The New Morse Code: Swinging An Imaginary Bat

((HT: MASN/The Score/MLB))

Michael Morse of the Washington Nationals thought he hit a grand slam the other night against the St. Louis Cardinals. So did his manager Davey Johnson...

But it took video review for it to actually get figured out that Kyle Lohse served the ball up in that manner...

Instead of being out, or having fellow runners out for passing each other in the confusion... the umps thought of something completely different...

We'll let Bob Carpenter tell you what happened next...


How cool was that...???
Just like when we all grew older...

An imaginary swing for a real home run...
The HQ will take that trade...

The Shield Game 4: Random Injuries And A Lot of Cussing...

((HT: NFL on Fox/NFL on CBS))

Okay, let's start with the cussing... thanks to our friends at WEEI Radio in Boston

The Buffalo Bills get a 21-7 lead on the Patriots and then the Pats come back. Captain America had a few choice words for the fans in Orchard Park...


From our friends at Larry Brown Sports and blacksportsonline...
Don't look down to psyche yourself up before your game when others are running drills...

Redsins safety Brandon Meriweather ran into wide receiver Aldrick Robinson in the end zone while attempting to catch a pass about two hours before the game. Both were down for a while before getting back up...


And, then, to top it all off...
Matt Bryant kicks a game-winning field goal for the still-undefeated Atlanta Falcons as they beat Carolina in the Georgia Dome.

Matt Ryan's response...???
Go to the :55 mark...


So, from "Eff you, bitches" to "Get off my effing field..." the Shield's QB's were very vocal today...

Rex Ryan: "We Got Our Ass Kicked." Yes The Jets Did By The 49ers 34-0

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan has had some memorable press conferences but this is by far the angriest after the Jets were shellacked by the San Francisco 49ers 34-0.

"I was going to say we got our butt kicked, but really, we got our ass kicked," Ryan said.  

Short, sweet and to the point.

Here’s the rest of Ryan’s post game presser. (Thanks SNY)

I’m willing to bet film session and practice is going to be real fun this week for the Jets.

What really got Rex Ryan pissed off is the Jets defense gave up 245 yards rushing to the 49ers.  No Niner running back went over 100 yards but three had over 50 yards on the ground.

Then again the Jets offense stunk too.  Mark Sanchez’s box score will make a Jet fan puke going 13 of 29 passing for 103 yards, no touchdowns and an interception plus sacked three times.

The Jet offense could only total 145 yards all day, 45 yards rushing. 

Hey look on the bright side your still 2-2 on the year.

Oh yeah, I forgot that Darrelle Revis is out for the year with a torn ACL and today to add insult to injury Santonio Holmes had to be carted off after he was injured.

The fella’s from SNY discuss the Jets carnage and the fact they think Mark Sanchez sucks.  (Thanks SNY)

I have family members that are passionate Jets fans and I'm sure they are having the same conversation.  The only difference is the language is a lot more colorful.

Could The Duke Blue Devils Be College Football's "Feel Good" Story Of 2012

If you are looking for a feel good college football story start directing your focus toward Durham, North Carolina where the Duke Blue Devils are close to becoming bowl eligible.

Saturday Duke defeated Wake Forest for the first time since 1999 34-27 to end September 4-1, the Blue Devils best start since 1994 which was the last time Duke went to a bowl game.

Here’s a game report from Bob Holliday of WRAL-TV.

 

And here’s the game highlights. (Thanks goduke.com)

 

Here’s what’s left on Duke’s schedule:

Oct. 6              Virginia

Oct. 13            at Virginia Tech

Oct. 20            North Carolina

Oct. 27            at Florida State

 
Nov. 3            Clemson

Nov. 17           at Georgia Tech

Nov. 24           Miami

Yes it gets tough for the Blue Devils but Duke should be favored against Virginia and Georgia Tech, win those games and Duke is bowl eligible.

Of course Duke would like to pull off a few upsets along the way and the way this team is playing with confidence it would surprise me.

Plus those of us at the OSG HQ are ignoring the “no cheering in the press box” rule and openly pulling for Duke head coach David Cutcliffe.  Coach Cut is one of the classiest in the business.  What he has accomplished at Duke in five years in amazing.  It may not be reflected in the won-loss record but that program has come a long way.

West Virginia Outlasts Baylor In Morgantown, Creates Both Records And Headaches

((HT: KWTX-TV, Waco))

Let's face it...

The whole experience reminded us of one of two things...

Either video games or Arena Football... both apply all over the place...

133 points, 19 touchdowns and absolutely no defense whatsoever...

Geno Smith went 45-for-51 for 656 yards and 8TD's while Nick Florence went 29-for-47 for 581 yards and 5 TD's.

The game also set a record for the most points scored involving a team ranked in The Associated Press poll. The previous mark of 124 was set in 1980 when No. 12 Oklahoma beat Colorado 82-42. West Virginia picked up a school-record 807 yards, and the teams combined for 1,507 yards of offense and 67 first downs. Six receivers had at least 100 yards receiving.

Shall we keep going...???

The Bears' Terrance Williams set a Big 12 record with 314 yards receiving. The old mark was by West Virginia's Stedman Bailey, who had 303 yards and a school-record five TDs.

And the only reason Bailey didn't keep it in the first place was that Williams got the last possession...

The 19 touchdowns tied a D1 record from 2007 when Navy beat North Texas 74-62. That game was the old record for points in a regulation game at 136.

Baylor also tied a D1 mark for the most points scored by a losing team...

Got all that...???

Ricardo Lecompte tries to condense the whole story to 2:10


"Not every Big 12 game is like this," West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen said in the post-game presser.

Whaddya mean it's not...???

Nick Saban Says Alabama Must Improve. OK

If you listen to Alabama head coach Nick Saban following the Crimson Tide’s 33-14 win over Ole Miss you would have thought they lost. (Thanks WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL)

Saban’s attention to detail is maniacal however most of what Saban is talking about should stay in the post game locker room on in film session.

Crimson Tide fans do you really want to hear that your substitution patterns was not very good?  After listening to Saban’s post game comments to you feel good about the win over Ole Miss.

I understand you want to keep expectations realistic however reality is Alabama is unquestionably the best college football team in the country. 

Yes there are little things during a game that must be addressed but you won by three touchdowns.

I also realize there is a method to Saban’s madness and there is none better in getting into the heads of opponents than Nick Saban.

You just wish he won’t enjoy the wins more.

Boise State Survives At New Mexico 32-29

The past few years the New Mexico Lobos has been the butt of many jokes here at the OSG HQ and the poster child as to how to ruin a football program.

Well the Lobos almost had the last laugh Saturday in Albuquerque against the mighty Boise State Broncos. 

Boise State ran off 25 unanswered points in the first half and it looked it another blow out at UMN’s expense.

Well things have changed in Lobo-land.  New Mexico took advantage of a pair of Bronco turnovers and turned those into touchdowns.  Then the Boise State defense couldn’t figure out New Mexico’s triple option offense directed by Lobo quarterback Cole Gautsche.

Gautsche led UNM to four touchdowns but Boise State’s first half roar lingered to hold on over the Lobos 32-29.

Here’s a game report. (Thanks KTVB, Boise, ID)

Stephen Morris Revives Miami's "Quarterback U" Reputation With Record Day Vs NC State

Don’t look now but the Miami Hurricanes have found their mojo.

After looking god-awful at Kansas State in week 2 the Hurricanes have matured a bit thanks to a come from behind win at Georgia Tech last week and now surviving a shoot-out Saturday against NC State.

Miami quarterback Stephen Morris is reviving the ‘Canes reputation of “Quarterback U”.  Morris torched the NC State defense for 566 yards passing, an ACC record for passing yards in a single game.

The biggest was the 62 yard touchdown pass to Philip Dorsett with 19 second left to win it for the ‘Canes 44-37 (Thanks ACC Digital Network)

“The last play the ball wasn’t even supposed to go to me it was designed to go to Allen.” Philip Dorsett said. “ I just ran my route and tried to clear out the safeties for him, then I saw Stephen scramble so I went with him, then I saw him throw the ball and I was like “Oh snap, I have got to catch this.” I saw the corner couldn’t get to us so I tried my best to get into the endzone.”

“It was kind of a freakish thing to happen but I just rolled out to the right, I was trying to buy time and I saw Rashawn I didn’t want to go to overtime.”  Miami quarterback Stephen Morris said. “ I saw Phillip running, I didn’t want to go to overtime so I said 'Here goes nothing,' so I just threw it up to him and he did a great job of making a play.”

Miami wasn’t expected to contend for the ACC Coastal Division title, too much inexperience to go with that talent.  Hurricane head coach Al Golden will disagree.

“We’re going have a no excuses mentality.”  Golden said.  “We’re not going listen to anyone say we’re too young to do this. We’re not dominant in any one phase yet, it’s just survive and advance. We’re staying together, which is important.”

Racing Icon Economaki Dies At 91

((HT: ESPN/IndyCar/NASCAR Images))

ESPN's Ed Hinton is spot on in his assessment of all us media types that decide to do something motorsports-based in our lifetimes... on two fronts...

1) Those of us who grew up watching IndyCar or NASCAR in their infancies in television were impacted by what analyst and expert Chris Economaki talked about when his mic was open. It was the history and the context that we all needed without any kind of shenanigan thrown in. He made the point and elevated it at the same time.

And,

2) there are a lot of young people in the business today who have no clue who Economaki is (or was) and have no idea about his impact on the business and its context.

Economaki passed just shy of his 92nd birthday. Here are some of what we learned and how we figured out how to talk about it...

Like the 1973 Indy 500...


The lessons... know your stuff... backwards and forward...
He'll be missed... no question...

The End is Near: MTSU beats Ga.Tech in Atlanta

So goes the mighty ACC. Georgia Tech, one of the supposed better teams in the conference hastened their tumble to the back of the pack after not just being beaten, but rather, pummeled by Middle Tennessee State.

The final score: 49-28.

This isn't to discount the Blue Raiders who have made strides under coach Rick Stockstill, but they shouldn't be able to do this to an "Alleged" top level ACC team.

And yet they did.

Benny Cunningham ran for 216 yards and 5 Touchdowns (yes, 5 of them) and Logan Kilgore threw for 2 more, including a spectacular catch by Anthony Amos, while the defense kept Tech's "Option" attack under control.

The loss is certainly going to make the voices louder in Atlanta, calling for Coach Paul Johnson's head. The Jackets have regressed every year under Johnson's control. His last dominant team came his first year, when he had Chan Gailey's players.

As for MTSU, there is no doubt celebrating in the street in Murfreesboro. The Blue Raiders have gotten some decent wins over the years, but none over a team that was ranked in the Top 25 as recently as 3 weeks ago.

We will keep an eye out for postgame and more highlights, in the meantime, we again will show you young Mr. Amos's incredible catch.

Early Contender for Catch of the Day by MTSU's Anthony Amos

Something tells us there are going to be a boatload of College Football highlights over the course of the day, but we couldn't resist sharing this when we found it.

Check out wide receiver Anthony Amos of Middle Tennessee State as he makes an absolutely sick, one-handed catch in the back of the endzone vs. Georgia Tech in one of the days early games.



For what it's worth, at the time of publication here, 1:50pm on Saturday, MTSU and Ga. Tech are tied at 20 at the half.

Chipperpallooza: Chipper Jones retires and I feel old

You know....sometimes it's hard to describe "Getting Old". There isn't really a "Technical" definition of it and for some people, there are different milestones, or signs that yeah, maybe you are getting old.

For me, it was sitting in the stands at Turner Field Friday night to witness the "Retirement" ceremony for Atlanta Braves all-star Chipper Jones. And no, it didn't help that the Braves lost the game 3-1 either.

Why is Chipper my marker?

Because my first interaction with him was an interview in 1990. He, a 17-year old about to graduate from the Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida and be the Braves #1 draft pick. Me, a 24-year old TV Photographer working at the local NBC affiliate.

Now mind you, this is important for several reasons. The biggest: I am and have always been an unabashed Braves fan. My first game was as an 11-year old, in 1976. My father took us to see the Braves play the Pittsburgh Pirates at Fulton County Stadium. And as they often did in those days, the Braves lost. I remember Richie Zisk had 6 RBI's during that game.

But the Braves were my team.

For a long, long, time I was okay with the fact my team wasn't very good. Sure, we had the Bob Horner/Dale Murphy era in the early 80's. But that only lasted a couple of seasons, and then they went right back to sucking.

But I still went to games whenever I could. There were games in the mid 80's, when we'd drive up from Georgia Southern (Statesboro) and get seats in the outfield. By games end, we were behind the dugout. Why? Because nobody else was there.

I still followed them after I graduated, but moved to Virginia for my first job. It was tougher to follow them, but not impossible.

We already talked about the 1990 interview. And that's where the paths continued to cross. I didn't get to go cover the Braves when the World Series runs began in the early '90's, in fact, my station sent a crew to cover the playoffs in 1993. I didn't get to go, I had to stay back and produce our 30 minute Sunday Night Sports show, featuring a sit-down interview with one Chipper Jones.

I watched the 1995 Series win from an apartment in Nashville, Tennessee...by myself. But after screaming my lungs out, I just stared at the TV...for a long time.

My path crossed Chipper's...and the Braves once or twice a year while I lived away. My parents moved to Atlanta, and it was an excuse to come to town and see a game. I'd drag my father with me and he'd sit there and watch, not terribly enthused, but he knew how happy it made me. We actually were at Fulton County Stadium when one of the "Penultimate" tabloid stories of all-time happened. We first learned about the O.J Simpson, slow speed chase in California, by seeing it on a TV monitor while leaving the stadium.

I sat there during the 1996 World Series with my friend Tom Leonard, sitting in the outfield at the Jim Leyritz game. (Braves fans will get that reference) I'm not sure I've ever heard a stadium as quiet as that one.

It all changed in 1999. I got a job in Atlanta and though initially it wasn't a sports job, it became one. The first time I went to do post-game was a "Holy-Shit" moment. I walked in towards the locker room and just stopped. And proceeded to get punched in the arm by producer Rob Tribble who said, "Stop gawking" "We got work to do".

In 10-years, I probably walked into that locker room 100-plus times. I always smiled and got chills. Always.

During that time, I got to know a couple of the players. Our paths would cross on occasion, while out and about. And they were always nice, if a bit wary.

Chipper had his own place in that locker room. And for the most part, he would be willing to talk if we went to him, but he was in the middle of the side row. In the Braves locker room, the senior guy had the locker closest to the shower on the left. John Smoltz occupied that locker for years. That locker is where Chip ended.

It seemed as time passed, Chipper lost that filter. He just said whatever was on his mind. I stood in front of him in 2007 while he sat on a table in the middle of the room and listened to him just "Rip" into umpire Bob Davidson after a Braves loss. Didn't sugarcoat anything. And we didn't have to ask him any questions, he just started talking. That cost him some money, but he never apologized for saying it.

There were more times than I can count where I was in the locker room, without a reporter and would see him at his locker; "Hey Chip, can I talk to you for a minute or two? Yeah, sure, anyone else around?" "No, haven't seen anyone"..."Okay, what'cha got?"

The Braves are a very close-tight group. It's been part of their dynamic for years. It wasn't uncommon to see groups of them out together and they always had each others back. If one player didn't, that player didn't last very long.

Me and The Lovely Bride at the game

But the one constant was Chipper. He was there through it all. He was deferential to Smoltz and Greg Maddux for years and when they left, he became the face...and voice of the team. Never colorful, very matter of fact, with some humor sprinkled in.

So it was a very conflicting moment Friday night being with 52,000 other fans and Braves management saying goodbye. Yeah, I know, the season hasn't ended, but an era has. It's funny, in all my years in TV, I covered hundreds of football players who went on to be successful and many came, went and retired and it was never really an issue like this.

But this time it registered. It was someone that I identified as the face of my favorite baseball team for a long time. A really long time. And he's actually walking away. Walking away on his terms, after one last shot at the playoffs. After one last run of anchoring the lineup. After one last run of showing the young guys (and the Braves have a lot of them), what it's like to be a Major League Baseball player. Showing them what needs to be done to be successful, the dedication to the craft and most importantly---how to win.

Thanks Chip, you know how much Braves fans appreciate what you've done. And you can add me to that list, both personally and professionally. But you've now forced me to confront something that I've desperately tried to avoid. And that is the fact that I'm now officially old too.

This is an old song, and I use it a lot, but it fits:

BYU Chows - Down On Hawaii 47-0

For 27 years Norm Chow was an assistant coach under Lavell Edwards.  Friday night Chow returned to Provo, Utah as the head coach of Hawaii and his Warrior team was pummeled by the Cougars 47-0.

“We couldn’t get it going defensively.”  Chow said.  “We couldn’t move the ball on offense, very disappointing.”

And that in a nutshell describes Hawaii’s performance against BYU.

Here’s Chow addressing the media.  (Thanks Hawaii Athletics)

BYU freshman quarterback Taysom Hill started the game and rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown.  Hill also threw for 112 yards and two touchdowns.

BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall decided to start Hill as incumbent starter Riley Nelson rests and injured back.

“If Riley is capable and ready to play, then he will be our starter.” Mendenhall said after the game. “He was hurt this week. He has been the whole week, so we made the decision to sit him out.  If Riley plays like he has been playing, he won’t get better, but he will improve with rest, so that’s what we’re planning on. Taysom is doing his part, but there isn’t as much history between he and I like there is between Riley and I. The biggest decision is going to be how Riley is feeling.”

Do we have a quarterback controversy stirring up in Provo?  It appears Nelson will remain the starter but it’s hard to ignore the dynamics Taysom Hill brings under center.  Hill doesn’t appear to be caught up in the hype.

“I’m not sure about starting.”  Hill said. “ That is not my decision, and I won’t get caught up in that right now. Riley has been through this and has been a big help. He knows the team and what I was going into. He has been giving me pointers all week and was a set of eyes for me from the sideline all night.”

Here’s the highlights from last night. (Thanks BYU Productions)

LA Approves New Stadium Deal

((HT: KABC-TV))

Surprising no one, really, the Los Angeles City Council approved the US$1.2-billion deal to build the downtown football stadium as part of the LA Live Project.

It came a little less than a week after AEG decided that they were up for sale- which caused the normal amount of concern around the planet about all the arenas and stadia that they run at present.

But AEG maintains that nothing will change. And in LA, specifically, they say that since they have already invested $50-million there is no turning back.

Here's Carlos Granda et al.


There has been no pro football in Los Angeles since 1994, but the real ideas are:

1) Who would end up moving from "wherever" to LA to play there these days...? And,

2) The Shield gets ratings for the league double-headers in the Number Two market in the country every week. it would be interesting to see the ratings comparisons from one situation to the other (having a team versus not) to see how the league sells their ad space using the idea as a leverage point...

And would it be worth it financially to leave the city alone...???

Thomas DeCoud has a little fun with SportsCenter

((ht: deadspin.com))

You'll have to listen to this interview with the sound WAY up, because ESPN didn't make the video available. But some discerning listeners with YouTube accounts did.

Apparently during a recent ESPN SportsCenter, they did an interview with Atlanta Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud. DeCoud, a Cal Grad, had a very good game against the San Diego Chargers this past Sunday and is part of a defense that currently leads the NFL in interceptions.

The fine folks at the 4-letter did a phone interview with DeCoud, asking his opinion on a variety of things, but particularly the resolution of the Referee Lockout.

Listen closely, DeCoud does a takeoff of a skit from the Broken Lizard troupe's comedy "Super Troopers". In a scene from the movie, a couple of Troopers pull over a speeding a driver, and get in Meow's as many times as they could.



If you pay attention, DeCoud appears to get at least a dozen of them.

ICYMI: Washington brings Stanford back to earth

So much for Stanford being a Top 10 team.

The Cardinal/Tree moved up to #8 after beating Sports Writer favorites USC two weeks ago. That may prove to be the highlight of their season.

The Washington Huskies took care of Stanford late Thursday night in Seattle, scoring with just under 5 minutes left and holding on for a 17-13 win.

The celebrating commenced as the Huskies claimed their 1st win over a top 10 team in 3-years.

The game wasn't pretty, it was dominated by defense. But when the pressure was on, it was Keith Price and the Huskies who stepped up and yes, the storming of the field by the fans commenced...

The win put the 1-0 in the PAC-12 and 3-1 overall, Stanford goes to 1-1 in the conference and 3-1 overall.

Since video highlights don't exist as of right now, KING-TV gives us Washington Coach Steve Sarkisian:

Ha! West Virginia Does Couch Burning PSA

((ht: crystalballrun))

Okay, this plays into a ton of stereotypes, which makes it pretty damn funny.

The West Virginia University student government association apparently felt it was important to discourage students from burning their couches.

Why?

For those who don't know, it's become somewhat of a tradition on the Morgantown, WVA campus to do just that after a big win...or an occasional loss.

Oh...by the way, it's now a $1000 fine too.

Read more about this from The Crystal Ball Run RIGHT HERE

This really doesn't do a lot to enhance West Virginia's reputation of a somewhat rural, backwoods outpost unfortunately. Yeah, sure, we know that kids will be kids and do really stupid things when their school does something good, but the whole couch burning thing isn't stupid, it's just plain weird.

In case you are curious, here's the video:

NHL Cancels entire preseason: Nobody noticed

Gary Bettman

Hey, did you hear the one about the National Hockey League and their lockout of the players? No? Well, you are part of a rather large majority of people.

The league, in a brief, tersely worded statement announced they are canceling all preseason games. They actually had some games scheduled leading up to what would have been the start of the 2012 season, just over two weeks from today.

The NHLPA and the league are scheduled to meet on Friday and talk through the weekend, but according to most reports they are just on small issues rather than the elephant in the room, how to split their newly acquired--and possibly soon to be lost revenue.

As big a deal that most made about the NFL Locking out their officials and how big an impact that had on football, in the long run it didn't kill football.

This strike may kill professional hockey.

The powers that be here seem to think that a majority of the sporting public will stick with them and support their decision to equalize revenue sharing.

They would be wrong.

Yeah, sure, there will be the odd hockey fan in Detroit or New York or Philadelphia who will be emotional about this and come back the minute they say the lockout is over. But they will not be in the majority. NBC is sticking with their partners for now, but how long before they need to plan alternate programming. Programming that will probably do as well as the low rated NHL.

No, Gary Bettman needs to come to his senses, even if his ego won't let him. You've managed to alienate just about everyone who came back to the game, which just recovered from it's last labor issue 7-years ago.

But he won't.

The players need to realize what is at stake here too, but they are too busy chasing contracts in the KHL and in Europe.

So good luck hockey fan. Enjoy missing your sport, a sport that somehow seems to marginalize itself every time it comes close to being relevant again.

ICYMI: 30 Yd Behind the Back TD Pass

Whoa!

Didn't know this was even physically possible. And yes, it has gone completely viral. If you watch it, you'll know why...very quickly.

It happened last night at an Intramural Football game on the Purdue University campus. The QB for the "Sour Lemons" drops back, gets some pressure and proceeds to get rid of the ball, behind his back.

The fact he went behind the back is totally impressive, the fact that he hits a receiver...in stride IS AMAZING.

Check it out:

The Dirty Dozen and Bottom of the Barrel: Accept no Replacements

Never accept anything but the best. Or in the case of the NFL, why worry about quality if you can save a few bucks.

As Mick once said, "You can't always get what you want":



But enough about the pros, we talk about the pure game, College Football. Hey, stop laughing!

There are changes afoot. Some teams are proving to not be quite as good as we once thought. But others seem to be better.

This week, the major meets prisoner #11. Are you listening Notre Dame?



So, we went 12-1 last week. How 'bout them apples? Makes us 37-6 on the season. Maybe now you'll be attention.

With that in mind, we quote the legendary Casey Kasem and say "It's on with the Countdown!"

THE DIRTY DOZEN:

1) Alabama 4-0. Okay, okay, I don't want death threats from people in Alabama. They have NO sense of humor regrading their football. None. Which explains Saban. Uh...anyway...As of this moment, they are considered College Football's best. Enjoy the ride. (This Week: vs. Ole Miss Our Pick: Alabama 31, Miss St. 10)

2)Florida State 4-0. Great win for the 'Criminoles--ooh, sorry, hard to escape your past. But seriously...and no, don't call me Shirley, they've proven to be pretty darn good. Barring an implosion, they should run the ACC table. Oh...sorry, that never happens. (This Week: at S.Florida. Our Pick: FSU 31, USF 13)

3) Oregon 4-0. Sorry, still don't buy them as some sort of defensive juggernaut. And until they are, they won't be #1 in our poll. Unless of course the teams ahead of them keep losing. (This Week: at Washington St. Our Pick: Oregon 41, Wash. St. 31)

4) LSU 4-0. Uh...The Lovely Bride won't like this, but they don't appear worthy of where we ranked them previously. To say they looked awful on offense vs. Auburn would be an understatement. But they did win, so there is that. (This Week: vs. Towson St. Our Pick: LSU 47, Towson 3)

5) Georgia 4-0. Now we'll get to see if they are worthy of the lofty status. All the suspended guys are back and the games get at least a little tougher. That being said, they just killed a not-as-awful Vandy team last week. (This Week: vs. Tennessee. Our Pick: Georgia 37, Tennessee 21)

6) South Carolina 4-0. Well, Connor Shaw made me eat my words, he was pretty damn impressive last week as the 'Cocks creamed the Missouri Tigers. (yeah, I know, juvenile) Everything is being geared towards the Georgia game next week. (This Week: at Kentucky. Our Pick: S.Carolina 38, Kentucky 13)

7) West Virginia 3-0. They didn't exactly crush Maryland, who showed signs of life--for once. But Geno Smith continues to be the man and our pick for the Heisman. Unless they lose, which we suppose, could happen. (This Week: at Baylor. Our Pick: West Virginia 51, Baylor 48)

8) Stanford 3-0. Long live the tree. They got a week off after brushing aside USC, which is a good thing. No crazy good stars here, just a good, well coached team. But we don't see them finishing in the 12, but then again, we've been known to be wrong. (This Week: at Washington. Our Pick: Stanford 31, Washington 27)

9) Kansas State 4-0. They are getting lots of national love for beating an overrated Oklahoma team. Which doesn't discount the fact they beat them in Norman. But still. Colin Klein is a great running QB and the team is solid and deep. And as long as Bill Snyder coaches....(This Week: BYE)

10) Florida 4-0. Yes, that's right, they are back. Sort of. They've played well enough to win, but outside of Kentucky, they haven't blown anyone away either. This may soon change as the schedule gets tougher. Much tougher. (This Week: BYE)

11) Notre Dame 4-0. We aren't sure we've ever had the Irish in the Dozen. Congratulations Notre Dame, you may become relevant again. Your defense seems to be top notch (thanks Manti Te'o). But you better pick it up on offense or it won't last. (This Week: BYE)

12) USC 3-1. Yes, we're putting a one loss team in here. The other alleged undefeated mega-powers are less than convincing, they are just kings of cupcakes. USC will be tough as long as Matt Barkley stays healthy and Coach Kiffykins head doesn't explode. (This Week: BYE)

THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL:

Oh Colorado, you tempt us so. We don't like to move teams out of here unless they truly earn it and since you won this past week, But you did beat the fighting Mike Leach's in a nail biter, so you can now leave the island.

5) Kentucky 1-3. Yes, we know, they've won a game. But it was against Kent State. They haven't been competitive against anyone else. Pity poor Joker Phillips. We love the idea of a coach named Joker, but this Joker may soon be pulled from the deck. (This Week: vs. S.Carolina. Our Pick: see #6)

4) Arkansas 1-3. Haha! Just to prove we aren't total SEC homers, here's 2 teams in the bottom five. And they appear to deserve the honor. If you can't run and can't stop anyone, you can't win. Think about that one John L. Smith. (This Week: at Texas A&M. Our Pick: TAMU 34, Arkansas 24)

3) Idaho 0-4. Oh, poor Idaho. They had a chance to beat Wyoming. And yet they didn't. Which is why they are here. You know, if you are being outscored by 20 pts a game, you probably won't win much. And that is Idaho in a nutshell. (This Week: at North Carolina. Our Pick: UNC 40, Idaho 10)

2) Memphis 0-4. You know your team sucks when Duke blows you out. And that is what happened to the toothless Tigers. And their best RB just left the team. Wah! Wah! Wah!. There's always basketball season on the horizon. (This Week: Bye 41, Memphis 3)

1) UMass 0-4. Congrats to the Minutemen. They've reached double figures in scoring the last two weeks. But they've been out scored 90-29 in those two games. Which is why you land in polls like this. So....(This Week: vs. Ohio. Our Pick: Ohio 90, UMass 29)

And so wraps up Week #4. After this week it gets serious, with several top teams playing each other. And the cupcakes playing each other too.

Brett Favre Talks About Coaching High School Football In Mississippi

Brett Favre is still involved in football.  This fall Favre is the offensive coordinator for Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

So far the Warriors are 5-0 and ranked in 16^th in the state of Mississippi.

Recently Favre sat down and talked about his high school coaching experience. (Thanks Fox Sports South)

A Musical Remeberence of Replacement Refs

((ht: cbssports.com))

Let us pause for a moment and remember our fallen replacement refs. Those who will no longer be with us. As overnight, the NFL stopped embarrassing themselves and gave the professional refs a few extra dollars in an attempt to restore credibility to their Billion Dollar generating game.

We in the world of Sports Blogging, Sports Talk Radio and TV Sports analyzation all bow our heads as we will have to find new things to complain/whine/talk about.

With that in mind, a creative YouTube user sums up our thoughts as appropriately as anyone can:

South Park takes shot at NFL (Funniest Show Ever)

OH....MY....GOD!

We didn't see the episode when it aired, and we are now deeply regretting that. Though we have spent the first part of the morning laughing hysterically at the South Park episode that aired the other night titled, "Sarcastaball".

And that was just the opening shot: (it gets better...and totally mocks replacement refs)

In no particular order, they took shots at: Roger Goodell, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Lamarr Woodley, Jim Rome, CBS Sports, FOX Sports, The Denver Broncos...and anyone else they could think of.

Seriously, this was freaking brilliant, you need to watch it. Since we can't post the entire episode, we strongly recommend you go to the Southparkstudios.com website and watch.

Cal-Irvine Sets Dodgeball Record

((HT: KABC-TV))

The HQ will openly admit it...

We played dodgeball during our formative years...

And, yes, we hear the collective laughter amongst the stars as you all say "formative years...???"

Anyhoo...

We played both dodgeball and bombardment (the version where you could catch the ball when thrown and the thrower would be retired to the sidelines... once that happened, they could receive the ball from teammates still in play and peg you with it all over again...)

And the kids at Cal-Irvine set a world record the other day for most participants in one such game...

David Ono and Ellen Leyva continue...

Brian Banks Gets His Shot

((HT: KABC-TV))

The HQ has chronicled the struggle Brian Banks has had to proclaim his innocence while spending five years behind bars. He was accused of rape and spent five years in prison before a judge overturned the sentence in May after the victim recanted her story.

Turns out all the alleged victim wanted was money to solidify her story...

Now, Jim Fassel and the Las Vegas Locos are giving Banks his chance after he spent the summer getting tryouts with the Seattle Seahawks and two other NFL teams...

Amy Powell has the sound from Vegas...


Very cool... and the HQ hopes it's only the beginning for the Long Beach Poly grad...

Tampa Bay Bucs Mascot goes Gangnam style (not horrible)

Okay, we are kind of ashamed to admit we get a good laugh out of these Gangnam style videos. They aren't nearly as obnoxious as the "Call Me Maybe" spin-off's. And that, despite the words to Ganngam being mostly Korean.

Of course we aren't sure what language "Call me Maybe" is in either.

Anyway.

Take a look at the video the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made for their mascot Captain Fear. It's not bad...though there are a couple of oddly sexual looking moments in it. (See the elevator scene)....

So enjoy...and smile. And consider it fortunate the mascots mouth doesn't move.

Behold!

Jim Mora throws media out of practice, Media laugh hysterically

((ht:latimes))

Oh, J.L Mora, the Sports Media loves you so....

You again make headlines, at least in Los Angeles and for sure the blogosphere for doing strange and whiny things.

This time it's for tossing the media out from UCLA's practice Wednesday morning. The offenders, TV Crews allegedly walking around in "Restricted" areas.

Oh, he threw out the Sports Information Department too, whom he blamed for the whole incident.

The notoriously high-strung and parnoid Mora, had the gate to the practice field locked according to the Los Angeles Times, which was all well and good, except three players who arrived late and had to wait for someone to let them in.

Read the Times story RIGHT HERE

You'll recall, Mora made some headlines a couple of weeks ago for not telling a prized, early recruit from Georgia that his scholarship was being pulled. That recruit, Eddie Prinz had to find out through his father, who tracked down an assistant via telephone.

We would say here that Mora needs to lighten up, but we know Mora from his tenure in Atlanta, and this is the way he operates. We wish the L.A media luck, but also offer some advice: Don't pay attention to the man. Unless he makes UCLA relevant, there's no reason to. He doesn't like you, and probably doesn't even know you. He just knows, much like his counterpart at USC Lane Kiffin, that you exist because the higher ups say you have to and in their mind, you are giving away all their secrets.

NFL Ref lockout COULD be over and Bill Belichick out $50K

You know, possibly the only "Lockout" that may be stupider than this is the NHL. Though the NHL wouldn't be drawing this kind of publicity.

According to reports all over the Interwebs, the NFL and the NFLRA are on the cusp of an agreement that would put the professional refs back out on the field with the professional players. The only question is when.

Depending on which expert you believe, they could be back by Sunday's games. That may not help Cleveland and Baltimore, but hey, somebody has to take one for the team...right?

Reports say there are still some disagreements about money and some resentment over the league's insistence that there be a Ref "Taxi Squad" available for use. And yeah, we get the premise that the staff guys don't want to change their potential replacements.

Though the NFL doesn't seem to care, they've been ABUSED in the court of public opinion. The mistakes, the coaches attacking the replacement refs and the complaints from the players have all made it look like the league is sacrificing the game for a couple of bucks. Bucks the multi-billion dollar league can easily afford.

Oh....and for what it's worth, the league fined Bill Belichick for his grabbing of the ref in last Sunday's game too. That fine...$50,000.

Green Bay Packer Fans Protest Outside Lambeau Field Over Loss To Seahawks, Call For Fan Boycott Over Replacement Officials

The NFL is on fire after the controversial touchdown call at the end of the Packers/Seahawks game.  This Packer fan who attended the game in Seattle is calling for a boycott.  (Thanks KING-TV, Seattle, WA)

Back in Green Bay fans are pissed off.  Early Tuesday morning Packer fans gathered at Lambeau Field to protest how the replacement officials cost the Packers a win.  (Thanks WLUK-TV, Green Bay, WI)

Emily is live with Packers fans this morning

We're Not Even Talking About The Packers-Seahawks Game Anymore...

((HT: ESPN/NFL/youtube))

Okay... the Seattle Seahawks absolutely mauled, manhandled, and wiped out the Green Bay Packers 14-12...

But... the whole thing has blown up in its face...

The grenade went off in the Jolly Roger's hands and the biggest profit machine in the biggest sport in America is having enough discussions about the replacement officials are proving once and for all (regrettably) that the replacement officials have no business being replacement officials...

We're not talking about great defense... which we saw...
We're not talking about a prototype in keeping one of the best offenses in check... which we saw...
We're not taling about the 12th Man and its impact... which we saw...
We're not talking about the emergence of Russell Wilson as a starting QB... which we're seeing...

We're talking about this...

Packers Guard TJ Lang will, probably, see a fine from the league office for his Tweet:

 

Got fucked by the refs.. Embarrassing. Thanks nfl

 

And that will end up being the most expensive Tweet in the history of Twitter...

Jus' sayin'...

 

Unless it's this Tweet from Lang...

 

Fuck it NFL.. Fine me and use the money to pay the regular refs

Abraham Busted For Not Cooperating With Police

This is a bit of a developing story, but here's what we know...

From the police report as Falcons DE John Abraham (pictured, thanks Atlanta Police Department) was arrested earlier this evening:

On 09-24-2012 around 6:30pm officers responded to 361 17th St regarding a female threatening to jump from one of the floors. Upon arrival Atlanta Police Officers and Atlanta Firefighters began moving people away from the area and also put of crime scene tape to restrict people from entering into the area. Mr. John Abraham entered into the taped off scene and was confronted by an Atlanta Firefighter who repeatedly ordered him to leave the scene. Mr. Abraham refused to leave and nearby officers had to respond to Mr. Abraham’s location. The officers also ordered Mr. Abraham to leave and he again refused and insisted on continuing further into the scene. Officers then took Mr. Abraham into custody. He was transported to Fulton County Jail and charged with Obstruction of Firefighters and Obstruction of Police Officers (both misdemeanor charges).

The larger questions are:

1) The relationship between Abraham, if one, and the woman threatening to jump...
2) The motive for the jumper and,
3) Why Abraham refused to leave...

"We are aware of the news regarding John Abraham,” the Falcons said in a statement. “We are in the process of gathering more information and we will have no further comment at this time.”

More when we know more...

And In Other Stadium News, It's LA's Turn...

((HT: NBCLosAngeles.com))

First things first... Anschutz Entertainment Group CEO Tim Leiweke apologized for all of the hullabaloo involving the announcement selling AEG to anyone who wants to pick up all of their assets.

Then, the committee before the LA City Council decided to okay the agreements involving the idea that could be Farmers Field if they figure out if it can be built. Leiweke also says that AEG would be committed to a Farmers Field deal, even if AEG is sold. Leiweke also told the committee that he and his management team have committed long-term to working at AEG, according to the Los Angeles Times and KCBS-TV...

Now, the full City Council gets to vote on the idea by the end of the week...

Toni Guinyard gets to stand outside a courthouse-looking building to talk about it...

View more videos at: http://nbclosangeles.com.

Seattle Approves Arena Deal, Daryl Katz Is Kicking Tires...

((HT: KING-TV Seattle))

It appears that Seattle is one step closer to getting a new arena in the thought that it could attract one, if not two, professional sports franchises...

NHL and/or NBA...

The City Council voted 6-2 to pass the South Downtown plan. Hedge fund billionaire Chris Hansen's plan to build a $490-million calls for $200 million in public funds. But construction won't start until the plan passes environmental reviews and the actual franchise showing up on the doorstep.

Hansen has also said that he would guarantee to cover any debt if the arena financing doesn't happen.

Seattle sources also say that the Katz Group, the owners of the Edmonton Oilers, visited the town to check on the viability of a possible move.

Here's how the story broke this afternoon...


The Katz Group confirmed to the Edmonton Sun that they visited Key Arena: "I can confirm that Daryl Katz, Patrick LaForge, Kevin Lowe and others from the Oilers leadership group are in Seattle for meetings and to attend the Seahawks game," Bob Black, executive vice president of the Katz Group, said in a statement.  

"We remain committed to working with City Administration to achieve a deal commensurate with what Winnipeg and Pittsburgh have done to sustain the NHL in those small markets. If we can achieve such a deal, the Oilers will remain in Edmonton and we can get on with the important work of developing the new arena and investing in the continued revitalization of Edmonton's downtown core.  

"Nonetheless, and as the City of Edmonton is aware, the Katz Group has been listening to proposals from a number of potential NHL markets for some time. After more than four years of trying to secure an arena deal and with less than 24 months remaining on the Oilers' lease at Rexall Place, this is only prudent and should come as no surprise.  

"We are extremely grateful to Oilers' fans for their patience and loyalty as we work through this process towards what we sincerely hope will be a long and successful future for the Oilers in Edmonton. We have no further comment on the status of our discussions with other markets at this time."

Which, really, only means that Katz, Patrick LaForge, and Kevin Lowe are using Seattle as leverage to get their arena deal done in the next little bit.

There's no way...

That Edmonton will never...

Lose that hockey team to any city, government, or municipality not named "Edmonton" unless the province of Alberta wants a riot on its hands...

Which it won't get...

Katz is Katz... and it's a lockout...

More when we know more...

Brandon Marshall and Warren Sapp feud gets nasty

Whoa now! Settle down boys.

It appears NFL Network analyst and former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Warren Sapp and Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall don't like each other.

Apparently on Friday, Sapp went on the Dan Patrick show and tore into Marshall about comments allegedly made towards Shannon and Sterling Sharpe. Sapp accused Marshall of not respecting his elders (polite version) and called him several un-polite names in the process included "Retarded".

Marshall appears to have gotten wind of Sapp's comments. And was none too pleased. He voiced his thoughts on Mr. Sapp via YouTube. They were personal....and they were not very complementary.



Okay now.

Reports say Sapp is now aware of Marshall's rebuttal and is angry enough to threaten to kick Marshall's ass.

We are guessing that Sapp's employer, the NFL Network will not pleased about this. Nor should they be. Sapp is already on thin ice after wrongfully accusing Panthers TE Jeremy Shockey of being the NFL's imformant on the Saints NFL Bounty program.

Amy Senser Hearing Postponed, Joe Senser Slams Prosecutor

((HT: KSTP-TV))

Joe Senser decided that he was "going to level the playing field today."

In a post-hearing press conference, former Minnesota Vikings tight end Joe Senser went after the prosecution for (what he feels) is them lying about the state of his wife the night she was involved in the hit-and-run accident that killed sous chef Anousone Phanthavong in August of 2011.

Amy Senser was convicted of criminal vehicular homicide and appeared in court for the second time asking for her release from prison while her appeal is being analyzed. Her first attempt was dismissed on a technicality when the judge involved failed to give a reason when dismissing.

Prosecutors from the Hennepin County (MN) DA's office claim Amy Senser would be a flight risk, while her defense team dismisses that notion...

The judge feels he will have a decision by the end of the week...

The entire Joe Senser presser is hyah...

Jana Shortal's coverage is hyah...
((HT: KARE-TV 11))

Boogaard Family Suing NHLPA

((HT: TMZ via Howard Bloom))

It appears the family of former NHL enforcer Derek Boogaard is suing the NHLPA because the family thinks the player's association didn't act fast enough in getting the remainder of his contract paid off.

Boogaard, who died from an overdose of pain medication and alcohol last May, had US$4.8-million left on his deal with the New York Rangers.

Since the family feels the National Hockey League is responsible for fostering an environment of having athletes prescribed to pain medication and sleeping pills, they went after the league. But since the NHLPA, apparently, didn't file the grievance in time the Boogaard's are adding US$5-million to the lawsuit.

From the TMZ story:

"In the lawsuit, Derek's parents claim he was addicted to prescription pills at the time of his death ... partly because he had been prescribed "a multitude of narcotics and sleeping pills by both the team doctors, physicians, trainers, and dentists of the New York Rangers and the Minnesota Wild.

"Because Derek's parents believe the NHL teams are partly responsible for their son's death, they turned to the NHL PA which promised to help them file a grievance to get the Rangers to pay out the rest of Derek's multi-million dollar 4-year contract with the team.

"But, according to the lawsuit, the NHL PA failed to file the grievance by the required deadline, so the Boogaards were unable to collect ... and now the Boogaards are PISSED."

The HQ has always wanted to considered the word "pissed" part of the journalistic vernacular...

And, then, of course the Player's Association came out with their statement on the matter... surprising no one with its generic nature...


"We are saddened to read reports that the parents of the late Derek Boogaard have filed a lawsuit against the NHLPA.  We have not been served with or seen a copy of the complaint, but we are confident that there is no meritorious claim that can be made against the NHLPA in regard to Derek's tragic death. It is not appropriate to comment further at this time."

Here's the Tribute Ceremony at the Xcel Center from last year...
((HT: FSNorth.youtube))

 

More when we know more...

Vincent Van Schaub... Mays Hit Takes A Piece With It...

The HQ will admit that there were a couple of shots yesterday that caused us to cringe a little bit...

And, we also think that it's because there are replacement officials that we're having incidents like Ed Reed vs. Deion Branch and Von Miller and Joe Mays vs. Matt Schaub...

Evidence below...
((HT: NFL on CBS/youtube))

So, we now find out that Schaub lost a piece of his ear in all that violence...

"I felt fine. I just lost a piece of my ear," Schaub said. "I was bleeding, and my helmet came off so I had to come out for a play, but I was fine."

Sure, the HQ will be the first to say that we feel "fine" too when we lose a part of a body part...

For the record, TJ Yates came in for the mandatory one play substitution and that was it...
Schaub kept playing and Houston held on for the 31-25 win...