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

5th Quarter (College)

LetDown Saturday

1. Mizzou vs. Nebraska-All that magic of last weeks win over the Sooners was left in Columbia when the Tigers faced Nebraska. The sad thing is Mizzou actually had a decent chance to beat the Huskers but just allowed too many big plays. Roy Helu Jr rushed for a school record 307 yards as the Huskers dominated the Tigers physically, even without Taylor Martinez. Running the ball like that at Nebraska and setting a record is saying something.For all the balance the Tigers had last week, the depended entirely on Gabbert and the passing game. Gary Pinkel and David Yost, the offensive coordinator, have to find balance to keep teams honest. Just another missed opportunity.

2. Mich St. vs. Iowa-The Spartans never even got off the bus. Iowa is a good team but at least compete in your toughest and biggest game Sparty. Seriously.

3. Oregon vs. USC-Can anyone stop the Ducks? Highly unlikely with the way they are playing right now.

4.Pac-10- Is pretty good besides Oregon. Stanford and Arizona are really good football teams both with one-loss that could compete with anyone in the nation. The knock on the Pac-10 in years past is they never play defense. These two teams actually hang their hats on the defensive end of the field.

5. SEC West-Is probably the most dominant division in all of college football. 4 of the 5 teams in the top 25. Cam Newton didn't run the ball well but he threw it really well and in the long run that will help to keep the Auburn Tigers on top of the west.

6. Baylor-Has always been a joke in football but this year they are bowl eligible and just knocked off Texas for the first time in Austin since 1991. The Bears are now tied for first in the Big 12 south, who would have ever thought that.

The End Zone

1. More devastating loss on Sunday was it the Saints losing to the Browns or the Raiders over the Broncos?

kdc: Raiders over the Broncos. The Saints are still in the hunt, albeit shaky & unfocused. The Broncos are dead. I’d give the Cowboys a better chance of getting into the playoffs than Denver. Look at it this way, they won their first 6 games last year, then totally imploded (despite Kyle Orton’s great efforts). They’ve never really recovered. They have an unproven coach in a football mad town that had realistic playoff hopes this year. Yes, AFC West is so weak, so they still might. Yes, they’ve had key injuries on defense. But still, this has “suicide watch” written all over it.


Momo: Its easily the Saints losing to Cleveland. This year’s version of the Saints are experiencing a serious Super Bowl hangover. They have lost games to two rookie qb’s one drafted in McCoy and another undrafted in Max Hall of the Cardinals. They are without one their key weapons in Reggie Bush and now their offense is desperately looking for any type of a running game. Their division is a lot tougher with the Falcons and Bucs playing extremely well. Just like Pittsburgh last year, it will be hard for the Saints to make the playoffs.

2. Who is more likely to make it back from London, Josh McDaniels or Mike Singletary?

kdc: Mike Singletary. I think ownership & the city aren’t single-handedly blaming Singletary because he started mid-season in a bad situation & righted a sinking ship. Everyone seems to be blaming McDaniels. If the 49ers win, it’s huge. If the Broncos win, they were supposed to.


Momo: Can both stay in London and sight see together, maybe take pictures by Big Ben. McDaniels is the one who shouldn't’t come back. He is 4-13 over his last 17 games after starting 6-0 last year. Getting rid of all the Broncos talent will be the downfall. Maybe that Belichek coaching tree isn’t so great.


3. In the SI poll of most overrated players, did you agree with the top 5 (Terrell Owens / Romo/ Mark Sanchez / Haynesworth/ Eli Manning)?

Yes for:

kdc: TO laid a big goose egg in Buffalo, when he had a chance to hog the limelight in a small market.

Momo: Ok old man, don’t hate on TO because he had one bad year in Buffalo! His entire body of work shows for the majority of the time he produces for his team. I tend to believe he is rated so high because he is always in the news whether for contract or attitude. The only place he didn’t produce was Buffalo and that is because they don’t have a quarterback.


kdc: Romo is captaining the Cowboys to the bottom of the ocean & has never won anything except flashy girlfriends. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)

Momo: I would have put Romo first because he is so overrated. Just because you are the Cowboys quarterback it does not make you good.


kdc: Haynesworth made himself the posterboy for greed & out-of-shapeness, then hasn’t played worth $10 (until last week).

Momo: To me not overrated, he’s just with the wrong team. Staying in Tennessee would have suited him better.

No for:

kdc: I don’t like NY teams, but…calling a 2nd year player “overrated” is a bit absurd. I don’t read anywhere that Sanchez is the reason for the Jets success – he’s just Trent Dilfer not losing games (most of the time). How can that be “overrated”?

Momo: Again I think the NY media machine causes people to think he is overrated. Sanchez is solid and still growing.

Hmmm…

kdc: Is Eli overrated because he’s not Peyton? Is he the only reason the Giants have languished in mediocrity since the Super Bowl win? Hmmm. I don’t think he’s been amazing, but I’m not sure he’s seen as so important (as his brother is in Indianapolis) that the team can’t win without him.

Momo: Eli is not overrated. I believe he is a top ten qb. He isn’t a world beater all the time but he does get the ball to his receivers and manages the game very well. The majority of the teams in the NFL would love to have in as a starter for their squad.