Meee - chigan Gets Purdoosied, No Bowl For You

1967, the year of the first Super Bowl, Lyndon Johnson was the President, I was born and the Michigan Wolverines had a losing season. It would be Michigan last losing season until.... Saturday.

Purdue defeated Michigan Saturday 48-42 thanks to a trick play, a hook and lateral thus guarenteeing Michigan's first losing season since 1967. Michigan is now 2-7 on the year, 1-4 in the Big 10. Oh yea, Michigan's streak of 33 straight bowl games is over as well. Rich Rodriquez might want to down a bunch of Boilermakers are his favorite watering hole.

The last Michigan coach to led the Maize and Blue to a losing season was the forgettable Bump Elliott in 1967. a year later, Elliott was bumped off and Bo Schembechler took over and you know the rest of the story.

Somewhere up in the heavens, Bo is steaming wondering what the hell is going on and thinking God he didn't live to see this.

Photo Courtesy: JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/Detroit Free Press

College Basketball Predictions: Atlantic 10 Conference

Of all the mid-majors, the Atlantic 10 may be the best top to bottom. Potentially, 6 or 7 A-10 teams could see post season play. 14, yes there are 14 teams in the A-10 (that new math again), back to my thought, 14 could be 1 in the league. A-10 fans, here’s your forecast.

Best Team In The A-10: Xavier Musketeers
The core of Xavier’s 30 win season a year ago, Stanley Burrell, Josh Duncan and Drew Lavender have moved on however there is still plenty of talent. Derrick Brown and C.J. Anderson return and give X a outstanding frontcourt. The challenge for the Musketeers will be in the backcourt but a pair of highly touted freshman, Terrell Holloway and Mark Lyons should fill those roles. Head coach Sean Miller could have move on to bigger and better things but got a contract extension through 2018, that’s job security. Xavier knows they have a good thing with Miller calling the shots.

Best Player In The A-10: Dionte Christmas – Temple
He has been a gift for the Owls. Twice Christmas has led the league in scoring. Last season he averaged 19.7 PPG to lead the A-10. No one has ever led the A-10 in scoring 3 times and Christmas is going for it. He is the best NBA prospect in the league.

Team That Could Surprise – Saint Joseph
How could you not like Phil Martelli, he’s entertaining. Check out his coaches show if you get a chance. Make no mistake, Martelli can coach and has a strong team again this year that’s not getting much pre-season respect. If things fall right for the Hawks they will challenge Xavier for the league title.

Who Goes Dancing: Xavier & Temple

Who Plays For Number 66: Charlotte, St. Joseph’s, Dayton, UMass

A-10 (Actually 14) Points:
The A-10 is a strong league that should get more NCAA bids but with the trend going toward the big conferences, 2 looks like the max. A strong case could be made for 4 out of the A-10. Saint Louis looks like the team on the upswing. Through the Billikens couldn't score last year, they have some more talent this year to go with their outstanding backcourt and a new arena to play in. By the way, do you know what a Billiken is?

Photo Courtesy: AP

Your Weekly David Frost Trial Update

Neco Cockburn's coverage of the David Frost trial in Napanee, Ontario continues today with two more witnesses in the sexual exploitation trial. In the Ottawa Citizen article the former player under examination Thursday denied being under any control by Frost while Frost was the coach for the Quinte Hawks in 1997.

From the Cockburn piece...

"In testimony at Mr. Frost's sexual exploitation trial Thursday, both players contradicted evidence from several witnesses when they vehemently denied being controlled by Mr. Frost, seeing him assault other players or participating in three-way sex with their then-girlfriends and former coach."

That player had said previously that there had been a threesome with Mike Jefferson ((now Danton)) and the unnamed player's girlfiend at the time. The second former player testimony detailed an alleged three-way relationship with another player and his own brother, but not one with Frost and/or Jefferson ((Danton)). Both denied any kind of involvement or encouragement by Frost into that kind of activity.

Justice Geoffrey Griffin is expected to give his decision on Nov. 28.

Closing arguments are scheduled for Monday.

Moon over San Francisco

Dropping Trou!

Earlier this week, we showed you interim 49ers Head Coach Mike Singletary's post game press conference/rant after his team lost to Seattle. Well, apparently, as good as the presser/rant was, the speech/rant he gave his team at halftime was better. I'm not sure that I can do it justice here, so check out this story from the Arizona Republic here .

I'm not sure exactly how to follow that up, but all that I can really say is "Good for you Coach". It's about damn time someone got into an NFL players face about the way the game is played. Should have happened sooner.

No, the video below is not of The Samurai dropping the kimono, but it is another example of how Da Niners Coach wants nothing but winners on his staff...

We agree...

((Thanks, msnbc.com and NBC Sports))

The Dirty Dozen Return (with Picks too!)

Starting to Settle

Well, as we approach the end of October and the beginning of November, things are finally beginning to shake out. We have some clarity as to who may be playing in Miami in December, who is just looking for Conference glory and also who probably will be looking for new coaches.

Just so you all know last week's picks I was 12-1 (with one future pick in the bottom that doesn't count yet). That makes us/me 26-8, not bad for an Internet geek, eh? Here's a look at Halloween Weekend:

1. Texas (Just look at how good Colt McCoy has been, that will answer any and all questions. Perhaps McCoy will dress as Superman this week. This Weeks Game: Texas 45, Texas Tech 31)

2. Alabammie (I'm pretty sure Nick Saban's costume will be the Devil...oh wait, I'm kidding...well not really. This Weeks Game: Alabammie 40, Arkansas St. 10) *how does this get on the schedule at this time of year?*

3. State Penn (Ok, so they beat Ohio State. It's the conference people, they are really bad. Gosh, there are so many jokes I could make about Joe Pa's costume, what ever should I do? This Week: State Penn 27, Iowa 14)

4. Oh..klahomer (These guys have been kind of quiet, but are sitting and waiting for an undefeated to lose. Perhaps Bob Stoops will be Batman this year? This Week: Oklahoma 41, Nebraska 23)

5. Florida (I'm still waiting to be convinced about this Track Team. Saturday should be interesting. I don't think they will counter-celebrate against Georgia, but you never know. Perhaps Urban Meyer could be The Joker? This Week: If they score 1st Florida 48, Georgia 27)

6. Georgia (Very good win at LSU last week. This is make or break week for there season and I think that they know it. Picture Mark Richt as Elvis Presley for Halloween! This Week: If they score first UGA 35, Florida 31)

7. Southern Callie (They are not as good as the pollsters think damn it! The PAC 10 may be worse than the big 10. Picture Pete Carroll dressed as Bo Derek in the movie 10! This Week: USC 51, Washington 10)

8. Texas Tech (A good team, not a great team. They will be exposed this week. They will end up with at least 2 losses. Perhaps Mike Leach can be Kenny Rogers as the Gambler? This Week: See #1)

9. Oklahoma State (I kind of like the Fighting Mike Gundy's. As a matter of fact all of OSG likes the Mike Gundy's. However, they weren't quite ready to beat Texas. Maybe Mike Gundy can go dressed up as J-Dub for Halloween? This Week: The Mike Gundy's 37, Iowa State 20)

10. Utah (How'd they get in here? Do they play football? They must be OK if they are undefeated, but like all WAC teams, they will lose eventually. Is it wrong that I don't know who the Coach is. If I did he could dress up like Chrissy Hynde of the Pretenders-good one eh? This Week: Utah 41, New Mexico 12)

11. Boise State (The Fiesta Bowl win seems so long ago, yet Ian Johnson still plays here? Who is he trying to be, Freddy Weygand? Perhaps Chris Peterson can dress up as Ian Johnson? This Week: Boise State 24, New Mexico State 7)

12. Free Shoes University (I couldn't resist. The fighting Bowden's are back and I don't think they've stolen anything this year...have they? Perhaps Bobby can dress up as a Store Clerk this year. This Week: FSU 23, Ga.Tech 19)

The Bottom of the Barrel:

5. Meech-again (I just like the thought of this. Maybe they'll recover next year, but its fun while it lasts. Perhaps Rich Rodriguez can dress up as a guy with Regrets. This Week: Purdue 31, Michigan 21)

4. Syrie-Cyuuuse (Rumor has it the Bye Week beat them last week. Contractual obligations require me to repost this weeks score. Greg Robinson is rumored to be dressing as the invisible man. This Week: Louisville 31, Syracuse 10)

3. SMU (No truth to rumor that they were going to be renamed the Shmoo, cause that would mean they'd be a bad 70's cartoon. Though they are a bad football team. Maybe June Jones will dress as a coach for another team? This Week: Memphis 27, Shmoo 14)

2. Washington State (I just wanted to alternate them with Washington. I'm still waiting for them to announce they are moving...to the NAIA. Ooops, I put this game on last week board too, but don't change the pick. Again, I can't think of the Coaches name, but then again, does it matter? This Week: Stanford Tree 31, Washed State 3)

1t. Washington (Ty Willingham should just walk away. So should college football fans in Washington State. This is a bad football team without much hope. Perhaps Ty can dress up as a Horror Movie Victim this year. This Week: See the USC listing above)

*special sorry note* North Texas. Just look at the story earlier on the blog.

Welcome Home

We Want You!

Because we at the OSG love our pal #7 (Michael Vick to the rest of you) we feel compelled to report the latest in his never ending saga.

Our pal #7 is still serving his federal time in Leavenworth and his state charges are finally coming up to be dealt with in Virginia. Apparently rather than appear in front of a judge by video from Kansas, the judge would like to see Mr. #7 in person.

Check out the story from the Pilot Online here and the Richmond Times-Dispatch here .

Really, this doesn't change a whole lot of things, he's still going to plead guilty when he gets to his homestate. He's probably going to just get probation due to the fact he's already serving time for what he did. He may have some more time to serve away from the NFL after "All" of that and the Jolly Roger gets his opportunity to impose some suspension time.

All we can say is "Stay Tuned"

Just ask our friends at WAVY-TV as they get another round of coverage...

Mary Kay Mallonee reports... and it's a win for 7...???

Have Another Drink Mr. Daly

Yeeeow!

In what can only be described as a shock to well, no one. Occasional PGA Tour Golfer John Daly was found, well a bit intoxicated outside of a Hooters in Winston Salem, North Carolina this past Sunday.

Check out this story from the Winston Salem Journal right here

((thanks Journal, Splash News and others for the photo))

Unfortunately this isn't something new to Daly he just happened to do it somewhere where they can throw him in the drunk tank. It is somewhat amazing that Daly is still part of the PGA Tour, he hasn't been competitive in tournaments for years. However he remains popular even to this day because he has pretty much every vice that you can possibly have and still be called a professional.

Re-Lidge-ous Experience...

Congrats to the world champion Philadelphia Phillies and closer Brad Lidge (pictured, thanks tsn.ca). The Phils won the first ever W.S. rain-delayed Game 5 by defeating the Tampa Bay ((don't say Devil)) Rays 4-3.

The Phils won the Series 4-1, and I'm sure were happy to shut the door on the Rays while still in Citizens Bank Park. The 28-year wait is over...

More coming...

Enjoy the champagne...

Hopefully, friend of OSG/Sports Anchor-Reporter Angela Jacobs can get some rest now...

Oh, yeah... we forgot... it's November Ratings Period now...
Stake your claim to Christmas and New Year's NOW, AJ!!!

Reminder:
Below is what happens when people in Philadelphia are pleased with themselves...

Note To Self: Keep Philadelphia Miserable on Principle...
((HT: walkoffwalk))

Putting the Green in Mean

Recreational Substances

Ok, I couldn't resist this when I saw the headline. Anyone who has followed the Bottom of the Barrel or the Bottom 10 here on the OSG will get a good laugh about the latest escapades of the North Texas Mean Green. It seems a few of the Football Players (15 to be exact) haven't exactly been...shall we say, free of illegal substances or as Coach Todd Dodge puts it "Recreational Substances".


Check out this article from the Denton Record-Chronicle right here

Considering how bad the "Mean Green" are this season one only can wonder if maybe some of Coach Dodge's players were looking to forget about there season. After all having the nations longest losing streak (9 games) will do that to you.

It does make one think about if maybe there was a little "Green" in what the Mean were smokin'. Just sayin'!

Theismann, Eat Your Heart Out...

This is why we don't have college football games on Tuesday nights...
Simply put, you run in to those wagons that hold band gear in the back of the endzones that hadn't been moved by the mid-way point of the third quarter...

See what happens...???
See...???

Wednesday Update: According to Fox 26 in Houston, the Edwards family is considering legal action against Marshall University. Patrick Edwards seems to be cool with the whole situation, but his momma is out for blood.

"I thought I didn't have a son anymore, the way he flipped," said Patricia Edwards, Patrick's mother told Fox 26. "I thought we had lost him. He could have been paralyzed or something."

Patrick's mother said she is considering legal action against Marshall.

"My family, we all talked about it and they are for it," Miss Edwards said. "We are going to talk with the Houston coaches and see what they think about it.

"It could have been prevented. He could have ended his career (Tuesday) night."

One call, that's all...

((HT: thebiglead/ESPN))

College Basketball: Missouri Valley Conference Predictions

Yes I know, we are in the middle of college football season but it’s time to start to look toward college hoops. Our college football predictions proved to be popular (and many of you are viewing them to this day) let’s forecast college basketball. We begin with the Mid-Majors and the Missouri Valley Conference.

Best Team In The MVC: Creighton Blue Jays
Though the Blue Jays are very young they are very good. Creighton returns the Valley’s reigning Newcomer & Freshman of the Year in P’Allen Stinnett and the reigning 6th man of the year in Booker Woodfox. Creighton has the best depth in the Valley and should win their first title since 2002.

Best Player In The MVC: Osiris Eldridge – Illinois State
Eldridge has size and skill, probably the best of that combo in the MVC. He led the league is scoring last year (17.1) and elevating his team to the most conference wins in 10 years and a post season berth (NIT)

Team That Could Surprise: Bradley: The Braves got valuable extra practice time playing in the College Basketball Invitational (remember that). Bradley lost their starting backcourt from last year but the extra practice time may pay dividends. If so the Braves might sneak in the post season picture.

Who Goes Dancing: Creighton & Southern Illinois

Who Plays For Number 66: Illinois State & Drake

Missouri Valley Views: Bradley finished 2nd in the first College Basketball Invitational. I’m sure that banner will have a prime spot in the rafters. As a proud graduate of Missouri State University it hurts to see the Bears at the cellar of the MVC. Cuonzo Martin has a rebuilding job in Springfield but with a brand new facility, the 11,000 seat JQH Arena, and a tremendous fan base, the Bears won’t be down long. I for one will miss the old Hammons Student Center.

Missouri Valley Conference Pre-Season Prediction:

1. Creighton
2. Southern Illinois
3. Illinois State
4. Drake
5. Bradley
6. Northern Iowa
7. Indiana State
8. Evansville
9. Wichita State
10. Missouri State

Photo Courtesy: Illinois State University/goredbirds.com

How Do You Beat A School Record...???

If you're the Shorter Hawks tailback, AJ Cooley, you just get the ball handed to you...

The old record for touchdown from the line of scrimmage was 96 yards... Fabian Daniels...

A few weeks ago against Campbellsville University, Cooley goes for a 98-yard run...
Two weeks later, Cooley breaks it for 99 yards against the University of North Greenville...
Those of us here at OSG HQ don't think he can go any longer...
The video is from the "Shorter Hawks Sports Spotlight"
((HT: Eagle's Nest Productions, Shorter College, and us))

NAIA Football Poll #7 ((Week of October 26th))

1) Carroll College (Mont.) (17) 9-0 392
2) University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) 7-0 377
3) University of Saint Francis (Ind.) 7-0 361
4) Morningside College (Iowa) 7-0 345
5) MidAmerica Nazarene University (Kan.) 7-0 336
6) Friends University (Kan.) 7-0 316
7) Missouri Valley College 6-1 285
8) Northwestern College (Iowa) 7-1 281
9) Lindenwood University (Mo.) 6-1 280
10) University of Virginia's College at Wise 8-1 259
11) University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) 7-1 241
12) Saint Xavier University (Ill.) 6-2 222
13) Langston University (Okla.) 6-2 215
14) Bethel College (Kan.) 6-1 198
15) Northwestern Oklahoma State University 6-2 176
16) Malone University (Ohio) 5-1 157
17) Lambuth University (Tenn.) 6-2 128
18) Jamestown College (N.D.) 6-2 109
19) Ottawa University (Kan.) 6-1 106
20) Dickinson State University (N.D.) 5-3 104
21) Union College (Ky.) 6-2 83
22) Shorter College (Ga.) 6-2 79
23) Saint Ambrose University (Iowa) 5-3 71
24) Baker University (Kan.) 6-2 57
25) Ohio Dominican University 4-3 39

Others receiving votes:
Montana State University-Northern 32; University of St. Francis (Ill.) 14; Black Hills State University (S.D.) 11; Minot State University (N.D.) 5; William Penn University (Iowa) 4; Quincy University (Ill.) 3; Cumberland University (Tenn.) 1; Dakota Wesleyan University (S.D.) 1

Division II Poll ((Week of October 26th))

1. Grand Valley State Lakers (23) 7-0 646
2. Abilene Christian Wildcats (3) 7-0 625
3. Northwest Missouri State Bearcats 7-1 586
4. Bloomsburg Huskies 8-0 560
5. Delta State Statesmen 6-1 552
6t. California (PA) Vulcans 7-1 459
6t. Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs 8-0 459
8. North Alabama Lions 7-1 455
9. Valdosta State Blazers 6-1 450
10. Central Washington Wildcats 7-1 410
11. West Texas A&M Buffaloes 7-1 405
12. Tuskegee Golden Tigers 7-0 357
13t. Chadron State Eagles 7-1 345
13t. Pittsburg State Gorillas 7-1 345
15. Edinboro Fighting Scots 7-1 281
16. Tarleton State Texans 7-1 264
17. Carson-Newman Eagles 5-2 227
18. Central Missouri State Mules 6-2 168
19. American Intl Yellow Jackets 7-0 143
20. Wingate Bulldogs 7-1 127
21. Indiana (PA) Crimson Hawks 5-2 113
22. West Virginia State Yellow Jackets 6-1 86
23. Ashland Eagles 6-2 78
24. West Chester Golden Rams 6-2 61
25. Midwestern State Mustangs 5-2 45

Others receiving votes: Seton Hill, 44; Fayetteville St, 33; Michigan Tech, 25; Arkansas-Monticello, 22; Albany St, 20; Mesa St, 13; Newberry, 11; Colorado School of Mines, 10; North Carolina-Pembroke, 9; Wayne St (MI), 5; East Stroudsburg, 4; Washburn, 3; Catawba, 1; Charleston, 1; Elizabeth City St, 1; Hillsdale, 1.

Willingham To Go Away At UW

Ty Williingham has told the University of Washington he's had enough. Willingham will step as head coach of the Huskies after the 2008 season.

U-Dub is 0-7 this year following Saturday's loss to Notre Dame and has lost 9 in a row, tied with North Texas for the longest losing streak in the country. In 4 seasons Willingham has gone 11-32. Needless to say, he had to go.

"We didn't win enough football games. That's it," Willingham said. "Hopefully we've done all the other things right (and) it's a good strong program for someone to jump into and do things."

Washington athletic director Scott Woodward said he didn't want to change coaches in the middle of the year but today's annoucement ends any speculation about Willingham's status for 2009.

Who will the U-Dub go after. Gary Pinkel could be at the top of the list. Pinkel's mentor is Washington coaching legend Don James.

Photo Courtesy: Nick Doan/Icon SMI

L.J. Charged With Assault

Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson punishes defenders and judging from his behavior off the field, treats women the same way.

Johnson has been charged with simple assault for spitting his drink in a women's face.

Kansas City Police spokesman Darin Snapp said Johnson was charged Monday and turned himself him. He was later released on $500 bond.

The incident happened October 10th at a Kansas City nightclub. The victum reported that Johnson threatened to kill her boyfriend before spitting his drink in her face. Really classy Larry.

It's the 4th time in 5 years Johnson has been accused of assaulting women.

Ladies, stay far away from this Johnson.... and Larry too.

Photo Courtesy: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Analyzing The Samurai

((HT: nfl.com/NFL Network))

It's Deion, Mooch, and Rich...
Apparently, it's good to know that Mike Singletary has an "expectancy..."
Listen in...

Singletary Wants His Niners To Hit People In The Mouth...

All those of us here at OSG HQ want to say is... go for it, dude...

You shoulda had a head coaching gig a long time ago..

Here's your evidence and we're only one press conference into his tenure...

If the 49ers don't give him a full-time gig... and we mean yesterday... someone, please grab this guy and give him the chance to lead...

((HT: nfl.com/NFL Network))

BCS Standings ((Week of October 26th))

1) Texas .9981 1
2) Alabama .9499 2
3) Penn State .9257 3
4) Oklahoma .8270 4
5) USC .7822 5
6) Georgia .7703 7
7) Texas Tech .7431 8
8) Florida .7295 10
9) Oklahoma State .6746 6
10) Utah .6362 11
11) Boise State .6362 12
12) Ohio State .5373 9
13) TCU .5065 14
14) Missouri .4747 15
15) Florida State .3383 25
16) Ball State .3377 20
17) Minnesota .3057 24
18) Tulsa .2966 19
19) LSU .2917 13
20) BYU .2902 21
21) Michigan State .2117 NR
22) North Carolina .2098 NR
23) South Florida .0670 16
24) Oregon .0652 NR
25) UConn .0631 NR

AP Top 25 ((Week of October 26th))

1. Texas Longhorns (65) 8-0 1,625
2. Alabama Crimson Tide 8-0 1,542
3. Penn State Nittany Lions 9-0 1,503
4. Oklahoma Sooners 7-1 1,361
5. Florida Gators 6-1 1,337
6. Texas Tech Red Raiders 8-0 1,280
7. U-S-C Trojans 6-1 1,234
8. Georgia Bulldogs 7-1 1,212
9. Oklahoma State Cowboys 7-1 1,168
10. Utah Utes 8-0 1,027
11. Boise State Broncos 7-0 946
12. T-C-U Horned Frogs 8-1 848
13. Ohio State Buckeyes 7-2 834
14. Missouri Tigers 6-2 791
15. L-S-U Tigers 5-2 649
16. Florida State Seminoles 6-1 558
17. B-Y-U Cougars 7-1 553
18. Ball State Cardinals 8-0 542
19. Tulsa Golden Hurricane 7-0 527
20. Minnesota Golden Gophers 7-1 438
21. North Carolina Tar Heels 6-2 228
22. Michigan State Spartans 7-2 219
23. Oregon Ducks 6-2 188
24. South Florida Bulls 6-2 100
25. Maryland Terrapins 6-2 89

Others receiving votes: West Virginia 73, California 42, Kansas 40, Pittsburgh 33, Connecticut 30, Virginia 25, Georgia Tech 19, Louisville 15, Notre Dame 11, Oregon State 11, Virginia Tech 6, Troy 5, Northwestern 5, Boston College 4, Air Force 4, Navy 2, Arizona 1.