Sunday, October 31, 2010

OSG High: 12 Overtimes In Texas High School FB

((HT: KLTV Tyler, Texas))

This one is a new national for overtimes...

Jacksonville High beat Nacogdoches High 84-81 in 12 overtimes.

And, yes, we're still talking about football...

This is where it gets a little weird. Jacksonville only needed to win to advance to the playoffs, but Nacogdoches had to win by 8.

Don't ask why... it's the Texas playoff system...

The game was tied at 28 at the end of regulation before the teams played for an additional 2 1/2 hours- five-and-a-half total...

In the 12th overtime the Dragons took possession, but fumbled inside the 10 yard line.

For what it's worth, Nacogdoches is now eliminated from the playoffs contention and, Jacksonville will be at home next week against John Tyler in a game that will decide the district championship.

Here's the goofy play that made it only 21-14...
Coleman Swierc is half the dynamic duo at the adult table...

FCS: #13 Montana State Survives A Scare Against Idaho State

Anytime we can show the Big Sky Conference its a bonus here at the OSG HQ, even better when the game comes from Holt Arena in Pocatello, Idaho.

Saturday 13th ranked Montana State got a scare from Idaho State, the Bengals have one win this year and last in the Big Sky.

Bobcat fans can thank quarterback Denarius McGhee for saving Montana State's backside. McGhee passing numbers on the day were 29 of 40 for 402 yards and one touchdown while leading the team in rushing with 45 yards and a touchdown.

That rushing touchdown by McGhee was a winner for the Bobcats.

Check out the highlights from Holt Arena. (Thanks KPVI-TV, Pocatello, Idaho.



Photo Courtesy: AP Photo/Idaho State Journal, Bill Schaefer

TWTW: Oklahoma Does What Everyone Else Should Do To Colorado

((HT: newsok.com))

It took Oklahoma a little while to warm up in their home game against Colorado, only leading 3-0 after one quarter.

But after that it was all Sooners...

Ryan Broyles caught three TD's giving ninth-ranked OU a 43-10 victory at Owen Field.

On nine catches, Broyles finished with 208 yards, breaking the school record for receiving yards in a game. Manny Johnson had the previous mark with 206 receiving yards against TCU in 2008.

Broyles 81-yarder for a score is now a school record in the Stoops era. He is now only three touchdown receptions away from breaking Mark Clayton's record of 31 career touchdown catches.

Damon Fontenot has your rundown...

TWTW: Buckeyes Solidify Gophers Awfulness, Win 52-10

((HT: WBNS-TV Columbus))

Terrelle Pryor was 18-for-22 for 222 yards and two TD's while Dan Herron rushed for 114 yards and another score in the first half to lead the probably-changing 10th-ranked Buckeyes to a 52-10 victory over Minnesota.

The Buckeyes are now 8-1, 4-1 in the Big Ten/11/12).

Minnesota, now 1-8/0-5, has lost eight straight games...

DeVier Posey had six catches for 115 yards and a touchdown as Ohio State racked up 507 total yards and even scored two defensive touchdowns against a very bad Minnesota team that really (and the HQ means REALLY) should be a perpetual visitor of the Bottom of Brother Phil's Barrel...

Here's some postgame with Jermale Hines...






TWTW: Utah Holds Off Air Force 28-23

((HT: KSL-TV Salt Lake City))

And they'll probably move up in the alphabet standings in the next version of their poll.

Utah's defense forced five turnovers and stopped Air Force twice on downs in the fourth quarter, as the 8th-ranked Utes held off the Falcons for a 28-23 win to set up their showdown with the probably-changing Number 4 TCU.

The Utes, now 8-0/5-0 in the Mountain West, had a 28-10 lead in the fourth quarter. That's not really a surprise as the last 13 games against the Falcons, now 5-4/3-3, have been decided by double digits, and last season's game went into overtime before the Utes won that one.

Start your TCU talk now...

Rod Zundel stands in front of his green screen again...

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

TWTW: So Much For That Whole Upset Thing By USC, Oregon Stays Undefeated

((HT: KVAL-TV))

This was a game where a lot of people thought that this would be a tough test for the Oregon Ducks- this was Southern Cal's bowl game... all that...

USC lasted until the mid-point of the third quarter with their 32-29 lead, but then gave up 24 straight to lose 53-32...

LaMichael James ran for 239 yards on the night and the Trojans just couldn't keep up with the well-conditioned sprinters from Eugene.

Nick Krupke has the highlights from way above the Mausoleum...

TWTW: Auburn Outsprints Ole Miss 51-31

((HT: NBC13 Birmingham))

And, as a result, they'll probably stay on top of the alphabet standings for another week.

This time, we found out that Cam Newton can throw, run, and catch...
Nothing like variety for the Trophy voters at the end of the year...

Here's our weekly visit from Don Hawes...


Next up for TBH and her Plainsmen is a visit from Chattanooga...

Not the city, just the Mocs football team... and Auburn fans would be more than happy to surrender their top ranking to Oregon since they've got to worry about Georgia and Alabama before the SEC title game, anyway...

Muschamp Mad And Goes Off On Reporter

Texas defensive coordinator and head coach in waiting Will Muschamp has a stare that will peel paint off the wall and is as intense as it gets.

Following Texas' loss to Baylor Saturday and reporter asked the wrong question and a mad Muschamp went off.

No video embed who doesn't please us at the OSG HQ so click on the link to see. (Thanks KEYE-TV Austin, Texas)

http://weareaustin.com/sports-story/?nxd_id=100446

The Eyes Of Texas Have Been Blackened By The Baylor Bears

Art Briles has revived the Baylor football program from the dead. The Bears pulse became officially strong Saturday when Baylor defeated the Texas Longhorns in Austin 30-22. Baylor hadn't won at Austin since 1991 when both were in the long departed Southwest Conference.

"I am really proud of our football team, our players, our staff, our fans because it has been a while since we have given any proof to believe and people have really taken to it and supported in a tremendous fashion." Baylor head coach Art Briles said. "As a part of the football team, hats off to the people who are supporting us and to our players. I think they are a resilient bunch and have great leadership in general and great senior leadership, and the guys always believe something good is going to happen."

Robert Griffin III was his spectacular self against the Horns. Griffin threw for 219yards and 2 touchdowns. He also rushed for 43 yards and a touchdown. Beating Texas was a big deal for the Bears but Griffin took it in stride, their's bigger goals to accomplish.

"Not until the end of the game guys were talking about how we haven't beat Texas in a while." Griffin said. "For us, it was another win. The tide has changed this year. We are the team to beat and we are just going to keep rolling with that."

Texas is in a total free fall. The Longhorns have lost four of their last 5 games.

"I told the kids in the dressing room if they played this hard against Iowa State and UCLA, they'd have won both games." Texas head coach Mack Brown said. "That's kind of the sad thing about where we are."

Brown added, "We played this hard at Nebraska. We played this way at Tech. We played the second half of Oklahoma this way. The rest of the year we haven't played this hard. Hopefully they can build on that. That will help them at least finish strong."

Those of us in the OSG HQ are beginning to think that Nebraska win was a fluke.

By the way, Texas retired the jersey of Colt McCoy during the Baylor game. Timing is everything.

Click on the link for the highlights of the game. (Thanks Bears All Access)

http://www.baylorbears.com/allaccess/?media=205483

Photos Courtesy: Harry Cabluck /AP

Virginia To Miami: Yes We Have A Football Team


There are those who thought and I among those who thought the Virginia Cavaliers would defeat someone they were not suppose to in the first year of the Mike London era. That happened Saturday in Charlottesville.

Virginia jumped on the Hurricanes and knocked Miami quarterback Jacory Harris out of the game. At the half the Wahoos lead 17-0 before the Hurricanes made their usual comeback however, it fell short. Virginia gets their first conference win defeating 22nd ranked Miami 24-19.

Here are the highlights and post game sound from the Newsplex. (Thanks WCAV-TV Charlottesville, VA)



It's the first ACC win for Mike London as UVa head coach who feels this win sends a message.

"When you have a team that has taken its lumps, the only way to bring them out of that mindset is to say ‘I have enough faith in you that we are going to go for it and we are going to get it.'" London said. "That's the only way you create the mindset that you want to be physical and you want to compete. Why not?"

London added, "When you have a group of young men who hear ‘you guys are only going to win three games' and ‘you're no good,' those that are in the room keep hearing the message ‘you're not fast enough, you're not good enough.' They refuse to listen to those things. We are what we are and we play a style that's conducive to who we are. Today we played a style that was good enough to hold on and beat a very good team, a fast team, an athletic team regardless of who is in the game."

Here's post game sound from Miami head coach Randy Shannon. (Thanks Canes All Access)



The University of Miami has not released the condition of Jacory Harris. It is now known if Harris suffered a concussion.

Photo Courtesy: Steve Helber, Associated Press

Saturday, October 30, 2010

TWTW: Florida Beats Georgia In Overtime, Half Of Jax Celebrates...

((HT: FirstCoast News/Jacksonville))

Remember earlier in the week when the powers-that-are up at Sea Island and Saint Simons Island, Georgia were mad about the prospects of all the garbage left behind when Georgia plays Florida...???

The HQ thinks that only half of it will be around since a lot of UGA fans couldn't get out of town fast enough...

A punter kicks the game-winning field goal for the Gators as Florida wins 34-31 in the first ever overtime game in the Cocktail Series...

FOSG Dan Hicken talks very quickly from the field...


Chas Henry kicked the 37-yard field goal that gave Florida the win.

Will Hill intercepted UGA quarterback Aaron Murray in the top of the first overtime, and almost ran it back for the game-winning score. But he was pushed out of bounds at the Georgia 4. The Gators, now 5-3/3-3, got to the 19 in the bottom of the first before Henry's kick.

The win ended a three-game Florida losing streak. The Bulldogs, now 4-5/3-4, last played in an overtime game in 2007. The Gators hadn't played an overtime game since a 49-42 win against Vanderbilt in 2005, which ended in double overtime.

TWTW: Cocks Big Fourth Gives Vols 4th Loss In A Row

((HT: WBIR-TV Knoxville))

After three quarters in Columbia, South Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina were tied at 24.

The Gamecocks then hit Alshon Jeffrey on a 70-yard touchdown and added a one yard Stephen Garcia run to keep Carolina in control of its destiny in the SEC East.

South Carolina is 6-2/4-2 in conference play with Arkansas and Florida left on their schedule. A win over the Gators would give the Gamecocks their first SEC East division crown.

Yeah, good luck with that one...

Vols head coach Derek Dooley was none too pleased with Matt Simms' turnovers, so he was benched in favor of Tyler Bray at quarterback for the second half. Simms, in turn, was none too pleased with the benching.

Tough you-know-what...

Tennessee is now 2-6, the worst start for the Vols since beginning 0-6 in 1988.

Kris Budden filed quickly from the Fairgrounds...

New Mexico State Wins On The Last Play Of The Game

Those of us at the OSG HQ have been wondering if they knew had to play football in the state of New Mexico. The Lobos have been lousy for quite a while. The NM State Aggies haven't been much better. Saturday New Mexico State gave Aggie fans a homecoming thrill against San Jose State.

NMSU wide receiver Taveon Rogers caught an 8 yard touchdown pass with no time left on the clock as New Mexico State beat San Jose State 29-27 and is a hero in Las Cruces.

"It's just all the struggles we've had, these guys continue to work. We made some adjustments this week and it's great to see these kids win a football game." New Mexico State head coach DeWayne Walker said.

Here's the highlights. (Thanks AggieVision/ESPN.com)



And post game highlights as well. (Thanks AggieVison/Youtube.com)

Tulsa Takes Care Of A Notre Dame Team In Mourning

It's been a really tough week for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. The tragic death of school photographer Declan Sullivan on Wednesday cast a pall over the Notre Dame football program and the entire university. The Golden Helmets were shined with a tribute sticker for Sullivan as the Irish took on the Golden Hurricane of Tulsa.

Early in the game Notre Dame quarterback Dayne Crist injured his knee and is reportedly out for the season.

Then losing to Tulsa 28-27 added a surreal end.

"Obviously a very difficult loss for our football team." Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly said. "Certain pales in comparison to the unimaginable sorrow we had this week in the loss of Declan Sullivan. As a father of three, I can only imagine the sorrow that accompanies the loss of your son. So it's been a very difficult time for me and everybody within our football family."

Meanwhile this was a huge win for Tulsa. It's been 14 years since the Golden Hurricane had defeated a BCS automatic qualifying school.

"Today was a big day for the University of Tulsa." Tulsa head coach Todd Graham said. "Really proud of our kids. Just came in as a team. The effort that went into putting together, I can't put into words how much this means to our program."

Here's the highlights and post game from South Bend. (Thanks NBC Sports)






Photo Courtesy: Tulsa World

TWTW: Nebraska Brings Mizzou Back To Reality

((HT: KSHB-TV Kansas City))

Roy Helu Jr. rushed for a school-record 307 yards and Number 14 Nebraska knocked 7th-ranked Missouri from the ranks of the unbeatens with a 31-17 victory.

Helu surpasses guys like Mike Rozier and Calvin Jones on only 26 carries. He had three scores from over 50 yards in length, and has six of those this year.

The Cornhuskers, now 7-1/3-1 raced out to a 24-0 lead and into a first-place tie with the Tigers in the Big 12 North. Nebraska ended a 13-game losing streak against Top 10 teams.

Missouri, now also 7-1/3-1 was off to its best start since 1960. The Tigers have lost 17 straight road games against Top 25 opponents since 1997...

Enough stats for you...???
Here's one more... Blaine Gabbert was 18-for-42 on the day and got sacked six times.

Here's your highlights, thanks to our friends at NBCActionNews...
Justin Unell sits at the adult table...


Oh, those of you freaking out about Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez's injury...???
Bo Pelini says that his right knee is just "bruised" and he'll be okay for the Iowa State game next week.

Of course, it's just a bruise...

TWTW: Oke State Plows Past K-State

((HT: newsok.com))

Oklahoma State outgained Kansas State 511-289, and the largeer question was the idea of a Cowboys offense without WR Justin Blackmon. Blackmon was serving a one-game suspension for alleged drinking and driving shenanigans last MOnday.

All Blackmon was was the nation's leader in receiving yards per game, total receiving yards, scoring and touchdown catches

But after a 7-7 halftime score, OSU QB Brandon Weeden, No. 2 in the nation in yards passing per game, would wrap up 22 of 39 for 298 yards and two TD's. One was to Michael Harrison with a 15-yarder in the second quarter and Josh Cooper in the third quarter. Kendall Hunter ran for 143 yards on 28 carries.

Jenni Carlson and Brandon Chatmon discuss...

Will Ferrell Does Not Like A Duck

((HT: ESPN))

We all know that Will Ferrell is a big USC alum and big supporter at all costs...

He was the "guest picker" on the four-letter's early Saturday morning preview show.

Lee Corso loves him some duck, but Ferrell does not like him some same duck...
Here's your proof...

Texans Front Office Going Through Player Lockers For PED's

So, you lose two of your heavyweight players to suspensions for using Performing Enhancing Drugs... what do you do to keep it from happening again...???

If you're Houston Texans owner Bob McNair, you go on constant patrol in your employee's lockers to make sure there aren't any more shenanigans...

Here's FOSG Mark Berman standing indoors in front of a monitor...


Is this invasion of privacy, or since they're employees, can the Texans do what they damn well please to look after their bottom loine in their business affairs...???

What say you...???

Big East Football Classic..... Sort of. UConn Finally Defeats West Virginia In Overtime

If we kept track of BCS conference standings, and here at the OSG HQ we do, then the Big East Conference would be dead last well behind 5th place ACC.

For the past few years West Virginia has been the lone bright spot in the Big East. The Mountaineers have challenged teams from conferences from the upper half of the BCS food chain and won. Of course that was during the Rich Rodriquez era in Morgantown. The Bill Stewart era has tried to maintain the status quo in Mountaineerland but it just hasn't happened. That's too bad because West Virginia's fans are as passionate as they come.

West Virginia had never lost to Connecticut, until Friday night when an overtime 27 yard field goal by Dave Teggart gave the Huskies a 16-13 win over the Mountaineers.

"I'm proud of everyone and it feels good to beat West Virginia for the first time in seven years." Connecticut head coach Randy Edsall said.

"Tough Loss, I hate it dearly, the Mountaineers played hard, but it was very disappointing." West Virginia Head Coach Bill Stewart said. "Maybe the UConn Huskies fans rushing the field all around us will linger in their mind and hopefully they do not have that feeling too many times during their career at West Virginia."

Here's the game winning field goal and post game sound from WTIC-TV. (Thanks WTIC-TV/FoxCT/Hartford Courant)

 

Photo Courtesy: Hartford Courant)

Family Asking For Leads In Nick Turner Disappearance

((HT: MyFox Atlanta))

The HQ remembers covering Nick Turner as a lightning-quick running back during his high school time at Washington High School in the city of Atlanta. We also remember his troubled time at Mississippi State after that, and we also remember his disappearance from late August.

Turner's family has now gone public to ask for help in getting some closure to the case...

Doug Evans catches up with the family and his girlfriend...

OSG High: Kansas FB Player Dies On Field, Concussion To Blame...???

((HT: KSHB-TV Kansas City, KC Star/Sullinger, Cooper))

Kansas high school footballer Nathan Stiles was playing his first game back for Spring Hill High School since returning from a concussion when he collapsed on the sideline of Spring Hill’s game at Osawatomie ((KS)) High School.

A woman who says her son plays on the Osawatomie team told KSHB-TV that her son saw Nathan intercept an Osawatomie pass and get hit on the play. Her husband, who was standing on the sidelines, says he saw Nathan walk to the sidelines and collapse.

District superintendent Dr. Bart Goering confirmed Stiles collapsed on the sideline, but would not comment on the potential origin of his injury.

"It was just a routine play. I don't think there was anything special," Spring Hill head coach Anthony Orrick told the Miami County Republic after the game. "I think he just hit the ground pretty hard with his head. He came on the sideline and told one of my assistants, 'my head is really hurting.' He sat down on the bench. He then stood up, but his legs went underneath him and collapsed there."

Chris Hernandez leads team coverage...


Stiles would have turned 18 on Tuesday...
Here's the statement from Stiles family...
More when we know more...

Brad Richards Makes A Hole

((HT: NHL Video/FS Stars))

And, to do that and not break the whole sheet of plexi is pretty talented...

Kings and Stars...

Ready, aim, fire...

Friday, October 29, 2010

Rivers Confirms West-Wafer Fight

((HT: NECN))

Before the Knicks-Celtics game Friday, Celtics guard Von Wafer denied knowledge of any fight with him and Delonte West at the morning shoot-around.

Doc Rivers, when asked, said something different...

“There was a fight. That's all you need to know,” he said. “I'm not thrilled with it, but it happened. We'll handle it."

HOOPSWORLD.com initially reported West punched Wafer back in the Celts locker room following another over-the-top two-on-two game after practice.

Apparently, it's not the first time... and with both of them having non-guaranteed contracts, they could both get blown out very quickly...

Here's Rivers addressing what Wafer denied...

Slain Pace FB Player Has Funeral On Birthday

((HT: MyFoxBoston))

At least 1,000 people are expected at the funeral of Pace University football player DJ Henry, including Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown and DJ's Pace University football teammates. DJ's father says he's looking forward to the service.

Henry was killed two weeks ago when police officers fired at his car outside a bar in the town of Thornwood, New York, near the school itself. Police say they were forced to shoot after DJ drove his car at officers. But witnesses have said Henry was simply trying to move his car out of a fire lane and was no threat.

The Henry family questions the use of deadly force and how he was treated after he was shot. A thorough investigation is underway.

Family attorney Michael Sussman is still on a bit of a rampage here...

Fox Boston's early morning coverage is from inside...

Notre Dame Celebrates Declan Sullivan

((HT: WSBT-TV))

Deputy Coroner Chuck Hurley told WSBT-TV that he has ruled the death of Declan Sullivan an accident and said that the cause was blunt force trauma to the head, chest and abdomen.

Hundreds stood outside the doors of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart as the capacity of the church (around 1,000) was reached long before the service started.

Inside, Sullivan's dorm mates from Fisher Hall sat together, as did residents of Lewis Hall, where Sullivan's sister, a freshman, lived. The football team filled at least eight pews in the back of the church.

Sullivan's family was also in attendance.

"Notre Dame has lost another son," said the Rev. Thomas P. Doyle, CSC, Notre Dame's vice president for student affairs.

Here's WSBT's coverage, John Paul was outside the Basilica of the Sacred Heart...
 

Thursday, October 28, 2010

New Dog And His Second-Hand Weed

((HT: NBC Bay Area))

Newy Scruggs is the main sports guy for the NBC affilaite in Dallas...

And, when your team makes it to the biggest game of the year ((if your boss isn't freaking out about the bottom line)), your news team gets to go.

New Dog got to do a live shot outside the Giants ballpark, but he got a little more than he bargained for in the olfactory sense...

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/video.



Yes, New Dog, dey smokin' weed...

Broadus Behavior Begats Binghamton Buyout

((HT: WBNG-TV Binghamton, NY))

Binghamton University has bought out the contract of former men's basketball coach Kevin Broadus, who gave the program its quick success and its equally quick downfall.

In exchange for his resignation and the withdrawing of all claims, ideas of lawsuits, and anything else Broadus may have ever had in mind, he gets a $1.2 million
settlement. Binghamton University will pay, roughly, three-quarters of the amount (($819,115)) and the State University of New York will pay the other quarter (( $380,884)).

Remember, back in July, Broadus started pointing at racial discrimination as his reason for all the bad things going his way on campus...


He and his attorneys also were on the track of getting Broadus his job back after an NCAA investigation found no wrongdoing.

The program came into the national spotlight after star guard Emanuel "Tiki" Mayben was busted on charges of selling crack cocaine. Five other players were later dismissed and Broadus was suspended with pay for making illegal contact with recruits.

Now, a lot of people wonder whether or not Binghamton should even have a D1 hoops program anymore after what happened...

DEVELOPING: Nevada And Fresno Stay In WAC Til 2012

Nevada and Fresno State have agreed to play one more season in the Western Athletic Conference than they initially intended. They now will transfer to the Mountain West Conference in 2012.

The schools wanted to make the change for the 2011 seasons, but WAC officials filed a lawsuit that said they "failed to provide proper notice" to change their conference affilation and would owe $5 million.

WAC Commissioner Karl Benson has announced they've reached an agreement that allows the schools to make the jump effective June 30, 2012, for a buyout of $900,000 each.

More when we know more...

If you're interested, here's the agreement... thanks to our friends at ABC30 in Fresno...

DEVELOPING: OSHA Investigating Notre Dame Accident

((HT: WSBT-TV South Bend))

Indiana's workplace safety agency ((their version of OSHA)) is investigating the death of the Notre Dame student after the tower from which he was filming football practice fell over.

Declan Sullivan of Long Grove, Illinois, died at hospital yesterday after the scissor lift the 20-year-old student was in was in toppled amid winds gusting over 50 miles per hour.

Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration spokesman and FOSG Marc Lotter says the agency had an investigator on the scene in South Bend. He says it's too early to say when the agency, which has the authority to levee fines, might release a report.

WSBT's Alyssa Rossomme seems to be outside, freezing in the dark...
 

MIDDAY UPDATE: Kristen Bien was on campus for the noon show...
The University held a press conference at 2PM eastern...
When that video becomes available, we'll get it to you...
 

October-November Classic: Texas Kid Wearing Orange...

((HT: WFAA-TV))

And it's not why you think...

Sure, he puts out the Giants gear and hangs out with Aubrey Huff...

But Huff has north Texas ties and he got paired with cancer fighter Joe Turner...

Huff has been supportive of the Turner's fight as soon as he found out about it.

Casey Turner has the details...

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

BREAKING: Graham James Arrested

((HT: Fan 590/Toronto))

According to the Fan Radio Network, convicted sex offender Graham James surrendered to police at Toronto International Airport Wednesday and was immediately transported to Winnipeg, Manitoba where he has been wanted on nine charges of sexual assault.

More when we know more...

But, in the interim, here's what all the James-chasing is all about...
((HT: CBC/Youtube))


NHL'er Theoren Fleury came public with details involving the abuse Fleury charges James with on his end... George Stroumboulopolus sits down with Fleury...
((HT: CBC's "The Hour"/HockeyHaven76))


Part Two is here...

Is Charlotte In NBA Contraction Crosshairs...???

((HT: FoxCharlotte.com))

Late last week, you remember NBA commissioner David Stern mentioning the possibility of contracting teams to make up for the US$800-million he wants to trim from his losses...???

As a result, the Boston Globe reports three teams- Charlotte, Memphis, and New Orleans Hornets- could be the first three off the books... one of those "anonymous sources" agreed on the three teams mentioned above...

The Bobcats ranked 22nd in attendance last season, the Hornets ranked 23rd, and the Grizzlies 28th.

Charlotte could be oh-for-two if this happens...

Fox Charlotte Steve Lyerly has some immediate feedback...


The idea behind Stern's "$800M number" is, realistically, more like him wanting to cut $500M or so. Trimming two of the three franchises could do that.

According to Forbes Magazine's franchise evaluations from 2009, the Bobcats, the Griz, and the Hornets were 25th, 29th, and 28th in value, respectively.

Charlotte ((US$278M)) had US$15M less in operating revenue than the year before. The Griz ((US$257M)) value dropped 13-percent, and the Hornets ((US$267M)) dropped 6-percent in value.

Short of the Nets before the Prokhorov sale, each had the three highest debt rankings in the league. Stern would be cutting dead weight, and the HQ thinks the Griz Michael Heisley would mind the least.

More when we know more...

DEVELOPING: Irish Student Dies After Tower Collapse

((HT: WSBT/WNDU-TV South Bend))

A 20-year-old student of Notre Dame died Wednesday afternoon when a video tower at the north end of the team's practice field collapsed in the high winds.

The student was taping practice from a hydraulic scissor lift when the accident happened.

The tower fell through a fence and is lying in the street between the practice field and the tennis courts.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” said Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., Notre Dame’s president. “Our hearts go out to the student’s family and friends and our prayers and profound sympathies are with them during this incredibly difficult time. The loss of someone so young is a terrible shock and a great sadness. Our entire community shares in the family’s grief.”

The identity of the student is not being released pending notification of family members.

Here's the breaking news from our friends at WNDU-TV

Dave Lamont Has A Meltdown For The Ages

((HT: Brooks))
Dave Lamont has been know to do a game or two for the four-letter and get some serious, decent-game face time...

That may come to a screeching halt in the near future...

Ya'see, Lamont does the games for Florida Atlantic, and went off a cliff Saturday screaming about a penalty that wasn't called as the FAU QB almost got beheaded...

Here's a bit of the audio...
Make sure the kids are out of the room...


Lamont has apologized to Sun Belt Commissioner Wright Waters...

Hear the entire meltdown here... at about the 3:40 mark...

TWTW: Okay... Did Boise Do Enough...???

((HT: KTVB-TV Boise))

That's the question the HQ has to ask now since:
A) They didn't cover the number against Louisiana Tech and,
B) La Tech intercepted Kellen Moore for the second year in a row...

Here's your look back...

"Boomer Sooner" Were Last Words Of Dying Inmate

((HT: Newsok.com- Myers, Davenport))

By all definitions, Jeffrey Landrigan was a bad man...

He had been on death row since in the state of Arizona since his 1990 conviction for a murder that prosecutors said was part of a robbery.

It was the first execution in the state since 2007...

Here's the story of the execution, thanks to our friends at KTVK/AZ3...


It's not what Landrigan did that gets the attention after his passing, but what was said before his passing...

Landrigan's last words, according to the Arizona Department of Corrections:

"Well, I'd like to say thank you to my family for being here and all my friends, and Boomer Sooner," he said.

And you thought college football was only a pasttime on Saturdays...
Only in America...

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Michael Kolb, Kevin Vick: It's A Beautiful Deal...

DJ Steve Porter is a favorite here at the HQ...

What LSUfreek does for video, Porter does for megamixes...
Now, Porter tackles the Philadelphia Eagles QB situation...

Here's his latest...

OSG Polls: The Dirty Dozen and Bottom of the Barrel...and the walls came down....

We are doing this a day early, due to a busy Wednesday early morning schedule and that whole having to go back to work thing.

Last weeks dozen featured some surprises, some not so much and lots of college football fun. Even though we haven't always picked it, we've been pretty spot on about most teams this season as the cream slowly rises to the top. But don't be surprised if things change...yet again, in the next 4 weeks. And no, the BCS is for morons. We don't even know who half their damn computers belong to, never mind why they have a voice in all this.

So with that being said; in this weeks clip, the Dozen have to fight for their lives as they begin working towards their mission. Thanks for the clip YouTube:



Last week, we again had a pretty damn good week. 13-2, making us 79-14 for the season. I should be in Vegas Jerry, Vegas I tell ya!

With that out of the way...as Casey always says "On with the countdown!".

The Dirty Dozen:


1) Oregon 7-0. Now we get to find out what they've got. No doubt they can score on anyone, but they haven't stopped many people either. We think this week is a trap if we've ever seen one. It really kills us to pick our pal Kiffykins to beat anyone...but he will. This Week: USC 31, Oregon 30  UPSET!!!

2) Boise St. 6-0. We've said week after week that they are the best in all the land. Eventually someone is going to verify what we are saying. They just need to keep holding serve...and they will. This Week: See last weeks picks, where we picked them to beat La.Tech. 51-13


3) Auburn 8-0. Yeah, that was impressive what they did to Les' Damn fine team...Cam Newton is the real deal. But like his 1st version, Tebow, eventually the hits are going to catch up to him. Not this week though, even if it smells like a trap, it's not. This Week: Cam Newton 34, Ole Miss 21


4) TCU 8-0. We keep saying to watch out for these guys. They, like Boise are pretty damn good. You don't want them with time for them to prepare. This Week: TCU 41, UNLV 10


5) Michigan St. 8-0. Props to the fighting D'Antonio's for taking care of business by any means necessary. They seem to be the best of the Big 10/12--at least for now. Eventually, like all Big 10/12 teams they will lose a game they shouldn't. This Week: Michigan St. 28, Iowa 23


6) Utah 7-0. This is the rare MWC team that may be better on D than O. Everything for them will hang on what happens next week, but they better not overlook this weeks game. This Week: Utah 41, Air Force 27


7) Missouri 7-0. Wow! Everyone sure jumped on their bandwagon fast. We think this is a good, not great team. And last week, Oklahoma was proven not to be as good as everyone thought--we said that they weren't. This Week: Nebraska 31, Missouri 28


8) Alabama 7-1. They don't get to be ranked ahead of an undefeated team...yet. They just need to take care of business and let the cards fall where they may. They seemed to get on track again last week. This Week: Alabama 18, LSU 16


9) Nebraska 6-1. We still can't figure out how Texas beat them. Neither can they. They have their destiny in their own hands at this point. Win out, they are in the Big 12/10 Championship...and may be the Big 12/10 Champ. This Week: See #7


10) Ohio St. 7-1. Okay, so we let them creep back in. We just don't think they are all that, but the pollsters...and the computers think they must be because they play in the underachieving Big 10/12. We call "Bullshit". This Week: Ohio St. 43, Minnesota 7


11) Oklahoma 6-1. Ok. We slammed them, then picked them to win last week knowing full well we shouldn't. Our bad. They get points because, well, they are Oklahoma. And aside from Nebraska, nobody else in the Big 12/10 is worth a crap. This Week: Oklahoma 43, Colorado 24


12) Florida St. 6-1. Yes, Jon, I did it. You are cursed now. Thank you very much! It's only because we refuse to put the other alleged contenders in here. We don't believe...in any of them. They'll win the ACC, because nobody else wants to. This Week: FSU 33, NC State 27


The Bottom of the Barrel: 


**Special Congrats to Western Kentucky for taking out 26 games of frustration on TLB's alma mater, Louisiana-Lafayette. If you can beat a decent team 54-27, you graduate from the Bottom of the Barrel.**

5) Florida 4-3. They were here last week, and thankfully, didn't have to score against the bye. So by virtue of being off, they don't get to leave...yet. We are very curious if the week off gave them time to figure out the problems, because everyone else already has. Plus, this is our all-time favorite week for them...and Georgia. This Week: Georgia 37, Florida 35


4) Memphis 1-6. Betcha' thought we forgot about you Barbecue boys...uh...no, hardly. You truly are one of the worst teams in College Football. Despite Fred Smith's best attempts at buying your way into the Big Least, you aren't worthy...and that's saying something. This Week: Houston 51, Memphis 7


3) New Mexico St. 1-6. No, like we said last week, beating New Mexico hardly qualifies you to get out of this. Face it, you just aren't very good. And sadly, you are playing a team this week that's almost as bad. This Week: San Jose St. 3, New Mexico St. 2


2) Akron 0-8. Not a good time to be living in Akron. First you lose hometown boy LeBron James to Miami, then, your only sporting hope turns out to be abysmally bad. The good news is after this week, there are only 3 more losses left. And then it will be winter time. Enjoy the snow! This Week: Temple 37, Akron 10


1) New Mexico 0-7. We seriously are considering them for the Bottom of the Barrel Hall of Fame. Really, what more can we say. Somehow, Mike Locksley is still employed and they continue with what they claim is football. Look at the story we did on the University of New Orleans basketball team, they are far more worthy of staying in Division I than these clowns. This Week: Colorado St. 41, Ron Mexico 6


And with that, we move on to another week. Believe me when I say it was hard to pick Kiffykins to beat Oregon, but this smells like a trap game with USC coming off of a bye and at home. Do you agree with these choices? If not, let us know, we'd be happy to post your picks too.

DEVELOPING: Justin Blackmon leading NCAA in Receiving, receives a DUI

Justin Blackmon's mug shot/Courtesy: carrollton police
It's been a rough week for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. On Saturday, they got manhandled by the Nebraska Cornhuskers, ruining their undefeated season.

And then there's this. Wide Receiver Justin Blackmon, a potential All-american candidate, leading the NCAA in multiple receiving statistics, was arrested early this morning while speeding through Carrollton, Texas...and charged with DUI. Before you ask, Blackmon was apparently at Jerry World, watching former teammate and current Dallas Cowboy Dez Bryant play on Monday Night Football.

Read more from NewsOK.com RIGHT HERE

This...well, there really isn't anything good that can be said about this. We don't know what Blackmon's status is for the next game...or games. Oklahoma State, for their part, didn't say much, apparently Coach Mike Gundy ducked his media interviews for the day. The school did release a statement, essentially saying...."No comment".

We don't normally hammer on athletes for occasionally making mistakes, because they do happen and since they are athletes, it gets magnified. However, this was just plain stupid. The one question not asked in all of this is where Blackmon got his tickets...or was he on the sidelines?

Either way...big problem, we'll see when, if or how it gets addressed in the next couple of days.

Here's how our friends at KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City addressed it...
Joleen Chaney is on campus with students...
 

Remember what we always say about things that happen after 1AM...???

Could there be no more cowbell?

A Mississippi St. Cowbell/courtesy: autumnspectacle.com
It appears that Mississippi State's tradition of ringing cowbell's in appreciation...or distraction during football games may be coming to an end.

Apparently the school and the SEC came to some sort of agreement this summer putting restrictions on when the bells could be used. Mississippi State apparently did not stick to the agreement and the SEC is going to heavily fine the school for it.

Read more from the Jackson Clarion-Ledger RIGHT HERE

While we understand the SEC's position on this, we think the whole argument is just plain stupid. And un-necessary. The league has and should be all about its traditions...and like it or not, that's one of them. The teams understand it.

Are they a distraction? Sure. So is a really loud band and crowd. And amplified music. Pretty much every SEC stadium has speakers to amplify cheerleader calls, band music and internal stadium music. Trust us, we've been to almost all of the stadiums. My ears rang for a week after being on the field at South Carolina's Williams-Brice stadium. Not from the crowd noise. From the giant speakers in the corner of the end-zone amplifying the noise.

In the end Mississippi State will lose this argument. They can say all they want that they'll teach fans the proper time for "More Cowbell". But that won't work. Fans will do what fans want to do when they want to do it. The only solution if the SEC considers it a problem, is the one they are headed towards...banning them completely.

Here is some home video of the cowbells from the Auburn/Miss.St. game from September. Thanks YouTube:



And we'd be remiss, if we didn't post the classic SNL Skit....Thanks Funnyordie.com:


UNO prepares for move to D-III from D-I

Coach Pasternack at practice//courtesy: michael democker/nola.com
You kind of feel for the folks at the University of New Orleans and their coach Joe Pasternack. For that matter we aren't sure if we've ever heard of something like this happening. The University of New Orleans will make the move from NCAA Division I to Division III next season. However, they still have to get through 1 more year in Division I.

UNO this year, will feature 1 scholarship player.

Read more from NOLA.com about this story RIGHT HERE

While we understand the UNO administrations logic for the move, we empathize with the coach and his players. They still have to play a D-I schedule with a bunch of cast-offs, walk-ons and transfers who don't need the scholarships.

The Privateers will still play a somewhat full schedule and have, the past couple of years been a serious threat in the Sun-Belt conference. We aren't sure that will happen again.

Coach Pasternack, we are cheering for your guys. We hope you have a successful season and maybe even make a post-season tournament. Best of luck to you this year.

Check out this 2009 Promotional Video for Season ticket holders. Thanks leffleragency/YouTube:



And here's a piece WWL TV's Bigad Shaban did back in December when all of this talk first started...

Monday, October 25, 2010

BREAKING: Dooley Compares Vols To Germans During Normandy

((HT: WVLT-TV Knoxville))

In his weekly press conference, Vols head coach Derek Dooley compared his inexperienced team's struggles to the Germans during the Allied invasion of Normandy.

Dooley specifically referenced the Americans landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day and the Germans' slow reaction.

Or, at least, his interpretation...

Dooley said "...we're like the Germans in World War II ... like, 'Oh my God, the invasion is coming."' Dooley added that he didn't "want the German people to get upset at me. I'm not attacking (them), but that's what happened."

Decide how you want to feel about it...
Here's the presser, in its entirety, thanks to our friends at WBIR-TV in Knoxville...

LeBron's interesting Nike commercial

LeBron James//Courtesy: jushustle.com
Though we face the risk of drawing the ire of brother Jon for posting this, we found this too interesting to just leave alone.

No, we've been on the record saying how appalled we were by the whole LeBron/ESPN "Decision" infomercial and in fact mock it every chance we get. However, unlike some other critics, we do respect his right to go play for another team.

It's never been about the what...or really the why, but rather the how he did it that infuriated us...along with most of the rest of the sports world, particularly the people of Cleveland whom he humiliated for 60 minutes. We don't know why he couldn't just go to Miami, have his press conference there and say he decided that he needed a change.

To his credit he has admitted he could've handled it better. However...at the same time, rather than just let it go away...he keeps bringing the whole issue up...again and again.

With that in mind, check out this interesting Nike spot. As usual it is a top-flight production and LeBron says some interesting things. But the main reason for posting this.....they found Don Johnson!

Take a look. Thanks Nikebasketball/YouTube:

Del Zotto Breaks A Camera With A Wrister

((HT: MSG/NHL.COM))

See, this even happens in hockey...
With smaller cameras...
It took great aim to pull this off...

The Rangers are off and running this year...
Michael Del Zotto... between two devils, and into the lens...Boom!

Allen Iverson is taking his talents to.....wait for it....Turkey!

Allen Iverson/Courtesy: NBAE/Getty Images
Surprisingly, there wasn't a 60-minute infomercial on ESPN with this announcement. Okay, so it was just a  report on Yahoo Sports, but still.

Former NBA All-star and notorious not-so good guy Allen Iverson appears to have signed a deal to play basketball this season in Turkey.

Read the story from Yahoo Sports...RIGHT HERE

Granted, the deal is heavy on incentives and is only for 2-years. But still we find this story amusing. Yes, we have dealt with Mr. Iverson...well him and his entourage before and came away decidedly unimpressed.

For his part, we don't think that Iverson realizes why it is that nobody in the NBA will touch him so maybe he'll play really well in Istanbul but not Constantinople (80's song by They Might be Giants). We think that Iverson's days are...and have been done.

Of course...not mentioned in the contract details...how much does he have to practice.

Remember this? Thanks YouTube:

The New Jersey Nets do their part to help Eric LeGrand

Eric LeGrand injured on this play/courtesy: Mel Evans/Ap-Syracuse.com
Sometimes athletes...and teams just do good stuff because they can. A prime example of this is what the New Jersey Nets did today for paralyzed Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand.

The Nets in conjunction with guard Devin Harris's 34 Ways to Assist Foundation donated $75,000 to the Eric LeGrand fund.

Read more from Fanhouse.com RIGHT HERE

The fund, established by Rutgers university is to help LeGrand and his family pay for what is going to be a lengthy and expensive rehab.

Big props to the Nets for doing this. We hope that more teams will contribute and help those that need it.

If you look at the right column of our website, you too can contribute to the LeGrand fund...follow the link to learn how.

Jonathan Byrd...with the walk off....Hole in One!

Jonathan Byrd after his hole in 1/Courtesy: jessica ebelhar/lvjr.com
Believe it or not. Much like a baseball player winning a game with a home run, Jonathan Byrd won a golf tournament in similar fashion.

To set the stage, Byrd is on the 4th extra hole of a playoff at the Justin Timberlake Shriner's Hospital's for Children's open. The two players he was tied with, Martin Laird and Cameron Percy. With the light fading, they decided to go to that 4th hole, the 17th on the TPC Summerlin course in Las Vegas.

What happened next...well, Byrd hit last on the hole and hit it close. And in. Hole in One. Byrd wins. Game over.

Read more from PGA.com RIGHT HERE

And if you don't have the time to read the story...watch the video. Thanks PGATour.com:

Dwight Howard gets dunked in New Smyrna Beach....

Howard getting baptized/courtesy: michelle hughes via orlando sentinel
((ht: orlando sentinel))

No, not dunked on. Dunked. Dwight Howard has not made a secret of his faith and how important it is in his life. It's one of the things we respect most about him.

Well, apparently, Sunday afternoon, he re-affirmed that faith when he was baptized just south of New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Read more from OrlandoSentinel.com RIGHT HERE

We've talked at length about covering Dwight since he was a mere pup in Atlanta. When he talks about his faith and what it means, he isn't kidding. Many say it for effect. There are precious few athletes that walk the walk, though many can talk it.

 We can only imagine the sight of the 6-11, 250lb. Howard wading into the ocean and getting dunked in the water. For anyone sitting on that beach it must of been very strange.

This video shows why, you might want to be worried about Howard this year, he trained this offseason with "The Dream"...Hakeem Olajuwon. And he does a nifty impression. Thanks dr34mshake and drm34.com and YouTube: