The System Sucks

College presidents are greedy. Otherwise they'd give us a Division 1A [excuse me, FBS] play-off. Instead we have the BCS and, besides those greedy presidents, no one is happy. Note yesterday's loss by Ohio State to upstart Illinois. Every analyst I've heard/read since yesterday said that the Buckeyes are now out of the championship picture, despite the fact that they are one of many one-loss teams. Honestly, that loss yesterday didn't surprise me. Ron Zook can recruit, his team played flawless football, and the Buckeyes young QB picked a bad time for his worst game. But instead of respecting that Illinois is better than "rankings" would say, we dog the Big Ten as weak compared to other BCS conferences.

So now, the way I see it, we'll get a Big 12 verses SEC championship game. Oregon could make a case, but since they lost to a now 6-4 Cal team, they'll get screwed. If West Virginia wins out [which won't happen 'cause UC will beat them Saturday] they won't be considered because the Big East is viewed as weak. All other one loss teams will be ignored if they don't play in the Southeast or the Great Plains. The Big 12 now has 3 teams ranked in the top 10. And LSU is the best team in the nation because they are the best team in the SEC? Make sense?

This is all crap because these rankings are totally subjective. Even the computer rankings are skewed as they have factored in certain strength of schedule based upon conference rankings. And no one likes to talk about the fact that the mighty SEC and Big 12 are afraid to play a strong non-conference schedule. "That's because getting through are league is brutal," they claim. Whatever. Getting through any league is brutal. Any team can win at any time, and this season has proved that.

This brings me back to Ohio State: they deserve to still be in the mix. Say what you will about league strengths but while the matched up poorly against Florida in last year's championship, they would manhandle whoever the Big 12 sends to the BCS. It's all about how a team matches up. And, unfortunately those match-ups are based on premonitions of supremacy that sports writers and coaches carry with them into the voting booth.

What this goes to show us is that one of the greatest American sports will never be THE greatest until we scrap this BCS crap and play some kind of playoff. Maybe this is the season it finally gets too ridiculous to ignore.

Nice, Vikes

I'm not sure Mike Brown is even this cheap. The Minnesota Vikings docked Troy Williamson a week's pay for attending his grandmother's funeral. The Vikings normally give three days for bereavement but Williamson needed more time as he basically had to plan the arrangements himself as one of his brothers is in a coma and his other siblings are in the armed forces. No mercy from Minnesota's management, however. So they gloss over when their players get caught on a sex-boat cruise, but are hardcore when a player loses a loved one.

Makes sense, huh?

Something that puzzles me is that NFL players get paid "game checks;" So they take the players' salaries and divide it by sixteen. So what exactly are they getting paid for? Do they only get paid for working the weekend? If so, why is it a big deal if they miss practice? That's why I find this story even more ironic: how many guys get paid when they're hurt and sitting on the sideline? Isn't that basically what happened to Williamson?

Update: Like Sally stated, the Vikings reversed their decision and paid Williamson [too little, too late?]. Williamson, in turn, donated his game check to charity in his grandmother's name.

Buffalo Owns Cincinnati

Congrats, Greg, to you and your entire city.

And the black cloud over our city grows larger. I couldn't tell watching today what year it was. It sure did feel like the 1990's. Why did I even think about making a bet? This will be up at least 24 hours on the front page here.

Until then, I will be vomiting.

A Whimpered, "Who-Dey?"

My old college RA [who's currently on vacation with his wife in California] is from Buffalo. He's a huge Bills fan, even operating a fan site/podcast. While we recently reconnected through the interwebs, I had circled next week's game on my calendar as the Bengals are traveling to Rich Stadium. Even though Cincinnati is horrible now, still contemplating on a 4th and 1 punt, I will back my boys and offer a challenge for this week's game. It's pretty simple one, Greg, so choose to accept if you wish.

Bengals win: you post a picture of a Bengals helmet on your blog with the caption, "Cincinnati owns Buffalo."

Bills win: I post a picture of a Bills helmet on this blog with the caption, "Buffalo owns Cincinnati."

No Skyline or Buffalo wings will exchange hands. Interested?

We Suck

I know this is a little preemptive, but with the Bengals down to the Steelers, knocking on the door for another score, I'm thinking this is another loss. They have to give the fans in this city someone's head. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing both offensive/defensive coordinators axed. I would predict though that nothing will happen.

Of course, as I typed that, the much over-rated Ben Rothlisucker threw an INT. Maybe the whole game turns around here.

My biggest fear, however, is another 8-8 season. Another opportunity for Mike Brown to claim that we're "almost there" could make me lose it. If they're going to lose, make it a 4-12 season so we realize that things are not good. We need some solid free agents. We need an actual general manager.

We'll see how this works out . . .

Simmer Down

Chris Mortensen's "insider info" that someone in the Bengals organization wants Chad Johnson traded has really sent this town into a tizzy. It's seems almost all the local media endorse the idea, thinking his antics too much [a losing streak requires someone to blame and they reckon it's Chad's fault the defense can't stop anyone]. I guess the guy having a little too much fun is the problem. The rest of the nation is catching wind of this, as even Jim Rome noted on his radio and television programs today how some people in this city are hating on CJ. Another example at the ignorance in some of our sports media representatives.. And it forces me to make a bold statement:

Chad Johnson could be the best wide receiver I've ever seen.

He's not the fastest. He can't jump higher than other receivers. But he catches ball that I've never seen people catch before.  He can contort his body to make catches that are amazing. That's why he's amazing. And that's why I'm glad he's a Bengal.

Without Chad, TJ Houshmandzadeh is just a guy with a long name. Without him the "high powered Bengals offense" is non-existent. Without him, Carson is still great, but with him Palmer is a superstar.

And some morons in the media want him out of town? Get a grip.

Chad, if you read this blog [and being a fellow Walnut Hills resident, I'm sure you do] the fans in Cincy love you. Stick with it here and we'll get your back.

Weekend Sports Recap

• I was so disappointed that UC lost to Pitt on Saturday. Even more disappointed that I couldn't get it on any cable channel but was forced to watch it online. Murderers Row is coming up for the Bearcats [South Florida, WV and, dare I see, UConn?] so it'll be interesting to see what Brian Kelly does with this team.
• Ohio State's defense is amazing. Say what you will about a weak Big Ten, but if this team can get back to that BCS title game they will go out of their way to redeem themselves from last year's blow-out loss to Florida.
• In a related note, Steve Spurrier is still a putz. His team gets punked by Vanderbilt and he uses it as an opportunity to try to rip on Ohio State. The Old Ball Coach needs to realize that Florida was all he had and he will never be relevant again.
• My buddy Alex is a huge LSU fan and even he would admit that this year's version of the Tigers aren't as good as every national commentator thinks they are. What we have this year in college football is a whole lot of medicority.
• Since we had church last night I really didn't watch the Bengals play. Listened to the first half on the radio before our gathering and it was depressing. While I'm excited for the win, this team is still in the cellar looking up at Cleveland. If they can pull off Pittsburgh this week, the face a suspect Bills team [sorry, Greg] and could be 4-4. If that happens, there's hope.
• My second favorite baseball team is the Boston Red Sox. And since I despise almost all things Cleveland, I loved the 3 games to 1 comeback they put up. Justin Dustin Pedroia, a rookie, has the biggest game of his life in a Game 7? Amazing. I'm pretty sure the Rockies dream run ends in Boston. Too much pitching.

And one last observation . . . well, more of a rant: Working out at Xavier this morning, I caught Keyshawn Johnson interview Chad Johnson on SportsCenter. Keyshawn makes me want to hurl. How ESPN justifies keeping this clown is beyond me. He is one of the most uninformed commentators I've ever seen and only detracts from any respectability they had. If they want to televise crap like this, don't call it journalism.

Keyshawn's whole career was "me" oriented [remember he authored a book entitled "Give Me The Damn Ball" before he had ever done anything in the league] and he's trying to paint Chad Johnson as a selfish player? A little pot/kettle action there Keyshawn. Listen, I like about 80% of Chad's antics, only get frustrated with some of his midweek press conferences, but his performance on game day had very little to do with the Bengals losing streak; FYI Bengals fans, Chad doesn't play defense. Despite all the negative attention the media wants to put on him, he still catches balls that I've seen no one else catch. If he wasn't walking the walk, I'd be angry with him. But I'm not.

And then Keyshawn comes in wearing a suit, brandishing an ESPN microphone and we're supposed to take him seriously? Youtube the interview and tell me if that interview wasn't anything more than an opportunity for Keyshawn to try to show Chad up. He's just jealous.

Memo to Keyshawn: just because Chad's going to eclipse Key's stats in every category, just because CJ already has one more Pro Bowl than you had in your entire career, just because he was smarter in marketing himself than you could've envisioned, just because he has all the endorsement deals you wish you would've had, and just because he's an all-around better player than you ever were doesn't mean he's gotta hate on him in your new role as a reporter. Oh, and don't go bragging about your championship ring you "earned" while playing for a team known as a defensive juggernaut. You were more selfish than Chad ever has been.

I would take Chad over Keyshawn any day, week, month or year. And I bet I'm not alone.

Hmmmm

Isn't this like winning the ugly contest?

No Joy In the 5-1-3

The Bearcats play awful and lose to rival Louisville. The Reds hire Dusty Baker, a.k.a. The Young Pitcher Killer, to be their manager.

These things come in threes, you know.

So the Bengals lose tomorrow and Carson Palmer spontaneously combusts.

So is life in the 'Nati.

About The Bengals

We suck. And now there's a bye week, so two weeks to dwell on this one. If UC wins at Rutgers this Saturday, people could start to forget this team.

And now I owe my brother money.

Don't Look Now . . .

. . . but Brian Kelly is laying the foundation for a tremendous program at UC. Who could've imagined that they would sell out three [possibly four] games at Nippert, especially considering they average one a sell-out a decade? And just this afternoon they had Notre Dame's season starting QB transfer into the program. I know, the Irish are horrible this year but I really think Demitrius Jones could end up being the best UC QB since Greg Cook. Sure, Mark Dantonio began the building process but Kelly's the perfect personality to make program legit. If they can hang on to the coach long term, I think these guys could eventually make a BCS bowl game.

Bandwagon Openings Now Available

So the Bengals lose another one and the city goes crazy. A 1-2 record doesn't look quite as bad compared to preseason playoff picks St Louis and New Orleans being 0-3. But in Cincinnati, it's cause for emotional distress. If you're unfamiliar with our town you might wonder why we're like this. Simple answer: The 1990's.

After beginning the decade with some strong teams we witnessed firsthand some of the worst football possible. Owner/GM Mike Brown had the football name but none of the capabilities of his father, the great Paul Brown. The Bengals would find ways to lose games. First round draft picks were useless: David Klinger is now in Seminary, Ki-Jana Carter was hurt before he played a game, Dan Wilkinson was "Big Daddy Bust," Akili Smith was drafted before Edgerrin James, Torry Holt, Champ Bailey, and Jevon Kearse. It couldn't get much worse.

The came Marvin Lewis.

It was a breath of fresh air. Carson Palmer, a complete quarterback, was drafted and has embraced the city. Despite not achieving complete glory, Lewis has yet to have a losing season. Bengals fans began sensing a change, some hope; we were no longer the biggest losers. And, if not for an unfortunate injury to Carson, perhaps we even get to the Super Bowl.

But then last year happened. Everything that could go wrong did. It had a certain similarity to the 1990's. People doubted a little but held out hope. And then this year begins at 1-2, with a couple of losses where nothing feels right, and Bengals fans are again manic. People want Marvin fired [interesting as the only constant during this time has been the inept leadership of Mike Brown]. But I'm here to tell you:

Things . . . Will . . . Be . . . Fine.

And you heard it here first: they will win this Monday night against the Patriots.

It seems inconceivable, but they will. The Patriots can be beat and this is the perfect opportunity, with the Bengals reeling, for it to happen. And if nothing else assures me of this, it was a simple gesture by Carson Palmer. After Glenn Holt fumbled away the kick-off at the end of the game when the Bengals had three time outs and a minute to drive for a score, you knew he was down. While Holt has become a surprise go-to guy in situations the past two seasons, this was a game changing mistake. But there goes Carson, right after Holt screwed the pooch, to console his teammate. Those Bengals fans who've watched this team for the past two decades will attest that we haven't had that type of guy here since . . . well, Boomer Esiason.

This ship will be righted. The Bengals will make the play-offs And 1-2 will be a forgotten memory. For this reason I am opening up seats on the bandwagon a little early. This way you can get some premium seating while all the late-comers will be hanging on the sides.

It'll be a nice ride, I promise.

Fantasy Football Is Crazy . . .

. . . and female readership automatically dissipates. Last night I was lamenting that, despite the fact that I had the second highest score in our league, I was going to take the loss. Apparently the guy I was playing happened to start Kevin Curtis, who caught three TDs for the Eagles yesterday. Because I had the Cowboys defense and Rex Grossman is no good, I ended up with a slim three point lead going into tonight- and he still had Deuce McAllister playing MNF. But since the Saints are the Ain'ts, I come out with a victory.

Yeppers, baseball takes more skill.

UPDATE: Monday morning I joked to Kelly that it was sick that I would have to hope Deuce got hurt so I could win my Fantasy game. She agreed. Of course I just saw where Deuce tore his ACL in last night's game and that's why he didn't get any points.

I am, indeed, a sick-o.

Shot To The Groin

Let's sum it up: Reds lose. Bengals lose [horribly]. Fantasy baseball team loses in play-offs. Fantasy football team loses [um, because I picked up the Bengals defense].

And I still had a great day. Go figure.

Sucks To Be Roger Goodell

So Bill Belichick and the Patriots cheated and everyone waited for the commissioner to come down hard. He had to because he dropped the hammer all throughout the off-season. Just this month an assistant coach was suspended for five games for buying performance enhancing drugs [curious as the coach doesn't actually play the game]. In addition to all the other suspensions levied [Chris Henry gets eight games for a traffic violation?] Belichick's staff videotaping opposing coaches was previously caught, they were warned not to do it again, and yet they did it anyway. And there's still been no discussion about whether or not they were messing with the radio frequencies in the visiting quarterback's headsets.

The hammer had to fall. And yesterday it did.

But it was more like a toy hammer.

So there's a monetary fine and the lost of a first round draft pick. No suspension for the coach. About the cash, the Patriots are the 3rd most valuable NFL franchise worth about $1.2 BILLION. They made over $250 MILLION in revenue last year. It makes the combined fines of $750,000 look pretty weak. And as for the draft, the Pats traded with San Francisco last year and got their first round pick, meaning they'll likely get an even better position than what they normally had.

The new commissioner is looking pretty inconsistent right now. If you want to be the hard-dog, you gotta play the role even when it seems silly. I'm sure we're going to hear about this decision throughout the rest of the season. With this tumultuous first year, you gotta think that the Goodell era will be a relatively short one.

And who would've thunk this would be the year of the cheater?

Cheater, Cheater,

Pumpkin Eater.

Sports For Geeks

Just thought I'd make it public knowledge that my fantasy football team is 1-0. Not sure how long that will last. I did make the play-offs in my fantasy baseball league. That's 3 out of 4 years now, the blemish was the year we started Echo I pretty much mailed it in. But for all that moxie my guys are screwing it up this week. Looks like Brian's team is going to clobber me and I'll be lamenting my surplus of closers throughout the off-season.

I know, no one cares.

Future Hall of Famer

I'm still glad I was able to pick up good neighbor Chad Johnson on my fantasy team. Last night we were coming home from church, like most ministry couples, in separate cars. We usually talk on on the phone en route to catch up on our evenings. Coming up the hill I noticed a Rolls Royce ready to pull out from Chad's street. He pulled out between Kelly and me and then headed up Gilbert Avenue.

I wasn't 100% sure it was Chad until I came across this photo online. Yeah, Ocho-Cinco is travelin' in style. Next time I see him, I'll pull up and ask for Grey Poupon. As long as he keeps racking up those fantasy points, he can drive whatever he wants.

Hoping he can put up a couple more TDs in the second half.

Cold Draft

Reluctantly, I'm playing a little fantasy football. I've noted before the superiority of fantasy baseball and my non-participation in FF leagues. But I was persuaded this year by the opportunity to participate in a league with blogging church planters from around the country. Some of them I've interacted with, some I've just started reading. I'll be putting their sites up on my links shortly. Anyway, I had a pretty decent draft except that the ESPN auto-draft option wouldn't let me make my second pick, leaving me with Clinton Potis. Sure, Portis is good, but I've never really liked him. Hopefully he'll have a banner year.

And I was surprised, being the only Cincinnati guy, how quickly the Bengals jumped off the board. I was able to snag Chad Johnson, but every other major player went quicker than I thought would have.

So here's my line-up. FYI, I had the fifth pick in a snaking draft.

1. Shaun Alexander, Sea RB [local guy over Addai]

2. Clinton Portis, Was RB  [didn't want him; wanted Travis Henry]

3. Chad Johnson, Cin WR [lives two blocks from us]

4. Antonio Gates, SD TE [stud]

5. Matt Hasselbeck, Sea QB [He'll work]

6. Donald Driver, GB WR [Farve will work him hard this year]

7. Reggie Brown, Phi WR [Steal at this pick]

8. Jon Kitna, Det QB [Good back-up, has plenty of options]

9. Tatum Bell, Det RB [If the offense spreads, he'll get yards]

10. Greg Jennings, GB WR [Could break out this year]

11. Cowboys Defense/Special Teams  [Best left at this pick]

12. LenDale White, Ten RB  [USC Running back needs to get a watch]

13. Randy McMichael, StL TE    [Good offense for him]

14. Maurice Morris, Sea RB [Shaun Alexander's Back-up]

15. Chris Henry, Cin WR [Just for fun]

16. Olindo Mare, NO K [Was still left]

. . . And Whoever Plays Michigan

It'll be a reloading year for Ohio State, but that just means a lower tier BCS Bowl Game. But it doesn't seem to matter when something like this happens: Michigan gets punked at home against a 1AA team. Now I'm sorry we don't have the Big Ten network.

I would bet that my uncle Lloyd won't be coaching there much longer.