Saturday, January 30, 2010

A Little Break From The Usual

I think this is the first weekend where I will not be making any predictions for football games. That is okay with me, because I didn't create this blog with the intent of just posting my predictions. Also, since I don't have any games to cover, I don't have a set deadline for when my content needs to be submitted, so I have more freedom to choose when I decide to post a new entry. I am very pleased about that, because lately I'm finding it very hard to stay awake during the day.

Something else I'm happy about is that Winter X Games 14 is happening this weekend. I've always been a fan of the X Games, not only because it's acceptable for the athletes to use words like "rad" and "killer" during their interviews and not receive any flack from stuffy commissioners, but because these men and women are in it completely for the love of the sports. There are no looming clouds of doubt about "who's doping". Many of the participants are not racking in the big money like other professional sports stars, either. Also, when was the last time that you saw a sports star go all out (see Torah Bright) in what is widely considered as a prelude to the big event (the Winter Olympics)? You don't have to be a fan of winter extreme sports to admire and appreciate the effort that these athletes are putting forth this weekend in Aspen.

On the contrary, something that I'm not happy about is the announcement that Kurt Warner has retired from the NFL. The classic rags-to-riches story (from supermarket employee to Super Bowl MVP), Warner is an example that persistence does in fact pay off. In addition to being one of the most accurate quarterbacks ever to play the game (he is second in career completion percentage), he is also one of the most efficient quarterbacks (third in career passing efficiency). If not most importantly, he has always been considered a class act around the league (which is rare to come by these days, especially among aging QBs). I definitely think he is a Hall of Famer, if not a first ballot Hall of Famer. The league is losing one of the great ones of our generation with the retirement of Mr. Warner.


Like what I'm doing? Want me to write about a certain topic in sports? Send me an email at aroundthecornsportsblog@gmail.com and tell me what you think. I'd love to hear your comments, and I'll try my best to get back to you guys. Thanks everyone.



- K. Becks

Sunday, January 24, 2010

It's Been A While

Lots of big stories in sports this week. Texas basketball loses twice. Carlton Fisk slams Mark McGwire. NASCAR decides to relax their rules. Australian Open. Some of them I'll get to writing about later on in the upcoming week, but unfortunately I was unable to get to them when they were hot topics. For all of you that are still in school, you can relate to this: writing papers sucks. Throw writing a paper on top of all my other schoolwork and I've got almost no time for anything else. And due to the fact that at this point the only people who are reading my blogs are people from my school who make fun of the fact that I sign off here with K. Becks, writing new posts is getting progressively lower on my list of things to do.

However, predicting the NFL conference championship games is a must. Here are my picks for the games this weekend.

AFC Championship Game
New York vs. Indianapolis

How many people expected New York to be here? Whether you think Rex Ryan is a savior or just full of hot air, you have to give him credit for taking a team led by a rookie quarterback this far. However, I think that this is the weekend that Cinderella's ride ends. The Colts, unlike the Bengals and the Chargers, have not really been questioned on whether or not they're the real deal. I believe that the answer is obvious. This game could affect Peyton Manning's status as one of the game's best quarterbacks ever. Great quarterbacks deliver, especially when their team is the favorite. If he fails to pull through, with only one Super Bowl to his name, is he really one of the best ever? Fortunately for Peyton, I don't think we'll have to ask that question.

Final Score: 34-14 Indianapolis


NFC Championship Game
New Orleans vs. Minnesota

On paper, this game should be the better of the two this weekend. It's the Old Guy who wants one last shot at the Big One vs. the Talented Guy in his prime who wants his first ring. New Orleans looked very good at home last weekend. Let's remember though that they weren't facing Jared Allen and the Viking defense. If Drew Brees has enough time to find his receivers, then they could be headed to their first ever Super Bowl. However, I think New Orleans will have trouble with Minnesota's defensive front, allowing Minnesota to stay in the game. I predict Brett Favre will drive down the field late in the fourth and complete another thriller to add to his legacy.

Final Score: 38-35 Minnesota


I will try to post a few more entries this week if I can. I can only hope the games this weekend distract me from finishing my paper.


- K. Becks

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Back In My Day...

Well, I was going to write about Ohio State upsetting Purdue on Tuesday night, but I think that the game did the talking for itself. Bottom line: when Evan Turner is healthy, he is the best player in the Big 10. Robbie Hummel also deserves a lot of credit for his outstanding first half performance.

Last week, I went 1-3 in picking the NFL playoff games. I think that this week I can better that mark, if only by one game. Here are my picks for the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs.

AFC Divisional Round
Baltimore vs. Indianapolis

Baltimore was the shocker of last week; however, I really don't know how good the Patriots actually were. Indianapolis, on the other hand, is the real deal. I've been a supporter of their decision to give up the perfect season in hopes of maximizing their playoff productivity. I don't think that Indy will have any problem beating the Ravens at home. Since the game is in a dome, it should be a high scoring game, and that will favor the Colts. Look for Peyton Manning to have a good day.

Final Score: 35-21 Indianapolis


New York vs. San Diego

With all due respect to the Cowboys, I believe that San Diego was the hottest team going into the playoffs. Rex Ryan and the Jets aren't going to do anything to slow down the 'Bolts either. I believe both quarterbacks have a chance to take their team to the Super Bowl; but in Mark Sanchez's case, I mean future Super Bowls. Sanchez has shown some good stuff, but is too young to lead his team to a victory against a team like the Chargers. Remember, New York's win last week was against the Bengals, who had a rollercoaster of a season to say the least. San Diego will keep on rolling here.

Final Score: 31-17 San Diego



NFC Divisional Round
Arizona vs. New Orleans

This game has the potential to be the best one of the weekend. It's been a month since New Orleans' last win, and unless they come out firing on all cylinders, they could be in trouble. Let's remember that the turning point (that is, when everyone started saying "How about them Saints?") was after they beat New England back in November. The Patriots, as it turned out, weren't as good as everyone thought. If the Saints don't get after Kurt Warner and allow him time in the pocket, then they could be done for the season. It should be close, but I'm calling the upset here.

Final Score: 38-35 Arizona


Dallas vs. Minnesota

This is a tough game to call. Dallas is playing very well right now. But Minnesota, when Adrian Peterson doesn't turn the ball over, is very hard to stop as well. I like the experience of Brett Favre over Tony Romo. However, the Vikings need to stop guys like Cowboys TE Jason Witten if they want to win. If the linebackers forget about him, then Romo will look very good in this game. I like Minnesota in a close one.

Final Score: 35-31 Minnesota



- K. Becks

Monday, January 11, 2010

Is That Really The Question?

If I was told that only one of my four picks for the Wildcard Weekend was going to be correct, I wouldn't have guessed that my Baltimore over New England pick would be it. All in all, the games this weekend were pretty boring unless you're a diehard fan of one of the teams that was participating. The exception was the Green Bay vs. Arizona game. See why I said I didn't really want either team to lose?

Today's big story is that the sky is blu....I mean, that Mark McGwire admitted to taking steroids during the 1998 season. Is this really a surprise to anyone? These days, he's just another name to check off the list of suspected users. It's not even a huge story anymore. Apparently, McGwire said he wished he was never part of the "era". The thing is Mark, you were. You knew you couldn't change that. And unlike some of these guys, you actually had the pure skills to be one of the best hitters ever to play the game. You didn't need to use performance enhancing drugs to be forever remembered in baseball history. And look; at the end of the day, your single season home run record still got beat. So was it worth it?

In a more upbeat story, on Sunday the Tennessee Volunteers were the first team to knock off the Kansas Jayhawks this season. What makes it even more special is that they were able to do it with only 6 scholarship players and three walk-ons in their rotation. And how about that shot by freshman Skylar McBee, one of the walk-ons? I don't want to make too many more early predictions that will end up making me look stupid, but Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl has the ability to turn this group of seemingly no-name players into contenders. After watching this performance, I would take a serious look at them in March when filling out your bracket. They have the potential to be dangerous.

That's all I've got for today. Remember, if you would like me to sound off about a particular topic in sports, drop me an email at aroundthecornsportsblog@gmail.com. Hopefully on Wednesday I can write a similar entry about a certain team from Columbus upsetting a certain team from West Lafayette.



-K. Becks

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Wild Card Weekend

I had meant to post an entry yesterday to review the National Championship game and give a look back at some of my favorite games of the bowl season. However, due to the fact that the NFL Wildcard games start today, I'm going to have to put that on hold. As for the National Championship, I'm not saying anything that people haven't already said; it was a decent game, but we're left wondering "what if?"

Since the wildcard games start today, I've decided to give my picks for the games. Each week I'll make new picks as we work our way down to two teams. This year's matchups are particularly interesting, especially since many of these teams played each other just last week.

AFC Wildcard
New York vs. Cincinnati

I don't think that Cincinnati should be extremely concerned about last week's performance (other than the fact that they couldn't catch the ball). Carson Palmer needs to have a solid game against the tough Jets passing defense for Cincinnati to win. If he can do that, and Cincinnati can make Jets QB Mark Sanchez look like a nervous rookie in his first playoff appearance, then they will play another week.

Final Score: 24-17 Cincinnati


Baltimore vs. New England

The Patriots are pretty banged up heading into this one. Without wideout Wes Welker (say that one 5 times fast), guys such as Julian Edelman are going to have to step up big time. If the Ravens want to win this one, then RB Willis McGahee is going to need to gouge the Patriot defense much like he did last week against Oakland. The Patriots are 8-0 at home this season, and are also a perfect 7-0 at Gillette Stadium in the playoffs, but I think that the Ravens have the ability to win a close one. This game could be the most interesting of the wildcard weekend.

Final Score: 20-14 Baltimore



NFC Wildcard
Philadelphia vs. Dallas

This is probably the most anticipated matchup of the weekend. We will finally get to see if Tony Romo and Wade Phillips can win in the playoffs. Philadelphia has yet to beat Dallas this season, and trying to do that in Dallas will be no easy task. Time is running out for Donovan McNabb to get his Super Bowl ring, so he is going to need to play much better than he did last week if he wants to keep his season alive. Making Tony Romo revert to his previous late season play will be key for the Philly defense, and I think that they are capable of doing that.

Final Score: 35-33 Philadelphia


Green Bay vs. Arizona

This is my favorite game this weekend. I really don't want to see either team lose, because both have major upsides that are capable of taking them to the Super Bowl. Green Bay is one of the hottest teams in football right now, and QB Aaron Rodgers has been making people in Green Bay say "Brett who?" Arizona faces a tall task in stopping Rodgers, and I just don't see them doing it well enough. This game should be closer than last week's, but the "W" will go to the same team.

Final Score: 34-24 Packers



Like my picks? Think I have no idea what I'm talking about? I'd love to hear your comments. Shoot me an email at aroundthecornsportsblog@gmail.com or post a comment under this entry, and I'll try my best to get back to you in a timely manner. Thanks everyone.


- K. Becks

Thursday, January 7, 2010

The Big One

After two and a half weeks of bowl games, we have finally come down to the season finale. It's a bittersweet day for me; I love the college bowl season, and seeing it come to an end is always a little depressing.

I won't forget to mention last night's game. It ended up being very entertaining. Not only was it a shootout, but it took a comeback in the 4th quarter and two overtimes to decide it. Central Michigan ended up winning, and not only did it cap off a great college career for Dan LeFevour, but it also sealed my win in my College Bowl Mania group. Needless to say, I was pretty happy with the Chippewas last night.

Now, without further ado, my pick for tonight's game.

BCS National Championship presented by Citi
Alabama vs. Texas

This is the game everyone has been waiting for. Both teams feature extremely talented defenses, with many future NFL stars for each team. Texas has the best rush defense in the nation, and Alabama gives up just 11 PPG and 242 total yards. This will probably come down to the quarterbacks. Whoever can avoid the pass rush better and find open receivers will have the advantage in this game. I think that Alabama QB Greg McElroy will be the difference in a very tight game, but don't count out Colt McCoy and the Longhorns. If Texas can shut down McElroy and limit the big plays by Mark Ingram, they can win. Last time Texas played in Pasadena, they were the underdogs. We will likely see some magic from one of these quarterbacks tonight, just as we did back in 2005.

Final Score: 27-24 Alabama


I have Alabama for 15 points in the College Bowl Mania game, but it no longer matters. I will be watching this one purely for the love of the game. It's been a great season; hopefully, we can cap it off with a great National Championship.


- K. Becks

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The Straggler

Tonight's bowl game is like the fat kid who's at the back of the pack when the class is running the mile in PE. The last non-BCS game was four days ago; why this bowl (which is being sponsored by GMAC- good move sponsoring this bowl, guys) is being played so late, I do not know.

Last night's game got more attention than I had figured. Iowa's win gave the Big 10 its fourth of the bowl season, and here's the stat for the night: the Big 10 won four bowl games, all against teams in the Top 15. Guess who the last conference to do that was. The SEC? Pac-10? Try the Big 10, in 1998. Maybe the media will finally lay off this conference.

Tonight is the teaser for the national championship. I actually have a little bit of interest because if Central Michigan wins, then I lock up the win in my College Bowl Mania group. Also, a girl I know from school is going there next year, so I told her I'd root for them.

GMAC Bowl
Central Michigan vs. Troy

Central Michigan should dominate this game. They have the best team offense and defense in the MAC, and Chippewas QB Dan LeFevour can score with both his feet and his arm. The kid has 41 touchdowns this season (27 passing and 14 rushing), and is the NCAA leader in career touchdowns (sure, the record is broken just about every year now, but that's not the point). However, don't write off Troy completely. Florida Atlantic was able to beat Central Michigan in their bowl game last year when they were huge underdogs. If Troy can make this a low scoring game, then they have a chance. I have Central Michigan for 31 points in the College Bowl Mania game, so I'm pretty confident in the Chippewas.

Final Score: 38-27 Central Michigan



- K. Becks

U7U7JGHXH2K2

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

What A Game!

I've read some articles that suggest that last night's Fiesta Bowl was a boring game, in which neither team really played that well. Well, I'm sorry that a 17-10 game that came down to TCU's final possession wasn't good enough for those writers. I still think that people will look back on this game and remember it as the most interesting game of the 2010 BCS bowls.

During the trophy presentation, Boise State TE Kyle Efaw (the man who caught the pass on the fake punt) was asked if he believes his team is the number one team in the nation. He laughed, and responded, "Probably not". Kyle, you probably know your team better than I, but I'm not taking back what I said yesterday: Boise deserves a share of the crystal ball.

Tonight's game isn't as anticipated as the Fiesta Bowl was. Quite honestly, I think the powers that be are going to be kicking themselves for scheduling these games so late. The holidays are over, folks. I've been in school for two days now, and although I'm possibly the biggest bowl game junkie I know, I'm truly not that interested. What they don't seem to realize is that the casual fan (that is, anyone who isn't a GT or Iowa alum) isn't really interested in the bowl game, as much as they are interested in going over to someone's house and watching the game over the holidays. Unfortunately, it isn't the holidays anymore and most people aren't willing to do that on a Tuesday night.

Regardless of my thoughts, here is my pick for today's game.

FedEx Orange Bowl
Georgia Tech vs. Iowa

I have said before that I am a fan of the triple option, and tonight we get to see it again. Paul Johnson, who coached Navy (who also uses the triple option) before accepting the Georgia Tech job, has done a wonderful job of instituting that offense at multiple schools. Georgia Tech will likely look to go on long, offensive drives and try to wear down the Hawkeye defense. Georgia Tech has the ability to score lots of points (35.3 PPG, 1st in the ACC), but I believe the score will stay low in this one. If Kirk Ferentz was able to prepare Iowa for defending the triple option after their 45 day layoff, then this game should be close. However, I see Georgia Tech being able to score just enough to win this one.

Final Score: 24-14 Georgia Tech


I have 12 points on Tech in the College Bowl Mania game, but I'm not really paying attention to that as closely. After last night's game, I pretty much sealed the deal, and will probably walk away as my group champion. I'll let you guys know how it turns out at the end.



- K. Becks

Monday, January 4, 2010

The Separate But Equal Bowl

Yep. That's right. That's exactly what this game is. Look at the records: 13-0 vs. 12-0. Bitterness aside, a great game in tonight's Fiesta Bowl is just what playoff protesters want. If the only game featuring two "mid-major" football programs turns out being the best BCS game this year, then the questions about fairness in the system will reach new heights.

I'm a little sad that the bowl season is coming to an end. After tonight, there will only be three bowl games left. Here is my pick for tonight's game.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Boise State vs. Texas Christian

Everyone remembers the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. It is hands down the best football game that I have ever witnessed. Boise State remembers that game too, and they are familiar with being the underdogs in a big game. TCU is one of two teams in the nation (the other being a certain burnt orange team also from Texas) to have a Top 10 total team offense and defense. The Horned Frogs, led by DE Jerry Hughes, will look to pressure Boise QB Kellen Moore into making bad decisions. Boise probably won't resort to trickery as they did in 2007, but they will still need to play almost a flawless game to beat TCU.

If this rematch of last year's Poinsettia Bowl is as entertaining as it was last year, then we are in for a treat. Due to the fact that I'm a fan of Boise State, I'm going out on a limb and calling the upset (I only have them for 1 point in the College Bowl Mania game, though). However, as a supporter of a college football playoff, I wouldn't be totally disappointed seeing TCU win a close one. A win by the Horned Frogs will definitely stir controversy and raise the question about who is the real national champion come Friday.

Final Score: 30-28 Boise State


Do I think that whoever wins this game deserves a share of the National Championship? Absolutely. Undefeated is undefeated, and until someone beats you on the field, you have every right to call yourself the best.


- K. Becks

Saturday, January 2, 2010

What's The Logic In This?

Today, we have five bowl games, none of which are BCS games. What exactly were the bowl executives thinking when the scheduled the Papajohns.com bowl the day after New Years? Here's a rule of thumb; if you're playing your bowl game after January 1st and it isn't being played somewhere in Florida, then you're probably hurting for money. These games may be on TV, but I don't expect a whole lot of people to watch them.

Yesterday was a good day for me. I went 4-1, with my only loss being the West Virginia vs. FSU game, which I can't be too sad about. Good for Bobby; he gets to go out on a high note.

Today's games could make everyone trying to pick the winners cringe. None of these games feature really big name programs, so picking teams you don't really know that much about is pretty much a crapshoot. Regardless, I now have a chance to win my group in the College Bowl Mania game, as I sit in 3rd place with a 15-10 record.

Here are my picks for the January 2nd bowl games.

International Bowl
South Florida vs. Northern Illinois

South Florida has been one of those teams that have impressed me ever since they started upsetting top ranked programs back in 2007. Bulls coach Jim Leavitt knows how to get his program ready for a bowl game, so I don't think Northern Illinois will surprise his team early. I have 29 points on USF in the College Bowl Mania game.

Final Score: 38-28 South Florida


Papajohns.com Bowl
South Carolina vs. Connecticut

In possibly my favorite bowl name of the year (I didn't know it was smart for a pizza company to promote their website; then again, this is the electronic age), I will actually be interested in this game. I think that UConn will come out with a lot of emotion, trying to win this game for their slain teammate Jasper Howard. South Carolina is probably the better football team in this game, but how much you want it has a lot to do with who brings home the hardware in bowl games. I have 4 points on UConn in the College Bowl Mania game.

Final Score: 31-30 UConn



AT&T Cotton Bowl
Oklahoma State vs. Mississippi

Many people used to love watching this game on New Year's Day. Now, this bowl apparently thinks they're too good to be played on the 1st, and they decided that it would be better to play in the "House that Jerry built" instead of letting the traditionally cold Dallas weather make an impact on the game. I have Oklahoma State for 8 points in the College Bowl Mania game, because I think they can score just enough against Houston Nutt's defense.

Final Score: 24-17 Oklahoma State



AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Arkansas vs. East Carolina

Think Michigan misses Ryan Mallett? Arkansas' QB has a cannon for an arm, and is probably laughing at the Wolverines right now. Unlike fellow gunslinger Case Keenum, Mallett won't throw six interceptions in his bowl game. Instead, he'll pick apart the East Carolina secondary on his way to a win. East Carolina is not a pushover, but the Arkansas passing attack has given defenses like LSU's trouble. I have the Razorbacks for 14 points in the College Bowl Mania game.

Final Score: 34-17 Arkansas


Valero Alamo Bowl
Michigan State vs. Texas Tech

I've heard that they're putting security guards around all the electrical closets in the dome, so Adam James, you don't have to worry. In the beginning, the announcers will probably focus on the Mike Leach situation. However, let's not forget that Texas Tech is a pretty good football team. Both teams love to pass the ball, but Texas Tech can pass it better. This game should be a shootout, which will be fun to watch. I believe that if the Red Raiders are focused on the game and not on the coaching situation, then they will win this game. I have Texas Tech for 7 points in the College Bowl Mania game.

Final Score: 45-38 Texas Tech


- K. Becks

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year!

Yesterday I went a respectable 3-2 picking the bowl games. I was very surprised and impressed with the two service academies, not because they won, but because they easily won.

Today, due to the fact that I pulled an all-nighter and don't have the patience to write a long post, I will be giving a very brief rundown of the bowl games for today. Here are my picks for the first bowl games of the year.

Outback Bowl
Auburn vs. Northwestern

Northwestern has looked rather impressive this year, knocking off Iowa and a good Wisconsin team. However, after what Auburn was able to do against Alabama, I can't pick against them.

Final Score: 35-20 Auburn


Konica Minolta Gator Bowl
West Virginia vs. Florida State

FSU coach Bobby Bowden will look to ride off into the sunset with a win. However, facing a tough West Virginia team featuring impact running back Noel Devine, I just don't think that the Seminoles can pull it out for ol' Bobby. This should be a decent game, but will probably end Bowden's career on a sour note.

Final Score: 33-30 West Virginia


Capital One Bowl
Penn State vs. LSU

In possibly the most anticipated non-BCS matchup, two strong defensive teams will face off in Florida. As has been the story in other games thus far featuring solid defensive teams, ball control will be key. I see Penn State being able to make just enough big plays to pull out a win here.

Final Score: 24-21 Penn State


Rose Bowl
Ohio State vs. Oregon

Many people think that this game will come down to who plays the quarterback position better; Jeremiah Masoli or Terrelle Pryor. I think that if Ohio State's defense comes after Masoli and doesn't hang back in coverage to let him have all day to make decisions, then Ohio State's superior athleticism will prevail.

Final Score: 28-17 Ohio State


Allstate Sugar Bowl
Cincinnati vs. Florida

Personally, I will be sad to see Tim Tebow go. I have never seen anyone play the game as hard as he does, and I have a great amount of respect for individuals who give 100 percent all game like he does. I don't think this game will be all that close, as I am not overly impressed with Cincinnati's defense. On the flip side, Cincinnati has not faced a defense like Florida's this season, either.

Final Score: 41-17 Florida


I decided not to post how many points I had in my College Bowl Mania game today. Tomorrow, I will update you all on my overall record, and probably analyze my chances of winning my group. Again, Happy New Year to everyone; I am really looking forward to what I think will be a great year.


- K. Becks