The Sports Hogwash

2006-08-25T01:56:00.000-05:00

Baseball

2006-08-17T12:28:00.000-05:00

Rose Bowl

2006-08-08T00:12:00.000-05:00

Lorchcast

2006-07-05T23:35:00.000-05:00

Alamo Bowl: Michigan v. Nebraska end of game

2006-06-29T15:10:00.000-05:00

Stephen A. Smith at the 2006 NBA Draft, Second Round

2006-06-26T21:34:00.000-05:00

Joe Mikulik - Asheville Tourists

Great!

2006-06-15T15:57:00.000-05:00

WWF Baseball

Bat boy tackles crazy fan.

The Sports Hogwash has MOVED!

2006-06-07T20:58:00.000-05:00

We are now an official DOT-COM.

Check out the new site-- lot of improvements in the days/months to come:

THE NEW SPORTS HOGWASH

Rocket Fuel, Performance fuel, Federer fuel

2006-06-07T00:53:00.000-05:00

Roger Clemens is fueling up for his June 22nd start with his Wednesday start with low-A ball affiliate Lexington. Expectations are high for the 43 year old legend--but he will be playing a minor league hitting team in the Minnesota Twins. The Twins have scored the 5th fewest runs in the league so far. Nice warm-up game for him.

How bout the kiddo that took him deep. Johnny Drennens. Talk about 15 minutes of fame. You gotta love Roger's comments about the long-ball:

Clemens joked he just gave him a pitch to hit because they share the same uniform number -- No. 22. "I'm sure I'll visit him tomorrow -- ask him how that room service was," Clemens said.

Jason Grimsley is in the news. Grimsley--sounds like a "would-be" character for a horror film. Not the case here. Just when you thought balco was on the back-burner, a bunch of Feds search reliever Jason Grimsley's house. Grimsley has a career 4.77 ERA with a 1.55 whip...he either a) didn't cheat or b) sucks at cheating. And ESPN reports that he has cheated. Interesting.

Minor League Baseball Draft was Tuesday. Surprise pick from the Royals--taking Luke Hochevar with the number one overall pick. Hochevar was not able to be signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers a year ago, played Independent ball and re-entered the draft. Ironic thing here--the Royals are widely known for NOT spending money. Maybe its the catch-22 rule, a player will never play independent ball 2 years in a row?

Other notable picks that I care about (you should also)--Drew Stubbs-University of Texas stud centerfielder- to the Reds at 8, Brad Lincoln-UH pitcher/hitter- went 4 to the Pirates. Kyle McCulloch -UT Pitcher- went to the White Sox and Kyle Drabek went to the Phillies at 18. Check it all out at baseball america.

Dwayne Wade missed his 2nd consecutive practice. When he drops 41 in a game one road win, will we begin to hear references to MJ. I think so.

Who's the most dominant player in his sport. No, not SHAQ, TIGER or PUJOLS (if he wasn't injured). It's Roger Federer. He's won 26 grand slam matches in a row as he moves into the semifinals of the Frenchy.

Technorati Tags: Roger Clemens,Roger Federer,Jason Grimsley,Johnny Drennen,Amatuer Baseball Draft

Monday Recap...

2006-06-06T00:32:00.000-05:00

Poker is a bitch.

If you can't take the bad beats, then don't play the game. It's part of it. Just like throwing inside on a 3-0 count (on purpose) or intentionally fouling a slasher on the way to an easy layup. It's just part of the game.

So a simple 16 player tournament...I'm surviving, playing my usual passive aggressive type of strategy. It gets to 7 players, top 4 pay. I get a raise to me and I'm holding pocket aces. I want to strategically get all of my money in the pot, so I raise it up 1.5 what was just raised me. The person next to me goes all in, followed by the original raiser going all in. Cards are flipped, they both have A-K. FANTASTIC! They only have the opportunity to split if 2 kings or a straight comes.

No straight came.

The only damn 2 kings in the deck came to split and crack my aces.

It was like I saw a UFO.

So I put that aside...put poker aside til..er, tommorow and lets talk sports.

NHL Final Game 1: Apparenly the Edmonton Oilers goalie has been injured (Dwayne Roloson), then the back-up goalie Ty Conklin botched an encounter behind the net handing the Canes the victory.

Sounds like a mild form of the Bill Buckner disease.

Bonds hits 716, glad it took him a little less time to get to 716 than it did to 715. And to stay with that, I'm glad Sal Pal Antonio wasn't there to cover Bonds. Thank god Sportscenter found something new to talk about.

Well, Sal was there for Michelle Wie. Wie must learn how to close. I don't care how well you shoot in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rounds. When the going gets tough, your "tough" must get going. The reason Tiger wins all the tournaments he does is because he is mentally tough. Win a women's tourney, or 2...or 10, and then compete against the men.

Baseball boxscores can be caught here.

Brandon Webb loses his scoreless inning streak at 30 innings pitch. Pretty impressive. He's still 8-0 as he recorded the ND in the 4-3 loss to the Phils (my pick to win the NL East). Sporer over at Baseball by Paul called Webb to win the Cy Young before the season started. Not too shabby. I was wondering to myself, who the hell plays for the Diamondbacks, and why are they so good. Sounds like a separate blog posting if you ask me.

The Griffey of Old is back, hit 2 home-runs (one in 9th inning dramatic fashion) to beat the Cards. That means he should be injured in 7-10 days. Trade him. Cards are still putting up runs (through 2 games) without Pujols.

The LASTros (no typo) almost were no hit by Carlos Zambrano. The Rocket doesn't bring fuel to heat up the bats...that's for sure. Zambrano did them dirty by driving in 4 runs. Wow, a pitcher drove in 4 runs against the Astros 2 games in a row.

Yankees clobber the Red Sox 13-5. If Beckett's curve ball isnt dropping off a table and he has to rely on his fastball, which is straight as an arrow, then he's going to have problems. And those problems will be magnified when you play the Yankees.

Jeff Francouer took a walk today. I don't believe it.

Hogwash Podcast

2006-06-05T14:15:00.000-05:00

Every Monday, I'm putting up a Podcast. On select Thursdays, a podcast will be available also.

This week I spit hogwash on:
1. Albert Pujols and the Cards
2. Yankees are better for having all the injuries
3. Astros Problems
4. Which Division Leader will choke
5. Minor League Draft
6. Michelle Wie
7. Weird News

You can download this weeks podcast here.

Statistical Nuances of the NBA Finals

2006-06-04T19:40:00.000-05:00

With the Mavs shocking victory on the road to end the series in 6, we find ourselves with an intriguing matchup.. Dallas vs. Miami. There's enough story lines here and the teams are entertaining enough that the ratings will be above average. Game 1 is Thursday, full breakdown will come then.

For now, you will be left with the Statistical Nuances of the NBA Finals.

Job search..

2006-05-14T11:22:00.000-05:00

The blog will be back... but not for awhile. New news from the blog will be here around June 1st. See you then.

You can find me at...

2006-04-27T23:20:00.000-05:00

The article about losers chances of winning can be found at Inspin.com . I'll be contributing to them most likely in the future. It's the first step people.

Women and Local News

2006-04-25T17:50:00.000-05:00

For my class, we are doing a study about women and the local news. Fun...I know. But our group did a "man-on-the-street" type of thing and asked UT students what they thought of the local news. Just got finished editing it all together, enjoy!

UT Students opinon on Local News

The Losers chances of Winning

2006-04-25T13:27:00.000-05:00

It is a catastrophe that in professional sports a non-winning record can set the table for a legitimate shot at a world title.
In baseball, it has come close (see 2005 San Diego Padres, 1973 NY Mets). In the NFL, only two .500 teams have made the playoffs since 1991 (1991 NYJ, 2004 STL). In the NBA however, it has been the norm to find teams with a losing record compete in late April and into May.
Below, a table of the number of .500 win percentage teams, the number of first round games they have won, and the number of series they have gone on to win.

[Graphic that is explained below]

Parody just hasn’t existed in the NBA playoffs. These 15 teams in the last 10 years have combined to win just 12 playoff games, and have never advanced. In 2004, four teams in the East had the shot and surely one could pull the upset? Not even the four vs. five could do it.
The last time a team with a losing record entered the playoffs and won a series was 1988. Then, the Seattle Supersonics boasted a 39-43 record as the 7-seed, and made it all the way to the conference finals. They upset both Dallas and Houston, before being swept by Pat Riley’s Los Angeles Lakers. Since Seattle, a total of 31 teams have entered the playoffs with a record at or below .500. And these teams are 0-31 in playoff series.
So how good of chances do Milwaukee (40-42), Chicago (41-41) and Indiana (41-41) have this year? I’m not going to say none, because that’s why they play the games, but let’s delve into these match-ups.

(1) Detroit vs. (8) Milwaukee
One-seeds haven’t loss since 1999. But there was a technicality about that year. First, 1999 was the NBA lockout year, and only 50 regular season games were played. Second, three other teams had the same 33-17 record but Miami won by tiebreaker.
In a full 82-game season, it was the 1994 Denver Nuggets who upset the top-seeded Supersonics to advance to the second round.
With Flip Saunders at the helm, we’ve seen the Pistons play looser offensively, but still maintaining impressive defense leading them to their best regular season record (64-18) ever. Don’t worry about the nonsense about Ben Wallace not getting along with Flip, this team is focused when it comes to the playoffs.
Having said this, Milwaukee has their hands full. Let’s just look at player vs. player matchups.

[graphic that says everything is Detroit advantage]

Billups will substitute size for speed, and can dominate Ford. Hamilton is a workhorse. Prince is undoubtedly better than Simmons. And I’ll just point out the experience from the frontcourt to suffice my argument for the Wallace’s.
To make matters worse, the only type of success they had against Detroit was when they played Toni Kukoc at the three. Kukoc is already banged up and will miss the first game, so is health will be a definite factor.
Prediction: Pistons in a sweep

(2) Miami vs. (7) Chicago
Chicago is the hottest of the East’s bottom-3, finishing 12-2 in their final 14 to slip into the show. They had a similar run in the last month of the season last year, winning 15 of their last 19 games. The Bulls only win against the Heat in the regular season came back on April 15, when the Heat rested most of their stars.
In the playoffs, it comes down to defense and though the “Baby Bulls” are young, they do buckle down, leading the NBA for the second straight season in defensive field-goal percentage (.426).
Offensively, the Bulls patented “drive-and-kick” out game has given opposing teams a hard time. Ben Gordon ranks 2nd in the Eastern Conference hitting 43.9-percent from 3-point land, and point-guard Kirk Hinrich has shot 42.9-percent from behind the arc in his last five games.
Although the Heat have been locked into the No. 2 spot since basically January, I don’t see them having trouble kicking into high gear. Even when the Bulls shut down Wade in their meetings this year (12.3 ppg), the Heat have found a way to win.
The Bulls have no answer for Shaq, who had 14-points and 6-rebounds in just 20 minutes of action on April 15.
Prediction: Heat in 5

(3) New Jersey vs. (6) Indiana
This might very well be the best shot for a team at the .500 mark in the regular season to win a series. The Nets came from the weak Atlantic Division who sent no other teams beside themselves to the playoffs. The two teams have similar defensive work ethics, as they are 5th and 6th in points allowed respectively in the NBA. The interesting thing about this series is the way they view each other. New Jersey players have said the Pacers are a good transition and look to slow it down, while Indiana players have said the exact same thing about the Nets! Wow, this should be a fun series to watch!
Jermaine O’ Neal looks to be healthy into the playoffs, having played 30-plus minutes in his final 11 regular season games, but I don’t foresee him being the difference. The difference must come from the defense side of the ball, in particular, the ability to stop Vince Carter.
Peja Stojakovic and Stephen Jackson must play top-notch to pull the upset.
I have a feeling this series will go seven. The Nets were 29-12 at home, fourth-best home record in the Eastern conference, so that’s the way I lean.
Prediction: Nets in 7

Tag: NBA Playoffs 2006

Best Female Boxer Ever?

2006-04-19T13:17:00.000-05:00

I did a documentary/feature on Ann Wolfe. It really is an inspiring story of an athlete who's father was murdered and her mother died of cancer, who over came this plus being hit by 2 cars to be arguably the best female boxer ever.

Ann Wolfe - Overcoming all Odds

Tag: Ann Wolfe

Quick-Hitters

2006-04-17T22:49:00.000-05:00

Quote for life/sports:

"The trouble with you is the trouble with me. You've got two good eyes but you still don't see...."
-- Grateful Dead, "Casey Jones"

1) Buehrle fined for Tarp sliding - In the White Sox rain delay, pitcher Mark Buehrle ran onto the field and slid head first over the tarp. Well, that warrants a fine nowadays. According to blog-column, they used to always do this.

2)Hot Tiger news - Chris Shelton is on Fire...9 Home runs now through 13 games! Just to think that Shelton was a rule 5 pick-up (meaning the Pirates didn't want them on their 40 man roster in 2003 so anyone can pick him up for cheap, cheap, cheap compensation; see Johan Santana also) Fernando Rodney should remain the closer when Todd Jones returns from the DL and rookie sensation Joel Zumaya is the real deal...all at Baseball by Paul

3)Preview the MLB Draft - The 2006 Amateur Baseball draft was supposed to be pitching heavy. Well, some of the big name pitchers have been injured/sucking. Baseball Analysts previews the Draft.

4) Why do teams talk themselves out of Picking VY?? - SI writer Michael Silver posed that question in his article on Friday...and as a Texas homer, I couldnt agree. Screw the proto-typical qb. Who has it. Who gets it done in the clutch?

5)Georgia Offensive Linemen passes out on commode - In a display of public drunkeness, Ian Smith--OL, passed out with his pants around his ankles, this according to a Georgia Blog. I kid you not. Police had to hammer through a door to get to him. Big Boy was drunk.

6)Texas Football gets 19th recruit - According to Burnt Orange Nation Mack signs another one. No other coach in the country has more than 2 already locked up. Brown has 19. Nineteen.

You can always be touched..

2006-04-17T16:53:00.000-05:00

Once again, not related to sports, but at times you have to back off and realize that what I love...is just a game. There are stories other than the success of the Pittsburgh Steelers, or the home run records being shattered or a game winning 3 pointer that touch the heart.

I know you most likely do not know Willie Tichenor but this piece of video most likely will touch you in an unthinkable way. I knew Willie, but didn't know Willie but now feel connected to him through the stories his family and friends have told. Although his time was short, it was special. And we honored him today.

Transcript from ESPN Deportes 1260

2006-04-12T11:55:00.000-05:00

I did a story this past week about 1260 AM radio going all spanish sports with affiliation to ESPN Deportes. Here's the transcript.

Anchor Intro: Austin ranks 19th in population of Hispanic markets. ESPN decided to run with it…ESPN deportes is coming to town.

RT: Martin Moreno was born in border-town Eagle Pass, Texas…and is a die-hard sports fan.

Sot Moreno: Sports is like music. It’s some peoples only passion. A lot of Hispanics have that same passion.

RT: When ESPN radio announced the first all-sports Spanish talk station in Texas to be located in Austin…he was pumped.

Sot Moreno: I’d listen as often as I could.

reporter: Hispanics in Austin feel the same way

Sot Promotions director ESPN Radio Chris Patin: We’ve had phone calls about when is going to be on the air,its not going to be September, but were streaming it online. But not only from them but also a sponsors stand point. Their excited.

RT: ESPN Austin will host 10 percent of the content. The rest will come from the national network. But ESPN Austin expects big things.

Sot Promotions director Chris Patin: There’s really nothing like this its gonna be big. You see it by just walking the streets of Austin and going to sporting events.

reporter: Come summer…Moreno no longer has to adapt when it comes to sports-radio.

Sot Moreno: Being around Spanish speakers makes me feel at home. Eating Spanish food makes me feel at home. Hearing about Hispanic sports makes me feel at home.

MY opinion: It will be good for the city of Austin. Austin ranks 19th in hispanic population in the US. I know there's tons of fights about illegal immigrants and what-not going on in politics today, but the truth is that in Texas the Hispanics are starting to become 2nd generation. There is alot more money that they can bring into the market and we will see stations like this pop up in alot of different places.

Crazy Busy..

2006-04-12T11:38:00.000-05:00

My life is at an all-time craziness. Not only am I backloaded in work...aka 2 papers, a presentation and a 3-5 minute package..but I have the agonizing pain in the back of my mind that I have to get a job sometime soon. So, on the weekends I make stuff for my resume tape...and oh yeah, I try to save my social life. It's hard to realize that I have just 17 days of class left in my entire life. That's scary. Anyways, that's the reason I haven't posted in awhile.

Things I have been thinkging about:

1)LaMarcus is Gone - Who could blame him? He's going to be a top 5 pick and make millions. I have got the priviledge of attending press conferences, asking him questions, and getting to know the guy from a basketball media perspective. He's a personable guy that has a great sense of humor. On the court, he's got a nice jumper but needs to muscle up more. I love the way he runs the court.

2) PJ gone? - This site certainly says he's already made up his mind. Say it ain't so! PJ's stock is high and there have been reports that if he stays he will play the 4, because Kevin Durant (NO.2 high school prospect) is twig like and has no chance at the 4. There's no way PJ play PF in the NBA...it looks like he should go.

3) 4 minor league pitchers suspended 50 games - Is it funny to me that pitchers were the ones to be caught. One of the pitchers caught was Ryan Rafferty...product of the Woodlands.

4) Yao's hurt - The Rockets must pull a Texans. Try your absolute hardest to lose every single game. Up that lottery status. I smell Yao, lamarcus, tmac?????

Enjoy and comment like usual.

Baseball and Amphetamines

2006-04-05T12:30:00.000-05:00

Outside the Lines did an interesting piece on amphetamines last night. Also known as "Greenies", amphetamines is now on the list of banned substances by MLB effective 2006. "Greenies" is basically a form of speed, kind of like ritalin, concerta, or adderall...which Derek Lowe is taking.

Being a college student, I am well aware of the use of adderall as a study stimulator. The pill is widespread, popular, and almost treated as a form of currency. Students who are worn out or who need to "pull an all-nighter" or cram as much information with as little time take these type of pills. So when adderall is scarce among the population...students use all measures possible, including lying.

I've heard students look up the symptoms to adderall. I've seen students tell themself that they have ADD and fool their brain into thinking this. I've seen them go into a doctors office with one intent...to get a dying need to adderall.

And they've been successful.

To step back and think about it..these people are kind of sick. To lie, cheat or pull whatever measures to maintain a regular drug habit, and then let the public know about your "Disability"...geez, it absolutely baffles me.

Derek Lowe is on ADD. I'm not saying he's faking the ADD to get the amphetamines...I really don't know his situation. I'm saying that if baseball is going to give a free pass for athletes that are prescibed amphetamines by a doctor, you are going to see an influx of athletes heading to the local pharmacist.

Now put yourself in David the Doctor's shoes, all hypothetically speaking of course.

Say Gary Sheffield, a proclaimed amphetamine user from an interview in 2003, came to ol' David the Doctor and said, "Doc I really need some uppers. How bout I sign a couple balls, hook you up with World Series tickets for your family when the Bombers make it back to win number 27, and you cover me up for being prescribed to adderall. We got a deal?"

Now please tell me Dr. David ain't signing his life away.

Baseball and Amphetamines

Closing College Basketball

2006-04-04T01:06:00.000-05:00

Billy Donovan said it perfectly after defeating the UCLA Bruins by 16.

"I sit up here with this trophy and am not sure if we are the best team in the country."

It's like the Kobe Bryant commercial..."Love it for the same reasons you hate it"

Love the madness that led to intriguing sweet 16 game after intriguing sweet 16 game. Love the 14-seed NW State knocking off Iowa. Love the Patriots of George Mason and their incredible final four run.

Hate that the best team doesn't have a national championship.

Tag: NCAA Tournament

Bonds and the Syringe

2006-04-04T00:48:00.000-05:00

A full day of baseball is under our belt. I didn't realize how much I missed baseball until I watched a total of 9 hours of baseball on television today. Laptop in hand, researching statistics, conjouring analysis of players I've never seen before, and making wild assumptions that will help/hurt my fantasy teams.

However, a single fan, which ultimately created a story has got me pondering at this point in time. A fan at Petco Park tossed a syringe on the field against the San Fransisco Giants in the bottom of the eighth inning.

I have a problem with this.

First of all it's opening day. For one day I wanted to forget the steroid scandal and enjoy America's Game. I wanted the news to be focused on the players and the action on the field. Let MLB's investigators do the dirty work. If indeed the players have used steroids then they are tainting the game and will eventually pay the price. Fans don't need to taint the game by throwing objects on the field to be either a)funny or b)try to make a statement.

Interestingly enough, Barry Bonds has his own show on ESPN, Bonds on Bonds. It appears tonight. I'll try my hardest to avoid this trash.

Readers: I don't want your opinion if Bonds used steroids, rather, I want to know whether you think this type of fan interference is good for the game (statement made by the fans meaning they don't want to tolerate steroids) or my side.

And ok.. I was wrong about UCLA. They didn't show up, UF dominated and played together. Congrats Gators.

Tag: Barry Bonds and the Syringe

No case of the Mondays today...

2006-04-03T14:14:00.000-05:00

This might be the best monday in sports...

College Basketball National Championship - a storied program in UCLA" blah blah blah. I'm tired of storylines to games that alot of people don't care about. CBS is losing out on tons of ratings based on the fact that ESPN gave so much love to the ACC/Big 10/Big East and no attention to the SEC and Pac-10. If there was balanced coverage among all conferences, we would actually know the 5 starters on both of these teams. Nevertheless, i'll watch. UCLA plays defense, they should win.

UCLA 65- UF 58

Opening Day - This is why I don't have a case of the mondays...even though today was the hardest day to get out of bed (Daylight savings monday). All hope springs eternal..and today marks the closest teams like Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Florida and Pittsburgh will be to the top of their divisions. Today is fun also for fantasy baseball owners. This and football are the only 2 sports fantasy actually works.

My division winners:
AL East: Yankees
AL Central: Indians
AL West: Angels
Wildcard: Athletics

NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Cardinals
NL West: Giants
Wildcard: Mets

Tag: Opening Day

A birthday on 6th street

2006-04-03T11:58:00.000-05:00

I've got some video for ya'll. My friend Dan turned 22 and celebrated in grandiose fashion.

Enjoy.

Tag: Sixth Street Birthday

The No-Fun-League

2006-03-28T12:29:00.001-06:00

The NFL competition committee is ruining everyone's fun.

They are thinking about cracking down on end-zone celebrations even further. Although I think the celebrations are funny and could soon get out of hand, I think they are perfect right now.

Week after week, new sports fans tuned into to watch Chad Johnson and Steve Smith spar off on end-zone celebration. Around Christmas time in the NFL, Chad Johnson threatened to use a live reindeer. So when Sunday came around, I didnt ask if my beloved Bills were winning (well, they were out of postseason contention), I didn't ask if the Colts kept their undefeated streak alive. I asked, "Did Chad Johnson score a TD?" And, "What did he do this time."

This type of celebration keeps the game raw, keeps everyone interested, and gives fans something to laugh about. Everyone laughs about Hockey when fights break out. Everyone loves Nascar when the "Hill-billy" drivers pummel each other after the race, and ordinary fans love end-zone celebrations.

If the NFL competition committee really feels like cracking down, make an allotted time limit. Give Chad Johnson 15 seconds to strut his stuff, tee off like Tiger, or cradle the baby. Fans will like it, he wont take away from the game, and it will keep the game fun.

Tag: End Zone Celebrations

Reactions from this weekend

2006-03-27T12:19:00.000-06:00

Listening to Sports Radio on the way home from school today, I heard an interesting stat. Out of 1.5 million users, and 3 million entries...only 3 people had all four of their final four remaining in their bracket.

So lets classify these type of people. Are these people smart for believing George Mason would upset the past 3 national champions (MSU, UNC, UConn) on the way to Indy. Are these "bracketologists" intelligent that they failed to pick a single Number 1 seed?

Anyways, my beloved Longhorns are out of the tournament. A great game on Thursday night with K.P hitting the gamewinner at the buzzer. They had a great year, most wins in school history, 30, and are still a favorite for next year. Even in Lamarcus leaves, which he most likely will, Gibson should stay, PJ will be back for his senior campaign, and a good class is coming in for Rick Barnes which includes No. 2 high school prospect Kevin Durante. This is Texas. We don't rebuild, we reload.

Is it possible for a team to be too talented. Well, in UConn's case, it was. These powerhouses like UConn and Duke get so many good players that it takes away from team chemistry. UConn won the national championship 2 years ago with an upperclassmen leader, Emeka Okafor. This year, they had 2 potential lottery picks, Josh Boone and Rudy Gay, on the bench in the waning moments of the overtime loss to George Mason. I'd take a team that is well balanced, senior leadership with an array of role players before the studs. And if you don't agree, look what Team USA is doing in the World Competition. A.I was withheld from even trying out for the club while players like Bruce Bowen were invited.

Florida is the odds-on favorite. You have to like their chances. They have a nice array of big men, they can shoot the three-ball, and are much deeper than George Mason. I'd love to see the Patriots keep their run in-tact, but I think Billy Donovan's ball club will step up. What we considered one of the weaker conferences in college basketball, the SEC, could turn in to the strongest one. I forecast an ALL-SEC final.

Away from basketball, Longhorn baseball swept their series over Oklahoma State this weekend. True freshman Kyle Russell hit a couple of HR's over the weekend. He leads Texas in BA: 375, HR: 5, RBI: 28, Slugging: .738, and OBP: 478. Texas softball swept their series over NO. 17 Nebraska to open up conference play. They can hit this year, as they came back from a 2-run deficit 2x in game 2 of the series, capped off with an Amber Hall homerun to put the Horns ahead for good 5-4.

Longhorns..

2006-03-23T14:35:00.000-06:00

Sweet 16 Part Uno

2006-03-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

Duke vs. LSU

Duke’s been a basketball powerhouse for quite some years. They’ve been to the sweet 16 something like the last 9 years in a row. Having a hall-of-fame coach and the most prestigious basketball university in the nation doesn’t hurt. However, I’m not sold on this Duke team. Granted they’ve been a top-5 ranked team the entire year, they’ve had a loss of close calls and for the Dukies to lose their final 2 games in ACC play, including Senior night, said a lot to me. Sheldon Williams, who has dominated fellow ACC big-men downlow, will have problems muscling up with baby Shaq. Darrell Mitchell proved to be clutch as he hit the key three-pointer to lift the Tigers over Texas A&M. Don’t think the close win over a 12-seed is a sign to weakness. A&M was a team that was underrated, hard-working, and full of heart. And besides, teams can use a big-shot like Darrell Mitchell’s as momentum. With LSU’s physical, tough defense they will be able to shut down JJ Redick, however, I see a Sean Dockery/Melchioni/McRoberts stepping up and having a big game.

Duke 85 – LSU 81 OT

Texas vs. West Virginia

Texas has struggled against teams that slow it down and play possession by possession. That explains the Penn game. A good Texas team came out and played against N.C. State, but we haven’t seen the best Texas team in the Big Dance yet. Buckman hasn’t played to his potential, and even though Tucker is averaging 15 a game, I don’t think he’s broken out. Barnes will come out of his zone and matchup with West Virginia. The athleticism and defense of LaMarcus Aldridge (Big XII defensive player of year) will shut down Pittsnogle. Daniel Gibson will hold down Mike Gansey. Besides that 1-2 punch from WVU, I don’t see much of an attack. An advantage the Mountaineers have is if this game is close down the stretch. WVU is 8-4 in games decided by 5-points or less. The difference in this game will be PJ Tucker. Tucker is a nightmare for opposing coaches because he creates a mismatch at any position he plays. With a PJ Tucker on board, it gives Coach Rick Barnes the flexibility to mix up the five on the floor in any creative way. The Longhorn backcourt is comfortable after beating the Wolfpack by double-digits, and do the same against West Virginia

UT 62 – WVU 48

Memphis vs. Bradley

I’m going to be honest, I have not seen Bradley play thus far. I think beating KU was an accomplishment, but nothing too special. The Jayhawks are young, like UNC, and we all know both those teams will be watching the Tournament from the confines of their living rooms. Beating Pitt made a statement for the Missouri Valley Conference. Their run ends here though. Memphis is too athletic, and have their tournament nerves out of them after the first weekend. Senior Rodney Carney will take over this game. Carney and the rest of the athletic bunch that Coach John Calipari coaches will be way too much for the 13 seed. I know Bradley has had a nice run and put pressure on the opposing teams early, causing those teams to play the Bradley Braves type of ball, but not this time. And besides, 13 seeds in the sweet 16 are 0-3. Well…make that 0-4.

Memphis 86 – Bradley 70

UCLA vs. Gonzaga

The Pac-10 has flown under the radar in 2006. Is it the fact that their games don’t start till 9 central/10 eastern the reason we don’t watch them? The UCLA guards have impressed me thus far. A guy named Jordan Farmar has the ability to not only shoot the 3-ball but has gone to the rack hard in a fashion that we don’t usually see out of point guards. And then there’s Stache’. Adam Morrison leads this Gonzaga team, that despite being a 3-seed, is still fighting for respect. Although I think that the Zags team is not as good as last year, I think this team has better chemistry and an identity. Of course they rely on POY Candidate Morrison for their points, but J.P Batista has been providing scoring when needed. And down the stretch free-throws are huge. Not only does Stache’ shoot nearly 80 percent, but point-guard Derek Raivio is clutch, shooting a 91-percent clip. It always seems the Bulldogs pull the close ones out, no matter who their competition is, and they do that this time.

Gonzaga 76 – UCLA 75

Just for the Record:
Texas over Duke
Memphis over Gonzaga

Soriaahhh--NO!

2006-03-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

Newly-acquired Alfonso Soriano finally reported to Washington National spring training camp after his Dominican Republic team was eliminated from WBC competition on Saturday. He greeted his team Sunday and was slated to lead off and play left-field on Monday.

Ahhh Left Field? OH, Hell No.

I first will take Soriano's side: You are an all-star second basemen. You've played 2nd your entire life. Your contract is more than half the teams total salary. As a 2nd basemen, your power numbers are legit...which you will eventually cash in when a contract year comes.

Now the logical side. Baseball is a team sport. You are on a new team. There's no way worse to greet your teammates by refusing to play a position. In addition, you suck at 2nd base. Soriano has had 105 errors since 2001. That is nearly 50 more than any 2nd basemen in that same span!! I know you've played 2nd base since you were 4 years old...or is that 2 on your "birth certificate"...but swallow your pride.

After Soriano found out no other teams wanted him, he was basically given an ultimatum. Play left-field, or don't get paid the 10 million dollars that the Nationals would shell out. Well, that's 10 million reasons why Soriano was out there Tuesday afternoon. Don't pull a Man-Ram, Alfonso. Work hard at being a solid out-fielder. Show the league why you're worth the money. Work hard so Steinbrenner wants you back so you can actually go back to the Big Apple.

But that won't happen. The chemistry in Washington is just not there. How can you have chemistry when you have selfish players like Jose Guillen and Livan Hernandez mixed with a bunch of potential prospects. Playing in the toughest division in the National League, if the ship starts to sink, it will be the veterans that abandon ship first.

T.O. to the BIG D

2006-03-20T12:32:00.000-06:00

I hate Dallas, But I don't hate TO.

And that's why this post will be tough to write.

There are countless reasons why I should hate TO. He ruined the Eagles season, he called out his quarterbacks, he's a loud-mouth that craves attention. I know...but really don't care.

I like the guy. He's funny and media-friendly. He outplayed his contract, so yes, he deserves a better contract. I think he is misunderstood. I think he will make his team better.

He will make the Dallas Cowboys a playoff team.

The man works hard. That hard work pays off for him and his teammates on the field. Not only does Terrell have the ability to turn a 10 yard catch into a 80 yard TD, but he opens up space for other receivers.

Bledsoe likes to spread the ball around. In Buffalo he utilized the TE role effectively while spreading the ball to receivers like Moulds, Reed (when he'd catch it), Peerless Price (when he was around), and Lee Evans (in his rookie season). The 2006 Cowboys will have tremendous balance with Jason Witten, Patrick Crayton, and Terry Glenn coming up in key roles. Don't forget Julius Jones coming back, and he'll be totally healthy.

So the next question is your WR--QB relationship. How fast will TO rip Drew Bledsoe?

Bledsoe has worked through tough situations before. As a rookie in New England, Drew had to deal with Bill Parcells. As I've heard, being a rookie for Parcells is NOT easy. Bledsoe also dealt with having his starting position snatched from him after an injury. Tom Brady took over the role and led the Patriots to a Super Bowl while Bledsoe watched on.

That takes some patience.

And if TO still tries to bite Bledsoe's head off...The Tuna will step in.

TO knows his limits and knows his boundaries. This is a situation that is perfect for him, and after the last situation, I honestly believe he will work to assimilate into the Cowboys organization. His "Boy" Michael Irvin will mend any disagreements.

This situation works, and it makes me mad.

2006 Cowboys = 12-4

Tag: Terrell Owens

Podcasting

2006-03-19T11:41:00.000-06:00

At first glance, podcasting looked cool.

Any average American citizen could connect a microphone, say what they think, talk however long they wanted to, and then say goodbye and...boom a podcast.

There is one problem--The copyright of your opinion.

What's saying the sportscasters from ESPN Radio here in Austin don't check out your opinion and have it for their own--WORD for WORD. What's saying they don't steal your "Gimmicky Segment"

I know my opinion is just a big "hogwash", but one day people will actually care what I have to say. Well, more than just the 11 of ya'll.

Tag: Podcasting

Barry officially Busted

2006-03-08T08:44:00.000-06:00

So you are a fence-sitter? Couldn't believe the "testimony" that was leaked from the grand-jury. Believed that Barry was an old man, worn down by the media. Believed he naturally hit 72 homeruns in a single season.

Wake up and smell the roses.

Two San Fransisco Chronicle reporters finally got enough testimony leaked, got enough documents (over 1,000), and got enough interviews (200) to break the biggest story this decade.

Talking about his body this spring break, Barry called himself, "Fat". Translation--off the juice.

Talking about his injury last season, Barry said, "Older people take longer to heal". Translation--it takes longer to heal off the juice.

Talking about his spring training this year, Barry: Acted as Paula Abdul. Translation--estrogen hormonal effects from the juice?

Bonds looked so colorful thus far. Acting as Abdul in a spring training skit. A laughable, funny, extroverted character the public loves. Acting like a Kirby Puckett with a smile as wide as the atlantic ocean.

Don't be fooled that's some heart-warming material for his TV show.

And now that this book is released chronicling his steroid use from 1998. He will go back in his dark, dark cave and be the dark, dark man we all hate.

You don't think the book is true...here's a quote from former Giants manager Dusty Baker after reading the book.

"I read it, man. I was lost. I didn't even know there were that many kind of steroids," said Cubs manager Dusty Baker, Bonds' former skipper in San Francisco. "I've never even seen steroids. I didn't even know what kind of steroids are steroids other than the kinds you use to fight allergies. ... I was quite surprised with the detail that was in there."

Just when Barry thought he was in the clear.

Kirby Puckett

2006-03-07T07:37:00.000-06:00

Growing up...he was an iconic figure.

The short, stubby, quick, balls-out gamer.

His baseball was card was worth its fair share among me and my friends.

His smile worth a lot more.

Kirby Puckett was the last of its kind--playing when baseball was fun. Before money, steroids and statistics were the players first perogative. An era where teammates were more than a runner on 2nd, but a best friend for life.

I agree with ESPN's reference that Puckett did to Minnesota what Michael Jordan did to Chicago. I don't know one player, past or present, that has brought more people together or warmed as many hearts as Kirby.

Maybe he wasn't the most classiest guy off-the-field with the ladies, but all that stuff didn't matter back then. It was all about getting to the postseason, and winning the postseason--a feat done twice but Puckett.

I still remember the early 1990's where Kirby, standing at 5-8, leaped as high as his little body out there could, and snagged a sure double away from an Atlanta Brave in Game 6 of the World-Series. He then proceeded to hit a walk-off HR to extend the series to 7 games.

Double-digit all-star, a .312 career batting average, a hall-of-famer.

On Fox Sports Radio Show "JT-The Brick", a caller called in and talked about Puckett. He then broke down in tears.

He was a special player to all that know anything about the game.

R.I.P Kirby Puckett.

Texas Basketball

2006-03-03T16:01:00.000-06:00

UT basketball needs an identity.

It's now March in the 2006 calendar year. However, the most talented team in the country is still searching for a leader.

Throughout the season we've seen each player step up big in at least one game. LaMarcus and the bench was good against Kansas. PJ was instrumental against Memphis and Nova. Gibson big versus Baylor. Err. Baylor. Buckman is your blue collar hard-working, show-up player, but not a leader. KP is consistent but not a consistent leader.

One player needs to take charge.

One player needs to man-up and say..."This is my team. I'm going to take us to Indianapolis. I'm going to "Bring a title back to Auussten Texas" (VY context, of course)

On Wednesday night, Texas traveled to Reed Arena and was defeated by a Texas A&M team that is NOT going to make the tournament.

The problem with not having a true "leader", is that you have the 5 players on the floor, staring at each other, waiting for someone to step up. I want a "go-getter". I want someone to say, "Watch me, we are going to win...jump on my back and follow my lead."

That guy needs to be the emotional leader. He needs to be the spokesman of the group. He will be the Big XII MVP. He will be the one that has to get rid of the silly mistakes.

Take us to Indy, P.J.

VY to the Texans?

2006-02-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

On April 28th and 29th, the NFL Draft Class of 2006 will be determined and players 1-thru-Mr. Irrelevant will be determined. Among these to be drafted is a University of Texas hero—Vincent Young.

Over the past weekend…the Longhorn legend didn’t work out with the rest of the quarterbacks, but took the Wonderlich test. The Miami Herald reported VY received a 6. John McClain of the Chronicle cleared it up later.

Six-out-of-fifty?

Is VY that dumb…or is his agent that smart?

Listen to my conspiracy.

So Young is a Houston boy and has made it clear he wants to be a Texan. He’s come to the realization that either the Texans a) can’t pass on Reggie Bush… or b) won’t get one of the teams in the top 5 picks to trade with the Texans in order to take him.

Young, knowing he has lucrative advertising contracts waiting for him, could care less if he gets that couple-extra-million signing bonus. So he informs his agent to circulate a rumor that he bombed his Wunderlich. VY then informs his agent (family friend/school teacher) to tell-all he received a 16.

Now VY’s agent is dumber than VY himself. Major Adams (the agent) spreads the word Young received a 6. This would put Young’s IQ on the level of the careerbuilder.com monkeys.

Within 24 hours VY is now a top 10 pick…instead of a top-5. And looooooookie here, just coincidentally the Texans now are taking offers to trade their top overall pick.

Why not the Niners? If the Texans traded with the 49ers, picked up an OL, their first rounder and a future first rounder (maybe more) and still got Young at 6…that would be fantastic. You think San Francisco would pass up on an opportunity to keep their USC boy’ at home? Remember…Alex Smith and Reggie Bush were high-school teammates.

The City of Houston wants Vince. The City of Houston needs Vince

It’s all a conspiracy…but it really makes you think.

Tag: Wonderlich Test

Adios Olympios

2006-02-27T08:15:00.000-06:00

Names you’ve never heard of 3 weeks ago:

Apollo Anton Ohno
Sasha Cohen
Joey Cheek
Chad Hedrick
Shani Davis
Lindsey Jacobellis
Toby Dawson
Seth Wescott

Names you recognize but don’t know where-from...3 months from now:

Apollo Anton Ohno
Sasha Cohen
Joey Cheek
Chad Hedrick
Shani Davis
Lindsey Jacobellis
Toby Dawson
Seth Wescott

Names you’ve never heard of 3 years from now:

Apollo Anton Ohno
Sasha Cohen
Joey Cheek
Chad Hedrick
Shani Davis
Lindsey Jacobellis
Toby Dawson
Seth Wescott

It’s safe to say that I was burnt out from the Olympics far faster than the torch was.

It sucks too, I really tried.

With the sports-world on halt (right after Super Bowl—and before March Madness) there was nothing stopping myself from watching. I have an operating television. I have electricity. I have a sports mind. I have no girlfriend that requires time. I even had 17 bags of microwave popcorn. However, I forgot one thing that I had that would prevent me from watching the games.

My sanity.

The story line from the Olympics is failure. That’s the only thing I liked.

I liked Lindsey Jacobellis falling when trying to showboat on the last jump in the Cross Country Snowboard Event.

I liked Bode Miller going 0-5 in Olympic medals when he considered himself a favorite to medal in all.

I smiled when Sasha Cohen fell to rid herself of the gold. I also smiled when figure skating was compared to Nascar—only being watched to see the falls/crashes

Am I just a mean person or do I like evil.

So long 20th Winter Olympics Games…and DON’T come back now’ ya hear!

Tag: 2006 Olympics

Podcasting

2006-02-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

Being a connoisseur of sports and sports radio, I’ve done some research on the new craze which is known as podcasting.

Albeit I don’t know much, I know enough to “wow” a few of you out there.

Podcasting (don’t be scared) is the ability to listen or watch a media file, whenever, however and wherever you want.

There are multiple sites that show their podcast. ITUNES is the lead podcast search engine but sites like Odeo and The Podcast Network aren’t too far behind.

So what do you do?

Go to this site. Then download their music store. Trust me. Next search through their podcasts—click ESPN and bam..you have your 20-30 minute wrap in sports whenever you want to listen to it on your computer.

If you really like what you see, you can “subscribe” to the feed, which will allow you to automatically download the feed when updated.

In my opinion, the future of pod-casting is very bright, especially with the boom of satellite radio currently happening. Sooner or later, we will be able to subscribe to feeds, which will be connected to satellites which will download straight to the car. You wake up—get dressed—pick the paper from the electronic dog who went outside to get it for you—jump in your car—tune to Sirius satellite channel 11,322—and listen to your favorite podcasts.

When I get a server to put my audio files in. You will hear The Sports Hogwash pod-cast.

I promise it wont be 2012 also.

And for now on...I'll vow to my blog like Babe Ruth vowed to women.

“I'll promise to go easier on drinking and to get to bed earlier, but not for you, fifty thousand dollars, or two-hundred and fifty thousand dollars will I give up women. They're too much fun.” -Babe Ruth-

Tag: Podcasting

A Quiky about Ricky

2006-02-21T12:25:00.000-06:00

It just doesn't make sense.

Ricky Williams failed his 4th drug test of his NFL career earlier this week, meaning he will miss the entire 2006 season. Reports have come out from anonymous resources saying the failed test has nothing to do with marijuana and nothing to do with steroids. I now will state my case for Ricky.

And no, I'm not a Ricky fan even though I attend the University of Texas.

Ricky Williams is a smart guy. He understands the value of a dollar. He understands that football will allow him to make a lot of green in order for him to live a "green" life later on. He came back for money. He knows he needs more money, not only to pay child support, but to live sufficiently later on. Ricky knows with another failed drug test he would be suspended for an entire year, which would force all teams that had interest, to cease immediately.

When Ricky's mind, body, and spirit breed football...he's a fantastic player. With a pair of 100-yard rushing games at the end of the 2005-2006 NFL season, I believe he enjoyed the game.

Ricky is also weird but still upstanding character. Everyone would agree with this statement if they put aside the fact that marijuana use in this country is illegal. Ricky is a type that if he knowingly was cheating, or if he knowingly smoked pot, or if he knowingly did whatever...he wouldn't appeal his suspension. Instead, he would look inside himself look for inner beauty through his gypsy methods or whatever.

That's just the type of person he is.

There's something not right about this scenario. If it looks fishy, smells fishy, and is fishy (Miami Dolphins), it probably is.

And it helps my claim that an anonymous source inside of the NFL has said that Ricky Williams suspension is a "weird scenario."

An appealed suspension has only been reversed once--and that was for another Miami Dolphin running back--J.J. Johnson.

If the suspension is based on a bogus, 3rd-Level masking agent that can be found in baking soda but is considered cheating, the NFL should consider overruling the suspension.

Ricky Williams is trying. NFL, give him a hand.

Tag: Ricky Williams

Blogging a Disaster

2006-02-20T07:54:00.000-06:00

Citizen Journalism at time of disaster may be the most credible form of citizen journalism.

During Hurricane Katrina this country came together and used the internet for useful purposes. Bloggers that remained and stayed safe in the city of New Orleans were the city’s watchdog and only communication people had to talk about their city. These bloggers told people online whether their house was still standing or the extent of damage to a particular neighborhood.

Why is this type of journalism only credible and effective?

Easy…they’re going through the same type of damage as the person reading it.

While other bloggers you start to take their opinion and believe what they are say having read them and gaining their trust over a period of time, disaster bloggers gain instant credibility with the vivid accounts of disaster, their personal feelings, and photos of the event.

It’s weird, everyone is after each other in a dog-eat-dog world. People like bringing each other down, and it’s only natural for people to gossip about everyone else.

But when natural disaster…or any disaster strikes…we come together.

Tag: Blogging a Disaster

Baylor vs. UT in game

2006-02-14T18:58:00.000-06:00

I'm live at the Drum

Rick Barnes is 16-0 all-time against Baylor. Enough said.

I'm looking forward to see how Baylor responds to a 28 point woopin on the hands of the Oklahoma Sooners at Norman. Curtis Jerrells, freshman out of Del Valle High School, in Austin is making his home-coming. Jerrells was rookie of the week averaging 22 over the past 2 games including a 28 point game against OU.

The line (for entertainment purposes) is 26. I'm taking the under as the Horns really dont explode unless there's a big crowd or there's controversy surrounding the game.

Baylor Starts:
Tim Bush 6-6 JR
Tommy Swanson 6-10 SR
Mamadou Diene 7-0 RFR
Aaron Bruce 6-3 SO
Curtis Jerrells 6-1 FR

Texas Starts:
Brad Buckman
LaMarcus Aldridge
Kenton Paulino
Daniel Gibson
PJ Tucker

19:40 3-0 Texas: Gibson starts it off with a 3-pointer on his first shot; If you remember, homeboy had 37 @ Baylor earlier in the year. I dont like it that DGib has gone away from all types of penetration. I'd like to see him bring back that aspect of his game

15:54 10-3 Texas: Horns start out 2/2 3 pointers-- even dispersing scoring; I didnt think this would be much of a game. The only thing lazier than the BU defense is the crowd--where the hell is everyone? This stadium is as empty as my valentine's plans for tonight.

14:38 16-3 The Horns hit back-to-back 3 pointers to extend the lead to 13. Buckman hit a wideopen one as well as Paulino--KP leading all scorers with 6. How bout Baylor gets out of their "zone" and man up--the Horns are hot from the arc.

12:43 20-3 Did I say the Baylor Bears were gonna cover. This is a joke of a game. I don't know if Baylor will reach double digits in the first half. The 1-2-2 trap is killing BU with 5 turnovers in the first 6 minutes.

6:45 28-15 It has been said before, LA is the best player on this team...but PJ Tucker is the MVP of this team. He does so much for this team both tangibly and intangibly. His heart and leadership on the court fires up the rest of his teammates. And the way he can play both big and small makes him the biggest threat on the court. PJ started 4-4 FGs and 2/2 FT's before missing his next 2 jumpers.

5:35 33-17 Connor Atchley is already in. He's our human victory cigar. Barnes is confident.

Halftime BU UT
Rebounds : 13 22
Off RBs : 4 6
Turnovers : 9 6
FG% Baylor: 26 53
3pt FG% : 44 100
Score : 21 45

2nd Half

Let's see how many players finish in double-digits. Even scoring throughout. Who gets double-doubles...will Baylor cover? I've got pride on BU.

15:58 52-29 --Come on Baylor--this is basketball...everyone makes a run. A back and forth 2nd half. LaMarcus is doing the dirty down low. Buckman got in some foul trouble so he's out but one board shy of the double-double. Excellent opportunity for Barnes to get valuable PT for his bench and to try out sets like this would be a practice. Well, this is like practice...isn't it?

13:50 58-32 --Baylor, you're letting me down. Enough of this game...I'm searching through the crowd to find any groups of girls. Group of girls without guys on Valentine's Day = single. I'll get back to you on some results.

11:57 64-40 LA just tipped in his own miss giving him 18 points and 10 rebounds, his 13th double-double of the season which leads the Big XII. I smell LA being a top 3 pick. He will also be rich. I looked around...I only see a rather hefty girl requesting JD Lewis to be her valentine. That girl couldnt get JD Lewis if she had a hundred dollar bill hangin out of her zipper...

8:30 73-46 I'm only blogging to tell you if Baylor covered or not. Since the 12:43 mark in the first half, this has all been a formality. I have spotted Curtis Jerrells parents. Everytime "CJ" makes a bucket they scream really loud. it doesnt matter if they are down 28, they are pumped. I have never seen people in Baylor smile so wide about being down 4 touchdowns. CJ's bucket was an easy deuce also. Ohhhhh the rents.

4:41 82-51 If Connor Atchley looks weak and can't get it done versus Baylor--why have him on scholarship. I'm sure the kid's a great guy, but this is Texas. There are tons of recruits. Atchley in no way plays a meaningful role. He looks weak against weak teams. Do him and yourself a favor Texas, get rid of him. ps: all starters are out now

Final Minutes:LA led all scorers and rebounders 23 and 12; PJ went for 21-6; Buckman had 12 and 11; The Scrubs (bench) came in up 30+ points. The margin of victory wavered between 27 and 31 points in the final minutes of the game.

Remember, the line was 26.

Baylor misses the front end of a 1-1 situation at the :55 second mark...and then a Baylor steal, they're only down 27. Longhorn bettors are killing themselves because BU is now fouling in order to cover. Abrams misses 1 of 2 free throws making the lead 28.. UT wants to cover and are trapping.. intensity with 25 seconds...a 3 off the mark and a BU foul. Atchley makes it 29 and 30 with 2 free throws. Who would of known Atchley put the dagger in my Baylor cover. Baylor makes it interesting hits 3 the hard way.. not enough though.

UT covers 90-63. Damn those linesmakers are smart.

And what a Longhorn sports day for me. I attended the Baseball game--Horns beat UTSA 6-1. Big hitting games from Chais Fuller, Preston Clark and Bradley Suttle. All pitching look good except for the Right-handed street--who is trying a motion similar to his brother Huston. He has no command of any of his pitches.

Tommorow-- softball home-opener--listen via TexasSports.com

Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T11:28:00.000-06:00

Ok, I'm gonna get off the "Sports" Hogwash for one post...I promise to get back.

Valentine's Day is a Hallmark Holiday that sucks for guys. At this time in the year, single guys are backed into a decision. Do I want to spend the money to take this girl out if I don't really like her? Is time worth the money?

And Valentine's Day comes in a bad part of the year...after Christmas, but not too far after Christman. Let me explain..

It's like a poker game. You enter the pot for a large amount to see the flop (or the future), so you have a vested interest in the hand. The amount you entered maybe a Christmas present or New Year's plans or dates between New Year's and now...whatever. You have to decide at Valentine's day if your hand is good enough to go the rest of the way. Questions like...Am I pot committed (invested too much time/money), is this the right hand (right girl) all come in to question.

You of course don't want to go in with the wrong hand because in the end you will suffer tremendous losses.

It sucks because guys are forced to make this decision while girls just sit back and wait for it. Girls are allowed to take more risks with guys during this time of year because if they know the guy does nothing for Valentine's Day--she can get out quicker than Janet Jackson at a Super Bowl halftime show. (Lame, I know.)

And Valentine's Day is only made for single guys. Married men are supposed to appreciate the other every single day...or in theory.

Do you think valentine's day sucks...I sure do.

Busted up Bode

2006-02-14T11:23:00.001-06:00

If Bode Miller is to bag on other athletes, he must back it up in his sport.

Once again, Miller missed an opportunity to do just that

After having a flawless run in the downhill portion of the Alpine Combine (downhill + slalom) in Torino on Tuesday, he ended up straddling over a gate in his slalom run to instantly disqualify him from the entire event.

So I'm guessing he had a couple drinks in between races to "calm" him down.

Miller had more than a second lead going into his run. He need not risk everything but maintain focus on having a clean, smooth run. Instead he continues to embarass himself.

It's one thing to talk smack and back it up (Rasheed Wallace and his guarantees), but its another to go Matt Hasselbeck on us and talk the talk and not even remotely back it up. Bode didnt walk the walk...analogically speaking, Bode Miller can't even stand up.

The only question I want to hear reporters ask this joke is this: "How much did you have to drink before you hit the slopes?"

Ok well I guess I will settle for this one as well: "Yo Bode, what's your tolerance looking like?"

Ok, one more: "Bode...want to grab a beer?"

This guy should vanish from the face of the earth. USA is tired of his alcoholism tainting the country. Media, this guy is not a quote machine. Stop asking him his opinion on the state of american sports. Alpine Skiing is not an american sport, it's an international sport. Let him talk about that.

I care more about Bode Miller's opinion on global warming, abortion, or testicular cancer than about steroids in baseball or cycling.

Ok, I'll allow Bode to get airtime only in one condition.

"Miller" Light must use a play on his name to completely embarass him.

That is all.

Tag: Bode Miller

Quick hitters

2006-02-13T08:24:00.000-06:00

Quick Hits:

Dwayne Wade was disgusting…scoring the final 17 points for the Heat to finish off division rival Detroit (who knows how to play D). The Heat never lead (in the 2nd half) until Wade’s off-balanced jumper over Tayshaun Prince.

San Antonio has won 9 in a row and now have a 40-10 record. Can you say repeat.

Texas Basketball rolled up Nebraska on Saturday. Nebraska kept it close in the 1st half by shooting 50-percent from the floor. Unfortunately the ball wasn’t bouncing the right way in the 2nd half for the Huskers as the Horns rolled. The 2nd half was one of the best halves of basketball UT has played all year. Kenton Paulino had a big game, and ~~perennial~~ possible top-overall-pick in the upcoming NBA Draft had a double-double. Brad Buckman hit 1000 career points being the 26th player in UT history to do that. Start getting scared, Baylor is coming up on Valentines Day.

Texas Baseball went 2-1 at the College Classic in Houston, Texas. The Horns beat UH 3-1 without bringing their sticks (5 hits). Texas tried to lose to Rice…committing a throwing error in the top of the ninth, but a Kyle Russell 2-run pinch walk-off home run got the job done. The sticks were still sleeping Sunday against Tulane, as the Horns fell 4-2 with only 6 hits. Augie’s got to be angry with his team only hitting 249 threw the first 7 games.

Texas Softball went 4-1 over the weekend. The only loss came to No. 5 Arizona. Cat Osterman tossed her 16th and 17th no-hitters in her first two games and on Sunday tossed a 1-hitter ~~on Sunday~~ to improve to 3-0. The addition of a hitting coach has proved valuable for the Lady Horns as they’ve outscored their opponents 24-1. Home-opener 5pm vs SHSU—listen on texassports.com (I’m the color commentator, unfortunately you have to pay)

Sammy Sosa might retire. “Sammy doesn’t have to beg to play somewhere,” said someone close to Sosa. Well, either tell your boy to start rockin up again or he aint gonna have the opportunity to get in the 600 club. He’s 12 home-runs shy of the coveted mark.

NFC defeated the AFC in the Pro Bowl. Did anyone watch?

Jeff Burton took the pole for the Daytona 500 next week. Jeff Gordon took 2nd. Does anyone care? I want to like NASCAR. I just cant get into it.

Torino 2006

2006-02-13T08:19:00.000-06:00

Knock knock

Who’s there?

The Winter Olympics

The Winter Olympics who?

No really…the Winter Olympics.

Growing up watching the Olympics…they were a big deal. Athletes were instant celebrities, the nation came together, and the rest of the sports-world was put on halt.

The Olympics are like the drunk girl at the party…yeah, the one that breaks the lamp, has the high-pitch voice, and dances to any/all types of music…you just can’t wait for her to go home.

It’s not like the audience is distracted by anything else. NFL is over…NBA is in their midseason slumber…March Madness is still a month away…hockey?

The TRUTH is that no one likes watching athletes they’ve never heard of compete in sports they’ve never heard of.

Listed below are the 15 events:

Alpine Skiing, Biathalon, Bobsled, Cross-Country, Curling, Figure Skating, Freestyle Skiing, Ice Hockey, Luge, Nordic Combined, Short Track, Skeleton, Ski Jumping, Snowboarding, Speed Skating.

I’ve heard of 11…couldn’t tell you the rules for more than 3 of them…and could careless about any of them.

If NBC wasn’t in trouble, they are now.

Figure skating star Michelle Kwan pulled out after she injured herself. Multiple times has Kwan entered the Olympics as a heavy-favorite but has maintained the ability to stay away from the gold. She is though the best skater of this generation, winner of 43 championships including 5 world and 9 national titles. Also, she’s the only one that anyone has ever heard of.

NBC: You want to get in the booth?

Instead of SOS (Save-our Ship) its SOR—save our ratings!

She declined.

My favorite thing/pun thus far is seeing US speed skater Apollo Anton Ohno (“OHHH-NO!) fall in the semifinals of the 1500 short-track event.

Before analysis of this event, I want to point out that his name is Apollo Anton Ohno. Who names their kid Apollo nowadays? And with any misfortune Apollo has ever had growing up...it likely has resulted in massive…well, insert joke here.

OHH-NOO was in 2nd place with a lap remaining…a comfortable 2nd place might I add, which would advance himself to the finals. Instead of being content…he decided he wanted first (in the heat run) and attempted to make a pass on the outside and OHH-NOO tripped on the Chinese Skater. Simply foolish.

You’re feel good story comes from Chad Hedrick, who is a native of Spring, Texas. He won the first gold for the US on Saturday in a win in the 5,000 meter speed-skating event. Hedrick has an opportunity to attain 5 gold medals.

You’re laugh-out-loud story comes from “Bigmouth” Bode Miller. After calling out Lance Armstrong and Barry Bonds for cheating in their respective sports (no evidence of this ever occurring) and also coming out on 60 Minutes stating his drinking habits, it was finally his turn to shine.

If you were thinking…who is Bode (pronounced Bo-DEE) Miller, you weren’t/aren’t alone. To set the record straight, he’s an Alpine Skier.

Well, Miller finished 5th and was reported to have made costly errors throughout his run. And yes, Miller said he did have a couple beers the night before. Decide what “couple” is for yourself.

Maybe he should have competed drunk.

That would save the ratings. Well, at least I would watch.

Do you care about the Winter Olympics? Let the debate begin..

Tag: Torino

Preg's Perspective: The Not So-Special Olympics

Links to Look at:

2006-02-09T10:55:00.000-06:00

UT baseball defeated UT-Pan Am 15-2 yesterday. Big win because the Horns were swept versus San Diego over the weekend. Texas scored in the first 5 innings. Horns head to Minute Maid to play Cougar High, Rice and Tulane in the College Classic. We'll find out more about this team when under pressure from two top-12 nationally ranked teams.

UT Women's Basketball dropped their first home game in 31 tries, first loss at Drum since 2001. Aggies thrashed the Horns.. the Ags biggest win in the 5-1-2 in school history.

Milo Hamilton bashin on Harry Caray is actually kind of funny. It seems when people get old they can just say whatever they want. I know they've earned the respect, but geeeeez, Caray is in his grave. How can he defend himself. Chill out Milo.

ESPN announced their new MNF team yesterday. I heard rumors about this last week at my internship but didn't think it was true. Mike Tirico, Joe Theissman and of all people Mr. Tony Kornheiser will be manning the booth. Doesn't Kornheiser go to sleep before the game starts (or so he claims on PTI). Is it just me, or does Theissman's style of calling a game and Kornheiser's witty jokes just don't go together? The legendary Al Michaels is moving to NBC, as reported by ESPN..

Tuesday Prime-time Show

2006-02-08T13:07:00.000-06:00

The Tuesday Morning 9-11am block did not make it to podcast. There were errors recording from the studio as well as errors recording from mini to mp3. Nevertheless, the Tuesday Primetime hour with myself as the producer/cohost is available. Enjoy/comments preferred.

Primetime Tuesday

Operation SlapShot

2006-02-08T08:24:00.000-06:00

A glove save and a beauty.

Coined “Operation Slap-Shot” by the New Jersey State Police, an undercover gambling ring involving a dozen NHL players, the Coyotes Assistant coach Rick Tochett, and of all people…Wayne Gretzky’s wife was un-covered yesterday.

The charges involve the promotion of a nation-wide gambling ring and money laundering consisting of as many as 1000 wages since 2005 calculating 1.7 million dollars. Reports say no bets were taken involving the game of hockey, but additional investigation is still in process.

When will these athletes ever learn?

If you are being paid by a professional team, don’t gamble—end of story. Pete Rose gambled albeit he did it on baseball, and now he’s not allowed into the baseball hall of fame, even though he is the career leader in base hits. Gambling on sports when employed by a sport job taints your reputation forever.

Janet Jones, Gretzky’s wife, is involved as well. Gretzky himself denies any type of involvement. Now is this just me, or does this not sound right? Being an actress, what does she know about gambling? Why would she risk some of her money—or should we say Gretzky’s money?

Among those involved in placing bets are athletes and celebrities. These type of people know people that are involved in the game. They are likely getting information pertaining to who’s injured, who’s playing good…or who’s throwing the game that night.

Bottom line—stay away from the bookies. Unless you’re in Vegas.

Other notable Gambling Scandals

Tag: Operation SlapShot

Tuesday Morning Longhorn Roundup

2006-02-07T07:37:00.000-06:00

If you are in the austin area-- 9-11am on 91.7 or if you not in the area click here for the internet-cast.

Podcast will not be available this week.

2:37pm Update--- we will have an editted version of the Longhorn Round-up later in the day. Technical difficulties prevented me from recording the beginning. From 7-8pm on 91.7 in austin or here on the internet is Primetime Tuesday--which I produce and cohost.

Blogs: Your best friend?

2006-02-07T07:36:00.000-06:00

So my 2-week anniversary with The Sports Hogwash is tomorrow. I’ve become a part of the blogger-nation which I believe will sweep the world.

You’re laughing?

Well, put all your preconceptions behind and realize a blog is more than an online diary. It’s much more than lil’ Suzie telling you what she had for dinner and who her “flavor of the week” is.

I admit, I was a hater 2-weeks ago. I laughed at my professor when she said, “Once you read an interesting blog…you will follow it religiously.” I’ve seen the light. I sometimes don’t agree with the blogger, but I yearn for the interest they bring.

Blogs are different from journalists at news organizations. News organizations have to deal with libel suits and slandering people’s names if the information reported is not true. News organizations practice objectivity and try to remain ethical

Bloggers being able to be opinionated is our biggest strength.

But how do you know if you can trust a blog?

Analogically speaking, a blog is like a new friend.

Bare with me.

You hang out with him, laugh a little…have a fantastic time. Then this friend hangs around your ex-girlfriend…does he remain strong against her clear passes at him or does he succumb to the power of “the woman”. Are you good enough friends with your blog to trust him when controversy arises?

You’ll know when you can trust your blog.

The SF Gate reported yesterday that Joe Montana did not attend Super Bowl XL’s MVP Ceremony before the game due to a lack of guaranteed money. Joe Montana came on “Quite Frankly” and said it had nothing to do with money. The SF Gate is a news organization so they may have to deal with legal repercussions, however, if this was a blog that you read religiously for 3 years and he said he had a “strong source inside the NFL” that told him this…who would you believe?

Citizen Journalism is interesting.

Tag: Blogs versus Journalists

Guest Blogger

2006-02-06T16:33:00.000-06:00

Got an opinion about sports? As ya'll know, I have a strong opinion...but I only blog regularly Monday-Thursday. This opens the door for Friday. Yes..friday Friday FRIDAY YOU can be a columnist for The Sports Hogwash nation.

For more information contact: jeff.zell@gmail.com

Super Bowl XL: Thoughts..

2006-02-06T13:49:00.000-06:00

Super Bowl XL was X-tra weak.

The Game: The first half was a snoozer. The Steelers failed to record a first down in the first quarter. Clock management by the Seahawks at the end of the first half was horrendous. Everyone in the entire stadium (except the Seahawk secondary) knew the most exciting play in the game was coming—essentially making it the most predictable play in the game. Both quarterbacks made dumb mistakes. The only people watching the game in the 4th quarter were gamblers who wished to see Seattle cut it to 3 points (TD + 2 point conversion) in order to cover. First time ever in a Super Bowl that a team loss all the statistical categories (Total yards, Time of Possession, Turnovers) but still won the game.

The Refs: Most say the refs were equally as bad as the game itself. I disagree. In my opinion they made only 1.5 bad calls. I don’t have a problem with the reviewed call—there was not indisputable evidence to overturn the call and the original call on the field was a judgment…acceptable. The offensive pass interference in the first half was only half-bad because the ref waited an eternity to make the call. The worse call was after Hasselbeck made the tackle after his interception. Baldy was hit with a blocking below the waste…wait, how can you be blocking if you just made the tackle. This tacked a 15-yard penalty and gave the Steelers comfortable field position…and then the trick play…and then the game is over.

The Commercials: If the game sucks…the commercials will save the show,right? Unfortunately Bud Light, Career Builder.com and Ameriquest stepped up to the table. Where were Miller Light, Coors Light, Coca Cola and McDonald’s? There were lots of violent commercials but relatively lack of “sex appeal commercials” besides Jessica Simpson with Pizza Hut and the horrific GoDaddy.com commercial.

Top 5 Commercials
1. Careerbuilder.com Monkeys – What’s there not to love about monkeys burning money and smoking cigars? Absolutely hilarious.
2. Hidden Bud Lights – good acting to begin—just a funny idea to hide Bud Lights around the office—first commercial of the game: left high expectations for the rest—other budlight commercials were funny: The roof commercial
3. Ameriquest Airplane – Big Jolt on plane—everyone wakes up as lady is trying to go to the lavatory. “Don’t judge too quickly”-- Funny
4. Monster “Hummer” Commercial – 2 monsters meet each other—pregnant monster gives birth to a perfect hummer
5. Fed-EX Commercial – A lot of people liked this commercial, I thought it took too long to get in but the ending was funny which warranted this commercial in my top 5

Disappointments:
1. Burger King Commercial: you’d expect the King to come with something better than a broadway musical…BORING!
2. Diet Pepsi – Should have stuck with Diet Pepsi Machine being drafted—Jackie Chan and P-Diddy aren’t good celebrities to work with Diet Pepsi Can
3. Leonard Nimoy – I’m not a trekkie, not everyone is…come on—work on it

Watch all the commercials at this site

Tag: Super Bowl XL

Overweight Linemen

2006-02-06T12:24:00.000-06:00

Football is over..let's examine some of the off-the-field issues.

ESPN reported a study conducted by Scripps that came out last week saying NFL players are dying at an alarming young rate.

The heaviest athletes are more than twice as likely to die before their 50th birthday than their teammates, according to a Scripps Howard News Service study of 3,850 professional-football players who have died in the last century.

This is America, where bigger, is seemingly better.

The land where TV’s are larger than garage doors, houses have their own zip codes, and where you can’t order a hamburger without being coaxed into “Super-Sizing”.

To no surprise, football players are super-sized as well. In fact, should a whole team hit the ground at the same time…it measures three-point-five on the Richter scale.

The NFL has a problem. A BIG problem.

“Nowadays, we have 270 pound running backs and quarterbacks that could switch over and play linebacker,” 11 year former NFL right tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles Jerry Sisemore said. “Linemen are even bigger than that. I don’t know how these guys move anymore.”

Sometimes after games, they can’t move.

This past preseason, the NFL had a big wake up call. After the San Francisco 49ers were defeated by the Denver Broncos, lineman Thomas Herrion collapsed in the locker room, and was later pronounced dead. The cause of death, unknown, but surely a large body could have something to do with it.

How many people have to drop dead in order for a change to be made?

It affects not only the athletes currently playing, but the young and upcoming athletes. Being a football player, whether it be collegiate or professional, has an upside consisting of fame, fortune, and status. Signing a contract or getting a scholarship to school because of body abuse sends the exact wrong message.

And not only does this effect players while playing, the effect of the muscle turned fat, post-stardom is worse. According to Ron Shapiro, pediatrician at St. David’s hospital, obesity causes sleep apnea, pulmonary hypertension, deprivation of oxygen to the brain and all conditions dealing with high cholesterol.

And we forget to mention the stress it causes to the heart.

The world as we know it cannot let NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue hit the snooze button on this issue one more time.

Why not inject a weight limit? Well, that’s just not American, and likely violates all discrimination laws to obese people. The answer lies within the rules.

In the 1970’s the NFL legalized the use of hands to block. This rule allowed heavier, slower, moving players the ability to push, grab and shove other quicker defensive lineman, giving enough time for quarterbacks to throw. Also, larger linemen gain leverage on smaller defensive players, opening up interior holes to run through. As commissioner, limit the use of hands to an extent where it becomes a greater advantage to be light-footed. Teams will force linemen to shrink.

Let the new rule trickle down the system. Linemen in high school will figure out that if they are six-foot five-inches tall, they can be an average weight—or at least a weight that wouldn’t be detrimental to their health—and still accomplish dreams of making it to the league.

Lighter players during the game would also cause less “detox” time for athletes once they hang up the cleats. Surely it would be easier to drop 40 pounds, compared to 80 pounds, in order to get back to a healthy weight.

If Tagliabue continues taking this issue lightly, congress should weigh in on the issue. If they can step in on steroids, and balance out the BCS, why not this? It would be a service not only to participants of football, but the youth of America.

Don’t wait to fix it until it’s too late.

Tag: Overweight Linemen

Additional Reading Provided by me:
Evolution of the Offensive Lineman
Main Story: Lineman Overweight

More on Super Bowl Commercials..

2006-02-03T15:22:00.000-06:00

Cost of the commercials are reported to run around US$ 2.5 million for a 30 second spot.
Budweiser has taken 9-10 spots.
Sprint has 2 spots
Long time loyal GM is in and so is Toyota (reportedly in both English and Spanish)
Godaddy might have a spot or two, including their infamous Window Washer commercial. They actually enjoy getting their commercials rejected as it ends up creating more buzz for them in the online sphere.
Careerbuilder will have a spot with their "I work with Monkeys" commercial. Click here for some outtakes and previews.
Dove is expected to spotlight its real beauty campaign with the primarily drunk and male audience.
Burger King will have a 60 second slot — no clues on how creepy or funny (depending on your point of view) the commercial will be
Emerald Nuts and Ameriquest should have one spot
Insurer Nationwide will have a spot for the first time
Other advertisers include Bayer, Uniliver and FedEx
Visa and McDonalds have skipped the Superbowl for a more global base with the Winter Olympics.
Movie studios have taken up a fair amount of time. Movies like Shaggy Dog, Poseiden, V for Vendetta and 16 Blocks will have their trailors shown.
Cadillac will be going overboard with a huge broadway style production.
Gillette, not happy with Schick"s Quatro four blade razor will be showing off its Fusion, five blade product.
ESPN will be promoting its very own mobile phone in a 60 second spot.

You can download the commercials on monday from this site.

Keep your money in your pocket...sorry to keep you waiting. Super Bowl Preview will be up tommorow.

Update:
Technorati tag: Super Bowl XL

Super Bowl XL: The Commercials

2006-02-02T10:09:00.000-06:00

So you don’t like football.

There’s no way in hell you would watch Sunday’s game…well, if it wasn’t for that cute boy who's invited you to his Super Bowl watch party. Or in another case…you just don’t want to be “that guy” who doesn’t like sports on the “Biggest Sunday of the Year”.

Alas, a reason to watch Super Bowl XL: the commercials.

A simple 5 category rating-scale will be used to judge the comedy of the commercials. It'll be used to crown the Valedictorian for the Super Bowl Class of 2006.

Rate each: 1-10
1. Shock: A good commercial brings the element that leaves the jaw-dropped and the viewer thinking…”I can’t believe this! A shocking commercial is not predictable and leaves you wanting more.
2. Comedy – The commercial must have comedy. Every other commercial will be funny...so don't deviate from the norm. And it can’t be corny comedy…it must be original and have people talking about/wanting to see it over again.
3. Graphic/Sound – Graphics and images play a key role in commercials. If things look funny or if the use of pictures/photoshop makes the commercial better…give this category a high rating. Music and natural sound that is funny adds a superior element as well.
4. Celebrity – Making fun of celebrities is a plus. Last year, they had a parody of the Janet Jackson halftime show in a trial setting that cracked me up. Of course the FCC wouldn’t allow the commercial to be played again. Creativity is a must do dog on the big-dogs.
5. Series – Bud Light mastered this concept back in the day with the Budweiser Frogs. Commercials that continuously hate on the competitor are totally awesome. Companies with one generic commercial for the entire Super Bowl do not get a good rating.

Favorite Past Commerical: Bud Light commercial with 2 men deciding between Bud Light or Toilet Paper---punch line: “PAPER!” All this lacks is a celebrity figure, but is thoroughly made up with other areas.

What’s your fav? And oh yeah…ENJOY THE GAME.

Game Preview coming tomorrow.

Texas defeats Mizzou

2006-02-01T22:05:00.000-06:00

The Horns get a big win on the road in conference play, improving to 6-1 in conference play by defeating Missouri 66-53.

Rick Barnes utilized his bench: Not only does this get the bench guys invaluable conference experience, it gives the Big Three a chance to take a break at times and then be strong in the 2nd half. JD Lewis got a steal, and if he gets in a rhythm, I feel he can be deadly shooting the rock.

P.J. Tucker: Tucker, when inside and when using his body, is the best player on this team. He creates matchup problems like nobody’s business. Despite 4 turnovers (first half), he finished with 20 points-12 rebounds, sparking an early run to create a sizeable lead for the Longhorns

Mike the “Muscle” Williams: In physical games, Williams is a good play. With Mizzou’s post-man weighing in at 275, his big-body has proved to be strong. Having averaged 27 a game in high school, you’d expect him to have more offensive coordination than an emu.

Offensive Woes: The Longhorn offense was out of sync in the first half. When the Tigers are in a (defensive) zone, they fail to penetrate and settle for the three too much. They shot 10/30 in the first half including 4/11 three-pointers. The 2nd half was much better (17/27) and 3/10 three’s.

Defensive Intensity: Rick Barnes, as a coach, is known for his defensive intensity. In the first half the Horns held Missouri to the lowest first half total of the season, 20. The Longhorns capitalized on 6 first half steals, forcing 9 turnovers in the first half. D-Gib is phenomenal on the defensive end. Gardner averages 21.3 ppg, but is held in check to 15 points (8 points in final 5 minutes of chump time)

Turnovers: 10 turnovers in the first half is absolute garbage. A lot better in the second half with only 4 turnovers. Missouri had 7 turnovers in the second half, to go along with the 9 turnovers of the first half.

Final Thoughts: Missouri is a mediocre team. Tonight was a break-out game for P.J. Tucker and was good for the Longhorns because the bench got some P.T. in key situations early when the game was tight. This win was also important because the Horns bounced back with a win after a key loss. After being destroyed by Duke, Texas had a hangover against Tennessee.

Box Score

National Signing Day

2006-02-01T08:24:00.000-06:00

This just in: National Signing Day is an official holiday. Students, skip school. Employees, don’t bother coming in. ABC, where’s your morning parade?

It’s an absolute joke the amount of attention high school kids receive for signing a letter of intent. Since when did Harry High-School-Star gain CT (camera-time) by choosing from a trio of hats on national television?

Was it before he made the 5’6, 140 pound linebacker of insert-small-high-school-here whiff at his weak excuse for a juke move? Or was it after Larry Linebacker broke 6’1 Sammy Slowass’s tailbone because the fool ran straight-up with his blazing 5.2 40-speed?

Last year we saw the likes of Ryan Perriloux, Martellus Bennett, and Fred Rouse come on national TV to pick their schools. Only one player this year is leaving Longhorn fans on their toes: Jonas Mouton—highly touted DB.

The world of recruiting, scouting, projecting, reviewing and rating has spread faster than the black plague. And the public has accepted the syndrome. Rivals.com ranks players based on high-school footage which is treated as the gospel.

Companies have even started rating sophomores and juniors in high school. What’s next…clocking a 6-month year-old’s time to the tinker toys?

The Longhorns received 25 recruits listed here.

Five Notables:

Jevan Snead – 6-3, 205: Quarterback: Stephenville High School; good arm, decent speed, can run the Spread Offense
Sergio Kindle – 6-4, 225: Linebacker—comparing to former Longhorn great Jesse Armstead, thought to be better than Derrick Johnson—“5th overall prospect in nation”
Eddie Jones – 6-3, 240: Defensive End – Kilgore, 5-star recruit, 4-7 40-time “25th overall”
Vondrell McGee – 5-10, 190: Running Back – Longview, 4-star recruit: runs 4.4 40-time
Buck Burnette – 6-4, 290: Offensive Line – local-boy from Wimberley High: beginning the next generation for the Texas O-Line

Top 10 Recruiting Classes according to Rivals.Com (as of 1-31-06)
1. Florida
2. Southern Cal
3. Florida State
4. Texas
5. Penn State
6. LSU
7. Notre Dame
8. Georgia
9. Auburn
10. Ohio State

Tuesday Radio Shows

2006-02-01T08:13:00.000-06:00

The Tuesday Morning Longhorn Roundup is now available. Yesterday's guest included former first round draft pick of the Longhorns and former NFL veteran Jerry Sisemore to talk about SUPER BOWL XL. The columnist from the Daily Texan was on the show as well.

Download: Tuesday Morning Longhorn Roundup

I engaged in "PrimeTime Tuesday" last night as well. The podcast for this show is downloadable at this site.

If you want previous shows, email me and i can send you a copy via email.

Enjoy! Comments welcome/preferred.

Championships are Forever

2006-01-31T07:35:00.000-06:00

If a tree falls in the middle of the forest, does it make a noise.

This tree had people to hear it.

Hollow-headed Eric Seufert expressed his 1st amendment rights Friday, telling the Longhorn nation they should stop celebrating their first national championship since 1970 in his Daily Texan column.

The column has no sense of sports perspective, violates the unwritten rule of sports and war, and by saying it lacks judgment is an understatement by all means.

I am not joking around by saying that I’m ashamed to have attended the same university as this kid.

I don’t mind him holding Texas responsible for the other national championships of the past 35 years. Being one of the elite, respected and hated (for being good) programs of college football, not to mention one of the most winningest (3rd all time, 800 wins), more national titles should be on display in Belmont Hall.

I do have a problem with this:

"America was founded on an ideology of consistently outperforming our enemies and allies, not self-congratulation at the initial throes of success. Texas' 34-year losing streak brings to mind a similar struggle that America endured, and, thanks to the continuous efforts of our sage statesmen, ultimately routed: the Cold War."

The guy doesn’t have sports perspective. The “Big D” (Detroit) is destroyed when the Pistons win an NBA title. Chowds in Boston were blasted (drunk/crunk) when the Sox won their first title in 86 years. Past championship teams are celebrated on an annual basis as well. The 1972 Dolphins throw a huge party after all NFL teams are defeated in a single year.

Furthermore..

"Truth be told, isn't all this celebrating a little un-American? I don't see George W. Bush throwing up the horns with regards to the Iraqi war, and I think democratizing the Middle East bears more weight than a 3-point squeaker on the old gridiron."

If the celebration of sporting events was un-American, why would the president put in a phone call to the winning coach? Why is the team going to Washington D.C. in two weeks to meet with the president?

The big “No-No,” War and Sports. Kellen Winslow Jr. referred to himself as a soldier after a big-game…Kevin Garnett did it as well in the NBA. Just stop. You are not being bombarded with artillery. There’s no bomb planted at a free throw line, homeplate, or goal line. There is no risking of life. As a journalist, don’t encourage athletes to think like this.

"A brash show of dominance is no way for a champion to act, and I should know - I'm a winner. In fact, just last week I was intimate with a woman whom most people would consider "out of my league." Did I call up my buddies the next day to boast about my exploits? No - I asked her for a ride home and humbly went about my business. Don't kiss and tell, Texas, it's not classy."

Didn’t you just kiss and tell? Guess she wasn’t too hot and you didn’t want to get laid Friday night. Explaining to her that she’s in this trashy column didn’t help your street-cred.

He goes on to compare the stock market to a national championship. (silly I know)

"Let's scale back the partying, Texas. If only one out of my 35 investments was making me money, I wouldn't be downing shots at Maggie Mae's - I'd be having a stern discussion with my broker."

Via TexasSports.com, the Longhorns are 221-33 (not including ties). Texas has recorded four losing seasons, one .500 season and 30 winning seasons. If this was a stock-market and you were up a little 29 times or years, loss some money 4 years, and hit the jackpot one-time…would you throw yourself a party?

Hugh Heffner would give props to my party.

Should he have a shot to explain himself? Hell, why not…I’ll give him a chance. He’s my guest on the Longhorn Round-Up this morning (barring any phone failures).

Longhorn Roundup: 9-11am

Influencing the bet

2006-01-30T08:20:00.000-06:00

Super Bowl XL is less than 7 days away. That day is the single-biggest day in sports. From coin flip to 4th quarter triple-zeroes, two groups of people are in absolute heaven: The Media, and Gamble-holics.

What an orgasmic day for me.

The following are some of the silly things you can bet on come Sunday via sportsbook.com :

Player to score last TD
Will Shaun Alexander have more than 6.5 receiving yards
Will Maurice Morris have more than 2.5 yards rushing on his FIRST attempt
Will the Seahawks convert more than 5 third downs

And my personal favorite: Coin Flip: heads or tails?

I would estimate you can bet on close to 300 different things concerning the Super Bowl. (Don’t forget the “Where will Terrell Owens play next year” bet)

The bet the majority of gamblers wager is the line. At the present time the Steelers, a No. 6 seed in the AFC is favored to defeat the No. 1 seed Seattle Seahawks of the NFC by four points. How can this happen? Two words: The media.

Michael Irvin, Mike Ditka, Sean Salisbury, Mark Schlereth and many more of ESPN all get paid to analyze football. They know football (I think), but their initial projections and analysis of why which team is better, is ultimately how people bet. Lines-makers take this into consideration and create a line that gives the favorite as many points as possible where bettors will take that team.

When gamble-holic A thinks of which team he wants to bet on, he strongly considers these analysts opinion. If gambler A was a Dallas Cowboy fan, he would treat Michael Irvin’s opinion like the gospel, even though he’s as degenerate as “The Looter” in New Orleans.

And who knows what goes on behind the scenes? God forbid if they were to all agree on a certain team to win…a producer might step in and direct one analyst to argue FOR a certain team.. and let’s face it, controversy makes better ratings.

As for my pick..you will have to wait until Friday morning.

Or listen to my radio show. Tuesdays 9-11am or on this site Wednesday Morning.

Trade or No Trade?

2006-01-27T14:43:00.000-06:00

Ron Artest is an idiot.

Sigh. Ok, now that that’s off my chest, I can continue.

The Indiana Pacers finally got rid of their wild child Ron Artest, in a one-for-one trade with the Sacramento Kings for sharp-shooter Peja Stojakovic. I don’t have a problem with the Kings rolling the dice on Artest and realistically, Peja publicly expressed his disinterest with the franchise and is on a contract year. Why not get something for him?

I did have a problem with how the whole thing went down, and that’s where ESPN dropped the ball.

Tuesday January 24, 2006 1:32pm: ESPN’s Jim Gray reports Ron Artest has been traded to the Sacramento Kings for Peja Stojakovic

Tuesday January 24, 2006: 5:04pm: On Sportscenter Dan Patrick interviews NBA Insider Ric Bucher about the impact each player will have on their respective teams

Tuesday January 24, 2006: 5:05pm: Dan Patrick is interrupted and Stephen A. Smith comes on saying the trade is off after he has apparently spoke with Artest’s agent

Wednesday January 25, 2006: 11:47am: ESPN’s Jim Gray reports Ron Artest has been traded to the Sacramento Kings for Peja Stojakovic
Ok, which is it ESPN?

Being the premiere sports news company (“Worldwide Leader in Sports”), I was not impressed with their journalistic practice. Knowing the history of Artest and his fickle-ness, how can you not go to Artest or the agent first before you go live.. To go public with the information you must, I repeat, MUST ask that killer question, “Does Ron really want to go to Sacramento??”

And think about poor Peja? What if the trade didn’t ultimately go through? Do you think Peja would have given that same effort night-in and night-out knowing his team has already attempted to trade him? The Sacramento Kings would have had a problem and it would be greatly attributed to poor coverage.

Too many times reporters try too hard to be the first to “break the story”. To go live with a story, you cannot rely on a third party but instead have concrete information directly from the source. I spoke with a photographer from KXAN (NBC Austin) and he adamantly believes its better to be absolutely certain its true, before breaking a big-time story, especially if its something as trivial as a trade. Don’t get me wrong, he won’t miss a beat to break THE story if the right information is available.

As a reporter, why not ask the extra question? It’s not only a good journalistic practice, but it may help your company from being sued.

Preg's Perspective: Artest worse than TO?

Tuesday Morning Longhorn Roundup

2006-01-25T20:30:00.000-06:00

For your listening pleasure, my Tuesday morning radio show (The Longhorn Roundup) will be uploaded every wednesday morning.

January 24, 2006 - Longhorn Roundup

To listen live 9-11am Central: go to www.kvrx.org and click listen.

Enjoy. Comments welcome.

Who Cares about the Kids

2006-01-25T20:07:00.000-06:00

When Kobe Bryant scored 81 points against the Raptors Sunday night, he was criticized by New Jersey Nets star Vince Carter. Carter said Kobe set a bad example to the kids who now will not “(honor) the team concept first”. Regardless of Carter’s credibility, (Vince Carter’s tanking of games in Toronto to catalyze a trade) lets sort through this hogwash.

First off, I’m no Kobe fan. However, I do have a problem with a star trying to de-glorify another star on their career night. I’m no Kobe fan, but the guy has been through hell-and-back dealing with rape allegations, a feud with Shaq, and his reunion with Phil. Not to mention the media.

As for “team concept”, lets look at nine of Kobe’s teammates who have played at least 25 games this season, and their point production from the 2004-2005 season.

Lamar Odom 15.2
Chris Mihm 9.8
Devean George 7.3
Kwame Brown 7.0
Brian Cook 6.4
Luke Walton 3.3
Laron Profit 3.2
Smush Parker 3.0
Sasha Vujacic 2.9

Total: 58.1

The average points scored from a single game is 99.59 points.

(99.59)- (58.1) = 41.49.

Right now Kobe is averaging nearly 36 points per game. Based on preconceived expectations for his teammates coming into the season, Kobe is actually being unselfish!

As a basketball player, you shoot a round ball into a hoop. You play defense (well, most of them), you rebound, you talk to the media after the game. In this job title, role-model is not found. Kobe’s job is to play the game. Kobe’s job is to get to the playoffs. Kobe's job is to win a championship. The Lakers were down 14 points heading into the 2nd half. Kobe, by himself, outscored the Raptors 56-41 in the 2nd half to lead them to victory.

In the immortal words of former NBA star Charles Barkley: “I ain’t no role model.” And Kobe doesn’t need to be one either.