Let Them Play...Let Them Play...Let Them Play

The Coaches Poll essentially kept the Oklahoma State Cowboys from facing off against LSU on January 9th. Well, that was actually the vehicle driven on the BCS highway that fleeced the Cowboys this year from participating in what should be rightly theirs. There was one perfect team in college football this season. The rest of them endured one or more setbacks and endured blemishes. It is the subjectivity of grading blemishes rather than victories that ultimately leads to determining number two which borders on criminality. Don't think it is criminal? Check the dollars involved. We don't know with certainty if Alabama is better than Oklahoma State. But, they are receiving the SEC/pedigree nod over the Pokes. Nothing more, nothing less. Supporters of the sequel will tell you that Alabama earned it. They are lying to you. Period. In college football, Every Game Counts. It is their mantra. It is the BCS slogan. Unless that game took place on November 5, 2011. The "game of the century" did not count. Somehow, all of the other regular season games for the rest of the teams under consideration did manage to count. One thing they all have in common: they have not faced LSU. Yet, the only team to receive a reprieve has. And they lost. At home. As a 6 point favorite. Follow along...

Hear Me Out: LSU Should Forfeit CCG

Get ready. Do you hear that? These are the rumblings from SEC country regarding the fact that LSU has punched their ticket to Atlanta, GA to face the Bulldogs from Athens for the Southeastern Conference Championship. On an even cuter note, they probably do not even need to win the game to advance to the "Mythical National Championship" game to be held in New Orleans on January 9th. Do you know what I would really like to see? Something that could and should occur. Due to the fact that LSU does not need to win the SEC to play for the MNC (go ahead and think about that for a minute), Les Miles and his LSU Tigers should forfeit the game to make a point. He has bigger fish to fry. Georgia has nothing to lose. What if the "Honey Badger" is injured? What if Jordan Jefferson loses his cool and get ejected and suspended for the next game? Why risk injury to one of the marquis starters for a game that has become meaningless? Did you catch that? The SEC Championship Game is virtually meaningless this year. That's right. LSU can lose this game and still punch their ticket to the Superdome this January to square off against the latest team "selected" to play for some apparent title. This is how jacked up the system has become. Bill Hancock's deal with the devil must be a damn good one...

Monday Morning Backup QB

The Bowl Championship Series. I think most of you know where I stand on this issue. The BCS is ruining college football. There are three weeks left in the college football season and only three games remaining matter: OU vs. Pokes...Arkansas vs. LSU...and the SECCG (presumably GA vs. LSU). None of the other games matter. Not a single one. As we all know, if the Pokes and LSU win out, they will meet for the MNC in LSU's back yard down in New Orleans. This will be good for college football.

The Eyes of Bill Hancock Are Upon You

Conference realignment. Bet you are sick and tired of this charade. The latest rumors have Houston, Boise St., Central Florida and others headed for the Big East to help fill the void of the soon to be departed West Virginia Mountaineers. The mad scramble is being driven by the incestuous desire to be affiliated with an Automatic Qualifier conference in the hopes of obtaining BCS riches. It's not about the Longhorn Network or the University of Texas imposing its will in the Big 12. This is the result of not having a true playoff system in place to determine college football's annual champion.

We Hate It Here, See You Next Year?

Missouri is the latest to throw their rivalries from the Big 12 out the window in exchange for what amounts to a similar salary from the SEC. They will also similarly whine and complain as others have, once Kansas tells them to seek out other out of conference scheduling. Make no mistake about it, Kansas is right here, and Missouri is dead wrong. Why should Jayhawk Nation keep playing Missouri if they do in fact bolt for the SEC? Isn't Missouri simply "looking out for number one?"

Monday Morning Backup QB

1. The Texans are simply not that good. We all want them to be. In fact, we are begging them to be. But, they are simply not. They do not have the vocal leadership, defensive toughness, and killer instinct that good and great football teams possess. I've said this before: all organizations take on the personality of the CEO. See Apple, Google, Nike and Facebook for confirmation. Bob McNair is a laid back owner who is tolerant of mediocrity. This team is a reflection of his persona.

The Friday Fivesome

1. Baseball delivered one magical night of drama. There are two occurrences in the regular season where the majority of the sports watching public tunes in to baseball: opening day and the last day of the season if playoff implications are still riding on the game. We received the latter this week with four games ongoing, two playoff positions still undecided, two utter collapses unfolding before our very eyes, and one team refusing to throw its closer which would have probably put Boston in a one game playoff with the Rays. Do you think the Yankees were sticking it to the Red Sox just a little bit? Oh, they will claim they were not doing so. But, we all know better. In a week where I saw Moneyball, this was fitting. At least the Red Sox pinpointed what the problem was as Terry Francona was fired informed that the club would not be activating its option for the next two seasons. Let's fire the guy who managed the club to not one, but two World Series championships. Right. Francona made the Sox play like utter crap for the month of September. Got it. First the Patriots collapse to the Bills and now this? Beantown is in shambles this week.

2. It has been 18 years since the Oilers were in the NFL playoffs. The last appearance was in the Astrodome if my memory serves me correctly and the Joe Montana led Chiefs came into Houston and demoralized a city. This was the year that the Oilers started 1-4, then proceeded to reel off 11 straight wins in the NFL. Quite an accomplishment to say the least. One thing I have always found interesting: how does the city of Houston have Titans fans still in existence? Does Brooklyn root for the LA Dodgers? Does Milwaukee root for the Atlanta Braves? Does San Diego root for the Houston Rockets? No. None of the aforementioned cities embarrass themselves like "Titan fan" does living in Houston. Oh wait...you are all transplants from Nashville. Got it. I digress, where was I? Oh yes, the playoff drought. You will have to excuse the blame game for Texans fans. They are simply irrational at times. The bottom line is this team is still unproven. Talk of 12-4 or 11-5 seems a bit premature. The next three games will be telling. They must go 2-1 during this stretch. Otherwise, another 8-8 season is in the offing.

3. Are we headed for several unbeaten teams in college football this season? If so, how does this shake down regarding the BCS? It appears safe to forecast that LSU or Bama, OU or Pokes, Boise State, Stanford, and Wisconsin all could effectively run the table. This is the part of the college football season when teams lose one game and all hope is lost. Well, unless you are the 2008 Oklahoma Sooners. Then, you are rewarded for losing in October. Yep. I am not over that one yet. Back to 2011: we will get to sort out the upheaval that is the BCS hideousness in due time. I hope we get five unbeaten teams this season. I'd love to hear the BCS defense of their anointing two of the five to play for the "national title." Can't wait for 2011 Edition of Death to the BCS.

4. Picks for the weekend:
Wisconsin over Husker
Kansas State over Baylor
Bama over Florida
Horns over Cyclones
Clemson over Va. Tech
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Texans over Steelers
Browns over Titans
Lions over Cowboys
G'men over Cards

5. Finally, the Aggies and Horns will be pointing fingers at one another as one of the longest college football rivalries appears to be headed for dormancy. The bottom line here is pride is getting in the way. Each respective institution is not thinking clearly when it comes to the decisions they are currently making. The road to success for the Aggies was staying put in the Big 12 according to Jerome Solomon. The man makes very valid points here. Instead, the Aggies will venture into waters with no true rivals, no history save for LSU and Arkansas, and an increased travel budget of over $1 million per year. They won't make more money in the SEC and will falter in their quest for recruiting dominance. Texas can only sign 25 scholly players per year with or without the Longhorn Network. This is a bad move for the Aggies and time will illustrate this to be the case. Watch and learn.

Five for Friday

1. Oklahoma thought they were heading to the PAC 12. Larry Scott had other ideas as he squashed the idea that OU was enough for his conference when he thumped Sooner Nation by informing them that without Texas, the PAC 12 was just not interested in hearing "Boomer Sooner" for the foreseeable future without Bevo grazing on the sidelines. While Texas and OU run the Big 12, Texas is in control of the realignment debacle when it comes to the members of the Big 12. They are the prize and Boren hung his institution out to dry by stirring the pot by seeking other alternatives.

2. Twitter makes Gossip Girl seem tame. With respect to realignment talks, the amount of information that is thrown around as fact is mind numbing. Here is what we know: Texas A&M will leave the Big 12 for a much tougher road in the SEC and for virtually the same amount of money now that the Big 12 has apparently agreed to revenue sharing regarding its Tier 1 and 2 rights. Today, the highest I would rank the Aggies would be the 4th best team in the SEC. That does not spell BCS glory. And at what cost? You are a Big 12 team. Your roots, traditions, history and namesake are tied to Texas and its member institutions. Nevertheless, enjoy Hattiesburg.

3. There is a Big game in College Station this weekend as the Aggies host the Pokes. The Aggies need a statement game here and I think their defense is going to be stingy enough for the victory. That being said, I hope the Pokes dump truck them into oblivion. In the spirit of full disclosure, Mrs. Five_O is a Poke. This is the marquee matchup for the weekend and the idiots in Bristol have decided to take College Game Day to Morgantown, WV instead of Texas. How do I determine the game of the week? It's simple: I add the ranks of each team and the lowest total is crowned. Simple, really. Perhaps they are preparing to come to Dallas, TX for the second time in six weeks when the Sooners and Horns clash in the Red River Rivalry. But, that is mere politics. LSU and West Virginia has very little national appeal.

A). It's West Virginia.
2). It's West Virginia.

There was a reason(s) Game Day had never been to Morgantown, WV before. When they arrive, they will remember as to those very real reasons. Enjoy the "culture." Game Day should be on location at the most intriguing matchup each week. If it was not Pokes/Aggies, then it was Alabama and Arkansas. ESPN makes me dislike them more and more with each passing week without even trying.

4. Is there anything more painful in sports than the last month of the major league baseball season when the Astros are firmly lodged in 30th place? It is the equivalent of watching Jersey Shore on a never ending loop while being force fed haggis with a day-old, room-temperature pitcher of Coors Light as the only refresher of choice. I don't think anything else needs to be added here.

5. Sports Talk Radio's "fantasy lineup dilemma guy." Hey asshat: this is horrible radio. Nobody cares if you are struggling with starting Cadillac Williams over Danny Woodhead. What sort of narcissist seeks fantasy advice from radio hosts anyhow? Hey dorks: there is a channel on XM that is devoted to your "struggles." Seek it out and leave the free radio airwaves void from your moronic drivel. Pony up the $15 per month and get satellite radio. Matter of fact, if it keeps those calls off the airwaves, I bet we will all pitch in a $1 so you can set that lineup in peace.

College Football Armageddon is Upon Us.

Remember those staunch contests between Texas and Wake Forest? Whoops, I mean Texas and North Carolina? Wait, check that. What I meant was Texas vs. Georgia Tech. Yes. Remember THOSE storied rivalries? What, you don't? That is the future of Texas football, apparently. The rumors of Texas to the ACC are gaining momentum as the ACC is just stupid enough to allow Texas to come in, swing the big stick known as the LHN, and take a seat at the table. It would appear that we are bringing the boys in Lubbock along for the ride...

Big 12: Party of 10? 9? 8?

Didn't we go through this last summer? Didn't Texas, Texas A&M, OU, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, and Missouri tell Nebraska and Colorado to go pound some freaking sand? Didn't the aforementioned Big 12-2 commit to remaining steadfast regarding the future of this conference? Oh, who am I kidding. Texas has the Longhorn Network and the rest of the schools do not have a dedicated network to showcase their programs. Is there some envy and jealousy there? Perhaps. Should Texas forgo this network and make it the Big 12 Network to save the conference? Part of me says they should. However, not every school is going to put eyeballs onto the screen like Texas will. Equal revenue sharing must be the answer. Correct? Follow along after the jump...

Sports Talk Radio: My Friends, My Addiction

I began calling into local programs in the Houston area in 1995. At times, I would phone from my desk on the 37th floor of an infamous building on Smith St. Of course, during this period of time, I would ask the producer to leave me on hold at the end so I could listen to the responses at the end of my call. I also remember 8-track tape players as well, for those who are interested. My moniker changed over the years. I began as Tony in Downtown. When I moved to Kingwood, I was then known as, wait for it, Tony in Kingwood. Eventually, I moved to The Woodlands, and low and behold, I was Tony in The Woodlands. My how Twitter has morphed handles, monikers, and namesakes. Today, I am known at Tony_Five_O when I have the privilege and time to phone my friends, who happen to talk about sports for a living.

I Had What at 41?

Since we arrived on Kauai, my wife has asked and literally begged to hike the Kalalau Trail up to Hanakapiai Falls. It is a legendary, one day hike on the north shore of the island. It is eight miles round trip and takes 5-8 hours for most people, depending upon how much mud they try to avoid (futile), pictures they take (a must), and physical condition. The hike will take you from sea level at Hanakapiai Beach, to nearly 760 feet above sea level, two miles inland. You cross about six streams, each way mind you, during this strenuous hike. Upon the midway point of arriving at the falls, you are blessed with this:

Quick: Grab the Duct Tape...

...or your head might pop right off your shoulders. It has been a while since I was inspired to write. Call it distractions of summer travel or what have you, but nevertheless, yours truly has been in his own "on the cusp of football" trance. Thankfully the action picks up next week as the trial of Roger Clemens begins. I might need several Triple shot Venti Caramel Machiatos in order to stomach this non-sensical witch hunt. Follow along after the break.

Objectivity: How Refreshing

Flopping. Cheating. Begging. Influencing. Subjectivity. All of the preceding words are utilized in the world of sports. For example, the Utah Jazz have taken flopping to a new level. It has to be coached and ingrained into them that selling the "foul" is part of the game. If that is the case, watching that type of "game" is garbage. Andrei Kirilenko has taken over the "King of Flop" from John Stockton. This type of basketball literally nauseates me. I for one am ready for the NBA to take a closer look at this aspect of the "game." It has gotten to a point where this is practiced and honed as if it is part of one's craft. How do you think this checklist would go down with Mr. Kirilenko? "Let's see, today I am going to work on free throws, boxing out, and flopping." Essentially, in my opinion,  cheating is being coached here.

The Decision Made Mine Easy

"Don't ever underestimate the heart of a champion." ~ Rudy Tomjanovich. Remember those infamous words? It has been sixteen long years since this Rockets fan has seen his team make it to the NBA finals. I've been missing Rudy T. like Texas A&M has been missing RC Slocum. In essence, each team has been nothing short of disappointing since each of these coaches were shown the door, minus a few moments of competitive brilliance for the Rockets under Rick Adelman. That being said, they still failed to advance beyond the Western Conference Semis. Before I digress, let's take one more look at that glorious June night in 1995 as the Rockets secured their second straight NBA title:

We Were All Cheated On

In 1994, I took up the game of golf. I was horrific at it in the beginning. I'm decent today as I carry somewhere around a 12-14 handicap. Anyhow, that year I tuned into the United States Amateur Championship hosted by the USGA. The venue was TPC at Sawgrass. The cameras from NBC were there as a golfing phenom was introduced to the entire country up close and personal in their living rooms. He won that event. In 1995, he returned to defend his title and NBC returned as did I to watch a repeat take place. A true legend was in the making. In 1996, he returned once again, and tried for the three-peat. I, along with NBC, returned and watched as he pulled off the improbable and became the first player in the history of the game to win three consecutive US Amateur Championships. For the first time in a long time, golf was mainstream. All thanks to Tiger Woods and Nike. Hello World...

From Idol To The Voice (Don't You Judge Me)

Dammit. Here we go again. I am going to expose a bit of my dorkism in this post. I'm a bit of a sucker for reality television. I hate this fact about myself. But, I embrace it and I am happier for it in the long run. I'll watch Idol and countless other shows beyond your standard studio production. Look, I watched Days of Our Lives religiously throughout high school...don't you judge me. Hence, this is nothing. Now that I think about it, whatever else you people (looking in the mirror here) watch should be deemed the equivalent of Harvard entry testing material when compared to a soap opera. Damn you Stefano DiMera.

Welcome back. 1-800...636...86..........86. Wait, what just happened? I'll tell you...I just channeled my inner "Rome on a mobile." As I was saying, welcome back. I first became "interested" (<---code for paid attention for the very first time) in American Idol in 2006. This was the season that Chris Daughtry was told by Simon Cowell that "he did not have a lot of charisma and he was not a stand alone star." For the record, Simon corrected his obvious oversight as the season sped along and Daughtry has been the only product spawned from this creation with two consecutive No. 1 albums out of the gate. Which brings me to one glaring, obvious fact: how in the name of all that is holy did Taylor Hicks finish as your winner from this season? Birmingham, AL, this is on you. How did you infect the entire country with this nonsensical crowning? I must digress for a moment. This season brought us Michael Sandecki. If you recall, he is the Clay Aiken wannabe. His singing is obscene and dreadful. However, he is part of the afore-highlighted hyperlink (click it dammit) which is in the top 10 moments in the shows history. This season was the beginning. I've "paid attention" in each subsequent season (stop judging right now) which is always touted as "the Best" season yet. Anyhow, Idol has yet to produce a "rock" winner, but that might change this season. Check out James Durbin on YouTube. The kid's got a shot.

Yet, this is not a post about the chronology of American Idol nor a season by season recap. I don't have the time nor the inclination to punish you all with regurgitated facts and clips from America's top rated show over the past decade. No, I merely wish to point out that NBC has taken notice (finally) and countered with The Voice. The premise here is the judges in the opening rounds cannot see the face and appearance of the vocalist until they hit the button which swivels their chair 180 degrees from facing the audience to facing the stage. In doing so, they are saying "I want to work with you" and begin lobbying if other judges are involved. The contestants now must choose which judge they want to coach them as they will help form an initial eight person team for said judge. Speaking of the judges, they are Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo, and Adam Levine. The required "drama" went both ways in the opening rounds, which are now complete. The judges will now cut their teams in half this upcoming week. The host of the show is Carson Daly, who is a bit stiff thus far. Bro, relax a bit and embrace the contestants a little. Call Seacrest if you feel the need to regain your MTV TRL mojo. Overall, I think NBC has something here with The Voice. The concept is unique and compelling. If you are a reality dork like myself, give it a whirl.

Oh, I almost forgot: NFL owners and players, get your egos together and figure out how to divide billions of dollars. Is it really that hard?

Lastly, Osama bin Laden: is it hot down there?

Bonds, Clemens, I'm All In

The US government literally leaves me scratching my head at times. They focus and waste billions of dollars on the most mundane issues and situations. If you include the BALCO investigation, the Barry Bonds trial cost the US Taxpayer some $55 million. For what reason was this money spent? Because a man was prideful? Because he knew they couldn't (and didn't) prove he used steroids? Sure, they "got him" on an obstruction of justice charge. Great. So, we the taxpaying public is out $55 million and Bonds is probably going to face home confinement. You sure told him! Moreover, you wasted $55 million which could have fed the Congo for the rest of its existence. But, we are not done...

Texafornia: It Could Be The Perfect State

I've said this many times before to my friends: I long for Texafornia. Independently, the two states each do many things brilliantly. But, if it were up to me, I'd marry the two. Then and only then, Utopian living will have been reached. Who doesn't want to improve upon their living conditions? That's what I thought. Below, I am going to hit some highlights and lowlights of each state. While I have a fondness for each, Texas will always be home. It is where I spent 36 years of my life. Without further ado, here we go...

It's A Glorious Day: Duke Lost

March Madness has a means of bringing about moments that very few sporting events can even remotely pull off. There are the fixtures and mainstays which occupy deep spots in the tournament nearly each and every year: Kentucky, UConn, North Carolina, Arizona, Kansas, Michigan State, and finally the Duke Blue Devils. Of the teams just mentioned, there could only be one of them that would get the blood boiling for most of you. I mean, who hates Kansas? Rock Chalk Jayhawk is loved by mostly all of us as it depicts what March Madness is all about. Kentucky? Nah, unless you attended Louisville. But that is not what this post is about. There will always be teams and fan bases that wish for failure of their most heated rivals. Here, I am talking about the New York Yankees of college hoops. Yankee haters exist in every corner of the country. Same with Duke. No college hoops team is more divisive than the Blue Devils. Does anyone know a true Blue Devils fan? Oh, a worthy sidenote: nobody likes Duke football. It is only basketball which deserves attention. I have loads of friends, by the way and only one is a true Duke fan, albeit in basketball only. This means only one thing: 99.9% of my friends would rather go through a high-powered colonic than cheer for Duke. Let's explore why after the jump.

1, 2, 3, 4, TO (Not Honored), 5: Even A Monkey Could Do It

It shouldn't come down to this. How many times have you heard this? I watched all of the talking heads on ESPN, CBS, TNT, TBS, TruTV, The Food Network, and any other network the NCAA decided was worthy of their hardwood spring classic. Were it Kansas vs. Northern Illinois, I'd agree wholeheartedly. However, this was Texas (4) vs. Arizona (5), two teams with identical records and pretty evenly matched.  These games usually do come down to moments like these. Sadly, the officials became the focal point once again. This is not their best of years. Follow along after the jump...

Moron(s) defined: The NCAA Tournament Selection Committee

Aloha means hello. It has been a while. Rest assured, there are a litany of topics I could cover based on the time lapse since my last post. Who am I kidding? I knew exactly where I was going as soon as I had some time to commit to a blog post: The selection process for March Madness. I actually believe the NCAA Selection Committee is a devoid of rationale and sports intellect. This past Sunday, they actually made the BCS Honks appear like professors. I'll give you the case of the Texas Longhorns and their #4 seed they received while Florida received a #2. Let's break it down a bit further.

No Cheering In The Press Box

Life is full of unwritten rules. Don't talk with your mouth full. Open the door for a lady. Don't let your dog kiss your mouth (really people, it is gross as Fido has tongue bathed his nether regions for about 40 minutes before you arrived home). You get the drift. I almost forgot one: No cheering in the press box. Ever. How did this come about?

Friday Night Lights - A Series Review

I could not resist. The guys at Ape Donkey (you should follow them on Twitter: @fidoz and @bcstagg) asked me to assist in the review and analysis of my, theirs, and possibly many of you all's favorite television production of all time: Friday Night Lights. I have never been so captivated by a show with the possible exception of Season One of 24. But, series to series, FNL gets my vote over 24. Let's face it, when they killed off President Palmer in the beginning of Season Four, you knew they were grasping for story-lines at the 24 writer's table. I mean, how many would be drug smuggling, bomb toting terrorists can one guy continually piss off and get over on most every time? Fun side note: I wish I was in college when 24 came out so I could have participated in the Jack Bauer drinking game. One would drink every time Jack said "dammit." Ahhh, college memories. Instead, we got Brandon and Brenda from 90210 and their Melrose Place counterparts. <---Not fair. I'm sorry, I digress. Without further ado, here is my season by season recap and review of Friday Night Lights. If you have not watched the series and plan on doing so, or if you have seen them all but Season Five which airs on NBC in April, feel free to stop at Season Four below. This is your official spoiler alert. Continue reading at your own peril...

Friday Night Lights: Texas Forever

Every once in a while, a show comes along that hits you right in the heart. Friday Night Lights delivers in such a fashion. It matters not that I grew up in Texas. I think most of us know that high school football is a religion in parts of the state. With the fictional town of Dillon, TX occupying the geographical base for the show, Executive Producer Peter Berg hits home with those who live, eat, and breathe high school football. The players are heralded, the coaches immortalized, and the town literally deems the year a success or failure based on the performance of some 15-18 year old kids who take center stage every Friday night in the fall.

Quick, Grab the Duct Tape - ObamaCare Edition

In the beginning, most ideas seem great in theory. The idea that every single American would have affordable health insurance sounds wonderful on the surface. There is one small problem here. It is unconstitutional to force Americans to purchase insurance. Most will quip, "but what about auto insurance? States mandate you carry liability insurance in case you are at fault in an accident." The glaring difference here is driving is a privilege. Nobody is forced to purchase a vehicle. We do this for personal freedom and convenience. Further proof, the lender forces to you carry comprehensive coverage if the vehicle is financed so they can be covered during a major loss. The state does not force this extra coverage, the lender does as it is a privilege to receive a loan in exchange for a lump sum of money to acquire a specific item. The lender has exposure here and they should be covered.

Countdown...

Who doesn't love countdowns? Well, besides Keith Olbermann (hey-oooooooooo). This is a highly subjective arena. One can only assign value and inherent meaning if the moment up for discussion is relevant to either the overall history of the sport, or if it resonates within you on a more personal level. This is not going to be a list compiled of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier, Lou Gehrig's speech, or Broadway Joe Namath calling his shot in upsetting the Baltimore Colts. These are my moments. Whether I was there in person or watching it on TV matters not. Without further ado, I present to you my personal top 5 moments in sports history.

Sports Rules That Are Beyond Annoying

I've been thinking about these abominations in sport for quite some time.  No need for some crescendo of an introduction.  Let's get right to it.

Down without contact in college football. Is there anything worse than a zip pass to the WR that is a bit low so he drops his knee to the turf out of instinct to ensure he catches the ball only to have it blown dead at that spot?  Moronic.  Change it pronto.

Another CFB Season Shamefully Ends: Grade - Incomplete

It just does not happen anywhere else in any other sport.  As we celebrate another BCS national championship, which many feel will inevitably be removed from Auburn's record book one day in the not too distant future, we are left wondering with "what could have been."  Follow along after the jump...

Keith Olbermann & My 15 Minutes

Think back to 1995.  Are you there?  There was no ESPNews network.  I did not own a cell phone and the internet was a foreign concept to me.  Each Sunday, I would speak with one of my best friends who lived across the country.  Remember long distance calls?  Yeah, me neither.  We deftly titled this conference call the "Sunday Convo."  We would chat for an hour or two about the day's games, events, oddities, and any other hilarity which would garner our attention.  Without shame, it was inspired by ESPN's Sunday Conversation from "The Big Show" with Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann.  It should be noted that ESPN executives balked at that title and forced Patrick and Olbermann to refer to the show by its proper title: SportsCenter.   Fast forward to today...or, December 30, 2010 to be exact.  What, you didn't hear?  Then you aren't on Twitter...

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

I began playing the game of baseball at the age of five.  I've been a fan ever since.  The pinnacle of baseball is located in Cooperstown, NY:  The Baseball Hall of Fame.  It is here where the legends and greats of the game are recognized and adored.  It is the highest honor one can achieve while playing a kids game as a means to put bread on the table.  Rest assured, if you end up here, it's a damn nice table in a mansion located in any geographical locale your heart desires.  But, this piece is not about lifestyle, financial accomplishments, or how fame led to a surly demise of one's character.  No.  This is about a narcissistic group of individuals who somehow are led to believe that they are the guardians to Fort Knox.  Follow along after the jump...

Paging Gordon Gee and Bill Hancock: Foolish is Being Kind

Enough.  There are no more excuses which make sense.  There are no longer any reasons worthy of consideration.  This past November, Gordon Gee, the bow tie toting dork who is President of The Ohio State University, made headlines by loquaciously, and now stupidly, stating that TCU and Boise State are undeserving to play for a national title since they do not have to play "murderers row" but play "the little sisters of the poor" every week.

(And for you sir?  Yes, I will have the crow this evening along with a side of ignorance and arrogance)

This "gauntlet" of a schedule should certainly prepare Big 10 schools for their New Year's Day exhibitions, right?  The result:  0-5 and a big, fat collection of eggs being laid.  Oh, we should note that this 0-5 is inclusive of one Wisconsin (member of murderers row fraternity) losing to TCU (member of little sisters of the poor sorority) in the Rose Bowl Game in which the smaller, quicker, and better coached football team prevailed.  TCU's reward?  A pat on the back...quick, grab the duct tape and follow along after the jump.