Come One, Come All

The Atlantic Coast Conference managed to keep a colossal story under wraps until Friday – a revelation that sent an earthquake through college athletics.  The University of Pittsburgh and Syracuse University will make the leap from the Big East to the ACC, but the Big East will require both schools to satisfy their contractions until the summer of 2014.  Many feared that the ACC may be one of the lost conferences during the "Super Conference" expansion process, but this move solidifies the ACC place going forward.

The ACC has confirmed that other schools have contacted the conference about joining but would not give any details during the teleconference on Sunday.  Among the rumored schools are University of Connecticut, the University of Texas at Austin, and Rutgers University.  Texas has been the most desirable school to add since day one because of their consistent relevance in both basketball and football.  However, Texas may end up trying to keep the Big-12 alive or join Notre Dame as an independent because of their newly founded Longhorn Network.

Not every conference is as eager to join the ranks of the ACC and Big-Ten (which really needs to change their name since they now have twelve members and the Big-12 is already taken – by a school that now has only ten).  The Pac-12 declined the additions of Texas and Oklahoma on Tuesday and plans to stick with their twelve program memberships for the time being.  The "Super Conference" movement is an entirely football related decision for these universities and it places a new burden on their non-revenue generating sports; golfers and volleyball players from Florida State University will now have to make trips to one school in particular, making a more than 1,200 mile excursion to Syracuse, New York as a necessary appearance in conference play. Colleges are hoping that the new conferences will create new sources of revenue, due primarily to lucrative television contracts, as their central effort make up for the losses of their other athletic programs.

Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled that this may be a step toward correcting the BCS.  Everyone knows that post season college football is flawed and turns many fans off.  Nevertheless, football resolving their dilemma at the expense of the other athletic programs exhibits a lack of creativity by the system. College athletics are no longer about the athletes, regardless of how much we want them to be; financial gain is at top of the food chain.

NC State Week 1 Recap

The smell of charcoal burning.  The thud of bean bags smacking cornhole boards.  Footballs crowding the air space like an international airport.  College football was finally back Saturday.  However, the NC State offense did not get the memo.  The WolfPack were out gained by the FBS Liberty Flames 406 yards to 318.  It took seven Liberty turnovers and two big returns from the defense and special teams for the Pack to extinguish the Flames 43-21. (Sorry, super cheesy I know)

Rumbles of Russell Wilson could be heard throughout the stadium after the WolfPack's slow start.  I even heard someone calling for Tom O'Brien's job/head.  (He was rather belligerent)  Mike Glennon's debut was indeed quite vanilla, completing 58% of his passes for 156 yards and one late touchdown.  Glennon was hounded with pressure throughout the game by a Liberty defensive line that should have been out classed.  The NC State offensive line has been problematic for some time but Wilson was able to mask their inadequacies during his tenure.  His ability to turn a broken play into a 20 yard scramble is what made him such an asset to coach O'Brien.  The WolfPack can no longer hide this glaring weakness.  


Despite the pressure, Glennon was able to at least share the wealth, completing passes to ten different receivers.  One problem, All ACC tight end George Bryan was not among the ten.  What better of an asset for an inexperienced quarterback than a tight end of Bryan's caliber?  He has to be more involved for the WolfPack going forward.

One positive for the offense this past weekend was, even without starting running back Mustafa Greene, the Wolfpack's running game was able to average over 4.5 yards per carry.  Take away Glennon's negative 26 yards and the average settles around 6.5.  The running game's success will keep defenses honest and allow Glennon more time in a quarterback's favorite place, standing in the pocket.

In his debut, Glennon, neither impressed nor lost my trust.  He effectively managed the game and never seemed to lose his composure.  The offense was even able to find their stride in the fourth quarter, scoring touchdowns on three consecutive possessions.  The overreaction to the WolfPack's performance is to be expected given the circumstances, but first game butterflies aren't worth calling for a coach to be sent to the guillotine.  Look for Glennon and the WolfPack to build off their fourth quarter success against overtime defeated Wake Forest next Saturday.

-Pictures credited to: http://www.wralsportsfan.com/ncsu/

the Detroit Lions Preview

The Detriot Lions have not had a winning season in over a decade.  They have averaged under 5 wins a season since that 2000 campaign where they were a dominating 9-7.  To be kind, they have been a clear cut example of how not to run an profesional football franchise.  Former General Manager Matt Millen drafted four wide recievers in five years with their first round pick, all of which were top ten selections.  While I still hate the Armanti Edwards trade and the JaMarcus Russell selection,  Millen's draft selections from 2003-2005 are the worse in NFL history.  Not necessarily the players themselves but the impact those three players had on the Lion's franchise.

Since Millen's firing in 2008, the Lion's record hasn't imporved but their drafts have.  Ndamukong Suh is a freak talent and a cornerstone that every team dreams to build around.  Due to surgery on his left foot, Nick Fairley is yet to make his NFL debut.  But when the time comes for Suh and Fairley to line up side by side NFL centers and guards will freeze harder than a deer in headlights.  Matt Stafford, in the rare instances that he's been healthy, has earned enough respect around the NFL for my boss to draft him over super bowl champion Eli Manning and coming off a ten win season Josh Freeman.


See the Picture above.... Stafford has only played in 13 games since being drafted first overall in 2009.  While their success this season may live and die on Stafford's health, the Lions still have a few other obstacles preventing them from becoming a playoff contender.  The Lions have lacked a consistent rushing game for the past four seasons, averaging around 90 yards a game.  Not to mention the play in one of the toughest divisions in football.  The Lions will be playing both contestants of the 2011 NFC Championship game twice this season. TWICE!  Also on tap for the Lions is the NFC South which hosted three 10 win teams.  (Lions are away in 2 of the 3)  Their schedule is too tough for me to jump on board that this will be their "break out" season.  I see the Lions only winning 5-7 games 2011 but their future looks bright.

The Jurgen Klinsmann Era Begins

The Klinsmann Era must have missed the starting gun.  The US looked like 11 zombies going through the moitions during the first half of play.   The Mexicans fluid game dominated the pace of the match early and often, rarely making a costly turnover.  Any flow the US created was quickly thwarted by a Mexican defender or a careless pass.  A rather bleak beginning to the match.

The substitutions made by Klinsmann seemed to immediately spark the US and in the second half things began to turn around.  The ball remained in the US's attacking third for the overwhelming majority of the last thirty minutes.  Juan Agudelo's vision of play continually lead him to dangerous points of a attack for the US and eventually helped create Robbie Rodger's goal in the 72nd minute.  Agudelo finding never ending holes in back lines allows Landon Donovan to roam freely.  At times Donovan struggles to find his home on the pitch but with Agudelo's passing prowess, he's able to play off the ball and be that dangerous goal scoring threat.


Don't want to overreact to only thirty minutes of play but Brek Shea was a nice addition to the midfield.  His shear height and physicality are rare to see in soccer and gave the smaller Mexican side fits.  Just not sure where he fits with Dempsey in the lineup.  Overall, we were very unfortunate not to awarded a PK or be playing up a man for the final seven minutes when we continued to pour the pressure on the Mexican defense.  A draw isn't what the US wanted but it is something to build on going forward.

Klinsmann has several matches this fall leading up to 2014 Qualifying and will be able to tinker with his lineup until he finds the right team to have fun with each other.  And that's what soccer is all about.  Having fun.  Finding a team that builds off one another.  Football is a game of strength.  Basketball a game of rhythm.  Soccer is a game of creativity.  That's what Klinsmann was brought her to do, instill creativity in our players.

We Supported Butch!

The Butch Davis era at UNC is no more, leaving the majority of the UNC fan base scratching their heads.   Not so much the decision to relieve coach Davis of his duties (Nine NCAA violations in four seasons, 14 players suspended last season on Opening Day, an associate head coach on payroll with an agent, and so on) but the timing of the decision, coming only six weeks before kick off against James Madison.  Chancellor Holden Thorp did not point to a specific transgression for the abrupt firing but stated that, “What started as a purely athletic issue has begun to chip away at this University’s reputation.”

UNC will also lose athletic Director Dick Baddour, who went to bat several times for former defensive end Michael McAdoo during the hearing for McAdoo’s ineligibly appeals.  McAdoo was suspended at the beginning of the 2010 season for receiving impermissible help from a tutor and blatant plagiarism.  McAdoo's term paper appears to be a collage of sources pieced together rather than a student's work.   

Now the question has to be asked; was this worth having a relevant football program?  To befoul a prestigious public university?  To be black balled like a baseball player’s career after steroids?  UNC knew full well the risks associated with hiring a coach like Davis, like Kentucky’s hiring of John Calipari. (Just wait Kentucky, you’re time will come… just wait)  To be surprised that during Davis’s tenure these violations were possible is simply naive.

UNC had only one winning season in the past six prior to Davis’s hiring.  Did no one wonder how Chapel Hill was suddenly was overflowing with five star recruits and NFL first round draft picks?  College football programs are not built over night but Butch did just that.  He made UNC relevant on a national level with talks of BCS championship potential before the 2010 season, and the 14 players being suspended. 

Butch’s name alone made UNC an attractable option for top tier talent over night.  So UNC fans can’t be that upset.   Those were the best four years your program has seen in the past decade.  And just like that girl you dated that was way out of your league, you knew that she would break your heart someday.  

NFL Free Agents Part 2

Wide Receivers

·        Randy Moss

• How much does the 34 year old Moss have left in the tank?  Is he fully focused on football or "straight cash homie?"  Signing Moss this season is a gamble that you only take if you're on a "heater."  By that I mean, only if you are a playoff team seeking that last piece that will lead you to Indianapolis in February. 
• If you doubt that he has anything left in the tank then allow me to beg to differ.  A wide receiver’s talents don’t jump off a cliff once he hits a certain age like running back.  They slowly climb down the mountain.  The speed goes.  The athleticism leaves.  Eventually they’ll have nothing left but their hands.  However, less than a year ago, Moss burned one of the league’s premier corners (Revis) and finished the play off with a one handed touchdown snag without breaking stride or securing it to his body. (http://bit.ly/hjqnCS)   Does that sound like a guy who has fallen down that cliff?
• Yes, he does have character issues.  But as I mentioned earlier, you only sign him if you’re on a “heater” and have a legitimate chance of making a Super Bowl run.  (Pat, Jets Steelers, Colts, Saints, Falcons, Ravens, so on...)
  
  
• Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd, and Legedu Naanee 
• The Chargers have been one of the NFL’s top passing teams over the past three seasons, finishing in the top 10 for passing yards each season.  Their wide receivers aren’t necessarily the fastest or the most skilled in the league either.  What they are?  TALL.  Their top four targets, Floyd, Gates, Naanee, and Jackson, average 6’4’’ in height.  Most defensive backs stand at 5’11’’, making Rivers’s life behind center much easier. 
• The Chargers can’t afford to lose all three or to sign all three.  Jackson has made it very clear that he won’t be happy in San Diego without a top dollar, lengthy contract.  However, the offense last season didn’t skip a beat last season during Jackson’s absence proving that he is replaceable.  Floyd has to stay healthy though for this to work though. (only playing in 16 game once during his 6 years in San Diego) 
• Braylon Edwards

• With Santonio Holmes off the board (Holmes will ink a 5 year, $50 million contract on Friday) the Jets will more than likely let Edwards walk. 
• Edwards will command a decent amount of attention during this next week and some team will eventually break down and sign him to a lengthy and lucrative contract.
• And eventually that team will experience the same headaches that the Jets and Browns were put through during their time with Edwards.  A large bodied receiver with poor decision making and even worse hands.
• Sidney Rice
• Donovan McNabb’s trade to the Vikings clearly shows that they aren’t interested in waiting for Ponder to develop and want to win NOW.  Which they should.  Peterson is their star and the focal point of their offense.  Running backs are only so productive for so long.
• Resigning Rice has to be a priority for the Vikings this week.  If Rice isn’t an option then look for another wide receiver that can stretch the field deep to sign there to compliment Harvin and Berrian. 
• Plaxico Burress

• I don’t know why people think he is going to be out of shape?  What else is there to do in prison other than read, work out, and curb stomp people?  We saw how prison humbled and transformed Vick last season.  What’s stopping Plax?  His position is even easier than Vick’s to jump into after a long break.
• A short and mid level did would make Plax a huge steal this offseason.   
• Other Notable Free Agent Wide Receivers
• Steve Smith – NY Giants – Stays in New York unless they bring in Plax
• Santana Moss – 3 year contract is the most I would give him
• Lance Moore – Probably stays in New Orleans
• Mike Sims-Walker – tons of talent wasting away in Jacksonville
• Steve Breaston
• Early Doucet –Both Breaston and Doucet are very skilled and have been over shadowed by Boldin and Fitzgerald.  Low value but high talent.  They get the “Best Buy” award.

Football is in the Air

It is almost here.  The NFL lockout is almost over and training camp is scheduled to open up this Saturday, July 23rd. (Doubt it'll take place that early but it is that close.  Can't you feel it!?)  The next month will resemble fast-forwarding through a VHS of Hard Knocks more than a typical NFL preseason.  The league as a whole has too much to accomplish in less than a month before the Hall of Fame game. (August 7th, which I guess will be rescheduled and the number of preseason games cut down to three)  Typically by mid-July the majority of free agents are signed and contract hold outs heat up as training camp nears.  Due to the lockout, all of this is about to happen in a matter of weeks instead of months.  Imagine if tailgating was only allowed for one hour before games versus the standard five.  Students would be bonging and shot gunning every beer in sight, complete chaos.  To exasperate the situation, last season was an uncapped year so the number of free agents is higher than the majority of seasons.  Anyways here are some of top players at their positions that could potentially be wearing a different helment in a few weeks .

Quarterbacks

• Carson Palmer

• He clearly wants out of Cincy and if he had a sane owner he'd be getting his wish shortly.  Mike Brown (Not the new Laker) has made it clear that he won't be told what to do and would go as far as to sit Palmer for the final year of his deal or force Palmer to retire.
• UFL is always an option if Palmer is indeed forced to retire but hopefully Brown will recognize that he just screwed over Palmer enough in the new CBA and trade him for some draft picks. 
• Kevin Kolb
• Michael Vick is the Eagles free agent quarterback, not Kolb, but it's obvious that they will be resigning Vick. 
• Reid and company plan on using Kolb as a pawn in a chess match.  He's still useful on the roster but they have no problem dropping him if it means taking out a rook or a bishop. (improving another piece of their team)
• I say keep him.  Vick's style of play puts him at risk of potential injury more than any other quarterback in the league. What is the harm in keeping Kolb until the trade deadline and then moving him?
• Donavan McNabb
• No way the Redskins bring McNabb back for a repeat of the most embarrassing season of his career.
• There are several teams that with the addition of a veteran QB could make a leap to the next level. (49er's, Vikings, Seahawks, Cardinals, Raiders) All of which are a possibility for McNabb to finish off his career on a high note.

Running Backs

• Deangelo Williams

• This one is personal and I believe it is going to end badly for me.  The Panthers were depleted with injuries on top of their horrid play last season and were able to see several options at running back throughout the year; Williams, Stewart, Goodson.
• The majority of the buzz I've heard is that Williams is out and Stewart and Goodson will share the snaps this season.  I totally understand not wanting to over pay a running back in today's NFL game, especially when you have other productive options on the roster. 
• I believe the Panthers are over looking how productive Williams can be (5.1 ypc) and how important it is to have depth at the running back position.  One other tidbit; Williams has only fumbled the ball 5 times in as many years.  Stewart has fumbled the ball 9 times in only 3 years.  Goodson fumbled it 4 times alone last season on 103 carries.
• Nothing is more important than ball control in the NFL.  You win the turnover game and 95% of the time you win the game.  How do you justify rebuilding a franchise with two guys proven to drop the rock?  Fork over the money Jerry for the All-Pro caliber of player that Williams has been and can be again.
• Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams
• The first of the back field mates that are on the market simultaneously.  Doubt the Dolphins bring both back, making their decision cloudy at best.  Williams is 34 and anything other than a two year deal would be out of the question.  Brown has made it clear that he struggles to make it through an entire season (only one 16 game season under his belt) and a top dollar contract for him wouldn't be plausible either. 
• The Dolphins drafted Daniel Thomas out of Kansas State in the 2nd round of this year's past draft making it evident that at least one of the two key members to their "Wildcat" offense will be on the market.  I fully expect it to be Williams simply because of age but wouldn't surprised if neither returned to Miami next season. 
• Both will be able to find a team that they can "take their talents" to next season.
• Ahmad Bradshaw
• Previously a member of the trio "Earth, Wind, and Fire," Bradshaw has became a focal point of the Giants offense.  Do the Giants allow him to hit the open market?  NO WAY.  Brandon Jacobs is a beast but is exclusively a downhill runner.  Having two running backs that have opposite playing styles keeps a defensive on their toes and provides the necessary versatility for a successful offense.
• Doubt he could go to a team and be the featured back.  Bradshaw loves to put the ball on the floor (had 7 fumbles last season alone) and is a little undersized to carry the entire load.  Put him with a big bruising back (like Jacobs or LeGarrette Blount) and he makes a very nice addition in the back field.
• Cedric Benson
• The lockout could not have come at a worse time for Benson.  He was just arrested for the second assault charge in as many years.  Without the lockout, Benson would have already been signed to a team instead of clearing his name and pleading his case to them.  
• On the bright side, Benson has rushed for over 2,300 yards during the past two seasons with the Bengals. (a team that is constantly behind in games)  Benson also doesn't have a ton of mileage on him at the age of 28.  Probably has another 3 or 4 years left in the tank as a serviceable anchor in a back field.
• Reggie Bush
• Reggie Bush's yardage (rushing + receiving) has decreased every season he has been in the NFL, eclipsing 1,000+ total yards only once. (his rookie season)  Bush has also missed 20 games during his first five seasons.  He demanded top dollar out of college because of his draft selection but no way does a team fork over that cash for him now.  That being said, Bush is one hell of an athlete and there are few things more impressive in the NFL than him healthy and in the open field.
• If Bush is willing to accept his role in the NFL and the contract that comes along with that role then he isn't completely out of the picture with the Saints.  Coach Sean Payton is in love with his play making abilities and Ingram serves a different purpose than Bush in the backfield.