Realignment, Probation, The Beautiful Game and a Run that was nearly complete...
Pretty amazing Spring for sports. Let's start with the last of those four up there because chronologically it came first. If you are not a fan of hockey you should at least become a fan of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Whether it was the first round and the early run by the Canadiens, or you are like me, a die hard Philly sports fan, there was a lot to enjoy about this run to the Cup. And if you are a Chicagoan then you are still celebrating a well deserved Cup victory. For me, the 4 weeks+ were magical. Watching the Flyers manhandle the higher seeded and hated New Jersey Devils was great. Moving on to Round 2 and taking care of the storied Montreal Canadiens seemed to be 'icing on the cake' for a team that squeaked into the playoffs but then the real magic happened. My Fly boys looked flat after 2 tough losses in the Conference Championship Series versus the Boston Bruins and then got blown out in game 3 to go down 3-0 in the Series. At that point I began to appreciate where 'we' had gotten to so unexpectedly, but at the same time hoping to at least steal a game to save face. What started as one game turned into two and then a third and before you knew it we were in Game 7 and on the verge of history. Game 7 in Boston was a daunting task and getting down 3-0 in the first period made it tougher but somehow this team did it the impossible. Like Rocky coming back against Apollo Creed in the original Rocky, only this time Rocky wins and we don't need that "rematch" (Go watch the movie). Like so many good stories this one ended just short of history as the Flyers lost in 6 to the Blackhawks for the Cup but this run will be remembered by me for years to come and it was more than the hockey. It was memories revived and old friendships brought alive again. As the Flyers snuck into the playoffs I sat in the basement of my oldest (as in time) friend. A friendship that began at summer camp at the age of 4, survived family changes, moves, college and life has been renewed and on that final day we watched the Flyers get 'in'. Ironically, one of my other 'camp' friends from that same time period also lives in New York and we met up for the first time in 33 years to watch what became the final game of the year. It was a bittersweet but felt great to reconnect with someone and see 33 years melt away.
With hockey out of the way, I can turn my attention to the World Cup. I don't profess to be a true lover of soccer/futbol but I certainly can enjoy the spectacle and marvel at the athleticism. The whole world can't be wrong, this really is a great sport and the World Cup is truly a grand event. Today marked just the beginning but I am excited to tune in as much as possible and cheer on the Red, White and Blue. For the record, I am taking the boys from SPAIN to win it all. I like the US getting out of their group and as I will be posting this the night before the Yank take on the Brits, I like us to upset them tomorrow as well, hey, I'm a HOMER!
Next up is college sports. What started as a quiet rumor turned into a giant inferno within the week. What am I talking about? Conference realignment and the birth of true 'Super Conferences'. Already we have seen Colorado jump to the Pac 10, which I guess gets a new name and Nebraska head to the Big 10 (which already had 11). Next dominoes to fall seem to be the complete disintegration of the Big 12 (though now the Big 10 is 12 so aren't they the Big 12?). While all this is big news I am wondering what the SEC will do. The biggest conference of them all has been relatively quiet. From the reports I am reading it looks like Texas and a couple of other Big 12 schools will jump to the Pac 10+ as well. This surprises me; call it East Coast bias but why do they want to jump two time zones away from TV coverage? In my mind the natural pull would be to bring Texas and Texas A&M into the SEC and make a truly SOUTHERN conference that stretches all the way across the Gulf States. For the SEC it also brings in two HUGE TV markets in Dallas and Houston as well. It would also mean the SEC would need to add two more teams to balance out the East with the West. I would think they could have their choice of Florida State, Miami, Clemson and Georgia Tech. This would truly create a mega conference. It would also create a near impossible run to undefeated seasons, but is that so wrong? It would make for great football and huge ratings week after week. I know it will never happen but I like the idea. I also like the idea of the Gators and Hurricanes renewing rivalries every year!
The other big news in college football was the announcement of USC getting hit hard with sanctions from the NCAA. Now there is a lot to debate here (why punish kids that were not a part of the problem) to gloating about things like karma (it's a BITCH isn't it Coach Kiffin?). What I am trying to figure out is what happened to schools losing the right to be on television for a period of time? In the 80's, when Florida was put on probation, along with losing scholarships and Bowl games, we also were not allowed to be shown on TV. Maybe, now that TV contracts have gotten so large this is no longer an option, but if you truly want to deal a Program a blow you take away the TV coverage. Why you might ask? College athletes today want to be on TV. They want to be seen. They want to be drafted and make a ton of money. If your School is not on TV, it really doesn't matter how many scholly's you have to offer, the best will not come! I'm not saying that USC should have gotten it in this case, I am just wondering if it is even still an option...
BONUS SPORTS NOTE - as I type this the Gator Baseball Team just beat the Miami Hurricanes in their opening game in a series that will determine who goes to the College World Series --- GO GATORS!!!
Showing posts with label University of Miami. Show all posts
Showing posts with label University of Miami. Show all posts
Friday, June 11, 2010
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
It's not cooler yet, at least here in the South, but can you feel the Fall winds blowing?
That can mean only one thing, and that is Football and yes indeed we are so very close to making the women we love and the children we adore weekend widows. I know a lot of guys (and some women) are college football people and others are Pro football people and this befuddles me as I am clearly both.
On the college side we are just 10 days away from my beloved Florida Gators open with Hawaii. Amongst our very difficult schedule I am very excited about our 2nd game against the University of Miami Hurricanes. What was once an annual rivalry has been changed to a once every 6-7 year thing. With that we have not beaten the 'Canes since my Senior year in High School. Interestingly enough one of the cable channels has been playing that game every night for the last few days. It brought back a lot of good memories at the Orange Bowl and has gotten me completely psyched for September 6th when we finally putting a hurting on the boys down south.
Equally as important for me is the NFL. From a team perspective I am a born and bred Philadelphian and that will never leave me no matter where I call home. I have lived and mostly dies with the Eagles over the last 39 years but hope always springs eternal this time of year. Additionally, as many of you know I am not just a fantasy football player but I also co-host a web video show on the topic
www.thefflguru.com
(shameless plug). In my own league tonight is one of those 3 or 4 great nights. The best night of all is draft night. Tonight is the lead up to the draft where we will find out what order we pick in the draft. In most leagues there are 10-12 teams, this is where my league begins to differ. We have remained an 8 team league throughout or 20+ year history. The other major draft day difference is how we choose draft order. Again, most leagues do what is called a 'snake draft' where it serpentines back and forth, so if you draft 2nd in a 12 team league then you would have the then you would pick 23rd in the 2nd round and so forth. Well, we differ and it works for us because we are only an 8 team league. We have what is called 'the picking of the cards' which to me sounds like, 'the running of the bulls' but I digress. Essentially we have a RANDOM draw for all 23 rounds of our draft! So yes, it is conceivable that you could have the number 1 pick or the number 8 pick, if you are a pessimist) for multiple rounds in a row! What we have always seen is that it evens itself out over time and certainly allows for a fun event this evening. Once tonight is over I go into full prep mode where I will overlay my projections with where guys draft and try to determine who will be available for me when I draft. As I have said before, I am not the most detail oriented guy on this so I'll do it a few times just to get a sense for things.
Picking of the cards is at 6:30 tonight. I imagine I will have every one 'seeded' into my excel spreadsheet by 9:00 and I'll probably mock draft the first 3 rounds tonight. Some of you are reading this, or stopped reading awhile ago, but for me it makes for a fun few days as I get ready for the draft
On the college side we are just 10 days away from my beloved Florida Gators open with Hawaii. Amongst our very difficult schedule I am very excited about our 2nd game against the University of Miami Hurricanes. What was once an annual rivalry has been changed to a once every 6-7 year thing. With that we have not beaten the 'Canes since my Senior year in High School. Interestingly enough one of the cable channels has been playing that game every night for the last few days. It brought back a lot of good memories at the Orange Bowl and has gotten me completely psyched for September 6th when we finally putting a hurting on the boys down south.
Equally as important for me is the NFL. From a team perspective I am a born and bred Philadelphian and that will never leave me no matter where I call home. I have lived and mostly dies with the Eagles over the last 39 years but hope always springs eternal this time of year. Additionally, as many of you know I am not just a fantasy football player but I also co-host a web video show on the topic
www.thefflguru.com
(shameless plug). In my own league tonight is one of those 3 or 4 great nights. The best night of all is draft night. Tonight is the lead up to the draft where we will find out what order we pick in the draft. In most leagues there are 10-12 teams, this is where my league begins to differ. We have remained an 8 team league throughout or 20+ year history. The other major draft day difference is how we choose draft order. Again, most leagues do what is called a 'snake draft' where it serpentines back and forth, so if you draft 2nd in a 12 team league then you would have the then you would pick 23rd in the 2nd round and so forth. Well, we differ and it works for us because we are only an 8 team league. We have what is called 'the picking of the cards' which to me sounds like, 'the running of the bulls' but I digress. Essentially we have a RANDOM draw for all 23 rounds of our draft! So yes, it is conceivable that you could have the number 1 pick or the number 8 pick, if you are a pessimist) for multiple rounds in a row! What we have always seen is that it evens itself out over time and certainly allows for a fun event this evening. Once tonight is over I go into full prep mode where I will overlay my projections with where guys draft and try to determine who will be available for me when I draft. As I have said before, I am not the most detail oriented guy on this so I'll do it a few times just to get a sense for things.
Picking of the cards is at 6:30 tonight. I imagine I will have every one 'seeded' into my excel spreadsheet by 9:00 and I'll probably mock draft the first 3 rounds tonight. Some of you are reading this, or stopped reading awhile ago, but for me it makes for a fun few days as I get ready for the draft
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
SEC dominance
Not sure why I took such pleasure in watching LSU win the BCS Title game last night...
Oh yeah, it was all those obnoxious Ohio State fans we encountered last year at the same game! Seriously, I love trash talking with my rival friends (Georgia, FSU, Miami, Tennessee, etc...) but as much as we do it there is a mutual respect that underlies all the trash talk. The Ohio State fans and probably all Big Ten fans have zero respect for anyone but their conference. I have never seen this level of arrogance. Last year we knocked them down a peg (a few times and a few pegs) yet there they were again brazen and bold as ever disrespecting LSU and the SEC. Did last night change their mind? I hope so. Don't get me wrong guys, keep bringing it, but at the end of the day give respect to those who earn it.
Here is an example where you can trash talk AND give respect:
Did you see the final polls? Wow, Georgia #2, congratulations little dawgies! Imagine if you didn't lose to Spurrier at home with a team that only wound up 6 and 6. He might not be at Florida anymore but St. Superior owns the Dawgs, that's gotta hurt. In all seriousness, I love Knowshon Moreno and watching your defense against Hawaii I was envious for what we should have flying around at UF, but at the end of the day, like Ricky Bobby said, "If you ain't first your last" so see you next year with the Heisman Trophy in hand and both of us undefeated going in Jax.
See, respect, dig, respect, dig and a mutual looking forward to next year...your turn sweater vest, pay some damn RESPECT!
Oh yeah - Troy Smith is a midget and just got sacked again!
Oh yeah, it was all those obnoxious Ohio State fans we encountered last year at the same game! Seriously, I love trash talking with my rival friends (Georgia, FSU, Miami, Tennessee, etc...) but as much as we do it there is a mutual respect that underlies all the trash talk. The Ohio State fans and probably all Big Ten fans have zero respect for anyone but their conference. I have never seen this level of arrogance. Last year we knocked them down a peg (a few times and a few pegs) yet there they were again brazen and bold as ever disrespecting LSU and the SEC. Did last night change their mind? I hope so. Don't get me wrong guys, keep bringing it, but at the end of the day give respect to those who earn it.
Here is an example where you can trash talk AND give respect:
Did you see the final polls? Wow, Georgia #2, congratulations little dawgies! Imagine if you didn't lose to Spurrier at home with a team that only wound up 6 and 6. He might not be at Florida anymore but St. Superior owns the Dawgs, that's gotta hurt. In all seriousness, I love Knowshon Moreno and watching your defense against Hawaii I was envious for what we should have flying around at UF, but at the end of the day, like Ricky Bobby said, "If you ain't first your last" so see you next year with the Heisman Trophy in hand and both of us undefeated going in Jax.
See, respect, dig, respect, dig and a mutual looking forward to next year...your turn sweater vest, pay some damn RESPECT!
Oh yeah - Troy Smith is a midget and just got sacked again!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Another Sports tragedy
Early this morning Sean Taylor, the All Pro Safety for the Washington Redskins passed away from a gunshot wound he sustained Sunday night.
Sean was 24 years old and leaves behind a 1 year old daughter.
He was a tremendous hitter and athlete.
I can't imagine what his family, friends and teammates are going through. More senseless violence right here at 'home'. Why must we be thousands of miles away trying to fix the 'world's problems' without trying to fix the ills of our own society.
My heart goes out to Sean's family, the Redskins and the University of Miami for their loss.
Sean was 24 years old and leaves behind a 1 year old daughter.
He was a tremendous hitter and athlete.
I can't imagine what his family, friends and teammates are going through. More senseless violence right here at 'home'. Why must we be thousands of miles away trying to fix the 'world's problems' without trying to fix the ills of our own society.
My heart goes out to Sean's family, the Redskins and the University of Miami for their loss.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Random thoughts from the weekend
1. I LOVE the NFL Hall of Fame speeches! As my friends know, I am not a Michael Irvin fan per se, he did go to UM and them played for the Cowboys, but his speech was great. While I don't love Mike I have grown to respect him. He has made mistakes, many in fact, but has pretty much taken accountability for them. His speech last night showed a man humbled by his surroundings and his own place there. The Charlie Sanders moment saying 'Hi Mom' was awesome and the son of the Hall of Famer speech was amazing him being led out by the 3 running backs that he led into the Hall was cool.
2. More inspiration? How about the job NBC does with rebroadcasting the Ironman? Al Trautwig has a perfect voice for it! The way they profile athletes makes you think anyone can swim, bike and run in that heat. It's the 2nd time they broadcast the event and I got a lump in my throat again when they showed the John Blaise story.
3. Tiger Woods, need I say more?
4. Back to football...training camps are open, the preseason started last night and I am psyched. 26 days until the Gators open their season and 33 until we take the girls to the SWAMP for their first game at the University of Florida!
5. Tennis - on Saturday night we played mixed doubles with another couple. I am NO tennis player. In fact, it's only the 2nd time I've played in a 'competitive' match. Of course I won :) but I REALLY enjoyed it. So now I'm thinking of maybe getting a coach and trying out this ALTA deal. Ilene plays on a Ladies' Team and really enjoys it. I don't think it's that easy for guys. I'm very competitive and I realize I pretty much suck! Where do I start so I don't look like an ass is pretty much what I am trying to figure out :)
6. Lastly, but now first is the word POSITIVITY! For the most part I think I'm a pretty positive person but it is so easy to get caught up in the negative bullshit that swirls around. I am taking a conscious effort to the see the glass more than 1/2 full. Tomorrow will be the 6th anniversary of my father's death, enough of the self deprecating shit, I will try to think of the good times we shared, the love he had for his kids, and how proud he would be of myself and my sister of the people we have become and the children we are raising!
Stay tuned tomorrow to see if I dropped any weight in week 2!
G
2. More inspiration? How about the job NBC does with rebroadcasting the Ironman? Al Trautwig has a perfect voice for it! The way they profile athletes makes you think anyone can swim, bike and run in that heat. It's the 2nd time they broadcast the event and I got a lump in my throat again when they showed the John Blaise story.
3. Tiger Woods, need I say more?
4. Back to football...training camps are open, the preseason started last night and I am psyched. 26 days until the Gators open their season and 33 until we take the girls to the SWAMP for their first game at the University of Florida!
5. Tennis - on Saturday night we played mixed doubles with another couple. I am NO tennis player. In fact, it's only the 2nd time I've played in a 'competitive' match. Of course I won :) but I REALLY enjoyed it. So now I'm thinking of maybe getting a coach and trying out this ALTA deal. Ilene plays on a Ladies' Team and really enjoys it. I don't think it's that easy for guys. I'm very competitive and I realize I pretty much suck! Where do I start so I don't look like an ass is pretty much what I am trying to figure out :)
6. Lastly, but now first is the word POSITIVITY! For the most part I think I'm a pretty positive person but it is so easy to get caught up in the negative bullshit that swirls around. I am taking a conscious effort to the see the glass more than 1/2 full. Tomorrow will be the 6th anniversary of my father's death, enough of the self deprecating shit, I will try to think of the good times we shared, the love he had for his kids, and how proud he would be of myself and my sister of the people we have become and the children we are raising!
Stay tuned tomorrow to see if I dropped any weight in week 2!
G
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