No More Cards!

The Cubs eliminated the MLB's team with the best record. I am pleased as punch. Perhaps the Cubs will play well against the winner of the Mets-Dodgers series. I loved the Dodgers as a little girl, yet I like the Mets' tenacity. Now the series is tied at 2-2 for both the Dodgers/Mets and the Rangers/Blue Jays. Oh my gracious! Go, Rangers!

My Plano East Panthers are the city champs after defeating both Plano West and Plano Senior High's teams this year. Woo-hoo! It's been a long time coming.

Some of my former students played football tonight, and it was fun to see my sporty boys tackling, running, passing, and kicking. One team lost, and the other team won. We have enough students to field two teams for each grade level (seventh and eighth) at my middle school. I sat with the parents, and we yelled ourselves silly as we watched the interceptions and touchdowns. Yes, that's a middle school football jersey and helmet I'm wearing in my profile picture. It's the inspiration for the moniker Lady Gridiron.

Lady Grid out.

Sports-A-Plenty!

MLB 

 Friday Wrap Up

1. St. Louis at ChiCubs                           St. Louis
2. Miami at Washington                         Miami
3. Boston at Toronto                               Toronto
4. Kansas City at Detroit                        Kansas City
5. NY Yankees at NY Mets                   NY Mets
6. ChiSox at Cleveland                          Cleveland
7. Baltimore at Tampa Bay                     Baltimore
8. Philadelphia at Atlanta                       Atlanta
9. Seattle at Texas                                  Texas
10. Cincinnati at Milwaukee                    Milwaukee
11. LA Angels at Minnesota                    LA Angels (postponed)
12. Oakland at Houston                            Houston
13. San Diego at Colorado                       San Diego
14. Pittsburgh at LA Dodgers                  Pittsburgh
15. Arizona at San Francisco                   San Francisco

Saturday Games – September 19, 2015

1. Yankees at Mets                     Mets
2. Cardinals at Cubs                    Cubs
3. Angels at Twins – game 1       Angels (My pick from Friday still stands)
4. Diamondbacks at Giants         Giants
5. Marlins at Nationals                Marlins
6. Red Sox at Blue Jays              Blue Jays
7. Orioles at Rays                        Rays (I don’t like picking against the Os right now)
8. Royals at Tigers                      Royals
9. Angels at Twins – game 2       Twins
10. White Sox at Indians              White Sox
11. Reds at Brewers                      Reds
12. Athletics at Astros                  Oakland helps Texas again.
13. Phillies at Braves                     Atlanta
14. Mariners at Rangers                Rangers will snap out of it.
15. Padres at Rockies                    San Diego
16. Pirates at Dodgers                   Pittsburgh gets one win out west in LA. Dance, Andrew!

Football Time!

High School Football Notes

Plano East 36, Plano West 8

Lincoln High School 6, Dallas Carter 20

Manual Arts 27, Dymally 19

Frisco Centennial 54, Frisco Heritage 33

McAllen Memorial 55, Edinburgh North 20

Collegiate Craziness?

1. UNC hosts the Fighting Illini and wins.
2. Northwestern Wildcats whip the Duke Blue Devils.
3. Notre Dame escapes an upset from Georgia Tech.
4. Tiger fight! Mike smacks Aubie around again. (LSU wins for the uninitiated)
5. Miami husks the Cornhuskers. Warm weather does that to you.
6. California Golden Bears dine on Texas Longhorns.
7. Iowa Hawkeyes surprise the Pitt Panthers.
8. UCLA annihilates BYU.
9. USC nearly loses to the Stanford Cardinal.
10. Alabama Crimson Tide obliterates Ole Miss. This is not even a fair fight.
11. Buffalo at Florida Atlantic makes me scratch my head.
12. Georgia State helps Oregon complete the tune up process.
13. Army takes down Wake Forest.
14. Central Michigan causes nervous tension for Syracuse in the second half, but the Orange wins.
15. UNLV learns firsthand about the Texas A&M Aggies’ Twelfth Man. Whoop!

Lady Grid out.

Can You Believe It!

MLB Night 

1. Cubs at Pirates                             No
2. Athletics at White Sox                 No
3. Marlins at Nationals                     No
4. Royals at Indians                          Yes
5. Blue Jays at Braves                      Yes
6. Orioles at Rays                             Yes
7. Astros at Rangers                         Yes (Brooms were joyously lofted at Globe Life Park).
8. Cardinals at Brewers                   Yes
9. Angels at Twins                            Yes

Friday Forecast - September 18, 2015

1. St. Louis at ChiCubs               St. Louis
2. Miami at Washington              Miami
3. Boston at Toronto                   Toronto
4. Kansas City at Detroit             Kansas City
5. NY Yankees at NY Mets       NY Mets
6. ChiSox at Cleveland               Cleveland
7. Baltimore at Tampa Bay         Baltimore
8. Philadelphia at Atlanta           Atlanta
9. Seattle at Texas                       Texas
10. Cincinnati at Milwaukee         Milwaukee
11. LA Angels at Minnesota         LA Angels
12. Oakland at Houston                Houston
13. San Diego at Colorado           San Diego
14. Pittsburgh at LA Dodgers      Pittsburgh
15. Arizona at San Francisco        San Francisco

Friday Night Lights (High School Football)

1. My Plano East Panthers launch an attack on Plano West at Kimbrough Stadium. Go East!
2. My son’s high school defeated Frisco Heritage 54-33 last night.
3. Hubby’s McAllen Memorial High Mustangs took on the Edinburg North Cougars in a Thursday night meeting. I'll let you know how that one turned out.
4. Mama’s alma mater Lincoln High School (Dallas, TX) plans to defeat Carter High School. 
5. Daddy’s alma mater Manual Arts High School (Los Angeles, CA) plays the Dymally Challengers last night. Let's go, Toilers!

NFL Recap

Well, butter some biscuits! How about the ending of the Denver-Kansas City game? I just KNEW the Broncos were out, then General Peyton tosses a TD pass to tie the score at 24-all. Ha ha ha, a few seconds later, Jamaal Charles is stripped of the ball, Bradley Roby is running in for a defensive TD, and the game is over. Just like that. Congratulations, General Peyton, on hitting the 70,000 yards mark for passing. He needs just over 1700 yards this season, and he tops Brett Favre.

Lady Grid out.

Postponed Games May Save the Day

This is by far the worst outing I've had in my predictions this season. I think the ump would toss me from the game with a "Hit the showers; you're through!" I pick up my glove and drag my leaden feet towards the towels and cover my head in shame.

1. Rangers at Mariners                Rangers solve this puzzle, I hope.
2. Rockies at Padres                    Padres
3. Blue Jays at Yankees              Blue Jays (Postponed)
4. Cubs at Phillies                       Cubs (Postponed)
5. Brewers at Pittsburgh             Pirates 
6. Tigers at Indians                     Indians
7. Mets at Braves                        Mets
8. Cardinals at Reds                    Cardinals lost 11-0. To the Reds!

Friday- September 11, 2015

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

The Steelers' defense had some bright shining moments, but they were too few and too far in between. The luck of the Pats continues. They are 1-0. Sigh.

My alma mater Plano East has its first district game against Flower Mound on Friday evening. Go, Panthers! Mama's Lincoln High Tigers face Samuell High School in a non-district game. Go, Tigers!

Lady Grid out.

MLB and High School Football

I've got to figure out my percentages for the month of August and report my prediction "batting average." Here is the run-down from Friday's MLB games.

1. Miami at Washington                        Nope! Burned again!
2. San Diego at Philadelphia                 Yes!
3. Colorado at Pittsburgh                      Yes!
4. Detroit at Toronto                              Yes, what did you expect?
5. LA Angels at Cleveland                     No, the Tribe managed to win.
6. Boston at NY Mets                            No, and I was sad.
7. Kansas City at Tampa Bay                Yes!
8. NY Yankees at Atlanta                      Yes, that’s what you call a whooping.
9. Baltimore at Texas                             Yes!
10. Seattle at ChiSox                                No, Mariners blanked them.
11. Houston at Minnesota                        No, this one actually shocked me.
12. Cincinnati at Milwaukee                    No, and wrong again. Another goose egg.
13. Oakland at Arizona                            Yes, I was beginning to wonder about my choices.
14. ChiCubs at LA Dodgers                    Yes, and Vin Scully will be back for his 67^th year. Woo-hoo!
15. St. Louis at San Francisco                  No, and I’m glad to be wrong.

Saturday, August 29, 2015 – the last one of the month!

1. Tigers at Blue Jays                  Blue Jays
2. Red Sox at Mets                      Mets get revenge.
3. Cardinals at Giants                 Giants keep happy dance going.
4. Royals at Rays                        Royals
5. Marlins at Nationals                Marlins because I keep getting burned by the Nats.
6. Padres at Phillies                     Phillies
7. Rockies at Pirates                    Pirates
8. Mariners at White Sox            White Sox, definitely!
9. Angels at Indians                    Tribe again.
10. Reds at Brewers                      Reds don’t let me down.
11. Astros at Twins                       Astros do your magic.
12. Yankees at Braves                  Yankees, sigh.
13. Orioles at Rangers                   Orioles snap their losing streak ways at my Rangers’ expense.
14. Athletics at Diamondbacks     D-backs again.
15. Cubs at Dodgers                     Cubs get this one since Kershaw pitched last night.

Football Time

Can you feel a slight change in the air as we begin to cool off from our triple-digit temperatures? It’s time for high school gridiron action! My alma mater Plano East Senior High beat Lake Highlands 36-14. That’s a nice way to start the season. East! East! East! Mama’s Lincoln Tigers need to regroup after being handed a defeat by Ft. Worth Dunbar. Next week, they face Hillcrest. Good luck, Tigers!

Lady Grid out.

MLB Post Script:  As it turns out, if my math is correct, I've predicted correctly for about 57.5 percent of the time. That's not bad for a girl who never played softball and has become quietly addicted to MLB Network over the past few months. Shh, don't tell. LG

Midshipmen Win/Week 15 Pro Analysis

The Midshipmen beat the Black Knights for thirteen years in a row; it was fun to watch the last quarter of the game with Daddy as we saw the last touchdown, fumble recovery, and field goal. To see these stalwart young men who are preparing to defend my freedom shed tears as some of them sang their song for the last time as seniors was touching.  May God protect their paths as they go into active duty one day soon.

Congratulations to Oregon Ducks' quarterback Marcus Mariota, the new Heisman Trophy winner by a landslide.  

Now, it’s time for the professional assessment.

1. The Arizona Cardinals avoided shutout by winning the field goal bowl against St. Louis.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers will pluck the Falcons down Georgia way.
3. Miami gets manhandled by the Patriots. Need I say more?  I love Ryan Tannehill, but it’s just not in the cards.
4. In yet another rematch of NFC West teams, we wonder if Colin Kaepernick’s offensive woes will cease in the Hawks’ Nest.  That’s a funny one!  Tell me another joke. 
5. Kansas City plays lights out with Oakland and keeps the Raiders with a deuce in the W column.
6. The Jacksonville Jaguars will wonder why the trip was necessary to Baltimore.
7. Teddy Bridgewater, who is one of my favorite rookies, comes to the Motor City only to watch Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson light up the scoreboard.  Lions win.
8. The NY Yets will sputter and fail back west in Tennessee.
9. Carolina Panthers (sans Cam Newton) hosts Tampa Bay. Fans wonder: will the winning streak continue? Not if the Buccaneers have anything to say about it. Bucs win.
10. Indy’s offense led by Andrew Luck will toy with Houston but beat J.J. Watt and the Texans in the end.
11. Cleveland, led by Jonathan Manziel as QB, hosts Cincinnati. The Dawg Pound will howl with agony as the Bengals D torments the young man from my alma mater.
12. Green Bay likes to beat teams at home or on the road; the Bills won’t stand a chance later today.
13. The General vs. Peck’s Bad Boy: Denver will score touchdowns against AFC West foes with the return of Julius Thomas as an offensive weapon.  Sorry, Chargers, Broncos win to keep their playoff picture focused.
14. Washington in NY against the Giants. Meh. The Giants will beat their division rivals, but the more interesting game is played in the evening in Philadelphia.
15. Dallas is perfect on the road so far, and it’s December. Cowboys surprise their fans and edge the Eagles by two points.
16. New Orleans visits the Windy City and blows the Bears away, much to the chagrin of Jay Cutler who has been somewhat inconsistent in the scoring category after inking that multi-million dollar deal. Yergh.  Saints make a case for the NFC South on Monday night.

Lady Grid out.

A Few Words - December 13, 2014

The UNC Tarheels take on the UK Wildcats.  Good luck, Heels. You may need it. I've been a Carolina fan for a while, and I still believe.

The Army vs. Navy game kicks off at 2:00 P.M. CST, and as the daughter of a submariner, I am pulling for the Midshipmen to continue their winning streak that dates back to 2002.  Sorry, Black Knights, aka ground pounders. Tradition continues.

In one week, the college bowl madness begins. I'll fill you in on my choices as time gets closer.  Be ready for tomorrow's NFL matchups and picks for winners, losers, and also-rans.

Lady Grid out.

Bulldogs Have Their Day

Collegiate Gridiron Wrap-Up

Both Mississippi teams won their games yesterday, and the one against my beloved Aggies was hard to stomach. Bo Wallace had a banner night. Aggies have to travel to play Alabama in Alabama. After the Tide's super-tight victory over the Razorbacks, I hope someone will watch the video on how to hold these guys back and make them suffer a loss at home.  Coach Stoops and his Sooners didn't suffer back-to-back losses in their win over Texas.  Elsewhere, the also number three ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs made mincemeat out of Auburn. I wonder if they'll split the "twins" this week when rankings come out. I think they'll be number two at the lowest and number one if everyone decides to bump Florida State down after their expected win over Syracuse Orange. I don't have a vote, and if I did, even I am not certain how the chips would fall.  On to the pros.

Pros Match-up

1. The Tennessee Titans will tune up the Jacksonville Jaguars unless that spark of brilliance shines forth for the winless ones.
2. Baltimore Ravens fly down to Tampa Bay to avoid the cannon fire.  Ravens win.
3. Denver Broncos led by the General ride in to face the beleaguered New York Jets. I think Manning will reach or beat Favre’s touchdown mark today.
4. My beloved Megatron’s injuries have hampered my fantasy football team’s performance, but his brethren won’t be kind to the Minnesota Vikings.  Lions roar.
5. The Buffalo Bills host the New England Patriots who are resurging after last week’s victory. Pats dominate.
6. Cat fight! The Cincy Bengals invited the Carolina Panthers for lunch. I can’t even make a decision on this one, and I want to see a good game, not a blow-out. Push.
7. The other Ohio team plays the Pittsburgh Steelers and will give them a good run for their money early but fade in the end. Same old same old.
8. The last early game features the Green Bay Packers savoring some warmer temperatures in Miami against the Dolphins. The Dolphins won’t roll over and play dead, but they just may surprise the Cheeseheads.  Go Fins!
9. Late game action starts off with San Diego in Oakland in an all-California battle of gridiron. Peck’s Bad Boy Phil Rivers laughs his way to a trouncing of the Raiders.
10. How do Bears fight Falcons? We’ll see how Jay Cutler and company fare down south in the Peach State. It’s time for a Dirty Bird Miracle, but it won’t happen.
11. The Washington Redskins visit the Arizona Cardinals to find out how to lose in the desert. As Darth Vader says, “All too easy.”
12. I didn’t forget my “hometown” team the Dallas Cowboys out in Seattle against the Super Bowl Champion Seahawks. I just think it may be too painful to watch them implode after a promising 4-1 start to the season. That crowd noise defies description, and no, it is NOT the true 12^th Man the Spirit of Aggieland. Go ‘Boys!
13. In an NFC East game that has the New York Giants hanging out in the City of Brotherly Love, expect some hard hits and the Eagles to step up to the plate and edge the Giants.

Lady Grid out.

Friday Night Lights - September 26, 2014 Edition

Friday Night Lights come early for the Frisco Centennial Titans in the form of a Thursday night game against cross-town rivals Frisco High School Raccoons.  Go Titans!  My mother’s alma mater, the Lincoln High School Tigers, will have a non-conference game on Friday night against Lake Worth.  Go Tigers! My high school alma mater Plano East Senior High will be idle this week in order to prepare for a game against McKinney Boyd on Friday, October 3.  My husband’s high school, McAllen Memorial, will travel to La Joya for a game on Friday evening.  Go Mustangs! My father's high school, Manual Arts in Los Angeles, will be playing against Firebaugh.  Go, Toilers!

Lady Grid out.

First Weekend of September

Cue Earth, Wind, and Fire. Ba-de-ya! Say do you remember? Ba-de-ya? Dancing in September? Now it's stuck in your mind, too.  You're welcome.

High School Action:

1. Burnet hosts Wylie (Abilene) tonight in Burnet.  I am pulling for Burnet Bulldogs to win over the Wylie Bulldogs.
2. Frisco Centennial hosts Lake Dallas tonight. Let's hope the Titans are able to carve out a victory against a winless Lake Dallas team.
3. Plano East battles Dallas Jesuit in non-conference play. Go, Panthers!
4. Unfortunately, the Lincoln High School (Dallas) Tigers weren't able to put together a win against Hillcrest, but they're hopeful for Samuell High School in one week.  Go, Tigers!

Just as a sidebar for the pros: I am impressed with the front office of the Cincinnati Bengals for prizing family above football.  Class act! Prayers for a complete recovery for DT Devon Still who was cut by the team but re-signed to the practice squad. This allows him to help pay for his daughter's cancer treatment.

In MLB news, Texas Rangers' manager Ron Washington has resigned.  Best wishes, Mr. Washington.  We know you tried to work some more post-season magic, but that team has decided to revert to its earlier pre-Washington and Nolan Ryan as president form and T-A-N-K.  My Papaw will be rolling in his grave again. Ugh.

College picks will be posted tomorrow, I've decided. Lady Grid out.

Mama is a Happy, Happy Girl!

The college football weekend made me smile last week, and I am no less joyous about the professionals getting underway in Seattle tonight.  I will put forth my predictions about high school, college, and professional action tomorrow.  This picture says it all.

Lady Grid out.

Back to "Normal"

Ah, the smell of pigskin wafts through the air, and I am a happy, happy girl.  My husband, son, and I have resumed out annual brag-fest through ESPN's College Pick'Em game.  We'll join up with Pigskin Pick 'Em and talk trash about each other's choices and weekly scores.  The winner gets bragging rights but no free dinner or chores completed. Here is how I picked for the week. Some games are still in progress, so I'll recap tomorrow when all are finalized.

1. A&M vs. South Carolina - hoped for a win and was rewarded despite not realizing that I actually do have the SEC Network on my cable provider. I discovered it today while joyfully looking at the guide which indicated that multiple games were in session.  That is a relief.
2. Auburn vs. Arkansas - Auburn prevailed as hoped
3. USC vs. Fresno State - Tommy Trojan trounces them but good.
4. FSU vs. Oklahoma State - Pistol Pete gets thumped by the Seminoles
5. Wisconsin vs. LSU - The Tigers skin the Badgers.
6. Clemson vs. the Dawgs - Dawgs win.
7. Alabama vs. WVU - Tide rolls.
8. Penn State vs. UCF Knights - Nittany Lions knock out the Knights.
9. UNT vs. Texas - Longhorns will be happy about beating up on the Mean Green (Eagles).
10. California vs. Northwestern - I figured the Wildcats would edge the Golden Bears.  Nope!
11. UCLA vs. Virginia - Bruins win over Cavaliers.
12. Ohio State vs. Navy Midshipmen - I wanted the sailors to win, but that was a bust. 

The Texas Rangers have the WORST record in the MLB, and although they're still my favorite MLB team, I've had nothing to write about recently.  Sigh. 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.

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.