Here at the Sports Party we put out a lot of predictions and most of them are wrong. I'm sure when you read or hear these you think "Hey! I can do this much better than they can!" Well here is your chance. We are going to pick the winner of each bowl game and give you the opportunity to do the same. If you win the contest, there will be "prizes", though I cannot commit to how great these prizes will be. The prizes may or may not include leftover Christmas gift cards and your chance to come on the podcast and talk about whatever topic you would like.
Here's what you have to do. Go to ESPN.com, sign up for a free account there (though I would assume anyone who visits this site, probably has an ESPN account), and then click this link. This should directly to our page on ESPN.com. Our group name is The Sports Party. The password is party2011. You have to select straight scoring NOT confidence scoring. Sign up and make sure to come back after the bowl games are set and pick your winners. Good luck everyone!!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The Bowl Game Match-ups We Want But Cannot Have
Bowl season is one of the most exciting times of the year, we get to see teams play that don't normally play each other and it all builds up to the National Championship game and the crowning of the number one team in college football. Every year we seem to get a few dream match-ups and so this season I decided to pick a few of my dream match-ups for this bowl season. Each of these games would either be a lot of fun to watch or have great story lines. The problem is none of these will likely happen but if they did we, as fans, would have a blast.
Baylor-Michigan (The Quarterback Bowl)
Two of the most exciting quarterbacks in the country in one game? Yes please. Whether it is through the air or on the ground, Robert Griffin III of Baylor and Denard Robinson of Michigan, make big, exciting plays. Just look at the offense these two players have accumulated. Griffin has 3768 passing yards with a 72.6 percent completion record for 34 touchdowns to just five interceptions. On the ground, Griffin has 612 yards on 149 carries for an average of 4.1 yards per carry and seven touchdowns. Robinson caused more damage on the ground, rushing for 1163 yards on 208 carries for an average of 5.6 yards per carry and 18 touchdowns. His passing numbers weren't as great as Griffin's though as he threw for 2056 yards with a 56.1% completion record with 18 touchdowns to 14 interceptions. Griffin has amassed 4290 yards and Robinson 3219. By himself, Griffin rank as the 86th best offense in the country based on total yards. Go back and watch Griffin's game against Oklahoma and Robinson's game against Ohio State this past weekend and you can see why having these two players on the same field would be so much fun. Neither team has much of a defense to speak of so scoring could up in the 50's with both of these quarterbacks orchestrating a dream of a game.
LSU-Stanford (Honey Badger vs. Luck Bowl)
Andrew Luck came into this season as the Heisman front runner and the favorite to be the number one draft pick in next April's NFL Draft. Actually, he would have been the first draft pick in the 2011 NFL draft as well. Since the beginning of the season another player has captured the hearts and minds of the American public, Tyrann Mathieu. Oh but you don't know him by that name you know him as the "Honey Badger". There hasn't been a player this season that has been more exciting than the Honey Badger. He just makes big plays. This season he has forced six fumbles, had four fumble recoveries and returned two of those for touchdowns, had a punt return for a touchdown, two interceptions, and 66 total tackles. His name is on the Heisman list and he has had one heck of a season. Now this wouldn't really be Luck vs. the Honey Badger as both the Stanford offense and the LSU defense are more than one player, but those are the stars. Stanford's offense comes in ranked 5th in scoring offense and LSU's defense is ranked 2nd in scoring defense. This isn't David vs. Goliath, this is Goliath vs. Goliath.
Florida State-Texas A&M (Disappointment Bowl)
Both of these teams started the season in Top 10 of the AP poll, Florida State at 6th and Texas A&M at 8th. In the latest AP poll, of the two teams only Florida State was ranked and that was at 25th. Combined these teams are 14-10 and neither will be playing for their Conference Championships this weekend, much less a National Championship, which some of the media predicted for these teams. This was supposed to be big years for both teams even without their top 10 rankings. Florida State was supposed to be back and build on their 10-4 record from last year, where they played in the ACC Championship game and beat South Carolina in the Chick-fil-A bowl. But they regressed and now the alumni and fans are getting frustrated with Jimbo Fisher, just 12 months after believing he was the second coming. For Texas A&M, this was their last year in the Big12 before their exit to the SEC. They wanted to make the case they belonged in the SEC by dominating the Big12 in their final season, but instead they were dominated. They only beat one ranked opponent this season, Baylor, and their final game in the Big12 was a huge disappointment in one more, possibly final, lose to Texas at home. This bowl game would be good for at least one of the programs to say, at least we didn't fall as far as those guys.
Ohio State-Florida (Urban Bowl)
When coaches are winning you hear a lot of great stories about them, except for Nick Saban I never hear anything nice about Nick Saban. One coach we have heard a lot about over past five years is Urban Meyer but over the last week we have learned one thing about Urban Meyer, he's just like a lot of other coaches, in that you can't always trust them. In his relatively short career Meyer already has two National Championships. But the end of his career at Florida ended oddly, with Meyer citing health issues and wanting to spend more time with his family as the reasons for leaving. Just a short time later, Meyer takes a job at ESPN, which had him traveling almost as much as a head coaching job would. Less than one year later, Meyer has taken the Ohio State job and the Florida fan base, players and coaches are not happy about it. Meyer won't be coaching in whatever bowl game Ohio State plays in but this would be a great opportunity for the Florida players to prove that Meyer made a mistake in leaving Gainseville. It has been a rough year for both programs but this game could fire up both teams enough to finish the season strong.
Oklahoma State-Oregon (Take the Over on the Over/Under Bowl)
Points on points on points! If you hate defense, then this is the game you want to see. Oklahoma State is ranked 2nd in scoring offense and Oregon ranks 3rd. Both teams are averaging over 45 points a game and the game would have star power on both teams, LaMichael James and Darron Thomas for Oregon and Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon for Oklahoma State. I haven't checked bowl projections but if Oklahoma State loses to Oklahoma this weekend and in turn loses the Big12 BCS bid, this match-up feels like it could happen. If it does, expect it to be one of the most exciting games of the bowl season.
Honorable Mentions:
Wisconsin-NC State: This game would not be close but it would be fun to see Russell Wilson get some revenge on NC State or see if Mike Glennon can prove that Tom O'Brien made the right choice.
USC-Miami: Neither of these teams will play in bowls this off-season because of NCAA investigations. USC has already been found guilty by the NCAA and is in the second season of their two-year bowl game ban. Miami is currently under investigation and is holding themselves out of a bowl game preemptively. This would be a good opportunity for Miami coaches and players to get some advice from USC on what it's like to spend a few seasons under punishment.
Baylor-Michigan (The Quarterback Bowl)
Two of the most exciting quarterbacks in the country in one game? Yes please. Whether it is through the air or on the ground, Robert Griffin III of Baylor and Denard Robinson of Michigan, make big, exciting plays. Just look at the offense these two players have accumulated. Griffin has 3768 passing yards with a 72.6 percent completion record for 34 touchdowns to just five interceptions. On the ground, Griffin has 612 yards on 149 carries for an average of 4.1 yards per carry and seven touchdowns. Robinson caused more damage on the ground, rushing for 1163 yards on 208 carries for an average of 5.6 yards per carry and 18 touchdowns. His passing numbers weren't as great as Griffin's though as he threw for 2056 yards with a 56.1% completion record with 18 touchdowns to 14 interceptions. Griffin has amassed 4290 yards and Robinson 3219. By himself, Griffin rank as the 86th best offense in the country based on total yards. Go back and watch Griffin's game against Oklahoma and Robinson's game against Ohio State this past weekend and you can see why having these two players on the same field would be so much fun. Neither team has much of a defense to speak of so scoring could up in the 50's with both of these quarterbacks orchestrating a dream of a game.
LSU-Stanford (Honey Badger vs. Luck Bowl)
Andrew Luck came into this season as the Heisman front runner and the favorite to be the number one draft pick in next April's NFL Draft. Actually, he would have been the first draft pick in the 2011 NFL draft as well. Since the beginning of the season another player has captured the hearts and minds of the American public, Tyrann Mathieu. Oh but you don't know him by that name you know him as the "Honey Badger". There hasn't been a player this season that has been more exciting than the Honey Badger. He just makes big plays. This season he has forced six fumbles, had four fumble recoveries and returned two of those for touchdowns, had a punt return for a touchdown, two interceptions, and 66 total tackles. His name is on the Heisman list and he has had one heck of a season. Now this wouldn't really be Luck vs. the Honey Badger as both the Stanford offense and the LSU defense are more than one player, but those are the stars. Stanford's offense comes in ranked 5th in scoring offense and LSU's defense is ranked 2nd in scoring defense. This isn't David vs. Goliath, this is Goliath vs. Goliath.
Florida State-Texas A&M (Disappointment Bowl)
Both of these teams started the season in Top 10 of the AP poll, Florida State at 6th and Texas A&M at 8th. In the latest AP poll, of the two teams only Florida State was ranked and that was at 25th. Combined these teams are 14-10 and neither will be playing for their Conference Championships this weekend, much less a National Championship, which some of the media predicted for these teams. This was supposed to be big years for both teams even without their top 10 rankings. Florida State was supposed to be back and build on their 10-4 record from last year, where they played in the ACC Championship game and beat South Carolina in the Chick-fil-A bowl. But they regressed and now the alumni and fans are getting frustrated with Jimbo Fisher, just 12 months after believing he was the second coming. For Texas A&M, this was their last year in the Big12 before their exit to the SEC. They wanted to make the case they belonged in the SEC by dominating the Big12 in their final season, but instead they were dominated. They only beat one ranked opponent this season, Baylor, and their final game in the Big12 was a huge disappointment in one more, possibly final, lose to Texas at home. This bowl game would be good for at least one of the programs to say, at least we didn't fall as far as those guys.
Ohio State-Florida (Urban Bowl)
When coaches are winning you hear a lot of great stories about them, except for Nick Saban I never hear anything nice about Nick Saban. One coach we have heard a lot about over past five years is Urban Meyer but over the last week we have learned one thing about Urban Meyer, he's just like a lot of other coaches, in that you can't always trust them. In his relatively short career Meyer already has two National Championships. But the end of his career at Florida ended oddly, with Meyer citing health issues and wanting to spend more time with his family as the reasons for leaving. Just a short time later, Meyer takes a job at ESPN, which had him traveling almost as much as a head coaching job would. Less than one year later, Meyer has taken the Ohio State job and the Florida fan base, players and coaches are not happy about it. Meyer won't be coaching in whatever bowl game Ohio State plays in but this would be a great opportunity for the Florida players to prove that Meyer made a mistake in leaving Gainseville. It has been a rough year for both programs but this game could fire up both teams enough to finish the season strong.
Oklahoma State-Oregon (Take the Over on the Over/Under Bowl)
Points on points on points! If you hate defense, then this is the game you want to see. Oklahoma State is ranked 2nd in scoring offense and Oregon ranks 3rd. Both teams are averaging over 45 points a game and the game would have star power on both teams, LaMichael James and Darron Thomas for Oregon and Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon for Oklahoma State. I haven't checked bowl projections but if Oklahoma State loses to Oklahoma this weekend and in turn loses the Big12 BCS bid, this match-up feels like it could happen. If it does, expect it to be one of the most exciting games of the bowl season.
Honorable Mentions:
Wisconsin-NC State: This game would not be close but it would be fun to see Russell Wilson get some revenge on NC State or see if Mike Glennon can prove that Tom O'Brien made the right choice.
USC-Miami: Neither of these teams will play in bowls this off-season because of NCAA investigations. USC has already been found guilty by the NCAA and is in the second season of their two-year bowl game ban. Miami is currently under investigation and is holding themselves out of a bowl game preemptively. This would be a good opportunity for Miami coaches and players to get some advice from USC on what it's like to spend a few seasons under punishment.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
The Sports Party: Episode 028
Pat comes on and we discuss some college basketball. First up we discuss the Duke-Kansas Championship game in the Maui Invitational and then discuss the Syracuse-Stanford Championship game in the NIT Season Tip-Off. After the break, we look at the three biggest games in the ACC/Big10 Challenge and make predictions for those games. Below the podcast you will see our picks for the other nine games. Those picks can also be found here on our predictions page.
Here's the links to Pat's articles I mentioned. Here for the one on why UNC won't win the National Championship in basketball this season and here is the link for an article on some Rookie quarterbacks in the NFL.
Chris Pat
Purdue over Miami Purdue over Miami
Georgia Tech over Northwestern Northwestern over Georgia Tech
Maryland over Illinois Illinois over Maryland
Michigan over UVA UVA over Michigan
Iowa over Clemson Clemson over Iowa
NC State over Indiana NC State over Indiania
Penn State over Boston College Penn State over Boston College
Virginia Tech over Minnesota Virginia Tech over Minnesota
Wake Forest over Nebraska Nebraska over Wake Forest
Here's the links to Pat's articles I mentioned. Here for the one on why UNC won't win the National Championship in basketball this season and here is the link for an article on some Rookie quarterbacks in the NFL.
Chris Pat
Purdue over Miami Purdue over Miami
Georgia Tech over Northwestern Northwestern over Georgia Tech
Maryland over Illinois Illinois over Maryland
Michigan over UVA UVA over Michigan
Iowa over Clemson Clemson over Iowa
NC State over Indiana NC State over Indiania
Penn State over Boston College Penn State over Boston College
Virginia Tech over Minnesota Virginia Tech over Minnesota
Wake Forest over Nebraska Nebraska over Wake Forest
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The State of Play (Vol. 1): 'Why UNC will NOT win the 2012 NCAA Championship'
Written by: Devil's Advocate
Here we are. Basketball season is a couple weeks underway and though the landscape in April will be vastly different from the landscape we have now, several are indicating two teams are the head and shoulders favorites to make their way through the NCAA this season: UNC and Kentucky. With a match-up between the two coming up in a couple of weeks in Rupp Arena, we are left to ask ourselves this hypothetical question: If these two teams prove to be the best two teams at the end of the year, who takes the crown in New Orleans? Past history would suggest the Tarheels are extremely able to win a National Title in the state of Louisiana; they’ve won 2 of their 5 NCAA tournaments in the Superdome. But if Kentucky stands in their way in a National Championship setting, I believe history will be challenged.
The Tarheels have 10 players on their roster this year that could start for many teams around the country and will ultimately contribute, each in their independent way, to the Tarheels success this season. That’s 2 full teams! The last time they were this deep was 2009 and that year they unloaded a mass of fury against the field of 65, winning the NCAA championship by 20 points per game. Not only are they similar to the 2009 team in depth, they have some of the best talent throughout the country at each individual position. Harrison Barnes has athletic ability that could rival that of Michael Jordan; Kendall Marshall delivers a pass almost as elegantly as Jason Kidd; and the length of John Henson helps him to have a shot-blocking ability that resembles something of an overly thin collegiate Shaquille O’Neal. So, what’s the problem with that?
Mostly inexperience. But even that won’t be the Achilles ‘Heel’ this season. If there are two coaches in the league that have the coaching ability to expose his players’ talents in the small window of 1 season, those guys are Roy Williams and John Calipari. Perhaps, Calipari more than Williams only because the majority of his teams have been mosaics of the best freshmen in the country. It’s what he does: take in fresh young talent, get the most out of their ability in just a single season, and turn them loose on the NBA Draft. Roy Williams is usually a little luckier and this year is no exception. Williams has the luxury of harnessing talent and bringing the best of those talents to the surface over a longer period of time, as many of his players prefer to see their junior year, at least. But, if you remember Harrison Barnes and Kendall Marshall last year as well as Tyler Hansbrough, Ed Davis, and Brandan Wright of previous years, Williams is able to do the same thing as Calipari in the same amount of time. But, Roy doesn’t need to worry about that too much this year. Other than the inevitable assistance at the three-point line from freshman P.J. Hairston, the majority of Williams’ talent comes from his returning all-stars.
But, lets be fair. It’s true that the Tarheels have a wealth of talent, however their skill set may only be outmatched by Kentucky. Though the Wildcats may not be as deep, they have 6 or 7 players that they can go to, 5 of which are future NBA first rounders. The interesting thing that this Kentucky team has that most Calipari teams don’t is two really talented and dominant sophmores; Terrance Jones and Doron Lamb have done this with Calipari before, and the last time they did this, they were one game away from facing 1-of-2 cupcake mid-majors for the championship. (I’m only stressing their ineptness as teams within a conference because the majority of people who read this actually thought the national champion could come from that side of the bracket last year) This year, Calipari will be much more contentious for something that he was already just outside the hunt for last season. The only difference from his usual freshman dominated teams comes from the small amount of experience the two sophomores possess that should propel the Wildcats into a national championship game. And, though I really don’t mean to oversell the talent Kentucky has, I have to suggest that there has yet to be a player as dominant as Terrence Jones on a Calipari team, other than Derrick Rose. He’s aggressive, imposing, and relentless. Thing that, I feel, will be the general theme in a neutral-court scenario between the ‘Cats and the ‘Heels.
So, the coaching is there along with the talent. This is all too obvious. As well, it is all too obvious why everyone is jumping on these two bandwagons for a championship. So, who wins the hypothetical game in New Orleans? Well, the early season game between the two should be an indicator of what will be if this happened down the road. Both of these teams are sure to be much better in the months of March and April than they will in December. However, on a neutral court setting, though the Heels can win a game of endurance, the physical play of the Tarheels will lead to their ultimate downfall. There are two schemes by which this game will ultimately be played: either face paced or half-court. Kentucky will have the speed to run with the Heels, who are known for their Williams run-and-gun style. Also, Calipari doesn’t seem like the person to back down from a challenge to let his guys run with UNC. But they won’t win that way. Terrence Jones is a big, dominating presence, but in an open-court track meet, my edge goes to the Heels. Tyler Zeller’s uncanny ability to beat opposing guards to the other end of the court, along with the other 4’s baptism into the style over the past 2 season AND the second string of all-stars will give them the edge in a 60-minute endurance test.
No, this game will be played in the half-court. And rightfully so. My perception of the Tarheels comes up a little short when comparing their defensive ability to that of 2009. Roy Williams’ fast paced style is extremely effective, but it needs defensive takeaways to feed it. And (though he had 6 steals in the game against South Carolina, proving he has developed somewhat defensively over the off-season) I don’t think Kendall Marshall will be going for 8 steals in the national championship game the way Ty Lawson did against Michigan St. Nor do I think Kentucky’s talented young guys will be as willing to turn the ball over. Therefore, this game must be played inside 45 feet.
So what? Why cant UNC,… with 10 deep, the most outstanding front court in the country, and the increasing ability to shoot the three that you’ll see as the year progresses,… why cant they beat Kentucky in the halfcourt? It’s simply: physicality. Just look at the size of Zeller and Henson compared to Terrance Jones. He uses his body to make the big play. UNC’s big bodies are pretty small other than James McAdoo, who could, I’ll grant you, potentially influence the outcome of this match-up. But that isn’t why the physicality will be the issue; as I said, the Tarheels will have talent on the inside and out to be able to score. No, no, no, it isn’t about scoring. Actually it has more to do with who controls the game.
Both of these teams will be at their best on April 3rd of the coming year, if they truly are to meet. And even though Williams can go 10 deep, you can only have 5 on the court at one time….
…Aye, there’s the rub. It would be more beneficial all around if the Heels were able to run like they’d want, but with 5 on 5 in the halfcourt, the Tarheels will definitely be out-matched from a talent perspective, as long as Calipari can put 5 desirable guys on the floor. The only way the Heels or anyone playing the Wildcats late in the season will be able to expose the weakness Kentucky has in their youth is to dominate the Cats to a point where the team sinks back into their freshman selves.
That’s it. That’s all I’m saying. A matured Kentucky offense will only lose games if they are intimidated by an opposing team. Intimidated to the point that they relapse into their comfortable style of play, which ultimately leads to dysfunction and disorganization associated with freshman play on the collegiate level.
Maybe a final four match-up with Connecticut or Ohio State could expose this weakness, but for this edition of The State of Play we’re talking UNC-UK final game (Which, if you've ever watched an NCAA tournament, you understand, regardless who the two best teams are, facing each other in the end is highly improbable). With that, the Tarheels are simply too passive. Throughout the year, Roy Williams will focus much more time on the usefulness of the outlet pass, rather than physical dominance. And rightfully so, this team can be extremely successful using that strategy. But, against the more superior 5-on-5 talent Kentucky possesses, along with the size of Terrence Jones, the Tarheels will be outmatched physically against a team that will exert their will in a neutral court scenario.
No, my guess is this UNC team’s path through the NCAA tournament will resemble UNC’s 2008 run. They’ll fall short if they are to play the Wildcats in April. And, if there’s a God, the NBA will be locked-out next year and Barnes and Henson will come back to help cut down the nets next season (Note: The NBA has developed a tentative agreement between the writing of this article and it's posting; there's still no assurance that there will be a 'next season' in the NBA, however). But, I guess we’ll just have to see…
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
The Most Successful, The Most Valuable, and The Dark Horse: (Read Again in Five Years)
“Who is the best quarterback from the NFL draft?” It’s a question that plagues the minds of professional football fans from the preparation for the NFL draft until the next year’s Superbowl. And then, seldom to be contemplated unless, retrospectively, a goldmine of talent is exposed years later through a comment like, “Did you know Tom Brady was drafted 199th overall, after 6 other quarterbacks were drafted, including Chad Pennington?” Or, “Who do you think lucked out from Eli Manning’s ‘hissy-fit’ to get out of going to San Diego (dude, it’s San Diego!) in 2004? Chargers or Giants?”
So far, it’s mid-season in the NFL. Six games remain, and the question is valid for another 3 months, only to be thrown into the obsoleted abyss, by the next year’s draft class. Without further ado, “Which quarterback from the 2011 NFL Draft will have the greatest career?”
We’ve been given hints that two candidates are up for selection from the polls associated with public opinion: Andy Dalton, who’s (6-4) Bengals have just recently let the AFC North division out of their grasp, and Cam Newton, whose struggling (2-8) Panthers look to have an optimistic language about their play, in spite of a bitter record. So, who’s better?
The Most Successful – Andy Dalton
In the microwave sports reality that ESPN has furnished thanks to watered down shows like “First Take” and “Tony Romo is Burning,” we are led to believe that Andy Dalton must be the quarterback with the brightest future because he has had the quickest response to the roles associated with being a successful quarterback. I mean, for goodness sake, the kid took a (4-12) team to the top of the division they share with the Ravens and the Steelers at (6-2) in week 8. He came into a fractured organization that had been plagued with ‘iffy’ decision-making for years, as the guy necessary to replace the star-quarterback who was still in town, however, would’ve rather retire than play for the team.
Well, all of the reasons I just mentions AND the fact that, regardless what you think of him now, a good majority of sports fans really didn’t want Cam Newton to succeed at one point. If he hadn’t been so endearing in the way he changed the morale of the Panther offense, people would’ve been delighted by now that someone other than Cam Newton would be the more viable candidate for ‘Rookie of the Year.’ Flash-forward 6 months and you can’t resist delight in the guy’s touchdown celebrations. But, back to Dalton…
On the year, Opie has a 59.3 completion percentage with over 2,200 yards and 15 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. With that, the Cincinnati Bengals stand at a solid (6-4) with 3rd place in a tough division. Maybe that isn’t the grandest stat of a quarterback ever, but all this is coming off a season in which Chad Ochocinco bailed for a chance at a ring with the Patriots. Meanwhile, arguably the most underrated quarterback of the modern era, vowed to retire early rather than wear the uniform again. Oh yeah…and he’s a rookie. He’s a rookie that has turned his team completely around from their former selves. The Bengals finished last season at a despicable (4-12) and this season they were, and are, actively competitive in the division with a 1½ game trail behind the Steelers and Ravens. But, Dalton hasn’t been this successful, relatively speaking, without a little help from the players around him. The wide-receiver tandem-of-the-future was brought to Cincinnati in the rookie talents of A.J. Green and the maturing athlete with the skeletons in his closet, Jerome Simpson (AND he’s a local). Together, the two have combined for 75 completions, 1197 yards, and 8 touchdowns on the season. With assistance from solid Tight End and Running Back positions, the Bengals really aren’t that bad this year. Funny, the team Colin Cowherd constantly suggested has the clumsiest possibility at success this year, really isn’t that bad. (But, be honest, Colin Cowherd wasn’t the only one) So, as he stands, Andy Dalton’s future does look bright. But, I would be willing to guess that it will be as bright as the team exists around him can be.
In other words, between the two of them, Andy Dalton brings less to his team than the affectionately despised Cam Newton. Which brings me to my next point…
The Most Valuable Player – Cam Newton
What can be worse than a 2-14 season, finishing at the bottom of the pack of professional football teams after playing in a Superbowl less than a decade prior? Having just as many wins in the win column as the previous year with only 6 more chances to improve the record, (2-8)? I would beg to differ. Have you seen the Panthers play recently? The team that got two wins last year (both of which came against NFC West opponents and one taking place after a BYE week) is the same team that has been competing aggressively with a revamped team…style…culture altogether. Yeah, these guys are (2-8), but of their 8 loses, five came down to a touchdown or less (one of which was against the undefeated Superbowl Champion, Green Bay Packers). Last season they were outscored 196-408. This season, 225-286. That really provides empirical evidence that something is different about this team. And the circumstantial change that has taken place could be credited to a single person, however, is it that single person credited if he inspires a change in the whole team?
Truly, Cam Newton is only responsible for how he plays the game of football. But let’s be real. When was the last time Steve Smith was considered a top-5 receiver with complete conviction? In the last 2 seasons, Steve Smith hasn’t been able to break the 1,000 yard mark, something we all thought would be a common occurrence after the 2008 season. This year, a little more than half the season is gone and he’s only 8 yards shy of the mark. Not only that, but Smith is also on pace to reach 1,563 yards in a season; a career best he set in 2005. Along with that, DeAngelo Williams seems to be making modest improvements towards the athlete he used to be. With the running back tandem of the once upon a time Stewart-Williams and a couple positions filled on both lines, this Panther team could be a serious contender for the NFC Championship.
Now, let’s talk some Newton -The guy we all thought had a few rough spots around the edges coming into the NFL Draft. Whether it was because he stole and destroyed his roommates laptop at Florida, or because he couldn’t name a single play he’d run at Auburn for John Gruden, a little part of us all wanted this guy to fail. But he hasn’t. In fact, I’ll be the first to admit… His success has been extremely endearing. He electrifies the Panther offense in a way that is visible on the field and in the stands. Newton has rushed for 9 Touchdowns this season, and, if you haven’t seen one yet, the celebrations really do make you happy for the guy. Not only that, but along with 411 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns, his work as a passer isn’t so bad. In fact, 219 completions, 2,885 yards and 12 touchdowns is pretty good for a Rook’. On the other hand, 14 interceptions and 3 fumbles ain’t winning many championships. It’s okay, he has a great prospect for the future, let’s not forget how many issues he had in the preseason. One at a time, please.
Alright, so these must be the two Quarterbacks that will lead the most successful careers in the coming years?
“Not so fast”
-Lee Corso
The Dark Horse – Jake Locker
In fairness, I will do what I can to reveal to you that I am not a hypocrite. (I’m citing the “microwave sports reality” created by ESPN from earlier) Scout’s honor, I have had several conversations about my expectations for Jake Locker, prior to his success Sunday night. I am, unashamedly, a Seattle Seahawks fan. And before the 2011 NFL Draft, I was desperate for the fumblin’ bumbling’ Seahawks front-office to trade up in an effort to get Jake Locker because a lot of things about this guy led me to believe he will be the real deal in the future.
Let’s be honest on two points.
Point #1 -Which of the quarterbacks in the 2011 NFL Draft were the most consistent from the beginning to the end of their college career?
…Catching on?...
Point #2 –Despite how you feel about the man personally, was Brett Favre not one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, not just his era?
Jake Locker’s career at Washington was as successful a quarterback’s career can be at the failing football program. Every year, since the first time he threw a ball too high after scoring a touchdown, which costs him the game, we heard about the talent in Seattle that was going to be a professional commodity. Before Andrew Luck was Andrew Luck, scouts were desperate to see this guy come out after his Junior season, to which he decided to return to his Alma Mater and struggle through another season. That’s a lot tougher to do when your chances at a national title aren’t as feasible as Standford’s were this year. No, the Huskies finished at 7-6 and remained outside the Top-25 all season.
It was that attribute in Locker that looked so appetizing and leads me to my next point. There’s a place where talent meets personal love of the game, and that place is sincerely beautiful…
Just look at Brett Favre’s career. I challenge anyone that payed the slightest bit of attention to professional football between 2005 and 2010, to suggest that Brett Favre doesn’t love the game. Not only do Brett Favre and Jake Locker have that in common, though.
Many would suggest the two’s playing style is uniquely similar, as well (if that makes any sense). For nearly two decades, Brett Favre relied on his quick feet and his cannon of an arm to put passes where they needed to be for the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, and, with more time, the Atlanta Falcons to begin his career. There is something to be said for quarterbacks like Brett Favre; those that have a unique ability to create as the pocket is breaking down…to be able to have collapsed protection and, through sheer intuition, be able to avoid the sack and hurl it 40 yards downfield for a wide open receiver. Well, many would argue Jake Locker has that ability. He was duly noted for it as NFL drafts revealed themselves on the horizon to ESPN analysts in 2010 and 2011. But more remains to be seen from the young Locker.
Ironic how at the end of last football season, I envisioned a Seattle Seahawks team, led by the veteran Matt Hasselbeck with an Aaron Rogers-esque QB-in-waiting like Jake Locker. Over the coming years, I imagined Hasselbeck, who learned from Favre, to teach this young talent with qualities of Favre, how to be a great NFL quarterback, like Favre (Shwew!). Funny how that scenario took place, only not for my team…
But last Sunday, it happened…Hasselbeck went down with a short-lasting injury while losing to the Falcons 23-3 in the third quarter. With about 3 minutes to play in the third quarter, Jake Locker ran onto the field for Matt Hasselbeck who had accumulated 124 yards and an interception in 3 and a half quarters of play. When Locker took the field, he looked like a seasoned veteran with the skill set to win the game. From there, he threw for 140 yards and 2 touchdowns to come up just short of the falcons 17-23. Not bad for your first game, kid. Not bad.
Of course, more remains to be seen from these doe-eyed leather slingers. Who knows what will happen to the quarterback class of 2011. Superbowls? MVPs? Do I dare mention, Hall of Fame? We will have to conference again after a lengthy period of time, when all the dust has settled on their career milestones. But…I have to say… With the utmost accountability and resistance from hypocrisy as possible…
I’m takin’ Locker…
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
An Open Letter to Jimbo Fisher
Dear Jimbo,
Thank you for taking over as Offensive Coordinator after Jeff Bowden resigned/was paid off/was fired despite his father trying to save him. Thank you for providing a new vision for our program and developing quarterbacks, making them more efficient, and creating a multiple style offense that we had not seen in over a decade. I remember where I was on the day Jeff was fired, I was driving north on 319 crossing Killarney Way, and I had an old flip phone that I was typing texts on as fast as I could. Since then I have had a picture of you in a frame with the Obama-style color scheme and "Hope" written underneath. It took me a while to find a good version, but I printed it out and now it sits behind my desk just conspicuous enough so a visitor to my classroom would know I am a diehard Nole fan who really trusts his head coach.
You have brought a brand new "Process" to FSU. It is one we did not have before, nor did we really need it prior to the Lost Decade. College football has changed drastically, and it is now a business unlike anything before. I could speak and breakdown for days the relationship between recruiting, NFL style offenses, preparing players for the NFL, and the lifeblood of a program being the athletes it gets. The relationship between all of those is directly related to the changing dynamic of professional sports and collegiate revenue sports. Your process is perfect fit for our program. You understand the changing of the game and what needs to be done to get the recruits and make them great players.
However, your Process is failing. As a former student-athlete, alum, an educator, and a coach I have perspective as to what it means to mentor student-athletes and it pains me to see my University failing in a manner that can be avoided. Here are some suggestions as to what should/could be changed and why it has to take place. Stop the coach speak; evaluate the necessary changes in your Process; learn how to adjust game plans on the fly; delegate.
First, Coach, stop the coach speak. I know the relationship between the program and the media is something you want to control, but nothing is more frustrating when the very people who support your program want to find a reason to continue to support it and all they hear is a coach who explains away the results as a "lack of execution". You do realize we crucified the previous staff for blaming players? Please stop doing that. Not only is it unhelpful, it is condescending. Surely, very few of the fans understand the schemes you are explaining, so maybe your hope is to overwhelm them with X's and O's and that will satisfy them. Or maybe that is just how you think, and that is ok... if you are an Offensive Coordinator. I expect the impersonal, condescending explanations from Charlie Weiss, not Jimbo Fisher. In no way am I asking for his return, but you do realize Bowden was able to stay as long as he did because he knew how to work a room; he knew how to talk to reporters, give them good quotes, tell a story, not be an X's and O's robot? The people who pay your salary don't want to hear that you drew up a good play and the players failed to execute it.
Second, clearly your Process has progressed the recruiting beyond what it was before you got here. We will be very, very talented. It has left some gaps in the offensive line, and that will have to be answered for. But your Process on the fied is not yielding results. Something is breaking down between the drawing up of the plays and the execution of them on the field. Something needs to change in how that is being implemented.
As stated before, I am an educator. Last chapter, I provided my students with written notes, a PowerPoint form of those notes, and a conceptualized form of the information through concept charts and idea mapping using Prezi. I nailed the drawing up of the information from every possible way a student could learn. They bombed the test. The next chapter, we read the chapter together instead of on their own, we reviewed vocab twice, not once, and I gave one set of notes in one linear written form. They aced their test. The tests were equal in difficulty, but the process to get there was far less convoluted. The first process looked good to other teachers, administrators, and parents but it failed my students. My point: simplify what is taking place.
Simplify what you require. These are 19 year olds who most likely are not the best and brightest in the classroom. They have a lot going on in their lives. You must change what you are doing as a teacher of football because the same mistakes are taking place in the run blocking and the play checking at the line of scrimmage.
Changing your Process also entails preparing yourself for in game adjustments. That sounds like an oxymoron, but you have to be prepared to change on the fly. You know your football well, and you understand what other coaches do as evidenced by your decision to call for a run at the end of the game knowing they'd blitz and hoping EJ would check to a bubble. It was a great piece of chess, but that didn't happen. Too often these types of things are happening (or not happening). They are related to the above issues, but your response is key. I know you prepare every week for 1:30, 1:20, :50 on the clock, but that preparation is coming across more like shackles to what you can do. We are limited in our play calling by being unimaginative and predictable. Surely execution should take place, but it's not. Adjust, please.
Lastly, delegate your responsibilities. You are the head coach, the de facto offensive coordinator, the quarterbacks coach, the lead recruiter, the only person who gives press conferences, luncheons, interviews, or call in shows. Further, you are a father and husband. How is there that much time in the day? You have to be skimping on something. You cannot possibly have that much energy or ability to prepare everything you should. It is obvious that you are a great father and husband. You are not cutting corners in that department. My guess it is in the coaching somewhere. In fact, I am certain of it. Manuel has not developed the way he should after having four years in the program. The offensive game plan, while effective in many ways is lost when we have a single disruption (running backs missing blocks). Honestly, 1st and Goal from the 1 and we don't score a touchdown. Explain that all you want about how the DEs and OLBs were going to pinch, but that is not an excuse.
Further, you need to let your Assistant Coaches speak. If anything, this will prevent the unnecessary awkward predicament the players find themselves trying to explain what happened on the field. In a strange twist you have your players doing the PR for you and your staff rather than the adults leading the team in the most important off field aspect of the program- media/public relations. And if you will not let your coaches speak to the media, is that not a great representation of the environment and intrinsic lack of confidence you have in your subordinates? Surely you are trying to avoid a PR disaster that can happen when an assistant may contradict you, or you are letting them game plan more. It seems like a good thing that they do not have to worry about that aspect of the program. But damn, man, you in making them invisible to the larger audience of fans thus painting a larger target on your back.
These suggestions are easily dismissed because you are a major college football head coach and I am not. We don't know what happens with you and your staff, and that's exactly the point. You have challenged players and fans to commit to the program, to live up to expectations, to literally buy into it being our time but you do not answer to anyone but yourself. We trust you and want you to win. We want this program to be good, but it is difficult to trust you when you don't trust your staff, the media, or the fans. We trust you with 2.75 million dollars a year but it's hard to continue the trust when you have the program held hostage.
More control from you over this program won't fix the situation. Doing the same thing over and over again getting the same result while expecting different is not Process, it's insanity. You need to back off some of that intensity. You need to teach simpler. You need endear the fans to you. Look at the guy on top. He may not be able to draw up X's and O's, but he trusts his staff, and his players play for him because he isn't an overbearing bore. Fans have learned to trust him; they had process and he wasn't, but he is winning. He may very well hold the job you consider your dream job and he is kicking ass.
We need you to be great. We trust you to be great. You don't have to win the National Title next year. You just need to show that the same mistakes aren't being made, that your players are progressing, they we are relevant in the national picture, and that you can enjoy being head coach as well as enjoy being our coach.... oh and beat that Ag-school south on I-75.
Roll Tribe,
Mitch
Thank you for taking over as Offensive Coordinator after Jeff Bowden resigned/was paid off/was fired despite his father trying to save him. Thank you for providing a new vision for our program and developing quarterbacks, making them more efficient, and creating a multiple style offense that we had not seen in over a decade. I remember where I was on the day Jeff was fired, I was driving north on 319 crossing Killarney Way, and I had an old flip phone that I was typing texts on as fast as I could. Since then I have had a picture of you in a frame with the Obama-style color scheme and "Hope" written underneath. It took me a while to find a good version, but I printed it out and now it sits behind my desk just conspicuous enough so a visitor to my classroom would know I am a diehard Nole fan who really trusts his head coach.
You have brought a brand new "Process" to FSU. It is one we did not have before, nor did we really need it prior to the Lost Decade. College football has changed drastically, and it is now a business unlike anything before. I could speak and breakdown for days the relationship between recruiting, NFL style offenses, preparing players for the NFL, and the lifeblood of a program being the athletes it gets. The relationship between all of those is directly related to the changing dynamic of professional sports and collegiate revenue sports. Your process is perfect fit for our program. You understand the changing of the game and what needs to be done to get the recruits and make them great players.
However, your Process is failing. As a former student-athlete, alum, an educator, and a coach I have perspective as to what it means to mentor student-athletes and it pains me to see my University failing in a manner that can be avoided. Here are some suggestions as to what should/could be changed and why it has to take place. Stop the coach speak; evaluate the necessary changes in your Process; learn how to adjust game plans on the fly; delegate.
First, Coach, stop the coach speak. I know the relationship between the program and the media is something you want to control, but nothing is more frustrating when the very people who support your program want to find a reason to continue to support it and all they hear is a coach who explains away the results as a "lack of execution". You do realize we crucified the previous staff for blaming players? Please stop doing that. Not only is it unhelpful, it is condescending. Surely, very few of the fans understand the schemes you are explaining, so maybe your hope is to overwhelm them with X's and O's and that will satisfy them. Or maybe that is just how you think, and that is ok... if you are an Offensive Coordinator. I expect the impersonal, condescending explanations from Charlie Weiss, not Jimbo Fisher. In no way am I asking for his return, but you do realize Bowden was able to stay as long as he did because he knew how to work a room; he knew how to talk to reporters, give them good quotes, tell a story, not be an X's and O's robot? The people who pay your salary don't want to hear that you drew up a good play and the players failed to execute it.
Second, clearly your Process has progressed the recruiting beyond what it was before you got here. We will be very, very talented. It has left some gaps in the offensive line, and that will have to be answered for. But your Process on the fied is not yielding results. Something is breaking down between the drawing up of the plays and the execution of them on the field. Something needs to change in how that is being implemented.
As stated before, I am an educator. Last chapter, I provided my students with written notes, a PowerPoint form of those notes, and a conceptualized form of the information through concept charts and idea mapping using Prezi. I nailed the drawing up of the information from every possible way a student could learn. They bombed the test. The next chapter, we read the chapter together instead of on their own, we reviewed vocab twice, not once, and I gave one set of notes in one linear written form. They aced their test. The tests were equal in difficulty, but the process to get there was far less convoluted. The first process looked good to other teachers, administrators, and parents but it failed my students. My point: simplify what is taking place.
Simplify what you require. These are 19 year olds who most likely are not the best and brightest in the classroom. They have a lot going on in their lives. You must change what you are doing as a teacher of football because the same mistakes are taking place in the run blocking and the play checking at the line of scrimmage.
Changing your Process also entails preparing yourself for in game adjustments. That sounds like an oxymoron, but you have to be prepared to change on the fly. You know your football well, and you understand what other coaches do as evidenced by your decision to call for a run at the end of the game knowing they'd blitz and hoping EJ would check to a bubble. It was a great piece of chess, but that didn't happen. Too often these types of things are happening (or not happening). They are related to the above issues, but your response is key. I know you prepare every week for 1:30, 1:20, :50 on the clock, but that preparation is coming across more like shackles to what you can do. We are limited in our play calling by being unimaginative and predictable. Surely execution should take place, but it's not. Adjust, please.
Lastly, delegate your responsibilities. You are the head coach, the de facto offensive coordinator, the quarterbacks coach, the lead recruiter, the only person who gives press conferences, luncheons, interviews, or call in shows. Further, you are a father and husband. How is there that much time in the day? You have to be skimping on something. You cannot possibly have that much energy or ability to prepare everything you should. It is obvious that you are a great father and husband. You are not cutting corners in that department. My guess it is in the coaching somewhere. In fact, I am certain of it. Manuel has not developed the way he should after having four years in the program. The offensive game plan, while effective in many ways is lost when we have a single disruption (running backs missing blocks). Honestly, 1st and Goal from the 1 and we don't score a touchdown. Explain that all you want about how the DEs and OLBs were going to pinch, but that is not an excuse.
Further, you need to let your Assistant Coaches speak. If anything, this will prevent the unnecessary awkward predicament the players find themselves trying to explain what happened on the field. In a strange twist you have your players doing the PR for you and your staff rather than the adults leading the team in the most important off field aspect of the program- media/public relations. And if you will not let your coaches speak to the media, is that not a great representation of the environment and intrinsic lack of confidence you have in your subordinates? Surely you are trying to avoid a PR disaster that can happen when an assistant may contradict you, or you are letting them game plan more. It seems like a good thing that they do not have to worry about that aspect of the program. But damn, man, you in making them invisible to the larger audience of fans thus painting a larger target on your back.
These suggestions are easily dismissed because you are a major college football head coach and I am not. We don't know what happens with you and your staff, and that's exactly the point. You have challenged players and fans to commit to the program, to live up to expectations, to literally buy into it being our time but you do not answer to anyone but yourself. We trust you and want you to win. We want this program to be good, but it is difficult to trust you when you don't trust your staff, the media, or the fans. We trust you with 2.75 million dollars a year but it's hard to continue the trust when you have the program held hostage.
More control from you over this program won't fix the situation. Doing the same thing over and over again getting the same result while expecting different is not Process, it's insanity. You need to back off some of that intensity. You need to teach simpler. You need endear the fans to you. Look at the guy on top. He may not be able to draw up X's and O's, but he trusts his staff, and his players play for him because he isn't an overbearing bore. Fans have learned to trust him; they had process and he wasn't, but he is winning. He may very well hold the job you consider your dream job and he is kicking ass.
We need you to be great. We trust you to be great. You don't have to win the National Title next year. You just need to show that the same mistakes aren't being made, that your players are progressing, they we are relevant in the national picture, and that you can enjoy being head coach as well as enjoy being our coach.... oh and beat that Ag-school south on I-75.
Roll Tribe,
Mitch
The Sports Party: Episode 027
Today on the podcast Mitch and I look back at the crazy weekend in college football. We also talk about our disappointment in the fact that the ACC Championship game just lost a lot of its excitement with that horrible Clemson loss. Later on the podcast, we discuss Urban Meyer to Ohio State and how getting that big name coach doesn't always pan out. Enjoy the podcast.
Thanks for your continued support of the Sports Party. Here is the link to download the podcast from iTunes. Email us at thesportsparty@gmail.com.
Thanks for your continued support of the Sports Party. Here is the link to download the podcast from iTunes. Email us at thesportsparty@gmail.com.
ACC Power Rankings: Week 13
Welcome to the Week 13 Power Rankings. At this point in the season you start to realize that there will only be a few more weeks of football left and in turn only a few more power rankings and that makes me sad. We only have won more weekend where all 12 ACC teams are going to be playing football. Yes this season is finally coming to an end Maryland and Boston College fans, you're welcome. Enjoy the Power Rankings everyone.
Chris Mitch Pat
1. Virginia Tech 1. Virginia Tech 1. Virginia Tech
2. Georgia Tech 2. Clemson 2. Georgia Tech
3. UVA 3. UVA 3. Clemson
4. Clemson 4. Georgia Tech 4. UVA
5. Florida State 5. Wake Forest 5. Florida State
6. Wake Forest 6. Florida State 6. Wake Forest
7. NC State 7. Miami 7. NC State
8. Miami 8. NC State 8. Miami
9. Boston College 9. UNC 9. UNC
10. UNC 10. Duke 10. Duke
11. Duke 11. Boston College 11. Boston College
12. Maryland 12. Maryland 12. Maryland
Power Rankings
*-Bowl Eligible
#-Atlantic Division Champion
1. Virginia Tech (LW 1)(10-1)*
Chris: HOKIE, HOKIE, HOKIE, HIG....Well maybe low after last Thursday night. Virginia Tech did not play their best football of the season and won despite that. The offense played poorly as they have been prone to do this season and that's the fear with this team going into their last game against UVA. If Virginia Tech's offense does not show up this weekend this game will be tough and potentially a lose. If Virginia Tech plays like they did against Georgia Tech they should win and win handily, but if Virginia Tech plays like they did against UNC, Duke or Boston College and this game could be an L. There's a lot riding on this game for both programs and how the next few seasons could shape up for both.
Mitch: The only one loss team so they have to be at the top. I'm not knocking them when I say this, but their schedule is not as difficult as it has been in recent years, nor as difficult as other teams in the conference. However, they have won every game but one and when that game is played again (I'm referring to Clemson/Virginia Tech (Editor's note: Virginia Tech has to beat UVA this weekend for this to happen.)) They will win. Thomas is the key to keeping pressure off of Wilson. They compliment one another well.
2. Georgia Tech (LW 4)(8-3)*
Mitch: Just chugging along with the triple option looking to be a good team and play in a crappy bowl. But who says fan bases and monetary power aren't part of what makes a program valuable.
Pat: Georgia Tech was challenged by the Blue Devils this weekend. It would seem the novelty offense is becoming stymied by its lack of dimension. But, the record-breaking offense is still pretty productive with 549 total yards on offense. It’s the defense that is having a few problems. Putting up 38 should be enough to beat a Duke team averaging just over 20 points a game. But, the Devils crawled back in with a couple nice breaks. Overall, the Jackets are a champion of circumstance, as they move up the polls in a week that their luster didn’t shine as bright.
3. Clemson (LW 2)(9-2)*#
Pat: Well, it is now safe to say something is growing more-and-more rotten with each passing week in Clemson. Of course, they did lose a star in Sammy Watkins which could definitely handicap an offense so reliant on the talents of Watkins, but I’m eager to see how the Tigers bounce back from losing two of their last three. Since the loss to Georgia Tech, they just seem flat. Tajh Boyd has only thrown nince interceptions this season and seven of them have come in the last three games. Any ideas he may have had for a Heisman candidacy were ruined with Georgia Tech. But, the season isn’t over (well, maybe it is after losing to NC State). The Tigers have the head to Columbia this weekend and if they can’t get it together, they’ll have lost three of four after starting out 8-0.
Mitch: Sure they lost, but they still are going to the ACC Championship game and are loaded with talent
4. UVA (LW 6)(8-3)*
Mitch: Good for Mike London. I love seeing coaches get their team ready and execute when the time comes. They keep plugging away and put themselves into a position to win and then they actually win. It's great to see a team not make a ton of mistakes or play themselves out of a ball game. In other news, I hope London gets a job in the Pac-12.
Pat: Everyone that guessed this team had the potential to be 8-3 at the beginning of the season raise your hand…Why am I the only one with my hand raised? No, seriously, though I thought this team would exceed expectations this year, but I never thought they would be 8-3 and competing this weekend for sole possession of the Coastal Division. They’re playing great lately, and have a lot to be proud of as they host the Hokies in Charlottesville this coming weekend. I am going out on a wing, basing my opinion solely on the mood of college football this year, which I rarely do…the Hokies get stunned this weekend and the Cavaliers play in the ACC Championship. If I’m wrong, so what. Who won’t be pulling for UVA this weekend? (Editor's note: ME!)
5. Florida State (LW 3)(7-4)*
Chris: I watched Florida State's game from this weekend from start to finish to see how much the UVA-Virginia Tech game would mean this coming up weekend. The thing I noticed about Florida State is that they don't seem to be as good as they were at the beginning of the season. That's a problem for this program. You always want to be improving and when you don't seem to be playing as well in game 11 as you were in game three, that comes down to coaching. I am not calling for Fisher's job nor should his job be in jeopardy, but this should be a cause for concern going into the future. You always want your program to be improving.
Mitch: [In lieu of writing something, I am not showing up like FSU's offense the whole game, FSU's defense the last drive, and Jimbo Fisher's in game management/adjustments... but hey, maybe if I could execute better it would be different]
6. Wake Forest (LW 5)(6-5)*
Pat: Well, a fairly average ACC season for the Deacons. They stand at 6-5 and have upset as many foes as they have been upset by. This weekend was no upset though. Everything went as planned for the Deacs’ this week hosting Maryland. Then again, how often does Maryland foil their adversaries’ plans? Wake will be in a fun match-up against a bottom tier SEC team. Which is the equivalent of a second tier ACC team, so…should be interesting.
Chris: Almost every week one of my co-contributors will leave a team's description blank and tell me they don't have anything to write about that team. It works out because we still have two other writer's that can cover that particular team. The way this week worked out I have to write something about Wake Forest and for the first time I've got nothing to say about them. They beat Maryland last weekend, as expected, and they will play Vanderbilt this weekend, giving Pat his interesting bowl match-up of Wake Forest playing a bottom teir SEC team a few weeks earlier.
7. NC State (LW 8)(6-5)
Chris: Who is this team? There is no one in the ACC, and possibly the country, that has been as up and down as NC State this season. Let's take a look back at NC State's last four game, shutout by Florida State 34-0, then they shutout UNC 13-0, the next week they lose to Boston College 14-10, and then beat Clemson 37-13. That definitely shows a lack of consistency from NC State the past few weeks. If NC State wins this weekend against Maryland they will bowl eligible. They have the six wins required but two of them came against 1-AA or FCS opponents and only won of those counts against their bowl eligible wins. So they need one more this weekend and I wouldn't dare predict an outcome for that game.
Mitch: I hope they lose to Maryland. I love seeing a muck-fest at the bottom of our conference. One time my friend tried to convince me that "parody" was good for the league. I don't believe that because parody travels under another name, "mediocrity". I like when two or three teams kick butt for decades.
8. Miami (LW 7)(6-5)* (Miami is bowl eligible but has decided to not play in a bowl this year because of the NCAA investigation into the program.)
Mitch: They are not going to a bowl, so they'll probably throttle Boston College because it'll be their last game. Or maybe they'll quit because Golden announced he is going to take the Penn State job. That'd be the straw that breaks the Miami back. They'd be down for years. I know it's a right move for the University to not accept the bid, but is it right for the players?
Pat: I am not impressed by the play of Miami over the weekend. This game wasn’t the defensive display like LSU-Alabama, more like an offensive fallacy. Yes, both teams were able to pick up yards and move the ball, just not efficiently enough to get within the red zone. At one point in the season, I was impressed by Miami’s offensive ability. Maybe they just didn’t show up for this one… Nevertheless, they walk out with a victory and are above .500 on the season.
9. UNC (LW Tied for 9th)(6-5)*
Pat: The Tarheels outplayed the Hokies for almost the entire game on Thursday night. Unfortunately, sometimes games don’t turn out the way they are played. A bad bounce, and a missed opportunity and you’re fighting for your life. However, the young quarterback Renner had a great day in a hostile environment that is, year-in and year-out, Lane Stadium. 224 yards, 1 TD and 0 INTs in Blacksburg isn’t too bad for a rookie. Too bad the Heels had to lose in a great battle.
Chris: Bryn Renner is a shining spot for this UNC team. In a season that will most likely be forgotten by many Tarheel fans in a few seasons, Renner has played well, especially on Thursday night against the Hokies. As a Virginia Tech fan I am not looking forward to seeing him three more times over his career.
10. Boston College/Duke (Boston College LW Tied for 9th/Duke LW 11)(Boston College 3-8/Duke 3-8)
Chris: Boston College goes down to Miami and I hope those guys get to spend some time down on the beach. I mean that because after this game they are going to have to go back up to Boston for the winter. It's going to be cold and it's going to be sad, especially after the season they just had. So get some time out on the beach Eagle players, it might be the last time you are warm until April.
Pat: I don’t know what I’m more surprised of? The fact that Boston College nearly beat a top-25 team, or the fact that Notre Dame is in the top-25? I know everyone responsible for putting college football together wants Notre Dame to be their old selves, but even standing at 8-3, I’d argue that it's too soon. However, they have had some success this season despite playing three ACC teams in three weeks…Could it be that ND is back? Damnit, I hope not…
Pat: I’m sure its getting tough for the Iron Duke faithful…all four of them. This Duke team is taking some hits every week. Every week they come in and play their hearts out just to give it up in the end. This week was no exception against the Jackets and with a few minutes left, Duke actually had a chance to beat the once upon a time, 6-0 Georgia Tech team. Oh well, wait until next weekend where you have a legitimate shot against the UNC rival in Chapel Hill. 4-8?
Chris: I was actively rooting for Duke to pull out this win against Georgia Tech on Saturday. This isn't those horrible Duke teams of a few seasons ago, these are actual teams. They play hard and play well but they are obviously under-skilled at several different positions. Duke's last game this season is against UNC and they could definitely pull out that win but if it happens this won't be the marquee win this program needs moving forward. Better luck next year Duke.
12. Maryland (LW 12)(2-9)
Mitch: I'm taking the over on their game with NC State. I think both offenses will score because both defenses aren't any good.
Pat: One more week and its basketball season with Coach Gary…Uh, urgh…6 more months and its baseball season with coach…
Agree? Disagree? Just want to join in on the witty banter? Join us in the comments section and tell us your thoughts. If you have questions or topics you want discussed on the Sports Party email us at thesportsparty@gmail.com. Thanks for your continued support of the Sports Party.
Chris Mitch Pat
1. Virginia Tech 1. Virginia Tech 1. Virginia Tech
2. Georgia Tech 2. Clemson 2. Georgia Tech
3. UVA 3. UVA 3. Clemson
4. Clemson 4. Georgia Tech 4. UVA
5. Florida State 5. Wake Forest 5. Florida State
6. Wake Forest 6. Florida State 6. Wake Forest
7. NC State 7. Miami 7. NC State
8. Miami 8. NC State 8. Miami
9. Boston College 9. UNC 9. UNC
10. UNC 10. Duke 10. Duke
11. Duke 11. Boston College 11. Boston College
12. Maryland 12. Maryland 12. Maryland
Power Rankings
*-Bowl Eligible
#-Atlantic Division Champion
1. Virginia Tech (LW 1)(10-1)*
Chris: HOKIE, HOKIE, HOKIE, HIG....Well maybe low after last Thursday night. Virginia Tech did not play their best football of the season and won despite that. The offense played poorly as they have been prone to do this season and that's the fear with this team going into their last game against UVA. If Virginia Tech's offense does not show up this weekend this game will be tough and potentially a lose. If Virginia Tech plays like they did against Georgia Tech they should win and win handily, but if Virginia Tech plays like they did against UNC, Duke or Boston College and this game could be an L. There's a lot riding on this game for both programs and how the next few seasons could shape up for both.
Mitch: The only one loss team so they have to be at the top. I'm not knocking them when I say this, but their schedule is not as difficult as it has been in recent years, nor as difficult as other teams in the conference. However, they have won every game but one and when that game is played again (I'm referring to Clemson/Virginia Tech (Editor's note: Virginia Tech has to beat UVA this weekend for this to happen.)) They will win. Thomas is the key to keeping pressure off of Wilson. They compliment one another well.
2. Georgia Tech (LW 4)(8-3)*
Mitch: Just chugging along with the triple option looking to be a good team and play in a crappy bowl. But who says fan bases and monetary power aren't part of what makes a program valuable.
Pat: Georgia Tech was challenged by the Blue Devils this weekend. It would seem the novelty offense is becoming stymied by its lack of dimension. But, the record-breaking offense is still pretty productive with 549 total yards on offense. It’s the defense that is having a few problems. Putting up 38 should be enough to beat a Duke team averaging just over 20 points a game. But, the Devils crawled back in with a couple nice breaks. Overall, the Jackets are a champion of circumstance, as they move up the polls in a week that their luster didn’t shine as bright.
3. Clemson (LW 2)(9-2)*#
Pat: Well, it is now safe to say something is growing more-and-more rotten with each passing week in Clemson. Of course, they did lose a star in Sammy Watkins which could definitely handicap an offense so reliant on the talents of Watkins, but I’m eager to see how the Tigers bounce back from losing two of their last three. Since the loss to Georgia Tech, they just seem flat. Tajh Boyd has only thrown nince interceptions this season and seven of them have come in the last three games. Any ideas he may have had for a Heisman candidacy were ruined with Georgia Tech. But, the season isn’t over (well, maybe it is after losing to NC State). The Tigers have the head to Columbia this weekend and if they can’t get it together, they’ll have lost three of four after starting out 8-0.
Mitch: Sure they lost, but they still are going to the ACC Championship game and are loaded with talent
4. UVA (LW 6)(8-3)*
Mitch: Good for Mike London. I love seeing coaches get their team ready and execute when the time comes. They keep plugging away and put themselves into a position to win and then they actually win. It's great to see a team not make a ton of mistakes or play themselves out of a ball game. In other news, I hope London gets a job in the Pac-12.
Pat: Everyone that guessed this team had the potential to be 8-3 at the beginning of the season raise your hand…Why am I the only one with my hand raised? No, seriously, though I thought this team would exceed expectations this year, but I never thought they would be 8-3 and competing this weekend for sole possession of the Coastal Division. They’re playing great lately, and have a lot to be proud of as they host the Hokies in Charlottesville this coming weekend. I am going out on a wing, basing my opinion solely on the mood of college football this year, which I rarely do…the Hokies get stunned this weekend and the Cavaliers play in the ACC Championship. If I’m wrong, so what. Who won’t be pulling for UVA this weekend? (Editor's note: ME!)
5. Florida State (LW 3)(7-4)*
Chris: I watched Florida State's game from this weekend from start to finish to see how much the UVA-Virginia Tech game would mean this coming up weekend. The thing I noticed about Florida State is that they don't seem to be as good as they were at the beginning of the season. That's a problem for this program. You always want to be improving and when you don't seem to be playing as well in game 11 as you were in game three, that comes down to coaching. I am not calling for Fisher's job nor should his job be in jeopardy, but this should be a cause for concern going into the future. You always want your program to be improving.
Mitch: [In lieu of writing something, I am not showing up like FSU's offense the whole game, FSU's defense the last drive, and Jimbo Fisher's in game management/adjustments... but hey, maybe if I could execute better it would be different]
6. Wake Forest (LW 5)(6-5)*
Pat: Well, a fairly average ACC season for the Deacons. They stand at 6-5 and have upset as many foes as they have been upset by. This weekend was no upset though. Everything went as planned for the Deacs’ this week hosting Maryland. Then again, how often does Maryland foil their adversaries’ plans? Wake will be in a fun match-up against a bottom tier SEC team. Which is the equivalent of a second tier ACC team, so…should be interesting.
Chris: Almost every week one of my co-contributors will leave a team's description blank and tell me they don't have anything to write about that team. It works out because we still have two other writer's that can cover that particular team. The way this week worked out I have to write something about Wake Forest and for the first time I've got nothing to say about them. They beat Maryland last weekend, as expected, and they will play Vanderbilt this weekend, giving Pat his interesting bowl match-up of Wake Forest playing a bottom teir SEC team a few weeks earlier.
7. NC State (LW 8)(6-5)
Chris: Who is this team? There is no one in the ACC, and possibly the country, that has been as up and down as NC State this season. Let's take a look back at NC State's last four game, shutout by Florida State 34-0, then they shutout UNC 13-0, the next week they lose to Boston College 14-10, and then beat Clemson 37-13. That definitely shows a lack of consistency from NC State the past few weeks. If NC State wins this weekend against Maryland they will bowl eligible. They have the six wins required but two of them came against 1-AA or FCS opponents and only won of those counts against their bowl eligible wins. So they need one more this weekend and I wouldn't dare predict an outcome for that game.
Mitch: I hope they lose to Maryland. I love seeing a muck-fest at the bottom of our conference. One time my friend tried to convince me that "parody" was good for the league. I don't believe that because parody travels under another name, "mediocrity". I like when two or three teams kick butt for decades.
8. Miami (LW 7)(6-5)* (Miami is bowl eligible but has decided to not play in a bowl this year because of the NCAA investigation into the program.)
Mitch: They are not going to a bowl, so they'll probably throttle Boston College because it'll be their last game. Or maybe they'll quit because Golden announced he is going to take the Penn State job. That'd be the straw that breaks the Miami back. They'd be down for years. I know it's a right move for the University to not accept the bid, but is it right for the players?
Pat: I am not impressed by the play of Miami over the weekend. This game wasn’t the defensive display like LSU-Alabama, more like an offensive fallacy. Yes, both teams were able to pick up yards and move the ball, just not efficiently enough to get within the red zone. At one point in the season, I was impressed by Miami’s offensive ability. Maybe they just didn’t show up for this one… Nevertheless, they walk out with a victory and are above .500 on the season.
9. UNC (LW Tied for 9th)(6-5)*
Pat: The Tarheels outplayed the Hokies for almost the entire game on Thursday night. Unfortunately, sometimes games don’t turn out the way they are played. A bad bounce, and a missed opportunity and you’re fighting for your life. However, the young quarterback Renner had a great day in a hostile environment that is, year-in and year-out, Lane Stadium. 224 yards, 1 TD and 0 INTs in Blacksburg isn’t too bad for a rookie. Too bad the Heels had to lose in a great battle.
Chris: Bryn Renner is a shining spot for this UNC team. In a season that will most likely be forgotten by many Tarheel fans in a few seasons, Renner has played well, especially on Thursday night against the Hokies. As a Virginia Tech fan I am not looking forward to seeing him three more times over his career.
10. Boston College/Duke (Boston College LW Tied for 9th/Duke LW 11)(Boston College 3-8/Duke 3-8)
Chris: Boston College goes down to Miami and I hope those guys get to spend some time down on the beach. I mean that because after this game they are going to have to go back up to Boston for the winter. It's going to be cold and it's going to be sad, especially after the season they just had. So get some time out on the beach Eagle players, it might be the last time you are warm until April.
Pat: I don’t know what I’m more surprised of? The fact that Boston College nearly beat a top-25 team, or the fact that Notre Dame is in the top-25? I know everyone responsible for putting college football together wants Notre Dame to be their old selves, but even standing at 8-3, I’d argue that it's too soon. However, they have had some success this season despite playing three ACC teams in three weeks…Could it be that ND is back? Damnit, I hope not…
Pat: I’m sure its getting tough for the Iron Duke faithful…all four of them. This Duke team is taking some hits every week. Every week they come in and play their hearts out just to give it up in the end. This week was no exception against the Jackets and with a few minutes left, Duke actually had a chance to beat the once upon a time, 6-0 Georgia Tech team. Oh well, wait until next weekend where you have a legitimate shot against the UNC rival in Chapel Hill. 4-8?
Chris: I was actively rooting for Duke to pull out this win against Georgia Tech on Saturday. This isn't those horrible Duke teams of a few seasons ago, these are actual teams. They play hard and play well but they are obviously under-skilled at several different positions. Duke's last game this season is against UNC and they could definitely pull out that win but if it happens this won't be the marquee win this program needs moving forward. Better luck next year Duke.
12. Maryland (LW 12)(2-9)
Mitch: I'm taking the over on their game with NC State. I think both offenses will score because both defenses aren't any good.
Pat: One more week and its basketball season with Coach Gary…Uh, urgh…6 more months and its baseball season with coach…
Agree? Disagree? Just want to join in on the witty banter? Join us in the comments section and tell us your thoughts. If you have questions or topics you want discussed on the Sports Party email us at thesportsparty@gmail.com. Thanks for your continued support of the Sports Party.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
The Sports Party: Episode 026
Today on the podcast Pat and I discuss College Basketball, obviously an exciting time for the state of North Carolina. Remember everyone that football is still going on, even though this state has moved on. Pat and I discuss the University of North Carolina basketball team and how awesome President Obama's leather jacket was last week during the Carrier Classic. Next we discuss Kentucky and how great they look this early in the season. After the break, we discuss Coach K's record breaking achievement and how difficult it is to decide the "greatest college basketball coach of all time". Finally Pat doesn't want to discuss the UNC-VT game tonight and I discuss what I believe is Frank Beamer's oddest friendship that I know of. Enjoy the podcast folks.
Thanks for your continued support of the Sports Party. Here is the link to download the podcast from iTunes. Email us at thesportsparty@gmail.com.
Thanks for your continued support of the Sports Party. Here is the link to download the podcast from iTunes. Email us at thesportsparty@gmail.com.
Boarwalk Empire: Is There One Good Man?
In the Genesis, God tells Abraham he is going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham pleads with God to not do it if he can find ten righteous men, ten good men. God does not find one. Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed.
That is not the case for the "Sodom by the Sea" or for Boardwalk Empire as a show. I have grown to thoroughly dislike this show. There is not one good man in it.
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In our current culture we have developed an affinity for the past. It is everywhere: the fashions we wear, the retro cars developed, the sampling of music by hip hop artists, the Tea Party claiming we need to get back to the constitution, and most visibly the number of television shows based in eras of yesteryear.
It is not uncommon for a contemporary culture to view their past and mimic it or criticize it or parody it through art. In fact, we do this with everything from the far past to recent past. Immediate events and long history gone by deserves our reimagining through our current lens.
Boardwalk Empire is a very well made show on HBO that tells the story of gangsters, bootleggers, outlaws, Federal Agents and occasionally an individual living their regular life amidst it all. It's set in Atlantic City, New Jersey immediately after the Volstead Act passes as the 18th Amendment banning alcohol in the US.
The show has an array of characters with different professions and backgrounds. It tells the story of men, women, and whites, blacks, old, young, rich and poor. It really is a great effort to fictionalize the historical narrative of what took place and the affects of Prohibition on the people involved. However, not one character exists who the viewer can like.
Certainly each character is someone that one person or another can identify with. There is the kingpin Knucky Thompson who has no emotion and deals only in money and the needs of people. There is a groupie named Lucy who talks like she is mentally retarded but really it is supposed to be a syrupy seductive voice that goes along with her sexualized character. There is a wife who may or may not be a lesbian and a young man who turned down Princeton to fight for his country. There are so many characters with back stories and details that the viewer probably has a common experience somewhere among them.
However, the characters are not likeable. No one embodies hope. No one is good. Each person leads a double life and the shadowy part of that life is pulling them down and destroying what they have. Yet no one gets out of what is ailing them. There is so much tension inside a character that the show could pass as an adolescent melodrama from the CW.
The characters are all so detailed and "complex" in their stories that they are clean cut. Knucky ran Atlantic City by paying people off, has no emotions, and is now being challenged because he has no discernable ability to do anything but pay people off. He clashes with his younger brother who has little brother syndrome and neither have respect from their father. Knucky has no children but two possible surrogate sons, the Princeton drop out turned Vet and his live in girlfriend's young son. One is trying to kill him and the other is taking after him but both just want emotion from him.
This clear cut characterization is exactly what I hate about the show. It isn't subtle no matter how many glances or looks or non verbal communication used. Each seen is packed with references to the era and the view is up to their ears in historical, emotional, and storyline props. Each frame is overfilled with information about what the story teller is saying. It's as if the viewer is being beat over the head with symbolism.
The sets look so authentic they look fake. How is this possible? Because they are full sets with some CGI backing. They are all closed areas with ceilings and no windows. It reminds me of the end of Captain America [Spoiler Alert] when he wakes up in a hotel room and the sun shines through the window but the window is frosted so he can't see out. It's because it's a set to make him think he is still in the 1940's. It was fake and nostalgic and caricature and claustrophobic. That is Boardwalk Empire. (not to mention the clothing. it is so perfect, there is no way each person in the Atlantic City is as buttoned up like they are in this show)
I sat and wondered what made this show an HBO show besides the recreation of set, costume, and violence or nudity that cannot be showed on network TV. Was it the acting? No, not really. Was it the pacing? No, not at all. If I have to watch one more scene of someone slowly walking somewhere or staring at someone else then I will scalp the old man with money who green lit this season’s storyline Jimmy from Princeton dropout fame style. I could not come up with any reason as to why this show is on HBO besides the production value and graphic scenes.
I understand what the story tellers are trying to do. They want to tell a story about the dualism of people and their inability to live in a place with corruption and not be corrupted. I get that, but it is just no fun to watch. The only hope I had all season was when Chalky White was in jail because he was going to be lynched for the black retaliation to the KKK. So Knucky had him put in jail "for his protection." While he was there he was challenged by a loud talking bore who had no idea who he was dealing with. Chalky used his relationships with the other men in the prison to beat the man to death. Chalky was in jail, but somehow we saw his power affirmed through relationship with others and he would get out and rectify the wrongs he was facing. Plus the range of emotion and depth Chalky displayed was far more than anything seen on the face of Knucky or Jimmy (Princeton).
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Many people do not like the idea of "Rewriting History". To them it is a Progressive ploy to change the events of the past to fit the current climate of the present. In many ways, that is exactly what it is. We cherry pick ideas, events, and characters claiming them as our forefather of thought. We anchor our arguments in their celebrity/character because it gives our argument credit not because we actually agree with belief system of the person we are using.
Nonetheless, we rewrite history all the time. In fact, it is an important and necessary exercise. There are fundamental or concrete events that take place. We cannot deny wars, treaties, revolutions, etc. We only argue over the motives and ideas behind them. The funny thing about motives and ideas is they are abstract and impossible to nail down. But the bigger question is, why do we steep ourselves in history? Why is it important?
It is important because in our post-post modern, pluralistic era, we have no idea who we are. We choose a belief system rather than having it passed down. We choose our employment rather than taking over the family business. We are not a homogenous society and therefore we have little to no common beliefs, values, or traditions. Therefore we look to our past to find our common or shared identity.
If we can identify what made us who we are and rally behind our history (the goods and condemn the bads) we can unite in the present. We look to history as a guide on what and how to choose who we are today. There is a reason schools around the country are struggling to redefine what it means to be American or give students a common belief system through "shared values". We use the belief in the Natural Rights of Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness or Property to derive what we believe as Americans. There is no one common world view or religion which is where we get our values and actions. Therefore we try to constantly redefine and re-identify ourselves.
The most common form right now is through historical narrative. More and more history is being written or fictionalized about 1900-1939 because since 1946 we have been defined by the WWII generation. Now as a second Lost Generation emerges among the large gap of poverty and wealth, decade long wars that the nation is not entirely behind, and new technologies changing the way we conduct relationship on a daily basis, people are more and more interested in the era when morals and values were tried and questioned.
What the Lost Generation of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Stein found out is that everyone is morally corrupt in one way or another. That is the message of Boardwalk Empire. That is why the show is difficult to watch. There is not one good person on the show and everyone has a dual personality.
Sure this is life. Sure, people are bad and have dark secrets. But what drives me nuts about these characters and these storylines is that they chase something to the death that will not make them happy in the end. It sounds a lot like Fitzgerald chasing Zelda or alcohol; like Hemingway chases women, booze, and sport.
If there is no hope or good, then ok. But I don't want to watch a show about a lack of happiness. Is there not enough of it in the world we live? In fact, the bleak outlook of the show is so bleak that the real world is better than the decadence and self destruction that takes place. Why would I care about characters that don't care about themselves?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maybe Boardwalk Empire is trying to tell the story of the human condition. They do it well if the human condition is a lack of happiness, chasing one's tail, and destroying what we love simply for monetary gain or personal vendetta. Maybe it shows that even the people who have it all have nothing and those who have nothing want it all but don't know what is in store for them.
Maybe it is a cautionary tale for society to see that government is a failure and that is not what to put our hope in. I have no idea what the purpose of the show is besides telling a sad story of a large ensemble of people who live double lives.
Boardwalk Empire was billed as historical drama but has misfired greatly in regards to the culture it is performing to and the story it seeks to tell. It does not promote any sort of common history that allows the viewer to redefine or critically analyze their identity as Americans. Further it fails in story telling because it is so concerned with the appearance of the show and the safe story telling that each show plods along like a elementary student telling a story. Once an episode someone acts violently that affects roughly 1/6 of the cast of the show. Never is it an important character and never do these encounters reveal anything more about the character but only confirms what the viewer already knew. Characters are highly detailed and possibly complex but are static and lack any arc at all (a trait associated with network comedies).
I want to like Boardwalk Empire but I find the story dull only spiced up with random nudity, some intense sex scene, or requisite every other episode brutal killing. Its message is not one of great interest. I'm not denying that people are bad or dualistic; I'm just saying I don't want to watch it. It lacks spontaneity, aggressive pacing, and is formulaic. It is just uninteresting.
That is not the case for the "Sodom by the Sea" or for Boardwalk Empire as a show. I have grown to thoroughly dislike this show. There is not one good man in it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In our current culture we have developed an affinity for the past. It is everywhere: the fashions we wear, the retro cars developed, the sampling of music by hip hop artists, the Tea Party claiming we need to get back to the constitution, and most visibly the number of television shows based in eras of yesteryear.
It is not uncommon for a contemporary culture to view their past and mimic it or criticize it or parody it through art. In fact, we do this with everything from the far past to recent past. Immediate events and long history gone by deserves our reimagining through our current lens.
Boardwalk Empire is a very well made show on HBO that tells the story of gangsters, bootleggers, outlaws, Federal Agents and occasionally an individual living their regular life amidst it all. It's set in Atlantic City, New Jersey immediately after the Volstead Act passes as the 18th Amendment banning alcohol in the US.
The show has an array of characters with different professions and backgrounds. It tells the story of men, women, and whites, blacks, old, young, rich and poor. It really is a great effort to fictionalize the historical narrative of what took place and the affects of Prohibition on the people involved. However, not one character exists who the viewer can like.
Certainly each character is someone that one person or another can identify with. There is the kingpin Knucky Thompson who has no emotion and deals only in money and the needs of people. There is a groupie named Lucy who talks like she is mentally retarded but really it is supposed to be a syrupy seductive voice that goes along with her sexualized character. There is a wife who may or may not be a lesbian and a young man who turned down Princeton to fight for his country. There are so many characters with back stories and details that the viewer probably has a common experience somewhere among them.
However, the characters are not likeable. No one embodies hope. No one is good. Each person leads a double life and the shadowy part of that life is pulling them down and destroying what they have. Yet no one gets out of what is ailing them. There is so much tension inside a character that the show could pass as an adolescent melodrama from the CW.
The characters are all so detailed and "complex" in their stories that they are clean cut. Knucky ran Atlantic City by paying people off, has no emotions, and is now being challenged because he has no discernable ability to do anything but pay people off. He clashes with his younger brother who has little brother syndrome and neither have respect from their father. Knucky has no children but two possible surrogate sons, the Princeton drop out turned Vet and his live in girlfriend's young son. One is trying to kill him and the other is taking after him but both just want emotion from him.
This clear cut characterization is exactly what I hate about the show. It isn't subtle no matter how many glances or looks or non verbal communication used. Each seen is packed with references to the era and the view is up to their ears in historical, emotional, and storyline props. Each frame is overfilled with information about what the story teller is saying. It's as if the viewer is being beat over the head with symbolism.
The sets look so authentic they look fake. How is this possible? Because they are full sets with some CGI backing. They are all closed areas with ceilings and no windows. It reminds me of the end of Captain America [Spoiler Alert] when he wakes up in a hotel room and the sun shines through the window but the window is frosted so he can't see out. It's because it's a set to make him think he is still in the 1940's. It was fake and nostalgic and caricature and claustrophobic. That is Boardwalk Empire. (not to mention the clothing. it is so perfect, there is no way each person in the Atlantic City is as buttoned up like they are in this show)
I sat and wondered what made this show an HBO show besides the recreation of set, costume, and violence or nudity that cannot be showed on network TV. Was it the acting? No, not really. Was it the pacing? No, not at all. If I have to watch one more scene of someone slowly walking somewhere or staring at someone else then I will scalp the old man with money who green lit this season’s storyline Jimmy from Princeton dropout fame style. I could not come up with any reason as to why this show is on HBO besides the production value and graphic scenes.
I understand what the story tellers are trying to do. They want to tell a story about the dualism of people and their inability to live in a place with corruption and not be corrupted. I get that, but it is just no fun to watch. The only hope I had all season was when Chalky White was in jail because he was going to be lynched for the black retaliation to the KKK. So Knucky had him put in jail "for his protection." While he was there he was challenged by a loud talking bore who had no idea who he was dealing with. Chalky used his relationships with the other men in the prison to beat the man to death. Chalky was in jail, but somehow we saw his power affirmed through relationship with others and he would get out and rectify the wrongs he was facing. Plus the range of emotion and depth Chalky displayed was far more than anything seen on the face of Knucky or Jimmy (Princeton).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many people do not like the idea of "Rewriting History". To them it is a Progressive ploy to change the events of the past to fit the current climate of the present. In many ways, that is exactly what it is. We cherry pick ideas, events, and characters claiming them as our forefather of thought. We anchor our arguments in their celebrity/character because it gives our argument credit not because we actually agree with belief system of the person we are using.
Nonetheless, we rewrite history all the time. In fact, it is an important and necessary exercise. There are fundamental or concrete events that take place. We cannot deny wars, treaties, revolutions, etc. We only argue over the motives and ideas behind them. The funny thing about motives and ideas is they are abstract and impossible to nail down. But the bigger question is, why do we steep ourselves in history? Why is it important?
It is important because in our post-post modern, pluralistic era, we have no idea who we are. We choose a belief system rather than having it passed down. We choose our employment rather than taking over the family business. We are not a homogenous society and therefore we have little to no common beliefs, values, or traditions. Therefore we look to our past to find our common or shared identity.
If we can identify what made us who we are and rally behind our history (the goods and condemn the bads) we can unite in the present. We look to history as a guide on what and how to choose who we are today. There is a reason schools around the country are struggling to redefine what it means to be American or give students a common belief system through "shared values". We use the belief in the Natural Rights of Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness or Property to derive what we believe as Americans. There is no one common world view or religion which is where we get our values and actions. Therefore we try to constantly redefine and re-identify ourselves.
The most common form right now is through historical narrative. More and more history is being written or fictionalized about 1900-1939 because since 1946 we have been defined by the WWII generation. Now as a second Lost Generation emerges among the large gap of poverty and wealth, decade long wars that the nation is not entirely behind, and new technologies changing the way we conduct relationship on a daily basis, people are more and more interested in the era when morals and values were tried and questioned.
What the Lost Generation of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Stein found out is that everyone is morally corrupt in one way or another. That is the message of Boardwalk Empire. That is why the show is difficult to watch. There is not one good person on the show and everyone has a dual personality.
Sure this is life. Sure, people are bad and have dark secrets. But what drives me nuts about these characters and these storylines is that they chase something to the death that will not make them happy in the end. It sounds a lot like Fitzgerald chasing Zelda or alcohol; like Hemingway chases women, booze, and sport.
If there is no hope or good, then ok. But I don't want to watch a show about a lack of happiness. Is there not enough of it in the world we live? In fact, the bleak outlook of the show is so bleak that the real world is better than the decadence and self destruction that takes place. Why would I care about characters that don't care about themselves?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maybe Boardwalk Empire is trying to tell the story of the human condition. They do it well if the human condition is a lack of happiness, chasing one's tail, and destroying what we love simply for monetary gain or personal vendetta. Maybe it shows that even the people who have it all have nothing and those who have nothing want it all but don't know what is in store for them.
Maybe it is a cautionary tale for society to see that government is a failure and that is not what to put our hope in. I have no idea what the purpose of the show is besides telling a sad story of a large ensemble of people who live double lives.
Boardwalk Empire was billed as historical drama but has misfired greatly in regards to the culture it is performing to and the story it seeks to tell. It does not promote any sort of common history that allows the viewer to redefine or critically analyze their identity as Americans. Further it fails in story telling because it is so concerned with the appearance of the show and the safe story telling that each show plods along like a elementary student telling a story. Once an episode someone acts violently that affects roughly 1/6 of the cast of the show. Never is it an important character and never do these encounters reveal anything more about the character but only confirms what the viewer already knew. Characters are highly detailed and possibly complex but are static and lack any arc at all (a trait associated with network comedies).
I want to like Boardwalk Empire but I find the story dull only spiced up with random nudity, some intense sex scene, or requisite every other episode brutal killing. Its message is not one of great interest. I'm not denying that people are bad or dualistic; I'm just saying I don't want to watch it. It lacks spontaneity, aggressive pacing, and is formulaic. It is just uninteresting.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
ACC Power Rankings: Week 12
Welcome to the Week 12 Power Rankings. This week I complain that a team is ranked too high even though I put them one spot higher than they ended up. Mitch looks at next season for a couple of teams (his team must be out of contention) and Pat alludes to the fact that he is already looking to next season, basketball season that is. That being said these guys aren't phoning it in. Here are your Week 12 Power Rankings.
Chris Mitch Pat
1. Clemson 1. Virginia Tech 1. Virginia Tech
2. Virginia Tech 2. Georgia Tech 2. Clemson
3. Florida State 3. Clemson 3. Florida State
4. Wake Forest 4. Florida State 4. Georgia Tech
5. Georgia Tech 5. Wake Forest 5. UVA
6. UVA 6. UVA 6. Miami
7. Miami 7. Miami 7. Wake Forest
8. Boston College 8. NC State 8. Duke
9. NC State 9. UNC 9. NC State
10. UNC 10. Boston College 10. UNC
11. Duke 11. Duke 11. Boston College
12. Maryland 12. Maryland 12. Maryland
Power Rankings
*-Bowl Eligible
#-Atlantic Champion
1. Virginia Tech (LW 2)(9-1)*
Chris: Last Thursday night's game against Georgia Tech was a great win for Virginia Tech. I still don't have them ranked ahead of Clemson in my personal Power Rankings but I think Virginia Tech has improved a lot more than Clemson since their October 1 match-up. I am not saying Virginia Tech will win if these teams face off again in the ACC Championship game but I really like where Virginia Tech is headed. I am struggling to write a proper review of the Hokies right now because I am beyond excited about this Thursday night game against UNC. I love Thursday night football games in Blacksburg. The last time UNC played in Blacksburg on a Thursday night they came away with the win on a last second field goal after a Ryan Williams' fumble. This game on Thursday night has a lot on the line for this Virginia Tech team, it's Senior night and win will give Tech its 8th straight season with 10 wins and keep them in the driver seat for the Coastal Division. Should be a good one.
Pat: What a great test for the Hokies this past Thursday. And what a great prospect in one of the youngest teams in the ACC competing at this level. With each passing week, Logan Thomas is giving every Hokie fan more and more assurance in his capabilities on the field. How about this for a young VT quarterback? 209 yards passing, 70 yards rushing and 3 passing touchdowns to go along with 2 rushing touchdowns. In other words, the kid was apart of every touchdown. And the mix of pass-to-rush is something we all can see Frank Beamer is happy to have under center…again.
2. Clemson (LW 1)(9-1)*#
Pat: Well, its hard to come right out and say the Tigers looked off this weekend. Yeah, they gave the ball to Wake Forest three times in the game, but that’s just what we expect to see when teams face Wake Forest. They’ve proven they can be difficult for good teams. But Clemson shouldn’t be performing like this at home this late in the season. Coming off their first loss of the season,a bye week and then game like this one, things could be tense in South Carolina. Over the next two games, Clemson should be able to pick up the pieces heading into the post-season; they’ll be favored in both games.
Mitch: They'll be in the ACC Championship game no matter what, but they will also win their remaining ACC game. I don't think South Carolina will beat them either despite Clemson's propensity to pulling a Clemson... actually I think South Carolina will beat Clemson but I don't want them to. I want two top ten teams in the title game.
3. Florida State (LW 4)(7-3)*
Mitch: I think they are playing the best defense of any team in the conference. I also think that we sustain so many injuries on offense it is impossible to tell what is going on. I am almost positive EJ is hurt and back up running back Jermaine Thomas could be as well. But it's not out of the realm of possibility that Jimbo is not showing some plays so Virginia will have less to prepare on or for Florida to prepare for how how we are playing lately. One thing is for sure, we are in need of consistent offensive play... if you listened to the podcast, Chris and I were already looking to next year. Mostly me, because that is all Florida State has in regards to proving we are worthy of being a ranked team. Plus, it is our best shot of playing some good solid football rather than the ridiculously sloppy games we are prone to play.
Chris: I said for weeks that I would trust Florida State's improved play if they got a win against Miami and they did. So here I am, I think Florida State is playing well and the win against Miami proved it. Florida State's remaining regular season games are against UVA and the Florida, both games that could be lost, but I doubt that. Florida State won't finish in the top 10 this season but will finish high enough to have the national media firing up the engines to the Seminole hype train again next summer.
4. Georgia Tech (LW 3)(7-3)*
Chris: Georgia Tech is a good team and that's one reason I was so excited after Virginia Tech's win against the Yellow Jackets. This team can run the ball but they struggled to stop the run on defense, which allowed Virginia Tech to do whatever they wanted on offense. Georgia Tech had chances to win the game last Thursday but one punch and a few failed fourth down conversions did them in. This team will always win games as long as Paul Johnson is at the helm running that tough to defend option attack. Maybe they just need to get rid of that defensive coordinator, Al Groh. I mean he hasn't beat Virginia Tech in years. What did you expect Georgia Tech?
Pat: Tough loss for a tough Georgia Tech team. 1-3 after starting 6-0, that could make your stomach churn if you’re a Jacket fan. Their offense was productive as usual with 340 total yards, but good defenses really challenge this team. The offense has been exposed, but it can still run the score up on teams that think they have it figured out and haven’t. The bottom line is, Virginia Tech just punished them with their offense. Logan Thomas picked and rushed this defense apart. So, the issue here seems to be, the Jackets have a great offense that most teams can’t handle. But their defense is too streaky to be reliable. After shutting down the Clemson scoring machine, Virginia Tech came out and did what they wanted with the ball. Still a dangerous team, likely to put two more wins together; though Georgia may be difficult.
5. Wake Forest (LW 7)(5-5)
Mitch: Grobe has a better team this year than he though the would have. They started strong and have faded as of late, but the scare they gave Clemson was one that made conference members realize Wake is always ready to play. They will be a good team next year too.
Chris: I ranked this team at fourth and I'll be honest I am struggling with them their. The problem becomes that the fourth through sixth ranked teams all lost this weekend but Wake Forest looked the best in their loss. That being said Wake Forest has three straight losses and is still not bowl eligible. They should win their next two games against Maryland and Vanderbilt and end up going to a bowl game. Maybe they should be a little bit lower in our Power Rankings for now.
6. UVA (LW 5)(7-3)*
Pat: Moving right along, seven wins with two games to go. This is Virginia people. I am truly excited about the possibility that the Virginia-Virginia Tech game could be about more than just the rivalry. This match-up in two weeks could be about the Coastal crown. And yet, they were so close. Unfortunately, they’ve got a match-up against a Florida State team that could wear them out if they aren’t careful. They’ll really need to put some points on the board early to have a chance at beating FSU.
Mitch: They are recruiting well and have a lot of young talent. I read yesterday they have the second most number of freshmen on a team. I was impressed by that. I kind of hope London has one more good year and then leaves for a job in the SEC, like Tennessee after Dooley gets canned next year.
7. Miami (LW 6)(5-5)
Chris: Al Golden's name is being thrown around in several of the jobs that have opened up this season, including the Penn State job. I think Golden is a good coach and should get out of Miami at the end of this season. He had know idea what mess he was walking into at Miami and after doing a good job this season should be rewarded with a job that doesn't come with all that baggage. So he should stay away from that Penn State job as well. That being said get out while you still can Golden.
Pat: The final score was a misrepresentation of how separated these two teams were throughout the game. Florida State punished Miami on special teams and in the end, it was what caused the loss. Al Golden, however, has done a remarkable job with this team this year. Facing all the pressure in the world, the young coach has really made a mark in the ACC after opening up with a loss to the Terrapins. They can be streaky at times, but I really enjoy the speed of this offense. They’ll need a replacement for Jacory next year, but if they can find that, this might be a Miami team we aren’t used to seeing. After it all though, they close out the season with back-to-back wins for an impressive 7-5 finish after facing a lot this season.
8. NC State (LW 8)(5-5)
Pat: I don’t get you guys. Every season you come in, take down the Tarheels to surprise everyone, and then you’re done. Hey O’Brien, the alumni are still meeting about your job, in case you were wondering. If you’re going to do something in the conference, then do something! It’s a shame this team can't come out with a same consistency from week to week. Who knows? If they were better coached, maybe they’d win more of these cupcake games. Whatever…they’re 5-5 with a loss coming up against the Tigers in Raleigh, and then, I’m going to say tom O’Brian coaches for his life against Maryland and they make a bowl. Oops! We all know that isn’t what they’re trying to do. Sometimes you just back into these things.
Mitch: I think NC State will be better next year because there is no way one could repeat the number of injuries they had. Plus Glennon will improve and has already. I think O'Brien took a big hit this year but it will pay off next year. Not saying they will be a top tier team, but they will be competitive and keep the middle of the conference feisty and upset some folks (please not us!)
9. Boston College/UNC* (Boston College LW 11/UNC LW 9)(Boston College 3-7/UNC 6-4)
Mitch: This team has no chance to improve going into next season. How does a team with a handful of wins not improve? Because they will have a new coach and typically teams with no coaches do not improve immediately.
Chris: The past few weeks I have been writing things to do in Boston instead of watching Boston College play. Boston College's defense is tough and their offense still pretty much stinks but coming out of their bye week they have played with a different tenacity. That's just to say they don't seem to give up right at kickoff. Mitch is right they will have a new coach next season and I don't see anyone big lining up for the job so Boston College will have another season of limited success. Expect me to write about things to do in Boston again next season.
Pat: You wouldn’t stop dropping in the Power Rankings if you didn’t have another game all season the way you guys played against State. Hear they lost this weekend to BC? No? Perhaps you guys are spending too much time studying aircraft carriers. I’ll kill your hopes right now, no one would invite you to play on an aircraft carrier if each college used one as a home stadium. Get it together. Well, wait til next week and get it together. Hopefully you wont be too enthralled in basketball season to give up a win to Duke. Either way, might as well be headed to the Dean Dome instead of Blacksburg on Thursday. You guys don’t have a chance.
Mitch: This team will decline next season. In fact, they are set up to be one of the bottom three next year just because of the NCAA sanctions and how that affects recruiting and the ability to hire a coach. NC State showed they may be on the right path when they beat UNC, and really that was enough to save Tom O'Brien. If there is one place with an inferiority complex it's Raleigh.
11. Duke (LW 10)(3-7)
Mitch: If Cutcliffe can't improve on wins next year then he is screwed. I think he is a good coach and there has been improvement at Duke, but the "wins and losses" don't lie. However, if Duke has the balls to keep him beyond four years and see if it is a just a case of stagnated turn around due to how far down the Devils had fallen, they could show recruits and their coach they are committed to the program. That goes a long way, especially for football players who perceive the school as only basketball minded.
Pat: Looking at my rankings this week, yes, you’re reading that right. A team goes 0-5 and I’m moving them up the charts. Well, that’s because in their last five loses they’ve really challenged three good teams, Virginia included. Well…that’s a part of it. The bottom four teams make it hard to argue over who is the worse. That competition is a dogfight.
12. Maryland (LW 12)(2-8)
Chris: Maryland your last win came against Towson. I don't know anything about Towson. I am trying to think of some positives going forward for you guys but I really can't think of any. You finish your season on the road at Wake Forest and at NC State and your fans should be thankful. Thankful that they don't have to go see you guys anymore. They can watch you at home and change the channel when it get's out of hand, which won't take long in either game.
Mitch: I see the beginnings of a quarterback controversy in College Park . O'Brien can play but so can his back up. I kind of hope Edsall gets his stuff together because it sucks to see talent wasted. Also I hate that we have a flagship university of a state being freaking terrible in an AQ conference. Plus, i want Scott Van Pelt to get excited and tweet about his team. The downside of them being good is a bunch of pasty ass, wanna be northeasterners who think they are good at football. It'd be like the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles all over again. #NFLreference #cantwaitforcuseandpitt #notreally #icanwait
Agree? Disagree? Just want to join in on the witty banter? Join us in the comments section and tell us your thoughts. If you have questions or topics you want discussed on the Sports Party email us at thesportsparty@gmail.com. Thanks for your continued support of the Sports Party.
Chris Mitch Pat
1. Clemson 1. Virginia Tech 1. Virginia Tech
2. Virginia Tech 2. Georgia Tech 2. Clemson
3. Florida State 3. Clemson 3. Florida State
4. Wake Forest 4. Florida State 4. Georgia Tech
5. Georgia Tech 5. Wake Forest 5. UVA
6. UVA 6. UVA 6. Miami
7. Miami 7. Miami 7. Wake Forest
8. Boston College 8. NC State 8. Duke
9. NC State 9. UNC 9. NC State
10. UNC 10. Boston College 10. UNC
11. Duke 11. Duke 11. Boston College
12. Maryland 12. Maryland 12. Maryland
Power Rankings
*-Bowl Eligible
#-Atlantic Champion
1. Virginia Tech (LW 2)(9-1)*
Chris: Last Thursday night's game against Georgia Tech was a great win for Virginia Tech. I still don't have them ranked ahead of Clemson in my personal Power Rankings but I think Virginia Tech has improved a lot more than Clemson since their October 1 match-up. I am not saying Virginia Tech will win if these teams face off again in the ACC Championship game but I really like where Virginia Tech is headed. I am struggling to write a proper review of the Hokies right now because I am beyond excited about this Thursday night game against UNC. I love Thursday night football games in Blacksburg. The last time UNC played in Blacksburg on a Thursday night they came away with the win on a last second field goal after a Ryan Williams' fumble. This game on Thursday night has a lot on the line for this Virginia Tech team, it's Senior night and win will give Tech its 8th straight season with 10 wins and keep them in the driver seat for the Coastal Division. Should be a good one.
Pat: What a great test for the Hokies this past Thursday. And what a great prospect in one of the youngest teams in the ACC competing at this level. With each passing week, Logan Thomas is giving every Hokie fan more and more assurance in his capabilities on the field. How about this for a young VT quarterback? 209 yards passing, 70 yards rushing and 3 passing touchdowns to go along with 2 rushing touchdowns. In other words, the kid was apart of every touchdown. And the mix of pass-to-rush is something we all can see Frank Beamer is happy to have under center…again.
2. Clemson (LW 1)(9-1)*#
Pat: Well, its hard to come right out and say the Tigers looked off this weekend. Yeah, they gave the ball to Wake Forest three times in the game, but that’s just what we expect to see when teams face Wake Forest. They’ve proven they can be difficult for good teams. But Clemson shouldn’t be performing like this at home this late in the season. Coming off their first loss of the season,a bye week and then game like this one, things could be tense in South Carolina. Over the next two games, Clemson should be able to pick up the pieces heading into the post-season; they’ll be favored in both games.
Mitch: They'll be in the ACC Championship game no matter what, but they will also win their remaining ACC game. I don't think South Carolina will beat them either despite Clemson's propensity to pulling a Clemson... actually I think South Carolina will beat Clemson but I don't want them to. I want two top ten teams in the title game.
3. Florida State (LW 4)(7-3)*
Mitch: I think they are playing the best defense of any team in the conference. I also think that we sustain so many injuries on offense it is impossible to tell what is going on. I am almost positive EJ is hurt and back up running back Jermaine Thomas could be as well. But it's not out of the realm of possibility that Jimbo is not showing some plays so Virginia will have less to prepare on or for Florida to prepare for how how we are playing lately. One thing is for sure, we are in need of consistent offensive play... if you listened to the podcast, Chris and I were already looking to next year. Mostly me, because that is all Florida State has in regards to proving we are worthy of being a ranked team. Plus, it is our best shot of playing some good solid football rather than the ridiculously sloppy games we are prone to play.
Chris: I said for weeks that I would trust Florida State's improved play if they got a win against Miami and they did. So here I am, I think Florida State is playing well and the win against Miami proved it. Florida State's remaining regular season games are against UVA and the Florida, both games that could be lost, but I doubt that. Florida State won't finish in the top 10 this season but will finish high enough to have the national media firing up the engines to the Seminole hype train again next summer.
4. Georgia Tech (LW 3)(7-3)*
Chris: Georgia Tech is a good team and that's one reason I was so excited after Virginia Tech's win against the Yellow Jackets. This team can run the ball but they struggled to stop the run on defense, which allowed Virginia Tech to do whatever they wanted on offense. Georgia Tech had chances to win the game last Thursday but one punch and a few failed fourth down conversions did them in. This team will always win games as long as Paul Johnson is at the helm running that tough to defend option attack. Maybe they just need to get rid of that defensive coordinator, Al Groh. I mean he hasn't beat Virginia Tech in years. What did you expect Georgia Tech?
Pat: Tough loss for a tough Georgia Tech team. 1-3 after starting 6-0, that could make your stomach churn if you’re a Jacket fan. Their offense was productive as usual with 340 total yards, but good defenses really challenge this team. The offense has been exposed, but it can still run the score up on teams that think they have it figured out and haven’t. The bottom line is, Virginia Tech just punished them with their offense. Logan Thomas picked and rushed this defense apart. So, the issue here seems to be, the Jackets have a great offense that most teams can’t handle. But their defense is too streaky to be reliable. After shutting down the Clemson scoring machine, Virginia Tech came out and did what they wanted with the ball. Still a dangerous team, likely to put two more wins together; though Georgia may be difficult.
5. Wake Forest (LW 7)(5-5)
Mitch: Grobe has a better team this year than he though the would have. They started strong and have faded as of late, but the scare they gave Clemson was one that made conference members realize Wake is always ready to play. They will be a good team next year too.
Chris: I ranked this team at fourth and I'll be honest I am struggling with them their. The problem becomes that the fourth through sixth ranked teams all lost this weekend but Wake Forest looked the best in their loss. That being said Wake Forest has three straight losses and is still not bowl eligible. They should win their next two games against Maryland and Vanderbilt and end up going to a bowl game. Maybe they should be a little bit lower in our Power Rankings for now.
6. UVA (LW 5)(7-3)*
Pat: Moving right along, seven wins with two games to go. This is Virginia people. I am truly excited about the possibility that the Virginia-Virginia Tech game could be about more than just the rivalry. This match-up in two weeks could be about the Coastal crown. And yet, they were so close. Unfortunately, they’ve got a match-up against a Florida State team that could wear them out if they aren’t careful. They’ll really need to put some points on the board early to have a chance at beating FSU.
Mitch: They are recruiting well and have a lot of young talent. I read yesterday they have the second most number of freshmen on a team. I was impressed by that. I kind of hope London has one more good year and then leaves for a job in the SEC, like Tennessee after Dooley gets canned next year.
7. Miami (LW 6)(5-5)
Chris: Al Golden's name is being thrown around in several of the jobs that have opened up this season, including the Penn State job. I think Golden is a good coach and should get out of Miami at the end of this season. He had know idea what mess he was walking into at Miami and after doing a good job this season should be rewarded with a job that doesn't come with all that baggage. So he should stay away from that Penn State job as well. That being said get out while you still can Golden.
Pat: The final score was a misrepresentation of how separated these two teams were throughout the game. Florida State punished Miami on special teams and in the end, it was what caused the loss. Al Golden, however, has done a remarkable job with this team this year. Facing all the pressure in the world, the young coach has really made a mark in the ACC after opening up with a loss to the Terrapins. They can be streaky at times, but I really enjoy the speed of this offense. They’ll need a replacement for Jacory next year, but if they can find that, this might be a Miami team we aren’t used to seeing. After it all though, they close out the season with back-to-back wins for an impressive 7-5 finish after facing a lot this season.
8. NC State (LW 8)(5-5)
Pat: I don’t get you guys. Every season you come in, take down the Tarheels to surprise everyone, and then you’re done. Hey O’Brien, the alumni are still meeting about your job, in case you were wondering. If you’re going to do something in the conference, then do something! It’s a shame this team can't come out with a same consistency from week to week. Who knows? If they were better coached, maybe they’d win more of these cupcake games. Whatever…they’re 5-5 with a loss coming up against the Tigers in Raleigh, and then, I’m going to say tom O’Brian coaches for his life against Maryland and they make a bowl. Oops! We all know that isn’t what they’re trying to do. Sometimes you just back into these things.
Mitch: I think NC State will be better next year because there is no way one could repeat the number of injuries they had. Plus Glennon will improve and has already. I think O'Brien took a big hit this year but it will pay off next year. Not saying they will be a top tier team, but they will be competitive and keep the middle of the conference feisty and upset some folks (please not us!)
9. Boston College/UNC* (Boston College LW 11/UNC LW 9)(Boston College 3-7/UNC 6-4)
Mitch: This team has no chance to improve going into next season. How does a team with a handful of wins not improve? Because they will have a new coach and typically teams with no coaches do not improve immediately.
Chris: The past few weeks I have been writing things to do in Boston instead of watching Boston College play. Boston College's defense is tough and their offense still pretty much stinks but coming out of their bye week they have played with a different tenacity. That's just to say they don't seem to give up right at kickoff. Mitch is right they will have a new coach next season and I don't see anyone big lining up for the job so Boston College will have another season of limited success. Expect me to write about things to do in Boston again next season.
Pat: You wouldn’t stop dropping in the Power Rankings if you didn’t have another game all season the way you guys played against State. Hear they lost this weekend to BC? No? Perhaps you guys are spending too much time studying aircraft carriers. I’ll kill your hopes right now, no one would invite you to play on an aircraft carrier if each college used one as a home stadium. Get it together. Well, wait til next week and get it together. Hopefully you wont be too enthralled in basketball season to give up a win to Duke. Either way, might as well be headed to the Dean Dome instead of Blacksburg on Thursday. You guys don’t have a chance.
Mitch: This team will decline next season. In fact, they are set up to be one of the bottom three next year just because of the NCAA sanctions and how that affects recruiting and the ability to hire a coach. NC State showed they may be on the right path when they beat UNC, and really that was enough to save Tom O'Brien. If there is one place with an inferiority complex it's Raleigh.
11. Duke (LW 10)(3-7)
Mitch: If Cutcliffe can't improve on wins next year then he is screwed. I think he is a good coach and there has been improvement at Duke, but the "wins and losses" don't lie. However, if Duke has the balls to keep him beyond four years and see if it is a just a case of stagnated turn around due to how far down the Devils had fallen, they could show recruits and their coach they are committed to the program. That goes a long way, especially for football players who perceive the school as only basketball minded.
Pat: Looking at my rankings this week, yes, you’re reading that right. A team goes 0-5 and I’m moving them up the charts. Well, that’s because in their last five loses they’ve really challenged three good teams, Virginia included. Well…that’s a part of it. The bottom four teams make it hard to argue over who is the worse. That competition is a dogfight.
12. Maryland (LW 12)(2-8)
Chris: Maryland your last win came against Towson. I don't know anything about Towson. I am trying to think of some positives going forward for you guys but I really can't think of any. You finish your season on the road at Wake Forest and at NC State and your fans should be thankful. Thankful that they don't have to go see you guys anymore. They can watch you at home and change the channel when it get's out of hand, which won't take long in either game.
Mitch: I see the beginnings of a quarterback controversy in College Park . O'Brien can play but so can his back up. I kind of hope Edsall gets his stuff together because it sucks to see talent wasted. Also I hate that we have a flagship university of a state being freaking terrible in an AQ conference. Plus, i want Scott Van Pelt to get excited and tweet about his team. The downside of them being good is a bunch of pasty ass, wanna be northeasterners who think they are good at football. It'd be like the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles all over again. #NFLreference #cantwaitforcuseandpitt #notreally #icanwait
Agree? Disagree? Just want to join in on the witty banter? Join us in the comments section and tell us your thoughts. If you have questions or topics you want discussed on the Sports Party email us at thesportsparty@gmail.com. Thanks for your continued support of the Sports Party.
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