The New York Schmets

We're only less than a month into the MLB off-season, and much drama has stirred off between teams, some players have been signed, some have been rumored to be going elsewhere, some are under status unkown.
But the New York Mets of all teams, have had a very productive off-season, and can still improve upon their team.
NEW YORK METS

The Metsies have made a splash in free agency, although traveling the road not taken. The Mets and co-owners Fred and Jeff Wilpon have replaced an entire managerial staff, headlining the staff are new General Manager Sandy Alderson and Manager Terry Collins.

Mets GM Sandy Alderson

Alderson, a former Harvard Law School graduate, had been the CEO of the San Diego Padres, as well as the president of baseball operations for the Oakland Athletics. Alderson's stint with the Padres extremely impressed the Mets, as Alderson was able to take a rag-tag team projected to finish last in the NL West, also a team with no ace to lead the pitching staff, to a 90-72 record, finishing 2 games behind the eventual World Series champions San Francisco Giants for first place in the NL West. Alderson's primary role is to take the Mets, who have been in shambles since their 2006 NLCS run, and turn THEM into a winning team. The Mets finished with a 79-83 record this season, a big improvement from their 70-92 2009 season. The Mets have been plagued by injury and inconsistency, as well as managerial stupidity. 

Mets SP Johan Santana

Omar Minaya, former GM, had been responisble for bringing in marquee names through trades and free agency such as P Pedro Martinez, 1B Carlos Delgado, P Johan Santana, and OF Carlos Beltran, as well as smaller names such as OF Xavier Nady and OF Endy Chavez. However, nothing worked out as the 4 major players they had acquired became old, frail, and could not play as often. The 2 of 4 players that remain are Santana and Beltran. Since their New York arrivals, Santana has lost 7-8 MPH on his fastball, and has lost much of his confidence and ability to strike out batters. Beltran has been constantly plagued by knee injuries, and has required multiple microfracture surgeries that required him to miss many games. Minaya was fired on October 4th, as well as manger Jerry Manuel, who had replaced former manager Willie Randolph. The firing of Randolph might've been Minaya's worst decision, as Randolph had led the Mets to multiple playoff appearances. Manuel, on the other hand, led the Mets to a whopping(sarcasm) 0 playoff appearances.

The Mets have been plagued by injury for most of their period of frailty. But the Met fans have placed the blame too much upon the injuries; maybe it was due to inconsistency and bad play. Jason Bay, the Mets' major acquisition for the 2010 season, missed the last 65 games of the season due to a concussion and whiplash. Bay, beside the injury, hit poorly, as he hit for 6 home runs, 47 RBIs, and a .259 batting average.

Mets SS Jose Reyes

Luis Castillo, acquired by trade from the Minnesota Twins, has been more than inconsistent, spending much time on the disabled list in his 4 year tenure with the Mets, as well as a feud with manager Jerry Manuel, resulting in being benched for a numerous amount of games. Superstar SS Jose Reyes has been lackluster in the past 2 seasons. After stealing more than 55 bases in a 4 year stretch, Reues missed all but 33 games with a STRAINED CALF MUSCLE!!!! YES, A STRAINED CALF MUSCLE. This season, Reyes hit well, but the main element of his game disappearedm stealing only 30 bases in 133 games. A huge disappointment, who's frailty defines the Mets has been P Oliver Perez. Perez, after a marvelous 2007 season and an above average 2008 season, signed a 40 yeard, 60 million dollar deal to resign with New York. Perez, who had  a TERRIBLE 2009 season with a near 7 ERA and 3 wins to go with a 1.92 WHIP, recreated that season, WITH AN EVEN WORSE SEASON! This year, Perez was demoted to long relief status in the bullpen after posting a 6.80 ERA, a 2.07 WHIP, and went 0-5. That's right, he didn't record a single win. 

Here's what I believe should be the Mets' gameplan for the rest of the offseason, even though they have committed to saving their money and not pursue a top-notch free agent:

OF Adam Dunn

1. Sign Adam Dunn: Yes, of all things, this I believe, should be a main concern. Carlos Beltran is done for, and should be dealt while he still has value. Angel Pagan has become the new CF, and has proved to be a very valuable player. Dunn, who is an underappreciated fielder, is one of the best home run hitters in the MLB. The main reason why the Mets should sign him though, is that he is... CONSISTENT. You don't get that a lot out of the Mets. GO GET ADAM DUNN! The Mets also need a clean-up hitter. Ike Davis will be a good player, but is not ready to assume the number 4 spot in the Mets' lineup. Put him at 5th.

2. Go experiment on a smaller deal starter such as Jon Garland, Brandon Webb, or Jake Westbrook. It's nice to take a risk on a less expensive guy once in a while, and the Mets definitely have time. Webb should be a steal, even though he didn't play last season. He is a perennial All-Star and won't nearly get a contract that one deserves.


3. Stitch up the bullpen, get an 8th inning man: The Mets need that JJ Putz that they needed. Bobby Parnell can be a suitable option, but is young enough to be expendable, cand can be moved around. Sign a nice pitcher such as Jon Rauch, Scott Downs, or even Brian Fuentes. The best option for the Mets would be Kerry Wood. Wood was the most important part of the Yankees' bullpen, who posted a 0.69 ERA with the Yanks in 24 games.

SP/RP Hisanori Takahashi

4. Re-sign Hisanori Takahashi: Takahashi was a steal for the Mets this past season. He was a valuable asset to the Mets' rotation. He went 10-6 with a 3.61 ERA, and collected 8 saves as a replacement to CP Francisco Rodrgiuez.


5. My final proposition for the Mets is to sign John Buck or Miguel Olivo. They Mets NEED a catcher, both can hit, and both are decnt game managers. Olivo hit 14 home runs, 6 triples, and 58 RBIs in 112 games, splitting time with Chris Iannetta in Colorado. Buck, who played for the Blue Jays this plast season,  hit 20 homers and 66 RBIs in 118 games, which on a 162 game pace would have translated to 27 home runs and 90 RBIs.


The Mets, if followimg my proposal, can finish well above .500 and can even contened with the Phillies for first place. The 3 main needs for them are catcher, starting pitcher, and relief pitcher. They must satisfy those needs to keep the fans and most importantly, the Wilpons happy.

The Atlanta Falcons

 You might be thinking to yourself, I live in New York, why do I care. Well, you should because they have a 9-2 record, best in the NFC and tied for the best in the league. They are led by Quarterback Matt Ryan, who is in his third NFL season out of Boston College and third year coach Mike Smith.
 Since these two have come together in Atlanta, they are 21-1 at their home field, The Georgia Dome. Their only loss came in Week 11 of the 2008 season season, his rookie year, to the Broncos 24-20. He has won 17 straight home games. He has had two perfect seasons at home. The Falcons are one of the best teams late in games as well. In two games this season, vs the Ravens and the Packers, the have been had late scoring drives. Against the Ravens, Matt Ryan threw a game-winning TD Pass to Roddy White, their top wide receiver with 20 seconds left in the game. Against the Packers, the game was tied with 56 seconds left. Matt Ryan led the Falcons on a game-winning FG with nine seconds left. They might not be the Jets, who won 4 straight games in a row being tied or losing with minutes to go. But, the Falcons are a great team who if they get home-field advantage will probably make the Super Bowl.
 The Falcons have a dynamic offense with QB Matt "Matty Ice" Ryan, RB Michael "The Burner" Turner, WR Roddy White and TE Tony Gonzalez, have the 10th best overall offense in the NFL. They average a little over 25 points per game and they are 8th in rushing offense with 127.9 rushing yards per game. They have an underrated offense led with a young nucleus of players. Turner is 28, White is 29 and Ryan is 25. What I'm saying is that the could really be a good offense for years to come.
 Their defense isn't that great but they have players that make them good. John Abraham, in my mind one of the most underrated defensive ends in the league has nine sacks and is a game changer on defense. They are led by two very young linebackers Curtis Lofton, 24, has 86 tackles and 3 forced fumbles and Sean Witherspoon who has only played in half the teams games, is 22 and has six tackles. Their secondary is led by Dunta Robinson who was a former first round pick by the Houston Texans.
 Atlanta can be a very dangerous team in the playoffs when played at home. If the get the #1 Seed in the NFC will probably make the Super Bowl in my mind. They have a shot to be playing in Dallas and have a shot at ending the season 14-2. I think they will end up 13-3 because I think they will either lose this weekend @ Tampa Bay or December 27 vs the New Orleans Saints. I think they'll do good for the rest of the season and will end up playing in Dallas in Super Bowl 45.

BCS Standings

 This is the point in time when people start complaining about the BCS point system. Auburn coming off of a thrilling 28-27 win in the Iron Bowl over rival Alabama, jumped over Oregon in the BCS Standings to regain the #1 spot. Oregon, coming off of a 48-29 win over Arizona dropped down to the second spot.
 I totally agree with this for two reason: 1. the SEC is much better than the Pac-10 and 2. Auburn strength of schedule is .580 meanwhile, Oregon's is .47. Oregons's best opponent, Stanford, is 11-1 with Quarterback Andrew Luck, who I think will be a bust and is #4 in the BCS Standings. But there second best opponent Arizona, is 7-4 and not in the BCS Standings after their loss to Oregon. Meanwhile, Auburn has played two 10-2 teams in #8 Arkansas and #11 LSU. Also, they played a two 9-3 teams in #18 Alabama and #15 South Carolina, who they are also playing in the SEC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome. Also, #3 TCU who is moving to the Big East after the 2012 season(which makes absolutely no sense to me) strength of schedule is .49, which is better than Oregon and they play in the Mountain West. What I'm saying is TCU, even though playing in a Non-Automatic confrence deserves to play over Oregon in the BCS Championship game.
 I don't care if Oregon has the best offense in the NCAA. As it was shown in the Alabama-Auburn game, a defense can shutdown someone for a little while. What I think should happen is a playoff system. Yes, you probably are getting tired of hearing about this, but it is the only way to show who the best team in the NCAA is. Since Auburn has played quality teams, they would have no problem with this. But Oregon, playing the terrible schedule they did, might run into some trouble with teams like Arkansas, LSU, TCU or even a team like Wisconsin. What I'm saying is that the only way to crown a true champion is a playoff system like Division I-AA or any other level of College Football. The one that is the most important, the Bowl Sub-Division series doesn't even have it what is up with that? Seriously it makes me sick to my stomach thinking Oregon a team whose second best opponent was 7-4 wins the BCS Championship Game. How bad will that be?

 Also, what I can't stand is that teams like Ohio State, who scheduled an easy non-conference schedule loses to the only Top 25 team they played this year(whose still in the Top 25) is somehow ranked above Michigan State and Arkansas. Yes, Arkansas has two losses, but they play in the best conference and they beat #11 LSU,  #15 South Carolina and # 21 Mississippi State. They did lose to Auburn who is undefeated as stated above and Alabama the reigning National Champions. Michigan State has beaten #5 Wisconsin who is the Big Ten Champion based upon the BCS Standings. The best team Ohio State beat was 7-5 Iowa and Miami(FL). Bsically, this means Ohio State has played no one good enough to give them a fight(except Wisconsin, which Wisconsin won 31-18).

Basically, I don't believe Ohio State should even be playing in a BCS Bowl Game(but will because their record is deceiving) and will get blown out like they did in back-to-back BCS Championship games by Florida(2006) and LSU(2007). Also, Oregon doesn't deserve to play in Glendale and I think it should be Auburn vs. TCU. It will be a great match-up against a great offense and a great defense. I hope this happens and I know I'll be rooting for this to happen. Remember one thing, just because a team puts up ridiculous numbers and are undefeated doesn't mean they are good. Like the 2004 Oklahoma team who was 12-0 in the regular season but got destroyed by USC 55-19 in the Championship Game in the 2005 Orange Bowl

JETS AND GIANTS

It's the end of week 12 in the 2010-2011 NFL season, with just one game yet to be played. Now since we live in NY, I figured it's time we did an article about the Giants and Jets. Both teams have had great success in their respective decision, and a lot of people are wondering "will there be a Giants-Jets Super Bowl this year?" Well... I can't answer that, but I can assure you both teams will make the playoffs.

NEW YORK JETS
The Jets have been nothing short of spectacular this season, achieving a 9-2 record, their best since 1986. They have had some bumps in the road, but have managed to stay calm and cool in the clutch. Their year started off with a 10-9 loss to the Ravens, making some wonder if they were legitimate like they showed in the 2009-2010 playoffs. They then put a big whoopin' on their arch rivals, the New England Patriots in a 28-14 win.  From there, they won 4 more game in a row, 2 coming against their division rivals Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills. On Halloween day, they had what was their worst game of the season, a putrid offensive effort, getting shutout by the Green Bay Packers. They had held the Packers to only 9 points, but the stingy Packers defence made Mark Sanchez & co. look anemic and lifeless.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez

Since the defeat at home vs Green Bay, they have not lost, riding a 4 game winning streak. Although, they have not looked their sharpest, almost losing to the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and Houston Texans, all 3 teams being ranked in the bottom 5 of the NFL in total defense.

In Detroit, QB Mark Sanchez hit Santonio Holmes on a quick slant, and Holmes took a 5 yard pass into a 52 yard gain, as it set up a 30 yard Nick Folk field goal to win the game in overtime 23-20. In Cleveland, the Browns virtually had the game in their hands during an overtime thriller, as QB Colt McCoy hit former Jet WR Chansi Stuckey with a 12 yard pass, but Stuckey fumbled and gave the ball back to the Jets. Sanchez then too the Jets down the field, and with 16 seconds left, the Jets reproduced the SAME exact play that won them the game in Detroit to win them the game, a 37 yard TD to Santonio Holmes. Last Sunday, at the Meadowlands, the Jets had been down 27-23 with less than a minute left to the Houston Texans, but Sanchez and the offense stormed back, as he hit his favorite target in the clutch, Santonio Holmes, for a 6 yard TD with 10 seconds left to win the game 30-27. And this past Thursday, on Thanksgiving, the Jets dominated the Cincinnati Bengals in New Jersey 26-10 to put them at 9-2.

Here are the Jet's team leaders:
Passing: QB Mark Sanchez- 2472 passing yards, 16 TD, 8 INT, 55.2 completion %, 81.9 QB rating
Rushing: RB LaDainian Tomlinson- 741 rushing yards, 5 TD, 4.5 yards per carry, 1 fumble
Receiving: WR Braylon Edwards- 35 receptions, 618 receiving yards, 6 TD, 17.7 yards per catch
Defense: CB Darrelle Revis- 18 tackles, 8 passes defended, 2 fumbles recovered
CB Antonio Cromartie- 33 tackles, 15 passes defended, 3 INT, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovered
MLB Bart Scott- 57 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovered

Jets WR Santonio Holmes

Difference Maker: WR Santonio Holmes- After missing the first 4 games due to suspension, Holmes has been nothing short of spectacular for the Jets, and a life-saver for sophmore QB Mark Sanchez. Holmes has had 32 receptions, 491 receiving yards, and 4 TD in 7 games, and has caught 2 game winning touchdowns. All in all, the Jets would probably be 6-5 without Holmes, and he has definitely been a steal for the Jets this season. Look for more to come from Holmes.

Mid-Season Prediction: Super Bowl match-up with Falcons- I will not predict who wins this game, but I have to say, both teams have put on a show this year. I look forward to see if the Jets actually do make the Super Bowl.


NEW YORK GIANTS

Giants S Antrel Rolle

The Giants have definitely re-gained their 2007 and 2008 seasons' form, and have now tied for the NFC East division lead. They are led by QB Eli Manning, who has seemed to mature more and more each year. The Giants weigh in to today at 7-4, coming off an impressive win yesterday vs the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-20 in New Jersey. The Giants, predicted by many to be the joke of the division they once conquered, have surpassed the expectations of many due to the re-emergence of the devastating pass rush that Tom Coughlin has built through the years. The Giants pass rush, led by DEs Osi Umeniyora, Justin Tuck, and OLB/DE Mathias Kiwanuka, has been crushing opposing QB's this season, injuring QBs such as Jay Cutler and Tony Romo. The Giants are tied for 5th in sacks with 31 on the season, and dismantled the Chicago Bears QBs in a 17-3 rout in week 4, recording a whopping 11 SACKS! Besides the sacks, the G-Men are 2nd in total defense in the NFL behind the San Diego Chargers, and lead the NFL in pass defense. The secondary has been lead by players such as safeties Antrel Rolle, Kenny Phillips, and Deon Grant, as well as CBs Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas, and Aaron Ross.



Wait a minute, don't the Giants have a good offense too? YES! The Giants are 3rd overall in total offense, and are 6th in rushing offense, led by RBs Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, and are 9th in passing offense, led by Manning, as well as WRs Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, and TE Kevin Boss.

The highlight of the Giants' season definitely came against their arch rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, in week 7, in 41-35 thriller. Not only did the G-Men win the game, but they prevented a possible Cowboys playoffseason by breaking Dallas QB Tony Romo's collarbone, forcing him to miss 7-9 weeks of action. The Giants, after

being down 7-20 afetr a 93 yard Dez Bryant punt return TD, came back in fashion, and scored 31 unanswered points to make the score 38-20. The Giants won the game 41-35 in the end, but the Giants put up fantastic numbers. The Bradshaw-Jacobs duo ran for an even 200 yards, and Eli Manning threw for 306 yards and 4 TDs. WRs Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith both had 9 receptions, over 100 yards, and a TD(Nicks had 2).

Team Leaders:

Passing: QB Eli Manning- 2821 passing yards, 23 TD, 16 INT, 65.2 completion %, 90.3 QB rating

Rushing: RB Ahmad Bradshaw- 916 rushing yards, 5 TD, 4.7 yards per carry, 6 fumbles

Receiving: WR Hakeem Nicks- 62 receptions, 800 receiving yards, 9 TD, 12.9 yards per catch

Defense: DE Justin Tuck- 56 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles, 4 fumbles recovered

DE Osi Umeniyora- 35 tackles, 8 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 1 tackle for loss

CB Terrell Thomas- 65 tackles, 16 passes defended, 4 INT, 1 blocked field goal, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles

Giants DE Justin Tuck

Difference Maker- DE Justin Tuck- Tuck has been an absolute animal this year, leading the Giants in tackles for loss, and fumbles recovered, and is a half-a-sack from Osi Umeniyora's 8 sacks. He put's the hurt on all QB's and all RTs that go against him, and has been almost virtually impossible to contain. If Tuck continues this torrid pace, he may contend for Defensive NFL MVP.

Mid-Season Prediction: NFC Divisional round loss to the Atlanta Falcons- Had it not been for the playoff system, and for the Falcons themselves, the Giants may have had a Super Bowl shot. But I believe they will lose the NFC East to the Philadelphia Eagles, and will compose a 10-6 record, good enough for the 6th seed(yes, that is very high, the Saints get the 5th seed at 11-5). The Giants will easily dispose of the Chicago Bears, who will seal the 3rd seed, and lose to the 1st seeded Falcons.

NFL Week 12

Its week 12 of the 2010-2011 NFL season, and we've already had more than an interesting week.  The Saints-Cowboys game was an absolute thriller, and we now have the two teams with the best record in the NFL in the same division(Jets and Patriots). Then a new Spygate scandal came out, saying that during practices before their game in London on October 30th, the Denver Broncos and head coach Josh McDaniels videotaped the San Francisco 49ers illegally. McDaniels and the team were both fined $100,000 but this brings up some questions, such as "how long have they been doing this" or "how many other teams are doing this".

Ok, so today we're gonna do 2 big previews of major games, a 1 o'clock game and a 4 o'clock game. The first game featured will be the Green Bay Packers at the Atlanta Falcons.

PACKERS AT FALCONS- 1:00 ET
The Packers, led by Pro Bowl QB Aaron Rodgers, come in with a very respectable 7-3 record, coming off a 31-3 blowout of Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings, and a 45-7 rout of the Dallas Cowboys 2 weeks ago. They rank 10th in total offense and rank 12th in total defense.


Team Leaders:
Passing: QB Aaron Rodgers- 2601 passing yards, 19 TD, 9 INT, 64.1 completion %, 95.7 QB rating
Rushing: RB Brandon Jackson- 488 rushing yards, 3 TD, 2 20+ yard runs, 4.0 yards per carry
Receiving: WR Greg Jennings- 46 receptions, 703 receiving yards, 9 TD, 15.3 yards per catch
Defensive Stars: OLB Clay Matthews Jr.- 36 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble
CB Charles Woodson- 60 tackles, 2 INT, 4 forced fumbles, 1 sack
S Nick Collins- 50 tackles, 8 passes defended, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovered, 1 TD

The Falcons, led by on-the-rise QB Matt "Matty Ice" Ryan, come into today's game with the best record in the NFC at 8-2. They have come off 4 staright wins, including 2 against the 7-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and 7-3 Baltimore Ravens. They rank 6th in total offense and 18th in total defense.


Team Leaders:
Passing: QB Matt Ryan- 2518 passing yards, 18 TD, 5 INT, 92.9 QB rating, 63.1 completion %
Rushing: RB Michael Turner- 864 rushing yards, 6 TD, 4.3 yards per carry, no fumbles, 7 20+ yard runs
Receiving: WR Roddy White- 79 receptions, 1017 receiving yards, 7 TD, 12.9 yards per catch
Defensive Stars: ILB Curtis Lofton- 81 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 INT
DE John Abraham- 21 tackles, 8 sacks, 3 passes defended, 3 tackles for loss
CB Dunta Robinson- 32 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 3 passes defended

Key To Game:
Falcons- Stop Clay Matthews. Matthews has been on a tear this season, recording 11.5 sacks, and has been the Packers entire pass rush. If the Falcons experienced offensive line can handle Matthews, they can slow down the enitre Packers defense and open up the passing game.


Packers- Keep Roddy White in check. When playing the Falcons, you must be smart. You can't send too many blitz packages on Matt Ryan, or else you will leave Roddy White open, and he leads the NFL in receptions. They also have future HOF TE Tony Gonzalez to throw the ball to, as well as star running back Michael Turner.


Verdict:
The Foz: Falcons
Ocho Cinco: Falcons

Eagles At Bears-4:15 E.T

Eagles QB Michael Vick

The Eagles go into Chicago with a 7-3 record and leading the NFC East. The Eagles come off of a win against their rivals, the New York Giants 27-17. Their season has been on the shoulders on NFL MVP contender Michael Vick who doesn't have any turnovers this season. Their defense has forced 26 turnovers, 1st in the NFL. They will be playing without top corner Asante Samuel.


Team Leaders:
Passing: Michael Vick- 1608 passing yards, 11TDS, 0 INTS , 62.8 Completion %, 108.7 QB Rating
Rushing: LeSean McCoy- 726 rushing yards, 6 TDS, 5.0 Average, 2 fumbles.
Receiving: Jeremy Maclin- 47 catches, 705 yards, 7 TDS, 12.0 avg
Defensive Stats: 
DE Trent Cole- 44 tackles,7 Sacks, one forced fumble.
LB Stewart Bradley- 48 Tackles one INT one Sack
SS Quintin Mikell- 57 Tackles one INT, one forced fumble.

Bears DE Julius Peppers

The Bears, led by their stingy defense, have a 7-3 record tied for first in the NFC North. Their defense has all-pro defensive end Julius Peppers and MLB Brian Urlacher. Their defense has given up 78 rushing yards per game second in the NFL. Their Offense is led by the resurgence of Matt Forte and QB Jay Cutler.

 Team Leaders:
Passing: Jay Cutler- 2064 passing yards, 12 TDS, 10 INTS, 61.3 Completion %, 84.2 QB Rating
Rushing: Matt Forte 567 rushing yards, 4 TDS, 3.8 Average, 3 fumbles.
Receiving: Johnny Knox: 37 Catches, 672 yards, one TD, 18.2 avg
Defensive Stats:
DE Julius Peppers- 30 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles.
LB Brian Urlacher- 67 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble.
CB Charles Tillman- 55 tackles, 3 INTS, 3 forced fumbles


Key to the Game:

Eagles WR DeSean Jackson

Eagles: You have to stop Julius Peppers and Brian Urlacher from getting to Vick. If you give Vick enough time, he will dissect the defense and make the big plays he has been all year. I think Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson will have good games. Vick also has to get the running game going. LeSean McCoy has to help Vick by getting the ground game going. If they do they will win the game.

Bears ILB Brian Urlacher

Bears: Their offense has to do something. Jay Cutler needs to get the ball to Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, and Chester Taylor. If their offense gets some nice drives going along and keep Vick on the sideline, they have a chance to win a Soldier Field. Also, there defense has to create turnovers and make Vick make mistakes.

Verdict:
Ocho Cinco: Eagles
The Foz: Eagles

Week 12 NFL picks:
Carolina vs Cleveland:
The Foz: Cleveland
Ocho Cinco: Cleveland


Pittsburgh vs Buffalo
The Foz: Pittsburgh
Ocho Cinco: Pittsburgh

Jacksonville vs NY Giants
The Foz: NY Giants
Ocho Cinco: Jacksonville


Tampa Bay vs Baltimore
The Foz: Baltimore
Ocho Cinco: Tampa Bay


Tennessee vs Houston
The Foz: Houston
Ocho Cinco: Houston

Minnesota vs Washington
The Foz: Washington
Ocho Cinco: Minnesota

Kansas City vs Seattle
The Foz: Kansas City
Ocho Cinco: Kansas City

Miami vs Oakland
The Foz: Miami
Ocho Cinco: Oakland

St. Louis vs Denver
The Foz: St. Louis
Ocho Cinco: St. Louis

BATTLE FOR THE JEWELED SHILLELAGH MXXXII

It's that time of year, Thanksgiving weekend... and that means two of the greatest rivalries in college football to date: Auburn vs Alabama, the Iron Bowl, played 75 times, having Auburn win in a thriller yesterday; and USC vs Notre Dame, possibly the greatest rivalry in sports. The Trojans of USC and Fighting Irish of Notre Dame have played 81 times, tonight makes 82. It started in 1926, where long time friends and coaches Knute Rockne and Howard Jones wanted to create an annual rivalry bewteen the schools they coached respectively(Rockne coached ND, Jones coached USC). It had been decided that the 2 schools would play it out, and not just for bragging rights, but for a trophy as well, know as the Jeweled Shillelagh. Notre Dame leads the all time series 42-33-5, withthe last 8 meetings going all to USC(we still count the 2005 game even though it was vacated because it was one of the greatest games of all time).

The prized Jeweled Shillelagh

You ask why this may be the greatest rivalry, well because this rivalry has produced a combined 22 National Championships, 14 Heisman Winners(we still count Reggie Bush even though he was stripped of his 2005 Heisman trophy), and 21 future NFL Hall of Famers. No other collegiate rivalry has produced such numbers, including All-Americans and College Football Hall of Famers.

Now the ironic thing is that both myself, Greg(The Foz) and my blogging partner Mike(Ocho Cinco) also have taken part in this rivalry... well not literally, but I am a Notre Dame fan, and he is a USC fan. And there is ONE thing we will always remember about this rivalry, the greatest game we ever saw, decided by a single push, the 2005 ND vs USC game, also known as "The Bush Push". Now we're going to do something different here, we're going to do our first collabroation article, where we both give our take on the game. Here's Ocho Cinco on "The Bush Push":

The "Bush Push"

In my mind, it was the greatest USC-Notre Dame game ever. USC was ranked #1 that year and at the time Notre Dame was ranked #9. They started the drive with 1:42 left down 31-28. At this, point I was a little worried if they could come back and win. Once Matt Leinart threw a pass to Dwayne Jarrett that went for sixty one yards at the Notre Dame 13. At this point, I knew they would tie it but not win it as dramatically as they did. Reggie Bush brought the ball to the two and then Leinart tried a keeper but Corey Mays knocked the ball out of bounds and everyone one thought the game was over. With seven seconds left Pete Carroll told Leinart to go for a fake spike and keep it himself. As he went for the goalline he was met by Notre Dame defenders but Reggie Bush pushed Leinart into the endzone to make the game 34-3. It is known as one of the greatest games ever but, It doesn't count because they had to forfeit that season because Reggie Bush violated NCAA rules.

Now let's talk about today:

ND ILB Manti Te'o

Notre Dame: ND has had a very shaky season, but have some very good talent. They are led by players like stand-out WR Michael Floyd and an ILB tandem of Manti Te'o and Carlo Calabrese. They also had excellent players such as TE Kyle Rudolph, RB Armando Allen, and WR Theo Riddick, but all faulted to season-ending injuries. The Fighting Irish have maintained a 6-5 record coming into today, even with losing key players. However, the biggest injury suffered has been QB Dayne Crist. Crist played well this season, and has came up clutch in his first year starting, but tore his ACL on October 30th. Freshman QB Tommy Rees took over in a terrible loss against Tulsa, but played well, throwing for 334 yards and 4 TD, but threw 3 INT. Rees has thrown, since taking over as starting QB, for 756 yards and 8 TD. Their most impressive win came over a 14th ranked Utah Utes team, who had come off a 47-7 blowout loss to 4th ranked TCU. Notre Dame, in style, clobbered Utah 28-3, as Rees threw for 3 TDs and the ND defense blocked a punt and returned it for a score. Sophmore ILB Manti Te'o has led the Irish with 109 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and has recorded 2 sacks.

USC WR Robert Woods

USC:Has had an up and down season so far this year.Started off 4-0 and are 3-4 since. Have talented players led by QB Matt Barkley RB'S Marc Tyler and Allen Bradford and WR'S Robert Woods and Ronald Johnson. Have to really outscore their opponents because they have been in a lot of shootouts. Ranked thirtieth in points scored, 32.6 points per game but seventy-eighth in points against, 28.5 per game. They have a good offense but horrendous defense. Have to overcome the obstacle of losing QB Matt Barkley to a ankle injury. Starting fifth year senior Mitch Mustain, an Arkansas transfer, for the first time while being a quarterback for USC. In relief of Barklet he went 8-17 for sixty yards. I wouldn't be surprised if USC ran a lot today due to the the fact Mustain doesn't have a lot of chemistry with the first string wide receivers. Tyler leads the team in rushing, 820 yards and in touchdowns with nine. Barkley leads the team in passing with 2593 yards twenty five passing touchdowns and ten interceptions. Freshman Robert Woods leads the team with 648 receiving yards but Ronald Johnson leads the team with eight TD's. USC is bowl eligible at 7-4 but won't make a bowl game due to it's probation because of Reggie Bush.

Alright, here's our outlook on tonight's game...

Keys to the game:

Notre Dame:

ND ILB Carlo Calabrese

1. Find Michael Floyd the football. Floyd is one of the best WRs in the country and is explosive. He is a great leaper, has great hands, and is quick as well. USC has the 78th ranked defense in Div 1 football, including  a very weak secondary. Notre Dame must be able to find a way to isolate Floyd with USC CB Shareece Wright. If able to do so, Floyd should win that match-up. Floyd has 68 receptions, 830 yards, and 9 TD, and is proving to be an unstoppable counterpart to these cornerbacks.

2. ND's defense, especillay its front 7, must be able to contain the run. ND must have a great game from its LBs Manti Te'o, Carlo Calabrese, Brian Smith, and Darius Fleming in order to contain USC's dual threat of Tyler and Bradford. The 2 RBs have comined for over 1300 yards, and if ND can contain them both, it will force back-up QB Mitch Mustain to throw more, and has definitely shown that he is NOT Matt Barkley.

USC:

USC CB Shareece Wright

1.Make Notre Dame's defense tired. Keep long drives by pounding the rock and wearing down Te'o, Calabrese and Lewis-Moore. Bradford and Tyler have to have good nights behind Mustain whose making his first start. Work hard for first downs so and make Mustain's night much easier, If they do they will keep the time of possession in their favor to keep Michael Floyd off the field. If they run early and often it will open up routes for Johnson and Woods. If they have more time of possession it will give them a better chance to win.

2.Defense has to step up Shareece Wright will have a long night so the rest of the defense has to help out. Chris Galippo, Shane Horton, and Malcolm Smith have to stop Notre Dame's running game to make them one dimensional. Safety T.J. McDonald has to help Wright cover Floyd. He has to play like the man he replaced, Taylor Mays, for their defense to stop Notre Dame's offense. I know they have been decimated by injuries, but they still have Floyd, one of the best wide receivers in College Football. It will be hard to do but if they contain Floyd their day will be so much easier.


Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd



The difference maker for each team:

Notre Dame: WR Michael Floyd

Like I previously stated, Floyd can do it all, he can run after the catch, go up and grab jump balls, and makes defenses look silly. Floyd should be able to add on to his 9 TDs and catch more than a few balls and gain some yards in space.

USC RB Marc Tyler

USC: Running Game: I don't care if Dillion Baxter or C.J. Gable is out there. Whoever is out there, they have to take the pressure off of Mustain. Tyler and Bradford are the main two I say for USC to win both need at least 75 yards and a TD. Like I said above, this is Mustain's first start he needs help. Also, captain Stanley Havili needs to help in the running and passing games.If this happens, I believe USC will win this game if this happens.




Predictions:
The Foz says: USC wins 34-27

Ocho Cinco says: USC wins 31-21

Boise St. kicker loses game, BCS title hope, WAC championship for team.



Nevada's QB-RB duo of Colin Kaepernick(10)
and Vai Taua



'Twas a sad day for not only Boise State Bronco fans, but also for  Boise State K Kyle Brotzman, who missed a 26 yard field goal as time expired in regulation and a 29 yard field goal in overtime. With 13 seconds left, and a TD by Nevada, from QB Colin Kaepernick to WR Rishard Matthews, it seemed absolute that the 2 teams would go to overtime. However, the first play that Boise State got the ball back(after the kick return), Boise State QB and Heisman candidate Kellen Moore threw an improbable 53 yard hail mary pass to WR Titus Young, leaving 2 seconds left on the clock after a Boise State timeout. Then became Brotzman's time to shine, as a 26 yard field goal would only be a chip shot for him. But the pressure buckled in on him, and he folded.

This is the 4th year in a row that Nevada has come back from a 2 touchdown deficit against 4th ranked Boise State. In 2007, Nevada was down 28-14, and came back, but lost in what might've been one of the greatest games I have ever seen, in a 69-67 4 OT thriller(the greatest had to have been the Bush Push game between Notre Dame and USC in 2005). In 2008, Nevada had been down 24-3 at halftime, and came back, but lost 41-34. Last season, they had been down 27-3 at halftime, but also came back, but lost 44-33. And then yesterday, after being down 24-7 at halftime, they held Boise to a touchdown in the 2nd half, and mustered 24 points to tie the game and won in OT.

Nevada WR Rishard Matthews

Nevada was led by their QB-RB duo of Colin Kaepernick and Vai Taua. Kaepernick threw for 259 yards on 19 of 35 passing attempts and a TD and INT. He also ran the ball 10 times for 45 yards and an 18 yard rushing touchdown. Taua ran the ball 32 times for 131 yards and a 5 yard rushing TD. The duo became the most illustrious QB-RB duo in Division 1 football history combining for a total of 8,109 rushing yards. It set the all time record for rushing yards by 2 players on the same team, which had been previusly set by ESPN announcer Craig James and HOF RB Eric Dickerson, the Pony Express of SMU during the early 1980's.  WR Rishard Matthews caught 10 passes for 172 yards and a receiving TD, while also scoring on a wild 44 yard rushing TD.

Boise State QB Kellen Moore

For Boise, Kellen Moore threw for 348 yards and 2 TDs, as 6 of his 21 completions went to Titus Young for 129 and a TD. RB Doug Martin ran the ball 24 times for 152 yards and 2 TDs(4,51) as well as a 79 yard receiving TD from a screen pass.

This puts Boise State at risk of losing their possible BCS qualifying bid, if they were to drop a number of spots. For a non-BCS conference school to earn a BCS bowl bid, they must be in the top 10 in the BCS poll. This goes for Nevada too, who will most likely have to settle for a late December bowl, as the win over Boise State will most likely not allow them to move into the top 10(they had been ranked 19th coming into the game). What will happen? Find out tomorrow for the polls to be announced.

Newton secures Heisman with miraculous comeback in Iron Bowl MXXV

Auburn QB Cameron Newton

Auburn QB Cameron Newton can do it all, as proven today. Unless the Oregon Ducks blow out the Arizona Wildcats tonight, I believe Auburn has locked up the number 1 spot in AP polls.Newton and his Auburn Tigers, in a stunning fashion, defeated the rival Alabama Crimson Tide 28-27, after being down 24-0 in the 1st half. After accumulating a total of 75 yards of offense in the 1st half, Auburn passed an ran for 243 yards of offense in the 2nd half. Newton, the hero of the game, Auburn's MVP off the season, and likely Heisman winner, threw for 3 TDs and ran for another.


'Bama WR Julio Jones



It had looked as if Alabama were to ruin Auburn's season, dominating right out of the gate, scoring on a 9 yard TD by last year's Heisman winner RB Mark Ingram within 4 minutes of the start of the game. They then forced a quick Auburn 3-and-out, and Alabama QB Greg McElroy threw a deep strike to stand-out WR Quintorris "Julio" Jones for a 68 yd TD to put 'Bama up 14-0. After 2 sacks of Cam Newton, 'Bama forced another Auburn 3-and-out, and once again, they drove down the field as McElroy hooked up with WR Darius Hanks for a 12 yd TD. After another Auburn punt, McElroy dumped a screen pass of to Ingram, as Ingram ran 41 yards down the field, but was stripped right before he went into the endzone, as Auburn recovered. That had been the true turning point of the game, as 'Bama would go on to only score 2 field goals throughout the rest of the game.

After a 20 yard field goal by 'Bama K Jeremy Shelley, Auburn quickly answered. Newton threw a 36 yard TD to WR Emory Blake, thus beginninh Auburn's miraculous comeback. After only a single play, Newton threw a bomb to one of his favorite targets, WR Terrell Zachery for a 70 yard TD to cut the deficit to 10. After a few non-scoring drives between both teams, Auburn scored again, this time by a 1 yard Newton rush TD to cut the deficit to 3. Quickly after, 'Bama scored kicked their last field goal, which made the score 27-21, but was still a 1 possession game. Short into the 4th quarter, Newton proved why he should win the Heisman, by completing the comeback, and throwing a 36 yard TD to back-up tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen.



Alabama was not able to score after Auburn took the lead, even though there had still been 12 minutes left on the clock when Auburn scored. Late into 'Bama's first drive of the 4th quarter, QB Greg McElroy was injured, and taken out of the game as a result of a sack by Auburn's T'Sharvan Bell. Back-up QB A.J. McCarron came in, but could not complete a pass at the Alabama 19, and handed the ball over to Auburn for a final knee.

The win for Auburn puts them at 12-0 going into the SEC Championship game against 18th ranked South Carolina next Saturday at the Georgia Dome. This should be an interesting match-up, and we'll have more on it next Saturday. Alabama falls to 9-3, and will not be playing for a BCS bowl game, after winning the National Championship the previous season. The question for Auburn is, can they defeat South Carolina and proceed to the National Championship themselves, or will they fall and allow one of the BCS busters to play for the title. Well, we'll find out, and tune in to ESPN at 8:30 for the Oregon vs Arizona game, to see if Auburn can become the number one team in the nation as a result of an Oregon loss.

Black Friday Football

 I hope you all had a good thanksgiving, I know I didn't. While some people are going Black Friday shopping or even worse, setting up their Christmas Trees, I'll be watching some College Football games, some with a lot riding on the line.

Oregon RB LaMichael James

 #21 Arizona vs #1 Oregon 7:00 ESPN : Oregon is the favorite to win this one and is the favorite to go to the BCS National Championship Game. Oregon has been averaging 50.7 points per game,first in the nation, and only giving up 17.2 points per game,eleventh in the nation. What this is saying is that Oregon is good on both sides of the ball. Heisman Contender LaMichael James has 1422 rushing yards,averaging 6.3 per carry, with fourteen touchdowns. Arizona is averaging 29.9 points per game,forty ninth in the nation, and allowing 18.1 points per game,twelfth in the nation. That's not the reason why i pick Arizona to win. Arizona had a bye after a 24-21 loss to the USC Trojans. I think Arizona wants to prove how good of a team they are. Nick Foles will have a good day with Arizona upsetting Oregon 34-28.



Auburn QB Cameron Newton

  #2 Auburn vs #11 Alabama 2:30 CBS: Auburn already won the SEC West but they want to prove they can beat the reigning National Champions. This is also the battle for the Iron Bowl. Cam Newton the Heisman Front runner. Cam Newon isn't the only good player on the offense as they also have Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb. Auburn is scoring 42.8 points per game,fifth in the nation against an Alabama defense giving up 12.8 points per game, third in the nation. I think this game will come down to Auburn's defense vs Alabama's offense. With Nick Fairley, I think Auburn will win this game and go into the SEC Championship game vs South Carolina undefeated as they win today 28-24.

Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick

 #4 Boise State vs #19 Nevada 10:15 ESPN: This game in my mind decides two things: If Boise State can contain a dual-threat QB in Colin Kaepernick and if they jump over TCU in the BCS Standings. Don't worry, they won't. The reason I say this is because I don't think Boise will win. I'm all in favor of the Cinderella that deserves a chance to play in the Championship game, but come on. If they play Oregon or Auburn or even TCU, I don't think Boise will be able to keep up with them. The two teams they played in major BCS conferences, Virginia Tech and Oregon State, they gave up fifty-four points. Yes, Virginia Tech is 9-2, but there a different team from that game. If they had a rematch I honestly think Virginia Tech wins. But back to the game, Nevada with Vai Taua and Kaepernick will win at home today and they will be celebrating in Reno on Senior Day. I also think Kellen Moore along with their Offense wont have enough as Nevada wins 45-42.
 Yes you thought right. This means I truly believe the National Championship game will be Auburn vs TCU with one of the nations best offenses vs one of the best defenses. I hope you will enjoy your Black Friday shopping and you putting up your Christmas Tree while I'll be watching College Football all day starting with Pittsburgh vs West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl at twelve on ABC.

Cincinnati Bengals-New York Jets Preview

 Yes, its Thanksgiving and I am completely over looking the New England Patriots-Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints-Dallas Cowboys games because I think both will be blowouts. Yes, I am a Bengals fan, but that's not the reason why this will be a close game.
 The Bengals have a good offense and they are facing the Jets equally as good defense. But, the Jets offense isn't that good and neither is Cincinnati defensively. Also, the Jets and Bengals have not been playing good recently. The Bengals have lost seven straight by fifty one points. The Jets have won three straight, but since there bye week they have played in a close game every week. If you have been paying attention, Darrelle Revis, the Jets standout Cornerback and Terrell Owens, Cincinnati's leading receiver have had been talking smack to each other this whole week. Revis called Owens a "slouch" so Owens fired back saying Revis is a "average Cornerback."
Last year in the playoffs Revis held other receiver Chad Ocho Cinco to two catches for 28 yards in a 24-14 Jets win. What I think will happen is it will be a close game, but like the last three weeks, the Jets magic will continue. They have won the last three games and in each game Wide Receiver Santonio Holmes made a crucial catch in each game. Even though the last three games the Jets beat teams with a combined record of 9-21 they still have won the games.
 Even though a Bengals fan i think it will continue, but I think Cincinnati wants to prove a team with as much talent as them, is just not going to roll over and wait for next year. The Jets want to prove to the NFL that they can continue to win games, and with the Jets tough schedule coming up(Next week vs. New England, December 19th @ Pittsburgh and December 26th @ Chicago) They have to win the games they should win. With an 8-2 Record they should beat the 2-8 Bengals. I think the Jets will beat the Bengals 24-20. Everyone have a good Thanksgiving with your families, food and football. And remember we all have a lot to be thankful for.

Time for the Thanksgiving Classic

'Tis the season to eat turkey, fa la la la la, la la la la... and everything else you eat on Thanksgiving. Well it's Thanksgiving, and you know what that means! FOOTBALL! There's nothing better than Thanksgiving football while eating a great, heart unhealthy meal! Well today we have 3 games today, an annual occurence since 2006. The Thanksgiving Classic used to feature only 2 games, one hosted by the Detroit Lions, and another hosted by the Dallas Cowboys.

The first game, featured at 12:30 ET is between the Lions(2-8) and the New England Patriots(8-2). Now my blogging partner and I have decided to do some picks for you football fans, so here they are for the Lions vs Patriots game:


Patriots QB Tom Brady



Greg(The Foz): New England

Mike(Ocho Cinco): New England

 Analysis: Simply, look at the record difference between the two teams. The Pats are 8-2 and have one of the best offenses, and one of the 2 best quarterbacks in the NFL in Tom Brady. The Lions, 2-8, have a backup quarterback starting today, although a connection is seeming to emerge between back-up quarterback Shuan Hill and stand-out wide receiver Calvin "Megatron" Johnson. Look for the Lions to put up some sort of fight, but not enough to keep it close.
Final Score: New England 38-14

The next game featured is between the Cowboys(3-7) and the defending Super Bowl champions, the New Orleans Saints(7-3), which is at 4:15 ET.
The Foz: New Orleans
Ocho Cinco: New Orleans

Saints saftey Darren Sharper

Analysis. And the big difference, like the New England vs Detroit game, the underdog(Dallas) has a back-up quarterback playing. Jon Kitna starts for the Cowboys today, which is not a good sign. Kitna is having an OK stint as Tony Romo's injury replacement, but when he didn't play the Giants(2 games, 5 TD, 1 INT) or the putrid Lions(1 game, 3 TD, 0 INT), he threw for 1 TD and 6 INT in 2 games. Well, New Orleans has a much better secondary than that of the Lions OR the New York Giants. In fact, expect Kitna to throw multiple interceptions today. Look for ballhawking veteran safety Darren Sharper to be Kitna's "favorite target".
Final Score: New Orleans wins 28-16

The last game featured is between the New York Jets(8-2) and the Cincinnati Bengals(2-8), which begins at 8:20
The Foz: NY Jets

Jets WR Santonio Holmes

Ocho Cinco: NY Jets
Analysis: Well, let's put it this way... the Bengals are BAD. The Jets should pounce all over this distraught team, especially with a very confident offense led by quarterback Mark Sanchez and Mr. Last Second, wide receiver Santonio Holmes. The Bengals look terrible, especially after showing signs of life during the 1st half of last week's game vs the Buffalo Bills. The Bengals poured it on, scoring 31 points through 1 half, leaving the score at 31-14. Then, they lost it, allowing 35 points in the second half, and scoring a whopping total of zero points(you can see the sarcasm). They allowed 3 touchdown receptions to wide receiver Steve Johnson, and accumulated just 110 total yards of offense in the 2nd half. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention the Bills are 2-8 now?! Just think what the 8-2 Jets could do. Although the Jets almost lost to 3 bad teams in a row, they should keep their balance and win, but watch for the Benagls to keep it close.
Final Score: NY Jets win 34-24

Yankees vs. Derek Jeter

 Have you ever stopped to think how long Derek Jeter has been in the New York Yankees Organization, he has been there since he was drafted in the first round in the 1992 draft at sixth overall. Yes that has been eighteen years Derek Jeter has been with the Yankees.

You might be saying to yourself "Why do I care." Well a reason you should is because Derek Jeter and his agent Casey Close have had tough negotiations with the New York Yankees and General Manager Brian Cashman.In 2001, Derek Jeter signed a ten-year one- hundred and eighty nine million dollar contract. Now going into the 2011 season this contract has expired. The Yankees have offered Jeter a three-year 45 million dollar contract which the Yankees believe is a fair deal. Jeter on the other hand would like a five-year deal.I disagree with both sides. .The Yankees don't really have a Shortstop that is major league ready at this point in time. They have Ramiro Pena and Eduardo Nunez, but both haven't shown much that they can be an effective starter at Shortstop. Also, on Jeter's part he is currently thirty-six years old didn't have that good of a season (.270 avg/10 hrs/ 67 rbis) compared to the 2009 campaign in which he posted a .334 avg/18 hrs/66 rbis. He is also thirty-six, Shortstops that old tend to lose mobility and aren't as good fielding. Even though Jeter won his sixth Gold Glove, can you really expect him to keep up his good glove?

 If you having been paying attention, the Yankees didn't offer Jeter arbitation.Which would of gave Jeter a one-year contract. If they did this and Jeter had a great season he would have the control going into next years free agent market. since they didn't do this, the Yankees are telling Jeter to go ahead and test the free agent market. Jeter, along with Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera have been together for fifteen years. This is probably the last time you will ever see three teammates stay together this long for this many years.It also doesn't help that Jeter is the captain of the Yankees. He is their leader on and off the field. He has played with so much class over the years, you might not see another person like him for a while. You probably know for a fact Jeter's name will eventually be in Monument Park and have his number retired.

Imagine if he goes on to a different team like the Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves or St.Louis Cardinals. Even though he will be forever remembered as a Yankee but if he goes on to a different team, it won't have the same meaning. Please Derek Jeter, sign a contract to remain a New York Yankee for the rest of your career no matter how many years you get just please re-sign the Yankees need you out on the field Opening Day versus the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on April 2nd.

Little Sisters of the Poor?! I think not Mr. President of Hypocrisy!

Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State
quarterback

Well Ohio State University president E. Gordon Gee is just a buffoon. He has no idea what he is talking about, nor does he look at his own football team's scehdule. Today, Gee said that the number 3 and 4 TCU and Boise State football teams do not play strong enough teams, also saying that the two teams play the "little sisters of the poor". Well Mr. Gee, have you checked your football team's schedule? OSU's strength of schedule(.504) is only slightly higher than TCU's strength of schedule(.493) and a little more than Boise State's(.462). If I remember, isn't Ohio State one of the teams that play teams like Minnesota(2-9), Indiana(4-7), Marshall(4-7), AND EASTERN MICHIGAN(2-9)?!!! Also, the 2 ranked teams they beat(Iowa, Miami) are both 7-4. Miami is currently unranked and Iowa is ranked 24th in the nation. The team that OSU did lose to, Wisconsin, is 10-1 and is ranked 7th in the nation.



Andy Dalton, TCU quarterback



The TCU Horned Frogs are much deserving of a chance to play in the BCS title game. I understand they don't play in a major conference, but you have to give respect. They started off the season beating a ranked team(Oregon State, no longer ranked), and pummeled good teams such as San Diego State(7-5), Air Force, and possibly one of the biggest whoopings between 2 top 5 teams, a 47-7 rout of Utah. They come in at 10-0, and possibly with the best defense in Division 1 football.





    The Boise State Broncos have been a powerhouse over the past 5 years. When was the last time they lost a game? Try the 2009 Poinsettia Bowl, 2 SEASONS AGO! Guess who it was against, TCU. Since that game, Boise went on a mission to prove that they're worth something. In January, Boise St. exerted revenge against TCU in a bowl game again. This time it was in a BCS bowl, none other than the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. If you recall, that was the same "bowl" that changed the history of non-major conference teams. Boise beat number 4 Oklahoma in the 2006 Fiesta Bowl in a 43-42 overtime thriller. RB Ian Johnson won the game on a 2 pt. conversion on a "statue of liberty" play. Back to present times, Boise is just as deserving as Oregon, Alabama, or TCU to play for the national title game. They started off the season, like TCU, beating a nationally ranked team in Virginia Tech. VT had been ranked 10th, lost 2 straight to open the season, and has won 9 straight since, and is now ranked 16th. Boise, also like TCU, beat Oregon State when they had been ranked. And just like TCU, Boise has a chance to put a hurting on another ranked team in 19th ranked, 10-1 Nevada, led by dual threat QB Colin Kaepernick. Should Boise win, let alone put a whoopin' on Nevada, I firmly believe that Boise should have the right to play for the BCS National Championship.

Kellen Moore, Boise State quarterback

 I DON'T want to see a 3rd consecutive TCU vs Boise State bowl game, regardless of its implications. Even if it does happen again as a result of the BCS computers, which seem to be flawed to many, the NCAA can overrule the matchup, just like the instance in 2006 with Ohio State and Michigan. The final game of the regular season was between the two teams, and Ohio State won. However, at the BCS bowl show, the BCS Title game was announced as Ohio State vs Michigan, meaning that Michigan hadn't dropped any spots in the polls. As a result, the NCAA overruled and put Florida in the game, and put Michigan in the Rose Bowl. Both teams lost their respective games.

Tune in Saturday to see what happens. I'll be rooting for an Oregon vs Boise St. or Oregon vs TCU title game!

Childress Out As Vikings Coach

Yesterday, the announcement everyone expected to come out of Minnesota finally happened, Brad Childress was out of a job when he was fired from the Minnesota Vikings. He will be replaced by defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, the man who was thought of to be a head coach soon anyway. This comes after a disappointing loss to the rival Green Bay Packers 31-3 at home.

 This is the same coach that received  a contract extension over the summer and told Jared Allen, Steve Hutchinson, and Ryan Longwell to go to Brett Favre and tell him to come back for one more year. After a disappointing 3-7 start to the year and releasing Randy Moss, who they pretty much wasted a third round pick on him, Vikings Owner Zygi Wilf finally had enough of Coach Childress. Childress wasn't like too much in the locker either. He reportedly got in a fight with second year wide reciever Percy Harvin over his lack of effort at practice and he didn't really get along with Quaterback Brett Farve either. After a victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Childress said "I'm not going to stand here like Brett Favre and tell you i need compassion, I need a hug, I'm alright." Now after Childress said he was joking, but people took that differently.
  People say the reason Childress got fired was he tolerated too much and he couldn't do anything with a talented team that has highly underachieved. What it all comes down to is that he put all of his eggs in one basket with Brett Favre. He thought he would have another fantastic season but he obviously was wrong. Brett Favre went back to him old self as the gun-slinger who throws a lot of interceptions. Instead Childress could of put his faith in the backup, Tavaris Jackson.In the one game he came in when Favre was injured he went 4-6, threw for thirty six yards and a touchdown. Now he only threw 6 passes but at this point in time Leslie Frazier should look into the fact of starting Tarvaris Jackson. They have to realize Brett Favre isn't the way to go even though his three hundred consecutive start streak is on the line. What would you rather have a quarter back who is healthy or a quaterback who is injured and has a three hundred consecutive start streak?