It's the middle of September and I've not posted for two months, despite all my favourite games starting. OK, I went on holiday for a couple of weeks but this is pathetic.
So let's jump in straight away with some headlines.
Congratulations to the Los Angeles Angels for winning the American League West. I've made a stunning 16p profit on that for a £2 bet on B*tfair. Well done me.
Not doing so well is my pick for the National League West, the Arizona Diamondbacks who are now 4.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, I had bets on the two Chicago clubs, who are both leading their respective divisions although the Cubs eight game lead over the Brewers is a little more comfortable than the slim lead the White Sox have over the Twins.
All the football seasons are now underway and I shall be nipping down to Ashton Gate in about an hour's time for the game against Birmingham City. We're fifth, they're second, we've not lost at home and they've not won away...so it's a big game. Don't want to make any predictions, so I won't. Well, maybe a little one. It won't finish scoreless. I could lay that outcome on B*tfair, but knowing my luck...
College Football has been running since the end of August and thanks to B*tfair I can download my results in a handy spreadsheet format to see exactly how crap I am at predicting winners.
Starting with Week 1, Clemson to beat Alabama, Michigan to beat Utah, Pittsburgh to beat Bowling Green, Virginia Tech to beat...ah well, you get the picture and I'm sure you're tired of bad beat stories already but there's only one that can really be put down to overwhelming stupidity. In an incident comparable to backing Florida State to win the ACC last season, I pressed the wrong button and backed UTEP to beat Texas a couple of weeks ago. I'm trying to think of a suitable Association Football parallel but the only thing I can come up with is something like Chelsea playing Luton, Chelsea being given a two goal start and me still backing Luton to win. Hey, did anyone notice that Luton fails the blogger.com spellchecker?
Professional Football is approaching Week 3 and the main regular season story is that Tom Brady is out for the season*. This does not mean the Patriots have suddenly become fallible: far from it. There are ten 2-0 teams right now and they're amongst them.
The others are Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Denver, the Giants, Dallas, Green Bay, Carolina and Arizona. Including the Patriots, six of those teams made the playoffs last season - Buffalo, Denver, Carolina and Arizona didn't.
Thanks to the research by the good people at Football Outsiders (in particular the win expectancy charts published in Football Prospectus 2008), these ten teams currently have a 65.2% chance of making the playoffs, which can reach 79.5% if any of them win on Sunday. I'm pushed for time now, but as part of my selection process for my Sunday picks I'll be thinking out loud later in the week on the games the teams above are involved in.
But right now, I'm off to be a fan.
* As opposed to the main pre-season story, which was the Brett Favre saga.
Showing posts with label College Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label College Football. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
An Intriguing Final
Euro 2008 ends tomorrow night with a clash between pre-tournament favourites Germany and perennial under achievers Spain, the latter being the actual favourites with the bookies.
You might ask why a team that hasn't won a major tournament for over 40 years is favoured over one that has one of the best tournament records in the world, but the answer is simple. Spain have played some exciting football, have scored lots of goals and have a number of outstanding individuals. On the other hand, Germany have occasionally looked clueless, have already lost to Croatia and narrowly avoided making complete fools of themselves against Turkey in the semi finals.
Having said all that about the Germans, they're in the final and you cannot be absolutely sure that they won't win it - especially if the Spanish turn into the proverbial rabbits in the headlights.
Not surprisingly, I've got some action on this game. I laid Germany on Betfair at 5.1 at the beginning of the month - before the tournament even started - because I really didn't think they'd win it. The lay odds as I write this are currently 2.46.
Then I got Germany in the work sweepstake...getting past Turkey meant a guaranteed £22 which could increase to £50 if they win. It's something of a no-lose situation because I've had a small punt on Spain; talk about hedging my bets!
Madame Zaza predicts Spain. Because they're better.
City brought a new player yesterday, Gavin Williams from Ipswich. His Wikipedia entry is here, his overall stats are here and here's a goal he scored against Leeds United.
There'll probably be some more player movement over the next week but I'll report that when it happens rather than indulging in the type of idle speculation that's been occurring on certain forums.
More sporting excitement: I got an e-mail from the ever helpful Liam Doyle at Word Of Sport telling me that they were about to send me the college football previews I ordered...including the amazing Phil Steele. Can't wait!
Todays baseball picks: Detroit Tigers over Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins over Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox over Chicago Cubs. The Twins have a ten game undefeated streak, the best in baseball right now.
Back tomorrow, possibly after the Euro 2008 final.
You might ask why a team that hasn't won a major tournament for over 40 years is favoured over one that has one of the best tournament records in the world, but the answer is simple. Spain have played some exciting football, have scored lots of goals and have a number of outstanding individuals. On the other hand, Germany have occasionally looked clueless, have already lost to Croatia and narrowly avoided making complete fools of themselves against Turkey in the semi finals.
Having said all that about the Germans, they're in the final and you cannot be absolutely sure that they won't win it - especially if the Spanish turn into the proverbial rabbits in the headlights.
Not surprisingly, I've got some action on this game. I laid Germany on Betfair at 5.1 at the beginning of the month - before the tournament even started - because I really didn't think they'd win it. The lay odds as I write this are currently 2.46.
Then I got Germany in the work sweepstake...getting past Turkey meant a guaranteed £22 which could increase to £50 if they win. It's something of a no-lose situation because I've had a small punt on Spain; talk about hedging my bets!
Madame Zaza predicts Spain. Because they're better.
City brought a new player yesterday, Gavin Williams from Ipswich. His Wikipedia entry is here, his overall stats are here and here's a goal he scored against Leeds United.
There'll probably be some more player movement over the next week but I'll report that when it happens rather than indulging in the type of idle speculation that's been occurring on certain forums.
More sporting excitement: I got an e-mail from the ever helpful Liam Doyle at Word Of Sport telling me that they were about to send me the college football previews I ordered...including the amazing Phil Steele. Can't wait!
Todays baseball picks: Detroit Tigers over Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins over Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox over Chicago Cubs. The Twins have a ten game undefeated streak, the best in baseball right now.
Back tomorrow, possibly after the Euro 2008 final.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
An update at last...
City lost for the first time this season, 3-0 at Barnsley. We've got Sheffield United at home later on (as in 5.20pm on Sky Sports) and they've not won down here since March 1971.
Or to put it another way, since this was Number 1:
...and that's a very long time ago indeed. Madame Zaza finds this a difficult one to call as although we're undefeated at home, we've only won once. The Blades have only picked up one away point this season (a 2-2 draw at Blackpool) but don't seem to have any trouble scoring away from home having scored two goals in their last three aways. We don't need to win as much as they do, but I still fancy a draw...even though I'm not going to bet on it, like I did last week.
Right, smashing my way through College Football...
No. 1 LSU (5-0) at home vs No.9 (and reigning National Champions) Florida. Obviously game of the week, but because baseball is in playoff mode, unless I tape it 'as live' at 3:30pm on Sunday I won't see it. Shouldn't be that hard to avoid the result as we're staying at friends tonight after playing poker and we're having lunch at my in laws tomorrow.
FSU (3-1, 4th in the ACC Atlantic Division) v North Carolina State (1-4). My bet is looking anything but secure at the moment...all because of a slip of the mouse at the start of the season. 5-0 Boston College leading the way in the Atlantic Division.
Michigan (3-2, currently undefeated in the Big Ten but in fourth place) v Eastern Michigan (2-3). Still a lot to play for here, but Big Blue are looking like a bit of a long shot. The undefeated pair of Ohio State and Wisconsin are leading the way.
Right, I'm off to collect my bike from the shop - the chain snapped on Friday, almost two years since I destroyed the last one.
To finish: Jimmy Hill!
You bloody tell 'em Jim!
Or to put it another way, since this was Number 1:
...and that's a very long time ago indeed. Madame Zaza finds this a difficult one to call as although we're undefeated at home, we've only won once. The Blades have only picked up one away point this season (a 2-2 draw at Blackpool) but don't seem to have any trouble scoring away from home having scored two goals in their last three aways. We don't need to win as much as they do, but I still fancy a draw...even though I'm not going to bet on it, like I did last week.
Right, smashing my way through College Football...
No. 1 LSU (5-0) at home vs No.9 (and reigning National Champions) Florida. Obviously game of the week, but because baseball is in playoff mode, unless I tape it 'as live' at 3:30pm on Sunday I won't see it. Shouldn't be that hard to avoid the result as we're staying at friends tonight after playing poker and we're having lunch at my in laws tomorrow.
FSU (3-1, 4th in the ACC Atlantic Division) v North Carolina State (1-4). My bet is looking anything but secure at the moment...all because of a slip of the mouse at the start of the season. 5-0 Boston College leading the way in the Atlantic Division.
Michigan (3-2, currently undefeated in the Big Ten but in fourth place) v Eastern Michigan (2-3). Still a lot to play for here, but Big Blue are looking like a bit of a long shot. The undefeated pair of Ohio State and Wisconsin are leading the way.
Right, I'm off to collect my bike from the shop - the chain snapped on Friday, almost two years since I destroyed the last one.
To finish: Jimmy Hill!
You bloody tell 'em Jim!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Nobody saw this coming!
Shabby Peasant has left Chelsea.
Oh well. I'm not that bothered.
Last weeks wins: Manyoo, City, Derby (?), Preston, Green Bay (though I don't know why I thought they were playing the Bears), San Francisco, Denver (in overtime - the Raiders are getting better!), Tampa Bay (phew), the Cheating Yankee Bastards, Baltimore Ravens, Michigan (who shut out Notre Dame), LSU (shut out Middle Tennessee) and FSU (beat Colorado 16-6)
Here's what cheating looks like:
And this is wonderful:
So, the weekend comes, my cycle hums, ready to race to you...so let's do College Football first because I have fewer teams to track.
Michigan v Penn State
This is a huge game anyway, but in the context of Michigan winning the Big Ten it's suddenly a lot bigger. If the Wolverines win it makes them 2-2 but more importantly 1-0 in the conference. If Penn State wins, they go to 4-0 and 1-0 in the conference. Michigan has won the last eight, but the Nittany Lions will go after them having seen them give up 30 points in their opening games. Even though my money's on Michigan for the Big Ten, I think Penn State will win this one.
This is a radio game for me as NASN isn't carrying it. Darn. They are carrying LSU v South Carolina 'as live' but as this also kicks off at 8:30pm GMT then it's going to be impossible avoiding the score. Both teams are 3-0 and 1-0 in the SEC East, but LSU haven't lost to the Gamecocks at home since 1994. I'm pretty sure LSU will win, but I don't think they'll put 40 points on South Carolina.
FSU are putting their feet up this weekend in order to prepare for Alabama next weekend.
Oh well. I'm not that bothered.
Last weeks wins: Manyoo, City, Derby (?), Preston, Green Bay (though I don't know why I thought they were playing the Bears), San Francisco, Denver (in overtime - the Raiders are getting better!), Tampa Bay (phew), the Cheating Yankee Bastards, Baltimore Ravens, Michigan (who shut out Notre Dame), LSU (shut out Middle Tennessee) and FSU (beat Colorado 16-6)
Here's what cheating looks like:
And this is wonderful:
So, the weekend comes, my cycle hums, ready to race to you...so let's do College Football first because I have fewer teams to track.
Michigan v Penn State
This is a huge game anyway, but in the context of Michigan winning the Big Ten it's suddenly a lot bigger. If the Wolverines win it makes them 2-2 but more importantly 1-0 in the conference. If Penn State wins, they go to 4-0 and 1-0 in the conference. Michigan has won the last eight, but the Nittany Lions will go after them having seen them give up 30 points in their opening games. Even though my money's on Michigan for the Big Ten, I think Penn State will win this one.
This is a radio game for me as NASN isn't carrying it. Darn. They are carrying LSU v South Carolina 'as live' but as this also kicks off at 8:30pm GMT then it's going to be impossible avoiding the score. Both teams are 3-0 and 1-0 in the SEC East, but LSU haven't lost to the Gamecocks at home since 1994. I'm pretty sure LSU will win, but I don't think they'll put 40 points on South Carolina.
FSU are putting their feet up this weekend in order to prepare for Alabama next weekend.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Elitism
I'm not going to bother with the bottom two divisions in the Football League this season as I no longer have any interest in them. I hope I don't look back on this in a years' time and regret writing this. Early indications show that I might not, but 'football...bloody hell!' to quote Alex Ferguson...which brings me nicely on to...
Division 1 Game Of The Week: Everton v Man Utd
United basically won the championship last season with their come from behind win at Goodison Park. Although it's a bit early in the proceedings for this game to have that kind of impact it's still a must win for United and a must win for Everton if they're going to be taken seriously. ESPN Soccernet is reporting that Wayne Rooney will be in the ManYoo squad although whether he's there to play or to wind up Everton fans is another matter.
Division 2 Game Of The Week: Coventry City v Bristol City
And deservedly so. First v Third; we knocked Cov out of the FA Cup last season and they won't have liked that.
Division 1 One Sided Nonsense: Derby v Newcastle
Anti-game of the week because Derby are probably this year's Watford and Michael Owen is on a hot streak after scoring a brace against the Soviet Union on Wednesday. Not surprisingly, Newcastle are favourites.
Division 2 One Sided Nonsense: Leicester v QPR
But only because there are four points between them...which isn't saying much.
Division 2 Down Upside Is League Football The: Preston v Sheffield Wednesday
Both these clubs were either in or hovering around the playoffs last season and now they are the bottom two. You wouldn't expect this to last, but you never know. The Wendies looked poor when we beat them a couple of weeks ago.
So what, who cares:
Orient are top of Division 3. Some team called Nottingham Forest are currently 20th, which is worse than Bristol Rovers (who lost 3-0 at home to Leeds last night). Colin 'Fcuk Off' Calderwood is still Forest manager, but for how much longer?
If anyone cares (and I don't anymore) Darlington and Chesterfield are top of Division 4.
Futbol Americano
This season I'm just going to concentrate on the teams who I've backed in the NFL and the BCS and so far - after one game - things are decidedly mixed.
The Packers, Steelers, 49ers and Broncos all won in Week 1 and all have a reasonable chance of doing the same thing this weekend. If the Packers beat the Bears, the NFC Central becomes extremely interesting as there will be two teams with 2-0 records: if they don't the winner of Minnesota v Detroit will lead the division. Despite Chicago reaching the Superbowl last season, this division is not a strong one - hence the bet on Green Bay.
The Raiders travel to Denver. Josh McCown is allegedly out for three weeks so I imagine Dante Culpepper will start, backed up by Andrew Walter and with newly signed JaMarcus Russell as the third option. Great. The Broncos by about a zillion.
Tampa, Jacksonville and Philadelphia all lost. The Buccs have a tough game against the Saints, the loser will be 0-2 and it'll be time for all those statistical cliches to appear on Tuesday. The Jaguars should beat Atlanta and I expect Philly to beat a Redskins team that only won in overtime last weekend.
There are a couple of other games worth keeping an eye on. The Cheating Yankee Bastards have San Diego at home but arguably the most intriguing game of the week is the Jets travelling to Baltimore. The loser drops to 0-2 and although Jets QB Chad Pennington will not be playing, there are all sorts of wild rumours that Ravens LB Ray Lewis may be out for the season. I'm conflicted by this. I have the Ravens D in my fantasy league (I also drafted the Packers D for 'insurance purposes') and hopefully Baltimore will play well - but not well enough - to stop the Steelers from winning the division and therefore preventing me from collecting my bet.
The Cheating Yankee Bastards got their reward (sorry, punishment) yesterday and now - not surprisingly - their Superbowl wins are under scrutiny.
In a parallel sporting universe, another cheating case came to something of a conclusion this week. This will probably be the first and only time that Formula One makes it into this blog but the McLaren team and the CYBs were both caught doing something they shouldn't in order to increase their 'competitive edge'. This is what can happen when you don't play nice.
Arguably the simplest way to increase your competitive edge is to win a game. So it's rather bemusing to report that Michigan plays Notre Dame later in a game that one of them has to win. Both teams are 0-2 and although I saw the Michigan/Oregon game last week I've not seen ND yet...but both teams may be really awful.
LSU welcomes Middle Tennessee. This could get ugly early but although they lost the Blue Raiders put 42 points on Louisville last week. LSU will still win and there will be a lot of points.
FSU is in Boulder, CO for a game at...well, Colorado. Both teams are 1-1 and this is Colorado's home opener.
I'm going to a wedding party tonight so the next post may well be on Monday. I've got a day off and I'm going to fritter it away ;-)
Oh yeah, England Egg Chasers were shut out to the tune of 33 points by Sarth Effrika in the Ruggery World Cup on Friday. I can gloat at the moment, but I wouldn't be surprised if Wales get stuffed by a similar score by Oz today.
Division 1 Game Of The Week: Everton v Man Utd
United basically won the championship last season with their come from behind win at Goodison Park. Although it's a bit early in the proceedings for this game to have that kind of impact it's still a must win for United and a must win for Everton if they're going to be taken seriously. ESPN Soccernet is reporting that Wayne Rooney will be in the ManYoo squad although whether he's there to play or to wind up Everton fans is another matter.
Division 2 Game Of The Week: Coventry City v Bristol City
And deservedly so. First v Third; we knocked Cov out of the FA Cup last season and they won't have liked that.
Division 1 One Sided Nonsense: Derby v Newcastle
Anti-game of the week because Derby are probably this year's Watford and Michael Owen is on a hot streak after scoring a brace against the Soviet Union on Wednesday. Not surprisingly, Newcastle are favourites.
Division 2 One Sided Nonsense: Leicester v QPR
But only because there are four points between them...which isn't saying much.
Division 2 Down Upside Is League Football The: Preston v Sheffield Wednesday
Both these clubs were either in or hovering around the playoffs last season and now they are the bottom two. You wouldn't expect this to last, but you never know. The Wendies looked poor when we beat them a couple of weeks ago.
So what, who cares:
Orient are top of Division 3. Some team called Nottingham Forest are currently 20th, which is worse than Bristol Rovers (who lost 3-0 at home to Leeds last night). Colin 'Fcuk Off' Calderwood is still Forest manager, but for how much longer?
If anyone cares (and I don't anymore) Darlington and Chesterfield are top of Division 4.
Futbol Americano
This season I'm just going to concentrate on the teams who I've backed in the NFL and the BCS and so far - after one game - things are decidedly mixed.
The Packers, Steelers, 49ers and Broncos all won in Week 1 and all have a reasonable chance of doing the same thing this weekend. If the Packers beat the Bears, the NFC Central becomes extremely interesting as there will be two teams with 2-0 records: if they don't the winner of Minnesota v Detroit will lead the division. Despite Chicago reaching the Superbowl last season, this division is not a strong one - hence the bet on Green Bay.
The Raiders travel to Denver. Josh McCown is allegedly out for three weeks so I imagine Dante Culpepper will start, backed up by Andrew Walter and with newly signed JaMarcus Russell as the third option. Great. The Broncos by about a zillion.
Tampa, Jacksonville and Philadelphia all lost. The Buccs have a tough game against the Saints, the loser will be 0-2 and it'll be time for all those statistical cliches to appear on Tuesday. The Jaguars should beat Atlanta and I expect Philly to beat a Redskins team that only won in overtime last weekend.
There are a couple of other games worth keeping an eye on. The Cheating Yankee Bastards have San Diego at home but arguably the most intriguing game of the week is the Jets travelling to Baltimore. The loser drops to 0-2 and although Jets QB Chad Pennington will not be playing, there are all sorts of wild rumours that Ravens LB Ray Lewis may be out for the season. I'm conflicted by this. I have the Ravens D in my fantasy league (I also drafted the Packers D for 'insurance purposes') and hopefully Baltimore will play well - but not well enough - to stop the Steelers from winning the division and therefore preventing me from collecting my bet.
The Cheating Yankee Bastards got their reward (sorry, punishment) yesterday and now - not surprisingly - their Superbowl wins are under scrutiny.
In a parallel sporting universe, another cheating case came to something of a conclusion this week. This will probably be the first and only time that Formula One makes it into this blog but the McLaren team and the CYBs were both caught doing something they shouldn't in order to increase their 'competitive edge'. This is what can happen when you don't play nice.
Arguably the simplest way to increase your competitive edge is to win a game. So it's rather bemusing to report that Michigan plays Notre Dame later in a game that one of them has to win. Both teams are 0-2 and although I saw the Michigan/Oregon game last week I've not seen ND yet...but both teams may be really awful.
LSU welcomes Middle Tennessee. This could get ugly early but although they lost the Blue Raiders put 42 points on Louisville last week. LSU will still win and there will be a lot of points.
FSU is in Boulder, CO for a game at...well, Colorado. Both teams are 1-1 and this is Colorado's home opener.
I'm going to a wedding party tonight so the next post may well be on Monday. I've got a day off and I'm going to fritter it away ;-)
Oh yeah, England Egg Chasers were shut out to the tune of 33 points by Sarth Effrika in the Ruggery World Cup on Friday. I can gloat at the moment, but I wouldn't be surprised if Wales get stuffed by a similar score by Oz today.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
The Hand Of Fate...
OK, here's what's happening with the NCAA bets so far:
LSU 1-0, beat Mississippi State 45-0. Looking good so far...facing 1-0 Virginia Tech in Baton Rouge this Saturday. 1-0 in SEC West. As the VTech game isn't a conference game, they could actually afford to drop this one, but as this could also be some sort of National Championship preview this is unlikely.
FSU 0-1, lost 14-28 to Clemson. 0-1 in conference games. Not too clever; they take on UAB in Tallahassee this weekend. This could get ugly quickly as FSU looks to rebound; I'll know more about where they are in the ACC after they play their next conference game (against North Carolina State on 6th October).
Michigan: 0-1, lost to Appalachian State. It's a damn good job that this wasn't a conference game and it's probably a damn good job that this weekend's opponents aren't in the Big Ten either. The bad news: Oregon beat Houston last weekend and Big Blue tumbled out of just about every poll in existence. Some more good news: the game is live on NASN at 8:30pm GMT Saturday night! Whooo! Alright! Rock and Roll etc.
The NFL starts properly this weekend too. There's too much going on already. Nothing for months then everything at once. Typical.
More to come, including a possible preview of a game I turned down tickets for: England v Israel this weekend in the qualifiers for Euro 2008.
And possibly some posh boy egg chasing, although New Zealand seem to have that tied up already and the tournament hasn't even started. Who they beat in the final would seem to be the more interesting prop.
Oh yeah, City are third in the Championship. It won't last, but so what.
LSU 1-0, beat Mississippi State 45-0. Looking good so far...facing 1-0 Virginia Tech in Baton Rouge this Saturday. 1-0 in SEC West. As the VTech game isn't a conference game, they could actually afford to drop this one, but as this could also be some sort of National Championship preview this is unlikely.
FSU 0-1, lost 14-28 to Clemson. 0-1 in conference games. Not too clever; they take on UAB in Tallahassee this weekend. This could get ugly quickly as FSU looks to rebound; I'll know more about where they are in the ACC after they play their next conference game (against North Carolina State on 6th October).
Michigan: 0-1, lost to Appalachian State. It's a damn good job that this wasn't a conference game and it's probably a damn good job that this weekend's opponents aren't in the Big Ten either. The bad news: Oregon beat Houston last weekend and Big Blue tumbled out of just about every poll in existence. Some more good news: the game is live on NASN at 8:30pm GMT Saturday night! Whooo! Alright! Rock and Roll etc.
The NFL starts properly this weekend too. There's too much going on already. Nothing for months then everything at once. Typical.
More to come, including a possible preview of a game I turned down tickets for: England v Israel this weekend in the qualifiers for Euro 2008.
And possibly some posh boy egg chasing, although New Zealand seem to have that tied up already and the tournament hasn't even started. Who they beat in the final would seem to be the more interesting prop.
Oh yeah, City are third in the Championship. It won't last, but so what.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Early analysis: The Hand Of Fate
For a few glorious hours, City were top of The Championship after beating Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 thanks to a goal from Brian Wilson.
No, not that Brian Wilson.
I celebrated by sinking a few whilst watching College Game Day followed by Virginia Tech vs East Carolina (which pitched a very unconvincing VTech team against a scrappy and competitive ECU team) and then it was over. FSU doesn't play until Monday, but a convincing win for them and the hand of fate may have the upper hand.
Coventry (our next opponents, who will probably be looking for payback for knocking them out of last season's FA Cup) beat Preston 2-1 but we're third and we're undefeated.
Meanwhile, a long way away in Ann Arbor, MI a major as in MAJOR upset in College football was occurring. They really don't get any bigger than this: Appalachian State won at Michigan.
Here's some perspective for those of you that don't know what I'm talking about. App State is from what used to be called Division 1AA, but is now known as the 'Football Championship Subdivision' which is effectively the same sort of relationship to Division 1 as The Championship has towards the Premier League. I don't know if this rebranding was influenced by the round ball game in this country but it smells funny.
There's a big difference between 1A and FCS though...basically fewer scholarships, less money and a lot less media coverage. Also you can't be promoted or relegated from Division 1 although you can move up from FCS to 1A permanently but I'm not going to bore you with how or why.
All you need to know is that Appalachian State won consecutive FCS/Div1AA titles in the last two seasons and were getting $400,000 from Michigan for scheduling the game. Oh and I bet $10 that Michigan would win the Big Ten, whereas I might have been better off giving my money to a total stranger. Having said that, one game does not make a season and one non-conference defeat to a supposedly minor team doesn't actually change their chances of winning the conference. But they're going to be embarrassed when the polls come out next week (they were ranked number 5) and their next opponents (Oregon) beat Houston 48-27.
Autumn Thunder is probably the best Michigan blog to read right now as the others are in some kind of denial phase...or still out drinking themselves stupid because it's not even 2:00am in that area yet.
More later but remember this, sports fans: although headline grabbing 'David beats Goliath' stories are part of all games, we've all suffered really awful losses at some time or another.
Like being beaten in the Play Off Final by Brighton, which makes being top of Division 2 (the highest league place for nearly three decades) even for a few hours worth all the pain, heartache and frustration seem worth it.
BTW, Bama won (they beat their FCS opponents) and ND lost (at home to Georgia Tech by 30 points), which is what I thought might happen. UNLV won as well! First away win for three years!
No, not that Brian Wilson.I celebrated by sinking a few whilst watching College Game Day followed by Virginia Tech vs East Carolina (which pitched a very unconvincing VTech team against a scrappy and competitive ECU team) and then it was over. FSU doesn't play until Monday, but a convincing win for them and the hand of fate may have the upper hand.
Coventry (our next opponents, who will probably be looking for payback for knocking them out of last season's FA Cup) beat Preston 2-1 but we're third and we're undefeated.
Meanwhile, a long way away in Ann Arbor, MI a major as in MAJOR upset in College football was occurring. They really don't get any bigger than this: Appalachian State won at Michigan.
Here's some perspective for those of you that don't know what I'm talking about. App State is from what used to be called Division 1AA, but is now known as the 'Football Championship Subdivision' which is effectively the same sort of relationship to Division 1 as The Championship has towards the Premier League. I don't know if this rebranding was influenced by the round ball game in this country but it smells funny.
There's a big difference between 1A and FCS though...basically fewer scholarships, less money and a lot less media coverage. Also you can't be promoted or relegated from Division 1 although you can move up from FCS to 1A permanently but I'm not going to bore you with how or why.
All you need to know is that Appalachian State won consecutive FCS/Div1AA titles in the last two seasons and were getting $400,000 from Michigan for scheduling the game. Oh and I bet $10 that Michigan would win the Big Ten, whereas I might have been better off giving my money to a total stranger. Having said that, one game does not make a season and one non-conference defeat to a supposedly minor team doesn't actually change their chances of winning the conference. But they're going to be embarrassed when the polls come out next week (they were ranked number 5) and their next opponents (Oregon) beat Houston 48-27.
Autumn Thunder is probably the best Michigan blog to read right now as the others are in some kind of denial phase...or still out drinking themselves stupid because it's not even 2:00am in that area yet.
More later but remember this, sports fans: although headline grabbing 'David beats Goliath' stories are part of all games, we've all suffered really awful losses at some time or another.
Like being beaten in the Play Off Final by Brighton, which makes being top of Division 2 (the highest league place for nearly three decades) even for a few hours worth all the pain, heartache and frustration seem worth it.
BTW, Bama won (they beat their FCS opponents) and ND lost (at home to Georgia Tech by 30 points), which is what I thought might happen. UNLV won as well! First away win for three years!
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Fame!
Mrs MSK has just appeared on Soccer AM having submitted this screenshot to Third Eye which she took during City's defeat by Manchester City during the week...
Sky showed the footage from the game (which is even funnier) and if I can find it I'll post it.
NB: this is the same photo that appeared on OTIB.co.uk on Tuesday night because it was Mrs MSK who took that too. I was at the game, so I can't take all the credit for it ;-)
Anyway, we've got another game on TV in about half an hour - against bottom of the table Sheffield Wednesday. If we win, we go top for our highest league position for 27 years.
LOL, I've just had a king high club flush crushed but that was OK because it was after I'd withdrawn the resources to place my bets on College Football. However, fate intervened in a strange way when I was putting the money on...I'd intended to put some money on Virginia Tech to win the ACC but my hand and the mouse conspired to put it on Florida State instead!
The hand of fate or a dumb mistake? Time will tell!
Sky showed the footage from the game (which is even funnier) and if I can find it I'll post it.
NB: this is the same photo that appeared on OTIB.co.uk on Tuesday night because it was Mrs MSK who took that too. I was at the game, so I can't take all the credit for it ;-)
Anyway, we've got another game on TV in about half an hour - against bottom of the table Sheffield Wednesday. If we win, we go top for our highest league position for 27 years.
LOL, I've just had a king high club flush crushed but that was OK because it was after I'd withdrawn the resources to place my bets on College Football. However, fate intervened in a strange way when I was putting the money on...I'd intended to put some money on Virginia Tech to win the ACC but my hand and the mouse conspired to put it on Florida State instead!
The hand of fate or a dumb mistake? Time will tell!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Everything is back!
Whooooooooooo! I'm excited!!!
OK, here's the City situation. Two league games, two points, three goals...and yesterday morning I was in a queue for tickets for the second round Carling Cup game against Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Yes, that sentence is correct. Looking back on the posts from last season and looking at what's already happening it really is another world in the Championship. We've got England U21 v Romania U21 at the Gate tonight (more Sky money), the Man City game is on Sky (more money) as are the home games against Sheffield United and the away game at Sheffield Wednesday. Even more TV money.
Without wanting to sound triumphalist (remembering what happened last time we were at this level), this is some kind of reward for all those lack luster performances, all those rubbish games, just missing out on promotion and losing in the play offs. This is such a wonderful opportunity for everyone connected with the club.
And now...Madama Zaza presents her NFL Divisional and College Football predictions!
(First price is willhill.com, second price is bet365)
AFC East: New England Patriots (1/4 & 2/9)
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers (11/4 & 12/5) or Baltimore Ravens (13/8*)
AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars (4/1*)
AFC West: Denver Broncos (9/4 or 2/1 ) or San Diego Chargers (4/7 or 8/13)
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles (6/4 or 7/4)
NFC North: Green Bay Packers (11/2*)
NFC South: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6/1)
NFC West: Seattle Seahawks (11/8 or 7/5) or San Francisco 49ers (2/1 or 11/4)
Some surprises there! I like the Eagles at and the 49ers prices but the Chargers' price looks silly and doesn't take into account Norv Turner taking over from Marty Schottenheimer. Signficantly, bet365 hasn't got a line for the NFC South...perhaps because nobody knows who the Falcons quarterback will be. More of that another day.
As for College, willhill.com will only take bets on the BCS Championship whereas bet365 will let you punt on individual conferences. So here's MZ's tips:
Big XII: Oklahoma (9/4) (key date: 13th October - OU v Missouri)
Pac 10: USC (2/5)
SEC: LSU (5/4)
Big X: Michigan (2/1)
ACC: Virginia Tech (11/5) or Florida State (2/1) (Nov 10th: FSU at VT)
The Whole Thing: USC
Phew. I need a lie down!
OK, here's the City situation. Two league games, two points, three goals...and yesterday morning I was in a queue for tickets for the second round Carling Cup game against Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Yes, that sentence is correct. Looking back on the posts from last season and looking at what's already happening it really is another world in the Championship. We've got England U21 v Romania U21 at the Gate tonight (more Sky money), the Man City game is on Sky (more money) as are the home games against Sheffield United and the away game at Sheffield Wednesday. Even more TV money.
Without wanting to sound triumphalist (remembering what happened last time we were at this level), this is some kind of reward for all those lack luster performances, all those rubbish games, just missing out on promotion and losing in the play offs. This is such a wonderful opportunity for everyone connected with the club.
And now...Madama Zaza presents her NFL Divisional and College Football predictions!
(First price is willhill.com, second price is bet365)
AFC East: New England Patriots (1/4 & 2/9)
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers (11/4 & 12/5) or Baltimore Ravens (13/8*)
AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars (4/1*)
AFC West: Denver Broncos (9/4 or 2/1 ) or San Diego Chargers (4/7 or 8/13)
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles (6/4 or 7/4)
NFC North: Green Bay Packers (11/2*)
NFC South: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6/1)
NFC West: Seattle Seahawks (11/8 or 7/5) or San Francisco 49ers (2/1 or 11/4)
Some surprises there! I like the Eagles at and the 49ers prices but the Chargers' price looks silly and doesn't take into account Norv Turner taking over from Marty Schottenheimer. Signficantly, bet365 hasn't got a line for the NFC South...perhaps because nobody knows who the Falcons quarterback will be. More of that another day.
As for College, willhill.com will only take bets on the BCS Championship whereas bet365 will let you punt on individual conferences. So here's MZ's tips:
Big XII: Oklahoma (9/4) (key date: 13th October - OU v Missouri)
Pac 10: USC (2/5)
SEC: LSU (5/4)
Big X: Michigan (2/1)
ACC: Virginia Tech (11/5) or Florida State (2/1) (Nov 10th: FSU at VT)
The Whole Thing: USC
Phew. I need a lie down!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Nearly there...
First of all, RIP Alan Ball (1945 - 2007)
Another one of the players I grew up with as a kid in the 1970s passes away: Alan Ball was up there with George Best, Bobby Moore and Billy Bremner. If you get a chance to see the 1966 World Cup Final, watch him - red number 7 jersey. That's what managers mean when they talk about 'having a good engine' and 'work rate'.
Now on to the sublime and the ridiculous. This may be the only blog in the e-niverse that features JaMarcus Russell, Tony Blackburn...and The Wurzels apparently playing some sort of demented ska version of 'I Am A Cider Drinker'. You have been warned.
A simple, yet stark truth to today's proceedings:
A win at Millwall will mean City are up with a game left. Unbelievably, there's a scenario where City could lose and still get promoted...see below.
It's difficult to keep focused on the implications of this, so here are some cold hard facts. Millwall can't make the playoffs now, despite a reasonably impressive run of form which saw them lose only three of their last games and beating Swansea and Nottingham Forest at home. However, they fell on their arses last week after Huddersfield Town beat them 4-2.
I don't imagine for one minute that Millwall won't be up for this, it's their last home game of the season and they'll be relishing the spoiler role.
Here's the scenarios:
City and Forest win: City up
City win, Forest draw: City up
City win, Forest lose: City up
City draw, Forest draw: City up
City draw, Forest lose: City up
City lose, Forest lose: City up
City draw, Forest win: goes to last day
City lose, Forest win: goes to last day
City lose, Forest draw: goes to last day
Not bad. Six of nine possible outcomes are positive.
And I'll be at Ashton Gate today anyway: I'm going to watch Bristol play Gloucester at Rugby. I wasn't quick enough to organise Millwall tickets and I don't want to go to Whitchurch Sports Centre to watch the live beamback. I'll be watching a different game, but I'll be outside and I'll be able to buy beer.
And as the sun begins to set on another football season, the sun begins to rise on another NFL season: the draft begins today although it looks as if NASN won't be carrying it over here...probably a good thing as after the first ten picks it gets a bit dull.
So who's going to be wearing Silver and Black next season: JaMarcus Russell or Calvin Johnson? I'll take either...both would be nice ;-)
JaMarcus Russell:
Calvin Johnson:
DEFINITELY more to come today, although it might be a little...unfocused, regardless of whatever happens.
Another one of the players I grew up with as a kid in the 1970s passes away: Alan Ball was up there with George Best, Bobby Moore and Billy Bremner. If you get a chance to see the 1966 World Cup Final, watch him - red number 7 jersey. That's what managers mean when they talk about 'having a good engine' and 'work rate'.Now on to the sublime and the ridiculous. This may be the only blog in the e-niverse that features JaMarcus Russell, Tony Blackburn...and The Wurzels apparently playing some sort of demented ska version of 'I Am A Cider Drinker'. You have been warned.
A simple, yet stark truth to today's proceedings:
A win at Millwall will mean City are up with a game left. Unbelievably, there's a scenario where City could lose and still get promoted...see below.
It's difficult to keep focused on the implications of this, so here are some cold hard facts. Millwall can't make the playoffs now, despite a reasonably impressive run of form which saw them lose only three of their last games and beating Swansea and Nottingham Forest at home. However, they fell on their arses last week after Huddersfield Town beat them 4-2.
I don't imagine for one minute that Millwall won't be up for this, it's their last home game of the season and they'll be relishing the spoiler role.
Here's the scenarios:
City and Forest win: City up
City win, Forest draw: City up
City win, Forest lose: City up
City draw, Forest draw: City up
City draw, Forest lose: City up
City lose, Forest lose: City up
City draw, Forest win: goes to last day
City lose, Forest win: goes to last day
City lose, Forest draw: goes to last day
Not bad. Six of nine possible outcomes are positive.
And I'll be at Ashton Gate today anyway: I'm going to watch Bristol play Gloucester at Rugby. I wasn't quick enough to organise Millwall tickets and I don't want to go to Whitchurch Sports Centre to watch the live beamback. I'll be watching a different game, but I'll be outside and I'll be able to buy beer.
And as the sun begins to set on another football season, the sun begins to rise on another NFL season: the draft begins today although it looks as if NASN won't be carrying it over here...probably a good thing as after the first ten picks it gets a bit dull.
So who's going to be wearing Silver and Black next season: JaMarcus Russell or Calvin Johnson? I'll take either...both would be nice ;-)
JaMarcus Russell:
Calvin Johnson:
DEFINITELY more to come today, although it might be a little...unfocused, regardless of whatever happens.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Another World
At 3:45pm on Saturday, I was convincing myself that although progress in the FA Cup was a bonus, the bread and butter was getting promotion. City were 2-0 down at half time to Middlesbrough.
Just over an hour later, we were still in it. Two goals in six minutes, one of which was so sublime that the BBC have included it here. Last night, our game was featured on 'Match Of The Day'; at the end - over the credits and the music which will be forever associated with going to bed - was Scott Murray running towards the East End after scoring and then Gary Johnson applauding the fans in the Atyeo Stand when he left the pitch.
And yes, I was singing when Scott scored.
Here then, is a glimpse of another world. City are on 'Match Of The Day', Ashton Gate is full and there's a fight back that will be talked about for years.
And to finish off, here's LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell making a big play against Ole Miss. All may be revealed in New York City in April.
Just over an hour later, we were still in it. Two goals in six minutes, one of which was so sublime that the BBC have included it here. Last night, our game was featured on 'Match Of The Day'; at the end - over the credits and the music which will be forever associated with going to bed - was Scott Murray running towards the East End after scoring and then Gary Johnson applauding the fans in the Atyeo Stand when he left the pitch.
And yes, I was singing when Scott scored.
Here then, is a glimpse of another world. City are on 'Match Of The Day', Ashton Gate is full and there's a fight back that will be talked about for years.
And to finish off, here's LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell making a big play against Ole Miss. All may be revealed in New York City in April.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Instant Roundup
Middlesbrough at home at 3:00pm in the fourth round of the FA Cup! The ticket situation has been ridiculous but I should have expected that. The Johnstone's Paint Trophy is also within striking distance after a 2-0 win over Brighton on Tuesday. Not only that, the point gap has been overcome at the top of Division 3 where City are now second on goal difference.
Colts v Bears in the Superbowl next weekend. Referring back to this post, it's now definitely Peyton Manning.
Cut that meat! Cut that meat!
The Raiders have a new coach. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Lane Kiffin.
Florida beat Ohio State to win the National Championship. Here's your standard game highlight clip with obligatory rock soundtrack:
Whereas this is a really good photo essay:
There are some names on that list that will be playing on Sundays. The scary thing about Florida: Percy Harvin and Tim Tebow are still young.
Troy Smith isn't exactly wowing the pro scouts, I will endeavour to find out what Mel Kiper thinks...
'I think my hair isn't bouffant enough in this picture.'
Colts v Bears in the Superbowl next weekend. Referring back to this post, it's now definitely Peyton Manning.
Cut that meat! Cut that meat!
The Raiders have a new coach. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Lane Kiffin.
Florida beat Ohio State to win the National Championship. Here's your standard game highlight clip with obligatory rock soundtrack:
Whereas this is a really good photo essay:
There are some names on that list that will be playing on Sundays. The scary thing about Florida: Percy Harvin and Tim Tebow are still young.
Troy Smith isn't exactly wowing the pro scouts, I will endeavour to find out what Mel Kiper thinks...
'I think my hair isn't bouffant enough in this picture.'I've started ranking pitchers for the fantasy baseball league I play in, so winter is all but over. But before it's time to check the scores of West Coast games in progress when I wake up in Britain, there are a few things left to sort out. I'll put some Superbowl thoughts together and attempt some kind of recap over the stuff I've posted so far but now it's pretty much over to the rest of the football season.
So from March 1962, here's some film of City getting stuffed 5-0 by Portsmouth at Fratton Park. The footage isn't great...but the song is. Enjoy it!
'Oh I do like to see a game of football/When Saturday afternoon comes round...'
So from March 1962, here's some film of City getting stuffed 5-0 by Portsmouth at Fratton Park. The footage isn't great...but the song is. Enjoy it!
'Oh I do like to see a game of football/When Saturday afternoon comes round...'
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Two out of three ain’t bad
Well, ‘Jimmy’ got 66% of his predictions correct: City drew with Orient (after having gone behind again) and Scunny drew with Port Vale, but he got Old Ham v
Old Ham won 5-0 and
Elsewhere, something mildly surprising happened: Paul LeGuen left Glasgow Rangers by mutual consent - presumably as opposed to being forced into it by a dose of Rohypnol or several pints of ‘heavy’ and a deep fried Mars Bar. Talking of the old heave ho tin tack treatment, the following NFL coaches have fallen on their swords: Denny Green (Arizona) to no-one’s surprise and Jim Mora (Atlanta) in what seems to be a joint effort by the ownership and Ron Mexico.
But the best story of Bowl Season:
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Sunday Stuffing
Manyoo are nine points ahead of Chelski in Division 1 (although they have played two games more than Shabby Peasant's mob), the bottom three (West Ham, Charlton and Watford) already look in serious trouble. It's Chelski v The Arse this afternoon at Stamford Bridge and I find myself in the position of wanting Obscene's lot to win, even though I don't think they will; they've never liked it up 'em as this clip from earlier in the season shows.
West Ham just beat you. West Ham!
Peculiar Division 1 stats of the week: Man City have only conceded one goal at home this season (19 let in away!) and despite being eighth and three points away from a potential European Cup spot, Spurs haven't won away.
Ten points separates the top nine teams in Division 2, Birmingham City and Derby County lead the way. At the bottom Southend United and Hull City have an air of despair about them (even though Southend beat Southampton yesterday) but quite what Leeds United are doing down there is beyond me. Perhaps I should investigate.
Ten points also separates the top six in Division 3 but there's a five point gap between Nottingham Forest and second placed Scunthorpe United who are now ahead of City by two points. It's knees up cockney ding dong time at the bottom, with two of the four clubs in the drop zone coming from The Smoke, although next week's opponents (Millwall*) managed to pull themselves out of the bottom four after beating Bradford 2-0 yesterday.
If you take the Man City stat above and reverse it, you have Northampton Town. They've only let in six goals on their travels this season (as many as Forest and Scunthorpe and five less than City) but they've been absolutely dreadful at Sixfields this season.
Story of the year is Rotherham United. Having been docked ten points for going into administration, they've clawed their way back up the table and if they'd not had that penalty they'd be a potential play off team. We got a point up there yesterday and that's a bloody good result.
Walsall have a seven point lead in Division Four despite having lost to second placed Swindle on Saturday. It's pretty tight after that. Right at the bottom of the league we have Paul Inces' Macclesfield Town, seven points adrift of three clubs on 20 points.
In the Nationwide Conference, Oxford United lead the way. 20 years ago they were in Division 1; 30 odd years ago they played Sunderland in the first ever league game I saw.
Oxford United's old Manor Ground: now flats apparently.
On the other side of the pond, there are only three weeks left in the regular season and the play off picture is a little clearer.
In the AFC, both Indianapolis and San Diego (currently on a six game winning streak - they can clinch the division title today with a win over Denver and put £3.20 into my pocket!) have 10-2 records with New England and Baltimore leading their respective divisions but a game behind. After that it gets messy again with five teams on 7-5 records, including the 'surprise of the year' New York Jets. In the NFC Da Bears have clinched their division but there doesn't seem to be a lot of confidence in Rex Grossman; Dallas, New Orleans and Seattle top the other divisions with 8-4 records but then it's a pile up with the possibility that a team with a .500 record could reach the post season.
(There's still a long way to go yet, but the application of the 'offense wins games, defense wins championships' theory still seems to indicate a Ravens/Bears Superbowl in February. But the angle for that one could be Steve McNair v Brian Griese...)
Now on to the only possible interest left for any Raider fan: the race for first pick is currently between Oakland and Detroit. What are the odds that 2006 Heismann Trophy winnner Troy Smith won't end up with either of them? Probably not that bad: a lot of self proclaimed experts think that if Detroit ends up with the initial choice they'll take Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn.
So that's Scott Mitchell, George Plympton, Jon Kitna and...
But that would be underestimating the Raiders ability to self destruct even further. Including today's games, the Lions have a slightly easier schedule: their opponents are 27-21 for the season and their last two regular season games may be 'meaningless' as Chicago has already qualified for the playoffs and Dallas may not need the win in the last game. On the other hand, Oakland plays three teams with post season aspirations (Cincinnati, Kansas and the Jets). It's not inconceivable that the Raiders may end the season 2-14 and be rewarded with the overall first round pick.
Oh God, I'll consider what a potential disaster that could be when the season is over. It'll happen and we'll pick the wrong player.
MSK's games of the week: Baltimore at Kansas and New Orleans at Dallas. Stuffing: Oakland at Cincinnati.
* I feel a midweek post coming on.
West Ham just beat you. West Ham!
Peculiar Division 1 stats of the week: Man City have only conceded one goal at home this season (19 let in away!) and despite being eighth and three points away from a potential European Cup spot, Spurs haven't won away.
Ten points separates the top nine teams in Division 2, Birmingham City and Derby County lead the way. At the bottom Southend United and Hull City have an air of despair about them (even though Southend beat Southampton yesterday) but quite what Leeds United are doing down there is beyond me. Perhaps I should investigate.
Ten points also separates the top six in Division 3 but there's a five point gap between Nottingham Forest and second placed Scunthorpe United who are now ahead of City by two points. It's knees up cockney ding dong time at the bottom, with two of the four clubs in the drop zone coming from The Smoke, although next week's opponents (Millwall*) managed to pull themselves out of the bottom four after beating Bradford 2-0 yesterday.
If you take the Man City stat above and reverse it, you have Northampton Town. They've only let in six goals on their travels this season (as many as Forest and Scunthorpe and five less than City) but they've been absolutely dreadful at Sixfields this season.
Story of the year is Rotherham United. Having been docked ten points for going into administration, they've clawed their way back up the table and if they'd not had that penalty they'd be a potential play off team. We got a point up there yesterday and that's a bloody good result.
Walsall have a seven point lead in Division Four despite having lost to second placed Swindle on Saturday. It's pretty tight after that. Right at the bottom of the league we have Paul Inces' Macclesfield Town, seven points adrift of three clubs on 20 points.
In the Nationwide Conference, Oxford United lead the way. 20 years ago they were in Division 1; 30 odd years ago they played Sunderland in the first ever league game I saw.
Oxford United's old Manor Ground: now flats apparently.On the other side of the pond, there are only three weeks left in the regular season and the play off picture is a little clearer.
In the AFC, both Indianapolis and San Diego (currently on a six game winning streak - they can clinch the division title today with a win over Denver and put £3.20 into my pocket!) have 10-2 records with New England and Baltimore leading their respective divisions but a game behind. After that it gets messy again with five teams on 7-5 records, including the 'surprise of the year' New York Jets. In the NFC Da Bears have clinched their division but there doesn't seem to be a lot of confidence in Rex Grossman; Dallas, New Orleans and Seattle top the other divisions with 8-4 records but then it's a pile up with the possibility that a team with a .500 record could reach the post season.
(There's still a long way to go yet, but the application of the 'offense wins games, defense wins championships' theory still seems to indicate a Ravens/Bears Superbowl in February. But the angle for that one could be Steve McNair v Brian Griese...)
Now on to the only possible interest left for any Raider fan: the race for first pick is currently between Oakland and Detroit. What are the odds that 2006 Heismann Trophy winnner Troy Smith won't end up with either of them? Probably not that bad: a lot of self proclaimed experts think that if Detroit ends up with the initial choice they'll take Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn.
So that's Scott Mitchell, George Plympton, Jon Kitna and...But that would be underestimating the Raiders ability to self destruct even further. Including today's games, the Lions have a slightly easier schedule: their opponents are 27-21 for the season and their last two regular season games may be 'meaningless' as Chicago has already qualified for the playoffs and Dallas may not need the win in the last game. On the other hand, Oakland plays three teams with post season aspirations (Cincinnati, Kansas and the Jets). It's not inconceivable that the Raiders may end the season 2-14 and be rewarded with the overall first round pick.
Oh God, I'll consider what a potential disaster that could be when the season is over. It'll happen and we'll pick the wrong player.
MSK's games of the week: Baltimore at Kansas and New Orleans at Dallas. Stuffing: Oakland at Cincinnati.
* I feel a midweek post coming on.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Manyoo Throo
While I was nodding off in front of the TV last night, Manyoo beat Benfica 3-1 to qualify for the knock out stages of the European Cup. The draw will be interesting as Manyoo, Chelski, The Arse and The Honorary Blue Team are all through, along with Celtic. So a nice British presence for a change: just like the old days of 30 years ago.
What we didn't have in the old days was a weird link between what seems to be a cross between an old school political assassination by the Russians and The Arsenal Stadium Mystery*
Mind your tea lads, Stalin might have put something in it.
The big event will be the Heisman presentation on Saturday night, although it looks as if Troy Smith of OSU has already wrapped that one up.
So nothing more to report tonight; there will be an update at some point over the weekend with a distinct possibility that 'soccer' may take precedence over 'footbrawl'...well, I've been in hibernation since August so I need to get re-orientated with the movers and shakers. Who, pray tell, has the best away record in Division Four? I need to know and more importantly so do you.
What we didn't have in the old days was a weird link between what seems to be a cross between an old school political assassination by the Russians and The Arsenal Stadium Mystery*
Mind your tea lads, Stalin might have put something in it.Spring is almost here: no Division 1A College Football this weekend. The Bowl Season kicks off on December 19th when TCU (10-2) takes on Northern Illinois (7-5) in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego. If I can be bothered, I'll post a full listing of Bowl Games but don't hold your breath; there are some interesting ones ahead, including the Orange Bowl between Louisville and Wake Forest.
The big event will be the Heisman presentation on Saturday night, although it looks as if Troy Smith of OSU has already wrapped that one up.
So nothing more to report tonight; there will be an update at some point over the weekend with a distinct possibility that 'soccer' may take precedence over 'footbrawl'...well, I've been in hibernation since August so I need to get re-orientated with the movers and shakers. Who, pray tell, has the best away record in Division Four? I need to know and more importantly so do you.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Champion's League and other stuff
Right, time is of the essence so here's a quick round up of all the essential nonsense that matters in MSK Today.
1. The Raiders were horrible on Sunday against the Texans. I could have watched the Giants/Cowboys game but I watched two awful teams. Houston deserved to win even though the Raider defense improved - but as the D was dire last year, the only way is up in any case.
1. The Raiders were horrible on Sunday against the Texans. I could have watched the Giants/Cowboys game but I watched two awful teams. Houston deserved to win even though the Raider defense improved - but as the D was dire last year, the only way is up in any case.
After Betty Everett, now Otis Clay* gets in on the act.
BTW, here's a picture of Raider defensive co-ordinator Rob Ryan:
2. The BCS Championship Game is (as exclusively predicted by myself!) is...OSU v Florida.
3. Barcelona and Chelski got through to the next stage of the European Cup but Manyoo need to beat Benfica at Old Trafford...wait, I'm getting some interference from the past here...
Now I'm excited.
More tomorrow.
* Not 'kin Yazz. Not here, not ever.
** Or the 'proper trouser' game. It's WINTER here, fer Chrissakes.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
'Will play...'
Two parter today that is going to be split into 'BG' and 'AG' (Before and After Gillingham - with a soft 'G', like a 'J') with the distinct possibility that the AG section may contain delirious ranting.
Half the excitement of the FA Cup is not knowing who you're going to playing next. This concept seems to be obligatory in the Bowl Championship series in College Football because there have been some very interesting results from the USA overnight: USC lost to UCLA, throwing the entire BCS series into absolute confusion (especially as Notre Dame beat UCLA). For what it's worth, here's a very quick overview using my take on how things should shake out:
Florida v Ohio State in the Championship game...because the best blogs about college football are Tressel's World and Every Day Should Be Saturday. I've got a spreadsheet I knocked up a couple of weeks ago that does some headline analysis of schedule strength, but I can't find it now - it did seem to suggest that USC/UCLA and Florida/Arkansas would be crucial to finding out who Ohio State would be playing - and it's turned out that way, as Florida won the SEC.
Of course, the next week is going to give the opportunity to the world and his wife to have an opinion about who should be in the title game. To some extent it doesn't matter, because as long as the game itself is as good as last year's was I don't care who wins as long as it's not Ohio State.
When it's all over this year, this one will be worth watching again - great fun.
Oh and Wake Forest won the ACC. Jim Grobe seems to be a consensus Coach of The Year; I can't imagine that this real life Cinderella story won't be registering some degree of interest in Tuscaloosa when the folks down there read their papers this morning.
Thus endeth the 'BG' section today. I have a 1:00pm Kick Off to attend.
I hope we win today. Third Round, Third Round, Third Round...
After AG begins here...
One of the best things about having friends that are football fans is that sometimes the following scenario happens: after having avoided each other's teams for the best part of thirty years, fate brings you together.
'...will play Coventry City...'
He wouldn't have got us a home draw with the gloves on.
Half the excitement of the FA Cup is not knowing who you're going to playing next. This concept seems to be obligatory in the Bowl Championship series in College Football because there have been some very interesting results from the USA overnight: USC lost to UCLA, throwing the entire BCS series into absolute confusion (especially as Notre Dame beat UCLA). For what it's worth, here's a very quick overview using my take on how things should shake out:
Florida v Ohio State in the Championship game...because the best blogs about college football are Tressel's World and Every Day Should Be Saturday. I've got a spreadsheet I knocked up a couple of weeks ago that does some headline analysis of schedule strength, but I can't find it now - it did seem to suggest that USC/UCLA and Florida/Arkansas would be crucial to finding out who Ohio State would be playing - and it's turned out that way, as Florida won the SEC.
Of course, the next week is going to give the opportunity to the world and his wife to have an opinion about who should be in the title game. To some extent it doesn't matter, because as long as the game itself is as good as last year's was I don't care who wins as long as it's not Ohio State.
When it's all over this year, this one will be worth watching again - great fun.
Oh and Wake Forest won the ACC. Jim Grobe seems to be a consensus Coach of The Year; I can't imagine that this real life Cinderella story won't be registering some degree of interest in Tuscaloosa when the folks down there read their papers this morning.
Thus endeth the 'BG' section today. I have a 1:00pm Kick Off to attend.
I hope we win today. Third Round, Third Round, Third Round...
After AG begins here...
One of the best things about having friends that are football fans is that sometimes the following scenario happens: after having avoided each other's teams for the best part of thirty years, fate brings you together.
This afternoon, having watched City storm into a three goal half time lead courtesy of a Phil Jevons hat-trick, I spent the last ten minutes worrying that Gillingham were going to snatch an equaliser to make it 4-4 and possibly steal what modest FA Cup dreams I have away from me. We won (but the
'...will play Coventry City...'As soon as the initial...well, shock and bewilderment actually...had subsided (about a nanosecond) I immediately shouted 'Dave!' and tried to find his phone number. For you see, Dave is a
There are a number of angles to this game already and as it's more than a month to go I'll be attempting to give some detail about them later: but two things are significant. With the assistance of the mustachioed chin wagger above, both clubs were able to escape relegation at the end of 1976/77 season. More recently, Louis Carey had a season so unremarkable at Cov that they sold him back to us.
Well, we got a home tie (thanks Ricky Hatton) against a team that's in a higher division than us (thanks Amir Khan) so I can't complain. It could have been worse...Liverpool v Arsenal...LOL.
He wouldn't have got us a home draw with the gloves on.Saturday, November 25, 2006
Far Too Much Going On
I need more TV sets.
Here's the situation this weekend: I'm not too interested in watching the England v South Africa rugby union game this afternoon, which means I can watch ESPN College Game Day (which for some reason has returned to NASN) but then comes the first conflict of the day: Wales v New Zealand or Florida v FSU?
As the Florida derby is actually for something (Arkansas lost to LSU last night and a Florida win would give them a psychological advantage going into the SEC championship game on 2nd December), then I'm tempted to go with that. There may be a lot of switching around though.
It gets even messier tomorrow. City are at Swansea (easy - radio and mobile phone), although if this happens again I won't be very happy at all.
Total and utter humiliation.
I don't care if Tinman made a balls of his time as a manager down here. He should still be regarded as a legend.
Anyway, here's the Sunday lineup:
8:30am USC v Notre Dame (the other option is to watch it live...KO 1:00am)
1:00pm Swansea v Bristol City
4:00pm Manyoo v Chelsea
6:00pm Saints v Falcons, Bears at Patriots plus another couple of games on the Sky interactive service.
Far, far easier to digest.
Both USC/Notre Dame and Manyoo/Chelsea are huge games as they should in theory provide clues to the outcomes of both the College Football and Premiership championships this season, although obviously the stakes are far higher in Los Angeles this weekend as it's the end of the season rather than the middle of it. I'd love to be able to give you some analysis but as time is precious this weekend I'm going to have no shame in linking to the outstanding Notre Dame blog The Blue Gray Sky.
Madame Zaza will be contributing something tomorrow around lunchtime, but I'm going to sign off today with Knute Rockne.
'On the road we're somebody else's guests - and we play in a way that they're not going to forget we visited them.'
Go Irish!
Here's the situation this weekend: I'm not too interested in watching the England v South Africa rugby union game this afternoon, which means I can watch ESPN College Game Day (which for some reason has returned to NASN) but then comes the first conflict of the day: Wales v New Zealand or Florida v FSU?
As the Florida derby is actually for something (Arkansas lost to LSU last night and a Florida win would give them a psychological advantage going into the SEC championship game on 2nd December), then I'm tempted to go with that. There may be a lot of switching around though.
It gets even messier tomorrow. City are at Swansea (easy - radio and mobile phone), although if this happens again I won't be very happy at all.
Total and utter humiliation.
I don't care if Tinman made a balls of his time as a manager down here. He should still be regarded as a legend.
Anyway, here's the Sunday lineup:
8:30am USC v Notre Dame (the other option is to watch it live...KO 1:00am)
1:00pm Swansea v Bristol City
4:00pm Manyoo v Chelsea
6:00pm Saints v Falcons, Bears at Patriots plus another couple of games on the Sky interactive service.
Far, far easier to digest.
Both USC/Notre Dame and Manyoo/Chelsea are huge games as they should in theory provide clues to the outcomes of both the College Football and Premiership championships this season, although obviously the stakes are far higher in Los Angeles this weekend as it's the end of the season rather than the middle of it. I'd love to be able to give you some analysis but as time is precious this weekend I'm going to have no shame in linking to the outstanding Notre Dame blog The Blue Gray Sky.
Madame Zaza will be contributing something tomorrow around lunchtime, but I'm going to sign off today with Knute Rockne.
'On the road we're somebody else's guests - and we play in a way that they're not going to forget we visited them.'
Go Irish!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
