Month: November 2012

Posted on in Football, NCAA

The Top 5 Heisman Trophy Candidates – After Week 13

The Heisman Trophy candidate picture has completely changed after K-State and Oregon’s loss. Here are my updated top 5 candidates:

Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M Aggies QB)

Manziel has changed the whole picture about freshman QBs. He threw for 184 yards, and rushed for 92 yards off 18 carries in the 29-24 upset win over Alabama. If he does something like this again, he will be a huge candidate for the Heisman. He had 5 TDs total (3 passing TDs, 2 rushing TDs) in the Aggies 59-29 win over their SEC rivals Mizzou (aka Missouri) Tigers.

Manti Te’o (Notre Dame Fighting Irish MLB)

Te’o is a linebacker who can change the game with one ferocious hit. He tackled Stefan Taylor an inch short of a game-winning OT TD on a 4th and goal in their win. He is also a big part of why the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are undefeated and at number 1 in the BCS Standings. His 4th and Goal tackle helped seal the deal in a 22-13 win over the USC Trojans. He also added a INT early in the first half.

Marquis Lee (USC Trojans WR)

Lee is a NFL-caliber receiver who has been a valuable target for the struggling Matt Barkley and Co. He is a big impact, as he set a USC receiving record with 349 in 1 game in their 39-38 loss to the unranked Arizona Wildcats.

AJ McCarron (Alabama Crimson Tide QB)

McCarron has led the Tide to some huge 4th quarter comebacks. He could lead them to a BCS title game appearance for the 2nd straight year. He had 3 TDs (all passing) in their Iron Bowl win over long-time rivals Auburn Tigers

Stepfan Taylor (Stanford Cardinal RB)

Stepfan Taylor has really made Stanford fans smile during the Cardinal’s post-Andrew Luck era. He was a huge factor in Stanford’s 2 upset wins over Oregon and USC. He rushed for 142 yards and 2 TDs in their 35-17 win over UCLA Bruins.

My call: The Heisman Memorial Trophy is presented to Stanford Cardinal Running Back Stepfan Taylor. The post-Andrew Luck era hasn’t been as bad as Stanford fans thought it would be thanks to Stepfan Taylor’s big performance throughout this season. Stanford has a appearance in the Pac-12 inaugural bowl game vs. UCLA Bruins, and if they win, they will play in the Vizio Rose Bowl at Pasadena, California.

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Posted on in Football, NCAA

The 2012-2013 NCAA Football Heisman Trophy Top 3 Predictions

There are many candidates for the Heisman Trophy and it will be very interesting to see who comes up on top. Here are my top 3 Heisman candidates.

1. Collin Klein (Kansas State)

Klein is a quarterback who has just changed the tempo for Kansas State. He is a true candidate for the Heisman because of his ability to escape from pressure in the pocket.

2. AJ McCarron (Alabama)

McCarron is a QB who has certainly learned how to make the right plays at the right time early and late in the game. The biggest problem is that Alabama has no shot at making it to the BCS unless Kansas State loses to Baylor, and Oregon gets shocked by Stanford.

3. Kenjon Barner (Oregon)

Kenjon Barner is one of the more physical backs in the NCAA and has really made a big impact in the Pac-12 division. He has had multiple games with multiple touchdowns and multiple games with 200+ yards. If he keeps this up, then Oregon will force Notre Dame to have to face Alabama in the Fiesta Bowl, so the BCS Championship Trophy should be battled out between Oregon and Kansas State.

My call: The 2012-2013 Heisman Trophy is presented to… Collin Klein. He is a player with enough guts to win the Heisman Trophy. K-State is a much-improved team compared to last year.

Read my updated Heisman predictions, after week 13 here.

Posted on in Football, NCAA, NFL

2013-2014 Season NFL Draft: Top 5 Picks – Week 9 predictions

There are many players that we know of from college who can easily make it to the NFL. Here are my Top 5 draft picks, after week 9:

#1 Pick by the Kansas City Chiefs: Quarterback Geno Smith (West Virginia Moutaineers)

Geno Smith out of West Virginia is a player that reminds many of RG3 in Baylor and how he started off his NFL career with the Washington Redskins, as well as Donovan McNabb in Syracuse and in his early years as an Eagles player, and Andrew Luck in Stanford. Matt Cassel literally sucks, so don’t be surprised to see Smith in a red and white Chiefs uniform.

#2 Pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars: Quarterback Matt Barkley (USC Trojans)

It’s pretty obvious that Matt Barkley will go Number 2 (if he doesn’t go number 1), and he has shown us that so far. He plays like an NFL QB and he can make the right plays at the right time. The only reason that I wouldn’t put him as the number 1 pick is because he can’t escape from all the pressure that the defenses are giving him. Also, he got a lot of criticism after the USC Trojans lost to the Stanford Cardinal 21-14.

#3 Pick by the Cleveland Browns: Defensive End Barkevious Mingo (LSU Tigers)

The Cleveland Browns have one of the most explosive offenses in the league, but a defense that many coaches might not want to rely on. Mingo could very easily change that. Though, the Browns have to make the right pick, or else Mingo is out of the picture!

#4 Pick by the Carolina Panthers: Wide Receiver Keenan Allen (Cal aka California Golden Bears)

The Carolina Panthers don’t have a star wide receiver other than Steve Smith, so the speedy Allen out of Cal is the perfect choice. He has a 6’3”, 210 pound frame. He is one of the fastest wide receivers in the country. He has the explosiveness to make big catches, and the agility to make defenders miss. The Panthers can’t pass off on Allen, no matter what circumstances may lie in front of them.

#5 Pick by the Washington Redskins: Defensive End Sam Montgomery (LSU Tigers)

The Washington Redskins have a similar situation to what the Cleveland Browns are going through, so Montgomery is the perfect choice. Washington needs a player at defense so that he can fill in when players like Brian Orakpo or London Fletcher or anyone else gets injured, he can fill in. Though, he can still get valuable playing time even when there are no injuries (or any major injuries). He is a player who is very tough to block, and he is the best, most reliable pass-rusher in the country. The Redskins should definitely take advantage of this high pick to be able to get a player such as Sam Montgomery who can also play at the Left Outside Linebacker position. He played Left Outside Linebacker on many key and crucial 3rd down plays for LSU. He is a great pass-rusher who has the speed and power to get the job done for LSU defense (which was number 1 in the country in the 2011-2012 NCAA Football season) and possibly for the Washington Redskins defense (if he gets drafted by the team)!

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NBA Biggest Season Surprises After Week 1 Of The 2012-13 Season

The NBA season has started with many surprises. Here are the top 5 surprises for the season.

#1: James Harden to Rockets

James Harden, the reigning sixth man of the year, was traded from the OKC Thunder to the Houston Rockets late night on Oct. 27, 2012. It just shows the league how big and small certain markets in the league are. It shows us how OKC is spending all of its money to give away some of its best players over the past few years.

#2: Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard was drafted as the 6th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers out of Weber State University (located in Utah). Lillard has started off with a very historic start. He became the 1st rookie point guard to average 20 points and 8 assists (21.3 points per game, 9 assists per game). On the nba.com rookie ladder, Lillard is ranked as the number one choice for Rookie of the Year. There certainly is history still in front, though Damian Lillard has the guts to get it done.

#3: Anthony Davis Injury

Is the unibrow okay? Well, ask Anthony Davis. Davis was hit by teammate Austin Rivers after going up for the rebound. He didn’t play vs. Bulls. If he returns healthy, he could top Lillard on the nba.com rookie ladder. We shall wait…and see…

#4: NY Knicks Use 19 3s To Top MIami Heat

The NY Knicks were coming into their season opener as one of the worst 3-point-shooting teams, though they changed that on Friday night (Nov. 2nd, 2012). ‘Melo had 30 points and connected on 4 3s in a 104-84 Knicks win.

#5: Ray Allen’s 4-point-play

A few nights ago (Nov. 3, 2012), the Heat overcame a 15-point deficit thanks to Allen’s 3. Allen said that “he found the curtain and absorbed the contact”. Allen had 23 points and 9 assists off the bench. This boost will certainly help the Miami Heat as they try to repeat for the title.

Posted on in Football, NCAA

College Football: Who Makes it And To What Bowl Game

After the Alabama Crimson Tide shocked the LSU Tigers, the BCS championship and BCS bowl game picture looks very tough to predict. Here are my predictions for what’ll happen during the next remaining weeks and who ends up where, who they will face, and who takes what trophy.

The BCS National Championship Game (Miami Gardens, Florida aka Sun Life Stadium: Home of the Miami Dolphins):

The Alabama Crimson Tide vs. The Oregon Ducks

This will be a BCS Classic. I think because both teams are so good, it’ll be one of the more high-scoring BCS games.

My call: Alabama puts up huge offensive numbers, pull off a squeaker. Oregon takes the early lead, though Alabama’s defense responds as they force some quick drives which result in many 3-and-out’s. AJ McCarron continues his his amazing 2nd half performance as he leads his team to a huge come-from-behind win. Coach Nick Saban wins his 4th title (3rd with Alabama). Final score after 60 minutes: Alabama 14, Oregon 7 

Offensive Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the BCS Championship Game: 

AJ McCarron (Alabama Crimson Tide Quarterback)

Stats (Statistics): 14/20, 168 yards, 1 TD, 5 carries, 50 yards, 1 TD

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the University of Alabama are the 2012-2013 NCAA Football National Champions!

The Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Arizona aka University of Arizona Wildcats Stadium: Home of the Arizona Wildcats):

The K-State (Kansas State) Wildcats vs. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish 

The Fiesta Bowl will feature 2 teams who love to take long, clock-eating drives which can really demolish the opposing teams defense.

My call: Notre Dame wins in a squeaker thanks to the advantage of their solid defense. Final score after 60 minutes plus 3OTs, Notre Dame 40, K-State 37

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the University of Notre Dame are the 2012-2013 NCAA Football Fiesta Bowl Champions!

The Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, Louisiana aka Mercedes-Benz Superdome: Home of the New Orleans Saints):

The LSU Tigers vs. The Oklahoma Sooners

The Sugar Bowl shows a power defense (LSU) and a struggling defense (Oklahoma), and 2 talented QBs in Zach Mettenberger (LSU) and Landry Jones (Oklahoma).

My call: LSU shows the world how good their offense can be. They will also show how good their defense is without former cornerback Tyrann Mathieu. They should dominate Landry Jones and the high-scoring offense and send him to the NFL WITHOUT any bowl game wins. Final score after 60 minutes: LSU 59, Oklahoma 10

The LSU (Louisiana State) Tigers and Louisiana State University are the 2012-2013 NCAA Football Sugar Bowl Champions!

The Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens, Florida aka Sun Life Stadium: Home of the Miami Dolphins):

The Florida State Seminoles vs. The Louisville Cardinals

The Orange Bowl is a bowl which nearly every year, it features some team from the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference). This year, it should be Florida State.

My call: Both teams offenses will be red-hot, so don’t expect a low-scoring game. Final score after 60 minutes: Louisville 49, Florida State 44

The Louisville Cardinals and the University of Louisville are the 2012-2013 NCAA Football Orange Bowl Champions!

The Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California aka Rose Bowl Stadium: Home of the NCAA Football Rose Bowl):  

The Stanford Cardinal vs. The Ohio State Buckeyes

This Rose Bowl features the number 1 Pac-12 (behind Oregon) and number 1 Big Ten team. This year, it’ll feature RB Stefan Taylor’s Stanford Cardinal, and QB Braxton Miller’s Ohio State Buckeyes.

My call: It’ll be high-scoring for Stanford, and expect Braxton Miller to make a few mistakes as Stefan Taylor and redshirt freshman QB Kevin Hogan (new starter). The Stanford D led by Chase Thomas (Right Outside Linebacker) will pressure Miller. The Stanford QB Kevin Hogan also has big targets such as wide receivers Drew Terrell, Ty Montgomery, tight ends in Levin Toilolo, Zach Ertz, and fullback Ryan Hewitt. Final score after 60 minutes: Stanford 48, Ohio State 37

The Stanford Cardinal and the University of Stanford are the 2012-2013 NCAA Football Rose Bowl Champions!

Posted on in Football, NFL

Eagles vs. Saints: Can the Eagles End Their Struggles?

The Philadelphia Eagles were coming in as huge NFC East contenders and also a huge shot at the playoffs in the NFC, though so far, it has slipped away. The Eagles have recorded 17 turnovers through 7 games, 11 coming from Michael Vick. Vick has lost 3 fumbles and 8 INTs this season. Can they change that? We shall wait…and see…

Keys to Winning

Eagles:

#1: Contain Drew Brees

Brees is a QB who loves to take his time in the pocket. He hasn’t been sacked many times, though if Philadelphia wants a chance to win, then the D must use some type of blitz-coverage type of package for a chance to win. The Eagles have the best defense in the NFL, so the Eagles could force a lot of punts and field goals, and definitely not a lot of touchdowns or 3rd down conversions in this game.

#2: Limit Turnovers!!!

JUST LIMIT TURNOVERS!!! The Eagles offense have been struggling due to turnovers. Vick needs to take his time to find a receiver instead of just throw the ball half a second later.

Saints:

#1: Force Turnovers

The Saints have to think total opposite of what the Eagles offense is thinking. FORCE TURNOVERS, no matter what type of circumstances!!!

#2: Run the Ball Effectively

The New Orleans Saints have to make adjustments to their offensive line when running the ball in this game. The Eagles are one of the best run defenses in the league thanks to Middle Linebackers Demeco Ryans and Jamar Chaney, and Defensive End Trent Cole. Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas will have a hard time running the ball. New Orleans Saints Offensive Lineman, make adjustments as soon as possible.

My call: The Eagles will FINALLY end their struggles and should win big. The final score after 60 minutes of play: Eagles 38, Saints 26

When: Monday, November 5th, 2012; 8:30pm

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America, Home of the New Orleans Saints

Weather: Indoor Stadium (Closed Roof Dome)

Spread: Eagles win by 12 points

Posted on in Football, NFL

NY Jets to Trade Tebow???

There have been rumors that QB Tim Tebow might be traded so that he can become the starter of that team. Here are some trades that could suit Tebow and the Jets as well as many other teams.

Trade Option 1: Tebow to the Carolina Panthers for QB Cam Newton

Many are considering the fact that Newton should be traded, so this will suit both teams because both teams want to trade their QBs from their respective teams.

Trade Option 2: Tebow to the Philadelphia Eagles for QB Michael Vick

Eagles fans desperately want a new QB or at least some new type of offensive scheme that will help them win more games throughout the 2nd half of the season. Tebow might help in some type of way.

Trade Option 3: Tebow and LaDanian Tomlinson to the Jacksonville Jaguars for RB Maurice Jones-Drew and QB Blaine Gabbert

Before Tebow was traded to NY, there were many rumors that he would go to the Jaguars. Many Florida Gators fans would want him back in Jacksonville.

Trade Option 4: Tebow to Arizona Cardinals for John Skelton

Arizona’s offense was red-hot to begin the season, though when Kevin Kolb went down with a ribs injury, John Skelton had took over. After Derek Anderson signed a contract with the Panthers, Skelton had to take over at QB. He was 3-4 as a starter and he was excellent as the starter. Now, it seems that he is a player that has literally lost his mind. If the Cardinals take Tebow in this possible trade, then Tebow might get some great playing time at QB due to the advantage he has with Kolb out, and having targets such as Larry Fitzgerald, Early Doucet, Todd Heap, Jeff King, and rookie Michael Floyd from the University of Notre Dame.

Trade Option 5: Tebow released from Jets and signed by the New England Patriots

When Peyton Manning went to the Denver Broncos, Tebow’s contract was up, and so Denver sent him to the Jets. The Jets are thinking about releasing him, so him going to the Pats would be good because he could play the wildcat or as a RB. Or, Tebow could replace Tom Brady and they could split playing time between each other, so Tebow could play the 1st half, and Brady will lead the way in the 2nd half.

My call: Tebow will either end up in Philadelphia (Philly), Boston (New England), or in Carolina. The Jets will most likely decline all trades from Jacksonville, even though Jacksonville or Carolina are probably the 2 best choices for the Jets to stick with, especially if they want to get rid of Tim Tebow. And so, Tebow ends up in which uniform? We shall await the New York Jets decision from November 1st onwards. Tebow?? Where could he possibly end up before the end of November???