Technical anyone??

This link shows the video if you have not already seen what happened during the Florida vs Vandy game Saturday. First let me congradulate Vandy on a great win for their program, and as a Florida fan I was glad to see us get humbled a little right before the SEC tournament. We need something to play for.

In case you didn't see the game Florida was getting beat by Vandy in the second half as Noah goes for the ball to inbound off a made basket. Coach Stallins of Vandy catches the ball and then plays a little keep away from Noah, who is grabbing at the ball to inbound and run a break. Stallins pretty clearly says "get your f*^*&& hands off the ball as he slaps Noah away twice". What surprised me was the two refs standing there go after Noah while not even giving a delay of game warning to Vandy. Why in the world was a technical not called???

While Noah and Donovan are saying the right things you have to wonder if this will fire up Florida should they play Vandy in the SEC tournament a little later on...

Go Gators

This past weekend Jamey and I were able to attend a Florida (#1 in the nation) basketball game with our friends Dawn and Chris. We had a great time as you can see from the pictures. Florida made its statement with a lead from wire-to-wire against a surprisingly solid Auburn team. That makes Jamey 3-3 in games we have gone to where our team has won. So if any of you want to insure a win you can give us a call.

ANY MORE QUESTIONS!!

Any more doubters for Florida (or the SEC for that matter). Not only did Florida prove them wrong. They did it in a big way.
I actually am one of the few that picked Florida to win, but I did not know it would be soooooo pretty. To win in a game that was over before half time against a team no one thought could be beat is great.

Chris Leak and his 95 years of experience showed on the biggest stage as he completely out-played Troy Smith. The defense decided to show that the SEC is built on speed...and speed kills (just ask OSU).

The Gators (13-1) had 21 first downs to OSU's 8. Florida outgained the Buckeyes (12-1) in total yards, 370 to 82. How's that for domination?

Troy Smith was 4-of-14 passing, 35 yards and was sacked 5 times and pressured all night long.

This has been a great year for the Gator fans as we have now won the two most important (popular) titles: Men's Basketball (looking for a repeat) and Football.



On a side note: Not hearing much about Michigan these days...

Cool Slideshows

How 'bout them Gators

Way to go Florida. Beat OSU in the championship.

On a side note...I hate the Dolphins.

"if they only had a brain"

The BCS has got me singing the old wizard of OZ song. They want the bowl money at the expense of having a great playoff system. Let's look at what a 8 team playoff would look like.

I picked the top 5 teams from the BCS and put in the ACC winner (we'll say GTech and undefeated Boise State, and Texas (big 12). To do this I had to nock out the WV/Rutgers/Lousiville teams which could be substituted for Boise State (either way they would be beat in the first round by Ohio State). Florida could also be switched with Arkansas if they win the SEC.

1 vs 8
Ohio State takes on undefeated Boise State. While I think everyone would pick OSU here, I'd pay to watch the game. We'll say OSU wins.

2 vs 7
Michigan takes on Georgia Tech. This is another game that could be closer than people think featuring the games best wide recievers. We'll pick Michigan.

3 vs 6
USC vs. Texas makes for a nice little rematch does it not. While both teams are very different I think the game would be a good one here. We'll go with USC.

4 vs 5
Florida vs. Notre Dame. You think people would not pay big money to go watch this one. Florida will prove how over-rated the irish are.

Second Round

OSU vs. Florida. To many this would be like a championship game. To be fair we'll pick OSU, although I think Florida would give them all they want.

USC vs. Michigan. A nice little Rose Bowl match-up. I'd go with USC in a close one.

Championship

OSU vs. USC. This might be the real BCS game, but at least it would have been proved on the field and not just voted on. I'd take OSU to win big.

That's B(C)S

Today they revealed the new BCS standings. The day after Michigan gave up 42 points in a loss to Ohio State. The day after Michigan was down 11 points with 30 seconds to go in the "great epic" between two of the better teams in the NCAA. To me Ohio State dominated the game, and although they did not do a great job against Mike Hart, they are the superior team by far.
The rankings:
1. Ohio State (no problem here)
2. Michigan (are you kidding me?)
3. USC (another over-rated team)
4. Florida (another SEC team about to get messed over)
5. Notre Dame
6. Arkansas
7. West Virginia
8. Louisville


Now don't get me wrong Michigan is better than several of the other one-loss teams (they beat Notre Dame rather easily), but to put them over USC and Florida and even red-hot Arkansas is a mistake. Of course people that live in the rust belt (also known as the mid-west want a rematch) what else will they do?? Make some more cars!!


Here are the resume's for the other top teams and senarios that I would put them in.

Florida: If they beat FSU and Arkansas they should be number 2. They have the toughest schedule of any of the top 10 teams and are a blocked punt away from being undefeated. Yes, they do not win pretty (how about Michigans thrilling win over Vandy, or their close call two weeks ago). If we are stuck with an awful system, the team that plays the hardest schedule with the best record should be in the championship game.

USC: If Florida falters and they win-out they should go. They have not played a rough schedule (with the exception of Notre Dame, who Michigan handled and Arkansas, lucky they played them early). They should go over a one-loss Arkansas team because they won the head-to-head. They should go over Michigan because their resume will be very similar, except we have not already seen them get handled by Ohio State.

Arkansas: Need to win-out (LSU will give them fits and I don't think they match up well with Florida) and hope for Notre Dame to beat USC. If that happens I say you put them ahead of Michigan and Notre Dame.

Michigan: Obviously I am not very high on a rematch. But...If Florida loses to Arkansas, and Arkansas loses to LSU (very possible) AND Notre Dame beats USC (also possible) Michigan should go over a Notre Dame team they have already beat.

So those are my senarios, what do you think? What about other bowl games? Here are a few of my picks.

Sugar: Florida (who gets left in the cold) vs. West Virginia (if they beat Rutgers)
Rose: Michigan vs. Auburn (There's your rematch)
Orange: ACC winner vs. Notre Dame
Fiesta: Texas vs. Boise State

I see Arkansas getting the Capital Bowl, Tennesse in the next SEC game and LSU in the leftover bowl.

BCS poll

This is my blog on the BCS. Sometimes I feel you could take the "C" out of it, but this time they are pretty close to correct. Here is the current rankings.



1. Ohio State: They should be #1. They will be #1 all the way to the Michigan game. I can't see them losing to Michigan, so I guess they will be in the BCS Championship game. Hopefully they will play a good team, I can't stand OSU.




2. USC: The most underated team that has only lost a game in 3 years. They are being chosen to lose every week, but still are finding a way to get it done. I think they will run the table in the pac 10. I can't see Cal beating them, but Notre Dame could.

3. Michigan: Finally producing with all that talent, we'll see if they are still unbeaten when they get a shot at THE Ohio State University. I still think they could be upset before the game, and beat OSU to ruin their chances (at least that is what I am hoping for).

4. Auburn: Don't get me wrong here. I don't have a problem with Auburn, but to put them ahead of an undefeated tallented team does not make sense to me. Yes they play in the SEC, and if they'd lost to a very good SEC team that would make sense...They lost to ARKANSAS. Auburn will not lose another game, unfortunately they will still not be in the SEC Championship game, because I think the Hogs beat Tennessee.




5. West Virginia: They are my pick to be the team that gets messed over this year. I hope for their sake, that there is not a 1-loss team playing for the national title. I think they go undefeated and FLA still gets to go.
6. Florida: Good spot for FLA. I might have put them under Lousiville. Although, I think they are better than Auburn, they lost to them, so they should be underneath them in the rankings. Florida will not lose again. And when they beat the Hogs in the SEC Championship they will have a good chance to sneak into the title game.
7. Louisville: Another hopeful team that might go undefeated and not get a chance to play for the national title. I do not see them beating WVU, but if they do, they deserve to at least get a chance to go to the BCS Championship.
8. Notre Dame: Please beat USC. I don't think they can go to the BCS Championship, but they can mess it up for USC. They'll play in the orange bowl again.
9. Texas: Not real impressed with them, but they will finish with one loss this year. Going to the Rose to play the Michigan/OSU loser.
10. Cal: Tennessee might debate this ranking. They will lose again and not be in this spot.

My pick for what it will look like in the end.
1. OSU: I'd like them to lose to Michigan, but cannot see it happening.
2. USC: I don't think Notre Dame beats them at home.
3. FLA: They win the SEC with one loss and a blocked punt keeps them out of the title game.
4. WVU: They go undefeated and hopefully play FLA in an exciting game.
5. Auburn: They do not lose again and get a bowl spot.
6. Texas: Will not lose a game from here on out and will play Michigan is Rose Bowl.
7. Michigan: They may lose two games and still get in the rose bowl.
8. Boise State: I don't see them losing and hope the get invited to a BCS game, so they get killed.
9. Notre Dame: They lose to USC, but still get into a BCS (They now have 5 BCS games).
10. Louisville: Lose a close one to WVU and have to watch a sub-par ACC team take their spot in the BCS series.

Tell me how wrong I am.

Top Ten College Games Remaining

With UF going to Auburn this week it got me to thinking of what were the top games left this season. As many of you know I love top ten lists, so here are my top 10 college games left this season. Obviously it does not include championship games or bowl games, these are games that are already scheduled.


10. Tennessee vs Arkansas: This game will determine alot about both teams. If Arkansas can pull the win off I see them as no worse than in first in the West of the SEC. If Tennessee wins they stay in the shadows of FLA in the East and help out Auburn's hopes of playing in the SEC championship.

9. USC vs. Cal: Proabably for the Pac 10 championship. Every team not in the Pac 10 will be pulling for Cal to upset the Trojans and keep them out of the championship game for the 3rd straight year.

8. Nebraska vs. Missouri: Normally the North of the Big 12 is a joke. Not so this year with Nebraska at 5-1 and Missouri at 6-0. The winner here gets their shot at Texas and a BCS bowl game.


7. FLA vs FSU: I know FSU is not looking good. But if FLA manages to get through the rough part of the schedule unscathed, look out for the Noles. This could be FLA's fall game before the SEC championship game.

6. Clemson vs GTech: The winner here is my pick to have a great shot at a BCS. GTech has only one loss (to Notre Dame) and Clemson is as dangerous as anyone in the country right now.

5. Arkansas vs LSU: This game will be huge for the hogs if they want to have a shot at a BCS game. Same for any chances of LSU.

4. Notre Dame vs. USC: This is big for the bowls. If ND wins, pencil them into a big game. If USC wins and takes the Pac 10...sadly I think they go to the BCS regaurdless of what FLA can do.

3. Florida vs Auburn: If FLA wins 2 things happen. 1) Arkansas is in the championship game in the west. 2) FLA will go into FSU undefeated. If Auburn wins, the conference is up for grabs on both sides.

2. West Virginia vs Louisville: The winner of this is in a BCS bowl game, and has a chance to play in the Championship game if things go their way. I like WVU and Louisville against any other team in the country and would love to see one of them win it all.

1. Ohio State vs. Michigan: Talk about huge. This will be for a birth in the Championship game assuming both can do what they need to leading up to this point.

Let me know what you think. My picks:

10. Tennessee
9. USC
8. Nebraska
7. Florida
6. Geogia Tech
5. LSU
4. USC
3. Auburn
2. West Virginia
1. Ohio State

Sports picks for the week

Picks for the Week

These are the Swami Simpson’s picks for the week in sports. It will be a mix of pro, college, high school and yes junior high sports that I will be watching. Here are the picks.

JUNIOR HIGH

ACA vs. St. James
The Eagles get a chance for revenge. In the earlier loss, the girls held a late lead, but could not finish off the Trojans. With new coach Jamey Simpson, ACA is on the right path…
The pick: ACA in 3 games

ACA vs. MA
That is Montgomery Academy, not Madison. Last week the Eagles allowed an 18-6 lead to go to waste in their 23-25 loss. Not this time.
The pick: ACA in 2 games

County Volleyball tournament
With unbeaten Trinity the current favorite, many are not giving ACA a chance. I feel the girls are peaking at the right time and based on their tough 3 game set with Trinity last week…
ACA wins tournament
Giving Coach Jamey Simpson her 3rd county title in 3 years


HIGH SCHOOL

Madison Academy vs. Elkmont
The Mustangs were upended last week by upstart New Hope. Although Carter Hamric went 2-3 late in the game the Mustangs were too far down to come back. This week they face a much-improved Elkmont team for their homecoming. The game will be closer than expected but the Mustang D is too much for the Devils.
The pick: MA 14 – Elkmont 10

ACA vs. Catholic
The Eagles had their chances last week against the 3-1 Ashford team. One play would have brought home that first win. This week they face a Catholic team with 20 returning Seniors that is looking to avenge several years of frustration against ACA. The Eagles have looked good the past few weeks and hopefully the improvement will turn to a win.
The pick: ACA ? – Catholic ?


COLLEGE

Auburn vs. South Carolina
I like what Stevie has been doing to the Gamecocks. That said, Auburn will win going away…
Auburn 35 – USC 17

Tennessee vs. Memphis
Memphis always plays tough. No wait they’re awful…
TN 34 – Memphis 14

Florida vs. Alabama
It scares me that the Tide will be fired up to play. But UF should too, just remember the thrashing of last year…
UF 35 – Alabama 20

Notre Dame vs. Purdue
I am a true Notre Dame hater. This pick is more hope than what I really think will happen…
Purdue 35 – Notre Dame 34

Georgia Tech vs. Virginia Tech
A close game should be expected. I am not impressed with Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech’s only loss was a close one to Notre Dame…
GT 24 – VT 17

Ohio State vs. Iowa
This is the last chance until Michigan for OSU to lose. They won’t…
OSU 28 – Iowa 20


PRO FOOTBALL

Miami vs. Houston
I am not impressed with the Dolphins at all. Good for us the Titans are worse. The game will be close, but…
Miami 17 – Houston 13

Kansas City vs. San Francisco
KC is due a win for Jon…
KC 28 – SF 24

San Diego vs. Baltimore
This is the game of the week. San Diego is the real deal, while I think Baltimore has won some games against weaker opponents…
SD 28 – Baltimore 21

New England vs. Cincinnati
The Patriots need a win in a bad way. Fortunately, for me and other Dolphin fans they won’t get it this week…
Cin 31 – NE 21

Seattle vs. Chicago
Another match-up that should be fun to watch. Seattle has a great offense, but I think Chicago will hold them in check for much of the game. And as a defensive coordinator I believe that D wins championships…
CHI 17 – Seattle 14

Well there you go sports fans. Tell me what you think.

Strongest Football Conference

This is to all those who love college football. I have always heard this conference is the best, or this one is because of this. I have moved enough and have enough favorite teams (FLA, AZ, Air Force) to give a somewhat unbiased opinion on the strongest conference in college football. I rank them on overall streangth, top teams, and year-in year-out streangth. With deepest sympathies to all the smaller conferences I will limit this to the BCS top 6.

Big East:

Easily to weakest of the bunch. Only WV keeps them above the lower level conferences. Louisville is a solid team recently and every now and then Syracuse is worth something (not lately though).
Too many weak teams drag them down to the bottom of the 6.

PAC 10:

In basketball I'll fight for them, not in football though. USC is head and shoulders above the rest. And I think USC still wouldv'e gone undefeated in the tougher conferences the last few years. After USC we saw what happened to Cal against a solid (not spectacular Tennessee team). Oregon looks to be tough. But Boise State beat the dog out of Oregon State last night and there are too many weak sisters here as well. Arizona and ASU will be improved and could make a bowl, but would not fare well in the tougher conferences. UCLA can't play a lick of defense. Stanford is another basketball school.
They fall to number 5 of 6.

Big 10:

I know this may have been blaspheme ten years ago. But now it is reality. The Big 10 is simply not that good. Ohio State I believe is a national title contender and that is why I have them above the Pac 10. Michigan is a constant underacheiver (but they do have the best uniforms in the land). MSU is off and on. Same with Purdue, Northwestern (who is more off than on) and Illinois. Iowa is a solid under the radar type team. Penn St. was good last year for the first time in a while, but is not looking too good this year. Wisconsin is good at running the ball, and that's about it.
They are 4 of 6.

Big 12:

They are this high for two reasons and two reasons alone: 1) Texas, 2) Oklahoma. The rest are mediocre at best. I feel you have to have them up here because every year either TX or OK will be in the title game it seems or close to it. Nebraska is turning it around and look to win the North this year. Texas A & M is normally good, until recently. But I feel they will bounce back this year or next. Texas Tech has one of the best offenses in the country (until they play Alabama). Kansas St. is normally pretty tough as well. The rest: Not so good.
3 of 6

SEC:

Most might disagree with this and I like to hear the reasons. The SEC is a very tough conference. Both sides have national contenders year in and year out. In the East you have FLA, TN, Georgia, and sometimes USC. In the west LSU, AU and Alabama most years. The problem lies in the rest of the teams. Vandy and Kentucky are whipping boys for the SEC and would be for most other conferences as well. Arkansas can sometimes do fairly well. MSU and Ole Miss are terrible.
2 of 6

ACC:

I know this is a surprise to some people. But the top teams are as good as the SEC: Miami, FSU, VTech, Clemson (this season), Georgia Tech. They also have a much more solid middle: Boston College, NC State, Virginia, North Carolina. They do have a bottom level: Duke, Wake Forrest. But the lower level is much more competitive than in any conference. With title teams at the top, a solid middle to push them, and only two write in wins I think the ACC is
1 of 6

Alright you SEC crazy's tell me why I am wrong.

Football preview

This is my football preview. It will feature college, pro and high school teams. Teams that I like and how I feel they will finish.

NFL: I am a huge Dolphin fan, but do not believe as some have suggested that they will make a run at the super bowl. I do feel they have a chance at a wild card given their division is not as strong as others in the AFC. My pick 10-6 and out in the first round.

Division Winners:

NFC

East: Giants: Tiki Barber. Manning with another year experience.
North: Chicago: Defense will lead the way.
South: Carolina: Too much talent.
West: Seattle: No one will put up a fight in West.

Wildcards: Cowboys, Tampa Bay

Just missing the cut: Saints, Falcons, Cardinals, Rams

Big disapointments: Redskins


AFC

East: Patriots: Tom Brady, 'nough said
North: Cincy: Carson looks ok.
South: Indy: Peyton Manning (seeing a theme here)
West: Denver: Running game always solid.

Wildcards: Miami, Pittsburg

Just missing the cut: KC, Jacksonville, San Diego (too much tallent in AFC West)

Big disapointment: Oakland (Again)

NFC Championship: Carolina vs. NY. Giants

AFC Championship: Patriots vs. Indy

Super Bowl: Patriots beat NY. Giants



College Preview

My favorite teams: Florida, FSU, Miami, Air Force, Arizona.
Of the above the Florida schools should fare well (although no real contenders for the BCS). Air Force will be above .500 and Arizona I think will creep above .500 under the "other Stoops".

Top 10

1. Ohio State: Too much Troy Smith (alot like Vince Young)
2. West Virginia: I believe in this under-the-radar team
3. Auburn: As much as I'll be rooting against them
4. LSU: Too much talent. Playing the "no respect card"
5. Notre Dame: Great offense. Bad defense. Rough schedule.
6. Oklahoma: If had QB would be my #2
7. Georgia: Too much talent. Under-the-radar. Due to beat FLA this year.
8. Cal: Should finally beat USC.
9. Florida: Next year will be their year.
10. FSU: Always loaded on defense. If they could just score a little...

Just outside: USC, Texas, Michigan, VTech, Miami, Louisville

Conference winners:

SEC: Auburn
Florida can win the East, but with Auburn or LSU out of the west look out.
Surprising team: Arkansas

Pac 10: Cal
USC will be there, but too much inexperience
Surprising team: Arizona

Big 12: OK
Texas is still good, just not vince good
Surprising Team: Colorado wins the north

ACC: FSU
VT and Miami will be around, just not enough
Surprising Team: Clemson

Big 10: OSU
Michigan could be very dangerous this year as well
Surprising Team: MSU



High school

Madison Academy: I am predicting a 12-2 season with the Mustangs getting to the semis. The defense returns 9 of 11 starters and should carry the team. Enough will be done on offense with the running backs to win games. Not pretty, but effective.

ACA: With the younger players the sky is the limit. Their DC is one of the brightest young minds in the game...

Let me know what you think.
Put in your favorite teams and lets hear how you think they'll do.