Well, that was an hour and a half of my life I will never get back. I watched the Texas Senate debate solely to see how Craig James would do. Aside from being relatively unprepared and hypocritical, there weren't many fireworks.
The only exciting part (to me, anyway) was where one panelist questioned James' intelligence and asked him who the current Secretary of Defense was. Instead of a quick, blunt answer to make the panelist look stupid, James went on a 30 second rant calling out the panelist for trying to catch him in a "gotcha moment" before eventually answering the question. Even though he answered the question correctly, it still looked like he was stalling to search for the right answer.
It seemed like the other candidates ignored James for the most part and treated him like a little kid that didn't know what he was doing. There were a few great Texas-esque quotes from a few candidates that made watching the debate somewhat worthwhile. James did claim he was going to go to Washington to "kick the skunks out of the bushes." He referenced his prior career as a football player and analyst a lot, including another gem while talking about his time at SMU where "they voted me captain, which means they loved me." Not that he's an egotistical person about it or anything.
Sadly, they didn't address any dead hooker rumors, the Mike Leach firing, receiving illegal benefits at SMU, or how he thinks football in Idaho sucks regardless of how good a team actually is. But this debate really solidified why I hate politics. It's just a bunch of guys claiming they represent the common man when they actually believe they are better than everyone else. Why else would you want to represent an entire state or nation if you didn't have an ego completely out of check with reality. Maybe I'm just cynical, but based on that analysis, Craig James would fit in well with that crowd. As long as he is no longer attempting to commentate on football games, that is fine with me.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
ESPN Launches TebowCenter, ESPNTebow
They didn't actually create a new channel, but you can imagine what it would be like if they did (I just wanted an excuse to watch that video). I missed the majority of the "Tim Tebow Hour" on SportsCenter due to some baseball conditioning. Running 300 yards eight times in 57 seconds each with 30 seconds of rest in between took priority over Tebow and all of his glory this morning. Once I get the hang of these, expect to see me in the preliminaries for London this summer. Watch out, Usain Bolt.
But I was able to catch the abomination of a segment known as "You Don't Know Tebow" featuring Ric Bucher and Hugh Douglas. Poor Hugh. He even made a comment that he thought it was an open forum when Bucher clearly did his homework. Robert Flores' red sportcoat was just the icing on the cake. Sadly, the video of this psuedo-game show isn't up yet, but it was about five minutes of ESPN playing a prank on Hugh Douglas. He clearly had no idea what was going on while it looked like Ric Bucher was reading from a teleprompter the entire time. That meltdown, along with this bowler falling down and Charles Barkley' Shaq impression, I could watch all day.
But I was able to catch the abomination of a segment known as "You Don't Know Tebow" featuring Ric Bucher and Hugh Douglas. Poor Hugh. He even made a comment that he thought it was an open forum when Bucher clearly did his homework. Robert Flores' red sportcoat was just the icing on the cake. Sadly, the video of this psuedo-game show isn't up yet, but it was about five minutes of ESPN playing a prank on Hugh Douglas. He clearly had no idea what was going on while it looked like Ric Bucher was reading from a teleprompter the entire time. That meltdown, along with this bowler falling down and Charles Barkley' Shaq impression, I could watch all day.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Just When You Think Ole Miss Basketball Gets Predictable...
In my year and a half at Ole Miss, I think I've only been early to a sporting event (other than baseball) twice. For some reason, I remember being at the Vaught nearly 40 minutes before the start of the LSU game this year, and I'm sure there was one other time I was relatively early for a football game. I have never seen pregame warmups for basketball. Tonight was no exception. I came into the Tad Pad expecting an Arkansas team that put up 98 on Mississippi State on Saturday to be shooting lights out against the Rebels.
What I witnessed was a three point lead turn into a decisive victory for an Ole Miss team that needs to get incredibly hot for the next couple months to even be in the discussion for a tournament bid. This win will definitely look good on the resume, but more work needs to be done. The Rebels have been inconsistent, if nothing else, and turnovers and lack of three-point shooting continues to be a problem. Ole Miss had 23 turnovers and went 0-7 behind the arc in the 71-63 win against Arkansas. Clearly, the potential of this team is there, but how often will we see that suffocating defense and team effort to pull out wins? Each game is a different show, so we will have to wait until Saturday at Auburn to see what performance we get.
What I witnessed was a three point lead turn into a decisive victory for an Ole Miss team that needs to get incredibly hot for the next couple months to even be in the discussion for a tournament bid. This win will definitely look good on the resume, but more work needs to be done. The Rebels have been inconsistent, if nothing else, and turnovers and lack of three-point shooting continues to be a problem. Ole Miss had 23 turnovers and went 0-7 behind the arc in the 71-63 win against Arkansas. Clearly, the potential of this team is there, but how often will we see that suffocating defense and team effort to pull out wins? Each game is a different show, so we will have to wait until Saturday at Auburn to see what performance we get.
The Bizzare Decisions of Ryan Madson
Former Philadelphia Phillie reliever Ryan Madson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract today... with the Cincinnati Reds? Madson was originally looking for a long-term deal in the $40 million range, but the Phillies decided to sign former Boston Red Sox/Mississippi State headcase Jonathan Papelbon for 4 years, $50 million. This led to Madson looking elsewhere. No big market teams were looking to lock up a closer for a long-term deal, so Madson landed in Cinci for a year.
Madson is still relatively new to the closer role. He was the eighth inning man for the Phillies during their World Series run in 2008 to set up then-closer Brad Lidge. Lidge became ineffective, leading to Madson taking over the closer role for a time before securing the role in 2011. 32 of his 52 career saves came this past season. The one thing this deal does for Madson is that it allows him to prove himself on a different team in a different division.
The Reds have a legitimate shot at the NL Central this year with the departure of Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, as well as the general ineptitude of the Astros, Cubs, and Pirates. Adding a bonafide closer along with starting pitcher Mat Latos from the Padres makes them contenders in the NL Central this year. Madson is more likely to fall off the face of the earth than improve his stock, but this contract at least gives him the opportunity to be the unquestioned closer for a team and be able to jump ship to greener pastures after a year.
Madson is still relatively new to the closer role. He was the eighth inning man for the Phillies during their World Series run in 2008 to set up then-closer Brad Lidge. Lidge became ineffective, leading to Madson taking over the closer role for a time before securing the role in 2011. 32 of his 52 career saves came this past season. The one thing this deal does for Madson is that it allows him to prove himself on a different team in a different division.
The Reds have a legitimate shot at the NL Central this year with the departure of Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, as well as the general ineptitude of the Astros, Cubs, and Pirates. Adding a bonafide closer along with starting pitcher Mat Latos from the Padres makes them contenders in the NL Central this year. Madson is more likely to fall off the face of the earth than improve his stock, but this contract at least gives him the opportunity to be the unquestioned closer for a team and be able to jump ship to greener pastures after a year.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Giving In To Tebow Mania... Sort Of
I'm done trying to explain what is going on with Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos. After their win against the Steelers in the playoffs, I was at a loss for words. The stars were aligned. There was the whole 316 yards thing, the names of the disciples/referees, and then the halo-shaped smoke ring over Mile High Stadium on Sunday.
The only logical reason for why Tebow succeeded as a passer on Sunday is that the passing plays were better suited for his strengths. He only had 10 completions on the day with five of those gaining over 30 yards, and three of those were more than 50. At the University of Florida, this was Tebow's means of operation. Read options, lateral running game from the speed backs, and then a bomb down the field to guys like Percy Harvin. That is exactly what they did except it was a more north and south running game.
One thing is for sure: In a league where traditional-style quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Eli Manning win games by methodically marching their teams down the field with pinpoint accuracy, Tim Tebow finds ways to win in unconventional ways. He is one of the few dual-threat quarterbacks that can bring his college-style attack to the pros. He wins games by doing what he did in college. The speed of the NFL prevents him from making the big plays out of absolutely nothing like he did in college, but he does make games exciting with that threat of the big play and the charisma he brings.
I still don't believe he will be consistently successful, but we will always see those flashes that made him the greatest collegiate player of all-time. He will find ways to win games and he will make mistakes and lose games. I do believe there is something not of this world bringing this all together. I'm a firm believer in signs things of that nature. However, I will never be able to go all in as a Tebow Believer for two reasons: He plays in the same division as the Chargers, and this guy.
The only logical reason for why Tebow succeeded as a passer on Sunday is that the passing plays were better suited for his strengths. He only had 10 completions on the day with five of those gaining over 30 yards, and three of those were more than 50. At the University of Florida, this was Tebow's means of operation. Read options, lateral running game from the speed backs, and then a bomb down the field to guys like Percy Harvin. That is exactly what they did except it was a more north and south running game.
One thing is for sure: In a league where traditional-style quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Eli Manning win games by methodically marching their teams down the field with pinpoint accuracy, Tim Tebow finds ways to win in unconventional ways. He is one of the few dual-threat quarterbacks that can bring his college-style attack to the pros. He wins games by doing what he did in college. The speed of the NFL prevents him from making the big plays out of absolutely nothing like he did in college, but he does make games exciting with that threat of the big play and the charisma he brings.
I still don't believe he will be consistently successful, but we will always see those flashes that made him the greatest collegiate player of all-time. He will find ways to win games and he will make mistakes and lose games. I do believe there is something not of this world bringing this all together. I'm a firm believer in signs things of that nature. However, I will never be able to go all in as a Tebow Believer for two reasons: He plays in the same division as the Chargers, and this guy.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Live Blogging The Tebow Bowl
Before we begin, I have to say that I do not dislike Tim Tebow the person, but I cannot stand Tim Tebow the quarterback. He is like that big, power-hitting first baseman in baseball that gets thrown on the mound because he is one of the best players on the team. He can throw hard, but you are never quite sure what is going to happen when the ball leaves his hand. There are days when everything is in rhythm and he can get the job done. Then there are the days when he breaks Nuke LaLoosh's record for hitting the bull. As bad as he can be on the mound, he could just as easily make up for it by driving in 5 runs. That is Tim Tebow in a nutshell. He is a guy that can win a game for you if he is used correctly.
That being said, if Tebow was going to pull a playoff upset, this would be his best chance. No Ryan Clark, no Rashard Mendanhall, and an injured Ben Roethlisberger for the Steelers. I still don't believe the Broncos will pull it out, but this is the best matchup for them. Anyway, here we go!
3:18 - I'm a little concerned. I don't really know how to prepare for this. All I have is some Cheez-Its and a bottle of water to get me through this game. We will see how far I actually make it.
3:24 - Just one time I want to hear Tim Tebow rip into someone. It would make my year to hear him go toe-to-toe trash talking with someone. How out of place would it make you feel as a defender when you start giving a guy hell and he takes it as constructive criticism? When will he use the Wrath of God to bring vengeance down upon some idiot with a Terrible Towel?
3:30 - I just realized that in a couple hours, I could be watching Brady Quinn playing in an actual football game. The last time I saw him, he was in an EAS commercial half a decade ago. Those were the good ole days when we thought Quinn and Matt Leinart would become great quarterbacks. Nostalgia.
3:36 - My wish for this game: A wildcat formation where Brady Quinn throws a touchdown pass to Tim Tebow. I think I just heard Skip Bayless' mind explode.
3:40 - Kickoff. Steelers get the ball first. Prater just hit the crossbar on the kickoff. Dude has a leg.
3:41 - Speaking of legs, Big Ben doesn't look like he is hobbling around too bad. But he just overthrew Mike Wallace. Not a good start.
3:44 - Steelers with a first down on their first drive. WHERE IS THE DEFENSE!?!?!?!
3:45 - Big Ben with a long pass down the middle. That question isn't sarcasm anymore.
3:48 - Pittsburgh kicks a field goal to make it 3-0. I'm already out of Cheez-Its. Not a good start for Tebow or my stomach.
3:50 - TTTTEEEEEEEEBBBBBBOOOOOWWWWWW TTTTTIIIIIIIIMMMMMEEEEE!!!!! HIS HOLINESS IS ON THE FIELD!!!!
3:51 - Go figure. A run by Tebow to start the game.
3:54 - For those keeping track of leading Bronco receivers, it is Eddie Royal - 0, Troy Palamalu - 0, Ground - 1.
3:57 - First sign of divine intervention: dropped pass by Cotchery. Could have been a huge gain.
3:59 - If anyone wants to bring me food, feel free to do so. I really didn't plan this out well.
4:00 - Denver's offense = Ole Miss, Pittsburgh's defense = Alabama. Trick plays will be the only way they score.
4:03 - Oh! Burning out his fuse up here alone! Who knew??? It took the clarity of a car stereo system for me to figure that out instead of looking it up on the internet!
4:05 - Crisis averted. I found some crackers and some slices of cheese. Things are looking up.
4:07 - Issac Redmond is just good enough to not lose this game for the Steelers. Not going to be a game-breaker, but he's not terrible either.
4:12 - Another field goal. Somewhere, Nick Saban is wondering why he can't find a kicker that can do that.
4:14 - I guess Domino's next course of action is to send buyers a wheel of cheese. Bread sold separately.
4:16 - Denver with 8 total yards in the first quarter. Urban Meyer's Ohio State contract is about to get bought out by Denver.
4:19 - Tebow completed a pass!!! But James Harrison just absolutely wrecked Eric Decker's leg. Safe to say, he won't be back today.
4:22 - Mike Tomlin adding insult to injury by challenging the catch.
4:24 - Replay shows it was an incomplete pass. Tebow finally pulls the trigger and hits a bomb down the sidelines. Then another bomb to Eddie Royal for a touchdown. HE IS THE GREATEST QUARTERBACK ALIVE!!!!!
4:32 - Mike Wallace is really fast. And now Denver is challenging this catch.
4:35 - And another overruled catch. Then Big Ben overthrows an open receiver down the sidelines. In Tebow We Trust.
4:39 - Denver just ran a play with 95 linemen on the field. Still only a 2 yard gain.
4:40 - Tebow with another long pass. Denver's offensive game plan has derived from a 12 year old playing with Florida on NCAA Football 09.
4:43 - Now I'm absolutely positive that's how they came up with a gameplan. Tebow runs the QB Power play for a TD.
4:47 - Third and 16 for the Steelers after a Big Ben sack where he hurt his ankle again. Now he throws a pick. Oh god, we might see Charlie Batch before Brady Quinn.
4:53 - Steelers' D holds on third and goal. Prater with a short field goal to make it 17-6 Broncos. This isn't really what I thought I would be watching today.
4:57 - Third offsides penalty against the Broncos leads to a first down. Big Ben is the definition of a statue in the pocket. It looks like they taped up his ankle with cement.
5:05 - Read options and deep balls. Denver's offensive coordinator for this game is some Asian kid that won a Madden contest somewhere.
5:10 - Prater with another short field goal to make it 20-6 with one minute left in the half. None of this is making sense to me.
5:16 - In field goal range and the snap is over Big Ben's head. The Steelers are looking more like the Jaguars and Roethlisberger has looked a lot like Blaine Gabbert so far.
5:19 - Halftime. 20-6 Denver leads. What is going on??? It's like Angels in the Outfield at Mile High.
5:28 - Looking back at my pregame assessment of Tebow, I still stick to what I wrote. Tebow got in that familiar rhythm he had in college. Think about how many times he hit Percy Harvin streaking down the sideline. Kudos to the Broncos for finally running passing plays that suit Tebow.
5:32 - Broncos get the ball to start the half. Another read option on the first play followed by a speed option. The Florida Gators are wearing the wrong shades of blue and orange.
5:37 - Denver runs the wildcat formation on 3rd down and gets stopped. Sadly no Brady Quinn throwing a pass to Tebow. That still remains a dream.
5:43 - Pittsburgh is in complete disarray. It looks like they are trying to survive more so than win the game.
5:44 - Nantz and Simms were all over that call. Definitely a lateral. Denver is going to end up running away with this one if they overturn this call and the Broncos score.
5:48 - That is a dumb rule. I don't care if it was ruled an incomplete pass. Just get the call right.
5:51 - Looks like I'm going to have to stop the blog soon. We have a team meal at 6 which means I get to listen to our catcher Will Allen (who is from Gainsville, FL and is the world's biggest Tebow fan) rub it in my face that Tebow is doing well. Shocker that the Chargers fan has been a Tebow critic.
5:55 - This touchdown is going to end up being called short inside the one, but at least it looks like the Steelers will score. Time for this blog to end. I wish this could have been two hours of Tebow jokes, but I have to give credit where credit is due. It's been a solid three quarters for the Broncos. Anything I feel worthy of posting for the rest of the game can be found on my Twitter. Have a great night.
That being said, if Tebow was going to pull a playoff upset, this would be his best chance. No Ryan Clark, no Rashard Mendanhall, and an injured Ben Roethlisberger for the Steelers. I still don't believe the Broncos will pull it out, but this is the best matchup for them. Anyway, here we go!
3:18 - I'm a little concerned. I don't really know how to prepare for this. All I have is some Cheez-Its and a bottle of water to get me through this game. We will see how far I actually make it.
3:24 - Just one time I want to hear Tim Tebow rip into someone. It would make my year to hear him go toe-to-toe trash talking with someone. How out of place would it make you feel as a defender when you start giving a guy hell and he takes it as constructive criticism? When will he use the Wrath of God to bring vengeance down upon some idiot with a Terrible Towel?
3:30 - I just realized that in a couple hours, I could be watching Brady Quinn playing in an actual football game. The last time I saw him, he was in an EAS commercial half a decade ago. Those were the good ole days when we thought Quinn and Matt Leinart would become great quarterbacks. Nostalgia.
3:36 - My wish for this game: A wildcat formation where Brady Quinn throws a touchdown pass to Tim Tebow. I think I just heard Skip Bayless' mind explode.
3:40 - Kickoff. Steelers get the ball first. Prater just hit the crossbar on the kickoff. Dude has a leg.
3:41 - Speaking of legs, Big Ben doesn't look like he is hobbling around too bad. But he just overthrew Mike Wallace. Not a good start.
3:44 - Steelers with a first down on their first drive. WHERE IS THE DEFENSE!?!?!?!
3:45 - Big Ben with a long pass down the middle. That question isn't sarcasm anymore.
3:48 - Pittsburgh kicks a field goal to make it 3-0. I'm already out of Cheez-Its. Not a good start for Tebow or my stomach.
3:50 - TTTTEEEEEEEEBBBBBBOOOOOWWWWWW TTTTTIIIIIIIIMMMMMEEEEE!!!!! HIS HOLINESS IS ON THE FIELD!!!!
3:51 - Go figure. A run by Tebow to start the game.
3:54 - For those keeping track of leading Bronco receivers, it is Eddie Royal - 0, Troy Palamalu - 0, Ground - 1.
3:57 - First sign of divine intervention: dropped pass by Cotchery. Could have been a huge gain.
3:59 - If anyone wants to bring me food, feel free to do so. I really didn't plan this out well.
4:00 - Denver's offense = Ole Miss, Pittsburgh's defense = Alabama. Trick plays will be the only way they score.
4:03 - Oh! Burning out his fuse up here alone! Who knew??? It took the clarity of a car stereo system for me to figure that out instead of looking it up on the internet!
4:05 - Crisis averted. I found some crackers and some slices of cheese. Things are looking up.
4:07 - Issac Redmond is just good enough to not lose this game for the Steelers. Not going to be a game-breaker, but he's not terrible either.
4:12 - Another field goal. Somewhere, Nick Saban is wondering why he can't find a kicker that can do that.
4:14 - I guess Domino's next course of action is to send buyers a wheel of cheese. Bread sold separately.
4:16 - Denver with 8 total yards in the first quarter. Urban Meyer's Ohio State contract is about to get bought out by Denver.
4:19 - Tebow completed a pass!!! But James Harrison just absolutely wrecked Eric Decker's leg. Safe to say, he won't be back today.
4:22 - Mike Tomlin adding insult to injury by challenging the catch.
4:24 - Replay shows it was an incomplete pass. Tebow finally pulls the trigger and hits a bomb down the sidelines. Then another bomb to Eddie Royal for a touchdown. HE IS THE GREATEST QUARTERBACK ALIVE!!!!!
4:32 - Mike Wallace is really fast. And now Denver is challenging this catch.
4:35 - And another overruled catch. Then Big Ben overthrows an open receiver down the sidelines. In Tebow We Trust.
4:39 - Denver just ran a play with 95 linemen on the field. Still only a 2 yard gain.
4:40 - Tebow with another long pass. Denver's offensive game plan has derived from a 12 year old playing with Florida on NCAA Football 09.
4:43 - Now I'm absolutely positive that's how they came up with a gameplan. Tebow runs the QB Power play for a TD.
4:47 - Third and 16 for the Steelers after a Big Ben sack where he hurt his ankle again. Now he throws a pick. Oh god, we might see Charlie Batch before Brady Quinn.
4:53 - Steelers' D holds on third and goal. Prater with a short field goal to make it 17-6 Broncos. This isn't really what I thought I would be watching today.
4:57 - Third offsides penalty against the Broncos leads to a first down. Big Ben is the definition of a statue in the pocket. It looks like they taped up his ankle with cement.
5:05 - Read options and deep balls. Denver's offensive coordinator for this game is some Asian kid that won a Madden contest somewhere.
5:10 - Prater with another short field goal to make it 20-6 with one minute left in the half. None of this is making sense to me.
5:16 - In field goal range and the snap is over Big Ben's head. The Steelers are looking more like the Jaguars and Roethlisberger has looked a lot like Blaine Gabbert so far.
5:19 - Halftime. 20-6 Denver leads. What is going on??? It's like Angels in the Outfield at Mile High.
5:28 - Looking back at my pregame assessment of Tebow, I still stick to what I wrote. Tebow got in that familiar rhythm he had in college. Think about how many times he hit Percy Harvin streaking down the sideline. Kudos to the Broncos for finally running passing plays that suit Tebow.
5:32 - Broncos get the ball to start the half. Another read option on the first play followed by a speed option. The Florida Gators are wearing the wrong shades of blue and orange.
5:37 - Denver runs the wildcat formation on 3rd down and gets stopped. Sadly no Brady Quinn throwing a pass to Tebow. That still remains a dream.
5:43 - Pittsburgh is in complete disarray. It looks like they are trying to survive more so than win the game.
5:44 - Nantz and Simms were all over that call. Definitely a lateral. Denver is going to end up running away with this one if they overturn this call and the Broncos score.
5:48 - That is a dumb rule. I don't care if it was ruled an incomplete pass. Just get the call right.
5:51 - Looks like I'm going to have to stop the blog soon. We have a team meal at 6 which means I get to listen to our catcher Will Allen (who is from Gainsville, FL and is the world's biggest Tebow fan) rub it in my face that Tebow is doing well. Shocker that the Chargers fan has been a Tebow critic.
5:55 - This touchdown is going to end up being called short inside the one, but at least it looks like the Steelers will score. Time for this blog to end. I wish this could have been two hours of Tebow jokes, but I have to give credit where credit is due. It's been a solid three quarters for the Broncos. Anything I feel worthy of posting for the rest of the game can be found on my Twitter. Have a great night.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Mailing It In Worse Than Santonio Holmes
I got a small taste of this writing for my high school newspaper, but nothing is worse than having to write something of which you are completely void of interest. This is that blog post.
I'm currently sitting in a computer lab trying to find a way to get out of here and enjoy the rest of my Friday, but I'm stuck writing this because of an assignment due before I leave. The assignment requires a blog post about someone and then telling them on Twitter about the blog post. So instead of writing about something more consistent with the blog like Jim Rome moving to the CBS Sports Network or another sports story, this is what you are getting.
Oh yeah, Sue Weakley (@journalismsue) is the reason for this. Time to get out of here.
I'm currently sitting in a computer lab trying to find a way to get out of here and enjoy the rest of my Friday, but I'm stuck writing this because of an assignment due before I leave. The assignment requires a blog post about someone and then telling them on Twitter about the blog post. So instead of writing about something more consistent with the blog like Jim Rome moving to the CBS Sports Network or another sports story, this is what you are getting.
Oh yeah, Sue Weakley (@journalismsue) is the reason for this. Time to get out of here.
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