September 25, 2012
Rightfully so, there is only one thing that will consume the sports world for the foreseeable future: the horrible MNF game between the Packers and Seahawks, and how this referee lockout has gone too far. I've been a lifelong Packer and football fan, and I'm fairly sure I always will be. Never before have I ever questioned my love for either, but last night was the first time I've ever doubted the game of football, and more specifically, the NFL. This was arguably the first time that a ruling by the replacements has actually decided the outcome of a game, and it may finally be the straw that breaks the camels back in relation to the referee lockout. The part that makes me the most angry is not that the Packers lost (though that does hurt a lot) and were screwed out of a hard fought win, it's more that the NFL can accept what has happened in games this season, especially last night, and not feel any emotion that would compel it to get a deal done with the former referees. They've showed no desire to make the process easy and the longer they wait, the easier it will be for them to negotiate a better deal for themselves, granted the replacements don't get worse. (which has happened so far) As long as the revenue stream for the NFL isn't affected, why would they try to get a deal done? The league is as popular as ever and that doesn't look to change, in spite of the chaos raging. If anything, it actually gives the NFL even more publicity, if that's possible. The NFL is once again showing itself to be a cash grabbing, fan stomping monster, and cares nothing for the INTEGRITY of the game which it so endears itself to. That's troubling as well, as the integrity of the NFL / football is at stake amongst this firestorm and they've done nothing except hand down fines to coaches who've stepped out of line. And even more frustrating is that there's little fans can do about it, save a wholesale boycott of the league and its revenue streams, (that fans can affect) namely ticket sales, merchandise sales, and TV viewership. Fans can't affect TV deals or sponsorships (the ones that make the big bucks) so while the NFL would potentially feel this drop in revenue, it would most likely be fine in the end. The NFL has worked hard to restore its image after the summer 2011 lockout, and this is definitely posing a setback in terms of fan relations and quality of games. I won't be doing an NFL recap this week, as I'm unwilling at this time to support the NFL until they show some remorse or intention to change the way this season is going.
College Football Week 4
Minnesota 17, Syracuse 14 - F
The Gophers held on to defeat Syracuse at the Bank to move to 4-0 on the young season and put themselves in good position going into B1G season. Max Shortell wasn't quite as good as he was the previous game, but still did enough in the passing game to move the offense down the field. This week we head to Iowa City to play Iowa in the Floyd of Rosedale game. I'll be going to this game as well, so I'm expecting a good atmosphere and a pretty fun weekend.
#3 Oregon 42, #22 Arizona 0 - F
The Ducks overcame a slow start to lay down a beatdown on the Wildcats in Eugene. What was also interesting is that the D stole the show in this game, completely shutting down the Wildcats offense and eventually giving the offense the drives it needed to run up the score.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
September 16, 2012
College Football: Week 3
Minnesota 28, Western Michigan 23 - F
The Gophers are up to 3-0 after holding on to defeat Western Michigan at the Bank. It was a costly win as Marqueis Gray went down with what is being called a high ankle sprain. Max Shortell came into the game and played quite well in relief, throwing 2 TDs to AJ Barker in the first half. Shortell completely changes the offense for the Gophers, as he's much more of a standard pocket passing QB, but he does still have scrambling abilities and this could end up being a blessing in disguise for Minnesota.
Other Notables
#4 Oregon 63, Tennessee Tech 14 - F
My Ducks cruise again and are now up to #3 in the rankings after USC went down, they now control their own BCS destiny.
#1 Alabama 52, Arkansas 0 - F
NFL: Week 2
Bears 10
Packers 23 - F
The Pack rebounded nicely against the Bears on Thursday at Lambeau Field. The defense totaled 7 sacks and 4 picks of Jay Cutler, who looked frustrated and distraught throughout the game. What was troubling again is that the offense was held in check for stretches of the game as well, though this could be attributed to the high level of the defenses faced so far. In fact, the only Packers TD of the first half was a fake field goal where punter Tim Masthay pitched the ball to backup TE Tom Crabtree.
Other Notables
Cardinals 20
Patriots 18 - F
Major upset as the Patriots fall at home to the lowly Cardinals. Aaron Hernandez was also lost with an apparent ankle injury in the game.
Ravens 23
Eagles 24 - F
Buccaneers 34
Giants 41 - F
Minnesota 28, Western Michigan 23 - F
The Gophers are up to 3-0 after holding on to defeat Western Michigan at the Bank. It was a costly win as Marqueis Gray went down with what is being called a high ankle sprain. Max Shortell came into the game and played quite well in relief, throwing 2 TDs to AJ Barker in the first half. Shortell completely changes the offense for the Gophers, as he's much more of a standard pocket passing QB, but he does still have scrambling abilities and this could end up being a blessing in disguise for Minnesota.
Other Notables
#4 Oregon 63, Tennessee Tech 14 - F
My Ducks cruise again and are now up to #3 in the rankings after USC went down, they now control their own BCS destiny.
#1 Alabama 52, Arkansas 0 - F
NFL: Week 2
Bears 10
Packers 23 - F
The Pack rebounded nicely against the Bears on Thursday at Lambeau Field. The defense totaled 7 sacks and 4 picks of Jay Cutler, who looked frustrated and distraught throughout the game. What was troubling again is that the offense was held in check for stretches of the game as well, though this could be attributed to the high level of the defenses faced so far. In fact, the only Packers TD of the first half was a fake field goal where punter Tim Masthay pitched the ball to backup TE Tom Crabtree.
Cardinals 20
Patriots 18 - F
Major upset as the Patriots fall at home to the lowly Cardinals. Aaron Hernandez was also lost with an apparent ankle injury in the game.
Ravens 23
Eagles 24 - F
Buccaneers 34
Giants 41 - F
Stat Line of the Day
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| CJ Spiller's line vs the Chiefs |
Sunday, September 9, 2012
September 9, 2012
College Football Week 2
Minnesota 44, New Hampshire 7 - F
The Gophers run their record to 2-0 after a drubbing of the Wildcats in Minneapolis. It was a pretty entertaining game throughout and the constant wind made it fairly cool out as well, because I wore pants. Marqueis Gray totaled 4 TDs and showed why he's the focal point of the Gophers offense. 3-0 looks in reach when we take on Western Michigan next week.
#4 Oregon 42, Fresno St. 25 - F
The Ducks rolled again over a cupcake opponent. Once again Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas ran roughshod over the opposing defense and showed that the Ducks offense has lost nothing since last year. Tennessee Tech awaits.
Other Notables:
Oregon St. 10, #13 Wisconsin 7 - F
#6 Florida St. 55, Savannah St. 0 - F
Louisiana-Monroe 34, #8 Arkansas 31 - F/OT
NFL Week 1
The NFL is back, I'll comment on the Packer game every week as well as some other notable games.
49ers 30
Packers 22 - F
Alex Smith and the Niners offense made the Packers D look just as they did last year, getting torched over and over again. They also managed to stifle Aaron Rodgers and the Packers O for most of the game, including a CRITICAL late-game interception that allowed the 49ers to score and go up by 15, when the Packers had finally gained the momentum, it effectively ended the game. Randall Cobb had a spectacular game, accumulating 9 receptions for 77 yards, along with 73 kick return yards and 80 punt return yards, for a total of 230 yards. This could be the coming out party for the beginning of a spectacular young star, he was routinely the most exciting player on the field for the Pack. Clay Matthews and the defense totaled 3 sacks, but the pass coverage was still full of holes and made Alex Smith look like an MVP candidate.
Redskins 40
Saints 32 - F
Robert Griffin III looked spectacular in his rookie debut, throwing for 320 yards and 2 TDs. This could be the beginning of a disappointing season for the Saints, as Drew Brees completed less than 50% of his passes.
Bills 28
Jets 48 - F
Falcons 40
Chiefs 24 - F
Minnesota 44, New Hampshire 7 - F
The Gophers run their record to 2-0 after a drubbing of the Wildcats in Minneapolis. It was a pretty entertaining game throughout and the constant wind made it fairly cool out as well, because I wore pants. Marqueis Gray totaled 4 TDs and showed why he's the focal point of the Gophers offense. 3-0 looks in reach when we take on Western Michigan next week.
#4 Oregon 42, Fresno St. 25 - F
The Ducks rolled again over a cupcake opponent. Once again Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas ran roughshod over the opposing defense and showed that the Ducks offense has lost nothing since last year. Tennessee Tech awaits.
Other Notables:
Oregon St. 10, #13 Wisconsin 7 - F
#6 Florida St. 55, Savannah St. 0 - F
Louisiana-Monroe 34, #8 Arkansas 31 - F/OT
NFL Week 1
The NFL is back, I'll comment on the Packer game every week as well as some other notable games.
49ers 30
Packers 22 - F
Alex Smith and the Niners offense made the Packers D look just as they did last year, getting torched over and over again. They also managed to stifle Aaron Rodgers and the Packers O for most of the game, including a CRITICAL late-game interception that allowed the 49ers to score and go up by 15, when the Packers had finally gained the momentum, it effectively ended the game. Randall Cobb had a spectacular game, accumulating 9 receptions for 77 yards, along with 73 kick return yards and 80 punt return yards, for a total of 230 yards. This could be the coming out party for the beginning of a spectacular young star, he was routinely the most exciting player on the field for the Pack. Clay Matthews and the defense totaled 3 sacks, but the pass coverage was still full of holes and made Alex Smith look like an MVP candidate.
 |
| 49ers - Packers Overview |
Saints 32 - F
Robert Griffin III looked spectacular in his rookie debut, throwing for 320 yards and 2 TDs. This could be the beginning of a disappointing season for the Saints, as Drew Brees completed less than 50% of his passes.
Bills 28
Jets 48 - F
Falcons 40
Chiefs 24 - F
Stat Line of the Day
 |
| Matt Ryan's line vs Kansas City |
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
September 5, 2012
The Cowboys shocked the Giants 24-17 on the opening night of the NFL regular season.
 |
| Kevin Ogletree's line vs the Giants |
The big individual story was the emergence of Kevin Ogletree as Tony Romo's main target during the game. Though Miles Austin got involved late and Dez Bryant was targeted throughout, it was Ogletree who was the go to receiver late in the game when the Cowboys were trying to put it away. It will be interesting to see how this develops this year.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
September 1, 2012
COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS HERE!!!!!
The beginning of the college football season marks the beginning of my favorite time of year: football season. Already there's been intriguing games around the country and I've been able to watch a few of them.
Minnesota 30, UNLV 27 - F/3OT
My Gophers struggled a bit on offense in regulation, but the D was solid all night, only giving up 275 total yards. In the end, Marqueis Gray was too much to handle for the Rebels as he threw 2 TDs in OT to give the Gophers the win. We'll take on New Hampshire at home next week, and I plan on being there!!
#13 Michigan St. 17, #24 Boise St. 13 - F
I do love Boise St. as well, and I love how they always try to open with a difficult game. This year, however, they didn't come away with a win, and it will probably end their BCS-busting capabilities this year. Le'Veon Bell was just a beast all night for the Spartans, carrying over 40 times and amassing 200+ rushing yards. He could be a darkhorse Heisman candidate this year if the Spartans keep on winning.
I'd also like to comment on the rash of incidents involving fans falling at stadiums lately. While theses cases are very tragic, I'd like to point out that until the last 2 years this has never really been an issue, except for major soccer incidents. The stadiums aren't magically getting less safe, so it has to be something with the fans. In regards to the incident at Reliant Stadium in Houston, where a fan fell 3 stories off an escalator to his death, he was allegedly "horseplaying and trying to slide down the escalator railing." While the result is sad, this is completely a case of bad judgment and drunken stupidity. I would imagine the Texans will now be forced to add security measures on all escalators in the stadium, at their cost. This is all because of one person. It's always the few who ruin things for the many, and hopefully people learn from these events.
#2 Alabama 41, #8 Michigan 14 - F
The highlight game of the opening week ended up not really being a game at all. The Crimson Tide defense smothered Denard Robinson and the Michigan O and never let up. Michigan proved to the nation that they were ranked far too high and this will just put the SEC another step closer to another stranglehold on the national title chase.
#5 Oregon 50, Arkansas St. 3 - 2nd Qtr
My other favorite team is off to an impressive start after hanging half a century in the first half already. Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas have combined for 5 TDs and are already on the bench for the night. Marcus Mariota also was impressive in his first half as the starting QB at Oregon, going 18-22 for 3 TDs. Final Score will be updated tomorrow.
OTHER NOTABLE GAMES
#19 Oklahoma St. 84, Savannah St. 0 - F
#1 USC 49, Hawaii 10 - F
#3 LSU 41, North Texas 14 - F
#14 Clemson 26, Auburn 19 - F
The beginning of the college football season marks the beginning of my favorite time of year: football season. Already there's been intriguing games around the country and I've been able to watch a few of them.
Minnesota 30, UNLV 27 - F/3OT
My Gophers struggled a bit on offense in regulation, but the D was solid all night, only giving up 275 total yards. In the end, Marqueis Gray was too much to handle for the Rebels as he threw 2 TDs in OT to give the Gophers the win. We'll take on New Hampshire at home next week, and I plan on being there!!
#13 Michigan St. 17, #24 Boise St. 13 - F
I do love Boise St. as well, and I love how they always try to open with a difficult game. This year, however, they didn't come away with a win, and it will probably end their BCS-busting capabilities this year. Le'Veon Bell was just a beast all night for the Spartans, carrying over 40 times and amassing 200+ rushing yards. He could be a darkhorse Heisman candidate this year if the Spartans keep on winning.
Stat Line of the Day
 |
| Le'Veon Bell's line vs Boise St. |
I'd also like to comment on the rash of incidents involving fans falling at stadiums lately. While theses cases are very tragic, I'd like to point out that until the last 2 years this has never really been an issue, except for major soccer incidents. The stadiums aren't magically getting less safe, so it has to be something with the fans. In regards to the incident at Reliant Stadium in Houston, where a fan fell 3 stories off an escalator to his death, he was allegedly "horseplaying and trying to slide down the escalator railing." While the result is sad, this is completely a case of bad judgment and drunken stupidity. I would imagine the Texans will now be forced to add security measures on all escalators in the stadium, at their cost. This is all because of one person. It's always the few who ruin things for the many, and hopefully people learn from these events.
#2 Alabama 41, #8 Michigan 14 - F
The highlight game of the opening week ended up not really being a game at all. The Crimson Tide defense smothered Denard Robinson and the Michigan O and never let up. Michigan proved to the nation that they were ranked far too high and this will just put the SEC another step closer to another stranglehold on the national title chase.
#5 Oregon 50, Arkansas St. 3 - 2nd Qtr
My other favorite team is off to an impressive start after hanging half a century in the first half already. Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas have combined for 5 TDs and are already on the bench for the night. Marcus Mariota also was impressive in his first half as the starting QB at Oregon, going 18-22 for 3 TDs. Final Score will be updated tomorrow.
OTHER NOTABLE GAMES
#19 Oklahoma St. 84, Savannah St. 0 - F
#1 USC 49, Hawaii 10 - F
#3 LSU 41, North Texas 14 - F
#14 Clemson 26, Auburn 19 - F
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