Topic: The Sports Thread

[celticfan1888]

Geaux Saints! We just can't be stopped!

[Asteriktos]

What an anticlimatic ending to this Wisconson/Oregon game...

[celticfan1888]

What an anticlimatic ending to this Wisconson/Oregon game...

*Spike* clock hits zero...

[Gamliel]

What an anticlimatic ending to this Wisconson/Oregon game...

We don't get ESPN, so we had to listen to the game on the radio.  I had a hard time understanding the end because the sportcasters kept throwing in statements about the clock and what they thought should happen, but never explained to the listeners what happened.

[Asteriktos]

What an anticlimatic ending to this Wisconson/Oregon game...

We don't get ESPN, so we had to listen to the game on the radio.  I had a hard time understanding the end because the sportcasters kept throwing in statements about the clock and what they thought should happen, but never explained to the listeners what happened.

They completed a long pass over the middle, and everyone ran down to set up (with the clock stopped because of college rules). They had two seconds left, and two choices: run a play and throw for the end zone (I think it was about 25 yards away), or (once the refs restarted the clock) try to spike the ball and stop the clock so they could take their time setting something up. They decided to try and spike the ball. The refs set the ball down, the clock started, and they snapped the ball, but before the QB could get the ball out of his hand time had expired. They had to go to replay to figure out that that was what happened though.

[celticfan1888]

I must say, the Ducks uniform (mostly helmet) was even uglier than normal...

[Timon]

The dawgs broke my heart today.

[biro]

I must say, the Ducks uniform (mostly helmet) was even uglier than normal...

Oh my goodness. 

[JimCBrooklyn]

The dawgs broke my heart today.

Unbelievable. Somehow, Blair Walsh just forgot how to kick this year.

[PeterTheAleut]

Imagine this for a rushing line:

De'Anthony Thomas - 2 carries, 155 yards, 2 TD 

One was the longest scoring play ever in a Rose Bowl: 91 yards.

[Timon]

The dawgs broke my heart today.

Unbelievable. Somehow, Blair Walsh just forgot how to kick this year.

No kidding. I just wish one of my teams (dawgs, falcons, braves) would just NOT blow it for a change. Theyre all good, but not quite good enough...

[celticfan1888]

Oh my goodness. 

M thoughts exactly. 

[celticfan1888]

Imagine this for a rushing line:

De'Anthony Thomas - 2 carries, 155 yards, 2 TD 

One was the longest scoring play ever in a Rose Bowl: 91 yards.

Was an awesome run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=i9hFBfEGg4w

[celticfan1888]

Looks like Becks is staying in Los Angeles!

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11820/7408871/No-PSG-move-for-Beckham

[chrevbel]

I don't know if it's customary, regulatory, or what, but it's definitely standard for the network broadcasting a college football game to interview one coach when leaving the field for halftime and the other coach when coming back on.  They always ask two questions.  Not one; never three; always two.

I'm sure I'm over-reacting, but I'm perturbed at the way some coaches occasionally react.  He's far from the first, but Bo Pellini really ticked me off yesterday.  He gave a quick, nonsense answer to question 1, and then answered question 2 with a "We'll be fine" before the reporter had even asked the question. 

Come on, coach.  You spend half your time talking to your team about how to deal with adversity, and then you are incapable of fielding a couple of questions that you know will be coming ahead of time?  You may well have been upset at the last play of the half, but come on -- deal with the adversity.

[HabteSelassie]

Greetings in that Divine and Most Precious name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Looks like Becks is staying in Los Angeles!

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11820/7408871/No-PSG-move-for-Beckham

While he has realistically added no real statistical contributions to the team, and players like Donovan are the real heavy weights on Galaxy, Beckham is great not only for Los Angeles futbol, but futbol in America as a whole! He has elevated the status of American futbol to an internationally recognized level (we always had the talent, just not the attention) and he deserves respect for that, even if he isn't the level of player he used to be.  We love him here in LA and we're glad he decided to say, of all the $200 MILLION dollar athletes to come to LA, he has been perhaps the best-behaved and has the most-heart since Magic Johnson, especially since we sent Lamar off to evil Mark Cuban's Dallas 

I'm sure I'm over-reacting, but I'm perturbed at the way some coaches occasionally react.  He's far from the first, but Bo Pellini really ticked me off yesterday.  He gave a quick, nonsense answer to question 1, and then answered question 2 with a "We'll be fine" before the reporter had even asked the question.  

I see he practices the Kobe Bryant approach to post-game interviews.  Sometimes I get so mad at Kobe  because he gets this sarcastic attitude with sports writers and answers their questions with vague "You know" and the such..  He says he doesn't like sportswriters and he answers their questions vaguely on purpose because he knows that they have their own analysis of the game, however what he fails to realize is that I DON'T always care about the sportswriters' analysis so much as the player's own perspective.  The writers are not asking because they do not know the answer, they are asking to be able to include a quote in their article, and I for one am more interested in the player's own quotes than the talking heads and pundits.. So Kobe, duh, remember that its not just the sportswriters who are asking, we fans are all ears as well and so when you are rude and dismissive to them, it trickles down to being rude to us

I'm still hurting on that Raider loss, not like it was unexpected but still.. On the plus side, at least the Eagles rounded off a .500 season, though they were like Raiders, just a game or two away from a play-off berth.. as they say, "Any given Sunday.."

stay blessed,
habte selassie

[podkarpatska]

I must say, the Ducks uniform (mostly helmet) was even uglier than normal...

Oh my goodness. 

Thought that was Darth's personal guard!

[primuspilus]

Looks like Becks is staying in Los Angeles!

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11820/7408871/No-PSG-move-for-Beckham

My best friend will be devastated. He thought Sir Alex would pick him up for a year. I knew he wouldn't but my mate doesn't listen to anything.

I must admit I had a sick and twisted curiosity of seeing him as at QPR....oh well.

At least the Donabomber is back in Everton for a bit.

PP

[HabteSelassie]

Greetings in that Divine and Most Precious Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Looks like Becks is staying in Los Angeles!

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11820/7408871/No-PSG-move-for-Beckham

My best friend will be devastated. He thought Sir Alex would pick him up for a year. I knew he wouldn't but my mate doesn't listen to anything.

I must admit I had a sick and twisted curiosity of seeing him as at QPR....oh well.

At least the Donabomber is back in Everton for a bit.

PP

No one else but Los Angeles is silly enough to pay such exorbitant amounts of money for largely symbolic players, where else could Beckham have gone? That is how the Clippers got Chauncy Billups yo

stay blessed,
habte selassie

[primuspilus]

Greetings in that Divine and Most Precious Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Looks like Becks is staying in Los Angeles!

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11820/7408871/No-PSG-move-for-Beckham

My best friend will be devastated. He thought Sir Alex would pick him up for a year. I knew he wouldn't but my mate doesn't listen to anything.

I must admit I had a sick and twisted curiosity of seeing him as at QPR....oh well.

At least the Donabomber is back in Everton for a bit.

PP

No one else but Los Angeles is silly enough to pay such exorbitant amounts of money for largely symbolic players, where else could Beckham have gone? That is how the Clippers got Chauncy Billups yo

stay blessed,
habte selassie

Although I respect your opinion Habte, I must disagree....


ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I present exhibit A:





PP

[HabteSelassie]

Greetings in that Divine and  Most Precious Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Oakland set the record for the most penalties and yards in a season. The Raiders were penalized eight times for 64 yards in losing to San Diego. Their record-setting totals for the season: 163 penalties for 1,358 yards. Kansas City set the previous record with 158 penalties for 1,304 yards in 1998. Six of the top eight most-penalized teams were Raiders squads.

LATimes.com



That is just how we roll yo, its a play hard first think about the consequences later strategy pioneered by Al Davis (RIP) and our Raider Nation legacy of being one of the most knucklehead teams in the NLF, but of course if it was Raider DEFENSE that had all the gusto and not the offense we might just be at the top of our game like the intimidating Ravens D who know how to capitalize on aggressive plays.

stay blessed,
habte selassie

[ironchapman]

Happy to see my Atlanta Hawks hand the Heat their first loss of the season. Wasn't expecting the Hawks to play that well, but they've been doing a good job this season thus far.

[HabteSelassie]

Greetings in that Divine and Most Precious Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Happy to see my Atlanta Hawks hand the Heat their first loss of the season. Wasn't expecting the Hawks to play that well, but they've been doing a good job this season thus far.

Really? Haven't you seen how well they've been playing lately? I like the Hawks and I was really hoping they could have capitalized better last season, hopefully this year they'll get their first ever franchise play-off win.  Then again, I don't want to send all my hope on the Hawks when my Falcons need similar Grace in their play-off bouts

stay blessed,
habte selassie

[celticfan1888]

Looks like Becks is staying in Los Angeles!

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11820/7408871/No-PSG-move-for-Beckham

My best friend will be devastated. He thought Sir Alex would pick him up for a year. I knew he wouldn't but my mate doesn't listen to anything.

I must admit I had a sick and twisted curiosity of seeing him as at QPR....oh well.

At least the Donabomber is back in Everton for a bit.

PP

lol, he wouldn't be worth Sir Alex's time, he is developing the younger players right now

[celticfan1888]

Greetings in that Divine and Most Precious name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Looks like Becks is staying in Los Angeles!

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11820/7408871/No-PSG-move-for-Beckham

While he has realistically added no real statistical contributions to the team, and players like Donovan are the real heavy weights on Galaxy, Beckham is great not only for Los Angeles futbol, but futbol in America as a whole! He has elevated the status of American futbol to an internationally recognized level (we always had the talent, just not the attention) and he deserves respect for that, even if he isn't the level of player he used to be.  We love him here in LA and we're glad he decided to say, of all the $200 MILLION dollar athletes to come to LA, he has been perhaps the best-behaved and has the most-heart since Magic Johnson, especially since we sent Lamar off to evil Mark Cuban's Dallas  ]/quote]

He has helped develop a lot of the younger players for sure. Also, even statistically he has contributed, just look at his assissts! 

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

6 More Days!

Selam

[celticfan1888]

6 More Days!

Selam

Yup!

[chrevbel]

6 More Days!

Since neither of the teams playing are really "mine", I have little emotional attachment to the game.  Since the game is likely to be the best college football game since, well, Bama-LSU, I have a strong emotional attachment to the game.  If picking a team, I am definitely pulling for Alabama.  If picking the winner, I'm afraid I'm gonna have to geaux with the Tigers, unfortunately.

I think Alabama will bring it.  I think they'll play the second best game of football we'll see this year.  But LSU will bring it also, and they will play the first best.

So, LSU by less than a touchdown.  (Or to equivocate, I'll say by no more than a touchdown.)

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

6 More Days!

Since neither of the teams playing are really "mine", I have little emotional attachment to the game.  Since the game is likely to be the best college football game since, well, Bama-LSU, I have a strong emotional attachment to the game.  If picking a team, I am definitely pulling for Alabama.  If picking the winner, I'm afraid I'm gonna have to geaux with the Tigers, unfortunately.

I think Alabama will bring it.  I think they'll play the second best game of football we'll see this year.  But LSU will bring it also, and they will play the first best.

So, LSU by less than a touchdown.  (Or to equivocate, I'll say by no more than a touchdown.)

Spoken like a man who truly understands college football. I'm afraid to say that I think you may be right in your assessment.


Some thoughts about the game:

As a BAMA fan, this is what I hope we do:

1. Make sure that Trent Richardson carries the football at least 30 times. If we had done that in the first game, we would have won.

2. Don't attempt any field goals over 40 yards. We should either go for it on fourth down or punt the ball.

3. Make sure that we DO NOT punt or kick off to Tyrann Matthieu. Kick the ball out of bounds and don't give him an opportunity to make a huge return.

4. Throw the ball to our tight end Michael Williams. LSU's linebackers are athletic but small. We need to utilize our tight end over the middle in this game.

If we can do these four things, I think we have an excellent chance.

An "X" factor to watch for in this game: Do not be surprised to see Tyrann Matthieu line up on the offensive side of the ball for a play or two. I'm surprised LSU hasn't already tried to use him in a wildcat formation or on a reverse play this year. (You heard it here first!)


Should be a great game. I hope the TIDE ROLLS!!!



Selam

[PeterTheAleut]

What I find curious is that some AP voters indicated that they might still vote LSU No. 1 even if they lose the title game.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/bowls11/story/_/id/7424042/allstate-bcs-championship-game-some-ap-voters-not-pick-bcs-winner-no-1

[celticfan1888]

What I find curious is that some AP voters indicated that they might still vote LSU No. 1 even if they lose the title game.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/bowls11/story/_/id/7424042/allstate-bcs-championship-game-some-ap-voters-not-pick-bcs-winner-no-1

The problem with that is...?

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

What I find curious is that some AP voters indicated that they might still vote LSU No. 1 even if they lose the title game.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/bowls11/story/_/id/7424042/allstate-bcs-championship-game-some-ap-voters-not-pick-bcs-winner-no-1

The problem with that is...?

I LSU loses by 3-7 points, I can see how they might gain a share of the Title. However, if BAMA wins by 10 or more, then there should be no dispute.


Selam

[celticfan1888]

What I find curious is that some AP voters indicated that they might still vote LSU No. 1 even if they lose the title game.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/bowls11/story/_/id/7424042/allstate-bcs-championship-game-some-ap-voters-not-pick-bcs-winner-no-1

The problem with that is...?

I LSU loses by 3-7 points, I can see how they might gain a share of the Title. However, if BAMA wins by 10 or more, then there should be no dispute.


Selam

Don't agree with you, if you win, then LSU would be 1-1 against 'Bama, so it should go down to strength of schedule, which we had a much tougher schedule. That's my honest opinion, and how many people in the media see it.

[PeterTheAleut]

What I find curious is that some AP voters indicated that they might still vote LSU No. 1 even if they lose the title game.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/bowls11/story/_/id/7424042/allstate-bcs-championship-game-some-ap-voters-not-pick-bcs-winner-no-1

The problem with that is...?

I LSU loses by 3-7 points, I can see how they might gain a share of the Title. However, if BAMA wins by 10 or more, then there should be no dispute.


Selam

Don't agree with you, if you win, then LSU would be 1-1 against 'Bama, so it should go down to strength of schedule, which we had a much tougher schedule. That's my honest opinion, and how many people in the media see it.

Who was it that said, "You're only as good as your last game."? If 'Bama beats LSU in the final game, a one-game playoff, then I don't think you need to look any farther back--you have to crown 'Bama the undisputed national champions. Anything else is a gross injustice, IMO.

Now, whether a win in that last game automatically proves 'Bama the better team, even I would argue that one can't necessarily draw that conclusion. The better team doesn't always win every game. And we know what many of the AP sportswriters think of the Bull Chip Series.

[stavros_388]

Lars Eller: 4 goal and 5 point night at the Bell Centre last night!

[primuspilus]

In other news, my week now sucks after the thrashing Manchester United received.....*sigh*

PP

[chrevbel]

...they might still vote LSU No. 1 even if they lose the title game.

The problem with that is...?

...then there should be no dispute.

Don't agree with you...

...Anything else is a gross injustice, IMO.

I think these now-annual controversies are good in that they will ultimately drive the actual fix to the BCS system.  I just read espn.com's (can't remember the author) analysis of why a one-plus system won't really fix the problem.

My thought is why not implement a plus-one-plus system?  Use four of the early minor bowl games to establish who plays in two of the Big Four, the winners of which meet in the title game a week later.  It means that at least four (and maybe eight) teams get to play two bowl games.  But is that really a problem?  I mean, for some of the games this year, there were more players on the field than there were people in the stands.  Do we really lose that much by telling a few of those teams that they're staying at home this year?  Plus, there are now so many bowl games, we have teams going to bowls who aren't even eligible to go to bowls.  No one can convince me that leaving them out of the postseason would be an injustice.

Dude; just realized I'd used ultimately twice in one sentence.  Gross.

[celticfan1888]

In other news, my week now sucks after the thrashing Manchester United received.....*sigh*

PP

I've become used to it after the Man City game, and used to losses after the crappy European Cup run...

[primuspilus]

In other news, my week now sucks after the thrashing Manchester United received.....*sigh*

PP

I've become used to it after the Man City game, and used to losses after the crappy European Cup run...

I know, but it is still depressing...Sad to say but 'ole Ryan needs to hang 'em up.

PP

[Schultz]

In other news, my week now sucks after the thrashing Manchester United received.....*sigh*

PP

See, my week got so much better after seeing that result, but I have to prepare myself for the inevitable thrashing my beloved LUFC will receive at the hands of Arsenal, especially now that it appears Henry will be on the pitch wearing the red by then.

[primuspilus]

In other news, my week now sucks after the thrashing Manchester United received.....*sigh*

PP

See, my week got so much better after seeing that result, but I have to prepare myself for the inevitable thrashing my beloved LUFC will receive at the hands of Arsenal, especially now that it appears Henry will be on the pitch wearing the red by then.

Vile vile Leeds.........

PP

[celticfan1888]

There will be two Australians playing in the BCS national championship game. Brad Wing of Melbourne (punter - LSU) and Jesse Williams of Brisbane (defensive lineman - Alabama)

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/andy_staples/01/05/lsu-alabama-aussies-rule/index.html?xid=cnnbin

[TheMathematician]

congratulations to Sweden, on winning Gold at the IIHF WOrld Juniors 2012

[biro]

congratulations to Sweden, on winning Gold at the IIHF WOrld Juniors 2012

Stupid cable company stopped coverage before the end. 

[Schultz]

In other news, my week now sucks after the thrashing Manchester United received.....*sigh*

PP

See, my week got so much better after seeing that result, but I have to prepare myself for the inevitable thrashing my beloved LUFC will receive at the hands of Arsenal, especially now that it appears Henry will be on the pitch wearing the red by then.

Vile vile Leeds.........

PP

To steal from Millwall:

NO ONE LIKES US. WE DON'T CARE.