January 26, 2011
Image of the Week
The secret needs kept no longer. Dion Phaneuf is the guru's favorite hockey player. A defenseman as versatile as the Edmonton native is rare. Blessed with immense offensive ability, Phaneuf has the skills to do the incredible while still playing shutdown defense. And he makes hits like the one above. How can you not love a guy like Dion Phaneuf?
By the Numbers: Holiday Season
The "By the Numbers" segment is one that has been swept under the rug in recent months. After consuming more Christmas cookies than he would like to admit, the guru has decided to brush the dust off of this wonderful setup.
86
percent of blog readers who wish to see a playoff instituted in Division 1 FBS football. The vote was conducted on the blog's new Polls Page.
5
consecutive years that the BCS National Championship has been won by a team from the Southeastern Conference after the Auburn Tigers defeated the Oregon Ducks in this year's game.
$1
salary earned by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in 2011 should the upcoming season be cancelled. Goodell pledged to reduce his salary to quiet rumors that owners will lockout games this fall.
2007
the last season the New England Patriots won a playoff game. So much for the "team of the decade."
113,411
fans in attendance for the Big Chill at the Big House, an outdoor hockey game contested between in-state rivals Michigan and Michigan State. The game broke the record for the largest outdoor crowd to ever spectate a hockey game.
0
the number of fantasy football experts who defeated the guru in 2010. As expected, the guru took the crown in the inaugural season of the blog-sponsored expert league.
16
players the Packers have placed on injured reserve this season. No team in the NFL has lost more players to injury than the NFC Champions.
3,000,000
dollars charged for a 30 second ad airing during Super Bowl XLV. NBC surprisingly has a plethora of partners willing to buy commercials at this rate.
86
percent of blog readers who wish to see a playoff instituted in Division 1 FBS football. The vote was conducted on the blog's new Polls Page.
5
consecutive years that the BCS National Championship has been won by a team from the Southeastern Conference after the Auburn Tigers defeated the Oregon Ducks in this year's game.
$1
salary earned by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in 2011 should the upcoming season be cancelled. Goodell pledged to reduce his salary to quiet rumors that owners will lockout games this fall.
2007
the last season the New England Patriots won a playoff game. So much for the "team of the decade."
113,411
fans in attendance for the Big Chill at the Big House, an outdoor hockey game contested between in-state rivals Michigan and Michigan State. The game broke the record for the largest outdoor crowd to ever spectate a hockey game.
larrybrownsports.com
0
the number of fantasy football experts who defeated the guru in 2010. As expected, the guru took the crown in the inaugural season of the blog-sponsored expert league.
16
players the Packers have placed on injured reserve this season. No team in the NFL has lost more players to injury than the NFC Champions.
3,000,000
dollars charged for a 30 second ad airing during Super Bowl XLV. NBC surprisingly has a plethora of partners willing to buy commercials at this rate.
January 23, 2011
The Return of the Podcast
The guru is joined by fellow expert BirdofPrey18 to discuss the NFL Playoffs, the concussion sustained by Sidney Crosby, and a recap of the BCS National Championship among other prominent sports topics. The podcast can be found here. For those of you who want to learn more about podcasting, visit the blog's Podcast Page.
January 17, 2011
Image of the Week
Last weekend's AFC Divisional Round matchup paired two teams that don't like each other very much. When the Jets came to Foxboro Sunday, few people gave them any chance. Yet they continued to run their mouths in the week leading up to the game. The Patriots responded.
So the table was set for a bloodbath, which ensued. To the surprise of many "experts,"the Jets prevailed. And backed up their talk. After Jets running back Shonn Greene rumbled into the endzone to put the game away late in the fourth quarter, he unveiled an original touchdown celebration, which you viewed above. The underdog sticking it to the upset favorite, a beautiful thing in sports.
January 12, 2011
Live Football Chat
In an attempt to add exciting features to the blog, the guru has spent a great portion of the last month combing the Internet for interesting activities for his loyal followers. He has dedicated a page to let readers express their feelings on hot topics, sponsored another challenge, begun tweeting, and even recorded his first podcast. However, the most intriguing feature has come to him.
Not long ago, he received an email from a representative of LiveChatConcepts. The email discussed an innovative idea, a place for sports fans to convene and chat live about particular games. Further research revealed how awesome this website is. Fans gather at the site and enter a chat room with other dedicated fanatics. Each room is designated for one specific game, meaning that the conversation remains focused.
The chat rooms open 30 minutes prior to the start of every game. From that point all the way up until 30 minutes after the game ends, users are able to discuss the game with other hardcore fans. LiveChatConcepts manages 12 different sites, with more arriving in the upcoming year. They serve fans of football, hockey, NASCAR and many more sports. Registration is free and can be done at their website.
They offer many more exciting features that can be discussed in the future. The company has certainly captured the guru's interest. In fact, he will be on from time to time to shoot the breeze with fans. If you're interested in having a personal conversation with the guru himself, be sure to check back and see when he plans to enter a chat room.
Not long ago, he received an email from a representative of LiveChatConcepts. The email discussed an innovative idea, a place for sports fans to convene and chat live about particular games. Further research revealed how awesome this website is. Fans gather at the site and enter a chat room with other dedicated fanatics. Each room is designated for one specific game, meaning that the conversation remains focused.
The chat rooms open 30 minutes prior to the start of every game. From that point all the way up until 30 minutes after the game ends, users are able to discuss the game with other hardcore fans. LiveChatConcepts manages 12 different sites, with more arriving in the upcoming year. They serve fans of football, hockey, NASCAR and many more sports. Registration is free and can be done at their website.
They offer many more exciting features that can be discussed in the future. The company has certainly captured the guru's interest. In fact, he will be on from time to time to shoot the breeze with fans. If you're interested in having a personal conversation with the guru himself, be sure to check back and see when he plans to enter a chat room.
College Bowl Pick 'Em Challenge Winner
Now that Auburn has won the BCS National Championship, bowl season has come to a close. Thirty five games have been played, giving fans plenty of football to enjoy. The real fanatics never let the bowl season pass without getting involved in competitions. This year, the guru sponsored his own College Bowl Pick 'Em Challenge, open to all contestants. As always, the winner receives an invitation to play in the blog-sponsored expert league.
And your 2010 champion is... Dobby! Congratulations, you are a winner. Dobby correctly chose the winner in 26 of the 35 games, finishing in the 99th percentile of Yahoo! users. What a fantastic performance! The guru looks forward to competing against you in the 2011 expert league.
For those of you looking for more information on the expert league, click on the tab at the top of this page. The link will take you to the Expert League page, where you can find the 2011 invitees and details on how to qualify yourself.
January 11, 2011
College Football Rankings Discussion
The final game of the 2010 season has been played, anointing the Auburn Tigers as the 2010 National Champions. Playoff system aside, it is tough to argue with Auburn's title. Yet there are a few glaring mistakes in the final rankings, or at least the guru thinks so.
First and foremost, Oregon fell to #3 in both the AP and USA Today polls. Rose Bowl champion Texas Christian leapfrogged (get it?) the Ducks in both sets of rankings. I understand the enthusiasm for the Horned Frogs, I truly do. But how on Earth can you justify knocking Oregon down a peg? They may have lost a game, but it was to the newly crowned champions. They held Auburn to just 22 points, their lowest total since September 9th. Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton was limited to 46 rushing yards on 22 carries. More importantly, the game was as tight as it could have possibly been. The teams were tied with literally two seconds remaining. The championship was decided on the final play, a game-winning field goal by Auburn kicker Wes Byrum. So Oregon's only loss of the season comes to the national champs by the slimmest of margins on the game's final play...and they get bumped in the rankings. Absolutely ridiculous.
Could someone please explain to me why Central Florida is ranked 20th in USA Today and 21st in the AP poll? Sure, the Knights won eleven games, but against who? Their signature win came against a Georgia team that finished under .500. In fact, none of their victories came against an opponent with a winning record. And they are ranked ahead of teams like South Carolina? Absurd.
Also absurd: UCONN played in a BCS game. I understand that the Big East has one automatic qualifier, but this is beyond ridiculous. The Huskies ended the season unranked in both the USA Today and AP polls. In fact, to find Connecticut in the final rankings, one must view the complete standings, where they can be found at #33 in USA Today and #34 in the AP poll. They never played a game against a ranked opponent in the entire regular season, and when they finally faced off against one in the Fiesta Bowl, they lost by four touchdowns. It is clear that Boise State, #7 in the according to USA Today, was more deserving of a BCS bid than a team that went 5-2 in the Big East.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Is this ranking system a joke? Should a playoff be instituted? Is TCU better than Oregon? Where does Boise State fit in? How awful are the Connecticut Huskies? Let your voice be heard in the comment section by clicking on the link that reads "# comments, (click here to add yours.)"
First and foremost, Oregon fell to #3 in both the AP and USA Today polls. Rose Bowl champion Texas Christian leapfrogged (get it?) the Ducks in both sets of rankings. I understand the enthusiasm for the Horned Frogs, I truly do. But how on Earth can you justify knocking Oregon down a peg? They may have lost a game, but it was to the newly crowned champions. They held Auburn to just 22 points, their lowest total since September 9th. Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton was limited to 46 rushing yards on 22 carries. More importantly, the game was as tight as it could have possibly been. The teams were tied with literally two seconds remaining. The championship was decided on the final play, a game-winning field goal by Auburn kicker Wes Byrum. So Oregon's only loss of the season comes to the national champs by the slimmest of margins on the game's final play...and they get bumped in the rankings. Absolutely ridiculous.
Could someone please explain to me why Central Florida is ranked 20th in USA Today and 21st in the AP poll? Sure, the Knights won eleven games, but against who? Their signature win came against a Georgia team that finished under .500. In fact, none of their victories came against an opponent with a winning record. And they are ranked ahead of teams like South Carolina? Absurd.
Also absurd: UCONN played in a BCS game. I understand that the Big East has one automatic qualifier, but this is beyond ridiculous. The Huskies ended the season unranked in both the USA Today and AP polls. In fact, to find Connecticut in the final rankings, one must view the complete standings, where they can be found at #33 in USA Today and #34 in the AP poll. They never played a game against a ranked opponent in the entire regular season, and when they finally faced off against one in the Fiesta Bowl, they lost by four touchdowns. It is clear that Boise State, #7 in the according to USA Today, was more deserving of a BCS bid than a team that went 5-2 in the Big East.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Is this ranking system a joke? Should a playoff be instituted? Is TCU better than Oregon? Where does Boise State fit in? How awful are the Connecticut Huskies? Let your voice be heard in the comment section by clicking on the link that reads "# comments, (click here to add yours.)"
Image of the Week
As you are all aware, the Auburn Tigers defeated the Oregon Ducks last night to claim the BCS National Championship. It was a fantastic game, showcasing two of the most exciting teams in college football. And in a contest in which there was a safety, a fake punt, a fake extra point, and a last-second, game-winning field goal, the play of the game was clearly Michael Dyer's fourth quarter run.
Taking a handoff from Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, Dyer scampered to the right, where he appeared to be tackled by Oregon safety Eddie Pleasant. But a careful review showed that Dyer managed to keep the play alive by rolling over Pleasant. His body never touched the ground.
The official NCAA rules state that a play is ruled dead when "any part of the ball carrier's body, except his hand or foot, touches the ground." As the replay shows, Dyer's body never came in contact with the turf, enabling him to continue down the sideline and set up Wes Byrum's game-winning field goal.
January 10, 2011
2010 Bowl Season Preview: Part X: The BCS National Championship
newsfirst5.com
Finally, the game is here. The moment we have all been waiting will happen tonight. Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton will lead his Auburn Tigers against Lamichael James' Oregon Ducks. These two men last met in New York City one month ago, when Newton captured the award. Tonight they will face off again, battling for the BCS National Championship.
Surely, by now you have heard the hype surrounding these two teams. Between improper benefits scandals, Heisman Finalists, unstoppable offenses, and terrific coaches, the media coverage has not stopped. You have certainly had time to ponder whether Oregon's fast tempo will wear out the Auburn defense, how the Ducks will try to block defensive tackle Nick Fairley, how the Tigers will attempt to contain James, how many highlights Newton will produce, and finally, will these two teams combine for 100 points?
I am not here to expound on these discussions. I have new statistics for you. As great of a team as Oregon is, they will lose tonight. The Ducks offense is among the best in history and their defense is very strong, yet there is no answer for Cam Newton.
Not exactly a radical idea, but consider the following. Despite being known for his running ability, Newton leads the nation with a passer rating of 188.2. His yards per attempt is a ridiculous 10.52, meaning that every time the junior passes, he averages a first down. He has thrown for 28 touchdowns, while tossing only six interceptions. And if you lock down his receivers, you have to tackle a man who stands 6'6" and weighs 250 pounds. This becomes nearly impossible when you factor in his speed and elusiveness. As interesting as the other matchups may be, Auburn will win tonight for one simple reason: Cam Newton cannot be stopped.
January 8, 2011
The Inaugural Podcast
As a new medium for enlightening the masses, the guru has moved into the world of podcasting. Teaming up with fantasy experts BirdofPrey18 and Mac Attack, he has joined the Triple Option, a talk show hosted by three of the world's premiere sports analysts. The inaugural episode was recorded this afternoon. The trio discussed the NFL Wildcard Round, the Winter Classic, and the BCS National Championship. A link to the podcast can be found here.
January 3, 2011
2010 Bowl Season Preview: Part IX
This evening, we will be fortunate enough to view the Orange Bowl. The game will be played between two teams, Virginia Tech and Stanford, that are among the best in the country. Both possess offenses capable of racking up points and defenses that can shut down opponents. It should be one of the most competitive games of the bowl season.
It is impossible to discuss Virginia Tech without mentioning their 0-2 start. After a season-opening loss to Boise State, the Hokies fell to FCS school James Madison. With their expectations dashed, Frank Beamer led his squad to an eleven game win streak and an ACC title.
After a remarkable turnaround, the Hokies find themselves playing against another elite team. The Cardinal's only loss this year was to Oregon, who will play in the BCS National Championship. Led by quarterback and Heisman runner-up Andrew Luck, Stanford has averaged over 40 points per game.
Comparing the stats is futile because both teams are dominant statistically. Instead, the guru has examined how these two teams have performed against opponents similar to the ones they will face in the Orange Bowl.
As mentioned, the Hokies opened the season against Boise State, an elite team with a pocket passing QB. Virginia Tech lost by just three points, but they allowed Broncos QB Kellen Moore to throw for 215 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions. Forget that the Hokies lead the nation with 22 INTs. Against a high caliber QB, they were unable to force turnovers.
Stanford's only game against a high-powered option offense came in their aforementioned matchup with Oregon. The Ducks style of play is very similar to that Virginia Tech. Despite the 52 points conceded, a careful observer will note that the Cardinal did a decent job of containing the Oregon offense. Stanford led at the half, falling at the end due to fatigue. Oregon's fast tempo has been a hot topic this season and it's clear that Stanford's defense simply wore down. Virginia Tech will be unable to drain the Cardinal defense like the Ducks did. Instead, the Stanford D will be on the sideline resting while Luck moves the chains against the Hokies secondary.
The guru selects Stanford with 18 confidence points.
It is impossible to discuss Virginia Tech without mentioning their 0-2 start. After a season-opening loss to Boise State, the Hokies fell to FCS school James Madison. With their expectations dashed, Frank Beamer led his squad to an eleven game win streak and an ACC title.
After a remarkable turnaround, the Hokies find themselves playing against another elite team. The Cardinal's only loss this year was to Oregon, who will play in the BCS National Championship. Led by quarterback and Heisman runner-up Andrew Luck, Stanford has averaged over 40 points per game.
Comparing the stats is futile because both teams are dominant statistically. Instead, the guru has examined how these two teams have performed against opponents similar to the ones they will face in the Orange Bowl.
As mentioned, the Hokies opened the season against Boise State, an elite team with a pocket passing QB. Virginia Tech lost by just three points, but they allowed Broncos QB Kellen Moore to throw for 215 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions. Forget that the Hokies lead the nation with 22 INTs. Against a high caliber QB, they were unable to force turnovers.
Stanford's only game against a high-powered option offense came in their aforementioned matchup with Oregon. The Ducks style of play is very similar to that Virginia Tech. Despite the 52 points conceded, a careful observer will note that the Cardinal did a decent job of containing the Oregon offense. Stanford led at the half, falling at the end due to fatigue. Oregon's fast tempo has been a hot topic this season and it's clear that Stanford's defense simply wore down. Virginia Tech will be unable to drain the Cardinal defense like the Ducks did. Instead, the Stanford D will be on the sideline resting while Luck moves the chains against the Hokies secondary.
The guru selects Stanford with 18 confidence points.
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