Tipping-Off 11/14
Keep an eye out today for our new Pick SIX section where Wally and the Big Guy go head to head with NFL picks. Also check back tomorrow when the Big Guy takes on the Big Ten. Get some! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter. http://twitter.com/JustTheTipOffWe’re missing Wally, I think he may have been kidnapped by angry Broncos fans.
Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens
Big Guy: It would be easy to take the Ravens as the spoilers for Indy now that the Pats have been vanquished. Todd Heap and Haloti Ngata are both going to play and everyone is waiting for the Colts secondary to finally succumb to the injuries. But I’m not buying it. I’m going to pick Peyton every week this season. I don’t believe they’ll go 16-0 but still, every week I’m going with the Colts. This week by a long margin.
Ouch.
Cleveland Browns at Detroit Lions
Big Guy: If you didn’t start Kevin Smith this week, you need a CAT scan. Kevin Smith is really turning into a special back, he has become a guy that can scratch together yards regardless of the running game. Smith had a monster receiving game last week and he’ll have another one here. I’m also picking Stafford to have a big week against the Browns. Now I know none of you care about this game, and I don’t blame you. But it’s not often that I get to pick the Lions for the win.
A Man Can Hope Right?
New Orleans at Tampa Bay
Big Guy: I’m not sure why I’m picking this game at all, but it seems to be a lot of peoples upset pick of the week. I think they’re way off base. New Orleans, like Indy, is so good that I just can’t see myself every picking against them. Now one week they’ll let me down, but I will still have made the right pick. Reggie Bush is down and it’s going to be a real big day for all of you Pierre Thomas owners, including myself. I think the Saints will beat up on the Bucs.
SuperPierre!
San Diego at Denver
Big Guy: On paper this is the most exciting and important match-up of the week. Two division rivals sharing the division lead this late in the season is always a good time, and this should be no different if Kyle Orton can go. This is the Chargers time of year and they look like they’re truly getting better every week. LT is invigorated and I think it’s here to stay, if only for the rest of this year. Denver has been headed in the opposite direction. As much as I want to pick against Wally’s team and as much as I would love to pick McDaniels after a skid, I’m sticking with my Starting Five pick and taking San Diego.
Here ya go Vince.
New York Jets at New England
Big Guy: Look the Jets have been exposed for exactly what they were, an overachieving team. The Patriots are gonna bounce back hard. And they’re going to do it all over this Jets team. Tom Brady will absolutely torch this team, mainly to Wes Welker. The Patriots run away with this one.
I LOVE HOT DOGS!!
Tennessee at Houston
Big Guy: Tennessee has been crazy good ever since the Young-Collins switch of ‘09. Houston seems to really be dialing in their offense which is impressive considering nobody ever knows who’s going to run the football. Matt Schaub is a trendy pick for a late season fantasy trade, and the Texans are the trendy pick for this game. I don’t like trends and I’m not in love with the Texans. But I’m going to love watching one my favorite college players, Vince Young, run all day against Houston in a Titans win.
Another VY pic, a David Carr joke, or me? I think the right choice was made.
A new weekly entry for JTTO. The Pick SIX. Every Saturday Wally or myself will pick 6 NFL games for the following two days, pretty simple stuff.
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Big Guy: I’m looking forward to this game quite a bit. What an underrated rivalry, mainly because it wasn’t much of a rivalry for a LONG time. But these two teams always play each other tough and the games are always fun. I like the Bengals to win the division due to the ease of their second half schedule but I’m taking the Steelers in a close one at home.
Wally: You know, I look at the matchup, and all I remember is my days up in the Creek and suddenly that damn Steelers song pops into my head, and reminds me that I couldn’t go to my favorite bar on Sundays in the fall because it was a Steelers bar. Oh, and I love Ochocinco. Bengals by 14 with Carson Palmer going all USC pre-2009 on the Steel Curtain. (Did you see that? I mocked the Trojans because they’re not going to the Rose Bowl!)
Amen Ocho, We've Got Nothin' But Love For Ya
Denver Broncos at Washington Redskins
Big Guy: Why are we even picking this game? Does anyone care? Jason Campbell is so bad he makes Joey Harrington wince. Of course I’m going with the Broncos.
Wally: Maybe the nation’s capital shouldn’t have any professional sports teams. When you think about it, the possibility of having the world’s most powerful nation headquartered there AND competitive teams? Too much for one city to handle. This is a blowout, with Neck Beard and the Donkeys going nuts. That hurt me to say.
It's Sunday Do You Know Where Your Shit Show QB Is?
Buffalo Bills at Tennessee Titans
Big Guy: Another game nobody will be watching. Who picked these games Walrus? The Bills are so lost it is just incredible. It’s one thing to be bad cause you’re headed somewhere. Think Detroit, Tampa and a couple other teams. But the Bills have no direction, it’s just a mess, somebody send this team to LA and put them out of their misery. I’m picking the Titans, who as I’ve said, will finish at least .500 after their 0-6 start.
Wally: One would think that the originating city of the almighty Buffalo Wing would at least put a product out there that would necessitate their team being the team on the TV screen. But no, they have failed miserably and the result was four years of almost and Terrell Owens on your team. Enjoy the win by VY, CJ, and LenWhale by chomping on some original Buffalo Wings, it’s only fitting.
Last Time I Was On An Elite Team, This Hat Was In Style
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals
Big Guy: I just have to fess up and admit that the Cardinals are still playing like a much better team than I typically give them credit for. I don’t think they’re Super Bowl bound by any stretch, but they’re definitely going to over match the disappointing Seahawks. Cardinals run away with this one.
Wally: The SeaChickens are better than this. They have the Hasselbeck that’s good, and the Housh. The Cardinals though, have Fitz, Boldin, and the Old Man. Tough Luck. This will be the de-facto game at the restaurant, where the newly minted Redbird fans will completely be rocking their 2008 NFC Champs shirts and their Pink Fitzgerald unis. Alas, I cannot see a Seattle win, so this is AZ in a blowout.
Get Used To This Hawks Fans
Philadelphia Eagles at San Diego! Superchargers!
Big Guy: Nope, the song’s definitely not up there. All I can hear is Steve Miller Band. Maybe that’s cause DeSean Jackson is gonna Fly Like An Eagle all over the Charger’s D. That’s right Wally, Eagles all the way baby!
Wally: You got the song stuck in your head now don’t you? This will be the game where Donovan has his annual awful game and the rumors of change begin to circulate, even though they’re tied for the NFC East lead. I’m finally beginning to believe in Philip Rivers, and think C.J. Spiller will look great in powder blue next season. Sorry LT. Chargers in a blowout.
If Only SD's Playoff Chances Were This High
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots
Big Guy: A lot of people are taking the Pats because of the injuries in Indy’s secondary. I’m still not buying it. The Colts defense has been getting a bit more credit than they deserve, but that’s why they’re gonna be ok. The best defensive player on the Colts is Peyton Manning, and their D has been predicated on his arm keeping teams one dimensional. I’m sticking with the undefeated Colts in an absolute shootout.
Wally: I can’t pick the Pats/Colts game, my head would explode. After a bit of harassment, Wally agreed to pick. He’s going with Peyton and the Colts. But he’s not happy about it.
Laser, Rocket Arm
MNF: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
Wally: This game will be closer than one would think because Cleveland…ah screw it, who am I kidding? Even though it’s a Monday night game, run the photo.
We’re gonna switch it up a little this week. Seeing as how each team has now completed 8 games, it’s time to take stock of the season so far. We’re gonna give you five games you need to watch in the coming weeks, five random week 1-9 thoughts and instead of five albums as we usually do, we’re going to give five awards. Boom.
5 Games and 5 Picks
1.) Patriots – Colts – Nov. 15
It’s always an interesting Sunday when you get to watch a head to head matchup of the two greatest QB’s of this generation. Even better when the Patriots are surging back to life, the Colts are undefeated and it’s on Sunday Night Football. I don’t feel much need to explain this game, if you don’t want to watch it there’s something wrong with you. And I’m taking the Colts at home.
2.) Bengals – Steelers – Nov. 15
These two teams do not like each other. Which is great for us. A showdown of the two teams vying for control of the AFC North. The Bengals won their first matchup and are coming off a big season sweep of the Ravens. The Steelers are heading home after a convincing win against the Broncos. This has the making of an absolutely incredible football game. I really hate to do this, seeing as how I was born in Cincinnati and still remember the Who-Dey signs downtown with Ickey and Boomer, but I’m taking the Steelers at home in a nail biter.
3.) Chargers – Broncos – Nov. 22
This may not seem like an exciting game. Mainly because neither team is exciting. But this game has serious implications. The Broncos currently lead the division by a game, but they seem to be headed in different direction. The Broncos are coming off two straight losses and the Chargers are being the Chargers. In other words it’s time for the Bolts to win nearly every game moving forward until they hit the playoffs. I’m not presumptuous enough to “know” the winner for this game but if I had to guess I’m going with the Bolts and my man Phillip Rivers. Cause the Broncos are who we thought they are, a team that’s still not quite as good as it’s coach.
Does he have the balls to pick 3 weeks out? Oh you bet your sweet ass. I’m picking my favorite games of the year…Thanksgiving baby! I will not be picking the Giants-Broncos game because I quite simply find it offensive. Thanksgiving was practically invented for watching the Lions get their asses kicked and the Cowboys underachieve. There’s no room for the illustrious Eli-Orton match-up. Any idea how hard it was to finish that sentence without dying of irony poisoning? I will say this though, by 6:30 on Turkey Day, I should be buzzed enough to enjoy that interception fest anyways.
4.) Packers – Lions – Nov. 26
Anybody else excited for this game? Probably not, unless you have Aaron Rodgers on you’re fantasy team. We will be starting off our day of feast with an early classic. The Packers have traveled to Detroit 18 times on Thanksgiving and believe it or not the Lions hold the advantage 11-6-1. Green Bay has been disappointing this season and we’re never really sure what they’re going to do week to week. Combine that with the fact that I’m gonna be a homer and we’re taking the Detroit Lions for the Turkey Day upset, fueled by a big day from Megatron.
5.) Raiders – Cowboys – Nov. 26
Cowboys all the way. I won’t even mince words here.
5 Awards
1.) MVP
Damn we’re getting creative. Peyton Manning. Not a doubt in my mind, and I really am sorry about that Drew. Brees is an understandable pick but the bottom line is that the Colts would be a terrible team this year without Manning and the Saints would still be a decent club. They have the all around weapons to get them out of some tough spots, where as the Colts have their quarterback. This defense is relying on Peyton to score fast and copiously, which he does, allowing the Colts D to play the only style their injury riddled roster is capable of right now. Pin em back and hit the hell out of the quarterback. And so far, The Great One seems to be doing a pretty damn good job. (Yes, Gretzky, I usurped your nickname for Peyton.)
2.) The Plaxico Burress Award for Off-Field Excellence
That’s right ladies and gents, none other than Larry Johnson. We attempted to contact Larry for an interview in honor of his victory but all he said was, “You _____’s can suck my ____. You ______. I will ______ your ______.” Thanks for the quote Larry.
Compromising Pic LJ, What Is That About Glass Houses?
3.) Coach of the Year
Josh McDaniels has made himself and the Broncos look undeniably good this season. I mean what a turn around, there just seems to be a different atmosphere in Denver right now, and I think it’s there to stay. Now if the Bolts would just fire Norv Turner we could have the makings of a reinvigorated San Diego-Denver rivalry.
4.) The Matt Millen Award
This is an award we’d like to give out in honor of the most bone headed off season moves, and who better to exemplify the spirit of this award than former Lions GM Matt Millen. This years award goes to Wally. Yes, that’s right, WallyWorld himself. We here at JTTO are both involved in multiple fantasy leagues every season and this year I decided to launch a new one. It is a smaller league filled with only good friends of ours with a little bit of cash on the line. Needless to say, since gambling and years of friendship/ridicule run amuck, it is the most competitive of all my leagues. And our boy Wally started with a bang, he and his good friend Coors Light decided to go big time homer and draft Jets rookie running back Shonn Greene in the 3RD ROUND! But in the spirit of full disclosure I must inform you that Wally is currently 6-3, clinging desperately to the final playoff spot. I sit half a game behind the Iowa homer at 5-3-1.
Honorable Mention: Big Guy drafted Slaton in one league, Portis in another, and Forte in the third league.
5.)Comeback Player of the Year Award
This was just an excuse to show Bengals RB Cedric Benson some love. If there’s one thing we appreciate around here it’s a comeback, especially if you went to UT Austin. What a kick ass school. Benson has been a workhorse and it has really helped make the Bengals a legitimate team again. The AFC North is a division that loves a bruising back, so Cedric is fitting right in; posting two 100 yard games on the Ravens this season, a feat not accomplished by any back in over a decade. There’s just not enough we can say about his importance this season. Good work Mr. Benson.
5 Random Midseason Thoughts
1.) Big fan of the AFL throwbacks this year. Especially the Titans rockin’ the old Oilers uni’s, looking sharp Vince! I hope more teams do this next season, I’d love to see the Boys in the old star jersey’s play the Eagles in the White/Cunningham era bright greens.
At Least Kerry's Gonna Look Good On The Bench.
2.) Maybe the Titans should just bench their presumptive starter every season. Seems to be working out. They bench Vince Young and Kerry Collins takes them to the best record in the AFC, they bench Collins and Young wins his first two games as the Titans look like a new team. Who would’ve thought that Vince Young could be saving Jeff Fisher’s job? You could cut the irony with a knife.
3.) Parity? What a joke.
4.) Will the Chargers please fire Norv Turner and hire Gruden or Shanahan so I don’t have to listen to Wally cry anymore? The Chargers and Cowboys have so much talent and they are just flat out not elite teams. Do they both have winning records and a good shot at the playoffs? They sure do, but do you really think that San Diego is going to go on the road and beat NE, Indy or Pitt in the playoffs? Or that the Cowboys are going to beat the Saints in the Superdome? Cause I don’t think either team has a snowball’s chance in hell of winning those games.
5.) I wanted to throw out my BOLD, and yes I mean very BOLD midseason postseason predictions. I was extremely torn on the winner of the AFC. I’m going with the Pats, Colts, Bengals and Broncos with the Chargers and Steelers taking the Wild Card spots. In the NFC I’ll take the Cowboys, Vikings, Saints and Cardinals while the Falcons and Eagles sneak in to the Wild Card. Didn’t seem very BOLD did it? Wait for it, wait for it, BOOM, Patriots over the Bengals in the AFC Championship game. Yeah I said it, Look, there are 4 AFC teams that I LOVE. The Patriots finally have a legit running game and their defense is playing better than I expected, the Steelers look like the Steelers again, the Bengals have a running game combined with Carson Palmer and in my humble opinion the best young corners in the game, the Colts have some guy named Peyton Manning. They’re all good teams, but you have to respect the Pats when Maroney is playing this well and I just feel like the Bengals are fiery and ready to have the postseason they envisioned before Palmer’s knee blew out in the ‘05 playoffs. Who will I pick in the NFC you ask? Saints over the Eagles. Yes, the same Eagles that looked terrible against Dallas last Sunday. More so than any of the other teams, I like the Eagles when it’s a must win. I’ll just always pick McNabb in a pinch. The Vikings are hard not to love, but I just picture Brett struggling when someone slows down Peterson in the playoffs.
This may have been the longest Starting 5 ever so thanks for sticking with us. Oh and yes, I think the Saints are winning it all this year.
That's Right Drew, Number One.
The Big Guy Has Penn State Envy But Would Rather See The SEC
Every time I watch a Penn State game I wish I had attended school there. What a beautiful campus and for a sports addict like myself it would have been nice to go to a school that’s serious about football. Not to mention Tempe is the exact opposite of a “college town.” Usually I would use this as an opportunity to comment on the progress of the game against Ohio State; problem is, this game is intensely boring. Whoever says they love this stuff is ridiculous. Really? You enjoy 10-7 games? I’m sorry I just don’t have a lot of interest in watching Woody Hayes football. This is why the SEC is the better conference, because things happen. Tell me, honestly, that you wouldn’t rather watch two losing teams from the SEC than two ranked teams from the Big Ten. Without a doubt, I will be more excited to watch Ole Miss play Tennessee next weekend than I am watching the two best Big Ten teams right now. This is not commentary on the better conference. There is plenty of that to go around, you don’t need to hear me wax on about it. All I’m saying is that I would much rather watch the SEC, and no matter what Big Ten fans will say, that is what matters at the end of the day. The better team only matters if you walk around in red and gray all week. Want an example? Michigan, one of the most widely loved programs in the conference, played undefeated, Top-10, Iowa a few weeks back. The game lost in the ratings to “Cops” and a “Law & Order” rerun. Ouch.
Poor Wally, Poor Stanzi
If you didn’t notice, the Iowa Hawkeyes’ dream season was set ablaze today, by Northwestern. And lets be honest, you probably didn’t notice; come on who watches Iowa-Northwestern? I bet the rating was lower than James Vandenberg’s completion total. Yeah, I know that hurts Hawkeyes. The Hawkeyes lost their start quarterback, Ricky Stanzi, today to an ugly looking ankle injury. Stanzi was brought down in the end zone and had his leg trapped under the defender. He also lost the ball for a Northwestern TD in the process. Ricky’s backup, RS Freshman Vandenburg, was brought in and held a tune of 9 of 27 for 82 yards and a pick. Impressive. Should’ve just asked Jaworski to play. But in all honestly, I do feel bad for Iowa, they were putting together a mildly impressive season and now they are looking a lot like the ‘07 Oregon Ducks sans Dennis Dixon. The bottom line is they’re pressing a redshirt Frosh into duty and it’s not pretty. The kid actually isn’t as awful as the stat line or my attempts at humor but it’s still going to be a tough couple of weeks for a team with such lofty expectations.
Well Wally and I have been woefully neglectful. I am not here to apologize to you, the readers, I want to apologize to JTTO. I’m sorry baby. So back to business.
May as well do a baseball wrap up. The Yankees took the World Series, shocking I know, from the defending champs. So what is there to be learned from this? 1.) I don’t know if we learned this so much as it was just reinforced; The American League is just flat out better than the National League and it’s not even close. 2.) There are a lot of very angry Yankee/A-Rod haters out there. 3.) Hideki Matsui is the most deserving MCotY not on the list.
Welcome to Thunderdome Bitch
The Phillies looked like men among boys while rolling through the NL playoff teams. The Dodgers and Rockies were overpowered by the Phillies in every aspect of the game. The Dodgers had the best record in the NL basically the entire season and the Rockies were the hottest team in the NL coming into the playoffs. How many wins did they garner against Philly? 2, together. This combined with being the defending champs, starting the hottest pitcher in baseball and having arguably the strongest lineup the NL has seen this decade, would seem to make the Phillies an extremely viable repeat candidate. But they just didn’t have the firepower to manage New York. Lets be honest, without Cliff Lee this series was a sweep. The Yankees starting lineup, bullpen, bench and starters were all better than the Phillies. The Yankees even had superior pre-game entertainment. (Big Guy is a big Hova fan.) Play this series again next season(which is a strong possibility) and the Yankees will be repeat champions. These playoffs just proved the AL’s dominance. Do you really think any other NL club could have won a single game against New York? In fact do you think any of those clubs could have beat the Angels or Red Sox? The Phillies are a great team, they were the second best in baseball this year, but that’s just what the NL is, second best.
Give Me Your Power Hitters, Your Underpaid Pitchers, Your Huddled Bleacher Creatures
Well Yankees haters are feeling a bit prickly this week. There are a lot of reasons people hate the Yankees. Only one of them is reasonable: They beat the (expletive deleted) out of your favorite team. Lets get something straight, the Yankees are who they are because of their fan base and the competitive nature of their ownership, not because they “buy rings.” The teams at the bottom of the MLB don’t want a salary cap. Salary claps include a salary minimum. The Marlins and Nationals would have to basically quadruple their payroll to reach what the cheapest NFL teams spend every year. You know the two most profitable teams, according to Forbes in baseball in 2008? Florida and Washington. The least profitable? New York and Boston. Want to know why? Because Yankees and Red Sox fans will settle for no less. There is just no excuse for losing in those cities and that is why they are successful. Passionate fans and in turn passionate decision makers make for great teams.
You don’t think other teams could afford to buy players or even do? Cliff Lee was “bought” in much the same way as many Yankee players. A large payroll team took on a star pitcher who’s team could not “afford” to keep him around. And as I said before, without that “purchase” the Phillies would have been sent home without a single win. As for not being able to afford these guys, what about the Twins? Twins fans love to complain about the disparity, yet have the richest owner in baseball, Carl Pohlad. The Braves couldn’t keep Tex? Owner John Malone is worth twice as much as George Steinbrenner. But winning is just not the same priority in Minnesota or Atlanta as it is in New York or Boston. Just watch this season as the Red Sox pay ANYTHING to upgrade their team in attempts to block number 28 for the men in pinstripes. Because they’re just playing a different game than the rest of you, they aren’t cheap because they aren’t allowed to be.
The First 2010 Hot Stove Report
Thought I’d touch base real quick on the comings and goings of the beginning of free agency.
The Diamondbacks pick up Brandon Webb’s $8.5M option. Great move, worth the risk because even at 75% he’s better than nearly every pitcher making $10M+. Not to mention with a few more pieces, notably another bat and some MAJOR bullpen help, this is a team that could be extremely competitive for quite a few seasons. Lots and lots of young talent throughout this roster.
The White Sox buy out Jermaine Dye’s $12M option. Smart move again. Dye isn’t getting any better and the White Sox need to make some moves here to compete with Detroit and Minnesota, but not a lot of cash to do it with. So they save a few bones and get rid of a guy who hit .179 after the break this season. Now they just need to bring back Podsednik.
The Only Thing J-Dye Hit This Year.
The Brew Crew sends SS J.J. Hardy to Minnesota for CF Carlos Gomez. Hmm a career underachiever who hit .220 this year traded for a lead-off guy who hits .240? Couldn’t care less. It’s not a bad move for either team but it’s also not a very interesting one.
This should be my career position.
There was one more notable transaction today but it involved someone even more mediocre than J.J. Hardy. Let the guessing game begin…
If Anyone Knows Who I Am and Posts A Comment The Big Guy Will Write A Whole Post About Me and My New Team. Please?
Playoff Note
Wanted to just send some quick love to Philadelphia 3B Pedro Feliz and Angels SS Erik Aybar for STELLAR defense in the playoffs. I mean these two just made play after play.
Normally, I don’t even offer a rebuttle to those who say a pithy little comment about something I write on here, but when you hide behind the walls of the interwebs and leave your website as gohawks.com, I have a problem. The comment comes from Newhawk, from parts unknown, stating that my Ferentz update was “a lame, mean spirited article”. Apparently Señor Newhawk (or Señorita) thinks that I’m not a Hawkeye fan, judging by the lame and mean spirited part. However, as most of you should know, I bleed Hawkeye Gold. Always have, always will. I was born on campus for christ’s sake. I also understand that I’m a tad bit out of touch seeing as how I’m in Sun Devil Country for the time being, so I can’t accurately gauge the Heartland’s love of Ferentz. But if Iowa still thinks that Kirk Ferentz will lead the Hawkeyes to prominance within the Big 10? I’ll be very, very sad. I just can’t believe that the Hawkeye faithful aren’t pissed. Kirk Ferentz is Iowa’s highest paid employee! Yes, you read that right. Granted, most college coaches are the highest paid in their respective state, but most are worth the money. Ferentz is getting paid $3.2 million a year. Urban Meyer? $4 million. These two coaches should not be this close in salary. Official word is that Kirk is now competitively compensated in the Big 10 versus the likes of Rich Rod, the Vest, and JoePa. Those guys have done something. Kirk Ferentz had two amazing years, but the last was 5 years ago! Average finish in the Conference over Ferentz’ career? FIFTH. Average Recruiting Position? 40th. Pitiful. I’ve kicked the tires on the Kirk Ferentz era for 10 years, and now have to deal with it until 2015. I hope Chuck Long is ready to take the reins earlier.
My favorite team, the Iowa Hawkeyes, re-signed the golden boy known as Kirk Ferentz to a SEVEN YEAR EXTENSION! Should I be excited? Yes, if he was signing a contract for another team. Apparently this new contract includes 35 hours of use of a private jet. So this means he can take the family to vacation, because he will never use it for recruiting. “Access to a plane provides a form of compensation that recognizes the extreme time demands placed on him throughout the year. Its a 24-7 job. This is one way to reduce some of the stress the position places on his personal and family life.” When the AD Gary Barta doesnt even say anything about using the plane for recruiting, you know we’re in trouble Hawkeye Nation. Oh well, it’s not like our 2009 schedule has Penn State and Ohio State on the road, or that the 2010 schedule has us playing Penn State for HOMECOMING! However, Iowa does play Arizona in 2009 and 2010, so at least we have two wins. Zing!
Why recruit when I can get guys this size without doing ANYTHING?!?
Ferentz signs 7 year extension, mediocrity guaranteed through 2015 [ESPN]
Well, if you haven’t read it yet, the Sports Guy aka Sports Fella aka Bill Simmons penned what might possibly be his most poignant and pop-culture free column for ESPN the Mag. He also announced he’s done writing for the publication. This probably means more mailbags and Page 2 articles, which is completely cool with me. But if this means more Rick Reilly in my life, when I already can’t avoid him and his awful metaphors, then I may have to boycott the Mag. You have been warned ESPN, and Bill, thanks for making the publication readable for me.
With the Sports Dad retiring, the Sports Fella might as well go out in style too. [ESPN]
So Shaq has a new show coming out in which he’ll compete in other sports against their respective superstars. Here’s some ideas I came up with. Add your own in the comments, or tweet it up.
-18 holes against a PGA superstar, either AK or Bubba Watson. Maybe even Tadd Fujikawa. That would be awesome.
-Hunting with Ted Nugent. I just wanna see that.
-Drag racing with Ashley Force, because I just wanna see Ashley Force.
-Golfing with Erica Blasberg. Refer to above.
-Bowling with Billy Ray. Absolute awesomeness.
-Beer Golf against me. Beer a hole, I’ll give 15 a side.
Add your own in the comments or Tweet us @JustTheTipOff
We’ve been updating less than the Sports Fella and/or ESPN the Mag (Take Your Pick), but you know what brings Big Guy and Wally back from the Dead? Philip Rivers losing to a High Schooler in a skills competition. Oh, and it was an accuracy drill. Enjoy.
