Contraction Talk

I routinely find my radio tuned into 1450 am.  For those of us in Milledgeville, Ga. (yes...I know...everyone knows you don't have to remind me) that means ESPN radio.  Well the talk of NBA contraction came up today and got me thinking about what it would do to the league.

Now clearly the owners of the eight teams, who will be saved the ebarrassment of being named, would love to simply shut the team down and save the million upon millions of dollars they spend every year.  But how would David Stern go about doing this.  How could you just shut down NBA franchises and simply ship All Star caliber talent about the league?  Well the answer is you can't, so the idea of contraction is just silly.  The NBA is a league where it is very difficult to create a consistent championship contender, arguably the most difficult of the three major sports.  However, it is also the easiest to create a playoff team.  Sixteen teams go to the playoffs, eight from each conference, and judging by the talent pool available at the top of every draft one could easily imagine why this would be so.  The Wizards (John Wall), 76ers (Evan Turner) and Nets (Derrick Favors) are perrenial playoff partcipants in the near future especially considering how poor the East is.  So get over it...NBA fans aren't stupid.  Win and the money comes in.

The Dime

Welcome to the first installation of The Dime.  Basically this will be a column updated regularly pertaining to a topic that I am "burning" about.  This could be from any sport and will typically be the most controversial portion of the blog (with the possible exception of my can't miss picks which seem to miss regularly).  Enjoy and feel free to comment with any of your own thoughts or even some ideas for future Dimes.

The Eagle that Seems to Fly a Little Too High

As I was watching the end of the Giants-Eagles game yesterday I couldn't help but smile watching Michael Vick dominate the fourth-quarter as if he was playing against some no-name JUCO team.  Vick led the Eagles to a miraculous comeback and should be solidly commended for his efforts on and off the field following his prison sentence.  Michael Vick has done everything he has been asked and more, revitalizing a team that was in much need of fresh face following the departure of Donovan McNabb.

But....this column isn't about the superhuman abilities of Vick, rather the super UN-inspiring actions of Desean Jackson.  The play itself: A breathtaking 61-yard punt return that highlighted every ounce of what makes Jackson THE most electric player in the NFL.  Then, of course, came the egotistical theatrics that also accompany the Eagle wide-receiver.  Take a look:

Amazing. Ridiculous. Stupid.  All come to mind when I watch this.  Note to Mr. Jackson: You're good.  You know it, we know it.  Stop with the pre-endzone celebrations.  They're lame and outdated and nobody wants to see them, especially your true fans.  Another example of these actions:

Another display of shear talent gone to waste with a disgusting display of poor sportsmanship.  I'm sure many of you feel as I do and then there are many that don't.  Some love it.  Growing up in Miami I was surrounded by people embracing this type of showmanship.  Personally the hand-the-ball-to-the-ref dance is much mroe effective.

But hey, what can you do?

I'm Back!

Well everyone I just want to thank-you for taking the time out of your day to read this...or pretend to read...whatever.  Somehow you've found yourself at this point and questioned whether or not to read on.  Well if you want proceed to that next paragraph down and if not, well thanks for the hit on my blog.

Basically, I'm here to vent on a few issues that have had me boiling for the past couple weeks or even months.  The blog is going to step out of the its general realm of straight college football and start focusing on varying sports and topics....shoot I may even touch on the possible celebrity gossip once in a while.  If you don't know me well enough that previous line was about as sarcastic as it gets.

Hate, Hate, Hate

Strong title huh?  Note the putrid green that I associate with the Boston Celtics and more directly the used-to-be "Big Three".  Now before you take this as my homeristic bias towards the Heat and the newly appointed "Big Three", trust me it is not.  If I am anything it is a realist and I will tell it to you like it is.  The Boston Celtics are the best team in the Eastern Conference and until the Heat prove they can beat them they will probably stay that way.  But, why do they think they are God's gift to earth?  What have they done since taking their talents to Beantown?  One ring.  Yet Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce feel necessary to consistenlty open their mouths to various media outlets as if this is some sort of significant moral victory.  Newsflash:  It's not.  You have as many rings as Dwyane Wade, Brian Grant, Eddie Jones, Brian Scalabrine...whoever.  You're not that significant.  Malone and Stockton didn't get praised for winning Conference Championships and neither should you.  Are you a great team? Yes, without question.  Are you the greatest thing since __________ (I didn't want to reference sliced bread here so fill in the blank with your own innuendo).  The Spurs and Lakers may come to the podium to flip the bird at the annual haters ball (yes, reference to Dave Chappelle viewers), but the Celtics, nah.  Ray Allen, you don't say much but your on-the-verge-of-crazy-glitter-wearing-jersey mother is and she probably makes up for it.  Now am I saying that I would do something crazy and slap my mom or cuss her out, no.  But, I would definitely not be giving her thousand dollar tickets to sit in the front row and wear that.

Basically, I have come to this.  I don't hate the Celtics but I have come to realization that I severely despise them.  It's not because they "win" because frankly they don't really win enough for me to care.  I despise them because of the way they go about their business.  Now before you jump on me about how Lebron made his decision I don't condone this move, however he doesn't run around making a mockery of himself on a nightly basis like Paul Pierce or KG.  Throwing powder doesn't constitute being a joke, calling someone a cancer patient at the free-throw line is (Yes, this happened.  Charlie Villanueva did not mishear, he's not foreign and didn't understand.  Of the two in the conversation he's the one who at least attended college for a year.)  But hey if they want to embrace it let them enjoy their glory, whatever is left of it.  Enjoy that lone ring...that is all.

Predictions for Week 6 (Oct.9)

Time for some picks!

Last Week: 5-1 for the third week in a row.  The Longhorns ruined it of course!

Overall:  17-7, not too bad considering I'm picking the best games of the week

No. 23 Florida State at No. 13 Miami Hurricanes

Dime:  This game has been close for the last decade.  It will be again.

Canes  21    Seminoles 20

No. 17 Michigan State at No. 18 Michigan

Dime:  Deanrd Robinson will get his yards, but the worst pass defense in college football....yes dead last....wil show up as well and Sparty will eat just enough clock to get the win in the Big House.

Spartans  45   Wolverines   35

No. 1 Alabama at No. 19 South Carolina

Dime:  Bama has shown that they are the best team in the country not any given day....every day.  There will be no lapse from the Crimson Tide and they will roll Marcus Lattimore and the Gamecocks.

Tide    33     Cocks   13

No. 12 LSU at No. 14 Florida

Dime:  The Gators looked lost last week.  They get to come home and it will serve them well. Les Miles' team is one of the shakiest 5-0's in history.  It will show.

Gators  20    Tigers 14

Upset of the Week

Oregon State at No. 9 Arizona

Dime:  I'm not sold on Arizona.....at all.  I think the Wildcats may sleepwalk into this one and it will end their run at a national championship.

Beaver Fever   31   Zona 30

Predicitons for Week 5 (Oct. 2)

Time for the weekly slate of precidictions and man do we have some good one's this weekend

Last Week: 5-1, Perfect week with the exception of the upset pick of Temple at Penn State, which I must add was very close (Temple led at halftime)

Overall: 12-6, steadily imporving and not too bad for picking some of the major games every week

Texas A&M at Oklahoma State

Dime:  Both teams are 4-0, despite being unranked.  Neither team has really played anybody and both teams are much improved from last year.  I expect the home crowd on a Thursday night to be the difference in this one as Kendall Hunter runs wild on a soft Aggie D.

Cowboys  40   Texas A&M  35

No. 16 Miami at Clemson

Dime:  Clemson has a lot to prove in this game as they are looking to grab hold of thr ACC race at Death Valley.  I'm up in the air on this one as I still don't know if I can trust Jacory Harris quite yet.  I'll take the Canes, but by the most miniscule amoutn possible.

Canes   24     Clemson 23

No. 21 Texas at No. 8 Oklahoma

Dime:  Look for the Longhorns to rebound following the embarrasment that was UCLA.  Oklahoma has been shaky all year with the exception of FSU and I don't see them coming into the game with aa much to prove as Texas.  The Texas D wins this one.

Longhorns 23   Sooners  20

Upset of the Week

No. 11 Wisconsin at No. 24 Michigan State

Dime:  As usual, I look for a game where I think a team looks vulnerable.  This is it this week.  East Lansing is an underrated home advantage and I expect Sparty to be emotionally charged for this one, as Mark Dantonio will be in the coaching booth.  I like Michigan State in another close one.

Sparty  28   Badgers   27

No. 7 Florida at No. 1 Alabama

Dime:  Bama showed its moxi last weekend at Fayetteville and return home to face another test in the Gators.  I like the Crimson Tides line to take hold of this game on both sides of the ball, once again methodically wearing down the speedy Gators.  It'll be close, but gota' roll with the tide in this one.

Alabama 27   Florida 19

No. 9 Stanford at No. 4 Oregon

Dime:  The Autzen Zoo will be absolutely nuts with Gameday coming to town.  This will make a huge difference in the game and cause Andrew Luck to make one mistake too many.  The Ducks video game-like offense will put up points in bunches, just not the usual 60 they are averaging.

Ducks   38     Cardinal   28

Predictions for Week 4 (Sept. 25)

Back again with some more predictions for the weekend...as well as a Thursday nighter for my Hurricane fans

Last Week: 5-1, Perfect score prediciton for Auburn-Clemson and a field goal off on Florida-Tennessee.

Overall: 7-5, Despite picking the toughest games of each respective week I expect this number to improve

No. 1 Alabama at No. 10 Arkansas

Dime:  Too much hype surrounding Razorbacks and Ryan Mallett.  Alabama might be looking ahead to the Gators next weekend....won't matter.
Crimson Tide  34    Arkansas 20

No. 19 Miami at Pittsburgh
Dime:  First game following a horrific performance from the 'Canes.  Look for them to rebound...though it will be close that's for sure.
Miami  27   Pitt   21

Upset of the Week
Temple at No. 23 Penn State
Dime:  Al Golden has done miraculous things with this program.  The team is a quiet 3-0 right now and look for them to be jacked headed to University Park for a 3:30 start time that may catch the Nittany Lions sleeping.  It's bold but:
Temple  21   Penn State 20

No. 22 West Virginia at No. 15 LSU
Dime: Late start time in Baton Rouge = More drinks consumed by entire fan base prior to the game.  Tigers in a rout.
Bayou Bengals   37    West Virginia 21

No. 24 Oregon State at No. 3 Boise State
Dime: I want to do it....Really, really bad....But, I can't and the practice Smurf Turf won't help the Beavers in this one.
Smurfs  35   Beavers 18

No. 12 South Carolina at No. 17 Auburn
Dime: Home field may mean everything in this one.  Marcus Lattimore will star...but in a loss.
Tigers 27     Gamecocks   24 

Dimes and Duds

Dimes

1.  Ranked Road Teams Struggle.....Oh wait.

In what was the pre-weekend theme, numerous highly-touted teams were going on the road for the first time.  How were these teams going to react?  Would new quarterbacks be able to step in and grab tough road victories in hostile environments?

Well despite what many thought, all those question marks passed with flying colors.  No. 8 Nebraska pummeled Washington infront of what seemed like an even distribution of fans at Husky Stadium.  Taylor Martinez did about as good a job as you can in your first start on the road.  He accounted for 137 yards on the ground and 150 more through the air.  Accompanying him in the backfield, Roy Helu Jr (110 yards) and Rex Burkhead (104 yards) kinf of did their part too.  Folks, if Nebraska's three headed monster in the backfield keeps performing like this it's scary to think of the possibilities of this season.  Washington scored 21 points, ending Nebraska's streak of 10 straight games allowing 20 or less points.  But let's be real, this Washington team did not "score" 21 points on this defense.  Heisman hopeful and #1 pick Jake Locker looked more like a chihuahua than a husky yesterday.  I think with that performance we can put the Heisman talk to bed.

Other teams heading from the confines of home were Alabama, Texas, Arkansas, and Florida.  All these teams won, and with exception of Arkansas who blew a 14 point lead with 10 minutes to play before taking it in overtime, and won pretty easily.  The Alabama game was over on Mark Ingram's first carry that went for 40 yards on an awful Duke defense.  Tennessee got to within seven of Florida, but never really stood much of a chance.  Texas also handled a conference foe in Texas Tech despite Garrett Gilbert throwing three picks.

All in all, the weekend of trap games turned out to be a phony.  Not a bad thing if you're a Husker fan.

2.  Arizona's Big Win Over Iowa

The Wildcats shocked me, that's for sure.  Arizona mustered up enough to take down the mighty Haweyes late Saturday night.  Arizona jumped out to a big lead via special teams and defense (big plus for the D Line that allowed only 29 yards rushing).  However, as most well-coached teams do, KIrk Ferentz and Iowa slowly came back to eventually tie the game in the fourth quarter. 

Arizona quarterback Nick Foles answered with an impressive 72 yard drive sealing the victory for the Wildcats.  Kudos to Arizona for stepping up (and even showing up) at home against a highly-ranked opponent.  Something we didn't see very much of this weekend.  The loss hurts Iowa's thoughts of a National Championship, but does nothing to hurt thier dreams of a Big Ten title.  The schedule sets up nicely for them down the road, getting Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State all at home.

3.  Mark Dantonio

WOW. That's literally all I could say when watching the end of the Michigan State game.  Guess that new contract Mark Dantonio signed was really worth every penny.  In an absolutely gutsy, Tom Osborne-1984 Orange Bowl-esk maneuver, the Michigan State head coach shocked the entire college football world and especially those fans sitting in South Bend.  On a 4th and forever in overtime he sent out the field goal unit for the apparent attempt at tying the game. 

Then it happened...holder Aaron Bates took the snap, rolling out to the right and hitting a wide open Charlie Gantt who rumbled in for the touchdown.  Sparty got an emotional victory....possibly too emotional.  After the game, around midnight, Mark Dantonio suffered a heart attack.  He is resting comfortably now.  Hopefully he will make a full recovery and make it back to the sidelines sooner than later. 

 Duds

1.  Jekyll and Hyde Teams

Granted some of these teams won, it's almost more dissapointing because it shows their true potential.  Teams like Michigan and Colorado.  Then there are Turner Gill's Jayhawks.  Ay yay yi.  How can you lose to an FCS school one week, look great against the defending ACC champs the next, then get blown up by a mediocre Southern Miss squad.  The offense is flat out anemic.  They can't seem to put together anything consistent and it has to be driving former Husker Turner Gill up the wall.

Then there's Meeeeeeeechigan.  After a brillant performance against rival Notre Dame....a performance that led many around the country, including myself, think that the real Wolverines were back on the map....they go and do what?!?! Need a recovered onside kick to slip away from UMass.  The Minutemen pushed the Maize and Blue to the edge.  I then needed to analyze the whole resume.  Maybe Rich Rodriguez's team isn't all the good.  I mean really, they beat a UCONN team that just got dismantled by Temple (Note: Al Golden has done a PHENOMENAL job turning that program around....a bowl game last year and 3-0 to start this season), Notre Dame who let's face it, just isn't worth anything, and UMass.  Expect this team to struggle during the Big Ten slate, and I mean struggle to the point Rich Rod is history.

2. Florida's Offense

Ya, I was like everyone else who thought the first weekend woes were just due to rust and the Gators would shake that off and show that they're the most athletic team everytime the step on the field soon after.  Well they may be athletic, but they sure as heck aren't showing it on one side of the ball.  The defense has been stellar allowing a touch over two touchdowns a game.  John Brantley and Co. however, ouch. 

Brantley's longest pass accounted for....ahem 25 yards.  And I thought Tim Tebow was a medicore passer.  I heard a stat on TV Saturday that stated two of Jeff Demps runs this season have accounted for approx. 35% of the Gator offense. Huh? Is that serious? Yes, and so is this:  The Gators better their act together offensively fast, or Urban Meyer is looking at a 3 to 4 loss squad in Gainesville.

3.  The ACC.....again

Well they managed to string a couple wins together this weekend.  But can a conference look more unimpressive given the allotted talent pool in the region.  Despite Florida State and NC State, this weekend was another one to forget.  Wake Forest was blown out, Maryland lost to West Virginia handily and Virginia Tech (gasp) struggled to take care of East Carolina (They were losing at halftime). 

What more than losing to an FCS team at home could get your head on straight for the next weekend.  Bud Foster and the boys just don't have it this year and that will be evident when they begin facing better offenses.  Clemson managed to blow a 17 point lead, however that doesn't surprise me in the least.  Answer this: Is there another team in the country garnering more hype without doing anything than Clemson?  If so, it's hard-pressed to find.  I won't even mention Duke's high school-like performance against Alabama. 

Well that's it for this week folks.  Hope you enjoy and remember to check in every Monday for my edition of the weekends Dimes and Duds.

Predictions for Week 3 (Sept. 18)

It's been a minute, but I'm back and here are my predictions for the upcoming week:

It's the week of the road tests.  Many ranked teams go on the road for the first time this weekend....something that can't be duplicated without experience.  Granted there are only two ranked teams facing off, I reject the notion of selecting a game of the week.  So here we go, many predicitons with one liners to follow.

No. 10 Florida at Tennessee

Dime:  Florida has too much speed for the Vols, who will find it difficult to recover after last week's drubbing at the hands of Oregon.    Florida  34     Tennessee  17

*Note:  If points were scored via number and severity of arrests, this would be a much closer affair. (The usage of the word affair was not intended to call-out Gator Chris Rainey.....or was it?)

Clemson at No. 16 Auburn

Dime:  One of the closer games of the weekend, but War Eagle and the home-field advantage prevail.

Auburn  27    Clemson   24

No. 8 Nebraska at Washington

Dime: The fighting Jake Locker's just don't have enough firepower to keep up right now.  Blackshirts will do enough to let the Husker offense settle in.   Nebraska  31  Washington 14

*Note: May have been a homer pick, but we'll see.

No. 6 Texas at Texas Tech

Dime:  Lubbock nightmares will arise....but fade fast when the Longhorn D realizes Michael Crabtree is long gone.  Texas shows it's still a force.  'Horns 41    Tech 30

No. 9 Iowa at No. 24 Arizona

Dime: Nick Foles needs this game to resurrect the Wildcats and put them on the national stage.  Close, but no.  Hawkeyes  24    'Cats  20

Fun Game of the Week

Portland State at No. 5 Oregon

Dime:  The FCS pulls off another miracle! Quack! No chance...Oregon easily rings up half a hundred.

Oregon  65   Vikings  3

***Note: If you've read this far, comment with your predicitons for these games this weekend.  If you beat me, I'll write a feature on your topic of choice (team, player, pressing issue).

Out!

Dimes and Duds

Every Monday I will vent on some

Dimes (thumbs up) and Duds (thumbs down)

Here's the list of Dimes:

1. Teams Pulling Monster Upsets

In what was surely the upset of the week, James Madison University toppled the Virginia Tech Hokies in front of a severely shocked Lane Stadium crowd.  The Dukes managed to grab the victory, possibly shattering Boise State's national championship dreams in the process.  While Virginia Tech may go on to even win the ACC (considering the awful weekend the conference produced), it may be impossible to justify the Broncos reaching the championship game.  Let's look at the evidence:

Exhibit A: James Madison defeated Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.  While Boise State's victory didn't take place on a TRUE neutral field, it was not Lane Stadium.

Exhibit B: James Madison beat the Hokies 21-16, compared to the Broncos who won 33-30.

Exhibit C: Relatively speaking James Madison might have an easier road to an undefeated season...Then again maybe not.  With the exception of Oregon State and maybe Nevada, James Madison's battles against Delaware, at Richmond and at Villanova may prove to be more difficult than navigating the WAC.

So if James Madison and Boise State go undefeated, wouldn't James Madison's resume be just as competitive? Verdict: No national championship shot for Boise State...point, blank, period.

Another shocker came in Lawrence, Kan. where another team suffered a defeat at the hands of a Div.I-AA foe.  Only the team that fell short in that battle (Kansas) came up with a huge win over defending ACC Champ Georgia Tech.  Any thoughts of national championship were thrown out the window for the boys in Atlanta.  Turner Gill's approval rating went from an all-time low to a staggering high in just one week.

2. Runnin' Quarterbacks
Michiagn QB Denard Robinson has made the country very aware of his unique talents in just two games as the starter for the Wolverines.  In a sensational performance, Robinson threw for 244 yards while tacking on 258 on the ground.  He scored three touchdowns as well.  So after two games he leads the country in rushing with 455 yards.  Possible Heisman?
Another QB that hasn't generated as much national attention resides in Lincoln.  Taylor "T-Magic" Martinez ran for 157 yards with two touchdowns this past weekend against Idaho.  He currently sits No. 7 on the nations rushing leader list.

3.  Top Tier Teams Topple Top Competition
How's that for alliteration?
The top two teams in the country were SUPPOSED to be playing against relevant opponents this weekend.  Someone should've reminded Penn State and Miami of that.  But then again, maybe Alabama and Ohio State are the top-ranked teams in the country for a reason.  Ohio State player a very typical "Ohio State-like" game (kudos to Danny Schwimmer on that one).  No turnovers against four Hurricane turnovers = Win.  It's simple as that.  Yes, Ohio State has talent....a great amount of it.  But this isn't what wins them ball games...it's the fact that 1. They will always play defense, keeping them in any game and 2. They don't turn the ball over.  It's a recipe that seems to be working as Ohio State prepares to run the table this year.

Meanwhile, in Tuscaloosa the Crimson Tide were putting a slow, methodical beat-down on Penn State.  The Nittany Lions came in hoping to make some waves nationally.  Well the only wave they created came way of foot, with a field goal in the fourth quarter that proved to be their only points.  Trent Richardson and the Tide offense simplay dominated the outmanned PSU squad as 'Bama rolled to a 24-3 victory. 

Overall, Alabama and Ohio State proved the polls right.  These are the best teams in the country and we won't find out much for at least another weekend as there arent't and marquee matchups this upcoming weekend.

4. Meeeeeeeeeeeechigan

(Clapping) This is the first time since the Rich Rod era has begun that I have honestly applauded an effort by Michigan.  The Wolverines are back in the polls and should move up further with a rather elementary schedule ahead.  It is easy to envision this team being 5-0 heading into a tough Big 10 stretch.  The Wolverines see the likes of UMASS, Bowling Green, and Indiana in the coming weeks.  We won't find out anything until this team hits the heart of their Big 10 schedule.

The List of Duds:

1.  In what was possibly the worst weekend in the conference's history, the ACC managed to completely define themselves as the worst BCS conference in the country (with the exception of Big East who still gets an automatic bid which is beyond me). 

In it's two nationally televised games the conference was abused.  Miami and Florida State clearly showed they are not ready to be nationally relevevant teams as they once were.  Georgia Tech lost to a flat out bad Kansas team.  Virginia Tech lost to FCS foe James Madison at home.  NC State eeked by Central Florida, as did Boston College over almighty Kent State.  Then there was the shootout in the first conference matchup of the season between Wake Forest and Duke.  54-48. Wow. I don't know what to say.  Now I know the Demon Deacons and Blue Devils are putting out 54 and 48 point offenses on the field.  The fact the game turned into a flag football affair is rather scary, considering Duke takes on Alabama this weekend. Predicted score three gazillion to zero. (Yes, gazillion is a number and is quite relevant in this scenario).

The only teams not hurting their resume's were Clemson, Maryland and Virginia.  Virginia turned in an impressive performance on the road at USC (Granted I don't think USC is a top 20 team).  Maryland routed FCS Morgan State 62-3.  Nothing bad to say about the Terps who have done an amazing job trying to save Ralph Friedgen from his inevitable firing.  Wins against Navy and blowouts in these games prove this team may not actually be cellar-bound as once thought in the preseason.  Clemson quietly routed Big South cellar-dweller Presbyterian.

2. The Miami "Horrid"canes

For a team that claims they are a national title contender they sure don't play like it.  The team was sloppy and just flat-out awful in a game that has been circled for years (yes, years).  I must quote my good friend and Hurricane fan Danny Schwimmer when he said, "For a unit [wide receivers] claiming to be the best in the country, they can't even catch.  Catch the ball then talk."  Now I know there is talent there.  But he is right...you have to do little things.  Catch the football. Hold your blocks on the outside. If you can't even do that....SHUT YOUR MOUTH.  Hankerson is the only person excused from that rant.

Another thing, Jacory Harris may be "special"...but he's not the answer.  He's not smart, he throws a painfully slow ball.  Not to give the receivers an excuse but those are hard to catch.  It's tough to go over the middle, waiting for a 220lb. safety to kill you as a ball gently floats to you.  THROW THE FOOTBALL! If not, recruit someone who can and stop writing swag in the side of your head.

Granted I have ranted on the Hurricanes, I do think this is a top 20 team.  Top 10, no, but top 20 I can see.  The talent is there to win an ACC/Pee-Wee championship.  The Canes should rout Pitt and need to quite honestly to regain some "swag".  It will be interesting to see how they perform in another nationally televised game after barely getting off the plane in Columbus.

Well I could countinue on, but I will leave you here.  Please feel free to comment and join the blog. I expect to hear from all my Hurricanes reading this. Let me know what you think! OUT!

Droppin' Some Dimes

Welcome to the first weekly installment of Droppin' Dimes, where you will get my take on some of the most controversial issues in today's sports world

First thing I'm "burning" on deals with Boise State....ya, ya I know enough with Boise State.  Trust me if anybody is sick of the Broncos it's me, but I came across something today that just reiterated the notion that they have no business being in the big game.  In an article written by Tom Shatel of the Omaha World Herald, works for a deal between Boise State and the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers stalled somewhere.  Nebraska proposed a two-for-one, home-and-home, or one game at Nebraska.  You wana know what Boise State said?  Here I'll let Nebraska Assistant Athletic Director Jeff Jamrog tell you: "Boise wanted a minimum $1 million to play in Lincoln."

WHAT!?!?!?!??!        ARE YOU KIDDING ME????????

"...Boise State has adopted an "Anyone, anywhere, any time" approach to their own scheduling. They're trying their damndest (including, of course, trying to upgrade their home conference itself), and to their credit managed to land Virginia Tech and Oregon State on the 2010 schedule. Still, their phone calls largely go unaswered, and we all know the reason why." (Peter Bean, Burnt Orang Nation)

Yes, it's baffling their phone calls remain unreturned.  Could you imagine Tom Osborne or DeLoss Dodds sitting down in their royal thrones behind a desk, starting their answering machine only to hear Boise State AD Gene Bleymaier: "Hi, ummm, sir, ummm well, we want to play anyone, anywhere, anytime because we're really good and stuff....and uh we'll-only-play-if-you-pay-us-one-million-dollars-even-though-there's-a-good-chance-we-can-beat-you..CLICK."

Just as a reference point, the Idaho Vandals who square off against the Huskers this weekend at Memorial Stadium are receiving $800,000.  Oh, so Boise State expects top tier teams to schedule them in a non-conference slugfest AND pay them more than the teams they pay for automatic wins (with the slight exception of Appalachian State and Jacksonville State...no disrespect to Michigan and Ole Miss....I take that back, the Wolverines and Rebels deserve all the criticism they can get).

Boise State needs to get a clue....They're always complaining about no respect, no notoriety... Well do it the right way then and schedule three non-conference road games against Top 25 teams and add another at home.  Bam! Problem solved. Now you've seen what the month of November looks like for the Alabama Crimson Tide.  Option 2: Join a conference where the average capacity crowd of the stadium exceeds that of my high school. Out!

Predictions for the Upcoming Weekend (Sept. 11)

Game of the Week

No. 12 Miami Hurricanes at No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes

One of the most highly anticipated weeks of the season is finally upon us, highlighted by the showdown at the Horseshoe in Columbus, Ohio.

The game includes a pair of highly touted quarterbacks in Miami's Jacory Harris and Ohio State's Tyrelle Pryor.  While many expect both to perform well, I actually expect both to struggle.  Both will be facing stout opposing defenses, and neither has shown the ability to make consistent safe decisions throughout their careers.

I can't give an edge to either running game, as neither stable of backs is really all that impressive.  That brings me to Saturday's key player...Matt Bosher.  Ya, I hate to deem a kicker the deciding factor in a game of this magnitude but I think Terrelle Pryor makes one mistake around midfield allowing Bosher to boot a 45+ yarder at somepoint in the game.  This will be the decider as Miami pulls the upset and propels themeselves into the national title hunt.

Side Note: As a Miami Killian Alum I would like to give a shout out to freshman RB Lamar Miller, who ran for rushed for 65 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown.  He also returned a kickoff 34 yards.  Congrats Lamar, I look forward to seeing you dominate fellow Miamian Jaamal Berry (Ohio State RB and Miami Palmetto grad) in the near future.

Final Score:     Miami 20         Ohio State 17

No. 18 Penn St. Nittany Lions at No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide

Penn State freshman QB Rob Bolden lead his Nittany Lions into Bryant Denney Stadium for a night contest that should provide plenty of firepower.  This firepower just won't be coming from the blue and white sideline.  Alabama should have little trouble disrupting the fresh-faced QB forcing him into several bad decisions.  The Penn State D will keep them in the game for the first half, but after being on the field for most of the first half due to a plethora of 3 and outs by the offense, Alabama will roll in the second half.  (With or without Mark Ingram)

Final Score:    Alabama 35     Penn State   14

 No. 17 Florida State Seminoles at No. 10 Oklahoma Sooners

Jimbo Fisher and the Crimi"noles" head to Norman for what is sure to be a close affair.  In the words of my dear friend Lee Corso (not really), "Not so fast my friend!" Oklahoma watched itself fall to No. 10 in both the AP and coaches polls following a lackluster home performance against the dreaded Aggies of Utah State.  Possibly looking ahead to this marquee matchip against the Noles? I think so.  I'll take Bob Stoops and the team he just lambasted this entire week of practice against a better than I expected Seminole squad.

DeMarco Murray finally flashed his jaw-dropping brilliance, while Ryan Broles and Landry Jones hooked up for a very quiet 142 yards and two touchdowns.  Expect those numbers to suffer a little, but the overall result will be much better.  A certain someone will be yelling "Dog 'Gonit!" over and over at his television set back in Tallahassee. (Cough Bobby Bowden, cough)

Final Score:    Oklahoma 30    FSU  17

No. 22 Georgia Bulldogs at No. 24 South Carolina Gamecocks

QB Stephen Garcia may have finally figured out what Steve Spurrier has been preaching for two years now.  The junior QB threw for 193 yards on 16-of-23 passing last week against the fighting Brett Favre's of Southern Mississippi.  Georgia presents a much stiffer test in what is the SEC opener for both schools.  Amongst the greatest news today is A.J. Greens 4 games suspension amid allagations of selling a game-worn jersey to an agent. (I will give my thoughts on the severity of this decision later in the week) 

The severity of this suspension may be too much for the 'Dawgs to overcome on the road, in what should be an emotionally driven Williams-Brice Stadium.  Unfortunately for The 'Ole Ball Coach, I trust Mark Richt in these sort of games too much to bet against him.  Junior runningback Caleb King and company will find a way to get the job done in a game will they will surely see plenty of carries.  Garcia will commit one too many turnovers and have a certain someones visor flying all across the field....what's new.

Final Score:    Georgia   24       South Carolina 23

Michigan Wolverines at Notre Dame Fighting Irish

I won't elaborate much on this game ... shoot what is there to elaborate on both teams are awful.

Point blank I trust Brian Kelly more than Rich Rodriguez.  Notre Dame Stadium serves no home field advantage, but I guess it's better than being at Michigan. (Note: I have lost much respect for Notre Dame fans since the "Sea of Red" that Nebraska fans brought to South Bend in 2000. See picture below and don't adjust your screen, that is half the stadium wearing red)

Final Score:     Notre Dame 23      Michigan   20

Well, that's it for the predictions folks.  Feel free to comment and don't forget to follow the blog for your daily dose of college football.

5 Thoughts Following Labor Day

My prediction seemed to be rather accurate following a missed FG by Boise State kicker Kyle Brotzman.  However, Kellen Moore was able to lead the troops down the field, hitting Austin Pettis with a 13 yard  touchdown pass with 1:09 left in the game securing a 33-30 Bronco victory.

1.  First thought of the night has to be "Did anyone see those fresh Virginia Tech uni's?"

Now being the purist I am, typically I don't condone the use of these futuristic, space-clad uniforms that Oregon and others seem to be sporting these days.  But WOW....these things were sharp and Frank Beamer should seriously consider rocking these the rest of the year (despite the possible "bad luck" tag that may be placed on them.)

2.  Where in the heck was Beamer Ball?

The usually stout, starter-rich special teams units made famous by Frank Beamer not only seemed non-existent, but they were a severe dissapointment.  A Boise State blocked punt in the first quarter led to a quick, easy score for the Broncos.  Then one of the most mind-boggling displays of stupidity occured when Hokie defensive end D.J. Coles ran into the kicker and then unexplicably committed two illegal blocks down field.  Beamer should have cut him on the field.

3.  How good is Kellen Moore?

The stringy, southpaw throwing quarterback who didn't even get a scholarship offer from a school in his home state silenced many critics Monday night.  I can't take anything away from this kid, nor will I...Let's face it the kid can play with the best of them.  He led is team down the field in 40 seconds (yes, 40 seconds) on it's final drive to score the deciding touchdown.  He will be in the Heisman discussion all year, as he should, but won't win it for the same reasons Boise won't play in the national championship. (See thought 5)

4.  Scariest thing is Tyrod Taylor might be better.

After years of bashing from sportswriters across the land, including myself, Taylor has finally answered his critics.  Yes, I understand he rose over 90 spots in qb rating from his sophomore to junior year, but Tyrod is now playing like the true Heisman potential that he can.  15 of 22 for 186 yards and two touchdowns while adding 73 yards on the ground.  Had some players around him helped in the first quarter the night surely would have ended differently.

5. What to do with Boise State?

But, it didn't end differently and the coaches and Harris poll is now stuck in what is sure to be the most talked about thing in sports for the next 4 months.  I am not about to renege on my previous statements.  Boise State SHOULD NOT get the opportunity to play for the national championship unless there are only 2 loss BCS conference teams around them.  This team simply will not have the resume to compete with like likes of the Big 12, SEC, Big 10, or even ACC champion.  Last year Boise State was favored by an average of 25 points in their WAC games, while eventual national champion Alabama was favored by an average of 10.  You do the math.  Ohio State has to go on the road infront of 100,00 seat stadiums on a consistent basis.  However, Boise will travel to the vaunted 30,504 , 40,000 , 30,000 , 18,000 and 31,000 seat stadiums of Wyoming, New Mexico State, San Jose State,

Labor Day Showdown Prediction

What Will Happen?

Boise State will appear in the game for the first half of play.  Virginia Tech will slowly matriculate the ball down the field consistenly in the second half with a steady dose of Ryan Williams.  Tyrod Taylor will erupt for a couple big plays on what will otherwise be a down night. 

Kellen Moore and the Boise State offense will have a couple big plays, but ultimately come up short when they turn the ball over early in the fourth quarter after driving.  Virginia Tech will kick a final field goal that gives them the two possession game that is just out-of-reach for the Broncos.

Final Score: Virginia Tech   27      Boise State    17

The Boise State Conundrum

It seems the most discussed topic heading into the college football season has dealt with a team from a state most of us can't even point to on a map.  The Boise State Broncos enter the 2010 college football season ranked No.3 in the Associated Press poll.  How in the hell did the happen you ask? Well the 2010 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Champions return all but one of their starters from last season.  The lone loss Kyle Wilson, now New York Jets defensive back. 

The problem I have with the entire saga is the "lifetime achievement" Boise State seems to get more so than other teams.  Do pollsters really believe that this is the third best team in the country on paper?  Let's be serious for one second and matchup this squad with Florida, Alabama and Texas.  Oh wait....what's that? This team would lose 3 games in the SEC or Big 12?  You have to be out of your mind if you think this smurf of a team could compete on a consistent basis with the big boys.  Yeah, they can get there team up for one big game a year...only to continue their success into the dreaded WAC season.  (Interesting note: I believe I read a recent article in which the WAC decided to offer bids to any high school football team that agrees to add red turf to their stadium. Yes, I'm talking to you Eastern Washington.)

Should Boise State go on to upset (yes, I said upset) Virginia Tech tonight in Baltimore, the tabloids will be blown up with discussions of why they should and shouldn't get a shot in the National Championship.  Does this fact alone ring and alarm to anyone but me?  When have we ever deemed a team national championship worthy after and opening weekend win?  Is this not evidence that the schedule is undeserving?  That the team must move to a BCS conference in order to finally be relevant?  Oh, but Boise State answered those questions by bolting for the Mountain West amongst the offseason conference realignment.  This should shore up any questions about their schedule in the future.

All things short, I don't give a damn if Boise State beats Virginia Tech and goes on to run the table.  (No disrespect to Oregon State, but how happy are you that you're deemed a "big game" on someones schedule for once.)  Until this team proves to me and the rest of the country that they can remain consistent in a big-time conference that sees the likes of FBS-like competition on a weekly basis, there is nothing you can do to prove to me you deserve a shot at the crystal ball.

Don't like what I have to say? Tell me about it! Leave a comment!

Welcome to the Blog!

Welcome to the Blog!

Just to give a quick overview of the layout of the blog.  Dalby's Dime will conistently discuss some of the major topics in today's vast world of sports.  For the time being, college football will be the most relevant and talked-about topic on the blog.  I will generally give my predictions on upcoming big games, as well as any you think I should be talking about.  So basically it's all up to you readers and followers!

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