NFC Championship:
(2)San Francisco at (1)Atlanta (Sunday 2pm CT): The sports world was shocked by Colin Kaepernick's breakout performance against Green Bay last weekend (I know I didn't see that coming). He'll lead the 49ers to their sixth Super Bowl in franchise history, the last appearance came in 1994 when they knocked off the San Diego Chargers 49-24 in Miami. Their opponent is the top seeded Atlanta Falcons, who blew a 27-7 lead in the 4th quarter last week before knocking off the feisty Seattle Seahawks on Matt Bryant's last minute 49 yard field goal. It'll be hard for them to beat an established team like the 49ers today with last week's near collapse.
AFC Championship:
(4)Baltimore at (2)New England (Sunday 5:30pm CT): A rematch of last season's down to the wire AFC Championship Game, a 23-20 victory by New England at the end of regulation. The Ravens continue to improve on the hobbled December team they were with impressive playoff wins over the Colts and Broncos the past two weeks. I will not pick against the Ravens for the third consecutive week because Ray Lewis' final hurrah has inspired the team and two of my wrong playoff predictions involved them. The Patriots host the home field advantage in this game, but like the Falcons, it won't be to their advantage.
2013 NFL Playoff Pick Em Record (Through Divisional Round): 4-4
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
San Diego State Prefers Wild West Over Big East
San Diego State became the nineteenth university since 2004 to leave the Big East Conference and retained its membership in the conference it had called home since 1999. San Diego State joined Boise State, who made its announcement on December 31st, early this morning in returning to the Mountain West Conference after backing out of a projected move east. The Mountain West will feature twelve members and is expected to have two divisions and a conference championship game for the 2013 football season. According to sources, one will consist of members in the Pacific and Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zones (Fresno State, Hawaii, Nevada, San Diego State, San Jose State and UNLV) and the other in the Mountain Time Zone (Air Force, Boise State, Colorado State, New Mexico, Utah State and Wyoming). The Big East retains ten members for the 2013 football season after departures by Boise State, Pittsburgh, San Diego State and Syracuse, additions of Central Florida, Houston, Memphis, SMU and Temple, and current members Cincinnati, Connecticut, Louisville, Rutgers and South Florida.
The future of the Big East is uncertain, while the future of the Mountain West looks much brighter. The Mountain West may remain at twelve members, but reports have linked the conference with Houston, SMU, Tulsa and UTEP. There's instability within the Big East following the loss of fifteen members in the past two years and the lack of a much-needed television deal. East Carolina, Navy and Tulane are expected to join the conference between 2014 and 2015 with the departures of Rutgers, Louisville and the eight Catholic institutions (DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Notre Dame, Providence, St. John's, Seton Hall and Villanova). According to reports, the Big East is looking to add either Massachusetts or Tulsa to become a twelve team conference like the Mountain West. The roller coaster of conference realignment is still in full throttle.
The future of the Big East is uncertain, while the future of the Mountain West looks much brighter. The Mountain West may remain at twelve members, but reports have linked the conference with Houston, SMU, Tulsa and UTEP. There's instability within the Big East following the loss of fifteen members in the past two years and the lack of a much-needed television deal. East Carolina, Navy and Tulane are expected to join the conference between 2014 and 2015 with the departures of Rutgers, Louisville and the eight Catholic institutions (DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Notre Dame, Providence, St. John's, Seton Hall and Villanova). According to reports, the Big East is looking to add either Massachusetts or Tulsa to become a twelve team conference like the Mountain West. The roller coaster of conference realignment is still in full throttle.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
NFL Playoff Preview (Divisional Round)
Divisional Round Preview:
(4)Baltimore at (1)Denver (Saturday 3:30pm CT CBS): The Ravens played well against the Colts last Sunday, but Ray Lewis' 17 year career ends in Denver this weekend. Peyton Manning and the Broncos' defense will be a handful for the Ravens.
(3)Green Bay at (2)San Francisco (Saturday 7pm CT FOX): The Packers looked great in their opening round playoff game last weekend with a 24-10 victory over division foe Minnesota. They will beat the 49ers in the Bay Area this weekend because Collin Kaepernick is not a proven leader and does not have any playoff experience.
(5)Seattle at (1)Atlanta (Sunday Noon CT FOX): Why not the top seeded Falcons? The Falcons have become a playoff joke under coach Mike Smith with an 0-3 record during his tenure. The Seahawks looked great against Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins last Sunday, so expect them to beat up on Matt Ryan and the Falcons this weekend. Pete Caroll has his team focused and determined to continue their magical playoff run.
(3)Houston at (2)New England (3:30pm CT CBS): As much as Houston fans want me to pick the Texans against the Patriots this weekend, it is not a proper pick. The Texans began the season 11-1, but I have no confidence in them. They've struggled mightily since that devastating 42-14 loss on Monday Night Football in Week 14 with a 2-3 record and a sloppy victory over the Bengals to begin the playoffs last weekend. The Tom Brady and Bill Belichick-led Patriots love playing this time of year and will tromp the Texans for the second time this season.
2013 NFL Playoff Pick Em Record (Through Wild Card Weekend): 3-1
(4)Baltimore at (1)Denver (Saturday 3:30pm CT CBS): The Ravens played well against the Colts last Sunday, but Ray Lewis' 17 year career ends in Denver this weekend. Peyton Manning and the Broncos' defense will be a handful for the Ravens.
(3)Green Bay at (2)San Francisco (Saturday 7pm CT FOX): The Packers looked great in their opening round playoff game last weekend with a 24-10 victory over division foe Minnesota. They will beat the 49ers in the Bay Area this weekend because Collin Kaepernick is not a proven leader and does not have any playoff experience.
(5)Seattle at (1)Atlanta (Sunday Noon CT FOX): Why not the top seeded Falcons? The Falcons have become a playoff joke under coach Mike Smith with an 0-3 record during his tenure. The Seahawks looked great against Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins last Sunday, so expect them to beat up on Matt Ryan and the Falcons this weekend. Pete Caroll has his team focused and determined to continue their magical playoff run.
(3)Houston at (2)New England (3:30pm CT CBS): As much as Houston fans want me to pick the Texans against the Patriots this weekend, it is not a proper pick. The Texans began the season 11-1, but I have no confidence in them. They've struggled mightily since that devastating 42-14 loss on Monday Night Football in Week 14 with a 2-3 record and a sloppy victory over the Bengals to begin the playoffs last weekend. The Tom Brady and Bill Belichick-led Patriots love playing this time of year and will tromp the Texans for the second time this season.
2013 NFL Playoff Pick Em Record (Through Wild Card Weekend): 3-1
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Crushing Crimson Tide: Back-To-Back National Champions
The Alabama Crimson Tide have a history of football dominance, but they've come a long way from mediocrity in the mid-2000s. The program was involved in three NCAA sanctions in the 1990's and 2000's before Nick Saban's arrival at Alabama in 2007. He changed the culture of Alabama football and restored it to historical dominance in just five seasons as head coach. He coached his third BCS National Championship in four years and the result was just the same.
Highly-favored Alabama had the highest of expectations at the 2013 BCS National Championship and all their dreams came true on this beautiful Miami night. Notre Dame's recent struggles overshadowed its vast resume and was both the underdog and newcomer in the BCS National Championship Game. The Crimson Tide and Fighting Irish are two of college football's most storied programs with 25 combined National Championships (prior to Monday's game) and their great fan bases were expecting a great night, but it became a one-sided battle.
The experienced Alabama squad overpowered Notre Dame from the opening kickoff and never let up its effort. The Crimson Tide scored touchdowns on the first three drives and extended their lead to 35-0 early in the second half. Eddie Lacy was the leading man at halftime with his two first half touchdowns and 96 rushing yards. The Crimson Tide allowed two second half touchdowns, but A.J. McCarron finished off the Fighting Irish with four touchdown passes and 264 yards in a 42-14 victory. Alabama won its third BCS National Championship since 2010 and fifteenth in program history. Coach Saban won his fourth BCS National Championship, third at Alabama, and McCarron improved his career record to 25-2 after winning his second National Championship in two years as Alabama's quarterback.
Notre Dame was unable to win its first football National Championship since 1988 with Monday's 42-14 loss. Freshman Quarterback Everett Golson had 270 passing yards and a fourth quarter touchdown pass, but his inexperience cost him. He struggled throughout the game and threw a second half interception to the talented Alabama defense. The daunting Fighting Irish defense, led by Heisman finalist Manti Te'o, was also a no-show in the game, allowing a season high 42 points and 529 yards to the Crimson Tide. The Irish have been outscored 158-57 in four BCS bowl game appearances.
Highly-favored Alabama had the highest of expectations at the 2013 BCS National Championship and all their dreams came true on this beautiful Miami night. Notre Dame's recent struggles overshadowed its vast resume and was both the underdog and newcomer in the BCS National Championship Game. The Crimson Tide and Fighting Irish are two of college football's most storied programs with 25 combined National Championships (prior to Monday's game) and their great fan bases were expecting a great night, but it became a one-sided battle.
The experienced Alabama squad overpowered Notre Dame from the opening kickoff and never let up its effort. The Crimson Tide scored touchdowns on the first three drives and extended their lead to 35-0 early in the second half. Eddie Lacy was the leading man at halftime with his two first half touchdowns and 96 rushing yards. The Crimson Tide allowed two second half touchdowns, but A.J. McCarron finished off the Fighting Irish with four touchdown passes and 264 yards in a 42-14 victory. Alabama won its third BCS National Championship since 2010 and fifteenth in program history. Coach Saban won his fourth BCS National Championship, third at Alabama, and McCarron improved his career record to 25-2 after winning his second National Championship in two years as Alabama's quarterback.
Notre Dame was unable to win its first football National Championship since 1988 with Monday's 42-14 loss. Freshman Quarterback Everett Golson had 270 passing yards and a fourth quarter touchdown pass, but his inexperience cost him. He struggled throughout the game and threw a second half interception to the talented Alabama defense. The daunting Fighting Irish defense, led by Heisman finalist Manti Te'o, was also a no-show in the game, allowing a season high 42 points and 529 yards to the Crimson Tide. The Irish have been outscored 158-57 in four BCS bowl game appearances.
Friday, January 4, 2013
2013 NFL Playoff Preview (Wild Card Weekend)
1st Round Byes
AFC: 1) Denver Broncos (13-3) , 2) New England Patriots (12-4)
NFC: 1) Atlanta Falcons (13-3) , 2) San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1)
AFC Wild Card
3) Houston Texans (12-4) vs 6) Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)
4) Baltimore Ravens (10-6) vs 5) Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
NFC Wild Card
3) Green Bay Packers (11-5) vs 6) Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
4) Washington Redskins (10-6) vs 5) Seattle Seahawks (11-5)
Wild Card Predictions:
1. (3)Houston over (6)Cincinnati (Saturday 3:30pm
CT-NBC): The Texans struggled down the stretch with three December losses, but Saturday’s
home crowd at Reliant propels the Texans to their second home playoff victory
in franchise history.
2. (3)Green Bay over (6)Minnesota (Saturday 7pm CT-NBC): Aaron
Rodgers and the Pack get some much-needed revenge at Lambeau after falling to
the Vikings in Minneapolis last Sunday.
3. (5)Indianapolis over (4)Baltimore (Sunday Noon CT-CBS): The
Colts were the good feel story in 2012 and continue the fight against leukemia with Chuck “Strong”
Pagano, pulling out another win against a banged up Ravens
squad.
4. (5)Seattle over (4)Washington (Sunday 3:30pm CT-FOX): This
will be a great opening round game, but the Seahawks squeak out the victory at
FedEx because Russell Wilson is healthier than the banged up Robert Griffin
III.
Super Bowl XLVII Prediction: (1)Denver over (5)Seattle:
Peyton Manning overcame all the odds in 2012 after missing the
2011 season due to two neck surgeries and mesmerized the Broncos’
organization and fan base throughout the season. He ended the season with eleven consecutive
victories after a 2-3 start and will guide the Broncos to Super Bowl XLVII in his hometown of New Orleans . Manning will win his 2nd Super Bowl (XLI) and the Broncos win their 3rd (XXXII, XXXIII).
Pete Carroll has certainly turned around this organization
and turned the Seahawks into a dangerous team. Russell
Wilson, Marshawn Lynch and Golden Tate have had great offensive seasons, leading
the team to two 50 point performances to begin the month of December, and the
defense has allowed only 15 points per game. Don't count out the Wild Card Seahawks because six of the last seven Super Bowls have featured a participant in Wild Card Weekend.
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