I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I’m really looking forward to a New Year.
The last day of the NFL was very exciting. Of course for me being a Vikings fan, they are in the playoffs. First time in a long time. For the Eagles fan, the improbable happened. They needed 3 things to happen…and they did. The stories of the Falcons & the Cardinals are both great. Who would have thought the Chargers had a shot at the playoffs? But, they got hot at the right time. The Colts finished the season 9-0 and are the hottest team entering the playoffs. My prediction – the Colts go all the way. They will be playing Carolina in the big one. I think Carolina ultimately gets by the Giants.
I’m finally going to face the fact that the Big Ten is not all that tough. It’s hard for me to say it. But after watching Florida State completely dismantle Wisconsin, I’m going to accept it. The Big Ten is now 0-2 in bowl games. Northwestern gave Missouri fits last night, but still lost. I’m not sold on any other Big 10 team winning a game now.
My heart says the Buckeyes will beat the Longhorns. My head tells me to believe the Las Vegas line – Texas by 9.5. I will root hard – but I believe Texas will prevail. I hope I’m wrong. Sometimes I love to be wrong.
At least the Big 10 is making waves in basketball. Just a couple of years ago the conference was blasted in the media for being a second tier major conference. Now, they are the 2nd highest RPI conference (behind the ACC of course). They are ahead of the Big East (who thought that would happen), the SEC (take that SEC lovers), the Big 12 (Kansas, Missouri, Texas) and the Pac 10.
I think the Big 10 basketball season is going to be a blast. It’s wide open. I honestly don’t think Ohio State will be in the mix. I’m picking them to finish 3rd or 4th. Michigan State, Purdue & Wisconsin will battle it out for the top. michigan, Minnesota, OSU & Illinois are in the 2nd tier.
I’m glad Anthony Crater is gone from the OSU bball team. After 10 games as a freshman he made the decision that he wasn’t playing enough. Let me say that again – after 10 games, the 1st games of his college career, he decided he wasn’t playing enough. That’s absurd. The expectations of incoming freshmen & their parents & aau coaches can be ridiculous. It’s better to cut them lose. They can be a cancer behind the scenes.
Brett Favre is done. His team collapsed, he was less than stellar, his coach got fired, his shoulder is an issue & he looks tired. It’s time. You’re a legend – walk away.
The Yankees spending spree is irresponsible. I know – they have the money. But they are also using public bonds to fund the stadium. All these people in this world hurting like they are – and they have to read about these crazy sums of money being paid to baseball players. Every day I am losing more interest in baseball. I don’t have a solution, but I fully expect this to be a year in which sports start to struggle economically.
This is the time for New Year’s Resolutions. I’ve failed so many times at these. I’ve decided to make it very simple for this year – I’m going to try to Live a little more, Laugh a little more & Love a little more this year. That’s it. It might sound a little soft, but it works for me. Hopefully I can succeed.
3 comments:
Great post as usual, Jeff!
A few comments on your comments.
I think it's a shame that an 11-5 team didn't make the playoffs. Something like this happens every year. They should have a system where the top X number of teams in the conference get in the playoffs regardless of which division they are in.
Big Ten football really isn't good. You're prolly right about the predicted outcome.
The Noopy Crater thing blows my mind. Does anyone really believe Matta "promised" he would start at point guard two years ago? I'm frankly disgusted by these AAU coaches who are basically nothing but agents trying to cash in. I agree, if this kid and his AAU "daddy" are so immature that they make this judgment after 10 games (in which he, by the way, did play quite a bit), good riddance. But then, who is the backup pg?
Baseball - bwahahaha. Uh ... ever heard of a salary cap or revenue sharing - those revolutionary things that other pro sports have done for years to maintain some semblance of sanity? This issue should have been addressed about 1980. What a bunch of idiots.
And I like the NY resolution. Recall a Spinners song along those lines, for any fans of classic soul music. And for those who love their moms, try "Sadie" - just a little different moral plane than today's lovely gangsta rap!
From T Walsh
p.s. Adrian Peterson's "real" nickname from when he was a kid and through his time at OU is "AD" as in "All Day". His mom used to say "that boy will run All Day if you let him" and it stuck! For some reason the goofball announcers have started calling his AP. Amazing the lack of effort/research!
From K Vicary
You are finally, seeing the light in football. Keep your eye on Baylor the next couple of years. Good coach and a freshman qb that has promise. Sure, they only won 4 games this year (Zero last year) but the big teams stuggled with them. Mizzou should have been a win. I was there and the last scoring drive was right in front of me. The QB throws over the middle and the db steps in front and just plain drops the ball. No one between him and 90 yards of turf to the end zone. They had Nebraska on the ropes and gave it away. Leading Tech midway into the third qtr before losing. Played with Texas for a half. Young team that learns a lot this year.
One additional prediction - If their Women's Bball coach stays the next 4-5 years, they will be the team to beat Nationally. Ranked 7 now, finished 1st what, two-three years ago? Freshman coming in the fall 6'10'' with game. Could be the first female member of the old Phi-slamma-jamma. . . from Houston.
I think you may be wrong on the Michigan BBall. Good coach now has his recruits - it's his team and no more excuses. Three losses (or less) maybe in the big 10 this year.
Even though I am a Colts fan, they don't make the show this year. Not enough 100% healthy bodies on the defensive side. Dungy is the the best coach when it comes to working with a team of injuries. I do see Carolina making the show though. Feel bad for the Cowboys failing again - NOT!
Yankees's - BIG fan in Toledo for 50+ years. Basement full of pictures. Attend a game in a different park every year to see them play. YES - I agree with your assessment too. I hate to see that wild spending on three players. Just uncalled for. ALL Sports will suffer greatly this year, economically.
Lastly, a challenge to you, JEFF BLUNT! Good start to a new years resolution. If you ever get a chance to signup for a men's study called Men's Fraternity - do it. I am in my second course selection and it is worth every minute I spend on it. My challenge to you is that not only do you draw up these resolutions, start drafting your present and future pursuits for YOU. Create a six column chart. The headings for each column are:
Be
Do
Have
Help
Enjoy
Leave
Under each, finish the sentence, "Before I die, I want to BE . . . "; "Before I die, I want to DO . . . " "Before I die, I want to HAVE . . . " Etc.
I'll give you a sample of mine:
Be - A good spiritual leader.
Do - Walk both of my daughters down the aile at their wedding.
Have - Home on the water.
Help - Volunteer at Toledo Christian School for a year, getting to know the students better
Enjoy- Scuba Diving
Leave- A legacy for my daughters that includes memories of great times we had together like I have of my dad.
Throughout the year, pick it up, add to it, track how you are doing. This isn't for just a year but a lifetime. As we get older we have to prepare for our next life. Focus on these six categories my friend and your new years resolution will be a walk in the park. It will be your best year ever. You can take that to the bank bud.
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