Rave Rookie Review

A classic college clash consumed a wounded Wisconsin team as the Buckeyes bashed their Big Ten opponent. The nation’s top rookie recruit raced to the endzone with a little over one minute in the fourth quarter to score the game winning touchdown. Terrelle Pryor kept his poise and showed progress in the 20-17 win at Camp Randall, Wisconsin. It was one of the most exciting fourth quarter drives in recent memory for me. The Badgers had one last opportunity to ruin the rookie’s moment but an Allan Evridge pass was intercepted by OSU’s Malcom Jenkins. I said it before and I still hold that Jenkins is going to star in the NFL one day. It was Evridge’s second turnover of the night.
The Buckeyes are now back in the national title picture and reign supreme in the conference. Penn State is rated sixth in the country and pulverized the Purdue Boilermakers yesterday. In two weeks time, the Nittany Lions face the Buckeyes for what could be the Big Ten title. Terrelle Pryor’s freshman finish was phenomenal and Chris “Beanie” Wells looked in top form for the second straight week. Head coach, Jim Tressel, unquestionably was correct in his replacement of senior quarterback, Todd Boekman. Pryor proved last night a 19 year old can lead a team to triumph on the road, under the lights against a heavy defensive unit. Has Pryor even declared his major yet? This Wisconsin team is not the same one of years’ past, and I think they were traumatized with their deflating loss at Michigan a week ago. Still, winning in Wisconsin is not an easy task. The Buckeyes were ranked 14th coming into the game. The 18th ranked Badgers were riding a 16 game home winning streak. It was snapped by the stringent OSU defense.
Dan Herron, backup tailback, converted a third down the first half and overall the Buckeyes were 50% on third down conversions. Pryor’s conversion of a third down with less than two minutes to go was game defining and kept the Buckeyes drive going. A come-from-behind win might just be the type that drives the team the rest of the season.
After Wisconsin scored the go ahead points late in the second quarter, I had a feeling perhaps the Buckeyes wouldn’t bounce back. The Philip Welch field goal gave the Badgers a three point lead heading into the locker room. I was proud to see the team do exactly what they had to do in the third quarter. Ryan Pretorius’ 21 yard field goal evened the score again. The Wisconsin defense contained Pryor and Wells prior to the second half but Beanie rushed for 168 of OSU’s total 188 yards on the ground.
There are still some wary weaknesses I see in this Buckeye team, notably on offense. I’d like to see Tressel allow Pryor to spread the ball more on the turf. Even though he is a gifted scrambling quarterback, the Buckeyes are not utilizing the talent of their wideouts. Terrelle was sacked four times and threw the ball away before getting hit hard on several attempts. There is still much he needs to learn but you can see why Pryor was the number one high school player last year. His speed and versatility make him a hard takedown. Still, if he can control his passes and put himself in position to throw threadlike touchdowns to top receivers. The Pryor-Wells combination is fine, but why not mix in more deep passes too.
The penalty yardage needs to go down for the Buckeyes as well. OSU had 30 penalty yards to Wisconsin’s 19. The Badgers converted more first downs and passed for more total yardage also. Pryor’s longest pass was a 27 yard one to WR Brian Hartline. Dane Sanzenbacher (I love saying that) had two receptions for 40 yards and I think can make a bigger impact. Sanzenbacher caught a 17 yard pass from Pryor on Ohio State’s first drive. Then, Terrelle started throwing short passes to his teammates after a Langford interception. Pryor shouldn’t be afraid to start throwing downfield. The short Herron catches and Posey receptions were nice, but Brian Robiskie and Ray Small being open in the third quarter were delightful to see. The completion to Small with 3:33 left on the final drive was a key and critical play for the Buckeyes.
Just to give some kudos to the Badgers: That running back John Clay was impressive. I think he could be used along with P.J. Hill as a duel threat on the ground.

Parting points: Congrats to Joe Torre and the L.A. Dodgers on their sweep of the Cubs.

From National Lampoon’s European Vacation:
The Griswolds are traveling in Germany…
Clark Griswold: “There it is kids, my motherland.”
Rusty Griswold: “Dad, Grandma’s from Chicago.”
Clark Griswold: “Shut up, Russ.”

Philly Pressure

The Philadelphia Phillies plan to put the hammer down on the Brewers in Game three of the NLDS tonight in Milwaukee. The oldest pitcher in the game will start for Philadelphia, a team with a 3.65 ERA during the regular season. Jamie Moyer has never been to the Fall Classic but his veteran experience is expected to end the Brewers’ season. Moyer will count on his craftiness to continue to winning ways for his NL East championship team. He was 9-1 in his last 16 starts of 2008 and the Brewers will need to be patient at the plate if they want to succeed. The Brewers are coming in to Game 3 with dismal digits. The team batting average is a measly .115 during the series. The Brewers have put together a paltry 3 runs total. Given the fact the first two games were played in hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park, that is not a good sign for Dale Sveum’s team. Sveum is the interim manager for Milwaukee and he has some understanding of being down in the post-season. Remember he was on the coaching staff for Boston when they came from behind to beat the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS. The Brewers will have to take this five game series one at a time and a win at home tonight would start them in the right direction. The team counters with Dave Bush on the mound. Jeff Suppan, the Cardinals playoff star a few seasons ago, was supposed to pitch. But the Brewers might benefit with Bush. Bush, like Moyer, was solid down the stretch. In his last 10 starts of the season, he sported a 4-1 record and finished strong. So far the Brewers pitchers have tamed the Phillies at the plate. Ryan Howard’s lefty bat hasn’t been a factor. That could change tonight because Bush is prone to giving up runs to left handed hitters. The Phillies have scored most of their runs as unearned ones during the series. Even though they aren’t hitting well, their defense, speed and pitching has kept this a one-sided series. Shane Victorino has stolen three bases, Cole Hamels dominated the first game on the mound and the bullpen has been shaky but effective. Brad Lidge looked vulnerable in the first game and mentally, that should have given the Brewers a boost. If they were able to fluster the star closer, it might give them that swagger they used to defeat the Cubs to make the post-season. I would like to see the Phillies win the series because I like their combination of strength and power. They play hard and work well together. It would be nice to see the Brewers win one at home though and make this somewhat of a series. As it looks now, the other three series are not very competitive. The Brewers have decent rising guys in JJ Hardy, Rickie Weeks and Ryan Braun. They need to start producing some runs.

Parting points: I am listening to “Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men in honor of the Phillies. Good stuff.

The NHL season kicks off at noon today. The Rangers play the Lightning and the Penguins take on Ottawa. Both games are for some reason being played overseas.

I am curious to see if Vanderbuilt can pull off the upset against Auburn. Somehow, I doubt it.

Veteran Vlad Guerrero Gaffe

It’s not often an all-star athlete makes a mental mistake. Power hitter, Vladimir Guerrero, threatens teams with his terrifying timing at the plate. His quick, fluid stroke has raked in RBIs during countless games throughout the veteran’s career. One of the most underrated ballplayers, Vlad’s big-league presence in a lineup looms like a murky cloud. Pitchers avoid throwing him anything down the middle or high and outside. His ability to pull the ball sends shivers down the spines of the men who stand facing his fearful squatting stance. That being said, it was surprising to see Guerrero’s base running miscue during Game 1 of the ALDS against Boston. Torii Hunter clubbed the ball to the outfield with Vlad on first base. Rounding second, on his way to third, Guerrero neglected to notice the Angel’s third base coach signal to hold up. Thus, mighty Vlad was tagged out, limping on the way. The moment was a momentum-changing one for Boston and gave them a little esteem on the road in California.
If you give the Boston Red Sox any little chance, they will take advantage. I’ve noticed recent history has proven that. Recent history has also attested an Angel breakdown in the post-season. The team that won 100 games this season could go down in round one here if they can’t find a way to bounce back tonight. Boston’s Jon Lester pitched pronouncedly and preserved the pact for Game 1. Tonight, Dice K and his 18-3 regular season record, takes the mound for Boston. In the first game, John Lackey threw thoroughly enough for six innings, but it did not win the game. This Boston team is complete with integrate unknowns who go out and get the job done despite so-so talent. Jason Bay makes the mid-season Manny Ramirez trade seem moot. Ramirez is lighting it up for L.A. now, but Bay’s homerun was the key hit on Wednesday night. I expect Ervin Santana to pitch a good game for the Angels. Anaheim should win tonight. I can’t see this club being swept by Boston again this post-season.

Parting points: Check out the band Blue October. They have a new cd coming out soon but their older stuff is great too.

I said not to underestimate the Pitt Panthers. How about McCoy’s two touchdowns and the game winning rush against USF?

Take Two

There will be a Big East football game played tonight between the Bulls of South Florida and Pittsburgh’s Panthers. USF quarterback, Matt Grothe, leads the conference with eight touchdown passes for one of college football’s most versatile offenses. The Bulls like to spread the ball and rely heavily on the pass. A grueling defense is one of the team’s finest features as well. Although the Bulls haven’t faced very competitive teams, their defense has limited opponents to few scoring opportunities.
The Pittsburgh Panthers have won three straight games, topped by last week’s smashing of Syracuse. (Well, they only won by ten points after a late great comeback.) Running back, LeSean McCoy was one of the nation’s best rushers in 2007. He’s yet to take off this season and will be tested against a tough South Florida team. However, the Bulls may be without a few of their key defensive stars due to injury. Leading tackle, George Selvie, was hurt in last week’s win over NC State. Dave Wannstedt’s Panther defense will need to control Grothe and company tonight. If the Pittsburgh defense can regulate the rush and keep the Bull offense off the field, this could be a close game. If USF dominates time of possession, the Panthers could be in for a long night. South Florida is the favorite, ranked number 10 in the country and expected to take the early Big East lead. As it stands today, Pittsburgh is number one in the Big East. Don’t underestimate this Panther team or count them out just yet.


Setting: Saturday, October 4, 2008
Camp Randall in Madison, Wisconsin at night

The setting says so much. One would think Badgers are nocturnal because the ones who play in Wisconsin thrive during night games. The team has won 21 of 22 night games in school history. They are expecting the 22nd win when Ohio State visits this Saturday evening. Both OSU and Wisconsin are ranked teams so I am looking forward to the game. Big Ten football is enticing enough, but when two defensively-minded teams converge, colossal entertainment ensues.
Last season Ohio State as the victor but that was without top Badger, P.J. Hill. The junior running back is a one man show. I think he will make an excellent NFL back if he can stay healthy. The Badgers are known for their strong defense and no one is better than defensive end, O’Brien Schofield. The OSU wide receiving core needs to find open routes. We all know Terrelle Pryor can run and now that Beanie Wells is back, I can’t wait to see them against a hard hitting Big Ten team. The Buckeyes are starting a freshmen at center in Michael Brewster. Brewster’s play during Saturday night could indicate what kind of ability he has. The pressure of playing on the road, at night during a nationally-televised game will be hard for this entire OSU team. But, Tressell will have them well-prepared.
The Badgers are coming off an ugly loss in Michigan. They only scored once during the second half. Quarterback, Allan Evridge, had trouble finding open men and playing in the Big House. I was surprised they looked so vulnerable against the Wolverines. The team also nearly lost to Fresno State, pulling out a three point win. Head coach, Bret Bielema, would probably like to forget that Michigan loss and start the winning against the Buckeyes. The Ohio State defensive line needs to pressure the run-oriented Badgers. Cameron Heyward can make an instant impact at tackle to slow the hungry Badger boys.
All in all, the game should be fun and intense. Personally, I prefer pulling for OSU but am holding out on a prediction.

Parting points: The Devils shut out the Islanders last night. I am convinced the Cubs are cursed after all. And, I actually think I would rather see Alan Houston than Stephon Marbury playing for the Knicks this year.

Beautiful Backspin

An illusion crafted by a push and soft touch
The ball sits on the spot, for an instant subdued
The magician exerts exact pressure, not much
A spin backwards advances a shot misconstrued

A fluffy wave topples and ripples tenderly in peace
Then recedes and fades back into the ocean
Like a slice backhand developing from complete release
It’s beautiful to behold the natural motion

Biking Backwards

If my pedals circled counterclockwise
My feet and face would feel the Fall
Propelling chains click, my loose legs rise
As towering trees scatter steadily and tall

A bike ride bringing back each earthly encounter
As if my senses never embraced effervescent air
Tires tear together like vibrant thunder
A rumbling summer storm restored to lair

Sweet Surrender

Today marks the 33rd anniversary of the “Thrilla In Manila”. The famous fight between boxing champion, Muhammad Ali, and chief contender, Joe Frazier, transpired on October 1, 1975. The Philippines hosted the third match in Manila.
It was an instant heavyweight classic battle. Frazier, dented and damaged, could barely see Ali’s punches, jabs, hooks and stings by the time the fight was complete. His eyes were closing up quickly as Ali pounded punches and blows left and right methodically. Fourteen rounds of the finest fighting found Frazier with slits as eyes and blood-smeared lips. The brawl may have gone 15 rounds had it not been halted by the referee.
Many boxing fans consider the “Thrilla in Manila” the greatest fight in history. Rhyming Muhammad Ali created a climax leading up to the October event by guaranteeing a blowout win. Ali verbally assaulted and abused Frazier, calling him a gorilla and other derogatory, nasty names. He lived up to his hype, however, with a final TKO of Frazier. Joe was a warrior in the ring but was the clear victim that day. In the ring, Frazier defeated Ali when the two initially met in a Madison Square Garden 1971 match. A sequel three years later concluded with Ali pulling out the victory at the Garden. The third and most famous in Manila incorporated high humidity and a crowd of 28,000 in attendance. In a notable 13th round moment, Frazier even lost his mouthpiece and Ali’s strike sent it cascading across the ring. Both men limped out when the winner Ali was declared. Both will always be remembered for their will that day. The gifted boxers brought out the best in each other. Ali-Frazier is one of sports’ greatest rivalries of all time.
Joe Frazier knew he was overcome, yet he didn’t give up. His pride refused to let him surrender to the overpowering Ali. Sometimes fighting for what your heart seeks to win doesn’t result in anything but defeat. Frazier had to concede at his own game.

Another great October 1st sports moment: Roger Maris breaks the all time homerun record in 1961.

Parting points: I am happy for Ken Griffey, Jr. He made a great play in last night’s White Sox win over the Twins to throw out a potential run at the plate. I wouldn’t mind seeing him make it to the World Series after such a memorable career.

Song of the day: “Big Casino” by Jimmy Eat World