Kent State +38 and Kent State/Alabama Over 46.5: This is a wager on Kent State scoring at least nine points. If they can do that, we guarantee at least a split of these two.
Miami (OH) +17: The Redhwaks went from one win in 2009 to 10 wins in 2010. Missouri - a team lacking a tested quarterback - might overlook them.
Troy +16: The Trojans are good, and the Tigers are notorious underachievers. I think this ends up being a close game.
Pick of the Week: Boise State -2.5 - Despite this a home game for Georgia, I am going with the veteran Broncos over the freshmen-led Bulldogs. The "Dream Team" recruiting class is in for a rude awakening.
Upset of the Week: SMU +16 - I'm a believer in June Jones and his offense. The Mustangs don't have to travel far for this game, and I think they can actually spring an upset here against an Aggies squad that has received top-10 accolades despite accomplishing very much to date.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
NFL Playoff Predictions and Award Winners
AFC
| 1 | Patriots |
| 2 | Steelers |
| 3 | Texans |
| 4 | Chargers |
| 5 | Ravens |
| 6 | Jets |
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| WC: | Jets over Texans |
| WC: | Chargers over Ravens |
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| D: | Jets over Patriots |
| D: | Chargers over Steelers |
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| C: | Jets over Chargers |
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| NFC
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| 1 | Packers |
| 2 | Falcons |
| 3 | Eagles |
| 4 | Rams |
| 5 | Saints |
| 6 | Cowboys |
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| WC: | Eagles over Cowboys |
| WC: | Saints over Rams |
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| D: | Saints over Packers |
| D: | Falcons over Eagles |
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| C: | Falcons over Saints |
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| Super Bowl: |
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| Jets 31 |
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| Falcons 30 |
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| MVP: | Jamaal Charles, KC |
| ORoY: | Julio Jones, Atlanta |
| DRoY: | Marcel Dareus, Buffalo |
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Projected NFL Standings
| AFC | |||||||
| East | |||||||
| New England Patriots | 12 | 4 | |||||
| New York Jets | 10 | 6 | |||||
| Miami Dolphins | 6 | 10 | |||||
| Buffalo Bills | 5 | 11 | |||||
| North | |||||||
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 11 | 5 | |||||
| Baltimore Ravens | 11 | 5 | |||||
| Cleveland Browns | 4 | 12 | |||||
| Cincinnati Bengals | 3 | 13 | |||||
| South | |||||||
| Houston Texans | 10 | 6 | |||||
| Indianapolis Colts | 8 | 8 | |||||
| Tennessee Titans | 8 | 8 | |||||
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 7 | 9 | |||||
| West | |||||||
| San Diego Chargers | 10 | 6 | |||||
| Oakland Raiders | 8 | 8 | |||||
| Kansas City Chiefs | 8 | 8 | |||||
| Denver Broncos | 3 | 13 | |||||
| NFC | |||||||
| East | |||||||
| Philadelphia Eagles | 12 | 4 | |||||
| Dallas Cowboys | 10 | 6 | |||||
| New York Giants | 9 | 7 | |||||
| Washington Redskins | 8 | 8 | |||||
| North | |||||||
| Green Bay Packers | 12 | 4 | |||||
| Detroit Lions | 8 | 8 | |||||
| Chicago Bears | 7 | 9 | |||||
| Minnesota Vikings | 5 | 11 | |||||
| South | |||||||
| Atlanta Falcons | 12 | 4 | |||||
| New Orleans Saints | 12 | 4 | |||||
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8 | 8 | |||||
| Carolina Panthers | 3 | 13 | |||||
| West | |||||||
| St. Louis Rams | 9 | 7 | |||||
| Arizona Cardinals | 8 | 8 | |||||
| Seattle Seahawks | 6 | 10 | |||||
| San Francisco 49ers | 3 | 13 |
Playoff predictions and award winners coming tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Five Preseason NFL Thoughts
1. How much of a cancer do NFL teams think Clinton Portis is? The guy is less than 100 rushing yards short of 10,000 for his career. He's amassed almost 12,000 yards from scrimmage in his nine professional seasons. He has been bitten by the injury elephant the last two years, but somebody should take a shot on this guy. He's only 29 years old. Brian Westbrook had a job last year, but Portis can't? To top it off, the Dolphins just signed one of the worst locker room presences in recent memory, Larry Johnson to a new deal. Arizona, give CP a call.
2. Prince, Osi, Bruce, Brian, Terrell, Marvin. Giants fans are an Eli-Hakeem-Tuck trio of injuries away from feeling like Mets fans.
3. Usain Bolt, Oakland Raider? I'll say this happens in the next three years. The fastest man in the world needs a new challenge, and he's probably a better quarterback prospect than Terrelle Pryor at this point.
Still shocked Al Davis hasn't made a move on this guy.
4. How long until fans completely stop going to NFL games? Now that the package is being offered on PS3 and people are bringing guns to stadiums, I find it hard to fathom why people go to more than a couple games a year. Stay home, watch in HD, follow your fantasy team, stay alive. Sounds like a winning combo.
5. Really Cincinnati, your plan is to start Andy Dalton and not even try to convince Carson Palmer to come back this year? Bite nose to spite face. Have fun on your way to three wins.
2. Prince, Osi, Bruce, Brian, Terrell, Marvin. Giants fans are an Eli-Hakeem-Tuck trio of injuries away from feeling like Mets fans.
3. Usain Bolt, Oakland Raider? I'll say this happens in the next three years. The fastest man in the world needs a new challenge, and he's probably a better quarterback prospect than Terrelle Pryor at this point.
Still shocked Al Davis hasn't made a move on this guy.
4. How long until fans completely stop going to NFL games? Now that the package is being offered on PS3 and people are bringing guns to stadiums, I find it hard to fathom why people go to more than a couple games a year. Stay home, watch in HD, follow your fantasy team, stay alive. Sounds like a winning combo.
5. Really Cincinnati, your plan is to start Andy Dalton and not even try to convince Carson Palmer to come back this year? Bite nose to spite face. Have fun on your way to three wins.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
4 Dumbest Thing Greg Buttle Said During the First Half
Per his Wikipedia page, Greg Buttle was a linebacker for the New York Jets after an All-American career at Penn State. Nowhere on the site does it say he's a good - or even halfway decent - broadcaster of NFL games. In fact, after listening to just one half of his color commentary during tonight's Jets-Bengals preseason game, I would put him among the worst broadcasters I have heard in recent memory.
He reminds me of Matt Millen.
Without further ado, here are the four dumbest things he said in the first half:
4. I lost confidence for a few minutes during my career. - A poor attempt at self-deprecation.
3. If you are a Bengal or a Jet, you need to catch the football. - This came after a benign dropped pass by a Bengals wide receiver. I think he missed hearing himself speak.
2. Anyone coming out of prison would have some rust, but Plax is a different beast. - He said this after Plaxico had made one catch in a preseason game.
1. That was a reception except his feet weren't in bounds. - This gem came after a receiver barely got one foot in while the other landed five feet out of bounds.
This guy is getting more brutal by the minute.
He reminds me of Matt Millen.
Without further ado, here are the four dumbest things he said in the first half:
4. I lost confidence for a few minutes during my career. - A poor attempt at self-deprecation.
3. If you are a Bengal or a Jet, you need to catch the football. - This came after a benign dropped pass by a Bengals wide receiver. I think he missed hearing himself speak.
2. Anyone coming out of prison would have some rust, but Plax is a different beast. - He said this after Plaxico had made one catch in a preseason game.
1. That was a reception except his feet weren't in bounds. - This gem came after a receiver barely got one foot in while the other landed five feet out of bounds.
This guy is getting more brutal by the minute.
Trade That Makes Sense: Jets-Cardinals Edition
Proposed Deal:
Jets trade RB Joe McKnight to the Cardinals for a 4th Round Pick
Why the Jets make this trade
-Danny Woodhead and Leon Washington. The Jets (essentially) traded Leon for McKnight back at the 2009 Draft. Then the Jets chose to keep McKnight over Woodhead the following season after training camp. They need to recoup some value after those two roster gaffes.
-Bilal Powell is capable of being the third back on this team. With LT and Shonn Greene as a solid 1-2 combo, Powell doesn't need to be a game-changer. He just needs to be a dependable ball carrier with safe hands.
Could a change of scenery unlock potential for McKnight?
Probably couldn't hurt.
Why the Cards make this trade
-Backup running back and 2011 2nd round pick Ryan Williams was lost for the season with an injury in Friday night's preseason game
-McKnight is unpolished and unproven but has tremendous potential (he was the #1 high school recruit in 2007; Beanie Wells was the #1 high school recruit in 2006)
-If things fail at running back, McKnight can give defensive back a shot. According to the Jets coaching staff, McKnight has the talent to be a nickel back right now. Given time, he could grow into more than that.
Jets trade RB Joe McKnight to the Cardinals for a 4th Round Pick
Why the Jets make this trade
-Danny Woodhead and Leon Washington. The Jets (essentially) traded Leon for McKnight back at the 2009 Draft. Then the Jets chose to keep McKnight over Woodhead the following season after training camp. They need to recoup some value after those two roster gaffes.
-Bilal Powell is capable of being the third back on this team. With LT and Shonn Greene as a solid 1-2 combo, Powell doesn't need to be a game-changer. He just needs to be a dependable ball carrier with safe hands.
Could a change of scenery unlock potential for McKnight?
Probably couldn't hurt.
Why the Cards make this trade
-Backup running back and 2011 2nd round pick Ryan Williams was lost for the season with an injury in Friday night's preseason game
-McKnight is unpolished and unproven but has tremendous potential (he was the #1 high school recruit in 2007; Beanie Wells was the #1 high school recruit in 2006)
-If things fail at running back, McKnight can give defensive back a shot. According to the Jets coaching staff, McKnight has the talent to be a nickel back right now. Given time, he could grow into more than that.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Good Idea / Bad Idea
Fighting Thomas Jones when you could be confused with a stick figure: BAD idea
Jon Baldwin- I am a little indebted to you because you were the third wide receiver taken in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft and you made me some money. However, what are you possibly thinking fighting TJ and his caricature-like arms? He is a beast.
Get your head right.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Monday Mullet
A new feature here at The Banter. Should be pretty self-explanatory.
 |
| NHLer Jaromir Jagr |
Separated at Birth?
WWE superstar Edge, overpaid Washington Nationals OF Jayson Werth and actor Michael Shannon
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Grading Every Major League Team's Work at the Deadline
NL East
Braves: A-. Stole Michael Bourn from Houston for a hodgepodge of nothing.
Phillies: A-. After acquiring Hunter Pence from their minor league affiliate, err, the Astros, Philly has re-established themselves as the favorites to win the pennant.
Mets: B+. Got a great return for Carlos Beltran (Zack Wheeler) and dealt KRod, ridding themselves of the possibility of having to pay him $17m+ next year. Could have traded more players (Izzy, Hairston, Byrdak) for the future.
Nationals: B. Ridded themselves of Jason Marquis. That's enough for me.
Marlins: C. They acquired Mike Cameron for very little but did nothing else.
NL Central
Cardinals: B-. If I were a St. Louis fan, I would be angry at dealing Colby Rasmus, but at least they got talent in return.
Brewers: B-. Acquiring KRod solidifies their 'pen.
Pirates: C. Finally contenders, they acquired Ryan Ludwick and Derrek Lee. Buzz. Kill.
Reds: C-. By doing nothing, they have waived the white flag on the season.
Astros: D. What exactly is the plan here?
Cubs: F. They clearly are not winning anything this year yet decided not to trade any of their short-term assets (Carlos Pena and Kerry Wood to name two).
NL West
Rockies: A-. Received a great haul (as they should have) for Ubaldo Jimenez.
D'backs: B+. Got bullpen help (Brad Zeigler) which is what they needed. No complaints here.
Giants: B. Any time you can acquire your number three hitter for a prospect in High-A, you can't argue.
Padres: C. Why not deal Heath Bell for a prospect?
Dodgers: C-. Ho hum.
AL East
Blue Jays: A. Traded a bunch of relievers for their center fielder of the future, Colby Rasmus. Nicely done.
Orioles: B. Received prospect for some veterans. Wise thing to do when you are out of contention.
Red Sox: B-. They didn't need much, but the gamble on Erik Bedard seems like a good one at the moment since it cost them only a fringe prospect.
Rays & Yankees: F. They did absolutely nothing. Very confusing.
AL Central
Indians: B+. I applaud them for acquiring Ubaldo Jimenez, the best player dealt at this year's deadline. He's under team control for another three years. Yes, it cost them two very good prospects but Jimenez is a sure thing. Something to smile about in one of the most depressed sports cities in America. Grade would probably be higher if they didn't waste their time acquiring Kosuke Fukodome.
The prize of Trade Deadline 2011
Tigers: C-. Doug Fister and David Pauley? Really? At least they tried.
White Sox: D. they did not make themselves better this year (traded Edwin Jackson) or next. I guess they saved a little cash though.
Royals & Twins: F. Both teams sat on their hands.
AL West
Rangers: A-. Turned one of the game' shakiest bullpen into one of the best with Koji Uehara and Mike Adams.
Mariners: B-. Got some nice value for Bedard, Pauley, and Fister.
A's: C+. Decent job turning a reliever into a potential first basman of the future (Brandon Allen), but when does Billy Beane's seat officially become "hot"? Before or after the release of "Moneyball"?
Angels: F. Snoozefest.
Braves: A-. Stole Michael Bourn from Houston for a hodgepodge of nothing.
Phillies: A-. After acquiring Hunter Pence from their minor league affiliate, err, the Astros, Philly has re-established themselves as the favorites to win the pennant.
Mets: B+. Got a great return for Carlos Beltran (Zack Wheeler) and dealt KRod, ridding themselves of the possibility of having to pay him $17m+ next year. Could have traded more players (Izzy, Hairston, Byrdak) for the future.
Nationals: B. Ridded themselves of Jason Marquis. That's enough for me.
Marlins: C. They acquired Mike Cameron for very little but did nothing else.
NL Central
Cardinals: B-. If I were a St. Louis fan, I would be angry at dealing Colby Rasmus, but at least they got talent in return.
Brewers: B-. Acquiring KRod solidifies their 'pen.
Pirates: C. Finally contenders, they acquired Ryan Ludwick and Derrek Lee. Buzz. Kill.
Reds: C-. By doing nothing, they have waived the white flag on the season.
Astros: D. What exactly is the plan here?
Cubs: F. They clearly are not winning anything this year yet decided not to trade any of their short-term assets (Carlos Pena and Kerry Wood to name two).
NL West
Rockies: A-. Received a great haul (as they should have) for Ubaldo Jimenez.
D'backs: B+. Got bullpen help (Brad Zeigler) which is what they needed. No complaints here.
Giants: B. Any time you can acquire your number three hitter for a prospect in High-A, you can't argue.
Padres: C. Why not deal Heath Bell for a prospect?
Dodgers: C-. Ho hum.
AL East
Blue Jays: A. Traded a bunch of relievers for their center fielder of the future, Colby Rasmus. Nicely done.
Orioles: B. Received prospect for some veterans. Wise thing to do when you are out of contention.
Red Sox: B-. They didn't need much, but the gamble on Erik Bedard seems like a good one at the moment since it cost them only a fringe prospect.
Rays & Yankees: F. They did absolutely nothing. Very confusing.
AL Central
Indians: B+. I applaud them for acquiring Ubaldo Jimenez, the best player dealt at this year's deadline. He's under team control for another three years. Yes, it cost them two very good prospects but Jimenez is a sure thing. Something to smile about in one of the most depressed sports cities in America. Grade would probably be higher if they didn't waste their time acquiring Kosuke Fukodome.
The prize of Trade Deadline 2011
Tigers: C-. Doug Fister and David Pauley? Really? At least they tried.
White Sox: D. they did not make themselves better this year (traded Edwin Jackson) or next. I guess they saved a little cash though.
Royals & Twins: F. Both teams sat on their hands.
AL West
Rangers: A-. Turned one of the game' shakiest bullpen into one of the best with Koji Uehara and Mike Adams.
Mariners: B-. Got some nice value for Bedard, Pauley, and Fister.
A's: C+. Decent job turning a reliever into a potential first basman of the future (Brandon Allen), but when does Billy Beane's seat officially become "hot"? Before or after the release of "Moneyball"?
Angels: F. Snoozefest.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
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