Welcome to the Thanksgiving addition of the Touchdown. I’m telling you, when I get older, I’m going to have to stop watching college football, because it’ll give me a heart attack. We are at yet another important juncture of the season where a handful of teams all have a shot at the National Championship Game. What better way to sort it all out during Rivalry Week.
1) No. 3 Oklahoma at No. 12 Oklahoma State – 8:00 on ABC
Bedlam baby! Yet another Big 12 South prime-time showdown. I don’t know what is more impressive, the fact that the Big 12 has been so fun to watch this year or the fact that the number 12 team in the country is 4th in their division.
Even if Oklahoma wins, they still aren’t guaranteed the trip to the Big 12 Championship Game (Bedlam indeed). While I’m far from buying into Oklahoma, they are the quintessential Big 12 team that will get blown out by a SEC team in the National Championship Game. They have enough defensive talent to disrupt a good offense and enough offensive firepower to give a good defense fits.
While I want Oklahoma State to win, I don’t think they will. Zac Robinson is not as good as Graham Harrell and Dez Bryant is not as good as Michael Crabtree. One more prediction here, the BCS decides the Big 12 South Champion.
2) No. 23 Oregon at No. 17 Oregon State – 7:00 on VS.
Civil War baby! If you told me at the beginning of the year that this game could produce the Pac 10 Champion, I would have said, “wow, Oregon finally got it together.” Instead, it’s the Beavers with the shot at the Rose Bowl.
However, there is a bit of a problem since their star running back is out with a shoulder sprain. You can expect Oregon State to throw more, since Oregon has a horrid pass defense. Oregon will likely run the ball, but aren’t scared to throw it with Jeremiah Masoli getting better. I still think Oregon State will win this one, even with a back-up running back.
3) No. 4 Florida at No. 22 Florida State – 3:30 on ABC
There are too many jokes I can make about the FSU legal problems, but I’m going to try and limit it to one. With the FSU roster starting to look like they are trying out for Law & Order, you have to think Florida will run away with this.
Florida needs to be focused, since they need to win to stay in the National Championship hunt. As much as I love FSU’s youthful enthusiasm, I really don’t think they can stay on the field with Florida.
The Florida defense is too fast to be beaten by the run and the offense is too explosive to be kept in check for long. Florida just has too many weapons, which is usually how FSU’s legal problems start (oops, two jokes, sorry).
4) No. 22 Georgia Tech at No. 11 Georgia – 12:00 on CBS
Minus the random delusional or pessimistic fan, who would have thought either team would have the rankings they have right now?
Georgia is going to have to limit the run as much as possible, because there is no way they are stopping GT from getting yards on the ground. They need to try and force GT to throw the ball, which not only limits their effectiveness, but also provides a comedy factor for the viewing audience.
Georgia has a more balanced offensive attack, so GT will need to be consistent and play solid situational defense. Thankfully, for Georgia, they’ve had 2 weeks to prepare for the first option offense they’ve seen all year, and it’ll help. They should win this one.
5) Kansas vs. No. 13 Missouri – 12:30 on FOX Sports in Kansas City
Border War baby! This contest is really at battle between Todd Reesing and Chase Daniel. The better QB today wins. Both Missouri and Kansas have really poor pass defenses, so expect an aerial show.
Missouri just has too much talent and Kansas has been too inconsistent, especially against talented teams. This won’t be as close as last year’s game (which was closer than the score reflected).
6) Notre Dame at No. 5 USC – 8:00 on ABC
If you lose to Syracuse at home, you should be permanently banned from the Touchdown, except for comedic purposes. And just so you know, I’m laughing right now.
Extra Point:
7) We all know what Thanksgiving mean, gorging yourself on Turkey and falling asleep on the couch while watching football. This year that football game will be the Texas/Texas A&M game (at least in my house).
Which leads me to wonder about Thanksgiving for these kids. I mean, they can’t have a big Turkey dinner before the game. You can’t have Colt McCoy falling asleep in the huddle. But you can’t have it after the game, since it’ll be way too late. Do they have to wait until the weekend? Do they even get a Thanksgiving dinner? Am I thinking about this too much?
Obviously, I can answer the last question, and the answer is yes. Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Now stop reading and start picking at the leftovers.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Matt Cassel: The New Goldenboy?
You ever hear the phrase that the favorite player on a football team is the backup Quarterback? Well, welcome to New England, where Matt Cassel is the new golden boy.
Now, the Patriot fans fall into two distinct categories. One, those who think Cassel is Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady all rolled into one. He is the next great Quarterbacking legend and can do no wrong. Now that he has his shot at the limelight, he will shine brighter than all and lead the Patriots to the Super Bowl. Some obsessed fan boy who can see know wrong no matter how glaring it is, you know, like your average critic when writing about Grey’s Anatomy.
Two, those who want to rip him to shreds. Those who think that he is horrible, and will point to an innocuous 2nd and 8 pass that he overthrew Wes Welker on as proof that he is no better than your average Pop Warner Quarterback. That he is all that is wrong with Patriots football and once he is put out of his misery, we will all be better for it.
Think I’m joking? I walked into work on Monday to an argument from the two Presidents of these fan groups. It was an amusing argument, only for the fact that I wanted to jump in and slap them both silly. Here’s why.
I belong to a very small third fan base. I am willing to sit back, enjoy the games, praise Cassel and the Pats where deserved, but can also be critical without sounding like a pessimistic, brain-dead sports fan. But for some reason, people want to jump to one extreme or the other. How about we see how this all plays out?
Now, I have thought that the past two games were a definite improvement for Cassel and the offense (even if they lost to the Jets). He still can’t hit the deep ball, has trouble checking down, and can’t seem to utilize Randy Moss as much as he should. However, the problem isn’t with the offense, but the defense. Yet no one seems to want to talk about it.
Listen, when all is said and done, Matt Cassel won’t be the reason if they don’t make it to the playoffs or win the Super Bowl. Truthfully, he is an average to good Quarterback who has been steady improving over the course of the season. He may develop the ability to throw the team on his back and carry them to the playoffs and behind. Average Quarterbacks can lead their teams to the Super Bowl, but they usually have a good defense helping them out. Too bad Cassel is missing that.
Now, the Patriot fans fall into two distinct categories. One, those who think Cassel is Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady all rolled into one. He is the next great Quarterbacking legend and can do no wrong. Now that he has his shot at the limelight, he will shine brighter than all and lead the Patriots to the Super Bowl. Some obsessed fan boy who can see know wrong no matter how glaring it is, you know, like your average critic when writing about Grey’s Anatomy.
Two, those who want to rip him to shreds. Those who think that he is horrible, and will point to an innocuous 2nd and 8 pass that he overthrew Wes Welker on as proof that he is no better than your average Pop Warner Quarterback. That he is all that is wrong with Patriots football and once he is put out of his misery, we will all be better for it.
Think I’m joking? I walked into work on Monday to an argument from the two Presidents of these fan groups. It was an amusing argument, only for the fact that I wanted to jump in and slap them both silly. Here’s why.
I belong to a very small third fan base. I am willing to sit back, enjoy the games, praise Cassel and the Pats where deserved, but can also be critical without sounding like a pessimistic, brain-dead sports fan. But for some reason, people want to jump to one extreme or the other. How about we see how this all plays out?
Now, I have thought that the past two games were a definite improvement for Cassel and the offense (even if they lost to the Jets). He still can’t hit the deep ball, has trouble checking down, and can’t seem to utilize Randy Moss as much as he should. However, the problem isn’t with the offense, but the defense. Yet no one seems to want to talk about it.
Listen, when all is said and done, Matt Cassel won’t be the reason if they don’t make it to the playoffs or win the Super Bowl. Truthfully, he is an average to good Quarterback who has been steady improving over the course of the season. He may develop the ability to throw the team on his back and carry them to the playoffs and behind. Average Quarterbacks can lead their teams to the Super Bowl, but they usually have a good defense helping them out. Too bad Cassel is missing that.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Trent's Touchdown - Week 13
Riddle me this. Did the average fan actually watch a lot of college football last weekend? I swear, I watched like 15 total minutes last week. We’re back to normal this week with another “Biggest Game of the Year” and many key conference match-ups that will decide BCS bowl invitations. Anyway, on to the Touchdown:
1) No. 2 Texas Tech at No. 5 Oklahoma – 8:00 on ABC
Just when I was starting to go through Big 12 withdrawal, this game luckily popped up. Let’s look at what we know. Texas Tech is hotter than the sun, yet all their big wins came at home. Oklahoma has been blowing the doors off everyone, but proved against Texas that they can’t win a shootout against a semi-competent defense. Graham Harrell is the best QB in the nation, but it goes beyond stats. He understands the importance of moving in the pocket and seems to have a psychic link with his receivers. I think it stays close for the first half, before Texas Tech just rolls.
2) No. 15 Michigan State at No. 8 Penn State – 3:30 on ABC
As with most years, I jumped on a bandwagon too early, only to have it go hurtling off the road. Thanks Penn State. The reason Penn State was winning was not only because the Big 10 was a joke this year, but they played really good defense and combined it with competent offense. Unfortunately, that competent offense has been failing them of late. Michigan State will try and run the ball with Javon Ringer, but it’s tough to do against the Penn State defense. I think Penn State wins it if they can get back to the formula that was working for them earlier.
3) No. 20 Pittsburgh at No. 19 Cincinnati – 7:15 on ESPN2
I think this is the first Big East game to make the Touchdown all year. This is pretty much the story of two opposing offensive styles. Cincy likes to go to the air, yet they may have a problem since their quarterbacking crew looks like they stepped out of an episode of ER. Pitt likes to rush the ball, but the Cincy defense is very good against the run. Cincy wins and they are pretty much going to BCS bowl. Pitt wins and they still need to face West Virginia to win the Big East. I think Cincy takes it and punches their own ticket.
4) No. 14 BYU at No. 7 Utah – 6:00 on The Mtn.
I don’t know about you, but I like the idea of schools from non-BCS conferences making a run at a BCS bowl. Now, I’m not going to claim to be some expert on the Mountain West, but I know a few things. I know that Utah can score in droves, but BYU has the better offense. However, Utah has the better defense of the two. The Utah defense is going to have to do what its done lately, which is completely shut down opponents. BYU has the QB-WR tandem that is sort of like Harrell/Crabtree light in Max Hall and Austin Collie. I think BYU can pull this one out.
5) No. 21 Oregon State at Arizona – 7:00 on local channels
Who would have thought that Oregon State would control their own destiny in the Pac-10? I want to make the old “it’s better to be lucky than good” line for the Beavers, but I won’t. After their loss to Stanford in the conference opener (Stanford!), they have run rough-shot over the Pac-10. They have one of the best young running backs in the country and a QB who won’t hurt you. Plus, they have a solid defense. While Arizona is actually a tougher team than their record suggests, I don’t think the Beavers let down this week.
6) Michigan at No. 10 Ohio State – 12:00 on ABC
Wasn’t it two years ago that this game decided who would get beaten by Florida in the National Championship Game? What the hell happened to Michigan? Anyone?
Extra Point:
7) As I mentioned earlier, the Touchdown has been sufficiently Big East free all season. There is a good reason for this. The Big East makes the ACC look like the Big 12 South, yet the Big East champion (who may well be unranked) will get an automatic BCS bowl invitation.
A more deserving conference would be the Mountain West, with Utah, BYU, and TCU all in the top 20. Now, far be it from me to strip the Big East of their bowl game. Not so long ago, there were some top flight teams (last year West Virginia was a victory away from the National Championship Game).
There is a dip in talent this year and the average fan is paying the price. Not only that, deserving teams are getting left out of the mix. How about a little play-in game? The champion of the Big East and Mountain West square off in a winner take all match. No doubt the Mountain West wins. No doubt.
1) No. 2 Texas Tech at No. 5 Oklahoma – 8:00 on ABC
Just when I was starting to go through Big 12 withdrawal, this game luckily popped up. Let’s look at what we know. Texas Tech is hotter than the sun, yet all their big wins came at home. Oklahoma has been blowing the doors off everyone, but proved against Texas that they can’t win a shootout against a semi-competent defense. Graham Harrell is the best QB in the nation, but it goes beyond stats. He understands the importance of moving in the pocket and seems to have a psychic link with his receivers. I think it stays close for the first half, before Texas Tech just rolls.
2) No. 15 Michigan State at No. 8 Penn State – 3:30 on ABC
As with most years, I jumped on a bandwagon too early, only to have it go hurtling off the road. Thanks Penn State. The reason Penn State was winning was not only because the Big 10 was a joke this year, but they played really good defense and combined it with competent offense. Unfortunately, that competent offense has been failing them of late. Michigan State will try and run the ball with Javon Ringer, but it’s tough to do against the Penn State defense. I think Penn State wins it if they can get back to the formula that was working for them earlier.
3) No. 20 Pittsburgh at No. 19 Cincinnati – 7:15 on ESPN2
I think this is the first Big East game to make the Touchdown all year. This is pretty much the story of two opposing offensive styles. Cincy likes to go to the air, yet they may have a problem since their quarterbacking crew looks like they stepped out of an episode of ER. Pitt likes to rush the ball, but the Cincy defense is very good against the run. Cincy wins and they are pretty much going to BCS bowl. Pitt wins and they still need to face West Virginia to win the Big East. I think Cincy takes it and punches their own ticket.
4) No. 14 BYU at No. 7 Utah – 6:00 on The Mtn.
I don’t know about you, but I like the idea of schools from non-BCS conferences making a run at a BCS bowl. Now, I’m not going to claim to be some expert on the Mountain West, but I know a few things. I know that Utah can score in droves, but BYU has the better offense. However, Utah has the better defense of the two. The Utah defense is going to have to do what its done lately, which is completely shut down opponents. BYU has the QB-WR tandem that is sort of like Harrell/Crabtree light in Max Hall and Austin Collie. I think BYU can pull this one out.
5) No. 21 Oregon State at Arizona – 7:00 on local channels
Who would have thought that Oregon State would control their own destiny in the Pac-10? I want to make the old “it’s better to be lucky than good” line for the Beavers, but I won’t. After their loss to Stanford in the conference opener (Stanford!), they have run rough-shot over the Pac-10. They have one of the best young running backs in the country and a QB who won’t hurt you. Plus, they have a solid defense. While Arizona is actually a tougher team than their record suggests, I don’t think the Beavers let down this week.
6) Michigan at No. 10 Ohio State – 12:00 on ABC
Wasn’t it two years ago that this game decided who would get beaten by Florida in the National Championship Game? What the hell happened to Michigan? Anyone?
Extra Point:
7) As I mentioned earlier, the Touchdown has been sufficiently Big East free all season. There is a good reason for this. The Big East makes the ACC look like the Big 12 South, yet the Big East champion (who may well be unranked) will get an automatic BCS bowl invitation.
A more deserving conference would be the Mountain West, with Utah, BYU, and TCU all in the top 20. Now, far be it from me to strip the Big East of their bowl game. Not so long ago, there were some top flight teams (last year West Virginia was a victory away from the National Championship Game).
There is a dip in talent this year and the average fan is paying the price. Not only that, deserving teams are getting left out of the mix. How about a little play-in game? The champion of the Big East and Mountain West square off in a winner take all match. No doubt the Mountain West wins. No doubt.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Trent's Touchdown - Week 12
What a horrible week for college football this week. We get treated week in and week out with Big 12 shoot-outs in prime time and this week, yet this week we get nothing. I guess we can all look forward to the big Texas Tech/Oklahoma tussle next week. Until then, here is this week’s Touchdown:
1) No. 25 South Carolina at No. 4 Florida – 3:30 on CBS
We already know that Florida will play in the SEC Championship Game, but in order to keep hope alive for the National Championship, they need to win out. Florida has been doing everything right since its one point loss to Ole Miss. While nothing is a sure thing in the SEC, Florida knows what it has to do and should throttle South Carolina. Florida just seems like they are a few steps ahead of everyone else right now.
2) Boston College at No. 19 Florida State – 8:00 on ABC
Sooner or later, I’m going to get to stop hyping this FSU team. While young and dumb (at times), they are very talented. There shaky QB situation early in the year was helped by their strong running game. However, stopping the run is one of the few things BC does well. One of the things BC does poorly is passing the ball. I wouldn’t trust Chris Crane to successful tie his shoes, let alone complete a pass. FSU should win this easily.
3) No. 11 Ohio State at Illinois – 12:00 on ESPN
Ohio State is like a bad penny, they keep turning up. As hope was beginning to fade for OSU, Penn State goes and loses to Iowa, giving OSU new life. They still have tough games against Illinois and Michigan though. I don’t trust Illinois at all; they have been all over the place this season. Seriously, Juice Williams can only do so much. I think Ohio State wins.
4) No. 13 Oklahoma State at Colorado – 8:00 on ABC
While Oklahoma State was rebuffed with extreme prejudice by Texas Tech, I still think they are a very good team with major bowl chances. Oklahoma State can neither overlook Colorado nor wallow in the fact they won’t win the Big 12. Not to downgrade what Texas Tech did, but Oklahoma squandered chances on both sides of the ball that would have kept the game close. They need to take advantage of these chances against Colorado if they even want a chance of beating Oklahoma.
5) No. 10 Georgia at Auburn – 12:30 on ESPN Gameplan
Tell me I’m not the only one who is a little skittish about Georgia. Something about them doesn’t inspire confidence. The numbers are all there, but I just can’t put my finger on it. Auburn on the other hand looks completely overmatched in most every game they are in. There QB play is horrible. Let’s put it this way, I would trust Chris Crane over whatever joker they decide to put in there. Georgia should roll (of course, they should have rolled against Kentucky too).
6) No. 6 USC at Stanford – 7:00 on local channels
Do you think Pete Carroll is going to have any trouble getting his team ready for this game? I would just show them last year’s game over and over again.
Extra Point:
7) You know, normally, near the end of the season you get all the classic showdowns that make college football worth watching. It’s sort of our reward for making it though the first couple of weeks without bleeding out of our eyes.
The last couple of weeks have been fantastic, especially with all the struggles in the Big 12 South. I just want to know how this week popped up. I was really grasping at straws after game 1.
I do have to say, if you want to spend some quality time with your significant other or do some early Christmas shopping, this weekend is the week. I mean, there is no way I’m going to be able to convince the Duchess that I need to see the Ohio State/Illinois game, so I’ve resigned myself to a weekend of shopping and bag carrying. Damn you schedulers!!!!!
1) No. 25 South Carolina at No. 4 Florida – 3:30 on CBS
We already know that Florida will play in the SEC Championship Game, but in order to keep hope alive for the National Championship, they need to win out. Florida has been doing everything right since its one point loss to Ole Miss. While nothing is a sure thing in the SEC, Florida knows what it has to do and should throttle South Carolina. Florida just seems like they are a few steps ahead of everyone else right now.
2) Boston College at No. 19 Florida State – 8:00 on ABC
Sooner or later, I’m going to get to stop hyping this FSU team. While young and dumb (at times), they are very talented. There shaky QB situation early in the year was helped by their strong running game. However, stopping the run is one of the few things BC does well. One of the things BC does poorly is passing the ball. I wouldn’t trust Chris Crane to successful tie his shoes, let alone complete a pass. FSU should win this easily.
3) No. 11 Ohio State at Illinois – 12:00 on ESPN
Ohio State is like a bad penny, they keep turning up. As hope was beginning to fade for OSU, Penn State goes and loses to Iowa, giving OSU new life. They still have tough games against Illinois and Michigan though. I don’t trust Illinois at all; they have been all over the place this season. Seriously, Juice Williams can only do so much. I think Ohio State wins.
4) No. 13 Oklahoma State at Colorado – 8:00 on ABC
While Oklahoma State was rebuffed with extreme prejudice by Texas Tech, I still think they are a very good team with major bowl chances. Oklahoma State can neither overlook Colorado nor wallow in the fact they won’t win the Big 12. Not to downgrade what Texas Tech did, but Oklahoma squandered chances on both sides of the ball that would have kept the game close. They need to take advantage of these chances against Colorado if they even want a chance of beating Oklahoma.
5) No. 10 Georgia at Auburn – 12:30 on ESPN Gameplan
Tell me I’m not the only one who is a little skittish about Georgia. Something about them doesn’t inspire confidence. The numbers are all there, but I just can’t put my finger on it. Auburn on the other hand looks completely overmatched in most every game they are in. There QB play is horrible. Let’s put it this way, I would trust Chris Crane over whatever joker they decide to put in there. Georgia should roll (of course, they should have rolled against Kentucky too).
6) No. 6 USC at Stanford – 7:00 on local channels
Do you think Pete Carroll is going to have any trouble getting his team ready for this game? I would just show them last year’s game over and over again.
Extra Point:
7) You know, normally, near the end of the season you get all the classic showdowns that make college football worth watching. It’s sort of our reward for making it though the first couple of weeks without bleeding out of our eyes.
The last couple of weeks have been fantastic, especially with all the struggles in the Big 12 South. I just want to know how this week popped up. I was really grasping at straws after game 1.
I do have to say, if you want to spend some quality time with your significant other or do some early Christmas shopping, this weekend is the week. I mean, there is no way I’m going to be able to convince the Duchess that I need to see the Ohio State/Illinois game, so I’ve resigned myself to a weekend of shopping and bag carrying. Damn you schedulers!!!!!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Cedric Diggory, Foliage, and Other Thoughts
Enough of the fun and melodrama that is college football. Let’s get to some random thoughts for my non-sports related readers.
If you’ve watched TV, picked up a magazine, or have not slipped into a coma over the last 6 weeks, you’ve heard of that Twilight movie that’s coming out soon. I do have one question about it, and not being a mindless teen girl, I can’t answer it. Isn’t this already out in the form of that HBO show True Blood?
Speaking of Twilight, during one of the hundreds of commercials for it, I took a look at the lead actor and thought “he looks like the dude who played Cedric Diggory in Goblet of Fire, only strung out”. I mentioned this to the Duchess and she whole-heartedly agreed (about the Diggory part, not the strung out part). After checking IMDB, it turned out I was right (about the Diggory part, the jury is still out on the strung out part). To paraphrase a bunch of Harry Potter characters, “bloody pretty boy”.
Speaking of vampires, I haven’t watched True Blood, for one major reason. I can’t watch another vampire show where they change the rules up again. When I say rules, I mean the rules about vampires. I have to figure out if a stake to the heart will actually kill them or just paralyze them. I have to figure out if sunlight will just hurt them or make them burst into flames. It gets confusing after a while, and I don’t need that. I think we need hard and fast rules when it comes to vampires, so we all are on the same page.
Speaking of hell-spawn, I hate the local commuter rail. I don’t even think hate is a strong enough word. Last week, there was a delay on my ride home due to “Foliage”. No, I’m not joking, they actually said this over a loud speaker. Leaves delayed my ride home. You know, if there is a delay due to leaves, just lie to me and say a mechanical error. I’d still be pissed, but I would respect it more than freaking leaves!!!
Speaking of delays, my ride home last Friday was delayed even more because some mouth-breather decided to jump in of a speeding train to end his pathetic life. Listen, you want to end your life, be my guest. It’s one less person I have to worry about pissing me off due to object stupidity, but don’t fuck with my commute. It’s Friday, I just want to get home. With your one last act, you’ve managed to enrage a bunch of people who never knew you. Congrats on being a dumb-ass.
Speaking of dumb-asses, the last Trent’s Touchdown I mentioned that UNC would beat Georgia Tech. This drew the ire of some Georgia Tech fans, who proceeded to tell me that I know nothing about college football and that Georgia Tech is for real. Yeah, GT got hammered 28-7. I’m debating whether or not I’m a big enough man not to laugh.
Speaking of drawing ire, since the Duchess and I are married, we are talking about getting a family plan for cell phones. I was all for it, but I did have one thing I wanted. I wanted to get phones where we could both have personalized ringtone for each other. Her ringtone would have been “Crazy Bitch” by Buckcherry and my ringtone would have been “Pimpin Ain’t Easy” by Big Daddy Kane. She didn’t talk to me for the rest of the night.
One last thing, I’m not a big enough man. HA HA HA HA HA.
If you’ve watched TV, picked up a magazine, or have not slipped into a coma over the last 6 weeks, you’ve heard of that Twilight movie that’s coming out soon. I do have one question about it, and not being a mindless teen girl, I can’t answer it. Isn’t this already out in the form of that HBO show True Blood?
Speaking of Twilight, during one of the hundreds of commercials for it, I took a look at the lead actor and thought “he looks like the dude who played Cedric Diggory in Goblet of Fire, only strung out”. I mentioned this to the Duchess and she whole-heartedly agreed (about the Diggory part, not the strung out part). After checking IMDB, it turned out I was right (about the Diggory part, the jury is still out on the strung out part). To paraphrase a bunch of Harry Potter characters, “bloody pretty boy”.
Speaking of vampires, I haven’t watched True Blood, for one major reason. I can’t watch another vampire show where they change the rules up again. When I say rules, I mean the rules about vampires. I have to figure out if a stake to the heart will actually kill them or just paralyze them. I have to figure out if sunlight will just hurt them or make them burst into flames. It gets confusing after a while, and I don’t need that. I think we need hard and fast rules when it comes to vampires, so we all are on the same page.
Speaking of hell-spawn, I hate the local commuter rail. I don’t even think hate is a strong enough word. Last week, there was a delay on my ride home due to “Foliage”. No, I’m not joking, they actually said this over a loud speaker. Leaves delayed my ride home. You know, if there is a delay due to leaves, just lie to me and say a mechanical error. I’d still be pissed, but I would respect it more than freaking leaves!!!
Speaking of delays, my ride home last Friday was delayed even more because some mouth-breather decided to jump in of a speeding train to end his pathetic life. Listen, you want to end your life, be my guest. It’s one less person I have to worry about pissing me off due to object stupidity, but don’t fuck with my commute. It’s Friday, I just want to get home. With your one last act, you’ve managed to enrage a bunch of people who never knew you. Congrats on being a dumb-ass.
Speaking of dumb-asses, the last Trent’s Touchdown I mentioned that UNC would beat Georgia Tech. This drew the ire of some Georgia Tech fans, who proceeded to tell me that I know nothing about college football and that Georgia Tech is for real. Yeah, GT got hammered 28-7. I’m debating whether or not I’m a big enough man not to laugh.
Speaking of drawing ire, since the Duchess and I are married, we are talking about getting a family plan for cell phones. I was all for it, but I did have one thing I wanted. I wanted to get phones where we could both have personalized ringtone for each other. Her ringtone would have been “Crazy Bitch” by Buckcherry and my ringtone would have been “Pimpin Ain’t Easy” by Big Daddy Kane. She didn’t talk to me for the rest of the night.
One last thing, I’m not a big enough man. HA HA HA HA HA.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Trent's Touchdown - Week 11
College Football is at its best when big shake-ups happen. It makes for entertaining viewing and makes you wonder things like “should there be a playoff?” and “how many replays of Michael Crabtree’s catch and score will it take before Mack Brown’s head explodes?”
I’m on cloud nine now, because since Texas Tech would beat Texas, all my other idiotic predictions have seemed to have slipped my mind. But, as the great Sidney Dean said “Even the sun shines on a dog’s ass every once in a while”. Anyway, on with the Touchdown:
1) No. 9 Oklahoma State at No. 2 Texas Tech – 8:00 on ABC
I never thought I would say this, but the Big 12 is fun to watch. Yet another huge match-up that has National Championship implications. Oklahoma State decided to take out there frustrations of there loss to Texas by lighting up Iowa State like a Christmas tree.
Both teams have amazing QB’s and WR’s, but the edge has to go to Texas Tech. This might be another “whoever has the ball last wins” games. Those are always fun. Texas Tech takes it, but it’s close.
2) No. 1 Alabama at No. 16 LSU – 3:30 on CBS
This game will be won and lost by the LSU defense. Let’s just get it out in the open and recognize the pink elephant in the room, the LSU offense is horrible. Alabama will be able to stop the run game, thereby putting the offense attack in the hands of whoever the heck LSU decides to play at QB.
The LSU defense needs to control this game, shut down John Parker Wilson, and cause turnovers. Plus, they have the home crowd to help them out. However, Alabama should win this one.
3) No. 21 California at No. 7 USC – 8:00 on ABC
USC reminds me a lot of Florida, in that they both dropped a conference game they should have easily won, then decided “screw you all” and started dropping the hammer on everyone (minus that hiccup against Arizona). The USC defense will harass the big question mark at QB for Cal. I personally think Longshore should get the start, since he gives Cal the best shot to win. It isn’t much of a shot, but a shot none the less.
4) No. 20 Georgia Tech at No. 19 North Carolina – 12:00 on ESPN Gameplan
If you told me at the beginning of the season that both these teams would be ranked when they faced each other, well, I would have said some unkind things about your mental stability. UNC is the perfect example of what happens when you get a quality coach and give him a few years with no expectations. I think UNC is for real, unlike Georgia Tech, who I just don’t get. Watch it for the thrill of seeing a good team you didn’t know existed.
5) No. 3 Penn State at Iowa – 3:30 on ABC
You almost have to feel sorry for Iowa on this one. Penn State gets passed over by Texas Tech for the number 2 spot in the BCS poll. Not that I disagree, but still. Penn State is going to go out with something to prove, and Iowa is going to be there whipping boy. You want to see why Penn State should be feared? Watch this game.
6) No. 12 TCU at No. 8 Utah – 8:00 on CBS College Sports on 11/6
They should just rename this game the BCS Busters Bowl. The winner of this gets a quality win and gives them a giant leap forward in the BCS bowl picture. Basically, watch this one if you want to see what all the hype is about.
Extra Point:
7) What a difference a few weeks makes. Remember a few weeks ago when I was railing against the SEC as a whole? Well, I’m only partially taking it back. Why? In a word, Florida.
This team is on a mission to destroy every team in its path since that loss to Ole Miss. This is a case where a loss was a good thing. If all plays out like it should, Florida will absolutely demolish Alabama in the SEC Championship Game and should claim its rightful spot in the BCS Championship Game.
My one complaint about them was that they don’t play as good as they are. They’ve got over that problem. So, I can now say that “yes, Florida is good and deserves it shot.” Of course, my endorsement should worry Florida fans more than anything.
I’m on cloud nine now, because since Texas Tech would beat Texas, all my other idiotic predictions have seemed to have slipped my mind. But, as the great Sidney Dean said “Even the sun shines on a dog’s ass every once in a while”. Anyway, on with the Touchdown:
1) No. 9 Oklahoma State at No. 2 Texas Tech – 8:00 on ABC
I never thought I would say this, but the Big 12 is fun to watch. Yet another huge match-up that has National Championship implications. Oklahoma State decided to take out there frustrations of there loss to Texas by lighting up Iowa State like a Christmas tree.
Both teams have amazing QB’s and WR’s, but the edge has to go to Texas Tech. This might be another “whoever has the ball last wins” games. Those are always fun. Texas Tech takes it, but it’s close.
2) No. 1 Alabama at No. 16 LSU – 3:30 on CBS
This game will be won and lost by the LSU defense. Let’s just get it out in the open and recognize the pink elephant in the room, the LSU offense is horrible. Alabama will be able to stop the run game, thereby putting the offense attack in the hands of whoever the heck LSU decides to play at QB.
The LSU defense needs to control this game, shut down John Parker Wilson, and cause turnovers. Plus, they have the home crowd to help them out. However, Alabama should win this one.
3) No. 21 California at No. 7 USC – 8:00 on ABC
USC reminds me a lot of Florida, in that they both dropped a conference game they should have easily won, then decided “screw you all” and started dropping the hammer on everyone (minus that hiccup against Arizona). The USC defense will harass the big question mark at QB for Cal. I personally think Longshore should get the start, since he gives Cal the best shot to win. It isn’t much of a shot, but a shot none the less.
4) No. 20 Georgia Tech at No. 19 North Carolina – 12:00 on ESPN Gameplan
If you told me at the beginning of the season that both these teams would be ranked when they faced each other, well, I would have said some unkind things about your mental stability. UNC is the perfect example of what happens when you get a quality coach and give him a few years with no expectations. I think UNC is for real, unlike Georgia Tech, who I just don’t get. Watch it for the thrill of seeing a good team you didn’t know existed.
5) No. 3 Penn State at Iowa – 3:30 on ABC
You almost have to feel sorry for Iowa on this one. Penn State gets passed over by Texas Tech for the number 2 spot in the BCS poll. Not that I disagree, but still. Penn State is going to go out with something to prove, and Iowa is going to be there whipping boy. You want to see why Penn State should be feared? Watch this game.
6) No. 12 TCU at No. 8 Utah – 8:00 on CBS College Sports on 11/6
They should just rename this game the BCS Busters Bowl. The winner of this gets a quality win and gives them a giant leap forward in the BCS bowl picture. Basically, watch this one if you want to see what all the hype is about.
Extra Point:
7) What a difference a few weeks makes. Remember a few weeks ago when I was railing against the SEC as a whole? Well, I’m only partially taking it back. Why? In a word, Florida.
This team is on a mission to destroy every team in its path since that loss to Ole Miss. This is a case where a loss was a good thing. If all plays out like it should, Florida will absolutely demolish Alabama in the SEC Championship Game and should claim its rightful spot in the BCS Championship Game.
My one complaint about them was that they don’t play as good as they are. They’ve got over that problem. So, I can now say that “yes, Florida is good and deserves it shot.” Of course, my endorsement should worry Florida fans more than anything.
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