Quick disclaimer, I maybe used the outsider team loosely in the title. I actively root for Notre Dame, and grew up with NBC every Saturday. However, I am a student of another University with a very good football program, so I do not consider myself a die-hard, or 'true' ND fan. Luckily these two teams, though geographically close, rarely meet or even cross paths. So I can still give Notre Dame the love I so desperately want to. While still supporting the home team.

This started as a comment on Eric Murtaugh's post titled Thinking about Notre Dame's Offense: Where Are We and Where Are We Going?. However, I noticed that I had written much more than is necessary for a single comment. So I punched it up and put it here. Please Enjoy my first fan post on OFD.

Continue reading this post »

So I don't know if you heard this or not, but apparently "It's time."

Which is kind of funny how the Rangers are almost saying "yeah we essentially just goofed around the past 40ish years, and now we actually are gonna try to win." Regardless of what time it is, the Rangers fanbase, and the organization feel that we/they are on the cusp of a great couple of seasons with alot of talent, and some winning baseball in north Texas. As a diehard Rangers fan who has only fleeting memories of the last time the Rangers were in the playoffs (I was 7) I too desperately want to see the team win, and I too feel that this team has enough talent to win.

However, when I've come to the site the lately, the GDT's are rather negative. like, almost over the top. so lets not forget a couple key things.

A) This is the youngest team in baseball (almost)

B) This year may not be the year, it could be in two or three years when Feliz, Holland, and Smoak are entering their primes

C) ITS STILL THE FIRST WEEK OF THE SEASON

So just to make it clear, I feel, like I'm sure most of ya'll do, that this team has more upside potential than it has in some time. Also, the Angels, Mariners, and A's don't appear all that frightening. So yes, this is a golden oppurtunity, but the Rangers window is just now opening.

Just for proof i went back and looked at the standings in baseball for last year on May 1st, then compared them to the standings on October 1st two days before the last game was played. The Record after 30-ish games and the record after 159-ish games

2009
The A's went from 18-12 to 79-84                                                                                                                                          The Yankees went from 14-16 to 102-57                                                                                                                               The Diamond backs started out 20-8 and finished the year 68-91
The Rockies went from 11-17 to 91-68

I had a previous fan post about applying to Iowa as a long shot.

I didn't get in.

But i still would love to attend the University of Iowa (thanks in no small part to this blog). I've been accepted to University of Houston, Texas Tech, And Kansas. I don't want to go to Kirkwood.

so the main reason for this fanpost is to ask if anybody transfered in? does anybody know the transfer requirements? Do Ya'll Think it'd be worth it.

I'll say this about sports. Does the Big Ten really need to expand. I mean the only school that would seem to be a worthwhile addition would be Notre Dame, and they are never ever,ever,ever,ever,ever gonna do that. And coming from the Big Twelve area in texas having a twelve team conference, and a conference championship game, isn't always a good thing. plus this is one of the things that makes the big ten unique. In my opinion.

But i'll admit. I know very little overall about the situation as i've only followed the big ten the past two years as my interest in Iowa as a university grew.

I understand this is a pointless post. so please don't be a troll

I'm about to be a senior in high school, and iowa is one of my top choices, my GPA isn't stellar (or really, good, or even mediocre, okay its piss poor) so i'll be relying on a good SAT and some good extra curriculars and community service (and a whole lot of other stuff that i dont see why a university would give a shit about but my schools college counselor says are important).

So what kind of SAT score do i need to make for U of I?

I'm also applying from texas, so if anybody has some stories or suggestions or anything that would also be appreciated.

thank you,

so, I didn't make my school's baseball team, but the coach has heard me talk about baseball and has read my articles in the school paper and he is "impressed with my love and knowledge of the game" so he wants me to take stats and give him reports about the players using most of the basic stats in the game. he says he wants everything.

well, I'm a little shaky on most of the formula's so does anybody know where i can find on the internet how to do that stuff.

i don't need anything like vorp or win shares. but i do need stuff like OBP and ERA and stuff like that.

so any links or if any of ya'll know them off the top of your head thats also good.

i admit to my noob-ness in not knowing these things like any respectable baseball fan should but i need some help.

so, I didn't make my school's baseball team, but the coach has heard me talk about baseball and has read my articles in the school paper and he is "impressed with my love and knowledge of the game" so he wants me to take stats and give him reports about the players using most of the basic stats in the game. he says he wants everything.

well, I'm a little shaky on most of the formula's so does anybody know where i can find on the internet how to do that stuff.

i don't need anything like vorp or win shares. but i do need stuff like OBP and ERA and stuff like that.

so any links or if any of ya'll know them off the top of your head thats also good.

i admit to my noob-ness in not knowing these things like any respectable baseball fan should but i need some help.

an unnamed source (my cell phone) has confirmed to me that mike scioscia will sign a contract extension with the angel's locking him up until the 2018 season.

2018!! seriously! wow, nine effing years. how can you be that confident in someone, a manager to sign them through nine years... we'll have a new president then... come on. this is insane.

How many times is he gonna loose in the first round of the playoffs in those nine years. seriously.

let's see how confident the angels are in scioscia when he as to go against a rangers team with feliz, holland, crush, bourbon going to town on them california boy's

okay that was a little bit ridiculous, i got carried away on homer-ness

Get the penalty box ready because I'm sure this is not breaking news to any of you, but it is to me, so deal with it.

Apparently the Texas rangers have stopped using the Clinton Lumberkings as there class A affiliate, and have a new agreement with the 'Hickory Crawdads" and they will become the rangers new Class A affiliate. The Crawdads, who used to be the affiliate for the pirates, The lumber kings will now be the affiliate for the ma,, ma... marin...mariners... ew.

This is sad, because somewhere on the interwebs long long ago, i purchased a clinton lumberkings baseball jersey, and have yet to wear it in public, maybe tomorrow i will just for good measure, because it may have some special powers that would help during finals week

Anyone know about the reasons for this shuffle, or anything else.

http://raiderpower.blogspot.com/2008/11/texas-tech-vs-oklahoma-state-simulation.html

Over at Raiderpower there guy ran the OK st TTU match up through his XBOX and NCAA football 2009. it was pretty awesome so see, and i still can't believe i read every word in the post.

Anyone who is a gamer, especially with NCAA football and has XBOX live, hit me up at kmac68k12.

But, i really wanted to make this point.

    This is so great for Texas Tech, Three strait games televised nationally, the offense has looked GREAT. like maybe a historically great offense, the defense has looked aggressive and ready to play, which is something new for tech fans. I'm going to savor every single one of the next ten days until the OU game, because TTU, your Red Raiders are the talk of the town. Harrell or Crabs might not win the heisman (they damn well SHOULD) but they will probably at least get invited to New York. and after so many great quaterbacks, to get snubbed, thats still something to be appreciated.

ONE MORE THING:

Where did Taurean Henderson end up, he was always one of my favorite players to watch. Is he in arena ball, or the canadian leagues, or is he a back-up on some NFL team? heck, maybe i just havent noticed and is he putting up pro bowl numbers somewhere.

Just saw the story on mlb's website

link: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080710&content_id=3107402&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea 

The three-plus season relationship ended late Wednesday night inside a hotel room in San Francisco...

The time had come when it just didn't seem like it was going to happen here for Richie

It's crazy to think of richie sexson being washed up. I can still remember that All- Star game in milwakee when he was one of the special young players in that game. Still, the fact that it took seattle three years to come to that point is pretty astounding. He has just been amazingly medicore the past couple years. but it seems like this year the wheels just fell off for a "once good player"

at the seattle times there is a piece up which goes into more details about his departure. apparently there was something of a rift between him and interim manager jim riggleman.

via media.timesleader.com

    First off, I'd like to say that in baseball there are quite a few more judgement calls then there are in football, and since football is going to be the comparison for this. For example, it is clear to see weither or not someones knee hit the ground. now determing wether a ball that appears as a blur in slow motion was inside, on, or outside an arbitrary, imaginary line is not so clear.

so this is kinda like comparing apples and oranges.

but whatever, here it goes.

    I dont think instant replay should used at any level of baseball because although it has been proven to get calls right in other sports, many times there is still arguments about wether the right call was made even after replay. For me (an avid red raider) the most recent TTU, UT football game comes to mind. In that game i think there where Three different stoppages in play for instant replay. many of them debatable even after the call.

    It also slows down the game considerably. Even though TV timers may not say so, the pace and is noticably different. As much as i love baseball, it does not need to be slowed down at all. In many instances instant replay takes the crowd out of the game. and serves as a free timeout for the coaches. For example, and this is seen more often then not. A player makes an amazing catch in the back of the endzone/ interception/ firstdown. the crowd goes wild and momentum is on the side of whichever team. the opposing coach can challenge the call, or the booth can challenge it. whether or not its upheld, the crowd is taken out of the game and each side has to stop and collect themselves, for better or worse. Which is exactly why i dont want it used in baseball.

    I cant imagine that after ever arguable ball and strike (which is about 70% of them) the game stops for two minutes and its watched and reviewed.

so those are my reasons.

i encourage your feedback and love a good argument

Around four o'clock I began my first day at subway. It is my first job and I'm really excited. I turned 16 about two weeks ago and immediately began looking for work over the summer. Its my first job and everyone seems to be giving me advice, from parents to siblings, to teachers. since most people on this site are in there 20's or older i assume that most people have had a job before. So this OT post is just an open thread to talk about first job's and maybe share stories, things like that. I actually really enjoyed it, the people i work with are really nice and colorful.

My first sandwich order did not go over so well.

An older Gentlemen order a meatball sub, toasted, so i cut the bread and inserted the allotted amount of meatballs, put it in the toaster (which gets about 1500 degrees). but i forgot that the sandwich would be very hot coming out of the toaster so i just tried to grab it free hand. and ended up spilling it on the floor. meatballs, marinara, and all. The manager just laughed it off and i got the mop while he handled the rest of the order.

so if anyone reading this lives in austin. I work at the subway on bee caves in westlake. mostly at night and on saturdays. come in with some rangers gear and ill probably start up a conversation.

P.S. mention that your a LSB fan and ill give a free sandwich (unless the store owner is there, of course)

Also congrats to Justin Smoak, Barack Obama, and any recent graduates

for the june 4th game against the indians. if by the time i post this adam or somebody else has one up. go there. just didnt want a game to go by with out a thread.

This is a big game. winning a series against the indians and getting back above 500 would really give this team some legitimacy to the national media. BTW really dont like the indians. just for whatever reason one of my least favorite major league teams. so this game would do wonders to fuel my pointless hate

good luck and GOOOOOO rangers

as shameful as it may sound i am setting my alarm for 5:30, so ill be able to wake up for the game. Even though the match-up between Boston and Oakland is one that doesn't really invigorate me, I am still desperate for some actual major league baseball.

Even though the ridicolous amount of Red Sox support will be hard to handle, it will be kinda (maybe, a little) to see the A's. This will give ranger fans a chance to see who there likely competition is for third-place.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080324&content_id=2454368&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

An article at MLB.com about how there is no doubt that Red Sox fans will be watching this game, The idea that the Red Sox or the Yankees or the Cubs have the best fan-bases in the game is just infuriating.

A) Just because there is more doesn't mean they are more knowledgeable, or passionate.

B) Being a fan of those three teams is easy, really easy, about a third of all games on espn feature either the Yankees or the Red Sox, not to mention the national media's love affair with said teams. David Ortiz uses the restroom, and peter gammons is already blogging about it "You know i've never seen a player with such enthusiasm for his stool, he really is the face of major league baseball"

well okay, im probably just a hater and i got side-tracked this... the whole reason for this post was just a chance to see who is pulling an allnighter with me to watch the game.

if so comment or vote.

I've seen a good amount of tech games, but one was one of the most deflating games I've witnessed in a while

Continue reading this post »

on a side note: THE ST.MICHAELS CRUSADERS ARE GOING TO THE PLAYOFFS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE ELEVEN YEARS SINCE MOVING TO DISTRICT SIX A.

but while attending the UT TTU game an altercation erupted between me and Fan of the longhorns. After the britton touchdown, and fourth down (should have been roughing the passer) holding penalty, and the crabtree Catch that wasnt. i started yelling some thing at a couple referees. "F*&^k u, Where is that when tech needs it, Everything for mack and colt, thats bullshit, i hate u." An older gentlemen took the liberty of putting both hands my shoulders and pushing me down back into my seat, i turned around. After my turning around, he threatened me with both "whippin's and "boy ill have u kicked out of the stadium if u keep yellin like that there" i said calmy and with a polite tone "fuck u, its a football game" his wife calmed him down and my friends put there hands on my mouth. that was over.

shortly after me and my friends (being the 15-16 year old boys that we are) where having a disscusion about who on either team would get the most "female attention."

tech- crabtree
texas- jamal charles

when i made the comment "but if colt was a normal dude, and not the quaterback of the football team, he wouldnt get any" another older gentleman turned around and said "but he isnt a normal guy thats why he went to texas"

this caused me to overreact.

i pointed at him and said "thats why i hate texas fans, you are all pompous and arrogant." some shoving happend but once again, his wife calmed him down, and my friends covered up my mouth.

but i really really really cant stand TU.
 

As the university of texas has become one of the top college football programs in the last decade. wins against the mighty longhorns are still few and far between.

but

wins agianst the aggies are still very real, and happen very often.

in the last twelve years, texas tech is 9-3 against A&M. thats really awesome...

and as really really lame as aggie fans are there is nothing i enjoy more than an a&m defeat at the hands of the red raiders.

SO YEAHHH... ITS A&M WEEK

   1.  Good Reliable Pitching.

Off-season Import Daisuke Matsuzaka, and Josh Beckett have been the two best pitchers on the redsox this year going a combined 34-18. While Josh Beckett has an outstanding strikeout rate recording 188 strike outs in 194 innings. Josh Beckett has also dropped his Home run totals from 33 last year to only 15 this year. While Matsuzaka will also be important as he leads the team in innings pitched and games seen. But, there could be problems with the pitching staff this post-season, and it also includes two 40 year-old pitchers with each with 150+ innings this year. Tim Wakefield and Curt Schilling, Schilling has already had injury problems this season and will most-likely not be a factor. So Its very important that Julian Tavarez and Kyle Lester be ready to make a spot start or come in for an important long-relief outing.

   2. Strong bullpen

Although The 51 million dollars awarded to Daisuke Matsuzaka was fuel to the hype machine for Matsuzaka. Few people realize just how important Hideki Okajima has been this year for the Red Sox; he has the lowest ERA in the redsox bullpen, second only to Jonathon papelbon. Although, as a true a closer Papelbon is typically coming into the game to start the ninth inning, where as Okajima is pulled into the game with one, two, or three men on base. He has also pitched a full twelve more innings than anyone else. As good as Okajima has been, Jonathon Papelbon as provided the second part of a great one-two punch at the back of the Red Sox bullpen. His strike-out to walk ratio is amazing striking out 83 batters in just 57 innings, while only walking 15.

   3. High on base percantages up and down the line-up

Outside of Julio Lugo, who has been a major disappointment. Everyone on the Redsox has a .332, which means that on average everyone on there team is getting on base once every three at-bats. Also on top of that six members of there line-up have an OBP of .370 or higher, including David Ortiz who has a whopping .465 OBP. One major problem for the RedSox lineup will be filling the major hole left in there line-up by Manny Ramirez's extreme drop-off in production this year, his OPS (on-base percentage + Slugging) has dropped considerably in the past season from his career average of 1.002 all the way down to .881. His once elite power has almost fallen off the map as he failed to hit at least 30 home runs for the first time since 1995, a goal he fail well short of only blasting 20 homeruns. Its sad to see, but it looks like Manny Ramirez Decline has finally happened, and at the age of 35 I cant say I'm surprised, but for the past 15 years Manny Ramirez has been at least one of the top five hitters in baseball, and he should be remembered as on of the top ten hitters of all time.

to start off. st.mikes destroyed johnson city on homecoming, mike mcnamara had over 200 yard passing...

okay.

Since the homecoming dance was at eight, my friends and our dates gathered at my freinds house at about 6:00 giving me a chance to watch the end of the Tech game in the presence of longhorns and females.

from my obvious frustration and anger during the last two minutes, melted down to sadness as i saw the ball pass through crabtrees hands...

so i cried... it wasnt obvious, just misty eyes, and maybe one tear, but it was noticed by my date and by my friends... but as the night progress my troubles were forgetton. but until about 7:30 it was pretty bad.

I just went to espn.com and there are already two articles about how the patriots are still the best team ever and bill belicheck is and always will be a  genius, and was concepted immacutlately.

its stuff like this that makes me hate espn, imagine if the rangers bullpen pitchers got cought relying sings back to wash and the dugout.

Last night when david ortiz popped out with bases loaded in the ninth. if Arod had done that it would have consumed baseball tonight and john kruk for days

st.mikes looses 16-13 on their homecoming.

with 30 seconds left and no timeouts, on 4th and 18 lago throws there only pass of the game for a 70 yard hail mary... i was on the sideline, with a couple of the other JV guys and after the game someone nearly got killed...  on our third down a lago mlb sack mcnamara by his facemask, and we were going crazy and they didnt throw the flag... if u mess with mcnamara u mess with me...

im empty.

more later

Crusader Football Begins Another Season

    As the Crusaders look to begin a new season, there several questions left from last year. Since St. Michaels runs a spread offense, it's important to have a quarterback who knows exactly whats happening each play, so even though former starter Patrick Mcgettigan has graduated, Mike McNamara and Michael Heyl are poised to step into the #1 spot. " Mike McNamara worked very hard this summer, and is very talented, he has the ability to lead our team, Michael Heyl also worked very hard this summer, and has four years of experience" said Coach McCabe.
    The road to the playoffs will not be an easy one though as defending state champion St.Pious return with a team stacked with talent, but Coach McCabe isn't afraid " I like our ability to match up with any team in our district" St. Thomas and Beaumont Kelly both return solid teams.
    Offensively, the Crusaders will the lead by a strong receiving corps, Headed by all-state receiver Lahnam Bass, and senior Russell Fegley. They will receive help from juniors Stephen Dunnigan, and Nick Linton. Throwing them the ball will be Sophmore Quarterback Mike McNamara, and Senior Michael Heyl. The Crusaders should have an improved running game this year, Led by two sophomore speed demons, Justin Krainz, and Joey Bishop, Also available for the crusaders will be senior Jason Dillingham. Up front playing the most important position on the field will be the Crusaders offensive lineman, anchored by a very strong group of juniors, Michael Harwig, Clay Garrett, Carlos Mendez, and John Walz. With seniors Collin Mcdonough Sean Tabbert and Peter Tenerillo, providing leadership. With Mitch Morse, Jasper Morin-Martin, and Frank George looking to step up when help is needed.
    On the Defense the crusaders will be centered on a strong pass rush provided by the defensive line. Senior Alex McCarthy will be Key to the defensive line, with Juniors Jonathon Palmer, and Sean Cady also providing a strong rush at the Defensive End position. Sophomore Dalton Moore, is ready to step-up when needed. The Line Backers led by seniors Preston day and Lanham bass. When senior Matt Motl returns from a spring knee injury, he could be a dominant force at linebacker. The Defensive backs who will provide the last line of defense will be seniors James Muela, Garrett Grief, with junior Isaac frost, and freshman Michael sturdivan ready to get in.  
    Even though legendary Kicker Miguel Barrera is no longer a student at St. Michaels junior Billy Franz is ready to fill the shoes he left behind.
    The St.michaels community is expanding rapidly and that is limited to the football program "I think we are going in the right direction, I also think that's whats special about smca, is that the school committed to achieving execellence in all facets of our students lives so the growth of the football program is an extension of that. We could be light- years ahead in the future" Commented Coach McCabe. There has been a fair amount of injuries though for this team. Every team has to overcome adversity. Any time you lose a quality player it presents challenges to a team. However, it also produces opportunity's for others to step-up and their ability." Said Coach McCabe.
   

BIG TWELVE FOOTBALL PREVIEW, 2007-2008 SEASON.

     Below is roughly a paragraph about each and every football team in the big twelve North and South.  The order I write about them is order I predict them to finish in.

BIG TWELVE NORTH

Nebraska. When Bill Callahan took over for Frank Solich in 2004 he planed on implementing much more of modern offense. While that plan might not have been a favorite of long time Nebraska fans who still call for the options of Eric Crouch and Tommie Frazier. His first two years at head coach have given him a 16-8 record. Last year they averaged 40 rushing attempts with 30 passing attempts, per game, and managed to throw for over 250 yards 7 times, and 300 hundred yards 3 times. This could be a very big year for Nebraska. With the North wide-open and a team full of seniors a division title would not be shocking. Nebraska will have to play above all expectations though if they want a trip to the BCS, with games against USC, Texas and Missouri.

Missouri. Brad Smith set 69 school, big twelve, and NCAA records and became the first player in NCAA history to have 8,000 yards passing and 4,000 yards rushing in a career.
Junior quarterback Chase Daniel who is entering his second season as the full-time starter, will try to claim some of those records for himself. As last year he threw for 3,527 yards, with 28 Touch downs, while averaging 276 yards a game through the air. The offensive line will be the strength of the offense. Although this season they will have to play with out "first team-all big twelve" Right tackle Joel Clinger, they are still returning a very good and experienced group at O-Line.  The first four games of the season are very easy and expect to see a 4-0 record, but from then on it gets very hard for the tigers, with games at Oklahoma and Kansas State, and even though they get Texas Tech and Texas A&M at home will still be challenges. But, it still hinges on the October 6th showdown in Columbia, against Nebraska.

Kansas St. For many people in Manhattan Kansas when coach Bill Snyder left, it meant that Kansas state football had left as well. Before Snyder was the Head Coach, Kansas State had the worst overall record in college football history. After he took the helm they went to eleven strait bowl games from 1992- 2003, including two Fiesta, and Cotton bowl appearances.  He is gone know but Kansas state football is here to stay, as new Head Coach Ron Price was able to finish second in the north last year and even make a bowl appearance. Led by sophomore quarterback Josh freeman who had 323 yards passing in the upset win over Texas last year. He looks to be the corner-stone as Ron Price tries to build his own legacy in "the little apple."

Colorado. Returning 15 starters from a team that went 2-10 is not typically a good thing but in the case of the Colorado Buffaloes it's an alright thing. With a very close lose at Georgia, 14-13. Then the next week they out gained Missouri in total yards but lost the turnover battle and ended up losing the game. So it's apparent that the talent is there for Colorado to be a good team. The strength of the defense will be on the defensive line. Even though they lose Abraham Wright who had 11.5 sacks last year, junior college transfer Drew Hodgkin's looks to take his place at the DE spot. Although
The buffs' were just 2-10 last year, a bowl berth is a definite possibility.

Kansas. Kansas has never finished in the upper-half in the big twelve north. Not even since the leagues inception in 1996 have the Jay Hawks finished with a better conference record than 3-5. Last year could have been the magical year for Kansas, not getting Oklahoma, Texas, or Texas Tech on there schedule and the north being so wide open, but they managed a 6-6 record with no bowl. That being said, and the black-hole like void at quarterback, this could be another very tough year for Kansas. The Defense is anchored by the linebackers, the entire two deep core returns from last years staff.

Iowa State. Last year was a bad year going 4-8, but it could have been much worse, with three of the games they won with a combined margin of victory of 22 points.  New Head coach Gene Chizik for who was the defensive coordinator for Texas last year. Senior quarterback Brett Meyer is expected to start after making all twelve starts last year. He threw for 2546 yards and rushed for 410 yards. It looks to be a very long year in Ames, as the cyclones have Nebraska, Texas Tech, and Missouri all on the road.  

Big Twelve South.

Oklahoma. I know that Oklahoma lost three games last year, but they had some remarkable bad things happen. It started with them losing Rhett Bohmar, and JD Quinn, both Starters. Then losing the "Red River Shoot-out" because of FIVE turnovers, even though they out-gained Texas by nearly 100 yards; also the Oregon game was lost on a wrong call by the referee. All that being said, Paul Thompson did a great job stepping in at the last minute last year, as both the leader of the team and as a serviceable quarterback. This year will be much like last year for Oklahoma, they will have to rely heavily on that great defense and a very strong running game. Even though Adrian Peterson is gone who finished third on the all-time Oklahoma rushing list; but new running back DeMarco Murray could be just as good as Peterson. If Oklahoma gets decent Quaterback play, they could be national title contenders.

Texas. Last year Colt McCoy had a year of surpassing expectations, he set a school record for most touchdown passes in a single game with 6 against Baylor, he also set a record for most touchdown passes in a season, with 29 ( even beating out Vince Young). I would not be surprised to see a down year for Texas this year. Texas lost seven players to the NFL draft, two of which on the offensive line. Getting Nebraska out of the north could end up as a loose, and TCU is a very legitimate football team and Tommy Blake could keep Colt McCoy on the run all game. The Key for the Texas Defense is on the line, as DT frank Okam looks to be a top ten draft choice, and DE Brian Orakpo is looking to have a break out season.

Oklahoma State. I really like how improved the Cowboys could be this year, as they have 15 returning starters, and a return in the big three QB Bobby Reid, RB Dantrell Savage, and WR Adrius Bowman. Bobby Reid is a very good quarterback who is doesn't get the hype that others do, but last year he passed for 2296 yards, and ran for exactly 500 yards. While Adarius Bowman managed to record 60 receptions, and averaged 19.7 yards a reception. RB Dantrell Savage gained 843 yards last year, but also proved to be an option as a receiver out of the back-field. I see an opening weekend upset of Georgia, even though its between the hedges, but even there tough schedule will make this season one to remember, with games at Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Nebraska.

Texas A&M. It's been a tough past 6 years to be an aggie, since 2001 Texas A&M has a 1-5 record against Texas Tech, Texas, and Oklahoma. Knowing that, last seasons victory against Texas in Austin has charged this aggie team with expectations, and probably coach Dennis Franchione's last chance to keep his job. As Stephen McGee enters his Junior year, the teams offensive attack will be centered around the option and power running, much like it was last year. The aggies averaged 207 yards rushing, a game last year, and Stephen McGee rushed for 666 yards last year. The aggie's have arguably the best running back group in the conference, with fan-favorite Javorski Lane, who measures out to about 6-0, 274 pounds and is a classic power back. But, the Better player is actually Mike Goodson, who's 41 yard touchdown run was the difference in the Texas game.

Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are the only team in big twelve history not to have a losing season, but also have had only one 10 win season. This year the offense will be as explosive as ever, being led by the first veteran QB at tech in five years, Graham Harrell. Who last year threw for 4555 yards, more than double what Bobby Reid at OSU, Colt McCoy at Texas, or Stephen McGee at A&M. The Defense will be a question mark once again though with only four returning starters, Joe Garcia, and Jake Ratliff will have to step up. Texas Techs first game at SMU, on the hilltop, could be battle as SMU is a solid young team, but with games at OSU, Missouri, and Texas. Texas Tech might have to struggle to make it another winning season.

Baylor. The Baylor Bears have always been the outsiders looking in when it comes to big twelve football. Never recording a winning season, in the history of the Big Twelve. Although Guy Morriss is doing a good job of rebuilding, nearly making bowls the past two seasons with 5-6, and 4-7 records, this year looks to be a rebuilding year, with a rather difficult schedule and losing 31 letterman last year, winning a single conference game is an accurate goal for the bears this season.

for the st.michaels school paper

kevin goldstien has an article up, detailing where all the first round picks stand in negotiations.

http://baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=6554

it requires membership. but here is what he had to say on beavan.

"17. Rangers: Blake Beavan, RHP, Irving HS (Texas)
Advisor: Hendricks Sports
Status: Unsigned
Where It's At: The negotiations with Beavan have become a bit acrimonious, but it's nothing that can't be overcome. Prior to the draft, Beavan expected to go in the 11-13 range, and now he wants to be paid like that--namely, signing for somewhere around $1.7 million. The Rangers are holding firm to their slot offer of $1.4 million, knowing that they already will need to call the commissioner to go over slot with supplemental first-round picks Julio Borbon and Neil Ramirez. Like Bumgarner, Beavan is threatening to spend a year at a junior college, but like Bumgarner, he stands little to gain with such a gambit."

I'm pretty confident that he will break-down and sign. If he doesn't i won't loose much sleep over it. The rangers had so many picks in this draft that losing the first one just doesn't seem like a huge blow to the organization. Someone on this site posted a thing about hs pitchers, and it was really informative to me. so after reading that post i got the idea that beaven has like a 1-5 chance of making the bigs, and a 1-10 chance of being a an all-star.

seriously, is the 17th pick worth that much money?

ex-buc booger mcfarland is injured bad. apparently he tore a tendon in his knee, and will miss the rest of the season

according to the indinapolis star:

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070806/SPORTS03/708060374/1100

"Losing McFarland, 29 and in his ninth season, would be a substantial blow to the Colts' defense. The unit was instrumental in the team capturing its first world championship in 36 years, but ranked last in the league against the run during the regular season."

this is just hilarious.

pac man jones will sigh a pro-wrestling contract.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070806/SPORTS01/708060371/1027

football practice everywhere starts today. about two weeks until school starts everyone is going to summer practice for the remander of summer.

pray for me and my peers as smca looks to dominate tapps this year.

also this is something i've been thinking about for awhile.

i think the ncaa needs to step up and restrict text-messaging between coaches and recruits (it would be impossible to stop: just ask my parents) but it just seems kinda creepy that a 45 year old man would send a 17 year old a text message like "great game champ" or "yo da man." I am not good enough that coaches text me, but one of my best friends is. He says to me how it is "annoying" and that in the long run it makes that school seem less desirable.

what would show more interest from a school, 50 text messages or 2 letters and one information packet. Think about it, what you rather do with a girl, text her all day, or just go to the movies or something once.

I know none of yall really care but.

revolutions aren't that comfortable of helmets. The realy deal are the schutt DNA's. It literally feels like a baseball cap on my head.

I the age old question of "HOW MUCH DO YOU BENCH"
A new record was set at texas tech.

http://texastech.scout.com/a.z?s=188&p=2&c=660858

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=6497

this is the best article i've read in a long time, i couldn't agree with it any more. joe sheehan managed to write down what i've been thinking (but much more in-depth, im not trying to say i could have done anything near this great)

"While it's an unpopular viewpoint, I stand by my argument that Barry Bonds has not failed a test for PEDs in the four years that MLB has had a program. His testimony before a grand jury--subsequently leaked illegally, and to his detriment--was that he did take substances that were identified later as steroids, but he was told at the time that they were not. His testimony has been interpreted as parsing by some, perjury by others, although statements before the same grand jury by others have been granted full faith and credit. That grand jury inspired two reporters to write a book about Bonds, sourced largely by the illegally-obtained testimony, as well as the accounts of people around Bonds, at least one of whom, ex-mistress Kimberly Bell, can comfortably be described as "scorned."

you just have to read it.

oh and its free

couldn't find anything worth a damn out there so i thought i would just vent:

1. why are the bucs so intent on trying to win now. to me the bucs biggest problem is the aging of the team, so i don't understand the jeff garcia and jake plummer, and jeramy stevens signings. why dont the bucs do what the 49ners did and re-built the team through the draft and poor veteran signings.
2. Why does it seem like the bucs gave up on chris simms, i still remember the washington game, when i really turned it around... so what does the team see in him that i don't. (probably alot i mean i havent taken a shower with the dude or anyting) but seriously come on...wtf

im gonna start doing this regularly.

The Detroit Free Press says that Correy Redding and the lions have agreed to a very large new contract.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070716/SPORTS01/70716048/1049

The St.Petersberg Times has news on the biggest new man-crush out there.

"I LOVE GARCIA"

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/07/15/Bucs/Gruden_s_crush___I_lo.shtml

i took seth's idea and decided to compile my own list of ten players tech needs to stay healthy in order to be succesful this season.

1. Grahamn Harrel- In mike leaches offsense it's important to have a quarterback remain healthy for an entire season. espicially one of Harrels caliber
2. Shannon Woods- Last years leader in all-purpose yard's for the big twelve, a versitale back you i bet will be one of Harrels favorite options through the air.
3. Jake Ratliff- the defensive tackle who had 3.5 sacks last year, will be the leader of defense and asked to stop the run and the pass as the defensive end position looks to throw out three possible first time starters,
4. Louis Vasquez- The only returning starter from the offensive line... enough said.
5. Edward Britton- Running back was converted to WR last year, and has not stop improving, he will be a solid deep threatm and will help spread the defense. (Mike Crabtree could also go her)
6. Jose Garcia- a returning stater who had 87 tackles last year is a huge part of the defense that will most likely be lacking.
7. Alex trilica- i know you think this is a high placement for a kicker, but who else remembers that kick to force the insight bowl into overtime... i was tearin up.
8. Danny Amendola- who is poised to become the number one WR after hicks/filani. graduation.
9. Kellen Tillman- a first returing starter who tech needs to step up and stop the run.
10. Taylor Potts- With a only one returning on the offensive line and a team like this its important, that the quarterback stays healthy, if he doesn't have a solid reliable back-up is very important.

http://texastech.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/062607aaa.html