Oregon, Auburn deserve title shot

Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Hey, I know everyone wants the BCS to go up in smoke. I subscribe to the same notion.

But at the same time, I'm not going to say that another team should get screwed in order for it to happen. People seem to have gotten so caught up in their desire to see Boise State and TCU in the BCS title game that they've forgotten that a couple of good teams in front of them just might be championship caliber, too.

Oregon now sits at No. 1 after beating USC by three touchdowns. That's two convincing wins over ranked teams within their own conference this season that have helped them achieve an 8-0 record. Sure, they've got New Mexico and Portland State on their schedule, too, but they outscored those two by a count of 141-0. Isn't that the argument that fans are always making about Boise? They don't play the strongest schedule, but they throttle the teams they do play, then beat the ranked opponents that fall on their schedule?You can't have it one way and not the other.

Throw on top of that the fact that the Ducks have the most prolific offense in football, averaging a touchdown more a game than Boise with a tougher schedule, and you have to at least consider them one of the top teams in college football.

Auburn at No. 2 isn't quite as flashy, but is still as dangerous. The Tigers have beaten three ranked teams this season and have a very diverse offense led by a quarterback that just might be this year's Heisman winner. Not that winning trophies has anything to do with winning football games, but is illustrates the amount of talent Cam Newton has. People can say the SEC is overrated and in a lot of years they would be correct. This year is not one of those years, especially in the West division, where four of the five teams are ranked. Auburn has beaten two of them and also has beaten the best team in the East. They also beat Ole Miss at home, which anyone can tell you is not an easy feat.

So, yes, in the grand scheme of things, I would like to see the BCS die just like everyone else. However, if these two teams stay perfect, I don't see how you can deny them. They're just too good.

Chris Maza is the owner of his own blog, Maza's Musings, and makes weekly contributions to Fan Fanatic Sports. Check out Maza's Musings for more sports insight and also, be sure to follow him on Twitter @Mazasmusings and 'like' him on Facebook.

Week 8 Picks: Chad vs Jim

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Another week, another win for Big Jim. I am now 42-30, a decent 12 games over .500. Chad, now 5 games behind in the season standings, is 37-35. As usual, there are only two games that differ between us. We obviously think along the same lines on most of these games. With the exception of one week, we've both been pretty good as there haven't been too many shockers in one given week.

Don't you feel bad for David Ortiz?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Those poor professional athletes have it so rough.

Especially, Boston's David Ortiz.

The man who is supercharged by the finest Mango Salsa money can buy (wink, wink), is still yapping about wanting to play for the Red Sox for more than one season.

Ortiz is "not comfortable" playing on a one-year deal.

Poor David Ortiz.

Ortiz would pocket $12.5 million if the Red Sox pick up his option for next season. I know, it's rough getting that much money.

While the average man would be doing cartwheels from Leominster to Boston if they got that much cash, Ortiz must think it's a slap in the face if he gets that money and it's only for a one-year deal.

Oh, poor David Ortiz.

Ortiz apparently doesn't like the media anymore, either. In baseball terms, he's got rabbit ears. Yes, he's reading everything that's written about him and watching all the telecasts on TV. And it's getting to him, all the negative stuff that's being said about him.

It's nice to know that Ortiz is human and has feelings, but that's life in professional sports. One day you're the hero, the next you're the goat. When you're going well everyone loves you, and when you're not, they say you're too old, slow, in decline, etc.

Again, poor David Ortiz.

In a struggling economy, $12.5 million might not seem like a lot to a bigger-than-life Boston sports figure, but how many fans are really feeling sorry for him?

You think Joe Smith from Marlborough, who lost his job two years ago and still hasn't found full-time work really cares that Ortiz is so upset that he might only get $12.5 million for one season? No way. Mr. Smith is more worried about trying piece together multiple part-time paychecks to provide for his family.

So, again, poor David Ortiz.

As much as I love professional sports, crying about money and length of contracts really makes me laugh. Seriously? Aren't there much more important things in life to worry about? Maybe Ortiz doesn't think so, but we all know his little dilemma is so low on the average fans priority list.

Everyone, all together: "Poor, David Ortiz!"

Real scary: Pats are waiting for you guys (Favre, Moss)

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Happy Halloween, Vikings.

When the Patriots host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday for a Halloween showdown in Foxboro, all eyes won't be on the Patriots. Those spooky eyes will be directly on Vikings QB Brett Favre and WR Randy Moss.

And you can bet the Patriots' defense will be looking to haunt those two guys.

If you're a Patriots fan, aren't you all jacked up for this Sunday's game?

And there's no doubt it's because of the story lines that Favre and Moss have created on their own.

Well, we know about Favre and his photography abilities, but now this "injury" is really creating a sideshow. And Favre has always like the attention directly on himself. Will he play, won't he play? Of course he's going to play, it's all about him. His ankle is messed up, I guess. But he might play? Well, it can't be that bad, right?

Pats fans want Favre to play anyway. Favre gives the Pats the best chance to win. Yes, I said it. Mr. Favre is an interception machine. He's so gutsy ...blah, blah, blah. He's a gunslinger who forces the ball into double- and triple-coverage a lot. So he's not that smart at protecting the ball, and that's been well documented over the years. You can bet your house that he'll throw one, two or even three picks the Patriots' way if he plays. And you'd like your chances if he did that, right?

And welcome home Randy Moss. You got your wish, and Bill Belichick traded you away. Hope you enjoy your new contact because that's all you really cared about anyway. I have no issues with you as the player, but when you were constantly yapping about wanting to get a new deal and taking away from the success of the team, you completely lost me and then I purposely lost my New England Patriots Randy Moss jersey.

But the Pats aren't afraid of you, either. Yes, you can still run the deep route with the best of them, but we know you get really frustrated with double-coverage. And the Pats will be doing that to you this Sunday. Plan on a cornerback playing bump-and-run, and then a safety over the top of you at all times. Do you think Belichick will let you beat him? Not a chance. The Pats will probably even let you go over the middle, but there will be a price to pay. And we all know you don't like to take hits over the middle. So what are you going to do Randy?

The Patriots are really looking forward to you guys enjoying Halloween New England style. And that means a helmet full of candy and a long trip back to Minnesota with another loss to your record.

Happy Halloween from Patriots Nation.

Superhero Cliff Lee is not a machine

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

He's no superhero.

Yes, I'm talking about the all-mighty golden arm Cliff Lee.

Hey, he's one of the best left-handed pitchers in the game, but even Mr. Lee can't put up goose eggs on the scoreboard all the time.

And Lee showed he's not bullet proof after last night's stinker on the grandest stage against the San Francisco Giants in Game 1 of the World Series.

Isn't Lee suppose to be an ace? He sure didn't deliver the goods for the Rangers -- like an ace should. Well, mind you, Giants ace Tim Lincecum didn't, either, but at least he kept his team in the game.

Lee choked, face it Lee lovers.

This is the same guy that came into the Series with a glossy 7-0 career record in the postseason. But he completely bombed. He was not an ace last night, he was a lost pitcher that couldn't make the proper adjustments to get hitters out.

Granted, Lee made both Tampa Bay and New York Yankees hitters look like Little Leaguers in the playoffs, but the Giants flipped the script and made the lefty look like a No. 5 starter, at best.

Look at Lee's pitching line: 4 2/3 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 6 ER, BB, 7 K. Makes you sick, doesn't it? He also threw 104 pitches, so the Giants really worked him over and hit their pitches.

Yes, Lee is good, but maybe this is a message to the rest of the baseball fans out there that put Lee in this invincible category, that the lefty is not a machine and not automatic every time he touches the hill. He's a darn good pitcher, no doubt, but give credit to the Giants because they humbled Lee and the Rangers -- at least for one night.

I envision Lee bouncing back when he takes the ball for his next start, but what happens if the Giants light him up like a Christmas tree again?

(Cue cash register sound).

That noise you just heard is the cash register closing a bit for when Lee tries to chase down this magical 5-year, $100-150 million contract in the offseason.

Is he worth that much cash if he can't deliver the goods in the World Series?

Stay tuned.

Is this a trap game for Patriots?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

I know, the Patriots are rolling. Fresh off a gigantic overtime win vs. my Super Bowl pick, Baltimore, the Pats now travel to San Diego.

And this should scare New England fans.

I know the Chargers haven't played well, but they are still dangerous.

Here's five questions I have entering today's showdown in San Diego.

1. Can Tom Brady have a "breakout" game?

-- I know he's Tom Brady and all, but he hasn't had that game yet that you just shake your head and say he's the best QB in the NFL (note: I'd still take Brady over Manning or Brees, any day of the week, however). It may happen today, however.

2. Will we see a commitment to the running game?

-- Not a chance. The Pats pass to set up the run. And with a cast of characters like BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead in the backfield, do you expect either guy to carry the load? No way.

3. Will Phillip Rivers torch the New England secondary?

-- I think Rivers will have a great day in the air, as long as TE Antonio Gates plays. If he doesn't, his security blanket is gone, and advantage Pats. Remember, this defense is still a work in progress, but they are making great strides. If the Pats get a good pass rush, the secondary will look just fine.

4. Is Deion Branch a go-to receiver?

-- No, he's not a legit No. 1 receiver, but the Pats don't need that. But he sure does have a great rapport with Brady. The Pats like solid receivers, being flashy is overrated in New England.

5. Who will win this game?

-- As much as my gut says trap game, I'm still picking the Patriots. Brady brings his A+ game today and lights up San Diego.

Prediction: Patriots 31, 24.

Week 7 Picks: Chad vs Jim

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

It's Sunday morning, so that means it's time to unveil the FFS weekly NFL picks by Chad Garner and Jim Ingram. I am the current leader with a 3 game edge over Chad. So far I am 33-25 on the year as Chad is now 30-28. After a disastrous week 5, both of us rebounding in week 6 picking 10 out of 14 winners. Just like the past two weeks, there are only 2 picks that differ between the two of us.