Ohio State-Michigan, Alabama-Auburn, Oklahoma-Nebraska, USC-UCLA, Pittsburgh-West Virginia, and Miami-Florida State. These matchups are the kind of rivalries that college football watchers used to dream about. There is respect, hatred, bragging rights, and the occasional game trophy on the line for the teams and fans alike.
For years, fans have chosen sides, caused family infighting, started arguments at work and at bars, and rooted like there is no tomorrow for their favorite team. But for some reason, it has turned from being loyal to a team to fans feeling a sense of self-importance, greater worth, and the right to trash talk at other conferences because of how a select few at the top do against the rest of the country.
When is the last time you heard a Boston Red Sox fan say, "The AL East is obviously better than the NL East because New York beat the Phillies to win the World Series. Go Yankees!"
Or how about a Cleveland Browns fan proclaim "the NFC West is awful because the Cardinals lost to our AFC North brothers the Steelers in the Super Bowl!"
That doesn't happen. Only in college football do you hear the perennial bottom dwellers of a BCS conference disparage another conference because of what their conference champion in a bowl game or in a regular season high profile game.
Recently, the Big 10 has become the whipping boy of all SEC fans because Ohio State lost back-to-back national title games to Florida and LSU, respectively. But when is the last time that a team like Vanderbilt or Mississippi State beat, or for that matter even played, a top tier Big Ten team? So why do their fans feel they have the right to bash Ohio State and Penn State for their recent bowl struggles?
I am not specifically picking on SEC fans, they are just currently the most vocal about it due to their success in football over the last seven years. Four of the last six titles and Alabama in in this year's National Championship game. The SEC has a right to crow about it, but the lower level teams are beating their chests like they actually won the big games themselves.
I realize that being a fan of the Buckeyes, many may think I am just crying sour grapes. Having attended Kentucky, I do watch a lot of SEC football as well and have an appreciation for how they play. It is not a matter of who wins or loses, it is how the fans handle the success of others in the conference that their own team cannot achieve.
When the Buckeyes lost to Florida, my SEC friends had a good laugh at my expense. When LSU won the following year, you would think my friends had won the lottery. But they are mostly Kentucky fans. They generally loathe Florida and LSU, but somehow my friends felt they had earned a free pass to pile on with the Gator and Tiger fans.
When the USC Trojans beat Oklahoma to win the title for the 2004-2005 season, does anyone remember the fans of 1-10 Washington calling out the Sooners and Texas? It is utterly ridiculous that some people act this way.
And it is not just college football fans that practice these shenanigans. ACC basketball fans do the same thing.
When Duke or North Carolina have great teams, the worst of the league claim they are better than the SEC, the Big 12, and the Big East because of what the top rated Tar Heels and Blue Devils have done on the national stage. This is regardless of the fact that these less than competitive teams are sitting with 20-plus losses and dropped games to Ivy League and Patriot League teams on a yearly basis.
More and more fans are leaning towards this trend in most college sports. There is no clear reason why this started. It may be when the media started buying conference broadcasting rights rather than individual team rights. If a certain station is the official station of a conference, all of their commentary and analysis tend to be bias towards their contracted league.
If you watch NBC, you hear about how great Notre Dame tradition is. CBS screams the praises of the ACC and SEC. ESPN just got the rights for the future SEC games and gives a rub to the Big East. Fox Sports leans towards its broadcast partners in the Pac-10 and the Big 12.
It is real easy to look at the last five to 10 years and jump on the bandwagon of a certain team or conference when they are currently having success and the media keeps pumping up the legend of the last 48 months.
A true fan sticks with their team through the great seasons and the long droughts alike. Feel free to appreciate another team's style of play or respect another conference's dominance over a short period of time. Root for others in your team's conference in bowl games and tournaments if you please. All of this is typical fan behavior and it does not put a blemish on the feelings you have for your favorite team.
Do not pat yourself on the back and feel the need to bash other teams and conferences based on the success of others. Do not feel superior to other conferences that you don't play against yourself because others in your conference won a game. Do not hide in shame when your team goes 1-11 and then turn around and rip a 10-2 team that lost to the best your conference has to offer.
There is a lot to say about fans showing passion, just make sure it is directed in the right direction. Support your conference, defend your team in good times and bad, and talk smack to your biggest rival like your life depends on it.
Just don't go overboard with the misdirected hatred and the ludicrous superiority complex because of a few great teams that happen to be aligned in the same league. Please pick a team and go with them, don't piggy back on the prosperity of a conference. Stop basking in their glow when 364 days out of the year you are hoping the other team's entire roster comes down with the Swine Flu the week before you play them.
Now it is off to have my wife beat me at Wii Sports again, and then wait on the abuse I will take from her friends about how they are better than me, too.
But that is a rant for another day.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Is the SEC best, or is Everyone Else Underrated?
Once again the common school of thought is that the SEC by far is the class of college football this year. While there is no denying the success of Florida, Alabama, and LSU, it does not seem fair to the write off the rest of the nation based on the top quarter of one conference.
There are a lot of fans that think the national championship will be decided in Atlanta disguised as the SEC Championship. Although recent success may warrant that thought, don't forget that in the first seven years of the BCS, six different conferences won the title. This shows that anyone can be beat in any given year.
While the SEC has three teams ranked in the top ten, they are also the only SEC teams ranked in the entire top 25. If you look at the current BCS rankings as a whole by conference, the rest of the nation stacks up favorably to the mighty SEC.
The SEC has 3 of 12 teams ranked for 25%, Big 12 has 2 of 12 for 17%, Pac 10 has 4 of 10 for 40%, Big Ten has 4 of 11 for 36%, ACC has 3 of 12 for 25%, Big East has 4 of 8 for 50%, and Mountain West has 3 of 9 teams ranked for 33%. Conference USA and the WAC have one team each with Houston and Boise State receptively.
It is hard to compare each conference without more games against each other, but some like to look at last year's bowl standings. The SEC went 6-2, including the National Championship game. The Big 12 was suppose to be the next best conference, but the SEC was 2-0 head to head with Florida beating Oklahoma and Ole Miss beating an 11-1 Texas Tech.
However, the Pac 10 went undefeated, albeit with no games against the SEC. The Big 12 and Conference USA both went 4-2.
Also, the SEC's two loses were against teams from the Big Ten and the Mountain West. These are typically conferences that most of the nation look down upon.
Using just the bowl records still does not give the SEC the overwhelming dominance that most are thrusting upon them.
With that being said, it is still easy to see why the SEC gets so much praise. They currently have the top two teams in the polls. They also have the number nine team, who has only lost to those top two teams.
They have won the the last three national championships, and four of the last six. They have a 19-7 bowl record over the last three years.
There are other teams outside of the SEC that deserve a look as well. Texas looks like a lock for the other spot in the BCS title game against the SEC champion. Cincinnati, TCU, and Boise State should all finish the season undefeated and will all have a case for being considered should Texas stumble.
With each having four teams ranked, the Big East, the Big Ten, and the Pac 10 all have the opportunity to prove themselves this bowl season. While these conferences may be matched up against each other in several games, they should each get a few shots at knocking a little luster off the SEC's shine.
So while the SEC rules the roost at the top, the rest of the nation could have an argument for being just as good, if not better, top to bottom based on the overall rankings and last years bowl performances.
Feel free to heap all the accolades you want on the SEC, they have earned it. But don't overlook the rest of the nation. There are teams and conferences out there that are better than most give them credit for.
There are a lot of fans that think the national championship will be decided in Atlanta disguised as the SEC Championship. Although recent success may warrant that thought, don't forget that in the first seven years of the BCS, six different conferences won the title. This shows that anyone can be beat in any given year.
While the SEC has three teams ranked in the top ten, they are also the only SEC teams ranked in the entire top 25. If you look at the current BCS rankings as a whole by conference, the rest of the nation stacks up favorably to the mighty SEC.
The SEC has 3 of 12 teams ranked for 25%, Big 12 has 2 of 12 for 17%, Pac 10 has 4 of 10 for 40%, Big Ten has 4 of 11 for 36%, ACC has 3 of 12 for 25%, Big East has 4 of 8 for 50%, and Mountain West has 3 of 9 teams ranked for 33%. Conference USA and the WAC have one team each with Houston and Boise State receptively.
It is hard to compare each conference without more games against each other, but some like to look at last year's bowl standings. The SEC went 6-2, including the National Championship game. The Big 12 was suppose to be the next best conference, but the SEC was 2-0 head to head with Florida beating Oklahoma and Ole Miss beating an 11-1 Texas Tech.
However, the Pac 10 went undefeated, albeit with no games against the SEC. The Big 12 and Conference USA both went 4-2.
Also, the SEC's two loses were against teams from the Big Ten and the Mountain West. These are typically conferences that most of the nation look down upon.
Using just the bowl records still does not give the SEC the overwhelming dominance that most are thrusting upon them.
With that being said, it is still easy to see why the SEC gets so much praise. They currently have the top two teams in the polls. They also have the number nine team, who has only lost to those top two teams.
They have won the the last three national championships, and four of the last six. They have a 19-7 bowl record over the last three years.
There are other teams outside of the SEC that deserve a look as well. Texas looks like a lock for the other spot in the BCS title game against the SEC champion. Cincinnati, TCU, and Boise State should all finish the season undefeated and will all have a case for being considered should Texas stumble.
With each having four teams ranked, the Big East, the Big Ten, and the Pac 10 all have the opportunity to prove themselves this bowl season. While these conferences may be matched up against each other in several games, they should each get a few shots at knocking a little luster off the SEC's shine.
So while the SEC rules the roost at the top, the rest of the nation could have an argument for being just as good, if not better, top to bottom based on the overall rankings and last years bowl performances.
Feel free to heap all the accolades you want on the SEC, they have earned it. But don't overlook the rest of the nation. There are teams and conferences out there that are better than most give them credit for.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Cincinncai Bearcats vs USC Trojans - Who Should Be Ranked Higher?
With the BCS standings in their second week, a lot of the focus is on who deserves to be ranked where and how things may shake out by the end of the regular season.
One of the most intriguing arguments is pairing the résumés of the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Southern Cal Trojans.
While most in the media are giving USC the usual rub, is it really fair to write off the chances of the defending Big East champions?
It is easy to automatically give the edge to USC based solely on their storied history. Just look at Pete Carroll's winning percentage, the number of BCS bowls they have been to, and the number of NFL players that have come from the school. Clearly they are the better program in terms of national relevance.
Cincinnati has only had three 10-win seasons in the history of the program. Just last season they made it to their first ever BCS bowl game. This is a team that since its inception in 1885 has fewer conference championships (10) than USC has national titles (11). It is no wonder that the Bearcats seem to be getting little respect from the national media.
Right now, most in the media, as well as the supposed BCS experts, say that if both teams win out that USC will be ranked higher come season's end. Should the right circumstances present themselves, an 11-1 USC would play for a national championship while a 12-0 Cincinnati would be on the outside looking in.
The overall strength of schedule seems to favor the Trojans. Seven games into the season, USC looks to have played the better competition. USC's opponents played have a combined record of 25-25 while Cincinnati opponents are 21-29.
The Bearcats also look to be on the short end in looking at the end of the schedule as well. The remaining teams on UC's docket are 21-15. The rest of USC's opponents are 25-13.
USC has already played three teams that were ranked at the time they played. Cincinnati only boasts one victory against a ranked opponent. Each has two games left against currently ranked teams.
If you look at both conferences, it looks like a dead heat. Both the Pac-10 and the Big East currently have three ranked teams in the AP poll. They also each have one team in the "Others Receiving Votes" category.
The Big East, while looked on like a dirty stepchild to the rest of the BCS conferences, looks to have the better record out of conferences. The Pac-10 has a good record against the rest, going 20-8. The Big East, having more games against non-conference teams, are 28-8.
The two teams have one common opponent in Oregon State. USC won 42-36 at home in a game that the Beavers had a very good chance of pulling the upset late in the fourth quarter. Cincinnati played at Corvallis and came away with a more convincing victory, by the score of 28-18.
Both teams have had to play without their starting quarterbacks. USC went on the road to Washington with freshman sensation Matt Barkley on the sidelines. That didn't work out so well for the Men of Troy, falling to the Huskies 16-13.
Cincinnati welcomed Louisville with possible Heisman candidate Tony Pike nursing a shifted plate in his non-throwing wrist. The Bearcats won in a rout 41-10.
There are good points on both sides for who should have the better number in front of their name on the ticker each week. Ultimately, this will most likely be settled by the uninformed voters of the Coaches' Poll and the computer rankings. While USC will most likely benefit from their name value, Cincinnati is proving that this year they belong in the conversation with the nation's elite.
It would be a shame if an undefeated team from a BCS conference gets left out of a possible title game opportunity because of the perception of their league is lower than the reputation of a one-loss team. I guess this is the kind of situation that will bring up playoff over BCS talk again, but that is a rant for another day.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Gogoplata for Gold: Olympic MMA in Rio 2016
With all the attention this last week given to who will host the 2016 Olympics, which was won by the Brazilian city of Rio De Janeiro, one of my friends asked me what I thought about MMA making its debut at the the Games. There are several good points on both sides of the argument. Although I personally don't see it happening, it is a topic that should make for some great debates.
One of the best reasons in favor of adding MMA is it's growing popularity. Even though the Olympics bring out nationalism and patriotism amongst all countries across the world, the overall importance of the Games has been waning over the years. Sure there are some sports that garner more attention, such as basketball, soccer, gymnastics, swimming, track and field, and volleyball. However, bringing in the demographic that drives MMA cannot hurt. Bringing in viewers that may stay to watch other sports can only help the viewership.
There are also other combat sports already a part of the Olympics. Boxing, wrestling, fencing, and Taekwondo are all currently being contested. Karate was brought up as a possible addition but did not receive enough votes. Since most of these, except for fencing, are part of Mixed Martial Arts, it makes sense that adding MMA would be a natural progression.
With the growth of Mixed Martial Arts not only in the United States, but worldwide, this is becoming more of a global force. From organizations like Dream and Sengoku to Strikeforce and the UFC, there are fighters from six different continents represented. With that kind of widespread participation, it only makes sense to put this sport on the type of stage that only the Olympics can provide.
Let us not forget that the Olympics are being held in Brazil. Even the casual fan can tell you that submission specialists rely on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Royce Gracie introduced the MMA world to this art all the way back at the first UFC event. With as heavily ingrained in the sport as BJJ is, what better place than Rio to add the sport that highlights it on a fight to fight basis.
With all that being said, there are just as many reasons why the Olympics will not consider adding MMA anytime soon. The first of which is the divide on whether MMA should be a legitimate sport or not. There are still athletic commissions in the US alone that will still not sanction it as a sport. Whether it is due to a fundamental lack of understanding of the evolution of MMA or just blind hatred of what some deem as "senseless brutality", there is not a clear consensus on the feelings towards legalization in this country let alone the world.
To give this argument against MMA some support, all one has to do is look at another sport that has tried for years to become an Olympic sport, bowling. One of the biggest knocks against adding bowling was the lack of a single governing body. Until 2005, bowling in the US was overseen by the American Bowling Congress, the Women's International Bowling Congress, the Young American Bowling Alliance, and USA Bowling. Since there were four different groups responsible for the rules and regulations in America alone, there could be no clear choice on who would submit the guidelines for running an Olympic event. On top of that, we haven't even mentioned ruling bodies from all the other nations worldwide.
This could be a similar hurdle for MMA. Since different states have different rules, as well as regulatory variations country bu country, who will set the standard. There are a lot of key rules that would have to be addressed. Will it be contested in a ring or a cage, are elbows on the ground legal or illegal, what is the rule about attacking a downed opponent's head? And we haven't even brought up weight classes.
Another knock is the general newness of the sport. While the UFC has grown exponentially over the years, MMA in general has not had the needed time to grow on an international scale in terms of its amateur ranks. Since I cannot see any established organization, like the ones previously mentioned, letting their best fighters and champions participate and possibly get hurt or embarrassed by representatives of rival companies, the Olympians would need to be made up of non-professionals. While countries like the US, Japan, possibly Canada, and a very select few European and Asian countries may have some sort of amateur programs, there does not seem to be the global support needed to adequately supply this type of an event.
As nice as it would be to hear an announcer the caliber of Bob Costas say, "And later tonight, we will talk with the young man who won his gold medal buy way of a D'Arce Choke," it is not going to happen anytime soon. With more mainstream sports like softball and golf still on the outside looking in, MMA cannot even get in on the conversation. I am not even sure that a BJ Penn rear naked choke, Anderson Silva's knee strikes, or some Georges St. Pierre ground and pound could make the IOC submit to this idea.
One of the best reasons in favor of adding MMA is it's growing popularity. Even though the Olympics bring out nationalism and patriotism amongst all countries across the world, the overall importance of the Games has been waning over the years. Sure there are some sports that garner more attention, such as basketball, soccer, gymnastics, swimming, track and field, and volleyball. However, bringing in the demographic that drives MMA cannot hurt. Bringing in viewers that may stay to watch other sports can only help the viewership.
There are also other combat sports already a part of the Olympics. Boxing, wrestling, fencing, and Taekwondo are all currently being contested. Karate was brought up as a possible addition but did not receive enough votes. Since most of these, except for fencing, are part of Mixed Martial Arts, it makes sense that adding MMA would be a natural progression.
With the growth of Mixed Martial Arts not only in the United States, but worldwide, this is becoming more of a global force. From organizations like Dream and Sengoku to Strikeforce and the UFC, there are fighters from six different continents represented. With that kind of widespread participation, it only makes sense to put this sport on the type of stage that only the Olympics can provide.
Let us not forget that the Olympics are being held in Brazil. Even the casual fan can tell you that submission specialists rely on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Royce Gracie introduced the MMA world to this art all the way back at the first UFC event. With as heavily ingrained in the sport as BJJ is, what better place than Rio to add the sport that highlights it on a fight to fight basis.
With all that being said, there are just as many reasons why the Olympics will not consider adding MMA anytime soon. The first of which is the divide on whether MMA should be a legitimate sport or not. There are still athletic commissions in the US alone that will still not sanction it as a sport. Whether it is due to a fundamental lack of understanding of the evolution of MMA or just blind hatred of what some deem as "senseless brutality", there is not a clear consensus on the feelings towards legalization in this country let alone the world.
To give this argument against MMA some support, all one has to do is look at another sport that has tried for years to become an Olympic sport, bowling. One of the biggest knocks against adding bowling was the lack of a single governing body. Until 2005, bowling in the US was overseen by the American Bowling Congress, the Women's International Bowling Congress, the Young American Bowling Alliance, and USA Bowling. Since there were four different groups responsible for the rules and regulations in America alone, there could be no clear choice on who would submit the guidelines for running an Olympic event. On top of that, we haven't even mentioned ruling bodies from all the other nations worldwide.
This could be a similar hurdle for MMA. Since different states have different rules, as well as regulatory variations country bu country, who will set the standard. There are a lot of key rules that would have to be addressed. Will it be contested in a ring or a cage, are elbows on the ground legal or illegal, what is the rule about attacking a downed opponent's head? And we haven't even brought up weight classes.
Another knock is the general newness of the sport. While the UFC has grown exponentially over the years, MMA in general has not had the needed time to grow on an international scale in terms of its amateur ranks. Since I cannot see any established organization, like the ones previously mentioned, letting their best fighters and champions participate and possibly get hurt or embarrassed by representatives of rival companies, the Olympians would need to be made up of non-professionals. While countries like the US, Japan, possibly Canada, and a very select few European and Asian countries may have some sort of amateur programs, there does not seem to be the global support needed to adequately supply this type of an event.
As nice as it would be to hear an announcer the caliber of Bob Costas say, "And later tonight, we will talk with the young man who won his gold medal buy way of a D'Arce Choke," it is not going to happen anytime soon. With more mainstream sports like softball and golf still on the outside looking in, MMA cannot even get in on the conversation. I am not even sure that a BJ Penn rear naked choke, Anderson Silva's knee strikes, or some Georges St. Pierre ground and pound could make the IOC submit to this idea.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Spiked Big Blue Kool-Aid: Kentucky Wildcats Fan's Optimism Crossing the Line After Beating In State Rival Louisville Cardinals
Let me start out by saying that I am a former student of the University of Kentucky and would like nothing more than for them to win every game in every sport, especially football (unless they play my beloved Ohio State Buckeyes). But when a team that had been a perennial doormat in the SEC East all of a sudden becomes a respectable team by going to three straight bowl games, it is natural for expectations to be elevated.
The problem becomes that while seeing the team continue to improve over the last few years, the view of those expectations can become skewed. There is a fine line between being a fan with high hopes about the potential of this year's team and being totally delusional to the state of the Wildcats compared to the rest of the other teams in not only the SEC but in all of the FBS.
Here are a few quotes I have seen online and on the local news broadcasts after the 31-27 win over Louisville:
"After today's game, the rest of the nation needs to look out because we proved we are a Top 10 team."
"The Wildcats are now a legitimate SEC contender."
"UK showed that they belong in the conversation with the elite of the SEC."
"After seeing how Florida struggled with Tennessee, Kentucky's win over Louisville proves that the Gators may be in trouble next week."
While all of these are meant with the best of intentions and show how deep the love is of the fans, I don't think that Kentucky's 2-0 record warrants a total overhaul of the SEC football pecking order just yet. Beating two teams that you are suppose to beat does not a automatically make one a Juggernaut.
Kentucky beat a Miami, OH team that lost its first two games by a combined 90-0, and didn't score its first points until the third quarter of their third game. The RedHawks still lost that third game 48-26 after the other team called off the dogs in the fourth quarter. Doesn't make UK's rout on a neutral field look as impressive as it once did.
The Wildcats then struggled at home to hold off a very game Louisville team for the Commonwealth Cup. This is the same Cardinals team that was picked to finish seventh in a less than stellar Big East. Hard to see how barely beating a freshman quarterback lead team that is suppose to finish second to last in their own conference can elicit such thoughts of greatness.
If you look at Kentucky's next four games, there are rough waters ahead. Up next is #1 Florida followed by #4 Alabama, both of whom will came to Lexington. After that, the Cats go on a two game road trip to face the Steve Spurrier coached South Carolina Gamecocks and then to battle the much improved Auburn Tigers that currently have a record of 3-0. It is a a very real possibility that they could be 2-4 after this stretch, leaving the Big Blue Nation to wonder what happened to that supposed great start.
The fans need to listen to the cliches that most coaches and players spew in just about every interview, you need to focus on the next game and don't worry about the rankings or the rest of the season. Top ranked Florida coming to town next week is a daunting task in and of itself. There are a lot more pressing matters to worry about than the national perception or the votes of the pollsters.
Worry about the defense and its poor tackling effort against the Cards.
Worry about taking care of the ball after a three turnover quarter.
Worry about a game plan to slow down Tim Tebow.
Worry about how to keep the offense moving and putting points on the board against the Gators.
The Wildcat should win the four games following the tilt against the Tigers. Even if they don't pull out another victory until they face Louisiana-Monroe, they should be bowl eligible at 6-4 going into the final games against Georgia and Tennessee. So even if they don't live up to the hype and praise being heaped on them after their 2-0 start, it looks like Head Coach Rich Brooks should be poised to take this team to an unprecedented fourth consecutive bowl game.
If Kentucky comes out a plays up to their potential, they can be a handful for anyone in the SEC, even Florida. However, the fans need to realize not only how good their beloved Big Blue can be, but realize how good their opponents are as well. It may not be politically correct in Lexington to say that UK may not quite be ready to take over as the top dog just yet, but there is still more to prove.
I just hope that Big Blue Nation can take a deep breath and be happy with this team, no matter how things turn out over the rest of the season. As much as I would like to see an undefeated season, I can take a step back at see what the Cats are truly up against and know it is unlikely. It will take winning a few of these next four games will go a long towards making UK look like the team that these fans are gushing about. Should Kentucky end up 5-1 or even 6-0 at the conclusion of the Auburn game, I will gladly order a jug of that Big Blue Kool-Aid.
The problem becomes that while seeing the team continue to improve over the last few years, the view of those expectations can become skewed. There is a fine line between being a fan with high hopes about the potential of this year's team and being totally delusional to the state of the Wildcats compared to the rest of the other teams in not only the SEC but in all of the FBS.
Here are a few quotes I have seen online and on the local news broadcasts after the 31-27 win over Louisville:
"After today's game, the rest of the nation needs to look out because we proved we are a Top 10 team."
"The Wildcats are now a legitimate SEC contender."
"UK showed that they belong in the conversation with the elite of the SEC."
"After seeing how Florida struggled with Tennessee, Kentucky's win over Louisville proves that the Gators may be in trouble next week."
While all of these are meant with the best of intentions and show how deep the love is of the fans, I don't think that Kentucky's 2-0 record warrants a total overhaul of the SEC football pecking order just yet. Beating two teams that you are suppose to beat does not a automatically make one a Juggernaut.
Kentucky beat a Miami, OH team that lost its first two games by a combined 90-0, and didn't score its first points until the third quarter of their third game. The RedHawks still lost that third game 48-26 after the other team called off the dogs in the fourth quarter. Doesn't make UK's rout on a neutral field look as impressive as it once did.
The Wildcats then struggled at home to hold off a very game Louisville team for the Commonwealth Cup. This is the same Cardinals team that was picked to finish seventh in a less than stellar Big East. Hard to see how barely beating a freshman quarterback lead team that is suppose to finish second to last in their own conference can elicit such thoughts of greatness.
If you look at Kentucky's next four games, there are rough waters ahead. Up next is #1 Florida followed by #4 Alabama, both of whom will came to Lexington. After that, the Cats go on a two game road trip to face the Steve Spurrier coached South Carolina Gamecocks and then to battle the much improved Auburn Tigers that currently have a record of 3-0. It is a a very real possibility that they could be 2-4 after this stretch, leaving the Big Blue Nation to wonder what happened to that supposed great start.
The fans need to listen to the cliches that most coaches and players spew in just about every interview, you need to focus on the next game and don't worry about the rankings or the rest of the season. Top ranked Florida coming to town next week is a daunting task in and of itself. There are a lot more pressing matters to worry about than the national perception or the votes of the pollsters.
Worry about the defense and its poor tackling effort against the Cards.
Worry about taking care of the ball after a three turnover quarter.
Worry about a game plan to slow down Tim Tebow.
Worry about how to keep the offense moving and putting points on the board against the Gators.
The Wildcat should win the four games following the tilt against the Tigers. Even if they don't pull out another victory until they face Louisiana-Monroe, they should be bowl eligible at 6-4 going into the final games against Georgia and Tennessee. So even if they don't live up to the hype and praise being heaped on them after their 2-0 start, it looks like Head Coach Rich Brooks should be poised to take this team to an unprecedented fourth consecutive bowl game.
If Kentucky comes out a plays up to their potential, they can be a handful for anyone in the SEC, even Florida. However, the fans need to realize not only how good their beloved Big Blue can be, but realize how good their opponents are as well. It may not be politically correct in Lexington to say that UK may not quite be ready to take over as the top dog just yet, but there is still more to prove.
I just hope that Big Blue Nation can take a deep breath and be happy with this team, no matter how things turn out over the rest of the season. As much as I would like to see an undefeated season, I can take a step back at see what the Cats are truly up against and know it is unlikely. It will take winning a few of these next four games will go a long towards making UK look like the team that these fans are gushing about. Should Kentucky end up 5-1 or even 6-0 at the conclusion of the Auburn game, I will gladly order a jug of that Big Blue Kool-Aid.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
UFC 103 Franklin vs Belfort: Main Event Breakdown
At this Saturday's UFC 103, former UFC Middleweight champion Rich "Ace" Franklin will welcome the returning former UFC Light Heavyweight champion and UFC 12 Heavyweight tournament winner "The Phenom" Vitor Belfort back to the Octagon. Even though this will be contested at a catch-weight, this bout should have huge implications on how each fighter fits into their respective weight's title pictures.
Franklin, coming off a victory over Wanderlei Silva, had recently been attempting to work his way up the ladder at 205 lbs until agreeing to his last two fights at 195. Belfort, who has not fought in the UFC since losing a split decision to Tito Ortiz in February 2005, has been tear since dropping to 185 and looks to be on the fast track for a title shot versus Anderson Silva.
Styles make fights, so here is how I see these two stacking up against each other in several aspects of the match up:
Stand-up Game
Rich Franklin was known for having some of the best stand up in the middleweight division, until his two losses to Anderson Silva. Of his last 12 victories, wight have been by knockout or technical knockout. Although he doesn't seem to have one punch knockout power, his striking accuracy and the way he uses his punched to control the fight is what has made him one of the best fighters in the world.
Vitor Belfort may have the fastest hands in the division. His striking always seems to come with bad intentions. Even though it has been over eight years, Belfort had the power to overwhelm heavyweights with ease. Although he may have lost some power over the years due to the dropping in weight classes, he still has plenty of dynamite inside those five ounce gloves.
Franklin seems to have trouble with faster opponents, but does well to keep shorter fighters at bay with his reach. Belfort doesn't care what size you are, but working your stand-up in the octagon is different than the ring. I give a razor thin edge to Franklin.
Ground Game
Franklin only has one submission win in his last 12 fights, although he does have good ground and pound. Belfort also only has one submission victory's ground and pound is as good as Franklin's, but The Phenom is a Gracie Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and was an amateur BJJ champion. So although the GnP is a push, the BJJ gives the nod to Belfort.
Big Fight Experience
Belfort has fought some of the biggest names in MMA. His previous opponents include Chuck Liddell, Alistair Overeem, Tito Ortiz, and Randy Couture to name a few. Unfortunately, most of those fights took place prior to 2006.
Franklin has had almost nothing but big fights since his victory over Ken Shamrock in April 2005. That is what happens when you become the Middleweight Kingpin in the UFC.
The only common opponent they have in the last five years is Dan Henderson. Belfort lost by unanimous decision while Franklin dropped a split decision that really could have gone either way.
No disrespect meant to Terry Martin and Matt Lindland, but Belfort has not had to fight Anderson Silva twice, Wanderlei Silva, Travis Lutter, and Yushin Okami all in the UFC. Edge goes to Franklin.
Prediction
This may be one of the closest contested non-title main events in quite some time. Both have a lot to shoot for, and could lose ground in the pecking order with a bad performance.
Franklin typically is the bigger, stronger fighter when fighting at middleweight. He seemed to have that advantage over Wanderlei, but that was Wandy's first time cutting that low. Belfort has fought has high as heavyweight in the past, and his last two fights were at 185, so the cut won't affect his power and cardio.
When Belfort in mentally right going into a fight, he usually has the goods to out think his prey. However, hunting the former 185 champion is a whole different animal since Franklin knows how to game plan as well as anyone having to do so for multiple title fights.
Rich Franklin has the championship pedigree, the octagon experience, and the skills to beat almost anyone at either 185 or 205. However he seems to struggle some with fighters that push the pace and that he can't out muscle. Not only will Belfort push the pace, but his power may be more than Franklin is bargaining for. I do think that both guys possess what it takes to win, but I will go with Vitor Belfort by 2nd round TKO.
Monday, July 27, 2009
2009 Kentucky Football Preview - Can The Wildcats Continue to Improve?
For the first time since the early 1950's, the University of Kentucky Wildcats have won three straight bowl games. The once "on the hot seat" head coach Rich Brooks has instilled a new attitude into the team and the fan base, making all who will listen believe he can keep this winning momentum going for years to come.
This year may be the toughest campaign for the Cats in quite a few years. With several key players gone from last year's Liberty Bowl winning team, and the rest of the Southeastern Conference stacked from top to bottom again, it will be interesting to see how the returning starters and new role players will step up to the challenge.
Whether it be the offense, the defense, or special teams, each squad has their own set of obstacles and difficulties to overcome for this season.
Offense - In order for this team to thrive in the cutthroat SEC East, Kentucky will have to get much better production from the quarterback position. Mike Hartline is the returning starter, but will have to show better leadership in the huddle and be more consistent with his passes and decision making. If these things don't improve, then the Junior incumbent will be constantly looking over his shoulder at a trio of inexperienced, yet talented, backups just waiting for their chance. Will Fidler looked good in the spring practices while leading his team to the win in the Blue-White game. Incoming Freshmen Ryan Mossakowski and Morgan Newton come in highly rated nationally and will be eager to show what they can do.
Even with the loss of Tony Dixon, the Kentucky backfield still looks to be in decent shape. Moncell Allen and Alfonso Smith seem to be leading the charge early in the off season. Derrick Locke is still recovering from knee surgery, but if the former high school track star can return to form without missing much of his speed, this is a group of tailbacks that this offense will heavily rely on to move the chains.
With the outspoken voice of the wide receivers, Dickie Lyons Jr, no longer running routes, the targets for the passing game will be mostly less familiar names. Luckily for Cats fans, all-everything player Randall Cobb looks to be the best option, since switching from quarterback, to break it big from the receiver position. With the solid play of Maurice Grinter at tight end, and the potential of the remaining young receiving corps, this is a group that may need to overachieve to keep hopes of a fourth straight bowl appearance alive.
Defense - The hardest hit by departures, the defensive unit will have to perform with a lot of new faces. The biggest adjustment will be in the trenches. Having lost Myron Pryor, Ventrell Jenkins, and Jeremy Jarmon, the line will be almost brand new. The returning Rickey Lumpkin will have to be the glue that keeps this unit together. With what will probably be a rotation of several linemen to start the season, the defensive front will have to grow up fast in order to be effective at stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback.
The linebackers seem to be in better shape. Only losing one starter, this bunch will be heavily relied upon to help control the game. With NFL Draft prospect Micah Johnson anchoring this group, look for big things from one of the most talented groups on the entire team.
The defensive backs are a promising collection of players. Lead by another NFL prospect in Trevard Lindley, the safeties and corners have the potential to make this one of the best defenses in the Rich Brooks era. They will have to bail out the young line when it makes mistakes, and they will make mistakes. However, with some timely interceptions and some big open field tackles, Kentucky's DB's should be able to keep the Cats in every game.
Special Teams - The specialists seem to be in decent shape going into the upcoming season. Lones Seiber is entering his third season as the place kicker. Look for Randall Cobb and a healthy Derrick Locke to return punts and kickoffs, as well as some of the talented freshmen that were recruited for their speed.
The only place of concern is with the punter. Having All-SEC selection Tim Masthay graduate leaves Kentucky without one of its best weapons in the battle for field position. Returning pooch punter Ryan Tydlacka will take over the duties. He punted for both teams in the Blue-White game and seemed comfortable as the full time punter rather than just a situational player. If the Redshirt Sophomore can continue to grow into his new role and gain confidence in his ability, he too can be a weapon that can be depended on in crucial moments.
Overall - When a team in the middle of the pack in the loaded SEC loses five starters on offense, six on defense, and their best special teams player, it is hard to imagine them gaining ground on the elite of the conference. Rich Brooks has built the program his way, regardless of what the fans originally thought about him. Each and every year he has improved the depth of the team and that should pay off this year.
What the Cats have coming back are solid players with a handful of them being NFL ready. The depth will have to be there to make up for the stars that have moved on. Coach Brooks has said he recruited a lot more speed to help keep up with teams like Florida and Georgia.
Prediction: Overall 7-5 (SEC 4-4) This team is much more talented then the SEC Media gave them credit for by picking Kentucky to finish last in the East. With a moderately difficult out-of-conference schedule, and a favorable draw of SEC West teams by avoiding LSU, Ole Miss, and Arkansas, the Big Blue Nation should be poised to finish with a trip to a fourth straight bowl game.
This year may be the toughest campaign for the Cats in quite a few years. With several key players gone from last year's Liberty Bowl winning team, and the rest of the Southeastern Conference stacked from top to bottom again, it will be interesting to see how the returning starters and new role players will step up to the challenge.
Whether it be the offense, the defense, or special teams, each squad has their own set of obstacles and difficulties to overcome for this season.
Offense - In order for this team to thrive in the cutthroat SEC East, Kentucky will have to get much better production from the quarterback position. Mike Hartline is the returning starter, but will have to show better leadership in the huddle and be more consistent with his passes and decision making. If these things don't improve, then the Junior incumbent will be constantly looking over his shoulder at a trio of inexperienced, yet talented, backups just waiting for their chance. Will Fidler looked good in the spring practices while leading his team to the win in the Blue-White game. Incoming Freshmen Ryan Mossakowski and Morgan Newton come in highly rated nationally and will be eager to show what they can do.
Even with the loss of Tony Dixon, the Kentucky backfield still looks to be in decent shape. Moncell Allen and Alfonso Smith seem to be leading the charge early in the off season. Derrick Locke is still recovering from knee surgery, but if the former high school track star can return to form without missing much of his speed, this is a group of tailbacks that this offense will heavily rely on to move the chains.
With the outspoken voice of the wide receivers, Dickie Lyons Jr, no longer running routes, the targets for the passing game will be mostly less familiar names. Luckily for Cats fans, all-everything player Randall Cobb looks to be the best option, since switching from quarterback, to break it big from the receiver position. With the solid play of Maurice Grinter at tight end, and the potential of the remaining young receiving corps, this is a group that may need to overachieve to keep hopes of a fourth straight bowl appearance alive.
Defense - The hardest hit by departures, the defensive unit will have to perform with a lot of new faces. The biggest adjustment will be in the trenches. Having lost Myron Pryor, Ventrell Jenkins, and Jeremy Jarmon, the line will be almost brand new. The returning Rickey Lumpkin will have to be the glue that keeps this unit together. With what will probably be a rotation of several linemen to start the season, the defensive front will have to grow up fast in order to be effective at stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback.
The linebackers seem to be in better shape. Only losing one starter, this bunch will be heavily relied upon to help control the game. With NFL Draft prospect Micah Johnson anchoring this group, look for big things from one of the most talented groups on the entire team.
The defensive backs are a promising collection of players. Lead by another NFL prospect in Trevard Lindley, the safeties and corners have the potential to make this one of the best defenses in the Rich Brooks era. They will have to bail out the young line when it makes mistakes, and they will make mistakes. However, with some timely interceptions and some big open field tackles, Kentucky's DB's should be able to keep the Cats in every game.
Special Teams - The specialists seem to be in decent shape going into the upcoming season. Lones Seiber is entering his third season as the place kicker. Look for Randall Cobb and a healthy Derrick Locke to return punts and kickoffs, as well as some of the talented freshmen that were recruited for their speed.
The only place of concern is with the punter. Having All-SEC selection Tim Masthay graduate leaves Kentucky without one of its best weapons in the battle for field position. Returning pooch punter Ryan Tydlacka will take over the duties. He punted for both teams in the Blue-White game and seemed comfortable as the full time punter rather than just a situational player. If the Redshirt Sophomore can continue to grow into his new role and gain confidence in his ability, he too can be a weapon that can be depended on in crucial moments.
Overall - When a team in the middle of the pack in the loaded SEC loses five starters on offense, six on defense, and their best special teams player, it is hard to imagine them gaining ground on the elite of the conference. Rich Brooks has built the program his way, regardless of what the fans originally thought about him. Each and every year he has improved the depth of the team and that should pay off this year.
What the Cats have coming back are solid players with a handful of them being NFL ready. The depth will have to be there to make up for the stars that have moved on. Coach Brooks has said he recruited a lot more speed to help keep up with teams like Florida and Georgia.
Prediction: Overall 7-5 (SEC 4-4) This team is much more talented then the SEC Media gave them credit for by picking Kentucky to finish last in the East. With a moderately difficult out-of-conference schedule, and a favorable draw of SEC West teams by avoiding LSU, Ole Miss, and Arkansas, the Big Blue Nation should be poised to finish with a trip to a fourth straight bowl game.
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