All You Need to Know about the Cats and Cards
The battle for the Governors' Cup is rapidly approaching. Who would have guessed that the dog days of summer are over. It's time to get down to football. Let's look at who the Cats are facing this week. I will try to do this every week for each game. Most times I'll have this done earlier in the week. Let me know if this is something you want me to continue doing...
Offensive Line:
The University of Louisville's offensive line stacks up like this:
LT George Bussey 6-4 298 So.
LG Danny Barlowe 6-4 287 So.
C Eric Wood 6-4 297 So.
RG Kurt Quarterman 6-5 328 Sr.
RT Renardo Foster 6-6 325 Sr.
The University of Kentucky's offensive line is looking like this:
LT James Alexander 6-5 281 So.
LG Christian Johnson 6-4 325 So.
C Matt McCutchan 6-3 310 Sr.
RG Michael Aitcheson 6-3 300 Sr.
RT Hayden Lane 6-6 275 Sr.
I would give this advantage to Kentucky. The line is bigger, older, and has a proven leader in Matt McCutchan. However, Louisville's right side is stacked with Quarterman and Foster.
Tight End:
Louisville
Gary Barridge 6-6 294 Jr.
Kentucky
Jacob Tamme 6-5 240 Jr.
I would give this advantage to Kentucky. Tamme is one of Kentucky's all SEC players however he is coming off of two shoulder surgeries in the offseason. If Kentucky is going to have any shot in this one Tamme has to have a big game.
Wide Recievers
Louisville
Mario Urrutia 6-6 228 So.
Harry Douglas 5-11 170 Jr.
Patrick Carter 6-3 200 Jr.
Kentucky
Keenan Burton 6-2 195 Jr.
Dicky Lyons Jr. 5-11 190 So.
This advantage goes to Louisville. Burton is a great WR but has been plagued with injury and the rest of the WR crew is young.
Running Backs
Louisville
Michael Bush 6-3 250 Sr.
Kentucky
Rafael Little 5-10 188 Jr.
This one has to go to Bush and Louisville. I expect to see Little do great things in the game, but he's going against a Heisman candidate. The sheer size and speed of Bush alone set Bush apart from any other running back in college football.
Fullbacks
Louisville
Brock Bolen 6-0 237 So.
Kentucky
John Conner 5-11 233 RS Fr.
Again, this one has to go to Louisville. Bolen is used to blocking for Bush and Kentucky is terribly inexperienced at this position.
Quarterback
Louisville
Brian Brohm 6-4 226 Jr.
Kentucky
Andre Woodson 6-5 232 Jr.
I shouldn't have to get into this one but I will... Advantage U of L. Brohm is a proven quarterback and Woodson is an experienced quarterback but one that has been plagued with fumblitis. Woodson could have won the game last year for the Cats. If he can hold onto the ball, he could have the possibility make up for last year. Until that happens, I'm going with the Heisman candidate.
Defensive Line
Louisville
DE Zach Anderson 6-4 262 Sr.
DT Amobi Okoye 6-1 305 Sr.
DT Earl Heyman 6-3 285 So.
DE Brandon Cox 6-4 250 Jr.
Kentucky
DE Durrell White 6-3 260 Sr.
DT Lamar Mills 6-1 285 Sr.
DT Myron Prior 6-1 307 So.
DE Dominic Lewis 6-3 258 Jr.
The experience level of this position is equal for both teams, but I'm going to have to go with Kentucky for White and Prior. I believe that those two are going to be forces on the D-Line for the Cats this year.
Linebackers
Louisville
SLB Malik Jackson 6-2 231 Jr.
MLB Nate Harris 6-1 235 Sr.
WLB Abe Brown 6-4 230 Sr.
Kentucky
SLB Johnny Williams 6-3 235 So.
MLB Braxton Kelley 6-0 226 So.
WLB Wesley Woodyard 6-1 212 Jr.
I would give this one a push. I like both the teams linebackers. Louisville's are a little bit more experienced, but with Kelley and Woodyard having played against SEC teams, I think they can hold their own. Look for Micah Johnson to get some playing time as well if he can get the mental part down.
Secondary
Louisville
CB Rod Council 5-11 189 So.
SS Jon Russell 6-2 194 So.
FS Brandon Sharp 5-11 195 Sr.
CB William Gay 5-11 184 Sr.
Kentucky
CB Karl Booker 6-1 190 Sr.
SS Roger Williams 6-0 200 Jr.
FS Marcus McClinton 6-1 210 So.
CB Trevard Lindley 5-11 195 RS Fr.
Because of the cornerbacks, this one goes to Louisville.
At 5-3-1 I would give the advantage to Louisville for this game. What it all could end up coming down to would be the special teams.
I would give the returning advantage to Kentucky. Little (PR) and Burton (KR) will steal the show over Carter (PR) and Council (KR). With the kicking tee being shorter, look for some great returns in this one.
The kicking advantage would go to Louisville. Carmody a Jr. has much more experience than the Housley the So. (who is trying to replace Begley).
I look for this game to be a lot closer than the spread suggests (barring a breakout game from both Bush and Brohm).
It feels good to be talking about football again.
Let me know if you thought this was helpful.
By the way, keep your man laws coming. We're almost to 10! Don't miss out on your chance to be a part of the sports huddle man laws!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
UPDATE ON MAN LAWS
You all have been great with helping us come up with the Sports Huddle Man Laws. Just so you all have a refresher as to what we've done so far here they are:
1. No one can interrupt a man during the 2nd half of a UK Basketball game. (Will)
2. No one may schedule any important event thatconflicts with a UK Football or Basketball rivalry game. (Patrick)
3. All radio stations must be tuned to ESPN Sports Radio 1300 from the hours of 4pm to 7pm NO EXCEPTIONS. (Clay)
4. The beverage notifcation law. (Phillip)
5. While watching a movie with men at a theater, men must separate themsevles by a buffer seat. (Steve)
6. A significant other must never ask a man questions about the sport during pivotal points in the game. (Glen)
Remember... These laws will be rewritten after we get four more. They will be permanently set in "stone" on www.wlxg.com and maybe in another way as well. Don't miss out on your chance for Sports Huddle Man Law history!
By the way... For all of you who really want a breakdown between Kentucky and Louisville, I'll be posting a position by position breakdown later on today.
Keep your comments coming on the Blog!
You all have been great with helping us come up with the Sports Huddle Man Laws. Just so you all have a refresher as to what we've done so far here they are:
1. No one can interrupt a man during the 2nd half of a UK Basketball game. (Will)
2. No one may schedule any important event thatconflicts with a UK Football or Basketball rivalry game. (Patrick)
3. All radio stations must be tuned to ESPN Sports Radio 1300 from the hours of 4pm to 7pm NO EXCEPTIONS. (Clay)
4. The beverage notifcation law. (Phillip)
5. While watching a movie with men at a theater, men must separate themsevles by a buffer seat. (Steve)
6. A significant other must never ask a man questions about the sport during pivotal points in the game. (Glen)
Remember... These laws will be rewritten after we get four more. They will be permanently set in "stone" on www.wlxg.com and maybe in another way as well. Don't miss out on your chance for Sports Huddle Man Law history!
By the way... For all of you who really want a breakdown between Kentucky and Louisville, I'll be posting a position by position breakdown later on today.
Keep your comments coming on the Blog!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Hey everyone,
I hope you've liked the changes that have been taking place on WLXG.com. Are there any other improvements that you'd like us put into practice on the web?
I'd like to focus more on the QB "controversy" today.
Here's the problem. I mentioned it in a comment before, but if Woodson plays to keep his job, there's no way the Cats are going to be winning a lot of games. When you play to keep your job and not to win, that's when mistakes happen. He's going to be more worried about holding onto the ball rather than winning. I truly believe that things like holding onto the ball, making good solid tackles, and those other intangibles cannot be taught.
Don't get me wrong... You can teach technique. But there's no way that you can teach someone how to hold onto the ball. They have to want to hold onto the ball. They have to have enough mental toughness to hold onto the ball. They have to want to tackle a person. They have to want to jump straight up in the air to catch a pass. Some players have these intangibles, some don't. These intangibles can be aquired if a player has an ephiphany (which I hope happened to Woodson after last year). Players can start out slow and can eventually become studs.
But, you have to WANT to excel. You have to will yourself to do all those extra things that make the difference in games. Those things can't be taught.
In much of the preseason, Coach Brooks stressed the mental toughness. From all other accounts, it seems like this team is more confident than it has been in a while. I certainly hope that it is.
They'll need that confidence to win this year.
HEY WE STILL NEED MORE MAN LAWS! KEEP THEM COMING!
I hope you've liked the changes that have been taking place on WLXG.com. Are there any other improvements that you'd like us put into practice on the web?
I'd like to focus more on the QB "controversy" today.
Here's the problem. I mentioned it in a comment before, but if Woodson plays to keep his job, there's no way the Cats are going to be winning a lot of games. When you play to keep your job and not to win, that's when mistakes happen. He's going to be more worried about holding onto the ball rather than winning. I truly believe that things like holding onto the ball, making good solid tackles, and those other intangibles cannot be taught.
Don't get me wrong... You can teach technique. But there's no way that you can teach someone how to hold onto the ball. They have to want to hold onto the ball. They have to have enough mental toughness to hold onto the ball. They have to want to tackle a person. They have to want to jump straight up in the air to catch a pass. Some players have these intangibles, some don't. These intangibles can be aquired if a player has an ephiphany (which I hope happened to Woodson after last year). Players can start out slow and can eventually become studs.
But, you have to WANT to excel. You have to will yourself to do all those extra things that make the difference in games. Those things can't be taught.
In much of the preseason, Coach Brooks stressed the mental toughness. From all other accounts, it seems like this team is more confident than it has been in a while. I certainly hope that it is.
They'll need that confidence to win this year.
HEY WE STILL NEED MORE MAN LAWS! KEEP THEM COMING!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Man Laws
We still need your help... That's right as of right now we have four man laws. Don't miss out on your chance to permanently make your mark on ESPN Sports Radio 1300. The top 10 man laws will eventually be posted on www.wlxg.com and talked about for years to come.
These laws could include things such as...
When recieving free beer, a man cannot complain about the brand of beer, BUT can complain about the temperature
When going to a chick flick with a significant other, a man CAN enjoy the movie, but never can speak of the enjoyment
If a buddy takes one for the team and is your wingman for the night, if he happens to take her unattractive friend home so that you can have a good night, you can never speak of this to anyone. Remember, he did YOU a favor...
Two men must never share an umbrella under any circumstances
Keep your Man Laws coming and keep tuning into the Sports Huddle...
We still need your help... That's right as of right now we have four man laws. Don't miss out on your chance to permanently make your mark on ESPN Sports Radio 1300. The top 10 man laws will eventually be posted on www.wlxg.com and talked about for years to come.
These laws could include things such as...
When recieving free beer, a man cannot complain about the brand of beer, BUT can complain about the temperature
When going to a chick flick with a significant other, a man CAN enjoy the movie, but never can speak of the enjoyment
If a buddy takes one for the team and is your wingman for the night, if he happens to take her unattractive friend home so that you can have a good night, you can never speak of this to anyone. Remember, he did YOU a favor...
Two men must never share an umbrella under any circumstances
Keep your Man Laws coming and keep tuning into the Sports Huddle...
Monday, August 28, 2006
I promised all of you a look at the special teams on Monday so here it is:
The special teams are an interesting area for the Cats. There are some young guys in this group. Obviously it's hard to replace a Taylor Begley, but here's how things are shaping up.
Tim Masthay (6-2, 200, Soph) will be punting and kicking off for the Cats. Brooks said he has shown improvement in both his punting and kickoffs. However, kickoffs this year will be more difficut due to the rule change which has lowered the kicking tee. Look for the rest of the kickoff team to have to step up to stop some big returns.
The long snapper will be Jason Dickerson, a 6-1, 254lb Senior. The starting center, Matt McCutchan will be backing him up in case anything goes wrong.
As of today, J.J. Housley a 5-10, 186lb Sophomore will be kicking field goals and extra points for Kentucky. However, there is competition with Brian Scott a 5-11, 190lb Junior and Lones Seiber a 5-8, 180lb Freshman. This is going to be the most important position for the special teams. Not only are you trying to replace Taylor Begley, but if you are trying to play the spoiler teams, you HAVE to win some games by field goals. Therefore, Housley will have to make sure that he is ice cold mentally and is ready for those pressure situations. His foot could make or break a bowl for the Wildcats.
As for the rest of the players on special teams, look for freshmen to make an impact here at special teams. Until he starts, you might see Micah Johnson playing in many different positions in the special teams.
One more thing to note from today's press conference. Joe Schuler is no longer the starting strongside linebacker. He was out of preseason camp for 6 days due to a concussion and Johnny Williams a 6-3, 235lb sophomore took those days off to his advantage. Brooks said that Williams brings a different dynamic to the linebackers with his size and definitely looks for him to make an impact.
The special teams are an interesting area for the Cats. There are some young guys in this group. Obviously it's hard to replace a Taylor Begley, but here's how things are shaping up.
Tim Masthay (6-2, 200, Soph) will be punting and kicking off for the Cats. Brooks said he has shown improvement in both his punting and kickoffs. However, kickoffs this year will be more difficut due to the rule change which has lowered the kicking tee. Look for the rest of the kickoff team to have to step up to stop some big returns.
The long snapper will be Jason Dickerson, a 6-1, 254lb Senior. The starting center, Matt McCutchan will be backing him up in case anything goes wrong.
As of today, J.J. Housley a 5-10, 186lb Sophomore will be kicking field goals and extra points for Kentucky. However, there is competition with Brian Scott a 5-11, 190lb Junior and Lones Seiber a 5-8, 180lb Freshman. This is going to be the most important position for the special teams. Not only are you trying to replace Taylor Begley, but if you are trying to play the spoiler teams, you HAVE to win some games by field goals. Therefore, Housley will have to make sure that he is ice cold mentally and is ready for those pressure situations. His foot could make or break a bowl for the Wildcats.
As for the rest of the players on special teams, look for freshmen to make an impact here at special teams. Until he starts, you might see Micah Johnson playing in many different positions in the special teams.
One more thing to note from today's press conference. Joe Schuler is no longer the starting strongside linebacker. He was out of preseason camp for 6 days due to a concussion and Johnny Williams a 6-3, 235lb sophomore took those days off to his advantage. Brooks said that Williams brings a different dynamic to the linebackers with his size and definitely looks for him to make an impact.
ANDRE WOODSON GETS THE NOD
I am just returning to the station after attending Coach Brooks' Monday press conference at Commonwealth Stadium where he officially said that Andre Woodson would be the man behind center for the Cats.
To listen to all of Coach Brooks' press conference, make sure you tune into the Sports Huddle tonight at 6:30.
I'll have more on this later...
I am just returning to the station after attending Coach Brooks' Monday press conference at Commonwealth Stadium where he officially said that Andre Woodson would be the man behind center for the Cats.
To listen to all of Coach Brooks' press conference, make sure you tune into the Sports Huddle tonight at 6:30.
I'll have more on this later...
Friday, August 25, 2006
I certainly hope that Marvin Lewis knows what he's doing. On Monday, Carson Palmer will take his first in game snaps behind center since absolutely destroying his knee seven months ago in a playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Don't get me wrong, I fully understand the importance of getting game snaps in. However, there's still another preseason game after this one. I know it's only a week, but wouldn't you want to save Palmer as much as you could before the season. Since the Bengals got rid of John Kitna, if anything happens to Palmer... Doug Johnson will be taking snaps?!?!?!? Is that what they really want the season to come down to?
The hit to Palmer's knee almost destroyed his whole entire knee. I hope they're sure of the brace he's wearing and I hope they're sure that his knee will hold up. I almost hate to say it, but the whole Bengals season is dependent on Carson Palmer staying healthy. Yes I know that they have a great running back in Rudi Johnson, great recievers in Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson, and a great defense, but someone has to get the ball to the recievers and hand the ball off to Johnson. I feel like a huge security blanket was taken away with the absense of Kitna.
Save Palmer for one more game.
In other news (that I called a couple of days ago), the jail watch has shifted from the Bengals to the Titans. Yes, that's right Bengals fans, the police have found a new team to focus on. Titans cornerback Pacman Jones was arrested early this morning for disorderly conduct and public intoxication after police witnessed an argument involving Jones and a woman outside a nightclub where a rap concert was being held.
ESPN.com reports that Jones, 22, was described as slurring his speech, having bloodshot eyes and smelling strongly of alcohol.
Pacman argued that the woman stole his wallet and passed it to another woman.
Here's the kicker... Police asked him to leave several times and he just stood there cussing. If I'm drunk outside of a bar and the police come and ask me to leave, I don't care how drunk I am... I just say "Thank you very much officer, I'll be leaving now."
The NFL tries to help younger players with money, how about the NCAA and NFL teach players how to act when a policeman approaches them. Phrases like "Yes officer," "No officer," and "thank you officer" would be great places to start. The advanced classes would move onto things like "Please officer, I'll go quietly, you don't have to tazer me."
In UK news, I'll break down the special teams on Monday (or over the weekend). Look for matchups next week. I'll break down who will be covering who, and give you all a look at the Cardinals besides Bush and Brohm (since everyone already knows those two).
Don't get me wrong, I fully understand the importance of getting game snaps in. However, there's still another preseason game after this one. I know it's only a week, but wouldn't you want to save Palmer as much as you could before the season. Since the Bengals got rid of John Kitna, if anything happens to Palmer... Doug Johnson will be taking snaps?!?!?!? Is that what they really want the season to come down to?
The hit to Palmer's knee almost destroyed his whole entire knee. I hope they're sure of the brace he's wearing and I hope they're sure that his knee will hold up. I almost hate to say it, but the whole Bengals season is dependent on Carson Palmer staying healthy. Yes I know that they have a great running back in Rudi Johnson, great recievers in Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson, and a great defense, but someone has to get the ball to the recievers and hand the ball off to Johnson. I feel like a huge security blanket was taken away with the absense of Kitna.
Save Palmer for one more game.
In other news (that I called a couple of days ago), the jail watch has shifted from the Bengals to the Titans. Yes, that's right Bengals fans, the police have found a new team to focus on. Titans cornerback Pacman Jones was arrested early this morning for disorderly conduct and public intoxication after police witnessed an argument involving Jones and a woman outside a nightclub where a rap concert was being held.
ESPN.com reports that Jones, 22, was described as slurring his speech, having bloodshot eyes and smelling strongly of alcohol.
Pacman argued that the woman stole his wallet and passed it to another woman.
Here's the kicker... Police asked him to leave several times and he just stood there cussing. If I'm drunk outside of a bar and the police come and ask me to leave, I don't care how drunk I am... I just say "Thank you very much officer, I'll be leaving now."
The NFL tries to help younger players with money, how about the NCAA and NFL teach players how to act when a policeman approaches them. Phrases like "Yes officer," "No officer," and "thank you officer" would be great places to start. The advanced classes would move onto things like "Please officer, I'll go quietly, you don't have to tazer me."
In UK news, I'll break down the special teams on Monday (or over the weekend). Look for matchups next week. I'll break down who will be covering who, and give you all a look at the Cardinals besides Bush and Brohm (since everyone already knows those two).
Thursday, August 24, 2006
9 days until opening kickoff for UK...
But there's one problem that still remains.
Who will be taking snaps for the Cats this season?
Is it Curtis Pulley? The 6-4 200lb Sophomore who specializes in making things happen by his feet?
Or, is it Andre Woodson? The 6-5 232lb Junior who prefers to make things happen in the air.
It's simply a question of preference now. Does Brooks prefer an offense centered around the run, or the air? Most of all, it comes down to who can hold onto the ball. Whatever it is, he has to stick by his decision. There can't be flip flopping for quarterback this year (think of what happened to Tennessee last year). The offense needs to be able to rally around its signal caller. Not having a decision at quarterback is hurting the Cats more than it's helping them.
The decision time is flirting dangerously with a possible distraction. The offense needs a full week of working together before the Louisville game and they need to be confident in who is going to be leading them into battle.
I guess we're all going to have to wait and see what that decision is.
But I'd like to know who you think should be taking the snaps on the field for Kentucky.
But there's one problem that still remains.
Who will be taking snaps for the Cats this season?
Is it Curtis Pulley? The 6-4 200lb Sophomore who specializes in making things happen by his feet?
Or, is it Andre Woodson? The 6-5 232lb Junior who prefers to make things happen in the air.
It's simply a question of preference now. Does Brooks prefer an offense centered around the run, or the air? Most of all, it comes down to who can hold onto the ball. Whatever it is, he has to stick by his decision. There can't be flip flopping for quarterback this year (think of what happened to Tennessee last year). The offense needs to be able to rally around its signal caller. Not having a decision at quarterback is hurting the Cats more than it's helping them.
The decision time is flirting dangerously with a possible distraction. The offense needs a full week of working together before the Louisville game and they need to be confident in who is going to be leading them into battle.
I guess we're all going to have to wait and see what that decision is.
But I'd like to know who you think should be taking the snaps on the field for Kentucky.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Wow... Slow news days are fun. I wish I could put a great blog in here tonight but there's not much going on. So, in celebration of one of the last dog days of summer, I figured I'd give you all a rundown of the most pertinent news.
Pat Riley is going to return as coach of the Miami Heat.
Wow, I didn't see that one coming. Pat Riley has the chance to come back and coach Shaq, D-Wade, and the rest for one more year and make a bunch of money to do it... I'm shocked. The guy is coaching in Miami. His off days consist of golfing and laying out on the beach. Tough life.
The PGA Tour says they won't drug test until they see a pattern.
Yeah the last thing you have to worry about is golfers taking a minute to put down their beers so that they can take some roids. (We all had the discussion about Tiger and the shape he's in...) However, the majority of the golfers are not in shape like Tiger is. Wow this one makes me laugh. Did they feel like they had to comment on this one too since everyone else is. Looks like someone feels left out of the steroid party. In their defense, I wouldn't put it past ANYONE anymore to take steroids.
Again with the steroids...
Sprinter Justin Gatlin has taken responsiblity for his drug test although he still doesn't know how they got into his system. That's kind of a half hearted attempt at coming clean. But it is the closest we've had since Giambi. Unlike Giambi he actually admitted to having them in his system. The one thing I don't get though is how he was suspended in college for his ADD medicine. Isn't there a medical waiver they can fill out with their medications? I thought there was. Can't fault the guy for trying to do well in school while he was there.
The World Series of Poker Champion is being sued for half of his winnings
A television guy for the WSOP says that this year's champion promised him half of the winnings if he won. If I've said it before I'll say it again. Any comments made to another man about money in Vegas cannot be valid unless he says it outside of Vegas as well. I swear those lights do something to people. Make it a man law.
Some of the biggest news in the NFL is that Vince Young slapped his hand on a helmet accidentally in practice.
We're talking about practice here... By the way, what's up with the Titans and their camp. It seems like it's a tougher place to be than out on the town with the Bengals. Whats the over under on the number of days before a player gets tazed in practice?
Louisville is building a new facility which will hold the Cards basketball games
It's cool for them but I don't see why such a big deal is made about it. Good for them that they need a bigger place to play games. Don't get me wrong, I went to UK and all, but it'll just make for games at Louisville even better and more fans from both schools will get to go see the games. I don't see any harm in that. I guess I'm the type of person that wants to play the team when they're the best that they can be in the harshest of venues, just so I can beat them in front of their massive home crowd. It must be the athlete in me.
Almost one week until the UK vs. U of L game... Any predictions?
Pat Riley is going to return as coach of the Miami Heat.
Wow, I didn't see that one coming. Pat Riley has the chance to come back and coach Shaq, D-Wade, and the rest for one more year and make a bunch of money to do it... I'm shocked. The guy is coaching in Miami. His off days consist of golfing and laying out on the beach. Tough life.
The PGA Tour says they won't drug test until they see a pattern.
Yeah the last thing you have to worry about is golfers taking a minute to put down their beers so that they can take some roids. (We all had the discussion about Tiger and the shape he's in...) However, the majority of the golfers are not in shape like Tiger is. Wow this one makes me laugh. Did they feel like they had to comment on this one too since everyone else is. Looks like someone feels left out of the steroid party. In their defense, I wouldn't put it past ANYONE anymore to take steroids.
Again with the steroids...
Sprinter Justin Gatlin has taken responsiblity for his drug test although he still doesn't know how they got into his system. That's kind of a half hearted attempt at coming clean. But it is the closest we've had since Giambi. Unlike Giambi he actually admitted to having them in his system. The one thing I don't get though is how he was suspended in college for his ADD medicine. Isn't there a medical waiver they can fill out with their medications? I thought there was. Can't fault the guy for trying to do well in school while he was there.
The World Series of Poker Champion is being sued for half of his winnings
A television guy for the WSOP says that this year's champion promised him half of the winnings if he won. If I've said it before I'll say it again. Any comments made to another man about money in Vegas cannot be valid unless he says it outside of Vegas as well. I swear those lights do something to people. Make it a man law.
Some of the biggest news in the NFL is that Vince Young slapped his hand on a helmet accidentally in practice.
We're talking about practice here... By the way, what's up with the Titans and their camp. It seems like it's a tougher place to be than out on the town with the Bengals. Whats the over under on the number of days before a player gets tazed in practice?
Louisville is building a new facility which will hold the Cards basketball games
It's cool for them but I don't see why such a big deal is made about it. Good for them that they need a bigger place to play games. Don't get me wrong, I went to UK and all, but it'll just make for games at Louisville even better and more fans from both schools will get to go see the games. I don't see any harm in that. I guess I'm the type of person that wants to play the team when they're the best that they can be in the harshest of venues, just so I can beat them in front of their massive home crowd. It must be the athlete in me.
Almost one week until the UK vs. U of L game... Any predictions?
Monday, August 21, 2006
Tiger Woods could possibly be the greatest golfer that ever lived. At 30 years old he is only 6 majors away from Jack Nickalus who has 18. He's doing it faster than the Golden Bear could have ever dreamed of. The only major that he has ever missed the cut in (this year's US Open) almost lit a fire in Tiger; he has since won the next two majors (British Open, PGA Championship). However, I've heard a lot of people today trying to say that he could possibly be the best athlete ever. I'm not saying that he couldn't be, I'm just saying that we'll never know.
1. Tiger Plays an Individual Sport
How can we EVER compare an individual to a team. Tiger is the only one out there. If he has a bad day, he's the only one that suffers. If you are the star of your team, you either need to rely on other players to help or suffer the consequences. He has never had help, but he also hasn't had to work with multiple players to achive a common goal. Think about it, if all Michael Jordan had to do was play people 1 on 1, he would have won a lot more than he already had.
2. Golf is NOT a Contact Sport
Tiger never had to shoot a jumper with the game on the line while someone was fouling him. He never had to rush through the defense for a game winning touchdown run, or throw the touchdown pass while someone was tacking him. Tiger has never been slashed while skating on a breakaway and has never been hit by a 90 mile an hour fastball. All he's had to do is hit a golf ball (which believe me is hard... I golf. We all know how it is). But he's never had anyone legitimately challenge him. Golf is not a sport where someone else's play could effect your play. The only one on the course he has to worry about is himself. No one is going to be tackling him while he's hitting his 2nd shot on the 11th. The amount of pressure put on a golfer is not half as much as the pressure that someone is in when they're trying to find a reciever while standing in the pocket with a left tackle who has a knee injury. You don't know who might come and blindside you. Is it a Defensive End? Is it a Linebacker? Is it a Safety? Oh wait, here comes Phil Mickleson's Caddie... OUCH! What a hit! Tiger is down for the count and his approach shot only went 20 yards.
Even other individual sports like Boxing and the very popular Mixed Martial Arts like the UFC rely on one person competing against another in battle. I used to wrestle. I knew that my match depended on what the other person did and how I reacted to it. The only thing Tiger has to react to is the course.
3. The Greatest Athletes Weren't Golfers and We Don't Know What Else Tiger Can Do
We don't know what other players could have done if they had golfed instead of doing what they did. What if with practice MJ could have challenged Tiger. What if Teddy Ballgame's swing translated perfectly on the golf course as well? How would Tiger fare bottom of the 9th, full count, bases loaded, down by two? Could he hit the base hit to send in the tying run? We'll never know. I've never been too big on comparing athletes from other sports. Think of track and field... If you look at some of the 40 times of NFL athletes, don't you think that some of them would have been great sprinters? I do... But they chose to play in the NFL so we'll never know. A great athlete pretty much has their choice to play whatever sport they want (unless you're MJ trying to play baseball), but what makes us think that they couldn't have been great athletes in other sports as well. Yes this argument could play towards Tiger's favor, but the point I'm trying to make is that Tiger didn't play another sport, MJ didn't play another sport, Jim Brown didn't play another sport. Barry Sanders played football and did not run track. Michael Vick is the quarterback of the Falcons not the sprinter in the 100 yard dash.
I'm not trying to downplay the greatness that is Tiger Woods. I'm just saying that we can only speculate to his greatness in other sports arenas. Could you picture Tiger kicking the winning penalty kick in the World Cup? Tiger is in a league of his own, an athlete amongst a sport that has many of its elite with beer bellies. How can one measure the two? Tiger isn't running, hitting, kicking, punching, grappling... There's no blood in golf (unless you happen to trip coming out of a sandtrap). Until I see the greatest athletes compete in a wide variety of games (kind of like the olympics), I will never know for sure. I will say that I believe that Tiger will go down as the greatest golfer ever, but not the greatest athlete. Just like I believe that MJ will go down as the greatest basketball player ever, but not the greatest athlete.
1. Tiger Plays an Individual Sport
How can we EVER compare an individual to a team. Tiger is the only one out there. If he has a bad day, he's the only one that suffers. If you are the star of your team, you either need to rely on other players to help or suffer the consequences. He has never had help, but he also hasn't had to work with multiple players to achive a common goal. Think about it, if all Michael Jordan had to do was play people 1 on 1, he would have won a lot more than he already had.
2. Golf is NOT a Contact Sport
Tiger never had to shoot a jumper with the game on the line while someone was fouling him. He never had to rush through the defense for a game winning touchdown run, or throw the touchdown pass while someone was tacking him. Tiger has never been slashed while skating on a breakaway and has never been hit by a 90 mile an hour fastball. All he's had to do is hit a golf ball (which believe me is hard... I golf. We all know how it is). But he's never had anyone legitimately challenge him. Golf is not a sport where someone else's play could effect your play. The only one on the course he has to worry about is himself. No one is going to be tackling him while he's hitting his 2nd shot on the 11th. The amount of pressure put on a golfer is not half as much as the pressure that someone is in when they're trying to find a reciever while standing in the pocket with a left tackle who has a knee injury. You don't know who might come and blindside you. Is it a Defensive End? Is it a Linebacker? Is it a Safety? Oh wait, here comes Phil Mickleson's Caddie... OUCH! What a hit! Tiger is down for the count and his approach shot only went 20 yards.
Even other individual sports like Boxing and the very popular Mixed Martial Arts like the UFC rely on one person competing against another in battle. I used to wrestle. I knew that my match depended on what the other person did and how I reacted to it. The only thing Tiger has to react to is the course.
3. The Greatest Athletes Weren't Golfers and We Don't Know What Else Tiger Can Do
We don't know what other players could have done if they had golfed instead of doing what they did. What if with practice MJ could have challenged Tiger. What if Teddy Ballgame's swing translated perfectly on the golf course as well? How would Tiger fare bottom of the 9th, full count, bases loaded, down by two? Could he hit the base hit to send in the tying run? We'll never know. I've never been too big on comparing athletes from other sports. Think of track and field... If you look at some of the 40 times of NFL athletes, don't you think that some of them would have been great sprinters? I do... But they chose to play in the NFL so we'll never know. A great athlete pretty much has their choice to play whatever sport they want (unless you're MJ trying to play baseball), but what makes us think that they couldn't have been great athletes in other sports as well. Yes this argument could play towards Tiger's favor, but the point I'm trying to make is that Tiger didn't play another sport, MJ didn't play another sport, Jim Brown didn't play another sport. Barry Sanders played football and did not run track. Michael Vick is the quarterback of the Falcons not the sprinter in the 100 yard dash.
I'm not trying to downplay the greatness that is Tiger Woods. I'm just saying that we can only speculate to his greatness in other sports arenas. Could you picture Tiger kicking the winning penalty kick in the World Cup? Tiger is in a league of his own, an athlete amongst a sport that has many of its elite with beer bellies. How can one measure the two? Tiger isn't running, hitting, kicking, punching, grappling... There's no blood in golf (unless you happen to trip coming out of a sandtrap). Until I see the greatest athletes compete in a wide variety of games (kind of like the olympics), I will never know for sure. I will say that I believe that Tiger will go down as the greatest golfer ever, but not the greatest athlete. Just like I believe that MJ will go down as the greatest basketball player ever, but not the greatest athlete.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Today on Mike and Mike, Deion Sanders came to the defense of Terrell Owens saying something to the effect of "Parcells needs TO more than TO needs Parcells."
I cannot tell you how much of a load of crap I think this is.
They both need each other equally. TO needed a team that was going to play him and pay him. The Cowboys needed a wide reciever.
Sanders claimed that TO makes everyone better from the offense that lines up with him to the defenses that line up against him on the practice field. One problem though, HE HASN'T BEEN PRACTICING.
There is one big reason why I would say that TO almost needs the Cowboys more than the Cowboys need TO... If TO fails with both the Cowboys and Eagles, what other team would want to pick him up? Wouldn't that solidify his status as a cancer to the team? I don't think he'd even be able to get a job in the CFL. He'd be outcast like a lepor. He'd have the plague. Wait, scratch that... He is the plague.
Honestly, you'd think that by now Owens would realize that he's getting older and he can't afford to miss half the season anymore. He's losing years that he can play, and money that he can make. That's the one thing he's focused on, isn't it?
But isn't that money the same thing that the Cowboys are focused on as well? If the Cowboys have good players, they'll win, if they win, they'll sell more merchandise, they'll sell more tickets, and in turn make more money.
Then I guess they both need each other. Either that or they both need money.
I cannot tell you how much of a load of crap I think this is.
They both need each other equally. TO needed a team that was going to play him and pay him. The Cowboys needed a wide reciever.
Sanders claimed that TO makes everyone better from the offense that lines up with him to the defenses that line up against him on the practice field. One problem though, HE HASN'T BEEN PRACTICING.
There is one big reason why I would say that TO almost needs the Cowboys more than the Cowboys need TO... If TO fails with both the Cowboys and Eagles, what other team would want to pick him up? Wouldn't that solidify his status as a cancer to the team? I don't think he'd even be able to get a job in the CFL. He'd be outcast like a lepor. He'd have the plague. Wait, scratch that... He is the plague.
Honestly, you'd think that by now Owens would realize that he's getting older and he can't afford to miss half the season anymore. He's losing years that he can play, and money that he can make. That's the one thing he's focused on, isn't it?
But isn't that money the same thing that the Cowboys are focused on as well? If the Cowboys have good players, they'll win, if they win, they'll sell more merchandise, they'll sell more tickets, and in turn make more money.
Then I guess they both need each other. Either that or they both need money.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
I'm oozing with anticipation. It's Christmas in August for me. That's because the Red Sox will take on the Yankees in a summer showdown this weekend.
That's right... Jeter, A-Rod, Johnson taking on Ortiz, Ramirez, Schilling and whoever else is still healthy for the Sox.
Let me tell you that I believe that this is the BIGGEST rivalry in sports and I believe that it will continue to be the biggest rivalry EVER in sports. If you have a better rivalry, please let me know.
Here are some reasons as to why the Sox/Yanks is the biggest and best rivalry in all of sports:
Both teams compete equally.
Yes, for many years the Red Sox were always the bridesmaid and never the bride, but they always made a run for the playoff spot or the American League pennant. Like clockwork, fans know that they can count on a showdown between the two teams every August and September. Right now, the Red Sox are 69-50 and the Yanks are 70-47. The Sox are only two games back... If there's a good series for Boston here, the AL East is tied and it's a horse race until October.
They meet 19 times.
Both teams and the MLB set this one up so that they HAVE to meet many times over the course of the season. It is set up that it comes down to how many times they beat each other determines who goes to the playoffs. It's just the way it is...
The fans.
Trust me, you'll never find two groups of fans that are more fanatical about their teams than the Yankees and Red Sox. I should know, I grew up 15 minutes outside of Boston. I remember going to a Yankees and Red Sox game in Boston on Easter one year and you'd be surprised as to how many people were cussing at each other, throwing peanuts at each others, fist fighting, etc. There is nothing else like it. It can only be experienced to be understood.
If you can think of another rivalry that is better than the Sox/Yanks please let me know cuz I'm honestly interested to find a better one. It's tough being a Red Sox fan.
Bt the way, pictures of Mike Cameron and Chris Cross will be on the website soon. Other pics and bios will follow.
MAKE SURE YOU ALL TELL CHRIS CROSS HOW THE RED SOX ARE GOING TO BEAT THE YANKEES THIS WEEKEND!!!
That's right... Jeter, A-Rod, Johnson taking on Ortiz, Ramirez, Schilling and whoever else is still healthy for the Sox.
Let me tell you that I believe that this is the BIGGEST rivalry in sports and I believe that it will continue to be the biggest rivalry EVER in sports. If you have a better rivalry, please let me know.
Here are some reasons as to why the Sox/Yanks is the biggest and best rivalry in all of sports:
Both teams compete equally.
Yes, for many years the Red Sox were always the bridesmaid and never the bride, but they always made a run for the playoff spot or the American League pennant. Like clockwork, fans know that they can count on a showdown between the two teams every August and September. Right now, the Red Sox are 69-50 and the Yanks are 70-47. The Sox are only two games back... If there's a good series for Boston here, the AL East is tied and it's a horse race until October.
They meet 19 times.
Both teams and the MLB set this one up so that they HAVE to meet many times over the course of the season. It is set up that it comes down to how many times they beat each other determines who goes to the playoffs. It's just the way it is...
The fans.
Trust me, you'll never find two groups of fans that are more fanatical about their teams than the Yankees and Red Sox. I should know, I grew up 15 minutes outside of Boston. I remember going to a Yankees and Red Sox game in Boston on Easter one year and you'd be surprised as to how many people were cussing at each other, throwing peanuts at each others, fist fighting, etc. There is nothing else like it. It can only be experienced to be understood.
If you can think of another rivalry that is better than the Sox/Yanks please let me know cuz I'm honestly interested to find a better one. It's tough being a Red Sox fan.
Bt the way, pictures of Mike Cameron and Chris Cross will be on the website soon. Other pics and bios will follow.
MAKE SURE YOU ALL TELL CHRIS CROSS HOW THE RED SOX ARE GOING TO BEAT THE YANKEES THIS WEEKEND!!!
Monday, August 14, 2006
Today, the Courier-Journal explored a common practice that's done by many college football programs: closing off their practices to the public. They examined many different programs, some opened 4 practices, some opened them until a week before the game, some are available by sign in only, and some are only open to the media... Kentucky only opens one practice to the public and media: fan day.
I'm curious, do you think that practices should be open to the public, or at least to the media so that they can cover these practices for you?
Honestly, I'm still on the fence on this issue. I understand completely why they would close the practices off. Programs are afraid that people will go, take pictures, discuss aspects of the practice on the internet, and could potentially cause the team harm if an opposing team. What would happen if an opposing team found out that a player was limping, hurt, etc. What if the team is planning on using a new offensive scheme against a team and someone goes on the internet and says "I saw Kentucky and they were running the option this week! It's gonna be amazing!" Yes they could be saying it because they are excited for their team, but if an opposing team wasn't prepared for the option, but found out with 3 practices left that the team they're playing is going to be running it... They can key their defense on it.
What do you think?
I'm curious, do you think that practices should be open to the public, or at least to the media so that they can cover these practices for you?
Honestly, I'm still on the fence on this issue. I understand completely why they would close the practices off. Programs are afraid that people will go, take pictures, discuss aspects of the practice on the internet, and could potentially cause the team harm if an opposing team. What would happen if an opposing team found out that a player was limping, hurt, etc. What if the team is planning on using a new offensive scheme against a team and someone goes on the internet and says "I saw Kentucky and they were running the option this week! It's gonna be amazing!" Yes they could be saying it because they are excited for their team, but if an opposing team wasn't prepared for the option, but found out with 3 practices left that the team they're playing is going to be running it... They can key their defense on it.
What do you think?
Friday, August 11, 2006
Whats the Worst Insult?!?!
Miguel Tejada flipped the bird to the Blue Jays fans, Titans are spitting on each other, Danica ran out of gas, what's next?!?!?!?
This is an age old question but it still needs to be answered... What is the worst insult that one person can give another person? Is it the finger? Is it punching them in the face? Is it spitting on them?
Personally, I tend to think that spitting on someone is the ultimate insult (more on that later tonight).
What do you think?
Miguel Tejada flipped the bird to the Blue Jays fans, Titans are spitting on each other, Danica ran out of gas, what's next?!?!?!?
This is an age old question but it still needs to be answered... What is the worst insult that one person can give another person? Is it the finger? Is it punching them in the face? Is it spitting on them?
Personally, I tend to think that spitting on someone is the ultimate insult (more on that later tonight).
What do you think?
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Kentucky's Defense
All right, so we've gone after the offense, it's time now to discuss Kentucky's defense. Today on the show, we had defensive coordinator Mike Archer. If you didn't get a chance to listen, I'll break down the whole defense for you.
Defensive Line:
The defensive line is looking strong with many returning starters. The way it looks right now, Durrell White will start at Left End, Jason Leger will start at Left Tackle, and Myron Prior will start at Right Tackle. The fight will be for Right End between Nii Adjei Oninku and Dominic Lewis. The defensive line HAS to be strong. Maybe it's because this is the position I played in college, but sometimes the D-Line is overlooked. In order for Kentucky's defense to be strong, the D-Line has to take on double teams so that the linebackers are free to blitz and cover if need be. Myron Prior came off of a great summer and is looking to be a force there. He had a great summer in the weight room. He needs to translate that to the field. With young cornerbacks, look for the defensive line to be one of the key positions for the defense.
Linebacker:
This is shaping up to be the strongest position on the defense for the Cats. Anchoring this crew will be Junior weakside linebacker Wesley Woodyard. Look for him to take charge this year. At middle linebacker, Braxton Kelley is coming back after an injury derailed him his freshman year. If he can bounce back, look for him to be a force. At strongside linebacker, returning starter Joe Schuler is looking to make some noise for the Wildcats.
Here is the catch... Freshman linebacker and top prospect Micah Johnson will be fighting for a spot. If he's going to go anywhere, my guess is that he'll slip in at the strongside linebacker spot eventually. He probably won't start the first couple of games but will still get time. He's as confident as I've ever seen an incoming frosh be. This guy will DEFINITELY be a force.
The linebackers look great, but they're going to have to pick up some slack from a young cornerback crew. Look for the linebackers to drop back into coverage sometimes and look for the defense to call a lot of zone in the first few games while the corners get comfortable.
Safety:
Roger Williams will be returning at strong safety. Free safety will be a battle between Dallas Greer and Marcus McClinton. While the corners are getting comfortable, look for the safeties to have to step up in coverage as well.
Cornerback:
This is THE BIGGEST question mark for me on the team. Although Brooks is confident that everyone has had experience, this is the area on the field that has NO returning starters (although many got playing time last year). Trevard Lindley and Karl Booker are looking to be the two starters right now, but that could always change. This is the position that is going to have to catch up to the team the fastest. Look for teams like Louisville, Texas State, and Ole Miss to try and exploit this weakness in the first few games for the Cats. If they are up to the challenge, the defense will be solid. If they take some time to get acustomed to SEC football, UK will get burned deep for a while. From what I've heard from Coach Brooks, these guys are up to the challenge, but it will be a wait and see game.
Overall, the defense will be solid with a few exceptions. The D-Line and Linebackers should anchor a good run defense, it'll be the pass defense that we'll all be watching for.
All right, so we've gone after the offense, it's time now to discuss Kentucky's defense. Today on the show, we had defensive coordinator Mike Archer. If you didn't get a chance to listen, I'll break down the whole defense for you.
Defensive Line:
The defensive line is looking strong with many returning starters. The way it looks right now, Durrell White will start at Left End, Jason Leger will start at Left Tackle, and Myron Prior will start at Right Tackle. The fight will be for Right End between Nii Adjei Oninku and Dominic Lewis. The defensive line HAS to be strong. Maybe it's because this is the position I played in college, but sometimes the D-Line is overlooked. In order for Kentucky's defense to be strong, the D-Line has to take on double teams so that the linebackers are free to blitz and cover if need be. Myron Prior came off of a great summer and is looking to be a force there. He had a great summer in the weight room. He needs to translate that to the field. With young cornerbacks, look for the defensive line to be one of the key positions for the defense.
Linebacker:
This is shaping up to be the strongest position on the defense for the Cats. Anchoring this crew will be Junior weakside linebacker Wesley Woodyard. Look for him to take charge this year. At middle linebacker, Braxton Kelley is coming back after an injury derailed him his freshman year. If he can bounce back, look for him to be a force. At strongside linebacker, returning starter Joe Schuler is looking to make some noise for the Wildcats.
Here is the catch... Freshman linebacker and top prospect Micah Johnson will be fighting for a spot. If he's going to go anywhere, my guess is that he'll slip in at the strongside linebacker spot eventually. He probably won't start the first couple of games but will still get time. He's as confident as I've ever seen an incoming frosh be. This guy will DEFINITELY be a force.
The linebackers look great, but they're going to have to pick up some slack from a young cornerback crew. Look for the linebackers to drop back into coverage sometimes and look for the defense to call a lot of zone in the first few games while the corners get comfortable.
Safety:
Roger Williams will be returning at strong safety. Free safety will be a battle between Dallas Greer and Marcus McClinton. While the corners are getting comfortable, look for the safeties to have to step up in coverage as well.
Cornerback:
This is THE BIGGEST question mark for me on the team. Although Brooks is confident that everyone has had experience, this is the area on the field that has NO returning starters (although many got playing time last year). Trevard Lindley and Karl Booker are looking to be the two starters right now, but that could always change. This is the position that is going to have to catch up to the team the fastest. Look for teams like Louisville, Texas State, and Ole Miss to try and exploit this weakness in the first few games for the Cats. If they are up to the challenge, the defense will be solid. If they take some time to get acustomed to SEC football, UK will get burned deep for a while. From what I've heard from Coach Brooks, these guys are up to the challenge, but it will be a wait and see game.
Overall, the defense will be solid with a few exceptions. The D-Line and Linebackers should anchor a good run defense, it'll be the pass defense that we'll all be watching for.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Hey everyone,
Sorry for the delay in getting the next post up. Honestly, I'd like to do it every day, but that can't always happen.
Let's run down everything that's happened in the last week.
Floyd Landis has failed his second drug test. I know that I should really care about this but part of me doesn't. I guess I'm still stuck on the fact that the dude competed in the Tour de France when he needed a hip replacement. That alone sent red flags up for me. In related news though, someone actually confessed to using steroids when they were caught today. Isn't that what we're all looking for anyway? I mean, I know it's bad to use them, but we're really looking for someone to say "You know, I really wanted to win and I did everything possible to compete at the highest level and win." I guess when it comes down to it, it doesn't lessen the severity of doping, but at least they get some points in my book for being honest about it. Bottom line is: you're still a cheater.
In UK foootball news, the Governors Cup press conference came and went, and so did UK Media Day. Here's what I think of the offense so far. Tomorrow I'll take a look at the defense.
The offense is going to be dangerous. Regardless of the question marks at wide reciever, there will be three (yes that's right three) running backs that can step in and compete in the SEC. You have returning all-purpose yards leader Rafael Little and then of course Tony Dixon, the former starter that was sidelined last year due to injury. If I were a betting man, I would say that the majority of the carries will come from these two men.
The offensive line is coming back strong and they are experienced. It is ALWAYS a good thing to have an experienced center (which they do with McCutchen) and a great tight end (Tamme) who can both catch and block. From what I've heard, they're ready to go.
The position that supposively has a controversy: quarterback. I honestly and truly believe that there is no controversy to be had here. Woodson has that confidence about him that screams that he is ready to play. He also worked hard in the weight room and came back as one of the strongest players on the team. During media day, you could tell a real difference in him. He seemed very confident and ready to be the signal caller for the Cats this year.
Which brings us to the last position on offense: Wide Reciever
This is the position with the most question marks on the whole team. But, let's try and clear up these questions. Burton is back and will definitely make his presence known. However, I think that the x factor at wide reciever will be how much we see Curtis Pulley line up there. Since I don't believe he will be quarterback, I definitely believe that he HAS to see playing time on the field. It would just be dumb not to use him. When I talked to him during SEC media day, he said that if he wasn't at quarterback, he'd like to see time at reciever. He's such a talented athlete that I believe Brooks knows that he can't waste him. Look for him and Burton to do some great things at reciever this year.
There were a few things that Coach Brooks stressed during his press conference: mental toughness and execution. Mental toughness is needed for all aspects of college football, especially in the SEC. If you are mentally tough, you will be able to will yourself through the 4th quarter if you're tired and you will be able to execute your plays better.
I think the Cats realize the pressure put on them and the coaches this year. They realize that they HAVE to produce. It's a young team, but it's a team that's experienced due to all the injuries from last year. Look for this to be the year that they upset someone. I'm not sure if they'll make it to a bowl (I'd sure like it to happen because I could probably get a press pass haha), but I believe that they will at least play spoiler to someone. I said before that Brooks needs a bowl to stay around here. But honestly, what everyone is looking for is progress. If he gets a big win, people will start to see that the program is coming around. If the bowl doesn't happen this year, it will DEFINITELY happen next year. That's right I said it. You can quote me on it too. I truly hope that I don't have to put my foot in my mouth.
Look for my take on the defense tomorrow and feel free to comment with your thoughts.
-John
Sorry for the delay in getting the next post up. Honestly, I'd like to do it every day, but that can't always happen.
Let's run down everything that's happened in the last week.
Floyd Landis has failed his second drug test. I know that I should really care about this but part of me doesn't. I guess I'm still stuck on the fact that the dude competed in the Tour de France when he needed a hip replacement. That alone sent red flags up for me. In related news though, someone actually confessed to using steroids when they were caught today. Isn't that what we're all looking for anyway? I mean, I know it's bad to use them, but we're really looking for someone to say "You know, I really wanted to win and I did everything possible to compete at the highest level and win." I guess when it comes down to it, it doesn't lessen the severity of doping, but at least they get some points in my book for being honest about it. Bottom line is: you're still a cheater.
In UK foootball news, the Governors Cup press conference came and went, and so did UK Media Day. Here's what I think of the offense so far. Tomorrow I'll take a look at the defense.
The offense is going to be dangerous. Regardless of the question marks at wide reciever, there will be three (yes that's right three) running backs that can step in and compete in the SEC. You have returning all-purpose yards leader Rafael Little and then of course Tony Dixon, the former starter that was sidelined last year due to injury. If I were a betting man, I would say that the majority of the carries will come from these two men.
The offensive line is coming back strong and they are experienced. It is ALWAYS a good thing to have an experienced center (which they do with McCutchen) and a great tight end (Tamme) who can both catch and block. From what I've heard, they're ready to go.
The position that supposively has a controversy: quarterback. I honestly and truly believe that there is no controversy to be had here. Woodson has that confidence about him that screams that he is ready to play. He also worked hard in the weight room and came back as one of the strongest players on the team. During media day, you could tell a real difference in him. He seemed very confident and ready to be the signal caller for the Cats this year.
Which brings us to the last position on offense: Wide Reciever
This is the position with the most question marks on the whole team. But, let's try and clear up these questions. Burton is back and will definitely make his presence known. However, I think that the x factor at wide reciever will be how much we see Curtis Pulley line up there. Since I don't believe he will be quarterback, I definitely believe that he HAS to see playing time on the field. It would just be dumb not to use him. When I talked to him during SEC media day, he said that if he wasn't at quarterback, he'd like to see time at reciever. He's such a talented athlete that I believe Brooks knows that he can't waste him. Look for him and Burton to do some great things at reciever this year.
There were a few things that Coach Brooks stressed during his press conference: mental toughness and execution. Mental toughness is needed for all aspects of college football, especially in the SEC. If you are mentally tough, you will be able to will yourself through the 4th quarter if you're tired and you will be able to execute your plays better.
I think the Cats realize the pressure put on them and the coaches this year. They realize that they HAVE to produce. It's a young team, but it's a team that's experienced due to all the injuries from last year. Look for this to be the year that they upset someone. I'm not sure if they'll make it to a bowl (I'd sure like it to happen because I could probably get a press pass haha), but I believe that they will at least play spoiler to someone. I said before that Brooks needs a bowl to stay around here. But honestly, what everyone is looking for is progress. If he gets a big win, people will start to see that the program is coming around. If the bowl doesn't happen this year, it will DEFINITELY happen next year. That's right I said it. You can quote me on it too. I truly hope that I don't have to put my foot in my mouth.
Look for my take on the defense tomorrow and feel free to comment with your thoughts.
-John
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Derek Jeter to Launch Cologne in November
Remember the days when you didn't have to worry about an athlete trying to market themselves too much? Oh wait I can't remember a time when they didn't do that. I guess I'm too young. I'm sure Mike Cameron remembers.
Anyway, all the fun stuff aside, Derek Jeter is going to be launching his cologne in the fall called, Driven. This scent will be made of everything from pinapple to oak moss. Wow, I can't wait to put some oak moss on my neck. I'm sure that's really attractive. This marks the first time an athlete has put out a fragrance since Michael Jordan... although everyone tried to BE like Mike, no one wanted to SMELL like Mike. I believe they put actual grass in the fragrance for a more "manlier" scent.
Well, for those of you that didn't call in today or didn't get on the show... I'd like to know what fragrance you would like to see for any athlete for every sport. Don't be shy, I'm sure you all have some great ones.
Here are some examples to get your mind going:
A cologne for UK student athletes - Purrfection
Floyd Landis' - Cologne de Victory (a mixture of Cortizone and Jack Daniels)
Tiger Woods' - Dominance (for those men that can bounce back after missing a cut)
Ricky Williams' - Fire on the Mountain (a mixture of natural herbs)
David Ortiz' - Ode de Clutch (for those that know when to step up when it counts)
If I think of any other funny ones I'll let you all know. Until then, I'd like to know what YOU all think.
On a side note, I thought Mike and Mike's cologne for A-Rod was hilarious. In case you missed it, it's running as a promo for ESPN Sports Radio 1300.
Remember the days when you didn't have to worry about an athlete trying to market themselves too much? Oh wait I can't remember a time when they didn't do that. I guess I'm too young. I'm sure Mike Cameron remembers.
Anyway, all the fun stuff aside, Derek Jeter is going to be launching his cologne in the fall called, Driven. This scent will be made of everything from pinapple to oak moss. Wow, I can't wait to put some oak moss on my neck. I'm sure that's really attractive. This marks the first time an athlete has put out a fragrance since Michael Jordan... although everyone tried to BE like Mike, no one wanted to SMELL like Mike. I believe they put actual grass in the fragrance for a more "manlier" scent.
Well, for those of you that didn't call in today or didn't get on the show... I'd like to know what fragrance you would like to see for any athlete for every sport. Don't be shy, I'm sure you all have some great ones.
Here are some examples to get your mind going:
A cologne for UK student athletes - Purrfection
Floyd Landis' - Cologne de Victory (a mixture of Cortizone and Jack Daniels)
Tiger Woods' - Dominance (for those men that can bounce back after missing a cut)
Ricky Williams' - Fire on the Mountain (a mixture of natural herbs)
David Ortiz' - Ode de Clutch (for those that know when to step up when it counts)
If I think of any other funny ones I'll let you all know. Until then, I'd like to know what YOU all think.
On a side note, I thought Mike and Mike's cologne for A-Rod was hilarious. In case you missed it, it's running as a promo for ESPN Sports Radio 1300.
TONIGHT ON THE SPORTS HUDDLE
IT'S THE FIRST DAY OF OUR 2006 SEC FOOTBALL PREVIEW!!!!!!!
That's right everyone!
Tune into the Sports Huddle tonight at 6:30 for our 1st installment of the 2006 SEC football preview. All this week we will have clips from interviews with each coach, important games, impact players, etc. Tonight on the huddle we will break down South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Tennessee.
Stay tuned Wed night at 6:00pm for our breakdown of Georgia and Vandy.
And of course, we will have a more in depth look at each team here on the ESPN Sports Radio 1300 Blog!
-John
IT'S THE FIRST DAY OF OUR 2006 SEC FOOTBALL PREVIEW!!!!!!!
That's right everyone!
Tune into the Sports Huddle tonight at 6:30 for our 1st installment of the 2006 SEC football preview. All this week we will have clips from interviews with each coach, important games, impact players, etc. Tonight on the huddle we will break down South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Tennessee.
Stay tuned Wed night at 6:00pm for our breakdown of Georgia and Vandy.
And of course, we will have a more in depth look at each team here on the ESPN Sports Radio 1300 Blog!
-John
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