Must Read Comedy: The Sports Guy Goes moment by moment during the Rose Bowl …
8:58 -- All right, is there a dumber sports rule than "If your knee hits the ground, the play is over ... even if if you weren't touched" in college football? That's right up there with "You can't just intentionally walk someone, you have to throw four balls," "You don't get an extra foul for overtime," "You can call a timeout while you're in midair" and "You aren't allowed to punch A-Rod in the face during a game" in the pantheon of Dumb Rules That Only Make Sports Less Fun.
9:03 -- One more question: Has there ever been a national championship up for grabs between two schools that had hotter female fan bases? ABC could pan anywhere in the crowd right now and hit the proverbial jackpot. I need to start watching more college football. Seriously. Remind me next year.
9:04 -- Reggie Bush just makes me happy. I think I have a man-crush on him.
Dude is a genius…
Vince Young’s future in the NY Times …
Sometimes, you need to blog sooner than later. Case in point, Marty Turco and the incredibly complicated question the Stars had before them, and whether he deserved the big money that free agency would bring this summer. I had an essay all planned out that explained both sides of retaining a goalie that has lost many of his biggest games, including each of the two trips through the playoffs where he was outplayed by Jean-Sebastien Giguere in 2003, and David Aebischer in 2004. Hardly Patrick Roy and Dominik Hasek, so there was great concern about whether Marty was the guy to carry the Stars in the playoffs, and at least be part of the solution, not part of the problem, when it comes to the part of the year that matters.
That is why Ed Belfour was always well compensated here, but Marty has managed to make big dollars without playing well in the spring time.
But here was the rub: Rumors were beginning to swirl already that if the Stars did not want to commit big dollars to him, there were certainly plenty of teams (Read: Detroit) that would be more than willing to bid come July 1. Evidently, Doug Armstrong is willing to roll the dice. Sign him on Thursday, for nearly $6 million a year over 4 years, and take the stress out of the summer. Of course, if Turco and the Stars get spanked in the early rounds of the playoffs again, Doug will be heavily second guessed. But, if Turco plays great hockey in both the Olympics (he may not even play) and the Playoffs, then $5.7 million will be a bargain over what he might have cost had they had to participate in an auction for his future.
Turco signs sweet extension …
Turco, who could have been become an unrestricted free agent this summer, received a four-year, $22.8 million extension that will keep him a Star through the 2009-10 season.
Armstrong admittedly bet his reputation that Turco will be able to duplicate his strong regular-season performances in the playoffs. Turco has won one playoff series in a two postseason appearances as a starter.
"My belief was that I had to put my stake in the ground and build the team around one player," Armstrong said. "It's not that one player can win or lose for us, but if you have to put a statement. And Marty is my statement player."
Turco, 20-11-2 with a 2.44 goals-against average and three shutouts, was aware of the show of faith.
"Army and the organization went out on a limb," Turco said. "Even though we haven't accomplished our goals in recent years, it's a great feeling about the confidence and belief they have in me."
I think you likely know how much I like Marty Turco. But, Army is really showing some guts to do this. For the sake of the franchise, I hope it is the right call. I cannot say I would have done the same thing. I would have wanted to see how this season ends. But, if that is the case, you have to enter the question, “if Turco is not the goalie, who is?” Take a look at how many teams don’t have a #1 goalie.
In battle of the sexes, US Olympic Women’s Hockey team loses to Minnesota High School team …and, if you thought that was impressive, keep in mind, the boys had to play “no-checking”, too.
Vikings hire Childress …You know, I am sure this is a great hire and all, due to the fact that everyone wanted to hire him, but why? Were the Eagles ever an offensive juggernaut? Didn’t Andy Reid call all of their plays? Good luck, Minnesota. I am sure Green Bay will hire someone worse….
Now Manny thinks he is staying in Boston …
Keith’s Rose Bowl Journal …
Then there is this email:
Hey Bob:
I love your show, especially your hockey insight, but you're killing me with the Ninja Turtles "dude" expression all the time. Come on Bob, you're a professional and you obviously have a vocabulary, quit doing yourself and your college a disservice and drop the street punk "dude" expression from your verbal library - it's nauseating. Otherwise, keep up the great work and congratulations on filling-in very well for the Hardline...MF
He is likely right, but as Popeye once said, “I am who I am”, or something like that…
I just won’t understand this no matter how many of you try to explain how bitter rivals pull for eachother:
Finally, I sincerely apologize for horrible NFL Wildcard coverage this week. This Rose Bowl thing totally blocked it for me. I will give you my quick picks, and then get in normal playoff mode on Monday.
Saturday, January 7
4:30 p.m. on ABC -- Washington (10-6) at Tampa Bay (11-5)
8:00 p.m. on ABC -- Jacksonville (12-4) at New England (10-6)
Sunday, January 8
1:00 p.m. on FOX -- Carolina (11-5) at N.Y. Giants (11-5)
4:30 p.m. on CBS -- Pittsburgh (11-5) at Cincinnati (11-5)
I like Tampa Bay to win a defensive struggle (not the 36-35 score the first time around), and New England to play well at home and advance to Indy.
Sunday, give me Carolina (I think), and for some reason, I like Cincinnati to stand up to those bullies from Pittsburgh.
And I might go 0-4.
27 comments:
Bob, Bill Simmons has a book to sell. I am sure he would come on your show for a segment. Why has this not already happened? The guy is the living, breathing epitome of your demographic. Get Gribble on the phone and get this done.
"How are you going to make that call if you don't make that call?"
"I yam what I yam" is how that goes I think.
P1 Mike
mr. T, when you have played for 3 MNCS, and have played for 4 Big 12 championships in 5 years, come back and quote that.
I am REALLY looking forward to the 2006 season. Its going to be awesome "dude". I could care less that the NFL plays this weekend.
The dude in the "Gig em Horns" shirt should be stabbed with a sabre.
First let it be said that I hate UT to my core and A&M for that matter, but I do support another school from the Big XII. That being said I rooted like hell for UT to win the Rose Bowl.
One reason if UT wins the entire Big XII wins. The money is split amongst all schools from the conference for any bowl game winnings. Another reason it shows that the Big XII once again deserves more Cred than it gets. And everybody with a half of a pea-brain knew that if Vince played well he would jump to the draft. And the sooner we can get rid of him the better.
Sports Chick
""I have always been a UT fan ever since I was a kid, and that's always where I wanted to go," Peterson said. "But one thing that has always bothered me about Texas is they can't win the big game. I like the odds better with Oklahoma for winning a national championship."
radicul!"
Don't you just love 20/20 hindsight vision?
As for Bob's bewilderment at bitter rivals pulling for one another, I've always had a rule when it comes to supporting teams and supporting conferences.
1. OU
2. Texas teams outside of the Big 12 since I'm originally from Texas (Most of my family hails from OK so I became a Sooner fan by osmosis).
3. Big 12
Now was I flashing Hook 'em Horns signs all night long Wednesday? Hell no.
But I'll readily admit I was pulling for Texas for the reasons stated above. The fact that USC could have seriously threatened Oklahoma's 47-game winning streak next season was an added bonus to pull for the Horns.
I figure watching our bitter rival win their first national title in 35 years is a better tradeoff.
But if the Horns make it to the Fiesta Bowl next season, I reserve the right to change my rooting rules depending on how obnoxious Texas fans get over the next year. Thus far, you Horns are off to a good start.
Bob dude,
I showed an A&M alum that pic this morning and asked him how he felt about it. He said he didn't have a problem with it. I asked him why and he said that UT folks were pretty cool to them (supportive and whatnot)when the bonfire accident happened.
Or maybe it was the ether, dude.
Dude is fine. Brush da haters off.
And Simmons is genius. Although I must admit that his Pete Carroll rants have some weight... There were some questionable calls made.
I learned this from SEC fans. When it is bowl season, they all pull for SEC teams. It just points out the strength of their conference when they all do well. I heard all of the weak Big 12 talk this year, but I don't think they disappointed too much (5-3) with only Colorado being embarrassed.
Not so sure about this Nat'l Title being a win-win for the Big XII. I mean, did you actually see the scores that UT posted this season against Big XII opponents???
Texas 475 - Big XII 140
Average Score: 52.7 - 15.5
Ouch. The numbers say that the Big 12 was anything BUT competitive when it came to playing it's conference's strongest team.
I guess one could point to the 5-3 record that the Big 12 posted in bowl games this winter but in a bunch of "Baby" Bowls.
Kansas whipped a hapless 6-6 Houston team (42-13)
Clemson said thanks for playing Colorado (19-10)...and by the way - if you're going to win the Big 12 North, how 'bout doing it with something better than a 7-5 record! Five losses? What does this say about the North?
Nebraska over Michigan (32-38) - 2nd best win for the big 12 after Rose Bowl.
OU barely up-ends #6 Oregon team (17-14). Oh, but a I suppose a win is a win is a win, right guys?
Missou over S. Carolina (38-31)
TCU disbatches Iowa St. 27-24 - can anyone imagine if TCU wins that SMU game? Crying in Ft. Worth.
'Bama over Tech on worst FG in History of Bowl Games (13-10).
I don't know ya'll. This hardly seems like a steamroll conf.
So we got some money. yahoo. I still think recruits will go to the same schools they always have been going to (percentage-wise) and will continue on.
Someone over there get Norm on some of those statistical trends - Where recruits go from what state to what school over the last 40 years. And...go.
Please get Simmons on. He's genius. I don't think he realizes that he has a following here in the south. Most of his letters seem to come from the northeast, but there are those of us here who check his site every day.
And as an Aggie, that shirt is gay whether you rooted for Texas or not.
"I have always been a UT fan ever since I was a kid, and that's always where I wanted to go," Peterson said. "But one thing that has always bothered me about Texas is they can't win the big game. I like the odds better with Oklahoma for winning a national championship."
Yeah, because everyone knew that after winning the 2000 title, OU would lose two BCS title games and have 1 scholarship player from the 2001 class start in 2005. And EVERYONE outside of Palestine, TX knew that after losing to OU for 5 straight games, UT would go on a twenty game win streak with arguably the best athlete to play football since Jim Thorpe and win the title game against the Greatest college football team ever. Yeah, everybody knew that. You showed him.
someone seriously dispute the fact that NFL linebackers would not miss the tackles that college linebackers miss on a regular basis. vince isn't as fast or agile as vick. and about vince being big enough to withstand the beating...a 300 pound lineman's leg, ankle, knee is just as breakable as a 180 pound running back's. his size doesn't mean that his legs won't take a huge beating. just ask vick.
also i think bob hates the pre-rose-bowl national media, the hype, and bandwagons so much that it greatly influenced his HSO's concerning the rose bowl and vince young.
mickey spags is a genius.
Get Simmons!!! and give the P1's at least one week advance notice via 1310 and this blog to make sure that we don't miss it!
This is SEC "Big Southern Dummy" at it's finest...I gave the first few responses a glance over and chalked it up to ignorance but then post after post after post..."Have you seen my baseball??"
May not be "The" best game ever but it was the best game I've ever witnessed.
Derrrrrr...forgot the link:
http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/sportscolumns/entries/2006/01/05/rose_bowl_will.html#comments
that AJC blog link is too funny. Are these people even human? No...They're rural folk without a pro sports team to root for. I only got 4 posts in before doubling over in laughter:
"The only people that cared about this game were those that worked for ABC/ESPN. Everyone else pretended to care because it was the “hip” thing to do. Texas - where football is queen. Them 96 gators would have run all over them horns."
Oh...yeah. The '96 Gators? Wuerffellererell? kidding. right?
that simmons breakdown of the game was just brilliant. i like how he goes from saying young cant throw, to the fact that he's the best player in college and only ranks below brady,manning and palmer.
and indeed, ut and usc DO have the hottest female fans
Peterson is a great back, but it is a good point, if he was intent on winning championships, he definitely picked the wrong school unless OU happens to win it all next year before he leaves a year early for the NFL. The days of the OU recruiters trying to turn players away from Texas "because they'll never win the big one" are sure dead now. They tried the same tactic on Frank Okam a couple of years ago, but to his credit, he didn't buy into it. I'm sure he's pretty happy about that today.
And good for VA Tech by kicking that scum bag Marcus Vick off of their team for good today. I'm glad to see that Frank Beamer and company stand by their promises.
Sports Chick said:
"One reason if UT wins the entire Big XII wins. The money is split amongst all schools from the conference for any bowl game winnings."
You don't get paid more if you win. Thanks for proving again that chicks are sports idiots. You should change your name to "Chick in the Next Cubicle".
re: AJC blog
What morons. Reminds me of many hillbillies I knew from the SE. They think they know barbeque, too. Enough said. All they know is moonshine, the mournful wail of a bluetick hound, random shotgun blasts in the night, NASCAR (well, only if it's Earnhardt), and marrying their cousin.
You know what the best thing about the "National Championship Game" was? When time expired, it meant that college football was OVER for another year! I hate the game, I hate the players, and most of all I hate the F*CKING fans of college football. Here's wishing them all a nice case of brain cancer.
Bob, I have to take you to task about something...
Turco really didn't get out-played by Giguere in 2003, Bob. In every game of that series when there were 90 seconds left in regulation, the Stars were either tied or they had the lead. Turco kept the Stars in Game One through FIVE OVERTIMES and none of his teammates could put the puck in the net for him. A puck of Stu Barnes' skate took Game Two to OT, and that was after one of the worst non-calls of a holding penalty I have ever seen in my life when a Duck had BOTH ARMS WRAPPED AROUND Richard Matvichuk, and there was no whistle.
Marty allowed ONE goal in Game Three, which the Stars won 2-1. Then he allowed ONE goal (on the powerplay) in Game Four, on the infamous penalty call on Arnott with less than three minutes to go that made a gift of that game to Anaheim. Game Four was also the game where Claude Lemieux had about three chances to bury a puck into the net and he used the opportunity to show everyone exactly how little he had in his career's bag at that point.
Game Five was dominated by the Stars, when Giguere actually got pulled from the net after allowing three in two periods.
And then Game Six was the game where the Stars had the a goal waved off on a close call (remember the net moving a millimeter off the peg?) and they STILL clawed their way into a tie...and then Sandis Ozozlinsh got the luckiest bounce of his life and took the only significant shot of his career. And then the Ducks had to hang on for dear life in a sixth-attacker situation for the last minute.
And the Ducks knew they had to get Game Six, because if it came back to Texas, the Stars would clobber them in a Game Seven.
So, Marty wasn't out-played that series. It's just that the Ducks got every break imaginable. And the Stars were still thiiiiiiiiiiiis close to beating them anyway. So give him (and them) some lattitude there.
End of rant.
Uh, college football isn't over for a year, sir. The season starts again in August. Of course by then I'll be dead of brain cancer and your mom will have no one to do her.
Uh, college football isn't over for a year, sir. The season starts again in August. Of course by then I'll be dead of brain cancer and your mom will have no one to do her.
That's what I meant, Bentley. It does start again in August...but it's just now January. So there's nothing to look forward to but a nice long off-season without the alumni cow chests being puffed out and without each region of the country having its self-esteem determined by whether or not a bunch of spare 18-22 year olds can put the ball into the endzone. College football can call me when they mix in a playoff system. Right now, their system of deciding a championship winner is as legitimate as the one they use for Dancing With The Stars. Think about that for a moment and you'll come to realize how much it truly sucks.
As for your brain cancer...well, I can only hope. You keep breathing oxygen that is rightfully mine.
Oh and by the way...Did you get extra gravy on your chicken fried steak this evening?
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3573146.html
Looks like he's going pro. I guess Texas is too far over the salary cap to match the NFL's offer
So now the Jevan Snead era begins. He's no VY, but then again, nobody else is either. But he'll do just fine and the Horns will probably win 10 games again next year as always. Besides, nobody wins the national championship every year, and even in VY had come back, that was no guarantee that they would automatically repeat.
Sorry you don't like college football, Anon 12:56. Oh, and I did get extra gravy...all over your mom's new bedspread last night.
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