LSU vs. Ole MISS Preview:

By Taylor Cannon

Magnolia flower

One the best rivalries in the South comes to a head in Oxford, Mississippi when the TOP RANKED RED HOT LSU TIGERS take on the woeful Ole Miss rebel (Or after the name change last year the Black Bears whatever) in the 100th meeting of the two teams. This game has special meaning to me, because this was my FIRST LSU football I saw live at Tiger Stadium (still to this day has to be one of my favorite venues to watch and experience a football game) it was in 1993 (which was the 100 year anniversary of LSU Football) my dad, sister and me watched the game (I can’t remember the score, but I remember two things it was cold and we won), plus when my dad went to school at LSU during the late 60s and early 70s, LSU told its African-American students not to attend the game because of the racial tension at the time. This rivalry is now known as the Magnolia Bowl (because the Magnolia is the state flower of both states).

LSU leads the series 56-39-4 and this series has had its notable games from the Halloween Night game in 1959 where Ole Miss was leading 3-0 and LSUs Billy Cannon (no relation) returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown which turned out to be the game winner and gave Cannon the Heisman trophy. To the 1960 game where both teams were tied and was Ole Miss’s only blemish on route the 1960 national championship. In 1972 the Jones to Davis where LSUs Bert “the Ruston Rifle” Jones found Brad Davis for the last second game winning TD with one second remaining. In fact the “home-clock advantage inspired a sign at the Louisiana state line reading “You are now entering Louisiana. Set your clocks back four seconds”. To a heart-warming 1989 game where Ole Miss was playing its first game and it was at home since the pharyalis of its linebacker Chuckie Mullins. The Rebel fans were emotionally charged as they saw their team come from 21 points only to come up short against the Tigers.

The 1997 match up where Ole Miss upset then ranked #7 LSU coming off a win over Florida. To the 2003 when Ole Miss led by Eli Manning was undefeated in the conference and had to battle LSU who had one loss and the winner was to represent the West in SEC Championship. If Ole Miss won they would win the West outright, but if LSU won the two would be co-champions, but LSU would win the tie breaker. LSU WON before a record crowd to EVER WATCH A FOOTBALL IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. It was a puzzling way to end and lose the game as LSU was down 25-23 with 9 seconds completes a 40 yard pass on a 4th and 26, but with no timeouts and no time to execute a play the kneel the ball preserving the Ole Miss win. So with this rivalry history laid out lets go to the preview.

Offense vs. Offense: What does that North Mississippi High School (Ole Miss) have on offense when you’re ranked next to last in the SEC in Offense, you get blown out by LA TECH, your starting QB Randall Mackey made a comment about Bama being beatable then your squad only putting up 7 against them and now recently its leading rusher in Jeff Scott and Mr. Mackey will be suspended for the game (and possibly against their season finale game against MSU). Here comes LSU with dual threat QBs Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee, quad running backs in Kenny Hilliard, Alfred Blue, Michael Ford, and Spencer Ware and receivers Russell Shepard, Odell Beckham Jr., and Rueben Randle (While we’re at it, Special Team Hit-Man and Freshman Receiver Jarvis Landry might see some playing time). LSU is going to go wild tonight and it will be a long night also for that North Mississippi High School D Edge LSU

Defense vs. Defense  - LSUs physical secondary led by Tyrann “The Honey Badger” Mathieu, Morris Claiborne, Eric Reid, Ron Brooks and Tharold Simon look to put down the already pathetic Ole Miss receivers and bring some Louisiana heat to the Quarterback and Running Backs of North Mississippi High. Sam Montgomery, Ryan Baker, and Keith Hatcher looks to make whoever the Black Bears QB is suffer. This 3rd ranked defense in the NCAA looks to sharpen its skills even more before its day after clash before they face the Razorbacks of Arkansas. Edge LSU

Intangibles - Lame duck Coach Houston Nutt will be coaching his next to last game as a Ole Miss Rebel/Black Bear with opening season losses to Jacksonville State in 2010, losing to BYU and getting shellacked by Vandy, UK, and WAC opponent for homecoming LOUISIANA TECH 27-7 in 2011, and with a 150 million dollar athletic expansion in the works things had to change, but has had a knack of getting under LSU’S skin and Its being played at Vaught- Hemmingway Stadium on the campus of Ole Miss where its home to “The Grove” – supposedly the best place to tailgate (If it is its about the only thing that Ole Miss is doing well this year, because they are definitely aren’t playing football down there) and its Ole Miss’s SENIOR DAY. LSU has been playing lights out, and taking to heart what Miles has said “Bringing the WOOD” and they are just finding ways to win which is to just flat out be focused, play mistake free ball, and most of all STEP UP when the pressure is on and when you can do those things YOU JUST CAN’T BE JUST STOPPED BUT CAN’T BE BEAT. – Edge-LSU

Winner and why – Ole Miss has just looked awful this year from on the field as well as off, even their heart has been held in to question as early as last week the coaching staff was seen packing up their stuff (Heartless and no PRIDE) personally this couldn’t have happened to a more deserving team. To reference an old Dave Chappelle bit LSU IS GOIN BUCK YA GROVE – OLE MISS and do a ‘what did the five fingers say the face- SLAP”!!! to Ole Miss (its going be COOLLDDD BLOOOODED). So you take that attitude which I mentioned earlier Ole Miss has, plus bring in a physical LSU team this will be a flat out blow out. LSU IS GOING TO BRING DA WOOD AND THEN SOME. I am going to enjoy this beat down very thoroughly. LSU 52-10

Sportaholic NFL Power Rankings Week 10

The news coming out of Houston has to be deflating for any Texans fan. Charm City were the owners of a shiny 7-3 record sitting atop the AFC South and just came off an annihilation of a good Tampa Bay team 37-9. Everything was good until the news broke that Matt Schaub was injured on a QB sneak coming out of the end zone in the second quarter. The injury very likely will end the season for the Texans QB and leader. That brings the toll to three of Houston’s top players that have all missed significant time due to injury with Andre Johnson still nursing his hamstring, Mario Williams out the remainder of the year with a torn pectoral, and now the latest victim Schaub.




It’s a debilitating blow to a team that thought it had finally made its way over the hump. The defensive issues that had plagued this team under Gary Kubiak had convincingly been solved as Wade Phillips brought a new attitude on the side of the ball resulting in a top 10 ranked total defense. The run game was sound with Arian Foster and Ben Tate shredding teams week in and week out. Now they turn to pretty boy Matt Leinart in hopes they he can just keep the team afloat.

The ramifications of Schuab’s injury will reverberate throughout the entire AFC. ESPN was touting the Texans as maybe the team to beat to get to the Super Bowl in the conference but that much is in doubt now. The Tennessee Titans, thought dead in the water for the division now have a second life. Schuab was the conductor of the Texans smooth locomotive 8th ranked offense and without him they could be in trouble.

The NFL is entering the portion of the schedule where injuries begin to rear their ugly head. Philadelphia’s Michael Vick has two broken ribs to add to litany of problems in the land of the birds. It seems Philly has had every conceivable problem you can have this season and that defense flat out stinks. Andy Reid hired Juan Castillo who never was a defensive coordinator and I hate to say it but its showing now as the season chugs along. There is just no way a team with that talent should lose to the John Skelton led Cardinals and be sitting at 3-6. There is just no way.

How about that Tim Tebow? He was 2/8 yeah but who cares when you win the game. He made the most of passes as he dropped a dime to Eric Decker for the game winner. Matt Stafford probably would like a do over against the Bears. Four interceptions and numerous comments by the announcers about how the glove he was wearing would make anyone beg to start over. The Lions had better get that act together quickly to make sure they don’t’ go from a feel good story to a get lost story.



One team I just can’t (And I don’t know anyone who can) put my finger on are the Baltimore Ravens. Just take a look at their losses to Tennessee, Jacksonville, and now Seattle who have a combined juggernaut record of 11-16. If I ever had to play the Ravens I would most definitely want to play them the game after they face Pittsburgh as they have turned in two flat line performances after beating their arch rivals. Speaking of rivals that Jets vs. Pats game was a snoozer. You here about it all week as the world wide leader and every other channel hype’s and hype’s the game and then New York (Or should I say Sanchez) goes out and lays a dud. It could have been a lot worse for them as Mark Sanchez just hasn’t progressed to the point most of us thought he would.



Tony Romo’s got the mojo as he obliterated all the remaining buffaloes in the Dallas-Ft.Worth area. 23-26 for 270 yards and 3 TDs! If the Cowboys got that consistently out of him they would be a year in year out Super Bowl contender. And last but not least on the list is Mike Smith of the Falcons. Yeah you should know the story by now as Smith went for it on 4th down and inches in overtime only to have Michael Turner get stuffed and turnover the ball to a ready Drew Brees. Brees needed just four plays to get the Saints in field goal range as the ancient one John Kasay booted a game winning 26-yard kick. I understand Smith’s reasoning behind the idea but I just don’t agree with it. It means he basically decided that his defense wasn’t good enough to stop New Orleans offense. That decision may come back to haunt him in the last weeks of the season.



Now with that all out of the way, lets unveil the rankings.

1. Green Bay Packers (9-0) – Lets be honest how many people watched the game past the first quarter last night? I’ll wait…… So yeah I didn’t either. Randall Cobb’s opening kick off return took any of the spirit that Minnesota had at the beginning of the game. Just like that game was over in my mind. Aaron Rodgers got cooking as always and put up usual numbers with 4 TD passes in the game. Who can stop this team, I don’t know as the undefeated whispers grow louder. I do know that Aaron Rodgers is the best player in the league right now. He handles that offense with such precision it’s not even fair. The Packers are the undisputed number one team in league right now.

2. San Francisco 49ers (8-1) – Never would I have thought the 9ers would be one loss to Dallas from being undefeated. They took down a damn good Giants team and did it in a way that makes me believe they are true contenders this year. They play with a hard nosed edge on defense that is fun to watch with Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman roaming around. Carlos Rogers has provided them with top notch corner play after coming over from Washington and to top every thing off they beat the Giants without their best offensive weapon in Frank Gore. I’m very impressed with these guys and they are all but assured a playoff victory with a five game buffer to their nearest division team. Hopefully complacency won’t ruin them down the stretch.

3. Houston Texans (7-3) – How can not a small portion of you feel bad for these guys? Just when you thought they had it all together and man handled the Bucs, Matt Schaub goes down. They will have to rely on that potent run game more than ever now as Matt Leinart enters the fray. He will have lean on Foster and Tate to carry them for the rest of the season. Andre Johnson is coming back as well so that should give “Limp arm Leinart” a boost. It’s a shame that Houston’s best season so far to date now all relies on the right arm of Matt Leinart. If he plays well and leads them to the playoffs, he could possibly land a starting job somewhere next season, so there is motivation for him to play well. I’m intrigued to see what becomes of this team for the rest of the season.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers ( 7-3) – The Steelers toyed around with the Bengals before they put them in their place. Rook Qb Andy Dalton is the real deal though as he continued his impressive play. Pittsburgh will just keep chugging along but they won’t win this division thanks to those two losses to Baltimore. That means they have no choice but go the wild card route and they will have to fight it out with a number of teams for the playoffs. Just another year of football in the city of steel.

5. New Orleans Saints (7-3) – The Saints got lucky as Mike Smith’s bone-headed play doomed the Falcons and basically gave New Orleans the win. On another note, who knew Jimmy Graham had the power to shift the goal post? I was impressed by his hops as his thunderous two-handed football slam slanted the goal post side ways and delaying the game. The funniest part of the whole thing was stadium officials coming and trying to fix the thing only to have it still leaning. The Saints win gave them a commanding lead in the NFC South and Drew Brees continues his hot play.\

Offensive Player of the Week: Tony Romo 23-26 270 yards and 4 TDs - As a Dallas fan I was actually upset about this. I had two reasons behind being upset with the first being that it wasn’t on my cable T.V. I mean come on Comcast, this was the best game ever by Romo as he was tossing lasers all over and this is the one game I can’t see? They show every other Dallas game when Romo is choking away a game to Darrelle Revis and the Jets or when they played Tom Brady and the Pats but when Tony does his thing I can’t watch? Ugh. My second reason is that if Romo could just play like that every week, no excuses, no girlfriend talk, no new baby talk, no aw shucks attitude, then this is what he could do. He would be one the best QBs in the league. So with all that said congrats to you Tony, you played one hell of a game but just keep it up.

Defensive Player of the Week: Andre Carter 4.5 Sacks – There is no way you let a guy get that many sacks on your QB. There are guys who go an entire career not amassing that many sacks in a season much less one game. I have to give Carter credit because he continued to bring the heat and the Jets offensive line had no answer for him.

Sportaholic Tennessee Titans vs. Carolina Panthers game review

The Titans came out and put together a masterful performance against Cam Newton and what came into this game as a top five ranked offense was totally obliterated by a nasty Tennessee defense. The Titans harassed and buried Newton to the tune of five sacks and one interception as Tennessee overpowered Carolina 30-3. The Titans caught an early break early as return man Mac Mariani broke for a 79-yard TD return. Mariani’s burst seemed to set the tone for the rest of the game as the Titans poured it on from there. They would score on their next drive as Matt Hasselbeck found Damian Williams on a short pass that Williams would turn into a 43-yard TD as he shed a couple of tacklers in his way. Williams finished with 107 yards receiving and really stepped up this game and showed that he is a guy Hasselbeck will be able to rely on in the Titans Kenny Brit less offense. The Titans players all should have gave Carolina TE Greg Olson a high five after the game as he made two disastrous plays in the first half.  He would first fumble in the red zone killing a potential scoring drive for the Panthers. Later in the first the former Miami FL standout would drop a 16-yard pass from Newton that would have likely put Carolina in field goal range but instead it kept kicker Olindo Mare out his comfort zone as he would miss a 50-yard attempt.

Maybe the most promising sign to come out this victory was the Titans run game coming to life as Chris Johnson finally had a breakthrough. Johnson had 27 carries for 130 yards and 1 TD. He made some of the explosive cuts and jukes that made him the most exciting player in the league over the last couple of seasons. The Titans offensive line looked sharp as well as their seemed to be bigger running lanes for Johnson to take advantage of. Hasselbeck would finish with 15 of 27 for 219 yards with 1 TD and 1 Int. But it was Johnson who took it to the Panthers in the second half and finished off Carolina. The defense deserves a lot of praise as well. They were aggressive in their approach as they kept a spy on the uber athletic Newton to keep him at bay and took away his big play ability. The Titans secondary did a good job making sure Newton had no targets available even when he scrambled to keep the play alive. Newton being held to 212 yards passing is something of a novelty this year after the way he shredded a few defenses this year. Damian Williams appears to be on the cusp of becoming Matt Hasselbeck’s go to receiver as their chemistry can easily be seen during the game.

The win keeps the Titans in the early playoff hunt at 5-4 and should give them a much needed momentum boost. They needed to come out and make a statement after last week’s disappointing loss to another rookie QB Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Titans came and dominated a decent opponent even if Carolina’s 2-7 record may not indicate it. It was good to see Chris Johnson finally rediscover his game again. He looked like the guy that the Titans invested $54 million dollars in. Defensive coordinator Jerry Gray stuck to his guns and trusted his guys as he unleashed an unrelenting attack that kept the Panthers offensive off balanced. The Titans travel to Atlanta next to take on an upset bunch in the Falcons. Mike Smith’s 4^th and inches decision in overtime ultimately backfired as the Falcons RB Michael Turner was stopped on the play. The New Orleans Saints would march down the field and John Kasay would cap off the victory with a 26-yard field goal. This makes for an interesting matchup next week in the Georgia Dome.  

Player of the game: Chris Johnson – As I stated above Johnson was up to his old tricks of the past few seasons. His season high of 130 yards comes at a time when the offense really needed him. He did get a few garbage time big gainers in the 4^th, but it shouldn’t diminish what he and the much maligned Titans offensive line were able to accomplish. Hopefully this is just the beginning of things to come as Johnson seems to finally have his legs and the offensive line finally played with a nasty streak that made them such a great running team in the Jeff Fisher era. Is this a revelation for the Titans running attack or is it an upward trend for them? That is something to keep an eye on in the next few upcoming games.

Game changing moment: Marc Mariani’s 79-yard punt return – Special teams plays are always great a great prescription for uncle Mo, as Mariani’s explosion was the quintessential l definition of a game breaker for Tennessee. It was the first time all year that Mariani took one to the house. The Titans saw how good he could be last year but of course with the pushback of the kickoff in effect this year, his production had been limited. This should give him and the special teams a much needed confidence boost. 

Tennessee State pulls out dramatic victory over UT-Martin for Homecoming

The Tennessee State Tigers celebrated homecoming in grand fashion as they took down the Skyhawks of UT-Martin in dramatic fashion 35-30. The Tigers were led by a couple of players with career games as Trabis Ward poured in 166 yards on 25 carries and Travis James had 152 yards receiving and 2 TD. The Tigers started off sluggish in the first half as their offense seemed stuck in first gear and UT-Martin’s rushing attack bulldozed the Tigers defense. The Skyhawks held a 17-0 lead after the first quarter but things quickly changed in the second. QB Michael Germain and the TSU offense finally came to life as Germain found James for a quick 4-yard pass with 8 minutes and 30 seconds left in the 2^nd. Germain would hook up with Wesley Samuels with 1 second left before halftime for another TD pass that put the Tigers within 3 as they went into halftime down 17-14.

The Second half had an interesting beginning as Head Coach Rod Reed had a Sean Payton Super Bowl moment and the Tigers kicked an onside kick. It appeared at first that the Tigers would get a huge momentum swing as it was recovered by TSU, only to have it reviewed and overturned. The Tigers defense bailed out the coaches decision as they forced the Skyhawks to punt. It was at this point that the Tigers offense exploded. First it was Trabis Ward as he made it known to the defense that he would finish strong. He rushed for 47 yards on the second half’s opening drive which led to a TSU TD that put them ahead 21-17.  After a short drive by UT-Martin that resulted in a punt, TSU would get the ball back in nice field position. Next up was the Germain and James connection as Germain found his wideout streaking up the sidelines for a 77-yard TD pass. TSU’s latest score put them up 28-17 going into the 4^th.

Big blue kept the offensive onslaught going in the 4^th as Tigers offensive line and RB Ward continued to pound the Skyhawk defense. TSU went to the ground on their second possession in the 4^th and as Ward asserted himself with an 11, 28, 14, and finally 2-yard TD run. That would put the Tigers up 35-24.

Skyhawks QB Derek Carr would keep them in the game as he drove Martin down the field on the very next series and led the Skyhawks on a 6 play 69 yard scoring drive. Martin would go for the 2-pt conversion but to no avail as Skyhawks RB McNair was stuffed at the goal line. That made the game 35-30. That set the stage would a miracle onside kick as the Skyhawks recovered on the play and gave them a chance to steal the game. QB Derek Carr would complete his first two passes to Quentin Sims for 16 yards but wouldn’t complete another. The Skyhawks QB couldn’t connect with Sims a third time as his pass went incomplete on 4^th down to seal the victory and give the Tigers a share of the Sgt. York trophy. The Tigers gave the announced attendance of 19,537 reasons to cheer on the home school’s homecoming. The Aristocrat of bands rocked the house as always and put together a spectacular halftime show. The win moves TSU to 5-5 and 4-3 in OVC play. Tennessee State plays their last game next week against Jacksonville State at LP field, so make sure to come out and help lead the Tigers to victory in their last regular season game.

Sportaholic Tennessee Titans vs. Carolina Panthers Preview

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The Cam Newton express is up next on the Tennessee Titans docket. After losing to the Bengals and rookie QB Andy Dalton, the Titans get a crack at the #1 picked Newton and his superior athletic skill set. In other words, if the Titans thought Dalton was good, wait until they get a load of Newton. He seems to be one of those once in a generation stars who wins at every level of competition he plays in. He is able to do things most QBs should not be able to at 6”6 250 pounds. He is big enough to run over you and as the

Washington Redskins found out, and quick enough to juke you out of your shoes. The Titans will have their hands full not just with Newton but also his big time play maker at receiver, Steve Smith. Mighty Mouse has been brought back to life as Newton’s number 1 target in the Panthers offense. The Panthers are an exciting team to watch just because of these two guys.

The Titans of course are now sitting at 4-4 and if the playoffs started today they would be on the outside looking in. They have lost three of four and two of the losses have come at home. There last game against the Cincinnati Bengals was basically a sample of what the Titans have done this whole season. They have come out strong in most games, building leads in all but two games they’ve played this year only to give way eventually in the 2nd half. Dalton pickedhe Titans secondary to shreds in the second half as he brought the Bengals down from 10 points and threw 3 TDs passes to three different receivers. The Titans offensive line also had its troubles as they allowed Matt Hasselbeck take multiple sacks. Carlos Dunlap of the Bengals had two sacks and seemed to always be in Hasselbeck’s face.

The Titans also too often allowed the Bengals to convert on third down. They were 8/16 and it seemed they got every third down in the second half. The Titans did a decent job on RB Cedric Benson as he was held to just 78 yards on 20 carries. Speaking of RBs Chris Johnson showed glimpses of his old self as he had a few big gains in the first half. He gashed the Bengals for a 20, 18 and 12 yard runs in the 1st quarter. He also made a nice run after the catch on pass from Hasselbeck. Johnson faded in the 2nd half as the Bengals recognized he was getting loose and Johnson ended up finishing with 64 yards. Love him or hate him, the Titans have to continue to get Johnson involved as much as possible because when he finally does breakthrough he will add another dimension to this struggling offense.

The Panthers will present a totally different set of problems for the Titans. Newton’s scrambling ability has to have DC Jerry Gray’s attention. Newton has already broken former Titans’ Vince Young’s rookie record of rushing TDs with 7. And you also can’t sleep on Newton’s passing ability as he has already had put up two games of plus 400 yards and had another 374 yard passing game against the Chicago Bears.

Now lets breakdown the three key factors that will determine the game and make a final prediction for the Titans-Panthers clash.

1. Can the Titans control Newton’s big plays ability? As I stated above, this guy can drop an 80-yard pass or bust a 45-yard run on you at any moment. He has that big play mentality and seems to always be looking for his next opportunity. There hasn’t been a player drafted with his big play capability in my opinion since Michael Vick as they both have that combination of speed and a cannon arm. Newton has single handely transformed Carolina’s offense that finished last in terms of points and total offense last year, to a offense now that ranks fifth averaging 415.1 yards a game. Now of course when you are young player coupled with the fact that he is looking to make the over the top play, then you are going to make some over the top mistakes. Newton has thrown 11 TD passes and also 9 Ints. So his penchant seems to be big play or bust. The Titans have to take advantage of this as Newton’s feast or famine attitude can lead to big plays for the defense. On the flip side of the thinking if Newton gets into a groove early than he can unleash a barrage of explosive plays that the Titans may not be able to recover from.

2. How will Matt Hasselbeck and the Titans offense attack the Panthers porous defense? The Panthers come into this game giving up 8.35 yards per pass attempt, good for second worst in the league. They also give up 133.3 yards a game on the ground which is sixth most in the league and are tied for the most rushing TDs with 11. So that means that the Titans should have all kind of opportunities to make plays. OC Chris Palmer should have fun this week devising his offensive scheme against such a bad defense. Hasselbeck should have open passing lanes and should also look to get all his targets involved early. CJ has to find a way to get going against this defense as the odds are stacked in his favor. Everyone on the offense basically should have a big game. Tennessee has to come out and show some offensive creativity. There were too many times against the Bengals that it seemed the Titans got predictable. When your going against a team that isn’t very good on defense then you have a chance to do some things you don’t normally get to. I would love to see Johnson get a few opportunites in the wildcat offense with the ball coming directly to him. Maybe that would spark him. I also wouldn’t mind seeing Jake Locker get on the field and possibly run an option read with Johnson, similar to what Johnson and Vince Young did last year. Just a thought but a big unexpected play could spark the offense early and lead to some momentum.

3. How will the Titans respond coming off a lost? The last time the Titans lost they came out and whipped up on a winless Colts team 27-10 at home. This time they have to travel to Carolina and face a hungry team in the Panthers. Can they channel their emotions and pick up the win or will they fold down the strecth as they have seemed to do in all of their losses. The team as a whole has to right the ship because your getting to the point of the season when you either a contender or a pretender and the Titans are squarely on the bubble at 4-4. The leaders of the team have to stand up and tell their teammates the time is now to make their stance and don’t make this repeat of last year’s second half slide.

Prediction: Titans 23 Panthers 20



NOTES

TITANS: Club has won 12 of past 13 games against NFC…QB MATT HASSELBECK has 90+ passer rating in 6 of 8 games in ’11. Hasselbeck (189) needs TD pass to reach 190 career. Hasselbeck has 6 TDs vs. 3 INTs & 88 passer rating on road this season…In 12 career games vs. NFC, RB CHRIS JOHNSON averages 106.3 rush yards per game (1,275). Johnson totaled 110 scrimmage yards last week (64 rushing, 46 receiving). Johnson (4,964) needs 36 rush yards to join EDDIE GEORGE & HOFer EARL CAMPBELL as 3rd player in franchise history to reach 5,000 career…WR LAVELLE HAWKINSrecorded 1st career TD catch last week. WR DAMIAN WILLIAMS has 3 TD catches in past 5 games…TE JARED COOK is averaging 16.7 yards per catch in ’11 (19 rec., 317 yards)…CB JASON MC COURTY leads team with 67 tackles…S MICHAEL GRIFFIN has 2 INTs in past 3 games vs. NFC opponents…DT SHAUN SMITH posted 1st sack of season last week…PANTHERS: Total (415.1 yards per game) & pass (285.5) offenses rank 5th in NFL…Rookie QB CAM NEWTON has completed 40 of 58 (69 pct.) for 546 yards with 4 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 121.8 rating in past 2. Passed for 1,381 yards in Oct., most in NFL history by rookie in any month. Has 4 games with 290+ yards, tied with PEYTON MANNING (1998) for most by rookie in NFL history. Ties for 3rd in NFL with 7 rush TDs. His 7 rush TDs tie VINCE YOUNG (2006) for most in season by rookie QB since 1970…In career, when RB JONATHAN STEWART has 15+ att., team is 14-3 (.824). RB DE ANGELO WILLIAMS has 4,574 rush yards & 983 rec. yards in career. Needs 17 rec. yards to become 1st player in franchise history with 4,000+ rush yards & 1,000+ rec. yards…WR STEVE SMITH leads NFC with 918 receiving yards. Has 5 100-yard games. In past 2, has 14 catches for 243 yards (121.5 per game) & TD. In only home game vs. Ten. (10/19/03), had 10 catches for 151 yards & TD (67 yards). TE GREG OLSEN has TD catch in 4 of past 6…DE CHARLES JOHNSON has 15 sacks in past 15. Rookie DT TERRELL MC CLAIN had 1st career sack in Week 8

Sportaholic College Football Weekend Setup 11/10/11

Clearly the slate of games this weekend will be overshadowed by the Penn State scandal that has jolted the college scene to its core. I’ve already spoken my piece on it(http://sportaholic2112.blogspot.com/2011/11/it-takes-lifetime-to-build-reputation.html) so I won’t rehash any of that. As difficult as it is, games will still be played this weekend and a few will make a difference in the national championship race. No game is bigger than Stanford-Oregon this weekend as the Pac-12 takes over for the SEC for game of the week honors. Speaking of the SEC, how good was that LSU-Bama tilt? I’ve got a mixed response from fans as some say that the game was boring. I say you don’t like football if you couldn’t enjoy that slugfest. That was an epic game and even though it was more of a defensive battle, that shouldn’t take away from the great performance that both teams put on. The game of the week in the SEC is Auburn vs. Georgia as the “Dawgs” look to continue their winning ways. Georgia is in the driving seat in the SEC East and it appears as if Mark Richt has saved his job for the meantime.

For the first time since LSU and Miss. State played there is actually a good Thursday night game with Va Tech and Georgia Tech doing battle in Atlanta. This game is important as Georgia Tech can stay alive in the Coastal Division with a win over the Hokies, which is always easier said then done against Frank Beamer boys.

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Boise State will face their stiffest test since beating Georgia in week 2 as they take on TCU. Boise probably won’t make it into the championship game as their schedule has all but prohibited them from making any noise this year but they still will make a BCS bowl as an at-large bid



Can you even imagine what the atmosphere will be like in Happy Valley for their last home game of the year against Nebraska? If you got a chance to see the rioting and ruckus after Joe Pa was let go on T.V., then you know this one could get out of hand. Its going to be one of those most see moments as the game is mighty important for Penn State who is currently leading their division in the Big 10. Hopefully playing the game can began the healing process for the Nittany Lions and their entire community.

Stanford vs. Oregon – This is a very interesting game in terms of styles. Oregon and Stanford couldn’t’ be any different as the Ducks run a high powered spread offense predicated on tempo. Stanford of course is old school with its pro-style power offense featuring two tight end sets. One thing that thing that both teams like to do is run the ball as they come into the game with the #1 (Oregon 286.2 YPG) and #2 (Stanford 213.2 YPF) rushing offenses. They also have the 1st and 2nd ranked scoring offenses with Oregon dropping 47.0 PPG on opponents and Stanford coming in with 40.3 PPG. We can talk about the numbers all we want in this game but what I think it will essentially come down to is QB play and of course that means Mr. Everything himself Andrew Luck. He will be the difference maker as when two teams are closely matched as these two are. Darron Thomas of Oregon can make plays but isn’t consistent enough. If he played the game of life than the Ducks will have a chance but I will take Luck’s brilliance over a Thomas potential to have the game of his life.



The Pick: Stanford

Virginia Tech vs. Georgia Tech – The game of the Techs should be an entertaining on especially for a Thursday night affair. The Hokies looked as if they finally would give up their strangle hold on the ACC after being thrashed by Clemson (They have won the last 4 of 7 conference championships). But they have turned it around just in time for a showdown with the Yellow Jackets. Both teams have four wins in conference but Va Tech is ahead by percentage points as they only have that loss to Clemson and Georgia Tech has two conference losses. The Yellow Jackets will try as they always do to pound the Hokies on the ground as GA Tech averages 328 YPG on the ground. The Hokies defense looks to be up to the challenge as they lead the ACC in scoring defense at 15.4 pints allowed per game and are second in rushing yards allowed at 86.3. I don’t know how the Hokies will respond on the road playing such a physical opponent. Their offense is pedestrian even though QB Logan Thomas has come on of late. For some reason I just think the Yellow Jackets will too physical and too tough at home for the Hokies.



The Pick: Georgia Tech

Penn State vs. Nebraska - This will be one of the most emotional games ever played in college football. Joe Pa who coached the Nittany Lions since 1966 will not be on the sidelines which will be a surreal sight for all college football fans. I won’t to focus on the game so I won’t get into any of the scandal talk. The Nittany Lions are currently the only undefeated team in the Big 10 at 5-0 and could all but clinch the Leaders division. Its hard to say how the Penn State kids will play with everything that’s going on in Happy Valley, but I would think they are just foaming at the mouth to get on field and away from everything else. The Huskers are coming off a humiliating loss to Northwestern and gave up their chance to control their own destiny in the Legends division. Penn State has to play the way they have this season of defense, as they have been suffocating opponents. Nebraska has to get its run game in back into gear as it went Rex Burkhead and crew went silent against the Wildcats last week. Taylor Martinez did have one of his best passing games of the year but he needs balance in that offense for them to win. I believe just because of sheer emotions and all of the controversy surrounding the game its hard not to go for the home team in this one. I think they will come out and put together a great performance and take it to the Huskers.

The Pick: Penn State

Game of the Week: Stanford vs. Oregon: Easy pick this week as the winner of this game propels themselves right into the thick of the national championship race. Two high profile teams with powerful offense, this one should be fun.

Most intriguing game of the week: Oklahoma State vs. Texas Tech: You have a chance for some real offensive fireworks here. These two combine for 80 points per game and have the 2nd and 3rd ranked passing teams in the pass happy Big 12. Should be an entertaining one to watch.

Under the radar game of the week: West Virginia vs. Cincinnati: No one really cares about the Big East in college football as they usually send a unworthy team to the Orange Bowl to smacked around. But this one should be good as they feature two great QBs in Geno Smith of West Virginia and Zach Collaros of Cincy. Someone has to get the BCS bid from the Big East.

Coach better get it right game: Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt: The winner of this game will be one game away from becoming bowl eligible. That means either Joker Phillips or James Franklin will lead their unlikely team to a bowl. Who ever loses this one won’t have that chance so this one is important. Can Joker find a way to sneak Kentucky team after such a horrendous start to their season or can first year man James Franklin slide Vandy through in his inaugural season? Coaches you better get this right.

Nashville Predators Look to the $49 Million Man for the Stanley Cup by Get Real Hockey

The Nashville Predators resigned goaltender Pekka Rinne to a 7-year $49 million dollar contract last week making him the highest paid player in franchise history. Not only does this signing mean that Nashville is willing to dip a little farther into the cap to keep a franchise and Vezina quality goaltender around. It also is the first step towards the important goal of keeping captain Shea Weber. The extension to Rinne’s contract says that Nashville is serious about taking steps towards winning the Cup sometime in the near future.






Rinne celebrated his new deal, signed on his twenty first birthday, by shutting out the Phoenix Coyotes 3-0. For Preds fans across the world this shut out was a welcome sight. Rinne has been absolutely outstanding so far this season, however, at times he has given up goals that were unlike the Rinne of last season. Rinne is already the franchise leader in shutouts and currently leads the league in shutouts, a trend that probably won’t be changing anytime soon. As the face of an organization that has struggled to get respected, and publicity the long term signing of Rinne is the best thing that has happened. Finally the Predators have proved to fans that they are ready to stop the recent trend in the revolving goaltending door. Over the course of franchise history almost every solid starting goalie has been pushed out by his backup. Examples are Dunham starting till Vokoun started shining, goodbye Dunham. Vokoun enjoyed a stellar career in Nashville until Chris Mason proved to be worthy as a starter, after Mason came Ellis, then Rinne. Last season the trend appeared it might continue on as backup Anders Lindback stepped up and played unbelievably when Rinne was injured.





This contract symbolizes several things that Predators fans everywhere can celebrate. The end of the revolving goaltending, that the Predators are willing to dig deep into their pockets to help make a run at the cup. Hopefully this is just the first of the Predators resigning the rest of the Big 3. As a Predators fan I can only hope that Suter and Weber will feel that this is an organization that is moving in the right direction to win a Stanley Cup in the near future, and the sign a long term contract just like Rinne has.





- Isaac Berky
 
Credits: http://www.getrealhockey.blogspot.com/