Thursday, December 31, 2009

Thursday Take-Twos

Another year in sports is over. It was a great year for Pittsburgh fans. The Pens and Steelers won titles. Philadelphia fans saw their baseball team win another pennant only to fall in the Fall Classic. The Yankees turned in another World Series title in the first year of their brand new ballpark. The L.A. Lakers were crowned kings of the NBA and the Florida Gators made it another BCS championship for Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer. Juan Martin Del Potro served up the U.S. Open title and dethroned Roger Federer in the process. Kim Clijisters came back to notch her second career U.S. Open over first time finalist, Caroline Wozniacki in tennis’ final grand slam of the year. An Alabama back earned college football’s highest achievement when Mark Ingram took home the hardware at the Heisman Trophy presentation. Michigan State made an improbable run in March Madness by dishing out wins to reach the championship game. The Spartans lost to North Carolina but elevated their hoops program by leaps and bounds. It was a forgettable year for Tiger Woods on the golf course, but one no one will forget off the greens. The headaches, heartaches and shockers will continue in 2010. Sports fans will able enjoy many wonderful events and memorable moments. Here’s hoping everyone has a happy and healthy New Year. Let’s start this one off with a Buckeye Rose Bowl victory.

Parting Points: Final song for 2009- “I’m Your Angel” by Celine Dion & R.Kelly

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Bowling Badgers Back in Business Behind Bulldozing Back

Wisconsin was busy on the ground and efficient with the pass in Orlando’s Champs Sports Bowl Tuesday night. The Big 10 leading rusher and offensive player of the year, John Clay, accumulated 121 yards and a pair of touchdowns to lead the Badgers to their tenth win of the season. Twenty-fourth ranked Wisconsin bowled over the 14th ranked Miami Hurricanes 20-14 on a cold and soggy Citrus Bowl turf. The Badgers beat Miami with a balanced offensive attack. Wisconsin quarterback, Scott Tolzien, threw a career-high 260 yards in the win. Tolzien was 19-of-26 with one interception and Clay punched out two three-yard rushing touchdowns.
The Badgers’ offensive line controlled the Miami defense early on, but struggled to contain the speedy Hurricane backfield. Junior running back, Graig Cooper, was solid for Miami in the first quarter. Cooper followed a Miami penalty with a touchdown in the first minute of the game. Sam Shields took a lateral on the opening kickoff and zipped to the Wisconsin six yard line. An illegal block cost the ‘Canes ten yards, but Cooper found the end zone as Miami jumped out to a 7-0 lead. Tolzien handed off the Clay on six of the eight plays during the Badgers’ first drive. Miami stuffed the rusher and forced Wisconsin to punt. Clay put the Badgers on the board midway through the first quarter with the first of his two rushing touchdowns. The Big 10 representatives needed just three plays to score their first seven points. Tolzien’s toss to Lance Hendricks for a 37 yard gain set up Clay’s three yard run.
The game remained tied 7-7 moving into the second quarter, when the Badger defense really started to click. The Hurricanes couldn’t piece it together on offense as Jacory Harris was continually pressured. Harris was sacked, and ‘Canes rushed for two consecutive losses on their first possession of the second quarter. Senior lineman, O’Brien Schofield, sacked Harris twice in straight possessions. Linebacker, Chris Borland, also took credit for two of Wisconsin’s five sacks. Borland was named conference freshman of the year. The once-hailed Miami quarterback looked entirely lost in Orlando against a Big 10 defense that hasn’t lived up to their primetime status as of late. Harris finished with 188 yards and completed 16-of-29 passes for 9-4 Miami. Harris was an inviting target for Wisconsin the remainder of the night.
The defense wasn’t much better for Miami in the second quarter. There were missed tackles and poor blocking by the ACC powerhouse. The Badgers thrived on running and throwing on play-action. Clay recorded seven of the ten second quarter points for Wisconsin. Philip Welch tallied the remaining three with .12 second left before the break. Welch’s kick through the uprights from 37 yards gave the Badgers a 17-7 lead heading into the halftime locker room. The Badgers came away empty on a four and a half minute drive to open the second half. Yet, Wisconsin kept grinding as the Hurricanes were spinning out of control on both ends. Miami’s meltdown wasn’t helped by an inconsistent and unproductive Harris. The ‘Canes had little success moving the ball. Harris’s longest completion was to sophomore wideout, Tommy Streeter. Streeter’s 47 yard reception in the third was his only of the game, but went for naught. Miami flopped when they went for it on fourth-and-four from the Badger 35 yard line. Wisconsin took over on downs, but also failed to score.
The fourth quarter scoring was scarce until the clock read four minutes. Welch knocked in Wisconsin’s second field goal to put the Badgers on top by 13. Welch connected from 29 yards out to provide what seemed like a commanding lead. The Hurricanes took a critical step in coming back on the ensuing possession. Harris dictated the tempo for the ‘Canes, going 79 yards on 10 plays. The result was a 14 yard touchdown pass to Thearon Collier with 1:22 left in the game. Miami was within six points of tying the score when the recovered the onside kick. Schofield sacked Harris for the third time on Miami’s own 41 yard line, and nearly threw a pick on the second play of the drive to kill the rally. The Badgers took over with .42 seconds remaining to run out the clock on the bowl game and secure their first ten win season since 2006. Wisconsin limited the dynamic Miami offense to 249 yards. Defensive end, J.J. Watt, recovered a Harris fumble, and Micanor Regis snagged an interception in the win. Montee Ball added 61 yards rushing to complement Clay’s tremendous game.

Parting Points: Song of the day- Madonna’s : “Take A Bow”.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Parise Pockets Pair in Physical Play at Prudential

Zach Parise planted the puck between the posts for the first time in exactly a month to start the scoring for the Devils last night in Newark. Parise’s pair of goals Monday were enough to lift New Jersey to a very physical 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers. The 25 year old team leader in goals and points the past two seasons snapped a 12 game scoring drought to give New Jersey their fourth straight victory at The Rock. It is imperative for Parise to fluster the foes in order for the Devils to deliver. Atlanta took 20 hits on New Jersey but fought off early shakiness to make it a closely contest meeting. The Devils own a 27-9-1 record and bounced back from a pre-Christmas spiritless loss to Washington. New Jersey returned to their winning ways with their best skater recapturing the spotlight. The Thrashers dropped their fifth straight game, despite fighting to trim the home lead to one goal with 7:28 remaining in the contest.
Parise slipped by Atlanta defenders 10:46 into the first period to beat badly-screened goalie, Johan Hedberg. The winger broke through and knocked in his own rebound over Hedberg’s pads for the first Devils’ tally. His 16th goal of the season tied the game at 1-1. Niclas Bergfors and Andy Greene each earned an assist on the goal. A minute earlier in the quarter, Ilya Kovalchuk recorded Atlanta’s initial goal with a blast from the left circle past Martin Brodeur. Kovalchuk’s extended his point-scoring streak to ten with his 23rd goal. Marty Reasoner and Tobias Enstrom picked up the assists on the score. Devils’ defensivemen, Collin White, chipped in a first period goal to put the Devils ahead 2-1 at 16:34. It was the long-time Devil’s second goal of 2009. The ten year veteran was on the ice for nearly 23 minutes Monday. Bergfors notched his second assist of the night on White’s slapper.
Atlanta was rewarded for their enduring effort after neither team scored in the sloppy second period. New Jersey failed to move the puck and often allowed Atlanta clear shots up the ice. The Devils got on board first with the super speedy Parise’s second of two scores. Patrik Elias swung a cross-ice pass to Parise .59 seconds into the third period. The power play goal was Parise’s 17th, and put New Jersey up 3-1. A two goal lead is usually suffice for the game’s most dominant netminder, Brodeur. Marty allowed Atlanta to best him once more, but finished with 24 saves. Reasoner gave the redshirts a reason for concern by blitzing Brodeur from the high slot after a two-zone Atlanta rush. The 19-15-4 Thrashers wouldn’t get any closer. A solid road effort turned into another loss for John Anderson’s Thrashers. Luckily for the Devils, the defense held up well in advantageous Atlanta situations. New Jersey’s goalie fended off a flurry of attackers and snared shots to the ice to preserve the edge. Brodeur was playing in his first game at the Prudential Center since his historical shutout. The three time Stanley Cup goaltender hung tough behind net, and Parise stepped up with surging, skillful, shining statement to thump the Thrashers.

Parting Points: Are the Vikings caving? Cutler connected in crunchtime to overcome the Favre mystique.

These Mike Leach allegations are disturbing, to say the least.

Tracy McGrady is requesting a trade. I can’t blame the All-Star Rocket for wanting more minutes. Does Houston exchange an expiring contracts or a young shooter?

Monday, December 28, 2009

Painter Portrays Playoff Picture

It took the longest kickoff return in team history and Colts’ coach, Jim Caldwell, pulling his starters for the Jets to pull into a four-way tie for the final AFC playoff spot. Gang Green improved to 8-7 and controls their own destiny after handing Indianapolis their first loss of the season. The Jets’ 29-15 road victory over the unbeaten Colts ended Indy’s record 23 regular season winning streak. Caldwell benched quarterback, Peyton Manning, and most of his other key players, during the second half. The move was a clear indicator the rookie head coach is preserving and protecting his players for the playoffs. Still, Rex Ryan’s Jets, on the brink of being eliminated from the extra season, responded with authority. New York outscored the Colts 19-0 after Manning was removed. A win next week against AFC North champion Cincinnati would put the Jets in the playoffs. Gang Green remains tied in their wildcard pursuits with Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Denver and Houston. Sunday’s surprising defeat on the road puts them in a “win and you’re in” position.
The Jets’ sealed the first loss by the Colts in over a year and snuck a step closer to returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2006 with two fourth quarter scores. Clinging to a three point lead with fifteen minutes left, Jay Feely’s 43 yard field goal made it a 21-15 Jets’ advantage early in the final quarter. Thomas Jones’ one yard touchdown run was followed by a two-point conversion to increase the visitor’s lead to the final score, 29-15. Jones finished with 105 yards on the ground and rookie rusher, Shonn Greene, put up 95 yards. New York’s running game seized control of the game and guided the offense all day. First year signal caller from USC, Mark Sanchez, was 12 of 19 for 106 yards. The mistake-prone, often scrutinized Sanchez went without an interception, relying on a bevy of core receivers.
Lucas Oil Stadium erupted in cheers when Joseph Addai scrambled for the game’s first score, a 21 yard rushing touchdown. Addai and the Colts struggled with the Jets’ run defense. Addai mustered just 40 yards on the ground, but his long 21 resulted in a home touchdown. Donald Brown, in his first season out of UConn, wasn’t much of a factor with feet. The rookie carried the ball 15 times for 22 yards Indianapolis made it a 9-0 game in the second quarter behind Adam Vinatieri’s 22 yard boot. Feely put New York on the board with a three point kick from 35 yards with 1:44 remaining before halftime. Jerricho Cotchery and Braylon Edwards paced the Jets’ offense in the first half.
The Jets mastered the number one seed in the AFC during the second half. Brad Smith ran Pat McAfee’s kickoff back 106 yards for a touchdown to shift the momentum the Gang Green way. The longest play in Jets’ history gave New York a one point edge. Indianapolis regained the lead on the next possession. The Colts went up 15-10 on Brown’s one yard run on an 81 yard drive. The Jets did a credible job against Manning. The MVP tossed for 192 yards through the air and completed 14 of 21 passes. The defense began blitzing more often as soon as Manning’s replacement came into the game in with the Jets trailing in the third. Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne blanketed the Jets defense all game, but were also yanked in the third quarter. New York took the lead for good when Purdue product, Curtis Painter, fumbled. Marques Douglas recovered the backup quarterback’s fumble and turned it into six Gang Green points. Sanchez’s two point pass to Dustin Keller made it 18-15 Jets, putting Indy’s hopes of perfection in jeopardy. Painter also threw an interception, while completed four of his 11 passes. The undefeated season wasn’t a priority for Caldwell. He could have left Manning and a handful of other starters in the game to finish off New York. Manning is capable of comebacks and sustaining drives. The cornerstone of the Colts methodically moved the Colts 81 yards to set up the go-ahead scored after Smith’s record return. The Pro Bowl passer would have held Indy out in front had he not been benched. Instead, Caldwell allowed the visitors to top his backups and crush their bid for a perfect season. Caldwell probably figured his team already had home-field advantage. He would rather lose the game than lose an important player before the playoffs.

Parting Points: The Giants were ousted by the Panthers in their worst (and final) home defeat since 1995.

206 yards from Jonathan Stewart? I mean, seriously!? And, just how many ways can Jon Beason beat you?

The Cowboys snagged at least a wildcard berth by shutting out the reeling Redskins. They can win the NFC East with a trouncing of the Eagles next week.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Lewis’ Leading Legs Lift Lineup

A 19-17 victory in the Meineke Bowl pushed the Pittsburgh Panthers to their first 10 win season since Dan Marino was behind center in 1981. Seventeenth ranked Pittsburgh overcame a disappointing loss to Cincinnati in the last week of the season to slip past North Carolina in the final seconds. The Panthers are likely to be ranked in the top 15 at year end for the first time since the Marino era. The fantastic finish may not have been possible without the fastest freshmen force on the team all season.
The Panthers were paced by freshmen tailback, Dion Lewis. Lewis carried the ball 13 times and racked up 58 yards on the game-winning drive at Bank of America Stadium Saturday. The MVP finished with 159 yards and a touchdown, and eclipsed Tony Dorsett’s freshmen rushing record of 1,686 yards in the first quarter. Pittsburgh trailed 17-16 as the clock wound down in the fourth quarter. Panthers quarterback, Bill Stull, rallied his team on a 17 play, 79 yard drive to set up Dan Hutchins’ team bowl record fourth field goal to win the game. Lewis carried the ball on the pivotal drive, but wasn’t the only imposing impact. Stull helped his own cause with a quarterback sneak to extend the drive on a fourth down his own 30 yard line. Following an off-sides penalty against the Tar Heels, Lewis pounded out nine more yards to give Hutchins a decent chance at 33 yards. The Pitt kicker’s aim was right on as the Panthers took the lead with .52 seconds left. Hutchins missed his first field goal attempt of the game, but was perfect on the next four to lift the Panthers to prominence.
North Carolina signal caller, T.J.Yates, threw two touchdown passes to Greg Little as the Tar Heels suffered their second straight loss. Yates was picked off and failed to move the 8-5 Tar Heels into field goal territory in the waning seconds. North Carolina marched to midfield with half a minute remaining, but Yates missed his mark four times to end the comeback bid. Dan Mason intercepted Yates at the one yard line four minutes before the break. It was the freshmen linebacker’s first career interception. Casey Barth booted a 37 yard field goal in the second quarter for North Carolina to tie the game at 10-10. Hutchins drilled one from 37 as time expired in the first half to provide the three point Panthers edge. The Panthers endured a somewhat frustrating first half. There were many missed opportunities, including the game’s first drive. This has become a recent trend for the Panthers. Saturday, they extended their streak of scoreless first quarters in bowl games to six. Dorin Dickerson dropped a very catchable pass from Stull in the end zone to stall the Panthers opening possession. The Panthers would have settled for three had Hutchins hit the field goal from 40 yards out. Hutchins kick was wide right and the Panthers turned the ball over without recording a point. Yates then capped off a 77 yard drive with a 15 yard touchdown pass to Little for the 7-0 North Carolina lead. Pitt picked up good field position on the ensuing kickoff, but Lewis coughed up the ball in UNC territory for the Panthers’ only turnover. Additionally, it was Lewis’ first lost fumble of the year.
Lewis danced into the end zone with a ten yard touchdown to atone for his mistake in the second quarter. The first Panthers’ touchdown followed a Hutchins’ first field goal. Dave Wannstedt’s defense was superb in stuffing the Tar Heels throughout the second half. UNC wideout, Mike Shanahan, thumped the Panthers’ defense for five catches. Ryan Houston rushed for 83 yards for UNC and Little grabbed seven passes in the game, but the Tar Heels were held to seven points in the remaining two quarters. The sixth ranked defense in the nation, Carolina, could not contain Lewis. Butch Davis’ team continued to fail in closing out games after they took the lead in the third quarter on Little’s second score. It appeared the Panthers’ missed chances would haunt them after Little made it a Tar Heel lead. Lewis burned the Heels’ timeouts and rushed unscathed before Hutchins split the uprights for the winning kick. The Pitt tailback was named MVP of the Meineke Bowl because he delivered when the game was on the line. The Big East’s offensive player of the year completed an impressive rookie campaign with a phenomenal Pittsburgh bowl performance.

Parting Points: Too bad the NJ Devils couldn’t just beat the Capitals.

What is with Rick Adelmann benching Tracy McGrady for the weekend? Surely TMac can hang some on the Nets and Cavs.

Sad to see Urban Meyer exit the college game. I have the utmost respect for one of the better coaches in this era.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Chargers Control Christmas

The San Diego Chargers closed out a perfect December, won their 10th straight game and locked up the number two AFC playoff seed Christmas night in Nashville. The Chargers earned a first round bye in a clinching 42-17 rout of the Titans and improved to 12-3 on the season. Philip Rivers threw a pair of touchdown passes and LaDainian Tomlinson ran for two more for the AFC West champion Chargers. The streaking Chargers wrapped up December on Christmas night by outgaining the Titans in yards, dominating time of possession and grabbing twice picking off Tennessee’s Vince Young. The Titans’ comeback quarterback completed only 8 of 21 passes for 89 yards without a touchdown. Young was 7-1 as a starter at home since coming off the bench early this year. He threw only four interceptions in that time. Young turned the ball over on successive drives Friday night. The Titans were facing very long odds of making the playoffs. Now their chances are gone with one game remaining on the schedule. Tennessee fell to 7-8 and was never even a match for Rivers and the Bolts. The Chargers are now 7-1 in road contests this season. Rivers is 18-0 as a four year starter in December football games.
San Diego seemed scintillatingly sharp from the first snap following a three and out on the opening possession of the game. Titans’ running back, Chris Johnson, took a handoff 25 yards up the field at the Tennessee 20 yard line to begin the home team’s initial drive. Young hit Nate Washington and Johnson for 12 and 14 yard receptions but the Titans settled for Rob Bironas’ 46 yard field goal and the early advantage. Rivers answered on the ensuing San Diego possession by orchestrating an efficient seven minute drive. Tomlinson scored on the 13th play with a one yard touchdown run. Tennessee fell victim to two Young miscues in the second quarter. Rivers responded by making the Titans pay on both turnovers. The Bolts’ leading receiver, Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates, finished with 74 yards on three catches. His 36 yard pass from Rivers following a Young interception early in the second quarter put San Diego on top by 11. Darren Sproles made it a 21-3 icing with just over three minutes before halftime after a fumbling Young turned the ball over to the visitors. It was Sproles first of three touchdowns, and came on a three yard toss from Rivers. Young discovered the end zone with .17 seconds remaining in the second quarter to trim the Titans lead back to 11.
Titanic rusher Tomlinson scrambled for his second touchdown in the third quarter. LT finished with 59 yards rushing on 16 carries. He scored to put the Bolts up by 18 on a one yard run with 9:49 left in the third. The Chargers’ defense forced the Titans out on three plays on their first two drives of the second half. Sproles did the rest of the scoring for the visiting team the rest of the way as the San Diego lead grew to 35-10 before the final quarter. The Chargers ran for 166 yards. Sproles scored on a nine yard run to end the third. He began the fourth quarter by cranking out a 1 yard touchdown run for the final Chargers score. Johnson, the MVP-like back, continued his quest to become the NFL’s sixth player to run for 2,000 yards in a season. The Tennessee runner bolted for 142 yards, including a touchdown in the final quarter, to notch his 10th straight 100 yard effort of 2009. He finished Christmas night 128 yards shy of the 2,000 mark. Alabama native Rivers topped 4,000 yards for the second straight season. Tomlinson added two more to decade-leading rushing touchdown total of 138. Norv Turner’s Chargers are a focused and prepared team poised to threaten any AFC opponent this postseason. Last night, they scored on six straight possessions and forced three turnovers. The patched-up offense looked vulnerable and exposed against a strong, sturdy Chargers defense. Young’s top target, Washington, had just 39 yards on four receptions. The Bolts’ defense held Young and the Titans to 25% on third downs. The Chargers were playing with backups by the fourth quarter as their league leading passer secured them a playoff spot. The Bolts are excellent shape and a great position heading into the 2010 postseason.

Parting Points: Song for the day after Xmas- “Brick” by Ben Folds Five

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Thursday Take-Twos

The anticipated fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is in jeopardy. Negotiations between representatives of the highly acclaimed boxers remained at an impasse Wednesday night. A Thursday deadline was set to determined whether or not the fight will be formalized. The match promises to be one of the richest ever, but Mayweather’s camp is insisting both fighters be drug-tested in the two weeks leading up to the MGM Grand hotel live event. Pacquiao’s promoter informed the press he was unable to come to terms to an Olympic-style drug test for the mega fight. The two sides have had continued scuffles, including an accusation by Mayweather’s father that Pacquiao was using performance-enhancing drugs to win titles and move up in weight class. A blood test, instead of a urine screening, would be able to detect HGH. Pacquiao has never failed a post-test drug fight, but has yet to agree to Mayweather’s conditions. The fighters already agreed in principle to a March 13th date and a 147 pound welterweight limit. The hotly anticipated fight is now teetering on the brink of collapse, even though the Pacman is willing to submit blood samples in January, February, and immediately following the fight. Pacquiao is taciturn in giving blood days before the test because of personal superstitions. The fighter believes his performance will be weakened and affected by any intervening test.
Utah was elevated to a ninth consecutive bowl game with a ten point topping of California in the Poinsettia Bowl Wednesday. The 10-3 Utes scored 27 straight points in a 37-27 win to give Utah the nation’s current longest bowl streak, and second longest ever. The Golden Bears had their four-game post-season winning streak snapped as quarterback Kevin Riley was sacked three times in front of the Qualcomm Stadium crowd. Utah’s true freshman signal caller, Jordan Wynn, threw a career high 338 yards and completed 26 of his 36 passes. Cal scored twice in eleven seconds midway through the first quarter to build a 14-0 lead. The Utes looked overmatched until piling on the 27 unanswered points. The Golden Bears didn’t find the endzone until Shane Vereen’s one yard run with .39 seconds left in the third quarter. Stevenson Sylvester’s 27 yard interception return for a touchdown grabbed the fourth quarter spotlight for Utah, as the defense came up big. Riley tossed a pair of picks in the loss, but the Bears’ offense was propelled by a 122 yard, two score day from Vereen. It wasn’t enough to stop the streaking original BCS-busting Utes.
The number one team in women’s hoops pummeled the number two. The UConn Huskies routed second-ranked Stanford 80-68 in Hartford Wednesday night behind Maya Moore’s 23 points. Connecticut won its 49th straight game and improved to 10-0 on the season. Last season’s semifinal rematch with the Cardinal proved to be no match. Stanford suffered their first loss despite double digit games from Nnemkadi Ogwumike and Kayla Pedersen. The teams traded baskets throughout the first half. Stanford shot 57% from the field in the half to go up 40-38 at the break. It was the first time since 2008 the Huskies found themselves down at halftime. UConn trailed by two early in the second half before Geno Auriemma’s top-ranked Huskies went on an eleven minute 30-6 run. UConn upheld a 22 point lead with just over five minutes in the game and never looked back.
Finally, the baseball umpire deal. Major League Baseball’s men in stripes (no, not pinstripes) reached a five-year labor contract agreement Wednesday. The deal could give umpires the chance to work World Series games in consecutive years. The contract runs through December 2014 and is subject to ratification next month. Management sought increased flexibility on postseason assignments following a series of missed playoff calls. The new deal will lift the prohibition of umps working World Series games in consecutive seasons if the union and owners agree.

Parting Points: Have a merry Christmas everybody!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

BYU Beats Beavers in Blistery Bowl

Sam Boyd Stadium winds were swirling Tuesday night in the Las Vegas Bowl between the BYU Cougars and Oregon State Beavers. The Pac 10 representative Beavers dropped their second straight loss 44-20 following cold Vegas desert winds and a stifling Cougars defense. Oregon State fell to Oregon in its season finale and was pushed out of going to the annual Rose Bowl. The Beavers settled instead for the Las Vegas Bowl. It was more like the Civil War than they hoped it would be as BYU cruised to a throttling win. BYU’s senior signal caller threw three touchdowns for 192 in his final performance of his college career. Hall connected with Dennis Pitta, Luke Asworth and Manase Tonga in the surprisingly one-sided Cougars bout. Hall gave the number 15 Cougars their third victory in five bowl appearances in Sin City, while ended the Beavers’ run of five consecutive bowl wins. It was Hall’s second bowl win as a BYU quarterback. Only Jim McMahon matches Hall in that department. The talented Rodgers brothers were held in check and bottled up throughout Oregon State’s defeat. Running back, Jacquizz Rodgers, was arguably the best player on the field. The Cougars’ defense held the rusher to just 63 yards on 18 touches. His wide receiver brother, James, caught 30 yards against what most consider a small secondary for BYU. Harvey Unga scored for the 11-2 Cougars and ran for 76 yards on 24 carries against a team who was only one quarter away from the Rose Bowl.
Hall was excellent in going up against the patchy Oregon State secondary. His top targets, Pitta and Andrew George, combined for 9 receptions and just under 100 yards. The Cougars executed on third downs and Hall exposed the inexperienced Beaver defense when he needed to most. The Beaver offense converted just once on five fourth down tries and were 5 of 16 on third downs. They finished with three turnovers, including a James Rodgers fumble in one of the more competitive billed bowl matchups of the season. The Beavers struggled to sustain drives and quarterback, Sean Canfield, completed only four passes in the first half. The 8-5 Beavers scored on Canfield’s one yard run in the opening quarter for the early 7-0 lead. BYU answered with six scores of their own before the Beavers would put additional points on the scoreboard in the final quarter. Oregon State found their offense in the fourth quarter after the game was essentially out of reach. Jacquizz Rodgers provided six points to cut the BYU blowout advantage to 37-13. The Beavers even missed the extra point. Damola Adeniji hauled in a 31 yard touchdown pass from Ryan Katz with 2:35 left in the contest for the only other Oregon State touchdown.
The Cougars proved why their offense is hard to stop. The defense also harassed the opponent Tuesday night. Matt Bauman’s 34 yard fumble return for a touchdown padded the Cougars lead 14-7 in the first quarter after Unga added a rushing touchdown. Mitch Payne hit a 28 yard field goal through the uprights to increase the BYU lead to 10 before Ashworth snagged a 25 yard pass five minutes before halftime. Pitta scored the only points of the third quarter on a 17 yard Hall launch, and Tonga’s 15 yarder during a one play drive continued the obliteration of the Beavers. Canfield connected on a mere 20-of-41 throws for 173 yards in the losing effort. It was a Beaver beatdown and one of the weaker performances of the season for Oregon State. The poor fundamentals and decisions spelled disaster for the 16th ranked Beavers. The normally dependable Rodgers fumbled for the first time in his career as his quarterback completed less than 50% of his passes. The Beavers did pick up two sacks on the defensive end, but the prepared receivers whipped the OSU secondary with precise pass routes. The Beavers were never able to adjust to the conditions or overcome Hall’s approach. Canfield was forced to throw into double and triple coverage in the below 30 degree temperatures. The Cougar defense strategically pushed the Beavers’ offensive line around all night. This bowl game is one the Oregon State fans and players will surely like to leave in Las Vegas.

Parting Points: Ohio State’s David Lighty is one heck of a junior guard. He’s electrifying.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Big Blue Beatdown Boosts Buoyancy

The New York Giants were shutting out the rival Redskins 24-0 after thirty minutes of Monday night football in Washington. Big Blue wasted no time in the next half hour in putting up another 28 points before leaving the nation’s capital with a blowout 45-12 drubbing of the home team. New York’s romping of the Redskins keeps the Giants just one game behind Dallas and Green Bay for the NFC wildcard. The lukewarm Giants remained in the hunt by playing with focus and controlling every facet of the game. Tom Coughlin’s offense scored on six of their first seven possessions to pulverize and humiliate Washington. New York’s defense produced five sacks and three picks to back a three touchdown night from quarterback, Eli Manning.
The 8-6 Giants looked like a team facing a must-win when they came out of the gate all fired up. Running back, Ahmad Bradshaw, was a man on a mission too. Bradshaw scored the first touchdown of the game. It wasn’t a quick seven. The drive shaved nine minutes of the clock in the first quarter. Bradshaw’s three yard bolt on the 16th play of the 80 yard drive provided New York their first edge of the game. The Redskins would never come close to retaking the lead. Bradshaw found the end zone again in the second quarter, and Lawrence Tynes’ 38 yard field goal made it a 17-0 New York lead. Washington couldn’t seem to do anything right. The four-win ‘Skins went three-and-out on their first three possessions. Washington signal caller, Jason Campbell, tossed two interceptions and completed 15 of his 28 passes. Manning was efficient in throwing 268 yards. Steve Smith was on the receiving end of Manning’s first touchdown Monday night. Smith’s six yard reception occurred four minutes before the half. The Redskins faked a field goal before the break, but the failed play resulted in a Giant turnover.
New York had all the right moves and motives. The threat of Brandon Jacobs and Bradshaw in the backfield opened up the passing game for Manning. Bradshaw’s nine touches produced a pair of first half touchdowns. But, the balanced New York offense kept Washington off-balance. Fred Davis finally gave the home team their first touchdown in the third quarter. Campbell’s completion from 11 yards was spoiled by a blocked extra point, however. The Giants were a hungry team from every angle. The pass rush excelled in applying pressure on the pitiful trio of quarterbacks utilized by Washington. The defense delivered the beatdown in a tantalizing effort against the tainted ‘Skins. Derek Hagan reeled in one pass Monday night, but it was good for six points. The little-used receiver’s 23 yard touchdown continued the rout midway through the third quarter. Terrell Thomas put the Giants up by 32 points following an interception return for a touchdown. Campbell answered the turnover with four straight first downs. Washington scored with .14 second left in the third quarter on a one yard cut up the middle by Quinton Gather for their final touchdown of the night.
Manning added to the New York lead in the fourth quarter before he was pulled from the game. Mario Manningham scored on the opening drive of the final quarter after Washington’s Pro-Bowl defender, Albert Haynesworth, was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. Manningham had three catches for 44 yards. Safety, Aaron Rouse and linebacker, Chase Blackburn overwhelmed the Redskins with an interception each. Ten receivers frustrated Washington in numbing fashion Monday night as the Giants looked like a genuine playoff team. Even without Corey Webster and Aaron Ross, the defense thrashed Jim Zorn’s offense and made it look relatively easy minus their inactives. The Redskins were held to 78 total yards in the first half. The Giants were exceptional in converting third downs in embarrassing their hapless NFC East opponents. Had New York lost down in D.C., they still would have remained post-season eligible. But with three teams vying for two wildcard spots, the Giants couldn’t take a chance of losing the game. The Giants have the edge over both the Cowboys and Packers in any tie-breaker scenarios. Monday night’s devastating defeat of Washington puts them in a better position of not sitting out the playoffs.

Parting Points: Thank goodness the Dallas Cowboys ridded themselves of Nick Folk.

Adios, Melky…welcome back, Javy.

Listening to Foo Fighters’ “Long Road to Ruin” on repeat this terrific Tuesday.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Pittsburgh Pastes Packers

The Pittsburgh Steelers scored on the decisive 86 yard drive as time expired to surpass the Green Bay Packers 37-36 at Heinz Field Sunday. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger delivered the game-winning pass to rookie receiver, Mike Wallace to tie the game. Jeff Reed booted the extra point to snap the Steelers’ five game losing streak, allowing Pittsburgh’s playoff chances to stay alive another week. The Steelers avoided tying their longest losing streak in 40 years with the one point victory. Roethlisberger set a franchise record with 503 passing yards. Big Ben became the first Steelers quarterback to top 500 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Y.A. Tittle and Warren Moon are the only other two NFL passers to throw for at least as many yards with three touchdowns and no picks.
The Steelers carried a ten point lead into the fourth quarter before a scoring surge began. The game’s final fifteen minutes featured four touchdowns and a pair of field goals as the scoreboard got plenty of exercise. Packers’ tight end, Jermichael Finley, began the point pasting with an 11 yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay’s fifth year signal caller put up a three touchdown day to match Roethlisberger. Rodgers threw for 383 yards without a pick. His pass to Finley with 13 1/2 minutes left in the game cut the Steeler lead to three. Reed gave Pittsburgh their points back with a 34 yard field goal. The 9-5 Packers took their first lead of the day on the ensuing Green Bay possession. Rodgers fired to Finley twice before hitting Jordy Nelson for 27 yards and a Green Bay first down. Running back, Ryan Grant, took over from there. Grant pounded 24 yards, squirting into the end zone to squeeze out 28-27 Packer advantage.
Reed drilled his third field goal of the second half to put the Steelers up by two, but his onside kick with four minutes remaining went the Packers’ way. Pittsburgh’s Ike Taylor was charged with a penalty after touching the ball before it had gone the required ten yards. Green Bay took full advantage, scoring on a 24 yard touchdown toss from Rodgers to James Jones. The Packers successfully executed the two-point conversion to go ahead of the ailing home team, 36-30. With just two minutes to work with, Roethlisberger went with the player who started the scoring for Pittsburgh. The Steelers were helped on their desperation final drive by some big Green Bay penalties. Wallace scored on the Steelers’ first and final plays. His 60 yard reception on a one-play Pittsburgh drive opened the first quarter and provided the 7-0 lead. Roethlisberger shipped the ball to Wallace from 19 yards out with zero second left on the clock. Wallace tiptoed in bounds on the 3rd-and-10 play in what brought back memories of Santonio Holmes’ game-winning haul ten months ago in Superbowl XLIII. The rookie finished with 79 yards and two touchdowns. It was the first two-touchdown game of his young career.
Hines Ward and Heath Miller had seven catches a piece and a combined 244 yards as the Steelers improved to 7-7. LeMarr Woodley was sterling in a four tackle effort on defense. Roethlisberger polished off his fifth 300 yard passing attack of the season. The game was practically devoid of running plays. Former Illinois running back, Rashard Mendenhall, rushed for 38 yards, but scored in the opening quarter on a two yard run. It was Pittsburgh’s only touchdown from the backfield. Mendenhall’s bigger contributions came as Roethlisberger’s receiver. Grant scrambled for 37 yards in the near 900 yard passing contest. The Packers were piloted by wideout, Greg Jennings’ 118 yards. Jennings scored in the first quarter on an 88 yard drive that lasted three plays for Green Bay. He gouged the once-dominant, stingy, ruthless and ferocious Pittsburgh defense with an 83 yard touchdown from Rodgers. Green Bay could have secured a playoff spot with a win Sunday. They came close to defeating Pittsburgh at home for the first time since the 1970 season. The Steelers joined five teams in the hunt for last AFC wildcard spot.

Parting Points: How lovely of Mark Sanchez to put up a hat trick of interceptions in yesterday’s Jets loss!

A ginormous (I know it’s not really a word) shout-out to my father. Happy Birthday, Dad! I love you.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Streaking Saints Stopped Short

The Dallas Cowboys had everything to gain and lose Saturday. A loss to the undefeated Saints in the Superdome would further diminish their slim playoff chances. A win would keep their post-season hopes alive and summon them the first team to beat New Orleans this season. Dallas delivered a defeat dramatically to dash the Saints, tarnish their record and stop their winning streak. The Saints were handed their first loss of the year after falling short at midfield in the final minute. Defensive standout, DeMarcus Ware, sacked New Orleans quarterback, Drew Brees at the Dallas 48 yard line with .12 second left. Brees fumbled the football and the Cowboys recovered to seal the 24-17 victory. New Orleans is now 13-1. The Indianapolis Colts are the only team with an unblemished record in 2009. The Cowboys are 9-5 overall and improved to 4-3 on the road.
Dallas ended a two game skid and built and early 14-0 lead. The Cowboys scored on their first two possessions of the game. Tony Romo, the 29 year old quarterback, put a halt to the Cowboys’ recent December swoon. Romo burned the Saints with a 49 yard touchdown pass to a streaking Miles Austin down the left sideline for the early 7-0 Dallas advantage. Miles led all receivers with 7 receptions for 139 yards and eclipsed 1,000 yards with his first half grab. Marion Barber scored on a three yard rushing touchdown to make it a two touchdown lead for the visiting team before the end of the first quarter. Romo threw for 312 yards and one touchdown. He also ran for 21 yards and went without an interception as the Dallas offense finally stepped up the challenge. Wade Phillips’ defense also rose to the occasion, holding New Orleans to one first down in the opening quarter.
The second quarter wasn’t much better for Brees and the unbeaten Saints. Brees threw a pick and fumbled the ball as New Orleans fell behind 17-3 at the break. The Saints pieced together a 75 yard drive in the middle of the second quarter. Garrett Hartley drilled a 34 yard field goal to provide the only Saints points in the first half. New Orleans’ NFC East opponents added a field goal when Nick Folk notched one from 44 yards with .4 seconds before halftime.
The Cowboys overcame some penalties and poor kicking in the second half to withstand the suddenly emerging Saints. New Orleans held the Cowboys scoreless the last 23 minutes of Saturday’s contest. Barber’s second touchdown of the day increased the Dallas lead to 21. The Cowboys’ pass rush continued to apply pressure and stymie the high octane Brees-led offense. The offense used a nice balance of run-pass plays to put the early dagger in the hosts’ hopes for perfection. Still, the comeback Saints put up a pair of scores in the final quarter. Brees found David Thomas for 13 and 18 yard completions to set up Mike Bell’s one yard touchdown run. Lance Moore lifted the Saints on their next possession. Moore caught a seven yard pass on a three minute drive to cut New Orleans’ deficit to 24-17 with eight minutes remaining. Brees finished with 298 yards through the air.
The Superdome crowd lit up when Folk missed an easy 24 yard field that would have put the game away for Dallas shortly before the two minute warning. Brees had one last crack at preserving an undefeated season for the Saints, but the Big D’s defense held strong. Ware stuffed Brees for a six yard loss and sent the packed Superdome fans home silent. Sean Payton’s Saints couldn’t get anything going early on and the Dallas lead was too much to overcome, even for the MVP-caliber quarterback Brees. Romo was highly efficient and hit his receivers when he needed to most. The visiting offense was 8-of-15 on third downs. The home team converted just one of seven third downs. Dallas relied on the depth of their offense to overpower the highest scoring NFL team. Romo used nine different receivers during his 22 completion night. The Cowboys also dominated time of possession while getting dominant performances from key players. Second year cornerbacks, Orlando Scandrick and Michael Jenkins, had seven and four tackles, respectively. Linebacker Anthony Spencer and Ware both picked up a pair of sacks and the offense outgained New Orleans 439 to 336 in yards. Marques Colston secured a handful of receptions for 86 yards. Thomas hauled in eight for 77 more, but the Saints struggled to move the ball the entire game. This Saturday wasn’t the Saints’ lucky day. Devery Henderson dropped a potential touchdown pass, and tailback, Reggie Bush, pulled up lame for an early exit. Dallas ended the Saints’ run at perfection by playing a near perfect game on the road in late December. Just like the 2009 Saints losing, that rarely happens.

Parting Points: My New Mexico Bowl prediction was entirely off. I guess this is why I don’t bet money on sports.
Band of the day- Toad the Wet Sprocket

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Bulldogs Blowout Begins Bowls

The headline is a bit presumptuous. The first bowl in the college football playoff season has yet to kickoff, but it’s almost a sure thing which team will prevail in today’s New Mexico Bowl. The Fresno State Bulldogs claw their way back to Albuquerque for the second consecutive appearance in the New Mexico Bowl Saturday. Last year didn’t go so well for Fresno State, who begin the 2009-10 bowl season against Wyoming in New Mexico’s fourth annual game. The Bulldogs fell to Colorado State in a heartbreaking 40-35 final a year ago. Fresno State head coach, Pat Hill, is in his 13th season with the Bulldogs. Hill has guided his team to ten post-season appearances in the past eleven seasons, and just signed an extension to remain at Fresno State next year. Hill’s 8-8 squad features the nation’s leading rusher per game in stellar sophomore, Ryan Matthews. Matthews will bring his near 152 yards per game to Albuquerque in a quest to defeat the Cowboys and enact revenge on last year’s loss. Colorado State surged back in the fourth quarter with 20 straight points of the 2008 New Mexico Bowl. Matthews and the Bulldogs anticipate continuing their two game winning streak with a blowout win over 6-6 Wyoming. The Bulldogs are one of the highest scoring teams in the country. FSU is favored by just three points, but most expect a Bulldog basking in the desert.
Fresno State’s lone loss in their last eight games came to an electrifying Nevada team. Nevada obliterated the Bulldogs 52-14. It’s not a stretch to assume Wyoming will be on the losing side of a similar score when all is said and done in New Mexico. College football’s first game is a mismatch of sorts. The Cowboys were picked to finish last in the Mountain West. Look how far they have come. First year head coach, Dave Christensen, directed his team to the playoffs in the Mountain West Conference. Wyoming exceeded expectations with their youthful roster this season. Under Christensen’s tutelage, the Cowboys gained bowl eligibility for the first time in three years. Wyoming didn’t play in a bowl game in 2006, however. This is the Cowboy’s first trip back to a bowl since 1987. The bowl berth means a lot to the fans, but the Cowboys may struggle to put up a respectable fight against their WAC opponents this afternoon. The Wyoming defense will have their hands full with rushing machine Matthews. The tailback averaged more yards than Heisman trophy candidate from Stanford, Toby Gerhart. The New Mexico Bowl would be a spectacular sendoff should Matthews bolt to the NFL following the game. The Bulldogs have relied heavily on the running game and Matthew’s mighty legs to carry them this year. Matthews cranked out nine straight 100 yard rushing games and set a new school record in yards. The overall rushing unit ranked seventh in the nation in the category this year. Matthews and kicker, Kevin Goessling were named All-Americans. Goessling set a Fresno State record with 15 consecutive field goals, and will carry the honor into the post-season. Junior signal caller, Ryan Colburn, has flown under the radar. Colburn’s numbers don’t jump out as awesome, but the sophomore quarterback has only been picked off eleven times in 279 attempts. Colburn’s 14th ranked offense averages 34 points per game. His 18 touchdown passes and Matthew’s 17 should make it a tough battle for the Cowboys. Colburn’s favorite target is wideout, Seyi Ajirotutu. The receiver caught for 671 yards and seven touchdowns for the Bulldogs.
Defensively, Fresno State is flirting on the edge of mere mediocrity. They ranked dead last in sacks with a total of nine all season. The Bulldogs aren’t great in rushing the passer or tackling for a loss. Wyoming will pin their hopes on a poor defensive exertion from Fresno State. The Cowboys are led by a dual threat, true freshman quarterback. Austyn Carta-Samuels passed for 1,752 yards and ran for near 300 more. The freshman has propelled the Cowboys to four fourth quarter comebacks and tossed 10 total touchdowns. The offense was held scoreless three times this season and has staggered through their schedule. The quarterback’s unique ability to keep the Cowboys in games and garner beneficial field position may be an important factor today. Carta-Samuels keeps the ball moving at a steady pace and can use his feet to gain extra yards. The receiver choice for Wyoming is clearly their all-conference standout, David Leonard. Leonard carried the Cowboys with 70 receptions for 645 yards. The Fresno State defense will likely be focusing their energies on Leonard. The Cowboys ranked second in their conference in turnover margin, and that success could prove valuable against the Bulldogs. The Wyoming backfield has one running back to watch in six touchdown scrambler, Alvester Alexander. Alexander will try to plow through a somewhat soft Fresno State defense, but don’t count on him being a big factor in the game. To their credit, Hill’s team is well-equipped at stopping the run. The Cowboys have not lost when scoring more than 11 points this year. They need to generate some offense in order to rise above the gnawing Bulldogs. It’s up to the frisky Fresno State defense to ensure Wyoming keeps their points in the single digits.

Parting Points: It’s a pretty eventful Saturday for sports. Saints and Cowboys tonight, college basketball in Texas, and another bowl game tonight (Rutgers-USF).

Friday, December 18, 2009

Perfect Ponies Pounce

The low profile Indianapolis Colts put their high profile perfect record on the line in Jacksonville for Thursday night football. The Jaguars hosted the undefeated Colts with their own hopes of earning a wildcard berth. The Colts eclipsed the Jaguars 35-31 for their 14th win, and 23rd in a row. Jacksonville fell to 7-7 as their push for the playoffs took a hit. The Colts captured home field advantage throughout the playoffs last week. Only the Jets and Bills stand in the way of an unblemished Indianapolis season and pro football immortality.
Quarterback Peyton Manning threw for 308 yards and four touchdowns in the four point Colts victory in Florida last night. Manning’s final fling was good for a 65 yard Reggie Wayne touchdown to put Indianapolis up for good in the fourth quarter. Jacksonville had a chance to pull off the upset in the final minutes. The home team drove to the Colts’ 33 yard line with 1:13 ticks on the clock. Jaguar signal caller, David Garrard, overthrew Mike Thomas on a third and long play following two incompletions. Rookie cornerback, Jacob Lacey, intercepted the pass and the Colts ran out the clock to secure the road defeat. It was Lacey’s second interception of the year. Garrard matched Manning with accurate passes and played fairly well until the final drive. He did misread a few crucial routes during the second half that could have been big plays for the Jaguars. The 31 year old passer threw three touchdowns and was 23 of 40 in completions. Garrard tossed 223 yards and was aided by a nifty ground game from Maurice Jones-Drew. The talented back was productive in carrying the ball 27 times for 110 yard and a score.
Manning was top notch behind center as expected. The MVP completed his first 13 passes and finished 23 of 30. After the Jaguars went up 3-0 on Josh Scobee’s 50 yard field goal in the first quarter, Manning’s six yard touchdown pass to Dallas Clark gave the Colts the edge. Jacksonville made it a 10-7 affair less than three minutes later. Jones-Drew skipped into the end zone the recipient of a 9 yard pass from Gerrard with 5:14 remaining in the half. He broke free from the pack and snuck behind linebacker, Clint Session, to hang on to the pass. The 5’7” Jaguars’ running back ran 14 times for 73 yards in the first half. Jones-Drew punched in his second score during the second quarter to give him 16 rushing this season. His three yard scramble came after a 93 yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Colts’ return-man, Chad Simpson. The game continued its back-and-forth momentum after the Colts swung the advantage their way on Austin Collie’s touchdown. The late second quarter 23 yard grab sent Indianapolis into the locker room with a 21-17 lead. Interestingly, there were no first half punts. The first punt of the game didn’t occur until the final quarter.
Garrard threw a 16 yard strike to Mike Sims-Walker to open the second half scoring. Sims-Walker’s 3rd-and 11 reception put the Jags on top by three. The nine play Jaguars drive shaved just 3:45 off the clock and came following a Manning interception to Daryl Smith. The pass was bobbled by Clark at the Indy 32 yard line on their first possession of the third quarter. Manning drove the Colts 80 yards on the next possession. He found an open Wayne for 21 yards to convert a third down before the efficient quarterback connected for a second time with Clark for a quick seven. Clark bounced off safety, Reggie Nelson, a slipped into the end zone as the Colts recaptured the lead. The home team wasn’t done finding the end zone. The third quarter shootout didn’t end until Mike Thomas hauled in Gerrard’s third touchdown pass on another nine play Jacksonville drive. The rookie receiver from Arizona returned the kickoff 43 yards to give the Jaguars exceptional field position before catching the first touchdown of his career.
Thursday’s clash featured nine lead changes. It was the final change that ultimately spelled disaster for the Jaguars. Manning made no scruple of seizing the slight advantage and jawing Jacksonville. He entertained accordingly in the final quarter to send the home team away with a loss. The Jags dropped their seventh game out of the last nine, but still cling to the hope of making the AFC wildcard. Indianapolis outlasted an untiring opponent with a last quarter score. Wayne’s solo touchdown was good for 65 of the receiver’s 132 yards. Clark had seven catches for 95 yards and two of the game’s seven touchdowns.

Parting Points: Nick Johnson a Yankee? I am all for the DH/1B having a second stint in New York.
One week until Christmas. Happy Friday!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Punchless Power Play at Prudential

The New Jersey Devils managed to skate past Montreal 2-1 Wednesday even without a power play goal in five tries. The Canadiens played short-handed and took the first five penalties of the game, but the Devils were unable to capitalize on the advantage. The Devils sputtered on the power play throughout the first two periods. Instead, New Jersey benefited from awesome goaltending and a fluke goal from first year Finland native, Illka Pikkarainen. Devils’ netminder, Martin Brodeur, tied Patrick Roy’s NHL record for regular season appearances at 1,029. Brodeur also inked his 598th career win. The goalie missed passing Terry Shawchuk on the all-time shutout list because Travin Moen scored unassisted in the first period. The Devils fell behind and squandered a two-man advantage when the Habs inexplicably scored a shorthanded goal. Moen took the puck off a Jamie Langenbrunner turnover and deposited into the net for a 1-0 Montreal lead. Langenbrunner flubbed the puck on a cross-ice pass from defensiveman, Andy Greene. The Prudential Center crowd showered the arena with boos. Most of the jeers were directed at former Devil forward, Scott Gomez. The Canadien Gomez was booed every time he touched the puck. The Devils couldn’t get much going or facilitate much against Gomez’s new team until the second period.
The Devils answered in the second period on Pikkarainen’s wrister that deflected off the glove of Carey Price in goal. Price accidentally knocked the puck with the back of his right skate to allow New Jersey the equalizer to score. Patrik Elias broke the 1-1 tie 17:24 into the third period to salvage the Devils’ 23rd win. Elias picked up his seventh goal of the year by redirecting his own rebound into the net. Price stopped the initial shot, but Elias whistled in the game winner with 2:36 remaining, just in time. Elias’ goal sealed the fifth consecutive New Jersey victory over Montreal. The franchise’s all time leading scorer was coming off his 300th goal in Saturday’s 4-1 win over the Flyers. Price made 25 saves for Montreal. He made eight during the four-penalty first quarter. The 16 year veteran, Brodeur, was credited with 17 stops. The Devils are second to Pittsburgh in the Atlantic Division. New Jersey improved to 12-6 at home. Montreal sits at fourth in a close Northeast Division. One game separates the two teams ahead of the Canadiens. The Sabres own the division lead, five games up on the Habs.

Parting Points: Sad news about former WVU Mountaineer Chris Henry’s passing today. Thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and teammates.

Halladay is finally a part of the senior circuit…but he hasn’t pitched a playoff game yet.

Song of the day- “This Magic Moment” by the Drifters

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

T-Mac's Toyota Tuesday

Houston Rockets’ All-star, Tracy McGrady, saw his first action since last February when he came off the bench to score three points against the Detroit Pistons at Toyota Center Tuesday night. McGrady was sidelined last winter because of season-ending microfracture knee surgery. Houston head coach, Rick Adelman, brought his seven time All-Star into the game during the first quarter of the Rockets’ 107-96 victory. McGrady didn’t overwhelm the crowd, but made an encouraging comeback in front of the adoring Houston fans. T-Mac clocked just under eight minutes as his team rolled through one of their best offensive showings of the season. The Rockets shot a season high 54.7 percent and did so without star G/F, Trevor Ariza. Ariza was serving a one game suspension for throwing a forearm at Raptors guard, DeMar De Rozan on Sunday. Luis Scola and Aaron Brooks lead the way for Houston, while snapping the Pistons’ five game winning streak.
Brooks and Scola scored 23 points apiece and got better looks and ball movement throughout the game. Carl Landry hit seven free throws and threw up 19 points in cooking the Pistons. Scola topped his season-high in points while going 10-of-16 and being the most dominant player in the opening quarter. Brooks bucketed 20 or more points for his sixth time in eight games, and picked up 10 assists. McGrady was brought in to help stop one of the league’s best offensive rebounding teams. He snagged three rebounds and hit a line drive three pointer with 1:33 left before his floor time was over. T-Mac missed his first shot attempt, a 20 foot flip. McGrady sat out the remainder of the game following his season debut in the first quarter. Former Arizona shooter, rookie Chase Budinger, sparked the defense with 12 rebounds in 40 minutes. The second round draft pick was sharp in his first career start in place of Ariza.
Houston continued to look smooth on offense after McGrady’s departure. Their ball handling was efficient even after the ten point first quarter advantage where the Rockets shot 67% from the field. The free throw shooting overpowered Detroit and propelled Houston to their high victory margin. The Pistons shot just 43% from the floor in a poor defensive effort. The Rockets capitalized on the lax defense during an 11-0 run to reverse Detroit’s lead into a Houston 22-15 edge in the first half. They stretched the lead to 15 early in the second quarter. The Rockets headed to the locker room on the up side of a 56-47 score. The Pistons got off to a slow start. Rodney Stuckey was especially atrocious early in the contest. Stuckey missed nine of his first ten shots before recovering to total 17 points for the struggling Pistons. The amount was still lower than Stuckey’s average 23 points per game. Richard Hamilton chipped in 21 points, including seven of his first eight of the night. It was Rip’s second game back after an ankle sprain. The Rockets were successful in neutralizing Hamilton in the second half. The Pistons closed the gap to eight at the end of the third quarter. Houston dished out 23 assists during the first three quarters to climb to double-digit leads throughout most of the game. Budinger drained a pair of jumpers to extend the Rockets’ lead in the fourth to 81-68. The rookie drove hard to the hoop and picked up an incredible alley-oop shot. The Pistons showcased one of their own rookies when DaJuan Summers knocked down a three and finished with six points in nine minutes. Detroit’s west woes were highlighted by 44 rebounds to match Houston’s total. The Pistons were playing without two key players. Will Bynum and Ben Gordon were out with injuries for 11-13 Detroit. Charlie Villanueva looked sloppy missing a fourth quarter dunk, but finished with 16 points, including a pair from downtown. Jonas Jerebko, the Swedish-born rookie forward, added 15 points and grabbed six rebounds in the loss. Overall, it was a step in the right direction for Houston. They saw their 12 year veteran player return to the court and competed studiously to cement their 14th win. The Rockets take on Denver this evening looking for win number 15.

Parting Points: The LA Kings are playing some stimulating hockey. They’re in first place out West for the first time since 1992.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Monday Money Moves

You didn’t have to go outside in the winter weather and brave the cold to see a Blockbuster Monday. Roy Halladay is headed to the National League and Cliff Lee returns to the American League in a three way blockbuster baseball blitz. Halladay’s exit from Toronto means the Yankees won’t have to face the CY Young winner as often. It’s good news New York’s division rival Bluejays will not be armed with the best ace in baseball. The bad news is the Yankees’ greatest rival picked up a new hurler for their rotation. Boston solidified their starting pitching by adding free agent 31 year old, John Lackey. Lackey signed with the Red Sox for five years in one of two major moves by Boston to retool the team. Veteran outfielder, Mike Cameron, also reached a tentative two year deal with Boston. The rotation in Beantown is shaping up to be one of the game’s best. Lackey joins a tough rotation that already includes stopper Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Daisuke Matsuzaka and knuckleballer, Tim Wakefield. The right-handed Lackey is one of the top AL throwers. His regular season record of 102-71 over eight seasons in Anaheim is respectable. The now-former Angel has struggled at Fenway Park. He posts a 2-5 record and carries a 5.75 ERA in nine starts in Boston. The 1999 second round draft pick also has a history of injuries and hasn’t started 30 games since 2007.
Philadelphia added an elite starter in Halladay. Seattle obtained a CY Young winner in Lee. Both clubs are poised to compete for the playoffs with new number one aces on their staff. Halladay and Cole Hamels create a devasting righty-lefty tandem at the top of the Phillies’ rotation. The Mariners have a very capable complement to Felix Hernandez with the formidable Lee toeing the rubber. Toronto, the team with the most expensive present under the free agent Christmas tree, reloaded with prospects in the exchange. The Phillies will also land a package of prospects in the deal. Halladay had a no trade clause in his contract. The Phillies were one of the teams in his list because their Spring training site was close to his hometown. He preferred to play for Philadelphia, and now he will join the defending NL champions in their quest to return to the World Series in 2010. Halladay’s signing is expected to cost the Phillies $20 million per season. Philadelphia was enamored and awestruck with the ace righty a year ago, but were unable to reach a deal. Instead, they acquired Lee from Cleveland two days before the deadline. The 2008 CY Young winner, Lee was 4-0 in the post-season. Halladay was more signable than Lee this off-season. The Phillies just hope Roy’s AL dominance translates into NL success.
Lee’s anticipated arrival in Seattle is the highlight of many key off-season moves for the Mariners so far this winter. The 31 year old will have Eliezer Alfonzo as his battery-mate. The 30 year old backstop helped shore up the catching situation by signing a minor league deal with Seattle. Catcher, Kenji Johjima, chose to depart the Pacific Northwest and play ball in Japan. The Mariners were spared about $15 million because of the surprising decision. The M’s also signed leadoff hitter, Chone Figgins, away from the Angels in an attempt to close the gap on the AL West race. Last year, the Mariners staged a 24 game turnaround to lead the majors. The Mariners have the best one-two punch in the West, and four top defensive starters. Pitching and defense usually wins championships. Anaheim losing Lackey and the Mariners’ reeling in Lee combined for one pleasant Monday in Seattle. Fans can already see Anaheim’s division lead slipping away. The Angels didn’t remain completely silent, however. The Halos picked up World Series MVP, Hideki Matsui , for one year. Fresh off his memorable MVP series with the Yankees, the Japanese slugger should add pop to the Angels’ lineup for his $6.5 million asking price.

Parting Points: I am not a big fan of the Big 10’s examination into expanding the conference into 12 teams. I guess I’m a traditionalist.
Rocking music for Tuesday- Foo Fighters’ Greatest Hits

Monday, December 14, 2009

Jackson Jolts 'Jints

Sunday’s shootout between the Giants and the Eagles ended Philadelphia’s way. The Eagles bested their NFC East neighbors 45-38 in East Rutherford to reclaim sole possession of the division. Revered kick return/receiver, sophomore DeSean Jackson, made the victory look easy for visiting Philadelphia. The electrifying Jackson scored his eighth touchdown of 50 or more yards to set a franchise record and tie the NFL mark. The Eagles receiver caught a 60 yard pass from Donovan McNabb to give his team a 37-31 lead in the third quarter. The touchdown was a crucial one. The Eagles blew leads of 14-0 and 30-17 before Jackson changed the game with the end zone grab. Jackson also returned a punt 72 yards the other way in the second quarter by bedazzling the Giants and taking off down the sideline. The former California Bear’s blistering back finished with an impressive 178 yards on six receptions in addition to the tiptoe down the sideline on the punt return.
The Birds came up huge against the Giants Sunday night, and didn’t waste time scoring points. Talented tight end, Brent Celek, sparked the Eagles early lead with an 8 yard touchdown catch on a screen pass from McNabb. McNabb and backup Michael Vick lead the offense 67 yards on a six play drive to set up the opening touchdown. Vick threw for 32 yards and scored a rushing touchdown from one yard out to end the first quarter. Less than two minutes after McNabb dumped the ball to Celek for the 7-0 lead, the Eagles were on the board again. Cornerback, Sheldon Brown, got an early Christmas gift from the Giants. New York running back, Brandon Jacobs, fumbled at the line of scrimmage. Brown recovered the bounce and soared straight with a clear path to the end zone. Lawrence Tynes netted a 26 yard field goal to give the Giants their first points. The kick came after signal caller, Eli Manning, orchestrated a seven minute, 15 play drive.
Manning connected with rookie, Hakeem Nicks, in the second quarter to pull New York within four of the Eagles. Nicks sprinted 57 yards to earn the 60 yard touchdown, his fifth of the season. Philadelphia was charged with a pair of illegal contact penalties, including a key third and eleven call. The Giants took full advantage safety, Quintin Mikell’s miscues to snag their first touchdown. David Akers’ 20 yard boot gave Philadelphia a seven point lead with just over six minutes in the half. The Eagles built back their 14 point lead with solid special teams. Jackson fielded a 41 yard punt and raced past Giants punter, Jeff Feagles, to secure the double digit lead with 4:09 before halftime. Jackson made a scintillating spectacle of himself a week after suffering a concussion. New York’s Ahmad Bradshaw took a handoff in the backfield and scooted sharply for a three yard touchdown before Jackson hurt the Giants again. Dynamic DeSean 44 yard reception on third and twenty helped set up Vick’s rushing touchdown. The Eagles took a 30-17 halftime lead into the locker rooms.
The Giants scored two of the three third quarter touchdowns. Jacobs completed an 11 play drive with a one yard rushing score. The New York running back carried the ball 15 times for 60 yards in Sunday’s defeat. The Giants bludgeoned Philadelphia’s defense for 158 yard on offense in the third. Hixon gave New York a 31-30 lead after hauling in a 61 yard pass from Manning. The Eagles failed to tackle the young receiver and failed to get pressure on Manning. The Giants’ defense couldn’t stop the Eagles whenever New York was on top. McNabb’s pass to Jackson provided the Eagles with the lead again. The touchdown to end the third quarter proved to be the game winner. Philadelphia went on to score seven more points in the final quarter, but it wasn’t needed in the end. Giant receiver, Mario Manningham, was called out of bounds on what looked to be a New York touchdown in the fourth. Manningham could not keep his left foot in bounds. He did make two grabs for 7 and 19 yards before the two minute warning. Manning hit Kevin Boss from four yards to give the Giants a chance with a touchdown inside the two minute mark. Tynes’ onside kick was recovered by the Eagles. Following a Philadelphia three-and-out, Manning was sacked at the New York 12 yard line and preceded to fumble the ball. The turnover signaled the end for New York this rainy Sunday night. The Giants fizzled in the end and missed their chance to capture the division lead. Dallas’ loss to San Diego and New York’s dropping by the Birds means the Eagles are in first place with less than a month to play. There are three games remaining. The 9-4 Eagles hold a two game lead over Big Blue, and a one game advantage of Big D. Dallas and New York are primed to play for the number two NFC wildcard spot now.

Parting Points: Song of the day- “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan
I went to see The Blind Side last night. Great story. Great movie.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Softball Sonnet

The bottom of my cleats contained clumps of grain
My pitch count increased with each arm swing
The overused elbow sore from the repetitive fling
Socks drenched with sweat lodged with toes in strain
Striding back with my right, I thrust my weight forward
I modify my position to a defensive stance
Reaction and reflexes thou opponent shall enhance
When the ball takes a hop as sharp as a sword
In my mitt I secure the slippery sphere as they rattle
Shouting fans wobble bleachers in my seasick view
On grass, one spinning pivot redeems my clearness
Her quick step challenges my rapid fire to battle
The breathless gazes from the crowd settle in queue
As rain pours on the field, so ends the mess

Parting points: Word to live by----Act always in a way to do good.
Song of the day- “Lost and Found” by Leona Lewis and One Republic

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Hollywood Home-cooking

The Los Angeles Lakers have been enjoying some home cooking. The reigning NBA champions improved to a league best 18-3 following their 11th straight victory Friday night. The Lakers mastered Al Jefferson and the Minnesota Timberwolves 104-92 to end their long home stretch at the Staples Center. LA has played 17 of their first 21 games on home court and they’ve smoked opponents with relative ease. Now, the Western Conference’s power team heads on the road for five straight games. The cushy early season schedule has elevated the Lakers in the standings but LA must play solid ball in other cities. The quest for road dominance begins with tonight’s rematch with the Utah Jazz. Friday, LA survived the Timberwolves, but may have suffered an injury to All-Star, Kobe Bryant. Bryant sustained a fracture in the index finger of his right hand during a first quarter pass from Jordan Farmar. The 31 year old MVP wounded warrior scored 20 points despite the break, and is expected to be in the starting lineup for Phil Jackson on Saturday.
Pau Gasol had a career-high 20 rebounds along with a 17 point shooting barrage against Minnesota. Ron Artest contributed 16 points and Lamar Odom scored 13. Center, Andrew Bynum, continued his All-Star bound season with 12 points in 24 minutes on the court. Bynum has scored in double digits in each of LA’s game and has developed into a more consistent player for Jackson. The center is averaging a career high 17 points per game and has drastically reduced his fouls. The Lakers put their clamp on the Timberwolves behind Bynum’s game high three blocks. The Timberwolves were overwhelmed by the two “Bs” (Bynum and Bryant) on defense in their ninth consecutive defeat to the Lakers. Rookie head coach, Kurt Rambis, suffered his fifth loss in six games as the Twolves fell to 3-20. Rambis, the longtime Lakers assistant coach and forward, received a warm ovation from the home crowd. Rambis’ team couldn’t overcome 17 turnovers or find the rhythm to compete with the lavishing Laker talent.
Jefferson was Minnesota’s leading scorer with two dozen points and 13 rebounds. Former UCLA star shooter, Kevin Love, snagged a career high 19 rebounds. Love struggled from the floor, shooting just 3-of-14. Ramon Sessions hit one of the Wolves four three pointers and finished with 15 overall points. Minnesota managed an impressive run during Bryant’s absence in the second quarter. Sessions succeed with a sharp jumper to give the Twolves a 44-42 edge with five minutes left in the half. The Lakers had a slender 56-54 lead at halftime but pulled away to go ahead in the second half. LA’s red hot defense was too much for Minnesota to handle. The Lakers started the second half on an 11-3 run to go ahead by ten points. The Timberwolves were held to just 14 points in the third quarter. Odom drilled one in from the arch to lift LA 86-68 headed into the final quarter. Sessions’ trey with 2 ½ minutes in the game cut Minnesota’s deficit to 88-77. The Twolves never got any closer against tenacious LA the rest of the way. Ryan Gomes, who scored a team high 21 points Wednesday night, was 2-for-6 with only four points at the Staples Center. He registered just one of Minnesota’s 48 recorded rebounds. Corey Brewer and former Syracuse standout, Johnny Flynn, each tallied 10 points in defeat.

Parting Points: Tune time and one that fits the mood “I get knocked down” by Chumbawumba
Tiger on a golf hiatus is a good idea. J. J. Putz is toeing the rubber in the AL again after signing on with the Whitesox. I love to see Aaron Brooks drilled a jumper with 8 seconds left to lift my Houston Rockets!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Terrible Towels Tainted

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff chances took a gigantic hit in chilly Cleveland Ohio. The arch-rival Browns earned their second win of the season and handed the defending Superbowl champions their fifth straight loss. The maligned Browns defense executed effectively in the 13-6 sacking of the Steelers. Cleveland’s superior line sacked Pittsburgh quarterback and Ohio native, Ben Roethlisberger eight times. The Browns swallowed up the Steelers’ ground attack, holding the black and gold to just 75 yards. Thursday was the first time the Browns defeated the Steelers at home in nine years, and the Roethlisberger’s first loss to Cleveland in his career. The wounds just keep getting deeper for Pittsburgh. The Steelers have dropped three unexpected games to losing teams this season (Cleveland, Kansas City and Oakland). The Browns snapped a seven game losing streak despite playing without five defensive stars and their starting running back.
Chris Jennings, rookie runner out of Arizona, notched the first Browns rushing touchdown of the season on a ten yard run to close out the first half scoring for the home team. The number one rushing defense in the NFL allowed Jennings to score the game’s first touchdown. Jennings ran around LaMarr Woodley, James Farior and William Gay to hit the pylon. His play survived an instant replay review and the touchdown stood. Phil Dawson drilled a pair of field goals in each of the first two quarters to account for the 13-0 Browns advantage with .40 remaining in the second quarter. Roethlisberger tried to drive the Steelers down the field for a last minute score before the half. The signal caller hit Hines Ward for an eight yard gain before completing a pass to the former Buckeye receiver, Santonio Holmes good for 24 more. After a Cleveland penalty for roughing the passer, Roethlisberger connected with Holmes again. Cleveland played flawless football until allowing the Steelers to drive 58 yards on the final possession of the half. The Steelers failed to find the end zone, however. Instead, the defending champs settled for a 27 yard Jeff Reed field goal. Thursday night marked the first time Roethlisberger went without a touchdown pass in 11 tries against the rival Browns. He threw for 201 yards while completing 18 of 32 throws. Running back, Rashard Mendenhall scurried for 53 yards. The Browns made the plays when they had to and kept the Steelers backed up in their own zone throughout the first half.
The second half didn’t go much better for Pittsburgh. Brady Quinn wasn’t exceptional as Cleveland’s passer, but he was mistake-free and turned in a winning performance. Quinn completed 6 of 19 passes for 90 yards. The Browns’ quarterback threw just one pass during the eight play first half touchdown drive. Josh Cribbs was sensational in the Cleveland backfield. He gained 87 yards out of the Wildcat formation. His 37 yard run spurred the resulting touchdown score for the Browns. Cleveland’s no-huddle offense stunned the Steelers. Pittsburgh was playing without Pro Bowl safety, Troy Polamalu and they looked drained defensively. The Pittsburgh offense couldn’t move the ball in blustering conditions against the 29th ranked defense in the league. Even special teams was a problem for Mike Tomlin’s club. Cribbs stymied the coverage unit with 104 return yards. Reed booted his second field goal near the end of the third quarter to trim the Browns lead to seven. The Steelers had a chance to come back after Quinn overthrew a pass to tight end, Evan Moore, with 6:24 left in the game. The fourth quarter would remain scoreless, however, as Roethlisberger and the Steelers suffered their seventh loss. Big Ben was sacked for a nine yard loss on first down and then threw incomplete to Heath Miller on second. Following the two minute warning, Miller’s 13 yard grab fell shot of the first down mark. Roethlisberger’s 4th and six pass to Holmes registered incomplete to end any late Pittsburgh rally. The Steelers did get the ball back with eight seconds. Holmes returned the ball three yards to the Steelers’ 14 yard line to send Pittsburgh home with a disappointing 6-7 record. Next week, those terrible towels will be waving wondering if the visiting Green Bay Packers will exit the Steel City with a win. This week, those towels are tainted after the Lake Erie meltdown Thursday night.

Parting Points: Brian Kelly is an outstanding hire for Notre Dame. He should have them playing at their expected level….he’ll have five years to do it.
Two weeks until Christmas. Time for some “Little Saint Nick” from the Beach Boys.
I can't wait to see mixed doubles at the 2012 Olympics...how cool!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Thursday Take-Twos

Kentucky basketball is back. At least for now John Calipari’s hoopsters are undefeated. Kentucky met the Connecticut Huskies Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. Freshmen point guard, John Wall, had his best game. He has lived up to his status as the number one prospect in college basketball so far. Wildcat Wall scored 12 points in the final seven and a half minutes as Kentucky cruised to a 64-61 exciting victory over UConn. Number four Kentucky prevailed in the SEC/Big East New York Invitational behind 25 Wall dishes and six steals. Wall was saddled with foul trouble earlier in the game but was the difference down the stretch with amazing quickness. The 14th ranked Huskies were lead by Jerome Dyson and Gavin Edwards. Dyson logged 17 points in this back-and-fourth affair. Edwards finished with 16 points, including a dunk with 4:24 left that moved UConn to within one point of tying the game. Kemba Walker, the speedy Connecticut guard, provided his team with their final lead on a jumper with just over one minute remaining in regulation. Walker pulled the Huskies within one on two free throws with two minutes earlier in the fourth quarter. Wall’s three point play spelled trouble for the Huskies in the final minute. The rookie gave Jim Calhoun’s club a run for their money in securing the winning buckets. Walker and Edwards had their chances for UConn after Walker drained the go-ahead shot. Walker fired from the lane unsuccessfully and Edward’s attempt from downtown with 13 seconds was off the mark as the Wildcats hung on to go 9-0. Kentucky won despite a 39.1 shooting percentage from the field. Patrick Patterson ended with 16 points for the winning team. Stanely Robinson carried the Huskies in the final quarter, scoring six straight buckets. Robinson missed a jumper in crunch time but landed nine rebounds. Credit Connecticut for making it a one-possession game throughout most of the night. The Huskies defense was superb. Kentucky opened the game on a 12-0 run before UConn sailed to a 29-23 halftime lead. The Wildcats outscored Connecticut by 11 points in an impressive second half for Wall and company. The helter-skelter offenses were actually enjoyable, and playing at the Mecca of basketball made the game that much more electric.
The Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks squared off on the ice in a battle between the top two Pacific Division teams. LA outlasted their in-state opponent 5-4 in overtime at HP Pavilion for their 19th win of the season. The Kings overhauled San Jose to prove they’re an elite threat in the division. Dustin Brown scored for the first time in over a month 1:16 into the extra session to lift LA to their fifth win in six tries. Goalie, Erik Ersberg, made 30 saves to earn his second win of the season. The Sharks have dropped three straight home games in the somewhat sloppy showdown. Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski put the Sharks on top 2-0 in the first quarter. Dan Boyle elevated San Jose to a 3-1 second quarter lead. Teddy Purcell fired the first Kings goal of the night to end his own scoring drought. Purcell had gone 26 games without a goal. LA skated to a quick 4-3 lead behind a trio of goals. The fury started with Jarret Stoll tipping Jack Johnson’s shot from the point. The puck slipped through Evgeni Nabokov’s legs to tie the game at two. Anze Kopitar, the Kings leading scorer, hit a power play goal off the perfect feed cross-ice pass from Drew Doughty to give LA their first lead. Doughty sent his eighth goal of the season into the net to finish the second period scoring barrage. The third quarter found San Jose skated back to tie the game. Manny Malhotra beat Ersberg with a wrist shot before the end of regulation. Brown won the game with a center ice slap through Nabokov’s legs again as the Kings overcame a blown third period lead. Nabokov finished with 23 saves in the losing effort. The Western Conference leaders were hurt by mental mistakes. Penalty-killers killed Jaws on Wednesday night. There were 12 penalties overall in the heated California contest.
From around the leagues:
Allen Iverson returned to the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this week. His first game back in the City of Brotherly Love was against his former team, the Denver Nuggets. That didn’t go so well for the Sixers. I wonder if AI will be on this year’s All-Star team. I hear the votes for the injured Tracy McGrady are poised to place him as a starter…
The Mets are pursuing Jason Bay, the Yankees signed Andy Pettitte and Rich Harden is headed to Texas.
Tiger Woods’ wife is sticking with him; Rex Ryan isn’t sticking with Mark Sanchez (at least this week)

Parting Points: Song of the day- “Crawl”- by Kings Of Leon
Happy Birthday to Emily Dickinson. Poem of the day- “He fumbles at your spirit”.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Courting Coveted Curtis

The first major trade of the baseball winter meetings in Indianapolis is not finalized yet. It’s still not too soon to begin discussing the three-team, seven player swap that will bring coveted centerfielder, Curtis Granderson, to the Yankees. The Detroit Tigers will give up the 28 year old along with the highly-priced starting pitcher, Edwin Jackson. Detroit sheds about $10 million in payroll by freeing the pair of stars who would be free agents in two to three years anyway. Jackson heads to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for right-handed hurling talent, Max Scherzer and his southpaw teammate, Daniel Schlereth. Jackson posted a 13-9 record last season with a 3.62 ERA. He is a very solid pitcher and an All-Star. He is not an ace because he is not a high strikeout pitcher and wears down easily. The 23 year old Schlereth made his major league debut in 2009. The lefty has a promising and buckling breaking ball despite poor command. Scherzer is a hard-throwing competitive player who should fit well into Jim Leyland’s rotation. Scherzer is the more durable of the two Diamondbacks in the exchange. The 25 year old went 9-11 in his first full season with Arizona. Scherzer does lack a quality secondary pitch so he might ultimately be relegated to the bullpen.
The Tigers pick up prospect centerfielder, Austin Jackson, out of New York’s farm system. Jackson shows potential but may never pan out to be anything near what Granderson is at the plate. The Bombers’ top prospect hit .300 in his first Triple-A season. He only crushed four long balls, however. His defense and baserunning are up to speed to compete at the major league level. But with all the great tools in Jackson’s bag, he really does not hit for power. The Yankees got more athletic and perhaps a bit younger with the move. Granderson is in the prime of his career and one of the most respected players in the game. New York parted with some core bullpen arms, but justified the swap by picking up the star outfielder. Ian Kennedy has always been a question mark as a starting pitcher but he is also ill-equipped to handle a reliever role. Kennedy’s finesse pitching and his mental game were never well suited for the American League. He should provide a stable arm and make Arizona’s back-end rotation stronger in the coming years if he remains healthy. Reliever, Phil Coke, became a mainstay as the number one lefty off the bench for the Yankees last season. He throws a decent fastball but often appeared clueless and defenseless in long relief stints. The Tigers will benefit from Coke’s ability to get left-handers out. The 27 year old held lefties to a .195 average.
In Granderson, New York inherits roughly $25 million over the next three years. They also inherit a speedy and powerful player not afraid to leap walls to make outs. He has wide outfield range and most remember him scoring the winning run in last year’s All Star game. Granderson plays with a lot of energy and makes the Yankees a better team. The upbeat outfielder is the perfect fly ball pull hitter. His bat should be productive and operate well in Yankee Stadium but the slugger is not without risk. Granderson doesn’t thrive against left-handers and had a difficult off year in 2009 with Detroit. Could it be the Tigers dealt their adored player because they considered him past his peak and on the decline? Either way, the Yankee brass got the better end of this bargain deal. New York ironically essentially reduced payroll with the signing. Granderson’s reasonable contract is a cost-effective way to reel in a predominant player, much to the wrath of Yankee haters and mirth of lovers. The consensus among Yankee fans is the trade is anything but a curtly grand deal.

Parting Points: Snow day song: “High and Dry” by Radiohead
Is it really true Billy Corgan is dating Jessica Simpson?

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Life Lessons from Lou

Eight Is Enough

The most defeating thing in life is self defeat. I spent seven years of my life playing against myself before I decided eight was enough. Seventy years ago today, Lou Gehrig was unanimously and unprecedentedly inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Lou is the only player to enter the baseball elite before the mandatory waiting period. Gehrig personified excellence on every level. His will to live through strength, tremendous courage and humility were only some of Gehrig’s admirable qualities. The Yankee Clipper was forced to deal with the face of doubt. He was dealt cards some of us will fortunately never have to draw. He handled those devastating cards like a professional when doctors declared Gehrig terminally ill. The first baseman never let the illness defeat him. Even though I never knew Lou, I do know he appreciated each day and lived them with vivacity.
The strains and struggles of life don’t have to shake you. Gehrig is proof of how to take life’s curves and turn them into grand slams. The Ironhorse worked harder than any other ball player. He hit better than most in the history of the sport. All the talent in the world couldn’t save Gehrig from the incurable ALS disease. The illness was who he became and what he stood for after his premature passing. The ailment contributed to his legend because of the graceful way he dealt with the setback. His disposition didn’t waver with the daunting news.
Sports are a form of self expression. I chose to participate in athletics in order to fulfill something empty inside myself. The emptiness disappeared whenever I took the mound of swung a racquet. There will always be a void in me that only sports will fill. Athletes are like artists. They showcase their talents and skills through a game. For me, Gehrig painted the picture of the quintessential baseball player. His demeanor and manner were what I sought to become as an athlete and as a person. Gehrig had a deep passion for the game only another athlete could find meaningful. I can attest to that same passion every time I compete. In my opinion, there’s nothing comparable to being in the moment as an athlete. Those feelings never fade no matter how many tough blows are thrown our way. To quote the Clipper, we may have some bad breaks but we have an awful lot to live for.


In honor of Leona Lewis' second single from her Echo album, here's my version of "I Got You"

A hero that lasts, I got Lou
No need to ask, I got Lou
Just get out the record book, I got Lou
Go and turn on the TV if I have to
What's weird about it
Is his legacy will never end
I'm glad about it
Just figured it out in my head
I'm proud to say, I got Lou

Go ahead and say goodbye
I'll be alright
Go ahead and make me cry
I'll be alright
And when you need a person to look up to
For better or worse, I got Lou

Ain't falling apart, or bitter
Let's be stronger than that and remember
This man lived before letting go
His famous speech in July
Was without drama, no need for a show
Just wanna say, I got Lou

Go ahead and say goodbye
I'll be alright
Go ahead and make me cry
I'll be alright
And when you need a person to look up to
For better or worse, I got Lou

'Cause this is love and life
And nothing we can both control
And if it don't feel right
You're not losing Lou by letting others in the know

Go ahead and say goodbye
I'll be alright
Go ahead and make me cry
I'll be alright
And when you need a person to look up to
For better or worse, I got Lou

A hero that lasts, I got Lou
No need to ask, I got Lou

Parting Points: Parting Points: The Yankees are on the verge of trading for Curtis Granderson. He was always one of my favorite centerfielders.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Fowl Flying

The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are tied for the NFC East division lead. New York (Giants) hosts the Eagles next week after sweeping the Cowboys at home this season. The Giants downed Dallas 31-24 in the final game at Giants Stadium between the two teams. Philadelphia beat the Atlanta Falcons on the road 34-7 in Michael Vick’s return to Atlanta as an Eagles quarterback. The Giants are 7-5 behind the 8-3 Cowboys and Eagles. Atlanta fell to 6-6 and sit two games behind the Eagles in the NFC wildcard standings. The Falcons weren’t exactly flying against the soaring Eagles. The game was magnified by the enormous playoff implications and Vick’s return. The second half was essentially non-competitive after two scores separated the conference rivals in the first. Atlanta nearly missed being shutout in their own building. Mike Smith’s team scored on the final play of the game to avoid the first 0-fer since the 2004 season.
Vick put up a pair of touchdowns for the Eagles. It was the first time the former Falcon danced into the end zone since 2006. The Philadelphia backup signal caller rushed from five yards out in the third quarter to give the visiting birds a 20-0 lead. Vick padded the Eagles’ lead on a five yard touchdown pass to tight end, Brent Celek. It was the final Philadelphia score of the day, giving the NFC East leaders a 34-0 advantage with 2:17 remaining. Atlanta quarterback, Chris Redman, completed a three yard touchdown pass to Roddy White for the Falcons only score of the game. The touchdown came after Atlanta drove the length of the field on 13 plays. Redman was filling in for last season’s darling quarterback, Matt Ryan. He was coming off a week in which he navigated the Falcons to a last-second win a week ago. Sunday was not his day. Redman finished 23-of-44 with 235 yards through the air. He was picked off twice by the stingy Eagles defense. Cornerback Sheldon Brown returned a Redman miscue 83 yards for a Philadelphia touchdown.
Vick vexed his former team and even with a missed David Ackers field goal in the first quarter, the Eagles seized every opportunity in Sunday’s blitzing of the birds. Donovan McNabb threw a touchdown pass to go along with a 238 yard afternoon. The former Syracuse standout connected with Leonard Weaver for the Eagles first touchdown. Weaver caught five passes, including the four yard grab to give the Eagles a 10-0 lead to end the first quarter. Akers drilled his second field goal in the second quarter. The 33 yarder was booted 1:18 before the half. Redman was successful in finding tight end, Tony Gonzalez, but the Falcons porous offensive line couldn’t protect him long enough to sustain a substantial drive. Redman and the offense struggled to get in sync. The Falcons also did not capitalize on two crucial Philadelphia penalties before halftime. Without their franchise quarterback, it was hard to find touchdowns but they had their chances. Facing a fourth-and-two at the Eagles two yard line, Jason Snelling was stuffed before crossing the goal line. The Falcons turned the ball over on downs with .21 left in the second quarter.
Atlanta was minus five offensive stars but the Eagles had a few key players on the sidelines. Philadelphia overcame their injuries to make plays happen on the field. The reeling Falcons were too loose in the secondary. The defense failed to cover Celek or stop Jeremy Maclin from snagging McNabb flicks. McNabb completed four consecutive passes on the opening drive of the third quarter. He hit Jason Avant for 15 and 8 yards, LeSean McCoy for another 8 and Maclin for 7 before Vick’s touchdown run. Maclin landed 83 yards on four receptions. Celek had only a pair of receptions but scored a touchdown. Weaver fronted the Eagles with 37 yards rushing and made a brilliant one-handed catch for a 59 yard reception. Vick sprinted and sharply shook off tackles for his current team the way he used to do in Atlanta. Number 7 went 2-for-2 in passing and scrambled for 17 yards on four runs. Vick was triumphant in his return to the Georgia Dome, much to the chagrin of faithful Falcons fans. The three time Pro Bowler heard the boos but was also showered with adoring cheers. Andy Reid let third string quarterback, Kevin Kolb, finish out the game. That’s how bad things were for the fumbling Falcons. White’s 15th career 100 yard receiving day and Gonzalez breaking the team’s single-season reception mark did little to deflect the sting from the decisive blowout loss. Their playoff chances were dealt an incredible blow yesterday. Atlanta has four games remaining to right the ship. These fighting Falcons can do it if they find ways to convert third and fourth downs, get healthy on offense and seriously begin putting up points.

Parting Points: Happy Birthday to the one and only, Tino Martinez!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Bearcat Bruising Brushoff

Sophomore holder, Andrew Janocko, mishandled the snap on a Pittsburg point-after attempt with 1:36 remaining after the Panthers scored the go-ahead touchdown. Dan Hutchins never even attempted the kick and the Cincinnati Bearcats got the ball back with a chance to win the game. The Bearcats capped off a 21 point comeback by rallying to beat Pitt 45-44 at Heinz Field in the Big East title game Saturday.
Cincinnati’s perfect season and BCS bowl bid were in danger throughout the game in Pittsburgh. The 9-3 Panthers lead the entire game until the final minute. Tony Pike, the Heisman Trophy candidate Cincinnati quarterback, was intercepted three times. The Panthers defense held the Bearcats to more than 100 yards below their season average while holding the ball nearly twice as long. Pitt dominated for essentially 50 minutes as their freshman running back, Dion Lewis, evoked memories of former Panther, Tony Dorsett. Lewis ran for three scores and 194 yard on a team record 47 carries. The battering, blazing and blistering back was brilliant. Quarterback for Pitt, Bill Stull was stellar in stalling the quick-working Bearcats. The Panthers kept the high-charged Cincinnati offense off the field. Ironically, it was one fast-scoring drive that ultimately did the Panthers in at the end. The Panthers lead 31-24 after a fourth quarter touchdown run on four plays by Lewis. Cincinnati answered with their own four play drive. DJ Woods caught an eight yard pass from Pike to pull the Bearcats within eight points. They tied the game six minutes later on an Isaiah Pead rushing touchdown and successfully completed the two point conversion. Pitt took possession with 5:40 remaining. Instead of running out the clock and kicking a field goal with less than a minute left, the Panthers ended the drive in the end zone. Lewis rushed, with very little attempt at stopping him, from five yards out to lift the Panthers again. Then, the ill-fated hold on the point after flopped, giving the Bearcats a chance to win the game with a touchdown. Pike needed three completions after starting from the Cincinnati 39 yard line before connecting with 6’4” receiver, Armon Binns for the game-winning touchdown. The Panthers’ secondary did a credible job Saturday, but it was nearly impossible for any of them to cover the towering Binns. Pike only had to throw the ball up high for Binns to come down with the Big East title in his hands.
Stull went 13 for 21 with 176 yards and two touchdowns. He also tossed a pair of picks in this mistake-prone title takedown. Both teams got on board with rushing touchdowns in the first quarter. Lewis scored his first seven on a four yard rush to end a 12 play Pittsburgh drive with just under 8:00 in the first. Lewis sliced through Cincinnati’s defense with speed and power. The Bearcats tied the game 7-7 on Jacob Ramsey’s two yard scurry. Jonathan Baldwin, the talented sophomore wideout, caught a 22 yard pass from Stull in the first minute of the second quarter to put Pitt back on top. Jake Rodgers’ 20 yard field goal made it a four point game. The Panthers charged right back and forged ahead 21-10 on a two-play 40 yard touchdown pass from Stull to Baldwin. The duo hooked up for 113 Panther yards during Saturday’s contest. Hutchins booted a 33 yard field goal and Stull found the end zone with his own legs from three yards out with 1:26 before the half. Pitt looked as if they might walk away with a laugher, but kick return terror, Marty Gilyard’s 99 yard touchdown run made it a 31-17 game. That wasn’t all from the Bearcat burner on this snowy December gray Pittsburgh afternoon.
Gilyard scored the only points in the third quarter on 68 yard scoring catch from Pike. Brian Kelly’s Bearcats intercepted the momentum following Gilyard’s magnificent return with 70 seconds before halftime. Kelly is the only Cincinnati coach to have three double-digit win seasons. In fact, there was only one other Bearcats team before Kelly to post a double digit season. After the game-changing play by Gilyard, the visiting team jolted command and seized every opportunity to land a seat in the national BCS spotlight. Pike shook off a rough opening half to complete his final 11 passes and score twice. He threw for 84 yards in the first half but revved up 218 yards and three touchdowns in the second. Binns made five catches, including the game winning receptions, for 104 yards. Gilyard was credited with a whopping 256 yards on seven kickoff returns. He provided numerous momentum-swings for the rallying Bearcats. Big-play Gilyard ran back a 49 yard kickoff early in the fourth quarter to set up Woods’ touchdown. On the final drive, the perky Panthers were silly enough to let Gilyard burn them again. A kick to Gilyard proved costly after the receiver returned the ball to the Bearcats 39 yard line. It took 63 seconds for Pike to find the end zone and break the hearts of Heinz Field fans.

Parting Points: Larry McMurty’s second biography comes out Tuesday and looks interesting.
Florida was downed by Alabama and Texas won in the final seconds over Nebraska. I guess we now know the national title game contenders.
Happy Birthday to R.E.M.’s Peter Buck!