It’s time to pen a few of the impervious thoughts racing around in my head. I’ll begin with the good:
Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor’s profound performance last Saturday earned him the Big 10 Offensive Player of Week. The honor marks the first time since Beanie Wells in November 2008 a Buckeye has been awarded the accolade. Pryor’s six touchdown passes against Eastern Michigan gave him the weekly honor, something no other Buckeyes quarterback has ever received. Of course, who else would the Big 10 choose than the player who commandeered an 83 point slashing of an opponent? Ohio State’s 83 points was the highest total put up by the scarlet and gray since 1950—and the team the Buckeyes faced that day was Iowa. OSU pens up conference play against Illinois this Saturday.
It smells like Guillen spirit on the South Side (that’s a Nirvana reference for the musically-deficient readers) The colorful Chicago coach is set to return to the Whitesox for the 2011 season. This is a good thing for the Sox, and for baseball. Ozzie Guillen could be described as basically any “o” adjective in the dictionary. He’s outrageous, outlandish, obnoxious and outspoken. Ozzie’s over-the-top style of managing is also outstanding. He isn’t just a passionate observer of the game, like most of today’s skippers. Nope, Ozzie goes out of his way to be stubborn. Guillen over-manages at times, sitting his more talented players in place of experienced veterans. His crazy antics have often gotten Guillen into truckloads of trouble, unnecessarily. But still, the Venezuelan native has a tremendous heart when it comes to winning baseball games. Guillen is a two time World Series champion manager, including just five seasons ago with the pale hoes. That same 2005 season, he was dubbed the AL Manager of the Year. The Sox have a winning record since Guillen took over the team in 2004. The Whitesox will not be competing in the post-season under Guillen in 2010. Ozzie wasn’t the best manager in his division (Ron Gardenhire deserves that honor). But would Whitesox fans really want to see the offensive heart of the team leave? Certainly, the coach is culpable for a lousy season, but Ozzie knows the x’s and o’s of managing. I would trust him with my team. You might not like his demeanor, but you can appreciate his spirit.
I’m happy for Roy Halladay. Halladay has been one of the hottest hurlers this decade and has finally punched his ticket to the playoffs with the Phillies. If anyone deserves a World Series ring, it’s this CY Young pitcher. However, I do not care to see Philadelphia win the World Series….which leads me to
And now for the bad:
The Phillies are clearly the team to beat. Any club anticipating a World Series championship will likely go through the city of brotherly love. And with the NL earning home-field advantage, that’s a scary thought for this Yankees fan.
I’ve learned through the years not to lose sleep at night over my team losing. So when the Cowboys dropped their first two games, I didn’t cry or pout. I did, however, lose hope in them. Dallas damaged their colossal aspirations and are in a dire position despite winning their first game last Sunday. The Cowboys are not a great team. They will not win the NFC East in stomping style, like most analysts predicted in the preseason. Tony Romo continues to prove he’s a mediocre, mistake-prone thrower. The offensive line is unraveling and porous in pressure situations. Special teams is terrifyingly tainted and the defense is inconsistent at best. But the most harmful impairment are the glaring penalties. In the NFL, you cannot win games when you have flags called against you. Just ask the Packers , who last night suffered a woeful loss to the Bears because they were whistled one too many times. Dallas is the same way. The ‘Boys lost in week one when Alex Baron was tagged with a hold call at the end of the game. That type of carelessness is costly in the NFL. The Cowboys will not be competitive if they continue to be crippled with detrimental calls.
A.J. Burnett. Really, what else is there to say? Maybe I could ask why this guy is even given the ball in the first place. Awful A.J. has done zippo for the Bombers and deserves every rip against him. Burnett is a pitiful 1-7 with an inexcusable near 7.0 ERA since August. The Yankees’ lefty took the mound last night and was smacked around in a 7-5 loss to the Bluejays. His former team battered him for seven runs in just under three frames. If Joe Girardi kept Burnett out of the post-season rotation (assuming the Yankees do in fact clinch) I would not complain. Burnett has allowed a first-inning run in 21 of his 32 starts this season. Who is to say he won’t do the same in division series, where runs are at a premium and one run often is the difference between a win and a loss? You could argue Burnett is only partially to blame for last night’s loss because the inept offense was fanned nine times. I beg to differ. The Yankees still put up five runs. If it weren’t for Burnett’s second shortest outing of the season, they wouldn’t have had to dig out of such a large hole in the first place. Pitching counts in baseball because it sets the tone for the offense. I can see why the Yankees are underperforming at the plate. Why should they try when their pitcher is pounded in every one of his starts? And even with a legitimate lead, an incompetent bullpen isn’t going to cut it.
Parting Points: Check out the new Gin Blossoms album out today. It sounds great.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Dolphins Dumped in Division Draw
The New York Jets joined the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots atop the AFC East. New York finished off the Dolphins in a 31-23 week three victory Sunday night in Miami. Dustin Keller grabbed a pair of touchdowns and Braylon Edwards had 87 receiving yards to pave the way for the 2-1 Jets, who forced Miami out of first place. Edwards hauled in a 67 yard touchdown pass from Mark Sanchez to give New York the lead for good in the third quarter. Running back, Ladainian Tomlinson capped off the night with a one yard touchdown run with 1:55 remaining in the contest.
Chad Henne completed 26-of-44 passes for the Dolphins and had his best game of the season in Miami’s first loss. Henne spread the ball to seven different receivers and twice found the end zone for touchdowns. The Miami signal caller struggled through the first quarter against the Jets typically stout coverage in the red zone. He seemingly missed a touchdown when he overthrew former Ohio State wideout, Brian Hartline, on the game’s first drive. Former Dolphin, Jason Taylor, sacked Henne in the first quarter to damage the drive for Miami. Henne improved, going 9-of-10 through the air as the Dolphins got on the scoreboard late in the second quarter.
Sanchez was brilliant for the second week in a row for Gang Green. The USC alum tied a career-high with three touchdown passes and tossed for 256 yards in his third consecutive start without a pick. Sanchez hooked up with Keller on a 24 yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to put the Jets ahead 7-0. The Jets’ quarterback connected with Keller again in the second quarter on a 12 yard pass and 14-0 New York edge. The Dolphins answered with 17 straight points, including a three yard pass from Henne to Anthony Fasano and a Dan Carpenter 44 yard kick that cut the Jets’ lead to four points at the half. The Jets defense didn’t blitz Henne and the Dolphins’ offensive line protected the quarterback long enough for him to make plays.
Ricky Williams fumbled the football in the third quarter for Miami, but a replay challenged overturned the call and the Dolphins proceeded down the field to the end zone. Henne sparkled, converting three third downs before completing a 11 yard pass to Brandon Marshall. Marshall had his best game since arriving in Miami via Denver. The receiver led all players with 166 yards on ten receptions. With Miami clinging to a 17-14 advantage, the Jets launched a one-play drive midway through the third quarter to forge ahead. Sanchez hit his maligned receiver on an out route down the left sideline for his third touchdown of the game.
Carpenter footed a 20 yard field goal to end the third quarter scoring and pull Miami within a point of tying the game. After a Miami blocked punt, Jets’ placekicker, Nick Folk, planted a 30 yard field goal through the uprights with eight minutes remaining in the final stanza. The field goal exchanges continued with Carpenter’s third, a lengthy 50 yarder that again cut New York’s lead to one. But the defense from New York stopped Miami’s offense to fend off their last attempt. The Jets stopped the Dolphiins on four consecutive plays in the red zone, culminating with a Drew Coleman interception of Henne. Tomlinson pounded home the final touchdown of the night to seal the deal for Gang Green.
Parting Points: Song for Monday- “Green Grow the Rushes” by REM
Happy Birthday to Michael Jack Schmidt.
Chad Henne completed 26-of-44 passes for the Dolphins and had his best game of the season in Miami’s first loss. Henne spread the ball to seven different receivers and twice found the end zone for touchdowns. The Miami signal caller struggled through the first quarter against the Jets typically stout coverage in the red zone. He seemingly missed a touchdown when he overthrew former Ohio State wideout, Brian Hartline, on the game’s first drive. Former Dolphin, Jason Taylor, sacked Henne in the first quarter to damage the drive for Miami. Henne improved, going 9-of-10 through the air as the Dolphins got on the scoreboard late in the second quarter.
Sanchez was brilliant for the second week in a row for Gang Green. The USC alum tied a career-high with three touchdown passes and tossed for 256 yards in his third consecutive start without a pick. Sanchez hooked up with Keller on a 24 yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to put the Jets ahead 7-0. The Jets’ quarterback connected with Keller again in the second quarter on a 12 yard pass and 14-0 New York edge. The Dolphins answered with 17 straight points, including a three yard pass from Henne to Anthony Fasano and a Dan Carpenter 44 yard kick that cut the Jets’ lead to four points at the half. The Jets defense didn’t blitz Henne and the Dolphins’ offensive line protected the quarterback long enough for him to make plays.
Ricky Williams fumbled the football in the third quarter for Miami, but a replay challenged overturned the call and the Dolphins proceeded down the field to the end zone. Henne sparkled, converting three third downs before completing a 11 yard pass to Brandon Marshall. Marshall had his best game since arriving in Miami via Denver. The receiver led all players with 166 yards on ten receptions. With Miami clinging to a 17-14 advantage, the Jets launched a one-play drive midway through the third quarter to forge ahead. Sanchez hit his maligned receiver on an out route down the left sideline for his third touchdown of the game.
Carpenter footed a 20 yard field goal to end the third quarter scoring and pull Miami within a point of tying the game. After a Miami blocked punt, Jets’ placekicker, Nick Folk, planted a 30 yard field goal through the uprights with eight minutes remaining in the final stanza. The field goal exchanges continued with Carpenter’s third, a lengthy 50 yarder that again cut New York’s lead to one. But the defense from New York stopped Miami’s offense to fend off their last attempt. The Jets stopped the Dolphiins on four consecutive plays in the red zone, culminating with a Drew Coleman interception of Henne. Tomlinson pounded home the final touchdown of the night to seal the deal for Gang Green.
Parting Points: Song for Monday- “Green Grow the Rushes” by REM
Happy Birthday to Michael Jack Schmidt.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Fourth & Final
It was the fourth game of the series, and final of the season, between the Yankees and Rays Thursday night. New York settled for a series split after dropping a 10-3 decision in the Bronx. The Rays’ seven run sixth inning overpowered the Bombers and trimmed Tampa to within a half-game of the division. The win also gave the wildcard-leading Rays a 10-8 season series edge against their AL East rivals. Yankee ace, C.C. Sabathia, allowed seven runs on ten hits while laboring through five innings. Sabathia was outdueled by Rays’ 18 game winner, David Price. Price yielded eight hits in six innings, limiting the Bombers to three runs while fanning seven.
Marcus Thames provided the Bombers with a 2-0 advantage with a second inning homerun, and the Yankees added a tally in the fifth on Nick Swisher’s single. Sabathia gave one run back in the third on Ben Zobrist’s single, before allowing a season high seven runs when the night was over. New York’s 3-1 lead vanished in the top of the sixth. Sabathia’s pitch count stood at 76 against the relentless Rays heading into the fateful frame. Carl Crawford helped rally the Rays with a single off Sabathia. Evan Longoria followed with a double to place runners in scoring position visiting Tampa. Rocco Baldelli plated Crawford with a soft grounder, and Willie Aybar pummeled the Yankee lefty with a base hit to tie the game. Kelly Shopach then walked to load the bases. Sean Rodriguez fought off a full count to draw a walk and bring in another Rays’ run against Sabathia. Joba Chamberlain, on his birthday, was summoned from the Bombers’ bullpen to replace the starter with Tampa ahead 4-3. B.J. Upton greeted Chamberlain by slugging a double off the reliever. Upton’s double increased Tampa’s lead to 6-3 as they batted around in the sixth. Crawford plated two more runs in the frame and finished the with three hits on the evening.
In the bottom half of the sixth, the Yankees threatened by loading the bases. Mark Teixeria tried to help the Bombers grab a few runs back, but Price got the All-star switch-hitter to fly out to end the inning. Javier Vazquez worked the New York seventh, matching a major league record by hitting three straight batters. Shoppach was pegged to force in a run before pinch-hit sensation, Dan Johnson, lofted a sacrifice fly for a 10-3 Rays’ lead. Vazquez regained control to finish off the Rays in the eighth and ninth, but the Yankee offense couldn’t string anything together against Tampa’s bullpen. Joe Girardi, New York skipper, pulled most of his starters by the final innings. New York has six games remaining against Boston, and three with Toronto. The Rays’ schedule is a lighter one and includes contests with Baltimore, Kansas City and Seattle. It appears the Rays have a leg up in the division race, but there are still nearly two weeks of baseball remaining on the season.
Parting Points: “Vitality shows not only in the ability to persist, but in the ability to start over.”- F. Scott Fitzgerald
Marcus Thames provided the Bombers with a 2-0 advantage with a second inning homerun, and the Yankees added a tally in the fifth on Nick Swisher’s single. Sabathia gave one run back in the third on Ben Zobrist’s single, before allowing a season high seven runs when the night was over. New York’s 3-1 lead vanished in the top of the sixth. Sabathia’s pitch count stood at 76 against the relentless Rays heading into the fateful frame. Carl Crawford helped rally the Rays with a single off Sabathia. Evan Longoria followed with a double to place runners in scoring position visiting Tampa. Rocco Baldelli plated Crawford with a soft grounder, and Willie Aybar pummeled the Yankee lefty with a base hit to tie the game. Kelly Shopach then walked to load the bases. Sean Rodriguez fought off a full count to draw a walk and bring in another Rays’ run against Sabathia. Joba Chamberlain, on his birthday, was summoned from the Bombers’ bullpen to replace the starter with Tampa ahead 4-3. B.J. Upton greeted Chamberlain by slugging a double off the reliever. Upton’s double increased Tampa’s lead to 6-3 as they batted around in the sixth. Crawford plated two more runs in the frame and finished the with three hits on the evening.
In the bottom half of the sixth, the Yankees threatened by loading the bases. Mark Teixeria tried to help the Bombers grab a few runs back, but Price got the All-star switch-hitter to fly out to end the inning. Javier Vazquez worked the New York seventh, matching a major league record by hitting three straight batters. Shoppach was pegged to force in a run before pinch-hit sensation, Dan Johnson, lofted a sacrifice fly for a 10-3 Rays’ lead. Vazquez regained control to finish off the Rays in the eighth and ninth, but the Yankee offense couldn’t string anything together against Tampa’s bullpen. Joe Girardi, New York skipper, pulled most of his starters by the final innings. New York has six games remaining against Boston, and three with Toronto. The Rays’ schedule is a lighter one and includes contests with Baltimore, Kansas City and Seattle. It appears the Rays have a leg up in the division race, but there are still nearly two weeks of baseball remaining on the season.
Parting Points: “Vitality shows not only in the ability to persist, but in the ability to start over.”- F. Scott Fitzgerald
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Ails of Autumn
I’ll never be able to tell you how I feel,
For even if I could break through the tears you brought,
I wouldn’t be able to show you the shedding of my heart.
Through the winds that wily whispered,
Wholly offering my love for your dear regard,
The frailty of my falling was stronger than the autumn brushing you beside.
It is not quite time to usher in our season,
For all I knew, I wish not to know again,
Because when it’s clear the wringing of my eyes begins.
Happy Fall all!
For even if I could break through the tears you brought,
I wouldn’t be able to show you the shedding of my heart.
Through the winds that wily whispered,
Wholly offering my love for your dear regard,
The frailty of my falling was stronger than the autumn brushing you beside.
It is not quite time to usher in our season,
For all I knew, I wish not to know again,
Because when it’s clear the wringing of my eyes begins.
Happy Fall all!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Super Saints Survive Sixth Straight
New Orleans nipped the 49ers for the sixth straight time on Monday night at Candlestick Park. Drew Brees spoiled San Francisco’s bid for their first win when he connected with Marques Colston on a 30 yard play in the final minutes. Colston’s reception set up Garrett Hartley’s game winning 37 yard field goal as time expired to give the visiting Saints a 25-22 victory. New Orleans is 2-0 for the second consecutive season, while the Niners are 0-2 for the first time in six years.
Brees threw for 254 yards and a pair of scores. The 31 year old former Purdue signal caller completed 28 of 38 passes and orchestrated the game winning 51 yard drive. The Saints climbed out to a 9-0 lead in the first quarter after a Reggie Bush touchdown followed up a two point safety on the game’s third play. New Orleans capitalized on San Francisco turnovers throughout the game. San Francisco finished with four turnovers on a night the franchise honored Hall-of-Fame receiver, Jerry Rice. Niners’ quarterback, Alex Smith, was picked off by Roman Harper in the first quarter, and Malcom Jenkins recovered a Niners’ fumble before the half. The 49ers outgained the Saints by nearly double in yards, and Smith showed glimpses of promise. Still, the Saints’ high-octane offense and tight defense was too much for Mike Singletary’s Niners. San Francisco didn’t help their cause either. Delanie Walker fumbled at the eight yard line in the second quarter, and two of Smith’s passes were deflected for interceptions deep in Saints territory. New Orleans, meanwhile, appeared in midseason form to keep the Niners winless.
Smith went 23-for-32 with 275 yards through the air. His only touchdown pass came in the second quarter, when he hit Frank Gore from 12 yards out to cut the Saints’ lead to 9-7. Gore, one of the league’s top rushers, ran for 112 yards on 20 carries. For Gore, it was the 21st time he raced for over 100 yard, breaking a franchise record. It was Anthony Dixon, the Niners backup rusher however, who scored the team’s second touchdown of the game. Dixon crossed the endzone in the third quarter to lift San Francisco to a 14-9 advantage. The Saints answered with Brees’ three-yard pass to David Thomas with less than two minutes in the third quarter to retake the lead.
Hartley notched a pair of field goals in the final quarter as New Orleans seized a 22-14 lead with 2:22 remaining in the game. Bush was carted off the field in the fourth with a leg injury after carrying the ball just five times for four yards. Smith needed just 53 seconds to move the Niners 82 yards. The eight play drive concluded with Gore’s 7 yard touchdown run with 1:19 left. The Niners went for two and Smith’s dart to Vernon Davis was overturned after an initial incompletion. At 22-22, the teams looked poised for overtime until Brees led the Saints on a 7 play drive down the field to set up the winning field goal. Hartley, who booted the game-winner against Minnesota to send the Saints to the Superbowl, barely made it through the uprights on Monday. But he did, and the Saints went on to win their second game of the season.
Parting Points: Gut feelings- The Phillies and Yankees will take their divisions.
Song of the day- “Yesterday’s Letter” by 98 degrees
Brees threw for 254 yards and a pair of scores. The 31 year old former Purdue signal caller completed 28 of 38 passes and orchestrated the game winning 51 yard drive. The Saints climbed out to a 9-0 lead in the first quarter after a Reggie Bush touchdown followed up a two point safety on the game’s third play. New Orleans capitalized on San Francisco turnovers throughout the game. San Francisco finished with four turnovers on a night the franchise honored Hall-of-Fame receiver, Jerry Rice. Niners’ quarterback, Alex Smith, was picked off by Roman Harper in the first quarter, and Malcom Jenkins recovered a Niners’ fumble before the half. The 49ers outgained the Saints by nearly double in yards, and Smith showed glimpses of promise. Still, the Saints’ high-octane offense and tight defense was too much for Mike Singletary’s Niners. San Francisco didn’t help their cause either. Delanie Walker fumbled at the eight yard line in the second quarter, and two of Smith’s passes were deflected for interceptions deep in Saints territory. New Orleans, meanwhile, appeared in midseason form to keep the Niners winless.
Smith went 23-for-32 with 275 yards through the air. His only touchdown pass came in the second quarter, when he hit Frank Gore from 12 yards out to cut the Saints’ lead to 9-7. Gore, one of the league’s top rushers, ran for 112 yards on 20 carries. For Gore, it was the 21st time he raced for over 100 yard, breaking a franchise record. It was Anthony Dixon, the Niners backup rusher however, who scored the team’s second touchdown of the game. Dixon crossed the endzone in the third quarter to lift San Francisco to a 14-9 advantage. The Saints answered with Brees’ three-yard pass to David Thomas with less than two minutes in the third quarter to retake the lead.
Hartley notched a pair of field goals in the final quarter as New Orleans seized a 22-14 lead with 2:22 remaining in the game. Bush was carted off the field in the fourth with a leg injury after carrying the ball just five times for four yards. Smith needed just 53 seconds to move the Niners 82 yards. The eight play drive concluded with Gore’s 7 yard touchdown run with 1:19 left. The Niners went for two and Smith’s dart to Vernon Davis was overturned after an initial incompletion. At 22-22, the teams looked poised for overtime until Brees led the Saints on a 7 play drive down the field to set up the winning field goal. Hartley, who booted the game-winner against Minnesota to send the Saints to the Superbowl, barely made it through the uprights on Monday. But he did, and the Saints went on to win their second game of the season.
Parting Points: Gut feelings- The Phillies and Yankees will take their divisions.
Song of the day- “Yesterday’s Letter” by 98 degrees
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Braves Benefit from Blunder
Jason Heyward’s three run homerun capped a six-run fourth inning on Friday for the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field in New York. The Atlanta rookie helped the Braves win 6-4 over the Mets, and stay three games behind the Phillies in the NL East race. The Braves still lead the NL Wildcard and pushed their advantage to a full game over the Padres. All six runs in the fourth frame were unearned after an error by Mets’ third baseman, David Wright. Tommy Hanson turned in six innings of five hit ball to get the win for Atlanta. Billy Wagner earned his 34th save with a perfect ninth frame.
The Mets led 1-0 in the second following an Ike Davis walk and a pair of base hits by Josh Thole and Lucas Duda. New York added two more runs in the frame off the Braves’ right-hander. Mets’ pitcher, Jon Niese added a single and Jose Reyes drove in the third run to give the home team a 3-0 edge. Atlanta would get all three runs back and then some during a four-hit fourth.
Wright misplayed a ground ball by leadoff man, Matt Diaz, to begin the inning. The Mets recorded two outs before Derrek Lee scored on a Melky Cabrera RBI single for the first Atlanta tally. After he withstood a shaky second inning, Hanson drew a full count walk to load the bases in the fourth. The Braves’ comeback rally was just starting. Omar Infante doubled off Niese to score a pair of runs, and Heyward followed with a three run blast. It was the 18th of the season for the young right-fielder.
Hanson allowed one run in the bottom of the fourth. Duda smacked a 2-0 offering for a solo homer, his first of the season. It provided the Mets some temporary life in a game that already saw Atlanta skipper, Bobby Cox, ejected during the second inning. But the Braves’ bullpen handled the rest, posting zeros through the final five frames. Hanson is now 10-11 as a starter. He won for the just the second time in his last 14 games and was previously 0-4 in his last six road starts. Niese fell to an even 9-9 on the season as the Mets’ four game winning streak was snapped.
Parting Points: A bunch of duds on the college football slate today…
The Mets led 1-0 in the second following an Ike Davis walk and a pair of base hits by Josh Thole and Lucas Duda. New York added two more runs in the frame off the Braves’ right-hander. Mets’ pitcher, Jon Niese added a single and Jose Reyes drove in the third run to give the home team a 3-0 edge. Atlanta would get all three runs back and then some during a four-hit fourth.
Wright misplayed a ground ball by leadoff man, Matt Diaz, to begin the inning. The Mets recorded two outs before Derrek Lee scored on a Melky Cabrera RBI single for the first Atlanta tally. After he withstood a shaky second inning, Hanson drew a full count walk to load the bases in the fourth. The Braves’ comeback rally was just starting. Omar Infante doubled off Niese to score a pair of runs, and Heyward followed with a three run blast. It was the 18th of the season for the young right-fielder.
Hanson allowed one run in the bottom of the fourth. Duda smacked a 2-0 offering for a solo homer, his first of the season. It provided the Mets some temporary life in a game that already saw Atlanta skipper, Bobby Cox, ejected during the second inning. But the Braves’ bullpen handled the rest, posting zeros through the final five frames. Hanson is now 10-11 as a starter. He won for the just the second time in his last 14 games and was previously 0-4 in his last six road starts. Niese fell to an even 9-9 on the season as the Mets’ four game winning streak was snapped.
Parting Points: A bunch of duds on the college football slate today…
Friday, September 17, 2010
Bearcats Bludgeoned
The Bearcats sorely miss Brian Kelly, as evidenced by their sputtering offense and 1-2 record. First year head coach, Butch Jones’ Cincinnati football team gained some momentum in Thursday night’s second half, but it wasn’t enough to overtake the undefeated Wolfpack. North Carolina State crushed Cincinnati 30-19 to improve to 3-0 on the young season. Quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 333 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Wolfpack to a non-conference win in Raleigh. NC State is 3-0 for the first time under Coach Tom O’Brien.
The Wolfpack offense was clicking on all cylinders Thursday night, but the five sack performance by the defense could also be attributed to the victory. Even special teams played into the stellar showing, with a blocked punt that set up another NC State touchdown. Jay Smith’s 16 yard touchdown catch in the first quarter riled the Carter-Finley Stadium crowd and put the Wolfpack on top 7-0. The home team scored again with 5:21 remaining in the opening quarter on a 31 yard run by Mustafa Greene. Greene scampered around the right end of to cross the goal line and hand the Bearcats a 14-0 deficit.
Wilson spread the ball to 11 different receivers throughout the contest, finishing with 26 completions on 40 attempts. UC quarterback, Zach Collaros, meanwhile, went 19-for-31. Collaros matched Wilson in touchdowns, with three scores. The Cincinnati signal caller also tossed for over 300 yards and carried the ball 22 times for 32 yards. D.J. Woods grabbed two touchdown passes and led the Bearcat receivers with 146 yards. Woods hauled in a 68 yard pass from Collaros in the second quarter to put Cincinnati on the board. The Bearcats wouldn’t score again until the final stanza, when Woods’ 20 yard catch closed the gap to 30-13. It was all Wolfpack sandwiched in between Woods’ touchdowns. NC State scored with one minute left in the first half to carry a 20-7 lead into the break. Curtis Underwood caught a 12 yard pass from Wilson to cap the first half scoring, but Josh Czajkowski missed the point after attempt. The touchdown drive was made possible by Jarvis Williams’ 33 yard set-up followed by a pair of Greene rushes. Williams logged a team high 111 yards on just four catches. The Wolfpack’s first half touchdowns both came on 93 yard drives as NC State continued to eat up yardage and control the clock.
Cincinnati ‘s defense held the Wolfpack to three points during the third quarter and the offense appeared to pick up steam heading into the final session. A blocked punt set up Taylor Gentry’s 8 yard score as NC State posted a 30-7 advantage to begin the fourth quarter. Cincinnati answered one minute late with Wood’s 20 yard touchdown pass. Marcus Barnett’s 13 yard reception added some Cincinnati credibility with less than a minute in the game. The Bearcats unsuccessfully attempted a two point conversion, however. The visitors lost the game, despite outscoring NC State 12-10 in the second half.
Parting Points: Just like that, the SF Giants are in first place. No surprise here.
I think San Fran will take the division easily.
Sources say Don Mattingly will replace Joe Torre as Dodgers’ manager at the end of the season.
Song for Friday- Toni Braxton’s “How Could an Angel Break my Heart”
The Wolfpack offense was clicking on all cylinders Thursday night, but the five sack performance by the defense could also be attributed to the victory. Even special teams played into the stellar showing, with a blocked punt that set up another NC State touchdown. Jay Smith’s 16 yard touchdown catch in the first quarter riled the Carter-Finley Stadium crowd and put the Wolfpack on top 7-0. The home team scored again with 5:21 remaining in the opening quarter on a 31 yard run by Mustafa Greene. Greene scampered around the right end of to cross the goal line and hand the Bearcats a 14-0 deficit.
Wilson spread the ball to 11 different receivers throughout the contest, finishing with 26 completions on 40 attempts. UC quarterback, Zach Collaros, meanwhile, went 19-for-31. Collaros matched Wilson in touchdowns, with three scores. The Cincinnati signal caller also tossed for over 300 yards and carried the ball 22 times for 32 yards. D.J. Woods grabbed two touchdown passes and led the Bearcat receivers with 146 yards. Woods hauled in a 68 yard pass from Collaros in the second quarter to put Cincinnati on the board. The Bearcats wouldn’t score again until the final stanza, when Woods’ 20 yard catch closed the gap to 30-13. It was all Wolfpack sandwiched in between Woods’ touchdowns. NC State scored with one minute left in the first half to carry a 20-7 lead into the break. Curtis Underwood caught a 12 yard pass from Wilson to cap the first half scoring, but Josh Czajkowski missed the point after attempt. The touchdown drive was made possible by Jarvis Williams’ 33 yard set-up followed by a pair of Greene rushes. Williams logged a team high 111 yards on just four catches. The Wolfpack’s first half touchdowns both came on 93 yard drives as NC State continued to eat up yardage and control the clock.
Cincinnati ‘s defense held the Wolfpack to three points during the third quarter and the offense appeared to pick up steam heading into the final session. A blocked punt set up Taylor Gentry’s 8 yard score as NC State posted a 30-7 advantage to begin the fourth quarter. Cincinnati answered one minute late with Wood’s 20 yard touchdown pass. Marcus Barnett’s 13 yard reception added some Cincinnati credibility with less than a minute in the game. The Bearcats unsuccessfully attempted a two point conversion, however. The visitors lost the game, despite outscoring NC State 12-10 in the second half.
Parting Points: Just like that, the SF Giants are in first place. No surprise here.
I think San Fran will take the division easily.
Sources say Don Mattingly will replace Joe Torre as Dodgers’ manager at the end of the season.
Song for Friday- Toni Braxton’s “How Could an Angel Break my Heart”
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tight Tussle in Tampa
The Yankees dropped a 4-3 decision to the Tampa Rays in the rubber match of a three game set at Tropicana Field Wednesday night. Phil Hughes allowed the go-ahead blast in the seventh inning with the Bombers clinging to a 3-2 lead. Dan Johnson’s two run shot lifted the Rays into first place in the AL East, handing New York the series loss in a crucial playoff-like series. Johnson highlighted the Rays’ offense with two long balls and all four Tampa RBIs.
The Yankee bats came up empty in clutch situations after the visitors belted three hits in the top of the first. Rays’ starter, James Shields scattered eight hits and fanned eight Bombers to earn the win. The Tampa hurler escaped first inning trouble to put up zeros against the Yankee offense the remainder of his solid outing. Shields pitched 6 1/3 innings and allowed one run before handing the game over to his bullpen. The Rays didn’t score against Hughes until the bottom of the fifth. He was perfect until Tampa third baseman, Evan Longoria, lifted a single to center. Longoria scored on Johnson’s full count homerun.
Derek Jeter was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning. The umpires awarded the Yankee captain a free base, but the decision stirred up controversy in the Tampa dugout. The result caused the ejection of Rays’ manager, Joe Maddon. Bombers’ centerfielder, Curtis Granderson, clubbed a two-run bomb off reliever, Chad Qualls following the ejection. Granderson’s 18th homerun of the year gave the Yankees a one-run lead. Matt Joyce worked the count against Hughes in the bottom of the seventh before notching a two-out base hit. Johnson drilled his second homerun to drive in Joyce and end Hughes’ night. The former Oakland prospect has four multi-homer games in his career. He has five homers since being called up last month.
Tampa’s Grant Balfour pitched out of trouble after relieving a Randy Choate in the eighth. Balfour retired Marcus Thames, Austin Kearns and Colin Curtis, leaving two runners stranded for the Yankees. Joba Chamberlain faced four batters and was effective in retiring the Rays in the bottom of the eighth frame. All-star first baseman, Mark Teixeira drew a two-out walk in the ninth off Tampa’s Rafael Soriano. Alex Rodriguez couldn’t muster a hit off the closer to keep the inning alive. Soriano fanned Arod for the game’s final out and picked up his 43rd save of the season for the first place Rays. Tampa has won four of their last six games, and faces the Yankees four more times beginning Monday.
Parting Points: The 2005 Heisman has been vacated. Thoughts?
Is this what it takes to be in first place?
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?affiliateId=facebook_share&content_id=12092851&topic_id&c_id=mlb
The Yankee bats came up empty in clutch situations after the visitors belted three hits in the top of the first. Rays’ starter, James Shields scattered eight hits and fanned eight Bombers to earn the win. The Tampa hurler escaped first inning trouble to put up zeros against the Yankee offense the remainder of his solid outing. Shields pitched 6 1/3 innings and allowed one run before handing the game over to his bullpen. The Rays didn’t score against Hughes until the bottom of the fifth. He was perfect until Tampa third baseman, Evan Longoria, lifted a single to center. Longoria scored on Johnson’s full count homerun.
Derek Jeter was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning. The umpires awarded the Yankee captain a free base, but the decision stirred up controversy in the Tampa dugout. The result caused the ejection of Rays’ manager, Joe Maddon. Bombers’ centerfielder, Curtis Granderson, clubbed a two-run bomb off reliever, Chad Qualls following the ejection. Granderson’s 18th homerun of the year gave the Yankees a one-run lead. Matt Joyce worked the count against Hughes in the bottom of the seventh before notching a two-out base hit. Johnson drilled his second homerun to drive in Joyce and end Hughes’ night. The former Oakland prospect has four multi-homer games in his career. He has five homers since being called up last month.
Tampa’s Grant Balfour pitched out of trouble after relieving a Randy Choate in the eighth. Balfour retired Marcus Thames, Austin Kearns and Colin Curtis, leaving two runners stranded for the Yankees. Joba Chamberlain faced four batters and was effective in retiring the Rays in the bottom of the eighth frame. All-star first baseman, Mark Teixeira drew a two-out walk in the ninth off Tampa’s Rafael Soriano. Alex Rodriguez couldn’t muster a hit off the closer to keep the inning alive. Soriano fanned Arod for the game’s final out and picked up his 43rd save of the season for the first place Rays. Tampa has won four of their last six games, and faces the Yankees four more times beginning Monday.
Parting Points: The 2005 Heisman has been vacated. Thoughts?
Is this what it takes to be in first place?
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?affiliateId=facebook_share&content_id=12092851&topic_id&c_id=mlb
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
15-0
I remember the moment I tried to forget him
They all looked at me
In my cyan/white on green
But what they couldn’t see
In the calm September scene
Past the brick-walled rooms
By the picnic table foods
Through the heavy bus fumes
Were my heart’s unstable moods
The longing for his touch
As the gentle wind’s gust
Brushed with every racquet clutch
Hoisting lonely shoestring dust
Captured the moment surreal
Where I thought I would prevail
Standing on the baseline to feel
Fifteen-love, without fail
But even my strongest serves
Whistling over the net unheard
The ones with bends and curves
Couldn’t shake my mind of that one word
They all looked at me
In my cyan/white on green
But what they couldn’t see
In the calm September scene
Past the brick-walled rooms
By the picnic table foods
Through the heavy bus fumes
Were my heart’s unstable moods
The longing for his touch
As the gentle wind’s gust
Brushed with every racquet clutch
Hoisting lonely shoestring dust
Captured the moment surreal
Where I thought I would prevail
Standing on the baseline to feel
Fifteen-love, without fail
But even my strongest serves
Whistling over the net unheard
The ones with bends and curves
Couldn’t shake my mind of that one word
Sunday, September 12, 2010
'Canes Contained in Columbus
There’s melancholy in Miami because the mighty ‘Canes have fallen. The Ohio State Buckeyes overcame dismal play on special teams to dispatch the Miami Hurricanes by twelve points at the Horseshoe on Saturday. Ohio State defeated the depleted the 12th ranked team from the ACC on four interceptions and the hustle of quarterback, Terrelle Pryor. The Buckeye signal callers passed for 233 yards and added 113 on the ground to lead second ranked Ohio State to their second win of the season. Miami turned in a respectable defensive performance but failed to clip the home team in their first trip back to Columbus since the 2003 national championship game.
Ohio State’s special teams allowed two kickoff returns for a touchdown during the highly anticipated Saturday showdown. Devin Barclay put the Buckeyes on board in the first quarter with a 24 yard field goal. Less than twenty seconds later, Miami mowed ahead by four on the legs of kick returner, Lamar Miller. Miller raced 88 yards on the return as the speedy freshman plowed through Ohio State’s special teams unit. Matt Bosher, a Lou Groza candidate, increased Miami’s lead to 10-7 by planting a 51-yarder through the Horseshoe uprights to begin the second quarter.
DeVier Posey caught a 62 yard pass early in the second quarter to set up the Buckeyes first touchdown of the day. Brandon Saine scored on a 18 yard pass from Pryor for to tie the game on a crucial and pivotal two play drive. The Buckeyes’ defense continued to throttle Miami quarterback, Jacory Harris, and his offense. Harris finished 22-of-39 with 232 yards through the air. He managed only one touchdown, while throwing four picks. Miami was forced to punt following the Saine touchdown and Ohio State got a 41-yard field goal from Barclay to go up by three. Chimidi Chekwa intercepted Harris for Miami’s second turnover. Chekwa made the grab at the 26 yard line, putting Ohio State in favorable field position for an easy score. Dan Herron’s four yard scramble made it 20-10 in favor of the scarlet and gray.
Herron’s end zone squeeze was soon followed by another impressive Hurricane kick return. This time, the Buckeyes were burned on a 79 punt return by Travis Benjamin with three minutes remaining in the first half. Barclay and the Buckeyes would not relent and leave for intermission with only a three point advantage. The Ohio State kicker knocked two field goals of 21 and 24 yards, respectively, through the uprights to give Jim Tressel’s team a 26-17 edge headed into the locker room.
Harris orchestrated an impressive drive down the field to open the second half. Ohio State defensive end, Cameron Heyward intercepted a pass over the middle and sprinted 80 yards to the Miami 15 yard line. That was all the talented Buckeyes’ quarterback needed to give his team a 33-17 lead. Pryor’s 13 yard run completed another two play Ohio State drive five minutes into the third quarter. The 6’5” Buckeye passer punched it in after rolling right and reversing field to beat a defender. Harris tried again to lead the Hurricanes on a charge down the Horseshoe, but Miami would have to settle for a field goal attempt. Bosher’s 39 yard try was blocked as the frustrated ‘Canes surrendered the football again. The third quarter was all Ohio State. Barclay tied a school record with his fifth field goal to end the quarter with the Buckeyes on top 36-17.
The Hurricanes were finally able to cap off a drive with a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Chase Ford hauled in a Harris pass for the nine yard touchdown reception that cut the Buckeyes’ lead to twelve. But it was too late for a ‘Cane comeback in Columbus. The home team ran out the clock with seven minutes left in front of the sixth largest crowd in Ohio State history. Posey led all receivers with 105 yards. Standout senior for Miami, Leonard Hankerson, finished with seven receptions for 90 yards. Teammate and senior running back, Damien Berry, had a 90 yard rushing performance on 22 carries in the loss. But perhaps the most notable performer of the day was Pryor. The Rose Bowl MVP shook off some early inconsistencies and inaccuracies to finish the game with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Pryor was in command of his offense and made big plays when they needed him to step up. The junior quarterback is now 21-3 as the Ohio State signal caller. I enjoyed watching this game because to me, it’s a rival game. I can hardly wait until next September when the Buckeyes travel to Miami.
Parting Points: Tough loss for Virginia Tech…not so nice finish in South Bend…painful to watch in Tuscaloosa…decimation for the ‘Noles.
The Yankees need to find a way to beat Texas…fast. Rivera blows a save?
Musician of the day- Meatloaf
Ohio State’s special teams allowed two kickoff returns for a touchdown during the highly anticipated Saturday showdown. Devin Barclay put the Buckeyes on board in the first quarter with a 24 yard field goal. Less than twenty seconds later, Miami mowed ahead by four on the legs of kick returner, Lamar Miller. Miller raced 88 yards on the return as the speedy freshman plowed through Ohio State’s special teams unit. Matt Bosher, a Lou Groza candidate, increased Miami’s lead to 10-7 by planting a 51-yarder through the Horseshoe uprights to begin the second quarter.
DeVier Posey caught a 62 yard pass early in the second quarter to set up the Buckeyes first touchdown of the day. Brandon Saine scored on a 18 yard pass from Pryor for to tie the game on a crucial and pivotal two play drive. The Buckeyes’ defense continued to throttle Miami quarterback, Jacory Harris, and his offense. Harris finished 22-of-39 with 232 yards through the air. He managed only one touchdown, while throwing four picks. Miami was forced to punt following the Saine touchdown and Ohio State got a 41-yard field goal from Barclay to go up by three. Chimidi Chekwa intercepted Harris for Miami’s second turnover. Chekwa made the grab at the 26 yard line, putting Ohio State in favorable field position for an easy score. Dan Herron’s four yard scramble made it 20-10 in favor of the scarlet and gray.
Herron’s end zone squeeze was soon followed by another impressive Hurricane kick return. This time, the Buckeyes were burned on a 79 punt return by Travis Benjamin with three minutes remaining in the first half. Barclay and the Buckeyes would not relent and leave for intermission with only a three point advantage. The Ohio State kicker knocked two field goals of 21 and 24 yards, respectively, through the uprights to give Jim Tressel’s team a 26-17 edge headed into the locker room.
Harris orchestrated an impressive drive down the field to open the second half. Ohio State defensive end, Cameron Heyward intercepted a pass over the middle and sprinted 80 yards to the Miami 15 yard line. That was all the talented Buckeyes’ quarterback needed to give his team a 33-17 lead. Pryor’s 13 yard run completed another two play Ohio State drive five minutes into the third quarter. The 6’5” Buckeye passer punched it in after rolling right and reversing field to beat a defender. Harris tried again to lead the Hurricanes on a charge down the Horseshoe, but Miami would have to settle for a field goal attempt. Bosher’s 39 yard try was blocked as the frustrated ‘Canes surrendered the football again. The third quarter was all Ohio State. Barclay tied a school record with his fifth field goal to end the quarter with the Buckeyes on top 36-17.
The Hurricanes were finally able to cap off a drive with a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Chase Ford hauled in a Harris pass for the nine yard touchdown reception that cut the Buckeyes’ lead to twelve. But it was too late for a ‘Cane comeback in Columbus. The home team ran out the clock with seven minutes left in front of the sixth largest crowd in Ohio State history. Posey led all receivers with 105 yards. Standout senior for Miami, Leonard Hankerson, finished with seven receptions for 90 yards. Teammate and senior running back, Damien Berry, had a 90 yard rushing performance on 22 carries in the loss. But perhaps the most notable performer of the day was Pryor. The Rose Bowl MVP shook off some early inconsistencies and inaccuracies to finish the game with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Pryor was in command of his offense and made big plays when they needed him to step up. The junior quarterback is now 21-3 as the Ohio State signal caller. I enjoyed watching this game because to me, it’s a rival game. I can hardly wait until next September when the Buckeyes travel to Miami.
Parting Points: Tough loss for Virginia Tech…not so nice finish in South Bend…painful to watch in Tuscaloosa…decimation for the ‘Noles.
The Yankees need to find a way to beat Texas…fast. Rivera blows a save?
Musician of the day- Meatloaf
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Together Taller
(Remembering 9/11)
The cries that swept the nation
Tears from weeping faces
Unallowable to forget
The images of the mourning
That forever changed creation.
Those whose last goodbye
In the age of innocent disguise
Still hover like a nightmare
Heard through balmy September
Taken from the sky.
An uneasiness of the mind
Thoughts confused in time
Stand silent to remember
The lives lost in the horror
As dreams and songs remind.
The world has never been smaller
Tragedy touching every heart
Those who wish for better
Won’t run in fear alone
But will walk together taller.
The cries that swept the nation
Tears from weeping faces
Unallowable to forget
The images of the mourning
That forever changed creation.
Those whose last goodbye
In the age of innocent disguise
Still hover like a nightmare
Heard through balmy September
Taken from the sky.
An uneasiness of the mind
Thoughts confused in time
Stand silent to remember
The lives lost in the horror
As dreams and songs remind.
The world has never been smaller
Tragedy touching every heart
Those who wish for better
Won’t run in fear alone
But will walk together taller.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Padres Pounded at Petco
The San Diego Padres are aware, perhaps painfully, of their one game NL West lead over the upstate Giants. San Francisco whipped out the bats in the series opener at Petco Park last night, while the Friars’ offense was just batty. The Giants’ victory allowed them to pull within one game of the division and one game behind Atlanta for the NL wildcard. San Francisco banged out 13 hits as Matt Cain took a three-hitter into the ninth for his 11th win of the season. The Giants topped the Padres 7-3.
Leadoff hitter, Andres Torres, got the ball rolling in the top of the first as the Giants began their quest to defeat Jon Garland for the first time. Torres tripled off the San Diego starter, and scored on Freddy Sanchez’s base hit to center. The Giants surged to a three run lead in the third frame after a Sanchez stolen base and an Aubrey Huff homerun. It was Huff’s 24th of the season and put Bruce Bochy’s team in a favorable position. San Diego tallied a run in this crucial series during the bottom half of the third. Will Venable launched a solo shot off Cain to trim the deficit to two runs.
The visiting Giants enjoyed a six run advantage by the sixth inning, however. Juan Uribe added to the homerun parade with a one-run blast, his 20th long ball of the season, in the fourth. Huff, who finished 3-for-4, ignited the scoring in the fifth after Cain worked a hitless bottom of the fourth. Huff pasted a right field double that was followed by Buster Posey’s homerun to left field. Reliever Kevin Correia replaced Garland in the sixth with the Padres trailing by five. Pat Burrell’s towering, 421-foot shot to left added to the Giants’ lead in the sixth. The Padres scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Giants’ powerful offensive showing. Ryan Ludwick slammed a full count offering into the seats off Cain. Cain surrendered three runs on five hits before leaving the game. Javier Lopez and Ramon Ramirez closed out the game for the Giants, who have won five of their last six games. Garland suffered the loss after yielding eight hits and six runs through five frames. A tough game two is in store for both teams tonight. No-hit pitcher, Jonathan Sanchez opposes San Diego southpaw, Clayton Richard. Richard is 3-0 in four starts against the Giants this year. Both teams will be going for their 80th win of the season and control of first place in the West.
Parting Points: A bit of a snooze-fest to start the NFL season, but the real excitement takes place on Sunday.
The Cowboys extended Miles Austin’s contract for six years, which is a good move for Dallas. See previous blog entry for reasons why this is good!
A few marquee matchups on the college football slate this weekend: Ohio State-Miami, Alabama-Penn State and Florida State-Oklahoma.
Leadoff hitter, Andres Torres, got the ball rolling in the top of the first as the Giants began their quest to defeat Jon Garland for the first time. Torres tripled off the San Diego starter, and scored on Freddy Sanchez’s base hit to center. The Giants surged to a three run lead in the third frame after a Sanchez stolen base and an Aubrey Huff homerun. It was Huff’s 24th of the season and put Bruce Bochy’s team in a favorable position. San Diego tallied a run in this crucial series during the bottom half of the third. Will Venable launched a solo shot off Cain to trim the deficit to two runs.
The visiting Giants enjoyed a six run advantage by the sixth inning, however. Juan Uribe added to the homerun parade with a one-run blast, his 20th long ball of the season, in the fourth. Huff, who finished 3-for-4, ignited the scoring in the fifth after Cain worked a hitless bottom of the fourth. Huff pasted a right field double that was followed by Buster Posey’s homerun to left field. Reliever Kevin Correia replaced Garland in the sixth with the Padres trailing by five. Pat Burrell’s towering, 421-foot shot to left added to the Giants’ lead in the sixth. The Padres scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Giants’ powerful offensive showing. Ryan Ludwick slammed a full count offering into the seats off Cain. Cain surrendered three runs on five hits before leaving the game. Javier Lopez and Ramon Ramirez closed out the game for the Giants, who have won five of their last six games. Garland suffered the loss after yielding eight hits and six runs through five frames. A tough game two is in store for both teams tonight. No-hit pitcher, Jonathan Sanchez opposes San Diego southpaw, Clayton Richard. Richard is 3-0 in four starts against the Giants this year. Both teams will be going for their 80th win of the season and control of first place in the West.
Parting Points: A bit of a snooze-fest to start the NFL season, but the real excitement takes place on Sunday.
The Cowboys extended Miles Austin’s contract for six years, which is a good move for Dallas. See previous blog entry for reasons why this is good!
A few marquee matchups on the college football slate this weekend: Ohio State-Miami, Alabama-Penn State and Florida State-Oklahoma.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Counting on Cowboys
What is that smell? Ah, football is in the air. It’s time to decode Dallas and a Cowboys team that’s coming off their first playoff win in over a decade. Dallas devotees beware: the Cowboys are the preseason favorites to represent the NFC in the Superbowl. It would be fitting for America’s Team to play in the Superbowl, considering Cowboys Stadium is this year’s host. However, I am always skeptical whenever my team has so much hype even before the first ball is snapped. So, let’s take a look at just how accurate the predictions are by breaking down the ‘Boys.
The Cowboys have a loaded offense, beginning with their “love him or hate him” quarterback. Tony Romo is the leader of this squad, and rightly so. The former Eastern Illinois signal caller has gone from benchwarmer to superstar. Last season, Romo passed for over 4,000 yards. In Dallas’ 2009 home opener, Romo set a career high in yards and led the Cowboys to the NFC East crown by season’s end. Romo has cut down on his turnovers and has learned to protect the football. His supporting cast includes a talented crop of running backs and efficient wideouts. Miles Austin was Romo’s most productive target last season. Dez Bryant, the ‘Boys’ first round draft pick, is the new weapon joining Austin and tight end, Jason Witten. Bryant is an explosive sparkplug, but I am not sold on the rookie yet. Injuries and off-the-field issues have plagued the former Oklahoma State rusher. I think it will take some time for Bryant to transition to the NFL and Jason Garrett’s offensive schemes. There aren’t a lot of great coverage guys in college football. The NFL is a brand new ballgame for Bryant. Still, the Cowboys don’t need Bryant to be the team’s best offensive player. Dallas has a very sturdy trio of running backs to pile on the yardage. The main concern for the Cowboys this season is improving their red zone offense. Simply stated, Dallas needs to score touchdowns in the red zone. Too often last season, Garrett opted to rely on the Cowboys’ strong passing game instead of establishing, and sticking with the run. Frankly, Romo in the shotgun make me nervous. Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice are the three backs who will enjoy most of the carrying load behind Romo. Choice, in particular, could be play a key role in third down situations. The bottom line is, the Cowboys shouldn’t abandon the running game with such quick-strike capability in the backfield. Jon Kitna is Romo’s backup, with Stephen McGee the promising third-string thrower. The offensive line is stocked with size to protect the passer. Montrae Holland gets the nod at starter with Kyle Kosier out with an injury. Doug Free and Andre Gurode are two strong lineman, and Alex Barron is Dallas’ best off-season trade addition up front. Dallas’ depth is undeniable but the Cowboys’ offensive line needs to create more opportunities in short yardage situations in the team is to be successful in 2010.
Head Coach, Wade Phillips, boasts a very aggressive 3-4 defense. The secondary has been Dallas’ Achilles heel the past few years, but has made great strides with the addition and development of key contributors. Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman are the team’s best cornerbacks, with Orlando Scandrick playing a credible nickel slot. Defensive back, Alan Ball, is expected to create turnovers now that free safety, Ken Hamlin, is off the team. Veteran leader, Keith Brooking, anchors the inside linebacking crew. Demarcus Ware is Dallas’ Pro-Bowl terror at outside linebacker. Anthony Spencer and Bradie James are expected to generate a lot of sacks and make it extremely difficult for opponents to run on. Jay Ratliff, the quick lineman, is another notable name on the vaunted Dallas defense.
Special teams is a question mark outside the team’s top punter, Mat McBriar. Last season’s field goal kicker, Nick Folk was released. Folk was replaced by David Buehler. Buehler was an accurate place kicker for Phillips a year ago. It’s unknown whether he can handle the dynamic duties of field goal kicking. Here’s hoping David Buehler’s leg will be more reliable than Ferris Bueller’s school attendance.
The Cowboys return many of the players who headed last season’s surge to the top of the division. On paper, they look like the team to beat again in the NFC East. But as we all know, anything can happen in this league. After all, no NFL team has ever played in a Superbowl hosted in their own stadium. Can the Cowboys turn that around?
Parting Points: Song of the day- Sugar Ray’s “Fly”
The Cowboys face familiar foes in the Redskins this Sunday. It will be Donovan McNab’s Washington season debut and I sure hope they spoil it.
The Cowboys have a loaded offense, beginning with their “love him or hate him” quarterback. Tony Romo is the leader of this squad, and rightly so. The former Eastern Illinois signal caller has gone from benchwarmer to superstar. Last season, Romo passed for over 4,000 yards. In Dallas’ 2009 home opener, Romo set a career high in yards and led the Cowboys to the NFC East crown by season’s end. Romo has cut down on his turnovers and has learned to protect the football. His supporting cast includes a talented crop of running backs and efficient wideouts. Miles Austin was Romo’s most productive target last season. Dez Bryant, the ‘Boys’ first round draft pick, is the new weapon joining Austin and tight end, Jason Witten. Bryant is an explosive sparkplug, but I am not sold on the rookie yet. Injuries and off-the-field issues have plagued the former Oklahoma State rusher. I think it will take some time for Bryant to transition to the NFL and Jason Garrett’s offensive schemes. There aren’t a lot of great coverage guys in college football. The NFL is a brand new ballgame for Bryant. Still, the Cowboys don’t need Bryant to be the team’s best offensive player. Dallas has a very sturdy trio of running backs to pile on the yardage. The main concern for the Cowboys this season is improving their red zone offense. Simply stated, Dallas needs to score touchdowns in the red zone. Too often last season, Garrett opted to rely on the Cowboys’ strong passing game instead of establishing, and sticking with the run. Frankly, Romo in the shotgun make me nervous. Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice are the three backs who will enjoy most of the carrying load behind Romo. Choice, in particular, could be play a key role in third down situations. The bottom line is, the Cowboys shouldn’t abandon the running game with such quick-strike capability in the backfield. Jon Kitna is Romo’s backup, with Stephen McGee the promising third-string thrower. The offensive line is stocked with size to protect the passer. Montrae Holland gets the nod at starter with Kyle Kosier out with an injury. Doug Free and Andre Gurode are two strong lineman, and Alex Barron is Dallas’ best off-season trade addition up front. Dallas’ depth is undeniable but the Cowboys’ offensive line needs to create more opportunities in short yardage situations in the team is to be successful in 2010.
Head Coach, Wade Phillips, boasts a very aggressive 3-4 defense. The secondary has been Dallas’ Achilles heel the past few years, but has made great strides with the addition and development of key contributors. Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman are the team’s best cornerbacks, with Orlando Scandrick playing a credible nickel slot. Defensive back, Alan Ball, is expected to create turnovers now that free safety, Ken Hamlin, is off the team. Veteran leader, Keith Brooking, anchors the inside linebacking crew. Demarcus Ware is Dallas’ Pro-Bowl terror at outside linebacker. Anthony Spencer and Bradie James are expected to generate a lot of sacks and make it extremely difficult for opponents to run on. Jay Ratliff, the quick lineman, is another notable name on the vaunted Dallas defense.
Special teams is a question mark outside the team’s top punter, Mat McBriar. Last season’s field goal kicker, Nick Folk was released. Folk was replaced by David Buehler. Buehler was an accurate place kicker for Phillips a year ago. It’s unknown whether he can handle the dynamic duties of field goal kicking. Here’s hoping David Buehler’s leg will be more reliable than Ferris Bueller’s school attendance.
The Cowboys return many of the players who headed last season’s surge to the top of the division. On paper, they look like the team to beat again in the NFC East. But as we all know, anything can happen in this league. After all, no NFL team has ever played in a Superbowl hosted in their own stadium. Can the Cowboys turn that around?
Parting Points: Song of the day- Sugar Ray’s “Fly”
The Cowboys face familiar foes in the Redskins this Sunday. It will be Donovan McNab’s Washington season debut and I sure hope they spoil it.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Tech Trimmed by Three
Third-ranked Boise State worked hard on Labor Day to pull out a three point win over tenth-ranked Virginia Tech. The BCS-busting Broncos bested the Hokies 33-30 on Austin Pettis’ thrilling 13-yard touchdown grab with 1:09 remaining. Boise State rallied from a 16 point deficit to extend their winning streak to 15 games. Quarterback Kellen Moore guided the Broncos with three touchdown passes and 215 yards. It took a 56 yard, five play drive to top Tech in Landover on this Labor Day.
The Broncos staged a 17-point lead against what could be the only ranked opponent Boise State faces this season. Kyle Brotzman’s 44 yard field goal gave the visitors a 3-0 edge in the first quarter. Moore found Pettis from eight yards out to pad the Broncos’ lead to 7-0 midway through the first, and Tommy Gallarda snatched a screen pass to punch in another Boise touchdown at the one minute mark.
Ryan Williams finally got the Hokies on the board in the second quarter. Williams, the second year running back, scored on a one yard run. It was one of two touchdowns on the day for the Hokies’ rusher. Brotzman’s second field goal made it 20-7 in favor of the Broncos before Tech’s Tyrod Taylor hooked up with Williams for a 12 yard touchdown strike. Virginia Tech took the lead early in the second half after trailing by six headed into the locker room. Williams again rushed for a one yard touchdown on a seven play Hokies’ drive. Boise’s D.J. Harper, reeled off a 71 yard run across FedEx Field less than a minute later. Tech, coming off a 10-3 season, rallied for the second time and took a 27-26 advantage at the end of three quarters. Junior Jarrett Boykin was on the receiving end of Taylor’s 28 yard completion for the touchdown. The Hokies failed on a two-point conversion attempt.
Chris Hazley nailed a 34 yarder through the uprights midway through the fourth to give the Hokies their largest lead of the game. Moore, Pettis and the Broncos weren’t finished scoring. Pettis caught a 14-yard pass on the left sideline and a Bruce Taylor sideline hit tacked on additional yardage for the Broncos. Two plays later, Moore found Pettis for the winning score. Taylor unsuccessfully attempted to drive the Hokies downfield with less than a minute on the clock. The Tech signal caller finished with 186 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the loss. Boykin led all receivers with 102 yards.
Parting Points: I am excited to see how former Oregon quarterback, Dennis Dixon, does in his Steelers’ debut.
The White Sox are on a tear—seven in a row now.
It’s into the quarterfinals for Caroline Wozniacki. She knocked down Maria Sharapova at the U.S. Open…and it wasn’t even that close.
The Broncos staged a 17-point lead against what could be the only ranked opponent Boise State faces this season. Kyle Brotzman’s 44 yard field goal gave the visitors a 3-0 edge in the first quarter. Moore found Pettis from eight yards out to pad the Broncos’ lead to 7-0 midway through the first, and Tommy Gallarda snatched a screen pass to punch in another Boise touchdown at the one minute mark.
Ryan Williams finally got the Hokies on the board in the second quarter. Williams, the second year running back, scored on a one yard run. It was one of two touchdowns on the day for the Hokies’ rusher. Brotzman’s second field goal made it 20-7 in favor of the Broncos before Tech’s Tyrod Taylor hooked up with Williams for a 12 yard touchdown strike. Virginia Tech took the lead early in the second half after trailing by six headed into the locker room. Williams again rushed for a one yard touchdown on a seven play Hokies’ drive. Boise’s D.J. Harper, reeled off a 71 yard run across FedEx Field less than a minute later. Tech, coming off a 10-3 season, rallied for the second time and took a 27-26 advantage at the end of three quarters. Junior Jarrett Boykin was on the receiving end of Taylor’s 28 yard completion for the touchdown. The Hokies failed on a two-point conversion attempt.
Chris Hazley nailed a 34 yarder through the uprights midway through the fourth to give the Hokies their largest lead of the game. Moore, Pettis and the Broncos weren’t finished scoring. Pettis caught a 14-yard pass on the left sideline and a Bruce Taylor sideline hit tacked on additional yardage for the Broncos. Two plays later, Moore found Pettis for the winning score. Taylor unsuccessfully attempted to drive the Hokies downfield with less than a minute on the clock. The Tech signal caller finished with 186 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the loss. Boykin led all receivers with 102 yards.
Parting Points: I am excited to see how former Oregon quarterback, Dennis Dixon, does in his Steelers’ debut.
The White Sox are on a tear—seven in a row now.
It’s into the quarterfinals for Caroline Wozniacki. She knocked down Maria Sharapova at the U.S. Open…and it wasn’t even that close.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Celebrating & Championing Companionship
My father was a fantastic ballplayer. I don’t think anyone every really recognized or celebrated that fact. I would have enjoyed seeing him dive for groundballs on the infield grass, or call off teammates to catch a pop-fly at first. I like to think he was the type of batter to slap opposite field singles and race around the bases like a young, slender Don Mattingly. My father played first base just like Donnie Baseball. He never won a Gold Glove, but he’s won more than a few hearts.
My dad doesn’t have the same passion for baseball as he once did. He thinks the games are too long and too boring to watch. He disdains the bloated contracts and superstar egos. He even finds it hard to root for his beloved Mets, even though in his heart I know he still holds a torch for them. I love the game, even with its flaws and molasses pace. I think there’s a generational gap problem. I grew up in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s, before the game really changed for the worse in the late ‘90’s. My father’s generation enjoyed a much different game during the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. The game wasn’t about entertainment, payrolls and celebrities back then. Still, I know if it wasn’t for my dad’s love of baseball, I wouldn’t be the fan I am today. I might not even like the game at all if my dad hadn’t been so passionate about it. Dad taught me the fundamentals of baseball when I was six, and the game has stayed with me through my entire life. So yesterday, when my godmother told me how terrific Dad was on the diamond, I tried to comprehend how important the game was to his life.
I saw my father in a new light yesterday. He was reunited after 30 years with a family he lived with during graduate school. I saw him as a young man my own age, trying to make his way through life in the small town of Moscow, Pennsylvania. Dad’s words came out in stutters he was so tickled to see everybody again. These people he shared his life and spent many days with were wonderful. My godmother was as friendly as she was warm-hearted. Her children all had interesting, personable qualities. It was easy to see how my father fell in love with them. I used to hear stories about them all the time. I knew how much they had a distinct influence on him. I am sure he made an impression on their lives too. Listening to them share memories and hugs, I took myself out of the equation. It was like going back in history. My mother still had that same charisma that charmed everybody. My father was still trustworthy and honorable. I could see, through all the strange faces, how my parents were, and always would be, perfect for each other. Time hadn’t changed their relationship. My family’s own history could be traced through the family my father loved.
Dad was a baseball player first, before everything I know about my family existed. He used to coach softball while living in Pennsylvania. I know he won a championship with the girls he coached. I bet they partied to celebrate the accomplishment. Knowing what little I do about these people, I am sure they did exactly that. They had that type of companionship so vital to human livelihood. Yesterday made me realize how strong relationships can be. My father was this family’s companion. It was a celebration for him, and the party girl from Pittsburgh who he managed to make his life companion. No passion for a game can every replace that. I may never know what type of ballplayer my father was, but I do know what type of person he once was. He is still that same lovable guy who deserves our celebration.
Parting Points: Thank goodness the Jets signed Rivas. I didn’t really want to hear the excuses season-long.
My dad doesn’t have the same passion for baseball as he once did. He thinks the games are too long and too boring to watch. He disdains the bloated contracts and superstar egos. He even finds it hard to root for his beloved Mets, even though in his heart I know he still holds a torch for them. I love the game, even with its flaws and molasses pace. I think there’s a generational gap problem. I grew up in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s, before the game really changed for the worse in the late ‘90’s. My father’s generation enjoyed a much different game during the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. The game wasn’t about entertainment, payrolls and celebrities back then. Still, I know if it wasn’t for my dad’s love of baseball, I wouldn’t be the fan I am today. I might not even like the game at all if my dad hadn’t been so passionate about it. Dad taught me the fundamentals of baseball when I was six, and the game has stayed with me through my entire life. So yesterday, when my godmother told me how terrific Dad was on the diamond, I tried to comprehend how important the game was to his life.
I saw my father in a new light yesterday. He was reunited after 30 years with a family he lived with during graduate school. I saw him as a young man my own age, trying to make his way through life in the small town of Moscow, Pennsylvania. Dad’s words came out in stutters he was so tickled to see everybody again. These people he shared his life and spent many days with were wonderful. My godmother was as friendly as she was warm-hearted. Her children all had interesting, personable qualities. It was easy to see how my father fell in love with them. I used to hear stories about them all the time. I knew how much they had a distinct influence on him. I am sure he made an impression on their lives too. Listening to them share memories and hugs, I took myself out of the equation. It was like going back in history. My mother still had that same charisma that charmed everybody. My father was still trustworthy and honorable. I could see, through all the strange faces, how my parents were, and always would be, perfect for each other. Time hadn’t changed their relationship. My family’s own history could be traced through the family my father loved.
Dad was a baseball player first, before everything I know about my family existed. He used to coach softball while living in Pennsylvania. I know he won a championship with the girls he coached. I bet they partied to celebrate the accomplishment. Knowing what little I do about these people, I am sure they did exactly that. They had that type of companionship so vital to human livelihood. Yesterday made me realize how strong relationships can be. My father was this family’s companion. It was a celebration for him, and the party girl from Pittsburgh who he managed to make his life companion. No passion for a game can every replace that. I may never know what type of ballplayer my father was, but I do know what type of person he once was. He is still that same lovable guy who deserves our celebration.
Parting Points: Thank goodness the Jets signed Rivas. I didn’t really want to hear the excuses season-long.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Reds’ Rookie Rocks Redbirds
The Cincinnati Reds continue to dazzle. The NL Central division leaders currently hold an eight game edge over second place St. Louis. On Saturday, the soaring Reds took care of business against the Cardinals’ 17-game winner, Adam Wainwright. Cincinnati cleaned up in a 6-1 win at Busch Stadium to win their seventh game in nine tries. Rookie left-hander, Travis Wood, turned in seven solid innings of one run ball as the Reds bounced back from Friday night’s loss.
Wainwright failed to become the NL’s first 18 game winner and lost for the fourth consecutive start. Wainwright got the hook after five innings and 83 pitches. He was charged with seven hits and five of the six Reds’ runs. Cincinnati came out of the gate swinging, scoring three runs in the top of the first. Aaron Miles misplayed a potential double-play ground ball that left runners on second and third for the Reds. Scott Rolen’s walk loaded the bags and a Ramon Hernandez groundout led to the first run. Jonny Gomes followed with a double to left to tally two more Cincinnati runs. Wainwright absorbed three unearned runs and wasn’t helped by the Cardinals’ offensive malaise. St. Louis mustered a single run against Cincinnati hurlers.
The Redbirds responded with a run in the bottom half of the first. An error on Wood led to the pitcher’s only blemish. He otherwise paced through seven frames with 101 pitches. Matt Holiday’s infield single scored centerfielder, John Jay in the Cardinals’ home half. Holliday finished with two hits in the middle game of the crucial three-game series between the division rivals. The Reds added a run in the second on Brandon Phillips’ RBI single. Cincinnati manufactured two more runs to take the decision. Wood homered to left on the first pitch he saw in the fourth, a sinker from Wainwright. The rookie southpaw held the Redbirds in check after his blast bumped the Reds lead to 5-1. He worked out of a two-out walk in the seventh before handing the ball over to flamethrowing rookie sensation, Aroldis Chapman. Chapman and Francisco Cordero shut St. Louis down through the final two frames. Joey Votta contributed a base hit off Dennys Reyes in the ninth for the game’s final tally. Votta and Gomes had two hits apiece for the winning team. Homer Bailey takes the hill against the Cards’ Chris Carpenter in the afternoon finale on Sunday.
Parting Points: Denard Robinson and Michigan trounced UConn. So what? Let’s see the new quarterback beat up on the Big 10’s best. It appears the Tate Forcier days in maize and blue could be over.
Maria Sharapova ruined Beatrice’s Capa’s U.S. Open run yesterday.
“Champions keep playing until they get it right”- Billie Jean King
Wainwright failed to become the NL’s first 18 game winner and lost for the fourth consecutive start. Wainwright got the hook after five innings and 83 pitches. He was charged with seven hits and five of the six Reds’ runs. Cincinnati came out of the gate swinging, scoring three runs in the top of the first. Aaron Miles misplayed a potential double-play ground ball that left runners on second and third for the Reds. Scott Rolen’s walk loaded the bags and a Ramon Hernandez groundout led to the first run. Jonny Gomes followed with a double to left to tally two more Cincinnati runs. Wainwright absorbed three unearned runs and wasn’t helped by the Cardinals’ offensive malaise. St. Louis mustered a single run against Cincinnati hurlers.
The Redbirds responded with a run in the bottom half of the first. An error on Wood led to the pitcher’s only blemish. He otherwise paced through seven frames with 101 pitches. Matt Holiday’s infield single scored centerfielder, John Jay in the Cardinals’ home half. Holliday finished with two hits in the middle game of the crucial three-game series between the division rivals. The Reds added a run in the second on Brandon Phillips’ RBI single. Cincinnati manufactured two more runs to take the decision. Wood homered to left on the first pitch he saw in the fourth, a sinker from Wainwright. The rookie southpaw held the Redbirds in check after his blast bumped the Reds lead to 5-1. He worked out of a two-out walk in the seventh before handing the ball over to flamethrowing rookie sensation, Aroldis Chapman. Chapman and Francisco Cordero shut St. Louis down through the final two frames. Joey Votta contributed a base hit off Dennys Reyes in the ninth for the game’s final tally. Votta and Gomes had two hits apiece for the winning team. Homer Bailey takes the hill against the Cards’ Chris Carpenter in the afternoon finale on Sunday.
Parting Points: Denard Robinson and Michigan trounced UConn. So what? Let’s see the new quarterback beat up on the Big 10’s best. It appears the Tate Forcier days in maize and blue could be over.
Maria Sharapova ruined Beatrice’s Capa’s U.S. Open run yesterday.
“Champions keep playing until they get it right”- Billie Jean King
Friday, September 3, 2010
Terrifically Thundering Thursday
Second-ranked Ohio State thumped the Thundering Herd of Marshall 45-7 in Thursday night’s season opening game in Columbus. Junior quarterback and one of preseason’s leading Heisman Trophy candidates, Terrelle Pryor, threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ home opening victory. Pryor completed 17 of 25 passes and did not throw an interception in the season debut. Marshall signal caller, Brian Anderson was picked off and was harassed most of the night by the stalwart Ohio State defense. The Thundering Herd lost two fumbles and were limited to 199 total offensive yards.
The first play of the game for Marshall was a flop. Andre Booker had the ball stripped on the opening kickoff return. The ball was recovered by OSU’s Nate Oliver at the Marshall 22 yard line. DeVier Posey hauled in a pass from Pryor seven plays later to give the home team a 7-0 lead. The six-yard touchdown pass was followed up by a Marshall punt and another Buckeye seven. Running back, Brandon Saine, scrambled for 40 yards with 10:27 remaining in the first quarter. Saine, on a sweep, punched into the endzone from four yards out to complete a three-play, 49 yard second drive for OSU. The tailback finished with 103 yards and a pair of touchdowns as Jim Tressel’s talented ground game glistened.
Ahmed Shakoor blocked Drew Basil’s 53-yard field goal attempt later in the first and raced the other way for 61 yards to give Marshall their first touchdown of the season. The Buckeyes responded less than a minute later. Dane Sanzenbacher and Pryor hooked up over the middle for 65 yards and another OSU touchdown. Sanzenbacher led all receivers with 113 yards and it was all Buckeyes the rest of the way.
Ohio State scored twice in the second quarter to stage a 35-7 halftime lead. Saine scurried for his second touchdown of the night, a 41 yard burst up the middle. The offensive line protected well and opened up big holes for the running game. Jaamal Berry, the rookie runner for the Bucks, contributed 80 yards on the ground and Dan Herron carried the ball seven times for 44 yards. Linebacker Brian Rolle’s 30 yard interception return for a touchdown with less than three minutes before the break was the highlight of the half. It was especially important for the secondary, which is depleted with injuries and lacks experience. The secondary was not problematic against Marshall Thursday night, but special teams did display their weaknesses several times. The blocked field goal and a near blocked extra point were the only knocks on the Buckeyes in the opening game. Otherwise, OSU made a strong statement for their national championship candidacy. They lived up to the hype. Pryor was a poised, patient and veteran-like quarterback. The defense, led by Tyler Moeller’s seven tackles, was as nasty as they have been cited. The play calling was sharp through all 529 total yards.
Pryor connected with Posey for 11 yards in the third quarter as the Buckeyes continued to blowout their opponent. Anderson led Marshall deep into Buckeyes territory late in the game, but the Herd fumbled the ball away again. Barclay’s 34 yard field goal through the uprights was the final nail in the coffin for Marshall. Anderson finished with 135 yard and an interception, while completing 17 of 28 passes.
Ohio State takes on Miami next Saturday in a rematch of the national championship Fiesta Bowl game. The tune-up against the Thundering Herd was a terrific one. The Buckeyes were confident and they were aggressive in what I hope to be a national title season.
Parting Points: Keep an eye on the youngster, Beatrice Capa, at the U.S. Open. I would love to see Caroline Wozniacki add another Grand Slam title to her resume, however. The Dane double-bageled second round opponent, Chaing Kai-Chen on Thursday.
Song of the day- “Cold-hearted Snake” by Paula Abdul
The first play of the game for Marshall was a flop. Andre Booker had the ball stripped on the opening kickoff return. The ball was recovered by OSU’s Nate Oliver at the Marshall 22 yard line. DeVier Posey hauled in a pass from Pryor seven plays later to give the home team a 7-0 lead. The six-yard touchdown pass was followed up by a Marshall punt and another Buckeye seven. Running back, Brandon Saine, scrambled for 40 yards with 10:27 remaining in the first quarter. Saine, on a sweep, punched into the endzone from four yards out to complete a three-play, 49 yard second drive for OSU. The tailback finished with 103 yards and a pair of touchdowns as Jim Tressel’s talented ground game glistened.
Ahmed Shakoor blocked Drew Basil’s 53-yard field goal attempt later in the first and raced the other way for 61 yards to give Marshall their first touchdown of the season. The Buckeyes responded less than a minute later. Dane Sanzenbacher and Pryor hooked up over the middle for 65 yards and another OSU touchdown. Sanzenbacher led all receivers with 113 yards and it was all Buckeyes the rest of the way.
Ohio State scored twice in the second quarter to stage a 35-7 halftime lead. Saine scurried for his second touchdown of the night, a 41 yard burst up the middle. The offensive line protected well and opened up big holes for the running game. Jaamal Berry, the rookie runner for the Bucks, contributed 80 yards on the ground and Dan Herron carried the ball seven times for 44 yards. Linebacker Brian Rolle’s 30 yard interception return for a touchdown with less than three minutes before the break was the highlight of the half. It was especially important for the secondary, which is depleted with injuries and lacks experience. The secondary was not problematic against Marshall Thursday night, but special teams did display their weaknesses several times. The blocked field goal and a near blocked extra point were the only knocks on the Buckeyes in the opening game. Otherwise, OSU made a strong statement for their national championship candidacy. They lived up to the hype. Pryor was a poised, patient and veteran-like quarterback. The defense, led by Tyler Moeller’s seven tackles, was as nasty as they have been cited. The play calling was sharp through all 529 total yards.
Pryor connected with Posey for 11 yards in the third quarter as the Buckeyes continued to blowout their opponent. Anderson led Marshall deep into Buckeyes territory late in the game, but the Herd fumbled the ball away again. Barclay’s 34 yard field goal through the uprights was the final nail in the coffin for Marshall. Anderson finished with 135 yard and an interception, while completing 17 of 28 passes.
Ohio State takes on Miami next Saturday in a rematch of the national championship Fiesta Bowl game. The tune-up against the Thundering Herd was a terrific one. The Buckeyes were confident and they were aggressive in what I hope to be a national title season.
Parting Points: Keep an eye on the youngster, Beatrice Capa, at the U.S. Open. I would love to see Caroline Wozniacki add another Grand Slam title to her resume, however. The Dane double-bageled second round opponent, Chaing Kai-Chen on Thursday.
Song of the day- “Cold-hearted Snake” by Paula Abdul
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Obliterating Oakland
Mark Teixeira’s three-run homerun, his 30th of the season, was more than enough offense for the Yankees to beat the Oakland A’s at Yankee Stadium Tuesday night. Vin Mazzaro allowed all New York’s runs as the Athletics dropped a 9-3 decision to the Bombers in the Bronx. Teixeira’s fourth inning bomb resulted in the final tallies for the Yankees and was one of three New York homeruns. It was enough to make All-star starter, Phil Hughes, a winner for the 16th time this season. The victory also netted New York a first place spot in the AL East. The Yankees have sole possession of the division and lead by one game over Tampa.
Hughes wasn’t golden, but needed just five innings to defeat the A’s. The pinstriped hurler allowed two runs on four hits as Oakland dropped their seventh contest against New York in eight tries this season. The Bombers capitalized on a Mark Ellis error in the first inning to go ahead by three runs. Brett Gardner led the offense with a base hit and stole second before Derek Jeter drew a walk. Gardner and Jeter pulled off a double steal before Ellis’ error plated both sparkplugs. Jorge Posada tripled in Nick Swisher for the third and final run of the first frame. It was the first triple by the Yankee catcher since 2008.
The Yankees gave one back in the third on Kurt Suzuki’s sacrifice fly. New York answered in the bottom half of the third with two more tallies. Swisher rocketed a 3-0 offering from Mazzaro to stretch the Yankee lead to 5-1. The two-run drilling, in which Swisher had the green light the entire way, was his 25th of the season. It marks the second straight year the former Oakland outfielder has reached the 25 homerun mark.
The A’s scored a run on two hits in the top of the fourth. Kevin Kouzmanoff tallied a run on a Rajai Davis RBI groundout to close the gap to three runs. New York’s offense exploded in the bottom of the fourth and essentially put the game out of reach. Curtis Granderson clubbed a solo shot and Teixeira completed the scoring for the home team with his 30th long ball. Oakland added a run in the seventh off Chad Gaudin. Daric Barton slugged a solo homerun off the Yankee reliever, accounting for the only run allowed by the Bomber bullpen. The A’s fell to 4-4 on their current road trip and will to win again against New York this evening.
Parting Points: The Cincinnati Reds are amazing.
Hughes wasn’t golden, but needed just five innings to defeat the A’s. The pinstriped hurler allowed two runs on four hits as Oakland dropped their seventh contest against New York in eight tries this season. The Bombers capitalized on a Mark Ellis error in the first inning to go ahead by three runs. Brett Gardner led the offense with a base hit and stole second before Derek Jeter drew a walk. Gardner and Jeter pulled off a double steal before Ellis’ error plated both sparkplugs. Jorge Posada tripled in Nick Swisher for the third and final run of the first frame. It was the first triple by the Yankee catcher since 2008.
The Yankees gave one back in the third on Kurt Suzuki’s sacrifice fly. New York answered in the bottom half of the third with two more tallies. Swisher rocketed a 3-0 offering from Mazzaro to stretch the Yankee lead to 5-1. The two-run drilling, in which Swisher had the green light the entire way, was his 25th of the season. It marks the second straight year the former Oakland outfielder has reached the 25 homerun mark.
The A’s scored a run on two hits in the top of the fourth. Kevin Kouzmanoff tallied a run on a Rajai Davis RBI groundout to close the gap to three runs. New York’s offense exploded in the bottom of the fourth and essentially put the game out of reach. Curtis Granderson clubbed a solo shot and Teixeira completed the scoring for the home team with his 30th long ball. Oakland added a run in the seventh off Chad Gaudin. Daric Barton slugged a solo homerun off the Yankee reliever, accounting for the only run allowed by the Bomber bullpen. The A’s fell to 4-4 on their current road trip and will to win again against New York this evening.
Parting Points: The Cincinnati Reds are amazing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
