Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Final 2009 Big 10 Footbal Power Rankings

ESPN.com
Adam Rittenberg



1. Ohio State (11-2): That Purdue loss feels like a long time ago, doesn't it? Ohio State capped an impressive turnaround with a Rose Bowl championship, snapping a three-game slide in BCS bowls. Terrelle Pryor's performance in Pasadena and a productive defense raises the expectations for 2010, when Ohio State could contend for the national title.

2. Iowa (11-2): Everyone outside Iowa seemed to doubt the Hawkeyes all year long, but this team just kept winning. Iowa delivered its best performance of the season against Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl, jumping out to a 14-0 lead and never looking back. The final score didn't show how dominant Iowa was in this game. Ricky Stanzi and Adrian Clayborn will try to lead Iowa to a Big Ten title in 2010.

3. Penn State (11-2): Quarterback Daryll Clark and a valuable group of seniors went out with a big win in the Capital One Bowl against LSU. Penn State notched a signature victory against a talented opponent, completing an excellent two-year run. The Lions now must overcome some key personnel losses to challenge Ohio State for the league title this coming fall.

4. Wisconsin (10-3): A return trip to the Champs Sports Bowl ended up being the perfect opportunity for the Badgers to showcase the progress they made this season. Wisconsin beat Miami by only six points but thoroughly dominated the game on both sides of the ball. The Badgers return a bunch of key players, including running back John Clay, and will enter 2010 ranked in the top 15.

5. Northwestern (8-5): For the second straight year, the Wildcats participated in one of the most exciting bowl games, only to come out on the losing end again. Pat Fitzgerald's team gained some national respect with their comeback against Auburn, but Northwestern eventually needs to get over the hump in a bowl. The Wildcats lose several key pieces, but the program is on the rise and should again contend for a postseason berth in 2010.

T-6. Minnesota (6-7): The Gophers defense definitely came to play against Iowa State, but the offense couldn't translate good drives into points in the Insight Bowl. Getting the offense on track will be the top offseason priority for head coach Tim Brewster and his staff as they enter a pivotal 2010 campaign.

T-6. Michigan State (6-7): Credit the Spartans for performing admirably without 14 of their teammates in the Alamo Bowl, but their season long struggles in the secondary eventually caught up to them against Texas Tech. Despite a disappointing season, the Spartans are a young team that could make a jump next fall. Mark Dantonio must fix a defense that broke down too often this year.

8. Purdue (5-7): It would have been great to see Purdue represent the Big Ten in a bowl this year, but the Boilers' inability to finish games and avoid major mistakes kept them at home. Purdue is my early pick as the sleeper team in the Big Ten next fall, as head coach Danny Hope returns several exciting skill players and an excellent pass rusher in Ryan Kerrigan. I really liked what I saw in Big Ten play from the Boilers.

9. Illinois (3-9): Ron Zook will be back in 2010, but his coaching staff received a major facelift. Illinois will have new coordinators on both sides of the ball this coming season, not to mention several new position coaches. It'll be a make-or-break season for Zook, who needs young players to step up on both sides of the ball.

10. Michigan (5-7): The offense should be potent in 2010, but Rich Rodriguez must repair a defense that really couldn't stop anybody. Michigan loses its two top defenders in end Brandon Graham and cornerback Donovan Warren, so the coaches need to identify and develop talent during the offseason. The Wolverines simply can't afford another bowl-less season.

11. Indiana (4-8): Much like Michigan, Indiana's offense should be very dynamic in 2010, but the defense has major question marks in all three levels. The Hoosiers were close to getting over the hump this fall, but they lose a good senior class and continue to fight a history of defensive futility.

Charlie Brown's Career Pitching Stats

From Wezen-Ball.com

Some brilliant soul has calculated Charlie Brown's pitching statistics based on comic strips from the 1950s (record: 1-25) and 1960s (7-85). Stats from the 1970s are not included due to Charlie Brown's heavy use of amphetamines.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Ali Tribute

Saban Hates Gatorade Baths




Human Victory Cigar taking Game to Europe

The Detroit Pistons former number 2 overall draft pick Darko Milicic has mad it no secret he intends to leave the NBA after this season and try to find a team in Europe. Darko has also let his feelings be known of how he feels towards the NBA and the Detroit Pistons.

“I don’t know why they (Detroit Pistons) took me with the second pick if you’re not going to play me,” Milicic said. “I never understood that, you know. I was happy being the second pick and all that kind of stuff, but I never knew what I got myself into. I never knew I was coming here not to play. Nobody was telling me anything. Coming from Europe, you know, what do I know? I just wanted to play basketball."

“They lie to everybody,” Milicic. “It’s the NBA. The NBA, all around the league, same (crap). Be ready. Your chance is going to come. All that kind of (crap). (Bleep) that. … I’ve got enough of that kind of stuff, so I decided I’m going to go play in Europe and enjoy a little bit play.

“I’ve go to be real, there is no team in the league that is going to give me the chance that I’m looking for,” Milicic continued. “My only chance is back in Europe. I’m going to do that. I want to be happy. I want to play. So for me, to go to Europe and have a good chance.

Well Darko, I didn't want to have to be the one to tell you this, but since you don't understand why you never played in Detroit, here is what happened...

Joe Dumars saw a grainy video of you from some overseas scout and thought WOW, a 7-footer who can dribble! But then once you got here, he figured out that you are soft, can't post-up, rebound or remember a play. Thus you were sat at the end of the bench until the Pistons were 20 points on an opposing team. Which is also how you got your nickname "The Human Victory Cigar".

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Charles Rogers is Smart

Former Detroit Lion and current Village Idiot Charles Rogers will be back in court soon after passing out in a Mexican restaurant in Novi after drinking too much. This is of course a violation of Charles' probation and if convicted, he will most likely face jail time.

This was a particularly great decision by Charles considering a few months earlier he was found by the Novi Fire Department passed out in his car with the engine running. Rogers failed sobriety tests and was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while impaired and driving without a valid license.

Detroit Lions: Who's in & Who's Out

The worst NFL team of the decade and maybe ever, the Detroit Lions will begin trying to figure out who to keep and who to give the boot before next year. Personally, I hope at least half the team is cut. The Lions were ridiculously hard to watch as they just didn't have the talent to compete with other teams.....again.

Below is Tom "Killer" Kowalski's position-by-position breakdown of the 2009 key players and whether they will be around in 2010.

Quarterback
Matthew Stafford is the starter and Daunte Culpepper won't be back. Look for the Lions to bring in a veteran free agent to compete with Drew Stanton for the No. 2 job.
  • Who's in: Stafford
  • Who's on the bubble: Culpepper, Stanton
Running back
The Lions likely will try to upgrade their No. 1 spot, but they like Kevin Smith and Aaron Brown in backup roles. Fullback Jerome Felton will have to show improvement in camp.
  • Who's in: Smith, Brown
  • Who's on the bubble: Maurice Morris, Felton
Wide receivers
The Lions won't give up on Derrick Williams after just one year. Bryant Johnson and Dennis Northcutt still are under contract, but it's unlikely both will stay, especially if the Lions draft a speedy receiver.
  • Who's in: Calvin Johnson and Williams
  • Who's on the bubble: Bryant Johnson and Northcutt
Tight ends
The position is pretty much set. Brandon Pettigrew is the starter and Casey FitzSimmons is the all-purpose guy who also is strong on special teams. Will Heller is an unrestricted free agent and the Lions will look to sign a blocking specialist.
  • Who's in: Pettigrew and FitzSimmons
  • Who's on the bubble: None
Offensive line
Other than the four top starters, this unit could undergo a huge transformation. Dylan Gandy could be back because he can play guard and center, while Jon Jansen provides excellent experience at backup tackle.
  • Who's in: Jeff Backus, Dominic Raiola, Gosder Cherilus and Stephen Peterman
  • Who's on the bubble: Jansen, Gandy, Manny Ramirez and Daniel Loper
Defensive line
Cliff Avril had a disappointing season but he has some special skills, while Sammie Hill is a work in progress. Grady Jackson's future is uncertain if the Lions draft a tackle and some of the other veterans have a chance to stay, but nobody's a lock.
  • Who's in: Jared DeVries, Avril and Hill
  • Who's on the bubble: Jackson, Jason Hunter, Dewayne White, Landon Cohen and Andre Fluellen
Linebackers
The Lions could look to replace Larry Foote and Julian Peterson. DeAndre Levy can fill one of those spots. Foote is an unrestricted free agent and Peterson has a huge contract, and it's very unlikely he'll take a pay cut.
  • Who's in: Ernie Sims, Levy and Zack Follett
  • Who's on the bubble: Peterson, Foote and Jordon Dizon
Cornerbacks
Will James and Anthony Henry are unrestricted free agents, while Phillip Buchanon played well in the second half of the season but his inconsistency irritated the coaching staff.
  • Who's in: Eric King
  • Who's on the bubble: Buchanon, DeAngelo Smith and Brian Witherspoon
Safeties
If he keeps on his current track, Louis Delmas is on the verge of something special. He needs some help. The Lions need to add speed and savvy. One of the veterans could return, but, again, no one is a lock.
  • Who's in: Delmas
  • Who's on the bubble: Ko Simpson, Kalvin Pearson, Daniel Bullocks and Marvin White

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Jordan Dumars Transfers to University of Michigan

Former Detroit Country Day guard Jordan Dumars (son of current Detroit Pistons GM Joe Dumars) is now enrolled at U-M, after spending a semester at Southern Florida. Dumars' reason for transferring? He wants to play closer to home. Most likely he will be considered a walk-on and would be eligible to play at the end of the fall semester next season.

Not to play armchair quarterback here, but I was never sure why Dumars didn't pick Michigan originally. Dumars is a great outside shooter, but not necessarily someone who can create his own shot. He needs to come off a screen and get open in that manner.... translation, he is a perfect match for the Wolverines heavy 3-point shooting offense.

Oakland's Benson Drawing Attention from NBA Scouts

From NBAdraft.net

NBA Draft: Stock Watch - Risers

Keith Benson
Oakland University, Junior
C - 6'11", 225lbs


Keith Benson has been one the most productive center prospects in the country thus far. Through 8 games, Benson is averaging 17.3 ppg, 10.6 rpg, and 3.9 blocks per.

Benson made scouts take notice with his dominance of Cole Aldrich in Oakland’s match up with Kansas the day before Thanksgiving.

Benson blocked 2 of Aldrich’s first 3 shots, affecting the preseason All American with his length and shot blocking and outplayed him throughout the game, despite Kansas running away with it. Aldrich finished with just 4pts (2-10 fg), 9reb and 3blk while Benson went for 20pts, 6reb, and 4blk.

Far from a complete player, some scouts wonder if he can ever put the necessary weight on to merit a first round selection. Right now Benson struggles to hold position in the block, however some scouts point to the fact that he has never had a proper training regiment and that Oakland likely is not up to the level of top division one schools in weight training.

Due to his incomplete skills and body, Benson is a guy who, like Jerome Jordan of Tulsa, would benefit by returning for his senior year.

But if he did decide to go this year, he is a player who could get together with a top trainer (like Tim Grover or Joe Abunassar) once the season ends and potentially put on 15-20 pounds. You will remember Grover worked with NBA veteran Steven Hunter before the 2001 draft transforming the young post player's body and helping him to become a first rounder (15th overall after many felt he was a 2nd rounder).

Regardless, Benson is a player on the rise who stepped up big in what will likely be his biggest individual match up all season (Aldrich).

White Guys CAN Jump

Trevor Ferguson hammers his way to the LSI Slam Dunk Championship

GVSU Announces New Football Coach

From Detnews.com

Matt Mitchell has been named head football coach at Grand Valley State.

Mitchell has been a Lakers assistant under Chuck Martin for six years, the last two as defensive coordinator. Martin left Grand Valley to become defensive backs coach at Notre Dame.

Mitchell, 35, is the seventh head coach in school history. Grand Valley is located in Allendale, Mich. Grand Valley won more games (122) during the 2000s than any other program -- Division I, Division I-AA or Division II. Grand Valley plays Division II football.

In 2008, Mitchell's defense was ranked second nationally in sacks (4.17 per game) and fourth in scoring defense (12.6). In 2009, the Lakers gave up 17.7 points per game.

"The Grand Valley State football program has a great tradition of excellence and I am excited about the opportunity to lead our student-athletes," Mitchell said in a statement. "I am following in the footsteps of some outstanding football coaches and I am looking to continue to build on the tradition already established."

Mitchell is married to Jenny Selgo, the daughter of Grand Valley athletic director Tim Selgo.

The Lakers have won four national championships since 2002. This year they lost in the championship game, 30-23, to Northwest Missouri State.

Drew Stanton Wants to be in Detroit

Drew took to his blog today to let everyone know (or anyone who cares in the slightest) that he wants to remain a Detroit Lion.

"I never said that I did not want to be in Detroit if I was to be the third-string quarterback, I merely stated that third-string quarterbacks do not have long careers. I for one, would love to have a long career. I recognize the importance of showing this franchise that my worth can exist as a backup. I know what my role has the potential to be as the Detroit Lions move forward and that is what I am focused on." stated Stanton

Can we seriously just let this guy go already and end this debate? I am sure Drew's a nice guy, probably works hard in practice and is a local talent. But he is also the essence of why the Lions stink. Drew was a guy drafted waaaaaaay too high, has been injured for the better part of his time in Detroit and is never going to amount to anything more then a guy living on the fringe of a professional football roster. Release him and lets all move on already.

I'm More than a Pizza Man

Former Michigan football player and university regent, David Brandon has been announced as the new Athletic Director to replace Bill Martin. Brandon will be leaving his current post as CEO of Domino's Pizza to take this opportunity. On a side note, who knew Dominos was even still around?? Can't remember the last time I heard of anyone ordering a pizza from there.


Brandon quickly countered the question that everyone is surely asking themselves, how the heck is a pizza CEO qualified for this job?

Brandon was quoted as saying "I'm more than a pizza man...although I have not lived a career in athletics specifically as others may have, I believe I bring a unique set of qualifications, interests and experiences to this job."

I am really questioning this move by Michigan, not sure how someone goes from operating a pizza franchise to Athletic Director at the University of Michigan. The only qualification seems to be that he played under Bo Schembechler.

Brandon will be quickly thrown into the fire with a floundering football program and a gimmicky basketball program that needs to prove last year wasn't a fluke. If both programs do not begin to turn around after next year, two coaches may be on the chopping block.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Wolverines Roll Rival #15 Buckeyes

Michigan's dynamic duo of Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims were key in bringing down hated rival Buckeyes. The do led Michigan to a 73-64 victory over No. 15 Ohio State and improved their Big Ten record to 1-1, after previously losing to Indiana. Sims had 28 points and nine rebounds, while Harris added 24 points to go with seven rebounds and five assists."There was some sense of urgency," Michigan coach John Beilein said. "For one, it's Ohio State, but at the same time, you have to take care of home."

"You have to be really mobile to contain guys in our system," Sims said. "I was a recipient of good passes from a lot of players today. You take what the game brings you."

The Buckeyes were without their standout, Evan Turner. In Evan's absence, Jon Diebler kept Ohio State in the game to the bitter end. Diebler fiished with 14 points, including three 3-pointers, in the first half.

The Wolverines sorely needed this win to keep their spirits up. To this point they had not beaten any teams I would consider "good". Previously wins this season came against: Houston Baptist, Arkansas - Pine Bluff, Creighton, University of Detroit and Coppin State. Hopefully this is the win they needed to get the ball rolling in Big Ten conference play.


Michigan Wolverines Football 2010 Recruits List

Verbal commitments
DT Richard Ash (6-4, 270) Pahokee (Fla.)
CB Courtney Avery (5-11, 175) Lexington (Ohio)
CB Cullen Christian (6-0, 180) Pittsburgh Penn Hills
WR Drew Dileo (5-10, 175) Parkview (La.) Baptist
WR/RB Tony Drake (5-9, 170) Dallas Skyline
LB Josh Furman (6-2, 194) Millersville (Md.) Old Mill
QB Devin Gardner (6-4, 195) Inkster
P Will Hagerup (6-4, 210) Whitefish Bay (Wisc.)
RB Stephen Hopkins (6-0, 235) Flower Mound (Texas) Marcus
WR Jeremy Jackson (6-3, 195) Ann Arbor Huron
S Carvin Johnson (6-1, 185) Rummel (La.)
QB Cornelius Jones (6-2, 197) Spartanburg (S.C.)
LB Antonio Kinard (6-4, 210) Youngstown (Ohio) Liberty
WR Ricardo Miller (6-3, 208) Ann Arbor Pioneer
OL Christian Pace (6-3, 262) Avon Lake (Ohio)
DE Jordan Paskorz (6-3, 225) Hampton (Pa.)
WR Jerald Robinson (6-2, 175) Canton (Ohio) South
S Marvin Robinson (6-1, 195) Eagle Lake (Fla.) Lake Region
CB Terrence Talbott (5-10, 172) Huber Heights (Ohio) Wayne
DT Terry Talbott (6-4, 255) Huber Heights (Ohio) Wayne
S Ray Vinopal (5-10, 178) Youngstown (Ohio) Cardinal Mooney
RB Austin White (6-0, 186) Livonia Stevenson
DE Ken Wilkins (6-3, 244) Washington (Pa.) Trinity
WR D.J. Williamson (6-1, 175) Warren (Ohio) Harding

5 more Michigan targets
CB Tony Grimes (5-11, 166) Hollywood Hills (Fla.)
NT Johnathan Hankins (6-3, 335) Detroit Southeastern
DE Clarence Murphy (6-2, 220) Hollywood Hills (Fla.)
S Sean Parker (6-0, 185) Harbor City (Calif.) Narbonne
OL Torrian Wilson (6-4, 315) Miami Northwestern

2010 Recruits Enrolling Early
Jeremy Jackson
Jerald Robinson
Ricardo Miller
Marvin Robinson

Christian Pace
Austin White

Devin Gardner
* (trying to graduate early)

Stafford Believes Lions Aren't Too Far from Being a Solid Team

Detroit Lions rookie QB was quoted as saying: "I don't think it's too far at all...A couple of pieces here and there and another year together is going to be a big thing and experience playing together for another year. I think we'll be just fine.''

Ummm... news flash Matt. The Lions were 2-14 this year, the lowly Kansas City Chiefs are 4-12. Anytime the Chiefs are 2 games better then your team, that is a solid indicator that your team is a long ways off from being a good team.

Morrison Steals High Five

Chris Johnson and Usain Bolt to Race?

From ESPN.com

Sources close to the situation told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that representatives for the Titans running back and Olympic champion Usain Bolt of Jamaica have spent recent days trying to set up a race between the two men to determine who really is the world's fastest human.

But Bolt's agent, Ricky Simms, told Universal Sports.com that there was no truth to the report. At the 2008 NFL scouting combine, Johnson was timed in the 40-yard dash at 4.24 seconds -- the fastest time clocked at the combine that year. According to sources, the one hangup seems to be the length of the race. Johnson wants the race to be 60 yards or less, while Bolt would like it to be longer.

Too early to tell if this race will actually pan out, but it could be a great charity event. I would think Bolt would win this race fairly easily, although I would definitely be interested to watch the race.