Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Music Video of the Day: Donavon Frankenreiter - Move By Yourself

 
Donavon Frankenreiter - Move By Yourself

TCU Takes Hint, Joins Big East

After arguing whether or not non-BCS Conference schools should be qualified to play in the BCS National Championship game, TCU decided joining a BCS Conference would be in its best interest.

In 2012, TCU will become the 17th school in the Big East. They are joining in all sports, ending the debate about whether or not they should be able to play in the Championship as a member of a lesser conference.

According to ESPN, "Having BCS automatic-qualifying status was a priority for our football program and a great reward for the success we've had the last decade," TCU athletic director Chris Del Conte said in a statement.

As a member of the Mountain West, TCU found it difficult to be considered a top team in the league. It's not surprising since they often had cupcake schedules compared to those of a BCS Conference school. It's time for TCU to put their money where their mouth is and show that they belong in National Championship talks. I respect them for taking the leap and really look forward to seeing what they can do in a real conference.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Music Video of the Day: Trevor Hall - Unity

 
Trevor Hall feat. Matisyahu - Unity

Vols Show Resilience To Close Out Regular Season

 
Finishing the regular season with a 6-6 record may not seem glorious in many eyes. It may seem average, and hardly worth noting. For the 2010 Tennessee Volunteers football team, a .500 record during the season is spectacular.

Let’s roll back to when the Vols were sitting at a pitiful 2-6. The Big Orange was pounded by Oregon, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia and lost a close one to LSU in Baton Rouge. Yes, these were the toughest opponents the Vols faced throughout the season, but this year’s team did not quit.

Responding positively to a dreadful start could have been unthinkable. For this young Tennessee team, it was a challenge that they were up to. It is true that winning games against Memphis, Mississippi, Vanderbilt and Kentucky did not match the early season opponents, but they forced the Vols to put together a complete game - something they did not do during the first half of the season.

Finishing the season with a winning streak like this says a lot about first year head coach Derek Dooley and his young players. Where a lot of teams would have quit, but to show that kind of resilience to pull it together and be eligible for a bowl game is remarkable.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Andre Johnson vs. Cortland Finnegan Brawl

 
Andre Johnson and Cortland Finnegan going at it during Sunday's Titans - Texans game. Both players were ejected after helmet tossing and punches were thrown. 

Music Video of the Day: Violent Femmes - Blister In The Sun

 
Violent Femmes - Blister In The Sun

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Music Video of the Day: Assembly of Dust - Samuel Aging

 
Assembly of Dust - Samuel Aging

Greg Oden: Biggest Bust Of All Time?

In 2007 Greg Oden and the Portland Trail Blazers were sitting on top of the world. Oden had just been selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft and their woes of being one of the worst teams in the league were about to cease. They had selected one of the most publicized and decorated prospects ever. All things were good, right? Nope.

Here is the timeline of Greg Oden's NBA career:
  • 2007 - No. 1 Overall Pick in the NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers
  • 2007 - Needed microfracture surgery on his right knee. Oden missed his entire rookie season.
  • 2008-2009 - Played in 61 games, averaged 8.9 points and 7 rebounds per game.
  • 2009-2010 - Played in 21 games, averaged 11.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game before his season ended with a fractured left patella.
  • 2010 - Will undergo microfracture surgery on his left knee and will miss the rest of the season.
It sure doesn't look good for Oden, but is it too early to call him the biggest NBA bust of all time? I don't think so.

Derek Jeter Is A Hell Of A Baseball Player

As much as I dislike the New York Yankees, there has always been one player that I have respected as much as anybody that has ever played the game of baseball - Derek Jeter.

Jeter is one of those guys that plays the game the way it is supposed to be played. He plays hard, he is a leader, a winner and a icon. For 15 seasons, Jeter has been a star for the Yankees. Imagining him on any other team is just plain wrong. Jeter is and forever will be a New York Yankee.

Reports suggest that Jeter and the Yankees are at odds over a new contract. This is the same Yankees franchise that doesn't mind spending a fortune to bring new players into the system. So, when one of the best proven Yankees of all time needs a new contract, New York doesn't want to pay him for his contributions and loyalty? That is bullshit.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Music Video of the Day: Modest Mouse - Float On

 
Modest Mouse - Float On

A Humbling Reality

As a lifelong Washington Redskins fan, I have had my share of disappointments. I have come to accept that the Redskins haven't been the best team in the NFL since 1991. It has been a long time since the burgundy and gold has seen a Super Bowl, but my hope and willingness to cheer them on never dies. I will continue to love the 'Skins no matter what happens. Even after what took place last night against the Eagles.

In what was possibly the worst played game I have ever seen from the Redskins, they were absolutely embarrassed on their home turf. Led by Michael Vick, Philadelphia came into town and made the Redskins look pathetic. The defense looked slow and out-manned as Vick dissected it for 333 yards in the air and four touchdowns. He also added 80 yards on the ground and two scores. Vick was unstoppable as the Eagles ran away with the 59-28 win. 

As I am left with little playoff hope this season, I will never turn against the team that has brought so much joy to my life. However, if there was ever a game that would have done it, last night's would have been it. I have never been so disappointed with a team in my life. The reality is that however much I want to believe the Redskins will be a contender in the NFC East, it just isn't going to be now or any time soon.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Music Video of the Day: Phish - Waste

 
Phish - Waste

Joakim Noah Might Be A Girl

Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah lashed out at Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett Wednesday on an ESPN radio show. Noah stated that Garnett is a "dirty player" and that he doesn't necessary care for him.

This, basically stems from the claim that Garnett doesn't like younger players or International players. Here is what Noah had to say about Garnett:
"And he was very mean to me my rookie year. And he's only mean to the young guys and the [European players], for some reason. I don't know why, but that's who he doesn't like. He's not nice. I talk a lot of trash out there, but c'mon, be a little sensitive. Be sweet."
It sounds to me like Garnett is just marking his territory. Like a veteran junkyard dog, he has paid his dues. He is making a statement that in order to succeed in the NBA as a big man, you need to tough. Why would he let the new kids walk all over him? All this does is make Noah look like a little pansy.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Former Vol Jason Allen Released By Dolphins

Jason Allen was released by the Miami Dolphins earlier today. The former first-round pick in the 2006 draft, had his shares of ups and downs with the team, but apparently they had enough and decided to cut the former Vol loose.

Allen was one of my favorite Vols while I was attending the University of Tennessee. He had the talent and was an overall great player on and off the field for the Vols. For whatever reason, he hasn't turned into nearly as good of a pro. He has the talent, so here's to Allen resurrecting his career with a new team.

Music Video of the Day: Will Hoge - Even If It Breaks Your Heart

 
Will Hoge - Even If It Breaks Your Heart

Cam Newton May Or Not Be In Trouble

There is much speculation and hoopla surrounding Auburn quarterback Cam Newton this week. Did he cheat when he was at Florida? After leaving Florida to enroll in a junior college, did he transfer to the school that offered him the most money? Those are a few of the questions that have been brought up about the Auburn star over the past couple of days.

This is some hard hitting speculation and whether it's true or not remains uncertain. If the most recent claims are true, Newton should definitely be punished. The problem I have is that it seems like we are always talking about what has happened too far in the past, ala. Reggie Bush. More needs to be done to police this type of thing in the present time. If Newton had been a bust at Auburn, would this news even had come out? Or did they wait until his team has the chance to go to the National Championship game and Newton to potentially be a Heisman winner to even bring this up?

I'm all for playing by the rules, but I have to question the timing of these accusations. From the outside looking in, it seems like a couple other teams that missed out on Newton are bitter and a little jealous. I'm not dismissing these claims, I just feel like they should have been brought up a little earlier than now.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Music Video of the Day: Newton Faulkner - I Need Something

 
Newton Faulkner - I Need Something

Jon Miller and Joe Morgan Are Breaking Up


According to ESPN, the Sunday Night Baseball commentating duo of Jon Miller and Joe Morgan are splitting up. ESPN reportedly will not renew Morgan's contract, and Miller's contract is set to end as well - so the tandem ends after 21 great seasons. Miller might stay on, but that is far from set.

In a sport where uncertainty and scandal is no stranger, one thing was consistent. Everybody knew that if you tuned in to ESPN on Sunday night, Morgan and Miller would be there to give you a hell of a baseball broadcast. It is a shame that it is coming to an end, but as most great things - they must end.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Music Video of the Day: Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love

 
Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love

Cowboys Lose Again, LOL

The only thing that makes the fact that my fantasy football team got destroyed this week better is the fact that the Dallas Cowboys lost again on national television. If there was ever a coach that needed to be fired, it is Wade Phillips.

Before the season even began, there was talk that the Cowboys would be playing the Super Bowl in its own stadium this year. The talent the team has on paper however, does not match what is shown on the field. When it comes down to it, coaching is the problem. Senseless penalties, mental lapses and a 1-7 record is not what Dallas owner Jerry Jones had in mind.

It's only a matter of time before Jones has seen enough of Phillips... And that time may come quicker than a lot of people think.

UPDATED 3:30 p.m. ET 11/8/2010
Wade Phillips fired

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Zenyatta's Not Perfect

Vols Win? That's New

The only good thing about playing a pathetic team like Memphis is that it gives a slightly less terrible Tennessee football team a chance to add a win to its 2010 resume.

Last night, the Vols manhandled the pitiful Tigers 50-14 on the road. It was a win that was supposed to be a guarantee for the Big Orange and that remained true. The Vols earned its third win on the year, improving to 3-6. Wth Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and Kentucky remaining, their is a chance the Vols could actually end up making a bowl game if they win out. It is a feat that seems possible, but highly unlikely based on how this season has gone so far. The Vols needed something positive and they got it with this win - Even though Memphis isn't exactly an opponent to brag about.

Freshman quarterback Tyler Bray threw five touchdown passes and looked very poised in his first start for the Vols. A big win like this gives the freshman and his supporting cast the confidence needed to play well the rest of the year. Ironically, if the Vols win out, an appearance in the Liberty Bowl at that very same stadium in Memphis is one of the most likely destinations.

Music Video of the Day: Radiohead - House of Cards

 
Radiohead - House of Cards

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Music Video of the Day: Widespread Panic - Tall Boy

 
Widespread Panic - Tall Boy

Titans Claim Moss Off Waivers

It seems like just a couple weeks ago I was talking about Randy Moss joining the Vikings and what a good fit he was. Apparently Minnesota didn't think so as they cut the veteran receiver loose. Hoping to fill the void left from an injury to leading receiver Kenny Britt, the Titans claimed Moss.

I'm not really sure what the problem is with Moss, but he is a hell of player when he wants to be. It didn't seem like Moss was that big of a problem in Minnesota and nobody really knows the whole story. While, it could be debatable if whatever happened was a big deal or not, one thing is clear. Head coach Brian Childress doesn't like Moss. The team wasn't winning with him, so cutting him loose seemed like the easy move for the Minnesota coach.

Whether that was a good move or not remains unclear, but for now it looks dumb, not only because the Vikings are thin on healthy receivers at this point, but for the fact that Moss is a proven talent that imposes a threat to any secondary.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Monday, November 1, 2010