Snork! I Just Knew It!

It was too much to hope that that Cavaliers would make it a series and win at home last night against the heir-apparent Warriors. Just too much. CavsNation is grieving the trophy that did not even get closer to their fingertips. I have no pony in this race, but I like a series to be an actual series. Tsk!

MLB Wrap-Up

Thursday's Batting Average: 0.666. I'm right proud of that one but wish I had gotten just one more prediction correct.

Since I was at work doing curriculum writing and did not have much down time, I made no pronostications for Friday's games.

Saturday Slugfest

1. Phillies at Nationals
2. Orioles at Blue Jays
3. Royals at White Sox
4. Red Sox at Twins
5. Mets at Brewers
6. Cubs at Braves 
7. Athletics at Reds
8. Padres at Rockies
9. Astros at Rays
10. Tigers atYankees
11. Cardinals at Pirates
12. Dodgers at Giants
13. Indians at Angels
14. Rangers at Mariners
15. Marlins at Diamondbacks

I missed watching the NCAA Men's Track and Field Finals last night, so I will try to catch up with the ladies tonight. The SEC was well represented with a 1-2-3 finish. Next year, Aggies, we get those Gators and Hogs! Gig 'em, Aggies! Whoop!

Lady Grid out.

Back on Track

I took yesterday to recuperate after moving items from my old classroom to my new classroom. The energy fled me, so I put my feet up and watched the Mens NCAA Track & Field Semifinals. That motivated me to run 1.5 miles this morning. Woohoo!

Thursday - MLB Games

1. Houston at Texas
2. Pittsburgh at Colorado
3. LA Angels at NY Yankees
4. Baltimore at Toronto
5. St. Louis at Cincinnati
6. Washington at ChiSox
7. NY Mets at Milwaukee
8. Miami at Minnesota
9. Cleveland at Seattle

It's about time that the Cleveland Cavaliers showed up! Now we may have a series. My final opinion is held until the end of the game on Friday night.

Lady Grid out.

Bad Luck for the Lady

College Football Wound-Up

Let's see now.  I really have no business in Vegas or Atlantic City or any other gambling venue as mentioned in previous posts gone by.  Whew!  I am of the belief that if it weren't for bad luck on bowl game picks, I'd have no luck at all.  Do you really want my prediction for the BCS Championship tonight?  I am picking Florida State to win; however, I'd be happier with an Auburn win for the good old SEC.

OVERALL RECORD: 14-20

NFL Wild Card Weekend

I wound up with a 2-2 record for the professional bracket and await the coming weekend's gridiron action. Neither the Eagles nor the Bengals did not meet my expectations. The NBA has some good match-ups headed our way, so I'll take a peek at them and see what's happening during the week.  I will post my updated bracket closer to the weekend.

NBA on Monday Night

1. Minnesota plays the 76ers in Philadelphia? Philly has a four-game winning streak and their record is 12-21.  And my concern in this game is? Push.
2. Atlanta Hawks venture north to take on the Brooklyn Nets.  I realize the Nets got a little excited last week. This game will be back to form.  Hawks win and stay above .500 for a while longer.
3. Orlando heads west for a little trip in the City of Angels and the Chris Paul-less Clippers.  The Magic possess an even more abysmal record away than I have for the college bowls.  The Clippers have losses at home in the single digits under five.  Clippers win handily.

Lady Grid out.

Updates and Upsets

Another bowl prediction bites the dust; however, the SEC wins another one for the conference.  Congratulations, Vanderbilt Commodores.  The GoDaddy Bowl featuring Arkansas State against Ball State. With another coaching change at Arkansas State, I think Ball State will nab this one, but I won't be staying up late tonight to find out the result.

OVERALL RECORD: 14-19

My hat is off to the New Orleans Saints who rallied to beat the NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles. Now they fly up to play in Seattle again after the Week 13 debacle.  I still think that Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, and the Seahawks will take all comers as indicated by my bracket pictured below.  The rest of my predictions stand, though.

PLAYOFF RECORD: 1-1

I wish Chris Paul a speedy recovery with the separated shoulder injury; he is an exciting player to watch.  I look for the rest of the team to step up and keep the momentum rolling in time for him to return before the post-season play begins in the spring. I took a peek at the NBA standings currently.  The Western Conference's top eight teams all have winning records; the Eastern Conference falls off after the top four.  Toronto is 16-15 right now. I like the Pacers leading the way and hope things continue.

Lady Grid out.

Updated January 5, 2014 prior to today's games.

Post-Season: Wild Card Weekend

The college bowls have been wild all right.  You know the drill.  Here is my report card and my pick for today's single, solitary bowl game.  My son NinjaBoy is still grounded because he has now added the word "decimation" to describe my abysmal bowl record.  At this rate, he'll  never leave his room.

AT&T Cotton Bowl:  Oklahoma State University vs. Missouri, WIN - I was hanging on to the edge of my seat as this one wound down. I just needed to see the SEC win after the 'Bama loss Thursday.  Whew!

Discover Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. Ohio State University, LOSS - Turnovers are killers, especially at the end of close games.  Braxton Miller kept on playing despite a sore side after a nasty hit earlier in the game.  Congratulations, Clemson.

OVERALL SCORE: 14-18

Today's bowl game is the BBVA Compass Bowl featuring Vanderbilt playing against Houston.  I'm taking the Cougars over the Commodores this afternoon.  Go, team.

NFL Wild Card 

On to the professional match-ups scheduled for today.  Wait a minute.  A Yellow Flag of Shame to Jerry Jones for even opening his mouth to suggest that the NFL needs expanded playoffs.  Would the Cowboys lollygag in with this newfangled system? No, they would be excluded, AGAIN. Moving on.

AFC Wild Card Game (3:35 P.M.) - Kansas City goes to Indianapolis for another game against the Colts.  If the Colts are peaking at the right time, then they prevail.  If Andy Reid gets his players to dig deep, then the Chiefs win on the road.  Crazy things happen all of the time.  Indianapolis wins this one because they beat teams with decent records; they beat these guys once before and know how it's done.

NFC Wild Card Game (7:10 P.M.) - The New Orleans Saints have to play Philadelphia Eagles outside in the elements. Traditionally, the Saints (and other warm-weather teams) do not fare well in cold conditions. I'm happy to watch the game from my couch instead of freezing.  Hubby wouldn't go to an outdoor game in the elements unless paid big bucks.  I'll have to speak to his agent about that.  Oh, yeah, I'm his agent. The Iggles win despite our hopes for the Saints to prevail.  Geaux Saints!

Sunday, January 5, 2014

AFC Wild Card Game (12:05 P.M.) - San Diego Chargers travel to play the Cincinnati Bengals.  I want the Bengals to get past this initial weekend of play and move on to showcase their talent.  I agree with Tony Kornheiser that it should be the Steelers and not the Chargers slipping in to the playoffs.  The Bengals need to be ready to beat them again. Send Philip Rivers home for the season!  The Chargers are prowling around with a chip on their shoulder. Bengals win; they've been perfect at home all season.

NFC Wild Card Game (3:40 P.M.) - San Francisco Forty-Niners bundle up to play the Green Bay Packers in less than humane settings.  I am shivering just thinking about it. If the West Coast Wonders think they'll just march in and whip up on these Packer boys, they'll be in for a surprise.  Aaron Rodgers is back and ready to play; he is the "it" factor for the Packers.  Despite their wretched regular season record, the Packers send the Niners packing.  It's too bad for Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman because I love seeing them harass quarterbacks and running backs whenever possible.

I've added my bracket for you to see and read 'em and weep.  Ha ha ha!

Lady Grid out.

This is my prediction for the post-season of the NFL.  I'll update when I make a mistake on predictions as needed.

What Happened? (Or I Missed My Pick Again)

Let's just say that the Sugar Bowl was incredible because I could not believe my eyes when the final scoreboard showed.  This year's college bowls really show that the underdog has a bit more fight in him than expected.  Too many times a 6-6 record team has taken down a team with a better record; I cite Syracuse, North Carolina and Oregon State as my proof. Simply incredible.  Be glad I am not a gambling sort.  My son aka NinjaBoy uses the word obliteration to describe my record this post-season.  He's grounded until further notice.While I pick my jaw up off of the ground, I'll let you know who I pick for the two collegiate games scheduled today. I really miss Howard Cosell's pronunciation of the word orange for the bowl game tonight.  Sigh.

AT&T Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Missouri - I am going with Mizzou to redeem the SEC.

Discover Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. Ohio State University - I think Clemson's Tajh Boyd will have a great night, but I think the Buckeyes will prevail.  Be glad I am not a gambling sort.  

OVERALL RECORD: 13 - 17

Tomorrow, I unveil my NFL wild card picks.  Hopefully, I will do better with them.  Lady Grid out.

A One Bowl Day

Here's a look at my Bowl Report Card.

Taxlsayer.com Gator Bowl: Nebraska vs. Georgia, LOSS- That Dawg let me down.  The Huskers only scored during two quarters of the game, and the Dawgs scored in the last three quarters but came up short. Woof.
Heart of Dallas Bowl: UNLV vs. North Texas, LOSS - I will not doubt the Mean Green again.
Capitol One Bowl: Wisconsin vs. South Carolina, WIN - Now SEC quarterbacks can sleep well because Jadaveon Clowney will head to the NFL in the draft.
Outback Bowl: Iowa vs. LSU, WIN - This one ended with a closer score than anticipated.
Rose Bowl: Stanford vs. Michigan State, WIN - I was questioning my choice after the first quarter ended.
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: UCF vs. Baylor, LOSS - What happened here?  I was stunned because Baylor had been mugged in the first quarter then rallied to make this a bit more even before the half ended.was questioning my choice after the first quarter ended.

OVERALL SCORE: 13-16

Mercifully, there is only one bowl game scheduled for today with the Allstate Sugar Bowl.  I think that the Alabama Crimson Tide will whip up on the Oklahoma Sooners (aka the Wagonriders).  You and I will find out at the same time this evening if I am correct or not. The SEC will be 6-1 in bowl games if I am right.

A big welcome back to Around the Horn and its sister program PTI.  I have missed the banter of the columnists and relish laughing about their observations at 4:00 P.M. CST on ESPN2.  I'll be figuring out my NFL post-season bracket and letting you in on my personal predictions. 

Lady Grid out.

Happy New Year to You!!

Welcome to the year 2014, one and all.  There are a few college games on today, but we'll tally my fabulous score from yesterday's bowls. I am not doing that well, but it's all in fun anyway.

Advocare Bowl: Arizona vs. Boston College, LOSS
Hyundai Sun Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. UCLA, LOSS
Autozone Liberty Bowl: Rice vs. Mississippi State, LOSS
Chick Fil-A Bowl: Duke vs. Texas A &M Aggies (Whoop!!!) WIN

OVERALL SCORE: 10-12

New Year's Day: January 1, 2014

1. Taxlsayer.com Gator Bowl: Nebraska vs. Georgia
2. Heart of Dallas Bowl: UNLV vs. North Texas
3. Capitol One Bowl: Wisconsin vs. South Carolina
4. Outback Bowl: Iowa vs. LSU
5. Rose Bowl: Stanford vs. Michigan State
6. Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: UCF vs. Baylor

Time to listen to U2's "New Year's Day," folks.  Lady Grid out.

College Bowl Madness! - December 31, 2013

Here is my record of picks for the college post-season bowls.  I am not channeling Jerry Jones.  I am NOT channeling Jerry Jones!  I think I am too close to Jerry Jones.  Yergh.  Anyway, my picks are in bold.  The red lets you know I blew it. I know, I know, why did I pick against my USC Trojans? I am still scratching my head over that one.  The Longhorn band did a nice tribute to Coach Brown in their loss to Oregon.  Bon voyage, Coach Brown! Welcome to the SEC Network, Tim Tebow! I have admired Tim since his days at Florida because of his stand for our LORD Jesus Christ.  Do well, little brother!

1. New Mexico Bowl - Washington State vs. Colorado State, WIN
2. Las Vegas Bowl - Fresno State vs. USC, LOSS
3. Idaho Potato - Buffalo vs. San Diego State, LOSS
4. New Orleans -T ulane vs. LA-Lafayette, WIN
5. St. Petersburg - Ohio vs. East Carolina, WIN
6. Hawaii - Boise State vs. Oregon State, LOSS
7. Little Caesar's - Pittsburg vs. Bowling Green, LOSS
8. Poinsettia - Utah State vs. Northern Illinois, LOSS
9. Military Bowl - Marshall vs. Maryland , WIN
10. Texas Bowl - Syracuse vs. Minnesota, LOSS
11. Fight Hunger - Brigham Young vs. Washington, WIN
12. Pinstripe - Rutgers vs. Notre Dame, WIN
13. Belk Bowl - Cincinnati vs. North Carolina, LOSS
14. Russell Athletic - Miami vs. Louisville, WIN
15. Buffalo Wild Wings - Michigan vs. Kansas State, WIN
16. Armed Forces Bowl - Middle Tennessee vs. Navy, LOSS
17. Music City Bowl - Ole Miss vs. Georgia Tech, LOSS
18. Alamo Bowl - Oregon vs. Texas, WIN
19. Holiday Bowl - Arizona State vs. Texas Tech, LOSS

OVERALL RECORD: 9 - 10

Today's Bowl Games:

1. Advocare Bowl - Arizona vs. Boston College
2. Sun Bowl - Virginia Tech vs. UCLA
3. Liberty Bowl - Rice vs. Mississippi State
4. Chik Fil-A - Duke vs. Texas A&M

Lady Grid out.

Picks-A-Plenty! - December 30, 2013

Adieu to Coaches Shanahan and Frazier for Washington and Minnesota, respectively.  How is Lovie Smith's resume looking?

Here is the final tally of how I picked on Pigskin Pick 'Em.  I won my family group and relish the opportunity to do another victory cha-cha in the brackets.  Some weeks resemble the Cowboys' record at the end of the past three seasons. Other weeks, I'm an absolute genius! The cities listed are the incorrect picks I made for that particular week.

Week 1: 12-4, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, NY Giants, and Washington - I am a GENIUS!

Week 2: 9-7,  Carolina, Minnesota, Dallas, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Pittsburgh

Week 3: 5-10, Philadelphia, Green Bay, Minnesota, Washington, San Diego, NY Giants, Houston, Atlanta, Buffalo, San Francisco, and Pittsburgh (third time running now)

Week 4: 7-8, Baltimore, Cincinnati, NY Giants (three peat), Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta

Week 5: 7-7, New England(!), Seattle, Jacksonville, Miami, NY Giants, Carolina, and Atlanta

Week 6: 11-4, Houston, Minnesota, NY Yets, Indianapolis - I am a GENIUS!

Week 7: 9-6, Miami, Chicago, Detroit, New England (?), Baltimore, and Denver (!)

Week 8: 10-3, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta (what is happening in Georgia?)

Week 9: 7-6, Cincinnati, New Orleans, San Diego, Oakland, Baltimore, and Green Bay

Week 10: 8-6, Washington, Cincinnati, Green Bay, Tennessee, Indianapolis, and San Francisco

Week 11: 10-5, Atlanta, NY Yets, Detroit, Houston (surprised?), and San Diego.

Week 12: 6-7, Chicago, Detroit (come on, Lions!), Kansas City, Houston (again), Oakland, NY Giants, and Denver (stop the press!). Don't worry; I put myself in a corner.

Week 13: 12-4, Chicago, Cleveland, Buffalo, and San Diego.  Feeling smarter again.

Week 14: 11-5, Houston lost to Jacksonville, Detroit (I now have the blues), Oakland, Pittsburgh, and Dallas laying an egg in Chi-Town.

Week 15: 10-5, Denver, New England (I was cheering about losing this one), Philadelphia, New Orleans, Cincinnati (sigh), and the Detroit Lions.

Week 16: 11-4, Kansas City (tsk), Detroit, Seattle, and Green Bay.

Week 17: 14-2, Detroit and Miami blew it for me in my Pigskin Pick 'Em entry.  I'm still a GENIUS!

On the collegiate bowl game College Bowl Mania, I am 8-7 right now.  Yergh.

Lady Grid out.

College Bowl Madness Begins

The first semester is wrapped up at school, and I look forward to two weeks of rest and relaxation with my family.  Now my attention turns to collegiate football post-season action that resumes tomorrow afternoon.  We open up the thirty-five bowls on Saturday afternoon.  Some of the names defy description and beg for an explanation.  I long for the voice of Howard Cosell as he announced "the Ahr-rang Bowl" (Orange Bowl) before it became the FedEx Orange Bowl. Yergh.

1. The Gildan New Mexico Bowl featuring Colorado State and a .500 team Washington State.  Both teams are rebuilding.  With Mike Leach at the helm of Washington State, the Cougars will mount a formidable attack. They may squeak by with a win this time. 
2. The Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl has Fresno State squaring off against the USC Trojans.  The Bulldogs have the better record and more stability in the front office.  USC wants to show its new coach that they're worth the work and effort after the departure of Kiffin and the interim coach Ed Orgeron.  Bulldogs triumph. 
3. The Famous Idaho Bowl has the Buffalo Bulls against the San Diego State Aztecs.  Buffalo isn't the laughingstock it formerly was.  The Aztecs are playing in their fourth consecutive bowl.  Sigh.  Girls, you're both pretty. Buffalo takes this one this year in the final drive of the game to come from behind.
4. In the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, LA-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns make a little road trip, chere, to take on the Tulane Green Wave who call New Orleans home.  They play in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome to a largely hometown crowd. We'll see how Joe Montana's son Nick Montana does and if that shoulder is recovered after he injured it earlier this year.  Separated shoulders are rumored to hurt like the blazes, but I've no intention to speak first-hand, ever.  The teams break even on stats; one team shows strength where the other shows weakness. The Cajuns have had more recent bowl experience and success and win this year's New Orleans Bowl, too.

A quick sidenote or two must be made about the NBA.  Kobe is out for several weeks with a knee injury.  Coach Popovich rested some of his best players and still won against Golden State.  Yowza.  The Toronto Raptors, of all teams, beat the Mavericks tonight 109-108 in overtime.  Yergh. I don't think D-Rose returns to the hardwood this season after he sat out last year trying to recover.  He recently turned twenty-five and wants to be ambulatory in his mid-forties.  Lady Grid out.

Pro Primer/College Review - December 8, 2013

College Games

1. Congratulations to Michigan State for taking down the Big Bad Buckeyes.  What a show as they rallied back to win the game.  We'll see later tonight how the bowls shake out for Ohio State.  Maybe Ohio State should regard both Michigan teams as serious threats each year.
2. Congratulations to Baylor, the new Big XII champions. With a win over Texas, their title is uncontested.  They had more than two times the yards of the Longhorns.  What a way to say goodbye to their old stadium.
3. Congratulations to Auburn who beat Mizzou in an SEC title game more like a shootout.  I really thought they might not be ready for the Show-Me State, but I was proven wrong.  Now Auburn must prepare for FSU who handily beat Duke in the ACC title game.

There are a number of games to preview today, ladies and gentlemen.  Here we go.

1. Let me say, oops! about expecting the Texans to win against the Jags on Thursday night.  I bid a fond adieu and wish Coach Kubiak good luck after his firing.  Football is a business.
2. Indianapolis plays Cincinnati in Cincinnati; I don't see the Colts winning this one either.  Luck is going to get smacked around like a toy with the Bengals' defense.
3. The Dirty Birds take flight to Lambeau Field.  The Packers find a way to win without Aaron Rodgers under center.  It's cold outside, and the Falcons are a warm-weather team.
4. Cleveland at New England will be an offensive showcase for Pretty Boy and his young receiving corps unless they are all stricken with the dropsies.  The Pats are undefeated at home this season so far for six games.  Make it seven games around 3:45 EST.
5. Oakland Raiders cross the continent to play the NY Yets who have a decent home record and want to break even.  Raiders have an abyssmal road record that will get better today when the Yets cannot win in front of the home crowd.
6. Detroit Lions roar into Eagles' aerie.  The Eagles are so-so at home, but Nick Foles has been a beast so far.  Stafford, Megatron, and the Lions' defense have to produce some really good numbers on both sides of the ball to knock them out of the perch.  I'm not sure that will happen, but it's a nice wish for a Cowboys fan. Push.
7. The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field today.  Coach Tomlin had that nasty fine after his mistake; however, both records will be even once the game settles.  Steelers and Dolphins will both be 6-7 on the season as the Steelers try to improve their standings in the AFC North.  I don't think they'll catch the Bengals this year.
8. Pillow Fight Game: Buffalo Bills journey south to Tampa Bay.  The Buccaneers are leading the series, but ball protection is key to this game for both teams.  Bucs win.
9. Unfair Fight: The KC Chiefs, led by Andy Reid, go to FedEx Field for a tussle with the Redskins and Robert Griffin, III.  Coach Reid knows how these guys play.  Coach Reid's team wants to stop the streak of losses.  The Chiefs win this one.
10. The Minnesota Vikings won't improve their road record in Baltimore.  Even though Flacco has almost as many picks as touchdowns, the Ravens rise to the occasion and beat up on their fellow purple people.
11. Because the Tennessee Titans dare to show their faces in Denver, they will be helped to big old serving of beatdown.  The Broncos are undefeated at home and plan to keep it that way thanks to General Peyton and the gang.  The Titans want to keep their playoff hopes alive.  They should have stayed home.
12. An NFC West battle will be fought when the St. Louis Rams play the Arizona Cardinals.  The Cardinals own the edge in the last head-to-head match-ups since 2001.  The Rams have beaten them three straight times to close the gap.  The Cards figure it out and beat the Rams today.
13. The NY Giants go west to see Philip Rivers and the Chargers.  In a game featuring disappointing teams and play, it makes the Lady feel a bit pushy today. Nah, the Bolts win.
14. Seattle cruises into San Francisco's Candlestick Park, but the Niners are ready for them this time.  The Seahawks' only loss is on the road.  The Niners have beaten the Seahawks the past five times when the game is in San Fran.  Niners send them home plucked and packing.
15. Carolina wants its stingy defense to shut down Drew Brees and the Saints at the Superdome. What an incredible match-up to be had tonight, ladies and gentlemen.  The Panthers have an eight-game winning streak.  The Saints are undefeated at home this season.  They play two times in a three-week period.  Look for a surprise ending for this game.  The Panthers will actually beat the Saints in the Superdome tonight.
16. Monday Night Football has the Cowboys at Soldier Field playing the Bears.  The 'Boys road record could be better, but Josh McCown and the Bears have a chip on their shoulders after the loss to the Vikings, of all teams.  The Bears edge the Cowboys this time, unfortunately. This time K Robbie Gould pulls one out for the team.

Lady Grid out.

Icy Saturday - December 7, 2013

I appreciate the significance of the day and any of our World War II veterans who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.  Thank you.  It's icy in Texas, and we're thankful for heat, blankets, and warm food.  It's also great weather for watching some college football this weekend.  Shall we take a turn around the rink that is my front yard?

1. I still think where there's smoke there's fire, despite the lack of charges against Winston of the FSU Seminoles.  I also didn't think the jocular atmosphere was appropriate.  Yellow Flag of Shame to the way that press conference was handled.  I predict FSU will handle the Blue Devils from Duke; I want to be wrong about my pick, though.
2. Ohio State squares off against Sparty and the gang who really want to spoil the Buckeyes' plans for an undefeated season.  Ohio State triumphs in the end.
3. The Texas Longhorns are in Waco to play the Baylor Bears.  Bears love beef!  Baylor wins.
4. UCF visits Big D to play SMU? They'd better be playing inside today.  UCF wins.
5. Stanford flew east to play Arizona State, and they'll show those Sun Devils a thing or two.  Stanford wins.
6. Tiger Fest: Mizzou against Auburn.  Auburn is still too giddy after beating Bama and comes up short against a surging Mizzou team with something to prove and some respect to earn.  They'll get it today.
7. Fresno State hosts Utah State and serves them with a pasting.  Sorry, Aggies.
8. Rutgers Scarlet Knights beat the visiting South Florida Bulls who've been terrible all year long.  Why should the bleeding stop now?
9. Rice Owls should make short work of the Thundering Herd today.  Marching Owl Band rocks!
10. Oklahoma plays Oklahoma State in Stillwater.  Here's hoping Pistol Pete trounces the wagon riders but good!

Lady Grid out.

Pros Preview/College Review - December 1, 2013

Tigers Aplenty, Tigers Galore

How about those Auburn Tigers? Now it remains to be seen how the BCS will rank the Tide after their loss.  Will they hold on to the number one spot, or will it be FSU versus Ohio State in the ultimate championship game?  Ohio State barely edged Michigan after the Wolverines' ill-advised two-point conversion attempt.  Ugh.  Tie them then beat them in OT.  FSU absolutely demolished the Gators.  I had hoped the Aggies' defense and Jonathan Manziel's thumb would be healed, but that was not meant to be.  We'll wait and see which post-season bowl they are in and then figure out how that one will go.  It was another disappointment to see the USC team get beaten by the Bruins of UCLA.  Ugh, part deux.  Clemson just couldn't do anything with South Carolina for the fifth time in a row.  Ugh, part troix.  It's time to look at the professionals for this weekend.

Professional Match-ups:

Three Thanksgiving day games means twelve today and one tomorrow.  Woo-hoo!

1. Pillow Fight Game will be Jacksonville against Cleveland. I hope to stay awake for any action from this game, but I don't expect much.  Cleveland will find a way to either lose or win.  Push.
2. Tennessee sojourns to the skidding Indianapolis Colts.  Does Andrew Luck have a good day and beat these guys? Let's hope so.
3. The NFC North battle features Chicago in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.  Bears make the Vikings blow that horn, but the Bears will come up with a win following the lead of backup QB Josh McCown. 
4. Miami swims north to play the NY Yets (Are they playing some real ball yet?) The Yets are 4-1 at home.  Will the Yets defense crumble? Will the Fins be 5-1 at New York? Fins beat Yets.
5. Bird Fight: Arizona against Philadelphia.  Hmm. . . the smaller bird has some fight in him, but the Iggles will eke out a victory against Carson Palmer and his team.
6. Tampa Bay plays division rival Carolina at Ericsson Stadium.  The Panthers thump them but good.
7. New England takes tea in Houston with the Texans. And the point of the game is to show us how fabulous Pretty Boy and his coach are here in the Lone Star State?  How well they can carve up the Texans' defense despite the heroics of JJ Watt? If the score for the Pats is lower than forty points, I'll take it that they extended some mercy.  Not likely, my friends.
8. The Atlanta Falcons take flight to hapless Buffalo.  It's not every day that you see a bird beat up a bovine relative, but watch for the Falcons to fly home with a victory.
9. Pointless Game, part Deux: St. Louis comes calling in the city by the bay.  Save yourself the plane fare and call in a forfeit.  Colin Kaepernick will kiss that arm of his several times; Frank Gore will rack up at least 100 yards; the twin terror defensemen NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis along with the Smith "brothers" will have a field day.  I hope Sam Bradford doesn't come along to see the misery that is inevitable.
10. Fun Game of the Day: General Peyton plays the KC Chiefs in their backyard. Here's hoping the Broncos can sweep their division rival, but the Chiefs are notoriously loud, raucous, and obnoxious at home.  They also like winning in front of the home crowd despite recent events.  It will be a hard-fought battle, but I think Coach Reid will create something nasty for Manning.  Chiefs barely beat the Broncos.
11. The Bolts host the Bengals in the later game time slot.  They haven't been so hot away from home, while the Chargers are .500 at Qualcomm Stadium.  The Bengals know how to beat the Chargers, but it remains to be seen if they actually step up to the plate, so to speak, and make the Chargers and fans go home feeling wretched about their season.  Look for Philip Rivers to work some of his magic since he is Peck's Bad Boy.
12. NY Giants travel to FedEx Field to play ball with the Washington Redskins. I will either be reading a book or watching something else on the telly.  With the Giants defense being less than stellar, Robert Griffin, III, will probably have a decent night. I'll catch up on the highlight reels Monday morning, thank you very much.  Yawn.  Skins win so that both teams have a 4-8 record, and they have a .500 record at home in front of their adoring fans.
13. New Orleans gets to play in an unfriendly dome up north in Seattle on Monday night.  The Seahawks have a thirteen-game winning streak at home.  They are without a couple of their defensive backs.  Brees and the Saints hope to rain on the Seahawks' parade; however, we'll see if they can do just that tomorrow evening. Seahawks win this one.

Lady Grid out.

No Mo Bo?

The Huskers lost to Iowa 38-17, and that display by Coach Pelini was something to behold.  Will he return, or will Nebraska cut their losses after six years with him.  Apparently, Coach Pelini is not the easiest person to have as an employee; however, many of his players like him a great deal and would hate to see him leave.  Only four losses a season for all of his seasons.  That's not horrible, but it hasn't been the BCS-quality season the Husker faithful would have wanted. We will wait and see. 

This is the last weekend of regular season college football, and I will be in mourning.  The bright part of this sadness is that the bowls will be coming soon.  Wild predictions will be made; some choices will be spot-on; others will make you scratch your head. It has been a fun season so far.  Let's go for some spoilers today!

1. Minnesota heads east to visit Michigan State.  Spartans will get the Gophers today.
2. The Penn State Nittany Lions are in Wisconsin to get a good old-fashioned Badger Beatdown.
3. Ohio State wants to dominate Michigan in their classic rivalry.  Both teams are primed and ready for the showdown.  Go Blue.
4. The Texas A&M Aggies go to the "Show Me" state of Missouri.  Let's hope the defense shows up against the number five-ranked Tigers. Gig 'em!
5. FSU paddles over to the Swamp to see the Florida Gators.  The Gators will give them some good moments but will come up short this time.  How they would LOVE to topple a number two team right before the BCS bowl selection. Sometimes spoilers do serve a purpose.  Seminoles win.
6. Cross-town rivals UCLA come to the Coliseum to USC.  USC prevails over the hated Bruins.
7. The Match-up of the Day features Alabama and Auburn in the Iron Bowl.  I will dance with glee if Auburn knocks off the Tide.  AJ McCarron's a nice young man who wears a pair of bands on his arm in honor of his young friend and fan Starla.  I hate to see little girls upset, but I'm in a spoiler mood today.
8. Duke Blue Devils play cross-state rivals UNC today.  Wait, it's not time for a round ball discussion, is it?  Just kidding.  The Blue Devils want a shot at their first ACC title for football. They will probably get it today.
9. Georgia at Georgia Tech? The Dawg stomps the Yellow Jacket.
10. Baylor will obliterate TCU with a sixty-point score today.  What's happened to the Frogs lately since joining the Big XII? Yikes.
11. Virginia Tech wants to make the Virginia Cavaliers' last game of the season a bad one. They triumph today.
12. Kansas State trounces Kansas into dust in the wind.
13. The South Carolina Gamecocks want to rock Clemson's world today. Clemson protects QB Tahj Boyd from Jadaveon Clowney and his crew for a close victory at the end.  There's that tiger!
14. Notre Dame plays Stanford.  That's too bad for the Fighting Irish.  The Cardinal demolishes them.

Yergh Alert: The Yellow Flag of Shame may be thrown at Coach Tomlinson if he did impede the running of Mr. Jones.  Hmm. . .

Lady Grid out.

Black Friday 2013

No thanks to the crazy antics of shoppers across the nation intent on finding the best deal on Black Friday.  I like my sanity and my vehicle's doors intact.  On to sports.  All three of my pro predictions were spot-on yesterday.  That doesn't always happen.  Yes, I think it's possible for a coach to get caught up in the game and not realize where the sideline is located, Mr. Flacco.  Chill out. You may yet earn a Yellow Flag of Shame if you keep on flapping those gums.

NCAA Gridiron Action:

1. LSU awaits its meal of roasted pork a la Arkansas.  Bon appetit, Mike!
2. Oregon hosts Oregon State.  Two aquatic animals battling for supremacy.  The Ducks win this year's round, easily.
3. USF visits UCF on Friday evening; UCF's tire treads will tattoo the skidding Bulls nicely.
4. Fresno State Bulldogs will sic the SJSU Spartans.  Nice doggie.

NBA Action:  Lots of games tonight, ladies and gents.

1. Dallas rides into Atlanta for a match-up against the Atlanta Hawks.  The Hawks want to have a winning record and may start playing in desperation mode.  Watch out, Mavs.  Nail-biter for sure. Mavs get edged by the Hawks.
2. Dread Fest One: Milwaukee Bucks at Charlotte Bobcats. Both of these teams need to win and in a big way.  Bucks? Bobcats? Push.
3. San Antonio Spurs at Orlando means that my son will be happy about a Spurs road win.
4. Miami cruises to north to play Toronto. Let's hope the Raptors can cool off the Heat, but it's not in the cards.
5. Cleveland looks to avenge its recent loss in Boston. Get used to disappointment.
6. Kobe-less Lakers are in Motor City.  Pistons fans will leave the game happy.  Lakers lose again.
7. Brooklyn plays Houston today? We have towels for those nasty water spills, Coach Kidd. Just send me that check, and we'll call it good.
8. New Orleans Pelicans take flight to visit the City of Brotherly Love; the Sixers will pluck them but good.
9. Golden State takes the court against the OKC Thunder.  This one should be worth watching.  I predict Thunder rolling since they are undefeated at home so far.
10. Another strong home team, the Indiana Pacers have the Washington Wizards as an opponent.  The Wizards want to get to .500; it won't happen tonight.  Sorry, Mr. Wall.
11. Regrets, Mr. Anthony? He and the skidding Knicks do battle against his former team, the Denver Nuggets in Colorado.  The fans will be glad to jeer him again.  Nuggets edge Knicks.
12. Dread Fest Two: Phoenix Suns against the Utah Jazz.  The Suns will even their record to .500, or the Jazz will scare their fans and win at home.  Not likely. Push.
13. LA Clippers need some more good defensive moves as they hoop it up against their fellow California team, the Sacramento Kings.  Chris Paul and the guys put on a nice show and win without breaking triple digits.

Lady Grid out.

Roundball Rockin'

Collegiate Hoops

There are over forty NCAA games today.  There won't be forty picks made.  After last night's startling results on the hardwood, it makes one rethink the choices to be made.  Nah, time to pick some games.  Still won't catch me in Vegas or Atlantic City, though.

1. Alabama has a phenomenal football team; however, Coach K and his Blue Devils squad led by Jabari Parker will remind them with a sound whipping tonight in the NIT Semi-Finals.
2. Arkansas goes up against Gonzaga.  Go, Bulldogs.
3. Wisconsin faces off against West Virginia in Cancun. Adios, Mountaineers.
4. Syracuse beat Cal last night and now take on the eighteenth-ranked Baylor Bears.  Orange triumphs again.
5. The Drexel Dragons square off in the NIT Semis against the Arizona Wildcats.  Arizona will stay undefeated.
6. Illegal Game of the Day features Eastern Michigan at Kentucky.  That paycheck must be a good one.
7. Late Game: TCU Horned Frogs play at Alaska Anchorage in the Great Alaska Shootout Tourney at 2:00 A.M. CST.  I'll check the results tomorrow morning over coffee.  Push.

Pro-Speak

One dozen professional-level games get played today, but only a few rate my interest.  I agree with Charles Barkley about the East being terrible.  He gets paid to watch that madness while I get to pick what will sully my eyes.  Is there no one who can defeat the Miami Heat in the East? No one? Sigh.

1. LA Lakers at Brooklyn tonight? Brooklyn loses like they did until the Toronto game last night. Huh? How'd they do that?
2. Joke Reel: Cleveland has the Miami Heat coming to town.  I've seen the ads about the new face of the Cavs against the former face of the Cavs. James and Co. annihilate the Cavs tonight. Yawn.
3. San Antonio's Grumpy Old Men visit the youngsters in OKC.  This one will be too exciting to call at this point.  My son is pulling for the Spurs as usual, but I find Durant an intriguing player. Push.
4. Will Lob City return in the game against the visiting NY Knicks? Tony Kornheiser sure hopes not and will hopefully mention something about the game on PTI later today.
5. After that crazy 360-degree dunk last night, Washington bears watching.  Too bad they're playing the Bucs. Yawn number two.

Last Words: Cheers to the Dallas Stars for the win at home over Anaheim.  Three goals in fifty-three seconds just makes the eyes dizzy and the heart race with delight if the team you want to win does it.  Good job, guys!

Lady Grid out.

Tuesday's Thoughts: Something for Almost Everyone

NFL:  Ahmad Brooks has a point about Robert Griffin, III.  It would be best for him to get that knee completely rehabilitated before testing it against some of the fastest LBs in the league.  I think Coach Shanahan needs to rethink the use of number ten for now.  Future mobility is at stake.  Peyton Manning is still a favorite quarterback for this gridiron fan.  There is a certain je ne sais quoi about him.  Many people prefer and idolize Pretty Boy up in New England; that is their prerogative.

Round Ball Action

1. Toronto hosts the Brooklyn Nets: it won't really matter in one hundred days who won this game. Let's hope Garnett and crew put on a decent show in Canada. Some of the Raptors players are day-to-day on the injury report, so we'll see how that works out for Coach Kidd and crew.
2. The Lakers visit the Washington Wizards.  This will be highlight reel footage of Laker domination yet again even without the new $48 million dollar man Kobe Bryant.
3. Orlando comes to Atlanta in a battle of the South. We'll see if the Magic can find some of themselves on defense and put up a win instead of a brick. 
4. The New Orleans Pelicans prepare to take on the Golden State Warriors. If Stephen Curry is well enough, it will be a bad night in NOLA.

NCAA Women's Basketball:

1. Get the brooms! Stanford will sweep the floor with the Lady Boilermakers.  It's tradition.
2. DePaul stops by for a trouncing by the Lady Irish.  Tsk.
3. Lady Spartans pay a call on Temple; they won't want tea.
4. South Carolina State goes down to Georgia to try to beat the Lady Dawgs.  Ha. Ha. Ha.
5. How much money does Massachusetts Lowell get to play Oklahoma State in Stillwater?  It's not enough for the pasting they'll take tonight.

NCAA Men's Basketball:

1. In the Maui Invitational Tournament, I'm going with the Orange to beat the California Golden Bears tonight.  Go, Syracuse!
2. Baylor will ground the Dayton Flyers in their match-up.

NHL:The Dallas Stars haven't been doing as well as I would like as far as scoring goals, but here's hoping they can put together a win over the visiting Anaheim Ducks.  Go Stars!

Lady Grid out.

Pros Primer/College Review - November 24, 2013

College Review:

Where did I go wrong? Everywhere critical, apparently!  LSU made mincemeat of my Aggies. Was Manziel distracted by his NFL announcement prior to our post-season bowl appearance?  Let's not have a LeBron James-esque program blocking out prime time television for that, okay?  I won't be watching, and I LOVE my Aggies. I just can't figure out Jonathan Manziel or what makes him tick. Baylor just couldn't get things going their way. No more BCS dreams for them.  The Oregon Ducks really made a poor showing against Arizona. No more BCS dreams for them. The Minnesota Golden Gophers managed one TD, and Arizona State slid by UCLA.  Yikes! 

Professional Match-ups:

1. The New Orleans Saints can play better than they did in their victory over Atlanta.  They need to practice outside more often.
2. Tampa Bay heads north to the Motor City and Megatron.  They should just stay home to avoid embarrassment again.
3. Yawner of the week, one—Pittsburgh visits Cleveland. With the way the seasons of both of these teams going, I feel apathetic about the outcome.  Push.
4. Carolina hops over to visit the Miami Dolphins who still don't have their act together.  Cam & Co. win.
5. Joke Reel of the Week:  Jacksonville in Texas to play ball against the Houston Texans.  Security won't have to make sure Mr. Johnson stays on the sidelines this time.  Texans play to the lower common denominator but manage to eke out a victory against the woebegone Jags. Yawn.
6. The NY Jets make an appearance in Baltimore.  It won't go well for rookie QB Geno Smith against a defense who is trying to forge a new identity in the post-Ray Lewis era.  Ravens win.
7. Dallas goes to play ball against the resurgent NY Giants.  Yikes. November means things for both teams. Cowboys lose late in the fourth quarter despite leading most of the way.  Eli Manning strikes again.
8. And the point is? San Diego heads east to visit Kansas City who just lost to Denver and plan to smash whoever is in their path?  Chiefs dominate the Bolts.
9. Yawner of the week, part deux: Tennessee faces Oakland in Oakland.  The land of the silver and black attack will go home sad? happy? Push.
10. Indianapolis comes to the desert to play Arizona; they leave tanned and refreshed after temporarily sidelining the Cardinals hopes for a positive post-season. Next week, Cards.  You can peck that Eagle to death.
11. Chi-Town in Archway City: Bears crush the Rams and have mutton stew for dinner.
12. Oh yeah, Minnesota Vikings go to Lambeau Field.  Depending on which QB is playing in Green Bay, it's kind of a pushy match-up.  Leaning towards the Vikings but not really concerned.  Yawn number three.
13. The anticipated match-up of Manning versus Brady 14.0 begins on Sunday night.  I want the Broncos to win, and the Patriots are still miffed about the non-call.  Coach Belichick is creating something nasty for General Peyton's ankle.  Come on , Broncos O-line!
14. San Francisco comes calling in Washington D.C.  Despite the heroics of sophomore QB Robert Griffin, III, the Niners leave victorious.  This is good news for NFC East buffs.

Lady Grid out.