College Football is at its half way

SOURCE: Chicago Reader

After watching football for the last 6 weeks, I know a lot of things. First, Michigan won't win the Big Ten and will be lucky to win 9 games. Second, The Big Ten won't have a second team go to a BCS bowl. Third, Gino Smith is going to cruse to the Heisman. Fourth, The ACC is the only conference to even be close to be as bad as the Big Ten is playing right now.

SOURCE: goemaw.com

With 6 weeks in the books, I have revised my predictions for conference winners. The SEC will crown Alabama its champion for second year in a row, but not after them sneaking out a victory over South Carolina in the SEC Championship. The PAC-12 will crown Oregon champion after they will beat an overrated USC team twice. The most pathetic BCS conference this year is the Big Ten, who has last years front runners with one or two losses. Although Michigan's losses are non-conference, they still will be affected by going 8-4. I pick Nebraska to win the Big Ten because Ohio State is ineligible to win the title. The ACC will still have Florida State represent them in the Orange Bowl, even after a heart breaking loss to NC State.

SOURCE: CBS Sports

The National Championship will include Alabama and Oregon, with Bama taking the title. Bama's defense is too good for the rest of the country, and will beat Oregon by 10, because of their decent offense. The Rose Bowl will feature USC and Nebraska with USC beating Nebraska by 17. Nebraska is the survivor the the very weak Big Ten, but their inability to score will cost them. The Sugar Bowl is South Carolina and Kansas State with South Carolina giving K-State a good ole' SEC beat down. Although Colin "Optimus" Kline has really impressed me, I don't think he can overcome the powerful South Carolina defense. The Orange Bowl will feature Florida State and Cincinnati. Florida State will win easily over a decent Cincinnati. The Fiesta Bowl will feature West Virginia and Notre Dame. West Virginia's 40 PPG will overwhelm the Defense of Notre Dame and beat ND easily.

SOURCE: BCS

Alabama shows up Michigan, Clemson surprisingly beats Auburn

SOURCE: bigredtickets.com

There was no question who was the favorite to win last night's cowboys classic. There was no question about who was the better team last night in Arlington, Texas. That would be Alabama. Alabama showed why they were a National Champion a year ago and why they will be a contender this year. Now don't crown them National Champion yet, they still have to go through the SEC schedule which includes road games at Arkansas and LSU. I wouldn't be surprised if any one of them or both teams beat Alabama.

SOURCE: University of Michigan

 Michigan is a different story. After they were ranked 8th and embarrassed by Alabama, I have a few statements for MSU fans.  First Alabama won the National championship last year, second "Remember the time you were 11-1 and got blown out 42-7 by a 9-3 Alabama team", last “At least it wasn't Appalachian State." For Michigan fans, they will be fine, Michigan will learn from their many mistakes. One thing that needs to happen is Denard Robinson needs to work on his passing some more. He looked like the quarter back from Navy.

SOURCE: Clemson University

 Clemson showed that they MIGHT be contenders for the ACC championship, with a 26-19 win against Auburn. If you know Clemson as well as I do, you know they are the most inconsistent school in all of college sports. They have to go to Tallahassee to play Florida State, and they have another tough two game stretch with Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. Good news is both games are in Death Valley. But then again, Clemson will have to play South Carolina and the rest of the ACC.

SOURCE: orangeandwhite.com

South Carolina survives upset minded Vanderbilt, Michigan State almost beats themselves

SOURCE: thewiseguise.com

Two top 15 college football teams were in action on Thursday and Friday, and the results were identical. Surviving upset minded teams in Vanderbilt and #24 Boise State.  Both games ended 17-13 in favor of the higher ranked team, which was #9 South Carolina and #13 Michigan State. But, both teams looked very sloppy and are going to be in trouble when it comes to conference play.

SOURCE: Sportslogos.net

 South Carolina had two big turnovers that Vandy could not capitalize on, including a Jordan Rodgers interception when Vanderbilt was on the goaline of South Carolina. That interception led to a quick South Carolina touchdown, then a field goal. Vanderbilt answered though, with a touchdown on a gutsy Jordan Rodgers throw, and a field goal. Vandy kicked another field goal, but Marcus Lattimore scored a touchdown and South Carolina held on. However, Connor Shaw did hurt his shoulder during the game. 

SOURCE: Fat Head

 Michigan State was beating themselves for most of the second half because of turnovers. It seemed whenever MSU got over the 50 yard line, their drive would stall, or a turnover would happen. Andrew Maxwell needs a lot of work, especially after throwing three interceptions against a Mountain West defense. The Spartans can thank  Le'Veon Bell for the win, after 266 total yards and 2 TD's. Who knows if Bell is a Heisman finalist, his real skills will be shown in Big Ten conference play. For Boise State, Joe Southwick did a nice job in the second half, and will be a real threat next year, where Boise State will compete for the Big East championship.

SOURCE: NY Daily News

Bristol doesn't impress me, Sprint cup race blacked out

SOURCE: examiner.com

From the 50 laps I was able to watch, I wasn't impressed with Bristol. It looked the same as the old Bristol, where there isn't any passing and the race is boring. Yes there was the Tony Stewart incident, but other than that it was just your normal racing incidents.

As I mentioned before, I was only able to watch the last 50 laps of the race, because I live in the Detroit market, which blacked out the NASCAR race because of the NFL Preseason game. Instead, I had to watch the thugs of the Detroit Lions. I was pissed off, especially because the race was not on ESPN 3 and there was not any Race Buddy coverage.

SOURCE:  fangsbites.com

 My question to ABC and ESPN, "Why do this to us die hard NASCAR fans?" We are in the middle of the Race to the Chase, and ESPN decides to hand the race over to ABC when they know that the NFL is in the Preseason. It’s like blacking out week 17 of the NFL for Figure Skating. It should be embarrassing for ESPN, and ABC's affiliates.

I sent a very angry E-mail to our ABC affiliate and AT&T for not having the second most watched sport in the US, instead having fourth string NFL rejects from Grand Valley state playing in a meaningless touch football game. It made me and a lot of Detroiters very angry, as seeing in the ESPN game-cast of the race. My advice to ESPN, look at the NFL preseason schedule before giving the Sprint Cup race to ABC.

SOURCE: whatwouldamenschdo.com

Another good Michigan race, Best two cars DNF, Race to the Chase heats up

SOURCE: racer.com

The repaving of Michigan International Speedway has been the best move the track has made in the years I have been going there. MIS has produced two great races this year, with Dale Jr. snapping his 4 year winless streak, and Greg Biffle surviving after the two best cars did not finish.

Mark Martin, aka the best car this weekend, wrecked on lap 65 when Juan Pablo Montoya caused one of his three cautions when he spun Bobby Labonte, Martin was spun by Kasey Kahne trying to avoid the spinning Labonte. Martin hit the start of a pit wall and destroyed his axles, and the car caught on fire. The second best car, Jimmie Johnson, fell victim to the sour Hendrick engines with five laps to go. That gave hard charging Greg Biffle the victory.

SOURCE: sportsbookurus.com

 The Race to the Chase standings was dramatically affected with the Johnson blown engine. Johnson would have had a Sprint cup best four wins going into the Chase. That would give him the lead when NASCAR resets the points in three weeks. Instead Jimmie Johnson was unable to clinch his Chase spot; he fell to fourth in the Championship standings.

The race to get into the Chase is at full speed and three of NASCAR's superstars may not make the chase. That would be Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, and Carl Edwards. Kyle Busch remains in 14th place 9 points behind the second wild card driver Ryan Newman. Kyle Busch has dropped like a lead balloon, wrecking or having internal problems with his car. I do NOT think his will make the chase, unless he gets another win. 

Carl Edwards’ struggles this season has really been surprising, considering that his teammates are at the top of the points standings. He needs a win or he will not make the Chase. Jeff Gordon’s bad luck has continued, even after his lucky win at Pocono. He lost an engine this weekend, which dropped into the 16th place in points. He is 30 points behind Ryan Newman with three races until the chase, which means he needs a second win. I think he will get the second win and make it to the Chase.

SOURCE: Toledo Blade

Interesting Call in Friday's tigers game troubles me

SOURCE: Baltimore Sun

While I was at Friday's Tigers game, there was an interesting play that started a discussion with my friend and I. Jhonny Peralta hit a grounder to third base and it was fielded cleanly but the throw got Orioles' first baseman Mark Reynolds off the bag. Peralta was called out.

After a minute of Tigers manager Jim Leyland arguing with the umpires, the first base and home plate umps met and reverse the call. Of course Mark Reynolds reaction was classic, throwing his glove in the dirt, getting him ejected. But what troubles me is, "Are the umpires allowed to reverse a call like that?"

SOURCE: Baltimore Sun

 According to Steve's Umpire Rules, calls of judgment should rarely be changed. SO why is this one changed? It didn't affect the game, it didn't change history. Why? Where was the home plate umpire they night of the infamous 28 out Perfect game? This just tells me that situations like the one above call for the power of instant replay.

I am on the popular side of bringing it too MLB, it has helped in key situations in football, Key baskets in basketball, and key goals in hockey. I swear one day, the umpires with blow a call that decides the World Series and that's when we will need instant replay. I have advice for you baseball, don't make that mistake, adapt to instant replay.

SOURCE: walkofwalk.com

Keselowski returns to his roots

SOURCE: Jacksonville.com

Brad Keselowski will make his return to one of his two home tracks. He will run in a 100 lap CRA Jegs All-Star tour race named in his honor. The race is being held at Auto City Speedway in Clio, MI TONIGHT. Gates open at 4 pm.

Brad Keselowski has had one of the most humbling journey's of any Sprint Cup Series driver. He started in NASCAR driving for his dad's underfunded Craftsman Truck Series truck. His results were mediocre and the next year they closed operations due to sponsorship.

SOURCE: teamkeselowski.com

He returned to the Truck series filling in for an injured Kelly Sutton. His results were good enough to get him a Busch Series ride the next year. That's when he got his big break. After the Busch Series ride closed down, he was tapped by Germain racing to fill in for suspended Ted Musgrave. He got the Pole for the race and led a lot of the race before being spun by Travis Kvapil. After the race he was called by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

He was offered a ride in the struggling 88 Busch Series car. He posted 5 top ten finishes, enough to land him the ride in 2008. He went on to win 5 races at JR. Motorsports before leaving for Penske. And the rest is history.

SOURCE: 1045TheTeam.com

Browns open up season tonight

SOURCE: Rootzoo.com

The Cleveland Browns have been the Browns this off season. Saying they are in rebuilding ,but don't do anything to help themselves. The Browns signed two free agents. They were defensive tackles. OUR DEFENSE IS FINE!

Our offense is the worst in the NFL and we do NOTHING! Sure they drafted Brandon Weedon and Trent Richardson, but I have news for you Browns. Rookies aren't going to fix this team. The Browns need to spend some of the 50 MILLION dollar cap space they have. 

SOURCE: The House of Gordon Blog

 They tried for Mario Manningham, but he didn't want to sign because the Browns aren't serious about winning. I wouldn't blame him. Nothing is being done to show signs of winning. The guy who brought them back into the NFL and is so determined to bring back greatness to the Browns sold the team. That spells not serious.

The Browns main concern is Wide Receivers and Quarterbacks. Over 15 starting QB's since our return. Is Brandon Weedon the fix? I hope so, I’m tired of a new face under center every year. Our wide receivers, they are second or third string guys starting. The Browns wont draft them because we need to fix "other" problems. The truth is the Browns are not serious about winning. And it will show when they go 2-14 and have the first or second pick of the 2013 NFL draft.

SOURCE: bitterorangeandbrown.com

Dodge leaves NASCAR

SOURCE: Speed TV

Ralph Gilles officially announced the Dodge will not participate in NASCAR starting in 2013, the second time Dodge has withdrawn from NASCAR. The move comes about 4 months after Penske Racing announced they would switch to Fords, and last week they announced they would use Roush-Yates engines.

The main reason Dodge isn't running next year and for the foreseeable future is that Dodge didn’t have any offers from a competitive team. Richard Petty Motorsports was rumored to switch, but opted not to. But, RPM had one win with both of their drivers combined. That was Marcos Ambrose last year at Watkins Glen.

SOURCE: Fox News

 Furniture Row Racing was the latest team to be rumored, and would start a second team with Kurt Busch. But apparently it fell through. Even with a driver like Kurt Busch, I don’t see Furniture Row being successful. Even with Michael Andretti, dodge was looking at major struggles.

The question is now, How will Brad Keselowski's championship hopes be affected? I believe his performance will be not affected, his performance maybe even better. Dodge is going to want to go out with a huge bang, what better way than giving Brad Keselowski a championship?  One thing is for sure, Dodge will not be in NASCAR for a while.

SOURCE: Orlando Sentinel

Gordon wins, Jr. gets lucky

SOURCE: catchfence.com

Bad luck. That's been the definition of Jeff Gordon's season this year. Today he finally got his break. Jeff Gordon won the rain shortened Pocono 400. He may not have had the best car, but he will take any win that he can. Especially if he wants to get in the Chase.

Gordon got the lead 7 laps before the ending of the race when Matt Kenseth and Jimmie Johnson were battling for the lead, and took each other out. Gordon passed the loose Keselowski, and had his best luck this year, having the race ending.

 SOURCE: wdbo.com 

 After today, Gordon is 13th in points with one win and with his win; he has the second wild card position. As of now, Jeff Gordon is in the chase. I think he can get a second win, maybe even next week at Watkins Glen.

Dale Jr. also had just as much luck as Jeff Gordon had today. Jr. had a good car early and it looked like he had a good chance to contend for the win. But his transmission had other ideas, breaking before half way. He slid back to 4th in points. That was until Johnson and Kenseth Took each other out. Jr. still has the points lead as of now. 

NOTE: 9 fans were injured in lightning strikes during delays, 1 has been pronounced dead. PLEASE keep those fans and there families in your prayers.

SOURCE: wdbo.com

Dinger gets dumped!

SOURCE: Bleacher Report

It was announced yesterday morning that AJ Allmendinger was released by Penske Racing. This was no surprise to NASCAR fans all around the world. It would have happened to any NASCAR driver that failed a drug test.

Now the most asked questions have been answered, with Dinger being fired and Sam Hornish in the 22, who is going to be in the 22 in 2013? 

There are many candidates for the ride, but I believe it will come down to four drivers. Those would be Matt Kenseth, Ryan Newman, Trevor Bayne, and Joey Logano. I have ruled out Sam Hornish because I don't think that Penske will put Hornish in a full season ride with a prime big ticket sponsor.

SOURCE: Speedway Media

 Matt Kenseth is a very unlikely driver for the 22, but I included him because he was speculated to be talking to Penske, and he has driven a Ford in the Cup Series. But, it has been all but announced that Matt Kenseth is going to be driving the 20.

That leads to our second driver. Joey Logano is being included because he may not be at JGR next year. That is if Gibbs can’t get him a sponsor for a fourth car. But, I wouldn’t hire Logano. Sure he has a lot to learn still. But as the best thing since sliced bread having 2 wins in some of the best equipment in NASCAR. Some on man!

Trevor Bayne is the most likely to get the 22 because he is young and has a boat load of talent. He has shown strengths in the cup series with top tens at Las Vegas and Talladega. That is in underfunded equipment. I believe him and Penske are a hit.

SOURCE: ESPN

Austin Dillon and the 3

SOURCE: Race Week Illustrated

3. Whenever a NASCAR fan sees or hears that number, when instinctively think Dale Earnhardt.  The man in black was bigger than NASCAR itself. After his death there were tributes out the wazoo. But today two men carry his legacy today

Austin and Ty Dillon are the grandsons of the car owner of the 3, Richard Childress. Richard swore he would retire the 3. He lied. When Austin turned 18 he was given the 3 in the now K&N Pro Series East.

Now Austin carries the legacy in the Nationwide series the #3 Advocare/ Bass Pro Shops/American ethanol Chevy. Some like the idea of Austin driving the 3. Others don’t. The only memory I have of the man in black was his death. I think that was the only race I watched with him in it.

SOURCE: Yahoo

I love the idea of Austin being in the 3 car because it is the best way we can keep the legacy of Dale Earnhardt. We can’t do that with our t shirts, hats, and new diecasts that that Lionel releases every year for some reason. We won’t even do that with the microscopic 3 decal on Kevin Harvick’s car.

Now there are talks of Austin driving the 3 in the cup series. It has angered many Dale Sr. fans. I believe Austin should drive the 3. Dale wasn’t the first, and certainly be the last. Junior Johnson drive it before Dale, people drove 3 before Junior.

When Childress dies, hopefully not soon, and his team goes under, someone is going to drive the 3. It will eventually happen, so the best way to let us adjust to another driver using it is allow Austin Dillon drive the black 3(It has to be black). Childress has promised us it will be a different style, so it’s not that bad.

The three will be used again in my lifetime, and I hope it does. The 43 is still used, and Richard Petty is arguably the best racecar driver to step on the planet. His legacy lives on in the 43 with Aric Almiroa, so dales should with Austin Dillon.

SOURCE: nascar.com

Penn State punishment good enough

SOURCE: Penn State Clubs

When I heard that Penn State only had a 60 million dollar fine and 4 year bowl ban, I was pissed. These guys were covering up a child sex scandal, and only got 4 yr. bowl ban. Then I heard that any player can transfer and be immediately illegible.

That is HUGE. It is like SMU, but torture to Penn State. For example, Rob Bolden, the decent backup QB of Penn State, can see he won't win the QB battle and transfer to say, Boise State and start this season. 

SOURCE: Penn State

That could be devastating to Penn State because none of the players on the current team will play in a bowl game for the rest of their career unless they transfer. That means the stud wide receiver can transfer to Arkansas and start.

The ball has been dropped, but the damage is yet to be done. 

SOURCE: ESPN

Tigers make important trade

SOURCE: Zimbo

Tigers had two problems right now. They were addressed today. The Tigers acquired RHP Anibal Sanchez and 2B Omar Infante for RHP Jacob Turner, LHP Brian Flynn, and C Rob Brantley. For the Tigers, gaining the much needed second baseman from Omar Infante and a much needed fifth starting pitcher in Anibal Sanchez. 

Infante has a .287 and has had a history with the Tigers, a pleasant one at that. Sanchez has a .394 era with a 5-7 record. The biggest worry for me is his transition from the National League to the American League. Tigers fans have seen the disaster of transitioning leagues with Dontrelle Wills. 

SOURCE: All Sports People

I think the Tigers will put Infante in the rotation at second and short stop. Infante will be the primary at second, with Santiago, and Danny Werth being the backups. Infante will backup Peralta at short with Santiago. 

I'm not looking for a Fister-type second half of the season out of Sanchez. I would like to see him win 50% of the games he pitches in. That, along with winning another 50% of games that both Porcello and Scherzer would put up, would give the Tigers enough gas to win the AL Central and push the Tigers in the playoffs.

SOURCE: mw32.com

Tigers take 1st Place!

SOURCE: The Globe and Mail

After a long wait and frustration, the Detroit Tigers have taken a 1.5 game lead in the Chicago White Sox. When the Tigers swept the Red Sox opening day weekend, Tigers fan's hopes were sky high. 

After that, not much good could be said about the Tigers. They had a one and a half month spell where they did not win a series. At that point, myself and other fans have just have lost hope. Then we got to the All-star break.

SOURCE: mlive.com

The Tigers won 5 straight before the break, then followed it up with 6 more wins. The biggest three wins were against the Angels. That and this weekend's sweep of the White Sox. These six wins have shown that you shouldn’t mess with the Tigers

Will the Tigers stay in First place? That is beyond me. They need to get a good fifth pitcher. AKA, Matt Garza. Garza has shown success in the AL with the Rays. The White Sox already are making themselves better by adding reliever Brett Meyers. That may put a Band Aid on the wounded Sox bullpen. Should the Tigers trade for Garza? Yes. Will they? That’s beyond me.

SOURCE: mlbdailydish.com

Doug Fister is back!

SOURCE: Toledo Blade

It is safe today that Doug Fister has had the most disappointing season than any other player. But that is changing. It looks like Doug Fister is going to have a fantastic second half of the season. AGAIN. 

SOURCE: MLIVE.com

Fister was acquired by the Tigers in exchange for Casper Wells, Charlie Furbush, and Francisco Martinez. The steal of the year. Fister went to Detroit with a 3-13 record with a 3.5 ERA. He turned it into an 11-13 season with a 2.98 ERA. He did not lose a decision after joining the Tigers. In my opinion, he was the reason the Tigers won the AL Central

SOURCE: Bleacher Report

In Fister's last two starts he has put together 18 k's in 15 innings. That included 10 K's in a duel against CJ Wilson. A gem. If Fister can put together a second half just like he did last year, I believe the Tigers will easily run away with the AL Central

SOURCE: MW32.com