High School: City High went to Linn Mar and lost! Regina put up a ridiculous 70 points against Louisa-Muscatine and West High, I believe was beaten by CR Washington. The big news out of high school ball though was that moving to District football for 4A schools seems to be advancing- what that will ultimately mean for City High isn't yet clear. In the Mississippi Valley Conference only Dubuque Wahlert and CR Xavier would fall back into 3A and as, geographically speaking, City High is close to Cedar Rapids, I imagine we'd be playing a lot of the same schools. (I mentioned this to The Quiet Man awhile back, being uncertain as to how District play actually works, but I think it'd be pretty wild if IC Regina took on IC West and IC City. I'm honestly not sure either public high school would prevail- but it would be good football.)
College: WE BEAT NORTHWESTERN! FINALLY! If we can follow this up with better play against Indiana and Minnesota (let's get the Pig back home where he belongs, Hawks) I will be extremely content- because we'll also be bowl eligible with two tough tests against Michigan and Michigan State at home. Denard Robinson could cause us problems (as could Marquis Grey at Minnesota) and Sparty's defense is stout, but I like our chances at beating one of the Michigans- I would be really surprised if we dropped two in a row at home. But we can worry about that later, in the meantime, WE BEAT NORTHWESTERN! FINALLY!
Bonus College: Wisconsin continued being ridiculous and the Sports Commentariat still isn't giving them the respect they deserve. Yes, the SEC is a good conference, but let's not fool ourselves: outside Alabama and LSU the supposed level of excellence drops off quickly. It annoys me intensely.
Illinois might be turning into a pumpkin after their loss to Ohio State. I mean, if there was a year to light up Ohio State, it was this one and the Illini weren't up to the task. Oh and Oklahoma State beat Texas... hell yes!
Pro: The Vikings lost. Blech.
Bonus Rugby: The Final is set- New Zealand versus France! I've been liking the All Blacks the more I see of them and I like them in the final... we'll see!
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Build It Already
I wish Minnesota would get its act together. Yes, I know that there's a budget mess up in the Medium White North and yes, I know people object in this age of Tea Partiers and Occupiers to using public money for such things, but make no mistake, Governor Dayton is right on target with this issue: if you don't give the Vikings a new stadium, they're going to L.A.
And then, after a couple of years of feeling the economic hit the loss of a sports franchise has on your local economy, you'll beg the NFL to give you a team back. And they probably will- only it'll cost more.
So, to me- you spend the cash and be done with it. Because if you don't spend it now, you'll pay through the nose to get an NFL franchise back later...
And then, after a couple of years of feeling the economic hit the loss of a sports franchise has on your local economy, you'll beg the NFL to give you a team back. And they probably will- only it'll cost more.
So, to me- you spend the cash and be done with it. Because if you don't spend it now, you'll pay through the nose to get an NFL franchise back later...
Friday, October 14, 2011
Football Armageddon (Extended Pause Edition)
The re-alignment merry-go-round seems to be on an extended pause as the Big 12 waits to see what Missouri is going to do and the Big East, in turn waits to see what the Big 12 is going to do. Whatever results- whether it's another raid on the Big East for 2 more teams by the Big 12 (a foolish and strange move, in my opinion) or a massive expansion of the Big East and a more geographically oriented one by the Big 12, everything seems to be in a holding pattern.
Personally, I'm a big fan of geographic footprints. It makes more sense to me-- TCU going to the Big East, however briefly, was just plain odd to me- and I'm not sure I'm liking this notion of a Big East that could stretch from Boise, Idaho all the way to Storrs, Connecticutt- and apparently both Boise State and the Big East need some convincing that they could work together. So what then should the Big East do? They're looking to get to 12 football schools-- currently they've got:
Louisville
Cincy
West Virginia
Rutgers
UCONN
USF
They've been rumored to have their eyes on the service acadamies and both Navy and Air Force have expressed interest (though I think the latter might be a better fit for the Big 12)- but I think a raid into Conference USA could pay dividends as well:
ECU (also very interested)
UCF (logical choice- rival for USF)
SMU (also wants to get back to the big time)
Houston (natural rival to SMU and gets the Big East back into Texas)
Boise State (WANTS to move BADLY)
Air Force (rounds out a more 'western' division to the Big East)
If the ACC gets greedy again and grabs UCONN and Rutgers in a year or two, then Temple seems to be primed to move up and Villanova might be a little further along and ready for the big time- failing that, there's Navy and even maybe Notre Dame to consider.
If I were the Big East, I'd move now and move fast and secure commitments from Louisville and WVU about staying onside- which could help preclude a raid by the Big 12 and force them to look west to BYU and Utah State.
As always, we'll see what unfolds in the next few weeks. Not that I have a huge affinity with Big East football, really- it's just, you know, interesting...
UPDATED: I posted this a day too early! Turns out the Mountain West and C-USA are taking steps- forming a gargantuan 22 team super-conference with the possibility of a playoff format leading to a championship game. Color me crazy, but that's exciting to me...
The Big East is on the move as well- and it looks like ECU has been left out in the cold, as all-sports invitations have been sent to UCF, Houston, SMU and football only invites for Boise State and Air Force.
Personally, I'm a big fan of geographic footprints. It makes more sense to me-- TCU going to the Big East, however briefly, was just plain odd to me- and I'm not sure I'm liking this notion of a Big East that could stretch from Boise, Idaho all the way to Storrs, Connecticutt- and apparently both Boise State and the Big East need some convincing that they could work together. So what then should the Big East do? They're looking to get to 12 football schools-- currently they've got:
Louisville
Cincy
West Virginia
Rutgers
UCONN
USF
They've been rumored to have their eyes on the service acadamies and both Navy and Air Force have expressed interest (though I think the latter might be a better fit for the Big 12)- but I think a raid into Conference USA could pay dividends as well:
ECU (also very interested)
UCF (logical choice- rival for USF)
SMU (also wants to get back to the big time)
Houston (natural rival to SMU and gets the Big East back into Texas)
Boise State (WANTS to move BADLY)
Air Force (rounds out a more 'western' division to the Big East)
If the ACC gets greedy again and grabs UCONN and Rutgers in a year or two, then Temple seems to be primed to move up and Villanova might be a little further along and ready for the big time- failing that, there's Navy and even maybe Notre Dame to consider.
If I were the Big East, I'd move now and move fast and secure commitments from Louisville and WVU about staying onside- which could help preclude a raid by the Big 12 and force them to look west to BYU and Utah State.
As always, we'll see what unfolds in the next few weeks. Not that I have a huge affinity with Big East football, really- it's just, you know, interesting...
UPDATED: I posted this a day too early! Turns out the Mountain West and C-USA are taking steps- forming a gargantuan 22 team super-conference with the possibility of a playoff format leading to a championship game. Color me crazy, but that's exciting to me...
The Big East is on the move as well- and it looks like ECU has been left out in the cold, as all-sports invitations have been sent to UCF, Houston, SMU and football only invites for Boise State and Air Force.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
The Scorecard #2
College: All good things must come to an end and so it was that Iowa lost to Penn State 13-3 yesterday at Happy Valley. At a certain point, it was probably inevitable, though it's been surprising that it hasn't happened a lot sooner than it did- but despite an anemic, confused offense, Penn State's defense was as good as advertised and kept Vandenburg, Coker and the rest of Iowa's offense from getting into anything resembling a rhythm.
But here's the kicker: Iowa's defense, despite giving up 400 yards in offense to Penn State, actually looked good for the first time this season. We held Penn State to 2 field goals and a touchdown and given the fact that the offense couldn't move the ball at all, our defense was on the field a lot. I'd cautiously consider this a good step forward for our defense. Offensively, however, we ran into problems. They started with no-huddle, dropped out of no-huddle- brought it back sporadically here and there throughout the game and go nothing to show for it. The lack of success running the ball was also notable.
So deep breath everybody, all is not lost. Offensively, we've still got work to do. We can rock no-huddle if Vandenburg gets into a good groove, but I'm starting to think we need to throw different run plays at people to see if we can loosen up the run game a little more as well. Defensively, although we lost, we kept Penn State out of the end zone twice and held them to the fewest points this season. I'd consider that a big step forward. We got pressure on their QBs better, kept them contained better and tackled better. Plus traditionally, Iowa always struggles coming off a bye week.
Bonus College: Iowa State has turned into a pumpkin, losing to Texas and now to Baylor. Brutal games remain ahead for the Cyclones.
Nebraska looked like it was headed for a shocking 0-2 start against a lackluster Ohio State, but came alive and beat the Buckeyes at home for their first Big Ten win. Well done, Huskers.
Florida State lost to Wake Forest, which seems slightly ridiculous to me. Houston remains undefeated as does Boise State and I'm becoming increasingly excited about the season ending Bedlam between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. The Sooners put up 55 against Texas yesterday but the Cowboys? They put up 70. Granted they were playing Kansas, but still- that is shaping up to an awesome game.
Bonus Rugby: I've kept half an eye on the ongoing Rugby World Cup and now we're down to the final four. Wales is taking on France in one semi final and it's the clash of the titans as the All Black of New Zealand take on the Wallabies of Australia in the other semi. I haven't seen the Welsh or France in action yet, but New Zealand looks like the team to beat to me and my limited rugby knowledge.
Pro: The Vikings managed to win today! 'Nuff said.
But here's the kicker: Iowa's defense, despite giving up 400 yards in offense to Penn State, actually looked good for the first time this season. We held Penn State to 2 field goals and a touchdown and given the fact that the offense couldn't move the ball at all, our defense was on the field a lot. I'd cautiously consider this a good step forward for our defense. Offensively, however, we ran into problems. They started with no-huddle, dropped out of no-huddle- brought it back sporadically here and there throughout the game and go nothing to show for it. The lack of success running the ball was also notable.
So deep breath everybody, all is not lost. Offensively, we've still got work to do. We can rock no-huddle if Vandenburg gets into a good groove, but I'm starting to think we need to throw different run plays at people to see if we can loosen up the run game a little more as well. Defensively, although we lost, we kept Penn State out of the end zone twice and held them to the fewest points this season. I'd consider that a big step forward. We got pressure on their QBs better, kept them contained better and tackled better. Plus traditionally, Iowa always struggles coming off a bye week.
Bonus College: Iowa State has turned into a pumpkin, losing to Texas and now to Baylor. Brutal games remain ahead for the Cyclones.
Nebraska looked like it was headed for a shocking 0-2 start against a lackluster Ohio State, but came alive and beat the Buckeyes at home for their first Big Ten win. Well done, Huskers.
Florida State lost to Wake Forest, which seems slightly ridiculous to me. Houston remains undefeated as does Boise State and I'm becoming increasingly excited about the season ending Bedlam between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. The Sooners put up 55 against Texas yesterday but the Cowboys? They put up 70. Granted they were playing Kansas, but still- that is shaping up to an awesome game.
Bonus Rugby: I've kept half an eye on the ongoing Rugby World Cup and now we're down to the final four. Wales is taking on France in one semi final and it's the clash of the titans as the All Black of New Zealand take on the Wallabies of Australia in the other semi. I haven't seen the Welsh or France in action yet, but New Zealand looks like the team to beat to me and my limited rugby knowledge.
Pro: The Vikings managed to win today! 'Nuff said.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Welcome, Nebraska...
At long last, Nebraska made it's Big 10 Debut and promptly ran into the buzzsaw that is the Wisconsin Badgers. They got pounded and hard in a 48-17 loss up at Madison.
Probably not the debut they were hoping for, but I think they'll bounce back- they've got Ohio State at home next week, so I'll be rooting for the Huskers to get back on track against a delightfully depleted Ohio State team. (Sparty made my shitlist for a minute or two yesterday as they were seconds away from handing Ohio State it's first shutout since 1993 (I was 10) and their first shutout at home since 1982 (I wasn't even born) and incredibly, let them score with 10 seconds left in the game. I was really looking forward to seeing some salt rubbed into the Buckeyes wounds. But Sparty still won, so I forgave them. Sort of.)
Wisconsin though, looked beyond insanely good. If they're not in the National Title conversation, they damn well should be. Their O-Line is bigger than the Green Bay Packers for cryin' out loud and Russell Wilson is a picture of experience at QB who can run and throw and pretty much do everything he wants to. (Again, if his Heisman Stock isn't rising, it damn well should be.) Kirk 'I'm A Huge Schill For the Buckeyes' Herbstreit managed to annoy me last night by saying that Wisconsin is going to need some help to play for the Crystal Football while pissing all over their non-conference schedule and the lack of ranked opponents down the stretch.
I'll acknowledge Herbie's point about cupcake non-conference games. Everbody does it- but down the stretch? Wisky is going to have on the road to East Lansing and Columbus (a tough ticket, I don't care what year it is) and then play a hot Illinois team in Champaign (who might be looking to kick the Badgers in the groin...) and then assuming they win all that and run the table you've got potentially Nebraska or Michigan lurking in the Big 10 title game. (Or Iowa, I suppose- we'd probably be ranked if we ran the table and won the Division.) So there's a tough road schedule plus 1-2 more ranked conference opponents waiting. That's a pretty good resume to me.
People need to stop sucking on the teat of the SEC. 'Bama is a damn good team, but they play Arkansas, Florida and LSU in terms of ranked teams. That's it. (Penn State was ranked when they played them, but shouldn't have been.) Stanford has Andrew Luck and they play Oregon. That's not a resume. Boise State played Georgia and beat them- TCU lost to SMU so will probably drop off the polls so that's one ranked team and a weak conference. Not a resume. Oklahoma State has Texas, Baylor and Oklahoma down the stretch-- they have an argument to make. Oklahoma went on the road to FSU and beat them, they've got Texas, A and M, Baylor and Oklahoma State waiting. They've got an argument to make. LSU, of all the teams ranked ahead of Wisconsin has probably the best, in terms of schedule. They played Oregon, a then ranked Mississippi State, West Virginia and get Florida, 'Bama and Arkansas down the stretch. Now that's a damn good resume.
What annoys me is that Wisconsin is portrayed as a good team, but not a contendor for the National Title and this with a ton and a half of football left to be played and no BCS rankings as of yet. We could be looking at Stanford, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, LSU, 'Bama, Boise State and Wisconsin all with good arguments for their inclusion in the National Title game. There's more than one conference out there, ESPN... just so you know.
Probably not the debut they were hoping for, but I think they'll bounce back- they've got Ohio State at home next week, so I'll be rooting for the Huskers to get back on track against a delightfully depleted Ohio State team. (Sparty made my shitlist for a minute or two yesterday as they were seconds away from handing Ohio State it's first shutout since 1993 (I was 10) and their first shutout at home since 1982 (I wasn't even born) and incredibly, let them score with 10 seconds left in the game. I was really looking forward to seeing some salt rubbed into the Buckeyes wounds. But Sparty still won, so I forgave them. Sort of.)
Wisconsin though, looked beyond insanely good. If they're not in the National Title conversation, they damn well should be. Their O-Line is bigger than the Green Bay Packers for cryin' out loud and Russell Wilson is a picture of experience at QB who can run and throw and pretty much do everything he wants to. (Again, if his Heisman Stock isn't rising, it damn well should be.) Kirk 'I'm A Huge Schill For the Buckeyes' Herbstreit managed to annoy me last night by saying that Wisconsin is going to need some help to play for the Crystal Football while pissing all over their non-conference schedule and the lack of ranked opponents down the stretch.
I'll acknowledge Herbie's point about cupcake non-conference games. Everbody does it- but down the stretch? Wisky is going to have on the road to East Lansing and Columbus (a tough ticket, I don't care what year it is) and then play a hot Illinois team in Champaign (who might be looking to kick the Badgers in the groin...) and then assuming they win all that and run the table you've got potentially Nebraska or Michigan lurking in the Big 10 title game. (Or Iowa, I suppose- we'd probably be ranked if we ran the table and won the Division.) So there's a tough road schedule plus 1-2 more ranked conference opponents waiting. That's a pretty good resume to me.
People need to stop sucking on the teat of the SEC. 'Bama is a damn good team, but they play Arkansas, Florida and LSU in terms of ranked teams. That's it. (Penn State was ranked when they played them, but shouldn't have been.) Stanford has Andrew Luck and they play Oregon. That's not a resume. Boise State played Georgia and beat them- TCU lost to SMU so will probably drop off the polls so that's one ranked team and a weak conference. Not a resume. Oklahoma State has Texas, Baylor and Oklahoma down the stretch-- they have an argument to make. Oklahoma went on the road to FSU and beat them, they've got Texas, A and M, Baylor and Oklahoma State waiting. They've got an argument to make. LSU, of all the teams ranked ahead of Wisconsin has probably the best, in terms of schedule. They played Oregon, a then ranked Mississippi State, West Virginia and get Florida, 'Bama and Arkansas down the stretch. Now that's a damn good resume.
What annoys me is that Wisconsin is portrayed as a good team, but not a contendor for the National Title and this with a ton and a half of football left to be played and no BCS rankings as of yet. We could be looking at Stanford, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, LSU, 'Bama, Boise State and Wisconsin all with good arguments for their inclusion in the National Title game. There's more than one conference out there, ESPN... just so you know.
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