RAIDERS, HOKIES & COUGARS POST IMPORTANT WINS, A PSU UPDATE & A WORD ABOUT VETERANS
The Oakland Raiders took a major step toward winning the AFC West last night, beating San Diego 24-17. They looked especially dominant defensively in the 1st half, limiting Chargers QB Phillip Rivers to 4 of 11 for just 4-yards thru the air. San Diego lost left tackle Marcus McNeill & right guard Louis Vasquez during the game which helped the Raider pass rush immensely. Oakland DE Kamerion Wimbley had a huge night facing backup LT Stephen Schilling, a rookie. Wimbley finished the night with 7 tackles-4 for loss, 4 sacks & five other QB knockdowns. Rivers was hurried & hit all night. Down by seven with 3:02 left in the game, Rivers threw a pass toward WR Vincent Jackson in the endzone & it was intercepted by safety Matt Giordano. It was Rivers' league-leading & career-worst 15th interception. Everyone wants to know what has happened to Rivers this season & my answer would be two words, Darren Sproles. San Diego's decision to let him leave via free agency has not only hurt this offense but taken away Rivers' security blanket. Sproles was & continues to be in New Orleans, a superior 3rd down back. Plus they miss his threat as a return man. Oakland RB Michael Bush stepped in for the injured Darren McFadden & rushed for 157-yards & caught three passes for another 85. The Raiders have the easiest remaining schedule & play San Diego on the season's final Sunday in Oakland. The Chargers have road trips to Chicago, Detroit & Oakland plus home games against Buffalo & Baltimore. This team is a shell of what it once was & GM A.J. Smith & coach Norv Turner must take responsibility.
Tenth-ranked Virginia Tech took control of the ACC Coastal Division with a 37-26 win at #21 Georgia Tech. The Hokies now lead their division by 2 games with 2 to play. They'll most likely face Clemson in the ACC Championship game provided the Tigers take care of business this weekend against 2nd place Wake Forest. Frank Beamer's Hokies did something that hasn't been done in two years, out gain Tech on the ground. The nation's #1 ranked ground game was out-rushed by Va Tech, 267-243. But the big difference in this game was Hokie QB Logan Thomas, who completed just 7 passes but they went for 209-yards & three where touchdowns. RB David Wilson added 175-yards on 23-carries.
The 11th ranked Houston Cougars got off to a slow start, going scoreless into the 2nd quarter, but then they unleashed 59-points in the next two, leading to a 73-17 win at Tulane. The 10-0 Cougars were nearly flawless, amassing 735-yards of total offense led by QB Case Keenum, RB Charles Sims & WR Patrick Edwards. Keenum continued to increase his margin over 2nd place in several NCAA career stats, he completed 22 of 29 for 325-yards & 3 scores. he already owns the records for total offense, passing yards & touchdown passes & he's second all-time in pass completions, which he will own before the season's over. Sims was electrifying with 207-yards on the ground in just 10-carries. He broke off TD runs of 52 & 72-yards. WR/PR Patrick Edwards continued his torrid senior season with three more touchdown receptions & a 70-yard TD on a punt return. Houston will move into the top-10 this week & have SMU & Tulsa left on their schedule. I like their chances to go undefeated entering the Conference-USA championship game. They will most likely face Southern Mississippi, currently 8-1.
Ohio State voluntarily surrendered 5 scholarships for next season before the NCAA ruled on their violation. Two Buckeyes were caught being paid for hours they didn't work in their off-season jobs. Some of their pay was under-the-table type of compensation, which is also illegal. Athletic Director Gene Smith(when are they going to can this guy?) said in a statement yesterday announcing the forfeitures "This is not a systemic problem." It may not be as this is a totally new violation, but the Buckeyes have had so damn many over the past 18-months, when is enough enough?
In today's Penn State update, the State of Texas has entered the fray as it has come to their attention in the grand jury's testimony Jerry Sandusky had taken one of his victims with him to the 1999 Alamo Bowl. The victim testified he was sexually abused in San Antonio. Now that Texas has become an active member of the Sandusky investigation, I'm pretty certain this guy will never see the light of day except in the prison yard.
The board of trustees has mandated assistant coach Mike McQueary not attend tomorrow's game with Nebraska. That includes the coaches box & locker room, he's not to be in the stadium.The university & law enforcement have several credible threats on McQueary's life. I seriously doubt he will ever be on the Penn State sideline again.
U.S. Senators Bob Casey & Pat Toomey, both from Pennsylvania, have withdrawn their nomination of Joe Paterno for the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor our country bestows. There are three additional stories in this case I'm following, but can't enough solid confirmation to put them on the page here. I've got my ear to the ground & a couple of excellent sources, so I should know very soon if they're legit.
If someone offers you a Bears' Super Bowl ring, you might want to pass. Former wide receiver Willie Gault lost his in a burglary at his home.
Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw will miss Sundays game in San Francisco. His foot hasn't healed enough for him to practice this week again. New York will be facing the league's number one rushing defense.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers short run on local television has ended. Their home game against the Houston Texans didn't sell the required amount of tickets & will be blacked out locally.
I've heard a lot of whining in what is truly the manliest of sports, but this tidbit might be on my top-10 list of worst whines. Baltimore Ravens' coach John Harbaugh complained in his Thursday news conference the Pittsburgh Steelers had insulted his QB, Joe Flacco, with their choice of music played at Heinz Field last Sunday night. Harbaugh complained while QB comparisons of Flacco & Steeler QB Ben Rothlesberger were flashed on the scoreboard, Lynyrd Skynyrd's "What's Your Name' was played over the stadium public address system. He claims it was because the lyrics are:
"What's your name, little girl, what's your name?"
I swear I'm not making this up, he wasn't pulling anybody's leg, he was pissed. He said the "Little girl" portion of the lyrics was a reference to Flacco. Really? When asked about the song after yesterday's practice, Flacco's response was "He said what? Really? I don't listen to the music during pregame warmups, I'm busy. I can't tell you what is played before any game, home or away." Harbaugh can't be happy with just a sweep over Pittsburgh, their bitter rivals, no he is concerned about the pregame playlist & any hidden meanings. Jeez John, this is what's important right now?
Last night was good news-bad news kind of evening. There were three important games on plus , my favorite sitcom, "The Big Bang Theory." The bad part was the pain I was experiencing from having an abscess molar cut out yesterday morning. I still feel like crap. But my discomfort was increased as I watched Kohls, Sears & many more retailers run commercial after commercial for their "Veteran's Day Sale." This has always bothered me. As a veteran from a family tree full of veterans, I take exception to a 40% off sale on lady's purses & kids' coats or Sears' 20% off all stainless steel appliances. Applebees & Outback Steakhouse offer free food & drink to veterans. Come in they'll give you something absolutely free, which is very nice. But 40% off kids' coats? This is how we honor our veterans? A 40% off sale on purses? I'd be more inclined to shop at Kohls if they would drop the charade of "we support our troops & honor our veterans" & just say "we're such whores, we'll use any excuse to have a sale, like discounting merchandise that was priced too high in the first place." As a veteran, I feel used by these retailers who find it necessary to climb on the backs of veterans to sell their crap. What's next? "Come on in for our 9/11 Sale, 40% off all Crocs & Reebok apparel." I know I'm sounding like the old man in the neighborhood that has nothing to say except "Hey you kids get off my lawn." But in a country that claims to support our troops & honor our vets, we sure have a funny way of showing that respect. Of course the main reason for a sale is many people, like bankers & government workers, have the day off. That Army Ranger scout leading a patrol in Afghanistan doesn't get the day off. He gets wages basically, but all is not lost, maybe a female family member can save 40% on a new purse, so that makes it all worth it.
Career military must serve 20-years to earn a pension of 50% of their base pay. It's not a high-paying job either plus the danger & hardship on families that are separated for up to a year each time that service member is deployed. Congressmen & Senators must only serve 1 term to receive 100% of their pay for life. But then they're more like royalty, military personnel are like the serfs. Then we honor our serfs by giving anyone & everyone 20% off a microwave oven.
I'd like to take a second to honor the veterans who have had an influence in my life as family & friends. My dad Bob, father-in-law Hugh, uncle Bill, uncle Dick, cousin Gary, nephew Jay, Dick L.-Tim L.-Beth L.-David L., Steve S. GWS, Scott B., Mike R.-Chad R., Bud D.-Lanae D. & all those who raised their right hands to serve this country. I'm proud to be one of ya! God Bless.
Now get out there & save on those purses!
Tenth-ranked Virginia Tech took control of the ACC Coastal Division with a 37-26 win at #21 Georgia Tech. The Hokies now lead their division by 2 games with 2 to play. They'll most likely face Clemson in the ACC Championship game provided the Tigers take care of business this weekend against 2nd place Wake Forest. Frank Beamer's Hokies did something that hasn't been done in two years, out gain Tech on the ground. The nation's #1 ranked ground game was out-rushed by Va Tech, 267-243. But the big difference in this game was Hokie QB Logan Thomas, who completed just 7 passes but they went for 209-yards & three where touchdowns. RB David Wilson added 175-yards on 23-carries.
The 11th ranked Houston Cougars got off to a slow start, going scoreless into the 2nd quarter, but then they unleashed 59-points in the next two, leading to a 73-17 win at Tulane. The 10-0 Cougars were nearly flawless, amassing 735-yards of total offense led by QB Case Keenum, RB Charles Sims & WR Patrick Edwards. Keenum continued to increase his margin over 2nd place in several NCAA career stats, he completed 22 of 29 for 325-yards & 3 scores. he already owns the records for total offense, passing yards & touchdown passes & he's second all-time in pass completions, which he will own before the season's over. Sims was electrifying with 207-yards on the ground in just 10-carries. He broke off TD runs of 52 & 72-yards. WR/PR Patrick Edwards continued his torrid senior season with three more touchdown receptions & a 70-yard TD on a punt return. Houston will move into the top-10 this week & have SMU & Tulsa left on their schedule. I like their chances to go undefeated entering the Conference-USA championship game. They will most likely face Southern Mississippi, currently 8-1.
Ohio State voluntarily surrendered 5 scholarships for next season before the NCAA ruled on their violation. Two Buckeyes were caught being paid for hours they didn't work in their off-season jobs. Some of their pay was under-the-table type of compensation, which is also illegal. Athletic Director Gene Smith(when are they going to can this guy?) said in a statement yesterday announcing the forfeitures "This is not a systemic problem." It may not be as this is a totally new violation, but the Buckeyes have had so damn many over the past 18-months, when is enough enough?
In today's Penn State update, the State of Texas has entered the fray as it has come to their attention in the grand jury's testimony Jerry Sandusky had taken one of his victims with him to the 1999 Alamo Bowl. The victim testified he was sexually abused in San Antonio. Now that Texas has become an active member of the Sandusky investigation, I'm pretty certain this guy will never see the light of day except in the prison yard.
The board of trustees has mandated assistant coach Mike McQueary not attend tomorrow's game with Nebraska. That includes the coaches box & locker room, he's not to be in the stadium.The university & law enforcement have several credible threats on McQueary's life. I seriously doubt he will ever be on the Penn State sideline again.
U.S. Senators Bob Casey & Pat Toomey, both from Pennsylvania, have withdrawn their nomination of Joe Paterno for the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor our country bestows. There are three additional stories in this case I'm following, but can't enough solid confirmation to put them on the page here. I've got my ear to the ground & a couple of excellent sources, so I should know very soon if they're legit.
If someone offers you a Bears' Super Bowl ring, you might want to pass. Former wide receiver Willie Gault lost his in a burglary at his home.
Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw will miss Sundays game in San Francisco. His foot hasn't healed enough for him to practice this week again. New York will be facing the league's number one rushing defense.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers short run on local television has ended. Their home game against the Houston Texans didn't sell the required amount of tickets & will be blacked out locally.
I've heard a lot of whining in what is truly the manliest of sports, but this tidbit might be on my top-10 list of worst whines. Baltimore Ravens' coach John Harbaugh complained in his Thursday news conference the Pittsburgh Steelers had insulted his QB, Joe Flacco, with their choice of music played at Heinz Field last Sunday night. Harbaugh complained while QB comparisons of Flacco & Steeler QB Ben Rothlesberger were flashed on the scoreboard, Lynyrd Skynyrd's "What's Your Name' was played over the stadium public address system. He claims it was because the lyrics are:
"What's your name, little girl, what's your name?"
I swear I'm not making this up, he wasn't pulling anybody's leg, he was pissed. He said the "Little girl" portion of the lyrics was a reference to Flacco. Really? When asked about the song after yesterday's practice, Flacco's response was "He said what? Really? I don't listen to the music during pregame warmups, I'm busy. I can't tell you what is played before any game, home or away." Harbaugh can't be happy with just a sweep over Pittsburgh, their bitter rivals, no he is concerned about the pregame playlist & any hidden meanings. Jeez John, this is what's important right now?
Last night was good news-bad news kind of evening. There were three important games on plus , my favorite sitcom, "The Big Bang Theory." The bad part was the pain I was experiencing from having an abscess molar cut out yesterday morning. I still feel like crap. But my discomfort was increased as I watched Kohls, Sears & many more retailers run commercial after commercial for their "Veteran's Day Sale." This has always bothered me. As a veteran from a family tree full of veterans, I take exception to a 40% off sale on lady's purses & kids' coats or Sears' 20% off all stainless steel appliances. Applebees & Outback Steakhouse offer free food & drink to veterans. Come in they'll give you something absolutely free, which is very nice. But 40% off kids' coats? This is how we honor our veterans? A 40% off sale on purses? I'd be more inclined to shop at Kohls if they would drop the charade of "we support our troops & honor our veterans" & just say "we're such whores, we'll use any excuse to have a sale, like discounting merchandise that was priced too high in the first place." As a veteran, I feel used by these retailers who find it necessary to climb on the backs of veterans to sell their crap. What's next? "Come on in for our 9/11 Sale, 40% off all Crocs & Reebok apparel." I know I'm sounding like the old man in the neighborhood that has nothing to say except "Hey you kids get off my lawn." But in a country that claims to support our troops & honor our vets, we sure have a funny way of showing that respect. Of course the main reason for a sale is many people, like bankers & government workers, have the day off. That Army Ranger scout leading a patrol in Afghanistan doesn't get the day off. He gets wages basically, but all is not lost, maybe a female family member can save 40% on a new purse, so that makes it all worth it.
Career military must serve 20-years to earn a pension of 50% of their base pay. It's not a high-paying job either plus the danger & hardship on families that are separated for up to a year each time that service member is deployed. Congressmen & Senators must only serve 1 term to receive 100% of their pay for life. But then they're more like royalty, military personnel are like the serfs. Then we honor our serfs by giving anyone & everyone 20% off a microwave oven.
I'd like to take a second to honor the veterans who have had an influence in my life as family & friends. My dad Bob, father-in-law Hugh, uncle Bill, uncle Dick, cousin Gary, nephew Jay, Dick L.-Tim L.-Beth L.-David L., Steve S. GWS, Scott B., Mike R.-Chad R., Bud D.-Lanae D. & all those who raised their right hands to serve this country. I'm proud to be one of ya! God Bless.
Now get out there & save on those purses!
Nice post about everything but especially about our veterans--including you!!! We are forever indebted!!!
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Hey Rich!
What a terrific post. You are appreciated. Yesterday morning, as my 8-year-old son and I raised our American Flag in honor of our Veterans, I thought of you and your service, and gave thanks. We then thanked all of our Vets for what they have done for us. I make sure that my little guy understands the greatest sacrifice that all of you have given to our country. God bless you all!!!!
Stay well Rich, and WRITE ON!
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