On the March: Another NCAA 48 hours

(Editor's note: Scott Marchand is the pitching coach at the Air Force Academy. His journal about life in baseball will appear at Fan Fanatic Sports periodically)

If the summer recruiting schedule for coaches was busy, things just got even busier. After hitting up tournaments and showcases in more than a dozen states and visiting the homes of our recruited athletes, our coaching staff settled in for the arduous and critical process of gaining commitments from our most coveted members of the high school class of 2010.

I mentioned in earlier postings that I am always amazed by high school athletes that commit verbally to schools before they are even eligible to be recruited. Not only does it seem to me to be a decision that puts the “cart before the horse”, but I always wonder whose best interest the commitment supports? In the case of our recruited athletes, I always enjoy the pensive family unit that encourages the athlete to visit multiple schools to formulate a final decision. In fact, I encourage kids to visit with other programs, although I am confident that ours stands out as something truly special. The bottom line for me is that these kids have to feel confident that they are up to the challenges that the United States Air Force Academy presents and that they are comfortable with the players and coaches they will spend copious amounts of time with during their collegiate careers.

So, after months on the road and scores of phone conversations, emails, contacts, evaluations and good old fashioned postage, recruits begin NCAA sanctioned official campus visits at the beginning of the fall semester of their senior year. On official visits, the NCAA allows 48 hours for recruits to meet representatives from the coaching staffs, teams, and academic departments in hopes that they will be able to formulate an accurate picture of the institution and reach an educated decision that will impact the rest of their lives.

Right.

The 48 hour contact window places enormous pressure on coaching staffs, as well as on families and recruits. The pressure is intensified at the Academy, as a glimpse into a life in the military has to be provided with as much clarity as possible. A typical official visit to the Air Force Academy for a recruited baseball athlete consists of the following: Thursday is monopolized by flights to Colorado and a dinner with the coaching staff. On Friday, recruits are ushered through a litany of meetings with coaches, players, academic department representatives, military personnel, admissions counselors, and athletic department staff. The grand tour culminates in a rather heavy-eyed group dinner and individual meetings with the coaching staff. Respite can be found on Saturday, as everyone attends a team tailgate party and an Air Force Falcons football game.

On their return flights, I always imagine that parents and recruits hold deep discussions of the benefits of becoming a cadet at the Air Force Academy. More than likely, that conversation is put on hold until dinner on Sunday night, in favor of a few hours of sleep at 35,000 feet. When the conversation happens, though, I know that we have shown our recruit everything the Academy has to offer, albeit within a 48-hour window of time. We cross our fingers until the national signing date in November…

Not So Sweet Emotions for Brady

By Rick Eggleston
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Boy, Tom Brady sure looked steamed on the sidelines moments before halftime during Sunday’s clash with the Atlanta Falcons.

The usually calm and collected New England Patriots QB was visibly fired up on the Fox telecast, first yelling toward what seemed to be the general vicinity of where receivers Randy Moss and Sam Aiken were standing, and then kept snapping as coach Bill Belichick leaned in to soothe his frustrated gunslinger as he sat on the bench.
Frustrated for sure, as the possession in question saw the Patriots' drive stall on the Falcon 15, forcing Brady to make way for the field goal unit after he failed to connect on three straight passes that included a sure thing on second down up the middle to Joey Galloway, who inexplicably and maddeningly dropped the ball.

The missed connections were among the seven throwing chances that went up in the smoke in the red zone on the day and led to Brady blowing his stack on the sideline and then reportedly again in the locker room at the half.
“We can’t keep kicking field goals,” Brady told reporters after the game. “We’ve got to be better than that. It comes down to execution.”
Thus far this season, the Patriots’ red zone efficiency ranks among the worst in the league, while their overall defense is one of the best (third at last check). Go figure. Wasn’t it supposed to be the Pats’ vaunted offense that was going to save the day while their defense — minus Richard Seymour (trade), Rodney Harrison (retired), Tedy Bruschi (retired), Jerod Mayo (injured) and Vince Wilfork, who left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury — struggled?
So far the opposite has been in effect, as New England’s defense has given up a paltry 50 points through three games, including just three touchdowns via the air and one on the ground, the first of which occurred Sunday with Michael Turner’s 2-yard run.

Meanwhile, the Pats grounded the Falcons’ potent air attack, limiting former Boston College star Matt Ryan to just 199 yards, while completely shutting down Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez and receiver Roddy White, who combined for 30 total yards.
With its defense seemingly not the problem after all (next up, a stiff test at home against the Joe Flacco–led Ravens), it’s the New England offense that has yet to get untracked.

Aside from his vintage performance late in the season-opening win over Buffalo, Brady has been anything but spectacular. Overthrown balls, misread routes, itchy trigger finger and tentativeness — all can be blamed on Brady missing a full season following reconstructive knee surgery.
Galloway, Randy Moss, Wes Welker (albeit the lack of), Julian Edelman, Sam Aiken, Benjamin Watson and Chris Baker aren’t the problems here.

Time is.

With it, Brady is bound to get better with each passing week.

Who will be the first NFL Coach fired?

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Is it too early to start talking about this topic? Heck no, especially after you look at what's going on in Cleveland. Eric Mangini is again showing the world that he's not fit to be in charge of a professional football organization. He has created a quandary at the quarterback position, reportedly has players filing grievances against him, and apparently no control in his locker room. He's the one who should be fired right off the bat. There really isn't anyone on the current staff I would trust to take over on an interim basis. Maybe Rob Ryan, I guess. Will he be the first one let go? I don't know. I certainly think he should be, but there are a couple other candidates giving him a run for the title.

Jim Zorn, the man at the helm of the Washington Redskins, is another coach who should be on the hot seat. I know Peter King, of Sports Illustrated & NBC Sports, has voiced his opinion that Zorn holds too many jobs (Head Coach, Offensive Play Caller & QB Coach) that it's not in the best interest to fire him in season. That may be, but when someone is bad at all three jobs, don't you think it might benefit a team to try something different. My guess is Zorn ends up making it through the season only to be fired and then replaced by Mike Shanahan.

The Carolina Panthers are 0-2 and will be playing the Cowboys this evening. While most experts pick the Cowboys to win their first game in the new stadium, you never know. Personally, I think Tony Romo will have a bounce back game and make the Panthers and 0-3 record to start the season. Even before this game begins, John Fox is a candidate to be fired this season. Everyone expects Bill Cowher to return to coaching after this season, and he just happens to live in North Carolina.

The last coach that comes to mind is Jack Del Rio of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags have been disappointing their fans the past few years. It certainly helped that they held on yesterday to beat the Texans. I know they are 1-2 and the Titans are 0-3, but Tennessee is still a better team than Jacksonville. Picking David Garrard over Byron Leftwich was the correct decision, but Garrard really isn't much of an upgrade and has gotten worse since his breakout season in 2007. I totally forgot this until the other day when I read it somewhere, but Mike Tice is still on the coaching staff in Jacksonville and could easily take over for the rest of the season.

There are going to be a bevy of good/great head coaches out there with the likes of Bill Cowher, Mike Shanahan and Tony Dungy to name a few. I know what I'd do, but what do you think?

What we learned this week in college football

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Week 4 of the college football season is in the books and here's the lessons we learned.

Ole Miss was, indeed, overrated.
Most of this has been covered already, but just to reiterate the point, No. 4 Ole Miss lost to an unranked South Carolina team in embarassing fashion. Remember that until Jevan Snead threw a fourth-quarter touchdown pass, the Gamecocks had dominated for three quarters. Had USC been able to capitalize on three red zone trips with touchdowns instead of field goals, this one could have been a lot uglier.

Penn State is not a championship calliber team.
Year after year Penn State plays one of the softest schedules in college football and is considered a terrific football team bound for BCS glory. Then they lose one of their perceived cupcake games and it all unravels. This year is no different. For the second straight year, Iowa may have disrupted Penn State's hopes for a championship. Any team that can apply decent pressure will be able to disrupt the Nitany Lions' spread offense and Iowa exploited that flaw.

There is life after LaGarrett Blount for Oregon afterall.
The Oregon offense lost what was perceived to be its best player in its opening day loss to Boise State, but the Ducks have gone 3-1 without him, including putting up 42 points against sixth-ranked California. While scoring on Cal shouldn't be all that surprising, holding the Golden Bears to three points is. Jahvid Best was held in check after scoring five touchdowns a week ago. Looks like the Pac-10 just might be a three-team race.

Tim Tebow is not God.
Contrary to what the media might like to tell you, Tim Tebow is not the second coming. Tebow was knocked out of Saturday's blowout win at Kentucky with a concussion and is uncertain for next week's game against LSU. For many, it would only be sweet justice that the team touted as the best in the land for beating up on the likes of Troy and Charleston Southern would be without its best player for its first game against a real opponent.

Notre Dame isn't a Top-25 team, but it sure is fun to watch.
Love them or hate them, the Irish have been party to some of the most entertaining games in college football this year. Saturday night's 24-21 win over Purdue marks the third straight time a Notre Dame game was decided within the last minute. This time, a hobbled Jimmy Clausen, who didn't play pretty much the entire second half, came in with his team down and led them on a 13-play, 72-yard drive to take the lead with 24.8 seconds remaining.

The ACC is way to close to even venture a guess at a champion.
Florida State can't decide whether or not they're a good team. Miami proved they're vulnerable. Despite this week's big win, Virginia Tech still has major question marks. Georgia Tech is back in the Top-25, but has lacked consistency. The only thing for certain in this conference is there's a lot of uncertainty. One thing to note is that all the teams in this discussion are in the Coastal Division. Boston College and Clemson lead the Atlantic at this point and neither can be considered a team to beat. Both already have one conference loss. Clemson lost to Georgia Tech by a field goal, but then topped Boston College, holding the Eagles to 49 total yards. Boston College came off of that loss and beat Wake Forest in overtime, but gave up 500 yards in the process.

Pressure is on Romo, Cowboys defense

By Dan Shouse

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

It certainly has not been a good week for Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. After a dismal 3 INT performance last Sunday night against the Giants, Romo must now also deal with the added pressure of having Cowboy legend Tony Dorsett rip the QB publicly. Tonight's game between the Cowboys (1-1) and the Carolina Panthers (0-2) at the new Texas Stadium now looms large.

Dorsett's remarks that Romo has done nothing to warrant him being labeled a great QB may seem harsh, but they are also right on the money. Zero playoff wins does not make one a great quarterback. I have seen Tom Brady play, and you Tony Romo are no Tom Brady. Not even close.

It's not like Romo doesn't have the weapons to work with. Even without TO, Romo still has one of the best tight ends in the game in Jason Witten, and a capable WR in Roy Williams. Marion Barber (questionable heading into tonight) is banged up, but Felix Jones is ready to step in. It is time for Romo to step up and win an important games for a change. There are no excuses.

Having said that, it has not been all Romo's fault. The Cowboys defense has produced no turnovers and no sacks this season. What! Glad that is not the defense on my fantasy team. With guys like Demarcus Ware and Terence Newman, you would think there would be a least a few sacks and picks heading into tonight. There is just too much talent on the defense to think otherwise.

Good thing for the Cowboys is that the Panthers present the perfect opportunity for the defense to turn things around. Jake Delhomme (5 INTs already) is a turnover waiting to happen. Expect the Cowboys to take DeAngelo Williams and the Panther running game away, and put the game in Delhomme's hands. If Delhomme cannot get the ball to Steve Smith, then it will be a long night for the Panthers. Even though Jake looked better last week, that game came against a suspect Falcon defense.

Look for the Cowboys to get a least 2 picks, and for these turnovers to turn into points. The defense will make things easy for Romo this week. Romo should be good for 250 yards and 2 TD passes this week. The pressure will be off Romo and the rest of the Cowboys after this game, at least for a week anyway.

Dan's Prediction: Cowboys 27, Panthers 10

Week 3 Recap: Brady still rusty, but Taylor and Patriots defense steal the show

By Dan Shouse

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

It was wild Week 3 in the NFL, with a couple of last-second victories, and a long losing streak coming to an end.

Patriots 26 (2-1), Falcons 10 (2-1)

Same old story for the Patriots, as Tom Brady still seems rusty, missing open receivers, and seeing easy passes dropped (that means you Joey Galloway). Fred Taylor was anything but rusty, carrying the ball 21 times for 105 yards and a TD, leading the Patriots to an important early-season win at Gillette Stadium. Give credit to the defense, as it shut down the Falcons in the second half and held Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White to a combined 5 catches.

Vikings 27 (3-0), 49ers 24 (2-1)

The media love affair with Bret Favre will continue, as with 2 seconds remaining Favre hit Greg Lewis in the back of the end zone with a 32 yard TD pass to hand the 49ers a stunning loss at the Metrodome . Favre and the Vikings will have little time to celebrate however, as Favre's old team, the Green Bay Packers, head to Minnesota in one of the most antcipated matchups of the season.

Bengals 23 (2-1), Steelers 20 (1-2)

Brett Favre is not the only QB with late heroics this Sunday, as Carson Palmer found Andre Caldwell for a 4-yard TD with under 15 seconds to go, handing the defending champs a second straight loss. It was the first time that the Bengals successfully defended their home turf againt the Steelers since 2001. Don't look now, but if not for miracle touchdown by the Broncos' Brandon Stokley in Week 1, the Bengals would be unbeaten. The opposite could be said for the Steelers, who if not for an overtime win in the season opener against the Titans, would still be looking for their first win.

Lions 19 (1-2), Redskins 14 (1-2)

Congrats to the Lions for ending a 19-game losing streak with a win over the hapless Redskins at Ford Field. I would like to take this time to wish Jim Zorn the best of luck in his job search. Please Dan Snyder, if you really care, please sell the team or at least get someone qualified to run the team.

Giants 24 (3-0), Buccaneers 0 (0-3)

The Giants stayed perfect on the season as the running tandem of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw helped the G-Men to an easy victory over the Bucs in Tampa. The real story of this game was the Bucs offense, as they were held without a first down in the entire first half. Next week's game against Washington should be really exciting. It will be fun to see if either team can get across the 50-yard line.

Packers 36 (2-1), Rams 17 (0-3)

Aaron Rodgers led the way for the Pack in St. Louis, throwing for 269 yards and a pair of scores. As if things could not get worse for the winless Rams, Marc Bulger went down with a shoulder injury, leaving Kyle Boller to run the offense. Yikes!

Jets 24 (3-0), Titans 17 (0-3)

As much as it pains me to say it, the Jets might have the best team in the AFC East. Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan's defense did just enough to keep the Jets unbeaten with a close win in the Meadowlands. Remember, however, these are the Jets. They have gotten off to good starts before, only to fall apart in November and December. Will it happen again? Only time will tell. The Titans, meanwhile, could see their season falling apart. After being the top seed in the AFC a year ago, the Titans are still in search of a win in 2009. It does not get any easier for the Titans. With Jacksonville, Indy, and New England coming up, it is not out of the question that the Titans could be 0-6.

Eagles 34 (2-1), Chiefs 14 (0-3)

No McNabb, no Westbrook, no problem for the Eagles against the Chiefs. Kevin Kolb threw for over 300 yards and LeSean McCoy filled in nicely for Westbrook, running for 84 yard and a score in Philly. Still think the Pats should have kept Matt Cassel around? Cassel only had 90 yards passing. Enough said.

Ravens 34 (3-0), Browns 3 (0-3)

Seems like a long time ago that Eric Mangini was referred to as "Mangenius." It didn't matter who was at QB for Cleveland. Both Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn were overmatched and it showed in the Ravens blowout win in Baltimore. Believe it or not, the game was not as close as the final score suggested.

Jaguars 31 (1-2), Texans 24 (1-2)

Maurice Jones-Drew was a human wrecking ball, going for over 100 yards and 3 TDs to give the Jags their first win of the season in Houston. Remember back in the preseason when the Texans were the sexy pick to make the playoffs? It's time to rethink that. With the worst run defense in the league, the Texans are going nowhere.

Bears 25 (2-1), Seahawks 19 (1-2)

Jay Cutler may have hit Devin Hester with a 32-yard TD with under two minutes remaining to give the Bears the win in Seattle. But the most interesting thing about this game were the Seahawks uniforms. What were those? They looked like USFL hand-me-downs. The NFL has had its share of bad uniforms, but this was an all-time low. I don't know how to describe that color. Vomit green or snot green?

Saints 27 (3-0), Bills 7 (1-2)

Drew Brees doesn't have to throw a bunch of TDs for the Saints to win, as Pierre Thomas and the running game stole the show in Buffalo. Thomas went over 100 yards and added 2 TDs in the second half alone, as the Saints defense shut down the Bills offense. The only question now is how long will it be before Terrell Owens has a meltdown. No catches for TO. I cannot remember the last time that happened.

Broncos 23 (3-0), Raiders (1-2)

The Broncos should not get too excited about their perfect start. Lucky win against the Bengals in Week 1, a win against Cleveland in Week 2 at home, and then the Raiders in Week 3. You will not get a much easier schedule than that. The Raiders had only 137 total yards at home on Sunday. The Denver defense is not that good, it's just that the Raiders are that bad.

Chargers 23 (2-1), Dolphins 13 (0-3)

The Chargers, after a slow start, dominated the second half, with Rivers throwing for 300 yards and running for a score to lead his team to the win in San Diego. The Dolphins seemed to be back where they belong, at the bottom of the AFC East.

Colts 31 (3-0), Cardinals 10 (1-2)

Behind Peyton Manning's 4 TDs, the Colts cruised to a impressive win in the Sunday Night game in Arizona. Kurt Warner and the Cardinals could not keep up as the Colts put up over 500 yards of total offense. The Indy defense was also impressive, putting pressure on Warner throughout the game.

NFL: Who's going to win?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports

It's time for me to make some predictions, everyone does it so why not me, right?

While new colleague, staff writer Dan Shouse will be putting his NFL reputation on the line for the rest of the season, beginning next week with his picks, well, I figured I'd get in on the fun, too.

Will you be calling me the Swami after the Week 3 games, or will you want to call me a very bad name because you decided to put some money on the line, based on my picks? 

Editor's note: I'm not responsible if you lose your house because of a bad bet, but I have no issues with sending some $$$ my way if you win big, based on my guru picks.

Here you go, Chad's picks:

Ravens 31, Brown 13

Brady Quinn is going to get his head bashed in by a ticked off Ravens defense which has yielded 50 points in two games.

Steelers 20, Bengals 16

Pittsburgh continues to own Cincinnati.

Redskins 13, Lions 9

I honestly believe the Lions have a shot at the upset and that's sad for the offensively-challenged Redskins.

Texans 27, Jaguars 17

Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson and Steve Slaton all have big games.

Vikings 20, 49ers 13

Adrian Peterson does work in crunch time. 

Eagles 37, Chiefs 17

Philly defense has field day against punchless Matt Cassel-led Chefs (that's not a typo).

Packers 30, Rams 17

St. Louis unfortunately has to pay for Green Bay's loss to the Bengals last week.

Giants 35, Buccaneers 21

Giants get their running game back in gear with the "Beast" Brandon Jacobs punishing defenders.

Saints 38, Bills 24

Buffalo can't stop the pass, and that's real bad news with Drew Brees in town. Look out!!!

Bears 24, Seahawks 13

Quarterback Seneca Wallace isn't going to get Seattle going; Matt Forte will for Chicago.

Titans 20, Jets 13

There's no way Tennessee can go 0-3, right? 

Raiders 17, Broncos 14

Kyle Orton, meet Richard Seymour. Oakland defense rises up.

Chargers 27, Dolphins 20

Do you think San Diego is scared of Chad Pennington?

Colts 34, Cardinals 31

Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner put on a passing clinic.

Cowboys 27, Panthers 24

Marian Barber sits, Felix Jones earns more playing time with 100-yard game.

Patriots have hands full vs. Falcons

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

It's not do-or-die time, but Sunday's New England-Atlanta game is pretty big for the Patriots.

The Pats might be 1-1 and should be 0-2 (that Bills win should have never happened), but either way it's time for the real Tom Brady and the Patriots offense to step up.

Atlanta isn't exactly a soft team that's an easy win, either, this team is solid.

So what do the Patriots have to do to get back on the winning track?

A lot.

First, on offense, Brady and Co. must get this potentially high scoring offense in gear. Wouldn't it be nice to see the Pats pick up first down after first down to start the game, instead of finally getting in a groove late in the third quarter or the fourth?

And it all starts with Brady. We all know this hasn't been vintage Brady in the first two games -- OK enough of recovering from major knee surgery, I get it -- but he must do a better job of finding his receivers in stride, and take the checkdown throws if he has to. Protect the ball, too.

And is Wes Welker coming back this week? I hope so because he's such a valuable player and Brady's No. 1 security blanket. Rookie Julian Edelman did a nice job filling the void of Welker, but we all know he's no Welker. Plus, Randy Moss must deliver big catches, preferable into the end zone. And both Welker and Moss are questionable for the game. If they don't play, the Pats don't have a chance to win, that's the bottom line.

And that offensive line. If the Falcons blitz, the Pats must pick it up and Brady must be poised enough to stand strong in the pocket and make the big throws. The Jets exposed this offense last week with constant pressure, so why wouldn't the Falcons do the same? We'll see if the Pats have made the proper adjustments. And left tackle Matt Light better elevate his game. I've always thought he's been overrated, and now it appears his game is in a major decline. Hope he proves me wrong, however.

And where's that running game? No doubt the Pats are a pass first team, but don't give up on the run so quickly. Laurence Maroney, Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris aren't chopped liver, so let them pound away and wear down the Falcons. New England has scrapped the run game too quickly, so here's to a little more balance (pass-run ratio)  this week. You'd be amazed what happens when you show you want to run instead of throw all the time -- it opens up both the run and pass and puts defenses on their heels.

But defensively the Pats have the biggest challenge. This defense has been OK thus far, but OK isn't going to cut it against the Falcons.

Boston College star QB Matt Ryan leads the offense, and he's got a boatload of weapons at his disposal. In the passing game, wide receiver Roddy White is a matchup nightmare -- Shawn Springs will have his hands full -- and so is future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez. Who can cover Gonzalez? Nobody on the Pats, but they better know where he is at all times. But perhaps Atlanta's biggest strength is the power running game with Michael Turner "The Burner". Turner has the beef to plow you over and the quickness to completely run by you. He must be gang tackled, hit low and wrapped up. The Pats needs to stop the run first, and make the Falcons one-dimensional. 

Plus, add in terrible weather on Sunday -- forecast calls for heavy rain Sunday morning -- and you don't know how that's going to affect the game plan.

It's a great early-season matchup between two teams that should be in the playoffs, but the pressure is squarely on the Pats to not lose two straight games.

Chad's prediction: Patriots 27-24

Even with Loss, Sox fans can take a sigh of relief, maybe

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

In the grand scheme of the 2009 season, a 9-5 loss to the Yankees means absolutely nothing. The Red Sox really have no chance of winning the AL East crown, and it would take a monumental collapse for them to lose the Wild Card race in the American League. What does matter is Jon Lester's health. If you watched the game, saw the highlights, or simply read another article about what happened to Lester in the bottom of the third, than you know how bad it looked for the playoff chances of the Red Sox.

I saw the play live, and have seen the highlight a hundred times, and I still am shocked to see that the x-rays were negative. Apparently he just has a bruise to his quadriceps. By all accounts, Jon Lester and the Red Sox got lucky. My question is this. Have they? I have never been, or will ever be a pitching coach, but I do know that an injury to a pitcher's plant leg is no small thing. While he'll still be able to drive with the other leg, if you're plant leg is tender, and in pain, it's going to cause inconsistency in you delivery at the best, and could even play games with a pitcher's mentality. I wouldn't want a pitcher of mine to keep thinking about how it's going to hurt when you finish your delivery. My guess is Lester misses his next start to get him ready for the playoffs. That would be the smart, prudent thing for the Sox to do.

I think that despite the good news, Jon Lester's effectiveness in the playoffs took a major hit last night. All we have to do now is wait and see.

Matt Kemp, helping to lead Dodgers to the playoffs

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

If you haven't noticed, Matt Kemp has emerged as a budding superstar this season. Who is Matt Kemp? He's the bursting with talent center fielder for the Dodgers. After hitting a three run homer in last nights game, he's currently hitting .306 with 26 home runs, 100 RBI, 96 runs and 34 stolen bases. Not bad for a kid who turned 25 just two days ago, and is still learning to play the game of baseball. Not only are his numbers amazing, if he can keep his average about .300 he will become the first Dodger to ever hit .300, with 25 homers and 100+ RBI. While that is amazing, throw in the fact he's also stolen 30+ bases and should reach the 100 runs plateau. He's also done it all over the lineup. He's hit in every slot in the lineup except 3rd this season.

In my opinion, one of the best things to happen to Dodgers team was missing Manny Ramirez for 50 games. Yes, I know that sounds very odd, but it forced young stars like Kemp, and Andre Ethier to step up and take a leadership role on and off the field. Don't get me wrong, the Dodgers are a better team, and lineup, with Manny. Both Kemp and Ethier have been good run producers for the past two seasons, but have been very inconsistent going into this season. Both are young players and have matured greatly during the 2009 campaign.

If you look how young Kemp is and how much more he has to learn about the game, what he can, and most likely will, do in his career could be staggering. I think it's time people start to talk about him as one of the premier center fielders in the game.

Now he just needs to do it this Fall!

Fantasy Football: Post Week 2 Evaluations

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The first two weeks of the NFL have come and gone, so how is your fantasy football team doing? Like the actual NFL, for most teams there is no need to panic. Of course if you've been decimated by injuries, that's another matter. So really, how do you feel about your fantasy football team? Like most years, I am involved with three different leagues. With the exception of the Fan Fanatic Sports Fantasy League, the other two teams have very similar rosters, but all three are 2-0 so far. Am I happy? Yes, I am, but also know it means absolutely nothing.

I am fascinated by the first few weeks of a fantasy football season. Why? I love to see the dash to pick up free agents off the waiver wire. I love to see which players fantasy owners have dumped so quickly. Don't get me wrong, I am often one of first to pick up a player, but try not to turn my roster over too early. So, the basis of this article today is to look at the 5 hottest pickups over the first two weeks and look at the long term viability of each player.

1. Mike Bell - Saints

Mike Bell has been producing like a #1 running back the first two weeks of the season. He's been nothing short of great, but did suffer a knee injury this past Sunday. There is no structural damage, but Pierre Thomas is being slowly worked back into the rotation. He will not be a starter, but it may be one of those bad luck years for Thomas. My suggestion is to ride Bell while you can, and stash just in case.

2. Steve Smith - Giants

If you play in a point per reception league, the "other" Steve Smith will be a very good play for you. He seems to be Eli Manning's go to guy, and that means a lot. He already has 16 receptions after two games and over 200 yards receiving. If you have him as your third fantasy receiver than you're doing very well for yourself. I doubt he's still available, but if he is, make sure to get him.

3. Mario Manningham - Giants

After making only 4 receptions in his rookie season, it looks like this former Michigan standout is actually going to have a career. From most reports, Manningham pretty much had no idea what he was doing last year. This year couldn't be any different. I doubt he'll ever be a great route runner, but his size and speed will lead to big plays. He will not be as reliable as teammate Steve Smith is by far a better play each week, but he definitely deserves to be on a fantasy roster, just not as a consistent starter.

4. Johnny Knox - Bears

No, this isn't the guy from Jack*ss. That's Johnny Knoxville. This rookie has absolutely burst onto the scene. He followed up a good first game by topping that with 6 receptions, 70 yards and a touchdown. Not bad for his 2nd career game. He has shown to be the only Bears receiver to be on the same page as Jay Cutler, and that means more than most people realize. I think he'll end up being the Bears most productive wide receiver on a team that desperately needs some consistency at that position.

5. Correll Buckhalter - Broncos

Buckhalter has been far more productive in his first two weeks than I thought he'd be. He only has a total of 17 carries for over 7 yards per carry. As the season goes on look for Knowshon Moreno to become the starter, but we are talking about a team that is coached by a former Bill Belichick. What does that mean? Josh McDaniels will most likely go with a running back by committee. I don't see him as a season long play.

Well, good luck to everyone in week 3, and make sure to check back every Friday for you fantasy football fix here at Fan Fanatic Sports

What we learned: ALWAYS take the underdog on Thursday

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Greetings, from the "I told you so" department.

Every year, this seems to happen: SEC school delivers an upset of a top-five program, finishes the year on a big win streak, wins a bowl game, gets tons of preseason "hype" about being a "program on the rise", eventually gets overblown when everyone else suffers ticks and nicks.

Last year, it was Georgia and the ridiculous preseason No. 1 ranking they got, even as everyone in the program knew they were barely a top-ten program. This year, it's Houston Nutt's Ole Miss boys, who got stopped cold by an "upstart" South Carolina squad 16-10 last night in Columbia.

Strong finishes are one of the main reasons for all this hype. The other, it seems, stems from whether you have a bona fide top five draft pick in your backfield. The Dawgs had Matthew Stafford; the Rebels have Jevan Snead, who may go No. 1 next April. In Snead's case, he has the added benefit of playing for a guy who has produced many an offensive talent, of both legendary (Barry Sanders, Thurman Thomas) and lottery (Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, Hart Lee Dykes) status.

All that aside, Nutt knew, just as Mark Richt knew, his team was going to hit a bump at some point. A couple wins over some cupcake teams, and they've become the first team since South Florida and Boston College in 2007 to be totally out of their league being in the top five. There's no way the Rebels were worthy of a No. 4 ranking -- I question whether they're the best team in the SEC West. So with that in mind, what in the hell were they thinking scheduling a Thursday night game? Especially an away game? Do they pay attention at all?

And it's not like South Carolina is a world-beater of a program anyway. Lou Holtz could never get it done, and Steve Spurrier is finding the same struggles. They're forever a middling program, delivering the occasional upset but never capitalizing on the momentum. Christ, their two best players are a linebacker (Eric Norwood) and a kicker. Their quarterback is too busy posting party pictures of himself on Facebook and getting forearm shivers from referees.

A Thursday away game messes up many a football team's routine. Think about the inconvenience -- you should be studying for that Friday exam -- and then factor in all of the other variables: travel itenerary, walkthroughs, pre-game meals. For the home team, the only change in routine is merely the day of the week. For the away team, everything changes, and that can mess you up big-time.

Just look at all the upset victims on the visiting side Thursday in the previous three seasons: USC, West Virginia, South Florida, Louisville, Florida State, TCU, LSU...add Georgia Tech, FSU (again) and Ole Miss to that list now, and the fun will not cease as fall rages on.

Here are some other upsets you'll see in a few Thursdays:

Missouri over Nebraska, Oct. 8
South Florida over Cincinnati, Oct. 15
East Carolina over Virginia Tech, Nov. 5
Rutgers over South Florida, Nov. 12
Texas A&M over Texas, Nov. 26

-- Thought I'd share with you a recent letter I wrote to Sports Illustrated after reading their hackjob of a team preview on the Pats:

I'd like to thank Ben Reiter for wasting five minutes of my valuable time with his pseudo-scouting report of the New England Patriots. Not only did he become the 1,045th self-proclaimed "scribe" since 2005 to "lampoon" the Pats' much-ballyhooed frugality of quotes, but the deepest question he posed is if the Patriots are going to be better with Tom Brady back. Gee, thanks.

Maybe if Ben didn't spend so much time in his limited inches pretending to be so enamored by something that's been overwritten about for six years now (and adds nothing to what he's talking about), he'd actually have been able to divulge into things like: just how the team plans on using Julian Edelman; whether or not Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden are an upgrade at cornerback; how much Fred Taylor has left in the tank; whether this linebacking corps is stronger in 2009. And then maybe I wouldn't have to go to Yahoo!, ESPN, the Herald or Boston.com to get the information I wanted, regretting that I could have spent the money I just wasted on SI on two coffees or a pack of smokes. If it wasn't for Peter King, Dr. Z and the occasional feature from Leigh Jenkins and Tim Layden, your football coverage wouldn't be worth the paper it's written on.

"Big Red"
Westminster, MA

P.S. I am also wondering how Andrew Perloff and Selena Roberts conned you guys into hiring them. I have a job interview coming up, so I need to know their secrets.

This is their response two days later:

Thank you for your comments, which will be shared with the senior editing staff.

Sincerely,
SI Letters Department

Hitting the big time?...kinda, sorta, maybe...awesome.

-- Watching these "FedEx Cup" highlights on SportsCenter...how many years until some dweeb shows up on the boob tube griping about how Tiger "always loses the big one"?

-- The guy on the left is Klitschko's next opponent. Seriously.

-- So the Paul Gonnella search is over. Dude is at...Miami. Yes, he's at the U as an assistant coach, and I can't think of a luckier guy. In the last three years he's held jobs at UNC, Tennessee and now Miami. Christ Almighty.

-- Mark Whicker, meet your foil. Lead from a gamer this week in a Wisconsin newspaper:

The nightmare of 9/11 will live forever in our minds and memories.

Fast forward eight years later and last Friday, Sept. 11 is a night the Sun Prairie High School football team, coaching staff and Cardinal fans hope can soon be forgotten. Dealt a 22-0 halftime deficit by Madison Memorial in a Big Eight Conference football game at Ashley Field, the Cardinals made an inspiring comeback in the second half but never fully recovered, falling to the Spartans, 22-14.

Another example of why people no longer read newspapers.

-- Text convo of the week:
(978) Just saw a guy with a "PS3" tattoo on his leg
(413) WTF???
(978) Hope he knows it's permanent
(413) That'd be like, imagine if my grandfather got a tattoo of his favorite choo-choo train when he was a kid.

Ole Miss proves what we all knew all along

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

It was the worst-kept secret in football, but the Rebels were bound and determined to try to keep fooling everyone.

But the truth finally came out. Mississippi is a fraud.

Based solely on the promise of talent and two wins over hapless teams, the Rebels were never ranked lower than eighth in the AP poll and anyone outside the state was wondering how it could be.

Now Ole Miss has been exposed. Some will claim that South Carolina is an up-and-coming team in the SEC and still others will say that any team in the SEC has to be considered dangerous. Neither of which are actually true.

USC did give Georgia all they could handle and beat Mississippi, but also had a great deal of trouble with North Carolina State in an ugly 7-3 game and Florida Atlantic even had them nervous.

Ole Miss, and specifically quarterback Jevan Snead, is overrated. In fact, some of Snead's worst games in his career have come against teams that were considered extreme underdogs.

Bottom line is this - with a game on the line and a chance to win, good teams find a way. Ole Miss did not. After scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter to even make it a game, the Rebs were unable to capitalize on two more possessions in the final frame and squandered them. They looked most inept on their final drive, where an illegal substitution of all things was the final nail in the coffin, eliminating any real shot at a first down to prolong the drive with 1:22 remaining.

Great teams don't make those mistakes when the game is in the balance. And with that, Ole Miss proved it is not a great team.

NFL Blackouts: What do you think?

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

This is a quick blog. I am sick and tired of the NFL bailing out teams like the Chargers and Lions by buying up the remaining tickets to avoid a blackout. Fans, and ownership of these teams, need to get the message. Owners should reduced the price of the unsold tickets so the fans can afford to go, and fans need to get off their kiesters and go to the games.

What do you think?

Yankees back in the postseason; Hughes has been a stud

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The Yankees win, the Yankees win.

After blowing a five-run lead to the Angels last night, the Yankees came through with a run in the ninth inning against those pesky Angels and won, 6-5, and became the first team in MLB to clinch a berth in the postseason.

Say what you want about those Yankees -- insert joke here -- but they're fun to watch. They can beat you on the mound with CC Sabathia -- but there are question marks with A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte and Joba Chamberlain come playoff time -- and with a nasty offense, but what about that bullpen?

Everyone ripped the Yankees for not putting Chamberlain back in the 'pen when they started out the season like members of the Bad News Bears, but that bullpen has turned the corner and has been outstanding.

While we all know about future Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera, the biggest difference in this team is the emergence of youngster Phil Hughes.

Hughes was suppose to be the next Roger Clemens as a starter -- while we all agree he's not going to ever be Clemens, he could still have a very nice career as a starter in the future -- but he's becoming a lights-out reliever that every team covets in the crucial 7th and 8th innings.

Hughes has found his form, pumping it a 95-plus mph fastball with a cutter and downright filthy slider.

When he's called upon, he's done the job. And he's not pitching in garbage time, either. When he's toeing the rubber, it's an important spot in the game. It's hard not to be confident in this kid -- 3.04 ERA, 83 IP, 65 H, 28 BB, 90 K. He's been a much different pitcher, confidence included, since making the move into the bullpen after some bad early-season outings as a starter.

If Hughes didn't emerge as a late-inning stud, where would the Yankees be? Who knows, but he's been the main reason why nobody is questioning the bullpen anymore.

But can he do it in the playoffs? That's the next question to ask.

MLB: Pennant Races ho hum in 2009

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

This has got to be the most boring Pennant Race season in a long time. If you're a huge baseball fan, like myself, you're rooting hard for the Minnesota Twins to make the final week and a half of the baseball season exciting. Realistically, that is the only race that is left. The Yankees and Dodgers lead their division by 5 games, The Phillis by 8, Angels by 7.5 games, and the Cardinals by the widest margin of 10 games. Even the Wild Card race is pretty much over. The Red Sox lead the Rangers by 7 games and the Rockies are starting to pull away from the Giants with a 4 game lead.

What does this all mean? Well, it means that most playoff teams will be well rested. It will mean their starting rotations will be set up. It should mean the best team will win, but you never know. You still have to play the games. The Red Sox could have made the AL East race interesting if they didn't blow a huge lead against the lowly Royals last night. The Yanks lost, once again, to the Angels. A BoSox win would have brought them within 3 games in the loss column a few days before they head into the Bronx for a 3 game series. Of course, a Red Sox sweep this weekend would certainly make things interesting, but I just don't see that happening. Even if they take 2 of 3, they would still only game a game with one full week on the schedule remaining.

Personally, I can't wait to get to the playoffs. As a die hard Dodgers fan, I've been waiting for quite some time to start the postseason. I will, however, be watching the Twins & Tigers battle it out over the next week and a half.

I'm rooting for the Twinkies. What about you?

What's the matter with Tom Brady?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Who really thought that New England Patriots all-everything quarterback Tom Brady would be scuffling like he currently is?

Not me, that's for sure.

But no matter how much you love and respect what he's done in a Patriots uniform -- this is killing me to blog about this because Brady's by far my favorite current player in the NFL -- Brady hasn't been vintage Brady at all. He's not even near where he's been in previous seasons.

I'm hoping it's just that he's still trying to get his feel for the game down pat and timing with his receivers. Plus, coming off reconstructive knee surgery and only playing a portion of one game last year doesn't help, either, I know. But I really didn't think he'd be having such issues under center.

Realistically, the Patriots should be 0-2 and you can honestly point to Brady as a reason why they've struggled. Yes, even Tom Brady is human. 

Brady and the offense were sleeping -- bad passes, too many dropped balls, total slow motion on the offense's part -- for three quarters against Buffalo, but the Football Gods helped out the Patriots in the fourth quarter and they pulled off an incredible win. Brady was the reason for that win. In the second half, he was outstanding, firing two late TD strikes to tight end Ben Watson.

But Brady and that offense got right back into that funk against the trash-talking Jets. Boy, did coach Rex Ryan and his talking heads really shut the Pats up. The defense dialed up blitz after blitz. The Jets didn't get to Brady, but they hurried his throws all day and made him uncomfortable in the pocket. The rust of not playing much in the last year even showed when Brady was called for two delay of game penalties in the second half. That stuff just can't happen. I know he wants to audible into a new play and that's fine because I trust his decision-making more than my wife's driving, but get the snap off in time and save a 5-yard penalty. That's just a rookie mistake from a veteran QB. 

Look inside the numbers: 62-0f-100 passing for 594 yards and two TDs and two INTs with a QB rating of 76.8. 

That's not Tom Brady. Who is this, Shaun Hill? 

But I'm not counting him out for one second. While it might take a little more time than expected to get this offense clicking like it should be going -- not like two years ago because that type of season is a once-in-a-lifetime season -- I'm banking on this offense turning it around. 

The weapons they have makes that statement pretty easy to type. Even if Wes Welker misses more time -- boy was he rusty in that Buffalo game after missing training camp -- Brady has enough threats to carve defenses. Just think if the Patriots actually committed to the running game a little more. If they do, then the passing game with be pretty darn potent. 

So stay tuned. 

Brady doesn't like being average, so expect continued improvement from himself and the offense. 

The Pats will fix this problem. If not, coach Bill Belichick will make some changes.

If I hear the Pats shouldn't have traded Matt Cassel one more time, I think I'm going to puke. Brady is still the best QB in the NFL, are you doubting him?

Big mistake.

Jahvid Best is for real,but is the rest of the Pac-10?

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Let the Heisman talk begin.

Jahvid Best is the real deal. But is the rest of his team, or any other in the Pac-10?

To this point, California has to be considered the best looking team in the conference. With a 3-0 record, Cal has been a machine offensively. While it all starts with Best and his eight touchdowns, Kevin Reily has led an extremely efficient passing game for the Golden Bears, who have scored 20 touchdowns to start the season. Defensively, Cal has been as strong as they come, allowing just 13.7 points per game. But let's remember that these numbers have been put up against Maryland, Eastern Michigan and Minnesota.

Cal's next opponent, Oregon, was supposed to be a solid Top-25 team, but a Week 1 loss to Boise State and the resulting absence of LaGarrett Blount has been a major blow to the Ducks. They have won their next two, including knocking Utah out of the rankings, but when they take on the Golden Bears and win, you have to wonder whether or not the Ducks really are that good or if Cal rode their success against bad teams to a No. 6 ranking they don't deserve.

But perhaps the biggest team in this conversation has to be USC. Coming into this week, they were ranked as the No. 3 team in the nation. After this weekend and a monumental collapse against a Washington team that didn't win a game last year, they are ranked 12th and suddenly find themselves being doubted as able to win their own conference. Looking back at it, it marks the second week in a row the Trojans have sputtered offensively. You can blame Aaron Corp if you want, but even with Matt Barkley in, USC has played the most conservative offense seen by Pete Carroll in years. Perhaps he knows he doesn't have the talent level he's had in the past? Defensively, the Trojans still are tough to beat, but scoring 31 points over its last two games has to be alarming to Southern Cal.

That's not to say Washington hasn't been a quality team this season. They put up over 400 yards of offense against LSU, but lost, then manhandled Idaho before taking on USC. The real strength for this team has been the offense, led by Jake Locker. Against a team that has had trouble stopping teams on defense in Notre Dame next week, the Huskies could solidify themselves as a truly surprising Top-25 team.

But are any of these teams really a group that could be considered a serious contender for the national championship? At this point, not one has put up a resume that is gleaming by any stretch of the imagination. It's quite possible that the mediocrety of the conference will cause all of these teams to beat up on each other and kill their shots.

No defense, no Bruins jersey for Kessel

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

There goes a great young player and scorer.

Phil Kessel, 21, was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for two first-round picks (2010, 2011) and a second-rounder in 2010.

Kessel then immediately signed a 5-year, $27 million dollar contract with the Leafs.

So who got the better deal?

Well, obviously, right now, the Leafs. They got a proven scorer that potted 36 goals with 24 assists last season. Plus he's so young at 21 with tremendous upside.

But you know the Bruins weren't going to pay him over $5 million a season. Can you really blame them?

Granted, I love Kessel's speed and scoring ability, but the one knock on him is he doesn't play very big, he's not real physical and he doesn't like to play defense. You could say he's all offense and no defense. 

Well, in coach Claude Julien's system, you must play defense and Kessel didn't buy into that philosophy.

So, in the end, he had to go. 

Can't argue with getting two first-rounders, but who knows what the Bruins will get with those picks. Plus, the Bruins didn't handcuff themselves financially, and that's not always a bad thing. Kessel will have a tremendous career, but it won't be for the Boston Bruins.

Hockey Season is Here!

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

It absolutely amazes me that hockey season has already arrived. The Bruins have already started camp, and pre-season games, and the college hockey season starts in just a few weeks. I, for one, am really looking forward to it. It's still a bit early to start focusing on the college scene, but I do want to touch on a few things about the Bruins.

1. What are the B's going to do with Phil Kessel? If you believe the rumors, it looks like he's headed to Toronto for 2 first round picks and a third rounder. As much as I'd like to keep Kessel in Boston, I seriously doubt it'll happen. Kessel wants too much money, and the Bruins don't have the room under the cap. Kessel, 21, should have taken the deal the Bruins offered him that was similar to the one David Kreiji signed. According to reports, Kessel was insulted by the offer. I would hate to lose a proven goal scorer like Kessel, especially since he's so young, but if he maintains his current position, the Bruins need to deal him and get the most they can. While Kessel is a better pure scorer than Kreiji, he's not nearly the total package of Kreiji. David Kreiji is a good scorer, a better play maker, and actually plays two-way hockey.

2. How much playing time should Tuuka Rask get this season? It's pretty apparent Rask will be the backup to Tim Thomas. If you've read any of my Bruins coverage, you know I'm not the biggest Tim Thomas fan. While he proved he can be a #1 goalie, I still think he needs enough rest throughout the season. That's why I think Tuuka Rask should play a minimum of 20 games this season. Despite signing Thomas for a 4 year extension last year, Rask is still the goalie of the future for this team.

That's it for right now. More to come as the pre-season moves on.

What to watch for this week in college football

Two weeks into the college football season and the drama is already building. A pair of true freshmen quarterbacks played the hero last week for their respective teams as USC survived an ugly showing against Ohio State with a last-minute drive led by Matt Barkley, while Michigan knocked Notre Dame out of the Top-25 and jumped in with a touchdown pass from Tate Forcier with 11 seconds remaining. Houston out-gunned Oklahoma State, 45-35. North Carolina got help from Connecticut, winning a 12-10 decision, thanks to a holding call on the Huskies in their own end zone.

So what are the things to look for as we head into Week 3 action tomorrow night?


Miami defense vs. Georgia Tech
Miami's offense will put up points if it gets the football, so the question is how often will they get it. Miami has two ailing starters in their defensive backfield that aren't expected to play, but if there's ever a time for that, this is it. Georgia Tech likely won't pass nearly enough to make that a big factor. The Yellow Jackets have averaged just under 50 rushes per game this season, ranking them ninth in that category. Miami was a middle of the road team in terms of stopping the run last year, but were also playing a boatload of young players. The defense, which has returned eight of those players from last year, held Florida state to 3.7 yards per carry. If Georgia Tech finds holes, works the clock and keeps the ball out of Jacory Harris' hands, they should be fine. However, if the offense fails to do so, the Hurricanes' explosive offense could exploit a defense that is vulnerable to the big play. Three of the five touchdowns GT has allowed this season have been for 20 yards or more.

Matt Barkley's status
After his late-game heroics against Ohio State, Barkley could likely be headed for the sidelines. Barkley suffered a bone bruise in his shoulder and as a result, Aaron Corp has been working with the first-team offense. Corp lost his starting job to Barkley, thanks to an injury of his own during the preseason, but has been dubbed "95 percent healthy." While Corp is a more than capable quarterback, who should handle Washington easily, don't expect a quarterback controversy to start brewing unless Barkley missed another week (unlikely) and even then, he's probably still the better option going into a game that could decide the Pac-10 vs. Cal in Week 5.

Michigan State secondary vs. Notre Dame receivers
Michigan State is certainly not looking incredibly strong in the secondary this season. After a solid game, which you would expect against Montana State, the Spartans gave up 352 yards and three touchdowns through the air as Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour posted a 104.3 passer rating. Notre Dame has a much more talented group. Jimmy Clausen has made it a habit of vicitmizing weak secondaries and so far has passed for 654 yards and seven touchdowns, while not getting picked off once for a passer rating of 196.31. Michael Floyd, who suffered a gash on his knee after landing on the track beyond the end zone at Michigan last week, will be back and at full speed. Notre Dame needs to win this week if it wants any shot at returning to the Top-25.

Fresno State offense vs. Boise State defense
Fresno State has had pretty much as balanced an attack as you could possibly have this season, averaging 255.5 yards through the air and 244.5 yards on the ground. Granted, those numbers have been put up against UC-Davis and Wisconsin, but they're still pretty impressive numbers. On the other side, the Broncos have looked pretty incredible, stopping one of the Pac-10's best runners for negative yardage in their season opener, then holding Miami of Ohio to just 1.5 yards on the ground. Oh, they're not giving up much through the air, either. This is by far the toughest test of the season for the Bulldogs and if they can't do anything against the Boise State defense, you can pretty much guarantee the Broncos the WAC championship and a spot at a BCS bowl.

Urban Meyer vs. Lane Kiffin
There really is no contest here as Meyer has proven himself to be one of - if not THE - the most talented coaches in college football and he's got far more firepower than Kiffin. Tennessee has a whole host of problems, not the least of which is the offense averaged just a mere three yards per play against UCLA. More interesting than anything will be the way the media plays this up after an offseason that included Kiffin accusing Meyer of shady recruiting practices.

Sam Bradford's recovery
Not much has been said this week about his status - in fact, nothing has been said at all - but Oklahoma is almost definitely going to sit Bradford again this week. The Sooners probably feel more comfortable about that decision after Landry Jones tossed three touchdowns against Idaho State last week. Week 4 is a bye, so it only makes sence to give Bradford more time to recover before taking on Miami, which could be a crucial game when it comes down to Oklahoma's hopes for a BCS game. As of Saturday, Bradford said he could not throw without pain in his shoulder, though he could throw if he wanted to.

Brady, Pats look shaky in comeback win

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The first word that comes to my mind when I think about last nights game is Wow!. The New England Patriots should not have won that game. Heck, they don't even deserve to win that game, but Tom Brady and Co. somehow pulled it off. Now, on to my observations for the game.

1. Tom Brady was very shaky in the first half. Thankfully, he pulled himself together and went off in the 2nd to become the Tom Brady we all know and love. That was vintage Tom Brady. That game was over. Down 11 points with 5 minutes left.

2. Matt Light is not a good left tackle in the NFL. I am of the opinion that Matt Light has been the most overrated offensive lineman of this decade. Him making the Pro Bowl is like Derek Jeter winning a Gold Glove. It just shouldn't happen. The problem with Matt Light is that he's never been able to handle a speed rusher. He couldn't do it in the prime of his career, and he certainly can't do it now. There's a reason Aaron Schobel has more sacks than anyone else in the NFL against Tom Brady. I loved the one play Sebastian Volmer filled in for Light, right after his tripping penalty, and just mauled Aaron Maybin. I look to see more of Volmer at left tackle in the future.

3. Wes Welker needs to play in the pre-season. Can you have an 11 catch game and play poorly? Yes, you can and that's exactly what Welker did last night. He and Tom Brady were not on the same page. It was never more evident than the quick screen pass that Welker didn't look ready on in the first half that ended with Tom Brady having words with the diminutive receiver. This will obviously change with more work, but wasn't what Pats fans wanted to see.

4. I was pleasantly surprised with the play of the Pats secondary. They pretty much shut down Terrell Owens and Lee Evans. Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden played well, and so did Brandon Merriweather. Merriweather led the team in tackles and was instrumental in Leodis McElvin's 4th quarter fumble that led to the Pats win.

5. I couldn't believe how terrible the defensive line played last night. The Buffalo Bills started three players on the offensive line who never played a down in the NFL, but the Pats defensive line made them look like seasoned veterans up until the final drive of the game. If the Patriots can't get pressure on the quarterback against the most inexperienced line in the NFL, what are they going to do against the likes of the Jets, Steelers & Colts. They already took a hit at depth when Seymour was traded to the Raiders. Ty Warren, Jarvis Green and Vince Wilfork need to step it up.

6. Jerod Mayo is the Patriots best defensive player. If he is out for an extended period of time, the Pats defense is in even more trouble. Enough said on that.

Now let's bring on the Jets!

It's a miracle, Patriots pull off incredible win

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Boy, did the Patriots luck out with a win in the opener against the Buffalo Bills.

Can you believe the Bills were so close to stunning the Pats in the opener like I was?

Who saw this coming? On paper -- I know the games aren't played on paper -- it was a mismatch, but it looked like two pretty even teams duking it out in an AFC East game.

Tom Brady looked rusty, I'll give you that, at certain times ...more like in the first half. But he delivered in the second half with 2 TDs passes in 1:16 span to win late, that's what the elite NFL QBs do (those elite guys are Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Brady), but should it have been that close?

If the Pats defense plays like that against the Bills, what's the rest of the season going to look like? Can they stop a screen pass? No. Granted, they did take away the outside with wide receivers Lee Evans and Terrell Owens, but everything else was wide open -- the running game, and in particular, the screen game. 

They better tighten it up or we're in for a lot of shootouts. But I'm willing to bet Bill Belichick will get these guys flying to the ball and making plays behind the line of scrimmage.

I saw a lot of early-season troubles --missed field goal, dropped balls (how many did Welker drop?) failed conversions on third and fourth down, and some predictability on offense -- pass on first down, run on second down, pass on third. I guess it's better than running draws on third down all the time when Charlie Weis was the offensive coordinator?

What I liked: 

Brady -- he delivered in the clutch, that's why he's the best QB in the NFL, coming off injury or not.

Benjamin Watson -- He showed great hands and great route running for two TDs catches over the middle when the Bills were pinching on the outside receivers, which opened up the middle for someone to take advantage of.

Safety Brandon Meriweather -- He had a team-high 8 tackles. Meriweather was all over the place on offense and special teams, and lit up kickoff returner Leodis McKelvin when Pierre Woods came in and got the strip, setting up the winning score.

Defensive end Tully Banta-Cain -- He provided a much-needed pass rush on the outside. A big welcome back to you! He had two sacks, including a big one on the final drive to preserve the win. Way to step up.

Running back Laurence Maroney -- He's been knocked by so many people, but Maroney ran hard, hit the hole and looked for defenders so he could deliver the blow. Nobody better say he was dancing around because he didn't. He only had 32 yards on 10 carries, but why did they go away from the run after finding success early? Plus, Maroney had a great kickoff return for 52 yards. He no doubt earned his paycheck.

Wide receiver Randy Moss - Moss hauled in 12 balls for 141 yards. I know Bills cornerback Terrence McGee was being praised all night about his coverage skills and not backing down on playing Moss, but Moss simply punked him. I don't know what the announcers were watching.

Be sure to check back to Fan Fanatic Sports for more opinion on the Patriots-Bills game.

Easy call: Patriots will win

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

This should be a real easy win. Tom Brady to Randy Moss, Tom Brady to Randy Moss. Get used to that connection tonight and the rest of the season. Oh, and don't forget about Wes Welker. Plus, the Bills are garbage, especially on offense. Easy win tonight, write it down: Chad Garner of Fan Fanatic Sports is calling a Patriots 34-13 victory.

UPDATE: The Bills lead, 17-13, and I'm sitting here wondering where is the real Patriots team. They frustrate on defense and they're even more frustrating on offense. They better start finishing drives with touchdowns, not field goals, or they're going down to the Bills. Yes, the Bills. Are you serious?

Big Ten gets back at Notre Dame?

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

You probably have figured it out by now, but for those who haven't, I'm a Notre Dame football fan.

So you can imagine my dismay at the 38-34 loss at the hands of Michigan on Saturday.

I am going to share a theory with you, but let me preface it with this: Michigan played one hell of a football game. Tate Forcier was ten times the player I thought - and probably Notre Dame thought - he would be in his second career game as a true freshman and the Michigan defense, despite giving up 34 points, was impressive in its ability to keep pressure on Jimmy Clausen in the second half.

With that said, it's conspiracy theory time.

Since the Big Ten media day - and even before that, really - there was a great deal of talk about expansion and a great deal of talk about that 12th team being Notre Dame. Now, Notre Dame has not been in discussions with the Big Ten about joining at all this decade, but with all the recent expansion talk, the team that snubbed the Big Ten way back when was the main topic of that conversation.

Now enter Notre Dame at Michigan for the first game of their Big Ten schedule. Last year, Notre Dame went 2-1 against Big Ten opponents - the same three teams they face this season. One of those wins was a 35-17 drubbing of the rebuilding Michigan squad.

This year, Michigan is better. Notre Dame is ranked 18th in the country. What better way to show the country that the Big Ten doesn't need the Irish than to have an unranked, unproven team beat them?

Here's where conspiracy comes in. The game is being played in the Big House, so Big Ten officials are calling the game. Mind you, Michigan is the only team on Notre Dame's schedule that insists on using Big Ten officials. For all other away games, Notre Dame brings Big East officials and visitors to Notre Dame stadium bring their conference's officials. It's pretty much how it works when teams from any conference visit an out-of-conference opponent. But not Michigan when they play the Irish.

ABC commentators Sean McDonough and Matt Millen spent most of the game talking about how the Big Ten referees had a big meeting about how they were going to put an "emphasis on holding calls" this year. And it showed. Many a flag were thrown in the game and big plays called back because of it. It killed the flow of the game and was highly irritating, but was pretty consistent throughout. However, with the game in the balance, the officials miss a blatant holding call. If you watch the replay (there are some hanging around out there that ABC and ESPN haven't squashed), you'll see the running back - I believe it was Minor - grab the blitzing linebacker and turn him. According to Millen, who explained the rule on a questionable holding call on the Irish earlier in the game, if a blocker gets his hands outside on a defensive player and twists him, it will be called a penalty. However, Michigan got a pass. And as a reult, they got a touchdown and a national ranking.

I'm not going to talk about some of the other questionable calls, like calling a celebration penalty on Armando Allen, but not on Michigan for leaving the bench, but specifically the phantom step out of bounds on Armando Allen's touchdown on a screen pass. The officials can't see the future. they can't know that four points was going to be the difference in the ball game. Yet it was a blown call on the replay. The sideline angle - which was the best one, not the one shot from the top of the stadium in the wrong side of the field - was inconclusive at worst and at best showed he never touched. In fact, the Big East officials that reviewed that tape have come to the defense of Notre Dame (and you know how rocky the relationship between the Big East and Notre Dame football is), saying there is no evidence he ever stepped out.

That's not to say all the blame in this game goes to the officials. On the field, Notre Dame made critical errors. And on the sidelines, Weis made the biggest of all, throwing with three minutes remaining on three-straight plays in a short yardage situation, allowing Michigan to conserve its timeouts. While Armando Allen was out of the game at that point with an ankle injury, wasn't one of the strengths of this team heading into the season the fact that they had three guys who could step in and run the football?

In any event, Weis passed and while he wanted a pass interference call on the defender draped all over Golden Tate, he got no help, and probably shouldn't have on that one. The rest is history. Michigan probably shouldn't have even been in a position to win the game, but thanks in large part to Weis' mismanagement, they were. But in the end, the officials just might have turned a blind eye to the holding they were so adament about calling all game long.

FFS NFL Staff Picks

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

In my mind there is nothing better than the first full Sunday of the NFL season. I don't care how nice it is outside. I will be sitting my butt down on the couch from 1 in the afternoon all they way until the Sunday night game ends a little before midnight. With that being said, it's time for the staff of Fan Fanatic Sports to put their money with their mouth is and provide the adoring public with their picks for the NFL season.

Mangini up to his old tricks

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Is Eric Mangini a professional clown?

He's up to his yearly side-show routine once again in Cleveland (who else thinks he should be jobless right now instead of landing on his feet after a fun-filled season with the Jets?).

This time, Mangini is playing mind games with the Minnesota Vikings -- the Browns' Week 1 opponent -- and everyone else who's an NFL fan.

Mangini -- remember the same guy (what a real friend he is) that tattled to the NFL that the New England Patriots and coach Bill Belichick were illegally filming coaches' hand signals on the sideline during games. Remember Spygate? That was all Mangini, he should still be proud.

Anyway, while every other team in the league has announced their Week 1 starting quarterback, Mangini and the Browns are still playing mind games. Is it Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson?

Word out of Cleveland is Quinn won the job, but Mangini won't come out and say who it is, and obviously gave both QBs specific instructions not to say exactly who's going to start.

It's all about trying to make the Vikings hit the film room and use more preparation time on studying both QBs, but I'm guessing it's not really going to fluster them since neither QB is exactly scary throwing the football down the field.

But anyone that's seen Mangini's antics before, does this little QB game really surprise you?

It shouldn't, and it shouldn't surprise anyone if the Vikings absolutely pound the Browns on Sunday. I'm guessing Mangini's games won't be as devastating as Adrian Peterson running wild and Brett Favre controlling the passing game, while the Vikings' defense overwhelms that suspect offense -- with either Quinn or Anderson leading the charge.

Game on Mangini.

Now is where we find out where the Trojans really stand: USC at OSU

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

So what did we learn from USC's game last week against San Jose State?

The Trojans aren't immune from growing pains.

At first glance, it looks like a dominating laugher of a game, with a final of 56-3. But for nearly a quarter and a half, the USC offense was held scoreless. In the first quarter, the Trojans had five possessions, picked up 67 yards, fumbled twice and punted three times. Over that span, true freshman Matt Barkley completed two of four passes for 20 yards and was sacked once. Remember, this game was against San Jose State.

But this game also should remind you of just how talented and multi-faceted USC is. First of all, Barkley was amazingly efficient over the next three quarters, connecting on 13 of his 15 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown. The USC running game dazzled with three players averaging double digits in yards per carry. As a team, they rushed for six touchdowns and averaged better than 7.5 yards per touch. Defensively, the Trojans, who graduated their entire front seven, allowed just nine yards on the ground and just 121 for the game.

Yes, it was San Jose State and yes, it took a while, but USC remembered that it was, in fact, USC.

Now a real team comes calling, or more like it, the Trojans go calling on it.

Ohio State comes into this game with perhaps even more to prove. USC has to prove it can be consistent. The Buckeyes have to prove they even deserve to be in the same conversation.

The Buckeyes faced a much stronger opponent than USC in week one and won, but it was far from easy. Navy made things very hard on Ohio State in its own house, coming oh, so close to actually winning. Navy overcame a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit and nearly tied the game with just over 2:30 remaining in the game, but Brian Rolle played the Buckeye's savior, intercepting the two-point conversion attempt that would have knotted it up and returned for a touchdown.

Navy is a decent team. They went to a bowl last year and are very likely to go to another one this year. But still, a team that wants to be taken seriously in talks about BCS championships should not be leaving any doubt in these sort of games.

What should worry Ohio State isn't Barkley, nor the USC defense. Both are talented, but are also young and raw in spots. What should concern the Buckeyes is the Trojans on the ground. Navy's top two rushers both averaged close to five yards per carry and neither have the explosiveness a Joe McKnight has. Pete Carrol was very conservative in the use of his quarterback with 19 pass attempts, a stark contrast from his approach to last season when Mark Sanchez averaged 28 attempts in13 games, including the Rose Bowl.

Featuring what could could be one of the nation's best secondaries to keep Barkley honest, the Buckeyes should expect to see heavy doses of the running game and with some questions remaining in their linebacking corps, it could be the X-factor.

Prediction: USC wins, 28-17

Stafford starting is a terrible move by the hapless Lions

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Well, it looks like the Detroit Lions don't want to win many -- if any -- games this year, too.

The Lions, under first-year coach Jim Schwartz, have decided to play for the future right away by naming No. 1 pick Matthew Stafford as the team's starting quarterback.

Yes, time to get your head bashed in Stafford. Lucky you.

For a team that's not very good -- OK, real bad -- at least last year, you can't tell me this team has vastly improved enough to believe that Stafford playing gives the Lions the best chance to win.

Hey, it' s a popular pick for the fans who want to see their rookie play, but is it a great move from a winning standpoint?

No, it's not. Remember, they've got this guy named Daunte Culpepper. Ever heard of him?

While he's no Tom Brady or Drew Brees, Culpepper is a veteran that has been a winner, has seen virtually every defense a team can throw at him and he knows how to lead a pro football team.

Does Stafford? No, not yet. Not to say he's bad, but he's got no pro experience. It's scary and a lot of pressure to put on a rookie.

He's not even getting a chance to hold a clipboard to learn the system and how to be a professional. Instead, he's getting thrown into the fire. 

It's sink or swim, baby.

No doubt he's going to get exposed. Hey, he's a rookie, what do you want?

If he fails and fails hard, how will Stafford respond in future years? That's a tough question but one that I wouldn't want to deal with right now. I say let him wait a year or even half the season to play, but right now is way too soon. 

I think it's a real bad decision, but the Lions have proven over the years they know what they're doing.

Right!

You can't blame Matt Millen for this move.

Bradford's injury highlights weekend for the Big XII

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The questions about the Sooners' offensive line proved to have true merit and just like that, Oklahoma's BCS hopes could be gone.

After getting taken out - literally - by BYU late in the first half, Sam Bradford will miss at least two more weeks and maybe up to a month with his shoulder injury, leaving a lot of doubt about just where the Sooners will end up come season's end. They were lucky enough to find their Heisman winning signal-caller won't need surgery, but by the time he returns to game action, it could all be moot.

Tulsa and Idaho State are not exactly marquis opponents, which works in OU's favor, but if the Sooners have to go into Miami without Bradford, they could be in a world of trouble. Quite possibly, Oklahoma could have two losses before even entering conference play, which includes very losable games against Texas and Oklahoma State, not to mention pretty decent Nebraska and Kansas squads.

The weak schedule in the upcoming weeks has Sooner fans thinking better now than in October, but let's not forget, that this is an injury to his throwing shoulder. First of all, who knows if it will actually be healed in four weeks. Second of all, even if it is strong enough to play with, you can pretty much bet on the fact that it won't be 100 percent until he is able to give it a full offseason to recover. Bradford is a competitor and will want to get out there and play, especially if it looks like his team is in danger of missing a chance at the national championship. But can a 75-80 percent Sam Bradford be able to navigate a Big XII schedule like the Sooners have?

One thing working for OU is the fact they have something a lot of teams in the Big XII don't - a defense. Now more than they ever thought they would need to this season, the Sooners will have to lean on its defense to win games. That may work early on, but they'll need Bradford back if they want to have a chance once the Big XII schedule comes along.

Sure, it's not USC, but Notre Dame will take the win

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Jimmy Clausen picked up right where he left off last season.

After having the expectations raised even higher by his near-perfect Hawaii Bowl performance to end last season, it would not have been a surprise to see Clausen fall on his face in the season opener against Nevada. After all, it's when expectations have been at their highest that Clausen has choked in the past.

But such was not the case this week, as the Fighting Irish took it to Nevada on both sides of the ball in convincing fashion, 35-0.

Clausen posted an astounding 303.67 quarterback rating, completing 15 of 18 passes for 315 yards and four touchdowns. Sure, it is Nevada, who has a less than stellar defense and he's not going to play WAC teams all season long, but Clausen did what you'd expect your quarterback to do against bad defenses.

Maybe the best sight offensively for Notre Dame was the return of Michael Floyd. After Floyd got hurt last year, Notre Dame's passing attack dropped nearly 100 yards per game and the tailspin began. Floyd made his presence known in his 2009 debut, catching four passes for 189 yards and three touches.

But the story of the game just might have been the defense. Nevada, which returned its two top scorers from a team that was 12th in scoring offense and fifth in total offense last season in Colin Kaepernick and Vai Taua, was held scoreless throughout and the Irish forced three turnovers, something they failed to do on a consistent basis a year ago.

While it's not at all time to start the Clausen for Heisman or Notre Dame for BCS championship talk, this was the start the Irish needed. Too fresh in people's minds was the way they opened the season with a near loss to San Diego State, which cast doubt over the entire season. This year Notre Dame came out and took care of business in its opener. One in the books and a tough test at the Big House next week.

Stay tuned.

Pats say see ya to Seymour

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are known for bold moves and surprises in the NFL, and that is exactly what they did this morning by trading former All Pro Richard Seymour to the lowly Oakland Raiders. Adam Schefter is reporting the Patriots will get a 2011 first rounder in return for the defensive lineman. Seymour used to be known as one of the best defensive lineman in the game, but his production has slipped the past few years. Actually you can look at his production dropping right about the time he signed a big deal prior to the 2006 season.

There are many football "experts" that will tell you his production has slipped because of the defensive scheme the Patriots run. They'll say the Patriots are asking Seymour to do different things than just rush the passer. While there is some truth to those statements, you can also use the eyeball test. When he is in a pass rush situation, he has not produced. I do have to say that I am very surprised this deal was done, and if you look around the NFL, many others are surprised as well. Bill must be very happy with depth and potential of the remaining defensive lineman for him to make this trade. They still have Vince Wilfork, Jarvis Green, Ty Warren, Ron Brace, Myron Pryor and Mike Wright. Add in Derrick Burgess and you still have a pretty good, deep line. It had looked like the Patriots were going to run a good amount of 4-3 this season because of the depth on the line and lack of depth of the linebackers. I still think the Patriots will run the 4-3 and have a very good d-line, but an already shaky defense just got a bit worse for the 2009-10 season.

What will this mean going forward? Now that the Pats don't need to resign Seymour after the year, they can work on keeping the likes of Vince Wilfork and Logan Mankins. Both are very good, young players who deserve a nice pay raise and should stay on the team. There are no excuses now for not signing both of these players and anyone else up for renewal. The New England Patriots are now in line to have the 1st overall pick in 2011 draft. Wow! Can you imagine the Patriots having the top pick, or top 5 at worst, in what could be the first season without a salary cap?

Overall, I think this is a good trade for the New England Patriots organization. While it will hurt them this season on the field, it provides payroll and roster flexibility in the long run. After all, "In Bill We Trust".