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Here we go. The final 5 in a list that seems like it’s taken me forever to build. the funny thing is that it has gotten easier as I’ve gotten closer to the top 5. These final 5 picks were cemented in my head before I even started researching some of the lower picks. I have set up a separate page to simply display the full list of teams. If you look closely, I’ve actually made a few minor changes in the original Top 25. I’ve swapped Kansas and Missouri (after a couple requests), I’ve moved Oregon and South Carolina down a little and BYU and Wake Forest up. that’s it. Nothing major. So on to Willo’s Top 5 pre-season picks of 2008:
5 – USC - I am pretty shocked that Rivals.com picked USC as their #1 team in their pre-season poll. I have a serious problem putting them ahead of any of the next 4 teams in my list. There is a huge reason, and it’s that they don’t have a proven QB. That’s a big, big question mark. The other big factor is that they return the fewest starters of my top 5 teams. Period. Yes, I know it’s USC, and Pete Carroll is the “greatest coach ever” if you ask anyone in the media, but come on. You can’t put them in the top 3 compared to the competition. I will drop it. In my poll, this is where they arrive, and I thought about putting them lower, to be honest. I just can’t seem to give Florida any more credit than I already have, and I don’t think anybody below that is better than USC. Other than the question mark at QB, the offensive line only returns 1 true starter from last year. They have a few other guys with game experience, but it will be interesting to see how quickly this line gels. Their leading rusher from last year, Chauncey Washington, has gone, but Stafon Johnson and a few others should pick up where he left off. The receivers will get a welcome boost from transfer Damian Williams, but will be feeling it out as Sanchez gets his feet wet early. Too many questions for a team to be ranked any higher than this. Defensively, the back seven is sick. Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga are 2 All-American candidates at linebacker and the 2 safeties, Kevin Ellison and Taylor Mays should be one of the best safety pairs in the country. Still, the front four will feel the loss of Lawrence Jackson and Sedrick Ellis, so it will be interesting to see if teams will be able to run the ball on them early. Overall, I definitely think they’ve got a shot at cruising through a weak conference this year, but they are going to have to prove it. I refuse to just give them the trophy because they are USC. Sorry. Game to Watch: Sep. 13th vs. Ohio State
4 – Clemson - I know some of you will think this is way too high for a team that hasn’t proven that they even know how to make it too their conference championship, much less win it and go to a BCS game. I also know that some of you Clemson fans are shying away from being confident because you are afraid that they will once again blow it. Mark my words, this year Clemson wins the ACC easily and marches into the BCS (possibly NC if everything falls their way) ready to whip some ass. At some point every team has to make that leap, and I believe that this year it’s their turn. The biggest question mark going into the season will be the offensive line. That’s the main reason I’ve seen other polls rank them anywhere from 9 to 15 or 16. Trust me. The offensive line’s a big factor, but I think Clemson’s in a lot better position with Cullen Harper, James Davis, and CJ Spiller than USC is with their line and Mark Sanchez or Mitch Mustain. I watched a very, very young Georgia line play pretty well last year with 3 freshman starters, so I know that it can be done. I don’t really need to talk about those guys again do I? Harper should be the leading QB in the ACC this year. Davis and Spiller will be one of the better RB duos in the country. Harper’s 2 favorite targets from last year, Aaron Kelly and Tyler Grisham also return. If the line gels early, there’s no telling what this offense can do. Defensively, they return 8 starters. Yes, Nick Watkins and Philip Merling are gone, but they return a really good secondary pair in Hamlin and Clemons, along with 3 of the front 4 from last year, including end Ricky Sapp. One freshman that has a chance to make a huge impact this season will be DaQuan Bowers. Bowers was one of the top defensive linemen in this year’s class and should be able to come in and play from the start. Overall, I think that the sky’s the limit for Clemson this year, and I think that this year they will finally realize it. Game to Watch: Oct. 9th at Wake Forest
3 – Ohio State - Well, well, well. I just can’t put these guys in the top 2. Sorry. If the season ended with my top 3 teams all undefeated, I would personally keep these guys out of the National Championship. sorry. Call me a dumbass, or whatever you like, but in my opinion, they’ve had 2 opportunities to win a National Championship with a lot of these guys and they have laid 2 eggs. If I have to pick among 3 teams, they’re left out. Oh well. I know it’s a different season, that’s my point. Lets stir it up. I’m really not going to go into the details of why they are here. I think everyone knows what they have coming back. If Wells and Boeckman play well this year, along with the defense minus Gholston, then I think they’re gonna be just fine. The Big Ten is so, so bad, with the exception of Illinois and Wisconsin, that I would be shocked if they do lose a game. They just better hope the teams around them lose 1 more, or they will be on the outside looking in. Game to Watch: Sep. 13th at USC
2 – Oklahoma - Why put these guys ahead of Ohio State? Why put these guys ahead of USC? I just explained the OSU argument, and I told you I’m not sold on Sanchez or Mustain at USC. Eventually, USC will stumble and I believe that this is the year. AS far as Oklahoma, I don’t remember a freshman QB putting up better numbers than Sam Bradford. He set the NCAA record for TDs by a freshman with 36, and beat out “oh, no, it can’t be” Tim Tebow as the nation’s most efficient passer. Man did he tear it up last year in a conference of standout QBs. He lost his favorite target in Malcolm Kelly, but Juaquin Iglesias should be ready to step up. All 5 starters are back on the offensive line and if DeMarco Murray bounces back from an injury last season, the backfield should be just fine. Defensively, they will be solid, but does it really matter in this conference? They will have to outscore some teams to get it done, but unless Bradford completely melts down, I don’t think it will be a problem. Game to Watch: Oct. 11 vs. Texas
1 – Georgia - You guessed it. I’ve got the DAWGS at #1. I don’t think you’re gonna see this in any national polls to start the year because of the medias’ love affair with USC and Florida, but in my opinion, the only legit teams that I see being ranked ahead of Georgia with no argument from me, are Oklahoma and Ohio State. Here’s where my argument against using strength of schedule to lower a teams’ ranking in the pre-season comes in. If Georgia has the hardest schedule in the country and they go undefeated, along with 2 other teams, is there any doubt that they are 1 of the 2 that make the National Championsip Game? NO. So why punish them for schedule strength right off the bat. Let the season work itself out, don’t try and predict what will happen. You can’t do it. Anway, Georgia is happy to have Matt Stafford back at QB. He will need to improve his consistency, but he’s shown vast improvements over the past 2 seasons in his turnover ratio, and that is a must. Knowshon Moreno burst onto the scene last year and will hopefully avoid a sophomore slump. If he decides to take a little time off for some reason, then redshirt freshman Caleb King will hopefully be ready to add his own flare to the offense. The depth at RB isn’t great, but there are 3 or 4 potential studs coming in that might get some playing time as well. The wide receivers have been one of the biggest reasons for Stafford’s completion percentage and yardage. This year, that should change. They got a lot of experience last season, in big time games, and should be ready for the challenge this year. If a couple of the incoming freshmen turn out to be even half as good as they have been talked about, then that will only add to the depth at the position. Defensively, they will be just fine. Everyone talks about the lack of depth at DE, and the loss of Marcus Howard from last year. Don’t get me wrong, Howard was a great player, but their are 7 or 8 guys ready to rotate in and out at the DE position and that’s after Michael Lemon got kicked off the team. The middle will be really tough with Geno Atkins and Jeff Owens. The linebacking core should be very solid with Rennie Curran leading the way, and the secondary is going to be a good one. Keep an eye on Reshad Jones this year as he has really stepped it up since the beginning of last year. My biggest concern is the kicking game. Georgia loses Coutu, and will replace him with freshman Blair Walsh. If Walsh can get in a rhythm early, hopefully that will help his confidence in close games down the stretch. There will be some close games I’m afraid. Overall, I think that Georgia is gonna be the team to beat in 2008!!! Game to Watch: Nov. 1st vs. Florida
That’s it folks. Let me know what you think. Click on the tab at the top to see the poll without all these notes. I am planning on updating it as the season progresses on a weekly basis, so I am open to any and all input from you guys. Like I said, I want to put out a more realistic poll than all the “supposed gurus”. I look forward to your comments.
Mood Music: You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere by Bob Dylan
Today’s Topic: The sad sack Atlanta Braves and their not so bright future.
I was busy focusing on finishing my preseason Top 25 so I urged a friend of mine to give us some insight on the current state of the Atlanta Braves. After trading Mark Texiera and losing 3 in a row to the Cards and 5 straight games, it’s time to start building towards next year. Here’s a little bit of info. from Braves-BG on what we can look forward to:
It’s official: The Braves season is over. After becoming sellers in the trade market for the first time since 1990, the Braves have packed it in and are not playing with hopes of the post season. So what does a fan do when facing this harsh reality?…we turn to next year. I wish I could say that the Braves will be loaded next year and that a spot in the postseason will be eminent, however, I don’t have enough confidence to be that bold.
Let’s take a look at who will be on the team next year. I’ll mention their age and their rough salary. We’ll start with some of the veterans. Tom Glavine-SP (42, $8 million) – after being on the DL (twice) for the first time in his career, there have been rumblings about retirement. I don’t see him pitching beyond 2009 if 2008 isn’t his last year. John Smoltz-SP (41, $14 million) – if he can pitch after surgery, he will be a Brave as long as he wants to be, but I have a feeling that if he can go next year, it might be his last. Mike Hampton –SP (35, $15.5 million) – thankfully, next year will be last year that he will be receiving his hand outs from the Braves. Tim Hudson-SP (33, $13 million) – if Hudson needs Tommy John surgery, he’ll be out until August of next year. He does have an option for 2010, so he may still be around post 2009. Mark Kotsay –CF (32, $7 million) – he has been nothing but a stop-gap until the Braves can find a center fielder. I don’t think he will be with the Braves much longer than 2009. Chipper Jones – 3B (36, $15 million) – I fully believe next year will be Chipper’s last. I don’t think he can keep playing with the barrage of injuries he gets every year. I think he will eventually tire out and when the Braves go full rebuilding mode after 2009, he will call it a career. My point in listing the above players’ age and salaries is to show what the Braves have tied up in a bunch of players that may not play past 2009. Doing the math, the Braves have $72.5 million dollars invested in these 6 players (these numbers are for 2008; I believe 2009 would be around the same total if they all were to play).
Conversely, the Braves have some quality young guys that are everyday players for the club, but possibly no true superstars. Here is the list of the “young” Braves: Casey Kotchman-1B (25, $1.4 million), Kelly Johnson-2B (26, $430,000), Yunel Escobar-SS (25, $402,000), Brian McCann-C (24, $966,666), Gregor Blanco –LF (24, $390,000), Jeff Francouer-RF (24, $460,000), Jair Jurrjens-SP (22, $390,000), Omar Infante-IF (26, $1.4 million), and Martin Prado-2B (24, $390,000). They have some quality players that are all under the age of 26. Most of these guys are still signed to a rookie contract. McCann is an All-Star, Jurrjens is an Ace in the waiting, and the rest of the guys are solid role players. Those two words are what scare me: “role player”. Other than McCann, none of the guys are All-Star material. Infante and Prado are great utility guys, but I don’t think they would be great or even really good everyday starters. This group needs power, more speed, and 4 other starting pitchers.
The point I am dancing around here is the Braves need help. Frank Wren has said that he wants to build the team with the talent within the farm system. I have no idea how strong the farm system is, but I have to think it’s not strong enough to field enough talent to supplant 4 starting pitchers, 2 outfielders, and a third baseman. That seems like a lot of work to accomplish in the next 2 years. Thus, the Braves are going to have to do some shopping in the free agent market, either this year or the next. There are two notable pitchers, both in Milwaukee (Sheets and Sabbathia) who will be free agents in the off-season. Hopefully, the starting rotation next year will not look like Jurrjens, Reyes, James, Morton, and {Your Name Here}. I fear that the losing streak has just started and we may not see a competitive team until a few years from now.
that’s it on the Braves for awhile. thanks to Braves-BG for posting this article. I’ll talk at you all again later.
“oo-wee, a-we gonna fly, down into the easy chair”
We’re getting down to the nitty gritty. By the way, don’t forget to scroll down and read the article on Corky Miller. Unbelievable.
For those that are actually reading this, here’s what I plan on doing. I’m gonna finish out my top 10, today and tomorrow. Please comment on it with any thoughts that you might have. The goal is that, I’d like to put our heads together and come up with a mutual poll that we feel rivals anything put out by the “so-called” experts. There are a couple picks that I am dead set on having in the same spot, but other than that, I am open for suggestions, so read on, and let me know. If there are any arguments, then I’ll make the final decision to keep it from dragging out too long. We’ll keep updating it throughout the season and see how we finish up compared to the Talking Heads as well:
10 – LSU - I cannot put this team any higher without a proven QB. Sorry. Don’t get me wrong, LSU returns a lot of talented athletes, but once Perilloux got kicked off the team, I dropped any notion that they might contend for the National Championship. It’s just too hard to make it through the SEC and into the NC with a guy that hasn’t even experienced it before. Not gonna happen. LSU returns 5 players on offense and 4 on defense. The difference is that they were 2 deep at almost every position last year and maintain plenty of depth (although less experience) this season. That depth ought to keep them in a lot of games. Talent wise, they return 4 starters on the offensive line and that will be huge for either Jarrett Lee or Andrew Hatch and the trio of potential stud running backs, Charles Scott, Richard Murphy, and Keiland Williams. Defensively, they will be led by tackle Ricky Jean-Francois, who despite missing all but 2 games last year, should be a potential All-American candidate. They need some seriously quick progress in the secondary though, or it could be a tough season defensively. Game to Watch: Sep. 20th at Auburn
9 – Kansas - I picked Kansas over Missouri to enter the top ten in the preseason this year. I like what they did last year and I think that Todd Reesing at QB will have a better year this year than Chase Daniel. They return 6 guys on offense and 9 on a defense that was underrated all year. (granted, they lose the best defensive player from a year ago in Aqib Talib) Mangino’s no-huddle spread attack should give KU even more of an advantage this year with the advent of the 40 second play clock. Teams are going to have to hustle to get the defensive set in against them. As long as the line gels early, and a running back steps to the forefront, they should be just fine offensively. Defensively, the Jayhawks will be comparable to last year as long as they can make up for the loss of Talib. They did face some weaker offensive competition last year, compared to this year, but with a seriously strong linebacking core and 2 returning DEs, their depth will be better and they should adapt well. Game to Watch: Nov. 29th vs. Missouri
8 – West Virginia - I have been in awe of Pat White since he torched Georgia a few years ago in the 2006 Sugar Bowl. It was a real bad break that he got hurt last year and they fell apart against Pitt. This year, he gets a chance to redeem himself. I know that Rodriquez is gone, but the spread offense is alive and well and they have discussed trying to throw the ball down field a little more this year. With the offensive line that they are returning and Noel Devine in the backfield, West Virginia is going to be very, very hard to stop. If they have a few receivers step up along the way, it could be a special season in Morgantown. Jeff Casteel didn’t follow Rich Rodriquez to Michigan. That helps because his 3-3-5 defense lost 7 starters from a season ago. He should be able to mix and match to keep them sharp, and the linebackers will be solid. If the secondary can start to pick it up early, they will be just fine. Lack of depth is a concern, but the goal would be for the offense to eat up lots of clock. Game to Watch: Nov. 28th at Pittsburgh
7 – Wisconsin - The Badgers return 8 starters on offense and 9 on defense. I’ve always respected Wisconsin. One way or other, they always seem to be a strong team every year. This year, I’m hoping they take it to OSU and take them out of the NC picture. Maybe they could even slide in themselves. The big problem with Wisconsin is that they will be starting a first year QB for the 3rd year in a row. It hasn’t proved too big a deal so far, so I don’t know that it should be a major concern. Especially since the backfield is stacked. They probably have the most talented and deep running back core in the country and they will need them to help cushion the intro of either Allan Evridge or Dustin Sherer at QB. the line should be strong and Travis Beckum is one of the top TEs in the country. Defensively, they return a veteran front seven with six returning starters and a whole lot of depth. The secondary will need to develop as the season goes on, but the aforementioned front should help keep that on track. Matt Shaughnessy should anchor the defense from his DE position as long as he is ready to go after breaking his leg right before the spring game. Game to Watch: Oct. 4th vs. Ohio State
6 – Florida - There’s not much that needs to be said about Florida. Tebow, Harvin, the addition of Chris Rainey and Emmanuel Moody at the RB position. With a very strong offensive line returning, the offense should be stellar. It will be very interesting to see how Tebow performs with a viable running back in the mix. Meyer has already said that he will limit Tebow’s touches, as far a running the ball, and that might end up biting the Gators if it changes his style too much. Not much of a concern though. Defensively, they lost Derrick Harvey, but return 8 guys on a defense that struggled throughout last season. They should be better with a year under their belts, but the secondary is still a question mark. To be honest, most teams are gonna have to outscore these guys though, so as long as the offense is clicking early, the D should have time to try and catch up. Game to Watch: Nov. 1st vs. Georgia (Jacksonville)
Alright guys, let me know what you think. 5 to go, but give me your insight and we’ll see if we can’t put together a top 25 that makes ESPN look like a bunch of idiots all year. Talk at you again later.
“You ski the K-12 dude and girls will go sterile just looking at you!”*****
******an encore quote for the “Better Off Dead” fans
For those of you that don’t like or are offended by bad language. Please skip this post and just read the next one. I am warning you right now, that I am not going to tread lightly on this topic. Let’s just say, I’ve got a whole load of pent up anger/disappointment/frustration in the fate of the Braves this season, and it’s all coming out in this blog. Then, I’ll be able to accept that they are terrible, and move on to College Football. But for now, again, please consider yourself warned.
Never mind. You will never know it, but I typed out a whole blog cursing the hell out of Corky Miller and the Braves’ staff for ever picking the guy up; but as I was researching Corky’s past, I came across an article (that I’ve pasted in this blog below) and I immediately realized that I don’t want to be anyone that’s ever remotely associated with the author of said article. What a dick. I’ve never felt so bad for a dude in my life. Corky, I know that you’ll never come across this blog, but if you happen upon it, I am sorry for ever talking shit about you. (Let’s just agree to the fact that you’re not very good though, Ok?) I am not blaming you, but after you not only let Albert Pujols steal third (Pujols?), but also proceeded to throw the ball into left field, I am questioning why in the fuck the Braves continue to keep you around. But that’s on the Braves, not you (as a person). The rest of you, read the following article from 2005 and remember, Corky is a person too, not just a terrible, terrible hitter:
Corky Miller: What’s in a name?
Posted at 9:07 AM on April 21, 2005 by David Zingler (1 Comments)
A surprise member of the Twins opening day roster, reserve catcher Corky Miller, already has been the butt of many jokes in this young season. With his unusual name — Corky Abraham Phillip Miller — and his miniscule batting average – he hit .026 last season – he’s an easy target. For better or worse, I’ve always been the curious type, so I decided to find out more about this much maligned, fourth string catcher.
“My uncle’s wife’s brother’s name was Clark and they called him Corky,” Miller responded when asked about the origins of his name. “They kind of named me after him…. I guess I have to like it, I’ve had it for almost 30 years…everybody doesn’t believe that it is my real name.”
“It’s funny, my mom didn’t want me to have the name Corky if I ever became president,” he continued, “I can change it to Abraham if that was to ever happen.”
When you are 1 for your last 47 (.021) in the past two seasons, it stands to reason that you probably don’t put a lot of stock in statistics. “I don’t (look at my stats),” he said. “Most of the stats I care about are what the pitchers do (when I am catching) — their win/loss record, ERA — I don’t look at it closely, I just go out and play….once every week or so.”
The 29-year-old even short-changed himself when quizzed about his batting average last season, “probably zero-two-five or something,” he said. After that dismal showing and an 0 for 8 start to this season, he’s got to be dying for a hit — right?
“You always want to get a hit,” Miller said, obviously downplaying his plight. “I don’t know that you want it more than other times. You just go out and put a good swing on the ball whenever you can.”
Once voted the “player you want most in your clubhouse,” in the minor leagues, Miller’s positive attitude and playful demeanor (along with Joe Mauer’s tender knee), helped him make the team’s roster. “I usually just say whatever comes into my mind,” he explained. “Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s not. You just have to stay loose and try to keep everybody else loose.”
With two full time catchers, Joe Mauer and Mike Redmond, along with Matthew LeCroy, who can catch in a pinch, Miller may be the most marginal player in the big leagues. My advice is to enjoy him, even have a little fun at his expense, while you can.
Comments (1)
I used to babysit Corky and I think this a great article I liked the story about his name. When Corky was only 2 years old he would walk around with a bat all the time and he was the most agressive little league player I’ve ever seen.I am very proud of him and wish him all the best
Posted by alyson | June 10, 2005 11:31 PM
*******END OF ARTICLE*******
OK. First of all, let me first respond to this article by saying, “David Zingler, you are a smarmy piece of shit. I’m surprised that Corky didn’t whip your ass for asking him those questions. I have a whole new respect for Mr. Miller, while you just look like a bad writer. Your honor, I’ll take the .021 batting average. thanks.” Corky, I’ll apologize one more time for the very thought of stooping to this punks’ level. We can all agree that you are not a very good hitter, but I’m not gonna mock you for being who you are. I just want the Braves to have a better hitting backup catcher, that’s all. Everyone else, I’ll talk at you again later.
“La la how the life goes on!”***
***I did have to have a little fun with the Life Goes On allusion, sorry.
I haven’t gotten a ton of comments on this poll yet, so I must be doing something kinda right, kinda wrong, or people just don’t give a shit about College Football. Come on! I want to hear who you think oughta be in these spots. Let me have it. Brien wasn’t shy about his feelings on South Carolina and I’m certainly not shy about my picks. Either way, here comes 15 to 11:
15 – Texas - Colt McCoy needs to limit his turnovers. Period. 65% passes completed last year…solid, 3,303 yds…real solid, 22 TDs….again, not too shabby, 18 Ints…..whoa, now I see what you’re saying. Texas returns 7 guys on offense and that number is only pertinent if McCoy lowers his Ints and a playmaker at receiver steps up. There are a number of possibilities, but no one has shown that they are a vertical threat yet. That has to be a concern. Still, I’m gonna take a fairly experience line, Colt McCoy and hope that I can manage to fight through the season until somebody decides to step it up. Defensively, they are gonna be weak in the secondary and that’s the big reason why they are ranked where they are in my opinion. They’ve got a potential badace DE in Brian Orakpo and a new Defensive Coordinator in Will Muschamp that should help the D to improve on their disappointing year last season. Game to Watch: Oct. 11 vs. Oklahoma (in Dallas)
14 – Virginia Tech - to be honest, this is one of those picks where I just know they are gonna be ok in the ACC. I know that they don’t have a lot of offensive players returning and the 2 guys that most people know about are Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor, the QBs. they will be breaking in a few RBs after the departure of Ore, but the line should be solid enough to open plenty of holes for whoever is rushing the ball. Defensively, they will be just fine. They were 4th in the nation in total defense and 3rd in scoring defense last year. the secondary will be their defensive strength as they return Victor Harris at cornerback, who could be an All-American type DB. There are always intangibles with the Hokies. Last season, they had a lot of emotion riding on each game, after the devastating incidents on campus. this season, the pressure of such an emotional roller coaster should be ebbing, and you can never count out a Beamer coached team. Game to Watch: Sep 27th at Nebraska
13 – Fresno State – Here we go. This is the one that I know is gonna draw some criticism (but like App. St., I’m giving Fresno State an early shot to make a move). The last few years in the WAC, Boise State has been the team that was on everyone’s radar nationally. After their stunning victory over Oklahoma a few years back, it’s not hard to see why. This year, the Bulldogs of Fresno State are poised to take over that spotlight. They’ve got 9 starters returning on offense and 7 on defense. Offensively, they are going to be a fun team to watch. QB Tom Brandstater was much improved last season and really just needs to manage the game this year. He’s got a stud tight end to throw it to in Bear Pascoe. Pascoe caught 45 balls for 553 yds and 4 TDs last year. With an experienced line, and 3 RBs that totalled over 1,800 yds and 25 TDs last year, the offense should be just fine. Defensively, they need to get a little better at the ole’ turnover ratio, but they are a year older and should improve fairly dramatically on the defensive numbers from last year. Watch out for Tackle Jon Monga, who had 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks last season. Game to Watch: Sep. 13th vs. Wisconsin
12 – Auburn - I can’t stress enough the importance of an experience offensive line. Auburn has one after starting 3 freshman last year. That should help running backs Ben Tate and Brad Lester improve on their numbers from last season. Lester is ready to emerge as the star as he struggled last year with an academic suspension. Tate had a team high 903 yards. Mario Fannin has moved to receiver and should be ready to explode now that he’s out of those 2 guys’ shadows at the RB position. He led the team last year in all-purpose yards with 1,023. The big question on offense is gonna be at QB. Kodi Burns and Chris Todd should battle it out for the starting spot. Burns rushed for 63 yards in their Peach Bowl win over Clemson last year. Defensively, Auburn will have a great front 4 that should put a lot of pressure on opposing QBs. The secondary is very good, but not very deep, so barring injuries and hoping that some young guys can fill in as the season progresses, the defense should be solid. Man, how has Tuberville managed to stay out of the spotlight so far this summer? Game to Watch: Sep. 20th vs. LSU
11 - Missouri - Again. I know some of you are gonna think this is a travesty. how can I put a team that returns so many great players from an almost NC contender last year this low? It’s easy. Missouri hasn’t proven to anyone that they have staying power. Sorry. It’s just that simple. To be honest, I really wasn’t planning on putting them this high, but after some deliberation, I decided to put them here, just not quite in the top 10. It was a toss-up between Missouri and Kansas to see who made the top 10 and I had to give Kansas the nod. And how you ask did I decide that? I don’t like Chase Daniel to be honest. He’s a hothead punk and it’s inevitable that it’s going to cost him at some point. Yes, he will be a Heisman candidate, but so will Todd Reesing, so I don’t want to hear it. They return 5 other guys on offense including Jeremy Maclin, who should be getting some double teams this year, I imagine. Defensively, they should be pretty solid as they return 9 guys from a unit that ranked in the top 10 in forced turnovers. Keep it up, and Daniel will be a happy man. Game to Watch: Nov. 29th vs. Kansas
That’s it for today. Keep checking in and blast me on these picks (or praise me if you agree. I have a feeling people will wait to see the top 10). My top 10 should be a little more universal for your liking.
“Two brothers… One speaks no English, the other learned English from watching ‘The Wide World of Sports.’So you tell me… Which is better, speaking no English at all, or speaking Howard Cosell?”
Mood Music: Sourwood Corner by Analog Moon (if you don’t have it, find it on itunes)
Today’s Topic: Lost (the TV show), my comments on the Comic-Con panel (or what you can look forward to next season)
If you couldn’t tell from the subject line, I just wanted to brief all of you Lost fans about what went down this past weekend at Comic-Con.
Comic-Con is a massive Comic Book/Sci-Fi convention that’s held every year in San Diego, CA. Tens of thousands of comic book/sci-fi/movie geeks show up to drool over the latest and greatest in comic/tv show/movie news and they come dressed up as anything from Slave Leia to the Joker from Batman. Let’s just say there is a wide variety of dorks from all walks of life. I hate to reveal my inner nerd, but I have to say that I look forward to hearing about the Lost panel every year.
Last year they released the infamous “Orchid orientation” video and it stirred up thoughts of time travel leading up to Season 4. If you didn’t see the commercial during the finale, the Dharma Initiative had a booth at Comic-Con to recruit new members. In San Diego, people waited in line and had to take individual tests and await their results to see if they could move on to Phase 2. The lines were so long that a lot of people got turned away. A representative from the Dharma Initiative came out at the beginning of the panel and selected 5 or so people that passed to go take the 2nd test. Towards the end of the panel, a guy came running into the audience saying he had to show everyone footage of what they were doing in the tests.
On the footage (which sounds like it is recorded by Daniel Faraday) we see Marvin Candle and he says his name is Pierre Chang and he’s an astrophysicist from Ann Arbour. The tape cuts in and out, but he’s saying that the Dharma Initiative needs to be reinstated before it’s too late. I’ve included the link at the bottom so you can check out this video. It’s pretty damn cool. Other than that, I’ll list some interesting pieces of show info. from producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse. I’m just gonna run down the highlights from what they said:
- they start shooting in about 3 weeks; as of now the looming SAG strike won’t affect the show
- Jin and Locke will be a part of the show in some manner for next season (Season 5)
- Rousseau will be in Season 5, but they didn’t say how her story was going to be shown
- Vincent will appear in Season 5 and Kate will see Sawyer again at some point
- Storytelling on and off the island will have a different/fresh approach; there will still be flashbacks and flashforwards, but something new as well
- The first episode will have you wondering when and where it is taking place, similar to last season’s premiere
- Daniel’s notebook will figure prominently into Season 5
- Richard Alpert is quite old and we will learn a lot more about his history; we will see him “shoeless” in the ”near” future……they said the word near literally
Looks like all us Lost fans have a lot to look forward to next season. I’ll talk at you all again later.
“we can find our way back, then go and get lost again”***
http://www.thetailsection.com/lost-news/lost-comiccon-panel-and-marvin.php
***title and quote at end taken from Sourwood Corner by Analog Moon
Mood Music: Candy Everybody Wants by 10,000 Maniacs
Today’s Topic: The unavoidable obsession of Movie Theater concessions
It’s a strange topic I know. I was looking at Entertainment Weekly online and happened across an article titled, “Stephen King’s guide to movie snacks”. I thought, man, I’m really interested to know what Stephen King likes to munch on while perusing the latest horror flick. Is he a popcorn guy? Lots of butter or none? How about candy? That got me thinking. Man I love movie theater snacks and I know I’m not the only one. So, check out the link at the bottom if you’re interested in Mr. King’s opinions, but I’m gonna take you for a brief trip to the concession stand and I know you all can relate.
It’s usually around 7 to 8 pm when it hits. I’m walking into a semi-crowded theater atrium, pocketing my torn ticket stub, and glancing up to try and find out which way I’ve gotta go so as not to miss a single preview. (Inevitably, I’m gonna miss the first, probably best, preview) Immediately, I’m struck by the aroma of buttered popcorn. Holy mother, man, that shit is impossible for me to ignore. I don’t care if I’ve literally walked into the theater from an adjoining McDonalds after scarfing a Big Mac, large fries and drink….I’m getting some buttered popcorn (and a Coke). I mean, I didn’t come out to the movies to only spend $10.50 on a ticket. I’m looking to drop at least $10 more on snacks, if not $20. That’s assuming that I’m alone. If I’m making a beeline for the latest Hugh Grant flick, then you can count on doubling the expense. (I would only be seeing a Hugh Grant flick with my wife….hence, the….never mind) The point is that I have a ridiculous addiction to movie theater popcorn (and Coke).
Now, here’s part of the movie going dilemma. How do you approach snack time? Do you like to jump right into the line, risk missing a preview for the next Judd Apatow flick (I refuse to call his movies films), or do you go find a seat first, and wait a little while to come back out? I personally like to get set up in the theater and then bounce during a crappy preview. (the aforementioned Judd Apatow movies being a great example) I like to sit on the end of the row. If I need to get up and go to the bathroom, throw up, get some more popcorn, it’s much easier if I don’t have to scratch, claw, and crawl my way out and then in again. There is such an air of unpredictability in moviegoers. Some people are extremely courteous in letting you out, while other people look at you like you’ve not only shit in their popcorn, but are getting up to piss in their Coke as you exit to get yourself fresh refills. I just eliminate that aggravation alltogether. Now, for the main event.
As I said before, I love movie popcorn. I especially love the theaters that allow you to add your own butter. What a great concept. You can personally make the decision to stain your shorts if you so desire. Everyone’s had that experience. The old, wet bottom of the popcorn bag. By the way, if you have yet to experience this joy, I highly recommend getting your popcorn in a bucket as opposed to a bag. Those stains don’t come out. (for dog owners, it’s not a fun trip back in the house either. You’ve inevitably forgotten about the half quart of butter on your shorts, but Alex notices immediately and has no problems jumping towards your crotch with fangs bared.) Trust me. Get the bucket. Plus a bucket of popcorn usually means free refills. Very hard to turn down. As far as the drink, I will settle for nothing less than a Coke. Don’t give me Diet Coke at the movies. I’m already eating 2 tons of popcorn doused with a few quarts of butter, I don’t need to pretend that Diet Coke’s gonna help at this point. (Stephen King makes a valid argument for the Diet beverage though). Those are fairly easy choices, the true indecision comes when you decide to go for some type of candy, and man do people of varying sizes, ages, genders, races….have so many varying tastes in candy.
I am not really a fan of getting candy at the movies. I’m a “purist” you might say. Popcorn, Coke, and I’m good. but I will admit, that every now and then (and I think it started at a midnight screening of Back to the Future…..my second viewing that day mind you) I will get some Twizzlers. That’s right, plain, Strawberry flavored Twizzlers. I don’t need Junior Mints or Milk Duds. Just give me the hard, yet chewy, bland, yet mouth watering, never ending bag of those red delights. I hate licorice so much, but freaking love Twizzlers. I can honestly say that I don’t think I’ve ever eaten them anywhere other than the movies. Can you even buy them outside of a theater? I know everyone’s gonna have their preference; The above mentioned Junior Mints and Milk Duds, Sour Patch Kids, Raisinets (God what an awful looking choice. Has anyone ever ordered Raisinets?) Sno-Caps (OK, I’m pretty sure no one has ever ordered these, have you?), Rieces Pieces…..the list goes on and on not unlike the flavors in a bag of Skittles. Ok, so there are more choices than that, it just sounded good. By the way, I didn’t throw this out there earlier, but if your wife, girlfriend, light eating boyfriend/husband or children, are with you, they do have Kiddie trays that are quite satisfying. I believe there’s a toy involved as well. Not too shabby for $30. (I think they are like $3 or something actually)
Now, just take all your goodies, which becomes increasingly more difficult if you’re not alone, and scratch, claw, and crawl back to your seat if you didn’t take my positioning advice. God help you if you spill anything on those people whose snacks you supposedly defecated in. Sit back, relax, enjoy your popcorn/candy/coke and try and forget the fact that there’s a cell phone ringing right behind you or that Aaron Eckhart is still flipping that damned coin. (Sorry Bish)
That’s all for today. Give me your list of favorite movie snacks. I’m sure I left some out. Check out the link below for Stephen King’s guide and I’ll talk at you all again later.
“Someone shit on the coats……What?!?!?…I hope it wasn’t on my coat!–and then boom, you’re a phantom”
I know it’s the weekend, actually it’s about 1am on Sat. night/Sun. morning, and you all won’t be checking this out til’ Monday at the earliest, but I wanted to try and put out 5 picks a day, and that’s what I’m gonna do. For those of you looking for something other than Sports talk, I promise it’s coming. There’s a lot of interesting stuff that we need to talk about. Don’t give up on me. Now, for the picks:
20 – Texas Tech - Man. Does this team ever have a down year on offense? They are returning 9 guys from last year and that includes badace receiver Michael Crabtree and QB Graham Harrell. Both of these guys could end up in the Heisman Trophy running before the season is done. I have a real problem putting them any higher than 20th though, because despite ridiculous offensive numbers year in and year out, they just never seem to get over that hump. This year, I could be proven wrong as they return 8 starters on defense, and all 5 offensive linemen from 2007. And did I mention that Michael Crabtree is back? Game to Watch: Oct. 25th at Kansas
19 – Oregon - Yet another team that gave me reason to hope as a Georgia fan last year. The problem was that I hated to see Dixon go out the way he did. That was a real bummer. You know that guy would’ve probably played in a damn wheelchair if it were allowed. This year, they have a lot of guys to replace but they have apparently done some homework. Justin Roper should be fighting it out with Nate Costa for the QB spot. Roper managed to put up 4 TD passes against South Florida in the Sun Bowl last year in only his 5th appearance. Costa gives Oregon more of a look that they had with Dixon behind center. They return the top two receivers from last year and add the top running back coming out of junior college in LeGarrette Blount. Not too shabby. On defense the top two tacklers return including Walter Thurmond III who led the team with 5 ints last year and 18 pass breakups. Look for Oregon to make some noise in the weak Pac 10 this season. (and hopefully the damn Panthers will get some production from Jonathan Stewart). Game to Watch: Oct. 4th at USC
18 – South Florida – Does anyone else remember that this team was ranked #2 in the country at one point last year? Man. What happened? A 30-27 loss to Rutgers really hurt. This season they return QB Matt Grothe who had an outstanding season last year rushing for 872 yards and 10 TDs while passing for 2,670 yds and 14 TDs. Pretty impressive stat line there Matt. Jesus. He’s got his 4 top receivers back, which helps a little, and Mike Ford will be taking the ball from him in the backfield. Ford rushed for 645 and 12 TDs as a true freshman. Seven starters back on D including leading tackler Tyron McKenzie should keep opposing offenses on their heels. Tyron just sounds like a linebacker doesn’t it? Just some dude that’s gonna wear your ass out if you’re something like 6′ 185lbs. Just absolutely maul your ass. I digress. By the way, this isn’t the game I’m listing, but for all the NC/SC local college football fans, the game at NC State on Sep. 27th should tell us a lot about the Wolfpack. Game to Watch: Dec. 6th at West Virginia
17 - Illinois - I have to say that I respect Ron Zook. I mean, I hated him much less than his previous boss and subsequent Florida coach CUM. CUM loves Zook. I really just wanted to write that. Again, CUM oughtta love Zook, cause he handed him a National Championship team at Florida. I’m gonna take this opportunity to once again toot the horn of Chris Leak. I believe he’s the only Florida player I’ve ever supported and that’s because he basically took all of the CUM he could handle (keeping his mouth shut the whole time somehow), won a championship and got the hell out of Gainesville. Smart Man. Sorry Tebow. You’re not getting out so easily. On to Illinois. Despite losing Mendenhall, they do return ole’ flash and dash Juice Williams. By the way, if Tyron sounds like a linebacker that will whip your ass, Juice sounds like a guy that will…..oh…..I was gonna say blow by your ass, but “kill” keeps coming to mind for some reason. Damn you OJ. You know, I’m really not gonna say too much more about the Illini. I just think a damn good QB takes you a damn long way in a damn shitty conference. Game to Watch: Sep. 27th at Penn State
16 – Tennessee - I don’t know how much of an impact Phil Fulmer’s subpoena’s gonna have on their season, but as of right now, it’s not effecting my pre-season top 26 damnit. I mean, don’t get me wrong, when I see Fulmer on TV making a total ass of himself and then realize he’s about to be served with a subpoena for some dirty recruiting shit, I take notice. I mean, I open up an effin’ beer and watch that shi’ite. Don’t you? I have a feeling that there are 2 guys out there that might read this one day, and they are disagreeing wholeheartedly…right Dave, Chet? Anyway, this is the Eastern Division Team in the SEC that no one is talking about…well before the subpoena today…I tell you what, I’ll put a link to that so you can read about it….and talk about Tennessee. Flying under the radar isn’t such a bad thing and if Crompton gets hot early at QB, watch out. They return a solid offensive line and a badace running back in Arian Foster. That alone should give Crompton some time to work out the kinks. Add to that a sick secondary on defense (screw you Eric Berry), and I’d say UT is gonna be just fine. Maybe minus a coach, but at this point, I don’t know that even Chet or Dave would mind that. Game to Watch: You guessed it……Oct. 11th at Georgia
That’s it for today, tonight, this morning. I’ll talk at you all again tomorrow, today, whatever. Oh yeah, here’s that link I was mentioning…..right below the quote:
“Obviously, you’re not a golfer.”
http://www.ajc.com/search/content/shared-gen/ap/General_College_Sports_News/FBC_Fulmer_Subpoena.html
I hate pre-season polls. I hate that they have any bearing on the season ahead. Unfortunately, they do, and they spark a WHOLE LOT of debate. If it were up to me, I would wait until about 5 or 6 weeks into the season, and then come out with the first poll. The picture would be a little clearer at that point. What would we talk about from July to September if that were the case though? I decided to give you my pre-season picks, because honestly, I don’t have the stomach to look at other polls this summer until the official ones come out. I’m gonna give you 6 picks today and then 5 picks a day until I get to the top five that round out “Willo’s College Football Pre-Season Top 26″. ***I am basing my picks on what the team did last year, who is returning, incoming freshman, coaching changes, and so forth. I am not taking into consideration anything that hasn’t happened (i.e. schedule strength). I’m tired of people ranking teams higher or lower because of their schedules. If you are good enough to win the National Championship, then you are good enough to win all your games if things go your way. I don’t need to try and predict the future for pre-season picks. Here we go:
26 - Appalachian State — I know that they are a 1AA team (hence the 26th pick) I just want to give all those App St fans the chance to beat their chests a little longer. To be honest (no offense Bish, Jeff), I’m tired of hearing that schools are scared to play them. No they’re not. It’s just stupid for a 1A school to play a 1AA school unless there is some kind of local significance. I sure as hell don’t think Georgia needs to play App St. How in the heck would that benefit Georgia, at all? Georgia certainly isn’t scared to play Georgia Southern. In fact, it’s a fairly common matchup. So App Staters. I’m giving you your due. If you go undefeated, which is doubtful, I’ll continue to move you up. Lose once though, and you’re out. One tip: Try not to look past LSU. Game to Watch: Halloween Night vs. Wofford
25 – Pittsburgh - this pick has a little to do with my utter joy when they beat West Virginia last year and gave Georgia fans everywhere a short-lived heart-leap of a National Championship shot, and a lot to do with what they’ve got coming back. They return a Stud of a running back in LeSean McCoy (1300+ yards and 14 TDs last season) along with QB Pat Bostick and 5 other starters on offense. The defense is led by DT Gus Mustakas and should be decent. Either way, it’s Pitt, are you really gonna bust my chops for putting them at 25 over teams like Central Florida, Penn State, or Alabama? Nah. Ok, maybe some of you will think Alabama deserves to be in the top 25, but honestly, I hate Nick Saban. Game to Watch: Nov. 28th vs. West Virginia
24 – Wake Forest – Here’s where all you SEC fans step up and complain that there’s no way Wake gets in ahead of Alabama. Well, once more, I hate Nick Saban. Sorry. This is the Golden Era for Wake Forest football. Enjoy it Deacs, it will never be this good ever again. Once Grobe is gone, so is this glory. But for now, I give you props for doing something I never thought you would, and that’s be in anyone’s pre-season top 25, much less mine. Wake returns field general Riley Skinner who owns the school records for completion percentage in a season and in a career. Helping out Skinner in the backfield is Josh Adams, who almost broke the 1,000 yard mark last year with 953 yards and added 11 touchdowns. The line needs a little rebuilding but that should be one of the few drawbacks; it will be covered up by the fact that they return 9 starters on defense, including Alphonso Smith who led the nation in interceptions last year with 8 and ran back 3 for TDs. The top 5 tacklers all return. The Golden Era of Wake Forest football. They got that goin’ for em, which is nice. Game to Watch: Oct. 9th vs. Clemson
23 - BYU - I know, I know. BYU? What in the world am I thinking? Well, let’s see, they have back to back 11 win seasons, they are 16-0 in conference during those 2 seasons, they return a quarterback in Max Hall who threw for 26 TDs and almost 4,000 yds last fall, a running back in Harvey Unga that set a Mountain West Conference record with 1,840 all purpose yards as a freshman, and a coach named Bronco. I’m gonna give him the benefit of the doubt defensively, don’t you think? Game to Watch: Nov. 22nd at UTAH
22 - Arizona St. - Rudy Carpenter is a tough dude. a little whiny….but nonetheless, a tough dude. He’s also a pretty good quarterback. 3,202 yards and 25 TDs last year with a 62% completion rate. Not too shabby for a tough guy. He’s got a good supporting cast coming back as well; 6 starters on offense including his top two recievers from last year, and 7 starters on a defense that finished 30th in the nation last year in total defense. Plus, Dennis Erickson has been around the block a time or two and knows a little about College Football. that always helps. these guys have a chance to surprise some people this year. Just hopefully not Georgia. Game to Watch: Oct. 11th at USC (or Sep. 20th vs. Georgia if you don’t care for USC)
21 - South Carolina – Man. I don’t know what makes this harder, the fact that I don’t pull for South Carolina or the fact that I downright loathe Steve Spurrier. Either way, they are deserving of this spot for 1 main reason, and that’s not me being a humble Georgia fan because of last year. They are going to have a damn good defense anchored by linebacker Jasper Brinkley. It’s the kind of defense that is going to give a lot of teams fits. If they can get any kind of quarterback play out of Smelley or Garcia at the helm, they should be ok with you know who pulling the strings and Kenny McKinley running routes. (maybe it’s just Florida that pisses me off, because Urban Meyer has slowly crept up on Steve Spurrier on my all-time hated coaches list. He’s moving quickly too.) Game to Watch: Sep. 13th vs. Georgia
*******So there you have my first 6 teams. I’ll be giving you #’s 20-15 in my next blog. Let me know what you think so far. I’m really looking forward to your input because I’m gonna try and update my Top 25 throughout the season. It will be interesting to see what we think compared to the talking heads. My guess is that we’ll get it right. Other than that, I’ll talk at you all again later.
“He’s a dawg, a good dawg, he’s a DAMN GOOD DAWG!!!” —UGA VI will be missed–
Mood Music: Square One by Tom Petty
Today’s Topic: Mike Hampton starts for the first time since August 19, 2005
I know a lot of you are looking at the topic today and thinking, “I’ll believe it when I see it”. You know, I’m right there with you. The funny thing is that I REALLY want Mike Hampton to make his start tomorrow. I’ve gone from completely loathing his existence as a Brave, to silently hoping that he makes a healthy return to the game of baseball.
Yeah, I know, Mike Hampton is considered part of one of the worst transactions of all time. He silently sat in the background sucking up millions of dollars for the last 3 years while the Braves found themselves struggling to make the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. Hampton made no attempt to try and help the Braves out financially, which players like Chipper Jones did to help bring in Tim Hudson in 2005. Overall, my opinion on Hampton was that he really just didn’t give a shit what happened to the Braves as long as he got paid. He was a china doll, and I felt like he was stumbling across undiscovered injuries that kept him from playing. I was pissed. Still was, until tonight.
Tonight I realized that I would really like to see Hampton succeed. Not because I’ve waited 3 years, not because I think he’ll help the Braves, not even for Hampton’s sake, but because I really think that if he can return, and manage to play out the rest of the season…..it’s an omen that the Braves are gonna turn it around. I’ve been waiting for something positive all year and let’s be honest, there hasn’t been much. From the endless one run road losses, to the giant flying injury bug, it really doesn’t appear to be the Braves’ year. I just can’t seem to let the season go yet, though. The Phillies refuse to run away with the division, the Marlins are so young, and we all know what the Mets were able to do last year.
So, as we approach the trade deadline and Frank Wren teeters ever closer to trading Mark Texiera, why not believe that tomorrow is Hampton’s day. Would you believe that the Braves would have the National Leagues’ 2nd best overall ERA with the amount of injuries they’ve had this year? Would you believe that Brian McCann (as mentioned in the All-sTar game blog) would be inserted on defense in the bottom of the 15th? Stranger things have happened and I’m not counting the Braves out until the end of the season. Well, that is, unless Hampton breaks a toe coming out of the dugout in the first inning and misses the start tomorrow. In that case, bring on College Football. I’ll talk at you all again later.
“Square One, the slate is clear….”
