As all our loyal followers have undoubtedly noticed by this time, The Grey Bush has been absent from the Team MVP blog for some time now. My only link to the outside world was through my smartphone, which I used to research and post during my lunch hours at work. Unfortunately, my phone met an untimely and mysterious demise in the early morning hours during or immediately following Beer, Guns, & Firetrucks VII. Details have been somewhat limited regarding the incident, but thankfully, Best Buy was happy to repair my phone under the terms of my "Best Buy Mobile Black Tie Protection and Replacement Plan."
Or so I thought.
We'll save this story for another post at a later time (a.k.a. once we have a resolution to the story), but I'll go out on a limb and guess you don't need a spoiler alert before I tell you that I still do not have my phone back (or at least a decent replacement).
That being said, I will return to my full-frontal blogging once I have acquired a new phone to use during the day, because... well, let's face it kids: Grampa is too old to remember his daily thoughts, let alone stay up late enough to type them all out on the InterWeb.
Week One Picks (odds courtesy of the Las Vegas Hilton):
Picks in BOLD CAPS
TEXAS -30 at Rice (at Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX)
Texas has won 6 of their last 7 season openers by more than 38, with an average margin of victory in those 7 games of 45.4. Regardless that all of those games were at home, I think Houston is close enough.
LOUISIANA STATE PK v. North Carolina
The first controversy of 2010! The LSU-UNC game is off the board with most Vegas sportsbooks at this point in time, but is still appearing in some offshore books as a PICK. I think the distractions and possible suspensions will be too much for the Tar Heels to overcome. I like them so much, I'll even lay 3 lousy points.
CINCINNATI -2.5 at Fresno State
I am putting my faith in fellow valley-boy Zach Collaros to lead the Big East Conference across the country and win in a tough environment.
MICHIGAN -3 v. Connecticut
DickRod needs a HUGE season to salvage his job (is 11-2 even enough, at this point?) and I look to the Wolverines to get off to a rolling start over perennial "sleeper" UConn. Seriously, is there a record for consecutive seasons with the "sleeper"-label attached to your program? If so, Randy Edsall's crew is challenging that mark again this year. Yeah, even the Rhodes Scholars from THE Ohio State University (ie Kirk Herbstreit) are believers this year. My advice... don't believe everything you see on ESPN...
OHIO STATE -28.5 v. Marshall
Oh and speaking of THE Ohio State University... yeah, Marshall is that bad.
We love football, We love betting, We live tailgaiting.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Pigsking Prognosticator - Week 1 Philanthropy Picks
Well lads and lassies, another season of college football has arrived and hence another season of wagering on the blood, sweat and tears of "student" athletes. Is their anything finer in this life than sitting drunk in front of your TV, living and dying on every play as you bet on college football? I don't think so. As Rich Rod in his ever eloquent manner would say, that's enough hyper bowl. (he was going for hyperbole) Let's get right to the picks.
I strongly considered 8 games this week and will be wagering on all 8 of them. However, rules are rules and in this contest my cracker eating, beer drinking, barbecue devouring roommate of mine has decreed that we will only pick 5 lines plus WVU so who am I to argue? (Note: still no available line for WVU and there likely won't be one this week.) My 5 plays are listed below, followed by my other three leans and my reasons for leaving them off the card.
1.) Virginia Tech +2.5 vs Boise State: Folks, it just doesn't get any easier than this in the opening week. Much to my amusement, college football talking heads have gone back and forth on whether or not Boise St deserves to go to the National Championship game if they go undefeated. Al and I even had a somewhat heated conversation about this last night. The answer is no, but that's fodder for another column at another time. Thankfully the argument will be moot at about midnight on Labor Day.
The Hokies posess the second best tandem of backs in America in Darren Evans and Ryan Williams. (Bama's Ingram and Richardson take cake) Evans is back after setting a ACC freshman rushing record in 2008 and missing 2009 with a torn knee ligament. That one two punch should keep defenses off guard Tyrod Taylor returns at QB after leading the ACC in passing efficiency in 2009 , proving he can do the job with his arm as well as his legs.
The Hokies normally solid defense does pose some questions this season and they will be tested early against Boise. However, look for VT to run a very ball control based gameplan, grinding out first downs while keeping the ball out of the hands of the Broncos high octane offense. I wouldn't be surprised if VT ran it 50 times.
Both teams will likely move the football. It will come down to which defense can contain the others' offense enough. When handicapping this game, simply ask yourself this question. Would you rather bet on Virginia Tech Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster, a guy that's turned out top-notch defenses at VT for 15 years or Pete Kwiatkowski, a promoted defensive line coach that will coordinate a defense of his own for the first time when toe meets leather on FedEx Field Labor Day night? Trick plays and an aerial circus show will not fool this VT defense.
Tech wins by a couple touchdowns for a big "upset" Please. Let's quit falling in love love with Cinderella and look at relevant facts for a minute. In the Broncos last 13 games against BCS competition (big boy football) they are a pedestrian 6-7. Remember when they opened at Georgia a couple years back? It won't be quite that bad, but it will be close.
2.) LSU -3 vs North Carolina: I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that Al got this in at +1. That's stealing right there. (FYI pinnacle will have lines for the following week's games by Sunday morning and in some cases Saturday night so if you see five you like very early, no harm in getting them in.
How about we just say the first team to score a touchdown wins and forget about it? I would have much preferred to get this line under 3 and probably would not have played it at 3.5, simply because I don't see many points in this game. The UNC defense is stacked, scary good, and that should play into their hands against a somewhat mediocre LSU offense. However, on the flip side, the UNC offense is even worse, and despite the fact that the Tigers are replacing 7 starters on defense, they have great depth and should be able to fill in those holes. This is less of a play on LSU and more of a fade of the overhyped UNC team. Every ACC team the media blows up falls on its face (read Clemson). This is just another example. It's also hilarious that this team is going to go on severe probation and haven't even accomplished a thing by cheating.
One other note, line movement indicates money pouring in on LSU, that never hurts.
3.) Texas -30.5 vs Rice: Does anyone think Texas' offense will slow down in a significant way with Garrett Gilbert at QB? After what I saw in the BCS title game, not me. Let's not overcomplicate this pick. Mack Brown in consistently inclined to run up scores to keep alumni betters happy. Case in point the last 4 years of Texas victories in this series 05: 51-10 06: 52-7 07: 58-14 08: 52-10 It's hard to imagine Tecas not scoring 49 points here and given that, the Owls would have to score more than 17 to cover. Not happening.
4.) USC -21.5 vs. Hawaii: Those preaching about and salivating over an epic collapse for the Men of Troy in light of NCAA penalties should wait a year or two. For right now the Trojans still have the skill and depth to win the Pac 10, for all the good it will do them. Sure they lost 3 blue chip recruits and current players when the NCAA ruled players could tranfer without penalty but that number was much lower than what was projected. Hate him all you want, Lane Kiffin was very successful calling plays at USC and with his dad Monte coordinating the defense, you know that side of the ball will be solid. Kiffin has likely created an "us against the world" mentality that can be a catalyst for a big year. I remember when Auburn was on a probation bowl ban in 1993 under Terry Bowden. All they did was go 11-0. While Hawaii has histoirically been a nice home dog, they will be overwhelmed in this one.
5.) Akron +8.5 vs Syracuse: Alan Searles, this one's for you. Bottom line, the Orange don't deserve to be over a touchdown favorite on the road against any division 1 opponent not named Western Kentucky. Can I see them winning? Sure. If this was in the Dome would I take it? Probably. However road season openers are never easy.
The Zips offense has potential. Chris Jacquemain is an experienced senior quarterback who should be in for a good year. Their true weakness is on defense, where they have had trouble stopping anyone, especially through the air. However, can Syracuse take advantage of that? There's a first-time starting quarterback in Ryan Naassib and no proven big-time receivers. Delone Carter simply can't do it all on the ground. Add in a rash of pre-season injuries that has hurt an already thin team with low numbers creating no depth and you have some serious problems. Syracuse might win this game but it will be a dog fight. The only thing that concerns me is the line movement that has gone towards Cuse.
Best of the rest:
Hard Leans: Army -9.5 vs Eastern Michigan: You have an improving Army team gaining confidence in second-year coach Rich Ellerson's wishbone offense against one the worst teams in the country. This team was 5-7 last year and I look for them to become bowl eligible this year. They also won by 13 at Eastern Michigan last year. This is a very solid pick but I had to eliminate something.
Hard Lean: Clemson -24 vs North Texas: North Texas is flat out dreadful and the only reason we were gifted this spread under 30 is because Clemson is replacing a lot of players and North Texas has a lot of guys back. I'm not so sure it's good news to have a lot of players back when you're coming off an 0-12 year. The only way UNT covers is if they hold Clemson under 31 and that's not happening. Another solid pick I had to leave off.
Hard Lean: Louisville +3.5: First off, I can't fault anyone for taking Kentucky. It looks easy and when it looks easy in the first 3 weeks of the season it's probably a good play. However, when I look further I just don't see many differences in these squads and I have to defer to the home team opening up a newly renovated stadium getting points. They both start new QBs, both have first year coaches and both have a couple good skill guys (Anderson and Powell for UL, Cobb and a few others for UK. The true weak link for UL is defense but that is Charlie Strong's specialty and I look for him to ham and egg it with that unit enough to keep them in the game.
The line movement is also mystifying here. This thing opened at 3 for UK and has moved all of a half point since August 5th despite at least 70 percent of bettors being on the Wildcats. That tells me Vegas knew they wouldn't get a 50/50 split of action on that line and that money would pour in on UK, which it has. Vegas is betting on Louisville and Vegas knows best. This wreaks of a trap. Either way, this is a fun line to see who wins, Vegas or the public
I strongly considered 8 games this week and will be wagering on all 8 of them. However, rules are rules and in this contest my cracker eating, beer drinking, barbecue devouring roommate of mine has decreed that we will only pick 5 lines plus WVU so who am I to argue? (Note: still no available line for WVU and there likely won't be one this week.) My 5 plays are listed below, followed by my other three leans and my reasons for leaving them off the card.
1.) Virginia Tech +2.5 vs Boise State: Folks, it just doesn't get any easier than this in the opening week. Much to my amusement, college football talking heads have gone back and forth on whether or not Boise St deserves to go to the National Championship game if they go undefeated. Al and I even had a somewhat heated conversation about this last night. The answer is no, but that's fodder for another column at another time. Thankfully the argument will be moot at about midnight on Labor Day.
The Hokies posess the second best tandem of backs in America in Darren Evans and Ryan Williams. (Bama's Ingram and Richardson take cake) Evans is back after setting a ACC freshman rushing record in 2008 and missing 2009 with a torn knee ligament. That one two punch should keep defenses off guard Tyrod Taylor returns at QB after leading the ACC in passing efficiency in 2009 , proving he can do the job with his arm as well as his legs.
The Hokies normally solid defense does pose some questions this season and they will be tested early against Boise. However, look for VT to run a very ball control based gameplan, grinding out first downs while keeping the ball out of the hands of the Broncos high octane offense. I wouldn't be surprised if VT ran it 50 times.
Both teams will likely move the football. It will come down to which defense can contain the others' offense enough. When handicapping this game, simply ask yourself this question. Would you rather bet on Virginia Tech Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster, a guy that's turned out top-notch defenses at VT for 15 years or Pete Kwiatkowski, a promoted defensive line coach that will coordinate a defense of his own for the first time when toe meets leather on FedEx Field Labor Day night? Trick plays and an aerial circus show will not fool this VT defense.
Tech wins by a couple touchdowns for a big "upset" Please. Let's quit falling in love love with Cinderella and look at relevant facts for a minute. In the Broncos last 13 games against BCS competition (big boy football) they are a pedestrian 6-7. Remember when they opened at Georgia a couple years back? It won't be quite that bad, but it will be close.
2.) LSU -3 vs North Carolina: I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that Al got this in at +1. That's stealing right there. (FYI pinnacle will have lines for the following week's games by Sunday morning and in some cases Saturday night so if you see five you like very early, no harm in getting them in.
How about we just say the first team to score a touchdown wins and forget about it? I would have much preferred to get this line under 3 and probably would not have played it at 3.5, simply because I don't see many points in this game. The UNC defense is stacked, scary good, and that should play into their hands against a somewhat mediocre LSU offense. However, on the flip side, the UNC offense is even worse, and despite the fact that the Tigers are replacing 7 starters on defense, they have great depth and should be able to fill in those holes. This is less of a play on LSU and more of a fade of the overhyped UNC team. Every ACC team the media blows up falls on its face (read Clemson). This is just another example. It's also hilarious that this team is going to go on severe probation and haven't even accomplished a thing by cheating.
One other note, line movement indicates money pouring in on LSU, that never hurts.
3.) Texas -30.5 vs Rice: Does anyone think Texas' offense will slow down in a significant way with Garrett Gilbert at QB? After what I saw in the BCS title game, not me. Let's not overcomplicate this pick. Mack Brown in consistently inclined to run up scores to keep alumni betters happy. Case in point the last 4 years of Texas victories in this series 05: 51-10 06: 52-7 07: 58-14 08: 52-10 It's hard to imagine Tecas not scoring 49 points here and given that, the Owls would have to score more than 17 to cover. Not happening.
4.) USC -21.5 vs. Hawaii: Those preaching about and salivating over an epic collapse for the Men of Troy in light of NCAA penalties should wait a year or two. For right now the Trojans still have the skill and depth to win the Pac 10, for all the good it will do them. Sure they lost 3 blue chip recruits and current players when the NCAA ruled players could tranfer without penalty but that number was much lower than what was projected. Hate him all you want, Lane Kiffin was very successful calling plays at USC and with his dad Monte coordinating the defense, you know that side of the ball will be solid. Kiffin has likely created an "us against the world" mentality that can be a catalyst for a big year. I remember when Auburn was on a probation bowl ban in 1993 under Terry Bowden. All they did was go 11-0. While Hawaii has histoirically been a nice home dog, they will be overwhelmed in this one.
5.) Akron +8.5 vs Syracuse: Alan Searles, this one's for you. Bottom line, the Orange don't deserve to be over a touchdown favorite on the road against any division 1 opponent not named Western Kentucky. Can I see them winning? Sure. If this was in the Dome would I take it? Probably. However road season openers are never easy.
The Zips offense has potential. Chris Jacquemain is an experienced senior quarterback who should be in for a good year. Their true weakness is on defense, where they have had trouble stopping anyone, especially through the air. However, can Syracuse take advantage of that? There's a first-time starting quarterback in Ryan Naassib and no proven big-time receivers. Delone Carter simply can't do it all on the ground. Add in a rash of pre-season injuries that has hurt an already thin team with low numbers creating no depth and you have some serious problems. Syracuse might win this game but it will be a dog fight. The only thing that concerns me is the line movement that has gone towards Cuse.
Best of the rest:
Hard Leans: Army -9.5 vs Eastern Michigan: You have an improving Army team gaining confidence in second-year coach Rich Ellerson's wishbone offense against one the worst teams in the country. This team was 5-7 last year and I look for them to become bowl eligible this year. They also won by 13 at Eastern Michigan last year. This is a very solid pick but I had to eliminate something.
Hard Lean: Clemson -24 vs North Texas: North Texas is flat out dreadful and the only reason we were gifted this spread under 30 is because Clemson is replacing a lot of players and North Texas has a lot of guys back. I'm not so sure it's good news to have a lot of players back when you're coming off an 0-12 year. The only way UNT covers is if they hold Clemson under 31 and that's not happening. Another solid pick I had to leave off.
Hard Lean: Louisville +3.5: First off, I can't fault anyone for taking Kentucky. It looks easy and when it looks easy in the first 3 weeks of the season it's probably a good play. However, when I look further I just don't see many differences in these squads and I have to defer to the home team opening up a newly renovated stadium getting points. They both start new QBs, both have first year coaches and both have a couple good skill guys (Anderson and Powell for UL, Cobb and a few others for UK. The true weak link for UL is defense but that is Charlie Strong's specialty and I look for him to ham and egg it with that unit enough to keep them in the game.
The line movement is also mystifying here. This thing opened at 3 for UK and has moved all of a half point since August 5th despite at least 70 percent of bettors being on the Wildcats. That tells me Vegas knew they wouldn't get a 50/50 split of action on that line and that money would pour in on UK, which it has. Vegas is betting on Louisville and Vegas knows best. This wreaks of a trap. Either way, this is a fun line to see who wins, Vegas or the public
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Herbies...........umm yeah.
I could go for days about how shitty most of these picks are but why waste my time. Here is the pile of shit that is...The Herbies (really thats the best name you came up with).
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Flying Potato-Week One Picks
As I was looking over the spreads that have been released for the first week of this years college football season I just remembered that the first week might be one of if not the hardest weeks to make your selections. With that said if you want to win some $$ on 6 picks follow my lead.
Cincinnati +2.5 @ Fresno St: Even though Kelly is gone Cincy still has a pretty good team and I don't see them going into Fresno and loosing.
LSU -3 @UNC: I'm with Al on this one and I'm not jumping on this UNC football bandwagon.
Texas -28.5 @ Rice: Its Texas playing Rice.
TCU-13.5 vs Oregon St: If this one was in Corvallis I would hesitate to pick it but with half of Oregon State's players in jail or on probation restricting them from leaving the state I'll take the Horned Frogs.
Kentucky -3.5 vs Louisville: I don't think Louisville is quite there yet on this one.
WVU game still has no line as of now so I will wait and see before making my pick.
Cincinnati +2.5 @ Fresno St: Even though Kelly is gone Cincy still has a pretty good team and I don't see them going into Fresno and loosing.
LSU -3 @UNC: I'm with Al on this one and I'm not jumping on this UNC football bandwagon.
Texas -28.5 @ Rice: Its Texas playing Rice.
TCU-13.5 vs Oregon St: If this one was in Corvallis I would hesitate to pick it but with half of Oregon State's players in jail or on probation restricting them from leaving the state I'll take the Horned Frogs.
Kentucky -3.5 vs Louisville: I don't think Louisville is quite there yet on this one.
WVU game still has no line as of now so I will wait and see before making my pick.
College Football - Week One "The Email"
Dear EFAs,
It is that time of year again; time to brush up on setting your email filters to properly ignore my weekly antagonizing rants on college football. As the college football season is ushered in on Thursday, so has come the time to for me to waste all of our invaluable time on the weekly college football email. What started as a simple spreadsheet, has blossomed into a full on tirade of short sighted, dim witted analysis and competitive banter. Now going into its fifth season with over 90 recipients and a blog, “The Email” has evolved with time and I will roll a few new items throughout the year as well, but first, as customary at the beginning of each year, we begin with the rules, for without rules we have email chaos.
Rules
1. The email is based upon my opinion and thus should be regarded with the utmost respect.
2. Ohio State, the buckeye nut, and the greater state of Ohio all suck. Each will be properly treated in the most inappropriate manner I can think of.
3. The Big Ten network will not be covered in the television schedule. The only way this will ever change is if they have the sole coverage of a WVU football game (or Syracuse, gotta stay true to my roots), which with expansion talk, who knows. If that were to happen, only the effected games aforementioned will be displayed. Therefore, Iowa vs Illinois coverage will not make the list and neither will Marshall vs Ohio State. Don’t like that? Make your own damn schedule.
4. I have a general distaste for Notre Dame. Not for their history or success, but due to the irrational love fest they receive as well as the fact that they are given unfair advantages in BCS play. A lot of people hate the Yankees and the Cowboys, but they have at least been relevant in the last twenty years and play under the same rules as my beloved, yet putrid Bills and Blue Jays.
5. While reading this email you should face towards Morgantown, close and reopen the monitor to your laptop five times, while muttering the lyrics to Country Roads. Ohm chants are optional. If viewing via a desktop monitor, turning off and on the screen five times is an acceptable resolution to not being able to shut the screen.
6. To the newcomers or to some of the readers who are starting to lose their memory, you may be wondering at this point how did I get on this email list? Why am I still reading? What is the meaning of life? Did I just soil myself? Well to answer your questions, 1 - you were either referred, you asked to be on, or the email selected you. 2 - I cannot help you with your problems. 3 – the meaning of life is 42. 4 – If your having Joe Pa type issues, I suggest checking here.
7. I do not write this crap to win a Pulitzer Prize, improve my writing or creative thought skills, or make the world a better place. With that said, if you feel the urge to point out spelling or grammatical errors, feel free to lump yourself with the items under Rule number two.
8. Remember, Reply Alls currently forwards your message to 94 people, including my momma (but she’s cool). Type wisely you crass keyboard ninjas.
9. Competitive banter is appreciated. Your beer spilling, livid tirades are not considered banter, but will likely cause some tailgate humor. This Michelob Ultra Pomegranate Raspberry beer is for you Huntington!
10. Times or channels are subject to change on the schedule. I attempt to publish this email by every Wednesday night or Thursday at the latest. Times should be solidified by Monday, but the ESPN family of networks has been known to switch around channels of their games pretty late in the week.
11. You don’t talk about the email. You read the email without shirts or shoes. The email goes as long as it has to.
12. It is permissible to hate the Hokies, but remember these poor things have been castrated; give them a beer if you see one.
13. A lot of people ask what an EFA is. Mr. Jay Stewart coined the term and I liked it, so it stuck. Email Followers of Al.
14. I cannot guarantee that all internet links are appropriate to watch at work or in front of your children. I will try to stray from anything that will give you a virus, but I cannot guarantee that you perform the act in the video that you will not get hurt or receive a virus. This link for example is not overly crude and simply shows an overzealous fan making a fool of himself, however; the humor may have to be explained to your young daughter if she is watching.
15. I would be remised if I did not at least give you the opportunity to opt out this email, especially with the consumer protection laws today. Please opt out here if need be and take a moment to provide feedback as to why you hate me.
16. I refuse to buy into the NCAA’s Bowl Subdivision crap. It is still 1-A and 1-AA in my world and I do not find that politically incorrect. Tidbit, did you know there is a 1-AAA? Knowledge is power.
17. Mutts Sunnyside is the official bar of this email.
18. I will enivitably forget to attach the schedule at least twice this year. A kind reminder will suffice, please no yelling. I cry easily.
19. Check the blog for more extensive content. We will have 4-6 writers providing weekly pieces there, so bookmark us and check it out daily. I recommend reading us whilst on the can.
Conference Talk
I would like to talk briefly about the conference realignment. Personally I am a Big East fan. I hate getting dissed on constantly, but I like who we play and wish teams like BC and Tech would come back, so I am glad the league has survived so far. If Rutgers wants to leave, it certainly would hurt the television market, but screw ‘em. What the hell have they ever won? A conference championship? Nope. If Pitt and Syracuse leave, I think this league is a joke and under that scenario, while hating to see the dismantling of the league, I think we should leave. In all likelihood, if the Big Ten expands further it will create a Domino effect, and I don’t mean that delicious delivery option, that ends up pushing the ACC and SEC to grow as well. I would imagine we would end up in the ACC, but personally I would love to be in the SEC. Would we struggle? Sure, but it would be fun. I think that we could compete on the level of an Arkansas, who is usually decent and seriously contends to win the league a couple times a decade. That may seem like small pickings to some, but winning that league likely puts you in the national championship and the week in week out rivalries would be amazing.
Picks
This year we will be rolling out a new section on the blog where four of us will do a small pick em. Each week, the four of us (Pigskin Prognosticator, The Grey Bush, Flying Potato, and Shoeless Hillbilly) will pick five lines that we see worthwhile to bet. All lines must be posted before the start of the first game they are betting on and will be based on Pinnacle sports book. We are banning all games involving 1-AA teams. WVU games are a mandatory sixth pick. I will provide a synopsis back here each week. Feel free to participate by mailing me your odds each week or commenting on the blog and I will try to keep a tally of where you stand as long as you follow the stated rules.
WVU Outlook
There are a lot of doubters out there this year and hell why not? We are coming off two miserable 9 win seasons, so it goes without saying; we are destined to be shit. WVU will be rolling out a true sophomore at QB backed up by two true freshman which without a doubt will have a negative impact at some point during the season, but it is a bit cliché to automatically assume sophomore QB = disaster. In limited time last year, Geno appeared to be a patient game manager while showing small flashes of his potential. The guy didn’t appear to be turnover prone which is your largest question mark w/young QBs. I was a Jarrett Brown supporter, but the fact is that he had a pretty awful senior campaign and I do not think we are regressing here, not to mention Rutgers sophomore QB, Tom Savage, who has 11 starts to his name, is the most veteran QB in the league.
Putting the QB position aside, I will be very disappointed if this is not the most dominant defense we’ve had in years. We have a formidable line backing crew, the same DL with more depth, and from all recaps, a much improved secondary with Garvin impressing in camp and Tandy/Jenkins significantly improving their play at corner. We all know what Sands can do and have read the 3,000 articles on how Bruce Irivin is going to eat children. While excited about BI, I am going to wait a few games to see it for myself.
Once again, our Achilles heel will likely be the offensive line, but with one departure in Selvish Capers (even though was our best lineman), we will have much of the same line. You would have to hope that with competition from the redshirt freshman class and a year of growth that we would see some improvement. Couple that with the incredibly deep running back cradle and a WR corps that if is half as good as advertised, will be the best we’ve seen in a long time. I am not buying into the buzz that Mccartney and Austin will be all world right out of the gates, but you have to think that with them , Noel, and Jock that we are going to see some fireworks. All in all I predict 10-2 losing at LSU and likely Pitt. One could argue that we could lose to USF (outside Daniels what do they have??!! And night game in Morgantown, forget it), Cincy, Rutgers and Uconn, but I feel I could justify us beating LSU or Pitt just as easily. RU and Uconn have to prove it first. We have all seen the hype on Uconn this year, but again, prove it. Its been 15 seasons since we’ve lost to RU and we have never lost to them at home, enough said. Cincy will be tough, but I think we are little better and outside of Pitt’s big names, they have some holes. Essentially, outside of LSU (which has some youth themselves), I think our big games are PITT and Cincy with us splitting those two. 10-2.
Stop by and check out the blog all week. Tell us why we’re idiots and why we shouldn’t type when we are angry and drunk. For those of you attending the tailgate, stop by the new spot in the Chateau Lot where we will kick off at 7:30 as usual. If you're not an early riser, try some of this.
Love Always,
Sleepless in Charleston
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
UCONN, no no you UCONT
As my fine feathered friend had previously pointed out all this love UCONN is getting is really pissing me off. First off Herbie, really you picked UCONN to win the Big East...really. This pick will prob be almost as good as you picking Rutgers to win the BE last year (they finished 3-4 in conference play and 9-4 overall). I don't understand why the analyst try to be savy and cool and take the "sleeper" of the conference. If you want a sleeper then pick Louisville they are almost guaranteed to suck this year again. If you want to be serious then pick either, WVU, pitt, or CINCY, not UCONN. I've never seen such an unproven team get so much pre-season accolades, its not like your the basketball team (which shit the bed last year). Not everyone is picking them to win but every time the conversation or an article comes up some smart-ass says something like "I tell you what though that UCONN could really shake things up in the BE" well prob not they might beat a contender and open up the race between three teams but they will most likely not be one of them. I guess everyone knows something that I don't because I just don't remember seeing anything last season that made me think they had a strong team coming back this year. Here is a little run down of some of UCONN's recent seasons.
2006: 4-8 (1-6) Only BE win was over pitt..great success!
2007: 9-4 (5-2) This includes a 66-21 ass-whooping in Mo-town.
2008: 8-5 (3-4)
2009; 8-5 (3-4) Could have been 10-0 or 5-8 lost a lot of close games (winners win).
Ok so looking through those years there really isn't many notable wins and they have had one winning season in the BE which is nice. But looking at last year all you heard is they have lost so many games by less than a touchdown..well you know what good teams win. The talent that have is ok its not great yes they have Jordan Toddman back but other than that could anyone else even name another player on that team? If your going to compete then you need a play-maker and Jordan Toddman is far from what I consider a game changer. I'm not saying they are going to suck but I'll be surprised if they are in the running for the BE championship at the end of the season.
I will say that Edsall does do a good job of taking the mediocre recruits he gets and makes them much better as they go through the program which is commendable but this isn't about yearbook superlatives bullshit this is about winning games and I just don't see UCONN having what it takes to make a run at the BE championship.
2006: 4-8 (1-6) Only BE win was over pitt..great success!
2007: 9-4 (5-2) This includes a 66-21 ass-whooping in Mo-town.
2008: 8-5 (3-4)
2009; 8-5 (3-4) Could have been 10-0 or 5-8 lost a lot of close games (winners win).
Ok so looking through those years there really isn't many notable wins and they have had one winning season in the BE which is nice. But looking at last year all you heard is they have lost so many games by less than a touchdown..well you know what good teams win. The talent that have is ok its not great yes they have Jordan Toddman back but other than that could anyone else even name another player on that team? If your going to compete then you need a play-maker and Jordan Toddman is far from what I consider a game changer. I'm not saying they are going to suck but I'll be surprised if they are in the running for the BE championship at the end of the season.
I will say that Edsall does do a good job of taking the mediocre recruits he gets and makes them much better as they go through the program which is commendable but this isn't about yearbook superlatives bullshit this is about winning games and I just don't see UCONN having what it takes to make a run at the BE championship.
Lets talk about teams that are getting hyped this year that don't seem to quite pass the ass sniffin test. The Flying Potato is all crinkle cut about the love that UCONN is getting and not that I disagree, cause I need to see proof that a team out of Storrs can be worth a shit before I am buying into Auriemma's squad, but I'll let him rant on that. Besides, they will get there chanceweek one in the newly enlarged Dick Rod House.
One of my head scratchers is UNC. Now granted, Butch Davis has been there for awhile and certainly has gathered some talent in Chapel Hill, but they still play in a Chapel! On a Hill! You can't win in a church! (No one said this blog was intelligent). Honestly though, they have been 8-5 the last two years and aren't exactly rolling off much momentum from the end of last year. They had a great middle section while beating Tech and Miami, but when we should be putting our trust in TJ Yates to bring us to the promise land, I think not. This just seems like the typical media darkhorse that goes out and pukes on their shoes. They get a great chance opening with LSU in a down year, but I am not biting, anything but my neighbors dog.
Va Tech: I am not so sure they are over hyped per say, I think they are probably a top 15 team, but I don't see anything out of Tyrod Taylor that makes me think they will be a top ten team.
Nebraska: This is the truly puzzling one to me. Sure they blew shit up in their bowl game, but ya know what? That means about as much as the person who said I had a straight eye for a queer guy (wait what?). Brasky pants had a great defense last year, period. The fact that they came out blazing, in ONE game, doesn't mean they all of a sudden have a great offense. Unlike the rest of the word, the last impression is huge in college football and that stance is very flawed. Rarely does bowl success flow into great following seasons as there are numerous variables that go into bowl season. The defense will still be great, and don't get me wrong I like defense and Pelini, but its not gonna be enough unless they find a new boy names Sue. I predict they fall out of the rankings at least once.
Southern Cayuga Flag Football team: They suck. They always have sucked. I dont wanna hear any more bull shit hype on ESPN about them.
My dark horses you ask? Besides WVU? I kinda like Texas Tech. Not just because I read an article about them, or maybe, but honestly I like Tubby. Certainly from the other side of coin of the Ol' Pirate, but heck, a lot of talent + good coach + forgotten about = catching teams snoozin up in de holler. Also, watch out for Southern Presbyterian.
Keep it real all ya redneck homies . . .
Shoeless
One of my head scratchers is UNC. Now granted, Butch Davis has been there for awhile and certainly has gathered some talent in Chapel Hill, but they still play in a Chapel! On a Hill! You can't win in a church! (No one said this blog was intelligent). Honestly though, they have been 8-5 the last two years and aren't exactly rolling off much momentum from the end of last year. They had a great middle section while beating Tech and Miami, but when we should be putting our trust in TJ Yates to bring us to the promise land, I think not. This just seems like the typical media darkhorse that goes out and pukes on their shoes. They get a great chance opening with LSU in a down year, but I am not biting, anything but my neighbors dog.
Va Tech: I am not so sure they are over hyped per say, I think they are probably a top 15 team, but I don't see anything out of Tyrod Taylor that makes me think they will be a top ten team.
Nebraska: This is the truly puzzling one to me. Sure they blew shit up in their bowl game, but ya know what? That means about as much as the person who said I had a straight eye for a queer guy (wait what?). Brasky pants had a great defense last year, period. The fact that they came out blazing, in ONE game, doesn't mean they all of a sudden have a great offense. Unlike the rest of the word, the last impression is huge in college football and that stance is very flawed. Rarely does bowl success flow into great following seasons as there are numerous variables that go into bowl season. The defense will still be great, and don't get me wrong I like defense and Pelini, but its not gonna be enough unless they find a new boy names Sue. I predict they fall out of the rankings at least once.
Southern Cayuga Flag Football team: They suck. They always have sucked. I dont wanna hear any more bull shit hype on ESPN about them.
My dark horses you ask? Besides WVU? I kinda like Texas Tech. Not just because I read an article about them, or maybe, but honestly I like Tubby. Certainly from the other side of coin of the Ol' Pirate, but heck, a lot of talent + good coach + forgotten about = catching teams snoozin up in de holler. Also, watch out for Southern Presbyterian.
Keep it real all ya redneck homies . . .
Shoeless
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Election will halt state liquor sales� - News - Charleston Daily Mail - West Virginia News and Sports -
Election will halt state liquor sales� - News - Charleston Daily Mail - West Virginia News and Sports -
IMPORTANT TRAINING NOTICE
To all of our faithful tailgating friends who planned on spring training for the upcoming tailgating season; Buy your liquor now!!!
Due to the special primary election this weekend there will be no liquor sales. Don't let your government keep you from be all boozed up while you vote!! You have through Friday to purchase your liquor, hurrrrrrrry or be sober (or stuck w/beer, which is fine by me).
Oregon State Beavers lineman dismissed after arrest for trespassing naked - ESPN
Sounds like something The Grey Bush would do.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Week one picks
My Inaugural picks! Posting lines from Pinnacle sports, check back for the rest of the team's picks and our results:
LSU +1 vs UNC: Lsu is a bit down this year and UNC is getting a ton of love, but I am simply not drinking the Kool Aid on the tar heels.
Kentucky -3 vs Louisville: Its gonna be a long first year for Strong
Oregon St +12 vs TCU: I like TCU and Dalton is still there, but Mike Riley is a good coach and with both the Rodgers brothers back for probably the last year, 12 is a lot of points.
Oklahoma -31.5 vs Utah St: I usually stay away from the huge lines, but on both this game and the next, its tough not to imagine this team don't completely roll their opponents.
Texas -29 vs Rice: see above
We will get a crap shoot line on WVU next week which I will post my pick on that when the time comes.
LSU +1 vs UNC: Lsu is a bit down this year and UNC is getting a ton of love, but I am simply not drinking the Kool Aid on the tar heels.
Kentucky -3 vs Louisville: Its gonna be a long first year for Strong
Oregon St +12 vs TCU: I like TCU and Dalton is still there, but Mike Riley is a good coach and with both the Rodgers brothers back for probably the last year, 12 is a lot of points.
Oklahoma -31.5 vs Utah St: I usually stay away from the huge lines, but on both this game and the next, its tough not to imagine this team don't completely roll their opponents.
Texas -29 vs Rice: see above
We will get a crap shoot line on WVU next week which I will post my pick on that when the time comes.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Rankings Week 1
As I was browsing through the AP poll for the first week of the college football season I still cannot believe taht Boise State is getting a vote for the #1 spot. Yes I admit that I am a hater of the Broncos but lets get real look at their schedule. Come on you play Virginia Tech which you will most likely loose by 24 due to the fact that unlike the rest of the teams on your schedule will actually play defense, other than that I don't think you will have what anyone would consider a "quality win". Oh and another thing why are you trying to dodge Idaho, the Vandals are coming for you. Whatever I hate you and your blue turf.
However; on a lighter side our beloved Mountaineers have made the pre-season polls sneaking in at #25 in the AP poll and #24 in the Coaches poll. I think that these rankings are about right for now I'm still not sure what to expect from our team this year we have a lot of potential just have to see what we do with it...more of that to come next week in my in-depth analysis.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Geno Smith is ready to roll....and loves the word Talent
This is a article Brian Bennett wrote for the Big East Blog on ESPN, and to my surprise Geno Smith is well spoken for a true sophomore.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Football Countdown
We are down to 17 days left before we are all back into the routine of plastering the sides of our stomachs with pepperoni rolls and Bud Light and god it feels good. However, do not fall victim to the euphoria of the football sirens and become lackadaisical; there is still plenty of work to be done by all of us prior to the season. I am a firm believer that if you want your team to work hard, you in turn should be busting your ass through the dog days of summer, thus I ran 5 miles today; not because I wanted to, but how would I feel if we lost to Rutgers due to lack of conditioning? I don't want that voodoo on me.
I am not suggesting that any of you need to follow in my footsteps, I already have plenty of fan support stalking me like Britney Spears or Jed Clampett, but I would like to provide a proper workout regimen for the next 17 days.
1) It is imperative to lubricate the liver. If one attempts to jump into tailgating without proper internal stretching you may find yourself watching Coastal Carolina from Ruby Memorial or even more disastrous, you may just blackout and wake up Sunday afternoon missing all of Saturday's action. Therefore drink at least a 30 rack between now and Friday night.
2) Scrimmage. Begin preparing for the Saturday gameplan this Saturday. We only have two more Saturdays before the real deal folks. It may have been awhile, so you may want to ease into this; start drinking at ten, no alcoholic energy drinks permitted. Dumpster wine is fair substitution for beer after 3pm. Afternoon activities should consist of grilling and watching some form of sports.
3) Rest up on Sunday, because next week is our final prep week. This week drink at least 6 beers per night. Staying up late on Thursday is recommended, but not required. Friday night should be spent in a sports bar. Saturday . . . . . . Get Pants Shitting Drunk. This is where you need to wake up at least by 8, pound some eggs, and start slamming beers. If you pass out by mid evening you know that you are out of shape and have some last minute work to do . . . better have a Sunday Fun day you putz. Seriously what have you been doing all summer? Watching murder she wrote with your girlfriends great Aunt?
4) It is absolutely mandatory to wear blue and gold each day staring Monday. At least twice during the week you should pound a couple beers at work. Dipping while at work is not an appropriate substitution.
5) Thursday is when it all kicks off. Let yourself get crazy, leave work early, slam some cheese dip and curse like an Ethiopian pirate.
If you do not know what to do Friday and Saturday, then stop reading my damn blog.
-Shoeless
I am not suggesting that any of you need to follow in my footsteps, I already have plenty of fan support stalking me like Britney Spears or Jed Clampett, but I would like to provide a proper workout regimen for the next 17 days.
1) It is imperative to lubricate the liver. If one attempts to jump into tailgating without proper internal stretching you may find yourself watching Coastal Carolina from Ruby Memorial or even more disastrous, you may just blackout and wake up Sunday afternoon missing all of Saturday's action. Therefore drink at least a 30 rack between now and Friday night.
2) Scrimmage. Begin preparing for the Saturday gameplan this Saturday. We only have two more Saturdays before the real deal folks. It may have been awhile, so you may want to ease into this; start drinking at ten, no alcoholic energy drinks permitted. Dumpster wine is fair substitution for beer after 3pm. Afternoon activities should consist of grilling and watching some form of sports.
3) Rest up on Sunday, because next week is our final prep week. This week drink at least 6 beers per night. Staying up late on Thursday is recommended, but not required. Friday night should be spent in a sports bar. Saturday . . . . . . Get Pants Shitting Drunk. This is where you need to wake up at least by 8, pound some eggs, and start slamming beers. If you pass out by mid evening you know that you are out of shape and have some last minute work to do . . . better have a Sunday Fun day you putz. Seriously what have you been doing all summer? Watching murder she wrote with your girlfriends great Aunt?
4) It is absolutely mandatory to wear blue and gold each day staring Monday. At least twice during the week you should pound a couple beers at work. Dipping while at work is not an appropriate substitution.
5) Thursday is when it all kicks off. Let yourself get crazy, leave work early, slam some cheese dip and curse like an Ethiopian pirate.
If you do not know what to do Friday and Saturday, then stop reading my damn blog.
-Shoeless
The Mess at Marshall
I apologize for sullying the blog with a post pertaining to Marshall football but what the hell, I found it interesting.
As a casual observer to Marshall football I was somewhat surprised to see Willy Korn eliminated from the QB competition in America's Fattest City. You may recall he's the Clemson transfer that went to Marshall on the grad school rule, has two years to play and was supposed to compete for the starting job this season. A couple years ago he was a top 10 QB recruit in the country and now he can't beat out Brian Anderson, A.J. Graham or true freshman Eddie Sullivan. I guess that's evidence to the inexact science of recruiting, specifically in football.
That said, I do wonder if Anderson will still start on Christmas Day (errr Sept. 2) on the banks of the Olentangy. I kind of sense that Sullivan is Doc's guy and is better for the system but can you really start a true freshman in the Horseshoe and in these first 7 games, all of which come against teams that went to bowls last year? If you look at Marshall's competition, it could be mighty ugly in year 1 under Doc. While having Bowling Green and Ohio on the schedule makes it appear more manageable than last year, those are solid MAC teams. I expect no better than 2-5 in the first 7 and am hoping for 0-7. It will certainly be interesting to follow.
Also, what happened to Mark Cann? He started a game against us a couple years ago. This guy was supposed to be the reincarnation of Chad Pennington two years ago and now he'll be lucky to make the travel squad.
All that said if Marshall beats us on Sept 10, I'll kill myself, successfully completing the task that this unfortunate fellow below could not.
As a casual observer to Marshall football I was somewhat surprised to see Willy Korn eliminated from the QB competition in America's Fattest City. You may recall he's the Clemson transfer that went to Marshall on the grad school rule, has two years to play and was supposed to compete for the starting job this season. A couple years ago he was a top 10 QB recruit in the country and now he can't beat out Brian Anderson, A.J. Graham or true freshman Eddie Sullivan. I guess that's evidence to the inexact science of recruiting, specifically in football.
That said, I do wonder if Anderson will still start on Christmas Day (errr Sept. 2) on the banks of the Olentangy. I kind of sense that Sullivan is Doc's guy and is better for the system but can you really start a true freshman in the Horseshoe and in these first 7 games, all of which come against teams that went to bowls last year? If you look at Marshall's competition, it could be mighty ugly in year 1 under Doc. While having Bowling Green and Ohio on the schedule makes it appear more manageable than last year, those are solid MAC teams. I expect no better than 2-5 in the first 7 and am hoping for 0-7. It will certainly be interesting to follow.
Also, what happened to Mark Cann? He started a game against us a couple years ago. This guy was supposed to be the reincarnation of Chad Pennington two years ago and now he'll be lucky to make the travel squad.
All that said if Marshall beats us on Sept 10, I'll kill myself, successfully completing the task that this unfortunate fellow below could not.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
"In wake of spelling error, admission standards at Alabama to be raised. You now need a 23 on your alphabet."
Oh education in the deep south. It truly is great to live south of the Ol' Mason/Dixon. Granted, I rarely spell check outside of work, but man come on, that is the first "hard" word you learn to spell in elementary school.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The A-LIst (Vol. 1)
As most people know I'm not the best freelance writer out there nor am I any good at presenting an idea and writing around it so here is my solution.; the A-List which will consist of random thoughts, links, and videos.
1) Bruce Irvin looks like a distant relative to Larry Fitzgerald and a horse.
2)ESPN has Boise St. ranked #3 in their preseason power rankings.....I'll wait to see what they do against VT in the first week before I start hating them.....just kidding I already can't stand them.
3)ACC gets 5 teams in the power rankings, Big East get one.....shit.
4)I bet J.T. Thomas's mom would give Terry Tate a run for his money.
5)If the NCAA doesn't calm down there might not be enough teams eligible to fill the 36 bowl games at the seasons end. Seriously relax, we get it. So maybe our locker room wasn't decorated in traditional Feng Shui style does that really deserve a loss of a scholarship?
6)Toddlers and Tiara's.......gross.
7)One fight I would LOVE to see the writer of the ACC blog vs. the writer of the Big Ten blog. Of couse your basic school yard rules will apply (i.e. no eye rakes, no filed weapons, and no asthma inhalers). With that said I'll take the ACC with its explosive offense over the Big Ten and its fetal position.
8) On a side not Josie is ready to get this tailgating started cause this baseball shit is really killing her WVU athletics buzz.
1) Bruce Irvin looks like a distant relative to Larry Fitzgerald and a horse.
2)ESPN has Boise St. ranked #3 in their preseason power rankings.....I'll wait to see what they do against VT in the first week before I start hating them.....just kidding I already can't stand them.
3)ACC gets 5 teams in the power rankings, Big East get one.....shit.
4)I bet J.T. Thomas's mom would give Terry Tate a run for his money.
5)If the NCAA doesn't calm down there might not be enough teams eligible to fill the 36 bowl games at the seasons end. Seriously relax, we get it. So maybe our locker room wasn't decorated in traditional Feng Shui style does that really deserve a loss of a scholarship?
6)Toddlers and Tiara's.......gross.
7)One fight I would LOVE to see the writer of the ACC blog vs. the writer of the Big Ten blog. Of couse your basic school yard rules will apply (i.e. no eye rakes, no filed weapons, and no asthma inhalers). With that said I'll take the ACC with its explosive offense over the Big Ten and its fetal position.
8) On a side not Josie is ready to get this tailgating started cause this baseball shit is really killing her WVU athletics buzz.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Game Face
As I look at Coach Casteel here, I am reminded of Bob Knight's famous game face speech (about the 2:50 mark). Although I am sure he would love to be as successful as the General was on Defense, Casteel should put out an amazing defense this year, and frankly I will be flat out disappointed if he doesn't. Casteel has been known over the years to take mediocre players and slowly meld them into a tight knit, bend but dont break unit by years end.
This year we should expect more. Returning Scooter "dont call me Scoot Poot" Berry, Neild, and Miller combined with a decent depth, which is an absolute rarity for this team, we probably have the best Mountaineer Dline in over ten years. Back that up with a solid line backing core and stud Robert Sands and were looking pretty dangerous.
Probably the biggest issue is the cover corners. At times, these dudes looked like my Aunt Germaine out on an island last year, however; we have certainly seen worse. Fortunately both corners have another offseason under their belt and can be spelled by two highly touted sophomores who by all indications have come along a great deal.
The wild card, is the apparent new freakazoid, Bruce Irvin. Ever since we signed BI the message boards have been drooling. The drooling has turned into a crazed foam at the mouth that reminds of the Raccoons currently going through my trash. Sons of raccoon bitches! While I do not doubt the young man and hope that he turns into a QB killing machine from Rambo 5 (who quietly respects his elders off the field of course), Shoeless is gonna wait a few games before boiling up a pack of Ramen noodles and breaking out the Old Milwaukee in celebration. Till next time . . .
-Shoeless
Sunday, August 8, 2010
College Football: The West Virginia Mountaineers' sanctions are hardly "major" at all - ESPN
College Football: The West Virginia Mountaineers' sanctions are hardly "major" at all - ESPN
Got to respect Bruce's opinion. He is one of the few in the blogosphere that is consistently out on the front line and has the respect of coaches and players all over the country, see his books if any doubt. It is not necessarily an excuse, but when someone like Feldman who writes daily about the inner workings of football teams says that this is no big deal, it is pretty notable.
- Shoeless
Freshman Fatties
Is this the first look at our new generation of lineman? Marquis Wallace, 66, seems to have something that we have been severely lacking: A big ass dude that will eat your children. Screw pancakes, this dude takes A Modest Proposal seriously and saves his maple syrup for delectable toddlers. Of all positions, offensive line is probably the hardest to crack the starting lineup as a true freshman, but hell if Jenkins can, why can't a badass looking dude like this? Teamed up with Quinton Spain, not pictured, we may have a phenomenal line coming up, just keep your kids locked in at night.
Friday, August 6, 2010
To Whom Do We Own This Great Dis-Pleasure?
Great read from Mitch Vingle of the Charleston Gazette. Paints a little more realistic picture of where the blame for WVU's violations should be spread.
http://bit.ly/aGPQu9
- The Grey Bush
http://bit.ly/aGPQu9
- The Grey Bush
-- Sent from my Palm Pre
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Order Restored!
Congratulations to my Alma Mater for their outstanding efforts. The West Virginia Mountaineers are back in the Top 5 Party Schools in The Princeton Review's 2011 official 373 Best Colleges rankings. I could not be prouder!
I feel this is somehow unfairly skewed; that WVU cannot be listed in the top party school's ranking because "it's unfair to rank professionals among a list of amateurs," but I suppose #4 will do while we re-build our street-cred. Next year, it will be UNACCEPTABLE to again be ranked below Penn State or Ohio U.
Looks like we have our work cut out for us...
Princeton Review Party Schools Rankings (Princeton Review)
http://bit.ly/10ykGQ
WVU Rises Two Spots in Princeton Review's Party School Ranking (Daily Athenaeum)
http://bit.ly/cJSexU
- The Grey Bush
I feel this is somehow unfairly skewed; that WVU cannot be listed in the top party school's ranking because "it's unfair to rank professionals among a list of amateurs," but I suppose #4 will do while we re-build our street-cred. Next year, it will be UNACCEPTABLE to again be ranked below Penn State or Ohio U.
Looks like we have our work cut out for us...
Princeton Review Party Schools Rankings (Princeton Review)
http://bit.ly/10ykGQ
WVU Rises Two Spots in Princeton Review's Party School Ranking (Daily Athenaeum)
http://bit.ly/cJSexU
- The Grey Bush
NCAA Notifies WVU of Allegations
As most all of you have undoubtedly heard by now, the NCAA has officially notified West Virginia University of 5 major football program violations from 2005 to 2009, a span of time when the program was primarily led by a certain soon-to-be-unemployed, former Big Eleven Head Coach who will remain nameless.
(ahem... RichRod!)
Most of the alleged violations center on the utilization of non-coaching staff-members performing "coaching-type" duties during the NCAA's restricted time-period. The NCAA also alleges, and I quote, "failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance within the football program."
Umm... yuck.
Given the eternal damnation recently bestowed upon Southern California (college football's media darlings), you'll have to excuse me for being far less than optimistic when faced with these allegations. I guess we'll have to see how things play out, and seeing the resolution to Michigan's August 13th hearing with the NCAA may give us more insight into what is in store for WVU. Buckle up folks, it could be a bumpy ride...
Links:
West Virginia Receives Notice from NCAA (ESPN.com)
http://es.pn/d9JWWE
NCAA Accuses West Virginia of Violations (Big East Blog)
http://es.pn/9VcrOz
Michigan Releases Response to WVU Probe (Big East Blog)
http://es.pn/awtKo1
WVU: NCAA Football Probe Focuses on 2005-09 (Charleston Daily Mail)
http://bit.ly/aE9cYV
NCAA: WVU Committed Five Major Violations (Daily Athenaeum)
http://bit.ly/aVbHq3
NCAA Notice of Allegations (MSNSportsNet)
http://bit.ly/aEyULu
President James P. Clements' Statement (MSNSportsNet)
http://bit.ly/bACXso
Athletic Director Oliver Luck's Statement (MSNSportsNet)
http://bit.ly/dvw3bw
- The Grey Bush
(ahem... RichRod!)
Most of the alleged violations center on the utilization of non-coaching staff-members performing "coaching-type" duties during the NCAA's restricted time-period. The NCAA also alleges, and I quote, "failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance within the football program."
Umm... yuck.
Given the eternal damnation recently bestowed upon Southern California (college football's media darlings), you'll have to excuse me for being far less than optimistic when faced with these allegations. I guess we'll have to see how things play out, and seeing the resolution to Michigan's August 13th hearing with the NCAA may give us more insight into what is in store for WVU. Buckle up folks, it could be a bumpy ride...
Links:
West Virginia Receives Notice from NCAA (ESPN.com)
http://es.pn/d9JWWE
NCAA Accuses West Virginia of Violations (Big East Blog)
http://es.pn/9VcrOz
Michigan Releases Response to WVU Probe (Big East Blog)
http://es.pn/awtKo1
WVU: NCAA Football Probe Focuses on 2005-09 (Charleston Daily Mail)
http://bit.ly/aE9cYV
NCAA: WVU Committed Five Major Violations (Daily Athenaeum)
http://bit.ly/aVbHq3
NCAA Notice of Allegations (MSNSportsNet)
http://bit.ly/aEyULu
President James P. Clements' Statement (MSNSportsNet)
http://bit.ly/bACXso
Athletic Director Oliver Luck's Statement (MSNSportsNet)
http://bit.ly/dvw3bw
- The Grey Bush
Jock Talks Smack, Hilarity Ensues...
Thank you Big East Media Day for giving Jock Sanders a microphone.
This link is to a Pittsburgh-based blog (the blog's owner, Don Spagnolo, is actually a contributor to the new local sports talk radio station there). The reaction of the blogger, and of the commentors below may surprise you.
At any rate, Thanksgiving Weekend can't come soon enough!
http://bit.ly/cJMNb7
- The Grey Bush
Follow me: @ultimatemale66
This link is to a Pittsburgh-based blog (the blog's owner, Don Spagnolo, is actually a contributor to the new local sports talk radio station there). The reaction of the blogger, and of the commentors below may surprise you.
At any rate, Thanksgiving Weekend can't come soon enough!
http://bit.ly/cJMNb7
- The Grey Bush
Follow me: @ultimatemale66
-- Sent from my Palm Pre
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
If Big East Schools Were Women
Fantastic link to UL mesage board post comparing the schools of the Big East to the lovely ladies you may encounter at your local club, bar, restaurant, tailgate, frat party, etc. Not sure the WVU description is meant as a compliment, but I'll take!
http://bit.ly/dvyR8D
- The Grey Bush
Follow Me: @ultimatemale66
http://bit.ly/dvyR8D
- The Grey Bush
Follow Me: @ultimatemale66
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Congress Is Rethinking Its Ban on Internet Gambling - NYTimes.com
Congress Is Rethinking Its Ban on Internet Gambling - NYTimes.com
The Pigskin Prognosticator would be extremely happy. Use your congressional connections Pigskin!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Laptop Lockdown.
So yesterday Jeremiah Masouli said that he will be walking on at Ole' Miss this year after being kicked off of Oregon's team earlier in the year. He said that we would accept Coach Houston "Bust-a" Nutt's offer to join the team as a walk-on and he would then subsequently walk-off with other sutdents property. Apparently the street value of a laptop in Mississippi is three times as much as it is in Oregon due to thier low supply in the state. When asked about his goals for the year he stated that he would like at least 10 laptops, 2 guitars, an iPod mini and a kindle.
Texas A&M is in a shitty situation
Shitter's full down in college station and apparently not full of tee-pee. This dire situation would make me rebellious if I was in school. Heck, I always thought they should hook us up with some Quilted Northern instead of that two-ply BS.
Sounds like this is a call for a Real Man of Genius; this bud's for you Mr. Restroom Toilet Paper Re-filler. Next time you storm this hostile territory, bring two monster rolls.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Betting competition
One of the new addittions that we will be rolling out on the blog and the email this year is a betting competition between all of the contributors.
Each week we will post 5 lines that we that we think are sexy and who we pick to cover. We also select whether the Mountaineers will cover as well. At the conclusion of the weekend the records will be taillied and listed over the upper left in the "College Football Standings" box.
Here are the rules:
-Picks can be posted anytime before the kickoff of the first game that is picked
-All picks must be posted at the same time (a Thursday night game can be selected, but all other picks are then due prior to kickoff on Thursday)
-Lines will be selected from Bodog to be consistent
-If WVU plays, they must be included as a sixth team
-Two beers must be drank on Sunday for each incorrect pick
2010 - The Beginning
Ok, so its been way too long; according to the last post, November 12, which is just despicable on our part. The requests to get up and running again have been pouring in from all corners of the world and now that I have some personal matters taken care off, lets begin begin (brief mental issues, moving to a new house, Betty Ford stint, severe leg rashes . . .)!
Every off-season in college football seems like an eternity, but generally the gods think up of something to keep our interest engaged. Generally somewhere between 70,000-100,000 players/coaches get arrested or have some sorta love affair, or both! This year was no exception, but also introduced was the conference expansion talks.
To update you all, the Big Ten is now the Big 13 after picking up Nebraska, Alcorn State, and I dropped a major deuce in the state of Ohio which constitutes as another school. The Big 12 has fallen into just one division, the South, which for all intents and purposes means nothing has changed. Pac 10 tried to rule the universe and add the Martian allstars team, but ended up with only old Dan Hawkins and his lovable tirades.
Finally West Virginia and Marshall left their respective conferences and joined the new Friends of Coal conference along with the other WVIAC schools and Bethany. Watch the hell out BCS, you do not know how powerful coal is. Big 10 has a tv network? Try watching that damn network if we stop sending the Midwest coal. Wyoming you say? They are a bunch of dirty ass pirates, screw em. Viva Friends of Coal!
Thats it for this morning, I am hungover and want a Hot Pocket. I just wanted to pop in and say hi and let you know that we are thinking about you. Stayed tuned for more updates from our esteemed staff of writers. We plan to roll out new content that will just knock your panties of by golly. Now go take a shower cause you just wet yourself. Later . . .
-Shoeless Hillbilly
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