5th Quarter

Some thoughts from the Thanksgiving weekend of college football:

Does the Boise St. kicker stay in Nevada or go to Chile?Its gotta be tough for him to go back to state of Idaho. He cost his team a shot at a national title and the school millions? Also Brotzman killed any hopes of a playoff by missing that kick. Way to go!!!

Will the NCAA fine me for talking about a player costing a school money?

When will people start respecting Andy Dalton and the TCU Horned Frogs?

Why is TCU going to the Big East? Seems like a lateral move to me. Big 12 is a way better option.

If you are at Michigan St. and Texas A&M, the BCS is working out great for you by putting teams that you beat ahead of you and keeping you from a major bowl.

Is there a more dysfunctional offense in the nation than the Florida Gators? Meyer ran out a quarterback who could throw and not run, another quarterback who splits time as a half back, tight end and a third who couldn't throw and run a little but had trouble protecting the ball. Its no wonder they are giving a Tebow a statue. Meyer looks lost.

For as a great as Alabama was supposed to be, how did they lose three games and blew a 24-0 lead to a rival? Great teams just don't do that.
Some teams are destined to play each other, Oregon and Auburn look that way.

Did anyone know or care that Notre Dame and USC played?

Randy Shannon did not deserve to get fired from the University of Miami. Miami thinks of itself as a blue blood, but changing coaches every four year does not get your program on track. it provides consistent losing.

Who knew Mizzou would be in a better position to get to a BCS bowl by not winning the North.

A lot of pundits pick for the title game the Iowa Hawkeyes just gave up their last couple of games. Not good when everyone says you are the best 7-5 team in the country.

And finally, do we still have to call Michigan versus Ohio St. a rivalry? Its so one sided its ridiculous.

Black Friday Football

Rivals and Tigers and Bears!! Oh My!!

Upcoming games for today and tomorrow:
LSU vs. Arkansas: I really don't know how these two are rivals, seeing how the whole state of Texas separates them, but for all intensive purpose they are. Les Miles and the Tigers believe the have a legit shot at playing in the BCS title game. The "Mad Hatter", which he does not like to be called, stated that a one-loss SEC team deserves a bid over the undefeated Boise and TCU. The CBS announcers seemed to agree with Miles statement about the SEC and the Tigers. Funny thing though for one, national announcers should never show bias towards any teams or conference. Stay neutral and just call the game, if I need an opinion, I'll get it from someone else but not from you Secondly, if Miles had a quarterback his team would not have to grovel for voters sympathy. Beat the teams on your schedule and quit begging. Show a little respect to other conferences and their schools. Speaking of respect...

Boise St. and TCU: Constantly get hammered because of their conference schedule and who they play. The Ohio St. president chimed in and gave his opinion on how "unworthy theses schools are" to play in the title game. My solution is if you think your team and your conference is so superior to them, then play them!! Schedule them in the non-conference for a home and home. Step up oh mighty SEC and Big Ten. The teams who lobby hard to get in the national championship game are always one loss teams from conference who feel its their birth right to hog the riches of college football. They always call themselves purist and blue bloods and there is never anyone room from upstarts. Note to the major conferences: Boise and TCU are here to stay! If you want to take them down then strap it up and get it on!!! Beat them on the field and everyone will bow down to you. But lose and know that everyone will know that maybe your program is the one that is undeserving.

My picks for the weekend:
Auburn loses to Bama: The Tide will prove to be just too much at home. Should be a good one.

Nebraska finds a way against Colorado: The Buffs are playing better and this is the last time these two rivals will play each other because both are leaving the Big 12. Also, can Bo Pelini stop being so angry? Yelling at his quarterback and officials is not very professional. This isn't the first time he has acted like that. That's exactly why fans act the way they do towards players and officials. They get their cues from their head coach. Pelini, you are a leader of young men, act like one!!

Mizzou beats Kansas: " Never should have lost to Texas Tech and you could have been in the Big 12 championship game.

Okla St. in a stunner against OU: The Cowboys have flown under the radar all year.

Boise St. thumps Nevada: Enough said.

Oregon gets past Arizona: Which will set-up a showdown against their rival Oregon St. next week in Corvallis. Strange thing happen in Corvallis at night.

Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for reading....

Donovan McNabb: Hall of Famer or Not?

Everyone was talking about Donovan McNabb's huge new contract (it was originally proclaimed to be worth $78m with $40m guaranteed, but that has been revised down). All the stranger because his coach benched him in the final 2 minutes of a game 2 weeks previous.

This led to a discussion between us about the status of McNabb's place in football history. Naturally, we're both right though we happen to disagree.

kdc: $40m guaranteed to McNabb? You gotta be kidding me!

Momo: I know. I think it was a political move by Snyder (owner of the Redskins). People started throwing race into the mix. Its great for McNabb but puzzling for the Skins.

kdc: Political makes sense. About the only sense. I know he doesn't have a great (offensive) line, but still - his age & past aren't long term characteristics to build a team around. He's a stop-gap.

I mean, Donovan's always been a good man, but I'm not sure anyone's every called him a great QB.

Momo: He's going to the Hall of Fame but I agree, building around him is going to be tough. Unless you just don't think you can develop a QB to win fast enough. Its just a puzzling move.

I'd say McNabb is at least a top 15 QB.

kdc: HOF? Seriously? I'm not saying he's a slouch, but I see him as Patrick Ewing - someone who everyone talks a lot about in their day, but ultimately not one of the best. Puffed because he's on the East Coast. B+ certainly, but I can't see him being much better than that (which is Top 15 today, but I'd say closer to #13-15 in that top 15 than Top 10).

Again, a wonderful man, but not a HOF QB.

Momo: McNabb has 5 NFC championships, 1 Super Bowl, 6 pro bowls. His career numbers are comparable to Kurt Warner. He has done less with more, he's put up great numbers with no talent.

kdc: Okay, I was wrong. Your stats show Donovan's an A- QB, not a B+. Still, A- shouldn't get you into the HOF. It should just get you recognized and in the Pro Bowl.

While I concede he certainly hasn't had the most offensive talent at WR (I think you could argue his RBs, mostly, have been strong), the same could be said for Tom Brady, who's won 3 Super Bowls. (A fact we both despise.) Ironically, when Brady had his stellar WR corps, they lost the Super Bowl. The same could be said for Donovan--his best WR corps got him into a Super Bowl that the Eagles lost. (And he's been accused of freezing up in the last 2 minutes of that Super Bowl, which can't help his cause.)

Plus, Andy Reid is easily one of the best coaches in the last decade; to my mind that easily cancels out some subpar WRs over the years.

While I think Kurt Warner will someday make the HOF, there are many that think his hollow middle years (late Rams years, NY Giants, early Cardinal years) might be enough to keep him out. Warner was twice a league MVP. So I think your comparison is apt. Unless Donovan ends his career in a blaze of glory (as Warner did), he is on the cusp of the HOF, but on the wrong side of the cusp. Sorry, I just don't see it.

The End Zone

1. Your first half MVP is...

Momo: Michael Vick. No one could have possibly imagined this 20 months ago. Vick so far has completely remade himself into the passer that everyone thought he could be. A true story of incredible heights and a tragic fall only to arise again to become a better person and player. Maybe Andy Reid knew what he was doing by getting rid of McNabb.

kdc: You’re a sucker for a redemption story! Vick’s been quite good, but Tom Brady & Peyton Manning have been so much better at QB. You’re going to rob them just because they’ve won it before. I don’t like the Patriots (or Brady much), but until now he’s been fab. I can only hope that the loss of Randy Moss will bring the Patriot’s offense back to earth (as it crashed last week).

2. Think its possible that the NFC West gets 3 teams in the playoffs?

Momo: As great as a story the young Bucs have been, the challenge will come from the Eagles in the NFC East. Shockingly as much as people talk about how the best teams are only in the AFC, the NFC boast the Falcons, Giants and now the resurgent Packers.

kdc: I think you’re in the wrong region of the country. The NFC South – with the Falcons, Saints & Buccaneers – could easily have 3 teams make it, but they’re the only NFC conference I can see possibly hosting 3.

3. Most underrated/least talked about team is...
kdc: The NFL is rich in stories & storylines this year. There’s a bunch & I think there will be better as the season progresses. Honestly, I think it took the Falcons win over the Raven’s Thursday night to give them the attention they deserve (They’re 7-2!) The Eagles haven’t gotten much love as a team, either.

Momo: For me the least talked about team has been the Falcons. A lot of people don't realize they are 7-2 and Matt Ryan is 15-1 as a starter at home and if this team gets home field advantage, watch out. Underrated, I would say the Steelers fit in that mold. Think about how they survived their first four games without Big Ben. Now with him back they are starting to get back into rhythm in their passing game. And is there a better defensive player than Troy Polamalu? I think not.

Wait Until All The Truth Comes Out

What a last 10 days it has been for Cam Newton. First he was on top of the college football world, number #1 team in the land, Heisman front-runner, undefeated and could possibly play for a the BCS title. He and the Auburn Tigers looked like worlds beaters. Then it happened, a rumor out of Mississippi St. that Cam's dad, Cecil, wanted money from the school in order to get his son to play in Starkville. Next Florida released information about Newton that he cheated at least three times and stole a laptop and was on the verge of expulsion from that university. Now people are jumping to judgement saying Newton should be ineligible to play for the rest of the season and also people stating they won't vote for him for the Heisman.

That was the recap here's my take:

Everyone is running out trying to scope each other without verifying facts. The "source brothers" are making all the statements. Info is coming from unnamed people, some with an axe to grind against Newton for not coming to their school. Take Florida for instance, that information about him cheating and possibly being expelled should have never been leaked. Urban Meyer quickly stated he did not do it but he knows who did. The coach never wants to be connected directly to it but he does know who leaked it. Its always two or three people removed. Meyer is feeling the heat because everyone talked about how he let Newton go and their team would be much better than it is today.

The other thing I love to hear how writers try to take moral stands against kids. A Foxsports.com writer who broke the Newton cheating story stated he wouldn't vote for Newton because he cheated in college, like no one ever cheated in college!! I love it when writers take stands on moral issues as if they have lived a life of perfection. Kids in college cheat, whether they are athletes are not. A person can change and grow from situations that defined them in the past. If you don't like the redemption story of Newton, then fine. Just don't act like you are above reproach in life.The only thing that should matter with Heisman voters should be if he is eligible and if he is the best player in college football, Cam Newton is both.

As far as the money issue goes, if he received money then the NCAA should investigate and if Cam is found guilty, then Auburn will have to vacate wins, if not then all the writers and networks should have to apologize for dragging this kid and his family through the mud. that second part will not happen. College sports is sleazy and all though there are rules, agents and players find a way around them. How many times does an envelope of cash magically appear in front of a players room or in their mailbox? Countless times and no one can do anything about that. In this information age we see writers chasing bits of a story instead of getting the whole story and in the end that hurts the game and its players.

5th Quarter (College)

Didn't See That One Coming

1. LSU ending the Tide Run: On any given Saturday a team can take down a superior opponent, that is what makes college football so great. No one outside of the Tigers of LSU locker believed they would beat Alabama. Les Miles rotating of Jefferson and Lee proved too much for the Crimson Tide. Biggest play of game was on a 4th and 1, Miles called a WR reverse in the 4th quarter and it propelled LSU to the win. Now Alabama will not get a chance to defend their title, and that's fine by me.

2. Michigan Wins: In a game that featured 132 points scored, Michigan beat Illinois 67-65 in double OT. The Wolverines are bowl eligible for this first time under Rich Rod, and that's good for him. What has to be troubling is that is the most points scored against Michigan in its history!! The school has been around since 1879. If I'm Greg Robinson, I would not feel so secure in my job.

3. TCU Is Legit: The horned Frogs hammered Utah by 40. Andy Dalton, TCU quarterback, was 21-26 for 356 and won his 39th game in his career, most wins by any active players. Here's a guy that leads a high powered offense and team and does not get any love from the Heisman voters. Hopefully this win will put everyone on notice that TCU and Dalton should be taken seriously.

4. What Will Collapse The BCS: The BCS will collapse if the SEC is shut out of the National Championship Game. If Auburn loses twice and Oregeon loses, then Boise St. and TCU could play for the BCS and this will make SEC angry and therefore there will be a large push for a playoff. No one wants Boise St. and TCU playing for a title, including ESPN who is caring the game. The perception is it will be a ratings nightmare because there are no big time program involved. That is why the system is set-up for a one-loss team to leapfrog over a non-qualifier in the BCS. Here's the deal, what everyone forgets is two years ago Utah took the field against a one loss Alabama team and crushed them. On any given Saturday a team can beat be world beaters.

By the way congrats to Joe Paterno for becoming the first major college football coach to 400 wins. He's been coaching since 1964 at Penn St. This is a feat you will never see again. Paterno is a class act and this feat is incredible.

5th Quarter Part 1

Some thoughts on today's game:

1.The Best Game No One Will See: TCU vs. Utah is a huge game today but very few people will see it because its on CBS Sports alternative network. And that's too bad because these two teams are having fantastic seasons and the winner will have an edge to play for a national title.

2. Rich Rod: Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez needs to win two of his last four games to keep his job. The last two years the Wolverines have started out fast but fizzled in the end. The tough part is if they do replace RichRod that could set their program back years. Wolverines final four games, home today against Illinois,at Purdue, Wisconsin and at Ohio St.

3. Speaking of setting back a program: The Notre Dame situation has Brian Kelly in a tough spot. Even though the chancellor has said the school takes responsibility for the death of the student videotaping in high winds, Kelly made the decision and that is going to hang around him and the program for as long as he coaches. The other problem is recruits are bailing and the state of Indiana and the school is still investigating the accident. Its just not a good situation for all parties. Kelly is the right guy for the job, I just don't know if this tragedy will allow him to stay.

4. Missouri Tigers: Coach Gary Pinkel said after the Nebraska game,"We probably should have ran the ball more to keep them honest." Really? I believe someone said the same thing last week.

5. Two Games To Watch: Alabama-LSU and Arizona-Stanford

More later on...

The End Zone

1.Randy Moss waived by the Vikings, picked up by the Titans, good fit?

Momo: The Vikings. Mainly Brad Childress totally screwed this up. Moss is a malcontent, and you had him in a contract year. Childress has no control over the locker room and Moss saw that and took advantage of it. Chilly, as they call him should have stood up to Favre last year and he would have the respect of the rest of the Vikings. That said, the Titans are a good fit because Moss needs a discipline coach that he respects. If you look at when he was with the Vikings and Pats, he produced for those guys, meaning Denny Green and Belichek. I figured the Rams or Steelers would get Moss for those exact reasons. Moss will respect Fisher because he is a proven coach with a great track record, there was no respect for Childress which is why this move was bad. On a side note, the Pats got another top pick and end up winning the deal.

kdc: If I’m a Hall of Fame voter, I’m not sure how I can put Moss in. Lots of talent (an incredible amount of talent! More talent than any other NFL receiver in history?) but no obvious love for the game & unconvincing stats. Sad, because he’s (still) amazing when he wants to be. That said, I think it’s a nice calculated gamble by the Titans, because theoretically they have little to lose but some money - they’re unlikely to catch the Colts w/out Moss. Unless Moss poisons Vince Young somehow (attitude-wise, not physically) there are enough veterans around to either keep him in line or ignore his antics. That said, I don’t remember Moss listening to Dennis Green at the end of his first stay w/the Vikings. He’s a time bomb, & you just gotta unload him right before he implodes.

2. Shanahan versus McNabb, who's side are you on?

Momo: McNabb. Shanahan first alienated Haynesworth, now he is doing the same to his quarterback. Shanahan pulled McNabb from the game because he does not feel Donovan can win him big game. To me it’s funny how a Hall of Fame quarterback makes a coach looks better, John Elway made Mike Shanahan look good as a coach, McNabb is not going to stick around Washington long enough to do the same. Shanahan should have never said he wasn't smart enough to run the two minute drill or that he was out of shape, that may come back to haunt him.

kdc: I think this one’s gotta play out over some more time. I don’t disagree w/the Elway-Shanahan argument. What I disagree with is the assumption it’s about this game. There are now whispers about McNabb’s work ethic (stories are starting to surface in Philly), TO nailing McNabb for freezing up in the Super Bowl (as if he weren’t quite prepared), & stats that fail to impress (isn‘t his QB rating in the 70s?). Why was Washington the only serious suitor for this starting QB? I don’t think Shanahan is a genius (he mishandled the Haynesworth situation), but I’m not sure he isn’t sending a message to McNabb about his preparation. Let’s see what happens over the rest of the season…

3. At the halfway point of the season, I was wrong about…

Momo: How good the Tampa Bay Bucs and St. Louis Rams are. Both teams are prime to make big runs at the playoffs and have way more wins that I thought they would. I figured both teams would finish the season with four to five wins, they already have those now. How good the Jets would be. I thought this team was overhyped but they have matched all of it and more. Rex Ryan has those drinking the Kool-Aid and they love it.The Raiders and Chiefs becoming relevant and being very competitive. Over the last few years both of the proud franchises have been the butt of jikes around the league. Completely dysfunctional,, multiple coaching changes and apathetic fan base. This season has made it feel like it is 1990, when these two teams battled routinely for the top spot in the AFC West. Who knew Joe Montana and Bo Jackson were still playing.

kdc: Sam Bradford being ready for prime time as the Rams QB. I so wanted them to snag Suh in the draft. If Colt McCoy turns into a B+/A- QB, it will still be the wrong choice because then they could’ve had Suh & McCoy, but early on, Bradford is the real deal.The Packers being stronger. I still think they should still be in the NFC Championship Game (at least), but they’re jelling the hard way instead of the mature way. (& no, I don’t think the injuries have radically changed their locker room jelling).The Patriots being mediocre. Sorry, but I always root against the Patriots & I’m distressed that they’re back in winning form. Thought it would take another season. Now I’m in the uncomfortable position of rooting for the Jets to win their division.That Wade Phillips would lead an undefeated Cowboys to a Super Bowl championship. Nah! Just kidding.

Good Guys Of The Week

Forever Friends

There are some stories that when you here them they give you chills, and this is one of them. These two guys will forever be connected. Zac Etheridge and Rodney Scott show that in sports there are miracles that can happen off the field as well. I truly hope you enjoy this story. Please let me know if you did.

Zac Etheridge and Rodney Scott Bond