The Kansas State Wildcats hosted second ranked Kansas in Manhattan Saturday. The Jayhawks outlasted the home team in overtime 81-79 even after the Wildcats took a one point lead with 2:24 remaining in the extra session. Freshman forward, Wally Judge knocked in a pair of free throws to give the Wildcats a 76-75 edge. Kansas scored on their final three possessions to escape the upset in a gritty epic interstate battle. Cole Adrich secured a hook shot, and Sherron Collins played through back spasms to scoop a layup down the stretch. Collins’ shot with 9 seconds on the clock gave Kansas a three point lead. Adrich finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots as the Jayhawks survived a tough road test to remain undefeated in the Big 12.
Kansas State junior guard, Jacob Pullen, chipped in 22 points as the Wildcats chipped away at Kansas’ leads. The back-and-forth bout featured 20 lead changes and both teams fought off early jitters to settle into a rhythm. The tense finish was only fitting after the teams managed to tie the game 14 times Saturday. Kansas State trailed 40-32 at the half but took a 49-45 lead in the third period. Pullen’s defense and clutch baskets helped the Wildcats pull ahead, much to the delight of the Fred Bramlage Coliseum crowd. Pullen made four from downtown and led the Wildcats with five assists. Denis Clemente was 4 of 15 on shooting, but bucketed 13 points for K-State. Curtis Kelly added 10 points and grabbed six rebounds for the Wildcats and Marcus Morris snared a double-double for the Jayhawks. The Wildcats have already beaten four ranked teams this season, so it was hardly a surprise to Bill Self and the Jayhawks when they forced overtime. Kansas took a 69-66 lead when Rodney McGruder’s and-one layup tied the game with just over thirty seconds in regulation. Collins incidentally turned the ball over with the game notched at 69 and K-State recovered. Domnique Sutton made a steal just before the buzzer and tried to put the winning shot in the basket in the closing seconds. Kansas’ feisty defense thwarted Sutton’s last-ditch attempt.
Kansas had to play a critical portion of the overtime session without Collins. Self’s senior staple was replaced by Tyshawn Taylor. Taylor committed the costly turnover that resulted in McGruder’s three point shot at the end of regulation. Collins returned after working out the kinks in his back. K-State immediately fouled the veteran guard, but Collins missed the free throw. Adrich intercepted the rebound and Brady Morningstar finished off the Wildcats with two successful shots from the line. Morningstar finished with 14 points and three steals. The Jayhawks are winners of 26 in their last 27 games and have a commanding two game lead in the Big 12. Kansas State dropped to 17-4 overall and is 4-3 in conference play. The Kansas State Wildcats have nothing to be ashamed of because they hung tough with the best team in the conference. The Kansas-Kansas State rivalry is becoming paramount in the Big 12. The Wildcats have legitimately made a name for themselves in college hoops. The men from Manhattan are poised to win 20 or more games for the fourth straight season. You could argue the Wildcats deserved to win on Saturday because their strategy was effective and their offense flowed smoothly. They outrebounded the Jayhawks and had more assists and 3-pointers. But K-State melted down in the overtime. Their ball movement and shot selection was poor. You cannot make mistakes against the Jayhawks. Kansas will burn you every time, and yesterday they did.
Parting Points: Kurt Warner retired from the NFL this past Friday after 12 solid and memorable seasons. Class act.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Latest Line Lifts Lemaire, Limits Leafs
Travis Zajac bailed the Devils out and rescued them from losing to the lowly Maple Leafs Friday night in Newark. Zajac’s game-winning power play goal four minutes into the overtime session lifted New Jersey to a 5-4 win over Toronto. The victory marked just the third time in ten tries the Devils have scored more than two goals in a contest. Devils netminder, Martin Brodeur, showed his human side against the Ron Wilson coached Leafs. Wilson, who was named head coach of the USA Olympic team, watched his 17 win squad erase a two-goal New Jersey lead. Toronto battled back to send the game into the extra session, only to lose their 11th overtime game this season. The Devils improved to 35-16-2. Toronto is battling Carolina for the conference basement after suffering their 16th one-goal defeat.
Zach Parise notched a pair of goals in the first period to provide the Devils points. Parise squirted through sloppy Toronto coverage to score his 24th and 25th goals of the season. The Maple Leafs were 0 for 2 on the power play but managed a first period goal off the stick of Carl Gunnarsson. The Swedish rookie for Toronto blasted spinning shot past Brodeur’s glove for the first goal of the night. The visiting team’s 1-0 advantage lasted less than a minute. Ian White lost the puck in the shadow of the net. Parise took over the pick and tapped the puck across the crease beyond the reach of Jonas Gustavvson. It was the young Devil’s 20th two goal game of his career. The Devils, who scored just 12 goals in their last eight games, pulled ahead 4-2 by the third period. Jacque Lemaire juggled the New Jersey line and saw positive results. Lemaire moved Dainius Zubrus to the top of the line with Zajac and Parise. Zubrus returned for just his third game Friday after missing 30 with a broken knee cap. The new line quickly meshed to manufacture two more New Jersey goals. Zajac took a feed from Parise and nudged it to Zubrus for the third New Jersey goal. The 3-1 lead was enough to spark a goaltending change for Wilson. Vesa Toskala replaced Gustavvson and the change lifted the Leafs, albeit briefly. Colton Orr got a rare breakaway chance to cut the Devils lead to 3-2. Orr gloved down Jamal Mayers’s pass and closed in on Brodeur for the Toronto enforcer’s first goal in 29 games. New Jersey went back up by two on Michigan rookie, Patrick Davis’s first goal of his career.
The Maple Leafs got goals from Alexei Ponikarovsky and Matt Stajan in the final five minutes to force overtime at the Prudential Center. Both pending unrestricted free agents scored third period goals and Toronto was helped by 10 of 12 Toskala saves down the stretch. Ponikarovsky pounced on the puck after stripping sure-handed Devils defensiveman, Bryce Salvador. He shoveled home his 19th goal of the season in the final period to trim the Toronto deficit to one. Sizzling Stajan’s goal tied the game with 1:31 remaining. The seven year Ontario native knocked in Tomas Kaberle’s rebound to secure the goal. The Maple Leafs overcame a pair of two goal deficits to nearly take the lead in the third period. The rally would not be completed, however. The Devils are known for eking out defensive wins. This was anything but for first place New Jersey. Brodeur was operational in padding and preventing Gunnnarsson from slipping one from the slot. In the overtime, Toronto’s Luke Schenn ended the game in the penalty box. Schenn was called for hooking with 1:08 remaining in overtime to give New Jersey a power play opportunity. Zajac scored during the 4-on-3 advantage off a Parise assist to give the Devils the first regulation win over Toronto since being blanked three time last year. Zajac finished with three assists, including setting up both Parise tallies. Lemaire’s balanced threesome helped bury the Maple Leafs at the Rock. Zajac, Parise and Zubrus combined to cash in on four of the five New Jersey goals. Brodeur saved 25 in his 32nd consecutive start behind net.
Parting Points: Song of the day- Selena’s “I Could Fall In Love”
Zach Parise notched a pair of goals in the first period to provide the Devils points. Parise squirted through sloppy Toronto coverage to score his 24th and 25th goals of the season. The Maple Leafs were 0 for 2 on the power play but managed a first period goal off the stick of Carl Gunnarsson. The Swedish rookie for Toronto blasted spinning shot past Brodeur’s glove for the first goal of the night. The visiting team’s 1-0 advantage lasted less than a minute. Ian White lost the puck in the shadow of the net. Parise took over the pick and tapped the puck across the crease beyond the reach of Jonas Gustavvson. It was the young Devil’s 20th two goal game of his career. The Devils, who scored just 12 goals in their last eight games, pulled ahead 4-2 by the third period. Jacque Lemaire juggled the New Jersey line and saw positive results. Lemaire moved Dainius Zubrus to the top of the line with Zajac and Parise. Zubrus returned for just his third game Friday after missing 30 with a broken knee cap. The new line quickly meshed to manufacture two more New Jersey goals. Zajac took a feed from Parise and nudged it to Zubrus for the third New Jersey goal. The 3-1 lead was enough to spark a goaltending change for Wilson. Vesa Toskala replaced Gustavvson and the change lifted the Leafs, albeit briefly. Colton Orr got a rare breakaway chance to cut the Devils lead to 3-2. Orr gloved down Jamal Mayers’s pass and closed in on Brodeur for the Toronto enforcer’s first goal in 29 games. New Jersey went back up by two on Michigan rookie, Patrick Davis’s first goal of his career.
The Maple Leafs got goals from Alexei Ponikarovsky and Matt Stajan in the final five minutes to force overtime at the Prudential Center. Both pending unrestricted free agents scored third period goals and Toronto was helped by 10 of 12 Toskala saves down the stretch. Ponikarovsky pounced on the puck after stripping sure-handed Devils defensiveman, Bryce Salvador. He shoveled home his 19th goal of the season in the final period to trim the Toronto deficit to one. Sizzling Stajan’s goal tied the game with 1:31 remaining. The seven year Ontario native knocked in Tomas Kaberle’s rebound to secure the goal. The Maple Leafs overcame a pair of two goal deficits to nearly take the lead in the third period. The rally would not be completed, however. The Devils are known for eking out defensive wins. This was anything but for first place New Jersey. Brodeur was operational in padding and preventing Gunnnarsson from slipping one from the slot. In the overtime, Toronto’s Luke Schenn ended the game in the penalty box. Schenn was called for hooking with 1:08 remaining in overtime to give New Jersey a power play opportunity. Zajac scored during the 4-on-3 advantage off a Parise assist to give the Devils the first regulation win over Toronto since being blanked three time last year. Zajac finished with three assists, including setting up both Parise tallies. Lemaire’s balanced threesome helped bury the Maple Leafs at the Rock. Zajac, Parise and Zubrus combined to cash in on four of the five New Jersey goals. Brodeur saved 25 in his 32nd consecutive start behind net.
Parting Points: Song of the day- Selena’s “I Could Fall In Love”
Friday, January 29, 2010
Mental Moments
I've been working on some fictional writing. Here's an excerpt from my story:
I woke up happy. I’d just endured the most grueling of all three set matches in my tennis career. The two and a half hour clash went well into the evening. Thankfully, I was on the winning end. There’s something totally surreal about playing in front of a crowd at night. All eyes are on your court and each and every stroke you make. Your steps are scrutinized. You believe the audience can actually feel the ball sliding off the face of the strings as you follow through. The intense lights reveal the creases in your opponent’s forehead when she dives to save a shot at the net. The glare is enough to lose the tennis ball for the split second before your racquet peaks to serve. You can barely make out the cushy green grass. I never could understand how I won so many points and games in these conditions. The silence between the breaks, while you’re beating the snot out of the ball or planning your next finesse drop shot, is otherworldly. Then the roaring and the clapping kick back in when the ball dies or skips away from the line. You’re at midcourt when the rally ends, staring into the white of the opposite baseline with the concentration of a surgeon. The crowd releases their tense breath in unison. It’s as if they are right beside you and Coach is patting you on the shoulder to make you feel alright. You are too involved in the art of the sport to realize he isn’t really standing next to you, but it’s still okay. The powder gray grip of your racquet matches Coach’s hair. You have that warrior mentality working for you. It shows itself in the neediest of occasions. Even the opposing Coach gives you credit for observing that spellbinding demeanor you were so blessed to receive. When finished, you shake the hand of the girl who you just beat. She looks you in the eye and you both know you are thinking the same exact thing. You bring out the best in each other. The worst part about winning is trying to accept that someone with as much heart for the game just lost. That’s the only worst part though. Nothing can compare to the feeling at the end of a tennis match. You somehow feel stronger and more powerful with each win. Anything is possible again. Nothing is too hard because you know you have the will to withstand the pressure. Everything in life comes with a consequence. Winning comes at a cost too. The more you win, the more you expect not to lose.
Determination is exhausting. If you don’t play this game, you cannot fully understand the inner agony. It isn’t just the ball going back and forth across the net, but your emotions taking a back and forth ride. As a kid, you’re just a copycat making routine shots. Mature adult players have to be original in their strategy. An innovative approach is what gets you to the critical moments. Falling back on rudimentary components carries you through them. You need both to survive the hostile elements. More importantly, you can’t play with fear. The minute you become afraid out there is the minute you’re defeated. Your feet freeze and your arm can’t function to its capabilities. Groundstrokes are the still the backbone to an effective tennis game.
I woke up happy. I’d just endured the most grueling of all three set matches in my tennis career. The two and a half hour clash went well into the evening. Thankfully, I was on the winning end. There’s something totally surreal about playing in front of a crowd at night. All eyes are on your court and each and every stroke you make. Your steps are scrutinized. You believe the audience can actually feel the ball sliding off the face of the strings as you follow through. The intense lights reveal the creases in your opponent’s forehead when she dives to save a shot at the net. The glare is enough to lose the tennis ball for the split second before your racquet peaks to serve. You can barely make out the cushy green grass. I never could understand how I won so many points and games in these conditions. The silence between the breaks, while you’re beating the snot out of the ball or planning your next finesse drop shot, is otherworldly. Then the roaring and the clapping kick back in when the ball dies or skips away from the line. You’re at midcourt when the rally ends, staring into the white of the opposite baseline with the concentration of a surgeon. The crowd releases their tense breath in unison. It’s as if they are right beside you and Coach is patting you on the shoulder to make you feel alright. You are too involved in the art of the sport to realize he isn’t really standing next to you, but it’s still okay. The powder gray grip of your racquet matches Coach’s hair. You have that warrior mentality working for you. It shows itself in the neediest of occasions. Even the opposing Coach gives you credit for observing that spellbinding demeanor you were so blessed to receive. When finished, you shake the hand of the girl who you just beat. She looks you in the eye and you both know you are thinking the same exact thing. You bring out the best in each other. The worst part about winning is trying to accept that someone with as much heart for the game just lost. That’s the only worst part though. Nothing can compare to the feeling at the end of a tennis match. You somehow feel stronger and more powerful with each win. Anything is possible again. Nothing is too hard because you know you have the will to withstand the pressure. Everything in life comes with a consequence. Winning comes at a cost too. The more you win, the more you expect not to lose.
Determination is exhausting. If you don’t play this game, you cannot fully understand the inner agony. It isn’t just the ball going back and forth across the net, but your emotions taking a back and forth ride. As a kid, you’re just a copycat making routine shots. Mature adult players have to be original in their strategy. An innovative approach is what gets you to the critical moments. Falling back on rudimentary components carries you through them. You need both to survive the hostile elements. More importantly, you can’t play with fear. The minute you become afraid out there is the minute you’re defeated. Your feet freeze and your arm can’t function to its capabilities. Groundstrokes are the still the backbone to an effective tennis game.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday Take-Twos (Big Battle Basketball Edition)
A pair of big battles highlighted college hoops on Wednesday. The third ranked Villanova Wildcats hosted Big East rival, Notre Dame. The Buckeyes touched up the Hawkeyes in Big 10 ball. Here’s a candid glimpse at the scores and the recaps from the two college clashes.
Villanova remained an unbeaten 8-0 in the Big East after topping Notre Dame 90-72 in Philadelphia. The Fighting Irish dipped to 15-6 and 4-4 in league play despite Luke Harangody’s 21 points in the Wachovia Center loss. The Irish trailed by as many as 23 points and had six turnovers in the first half. Harangody, a candidate for conference player of the year, kept the Irish alive with 16 first half points. The Wildcats led by just one point at the half even with three Notre Dame starters saddled with fouls. There were five lead changes during the first half. Jay Wright’s Wildcats utilized their deep bench to wear down the steady Irish starters. Notre Dame was forced to go to their bench when Harangody, Ben Hansbrough and Ty Nash were charged with two fouls a piece. The Irish made a dismal 19 of 30 from the free throw line
Wildcat staple and clutch shooter, Scottie Reynolds, scored 17 points. Notre Dame held him to just eight points until the fourth quarter. Six foot-one Corey Fisher added 17 and Antonio Pena had 14 points and 10 rebounds in ‘Nova’s 10th straight win. Pena is a presence in the post at 6’8”. He’s also a talented passer who helped the Wildcats make a statement in the second half. The game was a close contest until the Wildcats went on to rout the visiting Irish. Six Wildcats scored at least nine points in the home win. Reynolds keyed the second half scoring when he scored nine straight buckets during an 11-0 Villanova run with four minutes left. The senior guard’s only three pointer of the game put Villanova up 84-67. A grabbing swipe followed the downtown bucket and a hustling Reynolds charted a fast-break layup to increase the lead to 20 points. Maalik Wayns and Taylor King each played twenty minutes off the ‘Nova bench and factored in the victory. Tim Abromaitis contributed 16 points for Notre Dame. The Wildcats are poised to take over the number one ranking a year after advancing to the Final Four. Villanova comes at opponents and they just don’t stop or slow down. Wright’s team is a dangerous and aggressive unit. The Wildcats attack the basket with relentlessness. They are 19-1 for the first time in school history.
The 20th ranked Ohio State Buckeyes did not fall to the Iowa Hawkeyes on the road. Freshman Eric May of Iowa shot a career high 18 points and made five from arc in the 65-57 loss. Ohio State improved to 15-6 overall and 5-3 in the Big 10. The Buckeyes return to Columbus, where they are 12-0 this season, for a three game homestand. David Lighty carried OSU with 20 points in forty minutes. Evan Turner turned in 16 to go along with 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Turner and Lighty helped stave off Iowa’s upset bid in the second half. The two Buckeyes combined for 32 second half points. Jarryd Cole scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds for the Hawkeyes. The Buckeyes struggled from long range in the first half. OSU didn’t hit a 3-pointer until the second half and finished 25% from the arc. Lighty was 3-of-4 from downtown and perfect from the charity stripe.
Ohio State committed just five turnovers and held Iowa’s leading, but injured scorer, Matt Gatens, to six points. Carver-Hawkeye Arena was expecting an upset and on the verge of experiencing one on Wednesday. Turner showed up late to rescue the road victory for the Buckeyes. The best player in the conference and arguable best in the game helped Ohio State pull away in the second half 45-32. Iowa’s reserve center, Andrew Brommer, nailed a pair of free throws with seven seconds before the break to spur the Hawkeyes and expand their first half lead. The Buckeyes trailed by five at the half but the 6’7” Chicago forward won the game down the stretch for Ohio State. May mauled Ohio State and made it a five point Hawkeye lead again with less than five minutes in regulation. Ohio State went on a 12-0 scoring burst that was capped off by Turner’s jumper as the clock closed in on the one minute mark. May’s trey with 46 seconds left trimmed the OSU lead to four before the Buckeyes put the game out of reach at the line. Six free throws and a Turner steal quelled the upset and sealed the win for Thad Matta and the belligerent Buckeyes.
Parting Points: Parting song- “Runaway” by the Corrs
“That's all I do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it's crazy, but that's the only thing I'd really like to be.”- Catcher in the Rye (RIP J.D. Salinger)
Villanova remained an unbeaten 8-0 in the Big East after topping Notre Dame 90-72 in Philadelphia. The Fighting Irish dipped to 15-6 and 4-4 in league play despite Luke Harangody’s 21 points in the Wachovia Center loss. The Irish trailed by as many as 23 points and had six turnovers in the first half. Harangody, a candidate for conference player of the year, kept the Irish alive with 16 first half points. The Wildcats led by just one point at the half even with three Notre Dame starters saddled with fouls. There were five lead changes during the first half. Jay Wright’s Wildcats utilized their deep bench to wear down the steady Irish starters. Notre Dame was forced to go to their bench when Harangody, Ben Hansbrough and Ty Nash were charged with two fouls a piece. The Irish made a dismal 19 of 30 from the free throw line
Wildcat staple and clutch shooter, Scottie Reynolds, scored 17 points. Notre Dame held him to just eight points until the fourth quarter. Six foot-one Corey Fisher added 17 and Antonio Pena had 14 points and 10 rebounds in ‘Nova’s 10th straight win. Pena is a presence in the post at 6’8”. He’s also a talented passer who helped the Wildcats make a statement in the second half. The game was a close contest until the Wildcats went on to rout the visiting Irish. Six Wildcats scored at least nine points in the home win. Reynolds keyed the second half scoring when he scored nine straight buckets during an 11-0 Villanova run with four minutes left. The senior guard’s only three pointer of the game put Villanova up 84-67. A grabbing swipe followed the downtown bucket and a hustling Reynolds charted a fast-break layup to increase the lead to 20 points. Maalik Wayns and Taylor King each played twenty minutes off the ‘Nova bench and factored in the victory. Tim Abromaitis contributed 16 points for Notre Dame. The Wildcats are poised to take over the number one ranking a year after advancing to the Final Four. Villanova comes at opponents and they just don’t stop or slow down. Wright’s team is a dangerous and aggressive unit. The Wildcats attack the basket with relentlessness. They are 19-1 for the first time in school history.
The 20th ranked Ohio State Buckeyes did not fall to the Iowa Hawkeyes on the road. Freshman Eric May of Iowa shot a career high 18 points and made five from arc in the 65-57 loss. Ohio State improved to 15-6 overall and 5-3 in the Big 10. The Buckeyes return to Columbus, where they are 12-0 this season, for a three game homestand. David Lighty carried OSU with 20 points in forty minutes. Evan Turner turned in 16 to go along with 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Turner and Lighty helped stave off Iowa’s upset bid in the second half. The two Buckeyes combined for 32 second half points. Jarryd Cole scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds for the Hawkeyes. The Buckeyes struggled from long range in the first half. OSU didn’t hit a 3-pointer until the second half and finished 25% from the arc. Lighty was 3-of-4 from downtown and perfect from the charity stripe.
Ohio State committed just five turnovers and held Iowa’s leading, but injured scorer, Matt Gatens, to six points. Carver-Hawkeye Arena was expecting an upset and on the verge of experiencing one on Wednesday. Turner showed up late to rescue the road victory for the Buckeyes. The best player in the conference and arguable best in the game helped Ohio State pull away in the second half 45-32. Iowa’s reserve center, Andrew Brommer, nailed a pair of free throws with seven seconds before the break to spur the Hawkeyes and expand their first half lead. The Buckeyes trailed by five at the half but the 6’7” Chicago forward won the game down the stretch for Ohio State. May mauled Ohio State and made it a five point Hawkeye lead again with less than five minutes in regulation. Ohio State went on a 12-0 scoring burst that was capped off by Turner’s jumper as the clock closed in on the one minute mark. May’s trey with 46 seconds left trimmed the OSU lead to four before the Buckeyes put the game out of reach at the line. Six free throws and a Turner steal quelled the upset and sealed the win for Thad Matta and the belligerent Buckeyes.
Parting Points: Parting song- “Runaway” by the Corrs
“That's all I do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it's crazy, but that's the only thing I'd really like to be.”- Catcher in the Rye (RIP J.D. Salinger)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Carolina (De)Claws Cats in Columbia
There are no more undefeated teams in college basketball. John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats, the last remaining unbeaten squad, were shocked in Columbia, South Carolina last night. The Gamecocks took care of Kentucky 68-62 days after the Wildcats reclaimed the number one ranking in the nation for the first time since 2003. The Gamecocks lost all seven of their previous games against number one ranked teams. Not last night. South Carolina snapped a three game conference losing streak Tuesday to improve to 3-3 in the SEC and 12-8 overall. Kentucky is now 19-1 following a 30 point posting by the SEC’s top scorer, Carolina’s Devan Downey. Downey delivered the deafening blow through sheer domination, defense and penetration.
South Carolina whipped Kentucky for the third consecutive time by exposing Kentucky’s youth. Second year coach, Darrin Horn, sent an undersized and undermanned Gamecocks crew to the hardwood at Colonial Life Arena. Horn’s 5’9” guard poured in 30 points in 38 minutes and was 10-for-11 from the free throw line. Senior Brandis Raley-Ross added 17 points for the Gamecocks. DeMarcus Cousins had 27 points to go along with 12 rebounds for the Wildcats. Player of the year candidate, John Wall, fired 19 points and was 6-of-16 from the field. Wall, the offensive juggernaut, was agonized after the Wildcats went on a 14-3 run and took a five point lead midway through the second half. The men in blue are now second in the SEC East, but have a chance to change things against Vanderbilt Saturday. Kentucky ended 38.6% shooting from the field and 25% from the arc. South Carolina was up 62-56 with less than two minutes remaining. Wall secured a pair of free throws and dropped a 3-pointer as Kentucky pulled within three points. Raley-Ross went to the line with 40 seconds left and later sealed the upset by converting a free throw with ten ticks on the clock.
The Cats had several matchup advantages over the Gamecocks. South Carolina earned the victory with sensational blocking and rebounding. They overcame a poor shooting night to defeat a more athletic Kentucky team. Defense has been a hallmark for the overpowering Wildcats. Kentucky didn’t have an answer for Downey, and it helped little that the Wildcats’ offensive stars were shutout of the scoring column. Downey raucously cut through Wildcat defenders and was aided by Sam Muldrow’s 11 rebounds. Johndre Jefferson picked up eight for a Gamecock’s defense that forced Kentucky to play half-court basketball most of the evening. South Carolina limited freshman, Eric Bledsoe, to four points after he finished in double digits in six straight games. Bledsoe and Wall missed key layups, and Patrick Patterson was stymied in his attempt at short jumpers. Carolina’s inspired defense spurred 20 blocks while executing an effective coverage strategy. The home team carried a three point deficit into the locker room but bested the number one team by nine points in the second half. Downey was terrific in outplaying Wall and Patterson. The All-American candidate was swift and consistent in the clutch. He had seven points in the final four minutes. With Downey at the helm, the Gamecocks are an unstoppable force in the SEC. But don’t rule out Calipari and his three freshman shooters. The lively Lexington boys will factor into the NCAA tournament’s number one seeding. South Carolina may have plucked a few of their whiskers Tuesday night, but there Cats are bound to claw their way back to the top.
Parting Points: South Carolina was fined $25,000 for allowing fans onto the basketball court following last night’s win.
Andre Dawson is heading into the HOF as a Montreal Expo. Today’s the anniversary of the Giants-Bills Superbowl 19 years ago. Tsonga edged Djokovic at the Australian Open, but Novak has some of the crispest, most formful strokes in tennis.
Song of the day- “Yellow” by Coldplay
Great paperback pickup- “Odd Man Out” by Matt McCarthy
South Carolina whipped Kentucky for the third consecutive time by exposing Kentucky’s youth. Second year coach, Darrin Horn, sent an undersized and undermanned Gamecocks crew to the hardwood at Colonial Life Arena. Horn’s 5’9” guard poured in 30 points in 38 minutes and was 10-for-11 from the free throw line. Senior Brandis Raley-Ross added 17 points for the Gamecocks. DeMarcus Cousins had 27 points to go along with 12 rebounds for the Wildcats. Player of the year candidate, John Wall, fired 19 points and was 6-of-16 from the field. Wall, the offensive juggernaut, was agonized after the Wildcats went on a 14-3 run and took a five point lead midway through the second half. The men in blue are now second in the SEC East, but have a chance to change things against Vanderbilt Saturday. Kentucky ended 38.6% shooting from the field and 25% from the arc. South Carolina was up 62-56 with less than two minutes remaining. Wall secured a pair of free throws and dropped a 3-pointer as Kentucky pulled within three points. Raley-Ross went to the line with 40 seconds left and later sealed the upset by converting a free throw with ten ticks on the clock.
The Cats had several matchup advantages over the Gamecocks. South Carolina earned the victory with sensational blocking and rebounding. They overcame a poor shooting night to defeat a more athletic Kentucky team. Defense has been a hallmark for the overpowering Wildcats. Kentucky didn’t have an answer for Downey, and it helped little that the Wildcats’ offensive stars were shutout of the scoring column. Downey raucously cut through Wildcat defenders and was aided by Sam Muldrow’s 11 rebounds. Johndre Jefferson picked up eight for a Gamecock’s defense that forced Kentucky to play half-court basketball most of the evening. South Carolina limited freshman, Eric Bledsoe, to four points after he finished in double digits in six straight games. Bledsoe and Wall missed key layups, and Patrick Patterson was stymied in his attempt at short jumpers. Carolina’s inspired defense spurred 20 blocks while executing an effective coverage strategy. The home team carried a three point deficit into the locker room but bested the number one team by nine points in the second half. Downey was terrific in outplaying Wall and Patterson. The All-American candidate was swift and consistent in the clutch. He had seven points in the final four minutes. With Downey at the helm, the Gamecocks are an unstoppable force in the SEC. But don’t rule out Calipari and his three freshman shooters. The lively Lexington boys will factor into the NCAA tournament’s number one seeding. South Carolina may have plucked a few of their whiskers Tuesday night, but there Cats are bound to claw their way back to the top.
Parting Points: South Carolina was fined $25,000 for allowing fans onto the basketball court following last night’s win.
Andre Dawson is heading into the HOF as a Montreal Expo. Today’s the anniversary of the Giants-Bills Superbowl 19 years ago. Tsonga edged Djokovic at the Australian Open, but Novak has some of the crispest, most formful strokes in tennis.
Song of the day- “Yellow” by Coldplay
Great paperback pickup- “Odd Man Out” by Matt McCarthy
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Love-Love
At love-love he took the ball
And with it, my helpless fall
My clutched eastern forehand grip
Didn’t stand a chance against his service whip
Up by one, he cut me crosscourt
Seizing the service line inside and short
I was pinned in the corner down by two
A weak return slice sliding out of view
I looked at him defeated, troubled and tried
Just before he flashed an ace on the ad side
He strolled to the net and emptied his pocket
While launching his smile as quick as a rocket
We were back at love and scoreless again
All I need and want is for him to tell me when
When does the game stop losing its meaning
When will he see it’s towards him that I’m leaning?
Take away the points and the score is even
Like satisfied lovers, always believin’
Nothing changes until you take a swing
It’s knowing he’s also in love while you hear the ping
And with it, my helpless fall
My clutched eastern forehand grip
Didn’t stand a chance against his service whip
Up by one, he cut me crosscourt
Seizing the service line inside and short
I was pinned in the corner down by two
A weak return slice sliding out of view
I looked at him defeated, troubled and tried
Just before he flashed an ace on the ad side
He strolled to the net and emptied his pocket
While launching his smile as quick as a rocket
We were back at love and scoreless again
All I need and want is for him to tell me when
When does the game stop losing its meaning
When will he see it’s towards him that I’m leaning?
Take away the points and the score is even
Like satisfied lovers, always believin’
Nothing changes until you take a swing
It’s knowing he’s also in love while you hear the ping
Monday, January 25, 2010
Manning Molds Majestic Momentum
This life is filled with joy and pain
For Jets fans, it’s been less sun and more rain
The Cindarella season ending in a dome
With Gang Green taking off and heading home
They gave it their best with the run and the pass
And even had more ferocious first half gas
Manning engineered an impeccable second half rally
His Colts posted touchdowns, tally after tally
Collie and Garcon hauled in pinpoint throws
And watched the Jets defense’s uncharacteristic woes
From Caldwell on the sidelines to Eli in the stands
Lucas Oil Stadium erupted with energetic fans
Rex Ryan’s rookie quarterback managed the game
Until his fourth quarter pick tarnished his fame
There’s always next year as the cliché reminds
An offseason to build on offensive and defensive lines
The blue horseshoes are headed to Superbowl forty-four
A ring awaits Indy to cement Peyton’s lore
For Jets fans, it’s been less sun and more rain
The Cindarella season ending in a dome
With Gang Green taking off and heading home
They gave it their best with the run and the pass
And even had more ferocious first half gas
Manning engineered an impeccable second half rally
His Colts posted touchdowns, tally after tally
Collie and Garcon hauled in pinpoint throws
And watched the Jets defense’s uncharacteristic woes
From Caldwell on the sidelines to Eli in the stands
Lucas Oil Stadium erupted with energetic fans
Rex Ryan’s rookie quarterback managed the game
Until his fourth quarter pick tarnished his fame
There’s always next year as the cliché reminds
An offseason to build on offensive and defensive lines
The blue horseshoes are headed to Superbowl forty-four
A ring awaits Indy to cement Peyton’s lore
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Morgantown Madness
March Madness is rapidly approaching and Buckeye basketball is heating up. Right? Maybe not. The menacing Mountaineers snapped Ohio State’s three game winning streak with a come-from-behind 71-65 victory at WVU Coliseum Saturday. The 21st ranked Buckeyes were swept off the court in Morgantown by the same Big East opponent that handed them their worst loss in Columbus’ Value City Arena a year ago. The Mountaineers, ranked 11th in the polls, erased a 12 point deficit at the half to outscore Ohio State 43-25 in the second half. The finesse and fluid Evan Turner scored 18 points for the Buckeyes, but was only 6 of 14 from the field. Sophomore scarlet and gray guard, William Buford’s 22 points gave the Bucks’ early momentum to stage a first half lead on the road. But West Virginia answered after heading into the locker room down 40-28. The Mountaineers posted the first ten points of the third quarter to take control and nearly wipe out the Ohio State lead. Da’Sean Butler commandeered the Mountaineers with 16 second half points. Butler finished with 21 points and 8 rebounds as Ohio State dropped the first nonconference contest on their demanding schedule.
West Virginia improved to 15-3 overall by overcoming first half difficulties. They out-rebounded Ohio State in the second half 20-12, while the offense stepped up and drove the lane for easy buckets. The Bucks were armored from the get-go, netting the game’s first eight points. Butler turned the ball over three times for WVU. OSU led by as many as 14 midway through the first half. Sophomore, Darryl Bryant, added 14 points and 4 assists for Bob Huggins’ Mountaineers. Bryant nailed a 3-pointer with just over ten minutes remaining to give West Virginia their first tie of the game. Butler’s hit from the arc two minutes later provided the first lead for the home team. The sophomore snagged another three with 6:28 remaining for a comfortable 62-58 Mountaineer edge. WVU’s defense turned Turner away from the rim in the second half to essentially take him out of OSU’s offensive game plan. The surefire shooter scored 13 points in the first before remaining quiet in the second. He did keep the Bucks in the game with five free throws in a two minute stretch. The home team defense made necessary second half adjustments to stall the best player on the hardwood.
Ohio State shot 68.8% from the charity stripe. They limited the Mountaineers to 38.5% from the field and forced eight first half turnovers. Ohio State’s defense matched up well in size to handle WVU’s height. The Bucks’ torrid first half shooting was overshadowed by second half offensive woes. West Virginia forced fouls and made things happen in the paint. OSU’s Jon Diebler had 11 points, and David Lighty clocked 40 minutes but secured only six points. Diebler dropped a pair of free throws with under two minutes on the clock, and Dallas Lauderdale pulled the Bucks back to within four with 56 seconds, but it wasn’t enough. Buford drained deep shots as the Bucks tried to claw back, but it seemed the Mountaineers had an answer for every one he drained. Lauderdale pulled down 8 rebounds and tallied 8 points. West Virginia’s senior starting forward, Wellington Smith, dribbled his way to 11 points, including three baskets from downtown. Huggins’ team took 23 three point attempts and succeeded on swooshing ten. That’s good for 43.5%. The Mountaineers resorted readily to long range shooting. Lofting threes kept West Virginia in the game. For the Mountaineers, it was their second Big 10 test. WVU was punished by Purdue early in the season. The ‘Neers, at 4-2, are fifth in the Big East.
Parting Points: Federer vs.Hewitt---GO LLEYTON!
The Nets are now 3-40.
At least the Devils weren’t blanked by the Islanders again. I can’t say the same thing for the Rangers, who were ringed up in a second straight shutout. The Blueshirts have been held scoreless in four of their last seven games. What gives?
Sunday ballad- “Rush Rush” by Paula Abdul
West Virginia improved to 15-3 overall by overcoming first half difficulties. They out-rebounded Ohio State in the second half 20-12, while the offense stepped up and drove the lane for easy buckets. The Bucks were armored from the get-go, netting the game’s first eight points. Butler turned the ball over three times for WVU. OSU led by as many as 14 midway through the first half. Sophomore, Darryl Bryant, added 14 points and 4 assists for Bob Huggins’ Mountaineers. Bryant nailed a 3-pointer with just over ten minutes remaining to give West Virginia their first tie of the game. Butler’s hit from the arc two minutes later provided the first lead for the home team. The sophomore snagged another three with 6:28 remaining for a comfortable 62-58 Mountaineer edge. WVU’s defense turned Turner away from the rim in the second half to essentially take him out of OSU’s offensive game plan. The surefire shooter scored 13 points in the first before remaining quiet in the second. He did keep the Bucks in the game with five free throws in a two minute stretch. The home team defense made necessary second half adjustments to stall the best player on the hardwood.
Ohio State shot 68.8% from the charity stripe. They limited the Mountaineers to 38.5% from the field and forced eight first half turnovers. Ohio State’s defense matched up well in size to handle WVU’s height. The Bucks’ torrid first half shooting was overshadowed by second half offensive woes. West Virginia forced fouls and made things happen in the paint. OSU’s Jon Diebler had 11 points, and David Lighty clocked 40 minutes but secured only six points. Diebler dropped a pair of free throws with under two minutes on the clock, and Dallas Lauderdale pulled the Bucks back to within four with 56 seconds, but it wasn’t enough. Buford drained deep shots as the Bucks tried to claw back, but it seemed the Mountaineers had an answer for every one he drained. Lauderdale pulled down 8 rebounds and tallied 8 points. West Virginia’s senior starting forward, Wellington Smith, dribbled his way to 11 points, including three baskets from downtown. Huggins’ team took 23 three point attempts and succeeded on swooshing ten. That’s good for 43.5%. The Mountaineers resorted readily to long range shooting. Lofting threes kept West Virginia in the game. For the Mountaineers, it was their second Big 10 test. WVU was punished by Purdue early in the season. The ‘Neers, at 4-2, are fifth in the Big East.
Parting Points: Federer vs.Hewitt---GO LLEYTON!
The Nets are now 3-40.
At least the Devils weren’t blanked by the Islanders again. I can’t say the same thing for the Rangers, who were ringed up in a second straight shutout. The Blueshirts have been held scoreless in four of their last seven games. What gives?
Sunday ballad- “Rush Rush” by Paula Abdul
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Luminous Lakers’ Late Lightning
Kobe Bryant tapped into all his on court resources last night in Madison Square Garden. The Lakers All-Star fell short of his mega record setting performance of 61 points from the last time he made the trip to the New York arena. Friday night, Bryant used his friends to feast on the Knicks, fueling LA to a ten point road victory. Number 24 still led the Lakers with 27 points and six assists. The Garden gamer bucketed 13 points in the final quarter. LA topped the Knicks 110-105 a night after being bullied by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The spirited Lakers handed the Knicks their 25th loss by surmounting a fourth quarter deficit. LA received a much improved game from Pau Gasol, who scored half of his 20 points the final quarter. Gasol recovered down eight rebounds but continued to have trouble from the free throw line. Andrew Bynum contributed 19 points and showed smoother rhythm in the first half. He recorded only two points in the second half, but Bryant and Gasol paved the way for another LA win. The two combined to outscore the Knicks 23-20 in the fourth quarter as the luminous Lakers flashed and fancied their late lightning.
Bryant took over when the game mattered. His fourth quarter magic sparked the Lakers as LA outscored New York 31-20 in the quarter. The NBA’s elite shooter was playing with a broken index finger, but managed to overcome the pain. He scoffed at the notion of taking time off to nurse his finger. Bryant made just 8 of 24 shots but knocked down a pair of free throws with four minutes left in the game. The Lakers beat the Knicks for the sixth straight time. New York played aggressive basketball, but was just too small to handle the Lakers’ big men. David Lee scored a season high 31 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in the loss. The All-Star candidate had a respectable game guarding Bynum and besting the Lakers big men off the dribble. New York’s Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari lit up the scoreboard with 28 and 20 points, respectively. Gallinari faded in the second half but Chandler anchored the Knicks’ offense throughout the final three quarters. The Knicks rallied on offense and delivered a diligent defensive effort to draw even after yielding 36 first quarter points. Jordan Farmar, the former UCLA hoopster, gave the Lakers a six point lead with a shot from the arc to end the first quarter. The second quarter saw seven lead changes and nine ties in a fast paced end-to-end scuffle. The score was tied 63-63 at halftime. New York’s Nate Robinson was forced out of the game with a hamstring injury in the second half. Replacement Larry Hughes, blocked and wrestled away a Bryant shot as the third quarter buzzer sounded. New York carried a slim 85-84 edge into the fourth quarter, but the Lakers clung to a two point advantage with seven minutes to go in regulation. Lamar Odom dropped a jumper and Gasol made consecutive field goals to increase LA’s lead to 99-91. Bryant drained a three pointer to push the lead to 11 and the Lakers never looked back as they excused the Knicks. The superfluous surge stood. Ron Artest finished with 11 points, including a pair of 3-pointers in the game’s final two minutes. The pitiable Knicks shot only 27% from downtown, but prevented Bryant from making it another record-setting night in New York.
Parting Points: Happy National Handwriting Day! Here’s my tribute to the day:
You hold tightly to the written word
And speak visibly to make it heard
Voices often don’t have the same effect
As the hand communicating to affect
Bryant took over when the game mattered. His fourth quarter magic sparked the Lakers as LA outscored New York 31-20 in the quarter. The NBA’s elite shooter was playing with a broken index finger, but managed to overcome the pain. He scoffed at the notion of taking time off to nurse his finger. Bryant made just 8 of 24 shots but knocked down a pair of free throws with four minutes left in the game. The Lakers beat the Knicks for the sixth straight time. New York played aggressive basketball, but was just too small to handle the Lakers’ big men. David Lee scored a season high 31 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in the loss. The All-Star candidate had a respectable game guarding Bynum and besting the Lakers big men off the dribble. New York’s Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari lit up the scoreboard with 28 and 20 points, respectively. Gallinari faded in the second half but Chandler anchored the Knicks’ offense throughout the final three quarters. The Knicks rallied on offense and delivered a diligent defensive effort to draw even after yielding 36 first quarter points. Jordan Farmar, the former UCLA hoopster, gave the Lakers a six point lead with a shot from the arc to end the first quarter. The second quarter saw seven lead changes and nine ties in a fast paced end-to-end scuffle. The score was tied 63-63 at halftime. New York’s Nate Robinson was forced out of the game with a hamstring injury in the second half. Replacement Larry Hughes, blocked and wrestled away a Bryant shot as the third quarter buzzer sounded. New York carried a slim 85-84 edge into the fourth quarter, but the Lakers clung to a two point advantage with seven minutes to go in regulation. Lamar Odom dropped a jumper and Gasol made consecutive field goals to increase LA’s lead to 99-91. Bryant drained a three pointer to push the lead to 11 and the Lakers never looked back as they excused the Knicks. The superfluous surge stood. Ron Artest finished with 11 points, including a pair of 3-pointers in the game’s final two minutes. The pitiable Knicks shot only 27% from downtown, but prevented Bryant from making it another record-setting night in New York.
Parting Points: Happy National Handwriting Day! Here’s my tribute to the day:
You hold tightly to the written word
And speak visibly to make it heard
Voices often don’t have the same effect
As the hand communicating to affect
Friday, January 22, 2010
Slam Stories
They’re underway down under. Day four of the 2010 Australian Open saw the advancement of top seeds on both sides. Let’s get up to speed. Roger Federer highlighted the men’s matches by stamping out an emphatic victory over Romania’s Victor Hansecu. Fed faces Albert Montanes in the next round. Defending champion, Rafael Nadal, thumped a lesser opponent in Lukas Lacko. The Slovkian was bumped in straight sets by the Spaniard. America’s biggest name, world number seven Andy Roddick, continued his march toward the second week of the grand slam event. Roddick defeated Feliciano Lopez in a tight four set match. Lopez’s strong volleying and stifling backhand winners kept him in the match, but his errors handed Roddick the breaks he needed. The Texas native dropped a tie-breaking first set at Rod Laver Arena before progressing on the next three to close out the deal. Lopez and Roddick matched aces, with 29 a piece. Third seeded, Novak Djokovic, dispatched Switzerland journeyman, Marco Chiudinelli, after losing the opening set. Djokovic shouldn’t have a problem with his next opponent, Denis Istomin. Cyrpus native, Marcos Baghdatis, staged a rally from two sets down to book a place in the third round too. Baghdatis, the 2006 Australian Open runner-up, nipped number 17 David Ferrer in five sets. Hometown hero, Lleyton Hewitt, is Baghdatis’ next opponent. Last year’s match between Hewitt and Baghdatis was an epic. Hewitt knocked off Donald Young in three sets. Twenty-two year old Scot, Andy Murray, supplanted France’s Florent Sarra in a relatively easy Friday match. Murray’s serve and return was effective, and he used his power and precision to record 49 winners against the Frenchman. John Isner will face Murray next. The red hot Isner took out Gael Monfils by blazing over 100 winners against the 12th seed. Isner belted aces and saved a critical set point with an unreturnable blaze before bested Monfils in four sets. Number nine seeded Fernando Verdasco’s win over Ivan Sergeyev set up a meeting with Stefan Koubek next. The tournament’s number ten upstart Frenchman, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga had a three set triumph over American Taylor Dent. Tsonga will face off with the 18th seeded German player, Tommy Haas. Ivo Karlovic, Marin Cilic, and Ivan Ljubicic were a trio of Croatians also advancing in the men’s draw.
Serena and Venus Williams eased into the third round on the women’s side. The siblings are still very much in the mix for another singles title after holding court in Oz. Serena stomped Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic and Venus survived Austrian Sybille Bammer. Serena takes on the 32 seed, Carla Suarez Navarro and Venus will tackle unseeded, Casey Dellacqua. A pair of comeback Belgians are on course to collide in the quarterfinals. Justine Henin-Hardin sailed to a three set victory against Russia’s Alisa Kleybanova to set up a much anticipated meeting with fellow Belgian, Yalina Wickmayer. Kim Clijsters, another Belgium native was snipped by Nadia Petrova 6-0, 6-1 as her return to the Australian Open fell well short of a championship. The 2004 Aussie runner up was ranked 15th in this tournament but the 19th ranked Petrova pulled off a stunning upset. Svetlana Kuznetsova, another contender on the women’s side, advanced to the next round with an impressive torching of Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchekova. The 24 year old French Open champion put on a dazzling display in determined fashion and will next play German Angelique Kerber. Dinara Safina cruised past her feasible opponent. The second seed bruised Britain’s Elena Baltacha 6-1, 6-2. Safina will face fellow Russian, Maria Kirlenko, in the next round. Kirlenko is a difficult out. She ousted Roberta Vinci in straight sets after the Italian forced a second set tie breaker. A pair of underrated unknowns will battle it out in the third round when Jie Zheng and Alona Bondarenko play. The Ukrainian Bondarenko manhandled Jelena Jankovic and Zheng zipped past the tenth seeded, Marion Bartoli. Australian daughter, Samantha Stosur, is also still alive in the women’s draw. The Brisbane born Stosur has never made it beyond the fourth round as a singles player in a Grand Slam. Other names moving on for the women were number seven, Victoria Azarenka of Belarus and the ninth-seeded Russian, Vera Zvonareva. Agnieszka Radwanska and Li Na also advanced.
Parting Points: Song of the day- Simon and Garfunkul’s “The Sound of Silence”
The Mets swapped Gary Matthews, Jr. for the Angels’ Brian Stokes.
Serena and Venus Williams eased into the third round on the women’s side. The siblings are still very much in the mix for another singles title after holding court in Oz. Serena stomped Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic and Venus survived Austrian Sybille Bammer. Serena takes on the 32 seed, Carla Suarez Navarro and Venus will tackle unseeded, Casey Dellacqua. A pair of comeback Belgians are on course to collide in the quarterfinals. Justine Henin-Hardin sailed to a three set victory against Russia’s Alisa Kleybanova to set up a much anticipated meeting with fellow Belgian, Yalina Wickmayer. Kim Clijsters, another Belgium native was snipped by Nadia Petrova 6-0, 6-1 as her return to the Australian Open fell well short of a championship. The 2004 Aussie runner up was ranked 15th in this tournament but the 19th ranked Petrova pulled off a stunning upset. Svetlana Kuznetsova, another contender on the women’s side, advanced to the next round with an impressive torching of Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchekova. The 24 year old French Open champion put on a dazzling display in determined fashion and will next play German Angelique Kerber. Dinara Safina cruised past her feasible opponent. The second seed bruised Britain’s Elena Baltacha 6-1, 6-2. Safina will face fellow Russian, Maria Kirlenko, in the next round. Kirlenko is a difficult out. She ousted Roberta Vinci in straight sets after the Italian forced a second set tie breaker. A pair of underrated unknowns will battle it out in the third round when Jie Zheng and Alona Bondarenko play. The Ukrainian Bondarenko manhandled Jelena Jankovic and Zheng zipped past the tenth seeded, Marion Bartoli. Australian daughter, Samantha Stosur, is also still alive in the women’s draw. The Brisbane born Stosur has never made it beyond the fourth round as a singles player in a Grand Slam. Other names moving on for the women were number seven, Victoria Azarenka of Belarus and the ninth-seeded Russian, Vera Zvonareva. Agnieszka Radwanska and Li Na also advanced.
Parting Points: Song of the day- Simon and Garfunkul’s “The Sound of Silence”
The Mets swapped Gary Matthews, Jr. for the Angels’ Brian Stokes.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Dino’s Demon Deacons Deliver Decisive Defeat
The defending champion Tar Heels couldn’t dodge their third straight loss in the Smith Center Wednesday night. North Carolina suffered their first three-game losing streak under Coach Roy Williams after falling to fiery Wake Forest, 82-69. The Demon Deacons improved to 13-4 and 3-2 in the ACC while topping the Tar Heels for the fifth time in the spacious Smith Center. Number 24 North Carolina was supposed to put Wake’s C.J. Harris in his place in their own arena. Instead, it was the fab freshman from the Forest who put the Heels in their place with a season high point production. The fantastic freshman finished with 20 points, tying daring point guard Ish Smith for game highs. Smith responded to Sunday’s Duke loss by going 9-of-17 from the field in Chapel Hill. Ari Stewart contributed 11 points in the victory and repeatedly overpowered the Heels from three point range. The backcourt duo of Harris and Stewart continued their trend of tallying points for Wake Forest on the road. North Carolina played without star sophomore shooter, Ed Davis. The seven foot forward, Tyler Zeller, also sat out with an injury for Williams’ struggling club.
Wake Forest dropped 36 points in the first half but UNC only trailed by three at the break. The Tar Heels converted ten offensive rebounds in the first half, but were outrebounded in the end by an oppressive Deacons defense. Al Farouq Aminu grabbed 11 to go along with his 13 points. Chas McFarland, the senior center, also had a double-digit rebound night. McFarland blocked four shots and picked up 10 rebounds in thirty minutes on the hardwood. The senior passed the 500 rebound mark in his 92nd game. The Deacons began pulling ahead for good in the second half. Stewart made back-to-back threes in the span of one and a half minutes over three possessions. Wake Forest came into the contest shooting a measly 33% from long range, good for fewest in the ACC. The Deacons were more massive than meek from the arc in Wednesday’s win. They shot 56% and hit 7 of 8 3-pointers in the second half for an impressive icing at perennial powerhouse UNC.
Will Graves garnered the most buckets for the losing side. The big blue senior scored 16 points, snatched 8 rebounds and was 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Deon Thompson, a member of the championship team from a year ago, added 13 points. First-year player, Travis Wear, also doled out 13 points for UNC. Wake Forest is the top defense against the three in the conference, and last night upheld that claim. In addition, North Carolina’s defense couldn’t guard Wake’s three point attempts. The Deacons made it look easy from the rainbow and from the floor. The visitors were 50% from the floor, successful on 30 of their 60 attempts. Coach Dino Gaudio’s ruthless defense was thrifty in blocking seven shots and seizing six steals during the stellar road win in front of 20,000 Tar Heels fans. The instate rivals held the Tar Heels to 36% shooting and Smith simply beat them downcourt with early layups. UNC finished 6 for 26 beyond the arc and didn’t score any fast-break points. The Tar Heels faded quickly during the second half despite their attempts to make it a game. UNC is 1-3 in the ACC for just the fourth time in the proud program’s history. They allowed a team ranked 11th from downtown decisively defeat them from the arc in their own building. Wake’s crushing blow was the fourth of the kind in five games for the skidding, sliding Heels.
Parting Points: N.C. State upset Duke 88-74 on the same night UNC was trounced by Wake Forest. Georgetown hands Pitt their first Big East loss. In other Big East news, Jim Calhoun is taking a leave of absence from the Huskies, who toppled St. John’s Wednesday at the Morgue in Hartford.
Song of the day- Sublime’s “Wrong Way”
Wake Forest dropped 36 points in the first half but UNC only trailed by three at the break. The Tar Heels converted ten offensive rebounds in the first half, but were outrebounded in the end by an oppressive Deacons defense. Al Farouq Aminu grabbed 11 to go along with his 13 points. Chas McFarland, the senior center, also had a double-digit rebound night. McFarland blocked four shots and picked up 10 rebounds in thirty minutes on the hardwood. The senior passed the 500 rebound mark in his 92nd game. The Deacons began pulling ahead for good in the second half. Stewart made back-to-back threes in the span of one and a half minutes over three possessions. Wake Forest came into the contest shooting a measly 33% from long range, good for fewest in the ACC. The Deacons were more massive than meek from the arc in Wednesday’s win. They shot 56% and hit 7 of 8 3-pointers in the second half for an impressive icing at perennial powerhouse UNC.
Will Graves garnered the most buckets for the losing side. The big blue senior scored 16 points, snatched 8 rebounds and was 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Deon Thompson, a member of the championship team from a year ago, added 13 points. First-year player, Travis Wear, also doled out 13 points for UNC. Wake Forest is the top defense against the three in the conference, and last night upheld that claim. In addition, North Carolina’s defense couldn’t guard Wake’s three point attempts. The Deacons made it look easy from the rainbow and from the floor. The visitors were 50% from the floor, successful on 30 of their 60 attempts. Coach Dino Gaudio’s ruthless defense was thrifty in blocking seven shots and seizing six steals during the stellar road win in front of 20,000 Tar Heels fans. The instate rivals held the Tar Heels to 36% shooting and Smith simply beat them downcourt with early layups. UNC finished 6 for 26 beyond the arc and didn’t score any fast-break points. The Tar Heels faded quickly during the second half despite their attempts to make it a game. UNC is 1-3 in the ACC for just the fourth time in the proud program’s history. They allowed a team ranked 11th from downtown decisively defeat them from the arc in their own building. Wake’s crushing blow was the fourth of the kind in five games for the skidding, sliding Heels.
Parting Points: N.C. State upset Duke 88-74 on the same night UNC was trounced by Wake Forest. Georgetown hands Pitt their first Big East loss. In other Big East news, Jim Calhoun is taking a leave of absence from the Huskies, who toppled St. John’s Wednesday at the Morgue in Hartford.
Song of the day- Sublime’s “Wrong Way”
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Power Plays, Penalties Propel Pens
The Pittsburgh Penguins extinguished the New York Islanders 6-4 at Mellon Arena Tuesday night. Evgeni Malkin fueled the Pens with a hat trick and Sidney Crosby clipped the Islanders with a pair of goals in the winning effort. The victory raised the Penguins’ record to 31-19-1 and matched a career high in points for Crosby. The Islanders entered the arena riding a hot four game winning streak. After beginning the season on a low note, New York has been playing with consistency. They’ve rebounded to create a skillful offense and even managed to hold the Detroit Red Wings scoreless last week. Matt Moulson, Rob Schremp and Mark Streit helped the Isles throttle the Wings 6-0 in Uniondale only a week ago. It was the fewest shots Detroit recorded this season. New York hoped to keep their tough-minded team tear running the track Tuesday. Crosby and Malkin would think otherwise.
Sid the Kid, the 22 year old phenom Penguin put Pittsburgh on top by one goal in the first period and knocked in his 32nd of the season during the second. Malkin secured the puck between the posts at 3:40 in the second period. The slap shot past New York goalie, Dwanye Roloson provided a 2-0 home lead. Malkin followed it up in the third period by collecting two goals. The 24 year old picked up his 16th and 17th goals to put the Pens back in the lead. The first was a crack from the right circle too tough for the Isles’ netminder to stop. The second, an empty-netter, was misled in with 30 seconds left to play. His final goal was the fourth power play goal for the Penguins on the night.
Brent Johnson was super at the goalie position for Pittsburgh. Johnson made 31 saves and made things utterly ugly for the Islanders early in the session. Johnson rejected breakaway shots and bested Kyle Okposo the entire game. Okposo was outmaneuvered in seven attempts on goal. New York was crippled by a barrage of careless penalties but managed to get onboard four times against the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Andy Sutton finally solved Sutton with a slap from inside the left circle to hammer home the first Islander goal in the second period. The score game after Bill Guerin increased the Pens’ lead during a power play. Guerin rifled a Crosby feed into the net for his 16th on the season and a 3-0 Pittsburgh advantage. Crosby countered the defensivemen Sutton by skipping his second goal through the posts at 13:03 in the second. Sutton later drew a superfluous misconduct penalty after ramming forward, Pascal Dupuis into the boards. Dupuis left the ice following the head-first slam in the third period. Before the bleeding and glass action, however, New York came back to tie the game. Freddy Meyer cut the Penguin’s lead in half by scoring from the left dot before the break in the second period.
Trent Hunter and Richard Park carried the Islanders momentum through the intermission. Hunter beat Johnson less than a minute into the final period; ex-Penguin Park evened the contest at 7:11. Okposo was charged with a tripping penalty midway through the third that led to Malkin’s power play goal and the eventual game-winner. Okposo also failed on a penalty shot as the Islanders missed on scoring opportunities to gain on the Penguins lead again. Malkin sealed the deal with an untoward empty net goal to lift the Penguins to within two points of first place New Jersey. Crosby finished with four assists and Jack Hillen pocketed two for the 22-win Islanders. Roloson blanked the Penguins with 23 saves. Pens’ veteran, Max Talbot, left the game with an undisclosed injury during the second period. His return is not yet known.
Parting Points: Seven time Grand Slam champion, Justine Henin, dismissed Elena Dementieva at the Australian Open. Juan Martin del Porto restricts James Blake to advance in a five set marathon.
Read of the week- "Far From the Maddening Crowd" by Thomas Hardy
Sid the Kid, the 22 year old phenom Penguin put Pittsburgh on top by one goal in the first period and knocked in his 32nd of the season during the second. Malkin secured the puck between the posts at 3:40 in the second period. The slap shot past New York goalie, Dwanye Roloson provided a 2-0 home lead. Malkin followed it up in the third period by collecting two goals. The 24 year old picked up his 16th and 17th goals to put the Pens back in the lead. The first was a crack from the right circle too tough for the Isles’ netminder to stop. The second, an empty-netter, was misled in with 30 seconds left to play. His final goal was the fourth power play goal for the Penguins on the night.
Brent Johnson was super at the goalie position for Pittsburgh. Johnson made 31 saves and made things utterly ugly for the Islanders early in the session. Johnson rejected breakaway shots and bested Kyle Okposo the entire game. Okposo was outmaneuvered in seven attempts on goal. New York was crippled by a barrage of careless penalties but managed to get onboard four times against the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Andy Sutton finally solved Sutton with a slap from inside the left circle to hammer home the first Islander goal in the second period. The score game after Bill Guerin increased the Pens’ lead during a power play. Guerin rifled a Crosby feed into the net for his 16th on the season and a 3-0 Pittsburgh advantage. Crosby countered the defensivemen Sutton by skipping his second goal through the posts at 13:03 in the second. Sutton later drew a superfluous misconduct penalty after ramming forward, Pascal Dupuis into the boards. Dupuis left the ice following the head-first slam in the third period. Before the bleeding and glass action, however, New York came back to tie the game. Freddy Meyer cut the Penguin’s lead in half by scoring from the left dot before the break in the second period.
Trent Hunter and Richard Park carried the Islanders momentum through the intermission. Hunter beat Johnson less than a minute into the final period; ex-Penguin Park evened the contest at 7:11. Okposo was charged with a tripping penalty midway through the third that led to Malkin’s power play goal and the eventual game-winner. Okposo also failed on a penalty shot as the Islanders missed on scoring opportunities to gain on the Penguins lead again. Malkin sealed the deal with an untoward empty net goal to lift the Penguins to within two points of first place New Jersey. Crosby finished with four assists and Jack Hillen pocketed two for the 22-win Islanders. Roloson blanked the Penguins with 23 saves. Pens’ veteran, Max Talbot, left the game with an undisclosed injury during the second period. His return is not yet known.
Parting Points: Seven time Grand Slam champion, Justine Henin, dismissed Elena Dementieva at the Australian Open. Juan Martin del Porto restricts James Blake to advance in a five set marathon.
Read of the week- "Far From the Maddening Crowd" by Thomas Hardy
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Australian Aplomb
Vibrantly, he sets his stance
Sharply, he takes his glance
Gracefully, he sways his hips
Tactfully, he licks his lips
His strong arms paint the air, slowly
His smart head concentrates, silently
His elbow bends, angularly
His finger points, discernibly
The tall figure in white ascends
Scaling for the green that transcends
He smacks its back with a forceful strike
Applying topspin with a curving spike
Sharply, he takes his glance
Gracefully, he sways his hips
Tactfully, he licks his lips
His strong arms paint the air, slowly
His smart head concentrates, silently
His elbow bends, angularly
His finger points, discernibly
The tall figure in white ascends
Scaling for the green that transcends
He smacks its back with a forceful strike
Applying topspin with a curving spike
Monday, January 18, 2010
NY’s Next Nemesis
Defense wins championships. The upstart Jets are the AFC’s best defense. New York blistered the Bengals and crushed the Chargers. The next task is demoralizing and daunting. The Jets must find a way to overcome the Indianapolis Colts with Peyton Manning behind center. Both New York and Indianapolis held their divisional round opponents to under fourteen points. Sunday afternoon’s title game should be stellar. It really shouldn’t surprise Jets fans to see Gang Green reach this round of the playoffs. They shouldn’t be shocked their team is still alive and kicking. The Chargers were favored to win yesterday by a touchdown. But Rex Ryan’s defense wore down San Diego’s offensive line. The Chargers’ Phillip Rivers wore his emotions on his sleeve the entire game. His exposed frustrations gave the Jets the juice they needed to make plays. New York quietly halted the Chargers’ 11 game winning streak by performing like an elite football team. It shouldn’t be surprising the Jets won because the Chargers have had a useless running game the entire season. Their kicking was just as unproductive yesterday. Pro Bowl kicker, Nate Kaeding essentially booted the game away for the Chargers. Had Kaeding made just one of his three misses, the Jets might not be talking Superbowl today. Sports are wonderful because you just cannot predict the outcome. Who would have guessed Kaeding would miss three field goals after connecting on 69 straight? Maybe it’s a testament to the Jets’ will to win. With all due respect to the Jets, they have gotten some very lucky breaks during their run to the AFC championship round. Gang Green will need all the lucky green attire when they storm Indianapolis in one week.
There are countless storylines to next week’s rematch of Week 17’s showdown between the Jets and Colts. The teams share a storied history. The 2010 versions will add to that history next Sunday. The coaches, for starters, are intriguing enough. Ryan is a cocky and bold first year head coach. Indianapolis’ Jim Caldwell, also in his first season as an NFL head coach, is exactly the opposite. Both coaches have been to the Superbowl in inferior roles before. Caldwell appeared with the unassuming 2006 Colts as Tony Dungy’s assistant head coach. Ryan joined the Baltimore Ravens in earning a 2000 Superbowl ring. Caldwell is an offensive guru while Ryan is brimming with defensive know-how. The Colts are the low-key team even though New York appears to be the underdog. The two franchises collided in Superbowl III, when the AFL Jets were the heavy underdog to Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts. New York, lead by their outspoken leader Joe Namath, pulled away with the only Superbowl in franchise history. Broadway Joe predicted a Jets upset. The correlations between the 1969 and 2009 Jets are eerily similar. Ryan’s defense and deliberate running game have keyed the Jets this far. The head coach emphatically remarked how his team would be in the Superbowl three weeks ago. Now, the Jets are sixty minutes away from making that statement a reality. Namath went without a touchdown pass in Superbowl III, yet was named Most Valuable Player. Gang Green quarterback, Mark Sanchez, might not be able to make that claim. The Jets need their quarterback to throw touchdowns against the Colts. Indianapolis possesses an offense capable of much more than any team in the league. New York can’t fall behind and rely on the defense to beat Manning. It won’t happen. The Colts can rewrite history by stopping Darrelle Revis and containing New York’s pass rush. If the Pittsburgh corner is shut out and the defensive line is unable to get to Manning, the Colts prevail. Manning is not Rivers or Carson Palmer. The NFL’s Most Valuable Player won’t lay down, especially not in a post-season game. Gang Green’s defense won’t hold the Colts to 33 yards rushing like they did with San Diego’s Darren Sproles. LSU product, Joseph Addai, will have more than three carries next week. Manning has more offensive weapons in Indy than Palmer could ever dream of having. Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark are a only a few of those threats. Automatic Adam Vinatieri is not going to pull a Kaeding. Need I remind Jets fans about the kicker’s ability in the playoffs? Ask any Patriots fan who the best clutch kicker in the history of the NFL is, and I don’t have anything more to say. It should be a great game, and I give the Jets a chance. Their defense keeps them in the game until the fourth quarter. But, like magic, Manning and Vinatieri will fly away with the win and hop a plane to Miami for the Superbowl.
Parting Points: Maria Sharapova falls at the Aussie Open and the Cowboys get run over by the Vikings just in case you missed it.
There are countless storylines to next week’s rematch of Week 17’s showdown between the Jets and Colts. The teams share a storied history. The 2010 versions will add to that history next Sunday. The coaches, for starters, are intriguing enough. Ryan is a cocky and bold first year head coach. Indianapolis’ Jim Caldwell, also in his first season as an NFL head coach, is exactly the opposite. Both coaches have been to the Superbowl in inferior roles before. Caldwell appeared with the unassuming 2006 Colts as Tony Dungy’s assistant head coach. Ryan joined the Baltimore Ravens in earning a 2000 Superbowl ring. Caldwell is an offensive guru while Ryan is brimming with defensive know-how. The Colts are the low-key team even though New York appears to be the underdog. The two franchises collided in Superbowl III, when the AFL Jets were the heavy underdog to Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts. New York, lead by their outspoken leader Joe Namath, pulled away with the only Superbowl in franchise history. Broadway Joe predicted a Jets upset. The correlations between the 1969 and 2009 Jets are eerily similar. Ryan’s defense and deliberate running game have keyed the Jets this far. The head coach emphatically remarked how his team would be in the Superbowl three weeks ago. Now, the Jets are sixty minutes away from making that statement a reality. Namath went without a touchdown pass in Superbowl III, yet was named Most Valuable Player. Gang Green quarterback, Mark Sanchez, might not be able to make that claim. The Jets need their quarterback to throw touchdowns against the Colts. Indianapolis possesses an offense capable of much more than any team in the league. New York can’t fall behind and rely on the defense to beat Manning. It won’t happen. The Colts can rewrite history by stopping Darrelle Revis and containing New York’s pass rush. If the Pittsburgh corner is shut out and the defensive line is unable to get to Manning, the Colts prevail. Manning is not Rivers or Carson Palmer. The NFL’s Most Valuable Player won’t lay down, especially not in a post-season game. Gang Green’s defense won’t hold the Colts to 33 yards rushing like they did with San Diego’s Darren Sproles. LSU product, Joseph Addai, will have more than three carries next week. Manning has more offensive weapons in Indy than Palmer could ever dream of having. Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark are a only a few of those threats. Automatic Adam Vinatieri is not going to pull a Kaeding. Need I remind Jets fans about the kicker’s ability in the playoffs? Ask any Patriots fan who the best clutch kicker in the history of the NFL is, and I don’t have anything more to say. It should be a great game, and I give the Jets a chance. Their defense keeps them in the game until the fourth quarter. But, like magic, Manning and Vinatieri will fly away with the win and hop a plane to Miami for the Superbowl.
Parting Points: Maria Sharapova falls at the Aussie Open and the Cowboys get run over by the Vikings just in case you missed it.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
College Cardinals Clipped in Comeback
The Arizona Cardinals weren’t the only team to go down Saturday. Rick Pitino’s Louisville Cardinals were clipped in an overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Panthers at Petersen Events Center. The Big East battle went to the Panthers 82-77, despite the confident Cardinals racking up points throughout the contest. Pittsburgh trailed most of the second half but benefited from a few lucky breaks. The Cardinals watched the Panthers chip away at their fourth quarter lead and caved at the charity stripe. Louisville missed four of five free throws during the game’s final forty seconds as the home team forced overtime.
The Panthers’ Brad Wanamaker made a 3-pointer with sixteen seconds remaining to cut the Cardinals’ lead one point. The edgy junior guard notched a pair of free throws to tie the game with two seconds left. Wanamaker and Jermaine Dixon combined for 13 of Pitt’s 20 assists. The Panthers grabbed the lead on Ashton Gibb’s basket from the arc 53 seconds into the extra session. Gibbs gunned down just one shot in the first half, but Pitt’s top scorer finished with 15 points. He made 3 of 4 from three point range and was perfect from the line in the home overtime win. Nasir Robinson bucketed a career high 26 points and snatched 11 rebounds for 15-2 Pitt. The 6’5” sophomore kept Pitt in the game long enough for the Panthers to take advantage of Louisville’s missed opportunities. Pittsburgh drilled 50% of their 3-point shots and was 80% from the line. The Panthers maintained their undefeated Big East status and won their 31st straight game at home. Only Kansas has a longer streak in all of college basketball. Pitt remains on the top of the conference standings with Villanova.
For Pitino and Louisville, it was a tough loss to take. The visiting 12-6 Cardinals drew a 30-27 lead into the halftime locker room. The Cardinals were less than two seconds from defeating Pittsburgh and snapping their snazzy streak at home. Louisville was the last team to win in Pittsburgh. The victory occurred in 2008, when Jamie Dixon’s Panthers were arguably a more physical and talented team. The Cardinals watched a win whiter away in the winter Pittsburgh afternoon Saturday. The 16th ranked Panthers were down by six points in all four quarters before tying the game. The Cardinals squandered the lead when they needed it most after controlling the road game throughout regulation. Samardo Samuels and Preston Knowles carried their struggling Louisville teammates. Samuels posted 25 points while dominating Pitt’s big men, Dante Taylor and Gary McGhee. Knowles hit his first four shots on route to a 21 point barrage. The battle was all but over when the Cardinals held a comfortable lead and sent their 68% free throw shooter, Edgar Sosa, to the line. Sosa secured 13 points, but was only three of seven from the line during the second half. The clanking and clanging Cardinal free throws were the difference between a win and a loss yesterday. The prominent Panthers were a stellar 24 of 30 from the free throw line and were able to thwart off the Cardinals’ upset bid by overtaking overtime.
Parting Points: A few notable scores from college hoops---Syracuse survived West Virginia 72-71 in another Big East clash. The Big 10 saw Ohio State top 13th ranked Wisconsin 60-51.
Album of the week- “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace” by the Foo Fighters
The Panthers’ Brad Wanamaker made a 3-pointer with sixteen seconds remaining to cut the Cardinals’ lead one point. The edgy junior guard notched a pair of free throws to tie the game with two seconds left. Wanamaker and Jermaine Dixon combined for 13 of Pitt’s 20 assists. The Panthers grabbed the lead on Ashton Gibb’s basket from the arc 53 seconds into the extra session. Gibbs gunned down just one shot in the first half, but Pitt’s top scorer finished with 15 points. He made 3 of 4 from three point range and was perfect from the line in the home overtime win. Nasir Robinson bucketed a career high 26 points and snatched 11 rebounds for 15-2 Pitt. The 6’5” sophomore kept Pitt in the game long enough for the Panthers to take advantage of Louisville’s missed opportunities. Pittsburgh drilled 50% of their 3-point shots and was 80% from the line. The Panthers maintained their undefeated Big East status and won their 31st straight game at home. Only Kansas has a longer streak in all of college basketball. Pitt remains on the top of the conference standings with Villanova.
For Pitino and Louisville, it was a tough loss to take. The visiting 12-6 Cardinals drew a 30-27 lead into the halftime locker room. The Cardinals were less than two seconds from defeating Pittsburgh and snapping their snazzy streak at home. Louisville was the last team to win in Pittsburgh. The victory occurred in 2008, when Jamie Dixon’s Panthers were arguably a more physical and talented team. The Cardinals watched a win whiter away in the winter Pittsburgh afternoon Saturday. The 16th ranked Panthers were down by six points in all four quarters before tying the game. The Cardinals squandered the lead when they needed it most after controlling the road game throughout regulation. Samardo Samuels and Preston Knowles carried their struggling Louisville teammates. Samuels posted 25 points while dominating Pitt’s big men, Dante Taylor and Gary McGhee. Knowles hit his first four shots on route to a 21 point barrage. The battle was all but over when the Cardinals held a comfortable lead and sent their 68% free throw shooter, Edgar Sosa, to the line. Sosa secured 13 points, but was only three of seven from the line during the second half. The clanking and clanging Cardinal free throws were the difference between a win and a loss yesterday. The prominent Panthers were a stellar 24 of 30 from the free throw line and were able to thwart off the Cardinals’ upset bid by overtaking overtime.
Parting Points: A few notable scores from college hoops---Syracuse survived West Virginia 72-71 in another Big East clash. The Big 10 saw Ohio State top 13th ranked Wisconsin 60-51.
Album of the week- “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace” by the Foo Fighters
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Crawford’s Connection Captures Contest
Ten year NBA veteran, Jamal Crawford, took an overhead pass from Mike Bibby with the Hawks trailing 101-99 in the final seconds in Atlanta. Crawford dribbled twice to his left before ascending swiftly to secure a fadeway 3-point shot as time expired. The heartbreaking Hawks dramatically stunned the Phoenix Suns 102-101 at Phillips Arena behind Al Horford’s 24 points. Crawford dropped 21 as the sun set on the high-paced, high-energy Suns Friday night. The victory, combined with an Orland loss, puts Atlanta in sole possession of first place in the Southeast division.
The Suns were the surefire favorite to win the game, coasting to a 25-17 first quarter advantage. The struggling Suns overcame a 1-6 start from the field to sail higher than the Hawks. Amare Stoudemire formulated 28 points and 14 rebounds for Phoenix but picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter. Stoudemire’s replacement, Robin Lopez, sparked the Suns’ surge before the visitors dropped their second road contest during a four game stretch. Lopez scored a season high 11 points in the loss. The Hawks went 1-11 in the paint during the opening quarter and missed 19 of 25 shots. Joe Johnson and Crawford promptly perked up in the second quarter to erase a 12 point Suns lead. Johnson finished with 19 points and six assists. Atlanta outscored Phoenix 33-30 but was slowed by Grant Hill’s 15 points during the second quarter. The 37 year old poured in nine during the first quarter. Hill scorched the Hawks with 21 total points. Atlanta tied the game at 41 before Steve Nash re-entered the game and carried the Suns to a 55-50 edge at the break. The Suns outscored the Hawks in the paint, but Atlanta won the battle of rebounds.
Horford and the Hawks responded in the second half with an early 11-0 run to built a one-point lead. The scoring spurt put Atlanta on top by as many as seven, and their first command since they led 6-4 in the opening minutes. Phoenix’s offense started to pick up at the end of the quarter. Second year Yugoslavian native, Goran Dragic, connected with five seconds in the third quarter to make it a three point deficit for the Suns. Atlanta was charged with four fouls in the final quarter and the Suns scored the first five points to re-take the lead. Atlanta went without a point until Bibby deposited a 3-pointer with just over seven minutes remaining. Lopez’s lashed out his defensive prowess to stop Johnson, one of his game-high six blocks Friday. Nash added a 20-footer to give his team a six point lead with under four minutes. Lopez’s free throw provided the Suns 94-88 gain before the Hawks tied the game on Josh Smith’s awesome dunk. The score remained deadlocked following a Nash miss from the arc. An inspired Stoudemire snagged the rebound but the Suns’ shooter was called for traveling. An uncontested Dragic dunk and Stoudemire slap made it a four point game with a minute on the clock. Horford was perfect from the charity stripe to bring the Hawks back within two before Nash extended the Suns lead with a pair of free throws. Crawford corralled a missed shot by Smith and tossed it the Hawks’ way to cut the lead to 100-99. Stoudemire made one of two frees with three ticks remaining. Crawford sank the game winning basket to sting the Suns and lift the Hawks, locking up a big moment victory at home.
Parting Points: Saturday’s tremendous tune- The catchy “I’ll be there for you” Friends’ theme by the Rembrandts.
The Suns were the surefire favorite to win the game, coasting to a 25-17 first quarter advantage. The struggling Suns overcame a 1-6 start from the field to sail higher than the Hawks. Amare Stoudemire formulated 28 points and 14 rebounds for Phoenix but picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter. Stoudemire’s replacement, Robin Lopez, sparked the Suns’ surge before the visitors dropped their second road contest during a four game stretch. Lopez scored a season high 11 points in the loss. The Hawks went 1-11 in the paint during the opening quarter and missed 19 of 25 shots. Joe Johnson and Crawford promptly perked up in the second quarter to erase a 12 point Suns lead. Johnson finished with 19 points and six assists. Atlanta outscored Phoenix 33-30 but was slowed by Grant Hill’s 15 points during the second quarter. The 37 year old poured in nine during the first quarter. Hill scorched the Hawks with 21 total points. Atlanta tied the game at 41 before Steve Nash re-entered the game and carried the Suns to a 55-50 edge at the break. The Suns outscored the Hawks in the paint, but Atlanta won the battle of rebounds.
Horford and the Hawks responded in the second half with an early 11-0 run to built a one-point lead. The scoring spurt put Atlanta on top by as many as seven, and their first command since they led 6-4 in the opening minutes. Phoenix’s offense started to pick up at the end of the quarter. Second year Yugoslavian native, Goran Dragic, connected with five seconds in the third quarter to make it a three point deficit for the Suns. Atlanta was charged with four fouls in the final quarter and the Suns scored the first five points to re-take the lead. Atlanta went without a point until Bibby deposited a 3-pointer with just over seven minutes remaining. Lopez’s lashed out his defensive prowess to stop Johnson, one of his game-high six blocks Friday. Nash added a 20-footer to give his team a six point lead with under four minutes. Lopez’s free throw provided the Suns 94-88 gain before the Hawks tied the game on Josh Smith’s awesome dunk. The score remained deadlocked following a Nash miss from the arc. An inspired Stoudemire snagged the rebound but the Suns’ shooter was called for traveling. An uncontested Dragic dunk and Stoudemire slap made it a four point game with a minute on the clock. Horford was perfect from the charity stripe to bring the Hawks back within two before Nash extended the Suns lead with a pair of free throws. Crawford corralled a missed shot by Smith and tossed it the Hawks’ way to cut the lead to 100-99. Stoudemire made one of two frees with three ticks remaining. Crawford sank the game winning basket to sting the Suns and lift the Hawks, locking up a big moment victory at home.
Parting Points: Saturday’s tremendous tune- The catchy “I’ll be there for you” Friends’ theme by the Rembrandts.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Pocket Protection
My last blog entry was about a Texas-Minnesota clash. Today’s post is more of the same. This time, however, Dallas replaces Houston as the feature city in the Lonestar State. The Cowboys and Vikings meet on Sunday in an NFC divisional round playoff game in Minnesota. Big D needs to be aggressive on offense. The Dallas defense can win this game for Tony Romo, as long as the signal caller is mistake-free. Here’s how it’s going to go:
The streaking Cowboys will withstand Minnesota’s mettle
It’s a tall order for quarterback Romo to settle
His solid road play will continue in the dome
The signal caller has just four interceptions away from home
Favre only has two picks, but the Dallas pass rush is next
Ware, Spencer and Ratliff will leave him feeling vexed
Smaller but quicker, Dallas will deal with the crowd volume
Favre under siege only spells Minnesota doom
The 40 year old Viking has Adrian to work short passes
The back is capable of picking up yards by the masses
Dallas’ secondary must be poised and prepared
Rice and Harvin are deep threats when the ball is aired
A tight end named Shiancoe is another of Favre’s favorites
The Cowboys counter with Whitten to cause safeties fits
Flozell is dirty, but effective in tackling quarterback eaters
He’ll need to be against the NFL’s sack leaders
Romo’s road protection is a bit sluggish this year
Dallas success will require his quick release without fear
Austin is a playmaking receiver who can break open the game
Jones is the tailback whose scrambling does much of the same
Tony has the edge in the pocket with athleticism and mobility
Brett’s quality footwork won’t matter against the Cowboys’ capability
Coaches Childress and Phillips total zero postseason wins
Wade took three teams to the playoffs and Sunday will see grins
Parting Points: The Cowboys hired Paul Pasqualoni as their new defensive line coach.
And a big Thank You to…you know who you are.
The streaking Cowboys will withstand Minnesota’s mettle
It’s a tall order for quarterback Romo to settle
His solid road play will continue in the dome
The signal caller has just four interceptions away from home
Favre only has two picks, but the Dallas pass rush is next
Ware, Spencer and Ratliff will leave him feeling vexed
Smaller but quicker, Dallas will deal with the crowd volume
Favre under siege only spells Minnesota doom
The 40 year old Viking has Adrian to work short passes
The back is capable of picking up yards by the masses
Dallas’ secondary must be poised and prepared
Rice and Harvin are deep threats when the ball is aired
A tight end named Shiancoe is another of Favre’s favorites
The Cowboys counter with Whitten to cause safeties fits
Flozell is dirty, but effective in tackling quarterback eaters
He’ll need to be against the NFL’s sack leaders
Romo’s road protection is a bit sluggish this year
Dallas success will require his quick release without fear
Austin is a playmaking receiver who can break open the game
Jones is the tailback whose scrambling does much of the same
Tony has the edge in the pocket with athleticism and mobility
Brett’s quality footwork won’t matter against the Cowboys’ capability
Coaches Childress and Phillips total zero postseason wins
Wade took three teams to the playoffs and Sunday will see grins
Parting Points: The Cowboys hired Paul Pasqualoni as their new defensive line coach.
And a big Thank You to…you know who you are.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Third Try Tops Timberwolves
Aaron Brooks got game, and the Houston Rockets finally showed some of their game last night. The Rockets coasted to a seventeen point first quarter lead before allowing the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves back in the game. Houston built a 30-13 advantage at home behind 12 assists and 14 baskets in the first quarter. The Rockets employed a pressing offense to surge to a 19 point lead only to see it erased by the second quarter buzzer. Minnesota, propelled by Al Jefferson’s career high 26 points and 26 rebounds cut the halftime deficit to nine. The Wolves went on an 11-3 run to open the third quarter and were helped by the Rockets missing nine of their first ten shots. Houston hammered in their next five shots but Minnesota still hung around to end the third quarter. The Timberwolves rallied from ten down in the fourth to close within a point of tying the game. Brooks’ three-pointer gave the Rockets extra padding before Damien Wilkins sunk a trey for the Wolves. Jefferson flipped in a short jumper as the visitors forged a 78-77 lead late in the final quarter. But Chuck Hayes, who snagged 17 rebounds in the win, scored and Brooks nailed another three to put Houston on top again. When the Rockets finally left the floor, Hayes landed a career-high four steals to go along with his rebounds. Brooks’ reverse layup with 46 seconds left seemingly put the game away for the Rockets. Carl Landry and Brooks missed free throws in the final 10 seconds, allowing the Timberwolves an opportunity to tie the score. Then, guard Corey Brewer intercepted an inbound pass from teammate Kevin Love and heaved a mid-court shot at the buzzer to send the game into overtime. Brewer finished with 14 for Minnesota and Wayne Ellington added 17.
Minnesota continually prolonged this basketball game. They also repeated their inability to hold leads throughout the overtime minutes. Ellington hit a 3-pointer in the first extra session to put the Wolves ahead 98-96. Brooks answered for Houston by going two-for-two from the line with 1:25 left. Neither team was successful on winning shot attempts to close it out, and the game headed to a second overtime. Jefferson’s hook shot and pair from the charity stripe meant an early Minnesota lead in the second extra session. Houston’s Trevor Ariza blanked Minnesota with a jumper and 3-pointer. Ariza finished with 19 points. After an Ellington turnover with 16 seconds remaining, Brooks increased the Hoston lead to three points on two free throws. Ellington recovered from the miscue to again tie the game at 105 with eight seconds to put the game into a third overtime. Add to the Rockets’ lament the fact that Landry missed two free throws in the third overtime. Brooks clocked 59 minutes and 25 seconds to match Cuttino Mobley for most ever in franchise history. He swished a three pointer in the third overtime, and Landry gave the Rockets a 110-107 advantage before Jefferson came through again. Jefferson was limited to six points through the first three quarters, but finished with enough to frustrate the Rockets. Minnesota’s leading scorer Wednesday night, Ryan Gomes, was called for an offensive foul in overtime number three. Shane Battier sank one from deep with just under two minutes left to provide the Rockets a six point cushion. Battier finished with a season high 12 rebounds and five blocked shots in the epic affair. Houston escaped with their eighth straight home victory by holding on 120-114. Every time it seemed as if the Rockets were in control of the game, the Twolves had a snazzy counterpunch. Finally, after three hours and three overtimes, Houston walked to the exit signs winners.
Parting Points: Pete Sampras is sticking up for himself. Tennis rival, Andre Agassi, knocked Pete for being dull and lacking inspiration in his recent biography. Well, good for Sampras for requesting a sit-down and showing disappointment.
My early football divisional round picks: All C’s (Cowboys, Cardinals, Chargers, Colts)
Song of the day- Howie Day’s “You and I Collide”
Minnesota continually prolonged this basketball game. They also repeated their inability to hold leads throughout the overtime minutes. Ellington hit a 3-pointer in the first extra session to put the Wolves ahead 98-96. Brooks answered for Houston by going two-for-two from the line with 1:25 left. Neither team was successful on winning shot attempts to close it out, and the game headed to a second overtime. Jefferson’s hook shot and pair from the charity stripe meant an early Minnesota lead in the second extra session. Houston’s Trevor Ariza blanked Minnesota with a jumper and 3-pointer. Ariza finished with 19 points. After an Ellington turnover with 16 seconds remaining, Brooks increased the Hoston lead to three points on two free throws. Ellington recovered from the miscue to again tie the game at 105 with eight seconds to put the game into a third overtime. Add to the Rockets’ lament the fact that Landry missed two free throws in the third overtime. Brooks clocked 59 minutes and 25 seconds to match Cuttino Mobley for most ever in franchise history. He swished a three pointer in the third overtime, and Landry gave the Rockets a 110-107 advantage before Jefferson came through again. Jefferson was limited to six points through the first three quarters, but finished with enough to frustrate the Rockets. Minnesota’s leading scorer Wednesday night, Ryan Gomes, was called for an offensive foul in overtime number three. Shane Battier sank one from deep with just under two minutes left to provide the Rockets a six point cushion. Battier finished with a season high 12 rebounds and five blocked shots in the epic affair. Houston escaped with their eighth straight home victory by holding on 120-114. Every time it seemed as if the Rockets were in control of the game, the Twolves had a snazzy counterpunch. Finally, after three hours and three overtimes, Houston walked to the exit signs winners.
Parting Points: Pete Sampras is sticking up for himself. Tennis rival, Andre Agassi, knocked Pete for being dull and lacking inspiration in his recent biography. Well, good for Sampras for requesting a sit-down and showing disappointment.
My early football divisional round picks: All C’s (Cowboys, Cardinals, Chargers, Colts)
Song of the day- Howie Day’s “You and I Collide”
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Buckeyes Bury Boilermakers
Ohio State narrowly nipped number six Purdue in West Lafayette, Indiana Tuesday night. The two bucket, four point Buckeye victory was the second straight loss for the previously undefeated Boilermakers. Thad Matta’s Ohio State team bested the Boilermakers 70-66 in a battle of Big 10 opponents. Evan Turner torched Purdue with a career high 32 points. The offense is configured around Turner, and the team’s cornerstone did not disappoint. The Buckeyes withstood 35 points from Purdue’s Robbie Hummel and rallied from 13 down to turn in their 12th win of the season against a suddenly precarious Purdue.
Turner pocketed 14 of the final 18 Ohio State points in his third game back for the scarlet and gray since missing a month. Ohio State sophomore, William Buford, had 19 points and seven rebounds in the upset win over the nation’s number six team. Hummel nailed 29 first half points and tied a Purdue record eight 3-pointers. He was also a stopper for the Boilermakers, snagging ten rebounds in a standout effort. But it was Ohio State’s leading man that was the real show-stopper at Mackey Arena. The All-American and NBA-caliber junior had his way with Purdue’s stalwart defense. Turner had nine rebounds and put the ball in the basket during the crucial minutes against the Boilermakers. Turner is an excellent ball-handler and passer in addition to being a proven clutch shooter. With their top scorer back in the starting lineup, the Buckeyes shouldn’t be in danger of falling out of the conference race.
Buford supported Turner in the first quarter with three baskets during a 9-0 Buckeyes run. Ohio State went on to take an 18-13 advantage ten minutes before halftime. Hummel secured six from the arc in an impressive and amazing 3-point barrage with six minutes left in the half. Twenty-two of Purdue’s 27 shots in the first half were 3-pointers. The home team began the game shooting just over 31% from the rainbow. The Boilermakers closed in on the Buckeyes and eventually carried a 41-29 lead into the locker room. Ohio State was driven to make it a respectable second half. David Lighty, the OSU junior, did a good job guarding Hummel. He was physical and executed well in shutting out Hummel down the stretch. Lighty is an effective defender and has a shot to match. Last night, he slowed the Big 10’s top hoopster enough for his offense to gain momentum. He only scored five points but saw 40 minutes playing time. E’Twaun Moore added 19 points for Purdue, including one from downtown to start the second half. The Buckeyes closed to within six points before turning the ball over with five minutes left to play. Moore’s layup was followed by a dunk by JaJuan Johnson to increase the home team’s edge to ten points. Turner responded with a 10 point run to tie the game at 62-62. Purdue pressured with 20 seconds on the clock, but the Buckeyes got the ball inbounds and Buford converted a pair of free throws to win the game. Matta switched his defensive arrangement in the second half, and it proved to be the difference. That, and Turner’s mad run.
Purdue shot 34.5% in the second half and missed five 3-pointers in as many chances. Hummel hit two of eight shots in the second half. Purdue doesn’t seem to be a team that can close out games. You can’t lose a conference contest after leading by 13 points at home. It was the Boilermakers’ first home loss of the season. Matt Painter’s Purdue squad cruised through their nonconference schedule unbeaten. Now they’ve been bested twice by Big 10 foes. The Buckeyes were killed by a front-loaded road schedule, but their point guard returning, should have an easier time in the upcoming weeks. Ohio State prevailed in a much needed conference game. They were coming off a dangerous 1-4 record to being Big 10 play. Tuesday, the Buckeyes chipped in another W, their first of the season on the road. The anxious Buckeyes turned to the dexterous Turner for a signature instrumental performance.
Parting Points: Lane Kiffin is leaving Tennessee for USC. Mistake for the Trojans.
Tiger can’t drive Cadillacs for free anymore. What a pity.
Charles Woodson earned the NFL’s defensive player of the year, much to the chagrin of Jets’ coach Rex Ryan. The Titans’ Chris Johnson was awarded a well-deserving offensive player of the year nod.
Turner pocketed 14 of the final 18 Ohio State points in his third game back for the scarlet and gray since missing a month. Ohio State sophomore, William Buford, had 19 points and seven rebounds in the upset win over the nation’s number six team. Hummel nailed 29 first half points and tied a Purdue record eight 3-pointers. He was also a stopper for the Boilermakers, snagging ten rebounds in a standout effort. But it was Ohio State’s leading man that was the real show-stopper at Mackey Arena. The All-American and NBA-caliber junior had his way with Purdue’s stalwart defense. Turner had nine rebounds and put the ball in the basket during the crucial minutes against the Boilermakers. Turner is an excellent ball-handler and passer in addition to being a proven clutch shooter. With their top scorer back in the starting lineup, the Buckeyes shouldn’t be in danger of falling out of the conference race.
Buford supported Turner in the first quarter with three baskets during a 9-0 Buckeyes run. Ohio State went on to take an 18-13 advantage ten minutes before halftime. Hummel secured six from the arc in an impressive and amazing 3-point barrage with six minutes left in the half. Twenty-two of Purdue’s 27 shots in the first half were 3-pointers. The home team began the game shooting just over 31% from the rainbow. The Boilermakers closed in on the Buckeyes and eventually carried a 41-29 lead into the locker room. Ohio State was driven to make it a respectable second half. David Lighty, the OSU junior, did a good job guarding Hummel. He was physical and executed well in shutting out Hummel down the stretch. Lighty is an effective defender and has a shot to match. Last night, he slowed the Big 10’s top hoopster enough for his offense to gain momentum. He only scored five points but saw 40 minutes playing time. E’Twaun Moore added 19 points for Purdue, including one from downtown to start the second half. The Buckeyes closed to within six points before turning the ball over with five minutes left to play. Moore’s layup was followed by a dunk by JaJuan Johnson to increase the home team’s edge to ten points. Turner responded with a 10 point run to tie the game at 62-62. Purdue pressured with 20 seconds on the clock, but the Buckeyes got the ball inbounds and Buford converted a pair of free throws to win the game. Matta switched his defensive arrangement in the second half, and it proved to be the difference. That, and Turner’s mad run.
Purdue shot 34.5% in the second half and missed five 3-pointers in as many chances. Hummel hit two of eight shots in the second half. Purdue doesn’t seem to be a team that can close out games. You can’t lose a conference contest after leading by 13 points at home. It was the Boilermakers’ first home loss of the season. Matt Painter’s Purdue squad cruised through their nonconference schedule unbeaten. Now they’ve been bested twice by Big 10 foes. The Buckeyes were killed by a front-loaded road schedule, but their point guard returning, should have an easier time in the upcoming weeks. Ohio State prevailed in a much needed conference game. They were coming off a dangerous 1-4 record to being Big 10 play. Tuesday, the Buckeyes chipped in another W, their first of the season on the road. The anxious Buckeyes turned to the dexterous Turner for a signature instrumental performance.
Parting Points: Lane Kiffin is leaving Tennessee for USC. Mistake for the Trojans.
Tiger can’t drive Cadillacs for free anymore. What a pity.
Charles Woodson earned the NFL’s defensive player of the year, much to the chagrin of Jets’ coach Rex Ryan. The Titans’ Chris Johnson was awarded a well-deserving offensive player of the year nod.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Ending Era
I remember when the game was simple and plain
When the juicy hot dog would leave a ketchup stain
The webbed mesh hat I’d turn around on my head
And the black shoelaces decorating the ground where I tread
Each winner and loser on parade to the concession stand
An innocent smile with each order so carefully planned
Those summer days of dugout cheers
Mixed with youthful emotional tears
No steroids or drugs to enhance ourselves
Only batting helmets stocked neatly on shelves
Nothing to interfere or distract our love for the game
Because it mattered little how much money or fame
The soft red-stitched sphere bouncing effortlessly here
A wooden bat swung swiftly without any fear
The bases were clouds in a brunette sand sky
Loaded for all watching with engaged eye
The restless children playing the way it should be
A beautiful ballpark brimming with creativity
When the juicy hot dog would leave a ketchup stain
The webbed mesh hat I’d turn around on my head
And the black shoelaces decorating the ground where I tread
Each winner and loser on parade to the concession stand
An innocent smile with each order so carefully planned
Those summer days of dugout cheers
Mixed with youthful emotional tears
No steroids or drugs to enhance ourselves
Only batting helmets stocked neatly on shelves
Nothing to interfere or distract our love for the game
Because it mattered little how much money or fame
The soft red-stitched sphere bouncing effortlessly here
A wooden bat swung swiftly without any fear
The bases were clouds in a brunette sand sky
Loaded for all watching with engaged eye
The restless children playing the way it should be
A beautiful ballpark brimming with creativity
Monday, January 11, 2010
Whisenhunt, Warner Win Wild Wildcard
It took 96 points and an extra session, but the Arizona Cardinals advanced to the NFC divisional round of the playoffs. The Cardinals bested the Green Bay Packers 51-45 in overtime on linebacker, Karlos Dansby’s 17 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. The ball bounced of the foot of Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers and fell into Dansby’s hands to send the reigning NFC champions home winners of the highest scoring playoff game ever. The previous high for combined points in a post-season game was 95 in Philadelphia’s win over Detroit fifteen years ago. Green Bay rallied from a 21 point deficit in the second half to tie the game twice. Arizona kicker, Neil Rackers, missed a 34 yard field goal at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime. The Cardinals, who received criticism for falling to the Packers 33-7 a week ago, looked impressive on offense. Arizona was embarrassed in their own building by this same Packers team earlier in the season. They attained and conquered vengeance in an awesome way. It was an emotional quest, however. Both team defensives exhibited dismal tackling and lackadaisical deep coverage. Ironically, it was the defense that won the game for the Cardinals.
The 11-6 Cardinals got on board early and often in their home dome. Packers’ quarterback Rodgers was picked off on his first playoff drive. Cornerback, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie intercepted a poorly thrown pass at the Packers’ 21 yard on the game’s first play. Kurt Warner’s handoff to running back, Tim Hightower put the Cardinals up by seven points three minutes into the contest. Warner, the veteran Arizona signal caller, had more touchdown passes than incompletions. His passer rating was close to perfect in the win. Warner’s offense got the ball back following a Donald Driver fumble on Green Bay’s ensuing possession. Former Ohio State rusher, Beanie Wells, displayed his Buckeye best legs with a seven yard scamper to set up Warner’s 15 yard touchdown pass to Early Doucet. The rookie receiver finished Sunday with 77 yards and a pair of scores. Rackers’ 34 yard boot through the uprights with 34 seconds remaining in the first quarter padded Arizona’s lead to 17-0.
Rodgers plodded into the end zone from one yard to complete a 6 play drive and tally the first Green Bay touchdown in the second quarter. Warner and the potent Arizona offense responded with an 8 play, 79 yard drive to again extend the home lead to 17 points. Doucet hauled in his second touchdown, another 15-yard reception. Warner’s 379 yards were topped by Rodgers’ 422 through the air. The Green Bay quarterback completed 28 of 42 passes and tossed four touchdowns in the defeat. He also set a team record for post-season yards. The former California Bear was pressured up front and his offensive line was a detriment in the first half. The Packers settled for Mason Crosby’s 20 yard field goal as time expired in the first half to cut the deficit to 24-10. The Cardinals scored touchdowns on six of ten offensive possessions. It seemed like they never punted. Arizona came out of the locker room to start the third quarter on the right foot—the one in the end zone. Standout receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, caught a 33 yard pass and plowed into the end zone untouched for a 31-10 Cardinals edge.
Jermichael Finley, the fierce Texas tight end, led the Packers with 159 yards on 6 catches. He looked virtually unstopple as Rodgers’ favorite target. Finley didn’t reach the end zone, but helped establish the offense and set the tone in the second half. Greg Jennings’ six yard grab from Rodgers was followed by Jordy Nelson’s 10 yard touchdown to give Green Bay back-to-back scores within three minutes of each other in the third quarter. Fitzgerald caught his second touchdown to complete the 28 combined point third. The receiver’s 11 yard reception came after a Wells outburst of 42 yards. The Packers gambled successfully on a fourth-and-five at the Arizona 30 yard line to begin the final quarter. James Jones’ 30 yard swipe cut Arizona’s lead to one touchdown. The second best defense in the league finally stepped up to shut down Warner on the ensuing kickoff, and the Packers took advantage of good field possession. Rodgers found Finley for 38 yards in addition to Driver’s 28 to set up a one yard game-tying touchdown by John Kuhn. Thirty-eight year old Warner maneuvered and mastered a five minute drive as the Cardinals reclaimed the lead on Steve Breaston’s 17 yard touchdown catch. The see-saw fourth quarter continued. Rodgers pegged Spencer Hevner immediately after the two minute warning to tie the score at 45. With plenty of time on the clock, Warner deftly moved the Cardinals into field goal range. Rackers’ 34 yard kick attempt missed to the left, leaving a stunned Arizona crowd disappointed. It was more unsettling when Green Bay was awarded the coin toss to begin overtime. The visitors entered overtime scoring on their seven previous possessions. Green Bay was roasting the Redbird defense. The Packers were poised to escape the desert with a wildcard win when Arizona’s defense woke up. The defense that yielded 301 yards in the second half and allowed the Packers to post 35 points made the game’s biggest play. Rodgers’ shotgun snap on third down somehow landed in Dansby’s hands, and the linebacker carried the ball the other way for the six point victory. The Cardinals will play Saturday at the New Orleans Saints. It will be hard to top one of the more memorable and exhilarating playoff games ever played. That’s just what last night was in Glendale.
Parting Points: Kansas goes down for the first time and Texas takes over the number one spot in college basketball.
Pete Carroll is off to Seattle, which is only slightly more surprising than Mark McGwire admitting to a decade-long steroid use.
Song of the day- “How to Save a Life” by the Frey
The 11-6 Cardinals got on board early and often in their home dome. Packers’ quarterback Rodgers was picked off on his first playoff drive. Cornerback, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie intercepted a poorly thrown pass at the Packers’ 21 yard on the game’s first play. Kurt Warner’s handoff to running back, Tim Hightower put the Cardinals up by seven points three minutes into the contest. Warner, the veteran Arizona signal caller, had more touchdown passes than incompletions. His passer rating was close to perfect in the win. Warner’s offense got the ball back following a Donald Driver fumble on Green Bay’s ensuing possession. Former Ohio State rusher, Beanie Wells, displayed his Buckeye best legs with a seven yard scamper to set up Warner’s 15 yard touchdown pass to Early Doucet. The rookie receiver finished Sunday with 77 yards and a pair of scores. Rackers’ 34 yard boot through the uprights with 34 seconds remaining in the first quarter padded Arizona’s lead to 17-0.
Rodgers plodded into the end zone from one yard to complete a 6 play drive and tally the first Green Bay touchdown in the second quarter. Warner and the potent Arizona offense responded with an 8 play, 79 yard drive to again extend the home lead to 17 points. Doucet hauled in his second touchdown, another 15-yard reception. Warner’s 379 yards were topped by Rodgers’ 422 through the air. The Green Bay quarterback completed 28 of 42 passes and tossed four touchdowns in the defeat. He also set a team record for post-season yards. The former California Bear was pressured up front and his offensive line was a detriment in the first half. The Packers settled for Mason Crosby’s 20 yard field goal as time expired in the first half to cut the deficit to 24-10. The Cardinals scored touchdowns on six of ten offensive possessions. It seemed like they never punted. Arizona came out of the locker room to start the third quarter on the right foot—the one in the end zone. Standout receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, caught a 33 yard pass and plowed into the end zone untouched for a 31-10 Cardinals edge.
Jermichael Finley, the fierce Texas tight end, led the Packers with 159 yards on 6 catches. He looked virtually unstopple as Rodgers’ favorite target. Finley didn’t reach the end zone, but helped establish the offense and set the tone in the second half. Greg Jennings’ six yard grab from Rodgers was followed by Jordy Nelson’s 10 yard touchdown to give Green Bay back-to-back scores within three minutes of each other in the third quarter. Fitzgerald caught his second touchdown to complete the 28 combined point third. The receiver’s 11 yard reception came after a Wells outburst of 42 yards. The Packers gambled successfully on a fourth-and-five at the Arizona 30 yard line to begin the final quarter. James Jones’ 30 yard swipe cut Arizona’s lead to one touchdown. The second best defense in the league finally stepped up to shut down Warner on the ensuing kickoff, and the Packers took advantage of good field possession. Rodgers found Finley for 38 yards in addition to Driver’s 28 to set up a one yard game-tying touchdown by John Kuhn. Thirty-eight year old Warner maneuvered and mastered a five minute drive as the Cardinals reclaimed the lead on Steve Breaston’s 17 yard touchdown catch. The see-saw fourth quarter continued. Rodgers pegged Spencer Hevner immediately after the two minute warning to tie the score at 45. With plenty of time on the clock, Warner deftly moved the Cardinals into field goal range. Rackers’ 34 yard kick attempt missed to the left, leaving a stunned Arizona crowd disappointed. It was more unsettling when Green Bay was awarded the coin toss to begin overtime. The visitors entered overtime scoring on their seven previous possessions. Green Bay was roasting the Redbird defense. The Packers were poised to escape the desert with a wildcard win when Arizona’s defense woke up. The defense that yielded 301 yards in the second half and allowed the Packers to post 35 points made the game’s biggest play. Rodgers’ shotgun snap on third down somehow landed in Dansby’s hands, and the linebacker carried the ball the other way for the six point victory. The Cardinals will play Saturday at the New Orleans Saints. It will be hard to top one of the more memorable and exhilarating playoff games ever played. That’s just what last night was in Glendale.
Parting Points: Kansas goes down for the first time and Texas takes over the number one spot in college basketball.
Pete Carroll is off to Seattle, which is only slightly more surprising than Mark McGwire admitting to a decade-long steroid use.
Song of the day- “How to Save a Life” by the Frey
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Drought Departs Dallas
The Cowboys retained the playoff success of the early 1990’s with a convincing first round win over the Philadelphia Eagles Saturday in Dallas. The Eagles onslaught included a pair of touchdown passes from quarterback, Tony Romo. Five straight scoring drives highlighted a record second quarter as the Cowboys went on to pound Philadelphia 34-14. The Eagles fell to America’s team for the third time this season. The 20 point win was the first playoff win for Dallas since 1996. Romo notched his first post-season victory by remaining focused behind center and relying on the top-notch Dallas defense. The Cowboys put away 13 years of frustration with 27 second quarter points and three fumble recoveries. Big D head coach, Wade Phillips, got the monkey off his back too. Sunday’s defeat over the NFC rival Eagles marked Phillips’ first playoff win as a head coach.
Neither team logged a digit during the scoreless first quarter that saw five Dallas penalties. Then, the Cowboys blew the game open recording 27 unanswered points. The 12-5 Cowboys found their rhythm and took a 7-0 lead to set the tone for the night. The Cowboys erased all doubts about recent playoff droughts by never trailing against the visiting Eagles. John Phillips one yard pass reception from Romo with less than a minute into the second quarter was the first score. The 92,000 fans at Cowboys Stadium quieted their cheers on the ensuing Eagles possession. Backup quarterback, Michael Vick, instituted a run-and-pass play to Jeremy Maclin good for a 76 yard Philadelphia touchdown. Dallas was not intimidated, and answered on the next drive. Tashard Choice, the second year back out of Georgia Tech, found a home in the end zone on one of his fourteen touches of the night. Choice, coming off a concussion, was shaken up during the fourth quarter. Romo continued to flourish and completed 23 of 35 passes without an interception. He tossed for 244 yards, hitting Miles Austin for his second touchdown of the game with 1:55 before the half. Austin’s six yard grab was sandwiched between two Shaun Suisham field goals to give the Cowboys a 27-7 halftime lead. Roy Williams, who fizzled out during the regular season, had a respectable first half for Dallas. Williams had five catches for 59 yards as the Cowboys built their lead in the second. Receiver/punt returner, Patrick Crayton, was also solid. He averaged 18.7 yards on punt returns while hauling in three receptions. Austin led all Dallas receivers with 7 receptions for 82 yards. His touchdown before the two-minute warning was set up by a Vick fumble at the Philadelphia 18 yard line. Suisham’s nailed his second kick of the quarter following a fumble by the Eagles’ Leonard Weaver. Brady James pounced on the football, and the replay challenge was upheld to give Dallas one final possession before the break.
The Cowboys’ defense rattled starter, Donovan McNabb, the entire game. The Eagles quarterback came out firing in the second half, connecting with Brent Celek for a 20 yard reception on the first play. Game changing offensive stud, LeSean McCoy, was held in check by Dallas’ defense, and Philadelphia was forced to punt after Celek’s grab. The brilliant receiver McCoy caught just three passes for 14 yards. He scored 90 seconds into the fourth quarter with a pointless four yard touchdown. McNabb failed to complete a pass to sustain the drive because of the talented Dallas secondary. The former Syracuse signal caller completed 19 of 37 passes for 230 yards. He threw the game’s only two interceptions, one to Mike Jenkins midway through the third quarter. The pick came after the visitors were charged with two false start penalties, and tailback, Felix Jones, tallied another touchdown for the Cowboys. Jones took the handoff at the Dallas 27 to the end zone with a 73 yard burst. Big D’s rushing leader finished with a 168 yard effort. Jones replaced Marion Barber as the premier back when Barber became limited with a knee injury during Thursday’s practice. The Eagles finally scored again on McCoy’s late touchdown reception. Phillips swapped running plays with an aerial attack to run out the clock. Romo twice found Austin and flicked complete to Jason Witten to chew up seven minutes in the final quarter. Then the stalwart defense took over, sacking McNabb and forcing his second fumble with four minutes remaining. The Cowboys paralyzed the Eagles but still have a long way to go before they can start talking Superbowl.
Parting Points: Kudos to the Jets too.
Neither team logged a digit during the scoreless first quarter that saw five Dallas penalties. Then, the Cowboys blew the game open recording 27 unanswered points. The 12-5 Cowboys found their rhythm and took a 7-0 lead to set the tone for the night. The Cowboys erased all doubts about recent playoff droughts by never trailing against the visiting Eagles. John Phillips one yard pass reception from Romo with less than a minute into the second quarter was the first score. The 92,000 fans at Cowboys Stadium quieted their cheers on the ensuing Eagles possession. Backup quarterback, Michael Vick, instituted a run-and-pass play to Jeremy Maclin good for a 76 yard Philadelphia touchdown. Dallas was not intimidated, and answered on the next drive. Tashard Choice, the second year back out of Georgia Tech, found a home in the end zone on one of his fourteen touches of the night. Choice, coming off a concussion, was shaken up during the fourth quarter. Romo continued to flourish and completed 23 of 35 passes without an interception. He tossed for 244 yards, hitting Miles Austin for his second touchdown of the game with 1:55 before the half. Austin’s six yard grab was sandwiched between two Shaun Suisham field goals to give the Cowboys a 27-7 halftime lead. Roy Williams, who fizzled out during the regular season, had a respectable first half for Dallas. Williams had five catches for 59 yards as the Cowboys built their lead in the second. Receiver/punt returner, Patrick Crayton, was also solid. He averaged 18.7 yards on punt returns while hauling in three receptions. Austin led all Dallas receivers with 7 receptions for 82 yards. His touchdown before the two-minute warning was set up by a Vick fumble at the Philadelphia 18 yard line. Suisham’s nailed his second kick of the quarter following a fumble by the Eagles’ Leonard Weaver. Brady James pounced on the football, and the replay challenge was upheld to give Dallas one final possession before the break.
The Cowboys’ defense rattled starter, Donovan McNabb, the entire game. The Eagles quarterback came out firing in the second half, connecting with Brent Celek for a 20 yard reception on the first play. Game changing offensive stud, LeSean McCoy, was held in check by Dallas’ defense, and Philadelphia was forced to punt after Celek’s grab. The brilliant receiver McCoy caught just three passes for 14 yards. He scored 90 seconds into the fourth quarter with a pointless four yard touchdown. McNabb failed to complete a pass to sustain the drive because of the talented Dallas secondary. The former Syracuse signal caller completed 19 of 37 passes for 230 yards. He threw the game’s only two interceptions, one to Mike Jenkins midway through the third quarter. The pick came after the visitors were charged with two false start penalties, and tailback, Felix Jones, tallied another touchdown for the Cowboys. Jones took the handoff at the Dallas 27 to the end zone with a 73 yard burst. Big D’s rushing leader finished with a 168 yard effort. Jones replaced Marion Barber as the premier back when Barber became limited with a knee injury during Thursday’s practice. The Eagles finally scored again on McCoy’s late touchdown reception. Phillips swapped running plays with an aerial attack to run out the clock. Romo twice found Austin and flicked complete to Jason Witten to chew up seven minutes in the final quarter. Then the stalwart defense took over, sacking McNabb and forcing his second fumble with four minutes remaining. The Cowboys paralyzed the Eagles but still have a long way to go before they can start talking Superbowl.
Parting Points: Kudos to the Jets too.
Pair of Playoff Poems
The Patriots have a dazzling arsenal
Without Wes Welker, they may fall
Frosty Foxboro will be a blood bath
Ed Reed and Rey Lewis the ferocious aftermath
Play-action passes and running schemes
Are how the Ravens squash New England dreams
Brady may be the comeback player this year
But Flacco has McGahee and Rice to instill fear
Harbaugh’s defense will double cover Moss
While rookie Edelman draws attention on the toss
Look for something up Belichick’s sleeve
Expect a close game with little reprieve
Even though the 10-6 Pats have Wilfork back at tackle
Their undefeated home offense will become ramshackle
A Packers win extends the momentum
A marvelous matchup, to Arizona they come
Seven of their last eight went to Green Bay
Mike McCarthy’s team will again have their way
Star cornerback Woodson leads Capers’ 3-4 defense
Second in the league, their impact is immense
Rodgers is decisive and accurate behind center
Much like his Hall-of-Fame Packers mentor
Rodgers-Cromartie is bruised but back for the redbird
He’ll pose a challenge to Grant, who in the NFC, is third
The All-Pro wideout Fitzgerald has been here before
Beanie Wells is new, but capable of legging out a score
Arizona’s success depends on Warner’s arm
But the road warrior Pack will cause some harm
Dockett needs to be a disruptive force up front
To slow the potent 4,000 yard passer’s first playoff hunt
Without Wes Welker, they may fall
Frosty Foxboro will be a blood bath
Ed Reed and Rey Lewis the ferocious aftermath
Play-action passes and running schemes
Are how the Ravens squash New England dreams
Brady may be the comeback player this year
But Flacco has McGahee and Rice to instill fear
Harbaugh’s defense will double cover Moss
While rookie Edelman draws attention on the toss
Look for something up Belichick’s sleeve
Expect a close game with little reprieve
Even though the 10-6 Pats have Wilfork back at tackle
Their undefeated home offense will become ramshackle
A Packers win extends the momentum
A marvelous matchup, to Arizona they come
Seven of their last eight went to Green Bay
Mike McCarthy’s team will again have their way
Star cornerback Woodson leads Capers’ 3-4 defense
Second in the league, their impact is immense
Rodgers is decisive and accurate behind center
Much like his Hall-of-Fame Packers mentor
Rodgers-Cromartie is bruised but back for the redbird
He’ll pose a challenge to Grant, who in the NFC, is third
The All-Pro wideout Fitzgerald has been here before
Beanie Wells is new, but capable of legging out a score
Arizona’s success depends on Warner’s arm
But the road warrior Pack will cause some harm
Dockett needs to be a disruptive force up front
To slow the potent 4,000 yard passer’s first playoff hunt
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Playoff Prediction Poetry-Style
It’s NFL playoff time. Today’s first wildcard game is a repeat of week 17’s contest between New York and Cincinnati. The Jets and Bengals kickoff at Paul Brown Stadium at 4:30 this afternoon. Last week, Gang Green clobbered the Tigers 37-0 at the Meadowlands. Today the Jets, quarterbacked by a rookie, look for another big game. The opening act will go the Jets’ way if they perform at their defensive best, run the football effectively and limit Mark Sanchez’s deep throws. This poem summarizes what New York needs to have happen in order to defeat Carson Palmer and the clawed Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC wildcard. I predict those things don’t happen this week and the Jets’ luck runs out in blistery Ohio.
Sanchez is still raw and mistake-prone
The line must protect and set the offensive tone
The raw rookie out of USC should slide instead of slip
Or toss short passes while keeping a strong grip
The top-ranked defense can shut down Palmer
It will help their own quarterback remain calmer
Darrelle Rivas can cover wideouts with the best
But Ochocinco will put his skills to the test
Outspoken Chad has one-third of the yards
A brutal Bengals aerial attack is in the cards
Cincy is capable of overcoming obstacles
Once Cedric Benson’s legs revitalize their roles
The Tigers failed to chew up yards last week
Their time of possession was extremely meek
The Jets will see the return of defensive Bengals
Crocker, Zimmer, Peko and Geathers at the angles
Sanchez will be pressured on the road
When the home team greets him with a heavy first playoff load
The Jets will go with Thomas Jones and Shonn Green
To power the AFC’s best running game and catch the screen
Jones has to eclipse the 100 mark for a wildcard romp
The defense needs 60 minutes of Rex Ryan’s signature pomp
A head coach with confidence to win the Superbowl
Should ignite the improbable Jets to keep Cincy’s points low
Woody and Moore must maul the AFC North champ
Gang Green special teams must pin them deep in their camp
Marvin Lewis will have his team more prepared than last Sunday
Look for the Bengals to control the pace and bounce back from disarray
Parting Points: Don’t sleep on the Packers. Look for Green Bay to make some noise in the playoffs
Song of the day- “So Amazing” by Luther Vandross
Sanchez is still raw and mistake-prone
The line must protect and set the offensive tone
The raw rookie out of USC should slide instead of slip
Or toss short passes while keeping a strong grip
The top-ranked defense can shut down Palmer
It will help their own quarterback remain calmer
Darrelle Rivas can cover wideouts with the best
But Ochocinco will put his skills to the test
Outspoken Chad has one-third of the yards
A brutal Bengals aerial attack is in the cards
Cincy is capable of overcoming obstacles
Once Cedric Benson’s legs revitalize their roles
The Tigers failed to chew up yards last week
Their time of possession was extremely meek
The Jets will see the return of defensive Bengals
Crocker, Zimmer, Peko and Geathers at the angles
Sanchez will be pressured on the road
When the home team greets him with a heavy first playoff load
The Jets will go with Thomas Jones and Shonn Green
To power the AFC’s best running game and catch the screen
Jones has to eclipse the 100 mark for a wildcard romp
The defense needs 60 minutes of Rex Ryan’s signature pomp
A head coach with confidence to win the Superbowl
Should ignite the improbable Jets to keep Cincy’s points low
Woody and Moore must maul the AFC North champ
Gang Green special teams must pin them deep in their camp
Marvin Lewis will have his team more prepared than last Sunday
Look for the Bengals to control the pace and bounce back from disarray
Parting Points: Don’t sleep on the Packers. Look for Green Bay to make some noise in the playoffs
Song of the day- “So Amazing” by Luther Vandross
Friday, January 8, 2010
Alabama Adulation
The Texas Longhorns were touched up and taken down in more ways than one during Thursday night’s BCS college national championship. Crimson Tide linebacker, Eryk Anders forced backup quarterback, Garrett Gilbert, to fumble with 3:02 left in the game to help top-ranked Alabama win their eighth national title. The Tide rolled to a 37-21 victory and handed the Longhorns their first loss of the season. Texas starter and Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback, Colt McCoy, was bumped from the game on the Longhorns’ fifth offensive play. The senior was knocked out in the first quarter, and hardly a factor for Texas in his first return to the Rose Bowl since he was a redshirt freshman. The 14-0 Tide stormed to a 18 point halftime lead with McCoy nursing an injured shoulder on the sideline. The son of former NFL signal caller, Gale Gilbert, Garrett stepped up to nearly lead Texas back. The Longhorns came within three points midway through the fourth quarter before Alabama’s defense preserved the win.
Number two Texas jumped out to a six point lead in the first quarter. Mack Brown’s kicker, Hunter Lawrence, booted a pair of field goals within a minute of each other to give the Longhorns an advantage heading into the second quarter. Texas did a stellar job sacking Alabama’s Greg McElroy three times on the first two Tide possessions. The Longhorns’ defense pressured McElroy up front to keep the snazzy backfield from running and hold ‘Bama scoreless for fifteen minutes. The Tide aggressively attacked McCoy for no gain with 10:54 in the first, inevitably putting an end to the quarterback’s college run. Nick Saban’s heavily favored Tide didn’t score until the second quarter. Alabama lit up the scoreboard four times before the half. They posted 24 points by running, kicking and intercepting the football. McElroy’s 23 yard pass to Julio Jones put Alabama on the Texas 12 yard line before the first quarter whistle. It was the only catch made by the sophomore, but one that set up the Tide’s initial touchdown. Heisman winning running back, Mark Ingram, managed to score one of his two touchdowns from two yards out to trim Texas’ lead to one. The Tide’s physical offense ran for 206 yards, including 116 from Ingram. Trent Richardson also eclipsed the 100 yard mark, giving the Tide a 14-6 lead on a 49 yard surge with under eight minutes in the half. Texas was unable to do much without their All-American quarterback in the first half. Austin native, Gilbert was picked off four times and lost a fumble in the defeat. The Tide defense rattled the 2008 national high school player of the year. Senior defensive back, Javier Arenas, intercepted the inexperienced Gilbert twice. Ingram and Richardson exchanged rushes at the two minute mark to set up Leigh Tiffin’s 26 yard field goal with .30 seconds in the second. The final touchdown of the half came on a Gilbert misfire. The floundering offensive line failed to stop lineman, Marcus Dareus, from snatching a shovel pass and returning it 28 yards the other way.
The Longhorns showed some life late in the third quarter. Gilbert got in sync with his offense and found a rhythm to deliver a 59 yard drive, resulting in a Texas touchdown. Talented Texas receiver, Jordan Shipley’s 44 yard catch with 1:31 remaining in the third made it a 24-13 Tide edge. Gilbert threw a second touchdown pass to the smooth-running Shipley for a 28 yard score in the fourth quarter. The backup’s arm was successful in converting the two-point to Dan Buckner as the Longhorns suddenly trailed by a field goal. Following an Alabama punt, the stage was set for some Texas drama in Pasadena. The Longhorns needed Gilbert to be a crunch time quarterback in the biggest way. He had his shining opportunity late in the game after Alabama was charged with a holding penalty. On the next play, Gilbert was stripped of the football at the Longhorns’ seven yard line with three minutes left in the season. The fumble-forcing sack from Arenas was recovered by Courtney Upshaw, and the Tide rocked the Rose Bowl from that point on. Three plays later, Ingram was in the end zone for the second time of the night. Richardson finalized the score with his second touchdown after Gilbert’s fourth interception. Although the Texas freshman showed improvement and confidence in the second half, the Alabama defense was too much for the Longhorns to handle. The quarterback was left unblocked on blitzes by the third ranked defense in runs allowed. Gilbert completed a respectable 14-of-30 passes for 130 yards in the second half. McElroy needed just 58 yards through the air to earn the title because Saban’s running game was terrific and the defense dominant. Ingram joined Matt Leinart as the only other Heisman winner to prevail in a BCS title game. The win marked the first championship for the Tide since 1992 and another SEC title stamp. The conference has claimed the last four BCS championships games.
Parting Points: USF football coach, Jim Leavitt, was let go following an investigation he allegedly struck one of his players. Recently fired, Mike Leach, is accusing Texas Tech of libel and slander. The Seattle Seahawks axed Jim Mora after one season and a four game losing streak to end the year. What a day to be a coach! At least it was a good one for Nick Saban.
I’m excited for wildcard weekend; here’s a tune to pump you up too- “Wild nights” by John Mellencamp
Number two Texas jumped out to a six point lead in the first quarter. Mack Brown’s kicker, Hunter Lawrence, booted a pair of field goals within a minute of each other to give the Longhorns an advantage heading into the second quarter. Texas did a stellar job sacking Alabama’s Greg McElroy three times on the first two Tide possessions. The Longhorns’ defense pressured McElroy up front to keep the snazzy backfield from running and hold ‘Bama scoreless for fifteen minutes. The Tide aggressively attacked McCoy for no gain with 10:54 in the first, inevitably putting an end to the quarterback’s college run. Nick Saban’s heavily favored Tide didn’t score until the second quarter. Alabama lit up the scoreboard four times before the half. They posted 24 points by running, kicking and intercepting the football. McElroy’s 23 yard pass to Julio Jones put Alabama on the Texas 12 yard line before the first quarter whistle. It was the only catch made by the sophomore, but one that set up the Tide’s initial touchdown. Heisman winning running back, Mark Ingram, managed to score one of his two touchdowns from two yards out to trim Texas’ lead to one. The Tide’s physical offense ran for 206 yards, including 116 from Ingram. Trent Richardson also eclipsed the 100 yard mark, giving the Tide a 14-6 lead on a 49 yard surge with under eight minutes in the half. Texas was unable to do much without their All-American quarterback in the first half. Austin native, Gilbert was picked off four times and lost a fumble in the defeat. The Tide defense rattled the 2008 national high school player of the year. Senior defensive back, Javier Arenas, intercepted the inexperienced Gilbert twice. Ingram and Richardson exchanged rushes at the two minute mark to set up Leigh Tiffin’s 26 yard field goal with .30 seconds in the second. The final touchdown of the half came on a Gilbert misfire. The floundering offensive line failed to stop lineman, Marcus Dareus, from snatching a shovel pass and returning it 28 yards the other way.
The Longhorns showed some life late in the third quarter. Gilbert got in sync with his offense and found a rhythm to deliver a 59 yard drive, resulting in a Texas touchdown. Talented Texas receiver, Jordan Shipley’s 44 yard catch with 1:31 remaining in the third made it a 24-13 Tide edge. Gilbert threw a second touchdown pass to the smooth-running Shipley for a 28 yard score in the fourth quarter. The backup’s arm was successful in converting the two-point to Dan Buckner as the Longhorns suddenly trailed by a field goal. Following an Alabama punt, the stage was set for some Texas drama in Pasadena. The Longhorns needed Gilbert to be a crunch time quarterback in the biggest way. He had his shining opportunity late in the game after Alabama was charged with a holding penalty. On the next play, Gilbert was stripped of the football at the Longhorns’ seven yard line with three minutes left in the season. The fumble-forcing sack from Arenas was recovered by Courtney Upshaw, and the Tide rocked the Rose Bowl from that point on. Three plays later, Ingram was in the end zone for the second time of the night. Richardson finalized the score with his second touchdown after Gilbert’s fourth interception. Although the Texas freshman showed improvement and confidence in the second half, the Alabama defense was too much for the Longhorns to handle. The quarterback was left unblocked on blitzes by the third ranked defense in runs allowed. Gilbert completed a respectable 14-of-30 passes for 130 yards in the second half. McElroy needed just 58 yards through the air to earn the title because Saban’s running game was terrific and the defense dominant. Ingram joined Matt Leinart as the only other Heisman winner to prevail in a BCS title game. The win marked the first championship for the Tide since 1992 and another SEC title stamp. The conference has claimed the last four BCS championships games.
Parting Points: USF football coach, Jim Leavitt, was let go following an investigation he allegedly struck one of his players. Recently fired, Mike Leach, is accusing Texas Tech of libel and slander. The Seattle Seahawks axed Jim Mora after one season and a four game losing streak to end the year. What a day to be a coach! At least it was a good one for Nick Saban.
I’m excited for wildcard weekend; here’s a tune to pump you up too- “Wild nights” by John Mellencamp
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Thursday Take-Twos (D.C. edition)
Note to athletes worldwide: Guns and gym bags do not mix. In fact, guns and most things do not mix. Gilbert Arenas must have missed the memo. The Washington Wizards guard was foolish enough to possess firearms in an NBA locker room, and now he will pay the hefty price. Commissioner, David Stern, came down hard on Arenas Wednesday with an indefinite suspension effective immediately. The ruling occurred on Arenas’ 28th birthday. Maybe he should have wished for some common sense before blowing out his birthday candles. Perhaps Arenas’ uniform number “zero” stands for the amount of common sense he has. This isn’t the first time the Wizard hoopster has been suspended because of a gun-related incident. He sat out the Washington home opener in 2004 because he failed to maintain proper registration for a gun while living in California. The most recent incident pegged Arenas for bringing four unloaded guns into Washington’s Verizon Center locker room. Four? Why in the world would an NBA player need to carry four guns to a home game? Arenas claims he wanted the weapons out of his house after the birth of his daughter. Investigators believe the guns were present following a gambling dispute and heated discussion with teammate, Javaris Crittenton. D.C. newspapers reported Crittenton brandishing a gun and loading it with ammunition. Arenas’ latest claim is an even poorer show of judgment. The Wizards’ star joked about carrying firearms, citing it was a misguided effort to play a joke on a teammate. The NBA will continue to investigate the Arenas Arms situation. Arenas will sit out without pay even after apologizing for his actions on Monday. The Wizards will be deprived of their on-court leader because of his off-court behavior. I hope the next time a professional athlete thinks about hauling heat into an arena, they use common sense first.
The Washington Redskins have their man. Mike Shanahan was hired to replace the fired Jim Zorn in D.C. The former Denver Broncos head coach was introduced Wednesday as Washington’s head coach and executive vice president. Owner Daniel Snyder’s embattled Redskins are coming off a 4-12 season. Snyder felt the need to hire an established and strong leader to run a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in eight of the past eleven seasons. The owner also hired a general manager, Bruce Allen, for the first time in 11 years. Snyder took control of the Redskins in 1999. He’s been very hands-on and influential in roster moves since he’s been in the front office. Washington hasn’t been as strong in their performance during this decade. The Redskins are 82-99 on his watch. Six coaches have come and gone, including Hall-of-Famer, Joe Gibbs returning from retirement. Marty Schottenheimer was hired in 2001, but canned after an 8-8 season. Zorn was called upon for his first stint at head coaching. He was a last-minute option for Snyder after all other coaching candidates turned him down. It was a no-win situation from the get-go 23 months ago for a man without even coordinator experience. Snyder promoted Zorn to head coach after interviewing him for an offensive coordinator slot. Zorn’s zesty rokie year with the Redskins started off surprisingly well. Washington began 2008 with a 6-2 run but lost 18 of their last 24 games. Zorn’s second season was anything but zealous, leading to yet another Snyder staff overhaul. Shanahan will make $35 million over the next five years and have control over coaching and executive football decisions.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “All Over You” by Live
Congrats to U.S. Hockey’s World Juniors for clipping Canada 6-5 in overtime in the world hockey junior championship game Tuesday.
Hook ‘em Horns! Here’s hoping Texas topples the Crimson Tide tonight.
The Washington Redskins have their man. Mike Shanahan was hired to replace the fired Jim Zorn in D.C. The former Denver Broncos head coach was introduced Wednesday as Washington’s head coach and executive vice president. Owner Daniel Snyder’s embattled Redskins are coming off a 4-12 season. Snyder felt the need to hire an established and strong leader to run a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in eight of the past eleven seasons. The owner also hired a general manager, Bruce Allen, for the first time in 11 years. Snyder took control of the Redskins in 1999. He’s been very hands-on and influential in roster moves since he’s been in the front office. Washington hasn’t been as strong in their performance during this decade. The Redskins are 82-99 on his watch. Six coaches have come and gone, including Hall-of-Famer, Joe Gibbs returning from retirement. Marty Schottenheimer was hired in 2001, but canned after an 8-8 season. Zorn was called upon for his first stint at head coaching. He was a last-minute option for Snyder after all other coaching candidates turned him down. It was a no-win situation from the get-go 23 months ago for a man without even coordinator experience. Snyder promoted Zorn to head coach after interviewing him for an offensive coordinator slot. Zorn’s zesty rokie year with the Redskins started off surprisingly well. Washington began 2008 with a 6-2 run but lost 18 of their last 24 games. Zorn’s second season was anything but zealous, leading to yet another Snyder staff overhaul. Shanahan will make $35 million over the next five years and have control over coaching and executive football decisions.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “All Over You” by Live
Congrats to U.S. Hockey’s World Juniors for clipping Canada 6-5 in overtime in the world hockey junior championship game Tuesday.
Hook ‘em Horns! Here’s hoping Texas topples the Crimson Tide tonight.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Rocket Redemption
The Houston Rockets slowed the Los Angeles Lakers down at Staples Center in 2009. The 2010 Rockets weren’t so lucky in their second trip to Hollywood last night. Houston topped the Lakers by ten points last November, but fell to a banged-up Los Angeles 88-79 Tuesday. The Lakers picked up their fourth straight win without Pau Gasol. Los Angeles’ Kobe Bryant was playing with an injured finger, yet still managed to break a tie with Patrick Ewing for 15th best all-time on the NBA scoring list. Forward, Lamar Odom, came up one assist shy of his 13th career triple double a day after battling flu-like symptoms. Ron Artest returned from a five-day sideline stint and contributed seven points for the 28-6 Lakers. The Rockets shot a dismal 40% and hit a dreary 11 of their first 36 shots on the night. The undersized Rockets were without Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, and were no match for the defending champions.
Los Angeles massacred the Dallas Mavericks with a season high 131 points two nights ago. Tuesday, they defeated Houston by scoring their fewest points in a victory this season. Houston handed Los Angeles one of their three home losses so far this year. The visiting Rockets never lead in the contest last night. Phil Jackson’s team zipped to a 12 point first quarter lead. Bryant took a breather in the second quarter as the Rockets closed to within four, but returned to extend Los Angeles’ lead with nine points. The Lakers coasted to a 41-33 halftime lead but neither team put together excellent offensive showings. The 20-15 Rockets actually outscored the Lakers in the third quarter. Luis Scola scored seven points in Houston’s run. Houston trimmed the lead to 59-55 by the end of the third before things continued to click for the Lakers. Andrew Bynum took more feeds and found the open lane to finish with a game high 24 points. Without Gasol, the lane was less clogged. Bynum stepped up with a solid shooting effort in place of the big man. Odom deposited 17 points and 19 rebounds in an uncharacteristic poor shooting night the Los Angeles. Still, the NBA’s best squashed the Rockets’ comeback attempt to preserve another Staples Center win.
The Rockets twice got within two points of taking the lead in the fourth quarter. Reserve Carl Landry carried Houston with 19 points. The gritty Rocket personifies the physical toughness of the Rockets. Houston didn’t look very gritty hitting 36% in the first half, however. Former Laker, Trevor Ariza, doled out 12 buckets, but was just five-of-fourteen on shooting. Aaron Brooks and Scola snagged 18 and 15 points, respectively. It was a basket by Scola and two 3-pointers by Shane Battier that drew the Rockets close in the fourth quarter. The Lakers led 73-71 when Odom responded with a three pointer and Bynum drilled a soft hook with 2:11 remaining in the game. Bryant mixed in a fadeaway jumper to cap the 15-8 game-ending run for the Lakers. Brooks hit a runner with 66 seconds to give the Houston one final chance. Battier even slapped the ball, stripping Bryant. But, Bryant recovered the loose ball and tacked on a jumper for a six point Lakers lead. The former MVP added a free throw with 35 seconds left but missed his second attempt. Odom recovered the rebound and was perfect on his two from the charity stripe for a game-sealing nine point lead.
Battier scored just seven points in 39 minutes. Former Villanova Wildcat, Kyle Lowry, grabbed nine rebounds. The Rockets were 4-for-23 from the arc in the loss. The Rockets have a talented team and have been a bit surprising this season. They are among the league leaders in points in the paint and can launch second-chance baskets with the top teams. They remain the games and keep the score within reasonable limits. Tuesday, they couldn’t put away the Lakers and complete a fourth quarter rally. The Rockets scored their fewest first half points of the season at Staples Center last night. They were successful on four of eleven free throws in the first half. The problem with Houston is they lack a late-game closer. They sometimes hold on during the crucial part of games, but just do not have that playmaker. Tuesday’s game was within their grasp in the fourth when Bryant was called on his fourth foul, and third offensive foul. They did little with their improved second half and overabundant opportunities.
Parting Points: Roberto Alomar is a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer. The voters got that one wrong. Congrats to “The Hawk”, Andre Dawson, on getting in.
Listening to the entire “Murmur” album by R.E.M….again, of course.
Los Angeles massacred the Dallas Mavericks with a season high 131 points two nights ago. Tuesday, they defeated Houston by scoring their fewest points in a victory this season. Houston handed Los Angeles one of their three home losses so far this year. The visiting Rockets never lead in the contest last night. Phil Jackson’s team zipped to a 12 point first quarter lead. Bryant took a breather in the second quarter as the Rockets closed to within four, but returned to extend Los Angeles’ lead with nine points. The Lakers coasted to a 41-33 halftime lead but neither team put together excellent offensive showings. The 20-15 Rockets actually outscored the Lakers in the third quarter. Luis Scola scored seven points in Houston’s run. Houston trimmed the lead to 59-55 by the end of the third before things continued to click for the Lakers. Andrew Bynum took more feeds and found the open lane to finish with a game high 24 points. Without Gasol, the lane was less clogged. Bynum stepped up with a solid shooting effort in place of the big man. Odom deposited 17 points and 19 rebounds in an uncharacteristic poor shooting night the Los Angeles. Still, the NBA’s best squashed the Rockets’ comeback attempt to preserve another Staples Center win.
The Rockets twice got within two points of taking the lead in the fourth quarter. Reserve Carl Landry carried Houston with 19 points. The gritty Rocket personifies the physical toughness of the Rockets. Houston didn’t look very gritty hitting 36% in the first half, however. Former Laker, Trevor Ariza, doled out 12 buckets, but was just five-of-fourteen on shooting. Aaron Brooks and Scola snagged 18 and 15 points, respectively. It was a basket by Scola and two 3-pointers by Shane Battier that drew the Rockets close in the fourth quarter. The Lakers led 73-71 when Odom responded with a three pointer and Bynum drilled a soft hook with 2:11 remaining in the game. Bryant mixed in a fadeaway jumper to cap the 15-8 game-ending run for the Lakers. Brooks hit a runner with 66 seconds to give the Houston one final chance. Battier even slapped the ball, stripping Bryant. But, Bryant recovered the loose ball and tacked on a jumper for a six point Lakers lead. The former MVP added a free throw with 35 seconds left but missed his second attempt. Odom recovered the rebound and was perfect on his two from the charity stripe for a game-sealing nine point lead.
Battier scored just seven points in 39 minutes. Former Villanova Wildcat, Kyle Lowry, grabbed nine rebounds. The Rockets were 4-for-23 from the arc in the loss. The Rockets have a talented team and have been a bit surprising this season. They are among the league leaders in points in the paint and can launch second-chance baskets with the top teams. They remain the games and keep the score within reasonable limits. Tuesday, they couldn’t put away the Lakers and complete a fourth quarter rally. The Rockets scored their fewest first half points of the season at Staples Center last night. They were successful on four of eleven free throws in the first half. The problem with Houston is they lack a late-game closer. They sometimes hold on during the crucial part of games, but just do not have that playmaker. Tuesday’s game was within their grasp in the fourth when Bryant was called on his fourth foul, and third offensive foul. They did little with their improved second half and overabundant opportunities.
Parting Points: Roberto Alomar is a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer. The voters got that one wrong. Congrats to “The Hawk”, Andre Dawson, on getting in.
Listening to the entire “Murmur” album by R.E.M….again, of course.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Scar-Struck Star
Being on that mound taught me to face life head on
Drowned out the crowd, perform and move on
From my eyes’ corner, I traced her steps
In transit, their rhythm a weightlifter’s reps
A predator preparing a pounce at the plate
My sturdy stride home could not hesitate
Pocket the circular object with passion
Lay down the tag in ordinary fashion
It all seemed very simple and routine
Until her intent switched to intentionally unclean
A snag and a tag preceded the snap
The shout she was out by a centimeter’s gap
Did nothing to contain the stream of pain
A dizzying nausea with blood like red rain
Being on that field taught me life was unfair
But in the end, you learn just how much you can bear
Drowned out the crowd, perform and move on
From my eyes’ corner, I traced her steps
In transit, their rhythm a weightlifter’s reps
A predator preparing a pounce at the plate
My sturdy stride home could not hesitate
Pocket the circular object with passion
Lay down the tag in ordinary fashion
It all seemed very simple and routine
Until her intent switched to intentionally unclean
A snag and a tag preceded the snap
The shout she was out by a centimeter’s gap
Did nothing to contain the stream of pain
A dizzying nausea with blood like red rain
Being on that field taught me life was unfair
But in the end, you learn just how much you can bear
Memorable Men
I adored Joe D. and the Mick, but never knew
The Yankee centerfielders the way I knew you
I took to Jason Sehorn shining for Big Blue
Never did he make my face light up the way you do
Pete Sampras was the king of my court for some time
Until you dethroned him, a stolen heart is your crime
Every move my Troy made, I registered inside
Now you’re the only cowboy who can take me for a ride
I thought I had something with that warrior O’Neill
But my eyes were set on you, distinguished and real
The starring men in my life have faded into memories
Only one remains, the one who aims to please
The Yankee centerfielders the way I knew you
I took to Jason Sehorn shining for Big Blue
Never did he make my face light up the way you do
Pete Sampras was the king of my court for some time
Until you dethroned him, a stolen heart is your crime
Every move my Troy made, I registered inside
Now you’re the only cowboy who can take me for a ride
I thought I had something with that warrior O’Neill
But my eyes were set on you, distinguished and real
The starring men in my life have faded into memories
Only one remains, the one who aims to please
Shortstop Stopped Short
My first poems of 2010...enjoy!
They arrived with heavy hearts and played without prattle
Their warrior minds prepared silently for battle
The ashes from their bodies’ burning desire
Sprinkled their souls like the remnants of fire
The sweet honeysuckle hero robbed of his talent
Like a cougar considered clumsy in a pack most gallant
Missing his extraordinary rifle arm and missile throw
The number six position ready in the hole
The eight left standing simultaneous dugout salute
On the mucky field where a teammate sits to root
Dedicated to their mending sideline friend
A tribute season ringing through to the end
They arrived with heavy hearts and played without prattle
Their warrior minds prepared silently for battle
The ashes from their bodies’ burning desire
Sprinkled their souls like the remnants of fire
The sweet honeysuckle hero robbed of his talent
Like a cougar considered clumsy in a pack most gallant
Missing his extraordinary rifle arm and missile throw
The number six position ready in the hole
The eight left standing simultaneous dugout salute
On the mucky field where a teammate sits to root
Dedicated to their mending sideline friend
A tribute season ringing through to the end
Monday, January 4, 2010
'Boys Blank Birds
The Cowboys were dazzling Sunday afternoon in winning the NFC East down in Arlington. The ‘Boys will have to repeat their tremendous performance next week against the Philadelphia Eagles if they are to advance further in the playoffs. Dallas shutout the Eagles at home 24-0 to close out December with a winning record for the first time since 1996. Sunday’s loss snapped a six game winning streak for the Eagles. The triumph also set up a rematch between the NFC rivals in the first round of the playoffs next Saturday. It will be the first post-season NFL game played in the new Cowboys stadium.
Wade Phillips’ offense implemented the run and relied on the secondary and pass rush defense to carry the Cowboys over Philadelphia. Marion Barber and Felix Jones rushed combined for 103 yards on 14 carries in the first three series of Sunday’s contest. Each back finished with 91 yards as the Cowboys finished the regular season with an impressive 11-3 record. The win capped off a 6-2 home record for Dallas this season, and they are now riding a three game winning streak into the playoffs. The ‘Boys’ running game has been on the rise since the debacle against San Diego four weeks ago. The Cowboys are 9-2 when they run the ball more than 100 yards per game. It was hardly a problem establishing the run against the Eagles’ defense yesterday. Barber and Jones were able to get into their rhythm early, and remained a factor late in the game. The talented duo glided down the field on the opening possession to set up the Cowboys’ first touchdown. Barber had three touches, including an 18 yard surge. Jones carried the ball one yard before Dallas quarterback, Tony Romo, hit Jason Witten on third down from the Eagles’ 10 yard line. Witten’s ten yard touchdown grab was the elite tight end’s second of the season. It was good to see Witten scoring points and being a contributing factor in the win. He is one of the most underrated players in the league. The Dallas tight end caught six passes for 76 yards. In doing so, Witten became the third player at his position to post multiple 90-catch, 1,000 yard seasons.
The Eagles suffered poor field position most of the game. Thus, they never found the end zone. The Eagles were pinned inside the 20 yard line on their first nine possessions. David Buehler taunted Philadelphia’s special teams with four of five touchbacks on kickoffs. Rookie Jeremy Maclin, the former Missouri wideout, returned the only Eagles kickoff for 17 yards. It wasn’t as if the Eagles didn’t chew up yards against the Cowboys. Eagles’ signal caller, Donovan McNabb, passes for 223 yards and completed 20 of 36 throws. It was the lack of a ground game and array of fumbles that did the Eagles in on Sunday. And, of the course the Dallas pass rush was quite effective. McNabb was sacked for an eight yard loss on Philadelphia’s initial drive. Dallas held the ball over six minutes on their second possession but the drive ended with Romo’s only interception. Joselio Hanson picked Romo off at the Philadelphia seven yard line with two minutes remaining in the first quarter. The toss intended for Patrick Crayton was returned six yards. McNabb drove the Eagles to the Dallas 39 yard line to start the second quarter. His pass to Maclin was incomplete on third and and eight, and the Cowboys took over. Romo promptly and methodically marched Dallas down the field. After a false start penalty that set the Cowboys back five yards, Romo connected with Crayton for a 30 yard gain. A pair of Barber rushes and two significant tosses to Miles Austin were enough to put the Cowboys back in the red zone. Austin caught consecutive passes of 40 and 5 yards. Crayton hauled in the 14 yarder for the 14-0 Dallas lead to close out the 80 yard drive. Dallas wasn’t finished with their first half scoring there. Shaun Suisam’s 44 yard field goal lifted the home team to a 17-0 romping of Philadelphia. The Cowboys had 291 yards by halftime in the first ever back-to-back blankings in franchise history.
Jones accounted for the only other score of the game. The two-year back out of Arkansas plowed into the end zone from 49 yards out with 5:46 left in the third quarter. Following Jones’ half-the-field run, the Dallas defense continued to pound McNabb. They sacked him for a ten yard loss and took over on downs in the waning minutes of the third. McNabb hit the turf again on the Eagles’ next possession. Romo took snaps and handed the ball off to his running backs to finish the fourth quarter. He also found Clayton and Witten to extend the Dallas drives late in the game. DeSean Jackson, the game-breaking Philadelphia receiver, was held to three receptions. Eagles tight end, Brent Celek, lead the team with 96 yards on seven catches. Crayton and Austin finished with 99 and 90 yards, respectively, and Romo threw for 311 yards. Everything seems to be clicking on offense for the Cowboys. They’ve already beaten the Eagles twice this season. Now they have to dispatch them when it counts most.
Parting Points: Happy 50th birthday to REM’s Michael Stipe!
Poem for Monday- “The Sun” by Max Eastman
Wade Phillips’ offense implemented the run and relied on the secondary and pass rush defense to carry the Cowboys over Philadelphia. Marion Barber and Felix Jones rushed combined for 103 yards on 14 carries in the first three series of Sunday’s contest. Each back finished with 91 yards as the Cowboys finished the regular season with an impressive 11-3 record. The win capped off a 6-2 home record for Dallas this season, and they are now riding a three game winning streak into the playoffs. The ‘Boys’ running game has been on the rise since the debacle against San Diego four weeks ago. The Cowboys are 9-2 when they run the ball more than 100 yards per game. It was hardly a problem establishing the run against the Eagles’ defense yesterday. Barber and Jones were able to get into their rhythm early, and remained a factor late in the game. The talented duo glided down the field on the opening possession to set up the Cowboys’ first touchdown. Barber had three touches, including an 18 yard surge. Jones carried the ball one yard before Dallas quarterback, Tony Romo, hit Jason Witten on third down from the Eagles’ 10 yard line. Witten’s ten yard touchdown grab was the elite tight end’s second of the season. It was good to see Witten scoring points and being a contributing factor in the win. He is one of the most underrated players in the league. The Dallas tight end caught six passes for 76 yards. In doing so, Witten became the third player at his position to post multiple 90-catch, 1,000 yard seasons.
The Eagles suffered poor field position most of the game. Thus, they never found the end zone. The Eagles were pinned inside the 20 yard line on their first nine possessions. David Buehler taunted Philadelphia’s special teams with four of five touchbacks on kickoffs. Rookie Jeremy Maclin, the former Missouri wideout, returned the only Eagles kickoff for 17 yards. It wasn’t as if the Eagles didn’t chew up yards against the Cowboys. Eagles’ signal caller, Donovan McNabb, passes for 223 yards and completed 20 of 36 throws. It was the lack of a ground game and array of fumbles that did the Eagles in on Sunday. And, of the course the Dallas pass rush was quite effective. McNabb was sacked for an eight yard loss on Philadelphia’s initial drive. Dallas held the ball over six minutes on their second possession but the drive ended with Romo’s only interception. Joselio Hanson picked Romo off at the Philadelphia seven yard line with two minutes remaining in the first quarter. The toss intended for Patrick Crayton was returned six yards. McNabb drove the Eagles to the Dallas 39 yard line to start the second quarter. His pass to Maclin was incomplete on third and and eight, and the Cowboys took over. Romo promptly and methodically marched Dallas down the field. After a false start penalty that set the Cowboys back five yards, Romo connected with Crayton for a 30 yard gain. A pair of Barber rushes and two significant tosses to Miles Austin were enough to put the Cowboys back in the red zone. Austin caught consecutive passes of 40 and 5 yards. Crayton hauled in the 14 yarder for the 14-0 Dallas lead to close out the 80 yard drive. Dallas wasn’t finished with their first half scoring there. Shaun Suisam’s 44 yard field goal lifted the home team to a 17-0 romping of Philadelphia. The Cowboys had 291 yards by halftime in the first ever back-to-back blankings in franchise history.
Jones accounted for the only other score of the game. The two-year back out of Arkansas plowed into the end zone from 49 yards out with 5:46 left in the third quarter. Following Jones’ half-the-field run, the Dallas defense continued to pound McNabb. They sacked him for a ten yard loss and took over on downs in the waning minutes of the third. McNabb hit the turf again on the Eagles’ next possession. Romo took snaps and handed the ball off to his running backs to finish the fourth quarter. He also found Clayton and Witten to extend the Dallas drives late in the game. DeSean Jackson, the game-breaking Philadelphia receiver, was held to three receptions. Eagles tight end, Brent Celek, lead the team with 96 yards on seven catches. Crayton and Austin finished with 99 and 90 yards, respectively, and Romo threw for 311 yards. Everything seems to be clicking on offense for the Cowboys. They’ve already beaten the Eagles twice this season. Now they have to dispatch them when it counts most.
Parting Points: Happy 50th birthday to REM’s Michael Stipe!
Poem for Monday- “The Sun” by Max Eastman
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