What's up Sports Fans! Are you ready for another big weekend in football? I am! Saturday we've got conference championships and BCS title berths on the line. Sunday and Monday feature first place battles and teams trying to stay in the playoff hunt! So, without further ado, here's what's good!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
What's Good! Purely Pigskin. Thanksgiving Weekend
What's up, sports fans? Happy Thanksgiving! This year, my inner sports fan is thankful for five straight days of football. Not all games are noteworthy, but I'll probably still watch. Turkey is good! Mashed potatoes are good! Pie is good! Football is good!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
What's Good! Purely Pigskin 11/16-11/22
Alright, folks, I took a couple weeks off for personal reasons but I'm back! I have decided not to include any NBA or College Hoops in the weekly blog. I am currently working on a separate blog for basketball since there are so many games played throughout the week. Anyway, enough chit-chat, here's what's good!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
What's Good! 10/26-11/1
It's the most exciting time of year for a lot of sports fans right now. The World Series is about to start, pro and college football are in full swing and the NBA season is starting today! As a die-hard Giants fan, I will not write about the World Series, other than to say I hope they can get it done! (A sweep would be nice, since we are going to the Kings home opener on Monday.) With the parity in the NFL and the BCS in its second week of screwing up this NCAA season, football is about to get more interesting. If that's possible. I'm also excited to see what the NBA season will bring. With all that said, here's what's good!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
What's Good! 10/14-10/20
NFL Week 6
Miami (2-2) @ Green Bay (3-2)
Jermichael Finley is likely out for the year. If that's not bad enough, Aaron Rodgers may not play this week due to a concussion he sustained last week. If he can't go, Matt Flynn gets the start. Flynn's career #s: 9/17, 64 yards, 1 INT and a QB Rating of 37.4. Either way, I'm taking the 'Phins.
Baltimore (4-1) @ New England (3-1)
Randy Moss is back in Minnesota. Deion Branch is back in New England. The Pats are the highest scoring team in the league (32.8 ppg) but are facing a stingy Baltimore D that only allows 14.4 ppg. As they say, defense wins games.
Baltimore (4-1) @ New England (3-1)
Randy Moss is back in Minnesota. Deion Branch is back in New England. The Pats are the highest scoring team in the league (32.8 ppg) but are facing a stingy Baltimore D that only allows 14.4 ppg. As they say, defense wins games.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
What's Good! 10/7-10/13
NFL Week 5
Kansas City (3-0) @ Indianapolis (2-2)
The surprisingly 3-0 Chiefs travel to Indy to face the surprisingly 2-2 Colts. I'm not convinced that the Chiefs are as good as their record states and Manning and the Colts should give the '72 Dolphins something to cheer about.
Green Bay (3-1) @ Washington (2-2)
Donovan McNabb and the Redskins are coming off a big win against Philadelphia but Kevin Kolb isn't running the Packers' offense. The Packers will move to 4-1.
New York Giants (2-2) @ Houston (3-1)
The Texans are finally playing up to their potential and the Giants have been outscored 67-24 in their two games against the AFC South this season. Look for that trend to continue as the Texans keep rolling.
Tennessee (2-2) @ Dallas (1-2)
Dallas hasn't lost for two straight weeks. Okay, last week was their bye week, but they will likely make it three straight weeks without a loss.
Philadelphia (2-2) @ San Francisco (0-4)
Normally I wouldn't consider a game between a 2-2 team and an 0-4 team as a must see, but this should actually be a good game. Vick is likely out for the Eagles and Kevin Kolb has shown no promise this year at all. The Niners have played well against good teams this year and should get their first win Sunday night.
Minnesota (1-2) @ New York Jets (3-1)
The sports world is all abuzz with Randy Moss returning to the Vikings from New England. I know Moss is a good receiver but how good can you be when your quarterback can never remember what team he's supposed to throw to? Rex Ryan's Jets are going to snack on the Vikings Monday night.
The surprisingly 3-0 Chiefs travel to Indy to face the surprisingly 2-2 Colts. I'm not convinced that the Chiefs are as good as their record states and Manning and the Colts should give the '72 Dolphins something to cheer about.
Green Bay (3-1) @ Washington (2-2)
Donovan McNabb and the Redskins are coming off a big win against Philadelphia but Kevin Kolb isn't running the Packers' offense. The Packers will move to 4-1.
New York Giants (2-2) @ Houston (3-1)
The Texans are finally playing up to their potential and the Giants have been outscored 67-24 in their two games against the AFC South this season. Look for that trend to continue as the Texans keep rolling.
Tennessee (2-2) @ Dallas (1-2)
Dallas hasn't lost for two straight weeks. Okay, last week was their bye week, but they will likely make it three straight weeks without a loss.
Philadelphia (2-2) @ San Francisco (0-4)
Normally I wouldn't consider a game between a 2-2 team and an 0-4 team as a must see, but this should actually be a good game. Vick is likely out for the Eagles and Kevin Kolb has shown no promise this year at all. The Niners have played well against good teams this year and should get their first win Sunday night.
Minnesota (1-2) @ New York Jets (3-1)
The sports world is all abuzz with Randy Moss returning to the Vikings from New England. I know Moss is a good receiver but how good can you be when your quarterback can never remember what team he's supposed to throw to? Rex Ryan's Jets are going to snack on the Vikings Monday night.
College Football Week 6
#7 Nebraska (4-0) @ Kansas State (4-0)
Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez will get back on track against the worst run defense in the Big 12. No upset here.
#1 Alabama (5-0) @ #19 South Carolina (3-1)
The Gamecocks can't stop Mark Ingram. The Tide will roll to their 20th straight victory.
#17 Michigan State (5-0) @ #18 Michigan (5-0)
This is the first time since 1999 that these teams meet while both being ranked. Denard Robinson had 277 passing yards and 217 rushing yards last week against Indiana. On a bum knee! How high will Michigan be ranked after they go 6-0?
#3 Oregon (5-0) @ Washington State (1-4)
No, I don't think Washington State will pull off an upset. Not even close. The Ducks are on fire! I'm just interested to see how many points the highest scoring team in the nation (56.6 ppg) will put up this week.
#12 LSU (5-0) @ #14 Florida (4-1)
The Gators got bounced by Alabama last week, 31-6, and look to come back with a strong showing against LSU. The Tigers barely got past Tennessee and will likely get their first loss this week.
#23 Florida State (4-1) @ #13 Miami (3-1)
This should be a closely contended, defensive game. And Miami should come out on top.
USC (4-1) @ #16 Stanford (4-1)
USC is coming off a shocking loss to Washington while Stanford tries to rebound from a disappointing loss to Oregon. Stanford led 21-3 after 1 quarter, but was outscored 49-10 the rest of the game. Andrew Luck and the Cardinal should be able to keep USC out of the Top 25.
Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez will get back on track against the worst run defense in the Big 12. No upset here.
#1 Alabama (5-0) @ #19 South Carolina (3-1)
The Gamecocks can't stop Mark Ingram. The Tide will roll to their 20th straight victory.
#17 Michigan State (5-0) @ #18 Michigan (5-0)
This is the first time since 1999 that these teams meet while both being ranked. Denard Robinson had 277 passing yards and 217 rushing yards last week against Indiana. On a bum knee! How high will Michigan be ranked after they go 6-0?
#3 Oregon (5-0) @ Washington State (1-4)
No, I don't think Washington State will pull off an upset. Not even close. The Ducks are on fire! I'm just interested to see how many points the highest scoring team in the nation (56.6 ppg) will put up this week.
#12 LSU (5-0) @ #14 Florida (4-1)
The Gators got bounced by Alabama last week, 31-6, and look to come back with a strong showing against LSU. The Tigers barely got past Tennessee and will likely get their first loss this week.
#23 Florida State (4-1) @ #13 Miami (3-1)
This should be a closely contended, defensive game. And Miami should come out on top.
USC (4-1) @ #16 Stanford (4-1)
USC is coming off a shocking loss to Washington while Stanford tries to rebound from a disappointing loss to Oregon. Stanford led 21-3 after 1 quarter, but was outscored 49-10 the rest of the game. Andrew Luck and the Cardinal should be able to keep USC out of the Top 25.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Division Series Preview
American League
Texas Rangers (90-72) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (96-66)
The Rangers need Josh Hamilton to be healthy for this series. They also need Cliff Lee to be the post season pitcher he has been in the past. Texas has the better starting rotation in this series, and they have to keep the Rays off (or at least close to) the bases. Tampa Bay led the league in steals this year with 172.
Tampa Bay won the season series 4-2, including a sweep at home.
Prediction: Rangers in 4. The starting rotation will get it done for Texas.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/6 @ Tampa Bay- Cliff Lee (12-9 3.18) vs. David Price (19-6 2.72)
Game 2- 10/7 @ Tampa Bay- C.J. Wilson (15-8 3.35) vs. James Shields (13-15 5.18)
Game 3- 10/9 @ Texas- Matt Garza (15-10 3.91) vs. Colby Lewis (12-13 3.72)
Game 4*- 10/10 @ Texas- Wade Davis (12-10 4.07) vs. Tommy Hunter (13-4 3.73)
Game 5*- 10/12 @ Tampa Bay- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- Tim Welke (crew chief), Jim Wolf, Jerry Meals, Bill Miller, Jeff Kellogg, Mike DiMuro
New York Yankees (95-67) vs. Minnesota Twins (94-68)
The Twins are without slugger Justin Morneau for the entire post-season, as he still hasn't recovered from a July 7 concussion. Minnesota needs to get back on track. Although they were the first team to clinch their division, they have gone just 3-8 since. Phil Hughes and Andy Pettitte have been struggling for the Yankees lately and need to improve if the Bronx Bombers want to get past the Twins. The 2009 playoff version of A-Rod needs to show up. If the 2008 version comes to play, the Yanks are in trouble.
New York won the season series 4-2.
Prediction: Twins in 5. CC will be the only Yankees pitcher to stop the Twins.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/6 @ Minnesota- CC Sabathia (21-7 3.18) vs. Francisco Liriano (14-10 3.62)
Game 2- 10/7 @ Minnesota- Andy Pettitte (11-3 3.28) vs. Carl Pavano (17-11 3.75)
Game 3- 10/9 @ New York- Brian Duensing (10-3 2.62) vs. Phil Hughes (18-8 4.19)
Game 4*- 10/10 @ New York- Nick Blackburn (10-12 5.42) vs. To Be Determined
Game 5*- 10/12 @ Minnesota- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- Jerry Crawford (crew chief), Hunter Wendelstedt, Greg Gibson, Brian O'Nora, Gary Darling, Chris Guccione
The Rangers need Josh Hamilton to be healthy for this series. They also need Cliff Lee to be the post season pitcher he has been in the past. Texas has the better starting rotation in this series, and they have to keep the Rays off (or at least close to) the bases. Tampa Bay led the league in steals this year with 172.
Tampa Bay won the season series 4-2, including a sweep at home.
Prediction: Rangers in 4. The starting rotation will get it done for Texas.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/6 @ Tampa Bay- Cliff Lee (12-9 3.18) vs. David Price (19-6 2.72)
Game 2- 10/7 @ Tampa Bay- C.J. Wilson (15-8 3.35) vs. James Shields (13-15 5.18)
Game 3- 10/9 @ Texas- Matt Garza (15-10 3.91) vs. Colby Lewis (12-13 3.72)
Game 4*- 10/10 @ Texas- Wade Davis (12-10 4.07) vs. Tommy Hunter (13-4 3.73)
Game 5*- 10/12 @ Tampa Bay- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- Tim Welke (crew chief), Jim Wolf, Jerry Meals, Bill Miller, Jeff Kellogg, Mike DiMuro
New York Yankees (95-67) vs. Minnesota Twins (94-68)
The Twins are without slugger Justin Morneau for the entire post-season, as he still hasn't recovered from a July 7 concussion. Minnesota needs to get back on track. Although they were the first team to clinch their division, they have gone just 3-8 since. Phil Hughes and Andy Pettitte have been struggling for the Yankees lately and need to improve if the Bronx Bombers want to get past the Twins. The 2009 playoff version of A-Rod needs to show up. If the 2008 version comes to play, the Yanks are in trouble.
New York won the season series 4-2.
Prediction: Twins in 5. CC will be the only Yankees pitcher to stop the Twins.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/6 @ Minnesota- CC Sabathia (21-7 3.18) vs. Francisco Liriano (14-10 3.62)
Game 2- 10/7 @ Minnesota- Andy Pettitte (11-3 3.28) vs. Carl Pavano (17-11 3.75)
Game 3- 10/9 @ New York- Brian Duensing (10-3 2.62) vs. Phil Hughes (18-8 4.19)
Game 4*- 10/10 @ New York- Nick Blackburn (10-12 5.42) vs. To Be Determined
Game 5*- 10/12 @ Minnesota- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- Jerry Crawford (crew chief), Hunter Wendelstedt, Greg Gibson, Brian O'Nora, Gary Darling, Chris Guccione
National League
Cincinnati Reds (91-71) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (97-65)
The Reds and Phillies are the two highest scoring teams in baseball this year, but they are also two of the best defensive teams. The Phillies have a great starting rotation and they are mostly healthy, which has been a rare occurance this season. Jay Bruce is hot for the Reds and everybody wants to see what Aroldis Chapman can do in the playoffs.
Philadelphia won the season series 5-2.
Prediction: Phillies in 3. Philadelphia's pitching is just too good.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/6 @ Philadelphia- Edison Volquez (4-3 4.31) vs. Roy Halladay (21-10 2.44)
Game 2- 10/8 @ Philadelphia- Bronson Arroyo (17-10 3.88) vs. Roy Oswalt (13-13 2.76)
Game 3- 10/10 @ Cincinnati- Cole Hamels (12-11 3.06) vs. Johnny Cueto (12-7 3.64)
Game 4*- 10/11 @ Cincinnati- Pitching match-up to be determined
Game 5*- 10/13 @ Philadelphia- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- John Hirschbeck (crew chief), Bruce Dreckman, Sam Holbrook, Ed Rapuano, Gary Cederstrom, Rob Drake
Atlanta Braves (91-71) vs. San Francisco Giants (92-70)
The Braves have a patient approach to hitting but you can't be too patient against the Giants' staff. Jason Heyward needs to continue his great rookie campaign, especially with Martin Prado and Chipper Jones. Buster Posey struggled down the stretch and Pablo Sandoval struggled all season. Both of them need to break out of their respective slumps. The Giants bats have to be alive or they could be in trouble.
Atlanta won the season series 4-3 and took 3 of 4 in Atlanta.
Prediction: Giants in 4 San Francisco's staff and power threat will be too much for the Braves.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/7 @ San Francisco- Derek Lowe (16-12 4.00) vs. Tim Lincecum (16-10 3.43)
Game 2- 10/8 @ San Francisco- Tommy Hanson (10-11 3.33) vs. Matt Cain (13-11 3.14)
Game 3- 10/10 @ Atlanta- Jonathan Sanchez (13-9 3.07) vs. Tim Hudson (17-9 2.83)
Game 4*- 10/11 @ Atlanta- Pitching match-up to be determined
Game 5*- 10/13 @ San Francisco- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- Dana DeMuth (crew chief), Paul Nauert, Paul Emmel, Mike Winters, Jerry Lane, Ed Hickox
The Reds and Phillies are the two highest scoring teams in baseball this year, but they are also two of the best defensive teams. The Phillies have a great starting rotation and they are mostly healthy, which has been a rare occurance this season. Jay Bruce is hot for the Reds and everybody wants to see what Aroldis Chapman can do in the playoffs.
Philadelphia won the season series 5-2.
Prediction: Phillies in 3. Philadelphia's pitching is just too good.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/6 @ Philadelphia- Edison Volquez (4-3 4.31) vs. Roy Halladay (21-10 2.44)
Game 2- 10/8 @ Philadelphia- Bronson Arroyo (17-10 3.88) vs. Roy Oswalt (13-13 2.76)
Game 3- 10/10 @ Cincinnati- Cole Hamels (12-11 3.06) vs. Johnny Cueto (12-7 3.64)
Game 4*- 10/11 @ Cincinnati- Pitching match-up to be determined
Game 5*- 10/13 @ Philadelphia- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- John Hirschbeck (crew chief), Bruce Dreckman, Sam Holbrook, Ed Rapuano, Gary Cederstrom, Rob Drake
Atlanta Braves (91-71) vs. San Francisco Giants (92-70)
The Braves have a patient approach to hitting but you can't be too patient against the Giants' staff. Jason Heyward needs to continue his great rookie campaign, especially with Martin Prado and Chipper Jones. Buster Posey struggled down the stretch and Pablo Sandoval struggled all season. Both of them need to break out of their respective slumps. The Giants bats have to be alive or they could be in trouble.
Atlanta won the season series 4-3 and took 3 of 4 in Atlanta.
Prediction: Giants in 4 San Francisco's staff and power threat will be too much for the Braves.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/7 @ San Francisco- Derek Lowe (16-12 4.00) vs. Tim Lincecum (16-10 3.43)
Game 2- 10/8 @ San Francisco- Tommy Hanson (10-11 3.33) vs. Matt Cain (13-11 3.14)
Game 3- 10/10 @ Atlanta- Jonathan Sanchez (13-9 3.07) vs. Tim Hudson (17-9 2.83)
Game 4*- 10/11 @ Atlanta- Pitching match-up to be determined
Game 5*- 10/13 @ San Francisco- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- Dana DeMuth (crew chief), Paul Nauert, Paul Emmel, Mike Winters, Jerry Lane, Ed Hickox
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