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.
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.
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.
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 thesetwitterlinks. 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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
We have 4 enticing match-ups coming up this weekend. The Giants take on the Falcons, Lions face off against the Saints, Steelers up against the Broncos and the Texans and Bengals match-up in the Saturday slot. Let's look at each game and break it down.
With big expectations heading into this season for the Texans, they did not disappoint winning the Division to a 10-6 record. Though the season could have gone better, many feel. An foot injury to Matt Schaub hinders this team from becoming elite. His replacement, T.J. Yates, has hardly been spectacular, but serviceable. But the Texans do have the second best running game in the NFL and a stout defense and should not be taken lightly.
On the other side, the Bengals came into the season with relatively low expectations. They had a rookie QB at the helm, after the Carson Palmer saga came to an end, and young Wide Relievers that won't do him any favors. Naturally, Dalton had a rookie of the year campaign, passing for over 3000 yards and 20 TDs. Cedric Benson has a solid year, rushing for over 1000 yards and 6 TDs. The Bengals had trouble the last few weeks on rush defense, but on the season were very strong.
Keys to the game: (Texans)
1) Give Foster and Tate the Ball- With Schaub out, the Texans have become a run first team. Stick to that strength, get them some running lanes, throw the short pass to Foster an let him run. The dual running back attack needs to be effective for the Texans to win, especially with a shaky QB and a shaky Andre Johnson.
2) Pressure Andy Dalton- He's a rookie QB in his first ever playoff game, there is bound to be jitters. Huston has great pass rushers. Don't be afraid to bring extra pressure as well, Huston has the secondary that can withstand one-on-one coverage when bringing the extra pass rush.
3) Limit the Turnovers- Huston had trouble taking care of the ball late in the year, totaling 10 TO's in their last 5 games. Take care of the ball, let the young Bengals make the mistakes.
Keys to the Game: (Bengals)
1) Run the Ball- The Bengals are a running team at heart, despite the success of Andy Dalton. They have run for over 100 yards in nine straight games. Stay true to what got you here. A power running game will win you late ball games, and Andy Dalton can make the throw if he has to.
2) Slow Down the Opposing Rush- Texans will bring it on the ground, and before the last few games, the Bengals have stopped the run short. In their last match-up, the Bengals held the Texans to one of their worst running games their entire season, and the Bengals almost won the game. Force T.J Yates to throw the ball, there is a better chance of his making a mistake than Huston's backs.
3) Keep your Poise- This is a young Bengals team, led by a rookie QB. The coaching staff will have to do a good job of keeping this team poised. This isn't the first time Dalton has faced big game pressure. He won the Rose Bowl before embarking into the NFL. This is a different level, but Dalton gets an advantage for having faced, and beat, pressure before.
This game has the potential to be a great match-up. Both teams are very well balanced and it will be a fight, and a close one.
2011 was quite the year in sports. The Midwest dominated the NFL and MLB, with the Green Bay Packers and St. Louis Cardinals winning championships in their respective sports. Dallas dethroned LA and Phil Jackson, who were vying for a three-peat, in the NBA Finals over the Miami Heat, to make up for the loss in 2006. Canada continued it NHL Champion drought to 18 years (and Hockey supposedly wouldn't work America). The Butler Bulldogs made yet ANOTHER miraculous run in college basketball all the way to the Championship game, only to lose to Kemba Walker's UCONN Huskies, it was meant to be. The Oregon Ducks and LeMichael James matched up with the Auburn Tigers and Cam Newton in a close BCS Title game, with Auburn coming out on top off a last second field goal, putting the SEC into a whole-nother category among the rest of college football.
We had big surprises, from the Arizona Dimondbacks winning 94 games after being expected to be looking up at every team in the division, to the Minnesota Twins finishing with the second worst record in baseball after being predicted by many to win the division. The RedSox collapsed and Rays stormed back in a matter of minutes, meanwhile the Braves decided that one September disappointment wasn't enough, allowing the Cardinals to sprint into the playoffs and end up winning it all. Ryan Braun won MVP, then found himself testing positive for extremely elevated levels of testosterone, did someone say performance enhancers? Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander won the pitching triple crown and Cy Youngs. Verlander also won MVP, what didn't he do? Derek Jeter reach 3,000 hits, on a 5-5 effort, by way of the home run. Mariano Rivera also recorded his 600th save, then soon after broke the all time saves record of 602.
In the NBA, the Dallas Mavericks won the title, led by big man Dirk Nowitzki, who seemed to be on a mission averaging 27 point and 8 rebounds. They beat the "Big Three" of Miami in their first year of creation. The Lakers gracefully exited the playoffs after a 4 game rout at the hands of the Mavericks. And though they lost to the eventual Champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder proved they are here to stay. New York's acquisition of Carmelo didn't go as planned (14-14 after trade, no playoff advancement), but Denver did (18-7 after trade). The NBA Draft saw the likes of Kyrie Irving, March Madness stars Derrick Williams and Kemba Walker and "The Jimmer" all given the opportunity to play in the NBA... oops. Well they may have not been able to play on time, but at least they are playing now.
Speaking of lockouts, the NFL was able to reach an agreement without cutting into their season, though the free agent frenzy in the waking days after the lockout ended was a testament of how short of time there was to prepare for the embarking season. With seven new head coaches around the league, there was worry that these teams wouldn't have proper time to prepare and could struggle. Tell that to the 49ers. Rookie head coach Jim Harbaugh went up the road from Stanford to lead the Niners to a 13-3 record (a 7 game improvement from last year). Led by the resurgent Alex Smith and a defense that set NFL records, the Niners find themselves awaiting the winner of the Saints/Lions wildcard match up. The Packers pursued perfection, until they ran into the Chiefs week 15- so close! Cam Newton became a must-see rookie and showed he can have success at this level, Andy Dalton should also be mentioned. Tebow Time began in Denver week 6, winning 7 of 8, only to lose their last 3 yet still find themselves in the playoffs. Pressure is on Timmy T. And this NFL season cannot be mentioned without this:
Still can't believe it after the 100th time watching it.
So what does 2012 have in store for us? The Marlins are now a whole new team in a whole new stadium, but is it going to be the same old story? The King Albert Pujols jumped to sunny LA (Anaheim to be politically correct) while the Prince remains unsigned. The Yankees were abnormally quiet, while the Marlins just kept spending. Also look forward to the Hall of Fame class including Bernie Williams.
In the NBA, can the Miami Heat take their new offense all the way to an NBA title? Do the Lakers have any left? Is it time for the Thunder to shine? Rookie sensations Ferdette, Irving, Williams and Rickey Rubio take the court and should prove to be the next wave of stars in this league, or the next big busts. And, where will Dwight Howard land?
In the NFL, who will be the eventual champs? Pack repeat? Patriot glory? Maybe a 49er surprise. With the playoffs almost underway, there is sure to be plenty of excitement this postseason.
There is plenty to look forward to this coming year, if 2012 is just as good 2011, we will all be in for a real treat!
Allstate BCS National Championship:
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.
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.
