SNOW REVAMPS SCHEDULE, OCHOCINCO TO WEAR #15 & BOWL SEASON BEGINS TODAY
The snow storm that is causing havoc on the East Coast has already changed the schedule for a Sunday NFL game. The Atlanta-Jet game has been moved from a 1 PM ET start to 3:15 PM. Stadium officials said it would be impossible to get the seats cleared off as well as the parking lot in time for the scheduled start. Don't be surprised if the league moves the Chicago-Baltimore and/or the Frisco-Philly game back as well. Not only is snow removal a problem, but the visiting teams have yet to arrive at their destinations, which is another issue altogether.
Some important injuries to consider for those of you involved in fantasy football or wagering would include Eagles Brian Westbrook & Jeremy Maclin, both not expected to play tomorrow. Troy Polamalu won't suit up for the Steelers again. Pittsburgh is 4-0 with him & 2-7 without him. Carolina's Jake Delhomme won't go tomorrow either, his injured finger hasn't responded enough for him to go. In tonight's big contest in New Orleans, Cowboy's leading sacker, DeMarcus Ware, may not play after suffering a sprained neck last week against San Diego.
Another big name in college football has stated his intentions regarding professional football. Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy, probably the 2nd best defensive tackle in the college ranks behind fellow Big-12'er, Ndamakong Suh, said yesterday he will file to go to the NFL next spring. McCoy is definitely a top-10 pick.
Former Nebraska Cornhusker, St. Louis Ram, Miami Dolphin, Barcelona Dragon, Montreal Alouette & Calgary Stampeder, Lawrence Phillips, was sentenced to 31 years in prison. This former gang banger from SoCal was one of the bigger busts in draft history. This has been a long time coming, this thug's finally in a place he belongs, he was never serious about professional football, it was just a paycheck allowing him to do whatever he wanted. He was convicted on numerous counts that were involved with the attempted murder of his girlfriend & driving his SUV into a group of teenagers. A real quality individual.
Chad Ochocinco, a player who I've singled out as selfish & narcissistic, may do something tomorrow that I whole heartedly approve of, but does the NFL? Chad has said he intends to trade his #85 jersey for former teammate Chris Henry's #15. The NFLPA said thru spokesman George Atallah, they would pay any fine levied by the league. Problem is, the collective bargaining agreement has a stipulation in it that absolutely "forbids anyone other than the fined party to pay any fine the league imposes." I think this is one the league ought to look the other way on, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said as much today. Good for the league, good for Chad Ochocinco. I've haven't commented on Henry's tragic death, he's a kid I was rooting for & it appeared he had turned his life around in the last year. I'll have more on the circumstances of his death as they become known.
Bowl season begins in a couple of hours with the new Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque, one of my favorite places in this country. Here's how I see the 2 bowls going today plus the Dallas-New Orleans game:
Wyoming versus Fresno State(-11)
The Pat Hill-coached Fresno State Bulldogs have the nation's leading rusher in junior Ryan Mathews. He's not a grinder either, he has 7 runs of over 50-yards this season, he 3 over 60-yards vs. Boise State. This offensive line can open the holes for Mathews, he had over 150-yards against Illinois, Wisconsin, Cincinnati & 235 against Boise State. The Bulldogs started off slow but won 7 of 8 down the stretch. Pat Hill is coaching in his 10th bowl in 11 seasons. Wyoming starts 7 true freshman for 1st year coach Dave Christensen, a former Mizzou O-coordinator. The Cowboys made it a game in the 1st half against Texas & were blown out. In fact, Wyoming was outscored in their 6 losses 194-30, none of their 3 TD's in those games scored by the offense. Can't see Wyoming within 17 at game's end. I took Fresno State -11.
Central Florida versus Rutgers(-2 1/2)
The St. Petersburg Bowl tonight will feature 2 teams that to a varying degree, have been disappointing. Any team that can lose to Syracuse, can lose to Central Florida. I smell an upset, but I'm laying off this game, UCF's only quality win was over Houston, other than that they were cannon fodder to the big boys. Rutgers has underachieved nearly every week. Crummy game.
Dallas at New Orleans(-7 1/2)
If DeMarcus Ware is healthy enough, he'll play. If not, Drew Brees will have too much time & will pick the 'Boys apart. The Cowboys continued December swoon looks to continue in this spot, but the Saints have played down to their competition lately & I'm going to pass on laying over a touchdown.
Some important injuries to consider for those of you involved in fantasy football or wagering would include Eagles Brian Westbrook & Jeremy Maclin, both not expected to play tomorrow. Troy Polamalu won't suit up for the Steelers again. Pittsburgh is 4-0 with him & 2-7 without him. Carolina's Jake Delhomme won't go tomorrow either, his injured finger hasn't responded enough for him to go. In tonight's big contest in New Orleans, Cowboy's leading sacker, DeMarcus Ware, may not play after suffering a sprained neck last week against San Diego.
Another big name in college football has stated his intentions regarding professional football. Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy, probably the 2nd best defensive tackle in the college ranks behind fellow Big-12'er, Ndamakong Suh, said yesterday he will file to go to the NFL next spring. McCoy is definitely a top-10 pick.
Former Nebraska Cornhusker, St. Louis Ram, Miami Dolphin, Barcelona Dragon, Montreal Alouette & Calgary Stampeder, Lawrence Phillips, was sentenced to 31 years in prison. This former gang banger from SoCal was one of the bigger busts in draft history. This has been a long time coming, this thug's finally in a place he belongs, he was never serious about professional football, it was just a paycheck allowing him to do whatever he wanted. He was convicted on numerous counts that were involved with the attempted murder of his girlfriend & driving his SUV into a group of teenagers. A real quality individual.
Chad Ochocinco, a player who I've singled out as selfish & narcissistic, may do something tomorrow that I whole heartedly approve of, but does the NFL? Chad has said he intends to trade his #85 jersey for former teammate Chris Henry's #15. The NFLPA said thru spokesman George Atallah, they would pay any fine levied by the league. Problem is, the collective bargaining agreement has a stipulation in it that absolutely "forbids anyone other than the fined party to pay any fine the league imposes." I think this is one the league ought to look the other way on, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said as much today. Good for the league, good for Chad Ochocinco. I've haven't commented on Henry's tragic death, he's a kid I was rooting for & it appeared he had turned his life around in the last year. I'll have more on the circumstances of his death as they become known.
Bowl season begins in a couple of hours with the new Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque, one of my favorite places in this country. Here's how I see the 2 bowls going today plus the Dallas-New Orleans game:
Wyoming versus Fresno State(-11)
The Pat Hill-coached Fresno State Bulldogs have the nation's leading rusher in junior Ryan Mathews. He's not a grinder either, he has 7 runs of over 50-yards this season, he 3 over 60-yards vs. Boise State. This offensive line can open the holes for Mathews, he had over 150-yards against Illinois, Wisconsin, Cincinnati & 235 against Boise State. The Bulldogs started off slow but won 7 of 8 down the stretch. Pat Hill is coaching in his 10th bowl in 11 seasons. Wyoming starts 7 true freshman for 1st year coach Dave Christensen, a former Mizzou O-coordinator. The Cowboys made it a game in the 1st half against Texas & were blown out. In fact, Wyoming was outscored in their 6 losses 194-30, none of their 3 TD's in those games scored by the offense. Can't see Wyoming within 17 at game's end. I took Fresno State -11.
Central Florida versus Rutgers(-2 1/2)
The St. Petersburg Bowl tonight will feature 2 teams that to a varying degree, have been disappointing. Any team that can lose to Syracuse, can lose to Central Florida. I smell an upset, but I'm laying off this game, UCF's only quality win was over Houston, other than that they were cannon fodder to the big boys. Rutgers has underachieved nearly every week. Crummy game.
Dallas at New Orleans(-7 1/2)
If DeMarcus Ware is healthy enough, he'll play. If not, Drew Brees will have too much time & will pick the 'Boys apart. The Cowboys continued December swoon looks to continue in this spot, but the Saints have played down to their competition lately & I'm going to pass on laying over a touchdown.
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