Thursday, December 29, 2011

2011 Sports Awards

With just two more days left in 2011, it's time to hand out some awards in the world of sports.

Athlete of the Year: Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers made Packer fans everywhere forget all about Brett Favre once and for all with his sensational playoff run and eventual Super Bowl championship, something Favre only did once. For his encore performance, he put together what could be the best season we have ever seen from an NFL quarterback and is the overwhelming favorite to win the MVP. He also led all players in Pro Bowl voting.

Second place: Robert Griffin III

Team of the Year: Green Bay Packers

The Pack won their fourth Super Bowl back in February and didn't lose their next game until December 18th. It's hard to be much more dominant than that. Aaron Rodgers and his supporting cast of Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Donald Driver, and Jermichael Finley came very close to running the table for an entire calendar year and put up filthy numbers. This could end up being the best football team in NFL history.

Second place: Dallas Mavericks and LSU Tigers football

Coach of the Year: Shaka Smart

Leading your team to the Final Four is one thing, but it's another to do it with Virginia Commonwealth at age 33. Smart led the Rams passed USC, sixth seeded Georgetown, third seeded Purdue, Florida State, and upset the first seeded Kansas Jayhawks to reach the final four, where they lost to Butler. The remarkable run that VCU went on was reminiscent of George Mason's back in 2006.

Second place: Bill Snyder, Kansas State football

Best Game: Game Six of the World Series - Cardinals vs Rangers

Despite twice being down to their last strike, St. Louis emerged victorious in what many feel is the best World Series game ever played. In the bottom of the ninth, David Freese faced a 1-2 count with runners on first and second with two outs and his team trailing 7-5. He took a 98 mph fastball from Rangers closer Neftali Feliz and ripped one for a triple to tie the game. However, Josh Hamilton led off the tenth with a solo homer to regain the lead and let all of the air out of Busch Stadium. Life was restored when Lance Berkman came through with an RBI single to once again tie the game. In the bottom of the 11th, it was Freese's turn, again down to his last strike. The next pitch landed 430 feet away in center field. His tattered jersey landed in Cooperstown.

Second place: Michigan vs Notre Dame football

Best Story: Tebow Time

In a year when the Packers almost went unbeaten, the main focus in the NFL was on Tim Tebow. Despite heavy criticism from the "experts" and struggling to complete passes, the Broncos quarterback captured the attention of fans everywhere once he took over for Kyle Orton in week 5. What transpired can only be described as unbelievable. Nobody was able to explain it, but the man found a way to win, week-in, week-out with fourth quarter comebacks and last minute drives. Who says the read-option can't work in the pros?

Second Place: VCU and Butler's NCAA Tournament run

Worst Story: Penn State Controversy

The casual college football fan had no idea who Jerry Sandusky was before November. The former defensive coordinator under Joe Paterno at Penn State became the most talked about man in sports for quite some time after allegations of sexual abuse from at least nine boys. To make matters worse, the school tried to cover it up. After an assistant saw these acts take place in the showers, Paterno sat on the information while him the school president swept it all under the rug. Paterno and President Graham Spanier were both fired, students rioted in the streets, and what was once an elite NCAA football program may never be the same.

Second place: NCAA Football investigations

Biggest Knucklehead: Jim Tressel

The sweater vest wearing head coach portrayed an image of integrity and class for a decade at Ohio State, but epitomized the exact opposite in reality. Multiple players received free tattoos, sold merchandise for cash, were paid for far more hours than they worked on summer jobs, among other allegations that could not be fully proven. Tressel even made sure that recruits attending his camps received special prizes over the non-recruits who worked all summer mowing lawns just to attend. Terrelle Pryor, the worst offender, made around $40,000 a year selling merchandise, some of which he stole from the equipment room. Tressel tried to cover up all of these events and even lied to NCAA investigators to try to save face. As a result, Tressel was fired, the Buckeyes suffered a 6-6 season, and received a bowl ban next season. The ultimate hypocrite even wrote passages such as "the reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour," and "discipline is what you do when no one else is looking" in his books.

Second Place: LeBron James

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Green Bay Needed a Loss

On December 12, 2010, Aaron Rodgers elected not to slide and took a big hit from a Detroit Lions defender after scrambling down the middle of the field before halftime. That hit resulted in a concussion that caused him to miss the next one and a half games. The Packers lost that game to the Lions as well as the next game in New England with Matt Flynn at quarterback.

That was the last time the Packers lost a game before this past Sunday in Kansas City.

Green Bay made far too many mental mistakes to beat anyone, much less a team as motivated as the Chiefs (they fired coach Todd Haley just days before). Receivers dropped passes left and right, the defense missed tackles, and left guys like Leonard Pope open all day long.

After months of the undefeated talk, the 19-0 season is no longer a possibility, which isn't all bad.

When the Packers lost to the Lions last year despite being huge favorites, the Packers woke up. They lost their next game, but not many teams would play Tom Brady the Patriots all the way down the last possession in Foxborough with their backup quarterback.

Having to win their next two games, the Packers destroyed the Giants at home and had one of their best defensive showings of the year against the Bears to win their last two and sneak into the playoffs as the six seed.

Starting with that Giants game, Rodgers won his next 19 games, including the playoffs, which spanned more than a full calendar year.

Losing to Kansas City will do similar things for this team.

They don't have to answer the exact same questions week after week about going unbeaten, which has to get irritating. You can tell by some of the player's responses that they're sick of talking about it. The Patriots were 18-0 going into the Super Bowl and lost. It's better to get that loss out of the way now when it won't hurt you.

Another thing to consider is week 17. In what should be a completely meaningless game against the Lions at Lambeau, the Pack no longer have to play their key players. Chad Clifton hasn't played in several weeks since severely injuring his hamstring and is now out with a bad back. Greg Jennings is scheduled to miss another two weeks with a knee sprain. James Starks missed this past Sunday's game with ankle and knee injuries. Instead of rushing these guys back, they can rest for an extra couple weeks before starting the playoffs.

The biggest reason why this loss is a good thing for Green Bay is that it will get them refocused at the task at hand. As Mike McCarthy stated, going 19-0 is "gravy." McCarthy and the Packers know that winning the Super Bowl is the only thing that matters and they still have an excellent chance to do that, especially since one win in their last two assures them home field throughout the playoffs.

Now that the 19-0 talk has ceased, they can get back to focusing on what they need to do to win the the big one. When a team drops as many passes and misses as many tackles as they did on Sunday, that shows a lack of focus, not a lack of execution or talent. Having the majority of sports talk focused on you for a couple months and your own section on ESPN's bottom line will do that. Players can only hear about how great they are for so long before they start to believe it and give a lackluster effort on the field, something they've been getting away with for a few weeks.

They needed to be brought down a peg or two and get the hunger back that brought this franchise a ring last season.

This loss should get this team back in the right frame of mind, which is why their best ball has yet to come.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

2011-2012 College Bowl Picks

Note: BCS Bowls in RED


New Mexico Bowl - 12/17/11: Wyoming (8-4) vs Temple (8-4)


Winner: Temple

Why they'll win: The Owls rank seventh nationally with 256 yards per game on the ground  and Wyoming ranks 111th in rushing defense, giving up over 230 rushing yards per contest. Running Back Bernard Pierce ran for 1,384 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2011.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl - 12/17/11: Ohio (9-4) vs Utah State (7-5)


Winner: Utah State

Why they'll win: Utah State has won their last five games and, if you remember, almost knocked off Auburn on the road in the first week of the season. Robert Turbin ran for 1,416 yards this year and the Aggies powerful offense (over 450 yards/game) will lead them to a bowl victory.

New Orleans Bowl - 12/17/11:  Louisiana Lafayette (8-4) vs San Diego State (8-4) 


Winner: San Diego State

Why they'll win: SDSU put up better numbers in 2011 than LA-Lafayette against better competition. Led by running back Ronnie Hillman, who was third in America with 1,656 rushing yards, the Aztecs offense will exploit the 69th ranked Ragin' Cajun defense.

Beef O'Brady's Bowl - 12/20/11: Florida International (8-4) vs Marshall (6-6)

Winner: Florida International

Why they'll win: FIU won on the road against Louisville early in the year. Marshall's defense is ranked 84th in the country and their offense is ranked 96th. FIU will win this one with their defense, ranked 32nd.  Keep on eye on linebacker Winston Fraser, who had 107 tackles, 7 TFL, and 4 sacks.

Poinsettia Bowl - 12/21/11: #16 TCU (10-2) vs Louisiana Tech (8-4)

Winner: TCU

Why they'll win: TCU has won seven in a row, including a win at Boise State to end their 35-game home winning streak on November 12th. TCU's 26th ranked offense is filled with far too many weapons at the skill positions for the Bulldogs defense to keep up. Horned Frogs signal caller Casey Pachall (2,715 pass yards, 24 TD, 6 INT) will take advantage of LA Tech's 95th ranked pass defense.

Maaco Bowl - 12/22/11: #8 Boise State (11-1) vs Arizona State (6-6)


Winner: Boise State

Why they'll win: If you have to pick a "biggest blowout" for your office pool, this is one to think about. Quarterback Kellen Moore leads the Broncos high-powered offense, throwing for 3,507 yards, 41 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, while completing 74% of his passes. ASU's 106th ranked pass defense will not be able to stop one of America's best teams.

Hawaii Bowl - 12/24/11: #22 Southern Mississippi (11-2) vs Nevada (7-5)

Winner: Southern Mississippi

Why they'll win: Southern Miss is coming off a huge win over previously unbeaten Houston to win the Conference USA championship. The Golden Eagles' 13th ranked offense, led by quarterback Austin Davis (3,331 yards, 28 TD), should be able to pick apart the Wolfpack secondary.

Independence Bowl - 12/26/11: Missouri (7-5) vs North Carolina (7-5)


Winner: Missouri

Why they'll win: This game features two teams heading in opposite directions. UNC finished 2011 going 2-4 in their last six, while Missouri concluded their regular season winning four of their last five. They both have mediocre defenses, but the Tigers offense is considerably better than Carolina's. QB James Franklin is a true dual threat, throwing for 2,733 yards and running for 839 more. He'll be the difference maker in a close game.

Little Caesars Bowl - 12/27/11: Western Michigan (7-5) vs Purdue (6-6)

Winner: Western Michigan

Why they'll win: Purdue's defense will not be able to get enough stops against the nation's eighth ranked passing attack. Quarterback Alex Carder, who has an outside shot to get drafted, threw for 3,434 yards, 28 touchdowns, and completed 67% of his passes.

Belk Bowl - 12/27/11: Louisville (7-5) vs North Carolina State (7-5)


Winner: Louisville

Why they'll win: In a matchup featuring the nation's 99th and 88th ranked offenses, the Cardinals will have just enough of it to get the win. Louisville's defense will be the story of this game, which is ranked 22nd overall. Freshman QB Teddy Bridgewater played well down the stretch, throwing for seven touchdowns and completing 70% of his passes in his team's last five games.

Military Bowl - 12/28/11: Air Force (7-5) vs Toledo (8-4)


Winner: Toledo

Why they'll win: All-American Eric Page is the best player you've never heard of. The UT junior receiver hauled in 112 catches for 1,123 yards and 10 TD this season. The Rockets like to throw it, but running back Adonis Thomas (963 yards in nine games) will look to eat up the Falcons and their 109th ranked rushing defense. UT struggles against the pass, but won't have to worry about that with Air Force's triple option offense. UT's skillful linebackers should be able to slow down Air Force's option attack.

Holiday Bowl - 12/28/11: California (7-5) vs Texas (7-5)

Winner: Texas

Why they'll win: I have a hard time believing that California has better recruits than Texas. The Longhorns were a quarterback away from being a really good team all season.Their 14th ranked defense is led by defensive end Alex Okafor, was had seven sacks on the year. Texas has a slew of capable running backs who should be able to get enough production to win.

Champs Sports Bowl - 12/29/11: #25 Florida State (8-4) vs Notre Dame (8-4)

Winner: Florida State

Why they'll win: In a meeting between two massively underachieving teams, FSU's defense (6th best in the NCAA) will lead the way. Brandon Jenkins, one of the best defensive ends/linebackers in the sport, will be a high NFL draft pick. Jenkins racked up seven of the team's 36 sacks (9th most) and should be able to create some havoc in the Notre Dame backfield to contain the Irish.

Alamo Bowl - 12/29/11: #15 Baylor (9-3) vs Washington (7-5)

Winner: Baylor

Why they'll win: Fresh off of his Heisman victory, look for Robert Griffin and rest of his offense to lead Baylor over Washington. Griffin and his numbers (3,998 pass yards, 644 rush yards, and 45 total TD) get mentioned constantly, but don't overlook their running back. Terrance Ganaway ran for 1347 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Bears. Both defenses are pretty awful, but Baylor has a lot more firepower offensively.

Armed Forces Bowl - 12/30/11: BYU (9-3) vs Tulsa (8-4)

Winner: BYU

Why they'll win: You know BYU likes to throw the ball and doing so is pretty easy against Tulsa, who has the second worst pass defense in America. The Cougars use a pair of quarterbacks, Riley Nelson and Jake Heaps, who combined for nearly 3,000 yards. BYU can also play some nice defense and should be able to control this one.

Pinstripe Bowl - 12/30/11: Rutgers (8-4) vs Iowa State 6-6)


Winner: Rutgers


Why they'll win: Iowa State is one of the quirkiest teams you'll find. They beat Iowa on the road and a then undefeated Oklahoma State team on the road as well, but lost every other meaningful game in the conference. Rutgers' 12th ranked defense will be the deciding factor and should take care of business in this one.

Music City Bowl - 12/30/11: Wake Forest (6-6) vs Mississippi State (6-6)

Winner: Mississippi State

Why they'll win: These teams are very closely matched, so I'll take the SEC team over the ACC team. On paper, the two offenses look like a wash, but the Bulldogs have a fairly distinct advantage on the defensive side of the ball. Vick Ballard is a 1,000 yard rusher who can take advantage of Wake's below average run defense.

Insight Bowl - 12/30/11: #19 Oklahoma (9-3) vs Iowa (7-5)


Winner: Oklahoma

Why they'll win: The Sooners were on the fast track to the National Championship before some familiar late season struggles derailed them. However, Oklahoma will be way too much for Iowa to handle. Landry Jones will pick apart a bad Iowa secondary and the Sooners defense should play well with a lead throughout. Jones threw for 4,302 yards, fourth most in college football.

Meineke Car Care Bowl - 12/31/11: Texas A&M (6-6) vs Northwestern (6-6)

Winner: Texas A&M

Why they'll win: Each team will run a potent offense out onto the field, but neither plays much defense. A&M is a battle-tested team who lost by one point to Oklahoma State and beat Baylor by 23. QB Ryan Tannehill threw for over 3,400 yards and will be able to throw against Northwestern's secondary. Counterpart Dan Persa will have success against one of the worst pass defenses in America, but in the end, A&M's offense will be too tough to stop.

Sun Bowl - 12/31/11: Georgia Tech (8-4) vs Utah (7-5)


Winner: Georgia Tech

Why they'll win: The Yellow Jackets have five players with over 400 yards rushing and will test a very good Utah run defense. Quarterback Tevin Washington threw for over 1,500 yards and ran for 890 more. The Utes will have extra time to prepare for Tech's triple option attack, but they won't have speed or athleticism to  defend well enough for four quarters.

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl - 12/31/11: UCLA (6-7) vs Illinois (6-6)


Winner: Illinois

Why they'll win: I'm not sure how two teams who fired their coach were somehow good enough to earn a bowl bid, but I suppose that's beside the point. Believe it or not, the Illini were 6-0 to start the season. Despite a 6-game losing streak, they'll snap out of it against a really bad UCLA squad. Illinois has the fourth best pass defense in the country and UCLA struggles to throw it. Nate Scheelhaase's dual threat ability will be  enough.

Liberty Bowl - 12/31/11: Cincinnati (9-3) vs Vanderbilt (6-6)


Winner: Cincinnati

Why they'll win: Unless Jordan Rodgers' brother Aaron shows up for Vandy, the Bearcats should come away with the win. Rodgers struggles throwing the football and is completing barely half of his passes. Vanderbilt can run the ball pretty decently, but Cincy plays great run defense and will ride running back Isaiah Pead (1,110 rush yards, 11 TD) to victory.

Chik-Fil-A Bowl - 12/31/11: Virginia (8-4) vs Auburn (7-5)


Winner: Virginia

Why they'll win: Michael Dyer is the one star on an Auburn offense that lacks experience and identity. Unfortunately for Auburn, he's suspended for this game for violating team rules. Dyer ran for over 1,200 yards despite defenses stacking the box all day long. UVA is a solid team that is very well coached. AU's lack of playmakers will ultimately be the deciding factor.

TicketCity Bowl - 1/2/12: #20 Houston (12-1) vs #24 Penn State (9-3)

Winner: Penn State

Why they'll win: The one thing Houston does really well is throw the ball with Case Keenum, who lead the NCAA with 5,099 yards. However, Penn State has the fifth best pass defense in America and I think these players really want to go out on a positive note after all that has happened. Houston's loss to Mississippi State showed that they aren't an elite team. Penn State isn't either, but they face teams as good as Houston is all year long and they'll be ready for the Cougs.

Capital One Bowl - 1/2/12: #10 South Carolina (10-2) vs #21 Nebraska (9-3)


Winner: Nebraska

Why they'll win: If the Gamecocks had Marcus Lattimore, I would go the other way. Without him, South Carolina will have very difficult time moving the ball against a great Nebraska defense. SC quarterback Connor Shaw has performed well since taking over for Stephen Garcia, but the Husker defense is loaded with great defenders such as CB Alfonzo Dennard and LB Lavonte David. Dual-threat QB Taylor Martinez (1,973 pass yards, 837 rush yards) and the physical running of Rex Burkhead (1,268 rush yards, 12 TD) will prove to be too much.

Gator Bowl - 1/2/12: Ohio State (6-6) vs Florida (6-6)

Winner: Florida

Why they'll win: Buckeye signal caller Braxton Miller will have his hands full as he faces the best defense he's seen all year. The Freshman, who is completely a mere 50% of his throws, will be up against the 10th best pass defense in the nation. Miller's legs have gotten him out of trouble, but the Gators have speed at linebacker to prevent his scrambling. I expect Florida to load the box and force Miller to throw, which is not something he's comfortable doing. Gator running back Jeff Demps should have a nice game against a less than stellar run defense.

Outback Bowl - 1/2/12: #12 Michigan State (10-3) vs #18 Georgia (10-3)

Winner: Georgia

Why they'll win: Much like the Buckeyes, the Spartans are facing the best defense they've seen to date. Georgia ranks third nationally in total defense, allowing just 268 yards per game. Georgia QB Aaron Murray made strides this year and tossed 33 TD's. The Spartans will have a hard time with the overall team speed of Georgia. MSU is 0-4 under Mark Dantonio in bowl games, and should fall to 0-5.

Rose Bowl - 1/2/12: #5 Oregon (11-2) vs #10 Wisconsin (11-2)


Winner: Wisconsin

Why they'll win: The Badgers have possibly the best QB/RB tandem in all of college football with Russell Wilson and All-American Montee Ball. Wilson has thrown for 2,879 yards and 33 touchdowns. He has also run for 320 more yards. Ball leads all of college football with 1,759 yards and 38 total touchdowns, two shy of the all-time single season record for a running back. Oregon back Lamichael James sits in fourth place with 1,646 yards. In the last few years, Oregon has not played well in big games when their opponent has extra time to prepare. They lost the '09 and '11 season openers to Boise State and LSU and lost the '09 Rose Bowl and '10 National Championship to Ohio State and Auburn. This will be an absolute shootout, but Wisconsin's defense is just a little better than Oregon's.

Fiesta Bowl - 1/2/12: #3 Oklahoma State (11-1) vs #4 Stanford (11-1)


Winner: Oklahoma State

Why they'll win: I expect OK State to play with some serious anger after being shafted out of the BCS Title game. Each team has a great quarterback, but neither plays well against the pass. OSU QB Brandon Weeden is third in the country with 4,328 passing yards and Stanford's defense ranks 77th against the pass. Andrew Luck threw for 3,170 yards in a more balanced offenseive scheme and the Cowboys rank 101st in pass defense. The deciding factor will be Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon, who is probably the best WR in the game (1,336 rec yards, 15 TD). Nobody in the Stanford secondary can match-up with him.

Sugar Bowl - 1/3/12: #13 Michigan (10-2) vs #17 Virginia Tech (10-2)


Winner: Michigan

Why they'll win: Denard Robinson has carried Michigan to this point despite not being able to throw the ball well. When you can run as well as he can, it doesn't matter. Robinson has thrown for 2,056 yards and ran for 1,163 more. Nobody has been able to stop him and the Hokies won't either. WR Roy Roundtree provides a big play threat down field and their defense is extremely underrated. Va Tech has a great QB/RB combo in Logan Thomas (2,799 pass yards, 416 rush yards) and David Wilson (1,627 rush yards) who should keep it close, but UM wins in the end.

Orange Bowl - 1/4/12: #14 Clemson (10-3) vs #23 West Virginia (9-3)


Winner: Clemson

Why they'll win: Clemson's Sammy Watkins has 1,153 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. He's become one of the best deep-ball threats in NCAA football and nobody in the WVU secondary can keep up with him. QB Tajh Boyd has had a great season, throwing for 3,578 yards and 31 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions. The days of Pat White, Steve Slaton, and Noel Devine are gone and the Mountaineers don't have the offensive threats to match Clemson.

Cotton Bowl - 1/6/12: #7 Arkansas (10-2) vs #11 Kansas State (10-2) 


Winner: Arkansas

Why they'll win: The Razorbacks have a huge advantage in the passing game. QB Tyler Wilson has had a fantastic year, passing for 3,422 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. Jarius Wright really spreads the field at wide receiver for the Hogs, who will rip apart the KSU secondary, which ranks 103rd defending the pass.

BBVA Compass Bowl - 1/7/12: Southern Methodist (7-5) vs Pittsburgh (6-6)

Winner: Southern Methodist

Why they'll win: The only thing Pitt does all that well is stop the run, but June Jones runs the "run and shoot" with the Mustangs and will throw it the vast majority of the time. Pittsburgh ranks 70th nationally defending the pass and SMU's J.J. McDermott has passed for over 3,000 yards.

GoDaddy.com Bowl - 1/8/12: Northern Illinois (10-3) vs Arkansas State (10-2)

Winner: Northern Illinois

Why they'll win: NIU has a great offense, ranking 10th overall. Quarterback Chandler Harnish is a lot of fun to watch. Harnish threw for 2,942 yards, 26 touchdowns, and only five picks. He also ran for 1,382 yards and 11 more TD's. Arkansas State looks to be over-matched from an athletic standpoint.

BCS Championship - 1/9/12: #1 Louisiana State (13-0) vs #2 Alabama (11-1)


Winner: Alabama

Why they'll win: LSU won the first meeting 9-6 back on November 5th  in overtime. However, I don't think anyone in the country can beat the Crimson Tide twice. Alabama has the best defense in the country, giving up just 75 rushing yards per game and 116 passing yards. LSU's defense is right behind them at number two. However, LSU will not have the benefit of homefield advantage this time around. The game in being played in New Orleans, but many more fans from Tuscaloosa will be in attendance than in Baton Rouge. Alabama's Trent Richardson is an absolute monster at running back and I think he turns out to be the X-factor. As long as A.J. McCarron manages the game accordingly, Alabama will score the ultimate revenge.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Toledo Head Coach Tim Beckman To Illinois

The University of Toledo will be looking for a new head football coach in the very near future.

I have two sources and now ESPN confirming Tim Beckman will indeed be taking the head coaching position at Illinois just months after signing an extension with UT through the 2015 season.

One source has told me that a player told him Beckman did not notify the players of anything related to his future today, but did say he had to leave immediately after practice to attend a funeral in Columbus.

The Champaign News-Gazette reports that a press conference could happen as early as tomorrow, meaning Beckman is likely already in the Champaign area.

All-American wide receiver for the Rockets, Eric Page, sent out this tweet: "You can't teach someone to be a man when you can't act like a man yourself.."


Beckman made $400,000 a year with the Rockets and is rumored to make upwards of $2 million per season with the Illini.


It's about to get real interesting in Toledo.

Toledo Looks to Avenge Loss Against Green Bay

http://www.independentcollegian.com/toledo-looks-to-avenge-loss-against-green-bay-1.2681555#.TuEp0WMge2w

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Tiger: Back on the Prowl

Did you really think he was going to miss?

The expression on Zach Johnson’s face as Tiger Woods sank a birdie putt on the 72nd green to win his first event in 25 months said it all: Uh-oh, we’re in trouble.

To the rest of the PGA Tour, consider this a warning. The man who is quite possibly the most feared athlete in the history of sports appears to be back. I hope they enjoyed the last two years, because the future looks awfully bright for Woods.

As the last two holes unfolded Sunday at the Chevron World Challenge, I couldn’t help but think back to the countless number of times I’ve seen Tiger win a golf tournament in dramatic fashion. After a birdie at 16 by Johnson to take a one-shot lead, the stage was set perfectly. Tiger approached the 17th tee needing some of that Tiger-magic that made us love the guy long ago.

In moments like these over the past two years, this is when Tiger would hook one deep into the trees, lip one out on the green, or see his competitor make a spectacular shot instead. At this very event a year ago, Tiger hit a great second into the 18th green only to see Graham McDowell drill a long birdie putt to force a playoff he would eventually win. Those occurrences almost never happened to Tiger in the biggest moments pre-Thanksgiving 2009.

However, admitting to over 100 different extramarital affairs, a damaged Escalade, busted lip, humiliating press conference, $100 million divorce, taking a hiatus from golf, hiring a new swing coach, going winless in 2010, missing 11 weeks and missing two majors in 2011 with injuries, and  hiring a new caddy all in a two year span will change all of that.

What we saw on Sunday reminded us of what Tiger once was and what he still is; the best.

Standing on the 17th tee, Woods placed his tee shot right where it needed to be, in the short grass. His left his approach shot a little short, but it was right on line. He left himself a makeable birdie putt, as did Johnson, who was first up. Johnson just missed, while Tiger made his to tie Johnson at 9-under with one hole to play.


After Tiger converted his birdie chance, NBC showed the reaction from fans who were standing on the next hole and watching live on one of the big screens set up around the course. As the ball fell in, they went nuts. Just like old times.

So there Tiger is, standing on the tee box all square with a Masters champion, trying to win his first tournament in over two years. Just like the hole before, Woods and Johnson find the fairway. Johnson was first to play his second, as was customary for the entire day. He stepped up to the ball and knocked it within 15 feet.

Tiger, faced with the most significant shot he’d seen in ages, got his second right on line with the flag stick from 158 yards out. About two seconds after contact, Tiger starts power walking towards to the green, which means one thing and one thing only: it’s a good one. Tiger sticks it within 10 feet and it rolls back to about seven.

I can’t help but feel bad for Zach Johnson. It has to be difficult to play golf when you’re fully aware that nobody in the gallery is cheering for you, but that’s life when the man you’re trying to beat in the final holes is named Tiger Woods.

When Zach Johnson pulled his birdie putt left, the tournament was pretty much over. Everyone watching knew that Tiger wasn’t missing this one, and he didn’t. Tiger started his ever-so-famous fist pump before the ball even fell in the cup. That violent swing of the arm accompanied with his Tiger-like roar let out two years worth of frustration.

Woods has a grip on the game of golf unlike any other athlete has had on his or her sport. I can’t imagine how many people were glued to a TV that was showing golf on a December Sunday instead of the mighty NFL. The game is so much better when Tiger is playing like himself.

Despite what some are saying, this win absolutely matters. It counts for points in the world rankings and he still had to make all of the shots in high pressure situations. It may have only been a 17-player field, but it still featured four golfers in the top 10. This win will do wonders for Tiger’s confidence, which had to be lacking over the last 25 months.

If you look at what he’s done over the last month or so, his play keeps getting better and better. It started at the Australian Masters, where he finished third and posted three of four rounds in the sixties. A week later, he made a putt for the Americans to clinch the Presidents Cup, where he also played quite well. He’s been on the right side of 70 in 9 of his last 11 rounds.

Anyone who thought Tiger Woods wasn’t going to catch and pass Jack Nicklaus for the most major tournament victories at some point is just plain foolish. Michael Jordan took two years off from basketball and came back better than he was when he left. That’s exactly what Tiger is, the Michael Jordan of his sport, which is why he will indeed pass Jack.

Have people forgotten who this man is? This is the man who won the U.S. Open by 15 shots at Pebble Beach. This is the man who won another U.S. Open on a broken leg, and he had to play an extra 18 to do it. This is the man who once won four majors in a row.

Some say his age will be a big reason why he won’t break the record, which I’ve never bought into. Steve Stricker, ranked fifth in the world, is 44 years old. Since his forties, he has played the best golf of his life, winning eight tournaments and posting three top tens in majors. If Steve Stricker is capable of doing that much, you don’t think Tiger is capable of doing even more? Considering how well he conditions, he could easily compete until he’s 50. Tiger needs five to break jack’s record. 5 out of 56?

I like his chances. Welcome back, Tiger. We’ve missed you.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Tebow Mania

It has to be one of the craziest, most unique, and unexplainable phenomenons I have ever seen in sports. What Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is doing has taken the sports world by storm, and it doesn’t look like it plans on letting up. Never before have we spent so much time talking about an NFL quarterback completing 45 percent of his passes.
            
It’s impossible to flip to any sports channel on your television these days without hearing about the man known for “Tebowing.” You can’t tune to any sports radio program without listening to the host argue with callers about whether or not the magic can be sustained. The man is everywhere.
            
Just like everyone else, I don’t know if this will last forever, but I sure hope it does. The Broncos will square off against the 2-9 Minnesota Vikings on Sunday and it will likely be one of the most talked about and most watched games of the week. Forget the 11-0 Packers pursuing perfection. Forget the “dreamteam” Eagles desperately trying to climb their way out of the toilet. Forget the pivotal AFC North matchup between the Steelers and Bengals for first place, I’m not interested. Give me more Tebow.
            
Is Tebow’s throwing motion jacked up? You bet. Is his completion percentage laughable? Absolutely. The one thing that simply cannot be denied, however, is that Timothy Richard Tebow knows how to win football games.
            
As a two year starter at the University of Florida, his career record was 35-6 and won a National Championship. He lost a total of two games in his last two years.
            
When he entered the draft, almost nobody believed in him. His throwing motion was too long, he couldn’t take a snap from under center, and his pocket presence was non-existent. Without Urban Meyer, this guy is nothing, right? Not so fast.
            
Since Tebow took over for Kyle Orton and the 1-4 Broncos in week seven of the NFL season, all he’s done is go 5-1 and move Denver into playoff contention in the lousy AFC West. It’s not always pretty, but somehow, someway, he finds a way to win. Last time I checked, that’s what John Elway is paying him to do, and he’s doing it.
            
Unlike Lebron James, Tim Tebow knows how to play when it matters most. It’s scary how similar each one of his games seems to be. For the first 45, 50, or even 55 minutes, it’s not always pretty. It’s not at all uncommon to see him miss an open receiver, throw a pass a yard behind or in front of his target, or throw one right into the turf. The offense he leads looks stagnant for the majority of the game. But when it’s “go time,” he turns into a man possessed.
            
Against Miami, he orchestrated scoring drives of 80 and 56 yards in the final minutes and ran in a two-point conversion to tie the game and send it into overtime. He also led the drive that set up the game-winning field goal.
            
Two weeks later, the Broncos decided to run a college offense, one very similar to what Tebow ran at Florida. Just when you think you’ve seen it all in the NFL, someone starts running the option-read , and it worked. Tebow ran for 118 yards on 12 carries while running back Willis McGahee ran for 163 and two scores on 20 attempts to get the victory.
            
This party had only just begun. Continuing with their option-read attack, Tebow threw the ball only eight times against the Chiefs and completed two of them.  Not that it mattered, because one of those completions came late in the fourth quarter, a 56-yarder to Eric Decker to win the game.
           
A week later, Tebow had to face the New York Jets and their vaunted defense with only four days to prepare. Surely, this charade was over with, right? Wrong. Struggling to move the football all night, Tebow and the Broncos took over at their own 5-yard line with under six minutes to play and trailing 13-10. He guided his Broncos down to the Jets 20 with just over a minute left. Facing an all-out blitz from the Jets defense, Tebow picked it up, pulled it down, ran past a safety, made a cut, and found his way into the endzone for a 20-yard TD run. He did it again.
            
Last week, in San Diego, the Florida-style offense once again prevailed. Using the option-read, Tebow and McGahee combined to rush for 184 yards. A missed field goal by the Chargers took this one into OT. Matt Prater made his for Denver on their third possession of overtime, giving the fighting Tebows yet another win.
           
When it comes to Tebow, there is no middle ground. Either you love and appreciate what he’s doing, or if you’re like ESPN analyst Merril Hoge, you find every way possible to rip the kid.
            
Instead of focusing on what he does wrong, can we focus on what he does right? He is 5-1 since taking over and 4-0 on the road. Tebow has 11 total touchdowns (8 passing, 3 rushing) against just one interception. In that six game span, Phil Rivers is 0-6 with 10 interceptions.
            
It’s so easy to cheer for this guy. Maybe it’s the fact that so many people try to tear him down, his willingness to thank God every chance he gets, his million-dollar smile, his knack for performing in the clutch, or squeaky-clean image (he once had his name removed from a Playboy All-American list because it was too racy for his Christian beliefs). Whatever the reason, I, like so many others, keep finding myself saying, “When do the Broncos play?”

I don’t know how much longer this will last, but I plan on enjoying every last second.