Vols 2012 Football Schedule Released

University of Tennessee Football 2012 Schedule

9/1/12 - N.C. State (Georgia Dome-Atlanta, Georgia)
9/8/12 - Georgia State
9/15/12 - Florida
9/22/12 - Akron
9/29/13 - at Georgia
10/13/12 - at Mississippi State
10/20/12 - Alabama
10/27/12 - at South Carolina
11/3/12 - Troy
11/10/12 - Missouri
11/17/12 - at Vanderbilt
11/24/12 - Kentucky

Top Five NFL Beards

There are a lot of tough guys in the NFL, but it takes a certain individual to be able to rock an awesome beard. Here is Knox Animal's list of the Top Five NFL Beards:

5. Ryan Fitzpatrick: QB - Buffalo Bills

Harvard graduate Ryan Fitzpatrick has a nice beard to go along with his degree. It's cold in Buffalo and Fitzpatrick is smart enough to realize a beard is the way to.

[Image: EHRL The Pearl]

4. Ed Reed: S - Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens safety can rock a beard almost as well as he can read a quarterback's eyes.

[Image: Blogs.BaltimoreRavens.com]

3. Joe Hawley: G - Atlanta Falcons

Not many people know who Joe Hawley is, but the two-year pro out of UNLV has definitely earned a spot on this list.

[Image: Bleacher Report]

2. Nick Mangold: C - New York Jets

The almost winner of best beard falls to New York Jets center Nick Mangold. The only reason he didn't top the list was because the number one person has the best beard in the world.

[Image: Aerys Sports]

1. Brett Keisel: DL - Pittsburgh Steelers


The undisputed winner of the NFL's best beard goes to Steelers lineman Brett Keisel. This beard exemplifies the Steel City in its finest.

[Image: ChiCitySports]

Drew Brees Nabs Passing Record

It was one of those records that you didn't know if it would ever be broken. For 27 years, Dan Marino held the record for most passing yards in a single season with 5,084 yards. Last night, Drew Brees was the new owner of the record as he finished the game with 5,087 yards on the season. Brees can improve on his record as the Saints still have one remaining game left this season.

Any time a record is broken, it's a big deal. It's an even bigger deal when the record that is being broken was standing since 1984. The record was deemed unbreakable by many, but Brees has proven many people wrong like he has done on multiple occasions throughout his career.

[Image: Fantasy Knuckleheads]

Colts Win Second In A Row

After starting the season 0-13, the Indianapolis Colts have gotten a taste of victory by winning two games in five days to improve their record to 2-13 on the season. The Colts beat the Tennessee Titans 27-13 last week and then knocked off the Houston Texans 19-16 last night.

In what was a sure thing for the Colts to have the number one overall pick in the draft is now in question. The St. Louis Rams and Minnesota Vikings also only have two wins on the year, but have a 2-12 record because they haven't played yet this week.

The Colts are still the favorites to land Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck in the upcoming NFL draft, but it could become interesting if the Colts win their last game of the year against Jacksonville.

Vols Land Jarnell Stokes

The Tennessee basketball team made a big splash in the recruiting game today by landing five-star forward Jarnell Stokes. The icing on the cake is that the 6-foot-8, 255 pound Stokes can play for the Vols this season.

Because of a transfer rule, Stokes was ruled ineligible for his senior basketball season. Because he graduated earlier this month, Stokes is eligible to enroll at the University of Tennessee immediately. Because the Vols still had a remaining scholarship available, Stokes can play this season.

The Vols are 4-6 this season and could definitely use the help of an elite player like Stokes. Paperwork still needs to be filed, Stokes needs to begin attending classes and then the move has to be approved by the NCAA Clearinghouse before Stokes can set foot on the court in a Vols uniform. Once that happens, he could begin playing immediately.

[Image: Nation of Blue]

Notre Dame QB Crist Transferring To Kansas

As soon as it was announced that Charlie Weis was headed to Kansas to be their new football coach, I had a feeling that Dayne Crist would be headed there. Crist had already announced his plans to transfer after he was benched at halftime the first game of the season and barely saw the field again this season. This makes perfect sense, afterall, Weis was the one that recruited Crist out of high school to come to Notre Dame when he was the coach of the Irish.

Crist announced his decision via Twitter today.

Crist is eligible to play immediate for the Jayhawks because he already graduated from Notre Dame. Crist will have one year of eligibility remaining.

[Image: uhnd.com]

Derrick Rose Is A Hero

 With all the talk about star players jumping ship to play for a new team, it's nice to see a current star player staying true to his squad. The Chicago Bulls announced today that reigning league MVP Derrick Rose has agreed to a five-year extension worth $94.8 million.

It's nice to see some loyalty from a star player. Even though he is going to be getting a nice chunk of change to stay in the red and black, Rose is committed to making the Bulls a winner.

According to ESPN, Rose had this to say about the deal:

"I think I live a humble life," he said. "Of course, I know I'll be able to afford whatever I want, but other than that, there aren't too many things that excite me. Me winning is one of the things. Me being around my family, that's another. Money, that's the last thing I think about."

The year before Rose was drafted by the Bulls, Chicago finished with a 33-49 record. In Rose's rookie season in 2008-2009 and sophomore season, the Bulls finished the season 41-41. With Rose's leadership last season, the Bulls improved to 62-20. Granted Chicago did add some key components over the past couple of seasons, but Rose can show some of the other stars around the league how a winning team is built in the NBA.

[Image: Every Joe]

Rex Ryan, Shut Up and Prove It

It's easy to talk, but backing up your talk can be a more daunting task for some. New York Jets egotistical coach, Rex Ryan, has never been one to shy away from outlandish comments. In his most recent fumble of the mouth, Ryan states that he wants the New York Jets (8-6) to be the best team in football, but right now he is okay with being the best team in New York.

The Jets play the New York Giants (7-7) this week and it is sure to be an explosive matchup- or nonexplosive. The Jets are coming off a 45-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and the Giants are coming off a 23-10 loss to the Washington Redskins. Neither team has been spectacular this year, despite lofty expectations.

While Ryan may have a point, it still doesn't need to be brought up. What ever happened to letting your play speak for itself. Why does it need to be talked about before the game is even played? It's nice to see that Ryan is so confident in this game considering his team has flopped in six of its 14 games this year. I've had about enough of Ryan and his mouth. It's time for the Jets to just go out and win some big football games and it starts this week against the Giants.

[Image:laxallstars.com]

Packers Can't Win Them All

It was a nice run by the Green Bay Packers. Many might even say that losing to the Kansas City Chiefs 19-14 Sunday may help the Packers in the long run. Seriously, some may believe that. Whether or not that is the case is yet to be determined, but it does take the pressure of being undefeated off the table. Now the Packers can have some fun and just play football.

Going undefeated in the regular season would be nice, but really it's all about the playoffs. There is no doubt that Green Bay would liked to have gone undefeated, but losing in the regular season is not the end of the world. In fact, there has been only one team in the history of the NFL to go undefeated in both the regular season and the playoffs, the 1972 Miami Dolphins. So with this loss, the 1972 Dolphins will be able to sit proudly for at least another year as their perfect season will not be matched in 2011.

The Packers, who were already playing without receiver Greg Jennings, lost two offense lineman in the game yesterday. Staying healthy for the remaining two games this season will be the main focus as the team readies for the playoffs. As sweet as an undefeated season would have been, the Packers are focuses on bigger things - defending their Super Bowl title.

Top Five Most Feared Defensive Players in the NFL

Finding the top five most feared defensive players in the NFL isn't always an easy task. There are plenty of NFL players today that could be included in this list, but I have selected the ones that I truly believe are the most feared players in the NFL today. This list is comprised of the players that a receiver least wants to meet on a crossing route in the middle of the field. I am talking about a player that a running back does not want to see heading at them full speed when they hit the hole. These are the players I am talking about. These are my top five most feared defensive players in the NFL.

5. Patrick Willis - Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers

Patrick Willis is one of those players that just gets it. As a former first round pick out of Ole Miss, Willis is one of the best linebackers in the NFL today. He is the leader of the surging 49ers defense and is known as a brutal hitter.

[Image: The Commercial Appeal]

4. LaRon Landry - Safety, Washington Redskins

LaRon Landry is one of the hardest hitters in the NFL today. He feasts on destroying receivers crossing over the middle, but is a known run stopper. Having a safety like Landry in the secondary makes opposing offenses think twice about leaving their receivers hanging out in the middle of the field.

[Image: TBD.com]

3. James Harrison - Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers

James Harrison might be one of most scrutinized players in the NFL today. He is currently serving a one-game suspension for an illegal hit to Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy. Check out this video if you don't know what I'm talking about. Illegal hits and dirty player talk aside, Harrison is a hell of a linebacker. He is deserving as one of my top five players due to the intensity he plays the game with.

[Image: Sportschump.net]

2. Ndamukong Suh - Defensive Lineman, Detroit Lions

Whether you like him or not, Ndamukong Suh is one of the most feared players in the NFL today. He is a force on the defensive line and is currently serving a two game suspension for his illegal on the field actions against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving day. Suh is easily the most dominant defensive line force in the game today. The attention he warrants as a pass rusher is proof enough that he is feared. His ability to swallow up backs in the running game make Suh a dual threat to opposing offenses.

[Image: Oplions]

1. Ray Lewis - Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens

Ray Lewis has been the central point in the Ravens defense for 16 years. He is still the dominant force in the middle he was when he was a rookie out of the University of Miami in 1996. When you think of the Ravens defense, it's hard not to think about Lewis. He is one of purest tacklers in the NFL and his nose for the ball is unmatched. Certain players have a knack for making plays and Lewis is one of those players. He is a menace for opposing offenses and deserving of the title of being my most feared defensive player in the NFL.

[Image: Fourth and Fifty]

The Chris Paul Deals Are Insane

Seriously? Since when did Chris Paul become the savior? Yes, he is a good player in the NBA, but is he really worth all the trouble that has come out of the potential deals that have been offered and turned down by the league?

First, the Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers deal fell through because the league rejected it. Then Lakers star Lamar Odom, who was a part of the rejected deal, was so pissed off that he was included in the deal, requested a trade. Odom's wish was granted and he was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks, tearing the Lakers core apart.

Now, Paul has been linked to a possible trade to the other Los Angeles team, the Clippers. However, the New Orleans Hornets request in exchange for Paul is ridiculous. In exchange for the guard, the Hornets want Eric Gordon, Eric Bledsoe, Al-Farouq Aminu, Chris Kaman and a 2012 first round draft pick that would most likely come from a third team involved. This request is simply not acceptable.

I get it, Paul can be a great addition to any team. However, he is not worth trading an entire team worth of good players in order to pair with another good player, in this case - Blake Griffin. The Hornets need to trade Paul because this has dragged on much too long. Paul is unhappy and the Hornets are wasting a lot of time negotiating unreasonable requests. It's time to get a deal done because this whole situation has become obnoxious.

[Image: Midwest Sports Fans]

Tebow Has Proved That He Is The Broncos Quarterback

There has been so much talk about whether or not Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is the quarterback of the future for Denver. After leading the Broncos to a 13-10 win over the Chicago Bears, Tebow has won his seventh game in eight starts this season. He took a non-contending Broncos team and has led them to a  8-5 record good for first place in the AFC West. If that doesn't warrant respect, I don't know what does.

Tebow brings something to the field that is very rare. Even the players on his own team are eager to see what the second year pro from Florida is going to do next. Say what you want about his throwing motion and mechanics, but Tebow is a flat out hard playing football player. He may not be as prolific of a passer as some of the seasoned veterans in the NFL, but he can make the throws. Tebow has improved over the course of the year and he will only get better with time.

The fact of the matter is that Tebow took a team that was at the bottom of the division and has made them a possible playoff team. It isn't a coincidence, it is because Tebow is a natural born leader. He has more than proved that he can be a quarterback in the NFL and he has earned his spot as the Broncos quarterback not only for this season, but for next.

[Image: Ron Chenoy, US PRESSWIRE]

James Harrison Destroys Colt McCoy

 

 Last night Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy got absolutely destroyed by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison.

Harrison has a reputation for being a dirty player and hits like this don't help refute that.

[Video: TomKinslow]

Roethlisberger Has Guts

Say what you want about Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but the guy has guts. After twisting his leg in what looked like at least a game ending injury, Roethlisberger defied all odds and returned to the game to lead the Steelers to the 14-3 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Roethlisberger looked hurt when returning to the field in the second half, but played through the obvious pain and finished the game throwing for 280 yards on 16-of-21 passing and two touchdowns. He did throw one interception, but we will excuse that. The important thing was that Roethlisberger wanted to play, and felt like he still could despite the pain.

Roethlisberger is easily one of the most criticized quarterbacks in the game today. His off the field issues prompt valid questions about his morals, but when Roethlisberger is on the field of play he is a proven leader. I'm not excusing Roethlisberger for his past off the field issues, I'm just complimenting him on his football ability and loyalty. When it comes down to Sunday (or in this case Thursday), the Steelers are lucky to have a guy like Roethlisberger on their side.

[Image: The Epoch Times]

NBA Gets One Right, Rejects Paul Trade

I understand why an elite athlete would want to join a couple other elite athletes in order to form a super team. I get that in a perfect world have a team of more elite players than the other team should mean that it would be easier to win a championship. Afterall, everybody wants to win a championship. After seeing what LeBron James and Chris Bosh did last offseason by joining Dwayne Wade on the Miami Heat, it was nice to see the NBA reject a deal that would have send coveted guard Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to the source, the proposed trade would have sent Paul to the Lakers, Pau Gasol to the Rockets and furnished New Orleans with three top-flight NBA players in Kevin Martin, Luis Scola and Lamar Odom as well as playoff-tested guard Goran Dragic and a 2012 first-round pick that Houston had acquired from the Knicks.

It would have been quite a player swap, but it would have been bad for the NBA. Every team needs a star and a supporting cast. This trade would have taken a star away from a team and added him to another team that already has a star. Like Miami found out last year, this doesn't always mean immediate success. The Heat had a good season and made the NBA Finals. They ended up losing to the Dallas Mavericks, but all in all, it was a good season. Who knows how long James, Wade and Bosh will end up playing together. Their salaries make it hard to build a supporting cast around them and unless they win now, there isn't much loyalty to the team. What ever happened to the days where a player stuck with a team and tried to bring a championship to the team that was loyal to him? James was close in Cleveland, but turned his back on them in order to find an easy fix.

While there is no guarantee that joining a proven winner will mean that the team will continue to win. It's all about chemistry. It's about time the league stepped in and took a hard stance against the video game like team building that has slowly been taking place.

Angels Sign Pujols and Wilson

The two most coveted free agents for their respective positions have signed with the Los Angeles Angels, sources say. First baseman Albert Pujols has agreed to a 10 year deal worth between $250-$260 million and starting pitcher has agreed to a five year deal worth $77.5 million.

Forget the Miami Marlins, the Los Angeles Angels mean business.

It was widely thought that Pujols, 31, was going to resign with the St. Louis Cardinals and finish his career off there. Pujols was offered a ten year deal by Miami, worth approximately $220 million, but the biggest snap there was that Pujols wanted a full no trade clause. Miami wasn't willing to do that, but Los Angeles was.

Wilson, 31, was the ace on the Texas Rangers staff. He was 16-7 with a 2.94 ERA last season and it was apparent that he was going to be one of the most coveted pitchers on the free-agent market.

It's hard to say how these moves will pan out in the long run, but on paper, they look pretty damn good. It was known that the Angels had money to spend, but I don't think anybody thought that they could land both players. Right now it looks like the Angels have positioned themselves to be stiff competition for the Rangers out west.

Albert Pujols Picks The Angels

The Los Angeles Angels offered Albert Pujols a 10 year deal worth $250 million dollars and it was too much for the former Cardinals slugger to turn down.

Sources are reporting that the deal includes a no trade clause, which was a big deal to Pujols.

Read More...

Miami Marlins Add Mark Buehrle

The Miami Marlins just keep spending. Having already signed shortstop Jose Reyes and reliever Heath Bell, the Marlins went out and snagged former Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle.

Buehrle was a star under then Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen. Now that Guillen is the Marlins manager, Buehrle decided to reconnect. Buehrle and the Marlins agreed to a four year deal worth $58 million.

This is a great move for the Marlins, who have by far made the biggest splash in the free agent market this offseason. There is still a ten year offer out to Albert Pujols worth a reported $220 million, but it looks like that deal will fall through at this point since I don't see the Marlins going any higher with their offer. I see it highly unlikely that the St. Louis Cardinals will let Pujols walk, but then again it all comes down to how much money Pujols is willing to play for. The Cardinals will try and match whatever offer is on the table, but there is no sense right now on how high some teams might big for Pujols.

The Marlins look like the team to beat in the National League right now even without the Pujols signing. Assuming they can make Hanley Ramirez happy, they could have one of the most exciting lineups in baseball today. Adding Buehrle to the rotation assures the Marlins another reliable starter to go along with the young arms of Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco.

[Image: Fish Stripes]

Vols Bring Jay Graham Back To Tennessee

The Tennessee Vols football team is bringing back one of their own as the university signed Jay Graham as its new running backs coach. The void created by departed wide receivers coach Charlie Baggett is now filled by a former Vols running back.

Graham had been working as the running backs/tight ends coach at South Carolina for three years before the Vols snatched him up. Graham not only has had success at South Carolina, but he is one of the most well accomplished running backs at the University of Tennessee. Graham ranks seventh all-time for the Vols in rushing with 2,609 yards between 1993-1996. In 1995, Graham rushed for 1,438 yards, second all-time in a single season at Tennessee.

The most important thing about this hire for the Vols is that Graham knows how to win at Tennessee and what it means to put on the orange and white. The current Tennessee staff and players have never won at Tennessee and bringing in somebody that has was a need. For a team that lacks leadership among its players, Graham can be the perfect mentor to the young Vols team. This hire is an A+ in my book.

[Image: VolNation]

Boise State Needs To Shutup And Join A BCS Conference

I am so sick and tired of hearing Boise State complain about not being selected as an at-large bid to a BCS game. I have an easy solution to all of their problems: join a BCS conference instead of the pathetic Mountain West. Let's face it, the competition Boise State plays year after year is not the best. Why would they get selected over a team that plays a schedule full of tougher opponents? It makes all the sense in the world to everybody not associated with Boise State.

This arguement pretty much happens every year around this time and it is also brought up a few times in between. After missing out on a BCS game for the fourth time in eight years, Boise State head coach Chris Peterson had the following to say:

"Everybody is just very tired of the BCS," Petersen said. "I think that's the bottom line. Everybody is frustrated. Everybody doesn't really know what to do anymore. It doesn't make sense to anybody. I don't think anybody is happy anywhere."

Petersen added, "The whole thing needs to be changed, there's no question about it," he said. " ... I think (change) is coming, I really do."

Change may be coming, but until Boise State joins a bigger conference that is full of contenders, we will be talking about the same thing year after year. It's time to man-up Boise State and join a 'real' conference.

Heisman Finalists Announced, Who Should Win?

The race for the Heisman trophy this year has been as good as it has ever been. All five finalists could make valid cases for why they should win the Heisman trophy. Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Trent Richardson, Montee Ball and Tyrann Mathieu are the five finalists that will be in New York Saturday when the trophy winner is announced. Sure, it is a great honor to be one of the finalists, but each of these athletes want to win.

I'm here to break down how the Heisman trophy winner should be determined. First you have to break down the positions. You have two quarterbacks in Stanford's Andrew Luck and Baylor's Robert Griffin III. Two running backs in Alabama's Trent Richardson and Wisconsin's Montee Ball. The fifth is Tyrann Mathieu, the electrifying safety for LSU.

Let's start with the quarterbacks. Both Luck and Griffin III are worthy of winning the trophy, but I am going to go strictly with the numbers here. Stanford is the No. 4 team in the country, so I like to give the nod to Luck in that regard, but Griffin III has been a stud all season for Baylor. Griffin threw for 3,998 yards and 36 touchdowns to only six interceptions. Griffin III also rushed for 644 yards and nine touchdowns. Let's face it, the Bears were able to finish 9-3 only because of Griffin III. Luck on the other hand also had a good year for Stanford. The Cardinal finished the year 11-1 and Luck was a main reason why. Luck threw for 3,170 and 35 touchdowns to only nine interceptions. Despite not being a running quarterback, Luck ran in two scored and added 153 yards on the ground.

This is a tough one because Luck is quarterbacking the better team with more support and Griffin III was the do it all person for the Baylor offense. Given this is the Heisman trophy, which goes to the most outstanding player for his team, I have to give the quarterback nod to Griffin III.

Now it's on to the running backs. Alabama junior Trent Richardson has been a wrecking crew for the Crimson Tide running game. There isn't a more developed running back in college football than No. 3 for Alabama. Richardson ran for 1,583 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also added three scores in the air and 327 yards. Wisconsin's Montee Ball was solid as a rock this season. The junior ran for 32 scores on 1,759 yards. He also added six touchdowns through the air on 255 yards.

Richardson is probably the most polished running back in college football and is sure to be the top running back taken in the upcoming NFL draft. He has meant a ton to the Alabama offense, but what Ball has done this season is simply remarkable. Ball's 38 touchdowns only trail Barry Sanders' NCAA record of 39 scores he had as a member of Oklahoma State. It's hard to argue against Ball here.

Last but not least we have LSU sophomore safety Tyrann Mathieu. Mathieu has been electric this year. He is the do it all player for the nation's No. 1 team. Whether is is breaking up passes, making key stops, forcing fumbles, intercepting passes, returning punts, Mathieu is involved in big plays. Mathieu has forced five fumbles, grabbed two interceptions and scored four touchdowns on the year, making him one of the most electrifying defensive players in college football today. However with this stud class of Heisman candidates, I just don't see it going to a defensive player this year.

If you look at everything I just talked about, I feel like Baylor's Robert Griffin III should be the 2011 Heisman trophy winner. It's not a tough call and I could see each of these tremendous athletes winning the trophy. I just feel that what Griffin III meant to his team was indescribable this year. Nobody had Baylor on the map this year, but with big wins against Oklahoma, TCU and Texas, Griffin III made sure the Bears were a team to be feared. The main reason was because he was quarterbacking them.

The Knox Animal Heisman vote:

1. Robert Griffin III
2. Montee Ball
3. Andrew Luck
4. Trent Richardson
5. Tyrann Mathieu

It's Bama vs. LSU Part 2 For BCS National Championship

When Alabama hosted LSU this season, it was a great game. LSU ended up winning 9-6 in overtime. It was such a great game that many fans wanted to see a rematch between both teams for the BCS National Championship. Those fans got their wish when the final BCS standings were released last night. The two teams will face off January 9 in New Orleans and it shouldn't be any other way.

It's hard to argue that there are two better teams in college football than LSU (13-0) and Alabama (11-1). With Alabama's one loss coming to LSU, it is only fair to put them in the title game against the number one team in the country, given that the other contenders each had one loss as well.

There were a couple teams that made a strong bid for making the championship game. Oklahoma State (11-1) had a tremendous season capped off with a 41-10 win over rival Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship game.

Stanford was the other team that you could possibly argue had a chance at making the big game. The Cardinal finished the regular season 11-1 and were the top team in the Pac-12. They will play Oklahoma State in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on January 2.

Miami Marlins Ink Jose Reyes For 6 Years

The Miami Marlins wanted to make a big splash in the free agent market this winter and they made their first big move by signing shortstop Jose Reyes to a six year, $106 million deal. Reyes rejected a six year, $90 million offer earlier this offseason from Miami.

Reyes, 28, was a star with the New York Mets for nine seasons and is coming off his best statistical year, hitting .337 and winning the national league batting title.

By signing Reyes, the Marlins have to figure out what to do with current shortstop Hanley Ramirez. It seems apparent that Ramirez will move to third base, giving the Marlins one of the best all around left side of the infields in the game today.

[Image: Miami Herald]

Source: Da'Rick Rogers No Longer With Vols

WATE is reporting that Tennessee Vols star receiver Da'Rick Rogers is no longer a member of the team. Rogers started all 12 games for the Vols this season and led the SEC with 67 receptions and 1,040 receiving yards.

There has been plenty of talk about Rogers attitude this season and this may be related. Stay tuned for more details as they unfold.

Additional Reports:

Volunteer TV
NBC Sports
GoVolsXtra

Peyton Manning's Neck Is Healing

All Indianapolis Colts fans and Peyton Manning fans can breathe a sigh of relief after Manning's latest checkup regarding his surgically repaired neck. Manning can start doing more in his workouts. According to the report, Manning can increase reps, but still is not able to take on any contact.

This is certainly encouraging news for the Colts, who are 0-11 without Manning. It's hard to think that one player can mean so much to a team, but it is obvious that the Colts are terrible without the perennial All-Pro quarterback.

There has been much talk about what the Colts are going to do in the upcoming NFL draft. It is expected that Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is going to be the number one pick. Barring any miracles, the Colts will own that pick and will probably draft Luck. The Colts will have a hard time coming up with the money to afford both Manning and Luck long term, so Manning's future remains unclear at the moment. That is of course if he is healthy enough to return to the field.

[Image: Jet Celebs]

Chris Paul To New York? NBA Rumors Heat Up

What would it mean to the NBA if Chris Paul was a member of the New York Knicks? It would probably mean that many would predict greatness from the New York franchise and automatically crown them league champions. We are merely a year removed from when the Miami Heat made a big splash by signing LeBron James and Chris Bosh to pair with Dwayne Wade. The Heat had success before losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Championship last season. If Paul was traded to the Knicks, like his agent says he wants, the Knicks would be in prime position to challenge the Heat for NBA Eastern Conference supremacy.

With Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire already on the Knicks roster, the addition of Paul could be just what New York needs to be the number one contender in the East.

[Image: Bad Boys Deluxe]

Can Mike Leach Make Washington State a Contender?

The Washington State football team made a big splash yesterday by hiring former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach to a five year contract. Leach is expected to make a base salary of $2 million each season with the opportunity for incentives each year. This is good news for the Washington State program after firing Paul Wulff, who was fired earlier this week after four losing seasons.

Leach led Texas Tech to ten bowl games in ten seasons at the school and turned a non-contending Red Raiders team into one of the most prolific offenses in all of college football during his tenure. Leach was fired in 2010 after mistreating an injured player.

Leach is taking over a Washington State team that has been one of the most consistently bad teams in the Pac 12. During Wulff's tenure, the Cougars went 9-40 and were basically an automatic win for any decent team that played them. The big question is, can Leach turn this program around?

There is no question that Leach will bring his high-powered air raid to Washington State. It will definitely be interesting to see how long it takes before the Cougars put up the same kind of offensive numbers Texas Tech did. The good news is that Washington State really hasn't been much of a program, so any improvement will be positive, meaning the need for immediate results may not be a dire as it would for an established program.

This is a great opportunity for both Leach and Washington State. Here we are with a coach that knows his stuff that made a big mistake with a player. Assuming Leach has learned his lesson about mistreating players, he could really do something special at Washington State. He brings excitement to a team that has been dead in the water and puts them on the map by just by being there. Once Leach is able to recruit players to fit his system, Washington State can be a team to watch in the Pac 12.

[Image: Lehigh Valley High]