NFL Week 13 Thursday Preview

Saints (5-6) vs. Falcons (10-1)

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Sooo, the Saints' bus got egged on the tarmac at the airport after arriving in Atlanta. Egged! By fans of a 10-1 team! The Falcons are tied with the Texans for the winningest teams in the league, but the Falcons' sole loss was at the hand of division rival, the Saints. This is an absolute must-win game for the Saints if they want to have any hope of making it to the playoffs, so there's a lot riding on this game for them. You would think that winning against a 5-6 team wouldn't mean much to the Falcons, but Atlanta has lost 7 of the last 9 meetings with the Saints; the Falcons do NOT want to get swept.


Random Mancandy

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Ok, so I know he got waived before the start of the season, but Devin Goda did play three preseason games for the Baltimore Ravens before he went on to continue his modeling career. Abs...enjoy ;)

NFL Week 12 - Turkey Day Recap + Sunday Preview

Aloha! I have been traipsing around the Big Island of Hawaii, so please excuse the lack of a turkey day football preview. Ten minutes of the Cowboys-Redskins game is the extent of exposure I've had to any live sports while on Hawaii Standard Time, but here's a little Turkey Day football knowledge for you - 

• There are three games that are played on Thanksgiving (Lions vs. ___, Cowboys vs. ___, & League Choice for the night/primetime game)
• The Lions have been hosting since the 30's
• The Cowboys have been hosting since the 60's
• The use of throwback jerseys happens frequently

As you prob already know, this past Thursday the Lions lost to the Texans in OT (31-34), the Cowboys lost to the Redskins (31-38), and the Patriots murdered the Jets (49-19).

SUNDAY
49ers - Smith or Kaepernick? This is THE big question of the week and will be scrutinized for the rest of the season by the entire league. The niner's starting QB Alex Smith suffered a concussion a couple weeks ago and was not cleared to play last week, so Colin Kaepernick stepped in and had an amazing game. Smith has a 19-5-1 record over the past two seasons, which is really good, so giving the start to a back-up QB (which is most likely going to happen) who had one great game is kind of F'ed...if I were Alex I'd be pissed. Oh, and I guess I should mention that the 49ers (7-2-1) are playing the Saints (5-5). The Saints are ranked 32nd in the league (AKA LAST PLACE) in defense and they have a couple injured players on their O-line. The Niners defense is ranked 2nd in the league and their outside linebacker Aldon Smith is scary good (just 2 sacks shy of tying a record you prob don't care about). Advantage def goes to the Niners. 

10AM Games

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Vikings (6-4) - Bears (7-3): These teams are vying for 1st place in the NFC North and they're playing each other twice in the next three weeks. The Bears are coming off a short week with an embarrassing loss to the Niners, but will have their starting QB Jay Cutler back. The Vikings have lost 10 of the last 11 games in Chicago, so they'll need to do a lot for history not to repeat itself.

Falcons (9-1) - Bucs (6-4): The Falcons obviously have a better record (and the edge in this game), but the Bucs are on a 4-game win streak. Watch their running game against the Falcon's struggling run defense; if the Bucs can expose this they may sneak up and upset the Falcons.

5PM Game
Packers (7-3) - Giants (6-4): As a 49ers fan I want both teams to lose :) I'm hoping for a tie, but wishful thinking aside, the Packers have won in New Jersey (Yes, the NY Giants play in NJ) the last four times. Also, Giant's QB Eli Manning hasn't thrown a TD since Week 7. So with Eli's latest suckitude and with Aaron Rodgers all-around awesomeness, I think the Packers will eke this one out. 

Don't worry, I'll soak up a little extra sun for you :)

NINERS!!!

Bears 7 - 49ers 32

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Wow. Colin Kaepernick (CK-7) made me forget about Alex Smith tonight. Smith was not cleared to play after the concussion he sustained last week, so MNF became a battle of back-up QBs...actually, this wasn't a battle at all. CK-7 (UNR alum - Wolf Pack!) threw some laser passes for big plays and dominated the field while maintaining composure in the pocket. Da Bears' QB Jason Campbell, on the other hand, threw two interceptions and got sacked 6 times, 5.5 of which were done by Aldon Smith. With this monster game, Aldon has passed the Broncos' famous sack dancer, Von Miller, for the league lead in sacks. Woot. Woot.

In summary, THE NINERS ARE AMAZEBALLS! 

Weekend College Football Recap!

Ok, so I'm sure this is now people's ONLY source of football news, and you're all just dying to know WHAT HAPPENED this weekend!  Ok, that's sarcasm, you're mostly Zylah and my friends and you probably know exactly what happened this weekend.  But if you don't, here are the important things to know (and talk about) when you're wasting time at work tomorrow:

COLLEGE FOOTBALL (and only college football, because I was busy getting serious about greyhounds at the bar today)

The BIGGEST news is that USC somehow lost to UCLA, just kidding, Stanford beat No. 2 Oregon and Baylor killed No. 1 K-State!  So if you've been paying attention at all, there were 3 undefeated teams after 'Bama's upset last week.  Now, Notre Dame is the only undefeated team and superduper close to being in the BCS title game!  This upsets some college football fans because (as we discussed last week) it now looks like 'Bama WILL probably be in the title game.  (My much more sporty friend Zylah tells me that people don't like the SEC teams because they have won the last 6 BCS championships.  That sounds like middle school shit guys.)

Other unrelated questions - Where the hell is Baylor, and why does the mascot look like a not-as-smart Oski?

Ok, so if you live in LA, you probably watched USC play some terrible football on Saturday.  The Trojans started out poorly, and the the Bruins were able to get 24 points before USC pulled things together....a little.  The final game score was 38-28 but more importantly, Barkley got sacked, hard, by Barr (UCLA) in the fourth quarter and was unable to complete the game.  The internets tells me that he will not be playing in the USC/Notre Dame next week, so it sounds like he's preety hurt. 

So here's your summary: Oregon and K-State lost, Stanford and Baylor beat those respective teams, Notre Dame is probably going to the title game, and USC seriously sucks at football.

Other notable news

Get ready for some excitement.  Zylah and I will be highlighting some hot football players this week.  Maybe that will get some of you to actually watch the games, because more football drinking buddies are always welcome!

DISCLAIMER!  I have a thing for Jared Allen, it's weird, just go with it.  I promise we will cover better looking players!

And Tebow, every lady loves Tebow.  Tebow makes you want to love Jesus.  Truth.

Also, super important, the Broncos won.  Yay Peyton!

Sunday's NFL Recap

Steelers - Ravens

http://blog.steelers.com/2012/10/25/players-excited-to-wear-jerseys/

First things first...can the Steelers get rid of their throwback jerseys like, NOW?! Even though they resemble Cal's Rally Comm uniforms, these jerseys hurt my eyes...ugh!

Photo Courtesy of UCRC Historian

The Steelers are def not their best when without Roethlisberger; back-up QB Leftwich got sacked multiple times and intercepted in this poor outing. One of ESPN's headlines read "Baltimore is Boss" - 'nuff said.

Falcons - Cardinals

Atlanta's QB Matt Ryan threw FIVE interceptions. AND STILL WON. This was not a pretty game, especially considering that the Falcons were undefeated two weeks ago and the Cardinals were on a five-game losing streaking coming into the game.

The RG3 Show (aka Redskins - Eagles)

http://www.thepigskinreport.com/2012/09/nfl-player-of-the-week-rg3-flacco-take-home-week-1-honors/

I know I didn't mention this match-up in my preview (this game determined last place in the NFC East, snore!), but I have a crush on RG3 (Robert Griffin III). Or I just respect smart athletes like him and Washington Wizards' Emeka Okafor ;) --> their Wiki pages are linked if you care to know about their academic accolades. Current Washington Redskins QB and last year's Heisman Trophy winner played a nearly perfect game against the Eagles, throwing 4 TDs. I'm sure whoever had him in their fantasy league absolutely killed it this week. Sorry Eagles fans - sucks that your team is on a 6-game losing streak. Wompity-womp indeed.

Miscellany

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The other three games I mentioned in the preview - Packers/Lions, Colts/Patriots, and Chargers/Broncos - all ended up the way I predicted. 
Packers/Lions - GB's QB Aaron Rodgers didn't play his best game, but pulled through.
Colts/Patriots - The Pats scored 59pts and annihilated the Colts. Brady threw 3TDs. Luck (suck it, Stanfurd!) threw 3 interceptions.
Chargers/Broncos - Peyton Manning just tied John Elway for 2nd most wins ever for starting QBs, but Broncos' linebacker Von Miller (who has a penchant for hipster glasses) stole the spotlight with his sack dance (sounds dirty, I know :P) and all-around stellar performance. He sacked Chargers' QB Philip Rivers not once, not twice, but three times! and forced two fumbles. BTW, I just youtubed "Von Miller sack dance" (I'll wait for you to watch a couple of the clips). He does these sack dances for charity, so he gets a gold star for monetizing altruistic showboating :)

Games that went into OT 
Browns/Cowboys - Dallas' QB Tony Romo choked during the first half of the game, but rallied in the end despite losing a fumble to beat the now 2-8 Browns.
Bucs/Panthers - Panthers were up 21-10 with 6min left in the 4th quarter, but couldn't hold on as the Bucs came from behind and beat them in OT. 
Jaguars/Texans - The 1-9 Jaguars were on their way to the biggest upset of the week up 34-10 with 12min left in the 4th, but the 9-1 Texans prevailed. Their QB Matt Schaub threw for 527yds. 527!! ...not bad, especially considering he only threw for 95yds the week prior.

MNF - Bears/49ers
This will be a battle of the D-lines. I'm hoping that the 9ers' O-line protects Alex Smith better - no more concussions, please! Side note - I've been rather arts & crafts-y as of late and made this clip for the game (FYI it's made out of felt, beads, wire, and red glitter glue...obviously things I had just lying around the house). GO NINERS!!!

NFL Week 11 Preview

10AM GAMES

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Packers (6-3) - Lions (4-5): Green Bay has won 12 of the past 13 meet-ups and Aaron Rodgers (Cal alum | Go Bears!) is a rockstar QB and has the best on-the-road QB rating. The Packers have a couple injuries on their D-line, but the strength of their offense should carry them through the game.

Cardinals (4-5) - Falcons (8-1): The Falcons finally fell off their undefeated pedestal last week with a loss to the Saints, but have also won their last 8 home games. Nothing too exciting here, but if the Falcons intercept the ball, the Cardinals' QB will be owner of a stat of shame - being picked off at least once in the past 13 games...ouch!

1PM GAMES

http://www.vman.com/site/issue/5/FALL-2012

Colts (6-3) - Patriots (6-3): This rivalry game is the game to watch, since it's most likely a preview into the playoffs. Gisele's hubby Tom Brady has been solid leading the Pats' 3-game win streak. The Colts are faring just as well with a 4-game win streak of their own. Andrew Luck, the Colts' rookie QB (and Stanfurd alum, ick), is def living up to expectations, but needs to have a nearly perfect day to win in New England.

Chargers (4-5) - Broncos (6-3): Peyton Manning has been amazing, setting new records pretty much every week. Although the Chargers have won 11 of the last 13 head-to-head bouts, the Broncos have won the last two and have more momentum going into this matchup. Sorry Chargers fans, but you've already lost to the Broncos this season during Week 6  (completely spanked by allowing the Broncos to score 35 unanswered points in the second half), so I don't see this game going your way at all.

5PM GAME

Ravens (7-2) - Steelers (6-3): The Steeler's starting QB Ben Roethlisberger is out with a shoulder injury and back-up QB Byron Leftwich is in. Leftwich has lost his past 6 starts, so he's got an uphill battle to pull of his first W. The Ravens, on the other hand, won both of their two meetings last year and are looking strong.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL 

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Bears (7-2) - 49ers (6-2-1): Both teams' QBs sustained head injuries last week. The 9ers' Alex Smith is likely to play while the Bears' Jay Cutler (aka Mr. Kristin Cavallari) is def out. Both teams are in first place in their respective NFC divisions, but the Bears have not won in San Francisco since the '80s, so advantage goes to the home team.

**Important Note from Laurie:   Seriously, Someone comment, SOMEONE. I know of least 10 people who have viewed the site.  For godsake, just say SOMETHING!**

"Cute" NFL Logos

http://www.fastcodesign.com/1671229/rebranding-every-team-in-the-nfl#6

Before I give you my cursory low-down on NFL match-ups for this weekend, I thought you might enjoy this - http://www.fastcodesign.com/1671229/rebranding-every-team-in-the-nfl#1 - this dude put together concept logos for various NFL teams (a totally un-commissioned pet project). The only one I actually like is the 49ers one, and I'm not just saying that because I am a diehard fan. For the most part I think these logos are too girlie and he forces incorporating a football way too much. I think the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins logos are cute, but I doubt that any professional sports team would want their logo to evoke the word "cute". Anyway, this tidbit of info could score you brownie points with dudes (fun guessing game maybe), but it's perfect sports fodder with other girls - doesn't the NY Jets' logo look like a bug??

And Here We Go!!!

We (see bottom for who "we" are) are here to save you from making embarrassing remarks at the bar this weekend or from being otherwise unable to engage in meaningful conversation with other human beings during football season!   (True Story:  the words "who is Phil Jackson" came out of Laurie's mouth at a sports bar last weekend).  Hopefully we can prevent future incidents like this and be mildly entertaining at the same time!


COLLEGE FOOTBALL

What everyone should already know:  
Prior to last week, the top 4 teams, K-State, Oregon, Notre Dame, and Alabama were all undefeated.  But, on Saturday, to the enjoyment of a LOT of college football fans (who I guess don't like the former #1 team), Bama lost....

wompwomp.

Notre Dame, Bama, and K-State pretty much have gimme games against some not-so-awesome teams.  Nothing super exciting there.

The notable matchup in the top 3 is OREGON (2) vs. STANFORD (13).  (Here's what wins you brownie points at the bar)  Oregon has pretty much OWNED Stanford in the past, winning 9 of the past 10 meetings.  Additionally, the Oregon Ducks have home field advantage over the Stanford Cardinals.  Can we also point out that Stanfurd's mascot is a TREE?  So there's that too...

Another notable matchup this weekend (and kind of important for anyone located in southern California) - USC (18) vs. UCLA (17) - AKA the Battle for LA.  Let's be honest, both these teams kind of suck right now, so if you're not actually in L.A.... move on.

The Trojans have won 12 of the last 13 games against the Bruins, but UCLA's new coach (Jim Mora) has been able to bring the team from pretty bad over the past several years to less bad this year.  On the other hand, USC's coach (Lane Kiffin) has been making all kind of questionable decisions this year (and his student manager recently got fired for deflating game balls - BIG deal).  Fight on! 

So that wraps up what is going on in NCAA football this weekend.  So you're all covered for Saturday, You're welcome.

NFL

All you need to know...

Who We Are

College friends of over 10 years, Zylah and Laurie share a lot of interests, except Zylah is a die-hard sports fan who grew up listening to sports radio on her way to school in the morning (her teams are the Niners, SF Giants, Golden State Warriors, and of course, CAL).  On the other hand, Laurie is a newly minted USC and Broncos fan and does the bare minimum to hold up conversations at sporting events.