scored again with about 5 minutes left. Cut to the middle, just sort of threw it at the net, and Andy gave up another soft one through the wickets.
Later, the Avs took a late penalty, and immediately gave up a one time power play goal by Justin Williams. Kings finish off the Avs and their win streak with a 5-0 beat down.
This was the first game that the Avs were shut out all season long. Mark Rycroft said that the Avs competed tonight but just didn't get the breaks. That is not really the case in my estimation. The Avs were clearly the slower, weaker team tonight. The big difference came when the Avs got down. In the past couple of games, when the Avs were scored on, they immediately came back and got on their opponents to even up the game. That did not happen at all tonight. Instead of rising up to equal the game, it really seemed like they were actually deflated by these goals. It was almost like they were so used to getting a tying goal when down that they just expected it to happen, but it sure did not.
The other big thing that happened in this game, and happened a lot when the Avs have been struggling, was the amount of shots that missed the net. There were a lot of those tonight that just went high, or wide. It's hard to score goals when the pucks aren't going on the net. Only 23 shots on goal tonight, and that is just not going to do it against a team that is scoring and is very solid defensively like the Kings.
Andy has also been very weak of late. Yes, he won his last 6 before this, but he has been giving up a lot of goals in those games. He's been soft, and needs to regain some of that form from last year, even a little of it, in order to make sure the Avs don't go on the wrong kind of streak.
One thing that you know is going to happen is that Sacco will be all over the guys about this. Sacco is not the type of coach that lets this type of play just go and assume that things will get better. You better believe the Avs are going to be worked in their next practice. My hope is that Sacco will stick with is form of holding players accountable. Hunwick has hurt this team since being here. Tonight you saw it again, where he goes and stands in front of the net, and watches as the other team crashes aggressively and scores an easy goal. Since joining the Avs, Hunwick is -5, and has only had a plus rating in 2 games. That doesn't necessarily mean he's playing poorly, but it does mean he's on when we're scored against. And many of the plays that we saw tonight, where he just stands and watches, has become a regular occurrence.
Well, Avs next game come on Thursday against the Minnesota Wild. Avs hoping that Santa leaves an early Christmas gift under the tree and gets the Avs another big win against a divisional rival! Need a bounce back game!
Scoring Recap
The Kings got things going on a pretty weak goal. Rob Scuderi put a shot on Anderson from the point. Andy made the save, but kicked the rebound right back to Scuderi. Scuderi put it to the back hand and put it past Andy on the short side. Andy reacted very poorly to that move, waiting until after Scuderi had made the move and shot the puck before he reacted. 1-0 Kings
Second period
The whole second period belonged to the Kings. The Kings had a few shifts that lasted a long time in the Avs zone. Brad Richardson got his 4th goal of the year against the Avalanche, he has 5 total in the season by the way. He redirected a pass by Doughty who made a great move after the Avs were unable to clear the puck from their zone. That has been one of the things that the Avs have struggled with, quick, efficient clears to get the puck out of their zone.
Third period
Avs just couldn't get anything going, at all. Dustin Brown got a goal where he basically was picking up the scraps. Kopitar made a great move to the front of the net and muscled his way past Kevin Shattenkirk. Andy stopped that one, but couldn't control the puck, or himself. The puck stayed still, and Andy slid out of the way, allowing Brown to just put it home uncontested. I say uncontested because Hunwick just stood there and watched as Brown scored. 3-0 Avs.
Dustin Brown scored again with about 5 minutes left. Cut to the middle, just sort of threw it at the net, and Andy gave up another soft one through the wickets.
Later, the Avs took a late penalty, and immediately gave up a one time power play goal by Justin Williams. Kings finish off the Avs and their win streak with a 5-0 beat down.
This was the first game that the Avs were shut out all season long. Mark Rycroft said that the Avs competed tonight but just didn't get the breaks. That is not really the case in my estimation. The Avs were clearly the slower, weaker team tonight. The big difference came when the Avs got down. In the past couple of games, when the Avs were scored on, they immediately came back and got on their opponents to even up the game. That did not happen at all tonight. Instead of rising up to equal the game, it really seemed like they were actually deflated by these goals. It was almost like they were so used to getting a tying goal when down that they just expected it to happen, but it sure did not.
The other big thing that happened in this game, and happened a lot when the Avs have been struggling, was the amount of shots that missed the net. There were a lot of those tonight that just went high, or wide. It's hard to score goals when the pucks aren't going on the net. Only 23 shots on goal tonight, and that is just not going to do it against a team that is scoring and is very solid defensively like the Kings.
Andy has also been very weak of late. Yes, he won his last 6 before this, but he has been giving up a lot of goals in those games. He's been soft, and needs to regain some of that form from last year, even a little of it, in order to make sure the Avs don't go on the wrong kind of streak.
One thing that you know is going to happen is that Sacco will be all over the guys about this. Sacco is not the type of coach that lets this type of play just go and assume that things will get better. You better believe the Avs are going to be worked in their next practice. My hope is that Sacco will stick with is form of holding players accountable. Hunwick has hurt this team since being here. Tonight you saw it again, where he goes and stands in front of the net, and watches as the other team crashes aggressively and scores an easy goal. Since joining the Avs, Hunwick is -5, and has only had a plus rating in 2 games. That doesn't necessarily mean he's playing poorly, but it does mean he's on when we're scored against. And many of the plays that we saw tonight, where he just stands and watches, has become a regular occurrence.
Well, Avs next game come on Thursday against the Minnesota Wild. Avs hoping that Santa leaves an early Christmas gift under the tree and gets the Avs another big win against a divisional rival! Need a bounce back game!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Avs vs Canadiens Recap
Well, what a game tonight for the Avalanche! After a rather up and down game against the Ottawa Senators a couple of nights ago, the Avs played host to one of the top teams in the Eastern conference, the Montreal Canadiens. Well, before I recap this game, let's give a bit of lead up, shall we?
Coming into tonight, the Avs had won 5 straight games. Not only that, but they were 6-0-2 in their last 8 games. The Avs were quite fortunate to pull out the win that they did against Ottawa, an overtime win 6-5, because they were sloppy defensively, and Craig Anderson was not very solid in net. But, the Avs were firing on all cylinders offensively, and managed to answer Ottawa at every turn. They had to know that if they came out with that same kind of sloppiness against Montreal, they would be made to pay for it. Well, they definitely responded in kind.
Scoring recap.
Mike Cammalleri got the scoring started for the Habs, on the PP. 3 of the Avs PK all went to the same spot to try and clear the puck, and failed. Leaving Foote alone on a 2 on 1. Cammelleri made a very pretty give and go and fired it right over Andy's glove. Never had a chance.
Avs answered on a PP of their own. Ryan Wilson scored this one from the point, through a ton of traffic in front with about 7 seconds left in the first period. Price probably never saw the shot.
Habs went back on top with another PP goal in the second. A shot rebounded off of Anderson right to the waiting Alexander Picard, distant relative of Enterprise Captain Jean-Luc Picard, and pounded it home.
The Avs responded just over a minute later when Kevin Porter slipped one by Carey Price on a backhand as he rushed towards the net. This was a pretty weak one, by Price's standards, and I'm sure he would like to have it back. 2-2.
Then T.J. Galliardi put the Avs up to stay late in the 2nd period when Ryan O'Reilly but a very hard wrister on net. Price made a great save, up high, but the puck bounced straight up. Both Galliardi and Mauldin were crashing the net, and the Avs got a fortunate bounce off of Galliardi's leg, and past price. Proving the old saying true that "if you go to the net, good things happen."
The Avs survived an assault of shots in the third period, 14 to be exact, to hold on to the win. Anderson looking very good late, especially, to help the Avs hold on.
The Avs improved to 11-0-0 when leading after 2 periods, and the Habs fell to 0-11-0 when trailing after 2 periods, remaining the only team in the league to not come back and gain any type of point when trailing after 2 periods of play. The Avs also extend their win streak to 6 games, once again pulling ahead of the Vancouver Canucks by 2 points in the Northwest Division, and sit in 3rd position in the Western Conference. Where they will be by the end of tomorrow is anybody's guess in the crazy, crazy West.
Sadly, Matt Duchene's point streak was snapped in this game, but I don't think that will bother him too much. This guy is a huge team player. Galliardi returned to the lineup against Ottawa, after missing 17 games with a wrist injury, and has goals in both of his games. Not a bad way to come back. Since Anderson returned against Florida a week and a half ago, his only loss has come in OT, against those Panthers. Since then, he has not lost a game, and neither have the Avs. The Avs are in a current stretch of 19 games, where 15 of them will be played at home, and they have gotten off to a good start. As time goes on, this could prove to be a very crucial stretch of games for the Avalanche, where they very well could pull away from the Canucks as long as the continue to find ways to put the puck in the net.
One bit of bad news for the Avs tonight. Defenseman Kyle Quincey is to undergo season ending shoulder surgery after he was hurt in Washington against the Capitals. Obviously it is bad, because you never like to see a member of your team go down and out for the season. At the same time, Quincey has been very suspect, defensively, this year. He's made a lot of bad plays that have led to goals, and has been on the ice, just kind of standing and watching goals go in this year. He has been virtually invisible offensively, especially in comparison to what he did last year. Definitely hope he is able to fully recuperate from this injury and come back and play well.
Avs record now stands at 19-10-4, First in the NW Division. They play again on Tuesday when they host the LA Kings. Should be another good one as they try and push their win streak to 7 games! Go Avs!
Coming into tonight, the Avs had won 5 straight games. Not only that, but they were 6-0-2 in their last 8 games. The Avs were quite fortunate to pull out the win that they did against Ottawa, an overtime win 6-5, because they were sloppy defensively, and Craig Anderson was not very solid in net. But, the Avs were firing on all cylinders offensively, and managed to answer Ottawa at every turn. They had to know that if they came out with that same kind of sloppiness against Montreal, they would be made to pay for it. Well, they definitely responded in kind.
Scoring recap.
Mike Cammalleri got the scoring started for the Habs, on the PP. 3 of the Avs PK all went to the same spot to try and clear the puck, and failed. Leaving Foote alone on a 2 on 1. Cammelleri made a very pretty give and go and fired it right over Andy's glove. Never had a chance.
Avs answered on a PP of their own. Ryan Wilson scored this one from the point, through a ton of traffic in front with about 7 seconds left in the first period. Price probably never saw the shot.
Habs went back on top with another PP goal in the second. A shot rebounded off of Anderson right to the waiting Alexander Picard, distant relative of Enterprise Captain Jean-Luc Picard, and pounded it home.
The Avs responded just over a minute later when Kevin Porter slipped one by Carey Price on a backhand as he rushed towards the net. This was a pretty weak one, by Price's standards, and I'm sure he would like to have it back. 2-2.
Then T.J. Galliardi put the Avs up to stay late in the 2nd period when Ryan O'Reilly but a very hard wrister on net. Price made a great save, up high, but the puck bounced straight up. Both Galliardi and Mauldin were crashing the net, and the Avs got a fortunate bounce off of Galliardi's leg, and past price. Proving the old saying true that "if you go to the net, good things happen."
The Avs survived an assault of shots in the third period, 14 to be exact, to hold on to the win. Anderson looking very good late, especially, to help the Avs hold on.
The Avs improved to 11-0-0 when leading after 2 periods, and the Habs fell to 0-11-0 when trailing after 2 periods, remaining the only team in the league to not come back and gain any type of point when trailing after 2 periods of play. The Avs also extend their win streak to 6 games, once again pulling ahead of the Vancouver Canucks by 2 points in the Northwest Division, and sit in 3rd position in the Western Conference. Where they will be by the end of tomorrow is anybody's guess in the crazy, crazy West.
Sadly, Matt Duchene's point streak was snapped in this game, but I don't think that will bother him too much. This guy is a huge team player. Galliardi returned to the lineup against Ottawa, after missing 17 games with a wrist injury, and has goals in both of his games. Not a bad way to come back. Since Anderson returned against Florida a week and a half ago, his only loss has come in OT, against those Panthers. Since then, he has not lost a game, and neither have the Avs. The Avs are in a current stretch of 19 games, where 15 of them will be played at home, and they have gotten off to a good start. As time goes on, this could prove to be a very crucial stretch of games for the Avalanche, where they very well could pull away from the Canucks as long as the continue to find ways to put the puck in the net.
One bit of bad news for the Avs tonight. Defenseman Kyle Quincey is to undergo season ending shoulder surgery after he was hurt in Washington against the Capitals. Obviously it is bad, because you never like to see a member of your team go down and out for the season. At the same time, Quincey has been very suspect, defensively, this year. He's made a lot of bad plays that have led to goals, and has been on the ice, just kind of standing and watching goals go in this year. He has been virtually invisible offensively, especially in comparison to what he did last year. Definitely hope he is able to fully recuperate from this injury and come back and play well.
Avs record now stands at 19-10-4, First in the NW Division. They play again on Tuesday when they host the LA Kings. Should be another good one as they try and push their win streak to 7 games! Go Avs!
Tebow Time in Denver
Well, thanks to some soreness in the arm of Kyle Orton, the millions of Tebowites in Denver finally got their wish. Tim Tebow had his first start of his NFL career today against the Oakland Raiders in a 39-23 loss. Now, let's break down Tebow's performance.
Well, early on, things weren't looking so good, until Tebow had a huge break of 40 yards, on a 3rd and 23, for a touchdown. Immediately, I could hear all of Denver explode in a huge roar!! The savior is here!! Why didn't we do this earlier?! Orton could never do that!! It's all Tebow!! Well, slow down folks. First, this was a designed QB draw that isn't meant to get more than 5 yards. The effectiveness of the play didn't come from Tebow going Michael Vick on everybody and making tons of people miss. The play worked because the Raiders didn't expect it. They dropped back in a soft zone, rushed 3, and before anybody realized it, Tebow had the first down. Was it a sweet run? Sure! But don't get so excited quite yet. That play was much more the Raiders being shocked than Tebow being awesome. That should be evidenced by the fact that that same style Tebow Draw play was run several more times throughout the game, each of the rest of them not for more than 5-9 yards.
Next, Tebow and the Broncos took the lead in the first when Tebow floated a pass that Brandon Lloyd snatched out of nowhere for a touchdown. It was initially ruled incomplete, but was reversed after coach Studley, I mean Studesville, challenged the play. Once again, I hear the explosions of the Bronco faithful. They said Tebow can't pass! What a perfect throw! You see how that just fit right in! Orton can't make that throw! Once again folks, slow down. Look at the play again. Tebow underthrew the ball into double coverage. One Oakland cornerback had it go straight through his hands, and Lloyd made one hell of a catch. Again, this had far less to do with Tebow than it did with the Broncos being fortunate the Raiders corner was too propelled by his momentum to react fully and make the catch; and still required that Lloyd make one hell of a catch, keeping his eyes fixed on that ball through several arms.
The rest of the Broncos points all came from field goals. Tebow finished the game 8-16 for 138 yards, 1 TD. 8 rushes for 78 yards, and 1 TD. Yet, one review of the game that I saw was that Tebow "shined" in his first game. Umm, if by shined you mean didn't completely and totally give the game away, then sure. Don't get me wrong, I like Tim Tebow. Good kid who loves to compete that has won everywhere he's ever been. It's never bad to have a guy like that around, but let's slow down here folks. This was barely even a full start. He was not put in there to go and win the game, he was put in there to not lose the game. He threw the ball 16 times. Kyle Orton has 498 attempts in 13 games. Do the math. That comes out to 38.3 pass attempts a game. Tebow didn't even have half of that. I don't even remember the last time the Broncos had a QB only complete 8 passes in a game, and that is shining? No, no, no, no, no folks. Tebow did not shine. What he did was go out and not suck. Now, I do realize that, given the latest incarnation of our beloved Broncos, not sucking looks a whole lot like being awesome, but we need to call it what it is. The coaching staff did not want to put this game, or this team, on Tim Tebow's shoulders, so they didn't.
So before I hear another crazed, disillusioned Bronco fan say that Tebow needs to start right here and right now, please look at this game and take this simple fact away from it. Tim Tebow is not ready to be an NFL starter. And if people have learned anything from starting players before they were ready, it is this; if you put a player in that position, especially the QB position where the whole game depends on you, they will crumble. They will crumble in that season, and they will crumble beyond. Allow Tebow to develop. He showed some good things. But he mostly showed that he isn't a threat to throw the ball, and that his coaching staff did not trust him to do so. Back off on Tebow Time, Denver, it is not here, and it is now now.
Well, early on, things weren't looking so good, until Tebow had a huge break of 40 yards, on a 3rd and 23, for a touchdown. Immediately, I could hear all of Denver explode in a huge roar!! The savior is here!! Why didn't we do this earlier?! Orton could never do that!! It's all Tebow!! Well, slow down folks. First, this was a designed QB draw that isn't meant to get more than 5 yards. The effectiveness of the play didn't come from Tebow going Michael Vick on everybody and making tons of people miss. The play worked because the Raiders didn't expect it. They dropped back in a soft zone, rushed 3, and before anybody realized it, Tebow had the first down. Was it a sweet run? Sure! But don't get so excited quite yet. That play was much more the Raiders being shocked than Tebow being awesome. That should be evidenced by the fact that that same style Tebow Draw play was run several more times throughout the game, each of the rest of them not for more than 5-9 yards.
Next, Tebow and the Broncos took the lead in the first when Tebow floated a pass that Brandon Lloyd snatched out of nowhere for a touchdown. It was initially ruled incomplete, but was reversed after coach Studley, I mean Studesville, challenged the play. Once again, I hear the explosions of the Bronco faithful. They said Tebow can't pass! What a perfect throw! You see how that just fit right in! Orton can't make that throw! Once again folks, slow down. Look at the play again. Tebow underthrew the ball into double coverage. One Oakland cornerback had it go straight through his hands, and Lloyd made one hell of a catch. Again, this had far less to do with Tebow than it did with the Broncos being fortunate the Raiders corner was too propelled by his momentum to react fully and make the catch; and still required that Lloyd make one hell of a catch, keeping his eyes fixed on that ball through several arms.
The rest of the Broncos points all came from field goals. Tebow finished the game 8-16 for 138 yards, 1 TD. 8 rushes for 78 yards, and 1 TD. Yet, one review of the game that I saw was that Tebow "shined" in his first game. Umm, if by shined you mean didn't completely and totally give the game away, then sure. Don't get me wrong, I like Tim Tebow. Good kid who loves to compete that has won everywhere he's ever been. It's never bad to have a guy like that around, but let's slow down here folks. This was barely even a full start. He was not put in there to go and win the game, he was put in there to not lose the game. He threw the ball 16 times. Kyle Orton has 498 attempts in 13 games. Do the math. That comes out to 38.3 pass attempts a game. Tebow didn't even have half of that. I don't even remember the last time the Broncos had a QB only complete 8 passes in a game, and that is shining? No, no, no, no, no folks. Tebow did not shine. What he did was go out and not suck. Now, I do realize that, given the latest incarnation of our beloved Broncos, not sucking looks a whole lot like being awesome, but we need to call it what it is. The coaching staff did not want to put this game, or this team, on Tim Tebow's shoulders, so they didn't.
So before I hear another crazed, disillusioned Bronco fan say that Tebow needs to start right here and right now, please look at this game and take this simple fact away from it. Tim Tebow is not ready to be an NFL starter. And if people have learned anything from starting players before they were ready, it is this; if you put a player in that position, especially the QB position where the whole game depends on you, they will crumble. They will crumble in that season, and they will crumble beyond. Allow Tebow to develop. He showed some good things. But he mostly showed that he isn't a threat to throw the ball, and that his coaching staff did not trust him to do so. Back off on Tebow Time, Denver, it is not here, and it is now now.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
KGs week 15 picks!
I have been on FIRE the last few weeks. 12-4 again! My winning percentage is definitely climbing! 132-76, and hoping to keep the good times rolling! Make sure to check out my college bowl picks as well! Looking forward to those! So, here we go for week 15!!
Got San Diego over San Francisco for the first pick. Been doing much better since missing both of the first 2 Thursday games, though most of the choices have been pretty simple. So already off to a good start!
Cleveland @ Cincinnati: Cleveland hasn't been much help to me the last couple of weeks. I've picked them, and they keep losing. So I'm going to say that, in a close game, the Bengals pull this one out, Because Cleveland keeps losing.
Washington @ Dallas: So, the Skins have benched Donovan McNabb. I don't get this, at all. It isn't as if McNabb has been Haynesworth like in the way he has interacted with his teammates and coaches, and Rex Grossman sure as hell isn't a better quarterback. I don't know, maybe Shanny knows something that we all don't, or maybe Shanny actually doesn't have what it takes to coach in the NFL anymore. That would be very sad. But, nonetheless, Cowboys win this one.
Houston @ Tennessee: Houston lost in heartbreaking fashion last week. After such an amazing comeback, to have things end like that just hurts. Again, this is a must win for both teams, and Tennessee has been really not competitive in many of their recent games. Wondering what the odds are on another Finnegan vs. Johnson slug fest. You know eyes will be fixed on them. I take Houston in this one.
Jacksonville @ Indianapolis: Gigantic game for Indy. With a win in this one, Jacksonville pretty much wins the division. Peyton is clutch, and helps rally the Colts in a come from behind victory at home to keep their bleak playoff hopes alive.
Kansas City @ St. Louis: So we all know that Cassell was important to the Chiefs, but I don't think any of us realized that the Chiefs would completely fold without him. We don't really know if he's going to play in this one, but if he doesn't, hopefully they will be more prepared. St. Louis is playing decently, and needs a win to stay close in the NFC West, but they won't get it done here. KC wins in a competitive game.
Buffalo @ Miami: Buffalo's is really a much better team than they are given credit for, they just can't find a way to fully get it done. Best solution for that, playing the Broncos. Sadly, they have the Fins in this one, who take this one.
Philadelphia @ NY Giants: This has potential to be the game of the week. Will the G-men be able to even the score against the Eagles for the season? Can anybody stop DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick? The winner of this game probably wins this division. In a really, really close game, I give the edge to the home team to just squeak by in this one. G-men.
Detroit @ Tampa Bay: Tampa is for real, give me the Bucs.
Arizona @ Carolina: Toilet Bowl!! **Flush** Nobody cares about who wins this one except for the teams all gunning for the top 5 draft picks. I think that Carolina continues to stink, Arizona takes this one.
New Orleans @ Baltimore: This should be a good game as well. Hard to tell. If this were last year's Saints team that was lighting up everybody in the league, I'd go with them, but since they are definitely not as dominant as they were, I have to give the edge to the Ravens.
Atlanta @ Seattle: Atlanta will destroy the Hawks in this one.
Denver @ Oakland: Well, apparently Tim Tebow is going to get the start in this game. I don't predict this to go very well for him. I don't think he's going to come out and forget how to throw a football or anything, but I don't think that anybody in Denver is realistic about his skill level right now. People believe Tebow will save the Bronco's franchise. I'm definitely not there yet, and I'll need a hell of a lot more than the one and a half pre-season games he's played in, 1 touchdown pass, and couple of other runs to sell me otherwise. Right now the Broncos are one of the biggest jokes of the NFL, and the Raiders have their number. I'll take the Silver and black in this one.
NY Jets @ Pittsburgh: When did this Jets team become such sissies? I mean, seriously. They don't have nearly the fight that they did at the start of the year. They used to be the clear pick to win the AFC East, now, they are holding out hopes for a wild card. Steelers should take this one.
Green Bay @ New England: Without Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have no chance in hell. Pats.
Chicago @ Minnesota: This is going to be a cold, boring game being played outdoors in glacier covered Minneapolis right now. I forsee a very run heavy game, and the Bears will take this one. I hope Favre starts a new streak, of sitting games out.
Got San Diego over San Francisco for the first pick. Been doing much better since missing both of the first 2 Thursday games, though most of the choices have been pretty simple. So already off to a good start!
Cleveland @ Cincinnati: Cleveland hasn't been much help to me the last couple of weeks. I've picked them, and they keep losing. So I'm going to say that, in a close game, the Bengals pull this one out, Because Cleveland keeps losing.
Washington @ Dallas: So, the Skins have benched Donovan McNabb. I don't get this, at all. It isn't as if McNabb has been Haynesworth like in the way he has interacted with his teammates and coaches, and Rex Grossman sure as hell isn't a better quarterback. I don't know, maybe Shanny knows something that we all don't, or maybe Shanny actually doesn't have what it takes to coach in the NFL anymore. That would be very sad. But, nonetheless, Cowboys win this one.
Houston @ Tennessee: Houston lost in heartbreaking fashion last week. After such an amazing comeback, to have things end like that just hurts. Again, this is a must win for both teams, and Tennessee has been really not competitive in many of their recent games. Wondering what the odds are on another Finnegan vs. Johnson slug fest. You know eyes will be fixed on them. I take Houston in this one.
Jacksonville @ Indianapolis: Gigantic game for Indy. With a win in this one, Jacksonville pretty much wins the division. Peyton is clutch, and helps rally the Colts in a come from behind victory at home to keep their bleak playoff hopes alive.
Kansas City @ St. Louis: So we all know that Cassell was important to the Chiefs, but I don't think any of us realized that the Chiefs would completely fold without him. We don't really know if he's going to play in this one, but if he doesn't, hopefully they will be more prepared. St. Louis is playing decently, and needs a win to stay close in the NFC West, but they won't get it done here. KC wins in a competitive game.
Buffalo @ Miami: Buffalo's is really a much better team than they are given credit for, they just can't find a way to fully get it done. Best solution for that, playing the Broncos. Sadly, they have the Fins in this one, who take this one.
Philadelphia @ NY Giants: This has potential to be the game of the week. Will the G-men be able to even the score against the Eagles for the season? Can anybody stop DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick? The winner of this game probably wins this division. In a really, really close game, I give the edge to the home team to just squeak by in this one. G-men.
Detroit @ Tampa Bay: Tampa is for real, give me the Bucs.
Arizona @ Carolina: Toilet Bowl!! **Flush** Nobody cares about who wins this one except for the teams all gunning for the top 5 draft picks. I think that Carolina continues to stink, Arizona takes this one.
New Orleans @ Baltimore: This should be a good game as well. Hard to tell. If this were last year's Saints team that was lighting up everybody in the league, I'd go with them, but since they are definitely not as dominant as they were, I have to give the edge to the Ravens.
Atlanta @ Seattle: Atlanta will destroy the Hawks in this one.
Denver @ Oakland: Well, apparently Tim Tebow is going to get the start in this game. I don't predict this to go very well for him. I don't think he's going to come out and forget how to throw a football or anything, but I don't think that anybody in Denver is realistic about his skill level right now. People believe Tebow will save the Bronco's franchise. I'm definitely not there yet, and I'll need a hell of a lot more than the one and a half pre-season games he's played in, 1 touchdown pass, and couple of other runs to sell me otherwise. Right now the Broncos are one of the biggest jokes of the NFL, and the Raiders have their number. I'll take the Silver and black in this one.
NY Jets @ Pittsburgh: When did this Jets team become such sissies? I mean, seriously. They don't have nearly the fight that they did at the start of the year. They used to be the clear pick to win the AFC East, now, they are holding out hopes for a wild card. Steelers should take this one.
Green Bay @ New England: Without Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have no chance in hell. Pats.
Chicago @ Minnesota: This is going to be a cold, boring game being played outdoors in glacier covered Minneapolis right now. I forsee a very run heavy game, and the Bears will take this one. I hope Favre starts a new streak, of sitting games out.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
30 games in, Avs outlook
Well, what an interesting last 10 games it has been for the Avs! The Avs have had some serious injury issues, some very long road trips, a lot of tests, and there are definitely a lot of questions still to answer about this team.
At the beginning of the evening, the Avs were ranked 1st in the NHL in goals scored, with 108, so there has really been no issue with this team scoring goals. The only issue is that they are also up there in the goals allowed, with 95. All things said, however, they have held tough.
Once again, the Avs began to face adversity when Craig Anderson got injured a second time, with a groin pull this time around. Chris Stewart got injured while beating an opponent to a pulp in a fight. The Avs promptly had a streak of 5 games where the Avs seriously struggled. Especially defensively. There have been some seriously questionable defensive plays by the likes of Ryan Wilson and Kyle Quincey and our new acquisition, Matt Hunwick. But, coach Sacco addressed the issues, switched up some pairings, and the Avs, with a win in Chicago tonight (and it looks like they are headed that way right now with a 4-2 lead in the third) they will take the division lead in the northwest division. Yet, questions remain!
Questions
Can Craig Anderson stay healthy!?
He's looked good since he came back from his injury. With the win (that just now finished in Chicago) he's 4-0-2 in his last 6 games. He's really got to stay healthy to give the Avs some consistency because, as good as Budaj was in the first time that Anderson got hurt, Budaj was HORRIBLE in the second round of starting for the injured Andy. We've got to keep him in the net.
If he can stay healthy, can he maintain the form from last year?
Then, we need that form. The Avs have played much better defensively than last year. Last year, they were outshot badly in MOST of their games, they have been far more assertive this year.
Why has it taken so long to bring Jonas Holos back to the line up?
The Avs were having defensive issues earlier in the year as well, and then Jonas Holos came up with a couple of injuries and so much happened! The Avs called up Holos, and suddenly the Power play picked up, Holos was a +5 while he was up, and the Avs were really playing well. Then he got sent down when people were coming back from injury, and we saw some pretty awful play **quincey, wilson** cough cough.
Is there any hope of getting more size back on that blue line?
In one of 2 trades that the Avs made, they picked up a carbon copy of Kyle Cumiskey in Matt Hunwick. In exchange, we gave up a pretty good sized, young defensemen with a huge shot, Colby Cohen. We got smaller, which is one of our biggest issues. Yes, Hunwick can skate like the wind, but put him down behind his own net fighting for the puck against a strong power forward, and who do you think is going to come out with it?
What will be done with the likes of Kyle Cumiskey and Kyle Quincey?
Kyle Cumiskey has been out with a concussion for a while, and while he was in the line-up, everybody always had to hold their collective breath while he is on the ice. He makes VERY bad decisions with the puck, and stands no chance against anybody in front of his own net, or down low. So, with a little guy, who has a big concussion, whose really only redeeming trait is that he can skate really, really fast. So, we either send him down to Lake Eerie, the Avalanche minor league affiliate. The Avs could use him as trade bait, but who would bite on a guy like him? Undersized, no real shot, bad in his own end, but really fast.
Pluses!
Tomas Fleischmann. This guy has exploded in the past couple of games. Hat-trick tonight against the Hawks, and seems to have great chemistry with Matt Duchene, which can be all you really need to jumpstart things. He was struggling in Washington, but is now proving to be more than worth what the Avs gave up, Scott Hannan, to get him.
Matt Duchene
This guy has really started scoring. After tonight, with 2 more assists, he is now tied for the team lead in scoring with 32 points. This kid is going to be, and I mean very soon, the next great leader for the Avs. Next year is the end of his rookie contract, expect the Avs to tie him up LONG term.
Greg Mauldin
Wait, who?!? That's right, Greg Mauldin. Just watch this guy play, and you will be a fan of him. From the second he jumps on the ice to the moment he gets off the ice, he is going full steam; attacking the puck and everybody that has it. In the last 10 games he has 2 short handed goals. He's great defensively, is physical, and surprises people with his speed. Reminds me of a lot of the things that Dan Hinote used to do for the Avs. Lots of good stuff is coming for Mauldin.
Kevin Shattenkirk
Lots of people were expecting him to make the team out of camp this year, but he didn't. He came up with some of the injuries, and was immediately effective. This guy isn't big, but he plays much bigger than he is, and he's so smart. His body position is always good, he reverses the flow at the right times, and he has some serious speed as well! In 19 games, he has 16 points. He's active offensively, but still smart and effective defensively. Something that our D has been lacking. Very happy with his play, and don't expect to see him leaving the line-up any time soon.
So what is to come? Well, in the next 19 games, the Avs play 15 at home. This could be a HUGE time for them to try and keep themselves atop their division, and possibly the conference. They have played quite well at home, and hope to continue their great offensive position. The only thing they could do to improve where they stand right now is to get a little bit bigger and more intimidating on the blue line. Other than that, keep the goals coming, the Avs could be in for a lot of wins right now. This could be a defining stretch for this team. Are they going to establish themselves as a top tier team in the Western Conference? Or will they stay in the middle of the pack? I suppose we will see.
At the beginning of the evening, the Avs were ranked 1st in the NHL in goals scored, with 108, so there has really been no issue with this team scoring goals. The only issue is that they are also up there in the goals allowed, with 95. All things said, however, they have held tough.
Once again, the Avs began to face adversity when Craig Anderson got injured a second time, with a groin pull this time around. Chris Stewart got injured while beating an opponent to a pulp in a fight. The Avs promptly had a streak of 5 games where the Avs seriously struggled. Especially defensively. There have been some seriously questionable defensive plays by the likes of Ryan Wilson and Kyle Quincey and our new acquisition, Matt Hunwick. But, coach Sacco addressed the issues, switched up some pairings, and the Avs, with a win in Chicago tonight (and it looks like they are headed that way right now with a 4-2 lead in the third) they will take the division lead in the northwest division. Yet, questions remain!
Questions
Can Craig Anderson stay healthy!?
He's looked good since he came back from his injury. With the win (that just now finished in Chicago) he's 4-0-2 in his last 6 games. He's really got to stay healthy to give the Avs some consistency because, as good as Budaj was in the first time that Anderson got hurt, Budaj was HORRIBLE in the second round of starting for the injured Andy. We've got to keep him in the net.
If he can stay healthy, can he maintain the form from last year?
Then, we need that form. The Avs have played much better defensively than last year. Last year, they were outshot badly in MOST of their games, they have been far more assertive this year.
Why has it taken so long to bring Jonas Holos back to the line up?
The Avs were having defensive issues earlier in the year as well, and then Jonas Holos came up with a couple of injuries and so much happened! The Avs called up Holos, and suddenly the Power play picked up, Holos was a +5 while he was up, and the Avs were really playing well. Then he got sent down when people were coming back from injury, and we saw some pretty awful play **quincey, wilson** cough cough.
Is there any hope of getting more size back on that blue line?
In one of 2 trades that the Avs made, they picked up a carbon copy of Kyle Cumiskey in Matt Hunwick. In exchange, we gave up a pretty good sized, young defensemen with a huge shot, Colby Cohen. We got smaller, which is one of our biggest issues. Yes, Hunwick can skate like the wind, but put him down behind his own net fighting for the puck against a strong power forward, and who do you think is going to come out with it?
What will be done with the likes of Kyle Cumiskey and Kyle Quincey?
Kyle Cumiskey has been out with a concussion for a while, and while he was in the line-up, everybody always had to hold their collective breath while he is on the ice. He makes VERY bad decisions with the puck, and stands no chance against anybody in front of his own net, or down low. So, with a little guy, who has a big concussion, whose really only redeeming trait is that he can skate really, really fast. So, we either send him down to Lake Eerie, the Avalanche minor league affiliate. The Avs could use him as trade bait, but who would bite on a guy like him? Undersized, no real shot, bad in his own end, but really fast.
Pluses!
Tomas Fleischmann. This guy has exploded in the past couple of games. Hat-trick tonight against the Hawks, and seems to have great chemistry with Matt Duchene, which can be all you really need to jumpstart things. He was struggling in Washington, but is now proving to be more than worth what the Avs gave up, Scott Hannan, to get him.
Matt Duchene
This guy has really started scoring. After tonight, with 2 more assists, he is now tied for the team lead in scoring with 32 points. This kid is going to be, and I mean very soon, the next great leader for the Avs. Next year is the end of his rookie contract, expect the Avs to tie him up LONG term.
Greg Mauldin
Wait, who?!? That's right, Greg Mauldin. Just watch this guy play, and you will be a fan of him. From the second he jumps on the ice to the moment he gets off the ice, he is going full steam; attacking the puck and everybody that has it. In the last 10 games he has 2 short handed goals. He's great defensively, is physical, and surprises people with his speed. Reminds me of a lot of the things that Dan Hinote used to do for the Avs. Lots of good stuff is coming for Mauldin.
Kevin Shattenkirk
Lots of people were expecting him to make the team out of camp this year, but he didn't. He came up with some of the injuries, and was immediately effective. This guy isn't big, but he plays much bigger than he is, and he's so smart. His body position is always good, he reverses the flow at the right times, and he has some serious speed as well! In 19 games, he has 16 points. He's active offensively, but still smart and effective defensively. Something that our D has been lacking. Very happy with his play, and don't expect to see him leaving the line-up any time soon.
So what is to come? Well, in the next 19 games, the Avs play 15 at home. This could be a HUGE time for them to try and keep themselves atop their division, and possibly the conference. They have played quite well at home, and hope to continue their great offensive position. The only thing they could do to improve where they stand right now is to get a little bit bigger and more intimidating on the blue line. Other than that, keep the goals coming, the Avs could be in for a lot of wins right now. This could be a defining stretch for this team. Are they going to establish themselves as a top tier team in the Western Conference? Or will they stay in the middle of the pack? I suppose we will see.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
College Bowl Picks!
The college bowl season is upon us! Last year, I went with a formula that changed half way through because I kinda ran out of time. THIS year, we are going to go with a few ways of figuring these out. 1. I will simulate each bowl game on my NCAA 11 PS3 video game, at the highest level of difficulty. 2. I will tell my wife the 2 teams, and she will chose who she thinks will win based solely off of the mascots. I will also take some direct quotes from her for her reasoning 3. I will look at the two teams, do a little bit of looking, and make my own actual choices for each bowl game. At the end, we will see which method is the most accurate. So, here are our Bowl Matchups!
There are a lot of games happening, so I will have to update this post as the games come along. So please don't think I've given up. I just want to make sure that I do each game justice in the amount of work I put into it, so for now you can see some of my individual picks, as well as all my wife's picks, and all the NCAA 11 picks. Enjoy!
New Mexico Bowl:
BYU vs. UTEP:
NCAA 11: UTEP manages to get the first down and kill BYU's final time outs. UTEP escapes with a 27-21 victory.
Wife: Wife likes the Miners because it makes her think of the 7 dwarfs.
Me: BYU is heavily favored in this matchup. Add that with the fact that UTEP hasn't won a bowl game since 1967, and I'll take the Stormin' Mormans in this one pretty easily.
Humanitarian Bowl:
Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State:
NCAA 11: FSU manages to kill the clock, and takes a 10-0 victory in a very uninteresting game.
Wife: "Huskies all the way, they are much better"
Me: Well, we have 2 teams from not such great conferences. Northerin Illinois has 10 wins, but never really played a real decent team. Fresno State has played some decent teams, and lost to most of them. The one opponent these 2 had in common was Illinois, a Big 10 school. NIU lost, but FSU won. Neither team is really favored, and they seem pretty evenly matched. So, in a coin toss, I'll go with Northern Illinois.
New Orleans Bowl:
Ohio vs. Troy:
NCAA 11: Lots of turnovers in this game. Biggest one was a pick-6 for Ohio. Final score. Ohio 23-Troy 3
Wife: **Wife laughs** Trojans.....cuz it reminds me of the condoms. sings: **trojan man!!**
Me: Ohio doesn't really pass the ball, and Troy has had a zillion people passing and rushing the ball. That could be confusing for Ohio. Who's going to do what? Troy's D, however, gives up about 31 points per game. I don't see them sticking with Ohio in this one. I'll take the Bobcats.
Beef O'Brady Bowl:
Southern Miss vs. Louiville:
NCAA 11: What started out looking like it might be a very high scoring game, slowed down a bit. But Louisville pulled out a close win in the end. 20-14, Louisville.
Wife: Cardinals. "My mom's favorite bird is a cardinal, so therefore they are better."
Me: Southern Miss had the best run defense in Conference USA, allowing only 1360 yards all season. Not bad. Also, they had over 2000 yards rushing on offense. Not too shabby at all. Louisville lead the Big East in rush yards, also with over 2000. And their defense gave up only 18 points per game. Hard to believe that they were 6-6. This looks like it could end up being a pretty high scoring game. Another one that's hard to tell. But I think I'll go with Louisville, who plays in the much tougher conference.
Maaco Bowl:
20 Utah vs. 10 Boise State:
NCAA 11: Boise State holds on in a close one. 23-21.
Wife: Broncos, that and it's boise state and I have friends that went there. I don't even know what a Ute is, really.
Me: I'll take Boise State in this one without hardly thinking about it. They should win this pretty easily.
Poinsettia Bowl:
Navy vs. San Diego St.
NCAA 11: SDSU wins big. 23-3
Wife: Aztecs. Blood and gore and human sacrifices trump the shipmen.
Me: 2 rush heavy teams that have had pretty decent years. Navy is option based, and San Diego St. has a bit more balance with the pass, but still relies on the run most of the time. So count on this being pretty heavy on the run. This will pretty much be a home game for SD St. though, so I'll give them the advantage there.
Hawaii Bowl
25 Hawaii vs. Tulsa
NCAA 11: What a game this one was! Tulsa rallied from 2 TDs down in the last quarter to tie it and send it into OT! Then they won in OT on a pick-6. Hell of a game, with Tulsa winning 37-31
Wife: Hurricans can be gold? Well, they can be pretty traumatic, so I'll go with the Hurricane. Is it worse if it's a gold hurricane?
Me: Another couple of teams that don't play in the strongest conferences. Hawaii is in the WAC, and get demolished by Boise State. Though they put up quite a number of points on USC at the start of the year, and even beat Nevada. Hawaii put up amazing offensive numbers, averaging just about 40 points per game, and was first in the WAC in passing yards with over 5000. Making this quite an unfortunate match up for Tulsa, who gave up the most passing yards in Conference USA. Hawaii is heavily favored, and with the advantage in passing offense to passing defense, I can't see any other way to pick but with them. I'll take Hawaii.
Little Caesar's Bowl:
Florida International vs. Toledo:
NCAA 11: Toledo wins in a blow out. 33-7
Wife: Rockets! What's with the golden thing!?
Me: Toledo has the better record, and has played a couple tougher opponents, even gaining a victory against Big 10 school Purdue, who isn't doing so great themselves this year. However they don't really shine in any one place. Their run defense is probably the best stat that they have, but their defense does still give up points in the high 20s per game. Florida International, however, has rushed for over 2000 yards this year, in 12 games that's pretty darn good, but have had a much weaker schedule than Toledo. FIU does have games against the Big 12 (Texas A&M), ACC (Maryland), Big East (Rutgers and Pitt), and were competitive in most of them. That might help them against a team like Toledo. Tough one to pick, but I'll take Florida International in this one, and defy EA Sports. :-)
Independence Bowl:
Air Force vs. Georgia Tech:
NCAA 11: Georgia Tech wins a somewhat close game. 24-17
Wife: Falcons. I hate yellow jackets. I hate it when they sting and my hand swells up....
Me: Air Force is at 8-4, and Tech is at 6-6. Air Force made big news when they nearly beat Oklahoma earlier in the year. Air Force played, and lost to, 2 other top 10 teams this year as well, TCU and Utah. Georgia Tech pretty much just struggled all year long, and was never able to find any kind of consistency. Both of these are option style offenses, so a big ground game will prevail in this one. Georgia Tech rushed for almost 4000 yards this year, but gave up more than 2000. Same with Air Force. These teams are almost carbon copies of each other, except their wins and losses. I look for a high scoring game, with lots of options. Perhaps the team that can mix in the pass the best will win this one. I think that I'll go with Air Force.
Champs Sports Bowl:
22 West Virginia vs. N.C. State:
NCAA 11: NC State pulls off the upset in this one. 21-20
Wife: Mountaineers.
Me: NC State was 2nd in the ACC in points scored per game, which is pretty darn good. They also earned a pretty good victory against a strong Florida State team. They have a very good passing offense that was tops in the ACC. Their defense was pretty average, neither great nor horrible, and was right in the middle of the ACC all year. They have a good run defense, allowing the 2nd fewest rushing yards in the ACC. West Virginia was 3rd in the Big East offensively, and was incredibly stingy on defense, allowing the fewest points (12.8 per game), and fewest rushing yards (just over 1000) in the Big East. Defense is clearly their strong point. Their offense was very balanced, as well. Their run offense was slightly more efficient, nearing 2000 yards for the season, but they still had good success through the air as well. All that combined, the stingier defense will prevail, and it's hard to pick against West Virginia in the case.
Insight Bowl:
14 Missouri vs. Iowa:
NCAA 11: Iowa wins a high scoring game. 48-35
Wife: Tigers. I'm not sure if they are actually meaning a hawks eyes or a type of flower.
Me: Missouri had some very good success this year, defeating Oklahoma in a big upset. Iowa showed promise at the start of the year, but lost 3 in a row, a couple that they probably should have won, at the end of the year. Iowa's biggest problems from the year came against the pass, which does not bode well for them against a Missouri team that runs a spread offense. So I guess the big question is which Iowa team will show up? The one that lost 3 in a row at the end of the year, or the one that completely dominated Michigan St. and Penn State? Tough to say. Missouri has been more consistent, so I'll go with Missouri.
Military Bowl:
East Carolina vs. Maryland:
NCAA 11: ECU takes a very uninteresting game. 14-10
Wife: What the hell is a terrapin?? Pirates!! Skull and crossbones baby!!
Me: Maryland should take this one pretty easily. ECU did have a decent offense, but their defense was last in Conference USA. Giving up more than 3000 yards passing, and more than 2500 yards on the ground. Maryland was pretty average all around, but against such a poor defense, the average begins to look pretty darn good. Terps, easy.
Texas Bowl:
Illinois vs. Baylor:
NCAA 11: Baylor wins huge 35-3
Wife: Bears. At least we can pronounce that!!
Me: Well, neither of these teams had stellar years. Both teams lost to any and all ranked opponents that they faced. Illinois definitely had some good success running the ball this year, with almost 3000 yards. Their defense was pretty average. Middle of the pack in the Big 10. Baylor's offense was more balanced. Throwing for more than 3000 yards, and rushing for almost 2500 yards. Baylor's defense was where their biggest issue was, allowing nearly 4000 yards passing, but still under 2000 rushing. Baylor is also the most penalized team in the Big 12, both in number of penalties, and in penalty yards. They have to be more disciplined against Illinois. This is also almost considered a home game for Baylor, as it is still in Texas, which can have an effect on the way the game is played. I think Baylor's tendency for penalties may hurt them in this game, and I'll take Illinois in a close game.
Alamo Bowl:
16 Oklahoma State vs. Arizona:
NCAA 11: Arizona pulls away late for a 42 - 21 victory
Wife: Gonna have to go with Oklahoma!
Me: 10-2 Oklahoma St. is a heavy favorite over their Pac-10 opponent. Ok. State has only 2 losses this year, both to very good Big 12 teams, Nebraska and OU. In both losses, they scored more than 40 points. Arizona won all of their non-conference games, but struggled mightily within the Pac-10, going 4-5. Oklahoma State had the most points and yards per game in the Big 12, which is not an easy thing to do. Strong balance on offense, passing for more than 4000 yards and running for more than 2000 yards, both very, VERY impressive in a 12 game season. Defense was a bit soft against the pass, but held its own vs. the run. This may be the only place Arizona can compete, because they are a very pass heavy offense, though they did struggle with that this year. I will take Oklahoma State in this one by 2 touchdowns.
Armed Forces Bowl:
Army vs. Southern Methodist University:
NCAA 11: SMU wins big 38-3
Wife: Don't they go together anyways?! Mustang and Black Knights?! When it comes down to it, I'll take the Mustangs because of that horrible blue Bronco outside of DIA.
Me: Army has had an average season, at 6-6. SMU was also average, at 7-6. SMU has more balance than Army, which is exclusively run in their option offense. SMU wasn't great against the run, but their offense did pretty darn well all year. I just think there's too much SMU in this one, and Army takes another loss.
Pinstripe Bowl:
Kansas State vs. Syracuse:
NCAA 11: Syracuse takes a close one. 24-21
Wife: Wildcats. Cuz an Orange is a fruit and, unless it has developed a way of poisoning the wildcat, I don't see how it can win!
Me: Big 12 and the Big East collide in this one. Not a lot of excitement here, again. Both teams are 7-5. K-State ran the ball pretty well this year, but were equally bad in their defense of the run this year, giving up close to 3000 yards on the ground. Syracuse's offense was particularly bad this year. 3rd worst passing in the Big East, and 2nd words rushing. Perhaps K-State's defense is in for a good game! Either that, or the Wildcat's sieve-like defense will be just what the Orange needed. Syracuse's defense was actually pretty stingy, especially against the run, so something is going to have to give. This should be a close one, and a tough call. So I will go with K-State, mostly because it is my first impulse based on how well they ran the ball. Their defense will have to be much improved though.
Music City Bowl:
North Carolina vs. Tennessee:
NCAA 11: Tennessee squeaks this one out. 17-16.
Wife: I think the Tar Heels are going to be stuck to the ground because of the Tar on their Heels, so Volunteers. Nothwithstanding that I have family in Tennessee.
Me: SEC and ACC here. Could be another close game. Tennessee has had a very frustrating year, to say the least, going 6-6. They have lost to every ranked opponent that they have faced. Carolina managed a victory over Florida State this year, which was their only win over ranked opponents. NC's offense and defense were respectable, staying in the middle of the pack of the ACC most of the way. Tennessee was towards the bottom of the SEC, especially their offense. I'll take Carolina in this one.
Holiday Bowl:
17 Nebraska vs. Washington:
NCAA 11: Washington, in a huge upset 28-25.
Wife: Huskies. They're prettier than a cornhusker.
Me: I don't see any way for the Huskies to win this one. They are better than their record suggests, but they are no match for a very tough Nebraska team. Huskers.
Meineke Bowl:
South Florida vs. Clemson:
NCAA 11: South Florida takes this one. 24-21
Wife: Bulls. Meaner. If they gore you, you will die a slow, painful death.
Me: 2 mediocre teams, again. Clemson had pretty decent showings against both Auburn and Miami (FL) this year, but still only managed a 6-6 record. South Florida actually beat that same Miami team, but is only 7-5. South Florida was well towards that bottom of the Big East offensively, but was respectable on defense. Clemson gave up the fewest points in the ACC, but was less than stellar offensively as well. I'll just take the stronger conference in this one, which is the ACC. Clemson.
Sun Bowl:
Notre Dame vs. Miami (FL):
NCAA 11: Miami wins by 2 TDs. 28-14
Wife: Fighting Irish! They have the luck on their side!
Me: This game, if played 10 years ago, would mostly likely be for the national championship. These 2 programs have definitely gone down hill in the last 10 years, but are both on their way back up. Both teams are 7-5, and finally back in a bowl. Miami's big strength this year, by far, was pass defense. They didn't allow even 2000 yards through the air all season. But their run defense leaves much to be desired. That may be Notre Dame's path to victory right there. Notre Dame's offense has been pretty balanced, but will have their work cut out for them against Miami. Based on defense, I'm going to have to go with Miami in this one.
Liberty Bowl:
UCF vs. Georgia:
NCAA 11: UCF stole one late. 28-21
Wife: Knights.
Me: UCF is 10-3 but is a big underdog. They had a much weaker schedule than Georgia, and that's one big reason, I'm sure. Georgia was pretty good, all in all, offensively, but were just ok on defense. They gave up close to 2000 yards on the ground, and that is a strength of UCF. Again, strength of schedule needs to be a bit of a consideration in this, and there is no denying that Georgia had the stronger opponents. Based off of that, I'll take Georgia.
Chick-Fil-A Bowl:
19 South Carolina vs. 20 Florida State:
NCAA 11: Florida State takes it in OT. 47 - 39
Wife: Florida State. Gamecocks?? I could say something really naughty, but I'm not gonna!
Me: This should be a very, very good game. South Carolina played for the SEC championship, and FSU played for the ACC championship. Both lost, but are still quite formidable teams. South Carolina has some very impressive victories over Florida, Georgia, and (most notably) Alabama (who was ranked #1 at the time). Florida State will have to be ready for anything against these guys, because SC is a very balanced team, with a lot of ability. Florida State did the best on the ground, and South Carolina's D is best on the ground. This will be quite a good game. Lots of scoring, I think, with the Gamecocks prevailing in the end.
Ticket City Bowl:
Northwestern vs. Texas Tech:
NCAA 11: Texas Tech owns this one, big time. 45-10
Wife: Red Raiders. For no other reason than it sounds like "redrum", and that's fun!
Me: Texas Tech is a 9.5 point favorite in this game. Northwestern has a rough last game, allowing 70 points to Wisconsin. You know they're going to want to do better than this. Texas Tech had the 3rd best passing offense in the Big 12, and Northwestern had the 4th worst pass defense in the Big 10. Texas Tech is a primarily pass offense, so things may be a bit long for Northwestern. I'll take Texas Tech.
Capital One Bowl:
15 Alabama vs. 7 Michigan State:
NCAA 11: Bama wins 23-7
Wife: Spartans (After a coy smile and shrug of shoulders)
Me: Many people have highlighted this game as the one that will be the best non-BCS bowl game, and who can blame them. Last year's national champions vs. one of the most unpredictable teams in college football. This has excitement written all over it. Michigan St. has been very balanced offensively and defensively. They were 3rd best in points allowed in the Big 10. Bama's defense has been very stingy, giving up the fewest points in the high powered SEC, with an equally powerful offense. This game may be able to go either way. In recent history, the Big 10 has not had a lot of success against the SEC, so I will keep running with tradition here, and say Roll Tide!
Outback Bowl:
Florida vs. Penn State:
NCAA 11: Penn State takes a very competitive game. 23-19
Wife: Gators.
Me: Florida has had a rough year. Pretty much any time they played against a team where people thought they would measure how good the Florida team actually was, they fell flat. They were hammered by Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida State. Penn State didn't have a great year, and it's amazing to still see Joe Pah still coaching. Florida has been very run heavy, barely getting over 2000 yards passing this year. Penn State had better success passing, but not by a ton. They were very similar in running the ball, with 1700+ yards. Penn State was pretty strong against the pass, but gave up nearly 2000 yards on the ground this year. Florida could be able to exploit that. Florida's D was pretty good. The better D will take this one, so I'll take Florida.
Gator Bowl:
21 Mississippi St. vs. Michigan:
NCAA 11: Mississippi St wins by 8. 28-20
Wife: Wolverines (after a moment of thought)
Me: Another SEC vs. Big 10 matchup. Michigan has a very versatile QB and an exciting wildcat style offense. Their offense put up almost identical rushing and passing yards, at almost, or just slightly above 3000. Michigan's defense was the big let down for them, allowing almost 34 points per game. They also gave up the second most rushing yards on defense. Mississippi St.'s defense has been quite good, allowing the 3rd fewest points in the SEC, which is quite something in that conference. Also the 3rd fewest rushing yards. That's the way to beat Michigan, force them to pass. Mississippi St.'s rushing offense had more than 2500 yards this year, which might make things difficult for a weak Michigan rush defense. Looks like another win for the SEC. Mississippi State.
Rose Bowl:
4 Wisconsin vs. 3 TCU:
NCAA 11: TCU wins 27-21
Wife: Badgers, because the Horned frogs just makes it sound like the "Christian Students" are a little randy and want to do it.....in a pile.....like frogs......going **interesting hand motions and sound**
Me: I had a conversation online with somebody about this the other day. They were asking if I thought TCU could hang with Wisconsin. I said, I think that they probably can, but we don't know. I mean, how many people thought Boise State would even be in the game at the end of the half against Oklahoma a few years ago when they shocked everybody? TCU has a great defense, there is no doubt about it, but they haven't had that opportunity to show us all that they are completely for real yet. Is that their fault? No, they've played 2 good bowl games in the last 2 years against a good Boise State team, but never anybody like Wisconsin. Do I think they can hold with Wisconsin, sure, I think they can. But this is their chance to show it for sure. Until they do, I'm going to have to go with the big guys on this one, and take Wisconsin.
Fiesta Bowl:
Connecticut vs. 10 Oklahoma:
NCAA 11: Oklahoma easily. 31-14
Wife: Sooners? What, do they just do it Sooner? Ok, sure, why not! The Sooners! Get it done Sooner! Whatever it is!
Me: I'm going with the vast majority of everybody here. Oklahoma has been there and done that, and has also been upset by the team that nobody expects to win. UCONN has never been to a BCS bowl in their history. It's a nice story for them, but don't expect a Cinderella story in this one. Sooners in a landslide.
Orange Bowl:
5 Stanford vs. 12 Virginia Tech:
NCAA 11: Stanford gets a last minute TD to take it. 31-24
Wife: Hokies. What the hell is a Hokie? Ok then, we'll go with the Tree.
Me: Stanford only had one game all year in which they scored less than 35 points. Very impressive within the Pac-10. Only loss for them came against Oregon, who is playing for the national championship. Va. Tech won the ACC this year with a strong running game, and scoring the most points in the ACC. High scoring team. Their Defense was 2nd best in points allowed, but weren't particularly stingy in yards given up, especially in the running game, giving up nearly 2000 yards on the ground. Stanford had the top defense, as far as points allowed, in the Pac-10. Their defense was not super stingy either, but they were very good against the pass, and respectable against the run. Stanford's offense was well balanced, and lethal, with one of the better QBs in college football running it. I think this is going to be a good day for the Cardinal. I'm gonna take Stanford.
Sugar Bowl:
6 Ohio State vs. 8 Arkansas:
NCAA 11: Ohio State wins big. 38-13
Wife: I like the Buckeye flower, they're pretty!
Me: Just hearing the school names, I think most people would just straight out take Ohio State, but Arkansas has had a great year this year. Arkansas really hung with both Alabama and Auburn this year, really pushing both teams. Ohio State has had another great year, with just one loss to Wisconsin. If Ohio State has a weakness, it's their passing game. Terrel Pryor can throw the ball well, but it really isn't his first instinct, and 2700 yards passing vs 2600 yards running the ball definitely shows what the Buckeye's bread and butter is. Defensively, however, there was nobody better in the Big 10 as far as points, pass yards against, and rush yards against. Ohio State definitely has a dominant defense. Arkansas is a big time pass first offense. They led the entire SEC in pass yards, with more than 4000. Even though they were lower on the scale running the ball, in the SEC, they still had over 1800 yards, but we are certain where they make their money. Defensively, Arkansas is still pretty solid, though they struggle a bit against the run, where they have given up 1800 yards on the ground. This should be a pretty exciting game, which could get pretty high scoring. Ohio State has had issues against SEC teams, but I think that they should be able to take this one.
GoDaddy.com Bowl:
Middle Tennessee St. vs. Miaimi (OH)
NCAA 11: Middle Tennessee State wins on the last drive of the game. 24-20
Wife: Gonna have to go with the Red Hawks. Cuz Blue Raiders just make it sound like the Blue Man Group dressed up as pirates. And that's not scary, that's just funny.
Me: Frankly, you know there are too many bowl games when this is one of your post New Year's Day matchups. Sun Belt vs. Mid-American conference? Not a bowl game that too many people are going to care about. Falls into the filler period between new year's day and the actual BCS National Championship game. Anywho, I'll go with Miami (OH) in this one.
Cotton Bowl:
11 LSU vs. 19 Texas A&M:
NCAA 11: LSU wins late. 30-23
Wife: I might have to go with the Aggies. Mostly because I actually know that team a little bit. May have heard of them. Friends and family that went there.
Me: This should be a very good game. Both of these teams are very tough and incredibly intense! A&M is very balanced offensively and defensively. They shine against the run especially, only giving up 1400 yards all year, which was tops in the Big 12. LSU is also great defensively, but especially against the pass, tops in the SEC. Offensively, they basically do nothing but run the ball. LSU didn't even break the 2000 yard mark in their passing game. This is going to be quite the game. I'm going to choose based off of balance, and A&M is slightly more balanced. This should be a hell of a game, and could just as easily go the other way. But give me the Aggies.
BBVA Compass Bowl:
Pittsburgh vs. Kentucky:
NCAA 11: Pitt runs away at the start of the second half. 38-6
Wife: I have to go with Panthers, my brother goes to Pitt.
Me: Another filler bowl game that really holds no significance. Kentucky's big win this year came against South Carolina, but otherwise they were pretty much trounced in the SEC. Pitt didn't have much more success in the Big East, which isn't anywhere as good as the SEC. Kentucky is very weak against the run on defense, and Pitt has a pretty darn good run game. Might be close, but again, not too many people are really going to care here. I'll go with Pitt.
Fight Hunger Bowl:
13 Nevada vs. Boston College:
NCAA 11: BC takes it in a lot of overtime. 50-47
Wife: Wolf Pack.
Me: Nevada is definitely the better team here. Give me Nevada.
BCS National Championship Game:
2 Oregon vs 1 Auburn:
NCAA 11: Oregon wins 29-17.
Wife: I have to go with the Ducks. Even though I have friends that went to Auburn, I have to go with the Ducks. Quack quack!!!
Me: This will be an amazing game!! How do you pick this one!? The #1 offensive team in the country, Oregon, vs. the Heisman Trophy winner who may or may not have received a whole bunch of money to play for Auburn this year. Whether he did or didn't, there's no doubt he was the best player in college football this year, he just shouldn't win an award with his involvement in this scandal. I bet he has to return his too. Anywho, to the game. Oregon had a pretty good game plan for a similar running QB last year when they played Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Newton is more straight forward about his run first mentality though, so that could be tougher. Oregon, however, does have a very able run defense, who can tackle, and that is the big key against Newton. You have to make sure you tackle him, not just try and hit him, because he is huge! The key for Oregon here is to make Newton throw the ball, which he still does pretty well. Auburn struggled against the pass, however, and that can mean bad news against a seriously high tempo offense that loves to throw the ball, like Oregon. Either team will have a hard time running away from the other one. I wouldn't be shocked if both teams manage to get over 40 points in this one. Man will it be exciting. I'm going to go with Oregon in this one just because there is no offense in the country like theirs.
There are a lot of games happening, so I will have to update this post as the games come along. So please don't think I've given up. I just want to make sure that I do each game justice in the amount of work I put into it, so for now you can see some of my individual picks, as well as all my wife's picks, and all the NCAA 11 picks. Enjoy!
New Mexico Bowl:
BYU vs. UTEP:
NCAA 11: UTEP manages to get the first down and kill BYU's final time outs. UTEP escapes with a 27-21 victory.
Wife: Wife likes the Miners because it makes her think of the 7 dwarfs.
Me: BYU is heavily favored in this matchup. Add that with the fact that UTEP hasn't won a bowl game since 1967, and I'll take the Stormin' Mormans in this one pretty easily.
Humanitarian Bowl:
Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State:
NCAA 11: FSU manages to kill the clock, and takes a 10-0 victory in a very uninteresting game.
Wife: "Huskies all the way, they are much better"
Me: Well, we have 2 teams from not such great conferences. Northerin Illinois has 10 wins, but never really played a real decent team. Fresno State has played some decent teams, and lost to most of them. The one opponent these 2 had in common was Illinois, a Big 10 school. NIU lost, but FSU won. Neither team is really favored, and they seem pretty evenly matched. So, in a coin toss, I'll go with Northern Illinois.
New Orleans Bowl:
Ohio vs. Troy:
NCAA 11: Lots of turnovers in this game. Biggest one was a pick-6 for Ohio. Final score. Ohio 23-Troy 3
Wife: **Wife laughs** Trojans.....cuz it reminds me of the condoms. sings: **trojan man!!**
Me: Ohio doesn't really pass the ball, and Troy has had a zillion people passing and rushing the ball. That could be confusing for Ohio. Who's going to do what? Troy's D, however, gives up about 31 points per game. I don't see them sticking with Ohio in this one. I'll take the Bobcats.
Beef O'Brady Bowl:
Southern Miss vs. Louiville:
NCAA 11: What started out looking like it might be a very high scoring game, slowed down a bit. But Louisville pulled out a close win in the end. 20-14, Louisville.
Wife: Cardinals. "My mom's favorite bird is a cardinal, so therefore they are better."
Me: Southern Miss had the best run defense in Conference USA, allowing only 1360 yards all season. Not bad. Also, they had over 2000 yards rushing on offense. Not too shabby at all. Louisville lead the Big East in rush yards, also with over 2000. And their defense gave up only 18 points per game. Hard to believe that they were 6-6. This looks like it could end up being a pretty high scoring game. Another one that's hard to tell. But I think I'll go with Louisville, who plays in the much tougher conference.
Maaco Bowl:
20 Utah vs. 10 Boise State:
NCAA 11: Boise State holds on in a close one. 23-21.
Wife: Broncos, that and it's boise state and I have friends that went there. I don't even know what a Ute is, really.
Me: I'll take Boise State in this one without hardly thinking about it. They should win this pretty easily.
Poinsettia Bowl:
Navy vs. San Diego St.
NCAA 11: SDSU wins big. 23-3
Wife: Aztecs. Blood and gore and human sacrifices trump the shipmen.
Me: 2 rush heavy teams that have had pretty decent years. Navy is option based, and San Diego St. has a bit more balance with the pass, but still relies on the run most of the time. So count on this being pretty heavy on the run. This will pretty much be a home game for SD St. though, so I'll give them the advantage there.
Hawaii Bowl
25 Hawaii vs. Tulsa
NCAA 11: What a game this one was! Tulsa rallied from 2 TDs down in the last quarter to tie it and send it into OT! Then they won in OT on a pick-6. Hell of a game, with Tulsa winning 37-31
Wife: Hurricans can be gold? Well, they can be pretty traumatic, so I'll go with the Hurricane. Is it worse if it's a gold hurricane?
Me: Another couple of teams that don't play in the strongest conferences. Hawaii is in the WAC, and get demolished by Boise State. Though they put up quite a number of points on USC at the start of the year, and even beat Nevada. Hawaii put up amazing offensive numbers, averaging just about 40 points per game, and was first in the WAC in passing yards with over 5000. Making this quite an unfortunate match up for Tulsa, who gave up the most passing yards in Conference USA. Hawaii is heavily favored, and with the advantage in passing offense to passing defense, I can't see any other way to pick but with them. I'll take Hawaii.
Little Caesar's Bowl:
Florida International vs. Toledo:
NCAA 11: Toledo wins in a blow out. 33-7
Wife: Rockets! What's with the golden thing!?
Me: Toledo has the better record, and has played a couple tougher opponents, even gaining a victory against Big 10 school Purdue, who isn't doing so great themselves this year. However they don't really shine in any one place. Their run defense is probably the best stat that they have, but their defense does still give up points in the high 20s per game. Florida International, however, has rushed for over 2000 yards this year, in 12 games that's pretty darn good, but have had a much weaker schedule than Toledo. FIU does have games against the Big 12 (Texas A&M), ACC (Maryland), Big East (Rutgers and Pitt), and were competitive in most of them. That might help them against a team like Toledo. Tough one to pick, but I'll take Florida International in this one, and defy EA Sports. :-)
Independence Bowl:
Air Force vs. Georgia Tech:
NCAA 11: Georgia Tech wins a somewhat close game. 24-17
Wife: Falcons. I hate yellow jackets. I hate it when they sting and my hand swells up....
Me: Air Force is at 8-4, and Tech is at 6-6. Air Force made big news when they nearly beat Oklahoma earlier in the year. Air Force played, and lost to, 2 other top 10 teams this year as well, TCU and Utah. Georgia Tech pretty much just struggled all year long, and was never able to find any kind of consistency. Both of these are option style offenses, so a big ground game will prevail in this one. Georgia Tech rushed for almost 4000 yards this year, but gave up more than 2000. Same with Air Force. These teams are almost carbon copies of each other, except their wins and losses. I look for a high scoring game, with lots of options. Perhaps the team that can mix in the pass the best will win this one. I think that I'll go with Air Force.
Champs Sports Bowl:
22 West Virginia vs. N.C. State:
NCAA 11: NC State pulls off the upset in this one. 21-20
Wife: Mountaineers.
Me: NC State was 2nd in the ACC in points scored per game, which is pretty darn good. They also earned a pretty good victory against a strong Florida State team. They have a very good passing offense that was tops in the ACC. Their defense was pretty average, neither great nor horrible, and was right in the middle of the ACC all year. They have a good run defense, allowing the 2nd fewest rushing yards in the ACC. West Virginia was 3rd in the Big East offensively, and was incredibly stingy on defense, allowing the fewest points (12.8 per game), and fewest rushing yards (just over 1000) in the Big East. Defense is clearly their strong point. Their offense was very balanced, as well. Their run offense was slightly more efficient, nearing 2000 yards for the season, but they still had good success through the air as well. All that combined, the stingier defense will prevail, and it's hard to pick against West Virginia in the case.
Insight Bowl:
14 Missouri vs. Iowa:
NCAA 11: Iowa wins a high scoring game. 48-35
Wife: Tigers. I'm not sure if they are actually meaning a hawks eyes or a type of flower.
Me: Missouri had some very good success this year, defeating Oklahoma in a big upset. Iowa showed promise at the start of the year, but lost 3 in a row, a couple that they probably should have won, at the end of the year. Iowa's biggest problems from the year came against the pass, which does not bode well for them against a Missouri team that runs a spread offense. So I guess the big question is which Iowa team will show up? The one that lost 3 in a row at the end of the year, or the one that completely dominated Michigan St. and Penn State? Tough to say. Missouri has been more consistent, so I'll go with Missouri.
Military Bowl:
East Carolina vs. Maryland:
NCAA 11: ECU takes a very uninteresting game. 14-10
Wife: What the hell is a terrapin?? Pirates!! Skull and crossbones baby!!
Me: Maryland should take this one pretty easily. ECU did have a decent offense, but their defense was last in Conference USA. Giving up more than 3000 yards passing, and more than 2500 yards on the ground. Maryland was pretty average all around, but against such a poor defense, the average begins to look pretty darn good. Terps, easy.
Texas Bowl:
Illinois vs. Baylor:
NCAA 11: Baylor wins huge 35-3
Wife: Bears. At least we can pronounce that!!
Me: Well, neither of these teams had stellar years. Both teams lost to any and all ranked opponents that they faced. Illinois definitely had some good success running the ball this year, with almost 3000 yards. Their defense was pretty average. Middle of the pack in the Big 10. Baylor's offense was more balanced. Throwing for more than 3000 yards, and rushing for almost 2500 yards. Baylor's defense was where their biggest issue was, allowing nearly 4000 yards passing, but still under 2000 rushing. Baylor is also the most penalized team in the Big 12, both in number of penalties, and in penalty yards. They have to be more disciplined against Illinois. This is also almost considered a home game for Baylor, as it is still in Texas, which can have an effect on the way the game is played. I think Baylor's tendency for penalties may hurt them in this game, and I'll take Illinois in a close game.
Alamo Bowl:
16 Oklahoma State vs. Arizona:
NCAA 11: Arizona pulls away late for a 42 - 21 victory
Wife: Gonna have to go with Oklahoma!
Me: 10-2 Oklahoma St. is a heavy favorite over their Pac-10 opponent. Ok. State has only 2 losses this year, both to very good Big 12 teams, Nebraska and OU. In both losses, they scored more than 40 points. Arizona won all of their non-conference games, but struggled mightily within the Pac-10, going 4-5. Oklahoma State had the most points and yards per game in the Big 12, which is not an easy thing to do. Strong balance on offense, passing for more than 4000 yards and running for more than 2000 yards, both very, VERY impressive in a 12 game season. Defense was a bit soft against the pass, but held its own vs. the run. This may be the only place Arizona can compete, because they are a very pass heavy offense, though they did struggle with that this year. I will take Oklahoma State in this one by 2 touchdowns.
Armed Forces Bowl:
Army vs. Southern Methodist University:
NCAA 11: SMU wins big 38-3
Wife: Don't they go together anyways?! Mustang and Black Knights?! When it comes down to it, I'll take the Mustangs because of that horrible blue Bronco outside of DIA.
Me: Army has had an average season, at 6-6. SMU was also average, at 7-6. SMU has more balance than Army, which is exclusively run in their option offense. SMU wasn't great against the run, but their offense did pretty darn well all year. I just think there's too much SMU in this one, and Army takes another loss.
Pinstripe Bowl:
Kansas State vs. Syracuse:
NCAA 11: Syracuse takes a close one. 24-21
Wife: Wildcats. Cuz an Orange is a fruit and, unless it has developed a way of poisoning the wildcat, I don't see how it can win!
Me: Big 12 and the Big East collide in this one. Not a lot of excitement here, again. Both teams are 7-5. K-State ran the ball pretty well this year, but were equally bad in their defense of the run this year, giving up close to 3000 yards on the ground. Syracuse's offense was particularly bad this year. 3rd worst passing in the Big East, and 2nd words rushing. Perhaps K-State's defense is in for a good game! Either that, or the Wildcat's sieve-like defense will be just what the Orange needed. Syracuse's defense was actually pretty stingy, especially against the run, so something is going to have to give. This should be a close one, and a tough call. So I will go with K-State, mostly because it is my first impulse based on how well they ran the ball. Their defense will have to be much improved though.
Music City Bowl:
North Carolina vs. Tennessee:
NCAA 11: Tennessee squeaks this one out. 17-16.
Wife: I think the Tar Heels are going to be stuck to the ground because of the Tar on their Heels, so Volunteers. Nothwithstanding that I have family in Tennessee.
Me: SEC and ACC here. Could be another close game. Tennessee has had a very frustrating year, to say the least, going 6-6. They have lost to every ranked opponent that they have faced. Carolina managed a victory over Florida State this year, which was their only win over ranked opponents. NC's offense and defense were respectable, staying in the middle of the pack of the ACC most of the way. Tennessee was towards the bottom of the SEC, especially their offense. I'll take Carolina in this one.
Holiday Bowl:
17 Nebraska vs. Washington:
NCAA 11: Washington, in a huge upset 28-25.
Wife: Huskies. They're prettier than a cornhusker.
Me: I don't see any way for the Huskies to win this one. They are better than their record suggests, but they are no match for a very tough Nebraska team. Huskers.
Meineke Bowl:
South Florida vs. Clemson:
NCAA 11: South Florida takes this one. 24-21
Wife: Bulls. Meaner. If they gore you, you will die a slow, painful death.
Me: 2 mediocre teams, again. Clemson had pretty decent showings against both Auburn and Miami (FL) this year, but still only managed a 6-6 record. South Florida actually beat that same Miami team, but is only 7-5. South Florida was well towards that bottom of the Big East offensively, but was respectable on defense. Clemson gave up the fewest points in the ACC, but was less than stellar offensively as well. I'll just take the stronger conference in this one, which is the ACC. Clemson.
Sun Bowl:
Notre Dame vs. Miami (FL):
NCAA 11: Miami wins by 2 TDs. 28-14
Wife: Fighting Irish! They have the luck on their side!
Me: This game, if played 10 years ago, would mostly likely be for the national championship. These 2 programs have definitely gone down hill in the last 10 years, but are both on their way back up. Both teams are 7-5, and finally back in a bowl. Miami's big strength this year, by far, was pass defense. They didn't allow even 2000 yards through the air all season. But their run defense leaves much to be desired. That may be Notre Dame's path to victory right there. Notre Dame's offense has been pretty balanced, but will have their work cut out for them against Miami. Based on defense, I'm going to have to go with Miami in this one.
Liberty Bowl:
UCF vs. Georgia:
NCAA 11: UCF stole one late. 28-21
Wife: Knights.
Me: UCF is 10-3 but is a big underdog. They had a much weaker schedule than Georgia, and that's one big reason, I'm sure. Georgia was pretty good, all in all, offensively, but were just ok on defense. They gave up close to 2000 yards on the ground, and that is a strength of UCF. Again, strength of schedule needs to be a bit of a consideration in this, and there is no denying that Georgia had the stronger opponents. Based off of that, I'll take Georgia.
Chick-Fil-A Bowl:
19 South Carolina vs. 20 Florida State:
NCAA 11: Florida State takes it in OT. 47 - 39
Wife: Florida State. Gamecocks?? I could say something really naughty, but I'm not gonna!
Me: This should be a very, very good game. South Carolina played for the SEC championship, and FSU played for the ACC championship. Both lost, but are still quite formidable teams. South Carolina has some very impressive victories over Florida, Georgia, and (most notably) Alabama (who was ranked #1 at the time). Florida State will have to be ready for anything against these guys, because SC is a very balanced team, with a lot of ability. Florida State did the best on the ground, and South Carolina's D is best on the ground. This will be quite a good game. Lots of scoring, I think, with the Gamecocks prevailing in the end.
Ticket City Bowl:
Northwestern vs. Texas Tech:
NCAA 11: Texas Tech owns this one, big time. 45-10
Wife: Red Raiders. For no other reason than it sounds like "redrum", and that's fun!
Me: Texas Tech is a 9.5 point favorite in this game. Northwestern has a rough last game, allowing 70 points to Wisconsin. You know they're going to want to do better than this. Texas Tech had the 3rd best passing offense in the Big 12, and Northwestern had the 4th worst pass defense in the Big 10. Texas Tech is a primarily pass offense, so things may be a bit long for Northwestern. I'll take Texas Tech.
Capital One Bowl:
15 Alabama vs. 7 Michigan State:
NCAA 11: Bama wins 23-7
Wife: Spartans (After a coy smile and shrug of shoulders)
Me: Many people have highlighted this game as the one that will be the best non-BCS bowl game, and who can blame them. Last year's national champions vs. one of the most unpredictable teams in college football. This has excitement written all over it. Michigan St. has been very balanced offensively and defensively. They were 3rd best in points allowed in the Big 10. Bama's defense has been very stingy, giving up the fewest points in the high powered SEC, with an equally powerful offense. This game may be able to go either way. In recent history, the Big 10 has not had a lot of success against the SEC, so I will keep running with tradition here, and say Roll Tide!
Outback Bowl:
Florida vs. Penn State:
NCAA 11: Penn State takes a very competitive game. 23-19
Wife: Gators.
Me: Florida has had a rough year. Pretty much any time they played against a team where people thought they would measure how good the Florida team actually was, they fell flat. They were hammered by Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida State. Penn State didn't have a great year, and it's amazing to still see Joe Pah still coaching. Florida has been very run heavy, barely getting over 2000 yards passing this year. Penn State had better success passing, but not by a ton. They were very similar in running the ball, with 1700+ yards. Penn State was pretty strong against the pass, but gave up nearly 2000 yards on the ground this year. Florida could be able to exploit that. Florida's D was pretty good. The better D will take this one, so I'll take Florida.
Gator Bowl:
21 Mississippi St. vs. Michigan:
NCAA 11: Mississippi St wins by 8. 28-20
Wife: Wolverines (after a moment of thought)
Me: Another SEC vs. Big 10 matchup. Michigan has a very versatile QB and an exciting wildcat style offense. Their offense put up almost identical rushing and passing yards, at almost, or just slightly above 3000. Michigan's defense was the big let down for them, allowing almost 34 points per game. They also gave up the second most rushing yards on defense. Mississippi St.'s defense has been quite good, allowing the 3rd fewest points in the SEC, which is quite something in that conference. Also the 3rd fewest rushing yards. That's the way to beat Michigan, force them to pass. Mississippi St.'s rushing offense had more than 2500 yards this year, which might make things difficult for a weak Michigan rush defense. Looks like another win for the SEC. Mississippi State.
Rose Bowl:
4 Wisconsin vs. 3 TCU:
NCAA 11: TCU wins 27-21
Wife: Badgers, because the Horned frogs just makes it sound like the "Christian Students" are a little randy and want to do it.....in a pile.....like frogs......going **interesting hand motions and sound**
Me: I had a conversation online with somebody about this the other day. They were asking if I thought TCU could hang with Wisconsin. I said, I think that they probably can, but we don't know. I mean, how many people thought Boise State would even be in the game at the end of the half against Oklahoma a few years ago when they shocked everybody? TCU has a great defense, there is no doubt about it, but they haven't had that opportunity to show us all that they are completely for real yet. Is that their fault? No, they've played 2 good bowl games in the last 2 years against a good Boise State team, but never anybody like Wisconsin. Do I think they can hold with Wisconsin, sure, I think they can. But this is their chance to show it for sure. Until they do, I'm going to have to go with the big guys on this one, and take Wisconsin.
Fiesta Bowl:
Connecticut vs. 10 Oklahoma:
NCAA 11: Oklahoma easily. 31-14
Wife: Sooners? What, do they just do it Sooner? Ok, sure, why not! The Sooners! Get it done Sooner! Whatever it is!
Me: I'm going with the vast majority of everybody here. Oklahoma has been there and done that, and has also been upset by the team that nobody expects to win. UCONN has never been to a BCS bowl in their history. It's a nice story for them, but don't expect a Cinderella story in this one. Sooners in a landslide.
Orange Bowl:
5 Stanford vs. 12 Virginia Tech:
NCAA 11: Stanford gets a last minute TD to take it. 31-24
Wife: Hokies. What the hell is a Hokie? Ok then, we'll go with the Tree.
Me: Stanford only had one game all year in which they scored less than 35 points. Very impressive within the Pac-10. Only loss for them came against Oregon, who is playing for the national championship. Va. Tech won the ACC this year with a strong running game, and scoring the most points in the ACC. High scoring team. Their Defense was 2nd best in points allowed, but weren't particularly stingy in yards given up, especially in the running game, giving up nearly 2000 yards on the ground. Stanford had the top defense, as far as points allowed, in the Pac-10. Their defense was not super stingy either, but they were very good against the pass, and respectable against the run. Stanford's offense was well balanced, and lethal, with one of the better QBs in college football running it. I think this is going to be a good day for the Cardinal. I'm gonna take Stanford.
Sugar Bowl:
6 Ohio State vs. 8 Arkansas:
NCAA 11: Ohio State wins big. 38-13
Wife: I like the Buckeye flower, they're pretty!
Me: Just hearing the school names, I think most people would just straight out take Ohio State, but Arkansas has had a great year this year. Arkansas really hung with both Alabama and Auburn this year, really pushing both teams. Ohio State has had another great year, with just one loss to Wisconsin. If Ohio State has a weakness, it's their passing game. Terrel Pryor can throw the ball well, but it really isn't his first instinct, and 2700 yards passing vs 2600 yards running the ball definitely shows what the Buckeye's bread and butter is. Defensively, however, there was nobody better in the Big 10 as far as points, pass yards against, and rush yards against. Ohio State definitely has a dominant defense. Arkansas is a big time pass first offense. They led the entire SEC in pass yards, with more than 4000. Even though they were lower on the scale running the ball, in the SEC, they still had over 1800 yards, but we are certain where they make their money. Defensively, Arkansas is still pretty solid, though they struggle a bit against the run, where they have given up 1800 yards on the ground. This should be a pretty exciting game, which could get pretty high scoring. Ohio State has had issues against SEC teams, but I think that they should be able to take this one.
GoDaddy.com Bowl:
Middle Tennessee St. vs. Miaimi (OH)
NCAA 11: Middle Tennessee State wins on the last drive of the game. 24-20
Wife: Gonna have to go with the Red Hawks. Cuz Blue Raiders just make it sound like the Blue Man Group dressed up as pirates. And that's not scary, that's just funny.
Me: Frankly, you know there are too many bowl games when this is one of your post New Year's Day matchups. Sun Belt vs. Mid-American conference? Not a bowl game that too many people are going to care about. Falls into the filler period between new year's day and the actual BCS National Championship game. Anywho, I'll go with Miami (OH) in this one.
Cotton Bowl:
11 LSU vs. 19 Texas A&M:
NCAA 11: LSU wins late. 30-23
Wife: I might have to go with the Aggies. Mostly because I actually know that team a little bit. May have heard of them. Friends and family that went there.
Me: This should be a very good game. Both of these teams are very tough and incredibly intense! A&M is very balanced offensively and defensively. They shine against the run especially, only giving up 1400 yards all year, which was tops in the Big 12. LSU is also great defensively, but especially against the pass, tops in the SEC. Offensively, they basically do nothing but run the ball. LSU didn't even break the 2000 yard mark in their passing game. This is going to be quite the game. I'm going to choose based off of balance, and A&M is slightly more balanced. This should be a hell of a game, and could just as easily go the other way. But give me the Aggies.
BBVA Compass Bowl:
Pittsburgh vs. Kentucky:
NCAA 11: Pitt runs away at the start of the second half. 38-6
Wife: I have to go with Panthers, my brother goes to Pitt.
Me: Another filler bowl game that really holds no significance. Kentucky's big win this year came against South Carolina, but otherwise they were pretty much trounced in the SEC. Pitt didn't have much more success in the Big East, which isn't anywhere as good as the SEC. Kentucky is very weak against the run on defense, and Pitt has a pretty darn good run game. Might be close, but again, not too many people are really going to care here. I'll go with Pitt.
Fight Hunger Bowl:
13 Nevada vs. Boston College:
NCAA 11: BC takes it in a lot of overtime. 50-47
Wife: Wolf Pack.
Me: Nevada is definitely the better team here. Give me Nevada.
BCS National Championship Game:
2 Oregon vs 1 Auburn:
NCAA 11: Oregon wins 29-17.
Wife: I have to go with the Ducks. Even though I have friends that went to Auburn, I have to go with the Ducks. Quack quack!!!
Me: This will be an amazing game!! How do you pick this one!? The #1 offensive team in the country, Oregon, vs. the Heisman Trophy winner who may or may not have received a whole bunch of money to play for Auburn this year. Whether he did or didn't, there's no doubt he was the best player in college football this year, he just shouldn't win an award with his involvement in this scandal. I bet he has to return his too. Anywho, to the game. Oregon had a pretty good game plan for a similar running QB last year when they played Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Newton is more straight forward about his run first mentality though, so that could be tougher. Oregon, however, does have a very able run defense, who can tackle, and that is the big key against Newton. You have to make sure you tackle him, not just try and hit him, because he is huge! The key for Oregon here is to make Newton throw the ball, which he still does pretty well. Auburn struggled against the pass, however, and that can mean bad news against a seriously high tempo offense that loves to throw the ball, like Oregon. Either team will have a hard time running away from the other one. I wouldn't be shocked if both teams manage to get over 40 points in this one. Man will it be exciting. I'm going to go with Oregon in this one just because there is no offense in the country like theirs.
KGs week 14 picks!
Had another good week last week. 12-4 again, except I forgot to put my picks in to my pick'em league. Silly me. Went from 1st to 4th. Here's hoping I make a bit more ground this week. 120-72 now. Moved up to 62.5% correct!
Picked the Colts this Thursday and was right on that one. So another good start to the weekend. Already 1-0, let's see if I can't get 15 more! :-)
Cleveland @ Buffalo: Cleveland has actually shown that they can beat tough teams this year, Buffalo has shown that they can get close to tough teams, but then let it get away at the end. Bills move closer to the #1 pick after they lose to Cleveland.
Green Bay @ Detroit: Green Bay, easy.
NY Giants @ Minnesota: G-men, whether or not Favre starts. The game will be closer if Favre is NOT playing. Giants are the team to beat in the NFC east right now.
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh will be tested in this game, Bengals always play them well, but the Steelers take this one and move closer to another division title.
Tampa Bay @ Washington: Tampa is for real, and has a really competitive team. The Skins, on the other hand, are really struggling. They may keep it close, but the Bucs prevail.
Atlanta @ Carolina: Carolina stinks, Falcons move closer to their division crown with this one.
Oakland @ Jacksonville: Should be a good game here, but I think Jacksonville eeks this one out in what will be a closer game than the 10 point victory suggests.
St. Louis @ New Orleans: St. Louis is playing well, is doing well, has exceeded everybody's expectations. But no way they beat the Who Dats in their house. Give me the Saints.
Seattle @ San Francisco: Seahawks have fallen off their impressive start, but since both these teams play in the worst division in football, nobody is really out of it. I'll take the Niners in this one.
New England @ Chicago: Bears get a real test here, and will FAIL, miserably. I definitely hate the Pats, we all know this, but they'll be the Bears. Look for Cutler to spike in picks in this game. Take away his running game, and he'll throw 3-4 INTs a game.
Miami @ NY Jets: Jets need to win this one, and I think they will. They now have to count on the wild card after being embarrassed by the Pats.
Denver @ Arizona: Broncos did the first smart thing that they have done since hiring McD, and got rid of him. Now their former RBs coach is the head coach. This will probably be an ugly, UGLY game, but it's weird how the players will execute so much better after the head coach gets canned. Broncos win their 4th, and possibly last, of the year.
Kansas City @ San Diego: A good game here. KC holds their playoff destiny in their own hands. Win, and they pretty much clinch the AFC west, lose, and they still are the favorites to win the AFC West. What a job Todd Haley, Charlie Weiss, and Romeo Crenell have done with this team. They are creating a culture of winning in a team that has come close in the past, but never gotten over the hump. I like the Chiefs, but think that the Chargers will take this one since they are at home.
Philadelphia @ Dallas: Philly will embarrass Dallas in this one. I look for this one to get out of control in about the 3rd quarter.
Baltimore @ Houston: Absolute must win for Houston if they want to have any chance of getting to the playoffs. They'll put up some points against an older Ravens team that has its good weeks and its off weeks. In the end, Ravens take this one, and possibly move Gary Kubiak one step closer to taking over the Broncos job.
Hoping for 15 more correct guesses this week! Enjoy football this weekend! I will! Look out for my College Bowl picks VERY soon.
Picked the Colts this Thursday and was right on that one. So another good start to the weekend. Already 1-0, let's see if I can't get 15 more! :-)
Cleveland @ Buffalo: Cleveland has actually shown that they can beat tough teams this year, Buffalo has shown that they can get close to tough teams, but then let it get away at the end. Bills move closer to the #1 pick after they lose to Cleveland.
Green Bay @ Detroit: Green Bay, easy.
NY Giants @ Minnesota: G-men, whether or not Favre starts. The game will be closer if Favre is NOT playing. Giants are the team to beat in the NFC east right now.
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh will be tested in this game, Bengals always play them well, but the Steelers take this one and move closer to another division title.
Tampa Bay @ Washington: Tampa is for real, and has a really competitive team. The Skins, on the other hand, are really struggling. They may keep it close, but the Bucs prevail.
Atlanta @ Carolina: Carolina stinks, Falcons move closer to their division crown with this one.
Oakland @ Jacksonville: Should be a good game here, but I think Jacksonville eeks this one out in what will be a closer game than the 10 point victory suggests.
St. Louis @ New Orleans: St. Louis is playing well, is doing well, has exceeded everybody's expectations. But no way they beat the Who Dats in their house. Give me the Saints.
Seattle @ San Francisco: Seahawks have fallen off their impressive start, but since both these teams play in the worst division in football, nobody is really out of it. I'll take the Niners in this one.
New England @ Chicago: Bears get a real test here, and will FAIL, miserably. I definitely hate the Pats, we all know this, but they'll be the Bears. Look for Cutler to spike in picks in this game. Take away his running game, and he'll throw 3-4 INTs a game.
Miami @ NY Jets: Jets need to win this one, and I think they will. They now have to count on the wild card after being embarrassed by the Pats.
Denver @ Arizona: Broncos did the first smart thing that they have done since hiring McD, and got rid of him. Now their former RBs coach is the head coach. This will probably be an ugly, UGLY game, but it's weird how the players will execute so much better after the head coach gets canned. Broncos win their 4th, and possibly last, of the year.
Kansas City @ San Diego: A good game here. KC holds their playoff destiny in their own hands. Win, and they pretty much clinch the AFC west, lose, and they still are the favorites to win the AFC West. What a job Todd Haley, Charlie Weiss, and Romeo Crenell have done with this team. They are creating a culture of winning in a team that has come close in the past, but never gotten over the hump. I like the Chiefs, but think that the Chargers will take this one since they are at home.
Philadelphia @ Dallas: Philly will embarrass Dallas in this one. I look for this one to get out of control in about the 3rd quarter.
Baltimore @ Houston: Absolute must win for Houston if they want to have any chance of getting to the playoffs. They'll put up some points against an older Ravens team that has its good weeks and its off weeks. In the end, Ravens take this one, and possibly move Gary Kubiak one step closer to taking over the Broncos job.
Hoping for 15 more correct guesses this week! Enjoy football this weekend! I will! Look out for my College Bowl picks VERY soon.
Monday, December 6, 2010
And Just Like That....
**poof**....He's gone. No, not Keyser Soze, Josh McDaniels. The short lived tenure of, now former head coach, Josh McDaniels, came to an unceremonious end on Monday when Pat Bowlen "relieved McDaniels of his head coach duties." I guess that's a nicer way to put it.
Pat Bowlen then names Running Back's coach Eric Studesville, who immediately gets points for having an awesome name, as interim head coach. This move makes sense for the time being. Studesville has a lot of experience, coaching running backs since 1997 with several teams. Wink, Denver's defensive coordinator, is too busy dealing with being in the Bronco's revolving door of defensive coordinators to possibly take on the head coaching position. And I don't know that anybody can actually name Josh McDaniel's offensive coordinator, since he was so insistent on calling all of the plays and running the offense. Plus, I don't see this as a long term move. Studesville definitely doesn't have the chops, quite yet, to hold a head coaching job, and this is pretty much a just finish things out as strongly as you possibly can situation. Nobody is expecting anything from the Broncos the rest of the way, so 4 more losses would definitely not say anything bad about Studesville.
So, now that the boy king is gone, where do the Broncos go from here? Well, the obvious names will immediately pop up. If the Broncos don't at least make a run for Bill Cowher, they are fools. One thing you can always say about a Bill Cowher coached team is that they are tough, and will be ready to play. That guy knows how to motivate a team. Next, Jon Gruden. Gruden built up the Raiders to be a dominant force in the AFC, and then was traded to Tampa Bay, where he took an already pretty loaded team to a Super Bowl Championship. He helped them get over the hump. Gruden has the same type of fire that McDaniels has, but Gruden won't be caught screaming and fist pumping after 1 touchdown early in a game. Plus, a Super Bowl ring as a head coach will earn you immediate respect.
Then, we might have the not so obvious names. Two names have come up this year as possibly being done in their respective locations. First, Jeff Fisher, another guy who prepares his teams every single week, and holds his players accountable. They guy is great defensively, which should be a HUGE attraction point for the Broncos, whose defense has been inconsistent every single year for the last 7 years. The next is a form Bronco and former Bronco coach, Gary Kubiak. Rumored to possibly be in his last year in Houston if he can't get that team into the playoffs. A Denver guy who was our offensive coordinator for 2 super bowl championships, doesn't hurt! He would be embraced by the fans and organization immediately, and might get us a running game again. Remember when everybody said that you could plug anybody into the Bronco's backfield and they could run for 1000 yards? Well, that was a Kubiak coordinated offense.
Those are my top names for possible Bronco coaches, and I would love to hear anybody else's ideas as well! I will close with the greatest image of the year thus far. Ta, ta, Josh. Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya!
Pat Bowlen then names Running Back's coach Eric Studesville, who immediately gets points for having an awesome name, as interim head coach. This move makes sense for the time being. Studesville has a lot of experience, coaching running backs since 1997 with several teams. Wink, Denver's defensive coordinator, is too busy dealing with being in the Bronco's revolving door of defensive coordinators to possibly take on the head coaching position. And I don't know that anybody can actually name Josh McDaniel's offensive coordinator, since he was so insistent on calling all of the plays and running the offense. Plus, I don't see this as a long term move. Studesville definitely doesn't have the chops, quite yet, to hold a head coaching job, and this is pretty much a just finish things out as strongly as you possibly can situation. Nobody is expecting anything from the Broncos the rest of the way, so 4 more losses would definitely not say anything bad about Studesville.
So, now that the boy king is gone, where do the Broncos go from here? Well, the obvious names will immediately pop up. If the Broncos don't at least make a run for Bill Cowher, they are fools. One thing you can always say about a Bill Cowher coached team is that they are tough, and will be ready to play. That guy knows how to motivate a team. Next, Jon Gruden. Gruden built up the Raiders to be a dominant force in the AFC, and then was traded to Tampa Bay, where he took an already pretty loaded team to a Super Bowl Championship. He helped them get over the hump. Gruden has the same type of fire that McDaniels has, but Gruden won't be caught screaming and fist pumping after 1 touchdown early in a game. Plus, a Super Bowl ring as a head coach will earn you immediate respect.
Then, we might have the not so obvious names. Two names have come up this year as possibly being done in their respective locations. First, Jeff Fisher, another guy who prepares his teams every single week, and holds his players accountable. They guy is great defensively, which should be a HUGE attraction point for the Broncos, whose defense has been inconsistent every single year for the last 7 years. The next is a form Bronco and former Bronco coach, Gary Kubiak. Rumored to possibly be in his last year in Houston if he can't get that team into the playoffs. A Denver guy who was our offensive coordinator for 2 super bowl championships, doesn't hurt! He would be embraced by the fans and organization immediately, and might get us a running game again. Remember when everybody said that you could plug anybody into the Bronco's backfield and they could run for 1000 yards? Well, that was a Kubiak coordinated offense.
Those are my top names for possible Bronco coaches, and I would love to hear anybody else's ideas as well! I will close with the greatest image of the year thus far. Ta, ta, Josh. Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
All Is Not Well...
Just as Marcellus, that well known Shakespearean character (you know, that guard that Horatio sort of knew in Hamlet? No?), once said about Denmark, I now say about the Denver Broncos. "Something is rotten in the state of the Denver Broncos." Doesn't have quite the same ring as Denmark, but it doesn't make it not true.
6 games into last season, everybody in Denver, including me, was made into a Josh McDaniels believer. Since that time, things have definitely changed. After their 6-0 start, the Broncos quickly regressed from their very impressive start, went 2-8 in their last 10, and missed the playoffs showing very little, if any, backbone in the process. Flash forward to this year. Not only did we not have the same great start we had a year previous, it seems this team just plain forgot how to win. After a very pathetic display in Kansas City, losing 10-6, the Broncos are now 3-9. Making us 5-17 since that amazing 6-0 start from last year. Simply put, that just won't do it. This dismal effort really needs to be credited to one man, Josh McDaniels.
Obviously, it is still the player's job to come out and play the games well, but if the coach isn't respected, and isn't able to prepare his team every single week, no matter who you're playing, then your coach bares the brunt of the responsibility. The crystal clear demonstration of this came between weeks 6 & 7for the Broncos this year. Week 6, the Broncos lost a heartbreaker the the NY Jets, whom many expect to win the AFC East, if not the AFC itself, on a last second pass interference call that put the Jets on the Broncos 1 yard line with less than a minute to play. Not disputing the call, but it was heart breaking. The following week, at home no less, the Broncos come out against a Raiders team that really wasn't showing too much to a lot of teams, and got thrashed. Gave up 59 points to a team, at home, and showed absolutely no fire at all. In fact, McDaniels left the starting team in the entire game, instead of holding them accountable for their obscene lack of effort. The team was not prepared, and that is a direct reflection of coaching.
Just recently, McDaniels was, once again, caught up in a scandal involving his videographer taping the 49ers practice for the game in London. Now, considering he came from the Patriots, where this is pretty common place, I suppose we should have expected something like this, but it is not something that a franchise like the Broncos has ever gotten caught up in in the past. This is a team that has been to 6 Super Bowls, and won 2 for crying out loud. This is a proud franchise, or it was, anyways, and cheating was never something it had been associated with.
Couple these two things (the horrible inability to prepare his team, and the alleged cheating), with his horrible personnel decisions, and you have possibly the worst coach in the NFL. People asked questions about trading Cutler, but not too many people would want him back after what Orton has done. But since then, there has been terrible move after terrible move. In the 2009 draft, he traded away a 2010 first round pick to move up and get Alphonso Smith, an undersized corner back who barely played last year, and then was traded to Detroit this year. Sure glad we gave that pick up. Then he traded Peyton Hillis to Cleveland for Brady Quinn. Hillis is leading the Browns in rushing and is making a SERIOUS difference for that team. The Broncos have the worst running game in the NFL, and Brady Quinn is our 3rd string quarterback. Brandon Marshall was sent to Miami for a 2nd round draft pick, which we then traded to Baltimore during the draft. And Tony Scheffler, our outstanding receiving tight end, was traded away to Detroit because McDaniels basically didn't like him. We haven't had a decent receiving tight end this year as a result of this. Let us also not forget the dismissing of Mike Nolan, the defensive coordinator that turned our laughable defense into a respectable one. Probably because Nolan was a better coach than McD was. Now, one or two of these types of moves are forgivable, but put all of these together, and you just get a guy that doesn't understand personnel. I'm not including the drafting of Tim Tebow in this because we have yet to see how that is going to play out.
Now, Pat Bowlen has said that he was going to have McDaniels as coach again next year, and then back tracked, saying that he wasn't locked in and would do what was in the best interest of the team. Well, I think it's pretty safe to say that an 11-17 record is not what this team expects. The Denver Broncos expect, and are expected, to compete for the playoffs. This is a proud franchise with a lot of really good history. This team, and its fans, do not take well to being the laughing stock of the NFL, and we generally run the people out that attempt to make us that. Dan Reeves hinted at trading John Elway, and he was run out so fast it isn't even funny. Shanny led us to 2 Super Bowls, and when he didn't get us to the playoffs 3 years in a row, he was let go, because we expect to compete for the playoffs. The Boy King has shown himself to be arrogant in his relationships with his staff and players, incapable of making personnel decisions that positively impact the team, unable to prepare his players week in and week out, and all around incapable of leadership.
People say that you need to give rebuilding time, but the time for rebuilding has just begun. The Broncos, under Shannahan, always competed for playoff spots. McDaniels's version of the Broncos barely compete in every game. The time to rebuild is here and now, and it starts with getting rid of the coach. There is some great potential for some amazing coaches to come in who will command respect from their team right away. The top of the list is Bill Cowher. He comes into the room, and you immediately listen to him. His teams are always tough, prepared, and are no nonsense. Another potential coach is Jon Gruden. Things ended badly for him in Tampa, but he led the Raiders to their only Super Bowl appearance in a long time, and won a Super Bowl with the once lowly Buccaneers. You flash your ring to these players who don't have one or haven't even seen one, and you immediately gain their respect. You have been to the promised land, so your methods are legit. There are others to look at as well, I'm sure, but those are my top 2 choices. These may also be affected by the potential work stoppage of next year, but whether there is a season next year or not, one thing is certain, Josh McDaniels should NOT be the coach of the Denver Broncos next year.
6 games into last season, everybody in Denver, including me, was made into a Josh McDaniels believer. Since that time, things have definitely changed. After their 6-0 start, the Broncos quickly regressed from their very impressive start, went 2-8 in their last 10, and missed the playoffs showing very little, if any, backbone in the process. Flash forward to this year. Not only did we not have the same great start we had a year previous, it seems this team just plain forgot how to win. After a very pathetic display in Kansas City, losing 10-6, the Broncos are now 3-9. Making us 5-17 since that amazing 6-0 start from last year. Simply put, that just won't do it. This dismal effort really needs to be credited to one man, Josh McDaniels.
Obviously, it is still the player's job to come out and play the games well, but if the coach isn't respected, and isn't able to prepare his team every single week, no matter who you're playing, then your coach bares the brunt of the responsibility. The crystal clear demonstration of this came between weeks 6 & 7for the Broncos this year. Week 6, the Broncos lost a heartbreaker the the NY Jets, whom many expect to win the AFC East, if not the AFC itself, on a last second pass interference call that put the Jets on the Broncos 1 yard line with less than a minute to play. Not disputing the call, but it was heart breaking. The following week, at home no less, the Broncos come out against a Raiders team that really wasn't showing too much to a lot of teams, and got thrashed. Gave up 59 points to a team, at home, and showed absolutely no fire at all. In fact, McDaniels left the starting team in the entire game, instead of holding them accountable for their obscene lack of effort. The team was not prepared, and that is a direct reflection of coaching.
Just recently, McDaniels was, once again, caught up in a scandal involving his videographer taping the 49ers practice for the game in London. Now, considering he came from the Patriots, where this is pretty common place, I suppose we should have expected something like this, but it is not something that a franchise like the Broncos has ever gotten caught up in in the past. This is a team that has been to 6 Super Bowls, and won 2 for crying out loud. This is a proud franchise, or it was, anyways, and cheating was never something it had been associated with.
Couple these two things (the horrible inability to prepare his team, and the alleged cheating), with his horrible personnel decisions, and you have possibly the worst coach in the NFL. People asked questions about trading Cutler, but not too many people would want him back after what Orton has done. But since then, there has been terrible move after terrible move. In the 2009 draft, he traded away a 2010 first round pick to move up and get Alphonso Smith, an undersized corner back who barely played last year, and then was traded to Detroit this year. Sure glad we gave that pick up. Then he traded Peyton Hillis to Cleveland for Brady Quinn. Hillis is leading the Browns in rushing and is making a SERIOUS difference for that team. The Broncos have the worst running game in the NFL, and Brady Quinn is our 3rd string quarterback. Brandon Marshall was sent to Miami for a 2nd round draft pick, which we then traded to Baltimore during the draft. And Tony Scheffler, our outstanding receiving tight end, was traded away to Detroit because McDaniels basically didn't like him. We haven't had a decent receiving tight end this year as a result of this. Let us also not forget the dismissing of Mike Nolan, the defensive coordinator that turned our laughable defense into a respectable one. Probably because Nolan was a better coach than McD was. Now, one or two of these types of moves are forgivable, but put all of these together, and you just get a guy that doesn't understand personnel. I'm not including the drafting of Tim Tebow in this because we have yet to see how that is going to play out.
Now, Pat Bowlen has said that he was going to have McDaniels as coach again next year, and then back tracked, saying that he wasn't locked in and would do what was in the best interest of the team. Well, I think it's pretty safe to say that an 11-17 record is not what this team expects. The Denver Broncos expect, and are expected, to compete for the playoffs. This is a proud franchise with a lot of really good history. This team, and its fans, do not take well to being the laughing stock of the NFL, and we generally run the people out that attempt to make us that. Dan Reeves hinted at trading John Elway, and he was run out so fast it isn't even funny. Shanny led us to 2 Super Bowls, and when he didn't get us to the playoffs 3 years in a row, he was let go, because we expect to compete for the playoffs. The Boy King has shown himself to be arrogant in his relationships with his staff and players, incapable of making personnel decisions that positively impact the team, unable to prepare his players week in and week out, and all around incapable of leadership.
People say that you need to give rebuilding time, but the time for rebuilding has just begun. The Broncos, under Shannahan, always competed for playoff spots. McDaniels's version of the Broncos barely compete in every game. The time to rebuild is here and now, and it starts with getting rid of the coach. There is some great potential for some amazing coaches to come in who will command respect from their team right away. The top of the list is Bill Cowher. He comes into the room, and you immediately listen to him. His teams are always tough, prepared, and are no nonsense. Another potential coach is Jon Gruden. Things ended badly for him in Tampa, but he led the Raiders to their only Super Bowl appearance in a long time, and won a Super Bowl with the once lowly Buccaneers. You flash your ring to these players who don't have one or haven't even seen one, and you immediately gain their respect. You have been to the promised land, so your methods are legit. There are others to look at as well, I'm sure, but those are my top 2 choices. These may also be affected by the potential work stoppage of next year, but whether there is a season next year or not, one thing is certain, Josh McDaniels should NOT be the coach of the Denver Broncos next year.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
KGs week 13 picks
108-68 after another 12-4 week. Very nice. Here's hoping for another good week!!
Houston @ Philadelphia: I chose Philly in this game, and was right! Finally, after the first 2 Thursdays flubbing for me, I have been 4-0 on Thursday for the last 2 weeks. So good way to start the week.
Denver @ Kansas City: Denver absolutely hammered KC the last time these two played. Since then Denver has lost the last 2 in a row, in rather embarrassing fashions. KC is on the road to the playoffs, and Denver is on the road to a top 5 draft pick. Chiefs beat the Broncos in this one.
Cleveland @ Miami: Browns have been spoiling a lot of team's parties, though probably still don't have a shot at the playoffs, and the Fins are playing desperate right now because they are in a tough division and will probably be the odd team out. This is kind of a tough one to pick, because Cleveland is so surprising, yet at the same time, not really all that good. And the Fins are a team that really should be better, with all their talent, but have been a pretty big disappointment. This is kind of an eenie meenie type game for me, but I'll take the Browns in an upset. We miss you in Denver Peyton Hillis, and we'd like to trade Josh McDaniels to get you back.
San Francisco @ Green Bay: Green Bay, easy.
Buffalo @ Minnesota: This could be another very interesting game. Another team with huge expectations that has pretty much dropped the ball from the get go, and Buffalo, who has been bad, but not that bad all at the same time. They've been in most of their games of late, and have lost some serious heart breakers. I have a feeling that they could push over the Vikes here, but I just don't think they'll fully manage it. Vikes in a close one.
Chicago @ Detroit: Bears will take this one.
Jacksonville @ Tennessee: Jacksonville is playing well, and Tennessee is not doing so great. Nobody really expected to see the Jags on top of the division right now, but they are. And Moss has been a no factor for Tennessee. He's not doing a great job selling himself to other teams for the end of his contract. Jags keep going.
Washington @ NY Giants: G-men. Shanny hasn't quite gotten over the hump with these guys yet, and the giants are setting up for a playoff run. G-men should take this one down.
New Orleans @ Cincinnati: Well, once again it is time to begin calling them the Bungles. Saints should take this one. Lots of passing against a very weak secondary.
Oakland @ San Diego: I don't know what it is about San Diego and the way the play a season out, but they suck early, and they're good late. Oakland managed to take one from these guys earlier in the year, but I don't think that this is going to happen this time around. San Diego is playing too well, but they'll disappoint in the playoffs again and finally fire Norv Turner. You know, the Chargers might have actually won a super bowl if they had kept Marty Schottenheimer.
Atlanta @ Tampa Bay: Atlanta is the real deal, and has the inside track to home field advantage in the NFC playoffs, and they keep going today.
Carolina @ Seattle: Panters stink, Seahawks are ok, Hawks take this one.
St. Louis @ Arizona: St. Louis has a possible track into the playoffs, which would be amazing after their previous year. Arizona is awful, I'll take the Rams.
Dallas @ Indianapolis: Give me the Colts bouncing back in this one. They know that they have to work hard to make the playoffs this year. Manning won't let this one get by. Give me the Colts.
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore: Always a good match up between these guys. Two teams at 8-3, always running for the top of the division. Hard to pick a winner, they just know each other so well. Baltimore took the first one in a close one, and I think the same is bound to happen here. But these ones are always close games, so you never know.
NY Jets @ New England: GAME OF THE WEEK!!! Easily. Jets are the better team here, in my opinion, but the Pats are hot now, and I've rarely seen a top team so affected by playing at home versus on the road. I believe that the Jets will end up taking this one, mostly because I hate the Patriots, but Rex Ryan just seems to know how to beat these guys.
Houston @ Philadelphia: I chose Philly in this game, and was right! Finally, after the first 2 Thursdays flubbing for me, I have been 4-0 on Thursday for the last 2 weeks. So good way to start the week.
Denver @ Kansas City: Denver absolutely hammered KC the last time these two played. Since then Denver has lost the last 2 in a row, in rather embarrassing fashions. KC is on the road to the playoffs, and Denver is on the road to a top 5 draft pick. Chiefs beat the Broncos in this one.
Cleveland @ Miami: Browns have been spoiling a lot of team's parties, though probably still don't have a shot at the playoffs, and the Fins are playing desperate right now because they are in a tough division and will probably be the odd team out. This is kind of a tough one to pick, because Cleveland is so surprising, yet at the same time, not really all that good. And the Fins are a team that really should be better, with all their talent, but have been a pretty big disappointment. This is kind of an eenie meenie type game for me, but I'll take the Browns in an upset. We miss you in Denver Peyton Hillis, and we'd like to trade Josh McDaniels to get you back.
San Francisco @ Green Bay: Green Bay, easy.
Buffalo @ Minnesota: This could be another very interesting game. Another team with huge expectations that has pretty much dropped the ball from the get go, and Buffalo, who has been bad, but not that bad all at the same time. They've been in most of their games of late, and have lost some serious heart breakers. I have a feeling that they could push over the Vikes here, but I just don't think they'll fully manage it. Vikes in a close one.
Chicago @ Detroit: Bears will take this one.
Jacksonville @ Tennessee: Jacksonville is playing well, and Tennessee is not doing so great. Nobody really expected to see the Jags on top of the division right now, but they are. And Moss has been a no factor for Tennessee. He's not doing a great job selling himself to other teams for the end of his contract. Jags keep going.
Washington @ NY Giants: G-men. Shanny hasn't quite gotten over the hump with these guys yet, and the giants are setting up for a playoff run. G-men should take this one down.
New Orleans @ Cincinnati: Well, once again it is time to begin calling them the Bungles. Saints should take this one. Lots of passing against a very weak secondary.
Oakland @ San Diego: I don't know what it is about San Diego and the way the play a season out, but they suck early, and they're good late. Oakland managed to take one from these guys earlier in the year, but I don't think that this is going to happen this time around. San Diego is playing too well, but they'll disappoint in the playoffs again and finally fire Norv Turner. You know, the Chargers might have actually won a super bowl if they had kept Marty Schottenheimer.
Atlanta @ Tampa Bay: Atlanta is the real deal, and has the inside track to home field advantage in the NFC playoffs, and they keep going today.
Carolina @ Seattle: Panters stink, Seahawks are ok, Hawks take this one.
St. Louis @ Arizona: St. Louis has a possible track into the playoffs, which would be amazing after their previous year. Arizona is awful, I'll take the Rams.
Dallas @ Indianapolis: Give me the Colts bouncing back in this one. They know that they have to work hard to make the playoffs this year. Manning won't let this one get by. Give me the Colts.
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore: Always a good match up between these guys. Two teams at 8-3, always running for the top of the division. Hard to pick a winner, they just know each other so well. Baltimore took the first one in a close one, and I think the same is bound to happen here. But these ones are always close games, so you never know.
NY Jets @ New England: GAME OF THE WEEK!!! Easily. Jets are the better team here, in my opinion, but the Pats are hot now, and I've rarely seen a top team so affected by playing at home versus on the road. I believe that the Jets will end up taking this one, mostly because I hate the Patriots, but Rex Ryan just seems to know how to beat these guys.
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