Some thoughts about LAST Thursdays game…

First off let me start by saying I folded and washed a crap load of laundry that night. As I did so, I fancied myself watching the Va.Tech vs. East Carolina game.
Of course, I have a few thoughts…So here goes…

Tyrod Taylor has come a long way. He looks eriely like a more refined Mike Vick. Taylor has really developed a smooth looking deep ball, but his magic happens with his Houdini acts in the pocket.

Ryan Williams WILL BE the Freshmen of the year.

Va.Tech still isn’t THAT explosive.

Rock Carmichaels INT in the 4th period with about 2 minutes to go was filthy. By far the sickest INT by a guy named Rock Carmichael EVER.

ECU has done a good job recruiting RAW athletes. Skip Holtz might have a tough go next year without 6 yr Senior Patrick Pickney.

I wonder how Pickney will be evaluated by pro scouts. He’s got TONS of tape to go off of to build a case. At the end of the day, he’s s system guy.

Ryan Williams is really good, did I mention that?

A win, a defense, and a Heisman candidate

Wow, what a finish. Last week the University of Notre Dame and the University of Washington tangled in a game for the ages.  Neither team was ranked, but both hoping to continue to step forward in their seasons and make a giant leap for their programs.  U-Dub was coming down from their win against USC just a few weeks prior. While the Irish have played 3 straight defribulator games with a defense that was having trouble stopping people. It was a game on the Irish schedule that despite the Huskies record, might have made some Irish fans wince a little.

What I’m amazed at is that the media is talking about “how close” Washington is from really being a good football team and not that the sometimes swiss cheese-like Irish defense stopped them on 12 plays inside the 5 and 8 plays inside the 1.  Now, I will say, Washington is extremely athletic and definately is a lot closer then people think.  As usual, Ty Willingham didn’t leave the cubords empty and Steve Sarkisian just had to change the culture there.  Coming off an 0-12 season, obviously isn’t a small task.  In my humble opinion they are propbably 2 years away from really making noise in the Pac-10.  As an Irish fan, I’ll be happy to see them leave the schedule. But I’ll challenge any fan that says they’ve seen 3 goal line stands in one game, by one team.

Now I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been extremely critical of the Irish defense.  Especially their front 7.  They have been soft on the run, and haven’t been able to control the line of scrimmage without having to send 7 or 8 guys and selling out the secondary.  This game was totally different.  The front 7 played as gutsy as I’ve ever seen a Notre Dame defense play in a while.  John Tenuta shuffled guys in and out to keep them spelled, and they all worked to dominate. Leading the way was freshman phenom Man’ti Te’o, who lead them with 10 tackles in his first start. News flash to all of college football, this kid can flat out play. Kapron Lewis-Moore and John Ryan did a great job setting the edges and pursuing Jake Locker all day.  The linebackers almost never seemed out of position and were hitting people all day long. If you didn’t see the double goal line stand I’ve left the link above.  My hat goes off to that crew for not giving up despite the offenses early sputters and continuing to play hard.

So what about Jake Locker.  I’ll maintain that he’s one of the best quarterback’s that no one is talking about.  He had three throws in the game that were big time.  Two before the half and one in the third quarter that showed touch and power.  Locker also showed some ability with his legs that was impressive.

Speaking of impressive, let the Jimmy Clausen Heisman campaign begin.  Clausen proved to me that he is deadly accurate, a leader, and tough. His 422 yards were filled with big plays to Golden Tate and Kyle Rudolph. He also showed a shifty abilty and pocket presence that bought his receivers time to get open.  I’m sorry, but no defensive back can run with a receiver for more then 4 seconds, and certainly not if that receiver is Golden Tate.  Clausen has proved that he can be cool under pressure and lead his team through tough times.  More impressively, he’s shown that he is tough and can play through pain.  The turf toe injury did cause him to slip a few times since its on his plant foot.  Clause was still able,even in the rain to stay composed and deliver the football.  If the past three weeks haven’t put him in at least the Heisman conversation, then its a crock.  Right now, the top front runners have to be Tebow, McCoy and Clausen.

Overall, I think that this is a marquee win for Charlie Weiss. Up to this point, everyone would say that the “Bush Push” game was the Weiss marquee game, but it was a loss.  This was a fantastic environment the entire game and the crowd was electric. Although I will say for the first time ever I did have an empty seat next to me. Don’t get me wrong, for anyone who has been to Notre Dame Stadium, it was wonderful to have the extra room.  A few folks in my section and I were able to get groups of people up to cheer on the defense all day.  And thanks to my $.97 poncho that I bought at Meijer the night before, I was dry the entire time.

Callin’ it

College football can be a real joke for the first couple of weeks.  So finally this week we see some actual matchups of note.   All good games, all will have an impact on conference championships and even the BCS.  So, we here at Frank-ly sports wanted to wait to pick the conference.  I’ll even take a stab at the Heisman.

Big Ten-Penn State

JoePa’s team really has a two game season this year, both at home.  Illinois and Ohio State will come to Happy Valley and take on the loaded Lions offense.  They could also have the conferences top offensive threat in Daryl Clark.

Darkhorse: The Ohio State University-The loss to USC was early which has proved to be ok in the BCS.

Team I’m obsessed with: Michigan-I might be the only person that Rich Rod and the gang are going bowling this year, and they could even give the Buckeyes fits.  Tate Forcier has proven to be a force to be reckoned with.

Pac-10-USC

Yes I know they just lost to Washington after a win against OSU, but they are still the best team in the conference.  They have to go to Cal later in the year which should be an EPIC battle, but Pete Carroll’s crew will be WAY better by then, you can count on that.  The loss probably takes them out of title contention right now, but again an early loss isn’t a bad thing.  As Matt Barkley matures, Carroll will give him more and more responsibility.  SC is by far the closest thing to an NFL team in college football this decade.

Darkhorse:

Team I’m obsessed with: USC-mostly because I want ND to beat them.  Matt Barkley is an intriguing storyline for this team.  When will he make his “freshmen” mistake.

SEC-Florida

SEC Championship game:  Florida vs. Alabama

We all know that Tim Tebow is great. But this team is loaded folks.  I mean really, really loaded. Brandon James, Chris Rainey, and Emmanual Moody give Tebow a ton of speed in his running scheme. Let’s not forget 18 returning starters.

Darkhorse: LSU-The Bayou Bengals got kicked around last year, and that rarely happens twice.  Jordan Jefferson is a year older but will have to prove that he can make a big play in the through the air.  LSU is sure to have a tough defense.  If they don’t stumble along the way they could end up in the National Title hunt. Les Miles’ group finds a way to win, and that will always keep you alive in a very tough conference

Team I’m obsessed with: Alabama-Julio Jones could be the best WR in the Country(58 catches 948 yds).  Nick Saban always has his defense cranked up, and last years loss to Utah has the Tide looking to roll everyone. Greg McElroy has been a gigantic surprise

Big 12-Texas

Big 12 Championship: Texas vs. Nebraska

Colt McCoy is really good.  On this very site I have mentioned that he should have taken the money and jumped to the NFL.  He’s proving my point so far this year.  McCoy is a for sure heisman finalist(forshadow), and he and Mack Brown have a national title lined up in their sights. I look for his main weapon and roommate Jordan Shipley to be ripping people all year for the horns. He averaged 11.9/catch and had a long of 68 yards last year.  He can flat out fly.

Darkhorse: Kansas-the North side of the conference is weak, and Todd Reesing works extremely well in the Kansas spread. He was in the top 5 of the conference in total offense last year. If Nebraska doesn’t take care of business, I think that Ralk Chalk can fill in nicely.

Team I’m obsessed with:  Texas Tech-I’m an ex-high school wide receiver, of course I want to see 100 WR’s on the field and people chucking it 65 times.

ACC-Virginia Tech

ACC Championship: Virginia Tech vs. FSU

Va. Tech has dominated this conference since they added teams.  Frank Beamer’s team will be more experienced this year with16 returning starters. Tyrod Taylor will need to prove that he’s more then just a runner to get that tough Hokie defense some leads to hold.  The Hokies were horrible last year because they were so young.

Darkhorse:  North Carolina State-Russell Wilson is a pretty nice player for the Wolfpack.  This conference is so watered down, someone is always capable of sliding in the back door.  NC State is probably the 5-6 best team in this league, but you never know.

Team I’m obsessed with: Clemson-mostly because CJ Spiller is electric.  Other then that they have obnoxious fans and ALWAYS underachieve.

The Big East sucks, so I’m not even going to waste my time.  Cincinnati’s QB, Tony Pike is phenomenal.  He has a big time arm, and that team is going to be good for a while.

National Championship: Florida vs. Texas

An easy one I know. Oklahoma is going to struggle to beat Texas, especially if Sam Bradford isn’t 100%. Plus, I can’t pick that game, it happend last year. In that match up, I like the Gators, but in a close one. McCoy is too good not to keep his team in it.

 

Heisman Trophy(As of right now)

Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy, Jahvid Best, Jimmy Clausen

This really is a two man race between Tebow and McCoy.  If Tebow doesn’t play this week against LSU it could give McCoy the edge right away.  The Heisman voters only want one Archie though…

Colt McCoy is your winner….

First thoughts on week 1 for the Irish

Well if all it took was a billboard, then someone get me the phone number for Lamar advertising.  It’s true though, the 2009 version of the Fighting Irish came out ready to play.  A huge difference from Domer teams in the past.  Coach Charlie Weisshowed off his teams  depth, new attitude, and explosiveness.So, what a better time to be critical and get some ideas down.

Offense-Lot’s of weapons.  Jimmy Clausen looked like he’s got complete control of the offense.  He hardly had any pressure on him all day and was able to step into and deliver some very clean footballs.  His best throw resulted in a touchdown to Kyle Rudolph in the first half on a 3 and 9.  He hit the 6 foot 6 TE high and outside, only where he could get it.  I mean that guy hit 9 out of 10  in the first half.

The O-line seemed was able to grind some meat and run the football.  Which they’ll need for their next few Big Ten opponents.  I saw several occasions when Sam Young was fired up, finishing blocks and telling people about it.  This is the kind of attitude people have wanted in a Notre Dame Football team for a long time.  We’ve wanted that “it,” we’ve wanted that swagger. Today, they had it.

The wide receivers and running backs showed that they can and will make big plays.  Golden Tate and Michael Floyd made their case for being one of the best receiver tandems in the country.  This will surely get better, as teams roll coverages  toward Floyd, Tate will get one-on-one coverage more often. The best part is, the Irish have about 5 viable targets for Clausen at that position, so he’ll be able to spread it around.

Defense-There is a small concern for me here.  The defense gave up 153 yards rushing at a 5.3 yard per carry clip.  That’s not gonna get it done against Michigan’s spread option, USC’s power attack, or even Navy’s triple option.  At times the defensive line got a little manhandled.  Vai Taua had close to 120 yards rushing himself.  Particularly Ethan Johnson, who usually can hold his own.  A few times he was caught on roller skates or giving up leverage.  The Irish will have to get some additonal depth at the front four in order to keep fresh and make plays.  Sean Cynwar did see some playing time late. Johnson, Williams and Cynwar would be a nice lineup to rotate in and out.

The secondary did a good job, picking off  Colin Kaepernicktwice and keeping the clamps on him.  Kyle McCarthy led the way with an INT and several tackles.  The defensive backfield is the most exciting position for me at NotreDame right now.  They are easily 7 deep on guys that can step in and play.  It’s that kind of depth and athleticism that will allow ND to shape up tons of different schemes, coverages, and blitzes in John Tuneta’sscheme.  It’s that same depth that can get them to double digit wins, or at least close.

Best of all with this win is that Weiss got to play some of his highly touted Freshmen and Sophomore talent.  Dayne Crist was the signal caller for most of the 4th period.  Shaquelle Evans, Theo Riddick, Zeke Motta, Jamoris Slaughter,Deion Walker, Manti Te’o, and Kapron Lewis-Moore all saw extended time.  Good news for the Irish faithful.  That time is so valuable as the season goes on.  That is the kind of time that helps get big plays in tight games when the money is on the line.

Overall the Irish took a nice step forward in week one.  They have a first class opponent in Michigan next week, who is cominf off a thrashing of Western Michigan.  Its shaping up to be another great week for college football.

This doesn’t look too bad…

I’m not going to say anything, but I just want to let this marinate…

Michigan

Oh Rich Rod!!! I’m sure this is something that TONS of teams are doing and just not getting caught. The only thing that can cure all the issues in Ann Arbor is W’s…and lots of them.

Their first test, the MAC’s best signal caller in Tim Hiller. If Mr. Hiller and the Bronco’s get hot, could get ugly for the boys in Blue.

Never ending story

I never thought that I’d say or think this but, Brett Favre needs to retire.  The little experiment with the New York Jets was nice, as every great quarterback deserves another shot, but now we are just getting silly.  This week Vikings coach Brad Childress spoke with, and even had dinner, with Favre.

Why Brett, why?  We all know that you love to play the game, and we all enjoyed the fun while it lasted, so don’t ruin your legacy.  Your probably already one of the top 10 of all time, who is adored by so many.  This is his opportunity to start on his road to Canton, where everyone wants to finish their career.  Allow the National Football League to start playing your highlights and let the era end.  Why risk the chance of having another 20 INT season and everyone saying that you”played one too many.”  Just let us remember the gun slinging QB, that probably should have played linebacker, that won multiple MVP’s and a Super Bowl.  Don’t let the record keep playing.

Sure, Montana had a nice run with the Chiefs after he left the 49ers, but he wasn’t there long.  He was in and out, and we’ll remember him as a 49er forever.  In addition to that, it looks like you are just circling the wagons so that you can take two more shots at the Packers again, the very team that helped you get to the status you are at today.

I’ll admit, the Vikings do look like a nice fit on paper.  Good defense, play in a dome, Adrian Peterson, now Percy Harvin, did I mention Adrian Peterson.  I’m sure that Childress would do his best to protect Favre with lots of carries for AP and not so many deep throws down field.  The game is won and lost on third down though, and his completion percentage there was less then stellar.  I heard that on ESPN so it has to be true right?(The research department has been cutback here at Frankly Sports) Not to mention, he’ll still have to play outside eventually in the play offs.  Which is where he looked terrible last year.

So, Brett, please take what the league has given you.  Put it in your boat, and go fishing in Mississippi.  You’ve earned it, and all your fans will love to miss you.

Some draft day movers and shakers

I thought I would give everyone some draft nuggets to think about as well as who I thought some of the movers and shakers of the draft are.

-LOOMING STORY Lines-

Detroit Lions-Who will they take and will they be a bust? Georgia’s Matthew Stafford has always been one of my favorites.  You have to feel pretty strongly about guy who plays almost 40 games in probably the toughest football conference in the SEC.  He’s polished, poised, and can make all of the throws.  He’s a new face for a franchise that desperately needs some relief. They have TONS of other needs, such as offensive line and secondary, but moving some of those back ups out for some lower picks, cash and free agents might help in the long run. I suppose they could always trade it, but it doesn’t sound like a lot of people want it these days.

Cleveland Browns-There are a lot of arrows pointing towards Cleveland dealing on draft day.  Brady Quinn seems to be the central name in the trade rumors, but most sources are saying they are just that, rumors. It sounds like the Browns are listening to offers, but haven’t officially put him on the market.  You could argue they were just feeling around to test the market value for a future date, or even to see what Derek Anderson might warrant.  Don’t be surprised if Mangini deals Braylon Edwards.  I don’t think that one tough year is enough to move a guy after he went to the Pro-Bowl, but if you see Michael Crabtree come of the board to Cleveland, that might be curtains for Edwards.

Movers-Marc Sanchez seems to be rising exponentially these days.  Some experts have him going as high as 4th overall to Seattle, others have him down near 12.  Sanchez is fairly polished, but I wonder about his experience.  He played in only 16 games at USC, and NFL defenses will be a lot different then he’s used to.  No matter where he ends up, he’ll bring great energy.

Shakers-Percy Harvin, recently made headlines for his positive drug test at the combine.  He’ll pay for that.  However, it sounds like a lot of teams are struggling to decide what they would do with him after he got there.  Is he an RB, WR, Slot guy, Return man.  I think the answer is a resounding YES.  At the end of the day, I think Harvin is a lot like Reggie Bush. Line him up where ever you want, just get him touches.  He’ll definitely be a return man, its just where else can he be, and hold up doing it.  It will be interesting to see how far he’ll drop as teams look to get away from questionable off the field attitudes.

Aaron Maybin-Pass rushers are at a premium these days.  Maybin looks like he’d be a nice 34 outside LB, or a pass rushing specialist.  I think he probably came out a year early, but he’s tested well so far.  Stay tuned on that one, he could be a bust.

Sure bets-Aaron Curry can flat out play. His 101 tackles last year tells you so.  He’ll have to get a little better in pass coverage, but just stick this kid on the field and he’ll stop offenses.  Its just what he does.

Michael Crabtree-He reminds me of Andre Johnson.  Big, strong, fast, and always makes the play you need(Insert catch vs. Texas here).  Crabtee is gonna be good in the NFL for a long time.

On the BUST radar-Josh Freeman of KSU.  He’s big and strong.  Played in a pretty deep QB conference, but he’s so raw he could go either way.  He’s got a huge arm, is somewhat inaccurate.  He could have Ryan Leaf syndrome.  His athleticism allows him to do a lot of different things though, just as it did for the Wildcats.

Draft day is always great because you get to see the future of your team take shape right in front of you. Coaches actually make comments on where, when and why guys got picked when they did.  GM’s talk contracts and you get more highlights then you can handle.  So call your boys over, get some pizza and wings on order, stock the fridge full of beer, and send your lady out shopping, its Draft day baby!

In the Fletch-Oh Plaxico

 

It may not be a popular opinion, especially throughout the five-boroughs, but the more I hear about Plaxico Burress and his latest incident the more I think he deserves everything that he gets. For a long time, athletes have been held up to a different standard, many getting a slap on the wrist for a crime that would put a normal man or woman in jail for years. Example, the fact that Jamal Lewis was sentenced to four months in prison for his cocaine deal shows that many of these guys can get away with anything. That is, unless it involves the crazy folks from PETA.

 

I believe that it was with the things that happened to and around Michael Vick shows that the “above the law” status of professional athletes is crumbling.

 

What Burress did was stupid, and not in the sense of he did something dumb by bringing a loaded gun into a nightclub. I mean stupid in the vane of who the hell sticks a loaded pistol into the elastic of a pair of sweatpants? Was anyone surprised that the gun slipped out of its place?

 

The fact that he didn’t hurt anyone else is very lucky for him, and that may be the only thing that keeps him out of jail. He shot himself in the leg, and from what I’ve heard it isn’t too serious. But the question must be raised as to why he thought he needed to bring the gun with him.

 

To his credit, he made it known that he had the weapon. The club knew he was carrying it and they let him in, even though it was forbidden, because they couldn’t tell a millionaire athlete to piss off. This man isn’t a trained professional; he’s a kid who THINKS he needs it because he isn’t smart enough to leave his cash at the bank. From a report I heard, Burress felt the gun necessary because he carries thousands of dollars in cash and wears thousands more in jewelry. Here is a thought, leave the money, gun and jewelry at home! A debit card works just as well as cash, and it takes up a lot loss room that a stack of cash and a pistol with a way too sensitive trigger.

 

New York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, has come out and said that he wants Burress prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and I agree. Burress will go and spend a million dollars on a legal team that will get him by with a fine and a “don’t do that again” punishment, but maybe, just maybe, if he were to get the type of punishment I would get if I were to do the same thing, some of these guys would GROW UP! You are an athlete, not a GOD.

 

Roger Goodell has made it very obvious that he isn’t going to deal with this type of stuff, and I expect Plaxico to be suspended all of next season. But, that isn’t what some of these guys need. They need to know that the NFL isn’t going to be the only judge for their actions. Burress may be a good guy, I don’t know him, but he is just adding to the long list of embarrassments the league has gone through.

Maybe it will take someone actually getting killed before anyone takes this stuff seriously. Or, maybe if a dog gets injured during the chaos, PETA will jump in and make sure someone gets in real trouble.

In the Fletch-Rant and Rave

In Fletch’s defense, the editor has been slacking and didn’t get this up in a timely fashion…More good stuff to come.

 

BROWNS

 

As I sat at work, daydreaming of a season that didn’t end with disappointment and more questions than answers, I heard something coming from the sports department that I have been expecting to hear for weeks. “Brady Quinn is getting the start”. That one simple sentence has a number of implications. First, as much as the CC trade symbolized a white flag for the Tribe…the Browns are beginning to extend their own white flag. They have, officially, not fallen out of anything at this point, but it would take the type of miracle that Clevelanders are just not used to. Second, it marks the beginning of an era. If all the hype and the belief in his talents are accurate, Brady Quinn will never relinquish his position. If he in fact is the future of this organization, Brady Quinn will be under center for the rest of his career…no more clipboards.

 

The third implication is one that I may be reaching on, but I truly feel this to be true. Romeo is fighting for his life. The man has made a million mistakes and in turning to offense over to Quinn may buy him more time. The Browns should be in the playoffs at the end of this season. That is bold, but it is true. They have talent all over the field and the gross mishandling of them falls on the bulldog-like head of Romeo Crannell. He is desperate and by removing DA…one year removed from being the “savior” of the team…he is trying to appease the media and the fans. My opinion…he will be a sought after coordinator come next August.

 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

           

I have done everything I can to keep myself occupied on Saturday afternoons this season. I have even gone as far as registering for baby stuff while my beloved Wolverines were on television. I can rant and rave about all the mistakes and injustices that have occurred in Ann Arbor, but I won’t. Because I have, for the first time in many many years, allowed myself to enjoy the game as a whole. I have stepped back from my team and enjoyed unbiased football viewing. In doing so, I have enjoyed the game because it is a great game, not because I was worried about the Wolverines standing or who they needed to beat.

           

I rarely sit and watch a non-Michigan Ohio State game. I have to lean on the fact that I hate OSU so much that I refuse to watch them and their “fans” rejoice in victory after victory. Makes me sick. But I did sit and watch most of the Penn State v. Ohio State game a few weeks ago, and I loved it. The ending was the icing on the crapcake of the season. But I have to feel sorry for the guys in blue and white, because even though they beat the Buckeyes, it is the Buckeyes that will keep them out of the National Title game. Why? Because the Big Ten is considered weak. Due to the way the Buckeyes have been beat in the past two championship games it would take a two loss SEC team to put the Lions in the title game, and even then it would be close.

           

However, I would have to put that PSU v. OSU game as the second best game I’ve seen this year. To no one’s surprise the Texas Tech and Texas game this past Saturday was the best ending I have seen since the LSU v. Kentucky game of 2003. I have a tendency to root for the underdog in those types of games. I have nothing against the Horns, but I always seem to root for the guy that isn’t expected to win. The poise and the play of that Raider team was incredible and I was left speechless by the conclusion.

           

I doubt that Tech will make it through all the way to the National Championship game, because they have a brutal schedule to finish the season, but it is great to see a program like that stepping up and making a name for themselves. It put to rest the idea that the Red Raiders are a pass all over the field, shoot out type team. They played a complete game on both sides of the ball and showed that they are (at least this season) one of the best teams in the country.

 

           

INDIANS

           

Come on…you didn’t think I was going to write an entire piece without mentioning the Tribe? I have nothing to rail on and on about. But I want to take a second to mention the free agents (or additions) that I feel could be a great fit for this team. The first name on my list is Adam Dunn. For the first time I read another Cleveland writer agree with that. Dunn has flaws and with teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Mets and Cubs focusing on names like Sabathia, Texiarra, Peavy (maybe), Ramirez, etc…a guy like Dunn won’t be commanding a huge payday. He is only 29 and plays left field pretty well. Put him in the shallow left field at the Jake and he is an above average outfielder. What makes him a great fit…he hits the ball. We don’t know if Hafner will ever hit again, and a guy like Dunn is a natural 3 or 4 guy in a lineup. You can chalk in at least 30 homeruns, and that is low-balling it. Plus, he is the low key, no flash type of player that Wedge works well with.

           

Next, Bob Howry. He is familiar with everything Cleveland. He played here and was the best reliever the team had. He is a little older now, which financially gives the team more flexibility to sign him to a short contract. He is a veteran (which this team needs badly) and he gets outs. However, EVERYONE in the league needs relievers and he may become expensive as the winter plays out.

           

Third, make a trade for Houston Street. He is still a very young man who has shown he can be a very good closer. He plays for a bad team and his chances to finish games dwindle in June every year because his starters get traded. He has good stuff and given a chance to play for a contender would make him one of the better closers in the league. We have more prospects than we have teams to play them, which makes a trade very very possible.