Week 52 Recap

Well, I hope everyone had a great holiday season, and with New Years coming up, please be careful out there. Have a great time, but be responsible, and don't put you or anyone out there in harms way. Okay, enough for the safety meeting, lets talk about sports for a few minutes.

MIZZOU

In a game that was supposed to be a rout, as fore casted by the experts in Vegas, and of course the media, Mizzou had all they wanted, and then some, when they matched up with Northwestern in the Alamo Bowl. By all accounts Northwestern did everything they needed to do to win this game. Their defense played great by holding the 6th ranked MU offense to only 23 points in regulation, while also picking off Chase Daniel 3 times. The Northwestern offense played a very respectable game as well, against the Tiger defense. Ultimately, the Tigers pulled it out with the help of a 75 yard punt return by All American, Jeremy Maclin. After taking a 30-23 lead in overtime, the Tiger defense stepped up, and stopped Northwestern, sealing the deal. This was the last game for Senior quarterback Chase Daniel, and tight end Chase Coffman. Odds are Jeremy Maclin played his last game in a Tiger uniform as well. The red shirt Sophomore will more than likely go Pro, though I am keeping my fingers crossed that he decides to play another year. The Tigers ended the season at 10-4, and turned in back to back double digit winning seasons for the first time in school history. The Tigers are losing a chunk of their talent next year, as well as their offensive coordinator, who is taking the head coaching position at Wyoming. It will be interesting to see what kind of team MU fields in 2009. Thanks to Chase Daniel, and the rest of the Seniors for some great years, and best of luck in the future.

RAMS - CHIEFS

Lets just say that the state of Missouri has not been blessed for several years with a competitive Pro Football team. Since the greatest show on turf was disassembled, the state has lingered on in a state of mediocrity. The Rams and Chiefs both finished the season 2-14, and are lined up to have a decent draft day. While both teams were competitive at times, this year the records definitely don't show it. Both teams could end up with new head coaches in 2009, which is sometimes a good thing, and sometimes not. Both teams have some good talent in place, and hopefully that can be added to through the draft, and possibly some free agent signings. I guess all I can say about 2008 is I am glad it's over for these two teams, and as a true fan always says, there's always next year.

COWBOYS

The Cowboys entered the season as favorites to win the Super Bowl. Dallas has as much, if not more talent, than any team in Football, yet they failed to even make the playoffs. After a crushing defeat from Philadelphia, the Cowboys finished the season at 9-7. The Boys will play in their new billion dollar stadium next year with the core group of talent returning. While it appears that no major changes are coming during the off season, one has to think that Jerry Jones needs to shake the tree a little, and somehow build some unity and toughness into this football team. One things for sure, this team has to come together as a team, and play smash mouth football in 2009, or they will continue to be the team with a ton of potential, but nothing to show for it.

LAKERS

After a couple of losses the Lakers found their groove again, and have now won 4 in a row, including a big win over the Celtics on Christmas day. The Lakers are ranked #2 again in the most recent SI power rankings, and boast a 25-5 record. Again, I do feel the Lakers have what it takes to return to the Finals, but one thing's for sure, they must stay healthy, and they must play physical, or they will not prevail as champs in June.

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This Week In Sports!

Let's break down the news, grumblings, and events of week 49, 2008. These are topics that most have already read or heard of. If you haven't, WAKE UP!!

MIZZOU TIGERS
After an embarrassing loss in the Big 12 Championship game to the OU Sooners, the Mizzou Tigers accepted an invitation to play in the Alamo Bowl on December 29th. The Tigers will be favored against the Big 10 conference Northwestern Wildcats. This will be the last game for Chase Daniel and fellow seniors. Look for a good effort by the Tigers.

STL CARDINALS
After signing Trevor Miller, and trading for Khalil Greene the previous week, the Cards went into the winter meetings with plenty left to do. But, in typical fashion, the Cards and GM John Mozeliak walked out of the meetings with nothing. They claim to have possibly laid the ground work for some future trades, or free agent signings. Lets certainly hope that's true, as the Cards have some work left to do before the season starts.

KC CHIEFS
After 20+ years on the job, and a decade during the 90's of consistently putting a powerhouse football team on the field, the GM of the Kansas City Chiefs, Carl Peterson, resigned. Peterson helped build a Chiefs team that won 4 AFC West titles, and a team that played in one AFC Championship game. The last decade, however, in KC has been suspect at best. The Chiefs are currently 2-12 on the season, and fresh off the heals of a devastating loss to the Chargers this past Sunday. After having an 11 point lead with 73 seconds left in the game, the Chiefs coughed up the lead, and lost 22-21.

DALLAS COWBOYS
The ongoing saga of what is known as the Dallas Cowboys continues. After a disappointing loss to the Steelers a week ago, and a week chopped full of TO this, and TO that, the Cowboys were able to come out Sunday, and take down the defending Super Bowl Champion Giants. The Cowboys were able to keep there playoff hopes alive, and now control their own destiny. With a win at home over the Ravens next Sunday and a win at Philly the following week, the Boys will be guaranteed a spot. Lets hope for the sake of all Cowboy fans out there, that the soap opera can be put aside for a few more games.

NY YANKEES
This is something that doesn't seem to surprise anyone anymore, but we'll talk about it anyways. The Yankees are throwing money around again like it grows on trees. After agreeing to terms with CC Sabathia earlier in the week, the Yanks turn around and signed AJ Burnett. If my math is correct this is a LOT of money, to the tune of 243 million dollars. This is for 2 players, yes that's right, 2 players. This doesn't include what they are paying Arod, Jeter, and the other big contract Yanks. All I can say is that it must be nice to be a Yankee fan, which I am not, but knowing that your franchise is gonna do whatever to win. Funny thing about baseball though, is that the highest payroll teams don't always guarantee wins. I guess we'll see how 2009 plays out.

LA LAKERS
Not a lot to talk about here but it appears the LA Lakers and Boston Celtics are on a collision course again for the NBA Championship. They are rated #1 and #2 in the most recent power rankings, and show no signs of weakness. Injuries are always a concern for any team, but as long as these two teams can stay relatively healthy, look for an exciting Finals this year.

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Missouri - Oklahoma Recap - Big Brother Wins Again!

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeWell, the experts were right. Missouri got hammered by a superior Oklahoma team again. Like myself, I am sure there a lot of Tiger fans that are sick and tired of playing whipping boy or scrimmage team for the Sooners.

There's no doubt that OU has as much, if not more talent, than any team in the country. What frustrates me, is the fact that MU is no slouch when it comes to talent. We have a very good quarterback that, unfortunately, has proven to fold under pressure in the big game. We have arguably one of the best wide receivers in the country, as well as a future NFL Tight End. But, it seems when it comes to playing big brothers (OU and Texas), the Tigers forget how good they actually are.

I don't intend to slam on the Tigers here, because they are my team. I love watching MU, and can't wait to destroy Northwestern in the Alamo Bowl. My frustration revolves around the inability to show up for the big one.

Mental mistakes were the reason MU is sitting at 9-4 this year, and not at 11-2. I concede the fact that Oklahoma and Texas are just a little bit deeper, and for whatever reason, a little more prepared to step up and play when it matters. There's no excuse for the Tigers to have lost to Oklahoma State and Kansas. Don't get me wrong, both of these teams are very good, but Missouri should have won, Period!!

Nevertheless, MU will go on to play in the Alamo bowl against a Northwestern team that has shown steady improvement over that past 3 seasons. The Wildcats are going for their first bowl win since 1949, and will face a Tigers squad that will obviously be going into this game disappointed to be there after coming into the season as a pre-season favorite for the National Championship.

I do look for both teams to come out fired up! Both have a large Senior class that will be looking to finish with a win, giving their respective team a 10 win season. In particular, I look for Mizzou to come out with something to prove, especially Chase Daniel. Daniel has obviously not had the Senior season he hoped for after a Heisman finalist Junior campaign.

I can't wait for this showdown on December 29th. After this, I wish all the Seniors best of luck after college and I can't wait for the 2009 version of MU football. There's no doubt it will be somewhat of a rebuilding year, especially if Maclin decides to go pro. Regardless, I feel MU fans are pleased with the direction of the program, and are looking forward to that first BCS game.

Curious to know how others feel about this match up.

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Cards Finally Do Something

This has been a week of mixed emotions for myself and I am sure many Cards fans. It started out with the announcement that none of the Cards free agents were going to be offered arbitration. This includes the likes of Braden Looper, Russ Springer and Jason Isringhausen. I have to admit that I was a bit surprised that the Cards didn't take a chance on Springer and possibly Looper. I wasn't as surprised about Izzy.

I feel that Springer was a sure bet to continue adding value coming out of the pen as well as being a positive mentor for several of the young Cardinal hurlers that will obviously make the roster. I don't know the guy personally but according to all reports Springer is a great influence on the young guys and, by the way, he can still pitch effectively even at 39.

Looper is one of those players that you tend to have a love hate relationship with. He has been very very good at times as a starter for the Birds, and other times he makes you want to throw your beer at the TV. :) I do know that one area the Cards lack depth in is the starters and I am not sure the Cards can do much better than Looper to fill that fifth spot, unless Dewallet wants to open up the checkbook of course. Not likely.

Izzy I feel was pretty much a formality, I think most true Cards fans felt that this was the end of the road for Izzy in St Louis. I must say its a little tough to say goodbye as he has provided us a lot of great memories, similar to Edmonds. I really hated to see Jimmy ballgame go but I also understand that it was probably time. I guess all I can say to Izzy is best of luck to ya and thanks for the memories.

Again, for the Cards to deny arbitration to all of these players was a bit confusing to me, especially Springer. Even if he declined, they had the opportunity to pick up some draft picks and isn't that what "building your farm system is all about?" I guess the front office knows what they are doing, or certainly hope they do. Time will tell!!

One positive for the week is that the Cards have finally signed Trever Miller, the southpaw from the Rays that was supposed to sign several weeks ago. Apparently something showed up in the physical that made the Cards nervous. Reports are stating that Miller has signed a one year deal in the neighborhood of 2 million dollars, this apparently includes any performance incentives. My gut tells me this is a very good move as Millers appearances and stats have been very consistent over the past 6 seasons. He has dominated lefties and not been so hot against righties which falls right into Larussas wheelhouse as far as match ups go.

Probably the most exciting news this week is that the Cards have come to an agreement with the Padres in a swap for RH pitcher Mark worrell, and a pitcher to be named later for Padres shortstop Khalil Greene. Greene has one year remaining on his contract which will pay him 6.5 million in 2009. Details haven't been released yet as to whether the Padres have agreed to eat some of this salary or if the Cards are on the hook for all of it. Greene was very good in 2007 and was considered one of the top shortstops in the league, however, Greene struggled in 2008 at the plate. Reports indicate that Greene was somewhat on the outs with the Padres front office and became somewhat consumed with hitting the long ball. Regardless, I am sure the Cards are hoping that a change of scenery will benefit Khalil and that the great fans of St. Louis will help him get back to his potential.

I think that for most Cards fans, the events of this week are a little much to handle as we are used to somewhat of a conservative approach. I guess sometimes things just fall into place. Here I was all pumped about the Winter meetings next week and now I fear that they might be a little quiet from the redbirds standpoint. I hope I am wrong as there are obviously some more holes to fill in the lineup. We still need a strong second baseman, another starter would be great and we can always use more depth in the pen. Let me know your thoughts about what the Cards have pulled off this week and whats your expectations going forward.

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BCS Buster

I won't get into how disappointed I am that KU beat the Tigers this weekend. I could sit here and pick the game apart, and fuss and moan over play selection, blown coverages, and just overall sloppy play. But no, I am going to rise above this, and focus on the opportunity in front of us.

I am referring to the Big 12 Championship game next Saturday night. The experts will tell us all week that Mizzou doesn't have a chance against the mighty Sooners! But hey, we all have to keep in mind that this is football. This is a game, and as we see, week in and week out, in college and pro, that anything can happen.

Are the odds of Mizzou beating OU very good? Well no, but it can happen. I guarantee you one thing. There's a team from Texas, and a lot of Texas fans that will be cheering for old Mizzou. If the Tigers can upset the Sooners, then it sets up a shot for Texas to make the National Championship game. Which makes sense because Texas did beat OU on a neutral field.

Anyways, we'll not get into the whole BCS ratings, and who beat who, and what not. The point is how cool would it be to finally topple the mighty Sooners, and get just a bit of respect back for the Tiger program. We obviously haven't done ourselves any favors this year by losing to OK State, and now Kansas. We could easily be 11-1 right now, but again, I am not going to get into what ifs because ultimately, it isn't relevant. But, I will say, go Tigers! Lets provide a BCS buster, and give the BCS big shots a real challenge when its time to pick who plays for the ultimate prize.

If there are any MU fans that wanna jump in on this, and throw me some comments, feel free. If you are an OU fan, and wanna slam me, and tell me how bad your gonna beat MU, wear it out. And last, but not least, any Texas fans that wanna tell me how they got screwed out of playing the Big 12 championship game, I am all ears. Isn't college football great!! :)

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Sooner Dominance

For those that follow my posts, you understand that I am a die hard Mizzou Tiger fan. However, since the Tigers had a bye this past weekend, and are currently preparing to meet KU at Arrowhead this coming weekend, i want to talk briefly about the Big 12 South showdown this past Saturday night.

CLICKING ON ALL CYLINDERS
I for one expected this to be a close game, and ultimately felt that OU would prevail on their home turf. But, there was no way that I would have predicted the blowout that we all witnessed. After watching the Red Raiders the past several weeks, and the way they marched up and down the field against the likes of Texas and Oklahoma State, I was shocked, and ultimately impressed at how well OU shut Tech down. This was a dominating performance by the Sooners, and they really seem to be clicking on all cylinders right now. The way OU handled Tech at the line of scrimmage was most impressive. It takes me back to last year when they did the same thing to MU(twice), which by the way were the only 2 losses the Tigers had.

MIXED EMOTIONS
Although the current BCS rankings have Texas slightly ahead of OU, I have a hunch that after OU beats OK State this coming weekend, they will leapfrog Texas and will be the Big 12 South champs. This sets up the Sooner/Tiger rematch from last years Big 12 championship game.

I have to admit that I have mixed emotions about this. I was really hoping to play Texas Tech simply because we have beat them the last couple of times we have faced. I realize Tech is a different team than they were in the past, but there's something to be said about having confidence against an opponent.

CONFIDENCE
This is one thing that really bothers me about an OU/MU match up. The Tigers have not proven yet that they can hang with the Sooners, likewise Texas. Therefore, I feel that somehow coach Pinkel has his work cut out for him. Do I think Mizzou can beat OU? Yes, however, they are gonna have to play the best game they have ever played, and most importantly they can't come into this game intimidated with who they are playing.

MENTAL BLOCK
I have seen it time and time again, and have experienced it first hand playing high school athletics. There always seems to be a team out there that you just can't beat. You might hang with them, and you might even be more talented, but at the end of the day they always find a way to win. Sort of a mental block, i guess, is what I am getting at.

Regardless, the next couple of weeks are going to be interesting and exciting. I can't wait to take our shot at either OU or Texas, and I just really hope our boys show up mentally and physically. (Its going to take both to win this game).

Give me your thoughts about this potential match up, and please let me know if you can relate to my message about how certain teams somehow dominate others, just because they always have. Go Tigers!!!

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Football Picks: Even a Blind Squirrel Finds a Nut Every Now and Then

I get tickled at times to read certain blogs or smack talk that goes on between opposing fans, and even fans of the same teams. My wife and I are both participating in a football pool this year, and it has been a lot of fun. It's amazing how cocky people get when they are not face to face with somebody. (Myself included.)Ha!

The funny thing about picking football games is that you don't have to know much about football to be successful. My wife doesn't spend a lot of time worrying about who she is going to pick, whereas I do all kinds of research, and put a lot of thought into my decisions. When game day rolls around, I am glued to the TV, and I get very stressed if my picks aren't panning out. My wife on the other hand, doesn't watch the games. She checks in every little bit to see how she's doing, but that's about it. It's not that she doesn't care, trust me, she wants to win. She does get pretty into Monday nights game if her picks are doing good. Ironically, her attitude and approach has so far paid off nicely for her. She has been victorious 2 weeks and is currently 2 points behind the season leader. I on the other hand have flirted a couple of weeks but either blow the Sunday or Monday night games, and trail my wife overall by 3 points for the season.

Let's get back to smack talk. A part of our pool is that we have the ability to go online and chat amongst each other. This is a lot of fun, but it can get a little heated at times. One individual in particular spatted off last week about the success my wife was having and basically told her that "A blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then". This is a little bit humorous and maybe true to a certain point, but after 11 weeks of picking, I think the numbers speak for themselves.

I am a very competitive person, and am determined to improve my season standing, but I am pulling for my wife to finish off the season strong and prove all the nay sayers wrong.

I would love to hear your opinions on picking teams, and about some of your experiences you have had with trash talk in your groups.

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