I decided to take a week off from prognosticating last week, due to my pretty miserable record, and, of course, missed a couple of golden opportunities. I know this is hindsight, and I know it doesn't count now, but I would've (seriously, really) picked South Carolina to beat Ole Miss and Miami to lose to Virginia Tech, big.
I've thought all along that the Rebels were overrated (and there's also that bit about losing their last 5--make it 6, now--SEC openers), and, while I've been impressed with the 'Canes, there's absolutely no shame in losing to the Hokies, especially in Blacksburg.
Anyway, here's a quick poke at the week that was:
The Good:
1. Iowa. Simply put, when this team's playing Penn State...pick 'em everytime. That's 7 of the last 8 to Kirk Ferentz' crew, and they did it in the prime-time rain of Happy Valley.
2. Oregon. Give them credit; after the season opening debacle in Boise, they've bounced back big, including a 42-6 thrashing of Cal, a team that was primed and ready to make a run at the conference and possibly national championship. Keep in mind they host USC later on this year. Maybe the Ducks will be playing in Pasadena in January, after all?
What's interesting about these two wins is it effectively eliminates the prime contenders in both the Big 10 and Pac 10, clearing the way for a Texas vs. SEC National Championship. If the Longhorns and either the Gators or Tide win out, we'll have about a clear-cut matchup for the crystal football as we've ever had.
The Bad:
1. LSU. Yeah, I know they won, but they needed a goal-line stand (and some strange play calling by Dan Mullen) against Mississippi State to do it. This after the Bulldogs did everything but gift wrap the game for them. Do you realize that this team is a stunning 105th in the nation in total offense? Defensively, they're not much better, at #65 against the run and 49th overall. They're getting ready to face the meat of their schedule, with a trip to Georgia this week followed by the Gators coming to town the week after, so, chances are, we'll know a lot more about this team real quick. Personally I think they're--wait for it--paper Tigers.
2. Boise State's schedule. It says something when your toughest remaining game--just 4 games into the season--is a road game against Tulsa. I'm personally tired of the talk surrounding the Broncos supposedly being "snubbed", even as they work their way up to a #5 ranking and, one would suppose, a spot in a BCS game. You want to play for the whole thing, though? Fine, go join the Pac 10 or any other conference that'll have you. Two things happen then: 1. Your schedule becomes legitimate and 2. It doesn't matter, because you're a mid-conference team.
The Ugly:
1. Florida State. Will someone--anyone--please tell me what's going on with this team? A close, albeit entertaining, loss at home against Miami. A shockingly close win over 1-AA Jacksonville State. A fairly impressive win over an overrated BYU team in Provo. And now, this. The 'Noles are officially 4th in the state. The USF Bulls came to Doak Campbell having lost their star quarterback in Matt Grothe, and leave with a 17-7 win. What would bother me most as an FSU fan is the way the coaching staff (read: "Bobby Bowden") just kind of shrugs this stuff off anymore, like it'll be better next week. Guess what, 'Nole fans: it won't.
2. Tim Tebow's head. Thankfully it doesn't appear it'll be ugly for too long, but Saturday night all of Gator Nation held their breath as Tim lay on the Commenwealth Stadium grass. I knew looking at the replay of the back of his head hitting Marcus Gilbert's knee that this was going to be nasty but it probably could've been much, much worse. I won't get drawn into the argument that seems to be building that he shouldn't have even been in the game at that point, by the way. It's really a matter of opinion, and there is really no right or wrong answer. Coaches--and players, for that matter--have differing agendas and, as difficult as this may be to believe, it goes beyond just winning a ball game. When I have as many championships under my belt as Urban Meyer does, I'll make those calls. Until then, he's calling the shots, and doing pretty well, thank you.
Besides, nobody that I've heard talking about this dared mention Colt McCoy, who played into the 3rd quarter in a drubbing of UTEP. He was in the game at 47-7, chucking the ball around. I've got no problem if you want to call out Urban Meyer for leaving Tebow in the game as late as he did, but you'd better have Mack Brown next on your list to call if you're going to do it.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
College Football Preview: Week 3
I picked 2 of 3 winners last week...though, how they got there was certainly different than how I thought they would. It appears that Ohio State and Michigan (and, therefore, the Big 10?) are, respectively, slightly and much better than I thought, and that someone hijacked every defensive player from Georgia and South Carolina...how else to explain a combined 78 points?
Anyway, here's to a better week 3:
1. Georgia Tech @ Miami (Thursday Night). I'm not drinking the 'Canes kool aid. I'm just not. Yes, they eked out a win in a Labor Day "classic" against FSU, but that victory looks fairly hollow now (see Gamecocks, Jacksonville State). Then again, the 'Ramblin' Wreck nearly blew a huge lead at home against Clemson, only to pull out victory last week. Anyway, if Miami can contain Georgia Tech's ACC-leading running game, they've got a good shot at winning this. But that's a big if for a defense that gave up the second-most rushing yards in UM history last year to this same Yellow Jacket team. Like I said, I'm not drinking...
Georgia Tech 34 Miami 23
2. FSU @ BYU. Max Hall=good passer. Seminole Defense=bad pass defense. FSU loses this one fairly big in Provo, on their way to a disastrous season (no more than 6 wins...I'm serious) and falls farther into mediocrity and irrelevance. Seminole fans better hope something changes soon to change the fortunes of a once proud team, because the longer things stay like this...well, I digress.
BYU 43 FSU 20
3. Georgia @ Arkansas. I've been wavering on this one all week. I guess I'm not sure which Georgia team is the real one. Is it the 'Dawg squad that only mustered 10 points against Oklahoma State's defense two weeks ago (a defense that returned to form in giving up 45 this week to Houston), while holding an explosive offense largely in check? Or is it the Bulldog offense that scored 41 against a pretty good defense in South Carolina, while defensively giving up 37 themselves? On the Arkansas side of the ball, I think this is a good team that has some experience from last season...particularly in quarterback Ryan Mallett. Playing their SEC opener in Fayetville doesn't hurt, either. In short, I think the 'Hogs could surprise some folks in the SEC. Does that start with the favored Bulldogs?
Arkansas 34 Georgia 22
Bonus Pick: Tennessee @ Florida. Florida fans are hoping to embarrass Lane Kiffin, somewhere to the tune of 127-0. The talent gap between these two teams has rarely been larger, but it's made slimmer in a big rivalry showdown like this. UT has a pretty good defense, and I think Tebow will have some challenges against Eric Berry and crew on Saturday. Still, those challenges pale in comparison to what Jonathan Crompton will have to deal with. It's bad enough UF's defense is every bit as deep as they are talented. If that weren't bad enough, this is an undersized offense that can't move the ball effectively. If they are to have a hope, it will have to be from running the football and controlling the clock enough to keep the Florida offense off the field. The Gators will try to force Crompton to beat them through the air and, if Lane is foolish enough to take the bait, he'll lose big. Even with some success on the ground, it's tough to see this Vol team scoring more than a couple of touchdowns...unless they're defense- or special teams-driven.
Florida 37 Tennessee 13
Anyway, here's to a better week 3:
1. Georgia Tech @ Miami (Thursday Night). I'm not drinking the 'Canes kool aid. I'm just not. Yes, they eked out a win in a Labor Day "classic" against FSU, but that victory looks fairly hollow now (see Gamecocks, Jacksonville State). Then again, the 'Ramblin' Wreck nearly blew a huge lead at home against Clemson, only to pull out victory last week. Anyway, if Miami can contain Georgia Tech's ACC-leading running game, they've got a good shot at winning this. But that's a big if for a defense that gave up the second-most rushing yards in UM history last year to this same Yellow Jacket team. Like I said, I'm not drinking...
Georgia Tech 34 Miami 23
2. FSU @ BYU. Max Hall=good passer. Seminole Defense=bad pass defense. FSU loses this one fairly big in Provo, on their way to a disastrous season (no more than 6 wins...I'm serious) and falls farther into mediocrity and irrelevance. Seminole fans better hope something changes soon to change the fortunes of a once proud team, because the longer things stay like this...well, I digress.
BYU 43 FSU 20
3. Georgia @ Arkansas. I've been wavering on this one all week. I guess I'm not sure which Georgia team is the real one. Is it the 'Dawg squad that only mustered 10 points against Oklahoma State's defense two weeks ago (a defense that returned to form in giving up 45 this week to Houston), while holding an explosive offense largely in check? Or is it the Bulldog offense that scored 41 against a pretty good defense in South Carolina, while defensively giving up 37 themselves? On the Arkansas side of the ball, I think this is a good team that has some experience from last season...particularly in quarterback Ryan Mallett. Playing their SEC opener in Fayetville doesn't hurt, either. In short, I think the 'Hogs could surprise some folks in the SEC. Does that start with the favored Bulldogs?
Arkansas 34 Georgia 22
Bonus Pick: Tennessee @ Florida. Florida fans are hoping to embarrass Lane Kiffin, somewhere to the tune of 127-0. The talent gap between these two teams has rarely been larger, but it's made slimmer in a big rivalry showdown like this. UT has a pretty good defense, and I think Tebow will have some challenges against Eric Berry and crew on Saturday. Still, those challenges pale in comparison to what Jonathan Crompton will have to deal with. It's bad enough UF's defense is every bit as deep as they are talented. If that weren't bad enough, this is an undersized offense that can't move the ball effectively. If they are to have a hope, it will have to be from running the football and controlling the clock enough to keep the Florida offense off the field. The Gators will try to force Crompton to beat them through the air and, if Lane is foolish enough to take the bait, he'll lose big. Even with some success on the ground, it's tough to see this Vol team scoring more than a couple of touchdowns...unless they're defense- or special teams-driven.
Florida 37 Tennessee 13
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
College Football: Week Two
Well, we're rolling now. "Preseason" (as it was for many teams, mine included) is done...now on to the real stuff.
Week 2 Wrap:
The Good:
1. Michigan-Notre Dame. Wow. Great entertainment from two teams who've been lacking in the recent past. I was flat wrong about this one, as it looks like Rich Rodriguez has himself a quarterback in Tate Forcier. As for the Irish...well, they aren't going to play for all the marbles this year (sorry, Lou), but they'll definitely be a force to be reckoned with. Strange play-calling at the end cost them. Run the ball with 2 minutes and change left, and they're probably still undefeated. Great comeback by the Wolverines, though, and a great overall game!
2. USC. I hate giving props here, but the Trojans did just enough to beat the Buckeyes at the Horseshoe. So, I've gotta. I'm not sure this team is as good as past Troy units, but it's clear they have a budding star in Matt Barkeley. I still hold that they'll lose to Cal in early October, in addition to (characteristically) dropping a game on the road where they just shouldn't...Notre Dame, maybe?
The Bad:
1. Colorado. Bye, Dan Hawkins. This is varsity football...something you appear to know little about. Maybe there's an intramural team out there that'll have you?
2. Ohio State. Specifically, Jim Tressel. Will this guy ever win another big game for the Buckeyes? I know he won it all in 2002, but, really, since then, can you think of when his teams have not blown it in a big game (Big 10 tests excluded)?
3. Tennessee. Just last week, John Crompton was a Heisman candidate in many Vol fans minds after throwing for 5 touchdowns against mighty Western Kentucky. Which should tell you the state of many Vol fans' minds. Anyway, Saturday's home loss to an average UCLA team, and the boo-fest that followed, reminded Lane Kiffin that he has a way to go--a loooonnnnggg way--to get this team to a competitive level in the SEC again. Oh, well. At least it gets easier this week, right? Right?
4. Oklahoma State. Speaking of not being able to win big games...looks like I'm going to have to revise my prediction of the Cowboys finishing ahead of Oklahoma in the Big 12 South this year. And after I crowned them a potential National Championship spoiler. How must Georgia be feeling right about now?
The Ugly:
1. FSU. In case you missed it, the 'Noles (who, apparently, were "back" after barely losing to Miami to open the season) needed a touchdown with just 36 seconds left to pull ahead of, and defeat, Jacksonville State. That's Division 1-AA Jacksonville State. Not Troy, as Bobby Bowden kept referring to in his post-game presser. What's revealing about this is that hardly anyone on a national scale has been talking about it. Which, I suppose, speaks to the relevancy of Florida State football these days.
2. Defense in South Carolina and Georgia. I'll admit that I didn't even watch the Gamecocks and Dawgs battle it out in Athens (no ESPN for me this year), so I can't say what happened beyond the stats. Still, 41-37?? Only one time in the previous six games had either team scored 21 points. So, obviously, this was a bit of a change of pace. Not sure if the defenses just are overrated (probably) or the offenses are much better than I gave them credit for (not likely).
Week 3 preview coming tomorrow evening...
Week 2 Wrap:
The Good:
1. Michigan-Notre Dame. Wow. Great entertainment from two teams who've been lacking in the recent past. I was flat wrong about this one, as it looks like Rich Rodriguez has himself a quarterback in Tate Forcier. As for the Irish...well, they aren't going to play for all the marbles this year (sorry, Lou), but they'll definitely be a force to be reckoned with. Strange play-calling at the end cost them. Run the ball with 2 minutes and change left, and they're probably still undefeated. Great comeback by the Wolverines, though, and a great overall game!
2. USC. I hate giving props here, but the Trojans did just enough to beat the Buckeyes at the Horseshoe. So, I've gotta. I'm not sure this team is as good as past Troy units, but it's clear they have a budding star in Matt Barkeley. I still hold that they'll lose to Cal in early October, in addition to (characteristically) dropping a game on the road where they just shouldn't...Notre Dame, maybe?
The Bad:
1. Colorado. Bye, Dan Hawkins. This is varsity football...something you appear to know little about. Maybe there's an intramural team out there that'll have you?
2. Ohio State. Specifically, Jim Tressel. Will this guy ever win another big game for the Buckeyes? I know he won it all in 2002, but, really, since then, can you think of when his teams have not blown it in a big game (Big 10 tests excluded)?
3. Tennessee. Just last week, John Crompton was a Heisman candidate in many Vol fans minds after throwing for 5 touchdowns against mighty Western Kentucky. Which should tell you the state of many Vol fans' minds. Anyway, Saturday's home loss to an average UCLA team, and the boo-fest that followed, reminded Lane Kiffin that he has a way to go--a loooonnnnggg way--to get this team to a competitive level in the SEC again. Oh, well. At least it gets easier this week, right? Right?
4. Oklahoma State. Speaking of not being able to win big games...looks like I'm going to have to revise my prediction of the Cowboys finishing ahead of Oklahoma in the Big 12 South this year. And after I crowned them a potential National Championship spoiler. How must Georgia be feeling right about now?
The Ugly:
1. FSU. In case you missed it, the 'Noles (who, apparently, were "back" after barely losing to Miami to open the season) needed a touchdown with just 36 seconds left to pull ahead of, and defeat, Jacksonville State. That's Division 1-AA Jacksonville State. Not Troy, as Bobby Bowden kept referring to in his post-game presser. What's revealing about this is that hardly anyone on a national scale has been talking about it. Which, I suppose, speaks to the relevancy of Florida State football these days.
2. Defense in South Carolina and Georgia. I'll admit that I didn't even watch the Gamecocks and Dawgs battle it out in Athens (no ESPN for me this year), so I can't say what happened beyond the stats. Still, 41-37?? Only one time in the previous six games had either team scored 21 points. So, obviously, this was a bit of a change of pace. Not sure if the defenses just are overrated (probably) or the offenses are much better than I gave them credit for (not likely).
Week 3 preview coming tomorrow evening...
Thursday, September 10, 2009
College Football Preview: Week 2
Figured I might try my hand at this prognosticating thing, instead of simply talking about what has been. Who knows, maybe Gameday will notice and hire me. Then again....
Anyway, here are 3 games I'm keeping an eye on this weekend:
1. USC @ Ohio State. Matt Barkeley and the gang didn't look like the Troy of old against San Jose State last weekend...at least for most of the first half. Then, they flipped the switch and suddenly the game was over. OSU, meanwhile, had to be breathing a sigh of relief to escape a spirited Navy effort with a win. So, what I'm trying to say is, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Despite a true frosh at QB for the Trojans, I think they roll into Columbus and handle the Bucks with relative ease. Although it won't be near the blowout last year was, I'll call it...
USC 27 OSU 13
2. Notre Dame @ Michigan. Where did this one come from? This is a storied rivalry, to be sure, but I'm not sure anyone thought this would be as significant a matchup right now as it's looking. Last week UM took care of business with a rout against a historically solid Western Michigan squad, while Notre Dame was impressive in shutting down one of the nation's more prolific offenses in Nevada, 35-0. Clearly both of these teams are better than last season--Michigan especially so. Notre Dame was actually on the cusp of a pretty good season in 2008, losing 3 games in which they held a lead in the 4th quarter. Win those, and a paltry 7-6 becomes a good 10-3. That, besides having far more experience, is one of the reasons I like the 'Domers here.
Notre Dame 31 Michigan 14
3. South Carolina @ Georgia. When Steve Spurrier coached for my beloved Gators, he once scored 82 points in a single game. Heck, he may struggle to reach that mark for the season at USCe this year! Although both offenses are terrible, I think Georgia missed an opportunity last week against Oklahoma State on the road. 'Dawg fans should be miffed at Mark Richt's coaching, which started out great by pounding the ball right down the field for a quick touchdown and momentum and ended with inexplicably getting away from that formula in a 24-10 loss to a very good Cowboy squad that I think will finish second in their division to only Texas. It's clear that Joe Cox is not the QB I thought he was and that Georgia will have to rely heavily on it's running game to win ball games this year...that, or switch quarterbacks. Don't be surprised to see the second option come to fruition, with talented freshmen Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger getting their turns. On the Gamecock front, it's the same old story: Spurrier just can't find a quarterback. So, as in the immediate past, this one comes down to defense. I think Georgia is just a little bit better there. Not much, mind you, but a little. That, combined with Richt realizing that he'll need to run the ball to win, should equal a Bulldog victory. (Note: the loss--again--of Trinton Sturdivant could really hurt this team offensively. I think against USCe they'll be OK, but I wonder how this will affect the 'Dawgs later on against more agressive defenses like LSU and Florida.)
Georgia 17 South Carolina 6
Anyway, here are 3 games I'm keeping an eye on this weekend:
1. USC @ Ohio State. Matt Barkeley and the gang didn't look like the Troy of old against San Jose State last weekend...at least for most of the first half. Then, they flipped the switch and suddenly the game was over. OSU, meanwhile, had to be breathing a sigh of relief to escape a spirited Navy effort with a win. So, what I'm trying to say is, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Despite a true frosh at QB for the Trojans, I think they roll into Columbus and handle the Bucks with relative ease. Although it won't be near the blowout last year was, I'll call it...
USC 27 OSU 13
2. Notre Dame @ Michigan. Where did this one come from? This is a storied rivalry, to be sure, but I'm not sure anyone thought this would be as significant a matchup right now as it's looking. Last week UM took care of business with a rout against a historically solid Western Michigan squad, while Notre Dame was impressive in shutting down one of the nation's more prolific offenses in Nevada, 35-0. Clearly both of these teams are better than last season--Michigan especially so. Notre Dame was actually on the cusp of a pretty good season in 2008, losing 3 games in which they held a lead in the 4th quarter. Win those, and a paltry 7-6 becomes a good 10-3. That, besides having far more experience, is one of the reasons I like the 'Domers here.
Notre Dame 31 Michigan 14
3. South Carolina @ Georgia. When Steve Spurrier coached for my beloved Gators, he once scored 82 points in a single game. Heck, he may struggle to reach that mark for the season at USCe this year! Although both offenses are terrible, I think Georgia missed an opportunity last week against Oklahoma State on the road. 'Dawg fans should be miffed at Mark Richt's coaching, which started out great by pounding the ball right down the field for a quick touchdown and momentum and ended with inexplicably getting away from that formula in a 24-10 loss to a very good Cowboy squad that I think will finish second in their division to only Texas. It's clear that Joe Cox is not the QB I thought he was and that Georgia will have to rely heavily on it's running game to win ball games this year...that, or switch quarterbacks. Don't be surprised to see the second option come to fruition, with talented freshmen Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger getting their turns. On the Gamecock front, it's the same old story: Spurrier just can't find a quarterback. So, as in the immediate past, this one comes down to defense. I think Georgia is just a little bit better there. Not much, mind you, but a little. That, combined with Richt realizing that he'll need to run the ball to win, should equal a Bulldog victory. (Note: the loss--again--of Trinton Sturdivant could really hurt this team offensively. I think against USCe they'll be OK, but I wonder how this will affect the 'Dawgs later on against more agressive defenses like LSU and Florida.)
Georgia 17 South Carolina 6
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
College Football: Week One
OK guys; I'm back. Walton Family Update by the end of the week, but, for now, a quick post about my favorite time of the year: College Football. Here's a brief review of week one.
The Good:
1. Alabama. Beat a pretty good Virginia Tech team in Atlanta, pulling away late offensively. I knew the defense would be good, but it looks like Greg McElroy is the real deal, too. I'll go ahead and call it now--the Tide will return to Atlanta to represent the SEC West in the Championship game later this season. By the way, I think part of the reason I put 'Bama here is because VT may be slightly overrated. But, time will tell.
2. Notre Dame. This one pains me. But you have to hand it to the Irish for completely whipping a Nevada team many felt was going to challenge them. A shutout against one of the nation's more prolific offenses in the Wolfpack is cause for celebration in South Bend. Still, we should know alot more about the 'Domers this weekend, when they host Michigan.
The Bad:
1. Illinois. I drank the kool-aid, and bought into this team being a surprise contender for the Big 10. Turns out they may struggle to reach .500. Got completely blown out by a rebuilding Missouri team. Typical Ron Zook: great recruiting, lousy coaching.
2. Georgia. (sorry, Scott) Again, I bought into this one, thinking Joe Cox would be capable of leading this team to at least as many wins as last year. But a horrible offensive performance at Oklahoma State (the same Cowboy defense that gave up about 30 points a game last season) means things are tough right out of the gate for the 'Dawgs. Pretty good defense holding the 'Pokes to 24 points, though. I have to question the coaching, too. Georgia came right out on the field and ran the ball for a TD...and then promptly got away from running the ball. Not really sure why.
3. The entire ACC. Starts out the season 5-7 (FSU-Miami being an obvious push because they played each other). That's not the bad part. Those other 4 wins include just one against a D1 opponent. Included in the losses: 2 to D2 schools (William & Mary over UVA and Richmond over Duke). I realize it's just week one, but that's not parity. It's weakness.
The Ugly:
1. Oregon. For obvious reasons. Bring the fight Blount showed after the game onto the field during it, and maybe the Ducks are victorious. As it is, not only is he gone for the season, but the whole outlook just changed for an Oregon team many felt would be a contender in the PAC 10.
2. Thursday night games. Speaking of Oregon...first night of the season, everyone's excited about watching college ball, and then--the games start. A complete snoozer in South Carolina-NC State followed by a slightly more entertaining Oregon-Boise State. At least we didn't have to wait more than 48 hours for another game, though.
The Incomplete:
Any team that played (and won) against a D2 opponent (or a really bad D1 one). This includes Tennessee, Florida, Georgia Tech, even Mississippi State, among many others. We'll see what the next week holds for these teams, after they play real (or, at least, better) opponents.
The Good:
1. Alabama. Beat a pretty good Virginia Tech team in Atlanta, pulling away late offensively. I knew the defense would be good, but it looks like Greg McElroy is the real deal, too. I'll go ahead and call it now--the Tide will return to Atlanta to represent the SEC West in the Championship game later this season. By the way, I think part of the reason I put 'Bama here is because VT may be slightly overrated. But, time will tell.
2. Notre Dame. This one pains me. But you have to hand it to the Irish for completely whipping a Nevada team many felt was going to challenge them. A shutout against one of the nation's more prolific offenses in the Wolfpack is cause for celebration in South Bend. Still, we should know alot more about the 'Domers this weekend, when they host Michigan.
The Bad:
1. Illinois. I drank the kool-aid, and bought into this team being a surprise contender for the Big 10. Turns out they may struggle to reach .500. Got completely blown out by a rebuilding Missouri team. Typical Ron Zook: great recruiting, lousy coaching.
2. Georgia. (sorry, Scott) Again, I bought into this one, thinking Joe Cox would be capable of leading this team to at least as many wins as last year. But a horrible offensive performance at Oklahoma State (the same Cowboy defense that gave up about 30 points a game last season) means things are tough right out of the gate for the 'Dawgs. Pretty good defense holding the 'Pokes to 24 points, though. I have to question the coaching, too. Georgia came right out on the field and ran the ball for a TD...and then promptly got away from running the ball. Not really sure why.
3. The entire ACC. Starts out the season 5-7 (FSU-Miami being an obvious push because they played each other). That's not the bad part. Those other 4 wins include just one against a D1 opponent. Included in the losses: 2 to D2 schools (William & Mary over UVA and Richmond over Duke). I realize it's just week one, but that's not parity. It's weakness.
The Ugly:
1. Oregon. For obvious reasons. Bring the fight Blount showed after the game onto the field during it, and maybe the Ducks are victorious. As it is, not only is he gone for the season, but the whole outlook just changed for an Oregon team many felt would be a contender in the PAC 10.
2. Thursday night games. Speaking of Oregon...first night of the season, everyone's excited about watching college ball, and then--the games start. A complete snoozer in South Carolina-NC State followed by a slightly more entertaining Oregon-Boise State. At least we didn't have to wait more than 48 hours for another game, though.
The Incomplete:
Any team that played (and won) against a D2 opponent (or a really bad D1 one). This includes Tennessee, Florida, Georgia Tech, even Mississippi State, among many others. We'll see what the next week holds for these teams, after they play real (or, at least, better) opponents.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
life with Emily...
Hard to believe one week has already passed since our daughter, Emily Faye, was born.
OK, I lied. It actually seems quite a bit longer than that, honestly. I don't know if that's because time flies faster when you're having fun (which, yes, we are, for the most part!) or because my concept of a week gets shorter as I get older. Probably both. Either way, though, here we are at the one week mark. I thought I'd mark the occasion with a few random thoughts and lessons learned:
-Cabbage leaves have many uses. I learned that one in the hospital. Seems they use 'em in the Maternity wing. You'll have to Google it to find out why, though. This is, after all, a "family" blog.
-When it comes to sleep, quality beats quantity hands down. Unfortunately, I won't be able to fully test this theory out for, oh, I'd say 16 years or so, but you'll just have to trust me. The 5 hours a night I'm lucky to get in seems much more effective than the 8 or 9 I used to get. Plus, it provides hours of laughter when talking about sleep cycles with people. Them: "Boy, I just can't seem to sleep past 8am anymore." Me: "Bwahahaha!!" See?
-Saying the words "the kids" is really, really cool. It's really gratifying to have not just one but two munchkins totally relying on you for every basic need. Frustrating, frazzling, and just plain exhausting at times, yes. But completely humbling and awe-inspiring as well...which trumps the former emotions by a mile.
OK, I lied. It actually seems quite a bit longer than that, honestly. I don't know if that's because time flies faster when you're having fun (which, yes, we are, for the most part!) or because my concept of a week gets shorter as I get older. Probably both. Either way, though, here we are at the one week mark. I thought I'd mark the occasion with a few random thoughts and lessons learned:
-Cabbage leaves have many uses. I learned that one in the hospital. Seems they use 'em in the Maternity wing. You'll have to Google it to find out why, though. This is, after all, a "family" blog.
-When it comes to sleep, quality beats quantity hands down. Unfortunately, I won't be able to fully test this theory out for, oh, I'd say 16 years or so, but you'll just have to trust me. The 5 hours a night I'm lucky to get in seems much more effective than the 8 or 9 I used to get. Plus, it provides hours of laughter when talking about sleep cycles with people. Them: "Boy, I just can't seem to sleep past 8am anymore." Me: "Bwahahaha!!" See?
-Saying the words "the kids" is really, really cool. It's really gratifying to have not just one but two munchkins totally relying on you for every basic need. Frustrating, frazzling, and just plain exhausting at times, yes. But completely humbling and awe-inspiring as well...which trumps the former emotions by a mile.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Welcome Emily Faye Walton!
For those of you who don't know yet, our daughter, Emily Faye, entered the world at 7:44am on Wednesday, May 27, 2009, via scheduled c-section. She weighed in at 6 pounds, 12 ounces (just 3 ounces lighter than what her big brother was) and 18 inches long. As you can see from the pictures, she also had a full head of dark hair. Contrary to Jacob's birth, which was a harrowing ordeal due to an emergency situation, this was a calm, ordered process, one that we both were able to fully participate in. It was an incredible blessing to be holding my wife's hand as we heard the first tiny cry from our daughter, and both of us were crying when we were able to see her. It was a joyous occasion and our whole stay here has been pleasant, if not relaxing. (Although Jacob is staying at Grandpa and Grandma Voris' house and, with the nurses help, we're actually able to get some pretty good rest in!)
Anyway, here are a few pictures (you can also see a small album on my Facebook page, for those of you so inclined).
I told Becki in the quiet after the initial "meet and greet" that followed all of the excitement of Emily's arrival that I had been nervous over the past few days and on into Wednesday morning, punctuating in a stream of relief as I saw and then held my daughter. We are so blessed already by having Jacob as our son that I honestly didn't think it could get better. In fact, I started going through scenarios in my mind: would she be healthy? What if she were "special needs"? What if something happened to Becki during the surgery? Of course, the answer to the first two (and, really, the last one, as well) is still--and always--that God is in control and I'm blessed anyway, But, as He so often does, God went above and beyond in giving me a perfectly created little girl, a healthy and beautiful wife, as well as an incredible son. I'm not usually at a loss for words, but, to be honest, I have none to explain the gratitude I feel toward my God for giving me all this. I only pray that I am up to the task of taking care of them.
Thank you, Lord!!
Anyway, here are a few pictures (you can also see a small album on my Facebook page, for those of you so inclined).
I told Becki in the quiet after the initial "meet and greet" that followed all of the excitement of Emily's arrival that I had been nervous over the past few days and on into Wednesday morning, punctuating in a stream of relief as I saw and then held my daughter. We are so blessed already by having Jacob as our son that I honestly didn't think it could get better. In fact, I started going through scenarios in my mind: would she be healthy? What if she were "special needs"? What if something happened to Becki during the surgery? Of course, the answer to the first two (and, really, the last one, as well) is still--and always--that God is in control and I'm blessed anyway, But, as He so often does, God went above and beyond in giving me a perfectly created little girl, a healthy and beautiful wife, as well as an incredible son. I'm not usually at a loss for words, but, to be honest, I have none to explain the gratitude I feel toward my God for giving me all this. I only pray that I am up to the task of taking care of them.
Thank you, Lord!!
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