"Dreaming is a passive state. We talk here all the time with our players, 'You can dream or you can pursue.' This is the product of our players and our coaches pursuing this goal and working hard to obtain it." – KU Head Coach Mark Mangino (Dallas Morning News)
First, a quick look at the standings:
Old Kids Record Week 13 result Winckler 8-4 Loss v Inoculators Pollard7-5 Needs 9 pts from McGahee to beat Smurfs Inoculators7-5 Win v Winckler Smurfs4-8 Up 8 and out of players v Pollard JQ’s4-8 Two left down 4 v Wannabees
Young Kids Record Week 13 result MHC8-4 Needs 29 to beat Zou BFTB8-4 Down 5 with Moss/Pats D v Outlaws Wannabees5-7 One left up 4 v JQ’s Outlaws5-7 Up 5 with Welker left v BFTB Zou4-8 Up 28 on MHC
"We have to put this one in the mix and look at it. If you go to a plus-one, you’re going to have years in which it is just very, very appropriate. You’re going to have years where it may not be so appropriate. ... The only way to solve that is to have a flexible format and just make sure that we look at the standings and then decide how to finish the year." - BCS chief and Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive (Boston Herald)
Second, projected standings after tonight’s game:
Old Kids Record Week 13 result Winkler8-5Loss to Inoculators Inoculators8-5Win vs Winckler Pollard7-6Loss to Smurfs Smurfs5-8Win vs Pollard JQ’s5-8Win vs Wannabees
Young Kids Record Week 13 result MHC9-4Win vs Zou BFTB9-4Win vs Outlaws Wannabees5-8Loss to JQ’s Outlaws5-8Loss to BFTB Zou4-9Loss to MHC
"I think that's one of the things that made this such a fascinating year. The brass ring was there for a lot of different people to grab, and sometimes they did and sometimes they didn't." – Mike Slive (Dallas Morning News)
Finally, projected playoff picture: One Seed: BFTB Two Seed: Winckler Three Seed: MHC Four Seed: Pollard
"A two-loss team compared to a one-loss team was probably the most pressing thing that we looked at." - Orange Bowl CEO Eric Poms (Associated Press)
A Letter to Missouri fans
Dear Mizzou fans,
You seem mad and I don’t understand why. What is Kansas playing for that Missouri is not? It’s not like Kansas made the playoffs. It’s not like Kansas is making millions of dollars off this game (Keep in mind, all the money Oklahoma and Kansas makes off of their games goes to the Big XII to be distributed to all the schools). Kansas favorite place to recruit is Texas – the Orange Bowl is in Florida. What is it that Kansas is playing for?
“There is a prestige with going to a BCS bowl,” you say. No there is not. I’m not hearing a clamoring from fans begging to keep the BCS and its bowl system. I did hear at the beginning of the season fans getting excited to watch the Orange Bowl in January. Rivals.com has the Cotton Bowl ranked as the sixth best bowl to watch – three spots ahead of the Orange bowl. No cares about the Orange Bowl. No one would have cared about the Orange Bowl if Missouri made it. Heck, there are many people who don’t care about the BCS National Championship game and that game is the only game left that matters! And don’t you think that more people will want to watch a game featuring your offense and Darren McFadden on New Years Day than tuning in two days later (a Thursday no less) to watch Virginia Tech and Kansas?
Some of you say, “Kansas gets the edge in recruiting.” Mark Mangino and his staff lives and dies in Texas. The Orange Bowl is in Florida. Missouri loves recruiting in Texas and will be playing in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Even if Kansas does have an edge here, Missouri OWNS Kansas in every other recruiting category. This “exhibition game” will not cripple your program’s future.
The reality is KU and MU fans should both be mad about one thing: We don’t get to play for a National Championship. Kansas is 11-1 and wasn’t even close to playing for a championship. Missouri was 10-0 against all other teams not named Oklahoma and doesn’t get to play for anything.
There is no reason to be made about playing in the Cotton Bowl and there is no advantage to playing in the Orange Bowl. Get over it, win your bowl game, add a few more kids to your Top 25 recruiting class and go win the Big XII next year. If you do that, you’ll end up in a BCS game and, unless it’s the National Championship game, you’ll realize that playing in the Fiesta Bowl means crap.
From, Ben Nielsen
A Workable Playoff System
What is the difference between OhioState and Kansas? Really? Both are 11-1 and benefited from weak schedules. What’s the difference? “Well, OhioState won the Big XII,” you may say. Big deal. The Big Ten was terrible this year. One poll has the Big Ten ranked last out of the six BCS conferences. And OhioState didn’t go undefeated in their conference and didn’t play a conference championship game. Neither Kansas or OhioState had big wins. Each beat traditional powerhouse schools that had down seasons (Michigan and Nebraska). If anything, you could argue Kansas is a better team because their loss (Missouri on a neutral site) was better than OhioState’s (Illinios at home).
“The” OhioState does not deserve to be in the championship game. Then again, no one does. This is why we need a playoff.
To help with this model, let’s take a look at the other NCAA football divisions do:
NCAA Division I-AA: 16 Team Playoff Playoff lasts four weeks. Maximum games (regular season plus full playoff schedule) a team could play is 15. I could not determine how teams were chosen. No bye weeks, high seed is host institution. Championship game is on neutral field. Championship game scheduled for December 14.
NCAA Division II: 24 Team Playoff Playoffs last a total of five weeks. Maximum games a team could play is 16. Schools are divided into four regions. Essentially, top six teams from each region make the playoffs. Top two ranked team in each region gets first round bye. Higher seed in the match-up hosts the game. Championship game played on neutral field. Championship game scheduled for December 15.
NCAA Division III: 32 Team Playoff Playoffs last five weeks. Maximum games a team could play is 16. Schools are divided into four regions. Essentially, top eight teams from each region make the playoffs. No byes. Higher seed hosts the game. Championship game played on a neutral field. Championship game scheduled for December 15.
These three systems tell me the following: 1) It is possible to have an 11 game season, a conference championship game and a four week playoff and be done before January. 2) Having the playoffs coinciding finals week doesn’t seem to bother the other divisions. 3) It is feasible to have a system that doesn’t end in February. 4) All teams could have a legitimate at winning the National Championship.
My playoff would work like this: Sixteen teams total. The 11 conference winners make the playoffs. The BCS determines the five at-large teams and the playoff seeding. Additionally, no more than three teams from a conference can make the playoffs.
Under this system, the seeding would look like this:
Top half of bracket 16 Florida Atlantic vs 1 Ohio State 9 West Virginia vs 8 Kansas 13 BYU vs 4 Oklahoma 12 Florida vs 5 Georgia
Bottom half of bracket 15 Central Michigan vs 2 LSU 10 Hawaii vs 7 USC 14 Central Florida vs 3 Virginia Tech 11 ArizonaState vs 6 Missouri
Preferably, the USA Today Coaches Poll would be eliminated from the BCS formula. The Harris Poll and computer polls would make up the BCS formula with each carrying equal weight. This would obviously effect the results above.
Why USA Today poll would be eliminated is the subject of tomorrow’s blog.
Teams eliminated from the playoffs prior to the championship game would be eligible for – but not required to be in - the “major” bowls (Rose, Fiesta, Orange, Sugar, Cotton, Capital One and Gator).
Games would start as early as this weekend. If that were so, you could actually have a bye week between the semi-finals and the championship game and still be done by January 5.
The four “big” bowls (Rose, Sugar, Orange, Fiesta) would rotate between being on Championship game day. The rotation would be two years on, two days off.
Example: Saturday, December 8 16 Florida Atlantic vs 1 Ohio State 9 West Virginia vs 8 Kansas 13 BYU vs 4 Oklahoma 12 Florida vs 5 Georgia 15 Central Michigan vs 2 LSU 10 Hawaii vs 7 USC 14 Central Florida vs 3 Virginia Tech 11 ArizonaState vs 6 Missouri
Saturday, December 15 Kansas vs OhioState Georgia vs Oklahoma USC vs LSU Missouri vs Virginia Tech
Saturday, December 22 Oklahoma vs OhioState (neutral site) Virginia Tech vs LSU (neutral site)
Monday, December 31 Gator Bowl Capitol One Bowl
Tuesday, January 1 Cotton Bowl
Wednesday, January 2 Sugar Bowl
Friday, January 4 Orange Bowl
Saturday, January 5 11 a.m. CDT – Fiesta Bowl 3 p.m. CDT – Rose Bowl 7:30 p.m. CDT – LSU vs Ohio State (neutral site)
Who qualifies for the playoffs? Four teams will qualify for the playoffs. To qualify, a team must have A) won their division or B) be one of two of the best remaining teams (by overall record) to not win their division. The two non-division winning teams can come from the same division.
Seeds will be determined as such: First Seed: Division winner with the best record. Second Seed: Other division winner. Third Seed: Best remaining overall record to not win their division. Fourth Seed: Second best remaining overall record to not win their division.
Tiebreakers are as follows: The first tiebreaker will be head-to-head match-up records between the teams in question followed by total overall regular season points. The final tiebreaker will be a one-game playoff on Madden 2008 (XBOX 360 version).
Rules for the Madden 2008 (XBOX 360 version) game are as follows: A winner of a best-of-three coin flip will be allowed to choose which team he plays with and will be the “home” team (the coin shall be a standard United States quarter; an agreed upon coin between the two tied league members can replace a quarter if said quarter is not available). The loser of the coin flip will choose a team second and will be allowed to declare the gameplay settings as it relates to quarter length, difficulty setting and weather setting. All other gameplay settings will be on DEFAULT.
If there are multiple teams who are tied for the final spot, a round-robin Madden 2008 (XBOX 360 version) playoff will be conducted. Gameplay setting will remain the same as the ones stated above. If there is a tie for the best record, a one-game Madden 2008 (XBOX 360 version) playoff will be conducted. Gameplay settings will be the same as the ones stated above.
Division records will not be used as a tiebreaker because not all teams played everyone in their division. For example, Pollard’s Bonecrushers did not play the Kansas City Inoculators this season (I hope to change this for next season).
If the playoffs were to start today (Saturday, December 1) the seeds would look as such:
Seed One: Money Hungry Centaurs Seed Two: Team Winckler Seed Three: Better at FF than FB I hope… Seed Four: Pollard’s Bonecrushers
How does the postseason draft work? The draft will take place at a time most convenient for the persons involved. If a time cannot be agreed upon, the second seeded player will select a date and time. All other playoff contenders will have to adjust to that time. If a playoff contender(s) cannot make the draft, a non-playoff member (or non-member if no member can fill in) will draft for said playoff contender(s).
The draft will be live, just as the one at the beginning of the season. Participating in the draft via AIM or on the phone is acceptable.
The roster as it relates to starting spots and bench spots will remain the same as the regular season. The total roster size will be sixteen (16) players.
Each playoff team is allowed to keep up to six (6) players on their current roster to carry over into the postseason. Keeping a player will not cause a team to lose a high round draft pick in the Playoff Draft. If a team so chose to keep four players, for example, the said team will draft in the first twelve (12) rounds and then his draft will be complete. His spot in the drafting order will be skipped over once said team exit’s the draft.
Note: The Playoff Draft will not affect keepers for the next year’s regular season. If a non-playoff team has a player drafted in the Playoff Draft, the non-playoff team still owns the said player’s rights for the 2008 season should the non-playoff team decide to keep said player. In other words, playoff rosters are solely for the playoffs.
The draft order will have a “fixed” first round and then begin a “snake” draft in the second round.
Example: Round One Pick 1) Seed One Pick 2) Seed Two Pick 3) Seed Three Pick 4) Seed Four
Round Two Pick 1) Seed One Pick 2) Seed Two Pick 3) Seed Three Pick 4) Seed Four
Round Three Pick 1) Seed Four Pick 2) Seed Three Pick 3) Seed Two Pick 4) Seed One
Round Four Pick 1) Seed One Pick 2) Seed Two Pick 3) Seed Three Pick 4) Seed Four
Round Five Pick 1) Seed Four Pick 2) Seed Three Pick 3) Seed Two Pick 4) Seed One
Round Six…
…
Round Sixteen Pick 1) Seed One Pick 2) Seed Two Pick 3) Seed Three Pick 4) Seed Four
Note: This decision was made in order to reward the team with the best records (sort of how the NFL reward the top two teams in each conference with a first round bye). This decision is up for debate should there be a significant outcry for change.
Will there be playoff free agency? No, there will NOT be playoff free agency. What one drafts is what one gets.
What about trades? No, trades are also NOT allowed during the playoffs. Once again, what one drafts is what one gets.
How will rosters be set? Each playoff team will have their own thread on the league page. The first post will show the team’s roster. The team owner is then responsible for posting their starting lineup before a stated deadline. Changes can be made up to that deadline. The lineups will then be recorded by the League Manger and then e-mailed to every member of the league.
Deadlines for setting rosters for this season’s playoffs are as follows: First Round: Friday, January 4 at 11:59 PM Second Round: Friday, January 11 at 11:59 PM Third Round: Saturday, January 19 at 11:59 PM Fourth Round: Saturday, February 2 at 11:59 PM
What is the scoring system? Points will be awarded just the same as during the regular season. Updated scoring totals can be found at the league page and will also be e-mailed to all league members prior to the beginning of the next round.
The stats and play-by-play from NFL.com will be used as the official source when calculating points.
Who will be calculating the points? The League Manager will calculate the points. However, errors made by the League Manager can be challenged by any league member, whether they are in the playoffs or not. It is suggested that all playoff teams calculate their own points during the playoffs to be sure no errors are made by the League Manager.
Will it be head-to-head match-ups still? No, it will NOT be head-to-head match-ups. Instead, it will be total points accumulated throughout the entire playoffs. The team with the most total points will win the playoff.
What if there is a tie at the end of the playoffs? If there is a tie between two (2) teams, a one (1) game playoff of Madden 2008 (XBOX 360 version) will be played using the two Super Bowl teams. The playoff team with the highest seed from the fantasy playoffs will choose which team he wants. The lower seed from the fantasy playoffs will be stuck with the other team.
If there is a tie between three (3) teams, a Madden 2008 (XBOX 360 version) tournament will be conducted. The top seed from the fantasy playoffs will choose between the two Super Bowl teams or one of the two defeated Conference Championship teams. The next highest seed from the fantasy playoffs will have the second choice, followed by the lowest seed from the fantasy playoffs. A round-robin tournament will be played ( round-robin is where all three teams will play each other once). The team with the best record wins. If there is a tie for first, those two teams will play in a one game playoff of Madden 2008 (XBOX 360 version).
If there is a tie between four teams, a Madden 2008 (XBOX 360 version) tournament will be set up. The one (1) seed from the fantasy playoffs will play the four (4) seed from the fantasy playoffs, followed by the two (2) seed from the fantasy playoffs playing the three (3) seed from the fantasy playoffs. The two winners will then face each other for the championship. The AFC/NFC Championship game teams will be used in the tournament. The top seed from the fantasy playoffs will have first pick, followed by the second seed from the fantasy playoffs , the third seed from the fantasy playoffs and, finally, the fourth seed from the fantasy playoffs.
If there is a tie in an individual Madden 2008 (XBOX 360 version) playoff game, another game using the same two teams will be played. This will continue until a player wins a game.
The highest seed in the fantasy playoffs will be the home team in the Madden 2008 (XBOX 360 version) playoffs.
The individual games will be set on All-Madden. There will be 5 minute quarters. All other game settings will be set to DEFAULT. The most recent roster update from XBOX Live will be used for the games. Customized user playbooks will NOT be allowed.
There must be at least three (3) league members present at the time the Madden 2008 (XBOX 360 version) games are played. The three present members may consist of the two contending playoff teams and one witness.
The games will be played by the players earliest convenience. The playoff game CANNOT be played on XBOX Live.
The result of the games will be reported to the League Manager where he will then post it on the League Page and blog. E-mail notifications will also be sent.
Any questions, suggestions, complaints or deeply held grievances? Please comment on this blog post or on the League Page post “Playoff Blog Reaction”.
UP or DOWN?My view of the playoff contenders and spoilers.
Team Winckler(8-4) Last 5: 2-3 Top Player: Marion Barber II Key Player: Marques Colston Remaining Schedule: KCI, PBC, KS, WW, KCI
Thoughts: There is nothing that really impresses me about Winckler’s squad. At the same time, he’s 8-4. But he’s also 2-4 in his last six match-ups. On the other hand he’s scored the second most points of any other fantasy team. Winckler is just a tough team to read.
One thing that could make the difference is a recent trade that sent Dwayne Bowe and Marshawn Lynch to The Gays for Reggie Bush and Chris Henry. Bush provides Winckler with his lone explosive threat (I’m not sold on Kevin Jones). Lately, Bush has proven it is difficult to be explosive win one never explodes. Bush has had one day where he has posted more than 15 points in a week and has scored 15 points in a week once. Bush has totaled a mere 14 points the last two weeks. I guess Winckler is hinging in the fact that Bush must be due.
Now that I’ve talked in a full circle, I’ll end it by saying I’m not impressed.
Verdict:DOWN
Money Hungry Centaurs Last 5: 3-2 Top Player: Tom Brady Key Player: T.J Houshmandzadeh Remaining Schedule: ZOU, WW, CO, ZOU. SJQ
Thoughts: The Centaurs are the most talented team but are also the most likely team to flop heading into the post season. Brady could be seeing reduced time if they are not shooting for 16-0. LDT could also see reduced time if they lock up the terrible AFC West in the next couple of weeks. T.J. Houshmandzadeh (CHAMPIONSHIP!) may be playing on a team that is ready to quit and play for a high draft pick. And Jamal Lewis may be the most over-rated sixth ranked player in the history of fantasy sports (73 points in two games, 72 points combined in other 9 games).
What will save the Centaurs is his weak remaining schedule. The total record of his remaining opponents is 22-38. The Centaurs should cruise to the playoffs.
Verdict:UP
Better at FF then FB I Hope… (Good lord, get a new name) Last 5: 3-2 Top Player: Randy Moss/Terrell Owens Key Player: Carson Palmer Remaining Schedule: CO, ZOU, PBC, CO, WW
Thoughts: Carson Palmer, Terrell Owens and Randy Moss have combined for 655 of the Better’s 1174 points (56%). BFTB could run into similar problems as the Centaurs, but should be fine with the weak remaining schedule. However, if the last playoff spot comes between the Centaurs and BFTB, the edge would go to the Centaurs. BFTB needs Dallas Clark, Earnest Graham, Rudi Johnson and the Jaguars Defense to step up if Moss and Owens lose time later in the season.
What freaks me out about this team is BFTB, if he makes the playoffs, has the opportunity to keep Owens, Moss, Clark, the Patriots Defense and Adam Vinatieri. Crap.
Verdict:UP
Pollard’s Bonecrushers Last 5: 3-2 Top Player: Drew Brees Key Player: Chad Johnson/Willis McGahee Remaining Schedule: KS, TW, BFTB, SJQ, KS
Thoughts: I look at this roster and I am totally unimpressed. This is also the same roster that scored 178 points last week. I don’t know what to think. If Chad Johnson becomes more consistent (33 points last week, 22 points combined the last four weeks). Willis McGahee has four tough match-ups of his last five games left. Brandon Marshall could have a big final five weeks and holds the title of “The Only Guy I’m High On For Andrew’s Team.”
Andrew’s remaining schedule has a combined record of 28-28. Not necessarily the hardest schedule, but it is one of the hardest (if you can say that) of the five teams competing for the playoffs.
Verdict:DOWN
Kansas City Inoculators Last 5: 4-1 (won 7 of 8) Top Player: Derek Anderson/Joseph Addai Key Player: Jesse Chatman Remaining Schedule: TW, CO, SJQ, KS, TW
Thoughts: I’m tired of this “Let’s start 0-4, 0-5 and then win a whole bunch in a row at the end and make the playoffs” thing. Yeah, it’s nice to be in contention, but if it weren’t for Anquan Boldin, the Vikings Defense (Week 10) and the awesome week two performances of Maurice Jones-Drew/Reggie Bush/Laveranues Coles/Santonio Holmes (20 total points vs. TB, ATL, BAL and BUF) and I would be in the best position of any team.
Alas, I’m not 10-2 and am on the outside looking in for a playoff spot. My remaining schedule has a total record of 29-27, but I feel confident with my remaining match-ups. I’m fortunate in that all of my playoff guys are almost locks to make it, but they are going to have to play their starters the rest of the way out to guarantee their spot.
Verdict:UP
Weseloh Wannabees Last 5: 3-2 Top Player: Tony Romo Key Player: Andre Johnson Remaining Schedule: SJQ, MHC, ZOU, TW, BFTB
Thoughts: Weseloh has won three straight match-ups by leaning on Romo and a combination of Maurice Jones-Drew (Week 10), Johnson (Week 11), Kolby Smith (Week 12) and Larry Fitzgerald (Week 12).
All of the above named players have some good match-ups finishing up the season, which could mean that Weseloh will play a roll in the playoff picture. Weseloh already has wins over PBC and TW during this streak and will play the Centaurs, BFTB and TW as the season winds down.
If there is one sub-.500 team who could make the playoffs, it is this one.
Verdict:DOWN (but on the verge of being up, which kind of means I‘m up on them, right?)
Columbia Outlaws Last 5: 2-3 Top Player: Brett Favre/Wes Welker Key Player: uh… yeah… Remaining Schedule: BFTB, KCI, MHC, BFTB, ZOU
Thoughts: Brett Farve is injured and it may be one he can’t come back from. Favre took a shot to the elbow on his right arm in addition to separating his non-throwing shoulder. If Favre is out for an extended period of time, the Outlaws will be the front runner for the first pick in next year’s draft.
Verdict: WAY DOWN
Krunk Smurfs Last 5: 1-4 Top Player: Brian Westbrook Key Player: Eli Manning *silent laugh* Remaining Schedule: PBC, SJQ, TW, KCI, PBC
Thoughts: It’s tough to win when you don’t get luck isn’t it? There is no Erik Bedard or Aaron Harang (AHH! That guy makes me SO mad! HE WAS 16-6 FOR A TERRIBLE REDS TEAM! HOW DO YOU DO THAT?!?!) on this team is there Jason?
With that said, you still scare the hell out of me. Bastard. Fortunately, I only play you once, as compared to PBC who has to take you on twice. I would appreciate a couple of wins over PBC and TW. Thanks.
Verdict:UP(ish)
The Zou Last 5: 2-3 Top Player: Peyton Manning/Adrian Peterson Key Player: Willie Parker Remaining Schedule: MHC, BFTB, WW, MHC, CO
Thoughts: I hate you and your dirty cheating Tigers. You suck. Tyus Edney! Fifth Down! Flea Kicker! Chase Daniel picks his nose (I still don’t understand why that is a big deal)! MIZZOU supports slavery! Sheryl Crow sucks! Brad Pitt dropped out! Satan is a MU fan! DAMN YOU!!!!!!!!
Verdict:YOU SUCK!
Springfield JQ’s Last 5: 2-3 Top Player: Matt Hasselbeck (that’s not a joke) Key Player: N/A Remaining Schedule: WW, KS, KCI, PBC, MHC
There were three things that lost this game for KU: field goal kicking, Mangino’s first half play calling and the two interceptions.
It was painfully obvious that Todd Reesing was not adjusting to the cold weather early in the game. Heck, even Chase Daniel had to take a little bit of time to adjust (sorta).
MU did a better job of helping Daniel adjust to the weather. I do not remember Daniel throwing a ball more than 15 yards down the field after the first series. His game long pass was 20 yards. All MU did was throw quick slants, outs, screens and so on. Additionally, MU mixed in the run very well.
Kansas should have paid attention to this. Mangino was adamant about throwing the ball downfield. It was there too. But Reesing didn’t have a feel for the ball in the first half and had not developed a rhythm. The result was a crucial interception after MU’s first score that gave MU the ball at the two-yard-line (even though it should have been a touchback). MU would score on that possession.
If KU would have made a point to establish the run in the first half and had not panicked after MU’s first score, the game may have been different.
It is obvious MU’s kicker Jeff Wolfert, who is from Kansas, does not suffer from Dave Rayner syndrome.
Scott Webb (who is not from Kansas but unfortunately plays for them) missed two field goals with KU down 14-0 in the first half. Going into halftime down by one possession as opposed to two possessions would have completely changed the game.
All MU had to do in the second half was not turn the ball over in the second half to win the game (which MU did). If KU was going to play from behind, the needed to be within one score at all times. They would have gotten away with being down two scores early if those field goals had been made.
Finally, MU had 14 points off of Reesing’s two picks. The final score was 36-28. Do the math.
What must be noted is that KU’s defense played exceptionally well, given the circumstances. The two-headed monster of Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman combined for only 7 catches for 54 yards. Jeremy Maclin (the guy I think is going to win the Heisman next year) had only – yes, only – 91 total offensive yards. Maclin’s only real impact on the game came on a 49-yard punt return that MU couldn’t capitalize on. MU only rushed at a 3.5 yards per carry clip despite KU’s defense being on the field for 37 minutes, 25 seconds.
I think most people will look at this game and see Daniel’s 40 of 49 performance, KU’s 1.9 ypc and KU’s two missed field goals as being the difference in the game.
But as I said before, Daniel never truly went downfield in this game (and didn’t really need to). KU matched MU’s yards per completion for the game (7.4 ypc). What MU did that KU did not was mix in their running game (43 of their 93 plays were runs) better than KU. Kansas handed the ball off 15 times out of 71 plays - with most of those runs coming in clumps, not interwoven with the pass.
Either way, what happened, happened. And what happened was MU won (damnit).
FINAL VERDICT (written five days later):
I still agree with most of what I wrote above, minus the field goal kicking. The reality is Missouri backed off in the fourth quarter as a result of being up 28-7 and Pinkel’s obsession with not beating teams by more than two possessions. In the long run, those field goals would have meant nothing.
What I still not figured out though, after five days, is why did Jake Sharp only get one carry? I don’t understand this.
AFTERMATH:
Putting this game in perspective, MU had to win this game. If KU would have won, I could only assume that all MU fans would have committed mass suicide shooting themselves in the face at Faurot Field with the stadium scoreboard reading “Fifth Down”, everyone wearing Tyus Edney jerseys and a never ending loop of “The Flea Kicker” on the video board.
I say this because MU was supposed to be here. They were supposed to be the Big XII North Champions. They were supposed to go to San Antonio to lose to Oklahoma.
KU was supposed to finish fourth in the North. Now, they have locked up at least third place – maybe even tie for second – in the Big XII period.
It was inevitable that KU was going to lose – they are just not the kind of team that goes 14-0 (though I did think they would win this game). But I’d rather they had lost in Big XII Championship game or in their bowl game, not to MU.
Even more frustrating is the position I’ve been put in this weekend. If MU wins, they go to the national title game, but KU is ensured a BCS bowl. If MU loses, Kansas will end up in the Cotton Bowl most likely. Unless a miracle happens.
Do I want to be in the Cotton Bowl instead of the Fiesta Bowl? No. Do I want MU in the BCS National Title Game? No.
Damn Missouri.
RANDOM:
I want to give some kudos to the MU marketing department. MU decided to declare the game a “blackout”, telling all of their fans to wear black. This was a brilliant move given that I do not know many people who have bright blue winter coats. I think this really helped the visual appearance of the stadium in MU’s favor. While I think the fan split was more 60-40 in favor of Kansas, it looked more like 50-50 or 45-55 in favor of Missouri from where I was sitting (which was on the KU side, on the third tear, under the scoreboard). I would say that, along with the fact that MU fans are unquestionably more vocal than KU fans made the stadium atmosphere seemingly more favorable to MU.
I don’t say this to suggest it had any impact on the game, because it didn’t. I say this because in the biggest game in KU football’s history, the KU fans were unimpressive. Maybe it was just the section I was in or the way the sound carries or something, but the MU fans seemed decidedly louder the whole game. I was disappointed by this.
Then there was the whole “pre-game” aspect of the game. At about 4:30, I walked around the entire stadium, searching for something to take pictures of. The best I could find was a small tent set up by the KU Alumni Association that had about 30 people in it.
Before I continue, I should note that there were at least 35,000 people in the parking lot by 4:30 and that is a conservative estimate. Traffic going to the stadium was unbelievable and getting into the stadium itself was a nightmare once the gates opened. It wasn’t like there were a few thousand people scattered around at 4:30.
So with that in mind, having only 30 people in the lone “KU Tailgate Party Tent” was quite embarrassing considering MU had rented out the Arrowhead Pavilion and I saw a flock of people heading towards the entrance.
I will say this: it is completely possible that MU was awarded the pavilion because KU was considered the “home team” this year and KU will get the pavilion next year. Also, I found out that the Stadium Club at Kauffman Stadium was being used by someone, but I don’t know if it was an MU thing, KU thing or something else.
It should also be noted that I was taking in these sights after going to “College Gameday” earlier that day. Erik told me people associated with MU were planning on setting something up near the “Gameday” set. It appeared MU had slightly more people there and were more energized (or, at least, more drunk) than KU fans.
Maybe KU’s fans were much better than I interpreted them to be or I just have unrealistic expectations, but I couldn’t be more disappointed about how KU and its fans approached this game.
GAMEDAY:
I have pretty much determined that it doesn’t matter where I go, I’ll always be censored. ESPN determined my sign was too offensive to air on television and confiscated my sign. This was done about 25 minutes into the show. I was not given an explanation, but the removal of my sign did ultimately cause an argument that led to one MU fan getting punched in the face by, I assume, another KU fan.
I will forever be impressed by Chris Wessley’s use of a giant Mangino head and a giant cupcake. I am also happy to say that at least three people from our league were at “Gameday”, though I don’t think any of us actually saw each other.
It should also be noted that Kirk Herbstreet is much smaller in person and Lee Corso is much older and dumber. Chris Fowler was who I thought he was (I don’t know what that means).
CHIEFS…
Kolby Smith is my hero. If that guy had a real line, he would have rushed for 250 yards. No question. It is evident he has been watching film with Priest Holmes. Smith was patient, cut-back a lot and broke about 90 tackles. If this was Madden and we could look at the “Yards After First Hit” stat, it would say that Smith had 148 yards after the first hit. I know it was just one game, but the guy was phenomenal in that one game.
I wonder what went through Carl Peterson’s mind while watching Smith? Do you think he’s regretting giving LJ that huge contract? Or was he thinking he’s the best GM ever because he drafted Smith?
Brodie Croyle looked pretty good too when he actually passed.
I watched that kid throw some absolutely insane (insane meaning “great” in this sense) passes to Bowe and Tony Gonzalez that kept the Chiefs in the game. He throws the ball with great strength and surprisingly good accuracy considering he seems to be throwing off his back foot half the time.
His mobility is impressive (and makes me wonder why we don’t bootleg more) and he rebounded mentally very well after that terrible interception at the beginning of the game. He even showed some toughness after being sacked three times, taking several hits and diving (not sliding) for extra yards. He has a little bit of Trent Green in him in that regard.
His stat line was not that great: 12 of 23, 145 yards and an interception. But I don’t think those numbers reflect his performance.
Here is my list of the top five worst coaching decisions in this game (not specific to just Herm Edwards): 5. Special Teams.Where do you begin? Our coverage and return teams are terrible at best and our kicker is makes the easiest field goals look difficult. Why is Eddie Kennison returning punts? I understand Webb and Sippio are returning kicks, but why can’t either return punts? All Kennison does is fair catch every time! And don’t get me started on Rayner… Let’s put it this way: There are 18 teams that have not missed a field goal between 30-39 yards and 11 teams that have only missed one. Three teams have missed two. The Chiefs have missed four. Rayner accounts for three of those misses.
The good news is Rayner is signed through 2008. 4. John Welbourn.There was a point in the second quarter where Rudy Niswanger came in to replace Welbourn. On that drive, 68 yards in 10 plays and ended in a rare Rayner made field goal. Croyle was 2 of 4, both incompletions were drops (one by Smith, one by Gilbert Harris) and his two completions went for 24- and 18-yards respectively. Croyle was not pressured and would only complete one more pass beyond 18 yards.
Welbourn returned to the game after Benny Sapp recovered a fumble. He immediately committed a holding penalty and continued his poor play in the second half.
Niswanger would never return to the game.
This isn’t to say the Chiefs would have scored on every drive and Niswanger would never have committed a penalty (even though I’m trying to make it sound like that). The point is moreso to say Welbourn sucks and is 31 years old. Niswanger is promising, is a guy the Chiefs are high on and is 25 years old. Why not start Niswanger? He can’t do worse can he?
3. Game Management.I liked going for it on both fourth down plays and … [really long pause] yeah, that’s about it.
First, the timeout followed by the challenge deal was bad. Duh.
Second, Herm said after the game he wanted to hold Smith to less than 20 carries because Smith had only 10 carries going into the game and had not built up much stamina.
He would end up with 31 carries on Sunday. I know Smith ran for 150 yards, but he was obviously tired in the fourth quarter and for good reason. Smith gained 10 yards in his last seven carries (9 carries, 24 yards in the 4th quarter). This obviously included the crucial 4th and 1 carry. Speaking of which… 2. First and Third down play calling.Let me list the first down play calling as recorded by ESPN and NFL.com:
Run, run, throw away, deep pass, run, run, run, short pass, short pass, run, run, short pass, run, sack, run, scramble, sack, sack, run, run, run, run, run, short pass, short pass, run and run.
In other words, one play designed to go deep out of 28 plays.
Here are the 12 third down plays:
Short pass, run, run, scramble, short pass, kneel, short pass, short pass, run, short pass, short pass and short pass.
Sorta predictable. Just a little bit.
Here are the third down runs and the fourth down runs: Run up the middle on 3rd and 1Run up the middle on 4th and 1Run up the middle on 3rd and 15Run up the middle on 3rd and 1Run up the middle on 4th and 1
See a trend? Add this to all of the short pass attempts and it is no wonder there were five guys waiting for a tired Kolby Smith in the backfield on that 4th and 1 play. 1. D-Bowe and Tony G. who? Bowe caught 4 passes all day (I think he was thrown to 6 times). TG didn’t have a pass thrown to him until there was 3 minutes left in the third quarter.
Before I left for the game, I saw a clip of Herm Edwards at a press conference this week saying that he is not going to put Brodie Croyle in a position where Croyle’s confidence will be shattered.
Explain to me how throwing to Dwayne Bowe about six times and waiting until the end of the third quarter to throw to your Hall of Fame tightend is helping your young quarterback’s confidence?
Didn’t Herm once say, “You play to win the game?” How the hell do you win games by not giving your best players the ball? I don’t understand.
With a remaining Chiefs schedule of SD, at Den, TEN, at Det, at NYJ, a rookie QB, no offensive line and seeming unwillingness to get D-Bowe or TG the ball seems, to me at least, the Chiefs are on their way to a 6-10 season – give or take a game.
The Chiefs are in a four-way tie for the seventh pick in the draft. Here are the teams in contention for a Top 5 pick:
Miami (0-11): Mortal lock for the first overall pick. St. Louis (2-9): If they stay relatively healthy, and play hip hop music, they’ll drop out of the Top 5. NY Jets (2-9): Top 5 lock. Atlanta (3-8): Top 5 lock. San Fran. (3-8): New England has their pick, which may motivate them to steal a couple wins. Oakland (3-8): End season with DEN, at GB, IND, at Jax, SD. Ouch. Top 5 for sure. Baltimore (4-7): Key games at MIA and at SEA will decide their fate. Kansas City (4-7): Yeah… Cincinnati (4-7): Finish season with STL, at SF, CLE and at MIA. Carolina (4-7): Dark horse in the Top 5 bid with games at JAX, SEA, DAL and at TB. 9 Tied at 5-6
I think the only games left for the Chiefs to win against the Jets - and that’s on the road. This leads me to the conclusion the Chiefs will be somewhere between the 7th and 9th pick in the first round of the draft.
According to Scouts current rankings the Chiefs would be in the range to draft: Calais Campbell, DE (7); Brian Brohm, QB (8); James Laurinaitis, ILB (9) and Andre Woodson Jr., QB (10).
I have it out against Brohm. Yes, the dude has got an arm. Yes, he’s accurate and played in a pro system. But isn’t he essentially Brodie Croyle only more polished coming out of college? They guy with the big arm but can’t really move and has serious injury concerns?
Here is my thought with the quarterback situation. If we decide Croyle isn’t the guy, the Chiefs should actively pursue Derek Anderson. Anderson is 24-years-old, six-foot-six, has a big arm and doesn’t make many mistakes (only 3 INTs in last 6 games). I don’t see the Browns trading Brady Quinn and it would not seem intelligent to lock so much money into Anderson and Quinn. I see the Browns letting him go and kicking themselves for drafting Quinn.
Obviously, Croyle not sucking is our best option here.
Given the QB situation, the Chiefs should go after an offensive lineman with their first pick. The problem is that Jake Long will probably be gone by their pick. If he is, the Chiefs should trade down to the middle of the draft and select Ryan Clady from Boise State. If the Chiefs can get picks for next year’s draft and get a top-tier tackle, I would consider the draft a success right off the bat.
Clady is a guy who could play left or right tackle. Scouts at this time say he can play a good left tackle in the NFL. If MacIntosh can continue to average at left tackle, Clady could get his feet wet at right tackle next season - which may be in the Chiefs best interest.
The Chiefs should then spend their second round pick on a corner. If Justin King is available, the Chiefs should draft him. King is a Penn State corner who has both speed (4.4) and the willingness to tackle people (fourth on team in unassisted tackles, seventh in total tackles). Scouts are a little disappointed in that he wasn’t tested much this season. The lack of action resulted in only two picks. Antoine Cason (Arizona) and Dwight Lowery (San Jose State) are other options.
Other guys that intrigue me: Maurice Purify WR (Nebraska) and Jordy Nelson WR (Kansas State) - Scouts seem to be down on these guys and I don’t know why. Purify plays faster than his 40 time and Nelson catches everything under the sun. The Chiefs need to look at adding another receiver in the offseason. James McClinton, DT (Kansas) - I know this seems homerish - and Big XII heavy - but McClinton has a motor and attitude that would fit really well on the Chiefs defensive line. If the Chiefs can pick him up as an undrafted guy, it would be a steal.
Ben Moffitt, ILB (South Florida) - The only time I saw him play, he picked off two passes - one for a touchdown - and dominated the middle of the field against West Virginia. He’s 6’2”, 240 pounds and runs and 4.7. The down side is that I only saw him play on game and he is white. But he couldn’t be much worse that Nappy Harris, could he?
Larry Grant, OLB (Ohio State) - I have a hard on for Ohio State linebackers. Sorry. Oh, he may also be the fasted OLB in the draft. At this time, he is projected between 6th round to undrafted. Joseph Flacco, QB (Delaware) and Richard Santos, QB (New Hampshire) - I read all of this stuff has Santos could go in the second round. As a result, I’m intrigued.
Anthony Alridge, RB (Houston); Chris Johnson, RB (East Carolina); Dantrell Savage, RB (Oklahoma State); Kevin Robinson, WR (Utah State); Dorien Bryant, WR (Purdue) - What is the one thing these guys have in common? They are/could be great returnmen. The Chiefs must address this in the draft.
FREE AGENTS I'D LIKE TO SIGN:
Asante Samuel, CB (duh) Bernard Berrian, WR Ryan Lilja, LG Jake Scott, RG
To say that the monster trade of September 19, 2007 was not the turning point of the season would be like saying 9/11 and Jews are actually imaginary characters that live in banks and headquarter of major corporations (and Hollywood). The dramatic effects of this trade are still being felt around the league, and will continue to be felt into next season.
Let’s recap the events of 9/19.
Zou sendsTravis Henry, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, Kellen Winslow and Derrick Masonto Wannabees.
Wannabees sendSteven Jackson, Adrian Peterson, Marvin Harrison, Braylon Edwards and Vernon Davisto Zou.
At the time, the NFL was on the verge of entering week three of the season. To put it in perspective, KC was 0-2 and in last place. Since, they are 4-2 and are in first place. California has burnt to the ground. Jeff Guiot was not considered a man who cursed. SBU had just blown a 7 point fourth quarter lead to fall to 0-3. KU was not ranked. I could only name two KU football players (I can name more now - sorta). Major League Baseball was still in the regular season. The Mets were still in first place. The Rockies had just won their fourth game in what would be the beginning of a 21 wins in 22 games stretch. I didn’t have a subscription to Rivals.com.
Now, today, Henry is on his was to the suspension list; Fitzgerald is struggling with a third string QB; keeper prospects Calvin Johnson, Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow are spearheading a resurging Inoculator franchise; Vernon Davis sucks; Steven Jackson and Marvin Harrison are injured; the best running back in the NFL, Adrian Peterson, is bringing a dormant Zou team to life.
Oh how so much has changed.
Consider what the Zou has done with the five players he received in the Theft of 2007: Traded Marvin Harrison (along with McNabb and White) for Willie Parker and traded Braylon Edwards (with Kenton Keith) for Reggie Bush and Santonio Holmes.
These moves allowed him to trade Larry Johnson, Lee Evans, Kevin Jones and Jon Kitna for Peyton Manning and Marion Barber III.
The addition of the Titans D completed a total reformation of what was once an 0-5 roster. Armed with an arsenal of big play running backs, the third rated QB, two steady receivers and a consistent D, the Zou is now primed to make a serious playoff run.
And waiting in the wings? The return of Marvin Harrison and preseason second-rated player Steven Jackson.
As for keepers? How about choices of 8th rated Marion Barber at a cost of a 4th round pick, 12th rated Holmes at a 11th round pick and top rated Peterson at a 9th round pick?
*****
Another team has benefited from this trade as well. The Inoculators, who started at 0-4, are now in the midst of five game winning streak and on the verge of making a playoff run. Two keys? The Zou’s trade Edwards for Bush and Holmes, and a desperately needy Wannabee team trading Calvin Johnson and Kellen Winslow for Jones-Drew.
The trade has also set up the Inoculators for next season, who will have to choose between 6th round pick Winslow, 8th round pick Edwards, 10th round pick Johnson and 12th round pick Greg Jennings.
*****
But, alas, there losers in this trade. And these losers are in the midst of very dark times.
The one with the most hope is Team Winckler. Sitting at 6-0, Team Winckler seemed unbeatable. Then, Miami running back Ronnie Brown suffered a season-ending injury, leaving Winckler scrambling for a replacement.
Initially, Winckler seemed to have his head on straight. Seeing that he had an elite quarterback in Peyton Manning, a touchdown machine in Barber, a young running back in Lynch, promising wide receivers Marques Colston (who he had just received in a brilliant trade), Dwayne Bowe and Patrick Crayton, and the anticipated return of Hines Ward, Winckler decided he would trade Steve Smith.
Smith was at the hight of his value and had just had a 28 point fantasy day. Trading him for a solid back seemed very likely given he had just traded Kevin Curtis for Colston.
That is when evil knocked on Winckler’s door (or e-mail or something like that). The Zou saw an opportunity to bait him with declining running back Larry Johnson - a deal he could make because of his acquisitions of Parker and Peterson - in order to upgrade at QB.
Winckler took the bait.
Now, Wincker sits at 6-3 and was recently beaten by Manning and Barber despite Winckler scoring a over 157 points.
“I can’t f*****g believe it,” Winckler said, though I have no actual proof that he did say that.
*****
The saddest story of all is yet to come. It is the story of a franchise that once held greatness - but then traded it for Cedric Benson. It is the story of The Wannabees.
The Wannabees were once a proud and talented franchise. They featured players such as Adrian Peterson, Braylon Edwards and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Then, as if God had decided that he needed a new Job ("Job" the Bible character, not "Job" as in "I need a job."), the unthinkable happened.
A small trade. Small in stature, but great in realms of history and modern civilization. A trade was approved. The line read as such:
CENT traded Cedric Benson, Chi RB to Wannabees WESE traded T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cin WR to Centaurs
It was the fall of this domino that would lead to the beginning of an unforeseen destiny (what the hell does that mean?).
Weak at running back and panicking from an 0-2 start, Weseloh made the trade.
“I didn’t think about it much at the time,” Weseloh did not say. “I thought I had made a good deal. I was gaining the league’s leading rusher (after two weeks - that’s my words, not his… even though these are not his words…yeah.), I was getting a promising wide out in Johnson - although I thought it was CHAD Johnson at the time, not CALVIN - and I thought things were on the way up.”
Oh how wrong he was.
Travis Henry tested positive for a banned substance. The top two quarterbacks in Arizona got injured. Weseloh finally remembered that Steve McNair can’t throw far enough to complete a pass to Derrick Mason and Calvin Johnson hurt his back.
“I panicked,” Weseloh may have said. “I didn’t know what to do. I traded my backup QB (McNabb) for Thomas Jones, thinking I would be getting help at RB. Then I remembered Jones as a Jet sucks. So I decided to steal away Maroney from the gay guy for Jones and Benson. That worked out well until I realized that the Patriots never run. I panicked again and traded Calvin (the guy I thought was Chad Johnson) and Kellen - the only two guys who were doing anything on my team besides Romo - for Maurice Jones-Drew. It worked from the standpoint that Jones-Drew’s 11 points were two more than Henry and Maroney had combined. But I still lost.
“I’m 2-7. My wife left me. The bank has foreclosed on my house. I lost my salvation. I don’t know what to do anymore.”
And the friend, Erik Johnson, owner of The Zou, what did he have to say?
“Jeff who?” Johnson may or may not have said while sitting in his recently purchased Bugatti Veyron 16.4. “Oh yeah, that guy. How’s he doing? Oh, he’s contemplating suicide? That sucks. Well, that should teach him to trade Adrian Peterson, eh? HA! Anyway, I’ve got go buy a beach house in Hawaii. I’m flying there in my new private jet! I’m pumped! Ryan Braun rules!”
Told of Johnson’s comments, Weseloh wept uncontrollably. It got really awkward, so I left him there in his underwear next to a trash bin to wallow in his own tears.
For every success, there is a failure. And failure is a bitch.
Remember 9/19! We Will Never Forget! United We Stand (Against Gay Trades)!
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD PLAY CROYLE!
Someone please explain this to me.
We are rebuilding, but we are trying to win at the same time. We are playing a second-year, seventh-round draft pick at safety. We are playing a second-year, second-round pick at the other safety position. Our left end is in his second year. One outside linebacker is in his third year, and our right end is in his fourth year. Our starting wide receiver is a rookie and the third guy is a second-year guy getting his first snaps. The right guard is being replaced by second-year guy who has never started a game and a rookie running back is expected to see plenty of action against Denver.
But we can’t play Croyle. No way. Then we may lose. He may make a mistake. It could cost us. We may not make the Super Bowl as a result or maybe miss out on the playoffs altogether. No way, we can’t play Croyle.
Huh? Um, so it’s okay when Jared Page costs us a game because he is just a safety. It’s okay for Jeff Webb to cost us a game because he doesn’t realize you need two feet inbounds, not one. It’s okay for Rudy Nuoneknowshowtospellyournameger to give up sacks and tackles for losses in the backfield. It’s okay for Tamba to not read the bootleg. It’s okay for Pollard to blow coverages. It’s okay for Smith to come in and allow two sacks, drop two balls and average 2.6 ypc (that part is in anticipation for next week). It’s okay for Bowe to have to take himself out of the game because he didn’t stretch well enough prior to the GB game.
BUT GOD FORBID CROYLE THROW AN INTERCEPTION!
What the crap?!
This offseason, I honestly thought the Chiefs were going in the right direction. Carl brought in Donnie Edwards to be a leader, to teach the defensive front seven how to succeed. Surtain and Law were there to teach and protect Page and Pollard during their growing pains. The Chiefs had a veteran laden line that could play smart and help recognize certain blitz packages Croyle may miss. LJ, Bennett and Smith would share the carries. Allen could be the project that would be ready to take over for Gonzalez when he left. We accumulated a million picks to spend on the offensive line and corners next season.
All we had to do is start Croyle sometime after the Chicago game and see what we had so we can determine the future of the QB position.
But no.
Croyle has only seen mop up time. Smith has exactly zero carries on a team that has back coming off a 416 carry season and heldout of the entire preseason. Bowe plays, but is never thrown to unless Huard gets him temporarily confused with TG.
Watching the GB game last week, I saw a QB throw two picks, had no running game to help him, zero time to throw the ball, and young receivers learning how play the game. That QB won the game.
Yes, he’s Brett Favre. Yes, he’s the greatest QB of all-time. But the point is that throwing 2 picks, having zero wide receiver threats and no running game doesn’t mean you can’t win.
We send Huard limping out there to hold onto the ball for 20 seconds and take sacks. The man has no intention of throwing the ball unless he sees the number 88 streaking across his line of vision. But as long as he doesn’t throw picks, he’s doing just fine. As long as we average 14 points a game, we’re fine. As long as Huard can stand, we’re fine.
Gay (sorry Tony).
How about this: start Croyle. I’m venturing to bet that we will win the same amount of games with Croyle as we would with Huard. It’s not like Huard is the king of protecting the ball. He’s thrown 9 picks and has a QB rating of 79.1 for crying out loud!
And it’s not like we are in the hardest division in the history of mankind, and it is not as if we have the toughest schedule in the world either.
After Denver at home this week, we go to Indy, host Oakland, host the Chargers, go to Denver, host Tennessee, go to Detroit and go to the Jets. Only three of those teams have winning records, Denver hands out rushing yards like pedophiles hand out candy, the Charges let Peterson run for 296 yards, Tennessee has ZERO offense and is very beatable, Detroit doesn't know what letter “defense” starts with and the Jets flat out suck. And for all intensive purposes, the Indy game was decided in Indy’s favor long before the season started. There really is no need to play that game.
The Chiefs, no matter who is at QB, could easily win six of those games. No joke. I like the matchups against Denver (both times), Oakland, Tennessee and the Jets. I think we have the potential to beat SD again at home (especially if they are coming off four straight losses to Min, Indy, Jacksonville and Baltimore) and I think we can sneak up on Detroit. The Detroit game may not even matter if we beat Denver, Oakland and SD. These are reasonable final standings in the AFC West (I'll even say we only win five games and not six):
KC 9-7 (wins vs. DEN, OAK, SD, @Den, @Jets - losses vs. @Ind, @Ten, @Det) SD 7-9 (wins vs. DET, DEN, OAK - losses vs. IND, @Jax, BAL, @Kc, @Ten) DEN 6-10 (wins vs. @Oak, @Hou - losses vs. @Kc, TENN, @Chi, KC, @Sd, MIN) OAK 4-12 (wins vs. CHI - losses vs. @Min, @Kc, DEN, @Gb, IND, @Jax, SD)
Face it, that is very realistic. And it doesn’t matter who's QB because the AFC West sucks THAT BAD!
And get this, WE WOULD GET A HOME GAME! We may even play Tennessee, a team we could beat! Seriously, isn’t that a PERFECT test for Brodie?
KU y MU Thoughtalones
First, KU, because, unlike mu, KU is undefeated and ranked higher in the BCS (HOLY CRAP! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!)
Of the two remaining games before the mu/KU showdown, OSU and ISU, the Iowa State game makes me the most nervous.
I think the loss to Texas has killed OSU emotionally for this game. Their season, for all intensive purposes, is done. I understand their offense is good, but I think KU’s D is going to be playing with a chip on their shoulder this week.
Everyone - everyone being the typical college football fan - wants KU to pull a BC and lose. They look at the defense performance against Nebraska and say, “There it is, a hole in Kansas. Now OSU will exploit it and the KU will finally be done and we can start talking about big schools like Oklahoma, Oregon and LSU more.”
But, honestly, isn’t OSU the Nebraska of the South minus the coaching insanity? Well, I guess they did have that Gundy blow up.
OSU’s strength is running the ball, which plays into KU’s defense strength. See the Texas A&M game if you need more evidence. OSU is an average passing team. OSU’s sophomore QB Zac Robinson played out of his mind against Texas, going 30-for-42, 430 yards, 2 Tds and no picks. He still lost. His 30 completions were his highest since completing 19 passes against Sam Houston State. Robinson’s running skills are no better than Texas A&M’s Stephen McGee.
If Talib can lock up Bowman and the KU run defense does what it always does, then KU will be fine. KU will have no problems scoring against this OSU defense.
Iowa State scares me because, well, they’re Iowa State. But if KU beats OSU and they are looking at being undefeated heading into the mu game, I cannot imagine there being a lapse on KU’s part.
As for mu, I think they’ll be just fine. The only stumbling block would be this week against TAM. If A&M can run the ball effectively and keep mu’s insane offense off the field, I think they have a shot. But I still think mu wins.
KSU is interesting in that they have the talent to win, but may not be motivated. If KSU beats Nebraska, which they should, they’ll have six wins and a date with Fresno State at home still left on their calendar. The urgency may not be there for KSU to win. If KSU loses, that would be their third in their last four games, with the one win being against Baylor. This could deflate them and leave them ripe for the picking. Either way, I think it should be a game mu wins.
As a side note, if OSU wins either this week, next week agaist Baylor or at the end of the season against OU, it would give the South five bowl eligible teams. If Colorado can beat Iowa State and Nebraska could somehow beat KSU and CU, it would give the North five bowl eligible teams. I find that interesting for some reason.
PICKS! EARLY AND ON TIME! HOLY CRAP!
BOLD = home, Favorite on left 1:00 PM Carolina (4-4) -4½ Atlanta (2-6) 1:00 PM Green Bay (7-1) -6½ Minnesota (3-5) 1:00 PM Kansas City (4-4) -4½ Denver (3-5) 1:00 PM Buffalo (4-4) -2½ Miami (0-8) 1:00 PM New Orleans (4-4) -11½ St. Louis (0-8) 1:00 PM Pittsburgh (6-2) -9½ Cleveland (5-3) 1:00 PM Tennessee (6-2) -4½ Jacksonville (5-3) 1:00 PM Washington (5-3) -2½ Philadelphia (3-5) 4:05 PM Baltimore (4-4) -5½ Cincinnati (2-6) 4:15 PM Arizona (3-5) -1½ Detroit (6-2) 4:15 PM Dallas (7-1) -1½ New York NYG (6-2) 4:15 PM Chicago (3-5) -3½ Oakland (2-6) 8:15 PM Indianapolis (7-1) -3½ San Diego (4-4)
Monday, Nov 12, 2007 8:30 PM Seattle (4-4) -9½ San Francisco (2-6)
AND finally, your moment of Zen (I stole that from the Daily Show)…
