NCAA Football: Further Proof that God is an SEC fan

It probably has nothing to do with the fact that the SEC resides in the bible belt; but rather that God prefers bigger, faster, stronger, and yes hotter football teams. Despite the fact that today's events also favor the USC Trojans sitting behind Ohio State at #3 in the rankings, I refuse to believe that this act of the Sweet baby Jesus was meant for them. That would mean God deals with Pete Carroll, and the world with Pete Carroll as a disciple of the Lord Almighty would be a terrifying place.

God threw all SEC fans, ( yes, USC Trojan Fans too ) a HUGE bone today when one of the most hyped players going into the season, Ohio State running back Benie Wells, went down untouched after taking a hand off from qb Todd Boeckman; injuring his right foot. The junior Heisman Trophy contender had already racked up 111 yards on 13 carries, including a 43-yard touchdown run. While Wells was carted off the field and taken into examination, OSU went on to emasculate Younstown State 43-0.

Initial x rays were all negative, however an injury to the foot for a player that relies on speed and cutting could be detrimental. The sweater vest himself, OSU coach Jim Tressel; declined to speculate on the severity of the injury or on Wells' availability.

Tressle was probably more focused on the emerging star on his lineup that COULD save his chances to get to another national championship game, only to be chewed up and spit out by an SEC team for the 3rd year in a row. Freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor made an outstanding debut. Pryor replaced the senior Boeckman midway through the first quarter, immediately orchestrating a 12-play, 51-yard drive that ended with a Ryan Pretorius 31-yard field goal that gave Ohio State a 13-0 lead. Pryor finished the game 4 for 6 with 35 yards passing, and nine runs for 52 yards.

One this is certain no matter how this affects the SEC or USC; Michigan fans can now look forward to another loss this season at the hands of an athletic black quarterback, and another consecutive loss to Ohio State.

"No. 2 Buckeyes win 43-0, but RB Wells injured" [Yahoo Sports]

"Terrelle Pryor makes his Ohio State debut" [Pittsburgh Post]

"Ohio State Might Be In A Ton Of Trouble" [Fan IQ]

Blogorama: NCAA Football : Week 1 Pick'ems

I can't believe I have gone since January without..... For me, SEC on CBS. For those who say Erin Andrews; I totally get it.

2008-2009 Individual Award Pick'ems. Tebow for life, I know that may make me a closeted lover of jorts wearing natty ice drinking hillbillies.They make antibiotics for that stuff right?

"Usually Im a sucker for a team that has a quarterback with impressive flowing locks, but not even I can deny the gravitational pull of an over hyped Clemson team that is destined to have at least 3 horrible loses this season." Ditto. That, or Nick Saban makes you throw up a little in you mouth every time you see his smug ass face.

Bigger… Faster… Dumber? (And Probably Hotter). Best motto for the SEC. Ever.

From a guy who claimed last season Tim Tebow would be benched by week 7. He's good, I swear.

What college football is all about: mascots, cheerleaders, touchdown dances, and tears...lets not forget tears.

Clemson vs. Bama, quarterback Battle of the bangs. Cullen Harper vs. John Parker Wilson, everyone wins.

NCAA Football: Upset City, Population 2

This is what it's all about people; this is what attracts the certifiably unstable individual to college football.

East Carolina University 27, #17 Virginia Tech 22

The ECU Pirates become the first team in the history of their non-BCS conference ( conference USA) to win two back to back games versus BCS opponents. The Pirates were led by Skip Holtz, son of the senile slobbering ESPN College Football studio analyst ( and former coach of ND and The Ohio St. University, and therefore empty inside.) Lou Holtz. This game was Va. Tech's to lose, and boy did they ever with a horrific pass defense ( giving up 349 pass yards). The 08 ACC Champs are very green this season, suiting up 70 players today; 3o of whom had never seen the field before. Tech's 1 experienced player, QB Sean Glennon, was also horrendously mediocre.

"Pirates beat Hokies at own game with clutch special-teams play" [CBS Sportsline]

"Beamer outsmarts himself, Va Tech suffers" [Sporting Blog]

Utah 25, Michighan 23

The Michigan Wolverines have known opening day embarrassment; having lost to non-BCS conference team Appalachian state last season in a forever memorable blocked field goal. So they go out and steal a young fiery Rich Rodriguez from his lovely home in West Virginia, finally get rid of incredibly average gimpy quarterback Chad Henne ( No that YOU, Miami Dolphins!!) and what happens? they lose another opening day at HOME to another non-BCS team in front of 100,000 fans. Like Va. Tech, Michigan had some HORRIFIC pass defense, allowing Utah to complete for 305 yards.

Oh and by the way, that team that Rich Rod left for the bright lights of Ann Arbor, yeah they're pretty damn good. West Virginia showed running superiority and Heisman hopeful quarterback Pat White put on a clinic against the Villanova Wildcats in their opener.

"Utah spoils Rodriguez's debut at Michigan 25-23" [Seattlepi]

"Utah jolts Michigan in Rodriguez's debut" [Detroit News]

US Open Tennis: #1 Goes Down.

And just like that, it was over, arguably one of the biggest upset in Grand Slam history. #1 seeded and world no. 1 Ana Ivanovic shrieked as she made her 34th unenforced error, and succumbed to defeat at the hands of the 138 world ranked Julie Coin. The frenchwoman's remarkable upset comes in the same year she considered leaving the sport, having never won a WTA title and never qualified for the main singles draw of a Grand Slam event until this United States Open.

"Asked on the court if she expected this, Coin could muster only a buoyant, 'No.' 'I don’t realize yet that I beat the No. 1 player in the world,' she said during her postmatch news conference. 'I don’t realize yet that I played on the big court. I don’t know how I’m going to sleep tonight.'

Coin showed grit and mental toughness often questioned in Ivanovic emerging victorious in a 3 setter, 6-3 4-6 6-3 . Coin will now face fellow country woman and perennial heavyweight Amilee Mauresmo. In a tournament and city that always roots for the underdog; bravo Julie Coin!

In other female bracket news: 7th seed Venus Williams cruised into the third round with a 6-0, 6-3 victory over Rossana De Los Rios of Paraguay. Serena Williams rolled through Elena Vesnina of Russia 6-1, 6-1. All signs point to a Williams reaching the final.

"Coin flips Ivanovic to cash in at the US Open" [Sportingo]

"Ivanovic crashes out of US Open"[US Open Tennis Betting]

"Goodbye Ana, Hello Money-Related Puns!" [The Big Lead]

Rafa Nadal cruised to the third round easily last night after beating America's world 261, Ryler De Heart, 6-1, 6-2. 6-4. The Olympic and Wimbledon champion will face Serbia's Victor Troicki, whom he chalked up a straight sets victory in their last meeting. Nadal, has eight titles this season including his fourth French Open crown and first Wimbledon trophy, but never made it past the quarter-finals at the US Open and hasn't made it to a hardcourt Grand Slam final.

"Nadal packs punch, Ivanovic crashes out of US Open tennis" [AFP]

4th seeded David Ferrer also won a third round match after a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 victory against Germany's Andreas Beck, and will face Japan's Kei Nishikori. World #2 Rodger Federer, 6th seed Brit Andy Murray, and ninth-seeded American favorite James Blake were also second-round winners.

"Nadal, Ferrer, Murray, Blake reach third round in Flushing" [The Sports Network]

"Federer will have some second chances" [Boston.com]

"Now There's Really No Reason To Watch" [Rumors and Rants]

"Amputee Ball Girl Puts Your Lazy Butt To Shame" [SportsByBrooks]

Blogorama: Tickets Stamped to CrazyTown

"C " is for Criminal, and Captain, and Cincinnati- BINGO! [Sportable]

Imagine marrying a man who makes you change your last name to 'Ocho Cinco' [The Big Lead]

May or may not be better than a husband with the nickname "White Tiger' [Deadspin]

What I did on my Summer Vacation- Kicking, Punching, Choking edition [EmptytheBench]

Why will Shawn Merriman play with torn ligaments? For the LADIES obviously. [EpicCarnival]

Tony Romo admits- It's totally fair to criticize his performances. [LarryBrownSports]

John McCain Insults My Intelligence

By choosing a 1 year govenor WOMAN vp. She seems charming and lovely, but Mr. McCain if you plan on passing Ms. Sarah Palin off as Hillary Clinton; you are insulting my intelligence. An extreme right wing, social conservative; who has been challenged by an ethics scandal already while serving as a Governor of a state with less residents than in the city of Charlotte, NC.? You have only met her once Mr. McCain, and she is self proclaimed dis-interested in the Iraq war. This is quite a hail Mary.

"Sarah Palin Is Not a Stand-In for Hillary Clinton" [Fox News]

"Will Women Vote for Palin?" [Time]

"Palin = Quayle?" [NY Daily News]

"Does Palin want to be vice president? You wouldn't know it from the interviews" [LA Times]


"Did John McCain Know That Sarah Palin Is In The Middle Of A SCANDAL?" [Wonkette]


"Sarah Palin, The Life-iest Pro-Life Candidate Who Ever Scared The Crap Out of Me" [Jezebel]

Spolitics: Obama-Blog-O-Rama

On the eve of Barack Obama's acceptance of the presidency err...Democratic nomination for the president of the United States. Politics apparently sometimes makes it way into the sports world.

Money + Athletes = Suckers [Rumor and Rants]

WHAT HILLARY CLINTON LEARNED FROM BRETT FAVRE [Epic Carnival]

The Chugalugability of Hope [Intelligencer]

Cubbie Chaser: Obama Goes J-Roll on North Siders [HHR]

Olympian Johnson to lead pledge at DNC convention [AP]

NCAA Football: Hillbilly Deluxe

NC State v. Univ. South Carolina. How many players with team violations/ run ins with law enforcement will be on the field at one time? How many fans will be present NOT wearing jean shorts drinking a COLT 45? Live Bloggin the Opener.

PhelpsFest 2008: Working the 15minutes

Yes I know, I haven't done one of these in almost a week. In part because it has taken me this long to accumulate enough headlines to even warrant a post. So much for popularizing swimming, these days it looks like Phelps would RATHER just be a popular celebrity. I obviously can't blame him seeing as I would clearly do the same thing in his position, but I can still hate him!

"Britney rumored to present with Olympic star Michael Phelps at MTV VMAs" [Celebitchy]

"The Phelps Conspiracy" [This is God Given]

"Beijing Wrap-Up: The 25 Most Marketable Olympians" [Sports Biz]

"Top Eleven Amanda Beard Quotes About Michael Phelps" [eTrueSports]

"What’s The Shelf-Life On Olympic Fame? Phelps to Host Season Premier of SNL" [The Big Lead]

"I Think I Found Michael Phelps’ Dad" [Sportable]

"Tiger Woods Welcomes Michael Phelps to the Head Table" [Friends of the Program]

"Michael Phelps apparently making bid to become 4th Jonas brother" [The Sports Hernia]

"Michael Phelps' Name To Be Mentioned Six Times Following Olympics" [The Onion]

"SNL Taps Personality Challenged Athlete for Season Opener" [The Slanch Report]

"Bush playing Cupid for daughter Barbara and Michael Phelps?" [Siffy India]

US Open Tennis:Seeds Survive

Yesterday, American Andy Roddick, Olympic gold winner Novak Djokovic of Serbia, and rising star Nikolay Davydenko; all easily advances in their opening round matches. Djokovic, the highest of these seeds at #3, won despite rolling his ankle in his opening match; but has reported that he feels fine and is without pain.

Dark horse Jo-Wilifried Tsonga, who reached the finals of the 2008 Austailian Open also lives to see the 2nd round bouncing out Santiago Ventura of Spain 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.

"Roddick, Djokovic, Davydenko cruise in Big Apple" [The Sports Network]

On the Women's side, while the top seeds survived, all struggled- all except 2008 Wimbeldon Champ Venus Williams. Venus was dominant defeating Rossana De Los Rios 6-3, 6 -0. The fact that Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic have had unimpressive three-set tugs-of-war with lower-ranked players should worry those hoping the top seeds will advance to make for competitive quarterfinals. Those who don't want Venus Williams to run away with the tournament should also worry, because when she's playing this well she is virtually impossible to beat.

"Venus Williams rolls into third round of U.S. Open" [LA Times]

"MANNING BROS. VERSUS WILLIAMS SISTERS" [With Leather]

"Serena Williams Still Bitter Over Treatment from U.S. Open Umpires" [Larry Brown Sports]

"Andy Roddick All Ready To Marry Brooklyn Decker" [SportsByBrooks]

"Nadal to Nike, sorry."[The Sporting Blog]

NCAA Football:Smells like Saturday!

Look into the potentially MOST defining games of the College Football Season [Fan IQ]

The Top 10 college programs of all time. [Real Clear Sports]

Good Week 1 picks [East Coast Biased]

For those who don't understand college football fans, your not alone apparently. Maybe all of you can succede from the Union or go live on your own island or something. [Sporting Blog]

And to pump you up, for tonight's live blog of NC-State, U. South Carolina game , Some Tim Tebow [Awful Announcing]

NFL Update: Neckbeard 007

Top 10 Players in the League. Debate begins....now. [Yardbreaker]

Top 10 cursed positions. Debate....unnecessary. [EPIC Carnival]

What players did on their summer vacations? drugs and alcohol violation edition. [Empty the Bench]

What Tony Romo did on his summer vacation, buy a new house. [SportsByBooks]

Peyton Manning will not be permanently on vacation. [Intentional Foul]


Michael Strahan staying on vacation with FOX Sports [WorldofIssac]


Lindsay Lohan joins the cult of women hypnotized by the Don Juan that is Kyle Orton. That neck beard is dangerously sexy. [SportsCracklePop]

Blogorama: NCAA Football : T'was the Night before Tebow

Yes, Yes Yes to all of the above.
"Top 10 Things To Love About College Football" [Legend of Cecilio Guante]

Why football is wondeful, reason 1,345,987
"The Healing Power of Sports" [Bleacher Report]


I will dare to be optimistic, through the weekend at least.
"Why The Georgia Bulldogs Won't Be BCS National Champions " [FanIQ]


Again. Will. Remain. Optimistic.
"CFB 08: Tim Tebow For Heisman? Nope" [Dan Shanoff]



The Greatest Conference in the Land + The Greatest Sitcom in the Land = Magical
"SEC Predictions: If They Were Saved By the Bell Episodes" [Friends of the Program]

NCAA Football : T'was the Night before Tebow

"the most glorious, and shortest, sports season of the year is less than 24 hours away. We’ve only got 12 weeks out of 52 to watch our teams play, and by God, we’re going to pack as much life into those 12 weeks as is humanly possible. We’re going to drink, we’re going to tailgate, we’re going to scream louder than anyone ever thought was possible, and, inevitably, we’re going to want to cry. Yep, it’s Christmas Eve for football fans. Because, at long last, college football season is here again."

"It's College Football Eve!" [Deadspin]

Sometimes There Are Things Greater Than Sports

"with Barack Obama- for you and for me, for our country and for our cause- work begins anew, the hope rises again, and the dream lives on,"

Last night our 'Teddy' returned, the last of the Kennedy brothers, our American royalty. The Lion and future first lady ( that's right I'm sayin' it) Michelle Obama light up the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Despite a brain tumor that was expected to keep him from even coming to the convention, the man went above and beyond; giving a rousing and uniting message for his party, passing the hopes and dreams of 'Camelot' onto Obama and his family.

Michelle Obama, introducing herself and her husband, their stories, and their gorgeous family. Classy, smart, and endearing; Michelle's speech and her appearance with her young girls made me proud to be a woman! Talk about goosebumps. I dare anyone who watched that last night to say that voting for Obama is not the right thing to do.

"Obama’s wife, kids steal the show" [The Times- South Africa]

"Michelle Obama speech did the trick" [Boston Globe]

"Michelle Obama’s Gold Medal Speech" [Rolling Stone]

"Kennedy Tugs at Hearts, as Obama’s Wife Praises Values" [NY Times]

"I Think I’ve Finally Found The Perfect Running Mate" [KSK]

"UNDRCROWN, Obama go to the hoop" [The Sporting Blog]

Blogorama: Hodgepodge

Remember the indoor Men's Olympic indoor volleyball coach his in-laws were attacked/ killed in Beijing? well thank goodness he's leaving with a gold medal.

A round up of the other final gold medal winners, men's basketball.

Is it too early to call Matt Lienart a bust? I think it's a little late to be jumping on the 'bust' bandwagon now!!!

Brady Quinn should be auditioning for a role as Tinkerbell in 'Peter Pan on Ice'

When should a man wear a civilian jersey? if he wants to get laid? never. When should a woman wear a jersey? If she wants to get laid? she should have one surgically attached to her body.

The Grapple in the Apple: Nadal had to scrapple....

Those like myself who WANT Rafa Nadal to continue on to the finals, if for no other purely selfish reason than to simply WATCH him and his bulging biceps on our televisions; should be concerned that Rafa's consistent playing and since his Wimbledon win may just be what causes him not to win the US Open. Even more alarming is that the U.S. Open is the only major tournament where Nadal hasn't reached at least the semifinals.

Concerns that Rafa may be a little worn out from a heavy schedule were only enforced by today's opening round match vs. Germany's Bjorn Phau. Rafa needed two tie breakers and three hours, but went on to win 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 7-6 (7-4). Phew! long live the capri pants, at least until tomorrow.

On the women's side, top five seeds Ana Jankovic and Elena Dementieva advanced easily. Also sentimental American favorite, Lindsay Davenport, returning to the US Open after a year off raising her new baby boy; advanced easily in strait sets.

"Nadal, Jankovic, Dementieva Win on U.S. Open Tennis's First Day" [Bloomberg.com]

NFL Update: Strahan less like Emmitt Smith, more like Brett Favre

Depending on how you look at it, news that Osi Umenyiora will undergo surgery on a torn meniscus today and be out for the entire season, could be good or bad news for Giants fans. Bad news that the pro bowl backbone of their defense has a season ending injury. GREAT news that now when the Giants finish just short of making the playoffs this season, they have an excuse.

Either way, apparently the Giants have offered retired d lineman and former team captain Michael Strahan 8 million dollars for the year to leave his cushy new job as a sports analyst to return to the gridiron while Osi is out. I would like to extend my own services to the Giants organization, I would be happy to suit up for that dollar figure. Put me in coach!

"The Preseason's Victim This Year? The Giants." [FanIQ]

"Osi Out for Season; Strahan, Where Art Thou?" [The Big Lead]

"A Short Retirement for Michael Strahan?" [AOL Fanhouse]

Yesterday I mocked Matt Lienart ( as I do on the inside every day.) for his beyond poor performance against the Oakland Raiders. Well apparently Matt's performance has now cost him the starting position for the Arizona Cardinals. Why is Matt holding his head you ask? probably to prevent what little is left in it from falling out.

"Leinart Expected to be Backing Up Warner" [The Big Lead]

"The Kurt Warner-Matt Leinart "Sham" Quarterback Competition: Part III" [The Bleacher Report]

"Are The Cardinals Sick Of Leinart’s Sucking?" [SportsByBrooks]

And our heart warming story of the day- Aaron Rodgers did good! Our little old block head put on his big boy pants, tied his own shoes and everything. Even though the Packers went on to lose to the Bengals, Aaron was 9-for-15, 117 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. A little baby gunslinger in the making.

"Rodgers impressive in Packers win" [National Post]

"Packers singing Rodgers' praises after solid debut" [Chicago Tribune]

"Rodgers quicker on trigger" [Scout.com]

US Open Tennis: Women's draw= Wide Open

US Open begins today, and I have already previewed the Men's side of the draw. The women's side boasts fewer sure things, seeing that this has been a turbulent year for all the world's top players. Neither No. 1 Ivanovic nor No. 2 Jankovic nor No. 3 Serena Williams nor No. 4 Kuznetsova nor No. 5 Sharapova has won a major tournament since the French Open.

This instability in the draw makes it MORE likely that a Williams sister will make it into the finals of this US Open. They have both had more consistent success this year including facing off against each other for the second time ever in an exciting Wimbledon final (Venus won). Both sisters have won the US Open twice, and despite both losing in the singles drawl in the Olympics; the left Beijing golden by teaming up to win the doubles together. There's just something about the US Open; the Williams sisters rise to this grand slam event in particular.

Both sisters will not makes this final, they are on the same side of the drawl Venus seeded at 7th, Serena at #4. Should they win out; they will face each other in the quarterfinals

Speaking of quarterfinals, another quarterfinal match up that could potentially preview another finalist is the one slated between Top-seeded Ana Ivanovic vs. No. 6 Dinara Safina. I like Safina in this, for no other reason except she is tough, intense, angry; quite frankly she scares me. That and Ivanovic always seems to constantly be fighting injury, and by the way she is notorious for taking injury time outs during matches; strikes me as some sort of mental hypochondriac.

Maria Sharapova will not enter this year's US Open due to a severe shoulder injury. She will however still be in attendance, so male fan's will still get their leggy blond fix.

Finally lets not forget the No. 5 Elena Dementieva who is coming off the biggest victory of her career, a singles gold medal in Beijing ( on a hard court surface). She would meet with No. 3 Kuznetsova in the quarterfinals, a repeat match up of the 2004 US Open Final.

"Golden sisters expect to regain spots atop women's rankings" [USA Today]

"The Women’s Draw" [NY Times]

"U.S. Open looks ripe for a Williams takeover" [LA Times]

"Quiet, Please: U.S. Open Preview" [Deadspin]