The World According to MJ

Even more J-Lin-imation

2012-02-15T12:28:00.001-08:00

If you people keep creating them, I'll keep posting the Jeremy Lin animated videos.

Jeremy Lin "Taiwan-imation"

2012-02-15T12:25:00.001-08:00

Which is the better Taiwanese Export: Jeremy Lin or Taiwan-imated Jeremy Lin?

Jay Leno vs Jimmy Kimmel Late Night Feud

2012-02-15T12:20:00.002-08:00

I like Kimmel and I also like Leno. I'm still not sure why Jay Leno decided to take pot shots at him.

Do NOT try this at home!

2012-02-15T03:34:00.001-08:00

I know this is Division 2 Basketball, but tell me you aren't impressed by this dunk from Cal State Bernadino's Kwame Alexander.

Greatest Dormitory Warning Sign Ever?

2012-02-14T13:14:00.000-08:00

Ummmmmmm...Roll Tide???

MLB Tattoo Master

2012-02-14T13:08:00.000-08:00

Enthusiasm, wit and a broad knowledge of baseball will matter to the judges selecting the next inhabitants of MLB's Fan Cave. But Oakland Athletics fan Benjamin Christensen knows what's up regarding his own chances. The illustrations on both sides of his torso — a tattoo for each of the 30 teams in the American and National leagues — are probably his best selling point.

"I wanted to get every major league team on my body somehow, and the best way possible was ribs to hips on each side, so American League on the right side, and National League on the other," he said.
The audition video he submitted is pretty good, too. It helped him make a cut of 50 people who are being considered for the MLB Fan Cave, out of thousands of entries. Fans have until Feb. 22 to vote and whittle it down to the 30 finalists who'll go to Arizona for Fan Cave spring training.

http://mlbfancave.mlb.com/fancave/index.jsp?content=vote&#fbid=PAff4HvhrNW?38;fliqzid=bddd375195d8429bba778fbf18a780f0

News Anchor bit by dog,in the face....

2012-02-13T16:16:00.000-08:00

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/02/rescued-dog-bites-news-anchor-on-live-tv/

Does she get hazard pay for this?

Ricky Gervais plus Sesame Street = AWESOME

2012-02-13T14:12:00.001-08:00

Come on Ricky, quit toying with my emotions. This is freaking hilarious.

This Will Make You Cold

2012-02-13T13:46:00.000-08:00

I have no idea why this guy is doing this, but he is nuts. Oh, he also swills vodka.

Derrick Holland Does the Weather

2012-02-13T13:42:00.001-08:00

This is even better than Mike Leach's run at meteorology. Derrick Holland has his future after baseball secure.

Jeremy Lin: "In the Knick of Time"

2012-02-13T13:13:00.000-08:00

Here's another quickly made Jeremy Lin tribute song. I think it's pretty good.

Jeremy Lin and Jason Whitlock

2012-02-12T17:10:00.000-08:00

"Linsanity" continued on Friday night as Jeremy Lin scored 38 points for the Knicks against the LA Lakers. Then Jason Whitlock decided to make a prejudice penis joke when referring to Lin. Of course he made a half hearted apology a day later.

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2012-02-12/jason-whitlock-apologizes-for-offensive-jeremy-lin-tweet

My FIVE Favorite Cities to Visit

2012-02-12T16:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm not going to lie. I had no idea that I would be spending Sunday night blogging about my weekend. That's how much I enjoyed my time in Austin, Texas. It's not like I haven't been to Austin several times before. My sister attended UT. My little brother played football at UT. Basicly what I am saying is, I have been to Austin several times before. This time however felt much more "Austin-y".

First of all, the drive into the city could not have been more beautiful. There was not a cloud in the sky on Saturday morning and the temperature was around 48 degrees (cold for Houston standards, but not for most humans). After I passed LaGrange and lost most of the Houston stations, I switched over to KUT, which is the Austin Public Radio Station. Now I'm no musical expert as I'm sure most of you know, but the eclectic mix of twangy, non-pop country, "blues-y" guitar riffs, and just soulful ballads really struck me as excellent. Austin is currently prepping for Spring Break and the annual South X Southwest music/film festival.

Austin probably has the nicest parks I have seen in any major US city not named NYC (if we are to refer to Austin as major). There is just tons of green space, boat slips (when the drought isn't going on), and places to ride bikes/hike/etc.

I think Austin has as many good places to eat as Houston does, but the presentation of the dining areas seems much more exotic in Austin. I ate in a place with its own built in garden and was treated to delicious fois gras, chipotle smoked duck, and three herb gnocchi. The proliferation of food trucks in the downtown Austin area is also fascinating.

Finally, what really sets Austin apart, is the live music scene. Every bar in Austin is equipped with an honest to God musician who is too damn talented to be stuck playing for tips on a nightly basis. If you can imagine the instrument, it was probably being played in a bar in Downtown Austin on Saturday night.

I know what you're thinking...MJ, you spewed venom for all things Austin previously. What changed? Did it snow or something? Well actually now that you asked, it did snow in Austin on Sunday morning. I'll never move to Austin because my passion (sports) is basically an afterthought there, but when you're in the dead of the sports calendar, you can do a lot worse than heading up 290 West for a weekend.

Here now is my updated list of my five favorite cities to visit.

1. Las Vegas, Nevada: Quite simply the King. Not every trip makes you happy, but something crazy is bound to happen when you are there. Bring a loaded wallet and an empty stomach. See if you can get the casinos to pay for your rooms and meals. It's very doable. Secret travel tip: Battista's Hole in the Wall. It's slightly off the strip, but the best bang for your buck dinner and wine combo in the city. The fried ravioli and house wine are brought continuously to the table.

2. Boston, Massachucetts: Take American History, historical sports teams/venues, wicked accents, and the best public transportation system in our country and you get an affordable, enjoyable vacation. Secret Travel Tip: The Canolis at Mikes. Just ask a native, they will direct you to these addicting delicacies.

3. San Diego, California: I think San Diego has the best beaches in the lower 48 states. The Hotel Coronado is the best hotel in our country. There are tons of beautiful people and great Mexican food, but it's not tex-mex. Secret Travel Tip: Stay away from Mexico.

4.New York, New York: There is literally too much to do here, but you will fall in love with how many people are on the streets at all hours. Also, there is great food to be had at all hours. New Yankee Stadium is vastly overrated, but most of the shows on Broadway are not. Secret Travel Tip: Don't play tic-tac-toe with any rooster in China Town.

5. York Harbor, Maine: If you like seafood and scenic views, this coastal community (about an hour north of Boston) is for you. Any lighthouse picture you've ever seen on a post card was likely taken from here. Travel Tip: Scallops and Clams by the bushel.

Jeremy Lin Destroys John Wall

2012-02-08T19:05:00.001-08:00

Jeremy Lin is a machine...23 points and 10 assists Wednesday night as the Knicks killed John Wall and the Wiz...

If the Boom Goes the Dynamite Kid had done weather....

2012-02-08T19:02:00.001-08:00

He would have sounded like this....Drazzy Drizzle!

Patriot Fans Razzed by Giants Fans

2012-02-08T19:00:00.001-08:00

This is pretty damn funny...

Camel Eats Reporter's Head

2012-02-07T18:48:00.001-08:00

I had no idea that camels were so violent! This is crazy.

Gotta Have Peyton....

2012-02-07T18:40:00.000-08:00

This is clearly a better parody than the original song.

Hey Jimmy Kimmel I Unplugged the TV During the Game

2012-02-07T18:29:00.001-08:00

This is a genius stunt pulled on the Jimmy Kimmel show.

This is how you get over on your rival....

2012-02-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

The Duke/North Carolina Hoops rivalry has escalated to Defcon 2. North Carolina PG Dexter Strickland is dating the sister of Duke PG Austin Rivers (daughter of Doc Rivers).

Ummm yeah....this would be some serious psychological warfare on the court. I remember a similar thing happening when Ohio State LB AJ Hawk's sister was dating Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn.

Rob Gronkowski crushed by loss to Giants in Super Bowl....or not....

2012-02-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

Just wait till Gronk wins the big one...he probably goes to Hedonism.

Seriously, isn't Gronk suppose to have a bad ankle? What's the deal yo?

Summing up my trip to Las Vegas...

2012-02-07T03:12:00.000-08:00

I got into town late last night, so today's blog entry will be brief. Here is a quick brief recap of my trip to Las Vegas....

Basicly, I crushed it...I made serious moolah....

First things first, I used my vast sports handicapping knowledge to correctly predict a Giants Super Bowl win over the Patriots.

Then I successfully calculated the exact roll of the dice on 20 consecutive occassions at the craps table. Ok, to be fair, I got incredibly lucky. I ran into a hot shooter. He just happened to be a starting DL for the Arizona Cardinals, Calais Campbell.

This is the casino passing their cash on to me the new "whale".

Then, I posed for pictures on the wall of the Monte Carlo with Calais and his agent Ryan Buescher. They both won big at the table with me.

I was taking SOOOOO much $$$ from the Monte Carlo, that they begged me to leave, in exchange for a souvenir from the casino to take home with me. So this is going to find its way to my backyard.

Pretty Much Everyone's Super Bowl Party

2012-02-02T13:34:00.001-08:00

Chances are each of these people will be represented at YOUR Super Bowl party.

Kate Upton

2012-02-02T13:25:00.001-08:00

You can never get enough Kate Upton. So on Super Bowl weekend, get yourself in the mood to be a dude with this video.

Football Stadiums Made Entirely out of Meat

2012-02-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

If you're not hungry for The Super Bowl yet, maybe these meat stadiums will help whet your appetite.

How's This for a Business Model?

2012-02-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

http://www.brobible.com/bronews/story/michigan-walk-of-shame-shuttle-service

This is pretty funny. Walk of Shame Shuttle....

Blake Griffin "Taiwan-imation"

2012-02-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

Blake Griffin butchered Kendrick Perkins the other night. You know this. Now, so does the Far East.

Worst Free Throw Attempt Ever

2012-01-30T14:22:00.001-08:00

Is Desagna Diop really a paid professional? This is the saddest attempt at a FT I have ever seen.

Leaked Super Bowl Commercials

2012-01-30T14:20:00.000-08:00

You won't have to worry about missing the Super Bowl ads on Sunday. I'm going to leak them all to you this week.

Matthew Broderick will reprise his role from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" in a Super Bowl commercial this weekend. For the 1st time, you can see that ad right here!

Here Jerry Seinfeld is pimping Accuras.

Super Bowl Sunday in Indianapolis

2012-01-29T18:55:00.000-08:00

Well, we're off! We took off from Houston Hobby airport at 11am and arrived in Indianapolis around 5pm Eastern. Here's a quick photo essay on what I did today.

I got on the road early at 9am en route to Hobby airport. I normally stop over here at Million-air, but I decided to fly with the common folk this time around.

Why am I shooting photos while riding in a car? No idea.....

Look at the "angelic" light guiding me to the airport. It's as if a higher power wanted me to leave town.

For once, I didn't have to waste $$$ on parking.......

I went into the "touristy" sporting goods store at the airport. They might want to update their Rockets footage. Jimmy Jackson?!?!? Really? Jimmy Jackson....The other photos on the wall included former Astro SS Jose Vizcaino and Houston Comet Michelle Snow (not kidding).

Did I really buy a pack of Houston Oilers trading cards? Yes I did. It might be the best $10 I ever spent. We will shoot a video later this week when I open the pack of cards.

Obviously when you have a 5 hours of travel ahead of you, you are going to need some serious reading material.

Is this guy still alive? I use to think Steven Wright was the funniest comedian alive.

Thank you Steve Jobs. Without your IPhone, this entire blog would not have been possible.

I wanted to buy this book, but it was reserved by Dexter Manley.

We've got it all! Lowriders, Streetracers, diesel trucks,

And obviously when I get on a plane, I like to make people nervous with my collection of fire arms magazines.

This Men's Health Journal was actually used as a decoy so that I could snap the next 5 pictures. You don't want anyone to see you picking up the plastic, if you know what I mean.

I am all for Porn rags and free speech, but I am still surprised that they make these available in the airport. Have you ever been on a plane where someone had the Playboy Centerfold spread all the way out? Yeah, me neither...

Now GQ, that's a classy magazine. This is a magazine you can read without any nervous creepy stares.

I don't know who Katrina Bowden is, but I will let you know as soon as I am done reading this one.

I think this is some type of Penthouse Forum wannabe mag. Not really into this kind of thing.

Now, here's the original...the Penthouse forum. Every 16 year old has seen one of these at a barbershop at some point.

I'm not sure why, but I was mesmerized by the massive size of this candy bar. Somehow resisted buying the Toblerone though.

And if you're going to have a giant chocolate bar, you're going to have to chase it with some giant Mentos.

I got my grandmother one of these for Christmas, and the rest of my family thought I was trying to kill her and inherit her money.

Wow. check out Seal. He looks even more messed up since the breakup with Heidi Klum.

The second we stepped off the plane in Indianapolis, there was a Super Bowl merchandise store that had tons of Giants/Pats gear....oh and also copies of these.

Riding on the Media Shuttle to our hotel, here are a couple of shots of Lucas Oil Stadium.

Am I the only person that thinks this stadium somewhat resembles the American Airlines Arena in Dallas?

This is the view from our broadcast location. We are set up right in front of the NFL Network. Speaking of which, Rich Eisen will join us on The Big Show Wednesday morning at 7am.

The walls of the media center are decorated with the official posters from each Super Bowl ever played.

Here is the poster from this year's Super Bowl in Indy.

Here is the poster from the Super Bowl played at Reliant Stadium during the 2003 season.

Stay tuned right here to The Big Show Blog as we will continue to bring the sights and sounds of Super Bowl 46. Thanks again to our friends from Gold and Silver Buyers for making the trip possible.

NIKE CEO Phil Knight Impassioned Speech for Joe Paterno

2012-01-26T12:57:00.000-08:00

Knight Rips Trustees At Paterno Memorial: MyFoxPHILLY.com

Whether you agree or disagree with his opinion, I thought these were some powerful words from NIKE CEO Phil Knight at the Memorial Service for Joe Paterno. Knight called Paterno "his hero", and said Joe never let him down.

"I Hooked it Left..." The Billy Cundiff Blues

2012-01-25T16:59:00.001-08:00

Bravo....Exceptional work on this parody Ravens fans.

Rockets 2012 Offseason Will be Incredibly Active

2012-01-25T16:03:00.000-08:00

The Rockets have been a great (but un-noticed) story so far this year. Kevin McHale and his troops have weathered a difficult 3-7 start against heavy competition to rise near the top of the Southwest Division. Perhaps the Rockets will continue to surprise for the remainder of the 66 game schedule and make some noise in the NBA playoffs, where frankly, outside of Oklahoma City, everyone out west looks beatable.

Rockets GM Daryl Morey has paved the way for massive turnover this offseason. Daryl decided to go in a different direction four times on Wednesday saying "Aloha" to Terrance Williams, Jordan Hill, Hasheem Thabeet, and Johnny Flynn . The team also declined to offer an extension to reserve SG Courtney Lee who will become a restricted free agent. The only Rockets currently scheduled to be under guarenteed contracts for next season are Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Kyle Lowry, and 2012 1st round pick, Marcus Morris. One would assume that the team will exercise its team option on Patrick Patterson for a shade under $2.1 million as well.

That leaves the team with between $15 and 22 million of cap space this offseason to acquire players via free agency and trade. The team could also own as many as 2 lottery picks, should both they and the Knicks miss the post season, or as few as zero if the reverse happens.

While the Rockets are still an unlikely landing place for Dwight Howard and/or Deron Williams, they may have finally found their "B" level star to win a championship in PG Kyle Lowry. Could the team possibly look to acquire 2 players of Kyle's caliber (preferably at SF and Center) and try the Detroit Pistons model of winning a title? With the available cap space, the Rockets also become a potential trade partner for teams looking to dump salary (see Zach Randolph from Clippers to Grizzlies). Perhaps Daryl Morey identifies one of the young emerging talents who will be a restricted free agent and makes an offer that the rights holding team simply won't match. The possibilities are endless, but one thing is certain, the Rockets will roster will have a completely new look next season.

Taiwanese Animation of Patriots/Giants Super Bowl

2012-01-25T11:41:00.001-08:00

These guys continue to churn out animated winners!

What I would do with $214 million...

2012-01-24T14:44:00.000-08:00

Prince Fielder signed a $214 million contract with the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday. If I had $214 million, I think I would buy my own TV station and show the following programs.

American Gladiators: Love the Assault and Eliminator...even when their is total failure.

Superfriends vs The Legion of Doom: It probably has to be the greatest cartoon ever even though it was lame that the Superfriends never lost.

Giada...I mean come on...soooo hot and she can cook.

Code Red: Lorne Greene and Adam Rich? How can you go wrong? This show was better than CHIPS and Emergency as far as I am concerned.

Press Your Luck was/is the best gameshow ever. Michael Larsen a retired ice cream man memorized the light patterns of the whammy board and broke the bank. It was awesome to watch. Watch how host Peter Tomarken continues to freak out.

Jeep Superstars was an awesome sports event in the 1980's. Herschel Walker and Willie Gault were dominant.

What programs would you like to contribute to my station?

Megan Fox and Mike Tyson team up for a winning commercial.

2012-01-24T10:36:00.001-08:00

This spot needs to win every commercial award possible. Very creative!

Family Feud has a dirty mouth....

2012-01-24T10:34:00.001-08:00

Really Family Feud? His schlong? Name something a pilot might hold onto during a long flight? His schlong? Nice....

Magic Employ Peek-a-boo defense

2012-01-24T10:32:00.000-08:00

Check out Magic guard Jason Richardson who forgets that he is suppose to be on the floor so he joins the action mid play. Of course the oblivious NBA referees missed that call.

Astros Make Significant Fan Friendly Changes

2012-01-23T15:37:00.000-08:00

The Astros realize they have lost a ton of fans through the gates at Minute Maid Park the last couple years do to a bad (on the field) product. New owner Jim Crane announced some fan friendly initiatives on Monday to try and get more people out to the yard. Here are the ones you should be most excited about.

Beer

The Astros have expanded their $5 beer special to include every permanent concession stand and permanent bar at Minute Maid Park where domestic beer is sold. This 14-ounce draft beer will now be available at 35 locations throughout the ballpark.

Outside food and beverages

Fans are now allowed to bring food and water into Minute Maid Park for games. Food must be transported in a small, clear (see-through) plastic bag, and water must be in a sealed, plastic bottle, being one liter or less in size. One bottle of water per person is allowed. This is a big change. Formerly the Astros were the only team in the majors to not allow people to bring food and water into the ball park.

Ticket Prices

While many of the ticket prices have dropped, the price that was of most interest to me and I think to you is a section of the Club Seats going for $35 a seat. That price also includes a $15 food and beverage credit oer game. So if you just drink beer alone, that would be 3 free beers a game.

Uniform and name change

Astros owner Jim Crane hinted that a name change and uniform change could be in the offing when the team switches leagues. What are your thoughts on the changes?

Indiana Mascot Breaks Backboard

2012-01-23T11:48:00.000-08:00

"Boomer" the Indiana Pacers mascot was performing at halftime of a high school game last weekend. This happened. Unfortunately, the 2nd half had to be cancelled....ce la vie!

Billy Cundiff gets the Ray Finkel Treatment

2012-01-23T11:43:00.001-08:00

This is genius....Ace Ventura..underrated movie.

Clean Bottle Guy

2012-01-23T11:10:00.001-08:00

I don't know if you watch the show "Sharktank" on ABC, but it happens to be one of my favorite shows. Inventors go on the show to try and sell shares of their company/products to millionaire "sharks". Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is one of the sharks and he bought a share of this company "Clean Bottle". I really don't care about the product, but I love the guerilla marketing effort to promote it.

Joe Paterno 1926-2012

2012-01-22T10:49:00.000-08:00

Nine out of 10 of you are not going to want to read this. Let me just get that out of the way. Joe Paterno, who was/is pretty much a hero to me has died from lung cancer. I grew up in State College The last two months where Joe has been ripped to shreds by the media and the public because of the horrific molestation allegations against one of his former coaches has been awful for anyone with a connection to State College.

I know the guy. It's just painful to watch a man's legacy completely tarnished by so many who don't or won't take the time to write and research the good that came from the man. I don't know if my hometown will ever make it back from this. The community was already divided between those who supported the coach and the university, and those who wanted swift justice without a thorough investigation. This guy is Penn State. He is State College. He built so many of the buildings on campus through his fundraising.

I don't even know how you begin to lift the spirits of these people. For a half century, everything that was good in the area revolved around Joe and the football team. Now people come out of the woodwork and say that the whole community was nothing but child predator enablers. I just can't believe that. I really hate having to talk about this on the air, because I know I won't go with the masses and just rip Joe and Penn State for all of their foibles large and small. It's just so sad. I knew that the second he retired/ was removed, he'd be a dead man. It happens to all great people. When your candle burns out doing what you do, you have nowhere else for your light to shine.

Joe Paterno was the last remaining vanguard for collegiate utopia. He truly gave a crap whether his players graduated. He didn't take shortcuts with knuckleheads. He cared about all the students on campus, not just the ones that wore the helmets and shoulder pads. For 50+ years Penn State ran a high caliber program with not even a whiff of NCAA impropriety. While salaries for other less accomplished coaches skyrocketed into the MILLIONS, Joe never asked or demanded any special treatment from his University. He asked that additional money be donated to the library or to other academic buildings which would benefit the many.

Perhaps State College, Pennsylvania is not Camelot after all. The public and the media want to place blame immediately when the innocent are victimized. Because he was the most important and recognizable person on campus, Joe Paterno was held responsible for unspeakable allegations against one of his former coaches. But that's not the story right now and it shouldn't be the story until the actual defendant is put on trial. Now is the time to celebrate what is good about Joe Paterno. To recognize the 1000's of men he put on the right path to success. To marvel at how a man who was told the game had passed him by in the early 80's more than held his own on the field for another 25+ years.

For whatever reason we revile in the demise of the successful. I am just as guilty of this as anyone else. I rooted against Lebron James in the NBA Finals last year. I laughed and mocked a sitting President when he got caught with an intern and a loaded cigar. But there is a time and a place for everything. Let the man be buried by his family before you throw stones at his legacy. Let a community have its time to celebrate it's most beloved man. Joe, you will be sorely missed.

Previewing the Conference Championship Games

2012-01-19T14:52:00.000-08:00

Sunday 2pm Baltimore Ravens (13-4) at New England Patriots (14-3)

The last time these two teams met in the post season, Ray Rice took the 1st snap from scrimmage and meandered 80 yards for a TD. The Patriots could not protect Tom Brady and a rout ensued. That was also 2 years ago. Everyone acknowledges that the Patriots secondary has been porous this season, but that's not really in the Ravens' offensive wheelhouse. So to me, the answer to the question, can Baltimore beat New England will rest with whether the Patriots run defense is worthy of a championship team.

Here's a dirty little secret that no one likes to talk about. The Patriots have been playing from behind a ton late in the year due to their inability to stop the run in the 1st half of games. The Redskins, Dolphins, Broncos, and Bills all had success toting the rock in the 1st half of games keeping them well within striking distance of New England. The Broncos fell out of striking distance in their games because they turned the ball over, not because the Pats kept them from running the ball. In short, the Ravens will shorten the game forcing Tom Brady to be perfect against a very good Ravens defense.

Let's also take a look at the competition these two teams have played and beaten this season. The Patriots have played two teams with a winning record (Steelers and Giants) and lost to them both. The Ravens have 7 wins over playoff teams (who also had winning records) including two on the road (Pittsburgh, Cincy). The Ravens will not be man handled at the line of scrimmage by the Pats OL the way the Texans did last week. I think Baltimore is the better team. The Patriots "home field advantage" has amounted to jack squat during the last two post seasons. I like Baltimore to pull the outright upset, 23-21.

Sunday 530pm New York Giants (11-7) at San Francisco 49ers (14-3)

Let's be honest, this was a coin flip game last time around, and it's a coin flip game on Sunday. The talk all week is that NY is the "hot" team, but in reality, both teams have won their last 4 contests. The 49ers have won the turnover and special team's battles in every game they've played at home this season and its November win over the Giants was no different. Two significant personnel differences from the 1st contest. The 49ers will have a healthy Frank Gore, which they did not last time around. The Giants have a full compliment of pass rushers, though Justin Tuck is playing with 1 arm.

The Saints did not even attempt to try and run the football on San Francisco last week and I think that was a mistake. Will Beatty will not find life quite as easy protecting against Alden Smith as he did against Green Bay. The Giants would be wise to run some draws and traps using the upfield agression of Smith against him. In the 1st meeting of the two teams Mario Manningham lost slot corner Chris Culliver on two different occassions on deep seam routes, but Eli Manning over threw one ball, and Manningham dropped the other. The seam will be open again as the Niners shade a safety over the top of Hakeem Nicks.

Switching to the other side of the ball I would expect the Giants to keep a similar gameplan to the last game. They played a cover three with 3 safeties on the field and dared the 49ers WR's to beat single coverage as a safety was always shading the back side of Vernon Davis. This could be a particularly effective technique if San Francisco does not get backup TE Delanie Walker back from injury. He's been MIA since breaking his jaw at Seattle in week 16. Walker had 6 catches in the regular season game and showed his ability to beat both linebackers and safeties on shallow crossing routes. Braylon Edwards was a factory of sadness in the earlier game with 4 drops (including 2 in the endzone). Obviously he won't be seeing the field on Sunday.

Most importantly, this is the game San Francisco has been spelling Frank Gore for all season. The 49ers work horse should have success running right at the heart of the Giants defense. Giants DE Justin Tuck is playing with one good arm which should allow RT Anthony Davis to establish the edge on the right side of the field. This should be a 30 touch game for Gore.

There are many reasons to like the Giants to win this game. Eli Manning is hot right now. The Giants pass rush has been relentless the last month of the season. New York clearly has more weapons in the passing game. But, even the most ardent Giant fan would acknowledge that the game will be close. In the close game, give me the team that takes better care of the ball (SF +32 TO's, NY +7), has the better kicking game (a landslide for the 49ers), and in expected adverse weather conditions, runs the ball more effectively. I like San Francisco 19-17.

The Top 10 Songs Played at Sporting Events

2012-01-18T15:12:00.000-08:00

Music licensing company BMI has compiled the 10 songs played most often at stadiums and arenas during the last calendar year. This list sounds right....any glaring omissions from what you have heard?

1. We Will Rock You (Queen) - This one is still a staple at pretty much every NBA game. I remember growing up thinking this one was written specifically for the Houston Rockets.

2. Let it Rock (Kevin Rudolf featuring Lil' Wayne) - Again, this one is an NBA staple. I rarely heard it at any Astro games.

3. Burn it to the Ground (Nickelback) - The only thing I know about this one is they play it on wrestling shows.

4. Boom Boom Pow (Black Eyed Peas) - I can't say I have ever heard this one played at a Houston sporting event. I hear "Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night" much more than this one.

5. Carwash - (Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliot) This new version doesn't hold a candle to the old version, but whatever.

6. Fire Burning -(Sean Kingston) This is another one that I don't recall hearing very often.

7. Song 2 (Blur) - I have no idea what the lyrics are to this song, but it is one of my favorite "Jock Jams". I was 1st introduced to this one on the EA Sports Video Game FIFA World Cup 1998.

8. Turn My Swag On (Soulja Boy) - I like this one.

9. Run This Town (Jay-Z) - This one isn't bad. Rihanna has an excellent voice.

10. Machine Head (Bush) - Another NBA staple for late in the game when team's are coming out of a timeout.

I'm not a political activist, but this just ain't right....

2012-01-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

Congress is looking to pass legislation which would permanently restrict the kinds of shared content that has entertained us year after year on the internet (like what you see above.). Here's what you need to know about this law. http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/18/sopa-internet-blackout/?hpt=hp_c2

Girl Versus Lion

2012-01-17T14:25:00.001-08:00

I think the title speaks for itself.

Is there a Texans fan equivalent to this chick?

2012-01-17T14:23:00.000-08:00

Really lady? Your team lost...get over it!

ACTING!!!

2012-01-17T14:20:00.000-08:00

Check out this great Thespian turned basketball coach, Tom Herrion at Marshall. The Marshall coach fakes like he has been mauled by the UCF player drawing a flagrant foul with seconds remaining. Marshall sinks 1 of 2 FT's and wins the game.

A Night at the Movies through the lyrics of Lionel Richie...

2012-01-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

Hello from ant1mat3rie on Vimeo.

This must have taken hours to create, but it's very creative.

Here of course is the Lionel Richie original.

This answer is so funny, even Alex Trebek can't contain his laughter...

2012-01-17T03:08:00.001-08:00

Yes, you heard correctly, the contestant on Jeapordy just answered, "What is a Donkey Punch?" Words can't describe my joy...

Fun with Audio/Video: Saved by The Bell Edition

2012-01-16T14:33:00.001-08:00

Someone decided to take some of the finest acting of Mark Paul Gosselaar aka Zack Morris and add superfluous or out of place "Wooing". The resulting spliced video is incredibly funny.

How can you not LOVE the Niners?

2012-01-16T14:30:00.001-08:00

That's entertainment! Well done Vernon Davis and Joe Staley.

A Future Gus Johnson?

2012-01-16T14:28:00.000-08:00

I guess this shot was worthy of screaming....even at NAIA Lindsay College.

10 Texans who may have played their last game with the team...

2012-01-16T14:13:00.000-08:00

We're 36 hours removed from the Texans playoff defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. Let's take a look at how the roster might be different in 2012. Here are 10 Texans who could be elsewhere next year.

1. Mario Williams - The team's former #1 overall draft pick was hardly missed as rookie 2nd round pick Brooks Reed more than held his own at strong side LB. Williams is an unrestricted free agent and might prefer to find a team that will pay him and allow him to play defensive end in a 4-3.
Williams is a superior run defender and better overall athlete than Reed, but it's tough to assess his overall value in Wade Phillips scheme.

2. Demeco Ryans - Ryans clearly needed more than a season to feel like himself again. He might also benefit from the fact that his much cheaper replacement (Daryl Sharpton) will be coming off a pretty serious knee injury too. Still, inside LB's who play on 1st and 2nd down only are a dime a dozen and the Texans might try to save $$ here to extend people like Arian Foster, Matt Schaub, and Chris Meyers.

3. Owen Daniels/Joel Dreesen - It doesn't seem possible that both of these guys will be back next season. Dreesen is an unrestricted free agent and is good enough to start somewhere. He is a better blocker than Daniels though less mobile in the passing game. The Texans could decide that the production drop-off is not enough to warrant keeping OD around and offer Dreesen a less lucrative long term deal.

4. Jacoby Jones - Jones' carelessness in the playoff game makes this an easy call, but put quite simply, he does not make enough plays to justify his contract. The Texans can draft or sign a return-man for less, or look to draft a potential starting WR.

5. Kevin Walter - A Gary Kubiak favorite, I'm not sure you can keep starting him if Andre Johnson is going to be fading from the prime of his career. The Texans can clearly upgrade at WR.

6. Jason Allen - A UFA, if he would come back at the right price, the Texans would probably have him back. The team is surely hoping to get something out of their CB draft picks last season (Harris, Carmichael). Plus, the Texans probably will place a premium on drafting another CB in the 1st 2 rounds of the draft.

7. Shawn Cody - It's tough to be angry with how Cody played this season, but the Texans probably want a better rotation than Cody and Earl Mitchell. Cody would probably have to come back for less money to stick.

8. Neil Rackers/Matt Turk - Rackers will be 36 by opening kickoff next season. Turk will be 65. The Texans should have both spots open for upgrade.

9. Matt Leinart - It's not Matt Leinart's fault that he got hurt, but the possibility exists that the Texans coaching staff might feel that TJ yates is ready to be the backup QB to Matt Schaub for alot less $$$.

10. Chris Meyers - This is probably the longest of long shots, but the free agent market for centers is not very strong. Myers could potentially break the bank (at least as far as centers are concerned). The Texans might actually have to consider franchising Meyers which would probably spell the end of Mario Williams in a Texans uniform.

Stupid Human Trick...

2012-01-16T12:20:00.000-08:00

Drinking 3 beers with no hands in 1 minute...makes me proud to be an American.

Unneccessary Censorship

2012-01-15T17:47:00.001-08:00

A Jimmy Kimmel show staple....and always so good.

Houston Marathon: Running for a Worthy Cause

2012-01-13T03:39:00.000-08:00

The 40th annual Chevron Houston Marathon takes place this weekend in downtown Houston. This year the race takes on added importance with the race being a US Olympic qualifier for the 2012 Summer Games in London. While I realize most of you will be high on Texans fever on Sunday, how about a little love for the men and women who have the courage and stamina to make it 26.2 miles. That distance always seems incredible to me.

I also would like to give a shout out to a good friend of mine, Pam Hurst who is part of a group of men and women who run the marathon each year to raise money for a very worthy charity. "Team Butterfly" formed in 2005 at Southminster Presbyterian Church to raise funds for Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services through the Chevron Houston Marathon. PCH&S provides adoption, foster care and outreach services in the Houston area.

Team Butterfly has grown into a group of 25 women and men who enjoy the challenge of preparing the marathon each January, inspiring and supporting each other while keeping their shared mission in mind.

For more information about PCHAS, please call 1-800-888-1904 or visit http://www.pchas.org/.

Good Luck to all the runners in town for the event and let's all pray for good weather!

.

NFL Divisional Playoff Predictions

2012-01-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

Saturday 330pm New Orleans Saints @ San Francisco 49ers

This should be the best game of the weekend due to the major contrast in styles. No team is better equipped to slow down the Saints than the 49ers. The Saints are use to picking off week linebackers in coverage either vertically (with Jimmy Graham) or horizontally (with Darren Sproles). The 49ers however have 2 All Pro inside backers (Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman) who both excel in coverage. They should be able to contain the Saints passing game when they are in base formation.

However, if I am the Saints, I use 3WR's as my base offense and force the 49ers into their nickel D. That puts 49ers rookie pass rushing specialist Alden Smith on the field in a down position where he could be susceptible to be run against. It also puts rookie CB Chris Culliver in the slot against Marques Colston who has a minimum of 4 inches on Culliver. While the Saints may find a big play or 2 during the game, they won't get into the 30's like they are accustom unless the 49ers uncharacteristically turn the ball over.

Flipping sides of the ball, the most sacked team per pass (49ers) takes on the worst sacking team per pass (New Orleans). The 49ers don't really take very many 7 step drops unless they are in long distance 3rd down situations. I would expect several 2 and 3 TE sets that look to drag the Saints into a street fight at the line of scrimmage. 49ers RT Anthony Davis has been a revolving door in pass protection, but he is a willing run blocker. The 49ers often bring DT Isaac Sopoaga in as a blocking back or 3rd TE to really try and over power the defense. San Francisco essentially rested Frank Gore the 2nd half of the season to have him fresh for this game. We shall see if he is ready to dominate.

In a close game, turnovers and field position are going to be key, and this to me is where the game has to lean toward the 49ers. San Francisco forced 23 turnovers while giving it up only 4 times at home. The Saints by contrast were a -7 in road games. Led by All Pro punter Andy Lee, the 49ers defense averages a starting field position of the 23 yard line which is by far the tops in football. Because of the forced turnovers and the punt returns of Ted Ginn Jr., the 49ers offense's average drive start is the 33 yard line which again leads the NFL.

The bottom line to me is the public is being seduced by the scoreboard. There is no difference between a 45-20 win or a 25-0 win. They are both dominant performances. The Saints will hit a bomb or two, but will also give up their fair share of sacks and miscues. San Francisco's kicking-game superiority wins a very tight contest. Prediction: San Francisco 23 New Orleans 21

Saturday 7pm Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots

The Patriots come into the contest winners of 7 straight games and yet I can't help but feel this team is full of holes. When the two teams played in December, the Broncos ran the ball right down New England's throats the 1sst 15 minutes to take a 16-7 lead. It wasn't until Tim Tebow and Lance Ball fumbled on consecutive possessions that the Patriots were able to wear down the Broncos defense while they scored TD's. In the 2nd half Brady kept the pressure on with accurate passing and the double digit lead kept the Broncos out of their running comfort zone.

The Broncos running game really has not looked good since the 1st quarter of that game. Willis McGahee appears worn down, while Lance Ball is just another guy. Is Tebow capable of a 100+ yard day on the ground to make up the difference? He might have to put up those kind of numbers to keep Denver competitive. While the Patriots defense is not as talented as the Steelers' unit that was torched last weekend, I can't imagine Bill Belicheck being arrogant enough to give no safety help on the deep ball against a QB who struggles with the more difficult throws.

Offensively the Patriots TE's won't find much resistance in the Broncos D. Champ Bailey should adequately neutralize Wes Welker, but with safety Brian Dawkins a likely scratch, expect Rob Gronkowski to have an excellent evening. As much as I would love to see Tebow take down Brady, I think the Mile High Messiah has his Last Supper in Foxboro. Prediction: Patriots 37 Broncos 24

Sunday 330 PM NY Giants @ Green Bay Packers

If this game had been played a month ago, I probably would have sided with the Packers. Call it a hunch, but I don't see much of a talent gap right now between the 2 teams with the exception of the secondary where Green Bay has a decided advantage. The Packers OL is banged up and is running into a Giants DL that is deep and playing its best football. The Giants have also re-discovered their running game. You can't help but think that the Packers are a bit distracted on offense due to the death of OC Joe Philbin's 21 year old son. How could it not effect their preparations? Eli Manning has slayed bigger giants than this one, and I think he matches Aaron Rodgers TD for TD in an unforgettable shootout. Prediction: Giants 41 Packers 38 in Overtime.

Is it time to bring back "The Magic Hour"?

2012-01-12T09:06:00.001-08:00

Watch Magic Johnson butcher these highlights and tell me he isn't a television SUPERSTAR!

S*** Nobody Says

2012-01-11T15:23:00.001-08:00

The Title essentially speaks for itself.

Meet Mike Nesbitt, Houston Cougar Offensive Coordinator

2012-01-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

University of Houston football coach Tony Levine hired Stephen F Austin offensive coordinator Mike Nesbitt as his new OC. Nesbitt has limited experience as a play caller having served for 1 year with the Lumberjacks, 1 year at West Texas A&M, and 2 years at Blinn Junior College. Here's a link to the SFA offensive output last season. http://web1.ncaa.org/football/exec/rankingSummary?year=2011&org=676

Judging from the background of his teams, it seems reasonable to expect a pass happy unit next season. To me the biggest question mark with the early hires by Levine is the limited experience recruiting the D-1 level player. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Nesbitt will convince Levine to bring back one of his former colleagues from West Texas A&M to coach QB's......THIS GUY BELOW!!!

UH also hired Jamie Christian as Special Teams Coach. Christian held the same position at Arizona State last year. Phil Steele ranked the Sun Devils Special Teams' unit the 17th best in 2011. http://philsteele.com/fbsinfo/2011/11specialtms.html

Damn Kate Upton! Why You So Fine?

2012-01-11T14:03:00.001-08:00

Another day, another reason to LOVE Kate Upton.

A REAL Page Turner

2012-01-10T15:05:00.001-08:00

It would take me 20 years to read the Sunday NY Times with this device.

This is creativity at its finest.

2012-01-10T10:46:00.001-08:00

I can't say that I have ever heard of this actor, but the song interpretation was epic!

Soccer analyst nailed by ball.

2012-01-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

This is pretty incredible composure by all the broadcasters during this live shot.

Bowling Fail...

2012-01-09T13:01:00.001-08:00

Is it safe to say this guy needs to do a better job of lubing up his balls before he tosses?

Now this is an interesting college football sign.

2012-01-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

I think this picture and sign speaks for itself. It's from the GoDaddy.com bowl Sunday night where Arkansas State got rolled by Northern Illinois. Gus Malzahn, the former Auburn OC, will take over for the Red Wolves.

Date My Tebow...

2012-01-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

It's not just the skanks who want a piece of Tim Tebow. Here is a Christian Sorority sister asking Tim Tebow to be her date for their Spring Formal. This takes guts. I think I may try this with Susie Hoffs just for kicks.

Tell me Susie still isn't hot? Hard to believe she's FIFTY-THREE!!!

How Best to Neutralize Tim Tebow...

2012-01-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

From Penthouse Pet of the Year 2011 Nikki Benz on Sunday evening, I give yout his tweet. https://twitter.com/#!/NikkiBenz

"@ NikkiBenz It's official! I gotta bang @timtebow"

I have to say, Tim can do much better than this. I don't even find her attractive. Nikki might be the Tim Tebow of Penthouse Pets. Yuck...

Crazy Pop Star, Lady Gaga also chimed in from the Twitterverse: “Giants fan but wow,” . “#Tebow Thats what the (expletive) champion looks like.”

This is why you will never find me bungee jumping...

2012-01-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

This is video from New Year’s Eve in Africa where Australian Erin Langworthy and some friends went bungee jumping over the Zambezi River. During Langworthy’s jump, the rope snapped.

I'm sorry, skydiving and bungee jumping are not for me because **** like this happens. Incredibly this Australian woman survived the accident.

Awesome Walk-on Celebration

2012-01-05T13:10:00.000-08:00

This is the type of support you want from a walk-on hooper. Kudos to you Seton Hall scrub Peter Dill!

Texans Bengals Game Prop Bets

2012-01-05T13:06:00.000-08:00

CIN vs. HOU Player Stats
Total Rushing Yards – Cedric Benson (CIN)
Over./Under 62½

Total Receiving Yards – A.J. Green (CIN)
Over/Under 67½

Total Rushing Yards – Arian Foster (HOU)
Over/Under 105½

Who will record more Passing Yards in the game?
Andy Dalton (CIN) QB -9½
T.J. Yates (HOU) QB +9½

Who will record more TD Passes in the game?
Andy Dalton (CIN) QB 8/5
T.J. Yates (HOU) QB 8/5
Tie 2/1

Who will record more Interceptions in the game?
Andy Dalton (CIN) QB 3/2
T.J. Yates (HOU ) QB 7/4
Tie 2/1

Floyd Mayweather Won Big on The Coogs

2012-01-04T14:12:00.000-08:00

Before Floyd Mayweather goes off to prison, he took the time to make some $$$ on the Coogs. Smart man.

Guarenteed Time Waster

2012-01-04T12:21:00.000-08:00

I challenge you to NOT waste 30 minutes using this sound board of soundbytes recorded from an annoying Miami Heat fan. You can't do it. Don't even try....DO NOT Click! You have been warned.

http://www.heatfansounds.com/

Rejected Marriage Proposal at Basketball Game

2012-01-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

Check out what happened at an December 23rd UCLA Bruins basketball game. This proposal was not fake according to a spokesman from the UCLA athletic department. The reaction of the woman with the microphone is pretty strong to in the "akward" department.

The 20 Most boneheaded moments of the NFL regular season: 1-10

2012-01-03T16:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I gave you the 11th through 20th most boneheaded moments of the NFL season. Here are the top 10.

1.Chiefs Kicker Ryan Succop with the worst onside kick attempt of all time.

2. Making his 2nd appearence in the top 10, Bears RB Marion Barber fails on his backflip landing on his face.

3. Cardinals WR Early Doucet trips for no reason in the endzone preventing a surefire game tieing TD for the Cardinals and preventing them from making the NFC playoffs.

4. Bears QB Caleb Hanie botches the "clocking" of the football resulting in an "Intentional Grounding" penalty and a 10 second runoff ending the Bears chance to beat the Raiders.

5. Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garret ices his own field goal kicker.

6. Bears RB Marion Barber goes out of bounds for no apparent reason saving Tim Tebow's bacon and allowing the Broncos to come back and win. Without the win, the Broncos lose the AFC West.

7. Cleveland Browns trainers fail to acknowledge a concussed Colt McCoy.

8. Bengals WR Jerome Simpsons pathetic flop would make Vlade Divac cringe.

9. Tim Tebow takes the longest loss on a sack in NFL history. Not every moment by the Football Jesus walked on water.

10. Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz tries to pick a fight with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh after his Lions choked a game to San Francisco.

The 20 Most Boneheaded Moments from the NFL Season, moments 11-20

2012-01-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

The NFL regular season has come and gone. Over the next two days I'll bring you 20 of the most boneheaded moments of the year. Today I give you moments 11-20.

11. Rex Ryan fined $75,000 for telling Patriots fan to STFU after the Jets were pummeled 37-15 by the Pats. You might say Rex put his foot in his mouth.

12. Eagles WR Deshaun Jackson wipes out a 50 yard reception by taunting Giants DC Perry Fewell and bumping into referee.

13. Giants LB Michael Boley spikes an intern in the face with the football. That had to hurt.

14. Giants defensive players fake injuries against the Rams.

15. Chargers Kicker Nick Novak gets caught urinating on the sideline on television.

16. Bears commit holding penalty wiping out awesome trick punt return.

17. Ndamakung Suh stomped the arm of a Green Bay Packer on Thanksgiving Day and got ejected.

18. Falcons Coach Mike Smith inexplicable goes for 4th and 1 on his own 30 yardline in overtime.

19. Dwayne Bowe quits on Tyler Palko. Palko might have been the worst QB in the NFL this year, but Bowe flat out gave away this play to the Steelers.

20. Blaine Gabbert - QB Fail. No one showed that he could not man his position more-so than Gabbert who can't throw or carry the football without crapping the bed.

Virginia Tech Player Calls for the end of "Bowl Week"

2012-01-03T12:39:00.000-08:00

Writing for ESPN's Page 2, Virginia Tech long-snapper Colin Carroll, called for an end to the costly extravagance thrown at players during "Bowl Week".

http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/story/_/id/7413843/gifts-casinos-cash-one-virginia-tech-player-says-bowl-week-too-many-distractions

From the story, consider this:

"For the seven days we spend in New Orleans, we received a per diem check totaling $450.71. That equates to $64.39 in daily spending cash, when we already receive roughly two meals and two snacks from the team per day. The Sugar Bowl committee also brought us to a bowling alley, New Orleans' finest steakhouse and a Mardi Gras float parade that included a visit from the Saints' cheerleaders. What on Earth could we possibly need all this money for?"

Case Keenum's Final Opus

2012-01-02T16:56:00.000-08:00

If Case Keenum was still thinking about UH's loss to Southern Mississippi, it sure didn't show Monday in Dallas. Keenum threw for a College Bowl game record 532 yards and 3 TD's as UH dominated Penn State 30-14 to complete their season at 13-1. It was a successful finale for Keenum (who finished his career over 20,000 yards of total offense), WR's Patrick Edwards/Tyron Carrier/Justin Johnson, and Cougar OC Kliff Kingsbury who will leave UH for Texas A&M.

It was also a successful start for new Cougar Head Coach Tony Levine.

Alshon Jeffrey's Busy Day

2012-01-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffrey had fun at the Capital One Bowl versus Nebraska.

At the end of the 1st half, he gave South Carolina the lead catching a Hail Mary from QB Connor Shaw.

Then he and Nebraska CB Alfonso Dennard got ejected for fighting.

Despite some scouts questioning his speed and his conditioning (he's got a gut), I'd be willing to take a flier on this guy in the 2nd round if I'm the Texans.

Packers LB KO's Fan

2012-01-02T16:35:00.000-08:00

I love it when the players take matters into their own hands with intruding fans.

20 Signs You're Team is playing in a crappy bowl game...

2012-01-02T10:39:00.000-08:00

Look at this pretty good sarcastic look at College Bowl games courtesy of http://www.sportspickle.com/

20 Signs You're Team is in a crappy bowl game....

1. Only one team will finish the game with a record above .500.

2. Your head coach is undefeated. Because he is an interim coach and he’s 0-0 for his career.

3. The majority of people at the game are wearing shoulder pads.

4. Most of the fans in the stands are wearing coats.

5. Several players violated team rules and were suspended not only for practice, but for the actual game.

6. The announcers spend the majority of the game talking about the players’ NFL prospects and bowl games that are on later.

7. The announcers keep telling you that both teams are playing for “pride” and for “these seniors.”

8. No one is chanting “S-E-C!”

9. The game is so boring you actually Google the name of the bowl sponsor to find out what kind of company it is.

10. The game is in a baseball stadium.

11. You had no trouble finding a cheap hotel right near the stadium.

12. You have to leave work early to watch the game on TV.

13. The teams’ apparel companies didn’t even bother dressing them in disgustingly modern uniforms.

14. You are playing a Big East team.

15. You are a Big East team.

16. A Big Ten team is playing and is favored to win.

17. One of the team’s coaches is rumored to be interested in the Penn State job.

18. A MAC team or Notre Dame is playing.

19. Neither team has had a recruiting scandal or player arrest in the past year.

20. The game is for 0-percent of the Tostitos.

Jan 2nd Bowl Game Previews

2012-01-01T14:05:00.000-08:00

Ticket City Bowl Penn State (9-3) vs UH (12-1)

The Nation's top ranked offense takes on one of the 5 best defenses in America. The biggest question in this game to me is whether Penn State really wants to be there. The Nittany Lions have made it abundantly clear that they felt snubbed by falling this far in the Big 10's pecking order. UH hasn't come close to facing a DL with this much ability. I expect the running game to be a total non-factor.

On the other side of the ball, it would appear that Penn State will start backup QB Robert Boldin for Matt McCloin who is still recovering from a seizure suffered following a fight with teammate Curtis Drake. While the Penn State passing game is almost impotent, Boldin gives the Nittany Lions a legit running option. Expect PSU to run a ton of read option which has typically given UH alot of trouble.

Case Keenum will have to play close to perfect football to give UH a chance. I expect a lower scoring game decided by less than a Touchdown. Score Prediction: Penn State 24 UH 21

Gator Bowl Ohio State (6-6) vs Florida (6-6)

How did two 6-6 teams make it to a New Year's bowl game? Both of these teams are in transition with Gators OC Charlie Weis leaving to become the head coach at Kansas while Buckeyes' boss Luke Fickell coaches his last game as interim coach before Urban Myer takes over in Columbus.

The Buckeyes appear to have a little bit of positive momentum on the offensive side of the ball with freshman QB Braxton Miller. Having WR Devier Posey back after a 10 game suspension is a huge coup as well. The Gators offense is a little more threatening with John Brantley at QB, but he was a turnover machine during the regular season finale against Florida State.

The Buckeyes are the better team on both lines and I expect them to pull away late. Score Prediction: Ohio State 27 Florida 17.

Outback Bowl Michigan State (10-3) vs Georgia (10-3)

This is one of the best matchups of the day. Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins is one of the more underrated signal callers in the country. If the Spartans give him time to throw he can pick a part the Bulldog secondary which is the weakest part of their defense.

Michigan State's secondary is incredibly slow and their defensive line is much smaller than what the Georgia Bulldogs typically face. The month off should get Bulldog RB Isaiah Crowell fresh. I expect Georgia to wear down the Spartans late with the running game. Score Prediction: Georgia 23 Michigan State 20.

Capital One Bowl Nebraska (9-3)vs South Carolina (10-2)

I think this is one of the bigger mismatches on paper. South Carolina has a huge edge defensively with a front 7 that is damn near impossible to run against. Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez has not shown the ability to beat you with his arm. He is a turnover machine. The Gamecocks running game has been inconsistent since losing superstar Marcus Lattimore. Expect a few big plays to WR Alshon Jeffrey in what is likely to be his last collegiate game.

Score Prediction: South Carolina 27 Nebraska 13.

Rose Bowl Oregon (10-2) vs Wisconsin (10-2)

This game has shootout written all over it. Badgers QB Russel Wilson is the most efficient QB in America. Badgers RB Monte Ball led the nation in TD runs. WR Nick Toon will reak havoc in the short handed Duck Secondary.

On the other hand, the Badgers lack of speed in the front 7 could be a big problem against LaMichael James. The Ducks also have a huge edge in the return game. The Big Ten is 1-7 in its last eight Rose Bowl appearances, and the Ducks will make it 1-8. Score Prediction: Oregon 41 Wisconsin 34

Fiesta Bowl Oklahoma State (11-1) vs Stanford (11-1)

This is an exciting game that only loses some luster due to questions about Oklahoma State's motivation to play in the game. Stanford has an edge on both the offensive and defensive lines, but Oklahoma State has much more speed at the skill positions. Justin Blackmon needs to have a big game to force the Stanford safeties to help in coverage as oppose to run support. Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 41 Stanford 37.

Who he play for?

2011-12-29T12:43:00.001-08:00

Great stuff on TNT's Inside the NBA the other night as Shaq took on Sir Charles in the game "Who he play for?" in which they guess the team for players in the NBA. Little did Charles know, the game was rigged.

Most Wanted and Least Wanted Celebrity Neighbors

2011-12-29T12:32:00.000-08:00

The annual Zillow Celebrity Neigbor Survey came out for 2011. (I'd never heard of it either.) More than 1,000 adults age 18 and up from around the country were interviewed and asked which celebrity they would like to live next door to them.

11 percent of all participants (14 percent of males and seven percent of females) said they would prefer Tim Tebow to be just over the fence, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie came in a close second, with 10 percent of the vote. New cohabitants Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux were a close third, with 9 percent.

At the bottom of the choices? For the second year in a row, the Jersey Shore cast. Other celebs on the "worst-possible-neighbor" list include Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan and Kim Kardashian.

NBA action it's FAAAAAANTASTIC!

2011-12-28T17:36:00.000-08:00

This is a classic commercial. I absolutely love it and miss 1980's NBA hoops.

The 2011 Top Moments in Sports Broadcasting

2011-12-28T15:34:00.000-08:00

These 5 moments were selected by the website SBnation.com http://www.sbnation.com/2011/12/27/2661996/sportscaster-moments-5-1

Jim Palmer mourns the loss of his former teammate Mike Flanagan who committed suicide earlier that day.

Gus Johnson calls Washington Husky Isaiah Thomas' game winner from the Pac 12 championship game.

The Memphis Grizzlies announce team totally ignores the incredible game tieing shot at the buzzer in the playoffs by the Spurs Gary Neal. Keep in mind if Neal misses the shot, the Spurs season would have been over.

This is was probably my favorite moment of the year. Grant Napier and Jerry Reynolds calling the final moments of what they thought would be the last NBA game ever in Sacramento. Just awesome, raw, emotion from these guys.

This Spanish basketball announcer goes ape bleep over the end of this game.

Wayne Gretzky's Christmas Card....and his hot daughter.

2011-12-28T15:09:00.000-08:00

Is this a Christmas card or a promo for a new show on the WB? What is Justin Timberlake doing in the Gretzky family?

Oh...here's Wayne's hot daughter Paulina.

Mavs center pukes all over himself.

2011-12-28T14:58:00.000-08:00

Mavs center Sean Williams just signed with the team. He was not expecting to play immediately, but when the Mavs were getting blown out by Denver, he ended up playing prematurely. It appears that he ran a bit too hard and lost his lunch all over himself.

Al Horford: Rich and now Hitting This....

2011-12-27T16:48:00.000-08:00

Hawks Center Al Horford married Miss Universe 2003 Amelia Vega.

She is smoking hot....

I mean look at those boobs!?!?! How can those be real? Do I even care?

Wrestlers High School Year Book Pictures....

2011-12-27T03:13:00.000-08:00

Can you name these 12 current or former WWE employees from their high school yearbook photos? Email your guesses to bigshow@sports790.com and you can win tickets to the Rockets/Hawks New Year's Eve game at Toyota Center. An entry with the most correct answers will be drawn at random to win the tickets and be notified by us on Wednesday.

Crime doesn't pay...

2011-12-26T15:06:00.000-08:00

This is why you don't steal losers. You get punched in the mouth!

This is what happens when you put the Jets and the Giants in the same building.

2011-12-26T14:01:00.001-08:00

I swear this only happens in Philly or New York. Not even Raider fans are this stupidly violent. I do like the shout out for Snooki as a nice touch.

Floyd Mayweather's New House

2011-12-26T13:52:00.000-08:00

I'm guessing Floyd won't be making any appearences for the next 90 days or so. It's a shame he's going to miss betting on the Super Bowl.

UH hires Tony Levine as Head Coach

2011-12-22T03:16:00.000-08:00

UH interim football coach Tony Levine will be introduced as the new full time head coach this morning at 10am. Levine succeeds Kevin Sumlin who left to become head coach at Texas A&M.

I'm fine with giving Levine a chance and it is only fair to do so. I am curious about the process of finding UH's next coach and the list of candidates that were available for the position.

In 2007 when Art Briles left for Baylor the finalists for the UH job included the OC for Oklahoma, the OC/Assistant Head Coach at Notre Dame, and Jack Pardee a former UH head coach. Given the excellent work Kevin Sumlin put in, UH moving to a better football conference, and a new stadium on the horizon, I would have thought that there would be a more interesting pool of candidates.

The question is, was UH being to cheap in the amount of $$ they were willing to spend on a coach and staff, or is UH just not that desirable a job at present time? I have to believe its the former rather than the latter.

Sources tell me that Levine will promote RB's coach Clarence McKinney to offensive coordinator and current LB's coach Jamie Bryant could be his defensive coordinator. It appears current OC's Kliff Kingsbury and Jason Phillips will move on to Texas A&M and SMU at the same position. UH is also expected to lose OL coach BJ Anderson to the Aggies and current DC Brian Stewart is not expected back at UH.

What say you? Do you think this is a good hire for UH?

Bacon Christmas Tree

2011-12-21T12:52:00.001-08:00

I think this video speaks for itself.

Amateur Dentistry

2011-12-21T12:49:00.000-08:00

This is why you don't need dental insurance.

Bill Conlin from disgraceful writer to alleged serial child molester

2011-12-20T14:02:00.000-08:00

Wow....now I REALLY have good reason to hate Bill Conlin. If you don't know the name, he's a Philadelphia based baseball writer who is notorious for NOT voting Nolan Ryan and Robin Yount into the Baseball HOF a few years ago. He's been accused of molesting several boys and girls over 30 years ago. I'm not saying he's guilty, but he did mysteriously resign his position with the Philly Inquirer on Tuesday.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20111220_Four_say_Philly_Daily_News_writer_Bill_Conlin_sexually_abused_them_as_children.html?c=r

As for Conlin's baseball writing transgressions, you can read about some of them in this old column.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/The-time-Bill-Conlin-didn-t-give-his-Hall-vote-t?urn=mlb-293369

The Egg Nog Challenge

2011-12-20T11:27:00.001-08:00

Forty people in Provo, Utah got together for a strange annual holiday event. They chug a bottle of egg nog and then run as far as they can before they vomit. How far do you think you could make it?