More Annoying Sports Terms....

I left these off my original list:

1. Shuffle pass (in lieu of shovel pass)
1a. Shuttle pass (ILO shovel pass)
2. Square it up (new term for hitting a baseball well, 150+ years after the game began)
3. Bank board (instead of back board)
4. Hook & ladder play (instead of hook & lateral)

All Solich Lovers Read Here...

Blame as much as you want on Steve Pederson & Bill Callahan, but for those of you not smart enough to realize Frank Solich's complete ineptitude on the headset and in recruits' living rooms, click on the link to see what kind of talent he didn't bring in. Nary an NFL starter signed in 2000 or 2003....

http://omaha.com/article/20090831/SPORTS/708319948

Get Rid of Those Monday Blues...

If you're having trouble getting kickstarted, just read these hilarious one liners...

http://www.omaha.com/article/20090830/SPORTS/708299832

The Donger's Hokie Preview...

QB - Most would say this position is all about Tyrod Taylor but I say it is just as much about the loss to graduation of Sean Glennon. Glennon was a 2 year starter and a calming influence on the offense when he entered the game. That is the polar opposite of the high-strung and speedy Taylor. Taylor can certainly hurt you with both his arm and his legs but he has also been known to panic and throw balls up for grabs and/or leave the pocket too early. NU was NOT able to contain him in
2008 (Taylor produced 258 yards of total offense) but with his security blanket gone, if NU can force him in to bad decisions, then NU will have a chance to pull the upset. The stable is fairly empty behind Taylor, although Hokie fans are very high on redshirt freshman, Ju-Ju Clayton, a member of the 2009 "Best Names in Football All American" team.

RB - The loss of Darren Evans to a torn ACL could be devastating to this offense, as Evans last year set freshman records at VT for yards in a season (1,265) and touchdowns (11). In the last 6 games of the season, he ran for 746 yards, including 153 in the Orange Bowl. He also set the VT single game record with 253 vs. Maryland, and the ACC Title game record with 114. With his departure, the Hokies will turn to Josh Oglesby. Oglesby is the only RB on the roster that has carried the ball in a game, and he only has 38 carries for 88 yards. Oglesby will be backed up by fifth year senior Kenny Lewis but after those two, there are two players whom NU fans should be familiar with, as NU was heavily recruiting both of them in 2007 - Ryan Williams and David Wilson - both are speedsters that will see plenty of playing time behind Oglesby & Lewis.

WR/TE - This will be a strong position in 2009. The Hokies return 5 starters here. At SE/FL, they have Danny Coale, Jarrett Boykin and Dyrell Roberts. Collin Carroll and Brandon Dillard are both letter-winners that can play either the SE or FL position. Taylor will have plenty of capable targets to throw to, as VT tries to establish the passing game early in the season, while making decisions about the RB position. At TE, senior Greg Boone and junior Andre Smith are both back having both started in 2008.

OL - Preseason All American Sergio Render (RG) leads a group that has been the weak linke for the Hokies over the past two seasons. They have consistently failed in run-blocking and have not allowed Taylor ample time in the pocket. Ed Wang (All ACC) returns at RT with sophomore Blake DeChristopher at LT. The tackle position is the strength of the OL, as senior Richard Graham can play either side of the line.
Coaching - Frank Beamer, Bryan Stinespring, and Matt O'Cain tend to be unpredictable when things are going well for the Hokie offense. It's when the offense starts to show signs of sputtering, that they become very conservative and try to rely on the running game. As mentioned earlier, the security blanket of Sean Glennon is not on the sideline this year, so the Hokies will have to ride it out with Taylor - good or bad. If you can establish the line of scrimmage and put pressure on the QB, you can disrupt this offense.
Summary - If the offensive line rounds into form, then this should be a formidable, albeit youthful, offense. With another year of experience, Taylor should be even more of a threat at QB, assuming that he cuts down on turnovers and bad decisions. If Oglesby, or one of the two speedsters proves to be even serviceable at RB, then the Hokies should be in line for another ACC Title game appearance, an Orange Bowl and/or BCS Title game appearance. The schedule, however, is daunting early on with games vs. #5 Alabama (in Atlanta) and home against #22 Nebraska.
Sandwiched in between is a home game against Marshall, whom VT has notoriously NOT played well against. Could the Thundering Herd pull the upset? The once proud Miami Hurricanes follow the date with Nebraska and later in the season there are trips to Georgia Tech and East Carolina. If the Hokies can come out of those 5 games at 4-1 or better, they should be ranked in the Top 5 and be a legitimate National Title contender.

Defense
Bud Foster's defense should be as much of a stalwart in 2009, as it was in 2008 and has been historically since Foster arrived at the school. Each of the three units, defensive line, linebacker and defensive back, suffered a loss or two but overall the defense remains intact. Seven of the eleven starters return, and should be led by defensive tackle Cordarrow Thompson, linebackers Cody Grimm and Cam Martin, as well as defensive back Cam Chancellor. In 2008, Tech led the ACC in Total Defense, Scoring Defense, Pass Efficiency Defense, Sacks as well as Punt Return Average. The "Lunchpail" defense was also second in Rushing Defense, Turnover Margin and Red Zone Defense.

DL - The loss of DE Orion Martin will hurt this unit, but in 2008 the defense only had 3 defensive ends and 3 defensive ends that played nearly 94% of the plays. In 2009, this unit will be bolstered by greater depth at both positions, led by DT Cordarrow Thompson. Big things are expected from Thompson, after a rather pedestrian season last year. Jason Worilds and Nekos Brown will start at DE and the other tackle is John Graves. Cam Martin and/or Cody Grimm will hold down the other "flex" linebacker position.

LB - If there is a definite weakness on the Tech defense, it is definitely at the linebacker position. The Hokies lose all 3 starters from 2008, as Xavier Adibi, Brett Warren and Purnell Sturdivant all used up their eligibility. Adibi's loss will be particularly difficult to deal with, as he was a 2nd team All American and is now vying for a starting position with the Houston Texans. Stepping into the fray will be two untested sophomores in Barquell Rivers and Jake Johnson. If the Tech defensive line isn't the anchor of the defense it is supposed to be, then the defense will be susceptible to both power running games and short-controlled passing attacks - both positive signs for Nebraska.

DB - Another All American was lost in the defensive backfield, as Macho Harris also bolted for the NFL, and may start for the Philadelphia Eagles. However, this may be a source of strength for the Hokies as all the other players returning have significant playing time under their belts. The group will be led by Cam Chancellor, and he will be flanked by Stephan Virgil and rovers Dorian Porch and Davon Morgan. With NU's lack of speed and experience at the WR position, the Hokies may elect to play a lot of man coverage and force NU to beat them through the air.
This could be the matchup that turns the game in one team's favor.

Special Teams - As always, the Hokie special teams will be a force to be reckoned with. The success of the special teams under Frank Beamer is well documented, so we won't rehash that here. Let's just say that NU had better be ready to have the kitchen sink thrown at it, in all aspects of the kicking game. Look for one, or both, of the freshman running backs to handle kickoff duties, with either Coale, Boykins or Roberts handling the punt return duties. The Hokies do return punter Brent Bowden. The clear weakness on the special teams will be the place-kicking, as currently the only kicker on the roster is true freshman, Cody Journell.

NBA fix...

An interesting piece.....showing Isiah's pathetic eye for talent again:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/The-top-10-worst-free-agent-signings-of-the-deca;_ylt=AkhnWKjjrRA9cKslWq6XFlk5nYcB?urn=nba,185489

Is There a Playmaker in the House?

When an offense relies heavily on the pass to convert first downs and open up the running game (translation: mediocre offensive line because of a shitty OL coach), it needs at least a couple proven playmakers at receiver. Going into the 2009 season, Nebraska has zero. Let's go down the list:

Niles Paul, 6'1", 215 lbs., Junior: High school All-American with all kinds of hype coming to Lincoln, but in two seasons hasn't done a thing. A few 4-5 yard receptions here and there. The concerning thing to PYB (besides the off-season DUI after he claimed this would be the season he became a leader and broke out onto the scene), is that when he has touched the ball he has looked terrible. Very pedestrian. There has been no indication of next-level speed on his short catches or kick returns. As for shiftiness....empty in that department too. Hopefully, it was tentativeness that overshadowed his true ability. But from our experience, if you've got the speed & shakes, it shows. If not, you ain't got it. Truthfully, I've seen more elusiveness/ability out of Alfonzo Dennard than Paul. He's saying all the right things during fall camp, and his teammates and coaches are darn near calling him the next Jerry Rice.....is this the truth or just desperation talking? Because everyone knows NU is hosed unless somebody emerges

Menelik Holt, 6'4", 220 lbs., Senior: Holt has shown some flashes with decent, first-down-converting catches. His max looks to be making eight to eighteen yard catches for first downs. His size helps him there...his lack of speed prevents him from doing much else. Somehow already a senior, PYB doesn't project much else since he's yet to show it. Hopefully, for the Cornhuskers' sake, we are wrong.

Chris Brooks, 6'2", 215 lbs., Senior: Brooks is easily one of the all-time favorites at PYB. Maybe it's his tricked-out Monte Carlo, or the fact that he went with "Brooks Sr." on his jersey, or that his lack of production (3 catches, 31 yards, 1TD) at NU is eerily reminiscent of our high-school football careers? Who knows, but one has to admire his loyalty, as he has done next to nothing and still loves playing for NU. Most of the coddled babies of today would have transferred long ago to finish their career at Northwestern State....oh wait....Either way, you gotta root for him.....since he's spent three years on the sidelines rooting for his teammates....Karma...

Will Henry, 6'5", 215 lbs., Junior: He's a junior now and hasn't caught a ball in a pass-heavy offense. Enough said.

Antonio Bell, 6'2", 180 lbs., Freshman: PYB is glad Bell qualified academically and stuck to his commitment. Something about him makes us expect good things: not sure if it's the fact he's from Florida, his name, the fact that he looks like a Jalen Rose/Derrick Rose hybrid? He might end up being a stiff, but the gut instinct here says playmaker. We shall see.

Other Candidates:

Wes Cammack: Should do just fine running in the plays.

Khiry Cooper: Hopefully he's less of a bust on the gridiron than the diamond.

Curenski Gilleylen: Racked up Niles-Paulesque numbers with 2 catches for 11. Heard all about his speed, let's see some production.

That's it in a nutshell. There are a few other youngsters not worth writing about. An underwhelming blog entry, for an underwhelming group. Let's hope somebody blossoms, or else 2009 could ride on Barney Cotton's ability to create a dominant group! Ha ha ha.

2009 Cornhusker QB Prospectus....

As promised, PYB has delivered--offering up its 2009 NU quarterback position preview. Things look rosy in the long-term, but one injury has depleted experienced depth entirely and one more would make for a chaotic season at The House That Solich Built. Let's get started:

Zac Lee, 6'2", 215 lbs., Junior: We've heard it a million times....rocket arm, NFL bloodlines, confidence bordering on cockiness/swagger (wake me, I'm sleeping). Nobody knows how the kid will react until he straps it up in Blacksburg September 19. Sure, he'll rack up the stats vs. the Sun Belt Conference opponents. But for a first-year QB to win on the road against a great defensive and special-teams unit like the Hokies, Lee will have to be mentally tougher than I've ever seen out of a QB with two career starts. I'd say the win-loss percentage here is 30-70. Hopefully, I'm wrong.

A big question mark for PYB is if this guy is such a stud, why was he just JUCO material out of high school? Focusing on baseball, says huskers.com...... so maybe we have the next John Elway on our hands here. A couple more positives:

1. Zac Taylor and Joe Ganz were good caretakers but far from great QBs, so maybe Lee won't have to do all that much if NU can run the ball and find a WR or two to make a play.

2. Lee will be wearing jersey number 5, so any time one can share the same number as Cornhusker legends Shevin Wiggins and Marlon Lucky, it's a good start.

Kody Spano, 6'2", 215 lbs., R-Freshman: Blew his ACL.....again....a couple weeks ago. This was NU's only experienced backup QB, but seriously, did anyone expect him to start a game in Lincoln. He was an emergency insurance policy for Lee, in case he went down before Cody Green could learn the playbook.....or just in case he was too stupid to ever do it....Second torn ACL should earn him a grad assistant title and an early jump on a high-school coaching career.

Cody Green, 6'4", 220 lbs., Freshman: This kid looks, sounds and acts like the real deal. He's even gotten some good publicity from the coaching staff this week. Hopefully, this won't be a jinx, but that fact that he's risen to second on the depth chart has to be a big positive sign. But be patient, Silver-Tab clad Husker fans, Green has a long way to go to become the next Frankie London. His throwing motion is a tad strange, so let's just hope that doesn't hinder his mission in becoming the first Cody Green. If Lee or NU tanks hard, a late-season start isn't out of the realm of possibility.

LaTravis Washington, 6'3", 225 lbs., Junior: Truly a mystery. We wondered for two full seasons why he didn't get more reps at LB, when the ones who were playing the majority of the snaps looked like Mike Petko with arthritis as they tried to cover the likes of Jeremy Crabtree, Joaquin Iglesias and Jeremy Maclin on crossing patterns. Was he too dumb to learn the defense? Too soft? Too lazy?

If any of those were the case, one would not suspect that the coaches would move him to QB. Throwing motion looks good and he seems happy with the switch, so who the hell knows. Maybe they're just trying to appease him for the fact that they got him to leave Florida but can't get him on the field for whatever reason so it was "Hey kid, if you get to touch the ball every day in practice and mop up vs. the Sun Belt, this should keep you happy enough so that you and Fabian will send a couple more Florida recruits our way in the future..." PYB would like to see him play a bit to see what he can do. Hopefully, he and Marcus Mendoza don't sit on the sideline and rot away the next two years.

Taylor Martinez, 6'1", 185 lbs., Freshman: Anyone wondering why Martinez may have left California to come to wintry Nebraska has never been to his hometown of Corona. That being said, I don't know why he came...given the fact that he's already buried on the depth chart....unless he knows he will eventually be switching positions or hoodwinked NU coaches into a scholarship and isn't worth a shit and figured how bad can it be to come to Lincoln, get a free degree and bang all the hottest chicks on campus? Maybe he'll prove me wrong.

Ron Kellogg Jr., 6'1", 215 lbs., Freshman: This one has UNO in 2010 written all over it. Maybe he's got a jumper like his dad and can suit up for Doc.

Joe Broekemeier, 6'4", 215 lbs., Freshman: Let me get this straight....the guy can't see the field for the disaster that is Mike Anderson's baseball team, so he's going to throw his hat into the ring for sixth-string QB under Bo Pinelli? Truly odd, unless he also wants to upgrade the level of snatch he pulls. Granted, I don't follow Nebraska HS football that closely, but if a kid is truly Division I-A QB material and grew up 28 miles from my hometown....I'd have heard of something good that he's done. That's my rating system, and I'm sticking to it. Spano had better be careful, or his head grad assistant job in 2011 could be in jeopardy.

Addendum courtesy of The Donger....

Jimmie Ebke (Lincoln East) 6'1, 195--- Couldn't cut it with the fighting Jackrabbits, so he headed south to lead the NU Scout team for his remaining 3 years. Played basketball & soccer in HS, and it was nearly impossible to tell if he played each sport any differently from the other. A good physical specimen for an undersized white guy from Lincoln. LOCK to be "Scout Team POY" in 2011. Alleged move to safety will not prevent him from this prestigious award.

Next up, review the NU 'stable' of WRs......who'd have thought we'd ever be begging for two white starters back? Not in a million years, until you see the group that's been assembled for 2009.....Stay tuned....

More proof the NBA is rigged....

http://deadspin.com/5345287/the-confessions-of-an-nba-scorekeeper

Denial?

Hopefully just spewing the corporate bullshit line, because this is not true. It's hard to hammer in a TD in goal-line situations when your RBs are all small and your OL coach sucks....

http://www.omaha.com/article/20090825/SPORTS/708259811

The Forecast Calls For 10 Wins!

My Rumbling Buffs come into this new campaign with a goal – 10 wins! Delusions of grandeur or has something unseen turned the light switch on in Mr. Hawkins’ head that has been empty for the past three seasons? To be determined. Last season started off promising: 3-0 with a thrilling win vs the Mountaineers. But just to balance things out, they lost the next three games to Noles, Longhorns, and Jayhawks. Figures. They then wound up losing all basics of football and finish 5-7 including a nightmarish, horrible, disgraceful, not-enough-words-to-describe the embarrassment 58-0 loss to Mizzou.

The main question mark is at the QB position. The coach’s son, Cody, has been given the keys to drive the car the last two seasons, but his Dow Jones type play has made it seem like he was playing back with Westbrook and Carruth(get out that trunk). Statistically speaking, he doesn’t seem too bad, but his bad decisions or lack of decision has been unbearable at times. Soph Tyler Hansen showed potential when miraculously Cody was pulled last season, but his happy feet and freshman jitters led to some mistakes. So if he can control his boogie shoes, he might be able to overcome Cody and be named the starter. But then that leads to another problem. Besides the reliable but not threatening Scotty Mcknight, our receivers have zero experience. The big play threat (and mainly just a threat, not actual fact) Josh Smith left to pursue music at UCLA. So hopefully our highly praised JC recruit Andre Simmons can provide some excitement. Now on to the backs- Darrell Scott, Rodney Stewart, Brian Lockridge, and Demetrius Sumler- the real source of any hope for success lies with them. Stewart was off to a great season but suffered a broken leg against the Aggies. Lockridge missed all last year, but avg. 5.7 ypc freshman year. Mr. Scott, our prized recruit of 2008, came in a bit overwhelmed and got banged up--never getting to show his potential. He comes into this season “in the best shape of his life”(we’ve heard this before). D. Sumler is just a hard running, steady back who led the team in rushing TDs. If the youthful, but promising, line can come thru, there should be an improvement on those 5 wins last year.

Defensively, the Buffs were pretty subpar last year but I blame a lot of it on our paltry offense, which only produced a little over 20 PPG. DE Nick Kasa, the big-name recruit this year, already has been injured, so the line is going to be filled with Cabbage Patch Kids after losing some solid seniors. The backers are pretty solid lead by Jeff Smart and Shaun Mohler who contributed heavily last year. Getting back Jon Major(ACL last year) and Michael Sipilli(suspended last year) should increase the depth there. Big Jimmy Smith is the top corner in the secondary. He definitely will have to be a stud this year if the line can’t get any pressure. The Brown boys- Cha’pelle and Jalil are pretty reliable also at the corner. And Ray Polk aka Ray-Ray, the 2008 redshirt recruit from Scream Phoenix, has made the switch from the backfield to safety for this season and has been quite impressive so they say. Normally I would skip the kicking game, but when your kicker who’s name is ironically Goodman goes 5-14 last year, this is a cause of concern also.

Well let me wrap this up. With a pretty solid non-conference schedule including key games at West Virginia, the Buffs need to come out all hoofs kicking. Big games with Texas and Oklahoma State on the road might be impossible. Having Missouri and Kansas(I detest that wheat waving crap) at Boulder give faint possibilities for wins. And the Huskers game is always a crapshoot as of late. The team is loaded with UPSIDE, but Hawkins track record of 13-24 is disheartening. Especially with only TWO wins on the road IN 3 YEARS(I just recently realized this- WOW!!) I’m realistically calling 7-5. Finish 8-4, I’ll drop streamers from the roof and let off some firecrackers. Finish 9-3, I’m hopping on Ralphie. 10 wins?- it’s PYB Hawkins (Sorry)

Folks They're Not Booing......

They're Yelling Five Point Twoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo - as in the 40-yard times of this pathetic tandem of LBs now in Tampa Bay. Sure, old brother Barrett gets a lot of good publicity as a strong backer in Tampa, but I invite anyone to watch a game closely and see all the whiffs he makes and coverages he blows.....At least Bo has a Facebook page so we can keep up with what he's doing after the Bucs cut him.....

http://huskerextra.com/articles/2009/08/25/football/doc4a934c433eba1436196244.txt

Husker Hoops Update....

Here is hoping that Doc is about ready to get this program over the hump. Honestly, the Cornhuskers will never get a better coach to take this job--one who can recruit, manage the floor and likes the university enough to stay more than two years. If Doc can't get it done in Lincoln, NU will flounder in mediocrity for years to come. Except for a few years under Danny Nee (where he raked in some talent and won games despite horrible in-game coaching), this program has been in idle for 30+ years. Even when Nee had his top teams, we knew that his lack of organization and discipline would prevent them from making a real impact on the national scene. Anyone who says Sadler is not a great coach either knows nothing about basketball (a strong possibility for anyone living in Nebraska) or is not a bright person. Let's hope the results start coming this season--as anyone who can crush more Diet Mountain Dew than I can is a stud in my book.

http://www.omaha.com/article/20090824/SPORTS/708249833

Mini Sirloin Burgers....

Number one reason why one shouldn't post everything one does on facebook.....roast beef anyone? Yes, I'll take the Big Montana.....

Castille Booted....

How hard is it to stay out of trouble for four seasons and cash an NFL check? Apparently pretty damn hard, as Quentin Castille proves for us this weekend. It's not that he was a Heisman-level running back, but he had begun to shine at the end of last season despite his fumbling woes. But as proven year after year, a team needs every running back it can get as injuries come in bunches. Early word from the chat geeks point to steroids or weed, but if this situation plays out anything like Cody Glenn's dismissal, we will never know the reason. I'm glad Bo Pelini (though he does overdo the hardass stance a bit) is showing these guys that playing for Nebraska is an honor and never a given. But had he booted Castille for wearing the gay outfit in the picture to the right, I'd be fine with it. No one person is above a program that has a 40+-year foundation of excellence. Once that precedent is set, the crumbling of any authority structure is imminent. We all saw how things turned out for Frank Solich following Eric Crouch's run-back-to-my-high-school-coach tantrum. Next man up. Babies go home.

So instead of dwelling on another 20-year-old kid who was too dumb to realize what he had in his hands, let's move forward and analyze the rest of the depth chart at I-Back:

Roy Helu: Great back, can do most everything including catch, get the tough yards and provide a decent big-play threat that NU dearly needs. Only limitation is that nagging injuries seem to keep cropping up and make a complementary power back a must.

Rex Burkhead: All hype so far for this true freshman. Not that he won't be a great player, but until it's proven in Big 12-level competition, I'll reserve judgment. Anyone remember Thunder Collins or Marlon Lucky? Five-star hype with 2.5-star game. Regardless of star rating, he'd better be ready. I remember the excuse to keep Helu off the field the last two seasons as other IBs underachieved was his slowness to pick up pass protection schemes.

Marcus Mendoza: One of those players who has shown brilliant flashes in his very limited chances. Makes you pine for more from him, but then wonder why he can't consistently see the field. Hopefully, the ping-pong game between IB and WR won't stunt his productiveness. Another smallish back however, when the Cornhuskers are dearly in need of the size that Castille left behind.

Lester Ward & Dontrayevous Robinson: Initial recruiting reports and a gut hunch here at PYB had great hopes for them. However, there is not much information coming out about them post-Castille. Hopefully, this is more because of their lack of experience and not their lack of game. These are the best two options to provide the size that NU needs to hammer inside and take some of the pounding off of Helu.

Austin Jones: No info on him and his pedestrian background. But until I see him on the field in a big game, I won't trash him too badly. Brandon Jackson provided that lesson, as he showed hard work & perserverance will outlast the flash and glitter that sparkles & fades with more celebrated backs who don't do the little things to succeed at D-IA.

Big Ben Hurt??

Pittsburgh Steeler fans better hope not--how would they ever find someone who can go 12/23 for 143 yards and a TD every Sunday? Apparently those stats only get you free snatch from the ugly barflies....

Battle in the Bayou...

The words 'high IQ' just ooze out of this group...

http://deadspin.com/5342637/any-teams-named-yankees-or-red-sox-must-fight-to-the-death

.103....What a Pussy....

Posted at the behest of 3:10 to Beatrice.....how can you take a DUI for being .003 over the former legal limit? Weak.

Driver stops cop, hands over vodka

A La Vista police officer found himself making an unusual drunken driving arrest this week.

Around 9 p.m. Wednesday, a 69-year-old Omaha man flashed the lights of his white Buick Century at the cruiser of a police officer near Portal and Hupp Roads.

When the officer pulled over to check on the man's well being, the motorist told Sgt. Kraig Gomon that he was too drunk to drive. The man then handed Gomon an unopened liter of vodka. Gomon and another officer, who responded to the scene, noticed the man smelled of alcohol.

During the incident, the motorist told the La Vista officers that he had begun consuming alcohol around 10 a.m. He said that he had six drinks of Vodka before deciding to contact the police officers and that his last drink was around 8:30 p.m., about 30 minutes earlier.

He told police that he contacted them because he shouldn't have been driving and couldn't keep on the road, according to police.

The man failed field sobriety tests and also a preliminary breath test, La Vista police said. He was booked into the Sarpy County Jail on suspicion of drunken driving. His blood-alcohol content tested at 0.103, which is above Nebraska's legal limit of 0.08 to be considered drunk.

Don't Touch the Watch.....

Not sure what the rash is with these, and I'd somehow missed Aqib Talib's previous thuggery.....Better rack up some NFL stats before getting tossed in the clink too many times, or else the CFL will be calling....either that, or earn some immunity by coining yourself a nickname like Pac-Man....

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Ahjxqm0rHrBgj1X7FLLAOR5DubYF?slug=ap-bucs-talibarrested&prov=ap&type=lgns

Consistency....All You Can Ask For....

Plexiglass Burress: Two years for possessing a gun
Donte Stallworth: 30 days for killing a man while driving drunk
Ron Mexico: Two years for dog fighting
OJ Simpson: Goes free after chopping off two heads
OJ Simpson: Goes to jail for armed robbery

The lesson here, just make sure somebody ends up dead if you're looking for a light sentence.....

Another Crooked Italian...Who'd Have Guessed?

Pitino falls last week, Calipari (conveniently gonzo) this week. These guys are smooth, and great coaches. I guess cheating helps....well not cheating on your wife...but cheating to get recruits who couldn't tell you that the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor in to your institution of higher learning.

Maybe they should leave for the NBA, where it's legal to pay your players.....oh wait.....

PYB hits the OWH.....

Well it's a proud day here at PYB, as one of its contributors gets published in the OWH....we here think that Mr. Shatel really DOES NOT want to stop comparing the BlueGays to Gonzaga, as he subconsciously does in his response. We find it quite amusing that he deems Gonzaga losing in the NCAA tournament as equal to getting bottle-blasted in the second round of the MVC embarrassment that is Arch Madness....

http://www.omaha.com/article/20090819/SPORTS/907229973

From: David V., Chandler, Ariz.
Published Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009

Tom are you serious with this question? “What's Gonzaga done lately anyway?” Maybe they didn't win the NCAA Championship, but the list below is more impressive than an MVC-Tourney flameout and NIT bid:
• 28-6, 14-0, WCC Champions
• Beat Oklahoma State
• Beat Maryland
• Beat Tennessee
• Beat Indiana
• Lost by 5 to UConn AND Arizona
• Qualified for the Sweet 16 before losing to eventual national champion North Carolina.
So sad that you're always comparing the Jays to Gonzaga, when they lack the coach, talent or resume to come close to measuring up.

Gonzaga made the Sweet 16 last year, yes. The two years before that the Zags “flamed out'' in the first round. In any case, it's time to stop comparing Creighton to Gonzaga. Let's just enjoy Creighton being Creighton. And if they should happen to win a couple in the NCAA's — and we're assuming they will make the NCAA's again soon — all the better.

Will they ever do anything.....

that entices people to move TO Nebraska and not OUT of it?

http://www.omaha.com/article/20090820/NEWS01/708209956

Pic of the Day....

Saints Follow Up....

Fitting follow-up to our Saints season preview from this morning....

http://deadspin.com/5340730/why-your-team-sucks-new-orleans-saints

If Your Face Is Too Busted to Land an NBA Player....

Just get fake jugs.....

Courtesy of deadspin.com

I Couldn't Have Said it Better.....

From Facebook.com

Chris Shepherd is happy Brett came back to add to his all time interception record...what a legend!

Will The Saints Finally Come Marching In????

Who Dat say they going to be dem Saints?? The Saints! From Carney shanking the extra point after the River City Relay to Brooks throwing a backward pass (which I still won’t watch till this day) to Turley snatching and shotputting opponents’ helmets, to infinite bonehead penalties the Saints have had a habit of losing games by their own ridiculous actions. After marching to the 2006 NFC Championship and faltering to the Bears (and the weather!), the Saints have underachieved (kind way of putting it) the past two seasons. What does this season hold in store for my Saints? Well despite having arguably the most prolific offense in the league, they also have arguably the most Swiss-cheese defense. That could change since DC Gary Gibbs finally got the boot (3 years overdue) and we brought in the hard-nosed Gregg Williams to run the show. Then shed the least intimidating safety in history Kaesviharn and the non-productive Bullocks (sorry Husker boys). Replacing them with the OG Darren Sharper and the promising but oft-injured Roman Harper. But the most exciting news of recently is the long-awaited waiving of Jason “I Couldn’t Cover Leftovers with Saran Wrap” David! Every QB/WR combo had that look of a kid’s first birthday with party hats and streamers, ready to eat him up like cake and ice cream. I wish you well elsewhere man. With a stream of promising youngsters at DB– (Malcolm Jenkins, Usama Young, and Tracy Porter) and solid vets in the box (Fujita, Vilma, Grant, W.Smith, and saved the best for last Shanle (ha), Nawlins’ D should be much improved. On the other side of the ball, you know the deal already. First names only- Drew, Marques, Reggie, Jeremy, Lance, Devery, and you’ll soon know Pierre. Now if Mr. $12 million, I’ll repeat $12 MILLION Bush can get over 3.8 ypc, the sky is the limit. I’m shooting for 11-5, but I’ll keep my paper bags just in case.

Maybe I Was Wrong on Alex Gordon....

Maybe we don't call him a flop if he sucks again in 2010. Maybe we call him a flop now. It's not that he got demoted to AAA Omaha that I say this, necessarily, it's the fact that he got demoted to Omaha so the Royals could make room for KYLE FUCKING FARNSWORTH in Kansas City!! Ask any Cubs fan what this means if you don't know already. He is the worst relief pitcher of all time, costing the Cubbies 30-40 games by my count. His only positive contribution was kicking the shit out of Cincy's Paul Wilson a few years back. You can check out Youtube.com for some of his gopher balls and fights. Looks like the homo police guy from LA Confidential in this picture. Ouch, Alex.....

NU Fan Dildo of the Day Award

Typical NU fan: Comparing the current IBs NU has to two legends, one being an NFL HOF inductee. And then topping it off by showing how knowledgeless he is by saying Craig was a great NFL fullback. Not true, for one, and in addition....the FB at the time was NU-alumni Tom Rathman. Good job, Bruce! What do you expect from someone from Sioux City, a town where the stench on the ride by on I-29 has made me gag on more than ten occasions??

Name: Bruce F., Sioux City
Published Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009

Tom, do think there has been any consideration of using Castille and Helu in the same backfield? I’m reminded of Roger Craig and Mike Rozier. What a great tandem, and Craig went on to be one of the best fullbacks in NFL history.

That’s an intriguing idea, especially if they build some depth behind those two — which they could with some of the young guys like Burkhead. You never know what Watson might cook up. However, the fullback is a thing of the past at Nebraska. Which is unfortunate. That was one of those “identity’’ positions for Nebraska football.

Barney Cotton is Excited......Maybe He's Leaving for the Real Big Red Again...

One can only assume Cotton is excited by Burkhead because he's very elusive, meaning his line won't have to block anyone. This guy has been a disgrace since Rat Solich hired him. Terrible offensive coordinator from day one, the O-Line began its quick descent into mediocrity and then overall ineptitude under his tutelage, he dissed the Cornhuskers while coaching for the Real Big Red (or Blue, Yellow, Black or whatever color they pick that season) in Ames, brings his walk-on level kid to Lincoln (who by the way gets ticketed for an alcohol-related offense....which by the way if you're gonna have trouble with the law the kid may as well be talented & have speed and hail from Florida/California), and now graces NU fans with his great wisdom once again. He's excited to have Burkhead, I'm sure like he was excited to have Roy Helu, who could run without getting a block on half the plays last year. One could only imagine what NU's I-Backs could do with consistent results from the fatasses up front. It's Past Yo' Bedtime, Barney!! (By the way, I think the guy in the picture with LP would be safer playing Russian Roulette with bullets in five of the six chambers).

LINCOLN — Count Nebraska offensive line coach Barney Cotton among those impressed with true freshman I-back Rex Burkhead.

All indications point to Burkhead skipping a redshirt season in his first year at NU.

He attained near-legendary status as a do-it-all star during the past four seasons at Plano (Texas) High School.

“As a line coach, I'm pretty excited about a back like Rex,” Cotton said.

Additionally, Burkhead, who played quarterback for part of his prep career, gives Nebraska the threat of a diversified look.

Burkhead is competing for time behind juniors Roy Helu and Quentin Castille. There will be no shortage of chances, Cotton said, for several backs.

“You can look back to last year,” Cotton said. “How many times was our first back always healthy? How many times was our second back there? You better have three or four guys ready to go in the Big 12.”

Microcosm.....Cubs Style

Watching the Cubs last night provided the most excellent proof of what a microcosm is. They sucked on the field and battled injuries all the way through early June, then began fighting back and took the division lead in mid-July. As soon as that happened, the injury bug bit again and their play took an abrupt turn into the shitter once again. Well last nite, they trailed San Diego 3-1, somehow fighting back to tie it 3-3 on a series of weak hits. The rally was capped by their biggest struggler, Alfonso Soriano, who knuckled a weak bloop into left field for the tying hit. Starting the next inning, Ryan Dempster gave up a game-tanking home run to Adrian Gonzalez on the very first pitch. Season over....Microcosm witnessed. At least I've got Dexter: Season 3 on the way via Netflix and football in two weeks. I can't imagine how Mr. Piniella feels, having to sit through this through early October. For good measure, they tried Angel Guzman in his new role as setup man, and he promptly relinquished two runs in one inning. Go Cubs Go!!

College QBs better than Teabag.....

http://www.timteblog.com/

This man-crush on Tebow is out of control, but not surprising. Listing CFB QBs better than Tebow, in no particular order. These were all QBs you feared in crunch time, not media-driven paper tigers who lose to Ole Miss at home.....suggestions welcome....

1. Vince Young
2. Tommie Frazier
3. Charlie Ward
4. Ron Powlus
5. Ron Mexico

Favre for $12 million per.....

Not to mention that Sage Rosenfels is a more than serviceable NFL QB, especially when surrounded by an above-average defense and a top-3 NFL RB....now you're going to piss on any loyalty that your QB may have add after the first and second Favre courtships AND give a WASHED UP stiff $12 million in the process. This will rank right up there with giving away eight players for Herschel Walker and fueling the Dallas Cowboys' dynasty of the 1990s. I officially hate Brett Favre and hope he gets hurt on his first play.....the Viqueens would be better off, rather than waiting for the Gunslinger to tank the entire season in week 17 when he forces a pass into quadruple coverage.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AoVRJfrm8p1dgLnPbeUSQH45nYcB?slug=jc-favrevikescontract081809&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Paul May Return Punts.....Oh No...

I like this supposed speed they speak of and that we've heard about since he came to NU as a decorated HS All-American. The problem is, nobody's ever seen it....at least I haven't on his four-yard receptions. Please let anyone besides him return the punts. He was pathetic.

http://huskerextra.com/articles/2009/08/18/football/doc4a89ead6aed73131879339.txt

Lou's Man-Love Costs Cubs Again...

Last year, Soriano keep his leadoff spot in the playoffs.....this year, Kevin Gregg's fat, 82-mph fastball ass staying the closer despite 5 blown saves (6 after last nite) and five losses and now a 4.42 ERA......not sure how you ever sign a stiff this bad in the first place, but it's cost the Cubs a playoff spot this season. Despite all the slumps & injuries, they could have overcome it with a quality closer. Another tank job in the 9th in San Diego last night cost the Cubs any realistic playoff shot....

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-18-cubs-padres-chicago-aug18,0,2154939.story

Monday Musings...

Random thoughts as I read today's sports news:

1. Usain Bolt runs 9.58....Who cares? Well actually I do a little...a lot more than when NBC is force-feeding us Michael Phelps like he's on the same level as MJ or anyone else who plays a real sport.

2. Is there any doubt Beanie Wells will be a huge NFL flop? He's been out 16 days with an ankle injury and was soft as butter in college. Check out his tank job in the Fiesta Bowl last season.

3. Donovan McNabb holds press conference to talk about Ron Mexico signing: Why???

4. Cubs need to sweep San Diego...STL is at LA at the same time, could be the last good chance to make up ground to be within striking distance as they make up the five fewer GP than the Cards....

5. After a mild hot streak, Alex Gordon's goes 0/4 with 2 Ks and brings have average down to .207. If he doesn't have a good 2010, he will officially be a flop. He put up big numbers at NU, but in pressure situations and big games he was suspect. In person, his swing wasn't nearly what Darin Erstad's was....

6. Red Sox lose Wild-Card lead....hopefully this remains the case so we're spared the postseason annoyance that are Red Sox fans....has there ever been a bigger bandwagon following than this one? Everyone's a supposed super fan, singing along to Neil Diamond's & the Dropkick Murphys' worst songs, respectively....

7. USOC backs off TV network plans...probably a good plan since the Games are corrupt, and nobody would watch....actually I would watch if they showed something besides figure skating and 80-pound circus midgets dancing around with ribbons in their hands.....

8. Favre Not Finished???: Who Cares.

Sports Terms I Cannot Stand....

Most of these are new terms, things I've heard absorbed into announcers' vernacular the last few years, which drive me to distraction.....feel free to send in your own, and I'll be adding more as I remember them.....

1. Bigs (referring to big men in basketball)
2. Pick Six (Every hack announcer who lucked into a menial job for a cable network loves it)
3. Coach Them Up (Stupid, and what the hell does it mean??)
4. RBI (when referring to multiple RBIs...this is baseball, not English class douchebag)
5. 3-Metal instead of 3-Wood (Fuck off Johnny Miller)
6. 5-par, 4-par, 3-par...when referring to golf holes (Fuck off Johnny Miller)

Reader entries:
1. 'Tweener
2. The Show
3. RBIs (The opposite of my opinion, sorry Murph, your opinion is wrong)
4. Fair Pole
5. Walk-Off
6. Five-tool player
7. Upside
8. Multi-faceted
9. Wildcat offense
10. OTAs
11. Training Camp when describing college football (or Spring Training if you rep Ron Mexico)
12. Length (referring to basketball players)
13. Threw Him Under the Bus
14.Feel for the game
15. One day at a time
16. They don’t rebuild, they reload
17. Put the our best unit on the field

Anyone Else Would Be Called a Choker, But....

A 75 is a choke, though the media will tell you it's not as they're comparing this upset to Douglas over Tyson (seriously), the USA over the USSR in 1980 and David over Goliath (not seriously).....Why was Woods the only one CONSTANTLY gyrating and motioning about the wind, the break of the greens, etc.? Backing away from shots, tossing grass in the air four times before hitting....no matter, I'm sure he'll be back to rack up a couple more wins at minor events before 2009 is over....By the way, the most unbelievable and greatest feat of the day....Yang's two-rep military press of his golf bag after making the clinching putt....If only it could have been Cowboy Katayama instead....

CHASKA, Minn. -- I can't believe what I just saw.

I can't believe I just saw Y.E. Yang win the PGA Championship. I can't believe I just saw Tiger Woods lose it.

"It's both," said Woods. "I mean, I certainly ... was in control of the tournament most of the day. I was playing well, hitting the ball well. I was making nothing, but still either tied for the lead or ahead."

It wasn't a choke. Woods shot 75, not 85. And it wasn't a fluke. After all, Yang shot the lowest round of the day. Plus, he made two career-changing swings that neutralized Woods' final-round aura, including a nerveless, 206-yard 3-iron hybrid shot on the last hole that arched over the outstretched branches of a tree and just cleared the ankle-high rough and yawning greenside bunker before settling just 8 feet from the pin.

Fantastic Finish

Y.E. Yang's final 49 holes illustrated just how good the 37-year-old was down the stretch at Hazeltine. After starting the tournament 5-over par, Yang regrouped to shoot 13-under en route to his first major championship win.

	Thru 23 Holes	Final 49 Holes
Yang	+5	-13
Woods	-4	-1

But whatever the level is just below choke -- and I don't know what you'd call it -- that's where Woods ended up. He faltered. He needed 33 putts to complete the round. He was the old woman on the medic alert commercial who fell and couldn't get up. Then again, it's hard to regain your balance when Yang has his golf cleats across your throat.

"I played well enough to win the championship," Woods said. "I did not putt well enough to win the championship."

As for Yang, Woods said, "Y.E. played great all day. I don't think he really missed a shot all day."

The PGA Championship....Unwatchable....

Well I guess the good thing about Eldrick Woods holding a four-shot lead is that I don't have to watch weekend coverage. This tournament is over. So this morning I can play golf and then Sunday I can pretend I'm a good husband and hang out with my wife! No sooner did Ross Fisher tied for the lead on Friday, did he start pissing it down his leg. Isn't it a bit early on a Friday to roll over and play dead for the Messiah. The rest of the pack usually waits until hole 12 or 13 on Sundays.

Anyway, what is it about the PGA that sometimes makes it unwatchable? I find that to be the case at least 50 percent of the time, and goes on a tournament-to-tournament basis. Some I can watch, others I can't. Is it the fact that the courses many times have no identity (compare to Augusta's perfection, the impossibly tough US Open layouts, the pastures in the UK)? Is it that football season is so close? Who knows, but though I'm sure they're great courses in person, watching tournaments at Medinah and Hazeltine are a complete snooze. I think I'll go shoot 85 myself instead of watching Tiger's latest bitch do it on TV......

Mr. Marshall.....Have Fun With Mr. Orton....

Why are we constantly hearing Brandon Marshall's name in the news--like he's something special? It's amazing to me the number of athletes who have one above-AVERAGE season and think they've made it. This diva is one of the main offenders...constantly in legal trouble and also bitching about his QBs when he's got miles to go to get to even Ed-McCaffrey status. I'm sure he'll rise to the league's elite this season though.....judging by Kyle Orton's 89-yard, 3 INT performance last nite. Keep on thuggin'....

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7868

"Not him" "Hey we need one, wanna play??"

Remember growing up playing ball and you only had nine guys so you couldn’t start a game. But wait lo and behold there’d always be that smelly, awkwardly shaped band camp kid who would wander on the court outta nowhere. The infamous “You make 10 and if there weren’t 10 no way in the galaxy would you play” guy! There is that feeling of not being really wanted. And that today makes me feel bad for Mr. Q- Rich. The former Knick/Grizzly/Clipper/T-Wolf now Miami Heater has been traded 4 times in the span of 45 days! We all know it’s a “business” but each team has a roster full of 15 players yet he keeps being the Chosen One to get shipped out! My respect and heart goes out to you my man, stay strong, and don’t let anybody put you down. Just don’t unpack yet!

Get Your Tight-Ass Husker Gear....

Order both of these items today to help "Restore the Order" and get your choice of a free pair of Levi Silver Tab denim shorts or Converse high tops with extra-wide, red laces.....

Cornhuskers vs. Red Raiders, circa 2001....

Did anyone else see the NU vs. TT replay on FoxSports last night. I had several observations:

1. Our line couldn't run block (except Fonoti).

2. That made us pass more, and it is amazing what a bad passer Eric Crouch was. INTs, key misses, etc. The two factors above made for an inconsistent offense. 523 yards but big trouble closing drives with TDs in key situations.

3. Frank Solich's terrible play calling and 'game management.' The pre-margarita Lil' General was an embarrassment.

4. The collection of stiffs we had on defense. Erwin Swiney might be the worst CB in NU history. Torched EVERY play (this is the least of his problems since he recently was tossed in the slammer a la Thunder Collins, another player on the field this game). He was getting extra reps because Craver went down in the 2nd half. Philip Bland, Demoine Adams, Pat Ricketts, Jamie Burrow, Ruuuuuuuuuuud, and one I forgot about who was TRULY horrible...Dion Booker. The guy didn't wrap up and drive someone down ONCE in his life. Just struggled to drag the offensive player down. The only good hit he made was when he whiffed on a tackle and almost knocked DeJaun Groce out of the game.

5. Groce, and Dahrran Diedrick, were NU's only two bright spots in my opinion. I remember the next season when our best offense was Groce back in punt return formation. He was one of the few studs we had.

It's Past Yo' Bedtime, Tom Shatel

Normally I agree w/ Mr. Shatel, but the fact that the below exchange took place is a disgrace. How hard is it to look at the 'Zags 2008-09 schedule to make sure he knows that of which he speaks!!!??? My submission to him is at the bottom.....Creighton & its fans are delusional, the same way Omaha residents are delusional that their city is not a dump. Tom 'Hearts' B-Jays....

From: Jim, Omaha
Published Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009

With the Creighton fan base constantly growing, the addition of Qwest Center Omaha, top 12 in attendance nationally, and their coach getting paid more than half of the “big boys,” is going to the NIT and winning one or two games or going to the NCAA and losing its first game ever considered “bad?” I have to think Creighton fans want to start seeing more results.

Looks like Creighton hoops is a year-round topic around here. For the record, Altman's salary — which a private school can keep private — is said to be lower than the reputation. Whatever. I do hear some Jays fans getting restless. Many more are happy to have the coach they like and be in the hunt for the Valley and an NCAA bid every year. And I think several of us in the media — and I'm as guilty if not more than anyone — have overhyped Creighton in recent years with this idea of becoming the next Gonzaga. I'm not sure that's realistic. The Jays play in a conference that gets one or two NCAA bids per year; last season was a tough lesson in how hard it is for a school like CU to make the tourney. Creighton needs to take some chances with its scheduling if it wants to beef up its RPI and national reputation (like this year's tourney in Orlando). Taking chances isn't Altman's thing. He's pretty stubborn. The Qwest Center and the consistently big crowds create their own expectation level which, again, isn't necessarily realistic in the Valley. That doesn't mean CU shouldn't shoot high — or be in the NCAA tourney, especially with this group. They should. But a lot of the Sweet 16 talk and Gonzaga comparisons are a little out of whack. What's Gonzaga done lately anyway? They aren't even Gonzaga anymore. Mid-major or non-BCS schools go in talent cycles; they usually can make a run every three or four years because they rarely recruit kids who go to the NBA after one year and have to develop their talent over a four-year period. CU has that type of team this season; one that's been around and needs to make some noise. Sounds like a topic for October or November, right?


Tom are you serious with this question? "What's Gonzaga done lately anyway?" Maybe they didn't win the NCAA Championship, but the list below is more impressive than an MVC-Tourney flameout and NIT bid.

28-6, 14-0, WCC Champions

Beat Oklahoma St.
Beat Maryland
Beat Tennessee
Beat Indiana
Lost by 5 to UConn AND Arizona
Qualified for the Sweet 16 before losing to eventual national champion North Carolina.

So sad that you're always comparing the 'Jays to Gonzaga, when they lack the coach, talent or resume to come close to measuring up.

Mexico in Pennsylvania.....

Ron Mexico could add what has been missing in Philly since Donovan McFlabb blew his ACL a few years back. What made McNabb so dangerous was that he was a threat to scramble and convert first downs. His effectivness has fallen in recent years as he's tried to pretend he's a pocket pass of Montana-esque proportions. On some games, off some games....and off in most pressure situations. If Philly can put together a package where Mr. Mexico can be effective, he can use BOTH of his weapons......his arm, his legs and his brains (see above). Hopefully, the Birds' trainers have an ample supply of Valtrex on hand.......should be interesting...

Volleyball & The Apocalypse...

http://www.omaha.com/article/20090812/SPORTS/708129834

Another terrible idea for many reasons:

1. What happens when the VB team has an off season or two, we've seen how NU fans jump ship like rats when the going gets tough (basketball and baseball in the midst of its meltdown...and even football to a degree as the fans who 'loved' the Cornhuskers from 1993-2001 have gone back to under the rock from which they came)?

2. Giving up a packed venue that is nearly impossible for opponents to play in is a terrible idea in any sport. No matter how strong most crowds would be at Devaney, there would be sparse nights (weekdays) where the environment was nonexistent.

3. Demand is strong and remains strong because there is a good product, and those who currently don't go because they can't get tickets (translation: too cheap to pay the $30 it would take to find one) help keep the product in demand. If there were 9000 tickets available for each game, the "I'll go to the next game" mentality would slowly but surely creep in and water down attendance.

4. Moving the crowd farther from players dressed in skin-tight shorts isn't really a selling point, in my opinion. I'm sure there are many men, and women, that attend the games that are interested in being up close & personal.

2009 PGA Championship Odds Commentary

Interesting picks/potential winners:

Cabrera (30/1): Maybe the only player left with balls enough to stand up under the pressure and close one out. Decent odds here

Love III (70/1): I'd rather bet even money that he will wear a gay outfit during every round.

Els (35/1): Best days behind him, especially w/ family concerns. Wardrobe is flat-out atrocious. Can we send him a hat that fits properly?

Daly (100/1): Would be a great story but I'm sensing a 74-87--MC, followed by a three-day bender.

Harrington (17.5/1): Hard to predict how the leprechaun will play this season. May be pissed after losing his pot o' gold last weekend.

Mickelson (10/1): Could be a good bet at 10:1, but Hefty usually isn't that sharp after long layoffs. I'd put him at 1:2 as having the best tits on tour....not the biggest (that award goes to another former Sun Devil & current Scottsdale resident)....but the best.

Stricker (17.5/1): Please. This isn't the John Deere of some other has-been-filled tournament. Let's put 3:1 down on him crying during a post-round press conference.

Woods (1.2/1): Tremendously low odds considering he hasn't won a major or any other tournament with a fully stocked field in more than a year. You used to be able to bet him at 2:1 and at least win some money if you had to suffer through the announcers kissing his ass for four days. I hope I get to see every shot of his 2-over 74 and just one shot of the leader's 65. Also, Woods expressed interest in the 2016 Olympics...has anyone told him they don't pay an appearance fee?

Clark (60/1): Good odds for somebody who will win a major someday.....however the 7600+-yard layout doesn't bode well for one of the games short hitters.

Sports Hits a New Low....

Kids skipping their last year of high school to play in Israel because it's boring?? I thought it couldn't get any lower than it already has for the over-coddled, under-skilled players coming into college thinking they've made it since hacks like Sonny Vaccaro have been kissing their ass since age 13. Forget learning the fundamentals and how to play the game....take the easy way out....get paid, convince some sucker NBA GM to overpay you, cash your check, and call it a career averaging 2.8 PPG and 3.1 RPG......Strong parenting to say the least.....

http://sports.espn.go.com/highschool/rise/basketball/boys/news/story?id=4395258

Impressive....

Saw this from the NY Times on Huskerpedia....for a national-level publication, amazing complete and thorough and unbiased....I can't imagine doing this for 25 teams:

http://thequad.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/10/the-quad-countdown-no-22-nebraska/

Sorry Cowboys.....

Not a stellar beginning to an already expectation-laden season......this negative hype will be the beginning of an underwhelming season in Stillwater.....

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4393657

Reader Rant of the Day......

Thanks to our readers...

You have no idea what you are rambling about! I can't decide if it's ignorance, racism, jealousy or all of the above. You obviously can't comprehend the social, cultural and geo-political ramifications he is having on the game of golf, the world of sports, and history in general! After he is done conquering the game of golf, don't be suprised if he balances the budget, reforms our healthcare system and single-handedly solves global-warming! He could do it! Just ask anybody at The Golf Channel!!

Who else has brought more people to the game? So what if they are all scum, don't know anything about the game, tear-up courses en route to 5 1/2 hour rounds and couldn't break 130? Who cares if they'd rather watch Eldrick shoot 74 and finish t-55th than watch a 59 year-old legend and 5-time British Open Champion accomplish the unthinkable!

C'mon...it takes a finely tuned athlete to bitch about photographers, give odd hand gestures after missing a putt signaling a break that couldn't POSSIBLY be there, slam clubs, destroy tee boxes, rake a putter across the green, swear & curse and refuse post-round interviews after a bad round...while at the same time grinning ear-to-ear, joking with Stevie, twirling the club after average shot, and running around the green fist-pumping and beating on chest like a gorilla on a piece of Sampsonite luggage after winning a tournament while your opponent who just lost, has his hat in hand waiting to congratulate you? It takes a focused athlete of immense proportions to not be a gentleman like that! Nicklaus, Palmer, Snead, Hogan, Nelson and Jones couldn't do it!!!

They also never had 20 people move a 2 ton boulder (I mean loose impediment) so they could have a clear shot, blow an iron onto the freaking CLUBHOUSE, only to get a "free drop" because THAT is not out-of-bounds, and constantly shoot even or 1 under in the final round only to see the "best players in the world" cave to the pressure! Those guys had rivals that could stand up to the competition and perform...not simply be content with top 25's and collect $10million/year!

Nevermind...you're right!

Cubs Suck.....

The Cubs hit first place, then the injury bug hits and their setup man and closer revert back to April form. Marmol three walks in 0.2 innings and Kevin Gregg gives up the game-losing HR. He's tanked four of his last five games. Could the Cubs brass seriously not tell this guy sucked when watching him throw? Belt-high fastballs don't get MLB hitters out. And they're stuck with Marmol, because as soon as they dump him he will turn into Mariano Rivera for somebody.....