Please forgive the lack of pictures (and formatting)...I am writing this post on my iPhone at an airport bar :P
Games to Watch @ the Sports Bar
Cowboys (8-7) - Redskins (9/6) 5PM
This is an absolute must-win for each team if they want in on the playoffs. The Cowboys are missing 5 of their starters due to injury, but QB Tony Romo has come through in the clutch lately. Redskins have a chance of winning the NFC East for the first time since '99 if QB RG3 keeps up his strong play w/minimal turnovers.
Packers (11-4) - Vikings (9-6) 1PM
Packers want to win this game to keep their #2 seed in the playoffs for the 1st week bye. Vikings need the W to make the playoffs; they will have their work cut out for them but have home field advantage and comeback story of the year (or dare I say all of football history?) with running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson tore his ACL in December of last year and rehabbed amazingly well to have such a rock star season this year (11TDs in 15 games and just under 1900 rushing yds).
Texans (12-3) - Colts (10-5) 10AM
The Texans have never won in Indianapolis but have the winningest road record in the NFL with 6-1. Their motivation to win is to secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs and a first week bye. Colts QB Andrew Luck has been badly off his mark for the last four games, so he needs to shape up and get his head back in the game to win. Texans beast of a defensive end JJ Watt hopes to keep Luck off kilter. Watt just needs 2.5 sacks to own the single-season record.
NINERS NOTES
The Cardinals suck. Period. The Niners need to KILL this game with a resounding W to show the rest of the league they're ready to throw down in the playoffs. I'm most worried about the injured Bash Brother, Justin Smith (who up until last week had the longest playing streak in the NFL, which is CRAZY considering he's on the D-line), it's speculated that he won't play until the 2013 season due to 4months of rehab for the detached bone spur and partially torn tricep...ick! Also out for the season is wide receiver Mario Manningham due to a knee injury sustained last week :/ On a brighter note, nine 49ers have been selected as starters for this year's Pro Bowl - inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman, free safety Dashon Goldson, running back Frank Gore, guard Mike Iupati, outside linebacker Aldon Smith, defensive tackle Justin Smith, tackle Joe Staley, strong safety Donte Whitner and inside linebacker Patrick Willis. Way to go!!
MISC NOTES OF SUCKITUDE
* Womp vs. Womp (Jets @ Bills) - both head coaches are prob going to get fired on Black Monday
* Bye-bye Tebow - after this failed experiment as a Jet, he's likely headed to Jacksonville next season
* Lions are on a 7-game losing streak
* Super Bowl Curse - reining SBXLVI champs need to win against the Eagles (w/QB Vick back) AND need the Cowboys, Vikings, and Bears to lose for a chance at the playoffs (suck it, Eli!!)
One last note - the Broncos are the hottest team in the league right now (on a 10-game win streak) and they've won these games, hands down. No botched calls or plays or nail-biters. They just win.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
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| Brady doesn't look so hot as a loser... |
NINERS!!!
With this win, the 49ers have CLINCHED a playoff spot! Now they just have to beat the Seahawks next week to ensure their win of the NFC West :)
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Warriors Shout-Out
I know I haven't written at all about the current basketball season even though we're already 20+ games in, but I NEED to mention how super amazingly awesome the Golden State Warriors have been doing! They just finished a 7-game road trip and came up on top 6-1. 6-1 <-- Franchise-setting record!! Yay Dubs!
BTW, David Lee, pictured above, has a killer stat line so far this season and fans are hoping that the Warriors current rise on the NBA radar will give him the exposure to get a well-deserved spot in next year's All-Star game (he's been snubbed in the past while on another team).
Random 90's Throwback
For those of you not into my NBA team of choice, this Blake Griffin (LA Clippers power forward) Kia commercial makes me feel old...he travels to 1995 to talk to his 6yr old self (I was a tween in '95). He does get props for (or I should say whatever fancy doo-dad in the Kia gets props for) choosing Montell Jordan's jam This Is How We Do It.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1h1aVorUjc
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| Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images / SF Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Warriors-beat-Atlanta-wrap-up-6-1-trip-4121667.php#ixzz2FCiBhN9X |
Random 90's Throwback
For those of you not into my NBA team of choice, this Blake Griffin (LA Clippers power forward) Kia commercial makes me feel old...he travels to 1995 to talk to his 6yr old self (I was a tween in '95). He does get props for (or I should say whatever fancy doo-dad in the Kia gets props for) choosing Montell Jordan's jam This Is How We Do It.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1h1aVorUjcNFL Week 15 - Things to Know @ the Sports Bar
As the season winds down, some match-ups become CRUCIAL while others are snoozefests. Here's what you need to know:
Possible Super Bowl preview? The Patriots score the most points in the league while the 49ers defense allows the least amount of points in the league. If you scroll down or have read any previous posts, you should know who I'm rooting for :P It won't be an easy task to come up with the W (the Patriots have not lost after Week 8 at home since 2008, ack!), but if the 49ers can get to Patriots QB Tom Brady and keep him off his rhythm, the Niners can take this game (assuming QB Colin Kaepernick has a near-perfect game). Eek, can't wait until 5:20PM!!!
QUICK NOTES
RANDOM TEBOW
THE GAME TO WATCH - 49ers (9-3-1) @ Patriots (10-3) 5PM
QUICK NOTES
- Redskins (7-6) - Browns (5-8): Redskins are on a 4-game win streak, but without QB RG3 due to a knee injury sustained last week. The Browns are on a 3-game win streak, but this is a must-win game for the Redskins to keep their playoff hopes alive.
- Vikings (7-6) - Rams (6-6-1): Vikings are holding on to their playoff hopes and need to get lanes open for Adrian Peterson to do his thing. Bad news for them: the Rams are on a 3-game win streak and haven't allowed a 100+yd rusher since Week 8.
- Giants (8-5) - Falcons (11-2): Although most analysts are picking the Giants to win, QB Eli Manning hasn't been all that consistent this year. I'm hoping the Falcons are pissed about losing last week and feed off the home advantage. Although they've already clinched their division, winning this game gives them a chance to clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs and home field advantage for the entirety of the NFC playoffs.
- These ^^^ three games are at 10am, the only game worth watching at 1pm is...
- Steelers (7-6) - Cowboys (7-6): Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger fell flat on his first game back from injury last week, so I expect him to be firing on all cylinders. Cowboys are hanging on to their playoff hopes so hard that WR Dez Bryant has a fractured finger, but is still opting to play (which could cause a long-term injury)
RANDOM TEBOW
Apparently, he's trying out his nonexistent acting chops in a TiVo commercial...hmm Tebow for TiVO?? The kids in this totally have more stage presence in their little pinkies :P
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| http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR6Lk4sjTks |
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
BCS 101...Kinda
Since Laurie is in finals mode, this blog has been devoid of any updates on NCAA FB, so here's a quick run-down on the college bowl game situation and some info on the BCS, Bowl Championship Series.
The BCS governs which teams will play in five official bowl games.
The 25+ other bowl games are essentially 3-hr long commercials for the corporation sponsoring it. These bowl games are good (A) for players - school pride and getting that last W for the season, (B) for the school/conference - since they get $$$ for participating in the game, and (C) for the corporate sponsors - EVERYONE fast-forwards commercials nowadays, so this is how you force your brand down an NCAA FB fan's throat.
There has been TONS of controversy about the BCS rankings since its inception in 1998, which is why a new 4-team playoff system will be introduced after the 2014 season. In general, this is how the BCS works -- there are rankings assigned to teams through three different avenues
with each poll equally receiving 1/3 of the weight. I KNOW THIS IS CONFUSING...many people have likened this process to monkeys on typewriters or any other combo of witchcraft and wizardry. Obviously these polls are filled with subjectivity...here is a parody from last year that further illustrates why the BCS doesn't make any sense. We've only got a couple more years of this headache, so yay to that!
Think about it...
Following a Playoff Bracket >>>> Trying to figure out who's in the lead in the polls mentioned above
The BCS governs which teams will play in five official bowl games.
- National Championship Game - #1 Notre Dame vs. #2 Alabama 01.07.13
- Rose Bowl - Wisconsin vs. #6 Stanford 01.01.13
- Orange Bowl - #15 Northern Illinois vs. #12 Florida State 01.01.13
- Sugar Bowl - #21 Louisville vs. #3 Florida 01.02.13
- Fiesta Bowl - #4 Oregon vs. #5 Kansas State 01.03.13
The 25+ other bowl games are essentially 3-hr long commercials for the corporation sponsoring it. These bowl games are good (A) for players - school pride and getting that last W for the season, (B) for the school/conference - since they get $$$ for participating in the game, and (C) for the corporate sponsors - EVERYONE fast-forwards commercials nowadays, so this is how you force your brand down an NCAA FB fan's throat.
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- The Harris Interactive Poll - various former players, coaches, media, administrators
- Coaches Poll - 59 head coaches of Bowl Subdivision Schools
- Computer Rankings - six different computer rankings are used and averaged, throwing out the high and low scores
with each poll equally receiving 1/3 of the weight. I KNOW THIS IS CONFUSING...many people have likened this process to monkeys on typewriters or any other combo of witchcraft and wizardry. Obviously these polls are filled with subjectivity...here is a parody from last year that further illustrates why the BCS doesn't make any sense. We've only got a couple more years of this headache, so yay to that!
Think about it...
Following a Playoff Bracket >>>> Trying to figure out who's in the lead in the polls mentioned above
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
NFL Week 14 - Games Worth Noting
** Thoughts and prayers go out to the Cowboys organization for losing player Jerry Brown in a fatal car accident early Saturday morning with nose tackle Josh Brent at the wheel.
Ravens 28 - Redskins 31/OT
Although Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (RG3) got injured during the last minutes of regulation, the Redskins were able to tie up the game to force OT and rally for their fourth straight win. RG3's injury is currently ruled as a sprained knee; fans are awaiting further testing to see if he'll be able to play against the Browns next week.
Bears 14 - Vikings 21
On paper, the Bears look pretty good with an 8-5 season record, but they have dropped four of their last five games, presumably due to all the injuries that have plagued their team. Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson (who is having a rockstar season overall) had an amazing game and rushed for 154yds, bringing his season total to 1,600. Peterson now has his sights set on rushing 2,000yds this season, which is a BIG deal, since only six players have reached this mark in NFL history.
Chargers 34 - Steelers 24
I have about the same regard of the Chargers, as I do the Raiders - I don't hate them, but it's nice to see California teams do well (BTW the Chargers are the ONLY SoCal team I am marginally ok with, haterade for all the rest). The Chargers are def not as talented as they used to be, but they managed to get their first W at Heinz Field and spoil the return of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (side note: if this blog becomes a total bust, at least I have learned how to spell Big Ben's last name correctly :P) The Chargers dominated the game and scored 2 TDs in the span of 12 seconds in the third quarter. Hopefully this game serves as a wake-up call for the Steelers and they get their head back in the game if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Dolphins 13 - 49ers 27
Before 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick's epic 50yd TD run late in the fourth quarter, one of the biggest things that fans cheered for at the SF Saloon (the 49ers bar in LA) was when Dolphins linebacker Jonathan Freeny attempted to down a punt at the 3-yd line but accidentally carried it into the endzone, resulting in a touchback. Let me repeat this - we cheered HARD for a touchback! The first half was lackluster to say the least, but luckily the Niners woke up enough to finally score some TDs in the second half.
Random 49ers Pop Culture Notable - Coach Jim Harbaugh was on Saved by the Bell (The College Years)!!! Although it's def not an Emmy award-winning performance, it's still pretty cool. He played Screech's cousin :)
Miscellany
- The Seahawks SPANKED the Cardinals with a 58pt shutout
- Panther's QB Cam Newton exacted revenge over the Falcons running 118yds, throwing 287yds and 2TDs
- Giants runningback David Wilson absolutely shined with 327 all-purpose yards in their win against the Saints
- MNF: The Texans have the best record in the league, but still managed to suck it hard against the Patriots
Ravens 28 - Redskins 31/OT
Although Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (RG3) got injured during the last minutes of regulation, the Redskins were able to tie up the game to force OT and rally for their fourth straight win. RG3's injury is currently ruled as a sprained knee; fans are awaiting further testing to see if he'll be able to play against the Browns next week.
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Bears 14 - Vikings 21
On paper, the Bears look pretty good with an 8-5 season record, but they have dropped four of their last five games, presumably due to all the injuries that have plagued their team. Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson (who is having a rockstar season overall) had an amazing game and rushed for 154yds, bringing his season total to 1,600. Peterson now has his sights set on rushing 2,000yds this season, which is a BIG deal, since only six players have reached this mark in NFL history.
Chargers 34 - Steelers 24
I have about the same regard of the Chargers, as I do the Raiders - I don't hate them, but it's nice to see California teams do well (BTW the Chargers are the ONLY SoCal team I am marginally ok with, haterade for all the rest). The Chargers are def not as talented as they used to be, but they managed to get their first W at Heinz Field and spoil the return of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (side note: if this blog becomes a total bust, at least I have learned how to spell Big Ben's last name correctly :P) The Chargers dominated the game and scored 2 TDs in the span of 12 seconds in the third quarter. Hopefully this game serves as a wake-up call for the Steelers and they get their head back in the game if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Dolphins 13 - 49ers 27
Random 49ers Pop Culture Notable - Coach Jim Harbaugh was on Saved by the Bell (The College Years)!!! Although it's def not an Emmy award-winning performance, it's still pretty cool. He played Screech's cousin :)
Miscellany
- The Seahawks SPANKED the Cardinals with a 58pt shutout
- Panther's QB Cam Newton exacted revenge over the Falcons running 118yds, throwing 287yds and 2TDs
- Giants runningback David Wilson absolutely shined with 327 all-purpose yards in their win against the Saints
- MNF: The Texans have the best record in the league, but still managed to suck it hard against the Patriots
Monday, December 3, 2012
Sunday...BLEH!!!
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| OMFG #$&*^%^#@(!#*&@($)^!!!!!! |
Niners 13 - Rams 16: I didn't even bother to write anything up about this game because it seemed like a gimme. The 9ers D played well! They only allowed two 50+yd field goals as legitimate earned scores...the Rams' first two points came from a botched safety call and their sole TD came from a stupid turnover by the 9ers' rookie QB, Colin Kaepernick. The 9ers offense definitely did NOT produce; Kaepernick had less than five minutes left in the game with the Niners up 10-2. All he had to do was run the clock with some short, ground plays for the win, but no...the Rams forced OT with the TD (& 2pt conversion) off Kaep's turnover. The Niners lost it in OT with a dropped pass that would have easily gone into the end zone and a missed field goal after getting prime field positioning. BAH. I don't think Alex Smith would have lost the game. Harbaugh - put Alex back in!!
Colts 35 - Lions 33: The Lions had this game...that is until Colts QB Andrew Luck decided to throw two TDs in the last three minutes of the game, the last of which happened with just seconds remaining on the clock. Luck went to Stanfurd and is vying against RG3 (and others but mostly RG3) for rookie of the year, so I don't want him to do well.
Steelers 23 - Ravens 20: This game was decided by a field goal that was scored in the last three seconds. The Ravens were ahead going into the fourth quarter, but the Steelers ancient fossil of a back-up to the back-up QB (Charlie Batch, 37yrs old) played a solid game and threw a TD pass to tie and got his team down the field far enough to score the game-winning field goal.
OTHER NOTABLES
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Bears Upset - Seahawks beat the Bears in OT 23-17 with a great showing from Seattle's rookie QB Russell Wilson. The Seahawks marched 97yds down the field to score a TD with less than a minute left in regulation, but the Bears were able to kick the game-tieing field goal as the clock expired. The game had a crazy ending with a Seahawks TD -- the receiver who scored the touchdown (Sidney Rice) was hit really hard coming into the end zone and the ball was knocked loose. After further review the TD ruling stood and the Seahawks won the game.
WORST GAME OF THE SEASON - Cardinals 6 - Jets 7. This game was SO bad that Jets starting QB Mark Sanchez was taken out even though Tebow wasn't available. They should have put that cute 9yr old girl QB Sam Gordon, she would have at least made it interesting.
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GO BEARS! - Happy Birthday Aaron Rodgers! Glad you got a W on your birthday (even though I loathe the Packers) :)
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Sunday, December 2, 2012
NFL Week 13 Weekend Preview
**First off, condolences to the Kansas City Chiefs organization and family of linebacker Jovan Belcher. If you haven't heard by now -- Belcher fatally shot his girlfriend then committed suicide in front of his coach and general manager at Arrowhead Stadium Saturday.
10AM GAMES
Colts (7-4) - Lions (4-7): This should be a fun game to watch because both QBs like to throw long passes and have the top two receivers in the league (Lions' Calvin Johnson is 1st w/1,257 receiving yards and Colts' Reggie Wayne is 2nd w/1,105yds). The Lions have lost their past three games, but the Colts don't fare very well on the road.
Cardinals (4-7) - Jets (4-7): The Cardinals won their first 4 games, but dropped the last 7. The Jets have been equally craptastic, underperforming the entire season, but have won the last three meetings, so the slight advantage goes to them. FUN FACT: Jets' QB Mark Sanchez (OC native and U$C alum) dated Eva Longoria. They broke-up around the end of October supposedly because he was bummed about his team's sucky record. Also! Packers' QB (and Cal alum) Aaron Rodgers commented on Sanchez' GQ spread and said “That’s embarrassing. Page 94 of the GQ thing here. That’s terrible.”
1PM GAMES
Steelers (6-5) - Ravens (9-2): Steelers' QB Ben Roethlisberger is out (still recovering from a dislocated rib and shoulder sprain) and their back-up QB Charlie Batch doesn't have a stellar record. Not only did the Ravens beat the Steelers during their Week 11 match-up, but they have won their last 15 consecutive home games. The only silver lining for the Steelers is that their Safety Troy Polamalu (U$C alum with crazy hair insured by Head & Shoulders for $1million) is back after missing seven games due to a calf injury.
Browns (3-8) - Raiders (3-8): or should I say Womp vs. Womp. The Browns have the #3 overall pick of this year's draft (but don't have much else going for them), whereas the Raiders have been going through some drama. Not only did four of its players get fined $26K each for a fight during last week's game against the Bengals, but it looks like their linebacker Rolando McClaingot kicked off the team got suspended for two games for being an all-around punk. McClain also vented on his facebook page saying he wants to play for a "real team"...no bueno, dude! you've just landed yourself a spot on the bench for the rest of the season.
5PM GAME - Eagles (3-8) - Cowboys (5-6)
The Eagles lost against Dallas three weeks ago, and most analysts predict this game will be more of the same. These teams were expected to do much better this season; I think the powers that be scheduled this as the evening game thinking it would be a good adjfhkss;;;;;;;;;;afgjj...oops, just fell asleep at my keyboard! Yawn to this game!
MNF - Giants (7-4) - Redskins (5-6)
RG3 is really good with his play-action fakes and can run with the ball too, so I'm hoping this trips up the Giants' defense and the Redskins upset last year's Super Bowl champs. The Redskins are playing to keep their playoff hopes alive and also looking to get their W against the Giants since the Giants eked out a win over them with a long touchdown in the last two minutes of their Week 7 game.
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Colts (7-4) - Lions (4-7): This should be a fun game to watch because both QBs like to throw long passes and have the top two receivers in the league (Lions' Calvin Johnson is 1st w/1,257 receiving yards and Colts' Reggie Wayne is 2nd w/1,105yds). The Lions have lost their past three games, but the Colts don't fare very well on the road.
Cardinals (4-7) - Jets (4-7): The Cardinals won their first 4 games, but dropped the last 7. The Jets have been equally craptastic, underperforming the entire season, but have won the last three meetings, so the slight advantage goes to them. FUN FACT: Jets' QB Mark Sanchez (OC native and U$C alum) dated Eva Longoria. They broke-up around the end of October supposedly because he was bummed about his team's sucky record. Also! Packers' QB (and Cal alum) Aaron Rodgers commented on Sanchez' GQ spread and said “That’s embarrassing. Page 94 of the GQ thing here. That’s terrible.”
1PM GAMES
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Browns (3-8) - Raiders (3-8): or should I say Womp vs. Womp. The Browns have the #3 overall pick of this year's draft (but don't have much else going for them), whereas the Raiders have been going through some drama. Not only did four of its players get fined $26K each for a fight during last week's game against the Bengals, but it looks like their linebacker Rolando McClain
5PM GAME - Eagles (3-8) - Cowboys (5-6)
The Eagles lost against Dallas three weeks ago, and most analysts predict this game will be more of the same. These teams were expected to do much better this season; I think the powers that be scheduled this as the evening game thinking it would be a good adjfhkss;;;;;;;;;;afgjj...oops, just fell asleep at my keyboard! Yawn to this game!
MNF - Giants (7-4) - Redskins (5-6)
RG3 is really good with his play-action fakes and can run with the ball too, so I'm hoping this trips up the Giants' defense and the Redskins upset last year's Super Bowl champs. The Redskins are playing to keep their playoff hopes alive and also looking to get their W against the Giants since the Giants eked out a win over them with a long touchdown in the last two minutes of their Week 7 game.
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