Bowl Game Recap, Teams 1-5

Allstate BCS National Championship:

(2)Alabama-21 (1)LSU-0

This was a one sided affair the entire game. Alabama dominated the entire game, especially on defense, holding LSU to 92 TOTAL yards, 5 first downs,  and no points. They only allowed the Tigers to cross the 50 yard line once, late in the 4th quarter. Like with their last match-up, the game was dominated by field goals, with a late TD by Alabama finally breaking the trend. With this game, Alabama solidified their argument as one of the best defenses ever. QB AJ McCarron won the offensive MVP award. It's Alabama's 8th time finishing the rankings ranked number 1, tied for 1st all-time.





(5)Oregon-45 (10)Wisconsin-38

Expectations of a shootout for this game did not fall short. The game set Rose Bowl records for highest scoring first quarter (28), half (56), and game (83). Both teams went back and forth the first 3 quarters, with neither team being able to control the game. But a late interception from Kiko Alonzo, and an unbelievable fumble recovery from Michael Clay did Wisconsin in, who was held scoreless in the 4th. Wisconsin pounded the running game, rushing for 212 yards, mostly coming in the first half. Oregon had the big plays. True freshman De'Anthony Thomas rushed for 155 yards, on TWO plays (both TD's). Senior Lavasier Tuieni, offensive MVP, had 8 catches for 158 yards and 2 TDs. This was Oregon's first Rose Bowl win in 95 years.



(3)Oklahoma St.-41 (4)Stanford-38 OT

Another thrilling BCS bowl game left Stanford bitter, after missing out on two chances to win- the first at the end of regulation on a missed 35 yard FG and again in overtime on a missed 43 yarder. Oklahoma St. was bitter too, being ranked just .0083 points behind Alabama in the BCS rankings and a National Title game. But they'll take the win. After being tied at halftime, Stanford led most of the second half and felt they let this one slip away. Weeden to Blackmon proved to be a too deadly of a combination for The Cardinal to handle, as they connected eight times for 186 yards.

NBA News and Notes

The first coach firing occurred recently. Sacramento King's coach Paul Westphal has been fired after two years at the helm. The Kings went 51-120 during his tenure and has been on the hot seat since last season. Though the final straw was the recent dispute with young starting center DeMarcus Cousins. In a battle of power, Cousins called out Westphal's offensive game plan, among other things. Westphal shot back, stirring Cousins' words from an argument occurring in Westphal's office and telling the media he demanded to be traded. Cousins agent denied the statement, then Cousins came out and said this. While we don't exactly know what happened, we do know that Cousins won. He had his way as the Kings have named the interim head coach Keith Smart. We shall see if this works out for the Kings.

They won their first game with the new coach, a comeback at home against the Bucks.

Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic is the biggest name on the trade market right now. He has been linked to the Lakers, Nets, Rockets, Warriors and more recently the Knicks- who have discussed possibly swapping Amare Stoudemire and others to rent Dwight Howard and absorb Hedo Turkoglu (whom the Magic insist on including in ANY Howard deal). Howard is clearly the better player compared to Stoudemire, though Howard doesn't fit quite as well next to Tyson Chandler as Stoudemire would. Also, I don't see the Magic taking on another bad contract, after already absorbing one (Gilbert Arenas). And don't forget how Rashard Lewis worked out.

The Nets seem to be the best fit with Deron Williams needing a player with any skill around him (no disrespect to Lopez- he's hurt). It's not a matter of taking a risk, the Nets already put their cards down with Williams, there is no folding now. It's Howard or bust.

Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns recently spoke out amid trade rumors that have been swirling around for what seems like years now. Nash said:

Do I go in and say, 'Trade me to a top two or three team?' I think it's lot more difficult than people think.  

One, it's not my style. Maybe I'm old school, but I feel like that's not my place to give up on my team, give up on my teammates. I signed a contract and made a commitment. 

And two, I don't feel it's like choosing a restaurant. It's got to be a situation that works for two teams. And I don't know how simple that is. But before we even get to that part of it, I just feel that I owe it to my teammates to stay committed to them. I feel that I owe it to the fans and the organization to fight.

This was a reaction to a reporter asking Nash if he wanted to be traded for a chance to win a ring in his final seasons in the Association. This does not mean Nash feels like the Suns can win one before his career is over (we all know that's not going to happen), it shows the class that Nash has. He doesn't worry about the future. His present is with the Suns, and he will do all he can to make them better.

Mark up the players released from the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) to two. After Kenyon Martin was recently released upon request, now Portland Trailblazers guard Patty Mills has been released, though under another matter. Mills allegedly "faked a hamstring injury" that kept him out of play since he's signed. Mills wasn't happy and spoke back on these twitter links. Faking a torn hamstring? I don't think so. Unfortunately, his $1 million contract was voided and is now stuck in China, like any other player who signs with the CBA, until the season is over in March. Patty is expected to return to the NBA as soon as he can, or return to Australia and play for the Australian Olympic team- The "Boomers".

Injury report:
-Kobe Bryant was given a shot to play through the torn ligament in his right wrist that he aggravated last night.
-Kings C/F Chuck Hayes is expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a dislocated right shoulder. He sustained if after being run into by Drew Gooden last night.
-Bucks C Andrew Bogut is still out for personal reasons and F Mbah a Moute is out with knee tendinitis. Both returns are unknown.
-Warriors G Stephen Curry will sit the next two to rest his right ankle that has given him problems since last year
-Heat F Mike Miller is on the comeback trail, which he is very familiar with. He has yet to play this year due to hernia surgery.
-Hornets G Eric Gordon remains out with a bruised right knee. The Hornets biggest asset in return for Chris Paul has only played two games thus far.
-Tyrus Thomas makes his debut tonight for the Bobcats, he is coming back from a sprained right ankle.

Wild Card Weekend (NFC)

NFC Wild Card Round:

#5(Atlanta Falcons) vs. #4(New York Giants)
When: Sunday, January 8th, 2012. 10:00 PST (FOX)
Where: MetLife Stadium East Rutherford, New Jersey
Previous Match-up: (None)

After barley squeaking into the playoffs on the final day win over the Cowboys, the Giants find themselves in a favorable match-up against the Atlanta Falcons. The Giants are another very pass-oriented offense, and they are going up against a defense that has struggled against the pass, though not the run. This favors the Giants. They should be able to ride Eli Manning and Pro Bowl "snub" Victor Cruz, who had over 1500 yard receiving and 9 TDs. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs have had their moments, but they aren't anything special. The defense is the Giants main weak point, unable to defend the pass with any consistently and struggle against the run too.

The Falcons should be able to attack that weakness with both QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner (assuming he plays). Ryan enjoyed his new receiver Julio Jones, and Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez continue to be reliable to Ryan. And Turner had yet another solid year for the Falcons. But thats the thing with this team, they are all just solid. They don't do anything exceptionally great, but they don't do anything too bad either. The Falcons pass defense has been inconsistent this year, they will need to be on top of their game to stop Eil Manning.

Keys to the Game: (Falcons)

1) Prevent the Big Play- The Giants usually find their offense with a big drive or two, resulting in quick points. If the Falcons can hold Cruz in check and prevent the big plays, the Giants offense becomes stagnant.

2) Get Turner Going- Michael Turner is a volume runner, meaning when the offense flows, he goes. But if the Falcons can't get any rhythm on offense, Turner won't be a factor. Turner can be the guy for the Falcons, they need to find a way to get him into the game.

3) Rush Eli- The Falcons are a very good pass rushing team, even if the numbers don't show it. The Giants aren't best best at protection and Eli isn't the most mobile, but he can get around. The Giants will pass the ball, so he will be spending plenty of time in the pocket.

Keys to the Game: (Giants)

1) Throw the Ball- But don't be so predictable. Victor Cruz is a mis-match for anyone, but the Falcons will tighten coverage up on him. Throw the ball to other targets, and keep them honest with the running game.

2) Seize the Momentum- Coming off of big wins over the Jets and Cowboys to roar into the playoffs, the Giants are coming in hot. They need to ride the hot streak and keep it going.

3) Stop Tony Gonzalez- Gonzalez provides match-up problems at the Tight End position. When the Falcons approach the redzone, tighten up on Gonzalez.

I personally don't see this match-up as one of the more enticing ones, but it could shape up to be exciting. Victor Cruz is always fun to watch and we have to keep an eye on at least one Manning right? But I think the Falcons are just too balanced overall for the Giants to handle.

Final Verdict- Falcons 24, Ginats 17.

Wild Card Weekend Preview (NFC)

NFC Wild Card Round:

#6(Detroit Lions) vs. #3(New Orleans Saints)
When: Saturday, January 7th 2012. 5:00 PST (NBC)
Where: Superdome New Orleans, Louisiana.
Previous Match-up: Saints 31, Lions 17 (December 4th, 2011)

The Detroit Lions are back in the playoffs for the first time since 1999, led by Matt Stafford, who has been overshadowed by other NFC QB's Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. But that is a mistake, Stafford passed for over 5000 yards, joining Tom Brady, Dan Marino and Drew Brees and the only 4 to do so. His primary target, Calvin Johnson (aka "Megatron"), has made himself into a force to be reckoned with, catching 16 TD's for almost 1700 yards. This is a pass first offense, with no rusher surpassing even 400 yards on the season. But do not over look Jahvid Best, he can break away at any time. The defense isn't anything spectacular, but they know how to get to the QB, so protection has to be stout. But most of their defensive stats rank in the bottom half in the league.

On the other side, Drew Brees' Saints are flying high, with a balanced offensive attack. They obviously can throw the ball, Brees set the all time record for passing yards in a season. They have two guys who surpassed the 1000 yard mark in receiving and a dynamic back in Sproles. But their running game is vastly underrated, with Sproles, Thomas, Ingram and Ivory all with big contributions. The rush defense is good, but the pass defense has struggled. And the Saints aren't taking the ball away like they did in their Superbowl winning year.

Keys to the Game: (Saints)

1) Continue with Balanced Offensive Attack- The Saints have one of the best offenses in the game, with a great balance of pass and rush. Don't become too predictable to the pass, maybe even run the ball more. The Lions will be bringing the pressure.

2) Slow Down the Detroit Passing Game- The Lions are very one dimensional when it comes to offense, but no matter how predictable they are, it still works. For the Saints, they will not be able to stop it (especially the way the secondary has preformed), but if they can slow it down, they slow down the entire Lions offense. You will not see the Lions run back-to-back very often.

3) Protect Brees- The thing the Lions can do very well on defense is bring the pressure. It will be coming and the Lions like to get creative in their defensive attack. Protect Brees, run the ball more, run more quick pass plays and you can beat the Lions D.

Keys to the Game: (Lions)

1) Protect Matt Stafford- While inside the pocket, Stafford's numbers are outstanding, but when driven out of the pocket, they fall off dramatically. Keep Stafford in the pocket by protecting him, the Lions will need the Offensive Line to step up. The Saints haven't been particularly successful in the pass rush this season, but the Saints are at home and the crowd noise will be at their advantage.

2) Strike Fear into the Opponent, With Less Penalties- Detroit certainly can bring the rush and flex their muscles and beat down opponents with the best of them, but they have to be smart about it. Take out your anger on the QB and not after the play is over. Limiting penalties will be key for the Lions, as that's what did them in in their last match-up.

3) Don't be Afraid to Run- to balance out the offense a bit, run the ball a little more. Be aggressive with the big play, but have a series of runs. If the Lions can have success, it will only open up the passing game even more.

This is going to be the game to watch, on offense at least. Expect the top two passing QB's in the NFC to not disappoint, this will be a high scoring affair and come down to the wire. This is also one of the hardest games to predict. If the Lions get to Brees and explode on offense, this will be Detroit's game. But if the Saints maintain a balanced offense and let the Lions beat themselves with mistakes, Saints will move on.

I'll go with the latter.

Final Verdict- Saints 49, Lions 38

Wild Card Weekend (AFC)

AFC Wild Card Round:

#5(Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. #4(Denver Broncos)
When: Sunday, January 8th, 2012. 1:30 PST (CBS)
Where: INVESCO Field at Mile High Denver, Colorado
Previous Match-up: (None)

It's Tebow Time, or Bronco time as QB Tim Tebow tells it. After taking over week six, the Broncos began a sprint to the playoffs and even after a late season fall, they came out on top. It's no doubt what the Broncos want to do, run, run and run again. Whether it's Willie McGahee or Tim Tebow, the Broncos clearly have formed their offense around a style that will fit Tim Tebow and that is a run first offense. Which is why the Broncos drew about the worst match-up possible in this round. Facing off against a traditionally tremendous rush defense in the Steelers, the Broncos will have their work cut out for them. Though this year has been a slight exception. The defense has taken a little step back, but make no mistake, the Steelers step it up when it matters most.

Pittsburgh will enter the playoffs a bit hobbled. RB Rashard Mendenhall is OUT with torn ACL and Big Ben Rothlesburger still has a lame ankle and a bad thumb, but is expected to play. Wallace and Brown are expected to carry the offense, if Ben can stay upright.

Keys to the Game: (Steelers)

1) Protect Big Ben- As we saw against the 49ers and Browns, Ben Rothlesgurger will have a really tough time against a good pass rush, as his ability to escape the pocket is extremely limited, and with Mendenhall out, he will be expected to carry more of a load. If Ben is being taken down or forced to throw, Broncos will be all over him.

2) Stop the Run- The Broncos had the most rush yards and rushing attempts last year, and especially picked up the run in the second half. They are going to run the ball and are reluctant to throw it. If the Steelers can stop the run, they will force Denver into doing things they are uncomfortable with.

3) Put a rest to "Tebow Time"- Take the Bronco fans out of the game and shutdown Tim Tebow. If anything, force him to throw the ball, if his history shows, that will shut down Tebow Time by itself. Get the "Terrible Towels" going!

Keys to the Game: (Broncos)

1) Take Some Shots- Everybody knows what the Broncos want to do. So why not take some risks and throw the ball down field. Some play-action passes could lead you to a more spread out defense and create even better running lanes. Keep the defense honest, open up the game with some big throws.

2) Bring the Heat- Big Ben is hurting, but he's going to play. And he's going to be throwing the ball, a lot, with the starting running back out. He will be vulnerable in the pocket and not be able to break pressure as he usually does so well. Bring the extra pass rush.

3) Improve 3rd Down Play- The Broncos are one of the worst teams converting on third down, converting a mere 31% of third downs. The reason is a predictable 1st down running offense. Take some shots down field in early down and get into manageable situations.

Even with Pittsburgh's injury issues, they shouldn't have much of a problem stopping Tim Tebow and the Broncos. If Denver can throw it down field, this may be a closer game, but I just don't see that happening.

Final Verdict- Steelers 21, Broncos 7.