Tuesday night I had a doubleheader in flag football. Yeah, that's a scary thought.
Coming home from the absolute scariest place in Nashville I think, I was listening to Rome legend JT the Brick on the radio when they started giving a sort of play by play of the Lakers/Spurs game.
Granted, as you know, I don't really care about the NBA other than the Bulls. But as I was coming home, it was getting more and more interesting. So when I pulled in I ran upstairs to catch the last shot by the Spurs. Or whatever that was.
In case you missed it, Brent Barry had the game of his life and had the shot to win it. Unfortunately for him, and the Spurs, and anyone who likes legit sports, Derek Fisher clearly fouled Barry, but no foul was called. Barry threw up a prayer which Kobe said made him nervous...not sure why...and that was that. No big protest by Barry, or coach Popovich. The Spurs took in like the professionals they are, didn't complain and basically said they had a lot more chances to win that game than on one shot at the end.
Again, unfortunately, the one shot at the end is the only one that counts. Ask MJ. Or the Pacers, Jazz, Cavs, Pistons, Knicks, Lakers, Sonics...you get the point.
Joey Crawford is without question, a wild card. And probably shouldn't be officiating in the NBA. Why you ask? In 1998, Crawford was one of 8 NBA referees charged with filing false income tax returns. An Internal Revenue Service investigation was the result of cash being pocketed by referees when airline tickets provided by the league were downgraded. At the conclusion of a four year investigation, Crawford pleaded guilty on July 1, 1998 for falsely stating income of $82,500 from 1991 to 1993 and resigned from the NBA effective immediately. He would be reinstated by NBA commissioner David Stern in 1999 and did not miss a game due to a players' lockout to start the 1998-99 NBA season. In some circles, we call that stealing from your employer.
So Crawford, made the no call. I mean, it clearly was a foul. Again, I'm no basketball expert but this wasn't rocket science.
Here's what irritates me. After the game, TNT goes to their panel of experts, AKA, guys who couldn't beat Jordan, and the likes of Reggie Miller start discussing how it was a foul, but a good no call because Barry didn't "Sell the Foul." So because, it was a foul, but Barry didn't sell it well enough, he didn't get the call.
Ok. So basically, a pre-requisite now for the NBA needs to be an MBA in Marketing from a reputable school. Because apparently, you have to sell the referees to get calls that are obvious to the commoner. Sure, great players get calls here and there because they've earned them. But just listen to the reasoning to that foul not being called. It's absolutely ridiculous. The NBA also issued a statement that it was a foul and should have been in fact been called, yesterday. That's doing the Spurs a lot of good.
I hate it when the NBA does that. Or any league for that matter. What does that prove? I mean, I didn't need the NBA to admit they were wrong, did you? I mean, I have eyes. It just makes it even that much worse that they admit to having officials who blow calls. "Hey, we're sorry, this guy who stole cash from us just stole the game from you. We didn't see this coming."
This thing has been going on a lot recently. That blown home run call that cost me much needed fantasy points and now this.
Who is holding these people accountable? Often times you hear the argument along the lines of, "Refs/Umps/Back Judges don't want to determine the outcome of the game." Um, if I'm not mistaken, it's the players job to determine the outcome of the game, within the rules set forth. And if a player breaks them, they are to be called for breaking them. Should Jordan have been called for the shove on Bryon Russell? I mean, maybe, but I think more of Russell's falling down had to do with Jordan's crossover than anything. The defense of these officials is just ridiculous. You know what happens in the real world when you screw up that bad? You get fired.
So again, who's going to take the heat? Because someone has to. Is it Stern? Probably not. He doesn't care. He's done great things. He's done some terrible things. His handling, and every commissioner's handling of poor officiating is awful.
Sure they probably make most of the right calls. But just like athletes, officials are going to be judged by what they do at crunch time. Joey Crawford didn't get it done and has quite the record anyway. Oh wait, I forgot, the NBA's rigged anyway so...
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
New York State Of...
Disaster. That's what's going on in New York. At least in the baseball world.
The Yankees won last night, which is nice. Especially with someone coming up with a big hit. That moved them up to a game out of 4th in the AL East.
The Mets just got swept by the Braves. The Mets are actually in 4th in their division
The Yankees are in a world of hurt. You know what I think about their lineup so I won't go there. But their pitching experiment failed. Miserably. They aren't going to beat people without good pitching. I know they can get hot, and I know they are the Yankees. But this has been going on for too long, for even a team with that payroll. I just don't see them getting out of this hole.
Here's the thing about the Mets though. I think the Mets can turn it around. They just simply aren't performing offensively. They have the pitching that has been alright and probably will get better. They have a better lineup, in my opinion, than the Yankees top to bottom. Well, they should.
The problem with the Mets, in my opinion, is that their manager isn't doing what he needs to in order to get it done. Yeah, he's saying stuff in the media, whatever that means. But he's not doing anything with his lineup. Willie Randolph needs to take care of business on the field first.
Here's my issue. Carlos Beltan is not a cleanup hitter. He just isn't. Beltran's best years came in the 2-3 spots in the lineup. Why in the world would you move this guy around? I don't get it. Beltran is a guy who is one in a million. You don't mess with guys like that. Bobby Abreu is the same way. The guy hits third. It's what he does. So when the Yankees get him, he hits third. Maybe I'm wrong, but my point is that Randolph isn't doing anything to test the waters with the middle of his order, other than moving Carlos Delgado down as he continues to not produce.
But...the Mets have hope. They still have the tools, they just need to get their manager to figure things out as they go. Look at the Tigers. They are killing it right now. But a lot of it is because Jim Leyland is looking to find what works by testing it on the field. That's part of being a good manager. But the Mets are capable, and they are in a division with teams that aren't quite there.
The Yankees, are in trouble. There is nothing they can do from here. Are they going to go out and get pitching? From where? There are teams out there right now that need pitching a lot more than the Yankees do. Why? Because they are in it! The Red Sox are the class of the league. So The Yankees only real shot is at the Wild Card. But to do that, they have to get second in their division, and the Rays (!) are playing too well right now. Sure, they could die off, but say the Yankees go on some ridiculous run and get second in the East. Second in that division isn't going to get the Wild Card, if it's the Yankees being that there will be two 90+ win teams from the Central when it's all said and done.
The question is, when are the Yankees going to accept that this year is not their year? Are they going to trade some of their top prospects for what they need for this year? This year is going to really mean nothing very soon. So when does ego set in for the First Family of the Bronx?
They are in trouble, real trouble. The Mets, well, they aren't looking good, but at least they have a shot at turning it around. Either way, New York is not a great place to be a baseball fan right now.
The Yankees won last night, which is nice. Especially with someone coming up with a big hit. That moved them up to a game out of 4th in the AL East.
The Mets just got swept by the Braves. The Mets are actually in 4th in their division
The Yankees are in a world of hurt. You know what I think about their lineup so I won't go there. But their pitching experiment failed. Miserably. They aren't going to beat people without good pitching. I know they can get hot, and I know they are the Yankees. But this has been going on for too long, for even a team with that payroll. I just don't see them getting out of this hole.
Here's the thing about the Mets though. I think the Mets can turn it around. They just simply aren't performing offensively. They have the pitching that has been alright and probably will get better. They have a better lineup, in my opinion, than the Yankees top to bottom. Well, they should.
The problem with the Mets, in my opinion, is that their manager isn't doing what he needs to in order to get it done. Yeah, he's saying stuff in the media, whatever that means. But he's not doing anything with his lineup. Willie Randolph needs to take care of business on the field first.
Here's my issue. Carlos Beltan is not a cleanup hitter. He just isn't. Beltran's best years came in the 2-3 spots in the lineup. Why in the world would you move this guy around? I don't get it. Beltran is a guy who is one in a million. You don't mess with guys like that. Bobby Abreu is the same way. The guy hits third. It's what he does. So when the Yankees get him, he hits third. Maybe I'm wrong, but my point is that Randolph isn't doing anything to test the waters with the middle of his order, other than moving Carlos Delgado down as he continues to not produce.
But...the Mets have hope. They still have the tools, they just need to get their manager to figure things out as they go. Look at the Tigers. They are killing it right now. But a lot of it is because Jim Leyland is looking to find what works by testing it on the field. That's part of being a good manager. But the Mets are capable, and they are in a division with teams that aren't quite there.
The Yankees, are in trouble. There is nothing they can do from here. Are they going to go out and get pitching? From where? There are teams out there right now that need pitching a lot more than the Yankees do. Why? Because they are in it! The Red Sox are the class of the league. So The Yankees only real shot is at the Wild Card. But to do that, they have to get second in their division, and the Rays (!) are playing too well right now. Sure, they could die off, but say the Yankees go on some ridiculous run and get second in the East. Second in that division isn't going to get the Wild Card, if it's the Yankees being that there will be two 90+ win teams from the Central when it's all said and done.
The question is, when are the Yankees going to accept that this year is not their year? Are they going to trade some of their top prospects for what they need for this year? This year is going to really mean nothing very soon. So when does ego set in for the First Family of the Bronx?
They are in trouble, real trouble. The Mets, well, they aren't looking good, but at least they have a shot at turning it around. Either way, New York is not a great place to be a baseball fan right now.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Weighing In On The New Juice
How come no one until now has gotten in on OJ Mayo being the basketball version of the juice? I guess because no one wants to be associated with murderers? I mean, I don't blame them.
For those of you who haven't heard, OJ Mayo, freshman swingman for USC and formerly (pending on your source) the top high school basketball player in the country is under some serious heat. Allegedly, Mayo had been taking money from a middle man, Rodney Guillory, to the tune of about $200,000 and then a "luxury automobile." Guillory is shadily involved with Bill Duffy Associates Sports Management, which is said to be the backbone behind the money gifts headed Mayo's way. Basically, Guillory is an independent contractor, probably submits a 1099, and leaves no sure evidence that BDA was really behind it. Basically, he's set up to get burned if it goes down. If not, he gets a nice chunk out of Mayo's shoe deal.
You know what's interesting? Look at the top players the past couple of years. I'm thinking about three in particular, Mayo, Michael Beasley and the one armed man from "The Fugitive." All three were considered in some circles the best players in their classes, right? Then what business do these guys have going to USC, K-State, and Ohio State, respectively. If I'm the #1 player in the country, I'm going to UNC or UCLA (I'll get to the Bruins in a moment), no questions asked.
I heard an interesting argument the other day, and I might be changing my view. If you've been reading, you know that I've gone on time and time again about my lack of favor for the senior in high school declaring for the NBA Draft. Personally, there are things I'm learning about myself everyday at 23 and I don't have near the pressure on me that those kids do before they even set foot on a court. I've been to college and learned a lot. I just have a hard time putting those kids in the situation to make a lot of mistakes without the proper guidance.
A guy on the radio the other day made this point. These kids who go to school know they are only going to be there for a year, and that they are only there because David Stern says so. They don't care about college. They don't go to class. And they don't care about the NCAA. So why force these kids to go to school if they don't have to? I mean, you can drop out of high school at 16, right?
OJ Mayo, Reggie Bush, and probably Joe McKnight don't care what happens to USC. They know they're going to the bigs and they're only counting the time until they get paid. So, why not take the cash when they can? If they get caught, who cares? What is really going to happen to them? USC has to do what it can to save the face of the program, and Disney will help that out as best as possible (see the article at the end of this post; think it's a coincidence it came from SI?) and worst case, say Mayo has to give his stuff back. The way our legal system works, he'll have plenty by then.
Where's the problem here? It's USC. They have to know what's going on but they turn their backs. Like everywhere else. I mean, do you think it's just a coincidence that Georgia has been a national power ever since the offensive coordinator from Florida State showed up? Do you think the only thing he taught them was how to run an effective offense?
But now we're dealing with USC. And what is really interesting about USC is the following question: why would you go to USC? Why would you go to USC over UCLA? There is one drawback about the Bruins and that is that they play football off campus. So let's talk football for a second and talk about Reggie Bush, the last big name, from any program, to have this kind of heat.
UCLA had a strong program in the mid-90's with Cade McNown. They lost that game to USC which allowed there to be a FSU/UT Title game. Since then, it's been pretty average there. Why? I think that's about the time that USC kicked it into high gear. Eventually they got their hands on Pete Carrol and in '03 they had their first big recruiting splash with nine top 100 players, including #'s 2,3 (#2 being Bush).
Have you ever been to USC? I've been outside the gates driving passed...during the day thank God. NWA, Dr. Dre, and Snoop have supremely described the area known as Compton should you want to listen to their songs. And USC is smack in the middle of Compton. UCLA, is across the street from Belle Air (give or take). You kidding me? Seriously. UCLA is like three miles from the Beverly Hills Hotel. Maybe more. But it's a straight shot. If I'm Kevin Love, I'm hitting the Polo Lounge post-game like it's my job. I bet Tobey Bailey was.
I know I'm picking on USC. I enjoy it. But frankly, if you think this kind of stuff doesn't happen everywhere, well, I don't know what to tell you. Especially in basketball where guys are one and done. I really just want to believe that Scotty Hopson is coming to the Vols next year to be part of a great team. But...
Sure, this stuff is against the NCAA rules, but as long as there are millions to be made, the millionaires will find a way around the rules. And when they can't beat them, they'll find a new way. It's the way it works take it or leave it. But in order for there to be a real change, the NCAA has to hold the universities accountable, regardless of what they say they know or don't know. Because it's happening on their campus' and, whether the athletes at hand what to believe it or not, to their students. As long as they're on that campus, technically, their first job is to go to school, in the eyes of the institution. And that's where accountability needs to be held, especially since university Presidents have so much say in athletics these days. They need to be accountable, because they have to know. Because apparently SI did, so read the article below from '06.
I can understand that Mayo would want be known more as Mayonnaise than the juice. The Mayo and the other really have a lot in common. They break the rules, and in the end, they'll get away with it.
http://www.sportsline.com/columns/story/9735022
For those of you who haven't heard, OJ Mayo, freshman swingman for USC and formerly (pending on your source) the top high school basketball player in the country is under some serious heat. Allegedly, Mayo had been taking money from a middle man, Rodney Guillory, to the tune of about $200,000 and then a "luxury automobile." Guillory is shadily involved with Bill Duffy Associates Sports Management, which is said to be the backbone behind the money gifts headed Mayo's way. Basically, Guillory is an independent contractor, probably submits a 1099, and leaves no sure evidence that BDA was really behind it. Basically, he's set up to get burned if it goes down. If not, he gets a nice chunk out of Mayo's shoe deal.
You know what's interesting? Look at the top players the past couple of years. I'm thinking about three in particular, Mayo, Michael Beasley and the one armed man from "The Fugitive." All three were considered in some circles the best players in their classes, right? Then what business do these guys have going to USC, K-State, and Ohio State, respectively. If I'm the #1 player in the country, I'm going to UNC or UCLA (I'll get to the Bruins in a moment), no questions asked.
I heard an interesting argument the other day, and I might be changing my view. If you've been reading, you know that I've gone on time and time again about my lack of favor for the senior in high school declaring for the NBA Draft. Personally, there are things I'm learning about myself everyday at 23 and I don't have near the pressure on me that those kids do before they even set foot on a court. I've been to college and learned a lot. I just have a hard time putting those kids in the situation to make a lot of mistakes without the proper guidance.
A guy on the radio the other day made this point. These kids who go to school know they are only going to be there for a year, and that they are only there because David Stern says so. They don't care about college. They don't go to class. And they don't care about the NCAA. So why force these kids to go to school if they don't have to? I mean, you can drop out of high school at 16, right?
OJ Mayo, Reggie Bush, and probably Joe McKnight don't care what happens to USC. They know they're going to the bigs and they're only counting the time until they get paid. So, why not take the cash when they can? If they get caught, who cares? What is really going to happen to them? USC has to do what it can to save the face of the program, and Disney will help that out as best as possible (see the article at the end of this post; think it's a coincidence it came from SI?) and worst case, say Mayo has to give his stuff back. The way our legal system works, he'll have plenty by then.
Where's the problem here? It's USC. They have to know what's going on but they turn their backs. Like everywhere else. I mean, do you think it's just a coincidence that Georgia has been a national power ever since the offensive coordinator from Florida State showed up? Do you think the only thing he taught them was how to run an effective offense?
But now we're dealing with USC. And what is really interesting about USC is the following question: why would you go to USC? Why would you go to USC over UCLA? There is one drawback about the Bruins and that is that they play football off campus. So let's talk football for a second and talk about Reggie Bush, the last big name, from any program, to have this kind of heat.
UCLA had a strong program in the mid-90's with Cade McNown. They lost that game to USC which allowed there to be a FSU/UT Title game. Since then, it's been pretty average there. Why? I think that's about the time that USC kicked it into high gear. Eventually they got their hands on Pete Carrol and in '03 they had their first big recruiting splash with nine top 100 players, including #'s 2,3 (#2 being Bush).
Have you ever been to USC? I've been outside the gates driving passed...during the day thank God. NWA, Dr. Dre, and Snoop have supremely described the area known as Compton should you want to listen to their songs. And USC is smack in the middle of Compton. UCLA, is across the street from Belle Air (give or take). You kidding me? Seriously. UCLA is like three miles from the Beverly Hills Hotel. Maybe more. But it's a straight shot. If I'm Kevin Love, I'm hitting the Polo Lounge post-game like it's my job. I bet Tobey Bailey was.
I know I'm picking on USC. I enjoy it. But frankly, if you think this kind of stuff doesn't happen everywhere, well, I don't know what to tell you. Especially in basketball where guys are one and done. I really just want to believe that Scotty Hopson is coming to the Vols next year to be part of a great team. But...
Sure, this stuff is against the NCAA rules, but as long as there are millions to be made, the millionaires will find a way around the rules. And when they can't beat them, they'll find a new way. It's the way it works take it or leave it. But in order for there to be a real change, the NCAA has to hold the universities accountable, regardless of what they say they know or don't know. Because it's happening on their campus' and, whether the athletes at hand what to believe it or not, to their students. As long as they're on that campus, technically, their first job is to go to school, in the eyes of the institution. And that's where accountability needs to be held, especially since university Presidents have so much say in athletics these days. They need to be accountable, because they have to know. Because apparently SI did, so read the article below from '06.
I can understand that Mayo would want be known more as Mayonnaise than the juice. The Mayo and the other really have a lot in common. They break the rules, and in the end, they'll get away with it.
http://www.sportsline.com/columns/story/9735022
Friday, May 9, 2008
My Mom Was Right...The NBA Is Fixed
Remember the 90's in the NBA? Remember how great it was?
Granted, you know I grew up in Chicago and Bulls games were a way of life. But most everyone will remember the great series that went on between the Bulls and other great teams. The Pacers-Bulls match ups were always tough. The Knicks-Bulls as well and we all know what happened with the Jazz.
Let's face it...the Bulls were better than everyone, by a lot. True, the teams at question were great teams, but is there a coincidence that the Bulls, in most cases, blew everyone out at home and lost close games on the road?
The officiating in those games were pretty terrible. Yeah, Jordan got his calls here and there, but being the best and most important athlete ever will do that.
My mom always said, "These games are fixed." I now believe it. Especially now, the NBA is a flat out joke. There are great players in the league don't get me wrong. But seriously, how many people out there actually sit down and say, "God, I can't wait to watch the NBA Playoffs tonight!"
The NBA needs to have it's games on for publicity, because the average TV watcher is flipping to the game on the commercial of whatever else they are watching. This is probably why they have those crazy schedules this year to get as many games in the spotlight as possible. The NBA needs to have it's games on, so they need more games. What happens? They make it happen.
Back to the 90's. How did that Sonics team going like 6 games or whatever it was with the 72 win Bulls? Sure, critics are going to say, "How many times did the Bulls go to a seven game series?" Frankly, Michael Jordan is better than bad officiating.
Where is this going? The Boston Celtics of this year were the most dominant team in the NBA. Experts don't give credit to anyone in the East, but the Celtics went to the West and had some ridiculous record against the superior conference. The Celtics were the best team. Period.
So what were they doing going seven games with the Atlanta Hawks? The Hawks had no business whatsoever winning a single game in that series. The first couple of games the Celtics blow it out and then it becomes a series? I mean, did the Hawks have a sort of renaissance in the locker room? There is no way, without NBA regulation, that they series should go seven. No way whatsoever. Oh, and in game seven? Didn't the Celtics win by almost 30?
So where does this get to? The Hornets came out and just killed the defending champion Spurs in the first two games of their series. By kill I mean mentally and physically beat down. The Hornets were too fast, too quick, and frankly, too young for the aging Spurs. So what happens last night? Yeah, the Spurs shave about 40 years off their collective ages, come out and rip it up. What do you want to bet that the Lakers lose their next game?
Watch, well, no ones going to watch these games. But I guess check the scores in the paper or online or however you check scores. See if the Lakers win their first road game in their series. See how many series' go 4-5. They won't. The NBA can't have it happen. I mean, the NHL struggles, but at least their games come to legit endings from guys playing hard.
Granted, you know I grew up in Chicago and Bulls games were a way of life. But most everyone will remember the great series that went on between the Bulls and other great teams. The Pacers-Bulls match ups were always tough. The Knicks-Bulls as well and we all know what happened with the Jazz.
Let's face it...the Bulls were better than everyone, by a lot. True, the teams at question were great teams, but is there a coincidence that the Bulls, in most cases, blew everyone out at home and lost close games on the road?
The officiating in those games were pretty terrible. Yeah, Jordan got his calls here and there, but being the best and most important athlete ever will do that.
My mom always said, "These games are fixed." I now believe it. Especially now, the NBA is a flat out joke. There are great players in the league don't get me wrong. But seriously, how many people out there actually sit down and say, "God, I can't wait to watch the NBA Playoffs tonight!"
The NBA needs to have it's games on for publicity, because the average TV watcher is flipping to the game on the commercial of whatever else they are watching. This is probably why they have those crazy schedules this year to get as many games in the spotlight as possible. The NBA needs to have it's games on, so they need more games. What happens? They make it happen.
Back to the 90's. How did that Sonics team going like 6 games or whatever it was with the 72 win Bulls? Sure, critics are going to say, "How many times did the Bulls go to a seven game series?" Frankly, Michael Jordan is better than bad officiating.
Where is this going? The Boston Celtics of this year were the most dominant team in the NBA. Experts don't give credit to anyone in the East, but the Celtics went to the West and had some ridiculous record against the superior conference. The Celtics were the best team. Period.
So what were they doing going seven games with the Atlanta Hawks? The Hawks had no business whatsoever winning a single game in that series. The first couple of games the Celtics blow it out and then it becomes a series? I mean, did the Hawks have a sort of renaissance in the locker room? There is no way, without NBA regulation, that they series should go seven. No way whatsoever. Oh, and in game seven? Didn't the Celtics win by almost 30?
So where does this get to? The Hornets came out and just killed the defending champion Spurs in the first two games of their series. By kill I mean mentally and physically beat down. The Hornets were too fast, too quick, and frankly, too young for the aging Spurs. So what happens last night? Yeah, the Spurs shave about 40 years off their collective ages, come out and rip it up. What do you want to bet that the Lakers lose their next game?
Watch, well, no ones going to watch these games. But I guess check the scores in the paper or online or however you check scores. See if the Lakers win their first road game in their series. See how many series' go 4-5. They won't. The NBA can't have it happen. I mean, the NHL struggles, but at least their games come to legit endings from guys playing hard.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Program Alert!
Lady and Gentleman:
Unfortunately, the real world has caught up to the No Owens staff. As all four of you have probably noticed, the posts are fewer and much further between. As much as I wish this wasn't the case, time is becoming an issue. So my new commitment is to do one post, on Friday, every week. This gives an entire week to digest what's happening and throw it out there and go big on one day. If something should happen post worthy mid-week you may get a treat, but from here on out, plan on Fridays from No Owens.
There are a number of things to plan on as well since college football is a lot closer than you think. I mean, when it's time to pay up for season tickets, you know it's coming at you fast. Speaking of fast, the big question is going to be centered around who comes out of the SEC East. Georgia is the safe pick right now for sure, and rightfully so. At the end of last year, one could argue they were playing better than anyone else. Too bad the Vols put up 28 in the first half on them.
Georgia has a big issue and that's their schedule. Sure, they go to Arizona State early, but let's face it; they have no business losing that game. But that starts quite the run of games (after they play Georgia Southern and Central Michigan) : at South Carolina, at ASU, home against Alabama, Tennessee and Vandy, then at LSU and Florida in the Jax. I mean, seriously. That's pretty bad. Not to mention after that stretch they get Kentucky, then Auburn and GT. Two tough rivalry games to end the year is brutal. Georgia can be as good as they want to be, but that schedule is pretty awful. If they make it through with just one loss, I mean, they need to be playing for the title. I think they are good enough, but that's just too much for anyone to overcome. I think.
So where does that put Florida? The Gators very quietly have a top-heavy interesting schedule. They open with Hawaii and Miami at home before going to Tennessee. They have a nice couple of easy games between UT and LSU, and then between LSU and Georgia. Their schedule is very nicely set up for a shot at it. The question becomes, just how good are they? Sure we know about Tebow and Harvin, and we know their defense is young, untested, and very talented. I just don't see them stopping many good teams early in the season. I mean, Miami is going to be better and as athletic as the Gators. This is a bold statement even for me to make, but Tennessee's secondary is as athletic if not more than Florida's skill position players. Florida has owned Tennessee recently, but this year at home I think the Vols get their first win against Urban Meyer.
I think the East is going to end up like it did last year with three teams tied at the top. I see Tennessee, Georgia and Florida all going 11ish-2. So where does that leave everyone else?
Well, USC and Ohio State play early in the year at the Colosseum. What does that mean? Well Ohio State has no business losing to anyone besides Southern Cal. Aside from USC, they play a soft Big Ten schedule and Michigan is completely a wild card this year. So what does that mean? Ohio State is going to play for another national title this year, and neither you nor I can do anything about it. It's just the nature of the beast. I mean, let's face it, the Big Ten right now is no more competitive than the Big East. How much better is Ohio State than West Virginia? And then after those schools, what is there? Rutgers is about as good as your Michigan States. I'll take South Florida right now over just about anyone outside of Columbus. Again, I'm a Pitt fan and I think their going to surprise some people this year. I mean, the second best team in the Big Ten got run out of the stadium by the best Pac Ten team. They should have been able to compete. USC dominated Illinois like Georgia dominated Hawaii. Luckily, Ohio State has "tradition" on their side.
Then we get to USC. They don't play anyone either. Don't tell that to ESPN though. You know cause ESPN always seems to think that USC has the toughest schedule in America...go back and find my post about the USC/ESPN conspiracy theory if you want more. But they always lose to someone they shouldn't like UCLA or Stanford or Oregon State. So accept that for what it is. So say you've got a 12-1 Ohio State, an 11-2 USC and a bunch of SEC teams with two losses. Where are we?
Hello Missouri. Hello OU. Texas isn't going to be as good and honestly, don't expect the same KU to show up. But there should be a one loss Big 12 team staring down Ohio State when it comes down to it. Unless even they knock themselves off. But I mean, Missouri is going to be tough. Really tough. I don't want anything to do with those guys this year at all. Neither should you. They would do things to Ohio State that are not safe. Not to mention, OU is going to be back strong with Justine Henin at quarterback. I mean Sam Bradford. Yeah, they look exactly alike.
What conclusions have we come to today? None really. But there's a lot to ponder. But it's more fun to think about college football than it is to talk subjectively about the Yankees issues, Roger Clemens, and what exactly is happening in the small markets in baseball. Well, that might be fun, and maybe next week, but we all need a college football kick every once in a while. And oh yeah, like I said, there will never be a playoff in college football, nor should there be.
But it is coming and it's coming fast. Just like Eric Berry. This year's season is going to be full of more stories and controversies than even last year. You just wait for it.
Unfortunately, the real world has caught up to the No Owens staff. As all four of you have probably noticed, the posts are fewer and much further between. As much as I wish this wasn't the case, time is becoming an issue. So my new commitment is to do one post, on Friday, every week. This gives an entire week to digest what's happening and throw it out there and go big on one day. If something should happen post worthy mid-week you may get a treat, but from here on out, plan on Fridays from No Owens.
There are a number of things to plan on as well since college football is a lot closer than you think. I mean, when it's time to pay up for season tickets, you know it's coming at you fast. Speaking of fast, the big question is going to be centered around who comes out of the SEC East. Georgia is the safe pick right now for sure, and rightfully so. At the end of last year, one could argue they were playing better than anyone else. Too bad the Vols put up 28 in the first half on them.
Georgia has a big issue and that's their schedule. Sure, they go to Arizona State early, but let's face it; they have no business losing that game. But that starts quite the run of games (after they play Georgia Southern and Central Michigan) : at South Carolina, at ASU, home against Alabama, Tennessee and Vandy, then at LSU and Florida in the Jax. I mean, seriously. That's pretty bad. Not to mention after that stretch they get Kentucky, then Auburn and GT. Two tough rivalry games to end the year is brutal. Georgia can be as good as they want to be, but that schedule is pretty awful. If they make it through with just one loss, I mean, they need to be playing for the title. I think they are good enough, but that's just too much for anyone to overcome. I think.
So where does that put Florida? The Gators very quietly have a top-heavy interesting schedule. They open with Hawaii and Miami at home before going to Tennessee. They have a nice couple of easy games between UT and LSU, and then between LSU and Georgia. Their schedule is very nicely set up for a shot at it. The question becomes, just how good are they? Sure we know about Tebow and Harvin, and we know their defense is young, untested, and very talented. I just don't see them stopping many good teams early in the season. I mean, Miami is going to be better and as athletic as the Gators. This is a bold statement even for me to make, but Tennessee's secondary is as athletic if not more than Florida's skill position players. Florida has owned Tennessee recently, but this year at home I think the Vols get their first win against Urban Meyer.
I think the East is going to end up like it did last year with three teams tied at the top. I see Tennessee, Georgia and Florida all going 11ish-2. So where does that leave everyone else?
Well, USC and Ohio State play early in the year at the Colosseum. What does that mean? Well Ohio State has no business losing to anyone besides Southern Cal. Aside from USC, they play a soft Big Ten schedule and Michigan is completely a wild card this year. So what does that mean? Ohio State is going to play for another national title this year, and neither you nor I can do anything about it. It's just the nature of the beast. I mean, let's face it, the Big Ten right now is no more competitive than the Big East. How much better is Ohio State than West Virginia? And then after those schools, what is there? Rutgers is about as good as your Michigan States. I'll take South Florida right now over just about anyone outside of Columbus. Again, I'm a Pitt fan and I think their going to surprise some people this year. I mean, the second best team in the Big Ten got run out of the stadium by the best Pac Ten team. They should have been able to compete. USC dominated Illinois like Georgia dominated Hawaii. Luckily, Ohio State has "tradition" on their side.
Then we get to USC. They don't play anyone either. Don't tell that to ESPN though. You know cause ESPN always seems to think that USC has the toughest schedule in America...go back and find my post about the USC/ESPN conspiracy theory if you want more. But they always lose to someone they shouldn't like UCLA or Stanford or Oregon State. So accept that for what it is. So say you've got a 12-1 Ohio State, an 11-2 USC and a bunch of SEC teams with two losses. Where are we?
Hello Missouri. Hello OU. Texas isn't going to be as good and honestly, don't expect the same KU to show up. But there should be a one loss Big 12 team staring down Ohio State when it comes down to it. Unless even they knock themselves off. But I mean, Missouri is going to be tough. Really tough. I don't want anything to do with those guys this year at all. Neither should you. They would do things to Ohio State that are not safe. Not to mention, OU is going to be back strong with Justine Henin at quarterback. I mean Sam Bradford. Yeah, they look exactly alike.
What conclusions have we come to today? None really. But there's a lot to ponder. But it's more fun to think about college football than it is to talk subjectively about the Yankees issues, Roger Clemens, and what exactly is happening in the small markets in baseball. Well, that might be fun, and maybe next week, but we all need a college football kick every once in a while. And oh yeah, like I said, there will never be a playoff in college football, nor should there be.
But it is coming and it's coming fast. Just like Eric Berry. This year's season is going to be full of more stories and controversies than even last year. You just wait for it.
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