Red Card Top 10 (10/27)
- A couple things to touch on before we dive into the newest Red Card Top 10. First, I would like to thank everyone for all the well wishes for my mom as she is recovering from hip replacement surgery this week. She was in a lot of pain for a long time and the surgery is going to make her life 1000x better. She is already ahead of her physical therapy schedule (because she’s a rockstar), and is will be coming home from the hospital this weekend. Again, all the prayers and good thoughts do make a difference, so thanks!
Sanity in Washington? What a concept.
- Next I would like to quickly touch on Jon Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity. As most of you know, Im a HUGE Jon Stewart/Stephen Colbert fan. I think their comedic, no BS approach to the “news” is refreshing. If you have a DVR, please record the Rally to Restore Sanity (and or Fear). “We’re looking for the people who think shouting is annoying, counterproductive, and terrible for your throat; who feel that the loudest voices shouldn’t be the only ones that get heard; and who believe that the only time it’s appropriate to draw a Hitler mustache on someone is when that person is actually Hitler.” -Jon Stewart. This rally is to try and make common sense out of not only the upcoming election on Tuesday, but the future of American politics. Please tune in, especially if you think that your voice isnt being heard in Washington. The Rally to Restore Sanity is for you. There is a smaller Rally in Omaha early Saturday morning if you are looking to show your support in a local setting. Read this GREAT article by Susan Baird for all the information and to fully understand what the Rally to Restore Sanity is all about.
- Also, congratulations to Jon Stewart for being named the #1 most influential man in 2010 by askmen.com Stephen Colbert also came in at #11.
- After a long battle with Atlantic Records, Lupe Fiasco finally will be releasing L.A.S.E.R.S. on March 8th, 2011. Here is his first single The Show Goes On.
- In a very classy move, Army will be wearing a red #52 R decal for injured Rutgers DT Eric LeGrand for the rest of the season. LeGrand was paralyzed trying to make a tackle against the Black Knights, and Army will be following his recovery long after the season is over.
Your team's shoulder to cry on.
- Oregon. Honestly, how can anybody dispute the Ducks being number #1. They are dominant on offense and their defense is coming around. Next up: @ USC.
- Auburn. Ok, Ill bite, and leap-frog the Tigers up to #2. Cam Newton has been amazing this year, but I worry about their defense.
- TCU. After dismantaling Air Force 38-7, the Horned Frogs have a HUGE game in 2 weeks against unbeaten and 7th ranked Utah. This could be the push that TCU needs to be a legitimate National Championship contender if a few more teams lose.
- Boise St. Yeah, they won by a lot on Tuesday against Louisiana Tech, but the football they played was not pretty. Running up the score when the game is clearly won and out of hand is not the way to move up in my book. Next up: who cares.
- Alabama. I cannot help to think that the Tide are about to have a “statement game” against LSU in Baton Rouge. If they do, they become a huge threat to win it all again.
- Michigan State. Sparty escaped a scrappy Northwestern team last Saturday by again employing some of their Coach Dantonio magic on a fake punt. They didnt play well, but found a way to win, which is what contenders do at this point in the year. Next up: @ Iowa.
- Utah. The Utes keep rolling. They are also looking for a signature win over TCU in 2 weeks to give them a shot at the National Title. Should be a slugfest against the always feisty Horned Frogs.
- Ohio State. The Buckeyes seem to be just fine after destroying Purdue, 49-0. They really need Michigan St and Wisconsin to lose to retain the Big 10 crown though.
- Wisconsin. Yes it may seem wrong that I have the Badgers behind the Buckeyes, even though Wisconsin beat Ohio St 2 weeks ago decisively. Honestly, if not for some Les Miles-esque play calling by Iowa at the end of their 31-30 win in Iowa City last week, the Badgers would not have made the Top 10. Consider yourselves lucky.
- Missouri. The Tigers had their biggest win in program history last weekend, beating then #1 Oklahoma, 36-27. They make it into my top 10 this week, edging out Stanford, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
Newton has an eye on the end zone and the Heisman.
- Time to take a look at the weekly progression of the Heisman race:
- Cam Newton, QB, Auburn. Plain and simple, Cam Newton is a beast. If you didnt see his 49 yard TD against an incredibly stout LSU defense, here it is. No debate here, Newton is #1.
- LaMichael James, RB, Oregon. James and Oregon ran all over a decent UCLA defense on national tv last Thursday. James is electric, and has a great chance to win the award if Newton some-how loses a game.
- Kellen Moore, QB, Boise St. Stats, stats, and more stats. He even caught a TD against La. Tech.
- On the brink: Derron Thomas, QB, Oregon. Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio St. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford.
- Here are this weeks crucial match-ups to watch (rankings are based on BCS standings):
- #6 Missouri at #14 Nebraska. Cut and dry, this is for the Big XII North crown. The best part is, both teams dont like each other. Missouri has seemingly came out of nowhere to grab everyones attention with a big win over Oklahoma last week. Nebraska had to win an OK Corral type of shootout against an explosive Oklahoma State team. The match-up Im most looking forward to seeing is the Nebraska front 7 against the Mizzou offensive line. If Nebraska can stuff the run and keep Blaine Gabbert’s head on a swivel, Nebraska should win the game comfortably. If not, then this could be a “whoever scores last, wins” type of game for the Victory Bell. Look for this to be a close game. Prediction: Nebraska 27-26. Confidence: 4.
- #5 Michigan State at #18 Iowa. Sparty comes into Iowa City off of a close win, and the Hawkeyes are looking to avenge their last second loss against Wisconsin. This is very much Michigan State’s conference to lose as we speak. Im excited to see how MSU starts the game. Last week, they got down 17-0 before they even got off the bus. Come out slow in Kinnick Stadium, and it is doubtful that another miracle comeback will be in the works. Iowa needs to regain their mojo after Wisconsin took it. Look for the Hawkeyes to control the time of possession and get to MSU QB Kirk Cousins with their talented front 4. Prediction: Iowa 21-20. Confidence: 6.
- #25 Baylor at Texas. Wait, Baylor is ranked and Texas isnt? Yep, the Bears with their win over Kansas St became bowl eligible for the first time since 1995, and jumped into the top 25 as well. They take on a Texas team that got picked apart by Iowa State. Yes, the same Iowa State team that got outscored 120-27 the previous 2 weeks. There is now mass panic throughout the Texas program, with Mack Brown calling out coaches and players during the week. Look for Baylor to exploit that and for Robert Griffin to play out of his mind in Austin. Prediction Baylor 21-13. Confidence: 5.
- #16 Florida State at North Carolina State. On a Thursday night, look for both of these teams to come out swinging with a possible trip to the ACC championship is on the line. Florida State has played much more consistently after getting beat by Oklahoma. The Noles defense has stepped up considerably and the running game has fueled the offense. North Carolina St has played above themselves all season, as most picked them to finish near the bottom of the ACC. QB Russell Wilson is playing great, throwing for almost 2,200 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Wolfpack defense has let them down in recent weeks, giving up 118 points the past 3 games. Look for FSU to run the ball and control the game clock to not let Russell Wilson work more of his magic. Prediction: Florida St 38-28. Confidence: 6.
- Finally, I have a serious beef with the Big XII for suspending Nebraska LB Eric martin for his hit on Oklahoma State DT Andrew Hudson….after the fact. The Big XII has a rule that states: “if subsequent review of a game by a conference reveals plays involving flagrant personal fouls that game officials did not call, the conference may impose sanctions prior to the next scheduled game.” What I dont understand about this, is how the hit was a “flagrant personal foul.” Unfortunately, kick off coverage is a tough job, but if you do it, you have the inherent risk of getting “blow up” like Hudson did. What bothers me even more is that Martin is the first player to be suspended under this new rule. The topper is that Oklahoma St WR Justin Blackmon was arrested for DUI and he only gets a one game suspension as well. The two incidents are not related, but one is much more dangerous than the other. This all happening before the Missouri game seems very fishy as well. RED CARD for Dan Beebe.
DeAngelo Hall's 4 INT's against Chicago were clutch.
- Here is what we learned in week 7 of the NFL:
- The new rules on big hits were extremely visible. More points were scored and you saw linebackers and defensive backs pull off of possible big hits to save themselves money. Message received, Mr. Goodell.
- Im certainly not the first to say it, but Cowboys are done. Losing Romo hurts big time, but not having a secondary worth their salt is inexcusable. It even prompted one Cowboys fan (Anna), to say that I could coach that team better than Wade Phillips. She may be right…..RED CARD.
- As my good friend John Devol posted on facebook after the Cowboys loss, Wade Phillips had the look of someone who has already lost his job after starting 1-5. Its too bad that he never really had this job with Jerry Jones making all the decisions. Hire yourself to coach Jerry, only then can your ego fit inside the new Cowboys Stadium. RED CARD.
- Oh Brett Favre…..why do you continue to torture Vikings fans? Im all for amazing records and streaks, but if you cannot physically do your job on the football field, then please dont try and lose your team more games by throwing BAD interceptions on passes you had no business throwing in the first place. Get some rest and comeback for the last stretch of the season. RED CARD.
- That being said, Brad Childress’ criticism of Favre is uncalled for. This is the guy that Childress begged to come back, as far as Im concerned, the interceptions are as much on “Chilly” as they are on Favre. You have to take the good with the bad with ‘ol #4, and Childress is not taking the bad well. RED CARD.
- Personally, I think the Vikings would do well to start Tavaris Jackson at QB this week. He is much more mobile and can spread the ball around on the run. It looks like the Vikes could use some new energy.
- Wow Denver, did you really just lose 59-14 to the same Raiders team that lost to the 49ers the week before? I know the Broncos have been playing above themselves all year relative to their talent, but this was as sound of a beating as there ever is in the NFL. RED CARD for every Bronco.
- Can we consider Jay Cutler a BUST yet? With more starts like he had against Washington, yes.
- DeAngelo Hall was once the best corner in the league, and after his 4 interception performance against Jay Cutler and the Cubs….er….I mean….Bears, he looks primed to make a run at Revis Island. How sick was the one-handed interception return for a touchdown against the Bears? Wow.
- Equally impressive Sunday was Browns DT David Bowens 2 INT returns for touchdowns against……Drew Brees. Yes, everyone, even Drew Brees has off-days. Major victory for the Browns.
- The NFL needs to do better with reviewing plays. The Ben Roethlisberger fumble debacle cannot happen at this level. Get it right. RED CARD.
- The Bills gave everything they had against the usually dominant Ravens, and almost won. An overtime loss is basically a win for the hapless Bills.
- Quietly, the Patriots have started 5-1. Nothing real flashy or dominant about this version of the Brady Bunch, but they just know how to win games.
- Marshawn Lynch was a phenomenal pick-up for not only the Seahawks, but for my fantasy team as well. It looks as if Pete Carroll has found his every-down back.
- My Fantasy RED CARD of the week: sitting Carson Palmer……who had a career day. Awesome.
- If you havent seen LeBron’s newest Nike Ad, here it is. I love it. I think he finally says what he has wanted to say all along: This was my decision. I did it for me. Not for you. Get a grip. Good for you, LeBron.
-Finally, some very sad news out of Germany. Paul the Octopus, who predicted every World Cup game correctly has died at the old-age of 2.5 years old. Carmelo Anthony was especially torn up about it, tweeting: “R.I.P to Paul The Octopus. That was my homie.” Ours too Melo, ours too.
Dan beebe is a fucking idiot! That it all oh and GOOOOOO BIIIIIIIIG REEEEEEEED GO BIG RED!!
Although Martin getting suspended sucks I have to agree with the Big XII on this one. The hit was fine, the personal foul part I saw was the EXCESSIVE celebration from that hit. You hit and move and nothing would have happened, but the way he celebrated made it look less like a typical hit. Furthermore, Huskers don’t celebrate like that, unclassy.
Really think it’s unfair that a Husker gets suspended for that cheap shot? The Oklahoma State player was well out of the play, and it was helmet to helmet. Please tell me how that is not a flagrant foul? Not to mention as the kid is on the ground in pain not knowing where he was, Martin is on the sideline laughing. Now I’ve heard all of the b.s. talking about play hard all the time. But was a block of that nature that far from the play really necessary? I personally think it’s a bunch of biased Husker fans who think the Big 12 is out to get them for leaving. Leave your egos at the door and look at the play from a football fan, not a Husker fan.
As for the receiver from Oklahoma State getting the suspension, that’s from the school, not the conference. There has to be an investigation by the conference before a ruling is made. He could/should miss more games.
Finally, I don’t think this is really “blogging”. You are just spitting out stuff that we read everyday, except tweaking a word or two. Maybe get some original stuff going?
bubruin,
1) If you had read my piece fully, Im not so much mad at the suspension, but rather the way it was handled. There have been many equal or worse hits over the past year in the big 12 than what E-Mart did, and no suspensions handed out. Thats my issue. Either everyone gets treated the same or the rule doesnt work.
2) Actually, the Big 12 did suspend him, not the school.
3) I dont know what your definition of blogging is, but this is it for me. The stories are out there already, this is just my take on them.
Joe,
Im more mad about the way it was handled than the actual suspension. To me though, if you are on kick-off coverage, you have to be aware of where you are at. It wasnt like Hudson was all the way across the field headed for the sidelines…..he was in the play, right where Niles Paul was running.
A blog (a contraction of the term “web log”) is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video.
Its good stuff to read Verlaney. A good combination of Facts and some Opinions by you and your commenters.
I’ll agree that the Martin hit was unnecessary. I didn’t see that he was laughing on the sideline about it. If he was [laughing about the hit], he just needs to put a stop to that and just play the game hard. What concerns me from the last game is how Nebraska wasn’t awarded the ball after the Gabbert fumble. It was ruled forward progress. Was that a serious ruling? If that’s the case, every big hit could be ruled forward progress. It is mind blowing that that upheld a review. I don’t care that it was an “illegal” hit. If it was, throw the flag. I could understand that preventing it from being ruled a fumble.
Also, its good to see the BCS final has Oregon at #1. I think that they only have one true test left and that will be against Oregon State. I know they have Arizona left on the schedule but I think they’ll put 50+ on them too. That offense is scary good.