I am a man without an NBA team.
Growing up, I had nobody. Chattanooga is not an NBA town whatsoever, so there was never a reason to get one. I used to like the Showtime Lakers because I thought Magic was a neat first name. I liked the Hawks for a time because Atlanta is only 90 minutes away, Spud Webb was a midget with a funny name who could dunk and I was young enough to think those Nique Era uniforms looked good. For the most part, however, the NBA & me never jived.
I moved to Memphis six years ago during the inaugural season for the former-Vancouver Grizzlies. I even splurged a chunk of my teacher's salary to buy a pack of single-game tickets for The Pyramid so I could be a part of the action. I mean, they had Big Country Reeves for goodness sake! It was not easy to tell from where the upper, upper deck where I was sitting, but it looked like they were pretty bad.
Before I left Memphis, the Grizzlies made it into the post-season behind Hubie Brown, Pau Gasol and Jason Williams. I went to Games 3 & 4 of the opening round series against the Spurs, only to see back-to-back losses to Duncan, Parker and the Spurs. The Grizzlies were the NBA team that got me excited about the league & professional basketball, but my loyalty to them was short-lived.
Houston, TX became home in 2004 and I became a Houston Rocket. Yao Ming & Tracy McGrady were fun to watch and I even got to be friends with the team's assistant trainer. I ended up at another playoff game (a Game 5 victory over the Utah Jazz), but this time it was from the team's suite. After the game, I toured the Rocket's training facilities and came face-to-face with Yao Ming, Shane Battier and Juwan Howard. The Rockets were now my team, but...
My wife and I returned to Chattanooga, TN this past summer to make a permanent home in the Scenic City. I'm back in an NBA-less city - one where NASCAR, professional wrestling and Krystal hamburger eating contests are all more popular than pro basketball.
Thus, I am a free agent.
I need an NBA team. After watching Bret Michaels find love this summer, it seems that the best way to find my true love is through a series of challenges and eliminations. Okay, maybe no challenges, but there will be eliminations.
First round of goners - the following teams have no chance of being my new NBA team:
Milwaukee Bucks
Los Angeles Clippers
Minnesota Timberwolves
New Orleans Hornets
Charlotte Bobcats
Toronto Raptors
Indiana Pacers
Sacramento Kings
Portland Trail Blazers
Orlando Magic
Philadelphia 76ers
Pretty easy cuts there. Bad uniforms, bad teams, lack of superstars, uninspiring coaches - nothing to get excited about.
That leaves me with 19 teams. This isn't going to be easy. There are some good candidates left here.
What would Bret Michaels do?
You are right - he would have nothing but a good time cutting a few more teams. Let's go ahead and dump the ones that might have something going for them, but are not going to win this thing. They make the first cut because there is no reason to lump them with the Bucks and the Bobcats, but they are losing at some point.
Washington Wizards - sorry, Agent Zero
Miami Heat - I like Shaq off the court, but not so much on it
New Jersey Nets - Jason Kidd once took a swing at my wife
Denver Nuggets - awful uniforms. Fashion matters.
Utah Jazz - I like Mormons as much as the next Protestant, but this ain't happening.
Now we are getting somewhere. Here is my Sweeps Week special - the shocking event of the season. It is time to dump two big names:
New York Knicks
Los Angeles Lakers
There is no way to get behind either of these teams right now. The Isiah Era has been an embarrassment on and off the court in New York. The Kobe Drama in L.A. typifies everything that is wrong in the league, so it is eliminated on principle. Two big markets are out - my readership just dropped in half.
The next elimination will be the Superstar cut. These teams have one or two people that are intriguing, but the entire package fails to merit My New Team consideration:
Cleveland Cavaliers - LeBron & nothing else. No thanks.
Seattle Supersonics
There is a part of me that wants to jump on the Kevin Durant bandwagon with the Sonics, but can I get attached to a team that is probably moving in a couple of years? I need some stability.
Before we continue, let us look at the candidates still in contention for my new NBA team:
Atlanta Hawks
Boston Celtics
Detroit Pistons
Chicago Bulls
Memphis Grizzlies
Golden State Warriors
Phoenix Suns
Dallas Mavericks
San Antonio Spurs
Houston Rockets
Whoa, what is San Antonio still doing on my list? Bruce Bowen, Robert Horry, Floppin' Ginobli? Get them out of here.
Let's break down the nine remaining teams:
Atlanta Hawks: pros - up & coming team, local to me (90 minutes down I-75) and will be on TV here all the time; cons - they are the awful Atlanta Hawks, no fan base, no championship anytime soon or really anytime ever.
Boston Celtics: pros - tradition, new nucleus is exciting, real chance to win; cons - too trendy, Doc Rivers.
Detroit Pistons: pros - I really like the Billips, Hamilton, Wallace & I LOVE Tayshaun Prince; cons - Flip Saunders, boring style
Chicago Bulls: pros - fun to watch, great fans, young core; cons - potential home for Kobe? no geographic loyalty
Memphis Grizzlies: pros - fairly local, some history to me personally, I like the unis, new coach with up-tempo style; cons - stuck in Western conference without a shot to win, Darko.
Golden State: pros - fell in love with them during playoffs last year, have some family in San Fran (weak, I know); cons - never on TV, small chance of repeating that magic
Phoenix: pros - Steve Nash. Steve Nash. Steve Nash. Fun to watch, exciting, chance to win it all, great coach; cons - form on Marion's jumper, break my heart in post-season
Dallas: pros - um, none. I don't like this team at all. Cut them.
Houston: pros - Yao & T-Mac, personal history, love Shane Battier; cons - boring fans, Rick Adelman?, fired my friend for no good reason.
There we are...8 teams in the running for my new NBA team. I'm going to take my time with this pick - watch a few games, visit some websites, pray to various gods and goddesses, even read your comments for help.
Next week - I make my decision. The world will never be the same.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Counting Our Chickens Before They Hatch
My high school basketball used to tell us, "Early leads are false leads." We did not always believe him - when someone is whipping you 20-4 at the end of the 1st quarter, it feels more like a butt-kicking than a false lead. The idea, however, does usually hold true - just because a team plays well in the opening minutes does not mean it will sustain that pace for the entire game.
As sports fans, we have a difficult time with this concept. To most of us, an early lead is an indication that that team is going to win the contest. We have all watched enough sports to know that the team winning at the half is usually going to win the game.
If not, the team surely blew it.
The Tennessee Vols nearly "blew it" on Saturday against South Carolina. Up 21-0 in the first half, the Vols looked like they would coast to an easy SEC win. UT fans across the South were exchanging high fives and congratulations about a rare win over Steve Spurrier. Fulmer is the man - I never wanted to see him fired.
Then a funny thing happened in the 2nd half...though not very funny by Big Orange standards. The Gamecocks defense stepped up, the Vols offense struggled and South Carolina took a 24-21 lead. UT fans across the South exchanged off-color exclamations and frustrations about another loss to Steve Spurrier. Fulmer is awful - I told you we ought to fire him.
Then, an even funnier thing happened. The Vols came back and won the game. A last second field goal (over-coming two fumbles and a missed field goal attempt prior to a procedure penalty) took the game into overtime where Tennessee prevailed 27-24.
A game like this is the perfect opportunity to reconsider what we often quickly deride as "choking." There is an incorrect assumption among the sports-watching world that blowing an early lead amounts to some type of character flaw. Allow a comeback? It must be a choke job.
It does not make sense to look at the games this way. There is a reason the games are timed - the game is not over until the time expires, no matter how big the initial lead.
There are a million factors that determine who takes an early lead and who eventually wins the game. One team might pull out a million tricks in the first minutes to establish a lead it cannot maintain past the initial trickery. One team might slowly wear down the other team and use better conditioning to win at the end. One team might be red hot for a few moments and then come back down to earth.
There are obvious examples of choking or blowing a lead. Football fans universally loath the prevent defense that allows an opponent to suddenly find rhythm and easy yards at the end of the game. Offensive aggression is often squashed in the name of using the clock when it would be better to simply keep playing.
But not every blown lead equals some type of choke job.
For example, let's revisit the Tennessee-Ohio State basketball from last season's NCAA tournament. The Vols played a fantastic first half - they shot the lights out, defended well and even managed to get Greg Oden in foul trouble. It all meant a big Vols lead, as much as 20 points at one point.
The second half belonged to the Buckeyes. The Vols cooled off, Ohio State's guards began to penetrate into the lane and Oden played a superior half of basketball. In the end, Tennessee failed in its last opportunity with the ball and lost the game.
Did the Vols choke? Did they blow it? Or did they simply outplay the Buckeyes for a time and then were outplayed by the Buckeyes for a time?
Just like there are a million reasons why early leads occur, there are a million reasons those leads are lost. Clock-killing strategies work most, but not all of the time. It is easier to play loose and aggressively from behind than with the lead. Remember the Houston Oilers and their run-and-shoot attack? It worked great to get a lead, but struggled to hold one. What about the Braves teams of the 1990s with great starting staffs, but miserable bullpens?
Perhaps the reason we deride the team that blows the lead so much is because of the way we celebrate the winners. Those guys never game up, showed heart and character and fought until the end. That means that the losers must have given up, had no heart and questionable character and stopped fighting too early. It is no wonder we blame them for the loss.
Perhaps it is easier to say, "We had them and let them off the hook" than it is to concede, "That lead was a joke - they were way better than us."
Perhaps we over-estimate the margin of a lead. A 21-point lead feels like a comfortable lead, but it is merely three scores. Three possessions is all a team needs to make that up. It only took three possessions to build that lead - why is to perplexing when three possessions later it is lost?
Or perhaps we are just wrong in the way we view such contests. There is no reason to think a game has been blown when a lead is lost. Leads are not victories. The game continues until the final buzzer.
History has also shown us that leads are lost all the time. Why are we always surprised when it happens? I have seen 21-point halftime leads lost before, so why did Tennessee's inability to hold it on Saturday come as such a surprise?
The real surprise ought to be how often we are fooled by an early lead. Fool me once...we get fooled all the time! We allow initial jubilation interfere with time-tested reason. We ought to blame ourselves for the disappointment that comes along with a blown-lead loss rather than the team that blew it.
As sports fans, we have a difficult time with this concept. To most of us, an early lead is an indication that that team is going to win the contest. We have all watched enough sports to know that the team winning at the half is usually going to win the game.
If not, the team surely blew it.
The Tennessee Vols nearly "blew it" on Saturday against South Carolina. Up 21-0 in the first half, the Vols looked like they would coast to an easy SEC win. UT fans across the South were exchanging high fives and congratulations about a rare win over Steve Spurrier. Fulmer is the man - I never wanted to see him fired.
Then a funny thing happened in the 2nd half...though not very funny by Big Orange standards. The Gamecocks defense stepped up, the Vols offense struggled and South Carolina took a 24-21 lead. UT fans across the South exchanged off-color exclamations and frustrations about another loss to Steve Spurrier. Fulmer is awful - I told you we ought to fire him.
Then, an even funnier thing happened. The Vols came back and won the game. A last second field goal (over-coming two fumbles and a missed field goal attempt prior to a procedure penalty) took the game into overtime where Tennessee prevailed 27-24.
A game like this is the perfect opportunity to reconsider what we often quickly deride as "choking." There is an incorrect assumption among the sports-watching world that blowing an early lead amounts to some type of character flaw. Allow a comeback? It must be a choke job.
It does not make sense to look at the games this way. There is a reason the games are timed - the game is not over until the time expires, no matter how big the initial lead.
There are a million factors that determine who takes an early lead and who eventually wins the game. One team might pull out a million tricks in the first minutes to establish a lead it cannot maintain past the initial trickery. One team might slowly wear down the other team and use better conditioning to win at the end. One team might be red hot for a few moments and then come back down to earth.
There are obvious examples of choking or blowing a lead. Football fans universally loath the prevent defense that allows an opponent to suddenly find rhythm and easy yards at the end of the game. Offensive aggression is often squashed in the name of using the clock when it would be better to simply keep playing.
But not every blown lead equals some type of choke job.
For example, let's revisit the Tennessee-Ohio State basketball from last season's NCAA tournament. The Vols played a fantastic first half - they shot the lights out, defended well and even managed to get Greg Oden in foul trouble. It all meant a big Vols lead, as much as 20 points at one point.
The second half belonged to the Buckeyes. The Vols cooled off, Ohio State's guards began to penetrate into the lane and Oden played a superior half of basketball. In the end, Tennessee failed in its last opportunity with the ball and lost the game.
Did the Vols choke? Did they blow it? Or did they simply outplay the Buckeyes for a time and then were outplayed by the Buckeyes for a time?
Just like there are a million reasons why early leads occur, there are a million reasons those leads are lost. Clock-killing strategies work most, but not all of the time. It is easier to play loose and aggressively from behind than with the lead. Remember the Houston Oilers and their run-and-shoot attack? It worked great to get a lead, but struggled to hold one. What about the Braves teams of the 1990s with great starting staffs, but miserable bullpens?
Perhaps the reason we deride the team that blows the lead so much is because of the way we celebrate the winners. Those guys never game up, showed heart and character and fought until the end. That means that the losers must have given up, had no heart and questionable character and stopped fighting too early. It is no wonder we blame them for the loss.
Perhaps it is easier to say, "We had them and let them off the hook" than it is to concede, "That lead was a joke - they were way better than us."
Perhaps we over-estimate the margin of a lead. A 21-point lead feels like a comfortable lead, but it is merely three scores. Three possessions is all a team needs to make that up. It only took three possessions to build that lead - why is to perplexing when three possessions later it is lost?
Or perhaps we are just wrong in the way we view such contests. There is no reason to think a game has been blown when a lead is lost. Leads are not victories. The game continues until the final buzzer.
History has also shown us that leads are lost all the time. Why are we always surprised when it happens? I have seen 21-point halftime leads lost before, so why did Tennessee's inability to hold it on Saturday come as such a surprise?
The real surprise ought to be how often we are fooled by an early lead. Fool me once...we get fooled all the time! We allow initial jubilation interfere with time-tested reason. We ought to blame ourselves for the disappointment that comes along with a blown-lead loss rather than the team that blew it.
Monday, October 29, 2007
World Series Thoughts
The Fall Classic came and went before we ever learned how to spell Tulowitski (I guessed - it might be wrong, thus illustrating my point). The Rockies could not capitalize on offensive opportunities, got nothing from two of their top three starters and seemed to have lost the magic of their 21 out of 22 run.
Clearly, the Red Sox were the better team up and down. Better line-up. Better bench. Better starters. Better bullpen. You name it. The Rockies needed to play great to compete and they never played very well at all.
I'm disappointed in the series because the baseball season was so good. A seven-game classic with David challenging Goliath would have been the icing on top, but it was not to be. I'm also especially disappointed because my family bought my father-in-law tickets to Game 5 at Coors Field for his birthday.
As for the Red Sox, good grief. They were locked in. That was one of the most impressive performances over seven games (three vs. Cleveland, four vs. Colorado) I can ever remember. They pound the ball, they pitch the ball, they field it - they make the game seem easy and even a bit unfair. Welcome to the new Evil Empire. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
As I watched the game on a Frontier flight home last night (thank you, DirecTV!), I thought about how many times the Red Sox dangled Manny Rameriz in trade talks. Manny makes everyone crazy, but he can flat out hit the baseball. What a mistake it would have been to unload him, regardless of whether it brought A-Rod to Boston (and let me join the crowd of people who are disgusted with the timing of his announcement - that was pathetic).
And how about the Beckett & Lowell for Hanley Rameriz trade? Has a deal ever worked out better for both teams? Rameriz is fantastic, but Beckett and Lowell put the Sox over-the-top for a championship. John Schuerholz wrote that he hopes his trades work out best for both teams; he isn't hoping to "screw" someone. This trade is the perfect example of that.
Looking ahead to next year, who will challenge this team? Cleveland? New York? Anaheim? Detroit? Boston does look so much better on paper, especially as Ellsbery and Pedroia mature. With two championships out of the last four, we could have a baseball dynasty on our hands.
Clearly, the Red Sox were the better team up and down. Better line-up. Better bench. Better starters. Better bullpen. You name it. The Rockies needed to play great to compete and they never played very well at all.
I'm disappointed in the series because the baseball season was so good. A seven-game classic with David challenging Goliath would have been the icing on top, but it was not to be. I'm also especially disappointed because my family bought my father-in-law tickets to Game 5 at Coors Field for his birthday.
As for the Red Sox, good grief. They were locked in. That was one of the most impressive performances over seven games (three vs. Cleveland, four vs. Colorado) I can ever remember. They pound the ball, they pitch the ball, they field it - they make the game seem easy and even a bit unfair. Welcome to the new Evil Empire. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
As I watched the game on a Frontier flight home last night (thank you, DirecTV!), I thought about how many times the Red Sox dangled Manny Rameriz in trade talks. Manny makes everyone crazy, but he can flat out hit the baseball. What a mistake it would have been to unload him, regardless of whether it brought A-Rod to Boston (and let me join the crowd of people who are disgusted with the timing of his announcement - that was pathetic).
And how about the Beckett & Lowell for Hanley Rameriz trade? Has a deal ever worked out better for both teams? Rameriz is fantastic, but Beckett and Lowell put the Sox over-the-top for a championship. John Schuerholz wrote that he hopes his trades work out best for both teams; he isn't hoping to "screw" someone. This trade is the perfect example of that.
Looking ahead to next year, who will challenge this team? Cleveland? New York? Anaheim? Detroit? Boston does look so much better on paper, especially as Ellsbery and Pedroia mature. With two championships out of the last four, we could have a baseball dynasty on our hands.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
World Series Game 1
That was impressive, wasn't it?
Let's recap the opening moments of the 2007 World Series: Josh Beckett strikes out the side, including Colorado's MVP Matt Holliday, Dustin Pedrioa opens the game with a homerun, Youklis follows with a double, Hurdle brings the infield in (IN THE 1st INNING?) which helps Manny get an RBI knock, Lowell walks but doesn't get credit for it thanks to a terrible strike call, and J.D. Drew finishes things off with an RBI double.
Welcome to the World Series, Colorado.
Todd Helton played well, but the Rockies looked overwhelmed and out-classed last night. Beckett can certainly do that to you, but what about the Rockies bullpen? Three straight walks?
It will be interesting to see what happens back in Denver when Francona has to remove either Ortiz, Youklis or Lowell from his line-up. That is a big subtraction regardless of who he picks, but now that Drew is swinging the bat, it does not seem quite as devastating.
I hope it isn't true, but I'm thinking sweep after last night. After a 13-1 thrashing, I'm probably not the only one with that idea this morning.
Let's recap the opening moments of the 2007 World Series: Josh Beckett strikes out the side, including Colorado's MVP Matt Holliday, Dustin Pedrioa opens the game with a homerun, Youklis follows with a double, Hurdle brings the infield in (IN THE 1st INNING?) which helps Manny get an RBI knock, Lowell walks but doesn't get credit for it thanks to a terrible strike call, and J.D. Drew finishes things off with an RBI double.
Welcome to the World Series, Colorado.
Todd Helton played well, but the Rockies looked overwhelmed and out-classed last night. Beckett can certainly do that to you, but what about the Rockies bullpen? Three straight walks?
It will be interesting to see what happens back in Denver when Francona has to remove either Ortiz, Youklis or Lowell from his line-up. That is a big subtraction regardless of who he picks, but now that Drew is swinging the bat, it does not seem quite as devastating.
I hope it isn't true, but I'm thinking sweep after last night. After a 13-1 thrashing, I'm probably not the only one with that idea this morning.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The Easiest Part of a Coach's Job
The cuts.
I wish I had Coach Homer Simpson's philosophy of cutting - you, you, you and you are cut. The rest of you made the team. Except you, you and you - you are cut.
Cutting isn't any fun at all. Yesterday, we made cuts for our 7th grade basketball team. Most of the cuts were easy in that there was little doubt the player was not one of the twelve best trying out. None of them were easy in that a kid's heart is getting broken.
7th grade cuts are the worst ones of all because they are the first cuts for most kids. What did Cat Stevens sing about the first cut being the deepest? I think he was writing about his 7th grade basketball experience.
This is the first time some of them realize they are not very good. Of course, some don't realize it even when they are let go. There is shock, tears, anger and bitterness. I still have ill feelings for Marvin Smith, the man who cut me from my 7th grade team and kept Josh Keiser instead. It is troubling to think I will be the focus of several people's anger in the coming years when they think about being cut.
You might imagine that the kids look around and see that they are not very good. Well, they don't. If one lay-up managed to go in, that is the one they remember. If one jumper banked in for three, that is enough to make the squad. It takes a special kid to look around and realize he is not one of the better ones out there.
The ones who do realize they aren't any good often don't stick around for the actual cuts. Many will cut themselves, usually with an excuse about concentrating on homework or not having parental permission. After we did sprints at the end of Thursday's tryout, a kid came up to us and said, "My mom doesn't want me to play this year." His mom had not had time to see him between the 90 minutes he tried out and the time of his explanation, but we didn't bother to call him out on it. We told him that was a tough break and he could hopefully try again next year.
There will likely be parent complaints about some part of the process as well. Last season, a high school player's father emailed our coaching staff about his son who had been cut. Of course, we got the usuals about his up-side, how he was better than some who had made the team and about how it was not fair for some contrived reason. He also mentioned that family reunions would now be sad affairs whenever basketball was brought up. That was a new one.
Competitive scholastic sports might be the first real dose of reality for many people. Up until now, these kids have been told they were special. I remember how my granddad used to brag about my golf skills when we made our way around Eastgate's par 3 course. I was the next Nicklaus. Then I tried out for the golf team and realized he had been full of crap.
Frankly, that is a good word to describe making cuts. It is crap. It keeps you up at night and makes you hurt. It makes you angry at a kid who is stupid enough to think that if he hustles from drill to drill, you won't notice that his shots never hit the rim. It is crap. Thankfully, it is now over.
Until next year.
I wish I had Coach Homer Simpson's philosophy of cutting - you, you, you and you are cut. The rest of you made the team. Except you, you and you - you are cut.
Cutting isn't any fun at all. Yesterday, we made cuts for our 7th grade basketball team. Most of the cuts were easy in that there was little doubt the player was not one of the twelve best trying out. None of them were easy in that a kid's heart is getting broken.
7th grade cuts are the worst ones of all because they are the first cuts for most kids. What did Cat Stevens sing about the first cut being the deepest? I think he was writing about his 7th grade basketball experience.
This is the first time some of them realize they are not very good. Of course, some don't realize it even when they are let go. There is shock, tears, anger and bitterness. I still have ill feelings for Marvin Smith, the man who cut me from my 7th grade team and kept Josh Keiser instead. It is troubling to think I will be the focus of several people's anger in the coming years when they think about being cut.
You might imagine that the kids look around and see that they are not very good. Well, they don't. If one lay-up managed to go in, that is the one they remember. If one jumper banked in for three, that is enough to make the squad. It takes a special kid to look around and realize he is not one of the better ones out there.
The ones who do realize they aren't any good often don't stick around for the actual cuts. Many will cut themselves, usually with an excuse about concentrating on homework or not having parental permission. After we did sprints at the end of Thursday's tryout, a kid came up to us and said, "My mom doesn't want me to play this year." His mom had not had time to see him between the 90 minutes he tried out and the time of his explanation, but we didn't bother to call him out on it. We told him that was a tough break and he could hopefully try again next year.
There will likely be parent complaints about some part of the process as well. Last season, a high school player's father emailed our coaching staff about his son who had been cut. Of course, we got the usuals about his up-side, how he was better than some who had made the team and about how it was not fair for some contrived reason. He also mentioned that family reunions would now be sad affairs whenever basketball was brought up. That was a new one.
Competitive scholastic sports might be the first real dose of reality for many people. Up until now, these kids have been told they were special. I remember how my granddad used to brag about my golf skills when we made our way around Eastgate's par 3 course. I was the next Nicklaus. Then I tried out for the golf team and realized he had been full of crap.
Frankly, that is a good word to describe making cuts. It is crap. It keeps you up at night and makes you hurt. It makes you angry at a kid who is stupid enough to think that if he hustles from drill to drill, you won't notice that his shots never hit the rim. It is crap. Thankfully, it is now over.
Until next year.
Monday, October 22, 2007
GAME 7
Ugh - It is a Monday at school with a broken copier, I have meetings at lunch and I would rather be talking about Game 7. Francona rolling the dice with, well, Dice. Lugo's error. The stop sign with Lofton. Pedroia!
Maximum Jack - take the lead here. Discuss.
Maximum Jack - take the lead here. Discuss.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
The Best or Worst Year in College Football History?
Howdy, friends. I have written a couple of articles for another website called ArmChairGM.com. In the future, I'm going to cross-publish from time to time, but mostly I'm going to keep doing what I've been doing here and write about more national stuff there.
Anyway, check out my point/counter-point debate about the state of college football in these two articles:
The Worst Year in College Football History
The Best Year in College Football History
Hope you like them.
CC
Anyway, check out my point/counter-point debate about the state of college football in these two articles:
The Worst Year in College Football History
The Best Year in College Football History
Hope you like them.
CC
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Bama Thoughts
If I were to make a list of the worst defensive efforts in Tennessee history, this game would top the list. As of right now (4:00 left in the game), Tennessee has not forced a punt the entire game. This is the same defense that dominated Georgia? I don't know how to comprehend the performance, other than to conclude that the defense just isn't any good and Georgia's offense is worse.
The numbers in this game are horrible. John Parker Wilson has over 300 yards passing.
Let me type that again in bold letters for greater impact:
John Parker Wilson has over 300 yards passing.
D.J. Hall has just under 200 yards receiving. He is setting Alabama receiving records today. Alabama has kept the ball for nearly 2/3 of the game. They have over 500 yards of offense. Their running back just went over 100 yards. Alabama has 41 points without a defensive or special teams score.
Wait...we have an Alabama punt. 2:14 left in the game.
I have no problem with the offense because it is predicated on running the football. UT couldn't run it in the 2nd half because the defense kept letting Alabama score. Yes, there were no points in the 2nd half. Yes, Ainge's interception hurt. However, Foster was running the ball beautifully, but the Vols had to abandon it. Ainge was playing well other than the one pick (which was inches from being a touchdown). I can live with the offense, but the D...
Here is what I really don't understand - what did they do that surprised us? Throwing it to D.J. Hall? Play-action? I don't know what Chavis was trying to do at the outset, but it wasn't working. I don't know what adjustments he tried to make at the half, but those didn't work either. Maybe he just doesn't have anything to work with, but it sure felt like Applewhite's play-calling was 2 or 3 steps ahead of Chavis all game long.
Let's give Chavis the benefit of the doubt - let's say the plan was to force John Parker Wilson to beat us and take away the run. Let's say the plan was to use the defensive line to get pressure rather than blitzing because our corners are both freshmen and not good enough to cover Hall and Co.. Let's say Tennessee was willing to give up the dinks and dumps because it figured Wilson would make a mistake sooner or later and we wouldn't get beat deep.
Okay, fine. It isn't the worst plan in the world, is it? So why didn't it work?
Let's turn our attention from the oft-blamed coaches and look at the guys on the field. Alabama was starting two back-up o-linemen and, yet, our defensive line could not get to Wilson. Ever. I cannot remember the last time a defensive end got a sack for the Vols. It might have been Reggie White. No, Shaun Ellis. It wasn't anybody on the field today. I thought Xavier Mitchell and Demonte Boldin had turned the corner inside, but today was a giant step backwards for those guys.
What about the linebackers? We can't blitz if the linebackers don't get there. And they never do! Chavis calls a blitz, the linebackers are either too slow to get there or get blocked, our green secondary cannot cover man-to-man and we have another Alabama completion. This must be one of the worst front seven the Vols have ever had.
The secondary is not good right now, but we knew that coming into the season. With Morley getting booted off the team and Gaines getting hurt, it makes sense that the secondary is this bad. Berry and Vinson are both true freshmen - we are going to struggle with true freshmen starting at any position, but especially in the secondary when there is no pass rush up front.
Finally, where was the passion on defense today? This was the Vol team we have all come to hate that looks like it is sleep-walking through rivalry games. This was NOT the same team that came out to whip Georgia. There was no fire in anyone's belly today. There was frustration after a while, but where was the excitement and energy from the start?
So what do you do when there is no pass rush, no ability to blitz, no chance of covering superior wide receivers and no passion or energy from anybody playing defense?
You lose 41-17 to Alabama.
The numbers in this game are horrible. John Parker Wilson has over 300 yards passing.
Let me type that again in bold letters for greater impact:
John Parker Wilson has over 300 yards passing.
D.J. Hall has just under 200 yards receiving. He is setting Alabama receiving records today. Alabama has kept the ball for nearly 2/3 of the game. They have over 500 yards of offense. Their running back just went over 100 yards. Alabama has 41 points without a defensive or special teams score.
Wait...we have an Alabama punt. 2:14 left in the game.
I have no problem with the offense because it is predicated on running the football. UT couldn't run it in the 2nd half because the defense kept letting Alabama score. Yes, there were no points in the 2nd half. Yes, Ainge's interception hurt. However, Foster was running the ball beautifully, but the Vols had to abandon it. Ainge was playing well other than the one pick (which was inches from being a touchdown). I can live with the offense, but the D...
Here is what I really don't understand - what did they do that surprised us? Throwing it to D.J. Hall? Play-action? I don't know what Chavis was trying to do at the outset, but it wasn't working. I don't know what adjustments he tried to make at the half, but those didn't work either. Maybe he just doesn't have anything to work with, but it sure felt like Applewhite's play-calling was 2 or 3 steps ahead of Chavis all game long.
Let's give Chavis the benefit of the doubt - let's say the plan was to force John Parker Wilson to beat us and take away the run. Let's say the plan was to use the defensive line to get pressure rather than blitzing because our corners are both freshmen and not good enough to cover Hall and Co.. Let's say Tennessee was willing to give up the dinks and dumps because it figured Wilson would make a mistake sooner or later and we wouldn't get beat deep.
Okay, fine. It isn't the worst plan in the world, is it? So why didn't it work?
Let's turn our attention from the oft-blamed coaches and look at the guys on the field. Alabama was starting two back-up o-linemen and, yet, our defensive line could not get to Wilson. Ever. I cannot remember the last time a defensive end got a sack for the Vols. It might have been Reggie White. No, Shaun Ellis. It wasn't anybody on the field today. I thought Xavier Mitchell and Demonte Boldin had turned the corner inside, but today was a giant step backwards for those guys.
What about the linebackers? We can't blitz if the linebackers don't get there. And they never do! Chavis calls a blitz, the linebackers are either too slow to get there or get blocked, our green secondary cannot cover man-to-man and we have another Alabama completion. This must be one of the worst front seven the Vols have ever had.
The secondary is not good right now, but we knew that coming into the season. With Morley getting booted off the team and Gaines getting hurt, it makes sense that the secondary is this bad. Berry and Vinson are both true freshmen - we are going to struggle with true freshmen starting at any position, but especially in the secondary when there is no pass rush up front.
Finally, where was the passion on defense today? This was the Vol team we have all come to hate that looks like it is sleep-walking through rivalry games. This was NOT the same team that came out to whip Georgia. There was no fire in anyone's belly today. There was frustration after a while, but where was the excitement and energy from the start?
So what do you do when there is no pass rush, no ability to blitz, no chance of covering superior wide receivers and no passion or energy from anybody playing defense?
You lose 41-17 to Alabama.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Ten Worst Losses of the Fulmer Era
Last week we looked at the greatest wins of Phil Fulmer's coaching career. This week, we give equal coverage to the sadder side of Fulmer's tenure - the worst losses. Really, there is no ulterior motive for this list - this is not part of "Fire Fulmer" campaign or anything. If anything, I think it demonstrates how great Fulmer's run in Knoxville has been. These losses hurt because expectations were so high and losses so unexpected.
10) 2002 Maryland 30 Tennessee 3 (Peach Bowl)
National power Tennessee vs. no-name Maryland. It was bad enough the Vols were stuck in Atlanta instead of a major bowl game, but against a pitiful program like Maryland? The only thing that could make the game worse was if Tennessee got beat. Well, they didn't just get beat, they got dominated. E.J. Henderson was better than any player on the Vols and the Terps defense exposed Randy Sanders' offense for the predictable, unimaginative scheme that it was. This was the first real indication that Tennessee was no longer a national power after years of reveling in the 1999 Fiesta Bowl win.
9) 1996 Memphis 21 Tennessee 17
The worst loss of the Fulmer era in the sense that he was beaten by a terrible team with a terrible coach. Memphis had no business being on the same field with Peyton and Co., but the Tigers came to play in the Liberty Bowl and shocked the Vols. I still maintain that Kevin Cobb was down on the kickoff return, but it doesn't matter now. Fulmer called this, "the most disappointing game I have ever coached." I have it ranked 9th.
8) 1999 Florida 23 Tennessee 21
Tennessee was looking to repeat as National Champions in 1999, but the dream died quickly in the Swamp. This is often referred to as the Alex Brown game because he dominated the UT line and terrorized Tee Martin. The bigger problem was that the Vols seemed to have lost their swagger and hunger in 1999. Jamal Lewis was not the same runner in 1999 that he had been as a freshman, which made the decision to pitch him the ball on 4th down especially strange (plus the fact that Tennessee could not get wide on the fast Florida defense the entire game, plus the fact that you don't run the ball on 4th and long with the game on the line, plus some other facts that I have repressed in order to get on with my life). The big play I remember that really seemed to show the lack of heart in this team was Deon Grant's late game interception. For some reason, Grant ran out-of-bounds with the pick instead of turning it up-field for better field position. Look at the score - the Vols just needed a field goal. I am still baffled by his decision to step out instead of trying to advance the ball. I wish I could repress that too.
7) 2001 Georgia 26 Tennessee 24
I was tempted to push this loss even higher on the list because I blame it on Fulmer. This was a classic as the Vols were carried into the lead by Travis Stephens. His run down the sideline to put the Vols up in the final minute should have gone down as one of the great plays in Tennessee history because it should have beaten the Dawgs. Instead, Tennessee squib kicked the ball and gave Georgia great field position. The Vols then settled back into a prevent defense while QB David Greene and coach Mark Richt picked the Vols apart for chunks at a time. Finally, Georgia got to the goal line and ran a beautiful play where the fullback slipped past the line for an easy touchdown grab. This loss was on Fulmer - 100%. The kickoff should have gone deep. There was too much time, especially in college football with the stopped clock on 1st downs, to be in the prevent. Richt looked like a genius and Fulmer a fool.
6) 1997 Nebraska 42 Tennessee 17 (Orange Bowl)
Peyton's senior season was supposed to be the final chapter of a storybook college career in Knoxville. Instead, it was like Godfather III - okay, but not really the way you wanted the thing to end or be remembered. Manning had turned his back on being the #1 pick in the draft to return for one last year. There were dreams of championships and Heismans, but the only trophy this year would be the SEC one. Manning lost the Heisman to Charles Woodson in a decision that Vol fans still cannot stomach, so this was his chance to stick it to the voters and end things with an exclamation.
It ended, however, with a thud. Nebraska dominated the Vols, pushed them around and pounded them into submission. Tennessee looked over-matched and out-coached. The sad image of Manning on the sideline as Tee Martin took the final snaps of the game was a perfect picture of a disappointing season. The loss was terrible, but it did spur the Vols forward to their 1998 championship.
5) 2005 Vanderbilt 28 Tennessee 24
It had to happen at some point and 2005 was the year. Vanderbilt was about as good as it had ever been behind Jay Cutler (still no bowl game though after a loss to MTSU) and the Vols were down. Way down. 5-6 down. But losing to Vanderbilt? At home? Tennessee actually led late, but could not stop a late Commodore drive. The fact that Fulmer survived this embarrassment is a testament to how the school and players feel about him. This was the low point of the lowest season in recent memory.
4) 1996 Florida 35 Tennessee 29
#1 vs. #2. Spurrier vs. Fulmer. Wuerrful vs. Manning. It was set up to be a classic and the score might mislead you to think it was, but this was a rout. 35-0 at one point. I was there and it was the biggest punch in the gut I have ever felt (I've had a pretty pampered life...). Florida jumped all over the Vols early, but it was Fulmer's panicked coaching that made this especially embarrassing. Spurrier was in Phil's head at this point, evidenced by an inexplicable 4th down and long attempt early in the game that gave the Gators great field position and a 2-point conversion late for no reason. The Vols did have an on-side kick chance late, but it failed. The Gators had come to Knoxville and whipped the Vols. They went on to a National title win over Florida State, so there was no shame in losing to them. The shame was the way the Vols got blown out and Fulmer losing his mind as it happened.
3) 1995 Florida 62 Tennessee 37
More high hopes were crushed in the Swamp as Spurrier, Wuerrful and Co. ran up the score on the shocked Tennessee Vols. Tennessee jumped out in the 1st half and led by 16 points, but it was all Florida from there. Peyton's second try at the Gators came to the same fate as his first (a 31-0 loss at home - just missing this list). This is the Sports Illustrated Game - Manning was supposed to be on the cover the week after the game, but was taken off & replaced by, you guessed it, Danny Wuerrful. Ouch. Bad, shocking loss.
2) 1997 Florida 33 Tennessee 20
My number two pick returns to the theme of Peyton's disappointing senior season. It is not entirely fair to think about it that way because there were many great moments - UGA, Bama, winning the SEC - but like the Nebraska loss, this one left a stain on his legacy. 1997 was Manning's last chance to beat Florida, but he would have to do it in the Swamp. The Gators were great under Spurrier, but the Vols were loaded too. The game got off to a terrible start for Tennessee when Tony George picked Manning off and returned it 89 yards for an early score. The Gators continued to blitz and confuse Manning all game long, though he did throw for three touchdowns and over 300 yards in the game. Those stats, however, were not the reason he came back for his senior season. He came back to beat Florida, win a National Championship and win the Heisman trophy. He did none of them. This loss had as much as anything to do with that.
1) 2001 LSU 31 Tennessee 20 (SEC Championship game)
Fulmer has called this game the worst loss of his career and he is correct. Tennessee was all set to play in the Rose Bowl against Miami for the National Championship. The Vols were rolling late in the season after thumping Florida in the Swamp (the game delayed until December by 9/11) and only had to get through LSU. Nick Saban's squad was a heavy underdog going into the game and had less to play for than the BCS-bound Vols. The game itself looked to be swinging the Vols way as LSU's starting quarterback Rohan Davey and starting running back LaBrandon Toefield both went down with early injuries.
Back-up QB Matt Mauck killed the Vols with his arm and legs (especially his legs) and the Bayou Bengals whipped the Vols in the 2nd half to kill Tennessee's chance at a second National Championship. The Vols instead went to Orlando where they destroyed Michigan 45-17.
Oh, what might have been. If Fulmer wins this game, there is no hot seat. He would potentially have two national titles as well as another SEC championship on his resume. Instead, the program went into a decline that includes several of these devastating losses.
I feel like I need to take a shower and cleanse myself after writing about these moments. Here's hoping there are no more games to add to this list in the coming year.
10) 2002 Maryland 30 Tennessee 3 (Peach Bowl)
National power Tennessee vs. no-name Maryland. It was bad enough the Vols were stuck in Atlanta instead of a major bowl game, but against a pitiful program like Maryland? The only thing that could make the game worse was if Tennessee got beat. Well, they didn't just get beat, they got dominated. E.J. Henderson was better than any player on the Vols and the Terps defense exposed Randy Sanders' offense for the predictable, unimaginative scheme that it was. This was the first real indication that Tennessee was no longer a national power after years of reveling in the 1999 Fiesta Bowl win.
9) 1996 Memphis 21 Tennessee 17
The worst loss of the Fulmer era in the sense that he was beaten by a terrible team with a terrible coach. Memphis had no business being on the same field with Peyton and Co., but the Tigers came to play in the Liberty Bowl and shocked the Vols. I still maintain that Kevin Cobb was down on the kickoff return, but it doesn't matter now. Fulmer called this, "the most disappointing game I have ever coached." I have it ranked 9th.
8) 1999 Florida 23 Tennessee 21
Tennessee was looking to repeat as National Champions in 1999, but the dream died quickly in the Swamp. This is often referred to as the Alex Brown game because he dominated the UT line and terrorized Tee Martin. The bigger problem was that the Vols seemed to have lost their swagger and hunger in 1999. Jamal Lewis was not the same runner in 1999 that he had been as a freshman, which made the decision to pitch him the ball on 4th down especially strange (plus the fact that Tennessee could not get wide on the fast Florida defense the entire game, plus the fact that you don't run the ball on 4th and long with the game on the line, plus some other facts that I have repressed in order to get on with my life). The big play I remember that really seemed to show the lack of heart in this team was Deon Grant's late game interception. For some reason, Grant ran out-of-bounds with the pick instead of turning it up-field for better field position. Look at the score - the Vols just needed a field goal. I am still baffled by his decision to step out instead of trying to advance the ball. I wish I could repress that too.
7) 2001 Georgia 26 Tennessee 24
I was tempted to push this loss even higher on the list because I blame it on Fulmer. This was a classic as the Vols were carried into the lead by Travis Stephens. His run down the sideline to put the Vols up in the final minute should have gone down as one of the great plays in Tennessee history because it should have beaten the Dawgs. Instead, Tennessee squib kicked the ball and gave Georgia great field position. The Vols then settled back into a prevent defense while QB David Greene and coach Mark Richt picked the Vols apart for chunks at a time. Finally, Georgia got to the goal line and ran a beautiful play where the fullback slipped past the line for an easy touchdown grab. This loss was on Fulmer - 100%. The kickoff should have gone deep. There was too much time, especially in college football with the stopped clock on 1st downs, to be in the prevent. Richt looked like a genius and Fulmer a fool.
6) 1997 Nebraska 42 Tennessee 17 (Orange Bowl)
Peyton's senior season was supposed to be the final chapter of a storybook college career in Knoxville. Instead, it was like Godfather III - okay, but not really the way you wanted the thing to end or be remembered. Manning had turned his back on being the #1 pick in the draft to return for one last year. There were dreams of championships and Heismans, but the only trophy this year would be the SEC one. Manning lost the Heisman to Charles Woodson in a decision that Vol fans still cannot stomach, so this was his chance to stick it to the voters and end things with an exclamation.
It ended, however, with a thud. Nebraska dominated the Vols, pushed them around and pounded them into submission. Tennessee looked over-matched and out-coached. The sad image of Manning on the sideline as Tee Martin took the final snaps of the game was a perfect picture of a disappointing season. The loss was terrible, but it did spur the Vols forward to their 1998 championship.
5) 2005 Vanderbilt 28 Tennessee 24
It had to happen at some point and 2005 was the year. Vanderbilt was about as good as it had ever been behind Jay Cutler (still no bowl game though after a loss to MTSU) and the Vols were down. Way down. 5-6 down. But losing to Vanderbilt? At home? Tennessee actually led late, but could not stop a late Commodore drive. The fact that Fulmer survived this embarrassment is a testament to how the school and players feel about him. This was the low point of the lowest season in recent memory.
4) 1996 Florida 35 Tennessee 29
#1 vs. #2. Spurrier vs. Fulmer. Wuerrful vs. Manning. It was set up to be a classic and the score might mislead you to think it was, but this was a rout. 35-0 at one point. I was there and it was the biggest punch in the gut I have ever felt (I've had a pretty pampered life...). Florida jumped all over the Vols early, but it was Fulmer's panicked coaching that made this especially embarrassing. Spurrier was in Phil's head at this point, evidenced by an inexplicable 4th down and long attempt early in the game that gave the Gators great field position and a 2-point conversion late for no reason. The Vols did have an on-side kick chance late, but it failed. The Gators had come to Knoxville and whipped the Vols. They went on to a National title win over Florida State, so there was no shame in losing to them. The shame was the way the Vols got blown out and Fulmer losing his mind as it happened.
3) 1995 Florida 62 Tennessee 37
More high hopes were crushed in the Swamp as Spurrier, Wuerrful and Co. ran up the score on the shocked Tennessee Vols. Tennessee jumped out in the 1st half and led by 16 points, but it was all Florida from there. Peyton's second try at the Gators came to the same fate as his first (a 31-0 loss at home - just missing this list). This is the Sports Illustrated Game - Manning was supposed to be on the cover the week after the game, but was taken off & replaced by, you guessed it, Danny Wuerrful. Ouch. Bad, shocking loss.
2) 1997 Florida 33 Tennessee 20
My number two pick returns to the theme of Peyton's disappointing senior season. It is not entirely fair to think about it that way because there were many great moments - UGA, Bama, winning the SEC - but like the Nebraska loss, this one left a stain on his legacy. 1997 was Manning's last chance to beat Florida, but he would have to do it in the Swamp. The Gators were great under Spurrier, but the Vols were loaded too. The game got off to a terrible start for Tennessee when Tony George picked Manning off and returned it 89 yards for an early score. The Gators continued to blitz and confuse Manning all game long, though he did throw for three touchdowns and over 300 yards in the game. Those stats, however, were not the reason he came back for his senior season. He came back to beat Florida, win a National Championship and win the Heisman trophy. He did none of them. This loss had as much as anything to do with that.
1) 2001 LSU 31 Tennessee 20 (SEC Championship game)
Fulmer has called this game the worst loss of his career and he is correct. Tennessee was all set to play in the Rose Bowl against Miami for the National Championship. The Vols were rolling late in the season after thumping Florida in the Swamp (the game delayed until December by 9/11) and only had to get through LSU. Nick Saban's squad was a heavy underdog going into the game and had less to play for than the BCS-bound Vols. The game itself looked to be swinging the Vols way as LSU's starting quarterback Rohan Davey and starting running back LaBrandon Toefield both went down with early injuries.
Back-up QB Matt Mauck killed the Vols with his arm and legs (especially his legs) and the Bayou Bengals whipped the Vols in the 2nd half to kill Tennessee's chance at a second National Championship. The Vols instead went to Orlando where they destroyed Michigan 45-17.
Oh, what might have been. If Fulmer wins this game, there is no hot seat. He would potentially have two national titles as well as another SEC championship on his resume. Instead, the program went into a decline that includes several of these devastating losses.
I feel like I need to take a shower and cleanse myself after writing about these moments. Here's hoping there are no more games to add to this list in the coming year.
Friday Sports Update
Man, I'll be glad when this week is over. You don't care, so I won't bore you with details. Just know that blogging has been forced to the back-burner against my wishes by grades, comments, out-of-control students and basketball tryouts. Okay, basketball tryouts are pretty fun, but the rest has been miserable.
UPDATE!!!
Tennessee Vols
Weird article on ESPN about Phil Fulmer's hot-seat status in Knoxville. Isn't this odd timing? Fulmer has won three straight and the team is in the driver's seat for the SEC East. Has the author been working on this since the Florida loss? I thought this was very strange, but then again I am writing a list of Fulmer's worst losses right now, so maybe I'm weird too.
Wikipedia saves me some time by chronicling the Alabama/Tennessee rivalry. It isn't that good, but it did help get me into the mood (though not as much as those sweet Fred Thompson-narrated clips I have on your left). I feel VERY confident going into tomorrow's game, so we are surely going to lose. I thought we could beat Florida, but expected to lose to both Georgia and Mississippi State. At least this game isn't on pay-per-view. I'm going 28-20 Vols with UT leading throughout, but Bama always a score away.
Baseball
Great game last night, even though the score didn't reflect it. Beckett was lights out, but Sabathia was working through some real jams thanks to the bottom of the Sox order. There is a HUGE difference in that line-up when Varitek is out there instead of Doug Mirabeli. That is reason enough to put Wakefield in the pen. I had the feeling that Boston was wasting too many opportunities, but Beckett refused to let the Indians get anything going.
I don't understand what set Beckett off about the bat drop. Was that disrespectful? Wasn't Lofton just trying to influence the umpire? That was a weird moment, but it really showed just how high strung these guys are in the playoffs. They play 162 lazy, take-it-or-leave-it games and then the post-season is so intense. This is something football does not have - a rise in play for the playoffs. All football games are intense, so there usually is no difference between a good Monday night game and a playoff game. In baseball, there is no comparison between a July game and an October one.
Manny's single - here is the question: Is Manny as good as he is because he plays this way or could he be even better if he played baseball the right way? He is a future Hall-of-Famer, an RBI machine and may have the best eye at the plate since Ted Williams. He is also not A-Rod, not Bonds, not Pujols. If you put Craig Biggio's brain in Manny's body, does he become the best player in the game or does Manny's mis-wired mind actually help him be so productive so often.
Discuss...
Tennessee Titans
Vince is still day-to-day, but I guarantee he will play Sunday at Houston. Put it down. It is a lock. That guy is not missing a chance to play at home against the team that passed on him. No way.
Fulmer article up later today. Have a great weekend. I'll have Bama thoughts up sometime after the game.
UPDATE!!!
Tennessee Vols
Weird article on ESPN about Phil Fulmer's hot-seat status in Knoxville. Isn't this odd timing? Fulmer has won three straight and the team is in the driver's seat for the SEC East. Has the author been working on this since the Florida loss? I thought this was very strange, but then again I am writing a list of Fulmer's worst losses right now, so maybe I'm weird too.
Wikipedia saves me some time by chronicling the Alabama/Tennessee rivalry. It isn't that good, but it did help get me into the mood (though not as much as those sweet Fred Thompson-narrated clips I have on your left). I feel VERY confident going into tomorrow's game, so we are surely going to lose. I thought we could beat Florida, but expected to lose to both Georgia and Mississippi State. At least this game isn't on pay-per-view. I'm going 28-20 Vols with UT leading throughout, but Bama always a score away.
Baseball
Great game last night, even though the score didn't reflect it. Beckett was lights out, but Sabathia was working through some real jams thanks to the bottom of the Sox order. There is a HUGE difference in that line-up when Varitek is out there instead of Doug Mirabeli. That is reason enough to put Wakefield in the pen. I had the feeling that Boston was wasting too many opportunities, but Beckett refused to let the Indians get anything going.
I don't understand what set Beckett off about the bat drop. Was that disrespectful? Wasn't Lofton just trying to influence the umpire? That was a weird moment, but it really showed just how high strung these guys are in the playoffs. They play 162 lazy, take-it-or-leave-it games and then the post-season is so intense. This is something football does not have - a rise in play for the playoffs. All football games are intense, so there usually is no difference between a good Monday night game and a playoff game. In baseball, there is no comparison between a July game and an October one.
Manny's single - here is the question: Is Manny as good as he is because he plays this way or could he be even better if he played baseball the right way? He is a future Hall-of-Famer, an RBI machine and may have the best eye at the plate since Ted Williams. He is also not A-Rod, not Bonds, not Pujols. If you put Craig Biggio's brain in Manny's body, does he become the best player in the game or does Manny's mis-wired mind actually help him be so productive so often.
Discuss...
Tennessee Titans
Vince is still day-to-day, but I guarantee he will play Sunday at Houston. Put it down. It is a lock. That guy is not missing a chance to play at home against the team that passed on him. No way.
Fulmer article up later today. Have a great weekend. I'll have Bama thoughts up sometime after the game.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
No Thursday Update
Today is one of those days when a million things are going on and a million things are due, so I'm pulling a Scottie Pippen and sitting this one out. I'll be back tomorrow with a fresh update going into the weekend's game, plus the much-anticipated Worst of Fulmer article.
CC
CC
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Wednesday Scenic City Sports Update
It has taken me a few days to fully digest the pounding my Cowboys took on Sunday from the New England Patriots. Man, that was bad. You know the thing though - I thought about the cameras and cheating allegations all game long. It really is going to be Belichick's legacy. Every time the Patriots called the right play, converted a 3rd down or blanketed the Cowboy receivers, I wondered if something fishy was going on. I know the Pats are good - really good - but there is going to be that doubt all year long. Belichick can run up the score all he wants and the Patriots can rally around this cheating allegation all they want, but it doesn't make the suspicion go away. The more you see the Patriots this year, the more the Nixon/Watergate connection works. Why did Belichick need to cheat with this team on the field?
FAIR & SQUARE UPDATE!!!
Baseball
Indians 7 Red Sox 3 - Boy, the wheels just came off during the 5th inning, didn't they? People keep talking about the Rockies' defense and last night was a reason why it has been so important. The Red Sox failed to field a pop foul and then Wakefield ruined a double-play by mishandling a comebacker. That is three extra outs in the inning and the Tribe made Boston pay with seven runs.
The Red Sox made a nice run with the back-to-back-to-back jacks, but Manny's ridiculous display as the ball left the park left a bad taste in my mouth. I know that Manny is getting booed in Cleveland, his old stomping grounds. I know it was exciting to hit a third straight dinger. I know it was "Manny being Manny." None of that matters. Down four runs in the middle of the game, Manny's 'look at me' routine was pathetic. If ever a fastball ought to buzz by someone's chin, this is a proper occasion. Manny showed up the pitcher and might have ticked off the Indians enough to stop the Sox rally.
Or maybe it had something to do with J.D. Drew and Coco Crisp hitting behind him.
I like Manny - he might be the most under-rated player of his generation as he continues to pound hits, homers and RBIs each and every year - but it is hard to defend his selfishness last night. It was the wrong move at the wrong time. All the momentum had swung towards a Red Sox rally, but Manny turned that momentum into Cleveland ire by admiring his homerun so long. That isn't Manny being Manny - that is Manny being a jerk.
Patriots and Red Sox - this is starting to feel like a Bill Simmons article. Let's get out of New England.
Atlanta Falcons
Falcons turning to Leftwich? Does it matter? With that offensive line, the Birds cannot put a pocket passer back there with any hopes of winning. Leftwich is going to get killed quicker than a mutt at the Vick estate.
Next game - at New Orleans
That is about it - not much happening on the Vols, Titans, Braves, Mocs front. Maybe I should look at the Celtics...nevermind. Enjoy your Wednesday.
FAIR & SQUARE UPDATE!!!
Baseball
Indians 7 Red Sox 3 - Boy, the wheels just came off during the 5th inning, didn't they? People keep talking about the Rockies' defense and last night was a reason why it has been so important. The Red Sox failed to field a pop foul and then Wakefield ruined a double-play by mishandling a comebacker. That is three extra outs in the inning and the Tribe made Boston pay with seven runs.
The Red Sox made a nice run with the back-to-back-to-back jacks, but Manny's ridiculous display as the ball left the park left a bad taste in my mouth. I know that Manny is getting booed in Cleveland, his old stomping grounds. I know it was exciting to hit a third straight dinger. I know it was "Manny being Manny." None of that matters. Down four runs in the middle of the game, Manny's 'look at me' routine was pathetic. If ever a fastball ought to buzz by someone's chin, this is a proper occasion. Manny showed up the pitcher and might have ticked off the Indians enough to stop the Sox rally.
Or maybe it had something to do with J.D. Drew and Coco Crisp hitting behind him.
I like Manny - he might be the most under-rated player of his generation as he continues to pound hits, homers and RBIs each and every year - but it is hard to defend his selfishness last night. It was the wrong move at the wrong time. All the momentum had swung towards a Red Sox rally, but Manny turned that momentum into Cleveland ire by admiring his homerun so long. That isn't Manny being Manny - that is Manny being a jerk.
Patriots and Red Sox - this is starting to feel like a Bill Simmons article. Let's get out of New England.
Atlanta Falcons
Falcons turning to Leftwich? Does it matter? With that offensive line, the Birds cannot put a pocket passer back there with any hopes of winning. Leftwich is going to get killed quicker than a mutt at the Vick estate.
Next game - at New Orleans
That is about it - not much happening on the Vols, Titans, Braves, Mocs front. Maybe I should look at the Celtics...nevermind. Enjoy your Wednesday.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Here's the Wind...
As a kid, I used to do some mean baseball impressions. Glenn Hubbard's butt-out batting stance. Darryl Strawberry's upright, bat-wiggling approach. George Brett's weight-back await.
But it wasn't all offense. I loved to imitate my favorite pitchers as well. The Braves were my team, so I had Rick Mahler's neck-slap at the top of his wind-up, Zane Smith's inexplicable pause over his head and Gene Garber's look-back-at-centerfield submarine motion. For whatever reason, the variety of pitcher wind-ups fails to get the artistic attention it deserves. There are so many variations on the basic wind-up to make each one unique.
While watching Daisuke Matsuzaka's odd wind-up last night - pause...spin...kick - I was inspired to chronicle my favorite wind-ups in baseball history. Some of these I mastered as a child, some of these I'm no longer flexible enough to even attempt. So let's toe the rubber, get the sign and get to #10:
#10 Nolan Ryan - The perfect pitching wind-up. Every little league coach taught the Nolan Ryan wind-up. There were no unnecessary movements. It was powerful and compact. Ryan's leg drive produced much of his power, but his balance was also key to his dominance. This is the standard-bearer of wind-ups.
#9 Luis Tiant - I was not around for Tiant's career, but his wind-up is legendary. The former Indian and Red Sox looked like he was testing the strength of his ACL with each delivery as he twirled around toward centerfield with a whipping lower body action. Seriously, I think his career was ended when he knee snapped off like an old G.I. Joe toy, except without the mini-rubber band.
#8 Dontrelle Willis - The D-Train is the only current pitcher to make my list. His wind-up has personality unlike so many of today's pitchers. I think all the technology, pitching gurus, etc. have taken some of the fun out of pitching wind-ups. Most of today's aces use traditional, picture perfect form that is, frankly, boring. It is the same thing in basketball - everyone shoots the exact same way now. Will we ever see another Larry Bird-type shot? Bill Cartwright? Reggie Miller? I'm afraid golf is going the same route - no more Jim Furyks or Lee Trevinos.
Of the modern pitchers, the other guy I considered was Jake Peavy because I love how his off arm straightens out like he is opening a screen door before he throws the pitch.
# 7 Rick Sutcliffe - Okay, so this link is not to a Sutcliffe pitch, but it is endlessly entertaining. How on earth did the other broadcasters not realize that Sutty was tanked before they let him on the air? I might need to compile a list of drunken sports moments - Joe Namath, Rick Sutcliffe, Tony LaRussa, etc.
Back to a sober Sutcliffe, my favorite part of his delivery was his patented hiding of the ball behind his back. I have no idea how or why he did it, but Sutcliffe would tease the hitter to try to see the ball before finishing his overhand motion. My daughter would mistake it for a game of peek-a-boo. In fact, I bet Sutcliffe would yell "peek-a-boo" during meaningless September games at Wrigley. The kids probably loved it. I used to imitate it all the time - nobody else did anything like it at the time.
I also have a great Rick Sutcliffe story I heard years ago from Mark Grace on Dan Patrick's radio program. Sutcliffe was pitching in Cincinnati and getting lit up by the Reds. With each homerun, the folks at Riverfront Stadium set off fireworks to celebrate the shot. So Sutcliffe gives up a dinger & BOOM - fireworks fill the Cincinnati sky. The next batter - BOOM - more fireworks as another homerun leaves the park. Billy Connors made his way to the mound & Sutcliffe cut him off - "Get your fat ass out of here. I know I gave up two homeruns. I don't need your 'bleeping' help - I know what I'm doing." etc.
Connors calmly looked at Sutcliffe and replied, "I know you have things under control, Rick. I just wanted to give the fireworks guy time to reload."
#6 Dan Quisenberry - This is the closer section of the list. Closers are notoriously odd birds, so I could probably build a list exclusively around them. Remember Rob Nen's weird double foot tap delivery? Anyway, my first is Dan Quisenberry of the Kansas City Royals. I am a sucker for submariners for some reason - maybe because I always thought it might be my ticket to the majors if I could ever figure out how to do it. Same with the knuckleball. Back to Quisenberry - he was so violent and full-bodied in his delivery that he got most batters before he let the ball go. It is amazing he didn't rip his arm from his elbow over time, much like...
#5 Rob Dibble - Dibble came across his body with amazing power, but it always looked like he was one pitch away from ending his career. He added a tremendous leg motion that always helps make a good wind-up. Dibble's wind-up also seemed to mirror his volatile personality, much like...
#4 Mitch Williams - Wild Thing. We all used to imitate his falling over finish. Williams is best known for his terrible 1993 World Series, including giving up Joe Carter's homerun. I think that in coming years when people look back at Carter's historic shot, the first impression won't be about Joe's blow, but about why did that reliever fall over like that? Didn't he get hit in the head once after letting it go? Williams was like an outfielder trying to gun down a runner at home with every pitch he threw.
#3 Juan Marichal - The thing I really like about Marichal's super-high leg kick was that it propelled him to a Hall of Fame career. It even made the cover of Time magazine. His wind-up was not quirky for quirk's sake, but it helped generate his dominance. He even kept his left leg that high later in his career. How did Marichal avoid tipping backwards every once in a while?
There is a funny story about Marichal when he once hit an opposing catcher in the head with a baseball bat. Actually, that isn't so funny. Let's stick with the Sutcliffe one.
#2 Hideo Nomo - I love the wild wind-ups we get from the Far East & it all started with Nomo. His wind-up was so start-stop-start-stop that it seemed to take a good 10 seconds before he finally pitched the ball. I have always wondered what would have happened if Nomo just held the ball over his head and stopped his wind-up at that exaggerated pause. The batter could not call time because he was in his motion. I guess the umpire could call time if he held too long, but against someone like Gary Sheffield who depends so much on timing, this could have been an interesting strategy. Of course, Nomo also added the Sutcliffe peek-a-boo aspect to his wind-up. It was so wild and exciting as a kid that I mastered it within days. I still go to the Nomo wind-up whenever I want to add some spice to tossing Martha my keys or Abby her blanket. It also seems to annoy both of them.
And, drum roll please,
#1 Fernando Valenzuela - The wind-up that he learned from the Galapagos lizards or whatever Susan Sarandon told Nuke in Bull Durham. Fernando would have been lovable with an ordinary wind-up - he was a little overweight, kind of short compared to other pitchers, had a big friendly Mexican smile and could even pitch a little. Add his wind-up and you had a superstar. Fernando (nobody refers to him as Valenzuela) would look up at the sky (breathing through his eyelids) for a brief moment at the top of his wind-up before coming home with the pitch. It was so graceful and artistic. It was almost spiritual, as if he was looking to the gods before each fastball. It remains my favorite wind-up of all-time.
I am anxious to hear about other great ones I neglected. Step back, lift your arms, pivot to your side, raise your knee, dip your hands and fire away.
But it wasn't all offense. I loved to imitate my favorite pitchers as well. The Braves were my team, so I had Rick Mahler's neck-slap at the top of his wind-up, Zane Smith's inexplicable pause over his head and Gene Garber's look-back-at-centerfield submarine motion. For whatever reason, the variety of pitcher wind-ups fails to get the artistic attention it deserves. There are so many variations on the basic wind-up to make each one unique.
While watching Daisuke Matsuzaka's odd wind-up last night - pause...spin...kick - I was inspired to chronicle my favorite wind-ups in baseball history. Some of these I mastered as a child, some of these I'm no longer flexible enough to even attempt. So let's toe the rubber, get the sign and get to #10:
#10 Nolan Ryan - The perfect pitching wind-up. Every little league coach taught the Nolan Ryan wind-up. There were no unnecessary movements. It was powerful and compact. Ryan's leg drive produced much of his power, but his balance was also key to his dominance. This is the standard-bearer of wind-ups.
#9 Luis Tiant - I was not around for Tiant's career, but his wind-up is legendary. The former Indian and Red Sox looked like he was testing the strength of his ACL with each delivery as he twirled around toward centerfield with a whipping lower body action. Seriously, I think his career was ended when he knee snapped off like an old G.I. Joe toy, except without the mini-rubber band.
#8 Dontrelle Willis - The D-Train is the only current pitcher to make my list. His wind-up has personality unlike so many of today's pitchers. I think all the technology, pitching gurus, etc. have taken some of the fun out of pitching wind-ups. Most of today's aces use traditional, picture perfect form that is, frankly, boring. It is the same thing in basketball - everyone shoots the exact same way now. Will we ever see another Larry Bird-type shot? Bill Cartwright? Reggie Miller? I'm afraid golf is going the same route - no more Jim Furyks or Lee Trevinos.
Of the modern pitchers, the other guy I considered was Jake Peavy because I love how his off arm straightens out like he is opening a screen door before he throws the pitch.
# 7 Rick Sutcliffe - Okay, so this link is not to a Sutcliffe pitch, but it is endlessly entertaining. How on earth did the other broadcasters not realize that Sutty was tanked before they let him on the air? I might need to compile a list of drunken sports moments - Joe Namath, Rick Sutcliffe, Tony LaRussa, etc.
Back to a sober Sutcliffe, my favorite part of his delivery was his patented hiding of the ball behind his back. I have no idea how or why he did it, but Sutcliffe would tease the hitter to try to see the ball before finishing his overhand motion. My daughter would mistake it for a game of peek-a-boo. In fact, I bet Sutcliffe would yell "peek-a-boo" during meaningless September games at Wrigley. The kids probably loved it. I used to imitate it all the time - nobody else did anything like it at the time.
I also have a great Rick Sutcliffe story I heard years ago from Mark Grace on Dan Patrick's radio program. Sutcliffe was pitching in Cincinnati and getting lit up by the Reds. With each homerun, the folks at Riverfront Stadium set off fireworks to celebrate the shot. So Sutcliffe gives up a dinger & BOOM - fireworks fill the Cincinnati sky. The next batter - BOOM - more fireworks as another homerun leaves the park. Billy Connors made his way to the mound & Sutcliffe cut him off - "Get your fat ass out of here. I know I gave up two homeruns. I don't need your 'bleeping' help - I know what I'm doing." etc.
Connors calmly looked at Sutcliffe and replied, "I know you have things under control, Rick. I just wanted to give the fireworks guy time to reload."
#6 Dan Quisenberry - This is the closer section of the list. Closers are notoriously odd birds, so I could probably build a list exclusively around them. Remember Rob Nen's weird double foot tap delivery? Anyway, my first is Dan Quisenberry of the Kansas City Royals. I am a sucker for submariners for some reason - maybe because I always thought it might be my ticket to the majors if I could ever figure out how to do it. Same with the knuckleball. Back to Quisenberry - he was so violent and full-bodied in his delivery that he got most batters before he let the ball go. It is amazing he didn't rip his arm from his elbow over time, much like...
#5 Rob Dibble - Dibble came across his body with amazing power, but it always looked like he was one pitch away from ending his career. He added a tremendous leg motion that always helps make a good wind-up. Dibble's wind-up also seemed to mirror his volatile personality, much like...
#4 Mitch Williams - Wild Thing. We all used to imitate his falling over finish. Williams is best known for his terrible 1993 World Series, including giving up Joe Carter's homerun. I think that in coming years when people look back at Carter's historic shot, the first impression won't be about Joe's blow, but about why did that reliever fall over like that? Didn't he get hit in the head once after letting it go? Williams was like an outfielder trying to gun down a runner at home with every pitch he threw.
#3 Juan Marichal - The thing I really like about Marichal's super-high leg kick was that it propelled him to a Hall of Fame career. It even made the cover of Time magazine. His wind-up was not quirky for quirk's sake, but it helped generate his dominance. He even kept his left leg that high later in his career. How did Marichal avoid tipping backwards every once in a while?
There is a funny story about Marichal when he once hit an opposing catcher in the head with a baseball bat. Actually, that isn't so funny. Let's stick with the Sutcliffe one.
#2 Hideo Nomo - I love the wild wind-ups we get from the Far East & it all started with Nomo. His wind-up was so start-stop-start-stop that it seemed to take a good 10 seconds before he finally pitched the ball. I have always wondered what would have happened if Nomo just held the ball over his head and stopped his wind-up at that exaggerated pause. The batter could not call time because he was in his motion. I guess the umpire could call time if he held too long, but against someone like Gary Sheffield who depends so much on timing, this could have been an interesting strategy. Of course, Nomo also added the Sutcliffe peek-a-boo aspect to his wind-up. It was so wild and exciting as a kid that I mastered it within days. I still go to the Nomo wind-up whenever I want to add some spice to tossing Martha my keys or Abby her blanket. It also seems to annoy both of them.
And, drum roll please,
#1 Fernando Valenzuela - The wind-up that he learned from the Galapagos lizards or whatever Susan Sarandon told Nuke in Bull Durham. Fernando would have been lovable with an ordinary wind-up - he was a little overweight, kind of short compared to other pitchers, had a big friendly Mexican smile and could even pitch a little. Add his wind-up and you had a superstar. Fernando (nobody refers to him as Valenzuela) would look up at the sky (breathing through his eyelids) for a brief moment at the top of his wind-up before coming home with the pitch. It was so graceful and artistic. It was almost spiritual, as if he was looking to the gods before each fastball. It remains my favorite wind-up of all-time.
I am anxious to hear about other great ones I neglected. Step back, lift your arms, pivot to your side, raise your knee, dip your hands and fire away.
Tuesday Scenic City Sports Update
21 out of 22 for the Rockies - are they now the favorite to win the Series? A National League team?
UPDATE!!!
Baseball
I watched the Indians beat the Sox last night behind Jake Westbrook and a stellar bullpen. Dice-K did not look confident at all on the mound, though the goofy strike zone might have played a part in that. The Fox announcers were absolutely correct when they pointed out the impact of the AWFUL strike call against Manny Ramirez that should have loaded the bases. There were several pitches that were not even close on that side of the plate that were called strikes.
I never got a good answer on my Kenny Lofton question. Why does no team want this guy? He comes up clutch every October.
I did not watch any of the Rockies clincher last night, but I am excited about it. Todd Helton, Matt Holliday, Clint Hurdle - these guys are awfully likable. Are the Rockies still doing the whole Christian franchise thing? That weirded me out at the time, but they really have built a team of character and class.
Tennessee Vols
Basketball first - Jay Bilas has Tennessee ranked #7 in his pre-season poll. I don't even know how to comprehend this. Isn't this the same program that Buzz Peterson was running into the ground just a few years ago? Other news in this article - Chris Lofton is becoming a leader (um, two arrests in the last month - sounds like we could use a little more leadership) and Duke Crews is "making progress" in trying to getting reinstated.
Also, Bruce Pearl is featured in Sports Illustrated this week with a full article about his rise in basketball and clownish antics. I have not seen it yet.
Yesterday I bragged on the Vols offensive line and now Josh McNeil wins Offensive Lineman of the Week. Did anyone else know this award existed?
Tennessee Titans
Injuries, injuries, injuries. Vince Young is day-to-day with a thigh sprain. Chris Brown tweaked an ankle (who didn't see this injury coming - this guy is the Mike Hampton of the Titans), Albert Haynesworth has a groin injury and Brandon Jones is out for a while after undergoing surgery on his knee. That is an impressive list of talent that is hurting as the Titans head to Houston for a big divisional game. There is also talk that Chris Henry will be active for this week's game.
Next game - at Houston 1:00 pm
Atlanta Braves
Braves Mailbag! This week's mailbag lists the Braves free agents (Andruw Jones, Octavio Dotel & Julio Franco are the notable ones) & suggests none will return. There is also little chance we'll see a return of Leo Mazzone after he was fired by the Orioles.
Speaking of getting fired, I am going to be if I don't get back to work. There will be an article up later today inspired by Dice-K. Stay tuned.
UPDATE!!!
Baseball
I watched the Indians beat the Sox last night behind Jake Westbrook and a stellar bullpen. Dice-K did not look confident at all on the mound, though the goofy strike zone might have played a part in that. The Fox announcers were absolutely correct when they pointed out the impact of the AWFUL strike call against Manny Ramirez that should have loaded the bases. There were several pitches that were not even close on that side of the plate that were called strikes.
I never got a good answer on my Kenny Lofton question. Why does no team want this guy? He comes up clutch every October.
I did not watch any of the Rockies clincher last night, but I am excited about it. Todd Helton, Matt Holliday, Clint Hurdle - these guys are awfully likable. Are the Rockies still doing the whole Christian franchise thing? That weirded me out at the time, but they really have built a team of character and class.
Tennessee Vols
Basketball first - Jay Bilas has Tennessee ranked #7 in his pre-season poll. I don't even know how to comprehend this. Isn't this the same program that Buzz Peterson was running into the ground just a few years ago? Other news in this article - Chris Lofton is becoming a leader (um, two arrests in the last month - sounds like we could use a little more leadership) and Duke Crews is "making progress" in trying to getting reinstated.
Also, Bruce Pearl is featured in Sports Illustrated this week with a full article about his rise in basketball and clownish antics. I have not seen it yet.
Yesterday I bragged on the Vols offensive line and now Josh McNeil wins Offensive Lineman of the Week. Did anyone else know this award existed?
Tennessee Titans
Injuries, injuries, injuries. Vince Young is day-to-day with a thigh sprain. Chris Brown tweaked an ankle (who didn't see this injury coming - this guy is the Mike Hampton of the Titans), Albert Haynesworth has a groin injury and Brandon Jones is out for a while after undergoing surgery on his knee. That is an impressive list of talent that is hurting as the Titans head to Houston for a big divisional game. There is also talk that Chris Henry will be active for this week's game.
Next game - at Houston 1:00 pm
Atlanta Braves
Braves Mailbag! This week's mailbag lists the Braves free agents (Andruw Jones, Octavio Dotel & Julio Franco are the notable ones) & suggests none will return. There is also little chance we'll see a return of Leo Mazzone after he was fired by the Orioles.
Speaking of getting fired, I am going to be if I don't get back to work. There will be an article up later today inspired by Dice-K. Stay tuned.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Monday Scenic City Sports Update
Lots of sporting news, but I'm out-of-the-loop after a wedding weekend in Hilton Head. I did not take my golf clubs, but was having serious withdrawal all weekend. Imagine a recovering addict hanging out in a crackhouse - that is what going to Hilton Head is like for someone trying to give up his golf game.
Enough about me - UPDATE!!!
Tennessee Vols
Classic Fulmer victory - Tennessee lets an inferior team hang around for a while, but eventually the running game starts to wear down the opposing defense and the Vol defense is able to tee-off on obvious passing downs. Mississippi State hit a few big plays early, but it was all Vols in the 2nd half.
Kudos to the Vol offensive line that has played much, much better since the bye week. It has always started up front for the Vols. If the line can open up holes, Foster, Coker and Hardesty can wear down every defense the Vols will see for the rest of the year.
Next game - Saturday at Alabama 12:30 pm (yeesh - we're the early game vs. Alabama)
UTC Mocs
QB Antonio Miller led the Mocs to a big 39-21 win over Western Carolina. Miller ran, threw and even caught a touchdown against the Catamounts. The game was never close. This won't silence Allison's critics as it was a game the Mocs should have won. Next week against Furman will be a different story.
Next game - Saturday vs. Furman 12:00 pm (smart planning by UTC to try to beat the Bama game has backfired now that the UT start time is early. There will be plenty of seats available at Finley this Saturday).
Baseball
3-0 Rockies - Is there a comparison to what the Rockies have done over the last month - 20 wins out of 21 games, including six straight in the post-season? This is unbelievable.
1-1 Indians & Red Sox - Good news for the Sox is that they split Sabathia nd Carmona. The bad news for the Sox is that both were lousy in their starts and probably won't be so hittable the next time around. I did not get to see the extra innings marathon, but heard it was a brilliant baseball game. This post-season needs a seven-game series, so I'm hoping the teams split in Cleveland and keep the suspense building. Red Sox - bring your bug spray.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans lost a tough one at Tampa Bay as Matt Bryant's 43 yard field goal at the end won it for the Bucs. The big story was Vince Young's quad injury - I have not yet seen an update on it for next week. The Titans travel to Houston, Young's hometown and the team that passed on him for Mario Williams, so I imagine his leg will have to be severed in two to keep him out.
Next game - Sunday at Houston 12:00 pm.
Sorry for the brief update. Lots of good stuff in store for the week as we head towards the big Alabama game in Tuscaloosa. I'm feeling confident, especially after I did get to watch Alabama survive a miserable Ole Miss team. Saban will have them ready, but there is nothing on the Tide outside of D.J. Hall that remotely worries me.
Famous last words.
Enough about me - UPDATE!!!
Tennessee Vols
Classic Fulmer victory - Tennessee lets an inferior team hang around for a while, but eventually the running game starts to wear down the opposing defense and the Vol defense is able to tee-off on obvious passing downs. Mississippi State hit a few big plays early, but it was all Vols in the 2nd half.
Kudos to the Vol offensive line that has played much, much better since the bye week. It has always started up front for the Vols. If the line can open up holes, Foster, Coker and Hardesty can wear down every defense the Vols will see for the rest of the year.
Next game - Saturday at Alabama 12:30 pm (yeesh - we're the early game vs. Alabama)
UTC Mocs
QB Antonio Miller led the Mocs to a big 39-21 win over Western Carolina. Miller ran, threw and even caught a touchdown against the Catamounts. The game was never close. This won't silence Allison's critics as it was a game the Mocs should have won. Next week against Furman will be a different story.
Next game - Saturday vs. Furman 12:00 pm (smart planning by UTC to try to beat the Bama game has backfired now that the UT start time is early. There will be plenty of seats available at Finley this Saturday).
Baseball
3-0 Rockies - Is there a comparison to what the Rockies have done over the last month - 20 wins out of 21 games, including six straight in the post-season? This is unbelievable.
1-1 Indians & Red Sox - Good news for the Sox is that they split Sabathia nd Carmona. The bad news for the Sox is that both were lousy in their starts and probably won't be so hittable the next time around. I did not get to see the extra innings marathon, but heard it was a brilliant baseball game. This post-season needs a seven-game series, so I'm hoping the teams split in Cleveland and keep the suspense building. Red Sox - bring your bug spray.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans lost a tough one at Tampa Bay as Matt Bryant's 43 yard field goal at the end won it for the Bucs. The big story was Vince Young's quad injury - I have not yet seen an update on it for next week. The Titans travel to Houston, Young's hometown and the team that passed on him for Mario Williams, so I imagine his leg will have to be severed in two to keep him out.
Next game - Sunday at Houston 12:00 pm.
Sorry for the brief update. Lots of good stuff in store for the week as we head towards the big Alabama game in Tuscaloosa. I'm feeling confident, especially after I did get to watch Alabama survive a miserable Ole Miss team. Saban will have them ready, but there is nothing on the Tide outside of D.J. Hall that remotely worries me.
Famous last words.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Thursday Scenic City Sports Update
No update tomorrow as I'll be on the road to beautiful Hilton Head for a wedding. When you think of Hilton Head, you think golf, but my game is so bad right now that I might not even bring my clubs. At this point, I'm almost ready to stop the fight between golf and me. The sport has been pounding me on the ropes for the last ten years and it is almost time to mercy stop it.
Of course, the last round I played included a birdie that was inches from being a hole-in-one. That is like the one punch I landed from the ropes amid the pounding I was taking the rest of the round that told my brain, "Okay, he still has some fight left in him - I'll let this continue." I almost wish I had three-putted & thrown in the towel.
UPDATE!!!
Tennessee Vols
Here is the reply to John Pennington's column last week about former player's complaints, the one Phil Fulmer called a "cheap shot." I gave my thoughts on Pennington's article earlier in the week. It seems like this article could go a little deeper, but it is nice to see some specifics and actual facts that counter the accusations and guesses that Pennington built his column upon. Of course, I will continue my policy of building this blog on accusations, guesses and unabashed plagiarism.
Next game - Saturday at Mississippi State 2:30 pm
Nashville Kats
No longer exist.
Next game - never.
Atlanta Falcons
At least Vick can run...uh oh. The Falcons are down two offensive linemen as they approach Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora with a pair of immobile, awful quarterbacks. I SMELL AN UPSET!!! Seriously, we might see a fatality in the pocket on Monday night if the Falcons throw it more than fifteen times.
Next game - Monday night vs. NY Giants
Besides the wedding, my weekend will be built around Sunday's Cowboys/Patriots game. I cannot fathom a scenario in which Wade Phillips outcoaches Bill Belichick, Tony Romo outplays Tom Brady and the Cowboys beat the Patriots, but like I wrote on Tuesday, this team seems special. We'll see on Sunday.
Of course, the last round I played included a birdie that was inches from being a hole-in-one. That is like the one punch I landed from the ropes amid the pounding I was taking the rest of the round that told my brain, "Okay, he still has some fight left in him - I'll let this continue." I almost wish I had three-putted & thrown in the towel.
UPDATE!!!
Tennessee Vols
Here is the reply to John Pennington's column last week about former player's complaints, the one Phil Fulmer called a "cheap shot." I gave my thoughts on Pennington's article earlier in the week. It seems like this article could go a little deeper, but it is nice to see some specifics and actual facts that counter the accusations and guesses that Pennington built his column upon. Of course, I will continue my policy of building this blog on accusations, guesses and unabashed plagiarism.
Next game - Saturday at Mississippi State 2:30 pm
Nashville Kats
No longer exist.
Next game - never.
Atlanta Falcons
At least Vick can run...uh oh. The Falcons are down two offensive linemen as they approach Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora with a pair of immobile, awful quarterbacks. I SMELL AN UPSET!!! Seriously, we might see a fatality in the pocket on Monday night if the Falcons throw it more than fifteen times.
Next game - Monday night vs. NY Giants
Besides the wedding, my weekend will be built around Sunday's Cowboys/Patriots game. I cannot fathom a scenario in which Wade Phillips outcoaches Bill Belichick, Tony Romo outplays Tom Brady and the Cowboys beat the Patriots, but like I wrote on Tuesday, this team seems special. We'll see on Sunday.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Ten Greatest Wins of the Fulmer Era
Saturday's victory over Georgia was one of the finest of the Phil Fulmer coaching tenure - a 14 year era that includes a National Championship, multiple conference championships and wins over Michigan, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, UCLA, Texas A&M, California, Florida State and every other member of the SEC.
There have been many wonderful Saturdays like this past one since Fulmer took over the reigns of the Volunteer program. In a time when criticism of Fulmer has reached its highest pitches, let's take a moment to celebrate and debate the top 10 wins of Phil Fulmer's Tennessee coaching career.
10) 1999 Fiesta Bowl (BCS Championship) - Tennessee 23 Florida State 16
This is Fulmer's lone National Championship & deserves to be in the Top 10, but just barely. Florida State was stuck with a back-up quarterback for the biggest game of the year. There was little doubt that Tennessee was the better team, but the game stayed close throughout (which was fairly normal for the 1998 team that always won, just not always by a lot). Peerless Price could not be covered, catching 199 yards worth of balls as well as a touchdown. The play of the game was Dwayne Goodrich's Pick 6 that earned him the Defensive MVP of the game. This was patented-Fulmer football - defense, run the ball, avoid mistakes, hit a few big plays. It won him a National Championship.
9) 2003 - Tennessee 51 Alabama 43 in five overtimes
It took five overtimes to decide this game, a classic in the Tennessee/Alabama rivalry. Casey Clausen led the Vols to the win, though James Banks was the star with three touchdowns and over 100 yards receiving. James Allen ended the nearly five hour game when he knocked away Brodie Croyle's 4th down pass in the fifth overtime. The reason this game does not rank higher on the list is because both teams were down. Tennessee was 4-2 coming into the contest after back-to-back losses to Auburn and Georgia. Alabama was 3-6 after the loss, struggling under NCAA sanctions and the uninspired leadership of Mike Shula. It also ranks above the previous year's six overtime victory over Arkansas because 1) it was in Tuscaloosa 2) beating Alabama is more important than beating Arkansas.
8) 2003 - Tennessee 10 Miami 6
Staying in 2003, the Vols pulled out a miracle in the Orange Bowl with this win over the Hurricanes. The previous season, Ken Dorsey led Miami to an embarrassingly easy win in Knoxville over the injury-riddled and downward-sliding Vols program. Most expected the same in Miami, but thanks to a stingy defense, lots of Miami penalties and a perfectly-timed blitz of Brock Berlin that forced a game-saving interception, the Vols pulled out a memorable win. The offensive numbers were pathetic - Casey Clausen did not throw for 100 yards and no Vol back rushed for more than 45 yards. Classic Randy Sanders offense. The game is probably best remembered for Kellen Winslow's post-game nonsense that included charges that the Vols were gunning for his legs, how he does not care about an injured Vol and comparisons to soldiers at war. For Fulmer, this win took some heat off as Vols fans were becoming restless with the state of the program.
7) 1996 Citrus Bowl - Tennessee 20 Ohio State 14
I tend to think bowl games are over-rated - I'd rather beat Alabama or Florida than Penn State or Nebraska - but this was a big one for Fulmer and the Vols. It was yet another Citrus Bowl for the Vols, which on the surface seems like a good thing, but the Citrus Bowl became a yearly reminder that Spurrier was playing in the Sugar Bowl and Fulmer was not. As the Florida coach once said, "You can't spell Citrus without a U and T." Even if the Vols did not want to be in Orlando yet again, this game was special. Ohio State brought a loaded team that included the Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George. Peyton Manning and Jay Graham led the Volunteer offense and Leonard Little anchored a tough D. The game took on legendary status when Bill Duff and the defensive line stuffed George and the Buckeyes for a memorable goal line stand to preserve the win. Tennessee finished the season ranked #3 thanks to the tremendous win.
6) 1998 Tennessee 28 Arkansas 24
Beating Arkansas is not a big deal, unless you are undefeated at home on your way to a National Championship and down two points late in the game as the Razorbacks are trying to run out the clock. Houston Nutt had his team ready to play this day. They led the Vols by two points late, but QB Clint Stoerner stumbled his way back from center, placed the ball on the ground to brace himself and never got it again as Vol DT Billy Ratliff grabbed the fumble. Did Ratliff push back the lineman to cause the fumble or was it simply a terrible Arkansas mistake? It does not matter now - the Vols scored on the possession, continued unbeaten into the Fiesta Bowl and captured the very first BCS Championship.
5) 2004 Tennessee 30 Florida 28
The last Tennessee victory over Florida was a controversial one. The game went back and forth as Tennessee alternated freshmen quarterbacks Brent Schaeffer and Erik Ainge against Chris Leak and the Gators. It looked like Florida would leave Knoxville with a win as the Gators attempted to run out the clock, but WR Dallas Baker returned a received head-slap from Vol CB Jonathan Wade with one of his own and he got caught. 15 yards backwards and an incorrect stopping of the clock gave Tennessee a chance with the ball. Vol kicker James Wilhoit sought redemption after missing an extra point to tie the game and got it with a 50-yard game-winner. The Vols went on to the SEC championship game and a thorough thrashing of Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl.
4) 2005 Tennessee 30 LSU 27
There were few highlights during the 5-6 2005 season, but this was a great one. Tennessee traveled to Baton Rogue for a Monday game because of Hurricane Rita. The Vols were in the midst of a team-wide quarterback crisis after the coaching staff picked Erik Ainge over the more popular Rick Clausen. This game showed that the team was right - Ainge was awful, throwing a high school JV team interception in his own endzone as the Vols spotted LSU a 21-0 lead. Enter Rick Clausen - the former LSU Tiger. Clausen led the Vols to an improbable comeback that sent the game into overtime at 24-24. LSU opened with a field goal, but couldn't keep Gerald Riggs, Jr. out of the endzone as Tennessee won a thriller in Death Valley.
3) 1992 Tennessee 34 Georgia 31
The game that started it all. Johnny Majors was the Tennessee coach, but an off-season heart attack put Fulmer in charge of the team on an interim basis. Tennessee went to Athens to face an awesome Georgia offense built around QB Eric Zeier, RB Garrison Hearst and WR Andre Hastings. Fortunately, the Dawgs also had an awful coach in Ray Goff, the best thing that ever happened to the Vols short of Ron Zook. Fulmer entered the game with two quarterbacks - Jerry Colquitt and Heath Shuler, both looking to replace the departed Andy Kelly. Shuler took over the game and the job in the 2nd half, matching Georgia score for score. The Dawgs had one last chance, but Andre Hastings was hit from behind on a long gain and fumbled the ball away. Fulmer beat Florida the next week in the pouring rain before Majors returned to lose three straight to Alabama, Arkansas and South Carolina. The writing was on the wall as Majors was replaced by Fulmer at the end of the year.
2) 1996 Tennessee 41 Alabama 14
Before Spurrier became Enemy #1, it was the Crimson Tide that served as a yearly thorn in the Volunteer's side. From David Palmer's 2-point conversion run to the entire Jay Barker era, the third Saturday in October was a painful day for Vol Nation. It all changed on a magical evening in Tuscaloosa, Alabama when Peyton Manning hit Joey Kent for an 80 yard touchdown on the opening play of the game. When the Tide showed some life later in the game, Jay Graham shut the door with a brilliant touchdown run down the sideline. Finally, the Tide's streak of 9 games without a loss to the Vols was broken.
1) 1998 Tennessee 20 Florida 17 in overtime
No doubter in my book. Looking back, there is no way Tennessee deserved to win this one. The Vols gave up tons of yardage on defense, but kept coming up with timely turnovers to keep the Gators off the board. The offense could not move the ball, but made a couple of big plays with Shawn Bryson and a wild Tee Martin to Peerless Price touchdown bomb. The Vols went three and out in overtime, but made their field goal and then benefited when Florida could not do the same. It was ugly, but it was a win. The Vols had been explosive for four years behind Peyton Manning, but it was the grinding ugliness of Tee Martin that actually beat Spurrier.
Beyond being an amazing football game, this did several things for the Vols. First, it was a much-needed win for Fulmer over Spurrier. Many Vols fans thought Spurrier had gotten into Fulmer's head, especially in previous years when Fulmer seemed to coach a completely different style of game against Florida (going on 4th down, abandoning the run). It also put Tennessee into the SEC driver's seat, a position it had not enjoyed since Fulmer's interim coaching year. Finally, it gave the Vols an opportunity for a perfect season - an opportunity Fulmer & Co. turned into a National Championship. All these factors make it the greatest and signature win of the Phil Fulmer era.
There may be debate about these picks or the order, but there is no debate about the legacy Phil Fulmer has left in Knoxville. It is awfully fun to remember the high points of his Volunteer career.
Next week - the worst losses of the Fulmer era. Hope I didn't jinx us in Starkville...
There have been many wonderful Saturdays like this past one since Fulmer took over the reigns of the Volunteer program. In a time when criticism of Fulmer has reached its highest pitches, let's take a moment to celebrate and debate the top 10 wins of Phil Fulmer's Tennessee coaching career.
10) 1999 Fiesta Bowl (BCS Championship) - Tennessee 23 Florida State 16
This is Fulmer's lone National Championship & deserves to be in the Top 10, but just barely. Florida State was stuck with a back-up quarterback for the biggest game of the year. There was little doubt that Tennessee was the better team, but the game stayed close throughout (which was fairly normal for the 1998 team that always won, just not always by a lot). Peerless Price could not be covered, catching 199 yards worth of balls as well as a touchdown. The play of the game was Dwayne Goodrich's Pick 6 that earned him the Defensive MVP of the game. This was patented-Fulmer football - defense, run the ball, avoid mistakes, hit a few big plays. It won him a National Championship.
9) 2003 - Tennessee 51 Alabama 43 in five overtimes
It took five overtimes to decide this game, a classic in the Tennessee/Alabama rivalry. Casey Clausen led the Vols to the win, though James Banks was the star with three touchdowns and over 100 yards receiving. James Allen ended the nearly five hour game when he knocked away Brodie Croyle's 4th down pass in the fifth overtime. The reason this game does not rank higher on the list is because both teams were down. Tennessee was 4-2 coming into the contest after back-to-back losses to Auburn and Georgia. Alabama was 3-6 after the loss, struggling under NCAA sanctions and the uninspired leadership of Mike Shula. It also ranks above the previous year's six overtime victory over Arkansas because 1) it was in Tuscaloosa 2) beating Alabama is more important than beating Arkansas.
8) 2003 - Tennessee 10 Miami 6
Staying in 2003, the Vols pulled out a miracle in the Orange Bowl with this win over the Hurricanes. The previous season, Ken Dorsey led Miami to an embarrassingly easy win in Knoxville over the injury-riddled and downward-sliding Vols program. Most expected the same in Miami, but thanks to a stingy defense, lots of Miami penalties and a perfectly-timed blitz of Brock Berlin that forced a game-saving interception, the Vols pulled out a memorable win. The offensive numbers were pathetic - Casey Clausen did not throw for 100 yards and no Vol back rushed for more than 45 yards. Classic Randy Sanders offense. The game is probably best remembered for Kellen Winslow's post-game nonsense that included charges that the Vols were gunning for his legs, how he does not care about an injured Vol and comparisons to soldiers at war. For Fulmer, this win took some heat off as Vols fans were becoming restless with the state of the program.
7) 1996 Citrus Bowl - Tennessee 20 Ohio State 14
I tend to think bowl games are over-rated - I'd rather beat Alabama or Florida than Penn State or Nebraska - but this was a big one for Fulmer and the Vols. It was yet another Citrus Bowl for the Vols, which on the surface seems like a good thing, but the Citrus Bowl became a yearly reminder that Spurrier was playing in the Sugar Bowl and Fulmer was not. As the Florida coach once said, "You can't spell Citrus without a U and T." Even if the Vols did not want to be in Orlando yet again, this game was special. Ohio State brought a loaded team that included the Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George. Peyton Manning and Jay Graham led the Volunteer offense and Leonard Little anchored a tough D. The game took on legendary status when Bill Duff and the defensive line stuffed George and the Buckeyes for a memorable goal line stand to preserve the win. Tennessee finished the season ranked #3 thanks to the tremendous win.
6) 1998 Tennessee 28 Arkansas 24
Beating Arkansas is not a big deal, unless you are undefeated at home on your way to a National Championship and down two points late in the game as the Razorbacks are trying to run out the clock. Houston Nutt had his team ready to play this day. They led the Vols by two points late, but QB Clint Stoerner stumbled his way back from center, placed the ball on the ground to brace himself and never got it again as Vol DT Billy Ratliff grabbed the fumble. Did Ratliff push back the lineman to cause the fumble or was it simply a terrible Arkansas mistake? It does not matter now - the Vols scored on the possession, continued unbeaten into the Fiesta Bowl and captured the very first BCS Championship.
5) 2004 Tennessee 30 Florida 28
The last Tennessee victory over Florida was a controversial one. The game went back and forth as Tennessee alternated freshmen quarterbacks Brent Schaeffer and Erik Ainge against Chris Leak and the Gators. It looked like Florida would leave Knoxville with a win as the Gators attempted to run out the clock, but WR Dallas Baker returned a received head-slap from Vol CB Jonathan Wade with one of his own and he got caught. 15 yards backwards and an incorrect stopping of the clock gave Tennessee a chance with the ball. Vol kicker James Wilhoit sought redemption after missing an extra point to tie the game and got it with a 50-yard game-winner. The Vols went on to the SEC championship game and a thorough thrashing of Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl.
4) 2005 Tennessee 30 LSU 27
There were few highlights during the 5-6 2005 season, but this was a great one. Tennessee traveled to Baton Rogue for a Monday game because of Hurricane Rita. The Vols were in the midst of a team-wide quarterback crisis after the coaching staff picked Erik Ainge over the more popular Rick Clausen. This game showed that the team was right - Ainge was awful, throwing a high school JV team interception in his own endzone as the Vols spotted LSU a 21-0 lead. Enter Rick Clausen - the former LSU Tiger. Clausen led the Vols to an improbable comeback that sent the game into overtime at 24-24. LSU opened with a field goal, but couldn't keep Gerald Riggs, Jr. out of the endzone as Tennessee won a thriller in Death Valley.
3) 1992 Tennessee 34 Georgia 31
The game that started it all. Johnny Majors was the Tennessee coach, but an off-season heart attack put Fulmer in charge of the team on an interim basis. Tennessee went to Athens to face an awesome Georgia offense built around QB Eric Zeier, RB Garrison Hearst and WR Andre Hastings. Fortunately, the Dawgs also had an awful coach in Ray Goff, the best thing that ever happened to the Vols short of Ron Zook. Fulmer entered the game with two quarterbacks - Jerry Colquitt and Heath Shuler, both looking to replace the departed Andy Kelly. Shuler took over the game and the job in the 2nd half, matching Georgia score for score. The Dawgs had one last chance, but Andre Hastings was hit from behind on a long gain and fumbled the ball away. Fulmer beat Florida the next week in the pouring rain before Majors returned to lose three straight to Alabama, Arkansas and South Carolina. The writing was on the wall as Majors was replaced by Fulmer at the end of the year.
2) 1996 Tennessee 41 Alabama 14
Before Spurrier became Enemy #1, it was the Crimson Tide that served as a yearly thorn in the Volunteer's side. From David Palmer's 2-point conversion run to the entire Jay Barker era, the third Saturday in October was a painful day for Vol Nation. It all changed on a magical evening in Tuscaloosa, Alabama when Peyton Manning hit Joey Kent for an 80 yard touchdown on the opening play of the game. When the Tide showed some life later in the game, Jay Graham shut the door with a brilliant touchdown run down the sideline. Finally, the Tide's streak of 9 games without a loss to the Vols was broken.
1) 1998 Tennessee 20 Florida 17 in overtime
No doubter in my book. Looking back, there is no way Tennessee deserved to win this one. The Vols gave up tons of yardage on defense, but kept coming up with timely turnovers to keep the Gators off the board. The offense could not move the ball, but made a couple of big plays with Shawn Bryson and a wild Tee Martin to Peerless Price touchdown bomb. The Vols went three and out in overtime, but made their field goal and then benefited when Florida could not do the same. It was ugly, but it was a win. The Vols had been explosive for four years behind Peyton Manning, but it was the grinding ugliness of Tee Martin that actually beat Spurrier.
Beyond being an amazing football game, this did several things for the Vols. First, it was a much-needed win for Fulmer over Spurrier. Many Vols fans thought Spurrier had gotten into Fulmer's head, especially in previous years when Fulmer seemed to coach a completely different style of game against Florida (going on 4th down, abandoning the run). It also put Tennessee into the SEC driver's seat, a position it had not enjoyed since Fulmer's interim coaching year. Finally, it gave the Vols an opportunity for a perfect season - an opportunity Fulmer & Co. turned into a National Championship. All these factors make it the greatest and signature win of the Phil Fulmer era.
There may be debate about these picks or the order, but there is no debate about the legacy Phil Fulmer has left in Knoxville. It is awfully fun to remember the high points of his Volunteer career.
Next week - the worst losses of the Fulmer era. Hope I didn't jinx us in Starkville...
Wednesday Scenic City Sports Update
No baseball or football last night, so not too much to update. I'll have the Best of Fulmer article up later today.
UPDATE!!!
Atlanta Falcons
In a surprising move, an arbitrator ruled that the Falcons can get $19.9 million back from Michael Vick. Good grief. There is a part of me that is starting to feel sorry for Vick at this point, though I agree with the ruling since the Falcons paid Vick to, you know, actually play football. There will be further appeals, but this has to be a ray of sunshine for an otherwise gloomy year in Atlanta.
Coach Petrino addressed the situation with an unhappy Alge Crumpler, saying the two had "decent" talks. I don't know what that means, but I hope it means more balls for Crumpler. Crumpler has been a stalwart for the Falcons for years, a solid receiving option...okay, Crumpler is my fantasy tight end and his lack of production is killing me. KILLING ME! THROW HIM THE BALL!!!
Tennessee Titans
Pacman Jones thinks he has done enough to be reinstated. Well, he did win the TNA Tag Team titles. I don't know what Goodell told Pacman about getting himself back into the league, but I hope this isn't, as Chris Rock would say, someone wanting credit for what they are supposed to do. Does Pacman think that staying out of jail is enough to get back into the NFL? Does he think that avoiding strip clubs is good behavior?
He would help the Titans...
Tennessee Vols
Bulletin board material from Sylvester Croom? The Vols are taking it as such after Croom said the Vols need nine in the box to stop the Bulldogs run. Weird move from Croom. Why do you want to fire up an already fired-up team? Is Mississippi State talking trash - the same MSU that hasn't been to a bowl game in years? Croom...come on, man. What are you thinking?
Look for the Best of Fulmer article later today. Have a great Wednesday.
UPDATE!!!
Atlanta Falcons
In a surprising move, an arbitrator ruled that the Falcons can get $19.9 million back from Michael Vick. Good grief. There is a part of me that is starting to feel sorry for Vick at this point, though I agree with the ruling since the Falcons paid Vick to, you know, actually play football. There will be further appeals, but this has to be a ray of sunshine for an otherwise gloomy year in Atlanta.
Coach Petrino addressed the situation with an unhappy Alge Crumpler, saying the two had "decent" talks. I don't know what that means, but I hope it means more balls for Crumpler. Crumpler has been a stalwart for the Falcons for years, a solid receiving option...okay, Crumpler is my fantasy tight end and his lack of production is killing me. KILLING ME! THROW HIM THE BALL!!!
Tennessee Titans
Pacman Jones thinks he has done enough to be reinstated. Well, he did win the TNA Tag Team titles. I don't know what Goodell told Pacman about getting himself back into the league, but I hope this isn't, as Chris Rock would say, someone wanting credit for what they are supposed to do. Does Pacman think that staying out of jail is enough to get back into the NFL? Does he think that avoiding strip clubs is good behavior?
He would help the Titans...
Tennessee Vols
Bulletin board material from Sylvester Croom? The Vols are taking it as such after Croom said the Vols need nine in the box to stop the Bulldogs run. Weird move from Croom. Why do you want to fire up an already fired-up team? Is Mississippi State talking trash - the same MSU that hasn't been to a bowl game in years? Croom...come on, man. What are you thinking?
Look for the Best of Fulmer article later today. Have a great Wednesday.
Baseball Blogging
We're down to four as the Indians eliminated the Yankees last night. For the record, that means I went 0-4 in my predictions. You might want to start looking for another sportsblog that knows something about sports.
Joe Torre's future - sounds like he is gone. I don't know how Torre can get the blame for the Yankees' troubles in the playoffs, but there will likely be a fall guy and it ain't going to be Steinbrenner. Didn't we know all year that the Yankees' starting rotation was going to be its downfall? They were terrible in this series. That is hardly Torre's fault, but it might be time to shake up the organization a bit. Word on the street is that Don Mattingly is the favorite, though Tony LaRussa is another possibility.
There is a story this morning that both Arizona playoff games aren't sold out or even close to being sold out. How is that possible? There was a time when Atlanta struggled to sellout its opening round, but that was also when Atlanta was going to the playoffs every year and the first round was a formality. This is for the World Series in a town that hasn't had good baseball in a few years. What is going on in Phoenix?
Joe Torre's future - sounds like he is gone. I don't know how Torre can get the blame for the Yankees' troubles in the playoffs, but there will likely be a fall guy and it ain't going to be Steinbrenner. Didn't we know all year that the Yankees' starting rotation was going to be its downfall? They were terrible in this series. That is hardly Torre's fault, but it might be time to shake up the organization a bit. Word on the street is that Don Mattingly is the favorite, though Tony LaRussa is another possibility.
There is a story this morning that both Arizona playoff games aren't sold out or even close to being sold out. How is that possible? There was a time when Atlanta struggled to sellout its opening round, but that was also when Atlanta was going to the playoffs every year and the first round was a formality. This is for the World Series in a town that hasn't had good baseball in a few years. What is going on in Phoenix?
Tuesday Scenic City Sports Update
How 'bout them Cowboys? This team feels special - Super Bowl special.
UPDATE!!!
Tennessee Vols
Lots of interesting news here, including CBS's possible decision to televise Florida/Kentucky instead of Tennessee/Alabama. If that happens, the Bama game will be the Lincoln Financial game, but not nationally televised. As much as I would love to see the game on CBS, I have a feeling they are going to pick Florida/Kentucky. Two Heisman candidates, upstart Kentucky...I think that is what I would pick.
Other news in the article - Brent Vinson looks to be okay after getting hurt defending the touchdown on Saturday. Fulmer also discussed the spread punt formation they used against Georgia.
Last news bit - Tennessee is back in the rankings at #25, one behind Georgia. Explain that to me.
Next game - Saturday at Mississippi State 2:30 p.m.
Tennessee Titans
Coach Jeff Fisher talks injuries, penalties and laying off Vince Young for one bad game in his Monday press conference. The best part of the conference was Fisher's explanation of the Haynesworth play - they studied enough film to know Atlanta would try to cut low on the goal line, so Haynesworth went high to avoid it. Awesome play.
Next game - Sunday at Tampa Bay Bucs 1:00 p.m.
Atlanta Falcons
From bad to worse this season as left tackle Wayne Gandy is out for the year.
Next game - Monday, October 15th at NY Giants 8:30 p.m.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks opened the pre-season with a win over the Orlando Magic. Blue uniforms, too. Weird.
Next game - Wednesday at Miami Heat 7:30 p.m.
Atlanta Braves
Lots of speculation on the Braves' future, including ideas about Glavine, Hampton and the centerfield position. I had no idea that Willie Harris hit that poorly down the stretch. I like the idea of using Harris instead of signing someone like Mike Cameron, but I suspect the Braves will sign a bridge veteran before Jordan Schafer arrives. As for Glavine, I hope the Braves don't overpay for him, but I'm coming around to the idea.
UPDATE!!!
Tennessee Vols
Lots of interesting news here, including CBS's possible decision to televise Florida/Kentucky instead of Tennessee/Alabama. If that happens, the Bama game will be the Lincoln Financial game, but not nationally televised. As much as I would love to see the game on CBS, I have a feeling they are going to pick Florida/Kentucky. Two Heisman candidates, upstart Kentucky...I think that is what I would pick.
Other news in the article - Brent Vinson looks to be okay after getting hurt defending the touchdown on Saturday. Fulmer also discussed the spread punt formation they used against Georgia.
Last news bit - Tennessee is back in the rankings at #25, one behind Georgia. Explain that to me.
Next game - Saturday at Mississippi State 2:30 p.m.
Tennessee Titans
Coach Jeff Fisher talks injuries, penalties and laying off Vince Young for one bad game in his Monday press conference. The best part of the conference was Fisher's explanation of the Haynesworth play - they studied enough film to know Atlanta would try to cut low on the goal line, so Haynesworth went high to avoid it. Awesome play.
Next game - Sunday at Tampa Bay Bucs 1:00 p.m.
Atlanta Falcons
From bad to worse this season as left tackle Wayne Gandy is out for the year.
Next game - Monday, October 15th at NY Giants 8:30 p.m.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks opened the pre-season with a win over the Orlando Magic. Blue uniforms, too. Weird.
Next game - Wednesday at Miami Heat 7:30 p.m.
Atlanta Braves
Lots of speculation on the Braves' future, including ideas about Glavine, Hampton and the centerfield position. I had no idea that Willie Harris hit that poorly down the stretch. I like the idea of using Harris instead of signing someone like Mike Cameron, but I suspect the Braves will sign a bridge veteran before Jordan Schafer arrives. As for Glavine, I hope the Braves don't overpay for him, but I'm coming around to the idea.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Monday Scenic City Sports Update
A great sports weekend just keeps rolling along tonight as my Cowboys play Buffalo tonight. If Dallas can somehow stop the Trent Edwards-led Bills, we will have a battle of unbeatens next week between the Patriots and Cowboys. I like this Cowboys team, but their only win over a decent team so far was against Chicago. Next week will be the first real test of the Wade Phillips era.
UPDATE!!!
Tennessee Vols
One of the leading stories coming out of the Georgia victory was Phil Fulmer's post-game criticism of this article by Knoxville writer John Pennington. Fulmer called it a, "cheap shot." I do not know exactly what he meant by that, but I also found the article to be out of line. The fact of the matter is that any reporter could write this article about any coach in America if he/she talked to the right former players. You don't think there is a group of players who would love to rip Pete Carroll, Urban Meyer, Bob Stoopes, etc.. If you coach long enough, you are going to make some enemies.
Furthermore, if the players chose not allow their names to be used, the article should not have been written. If we knew these former players were Jamal Lewis, Al Wilson, JJ McClesky and Joey Kent, it would have credibility. For all we know, these guys were all under-achievers who hold Fulmer accountable for their disappointing careers. The bottom line is that no matter how many times Pennington winks and assures the reader that his sources are legit, the fact that they are anonymous kills the credibility. John Pennington - I don't know or trust you. I understand why Fulmer took this personally, whether the criticisms are true or not.
Next game - at Mississippi State 2:30 p.m.
UTC Mocs
The Mocs put up a fight, but lost to Arkansas 34-15. UTC actually took an early lead after an Arkansas safety and only trailed 24-15 in the 4th quarter. Quarterback Antonio Miller was not much help, going 4 for 22 for a whopping 11 yards. Yeesh.
Next game - Saturday vs. Western Carolina 6:00 p.m.
Tennessee Titans
In one of the ugliest football games ever played, the Titans held off the Atlanta Falcons for a 20-13 victory. Vince Young was awful, the Titans gave up a blocked punt late (technically not blocked because Chris Hendrich just fell on it) along with five other turnovers and only the ineptitude of Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich saved the Titans from a terrible loss. This was not a playoff team or even a .500 team, though Tennessee still figured out a way to win thanks mostly to Albert Haynesworth and the D-line. Haynesworth had the play of the game when he leaped over the line to grab Leftwich before he could hand the ball off to Warrick Dunn. The play pushed the Falcons back from the goal line to outside the five and they never scored from there. A win is a win.
Next game - at Tampa Bay 1:00 p.m.
Atlanta Falcons
Coach Bobby Petrino talked about the decision to go with Leftwich as well as the injury to Wayne Gandy after yesterday's loss. Harrington did get knocked around, but why throw Leftwich out there late in the game? He looked rusty and ineffective. He was also the 3rd string QB, which meant Petrino could not go back to Harrington and would have been stuck if Leftwich was hurt (which has been prone to happen). The Falcons looked terrible on offense yesterday - wasn't Petrino supposed to be an offensive guru?
Next game - October 15th (Monday) vs. New York Giants 8 p.m. (is anyone going to watch this stinker?)
No hockey update because nobody cares. Several good articles are in the works, including the Best of Fulmer and my all-time favorite wind-ups.
See you tomorrow.
UPDATE!!!
Tennessee Vols
One of the leading stories coming out of the Georgia victory was Phil Fulmer's post-game criticism of this article by Knoxville writer John Pennington. Fulmer called it a, "cheap shot." I do not know exactly what he meant by that, but I also found the article to be out of line. The fact of the matter is that any reporter could write this article about any coach in America if he/she talked to the right former players. You don't think there is a group of players who would love to rip Pete Carroll, Urban Meyer, Bob Stoopes, etc.. If you coach long enough, you are going to make some enemies.
Furthermore, if the players chose not allow their names to be used, the article should not have been written. If we knew these former players were Jamal Lewis, Al Wilson, JJ McClesky and Joey Kent, it would have credibility. For all we know, these guys were all under-achievers who hold Fulmer accountable for their disappointing careers. The bottom line is that no matter how many times Pennington winks and assures the reader that his sources are legit, the fact that they are anonymous kills the credibility. John Pennington - I don't know or trust you. I understand why Fulmer took this personally, whether the criticisms are true or not.
Next game - at Mississippi State 2:30 p.m.
UTC Mocs
The Mocs put up a fight, but lost to Arkansas 34-15. UTC actually took an early lead after an Arkansas safety and only trailed 24-15 in the 4th quarter. Quarterback Antonio Miller was not much help, going 4 for 22 for a whopping 11 yards. Yeesh.
Next game - Saturday vs. Western Carolina 6:00 p.m.
Tennessee Titans
In one of the ugliest football games ever played, the Titans held off the Atlanta Falcons for a 20-13 victory. Vince Young was awful, the Titans gave up a blocked punt late (technically not blocked because Chris Hendrich just fell on it) along with five other turnovers and only the ineptitude of Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich saved the Titans from a terrible loss. This was not a playoff team or even a .500 team, though Tennessee still figured out a way to win thanks mostly to Albert Haynesworth and the D-line. Haynesworth had the play of the game when he leaped over the line to grab Leftwich before he could hand the ball off to Warrick Dunn. The play pushed the Falcons back from the goal line to outside the five and they never scored from there. A win is a win.
Next game - at Tampa Bay 1:00 p.m.
Atlanta Falcons
Coach Bobby Petrino talked about the decision to go with Leftwich as well as the injury to Wayne Gandy after yesterday's loss. Harrington did get knocked around, but why throw Leftwich out there late in the game? He looked rusty and ineffective. He was also the 3rd string QB, which meant Petrino could not go back to Harrington and would have been stuck if Leftwich was hurt (which has been prone to happen). The Falcons looked terrible on offense yesterday - wasn't Petrino supposed to be an offensive guru?
Next game - October 15th (Monday) vs. New York Giants 8 p.m. (is anyone going to watch this stinker?)
No hockey update because nobody cares. Several good articles are in the works, including the Best of Fulmer and my all-time favorite wind-ups.
See you tomorrow.
Weekend Blogging #3 - Baseball Blogging
No Braves, but still plenty of smile-worthy playoff baseball. Such as:
Colorado Rockies - my father-in-law lives in Denver and is going nuts over this Rockies team. Who can blame him? They are fun to watch, play the right way and look unbeatable right now. And how can you not feel great for Todd Helton? He is the face of the franchise and now, finally, is having some post-season success. I picked the Phillies to go to the World Series, but they were absolutely smoked and swept by the Rockies.
Arizona Diamondbacks - as my friend Dave told me, this is the strangest team in baseball. Somehow, someway, they win. Four double-plays in one game helps for sure. Livan Hernandez looked wild and hittable on Saturday, but the Cubbies could not capitalize. Luckily, Lou Pinella can now turn to Carlos Zambrano to save their...oops.
Boston Red Sox - so much for my other pick for the World Series, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim California which is in the United States. The Angels, like the Padres, had injuries at the worst time of the year. Not to take anything away from the BoSox sweep, but they really did catch the Angels at the right time. The Red Sox look like the April/May Sox instead of the August/September Sox. Big Papi & Manny look healthy again, Schilling is still a big-game pitcher and Papelbon keeps getting big outs. Now they can sit back and await...
Indians/Yankees - last night I thought I was going to be writing Joe Torre's epitaph this morning, but the Yanks' bats came alive like Peter Frampton and saved the series. The real heroes, though, were the Yankees' bullpen after The Rocket had absolutely nothing. Hamstring, my ass. His problem was a lack of velocity on his fastball and bite on his breaking stuff. The Indians were teeing off on Clemens last night. Quite the investment, George. Speaking of which, I imagine Steinbrenner is taking some credit for firing up the troops with his silly Torre comments. They sure did not do much for Clemens last night.
As for the Tribe, last night was a huge missed opportunity. The Indians have no one to blame but themselves. Between Trot Nixon's misplay and Eric Wedge's decision to stick with Westbrook, Cleveland must now rebound from the loss & rally around Paul Byrd...must now get ready to host Game 5 behind C.C. Sabathia.
Red Sox/Yankees, anyone?
Colorado Rockies - my father-in-law lives in Denver and is going nuts over this Rockies team. Who can blame him? They are fun to watch, play the right way and look unbeatable right now. And how can you not feel great for Todd Helton? He is the face of the franchise and now, finally, is having some post-season success. I picked the Phillies to go to the World Series, but they were absolutely smoked and swept by the Rockies.
Arizona Diamondbacks - as my friend Dave told me, this is the strangest team in baseball. Somehow, someway, they win. Four double-plays in one game helps for sure. Livan Hernandez looked wild and hittable on Saturday, but the Cubbies could not capitalize. Luckily, Lou Pinella can now turn to Carlos Zambrano to save their...oops.
Boston Red Sox - so much for my other pick for the World Series, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim California which is in the United States. The Angels, like the Padres, had injuries at the worst time of the year. Not to take anything away from the BoSox sweep, but they really did catch the Angels at the right time. The Red Sox look like the April/May Sox instead of the August/September Sox. Big Papi & Manny look healthy again, Schilling is still a big-game pitcher and Papelbon keeps getting big outs. Now they can sit back and await...
Indians/Yankees - last night I thought I was going to be writing Joe Torre's epitaph this morning, but the Yanks' bats came alive like Peter Frampton and saved the series. The real heroes, though, were the Yankees' bullpen after The Rocket had absolutely nothing. Hamstring, my ass. His problem was a lack of velocity on his fastball and bite on his breaking stuff. The Indians were teeing off on Clemens last night. Quite the investment, George. Speaking of which, I imagine Steinbrenner is taking some credit for firing up the troops with his silly Torre comments. They sure did not do much for Clemens last night.
As for the Tribe, last night was a huge missed opportunity. The Indians have no one to blame but themselves. Between Trot Nixon's misplay and Eric Wedge's decision to stick with Westbrook, Cleveland must now rebound from the loss & rally around Paul Byrd...must now get ready to host Game 5 behind C.C. Sabathia.
Red Sox/Yankees, anyone?
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Weekend Blogging #2 - Tennessee/Georgia
Tennessee Vols 35 Georgia Bulldogs 14
I don't even know what to write about this game. It was like the Pet Sounds of Tennessee Football. It was perfect. I have no complaints about anything about it. If I really tried, I might whine about the earliness of Fulmer's Gatorade bath. We had two stupid penalties after the blocked punt, but they were because we were a little too juiced up about the play. Jonathan Hefney fair-caught a ball without a Bulldog on the same side of the field as him. Um...is there anything else?
Let's have some real fun and list the good things:
1) The opening kickoff went into the end zone - we didn't give up 35-40 yards on a kickoff. Great start - set the tone for the afternoon.
2) Staying with special teams - we haven't covered kicks that well all year. By the third quarter, I wasn't even nervous about them anymore.
3) New punting formation - that was like catching your grandpa listening to an iPod. Fulmer never does anything like that - we still run 90% of our plays from the I-formation, for goodness sake. I don't even know if I like the new punting formation, but it was just another indication that things were different from the first four games of the season.
4) Things were different from the first four games of the season!!!
5) Blocked punt - holy, Virginia Tech! When was the last time we blocked a punt? Did we hire a special teams coach during the bye week?
6) Erik Ainge - if Tennessee was not 3-2, Ainge might be a sleeper Heisman candidate. He still might be if we run the table from here forward (did I just type that???). I have always liked Ainge, but never loved him. I'm starting to love him - Top 10 Vol QB's ever love (1. Peyton 2. Shuler 3. Kelly 4. Martin 5. Holloway (I was too young, but I've heard stories) 6. Tony Robinson 7. Erik Ainge 8. Joe Bob Cooter 9. Jeff Francis 10. Rick Clausen). Back to Ainge, he is making great reads, throwing catchable, accurate balls and looks cooler than a cucumber in the pocket.
7) Arian Foster - I think I might be able to beat Foster in the 40, but he is one nifty runner. And only a junior. He made a few fantastic runs and caught the ball too. Here is another small complaint - Fulmer should have gotten him two more yards for 100.
8) LaMarcus Coker - welcome back, LaMarcus.
9) Montario Hardesty - welcome back, Montario.
10) The offensive line - THAT is a Fulmer offensive line. We DOMINATED Georgia's defensive line on Saturday. There were holes for the backs and time for Ainge in the pocket all game long. Kudos, boys.
11) The defensive line - I wrote last week that if we stuffed the run, we could win. We stuffed the run and we won. The line got pressure on Stafford too. They seemed to play with a motor that never got out of 2nd gear against Cal or Florida. I know Georgia's offensive isn't in the same class as those two, but they aren't as bad as we made them look either.
12) The defensive secondary - Georgia's first touchdown was caught against blanket coverage from a first-time starter. The second one came after an interception nullified by a mercy-inspired interference call. One reason our line was able to get to Stafford was because our secondary did not let anyone get open.
13) Lucas Taylor to LaMarcus Coker - classic touchdown. Perfect call. Great execution. We stepped on their face...
14) David Cutcliffe - outstanding play-calling throughout, though I guess play-calling it pretty easy when you can run the ball for five yards at a time. The trick play to start the second quarter, the tricky over-the-top-fake-dive while Foster runs for a score play, running inside and outside the tackles - it all worked on Saturday.
15) Phil Fulmer - I have dogged Fulmer in this blog, but I really do like him and do appreciate what he has done for Tennessee. I hope this is an indication of the program's new, improved direction, not a blip on the radar. Fulmer has pulled these types of wins out before (Miami, Cal) when the pressure got turned up on him. I hope this is different. I hope this is a return to 1990s Tennessee football. For one afternoon, it felt that way.
Now, thanks to LSU, the Vols have their destiny in their own hands. Win out - they win the SEC East. After Saturday, I actually think it might happen.
I don't even know what to write about this game. It was like the Pet Sounds of Tennessee Football. It was perfect. I have no complaints about anything about it. If I really tried, I might whine about the earliness of Fulmer's Gatorade bath. We had two stupid penalties after the blocked punt, but they were because we were a little too juiced up about the play. Jonathan Hefney fair-caught a ball without a Bulldog on the same side of the field as him. Um...is there anything else?
Let's have some real fun and list the good things:
1) The opening kickoff went into the end zone - we didn't give up 35-40 yards on a kickoff. Great start - set the tone for the afternoon.
2) Staying with special teams - we haven't covered kicks that well all year. By the third quarter, I wasn't even nervous about them anymore.
3) New punting formation - that was like catching your grandpa listening to an iPod. Fulmer never does anything like that - we still run 90% of our plays from the I-formation, for goodness sake. I don't even know if I like the new punting formation, but it was just another indication that things were different from the first four games of the season.
4) Things were different from the first four games of the season!!!
5) Blocked punt - holy, Virginia Tech! When was the last time we blocked a punt? Did we hire a special teams coach during the bye week?
6) Erik Ainge - if Tennessee was not 3-2, Ainge might be a sleeper Heisman candidate. He still might be if we run the table from here forward (did I just type that???). I have always liked Ainge, but never loved him. I'm starting to love him - Top 10 Vol QB's ever love (1. Peyton 2. Shuler 3. Kelly 4. Martin 5. Holloway (I was too young, but I've heard stories) 6. Tony Robinson 7. Erik Ainge 8. Joe Bob Cooter 9. Jeff Francis 10. Rick Clausen). Back to Ainge, he is making great reads, throwing catchable, accurate balls and looks cooler than a cucumber in the pocket.
7) Arian Foster - I think I might be able to beat Foster in the 40, but he is one nifty runner. And only a junior. He made a few fantastic runs and caught the ball too. Here is another small complaint - Fulmer should have gotten him two more yards for 100.
8) LaMarcus Coker - welcome back, LaMarcus.
9) Montario Hardesty - welcome back, Montario.
10) The offensive line - THAT is a Fulmer offensive line. We DOMINATED Georgia's defensive line on Saturday. There were holes for the backs and time for Ainge in the pocket all game long. Kudos, boys.
11) The defensive line - I wrote last week that if we stuffed the run, we could win. We stuffed the run and we won. The line got pressure on Stafford too. They seemed to play with a motor that never got out of 2nd gear against Cal or Florida. I know Georgia's offensive isn't in the same class as those two, but they aren't as bad as we made them look either.
12) The defensive secondary - Georgia's first touchdown was caught against blanket coverage from a first-time starter. The second one came after an interception nullified by a mercy-inspired interference call. One reason our line was able to get to Stafford was because our secondary did not let anyone get open.
13) Lucas Taylor to LaMarcus Coker - classic touchdown. Perfect call. Great execution. We stepped on their face...
14) David Cutcliffe - outstanding play-calling throughout, though I guess play-calling it pretty easy when you can run the ball for five yards at a time. The trick play to start the second quarter, the tricky over-the-top-fake-dive while Foster runs for a score play, running inside and outside the tackles - it all worked on Saturday.
15) Phil Fulmer - I have dogged Fulmer in this blog, but I really do like him and do appreciate what he has done for Tennessee. I hope this is an indication of the program's new, improved direction, not a blip on the radar. Fulmer has pulled these types of wins out before (Miami, Cal) when the pressure got turned up on him. I hope this is different. I hope this is a return to 1990s Tennessee football. For one afternoon, it felt that way.
Now, thanks to LSU, the Vols have their destiny in their own hands. Win out - they win the SEC East. After Saturday, I actually think it might happen.
Weekend Blogging #1 - McCallie/Baylor
There are good weekends and then are weekends like this past one. It isn't just good. It isn't even great. It goes beyond great into some netherworld between perfect and pinch-myself. The kind of weekend that leaves a smile on your face for an entire week.
Let's start from the beginning:
Friday night - McCallie 20 Baylor 17 in overtime.
Absolutely unbelievable game. There was new bitterness added to this rivalry with Baylor's decision to host the game, but if it takes playing on campus to deliver games this good, they can play at Baylor every year. The game went back and forth for three quarters with McCallie up 17-14. The Blue Tornado scored to make the game 24-14, but the touchdown was called back because of a holding penalty. Momentum shift towards Baylor, but McCallie was still in scoring position. Coach Rick Whitt made an odd decision to go for it on 4th and 8 from the 16 instead of adding the more points. Baylor shut down the play - momentum now belongs to Baylor.
Baylor took that momentum and drove for what looked to be a winning score, but McCallie's secondary came up big with an interception of Tyler Massey at the goal line. Unfortunately, the play resulted with McCallie having the ball on its own 1 instead of being a touchback with the ball at the 20. The McCallie offense was forced to run the ball up the gut three times to avoid a possible safety.
I thought McCallie might elect to take a safety here and kickoff from the 20, but instead they punted from their own end zone, giving Baylor the ball inside the McCallie 40 with under 2:00 to go. Baylor was clicking on all cylinders as it drove towards the McCallie end zone. A rushing play put Baylor inside the 1 with about 40 seconds left, but McCallie somehow stuffed a quarterback sneak, forcing Baylor to use its final timeout.
Out of the timeout, Baylor decided to try the quarterback sneak a second time and, incredibly, McCallie stuffed it again. Now Baylor had no timeouts as the clock ran under 10 seconds to play. The Red Raiders rushed their field goal unit onto the field and managed to get the kick off before the end of regulation, tying the game. The referees chose to ignore that fact that Baylor's offense had not gotten off the field when the ball was snapped. Oh, well - 17-17 at the end of regulation.
Baylor got the ball first and still could not find its way into the end zone. This time, however, its field goal was no good. All McCallie needed to do now was score to win the game. On 3rd down, Whitt decided to kick the ball. The kick was no good, but wait - Baylor called a timeout right before the kick, taking a play out of Mike Shanahan, Lane Kiffin and Urban Meyer's playbook. Sadly for Baylor, however, is that McCallie's kicker missed the kick.
The second time was the charm as Matt Higgins nailed the kick to give McCallie its 10th straight victory over Baylor. It was as exciting a finish as I can ever remember seeing in high school football. McCallie's goal line stand will go down into Blue Tornado lore as one of the greatest moments in the history of the program. Two straight sneaks from inside the 1 - nothing. Wow.
The Greatest McCallie/Baylor Game used to be considered the 1995 game at Baylor when the Blue Tornado drove the field to score on the final possession of the game and capture a 14-10 victory. The game was my senior year at McCallie - a source of pride for my entire graduating class.
Class of 2008 - the distinction of Greatest McCallie/Baylor Game has been passed. Friday night's contest was a classic game with no losers on either side.
Except for the Baylor side.
Let's start from the beginning:
Friday night - McCallie 20 Baylor 17 in overtime.
Absolutely unbelievable game. There was new bitterness added to this rivalry with Baylor's decision to host the game, but if it takes playing on campus to deliver games this good, they can play at Baylor every year. The game went back and forth for three quarters with McCallie up 17-14. The Blue Tornado scored to make the game 24-14, but the touchdown was called back because of a holding penalty. Momentum shift towards Baylor, but McCallie was still in scoring position. Coach Rick Whitt made an odd decision to go for it on 4th and 8 from the 16 instead of adding the more points. Baylor shut down the play - momentum now belongs to Baylor.
Baylor took that momentum and drove for what looked to be a winning score, but McCallie's secondary came up big with an interception of Tyler Massey at the goal line. Unfortunately, the play resulted with McCallie having the ball on its own 1 instead of being a touchback with the ball at the 20. The McCallie offense was forced to run the ball up the gut three times to avoid a possible safety.
I thought McCallie might elect to take a safety here and kickoff from the 20, but instead they punted from their own end zone, giving Baylor the ball inside the McCallie 40 with under 2:00 to go. Baylor was clicking on all cylinders as it drove towards the McCallie end zone. A rushing play put Baylor inside the 1 with about 40 seconds left, but McCallie somehow stuffed a quarterback sneak, forcing Baylor to use its final timeout.
Out of the timeout, Baylor decided to try the quarterback sneak a second time and, incredibly, McCallie stuffed it again. Now Baylor had no timeouts as the clock ran under 10 seconds to play. The Red Raiders rushed their field goal unit onto the field and managed to get the kick off before the end of regulation, tying the game. The referees chose to ignore that fact that Baylor's offense had not gotten off the field when the ball was snapped. Oh, well - 17-17 at the end of regulation.
Baylor got the ball first and still could not find its way into the end zone. This time, however, its field goal was no good. All McCallie needed to do now was score to win the game. On 3rd down, Whitt decided to kick the ball. The kick was no good, but wait - Baylor called a timeout right before the kick, taking a play out of Mike Shanahan, Lane Kiffin and Urban Meyer's playbook. Sadly for Baylor, however, is that McCallie's kicker missed the kick.
The second time was the charm as Matt Higgins nailed the kick to give McCallie its 10th straight victory over Baylor. It was as exciting a finish as I can ever remember seeing in high school football. McCallie's goal line stand will go down into Blue Tornado lore as one of the greatest moments in the history of the program. Two straight sneaks from inside the 1 - nothing. Wow.
The Greatest McCallie/Baylor Game used to be considered the 1995 game at Baylor when the Blue Tornado drove the field to score on the final possession of the game and capture a 14-10 victory. The game was my senior year at McCallie - a source of pride for my entire graduating class.
Class of 2008 - the distinction of Greatest McCallie/Baylor Game has been passed. Friday night's contest was a classic game with no losers on either side.
Except for the Baylor side.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Oh, my...
28-0 - who is this team I am watching right now?!? Minus two stupid penalties, have we done anything wrong?
Friday, October 5, 2007
What a Night
I'm going to bed & playing golf in the morning, so no blogging until later tomorrow. Too bad too - the Indians beat the Yanks in extras, McCallie beat Baylor in OT and Manny just crushed a homerun to beat K-Rod & the Angels.
More tomorrow.
More tomorrow.
Baseball Blogging
I'd love some help in the comments section here because I missed most of the baseball yesterday. Disney on Ice picked a lousy weekend to come to Chattanooga.
Rockies 10 Phillies 5
I did see most of this one. The Rockies look fantastic right now. Matsui's grand slam was a back-breaker - I'm surprised there isn't some national talk about Manuel's decision to go to the bullpen so early and bring in Lohse with the bases loaded. That seems like a tough spot to me, and it wasn't like Kendrick was getting hammered.
On a side note, I am loving TBS's coverage of the playoffs so far. Joe Simpson is a solid color man - he doesn't say stupid things, doesn't fake excitement and has a dry wit that usually makes me laugh once or twice a game. The best moment of the game was when he warned Lohse not to miss down and in to Matsui because, "he can hit it out." Next pitch - gone. Where was the pitch? Down and in.
Even better, Cal Ripken explained how Lohse missed his spot by a good foot on the pitch as it was supposed to be a waste pitch up in the zone. Ernie Johnson, Frank Thomas and Cal Ripken are actually interesting to listen to in-between innings because they break down the game. Ripken broke down Tim McClellan's strike zone during Game 1 of the Rox/Phils game - it was excellent. There is a big part of me that wants to hate this coverage because TBS has turned its back on the Braves, but so far it has been great.
Cleveland 12 NY Yankees 3
Didn't see any of it, but it sounds bad. Sabathia was hittable, but Wang was worse. If you watched the game, please comment on it.
D-Backs 8 Cubs 4
Latimer - you go to this one? I didn't see a single pitch, but I'm shocked that the Cubs are already on the brink of elimination.
Rockies 10 Phillies 5
I did see most of this one. The Rockies look fantastic right now. Matsui's grand slam was a back-breaker - I'm surprised there isn't some national talk about Manuel's decision to go to the bullpen so early and bring in Lohse with the bases loaded. That seems like a tough spot to me, and it wasn't like Kendrick was getting hammered.
On a side note, I am loving TBS's coverage of the playoffs so far. Joe Simpson is a solid color man - he doesn't say stupid things, doesn't fake excitement and has a dry wit that usually makes me laugh once or twice a game. The best moment of the game was when he warned Lohse not to miss down and in to Matsui because, "he can hit it out." Next pitch - gone. Where was the pitch? Down and in.
Even better, Cal Ripken explained how Lohse missed his spot by a good foot on the pitch as it was supposed to be a waste pitch up in the zone. Ernie Johnson, Frank Thomas and Cal Ripken are actually interesting to listen to in-between innings because they break down the game. Ripken broke down Tim McClellan's strike zone during Game 1 of the Rox/Phils game - it was excellent. There is a big part of me that wants to hate this coverage because TBS has turned its back on the Braves, but so far it has been great.
Cleveland 12 NY Yankees 3
Didn't see any of it, but it sounds bad. Sabathia was hittable, but Wang was worse. If you watched the game, please comment on it.
D-Backs 8 Cubs 4
Latimer - you go to this one? I didn't see a single pitch, but I'm shocked that the Cubs are already on the brink of elimination.
Friday Scenic City Sports Update
Friday is here & we have an amazing sports weekend in front of us. I mentioned some of the fun games yesterday, but do you realize there are 7(!) college football games between ranked teams this weekend? I guess only 6 now after USC took care of Kentucky last night. I saw just enough of the game to convince me I was right about it pre-game - the Gamecocks are really good and Kentucky is improved, but not great. Seriously, how sad will it be when Kentucky finishes in 5th once again in the SEC East? This is the best Kentucky team I can remember, but they are still the 5th best team in the division, probably the 8th best team in the SEC. That must be frustrating.
FRIDAY UPDATE!!!
Tennessee Vols
Before we get to Saturday's game, bad news from the NFL as former Vol Travis Henry failed another drug test and will be suspended for a year. There is some discussion about a 'B' test and court appeal, but it does not look good for Henry. You have to shake your head at this - the guy seems to have found the perfect home in Denver, but still cannot avoid the weed? My wife asked me why the Titans let Henry go and I didn't have a good answer. Maybe this is it.
UGA game - again, very little news going into the game. I guess that is what a bye week will do for you. Fulmer has bragged about some excellent practices this week with the focus on tackling. Sounds like a good idea to me. I have no idea what to think about Saturday. I thought we could compete with Florida, but we couldn't. After watching them against Auburn, I am not sure they are even that good (though, in UF's defense, they are really banged up). I hate to think what the Vol Nation is going do if we get whipped at home tomorrow - this really might be a make-or-break game for Fulmer. Here's hoping he gets the job done - I'm going 27-20 Vols.
Next game - vs. Georgia 3:30 pm
Tennessee Titans & Atlanta Falcons
Interesting article from USAToday comparing the way the Titans have moved forward without Pacman Jones versus how the Falcons have moved forward without Michael Vick. Sure, it is a corner vs. a quarterback, but it is a fascinating angle on the game. I think Jeff Fisher deserves a ton of credit for how the Titans have moved beyond the Pacman mess. Don't forget how the Titans moved past the Albert Haynesworth mess last year (and Haynesworth is having a dominant year right now). Next to Belichick, is there a better coach in football? I don't think so.
High School Football
I covered the McCallie/Baylor game in yesterday's article. The big public school battle tonight is Red Bank at Brainerd. The Panthers are having a great season, but Red Bank is Red Bank. I imagine they will dominate the line of scrimmage and take care of Brainerd. Bradley Central at Ooltewah ought to be a good game as well. Ooltewah has been somewhat of a disappointment this year, but may have righted things last Friday against Maplewood.
Nashville Predators
The Preds get off to a great start to the 2007-08 season with a 4-0 win over Colorado. Does it matter?
Next game - Saturday vs. Dallas 7:00 pm
Disney Princesses on Ice
Speaking of ice sports, last night I witnessed a Yamaguchi-esque performance from Cinderella at the UTC Arena. She had power. She had grace. She had my heart by the end of it. There was an odd moment during the show, however, when Ariel clubbed Snow White in the knee before her long program. Seemed to be in bad taste to me. The highlight was seeing Abby's face when it all started - eyeballs as big as baseballs - and her dancing to the 7 dwarfs songs. Abby does an arm move that can best be described as a cross between a symphony conductor's instructions and someone trying to "raise the roof." It is mildy violent, but totally adorable.
Have a great weekend. Play some golf, watch some baseball and football, and GO BLUE TORNADO!
FRIDAY UPDATE!!!
Tennessee Vols
Before we get to Saturday's game, bad news from the NFL as former Vol Travis Henry failed another drug test and will be suspended for a year. There is some discussion about a 'B' test and court appeal, but it does not look good for Henry. You have to shake your head at this - the guy seems to have found the perfect home in Denver, but still cannot avoid the weed? My wife asked me why the Titans let Henry go and I didn't have a good answer. Maybe this is it.
UGA game - again, very little news going into the game. I guess that is what a bye week will do for you. Fulmer has bragged about some excellent practices this week with the focus on tackling. Sounds like a good idea to me. I have no idea what to think about Saturday. I thought we could compete with Florida, but we couldn't. After watching them against Auburn, I am not sure they are even that good (though, in UF's defense, they are really banged up). I hate to think what the Vol Nation is going do if we get whipped at home tomorrow - this really might be a make-or-break game for Fulmer. Here's hoping he gets the job done - I'm going 27-20 Vols.
Next game - vs. Georgia 3:30 pm
Tennessee Titans & Atlanta Falcons
Interesting article from USAToday comparing the way the Titans have moved forward without Pacman Jones versus how the Falcons have moved forward without Michael Vick. Sure, it is a corner vs. a quarterback, but it is a fascinating angle on the game. I think Jeff Fisher deserves a ton of credit for how the Titans have moved beyond the Pacman mess. Don't forget how the Titans moved past the Albert Haynesworth mess last year (and Haynesworth is having a dominant year right now). Next to Belichick, is there a better coach in football? I don't think so.
High School Football
I covered the McCallie/Baylor game in yesterday's article. The big public school battle tonight is Red Bank at Brainerd. The Panthers are having a great season, but Red Bank is Red Bank. I imagine they will dominate the line of scrimmage and take care of Brainerd. Bradley Central at Ooltewah ought to be a good game as well. Ooltewah has been somewhat of a disappointment this year, but may have righted things last Friday against Maplewood.
Nashville Predators
The Preds get off to a great start to the 2007-08 season with a 4-0 win over Colorado. Does it matter?
Next game - Saturday vs. Dallas 7:00 pm
Disney Princesses on Ice
Speaking of ice sports, last night I witnessed a Yamaguchi-esque performance from Cinderella at the UTC Arena. She had power. She had grace. She had my heart by the end of it. There was an odd moment during the show, however, when Ariel clubbed Snow White in the knee before her long program. Seemed to be in bad taste to me. The highlight was seeing Abby's face when it all started - eyeballs as big as baseballs - and her dancing to the 7 dwarfs songs. Abby does an arm move that can best be described as a cross between a symphony conductor's instructions and someone trying to "raise the roof." It is mildy violent, but totally adorable.
Have a great weekend. Play some golf, watch some baseball and football, and GO BLUE TORNADO!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Baylor's Blunder
There are three elite private high schools in Chattanooga, TN - The McCallie School, Girls Preparatory School and The Baylor School. McCallie and GPS are both single-sex schools with a brother/sister school relationship. Baylor used to be an all-boys school, but today is co-educational.
For the purposes of full disclosure, I am a McCallie graduate and currently teach at GPS.
McCallie and Baylor have a heated rivalry in all areas, from academics to athletics. There is no one event that epitomizes this rivalry more than the annual football game between the two. Unfortunately for fans of the Baylor Red Raiders, the rivalry has been a one-sided one for the past nine years as McCallie has owned its rival.
Who can say why this has happened? Maybe it was the brilliant coaching of the now-departed Ralph Potter? Maybe it was the arm of B.J. Coleman? Maybe it has been a fluke of good fortune for the Blue Tornado?
Baylor has decided it is the location of the game. For the past few years, the annual football game has not been played at either McCallie or Baylor, but at Finley Stadium, the home of the Chattanooga Mocs. The reason for moving the game was to accommodate the many fans who wished to watch it but could not fit in the high school bleachers of either campus.
This year, Baylor decided to move the game back onto its campus. Baylor is the home team and has this right, but it is an impossible decision to defend. Baylor Athletic Director Thad Lepcio attempted to explain it this way:
"We've decided to change the location of the Baylor vs. McCallie rivalry from Finley to Baylor because we feel the emphasis should be on the fact that it is a high school game and we feel very strongly that the best atmosphere for high school games take place on campuses."
In a word - garbage.
First, Mr. Lepcio fails to mention that "the best atmosphere" will exclude about 8,000 people who want to see the game. Last year, 13,000 people went to Finley Stadium to see the ballgame, but Baylor can only hold 5,500. For the kids on the field, that means "the best atmosphere" is playing in front of half the crowd they did last year. How many chances does a high school kid have to play in front of 13,000 fans? Why take that away?
Who are those 8,000 people? They are Baylor students, McCallie students and GPS students. McCallie was given 2,500 tickets for students and parents of players. GPS was given zero tickets by Baylor. "The best atmosphere" excludes an entire school. It also excludes alumni from the two schools that want to support their alma mater. "The best atmosphere" excludes the entire Chattanooga community who might want to see one of the most exciting prep sporting events of the year. What, exactly, does the word "best" mean over at Baylor?
Second, the explanation is not honest. As McCallie AD Bill Cherry alluded in this article, the Baylor folk are convinced that Finley Stadium is a home-field advantage for the Blue Tornado.
Um, what?
Finley Stadium is not on McCallie's campus. It is not even that close to McCallie's campus. McCallie does not practice there. It has no locker room there. In short, it has no advantage there.
The only reason Baylor feels this way is because McCallie has won nine games in a row. There is no logic whatsoever to the idea that Finley Stadium gives McCallie the slightest advantage, which is why Baylor won't publicly say it as a reason for the move.
Finally, Baylor has become obsessed with this one game. McCallie knows it. GPS knows it. Baylor knows it. There is no better evidence for this than the 2006 Austin Clark debacle when Baylor was willing to lose its athletic director and head basketball coach because he was not willing to fire the football coach for losing to McCallie. Clark had recently been lauded by Sports Illustrated for running one of the best athletic departments in the country, yet the higher-ups at Baylor were willing to lose him in order to find an answer to Ralph Potter. This obsession is why so many students and fans won't be attending tomorrow night's game.
Even before the opening kickoff, there have been problems with Baylor's plan. Students from both Baylor and McCallie are scalping their tickets to students not lucky enough to get them. There are also rumors of over 2,000 counterfeit tickets swirling around the city. Without excusing the people who did these wrong actions, some of the blame goes back to Baylor. This is the "atmosphere" you created. Just as they are responsible for making bad and illegal decisions, you are responsible for creating the environment that inspired them.
Like many McCallie and Baylor fans, I will be watching the game on a giant screen at AT&T park, the home of the Chattanooga Lookouts. It will be fun, but not as much fun as it would have been to see the game live. I'm sure the game itself will be fun for the players and coaches, but they are being cheated out of a once-in-a-lifetime experience of competing in front of over 10,000 people. I'm sure the game will be a blast for those who do attend, even if their friends and parents are left out of the experience.
There is no way Baylor could ruin the game, but it sure did its best.
For the purposes of full disclosure, I am a McCallie graduate and currently teach at GPS.
McCallie and Baylor have a heated rivalry in all areas, from academics to athletics. There is no one event that epitomizes this rivalry more than the annual football game between the two. Unfortunately for fans of the Baylor Red Raiders, the rivalry has been a one-sided one for the past nine years as McCallie has owned its rival.
Who can say why this has happened? Maybe it was the brilliant coaching of the now-departed Ralph Potter? Maybe it was the arm of B.J. Coleman? Maybe it has been a fluke of good fortune for the Blue Tornado?
Baylor has decided it is the location of the game. For the past few years, the annual football game has not been played at either McCallie or Baylor, but at Finley Stadium, the home of the Chattanooga Mocs. The reason for moving the game was to accommodate the many fans who wished to watch it but could not fit in the high school bleachers of either campus.
This year, Baylor decided to move the game back onto its campus. Baylor is the home team and has this right, but it is an impossible decision to defend. Baylor Athletic Director Thad Lepcio attempted to explain it this way:
"We've decided to change the location of the Baylor vs. McCallie rivalry from Finley to Baylor because we feel the emphasis should be on the fact that it is a high school game and we feel very strongly that the best atmosphere for high school games take place on campuses."
In a word - garbage.
First, Mr. Lepcio fails to mention that "the best atmosphere" will exclude about 8,000 people who want to see the game. Last year, 13,000 people went to Finley Stadium to see the ballgame, but Baylor can only hold 5,500. For the kids on the field, that means "the best atmosphere" is playing in front of half the crowd they did last year. How many chances does a high school kid have to play in front of 13,000 fans? Why take that away?
Who are those 8,000 people? They are Baylor students, McCallie students and GPS students. McCallie was given 2,500 tickets for students and parents of players. GPS was given zero tickets by Baylor. "The best atmosphere" excludes an entire school. It also excludes alumni from the two schools that want to support their alma mater. "The best atmosphere" excludes the entire Chattanooga community who might want to see one of the most exciting prep sporting events of the year. What, exactly, does the word "best" mean over at Baylor?
Second, the explanation is not honest. As McCallie AD Bill Cherry alluded in this article, the Baylor folk are convinced that Finley Stadium is a home-field advantage for the Blue Tornado.
Um, what?
Finley Stadium is not on McCallie's campus. It is not even that close to McCallie's campus. McCallie does not practice there. It has no locker room there. In short, it has no advantage there.
The only reason Baylor feels this way is because McCallie has won nine games in a row. There is no logic whatsoever to the idea that Finley Stadium gives McCallie the slightest advantage, which is why Baylor won't publicly say it as a reason for the move.
Finally, Baylor has become obsessed with this one game. McCallie knows it. GPS knows it. Baylor knows it. There is no better evidence for this than the 2006 Austin Clark debacle when Baylor was willing to lose its athletic director and head basketball coach because he was not willing to fire the football coach for losing to McCallie. Clark had recently been lauded by Sports Illustrated for running one of the best athletic departments in the country, yet the higher-ups at Baylor were willing to lose him in order to find an answer to Ralph Potter. This obsession is why so many students and fans won't be attending tomorrow night's game.
Even before the opening kickoff, there have been problems with Baylor's plan. Students from both Baylor and McCallie are scalping their tickets to students not lucky enough to get them. There are also rumors of over 2,000 counterfeit tickets swirling around the city. Without excusing the people who did these wrong actions, some of the blame goes back to Baylor. This is the "atmosphere" you created. Just as they are responsible for making bad and illegal decisions, you are responsible for creating the environment that inspired them.
Like many McCallie and Baylor fans, I will be watching the game on a giant screen at AT&T park, the home of the Chattanooga Lookouts. It will be fun, but not as much fun as it would have been to see the game live. I'm sure the game itself will be fun for the players and coaches, but they are being cheated out of a once-in-a-lifetime experience of competing in front of over 10,000 people. I'm sure the game will be a blast for those who do attend, even if their friends and parents are left out of the experience.
There is no way Baylor could ruin the game, but it sure did its best.
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