Ten Commandments Of Tailgating

As the summer turns to fall, and the NFL and NCAA Football season start to commence, the planning period begins for an equally important event; the tailgate. As someone who has spent years in various tailgates for both college and the NFL, I have been able to amass a set of commandments, designed for ultimate tailgate success.

Please keep in mind, not everyone will be able to follow these commandments, for one reason or another, and in today’s financial situations, it’s understandable. However, if you follow as many as possible, your tailgate will quickly gain fame as one of the top tailgates in your section.

The Ten Commandments Of Tailgating

Commandment 1: Thou Shalt Have A Big Enough Vehicle

Granted, SUVs are gas guzzlers and expensive. Therefore, if this commandment cannot be met, but multiple people can use small cars to meet the same objective, then you are in the clear. The main purpose of this commandment is so your tailgate can have all of the necessary items, without risk of forgetting anything. A truly successful tailgate has items such as tables, chairs, television, tents for shade, coolers, the food and drinks, and of course, the grill. Having all these items, and more as you see fit, guarantees a proper tailgate setup and is a crucial element in a successful tailgate.

Again, if you can do this with multiple smaller cars, then you still meet the essential needs of the commandment. Working together with friends is important, which leads to the next commandment.

Commandment 2: Thou Shalt Share The Grilling Duties

Some people can’t bring a grill, and choose to bring in trays of food from their local grocery store. That is an acceptable replacement for this commandment. However, nothing says tailgate like a fired up grill with some burgers and dogs. I’ve seen tailgates go further, with chicken, steak, kabobs, the list is endless! A truly successful tailgate has great food, and nothing says great food like some BBQ. However, the responsibilities of cooking are an important, time honored task, that should not be taken lightly. But don’t let one person be stuck working the grill for two or three hours. Share the responsibility among your best grillers (they’ll know who they are). This gives everyone who wants to cook a chance, and lets everyone have ample time to mingle without being behind a grill.

Commandment 3: Thou Shalt Bring Enough Food and Drink

Nothing ruins a good tailgate like running out of food or drink. With stadium concessions already at premium prices, tailgaters need to get their fill before entering the stadium. Following that, with most, if not all stadiums no where close to purchasing extra food or drink (some college stadiums will have gas stations nearby), when you run out, your out of luck. Always make sure you know ahead of time the number of people in your tailgate, and purchase above and beyond what you need, just as a precaution. Besides, if there is extra, you can always post-tailgate while waiting for traffic to dissipate after the game. It’s win-win!

Commandment 4: Thou Shalt Properly Prepare For All Situations

It’s a tailgaters dream that every football game is 75 degrees and sunny with a cool breeze, but face it, that’s an imperfect reality. The beginning of the season can have extremely hot and humid temperatures, while showers and rain storms are always a reality. In the north, as the fall turns to winter, cooler temperatures can quickly chill out a tailgate. Therefore, do your research. A day or two before the game, research the weather. If it’s going to be hot, pack hats, sunglasses, and plenty of tents for shade. If it will be raining, have the tents to keep you dry. As it gets cooler, have blankets and jackets available, and maybe a space heater if possible. A great tailgater is like a boy scout, always prepared.

Commandment 5: Thou Shalt Get There Early

Setting up a tailgate takes time, as does shutting it down, and no one wants a good time to end early. Therefore, getting to your tailgate two to three hours prior to the game gives you enough time to set up (15-20 minutes), enjoy yourselves (hour and a half to two hours), and clean up (15-20 minutes) before making your way to the stadium. Of course, this is adjustable based on how far a trek you must make prior to the game starting. That’s why this commandment goes hand in hand with:

Commandment 6: Thou Shalt Be Willing To Pay For Parking

For season ticket holders and college football boosters, this part is null for you, because where you park is based on where your seats are, what level you are, etc. Basically, that part of the equation is on you. For the rest of society, who maybe attend one or two games, you need to make the most of it. By following the fifth commandment, you’re already at the game early enough that you should be able to find a decent parking spot. However, with a better spot comes a better price. I’ve seen parking prices from $5 to $20, and as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. If this is your one game of the year, go the extra mile, fork over the dough, and watch your tailgate be a success.

Commandment 7: Thou Shalt Keep The Kids Entertained

What kid doesn’t enjoy spending quality time with their family, rooting for the same team as mom and dad? A family day at the stadium can be a great time, but a kid can’t spend the entire two-three hour period eating and sitting around. This is where entertainment plays a crucial piece. A TV is nice, but you’ll have the game on (more on that one later), so what other options are there? Some stadiums offer outside entertainment for kids (be advised, this may cost money, and will most likely force you to leave the tailgate, if you came with other friends and their families). Another option is to bring entertainment with you. A football can be a great form of entertainment. Depending on where you’re located, a small game among the kids can keep them busy for an hour on their own. It really depends on the kids and their age, but don’t forget about them.

Commandment 8: Thou Shalt Have A TV With The Game On

A TV is a crucial piece to the tailgating puzzle. Obviously, if one can’t afford or doesn’t have room to bring a TV, then a radio will suffice. The truly successful tailgates have some form of a television with a game showing. The more extreme ones have multiple televisions with satellite dishes everywhere. Whatever your pleasure (and financial level is), having a TV lets the hardcore fans keep in touch with other interesting games. A four o’clock NFL start means missing all of the one o’clock games, unless prepared with a television.

Commandment 9: Thou Shalt Not Be Obnoxious

This commandment, and the next one, is important in multiple areas. For this one, obnoxious holds different contexts. When finding a parking spot, park in your area, don’t take up multiple spots and ruin the experience for someone else. If fans from the opposing team walk by, good-natured ribbing can be appropriate at some points, but don’t fire a profanity laced tirade at them. They have every right to root for their team too. Being a respectful person overall can make the tailgating experience that much more enjoyable for all parties involved.

Commandment 10: Thou Shalt Party Responsibly

Arguably the most important commandment, this one needs to be followed above all. Drink plenty of water so you’re not dehydrated or too imbibed with alcohol. Have a designated driver decided on beforehand, and bring plenty of soda and water for them and others (going back to food and drink). Clean up after yourselves. Most importantly though, have a good time. Tailgating is an enjoyable experience for all, and no one wants to be the idiot that ruined the fun for everyone else.

With football season upon us, take these commandments and go forth, and find success in your tailgating experiences throughout the season.

This post was submitted by Ryan of The Sportmeisters.

Giants inching closer to Rockies

In what may prove to be the biggest series of the year for the San Francisco Giants, the stars came out to play, leading them to a hard-fought victory over the NL Wild Card-leading Colorado Rockies Friday night, 2-0.

“You could feel the energy out there,” said Giants Manager Bruce Bochy of the atmosphere in their pivotal late-season series. “The crowd was definitely in it, and it was a lot of fun out there.”

Tim Lincecum was his usual Cy Young self, throwing eight scoreless innings, scattering four hits while striking out eight and walking three on 127 pitches.

“These games are big,” said Lincecum. “So you really have to buckle down.”

Rockies starter Ubaldo Jimenez was slouch either in this old-fashioned pitchers’ duel. In his seven innings of work, he only surrendered two runs on seven hits, walking three and striking out four.

Single runs in the fifth and sixth innings did in Jimenez, as he dropped to 12-10 on the season.

Pablo Sandoval broke a scoreless tie with two outs in the fifth when he lifted a Jimenez 1-2 offering over the left-field wall to stake the Giants to a 1-0 lead.

“I just try to put the ball in play,” said Sandoval. “I put a good swing on the ball.”

And the ball went very far, much to the awe of Lincecum.

“I don’t know how he does it,” said Lincecum of Sandoval’s power. “He just makes good pitches go far.”

One inning later, Eugenio Velez singled home Eli Whiteside to extend the Giants lead to two, which they would hold onto for the victory.

Whiteside had been catching Lincecum for the first time, and came up clutch in helping the Giants prevail, including throwing out Troy Tulowitzki twice on stolen base attempts.

“(Whiteside) did a terrific job back there,” said Bochy. “He made two big throws there, throwing (Tulowitzki) out, caught well back there … and set up a run.”

“He did a really good job,” said Lincecum of throwing to Whiteside. “We were on the same page for the most part. He allowed me to keep my rhythm and keep a good pace.”

But Whiteside feels that it was the starting pitcher who was the reason to the good chemistry of the battery.

“There were only a handful of times he shook (a sign) off all night,” said Whiteside, pointing that the duo were on the same page. “The stuff he had tonight, he could have thrown whatever up there and got outs.”

Brian Wilson came on in the ninth to face the heart of the Rockies order. After Todd Helton led off the frame with a single to right, Wilson settled down to retire Tulowitzki on strikes; Brad Hawpe on a fly out to the warning track in center; and Chris Ianetta on strikes to earn his 31st save of the year.

“This win is huge,” said Wilson, who said they’d like to go for the sweep after winning the first game of the series. “Obviously it’s tough to sweep a team, but right now is the time to do it.”

Lincecum upped his record to 13-4 on the season as the Giants inched closer to the Rockies for the final playoff spot in the National League.

“He pitched his heart out tonight,” Bochy stated. “He’s the guy you want on the mound for a game like this.”

“It’s been a long, hard, drawn-out process,” said Lincecum of achieving his 13th win of the season. “But I’ll take it.”

With the win, the Giants reduced their deficit in both the NL West and NL Wild Card races: down the six games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the West; and two games behind the Rockies in the Wild Card standings.

“It’s a big swing tonight,” said Bochy. “Every game is going to be (big) from this point on.”

San Francisco and Colorado will continue their pivotal three-game set with the middle game on Saturday night at 6:05 with Barry Zito (8-11, 4.09) will toe the rubber for the Giants, opposing Jason Marquis (14-8, 3.47) for the Rockies.

“It is important to try and win this series for the pennant race,” said Sandoval. “We try to play right, with the pitching, offense and defense, starting with this series.”

Game notes: Time of the game: 2 hours, 23 minutes. Attendance: 39,047. Umpires: Marty Foster, home plate; Wally Bell, first base; Chad Fairchild, second base; and Mike Winters, third base.

This post was submitted by Giovanni Albanese Jr..

The Sportmeisters NFL Season Preview: NFC North

With the NFL season fast approaching, Sportmeisters Derek and Ryan break out the crystal ball and forsee the future of all 32 NFL teams. Today, Derek and Ryan look at the NFC North, and discuss how they got to their respective decisions. What follows is a transcript of that discussion.

Ryan:

• Chicago Bears: 13-3
• Green Bay Packers: 9-7
• Minnesota Vikings: 7-9
• Detroit Lions: 5-11

Derek:

• Minnesota Vikings: 11-5
• Green Bay Packers: 10-6
• Chicago Bears: 10-6
• Detroit Lions: 2-14

Ryan: Derek, we definitely have some big discrepancies here in the NFC North.

Derek: Ryan, the NFC North will be extra competitive this year, as all four teams have made major upgrades. Even though Detroit is in the league, there is a strong chance for three of the four teams to be over .500.

Ryan: I don’t think its going to shape out that way, and the Brett Favre experiment backfires, while the Jay Cutler era starts shining in Chicago.

Derek: Chicago went out and traded for their first real Franchise Quarterback in over 20 years. Jay Cutler and a revitalized Brian Urlacher will lead the Bears, and Greg Olsen, Matt Forte, and Devin Hester will have MONSTER years.

Ryan: Absolutely, I am completely sold on the Bears in 2009, making strides reminiscent of their 2006 team, with the most complete team since 1985.

Derek: I’m going to disagree. I think they will lose key divisional games to Green Bay and Minnesota, as well as games vs. Pittsburgh, Seattle, Philadelphia, and Arizona that may hold them outside the playoffs for a third straight season.

Ryan: I’ll agree on Pittsburgh taking down Chicago, but I expect victories over the rest except for Atlanta and Minnesota.

Derek: Speaking of Minnesota, they have now gone out and signed Brett Favre to run the Offense and with him at the help, RB Adrian Peterson may see a few less eight-man fronts, or it could be the other way around and because Peterson is so good, Favre may have his Receivers one on one and be able to torch the Defense.

Ryan: No way Derek! Favre is going to bust out completely for the Vikings. He’s still hurt, he’s missed all of the preseason, he has no respect from his team right now, how can people call this team a Super Bowl contender?

Derek: Even the great Favre won’t be able to win them all, and losses to Pittsburgh, Arizona, Carolina, Green Bay, and Chicago and that will make this a close race at the end of the year.

Ryan: I feel an under-performing team fall to 7-9, punctuated by losses to Green Bay, Chicago, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and the New York Giants. Then, finally, the Brett Favre era will be over.

Derek: Let’s move on to Brett Favre’s old team, the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay went out and hired a new Defensive Coordinator and will go with the 3-4 this year, moving DE Aaron Kampman to OLB. They have looked sharp so far this Preseason, but not as sharp as their Offense has looked.

Ryan: I LOVE the 3-4 Defense Derek, and Green Bay is adjusting amazing to it, and I think that will be a huge factor in their 2009 season, helping load some of the work off of the offense.

Derek: Led by QB Aaron Rodgers, that should lead them to wins over Chicago, Minnesota, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Detroit, Cleveland, San Francisco, Tampa Bay, and Baltimore.

Ryan: I see one of those games as a loss, but they will still finish second in the division, fighting for the wild card.

Derek: Finally, Detroit will be at the very bottom again, but they won’t repeat their 0-16 season.

Ryan: The Lions have gone to great pains to remove the stench of last year, and behind a new Coach in Jim Schwartz, and a team filled with a lot of new blood, I think five victories is a realistic stretch.

Derek: At best, they get two wins, against St. Louis and San Francisco, as neither team has the secondary to stop Megatron, WR Calvin Johnson, and that’s better than 0-16.

Ryan: I have a little more confidence than you in Detroit, and possibly better success in picking the NFC North.

This post was submitted by Ryan of The Sportmeisters.

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust

England have captured The Ashes after playing it down to the wire, waiting for the last Test of the historic series to decide which way the Trophy goes. Aussies will be bitterly disappointed after straining their ever-imminent Ashes loss to rivals England, but then what did they expect?

Aussies came into the series without a single regular opening batsman. Simon Katich – former middle order batsman and Shane Watson – regarded as an ODI specialist, were a desperate replacement for Hayden and Langer. Despite the obvious lack of technical soundness (including Katich’s back-lift from the third slip and Watson’s open body approach to out swingers), one would be forced to say that they did a pretty decent job at the top. Frankly, no one would have expected more than 200 runs between them in the whole series, but they scrambled through.

Perhaps, the real blame is then onto the middle order. Pointing and Clark were the only recognized middle order players in the team and their mates would have expected more from them. One feels sorry for Ponting after the unlucky run-out in the last innings where it was clearly Hussey’s mistake that cost them at least 100 runs which where to come from Ponting’s bat, but nevertheless Ponting seemed like he was a bit under prepared for the English wickets.

Hussey did score a brave century in the last innings, desperately trying to save some face but it was evident to every onlooker that Hussey is not a test player. He falls in the category of the likes of Micheal Bevan who was an ODI genius but never made it in the Test side. Hussey was struggling with the slow pace of the game and Australia’s batting was in shambles throughout.

Hosts England will be jubilant on their crowning glory without ace batsman Kevin Pieterson. They clearly made the best of the lackluster Australian side throughout the series, but the 2 losses exposed their weaknesses which were not few to count. Like Aussies, the English too suffered from lack of batting talent. Ultimately, it came down to Captain Strauss and situational heroes to lift the English spirits time to time. Broad turned the crucial innings around for England and debutant Jonathan Trott also made a great start to his career by coming good timely.

Nevertheless, England escaped with relatively minor blows compared to what would have happened had the Aussies come prepared for assault. Except for Mitchel Johnson there was no real threat for the English batsman and Siddle made the most of his unknown weaponry.
Anyway, both teams had many new experiences and veteran Flintoff will be happy with his retirement on a winning note. He will have pleasant memories to ponder, especially the Ponting run-out which was one of the most memorable moments in the entire series. England will be high on the win for quite some time, not realizing Aussies made it quite easy for them. As for Australia, it will be a long way up to the top again.

This post was submitted by Chinmay Aradhye.

Standings Predictions: Western Conference

And now, part two of my standings predictions:

2009-2010 Standings Predictions: Western Conference

1. Chicago Blackhawks (117 pts)- This team was great last year, and then they added talent from the likes of Marian Hossa, John Madden, and Tomas Kopecky to further deepen a talented lineup. This team is good, and with Kane and Toews having matured another year, which brings still more talent to the ‘Hawks lineup, this team will be truly dangerous. In my opinion, dangerous enough to knock Detroit from it’s long-held spot atop the Central Division.

2. San Jose Sharks (109 pts)- San Jose was great last season, winning the President’s Trophy. While most people focus on the dreadful failure they were in the playoffs (I don’t really blame them, they ran into a very determined and on-fire Anaheim squad), the Sharks have secured themselves for another great regular season this year by simply not doing much. Roenick has retired, but that’s about all that’s left the Sharks roster, so simply by taking the “If it works don’t fix it” approach San Jose looks poised for another Pacific Division title.

3. Calgary Flames (98 pts)- This squad bolstered it’s one main weakness, defense, by acquiring tested-and-true defenseman Jay Bouwmeester. Finally, someone else to take some of the massive load off of Dion Phaneuf. If Iginla stays the way he has and puts up similar numbers to what he’s done for this organization before, expect the Flames to take hold of the Northwest Divison once more. Oh, yeah, and don’t forget about Kippursoff in the net. He’s hard to ignore.

4. Detroit Red Wings (102 pts)- Marian Hossa and Tomas Kopecky are gone. Big deal. I’ve learned never to doubt this team which for some reason no matter what players they throw on the ice are always good. Their one weakness this year: backup goaltending. With the departure of Ty Conklin the duties now fall to young American Jimmy Howard, but then again how much does he really expect to play with Chris Osgood in net?

5. Anaheim Ducks (98 pts)- Anaheim appears to have solved their problems this offseason. The lack of secondary scoring was this team’s ultimate downfall last post-season (but not without giving the eventual finalist Red Wings one heck of a series in the Semi-Finals), but Brian Burke-trained Bob Murray has beefed up this team by receiving Joffrey Lupul and signing Finnish superstar Saku Koivu to play alongside countryman Teemu Selanne. A nice touch for what could be his last year in the NHL. And they’ve done all this while leaving their defense in pretty good shape despite losing talent like Chris Pronger and Francois Beauchimin. Ducks fans are hoping prospect Luca Sbisa’s as good as the Philadelphia Press has says he is.

6. St. Louis Blues (95 pts)- From 6th place, all the way down to about 12th, I’d expect to be a real battle for the final 3 Western Playoff spots that could go any way imaginable, and I expect this team to be one of those to make the cut. Andy Murray should have won the Jack Addams award last year. Claude Julien shafted him. But award or not, Murray got this perennial Western-cellar-dweller playing like a real team at the end of last season, putting up the best second-half record in the league en route to a 6th place finish. With the return of guys like Erik Johnson and Paul Karyia, this team looks like it might do some damage in this season, rolling to another playoff spot.

7. Dallas Stars (94 pts)- Put last year completely behind you and out of memory. The Stars had a bad year, which is pretty much what it boils down to. This team looks like they’re ready to rebound, and Mike Modano will no doubt be hungry as ever, and when one of the best in the NHL is hungry, a team shows improvement. Their weakness could be in net–if Marty Turco can’t stop being so streaky, then Dallas could very well miss the playoffs again in what looks like a very competitive west. However, it could also reside in their defense, as they need to find a replacement for the talented Sergei Zubov.

8. Vancouver Canucks (93 pts)- Mattias Ohlund is gone, and that leaves a gaping hole in this team defensively. They no longer have a good, puck-moving defenseman to support the offensive firepower of the Sedin twins, nor do they really have a good crease-clearing, hard-nosed guy who can defend Roberto Luongo. Luongo’s still a good goalie, but he will be beaten regularly unless this team can solve it’s defensive problems.

9. Columbus Blue Jackets (93 pts)- This team got it’s first taste of post-season hockey last year, and unfortunately ran into the wrong opponent. That will no doubt spurn this team onward as they attempt a second consecutive postseason spot. Steve Mason will have to be outstanding yet again though, and putting up numbers like he did last year are difficult for even the most seasoned of veteran goaltenders. As a result, I think the Jackets come up just short this year.

10. Minnesota Wild (89 pts)- Martin Havlat has been brought in to replace Marian Gaborik in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. While they may squeak a few more games out of him, and likewise, more points, will it be enough to put Minnesota over the top and into the post season? This blogger doesn’t think so. They’ve still got too much of a shallow defense to really make any serious attempts at a playoff spot.

11. Nashville Predators (88 pts)- A team that came up just short in the playoff race last season looks like it will do the same yet again this year. The only real “improvement” to their lineup (if it can even be called that) was welcoming back Steve Sullivan from injury, and in a Western Conference that has become so much more competitive this year, that’s not nearly enough.

12. Los Angeles Kings (84 pts)- Well it looks like the most agonizingly slow and painful rebuilding process I’ve ever seen might be just about complete. (Seriously, what has their front office done over the past 5 years? Sat there and scratched their heads while their team kept losing? It shouldn’t take this long, come on.) Anze Kopitar finally has someone skilled to play alongside of in Ryan Smyth (though he’s not really the scoring type that the Kings needed), and young guns Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson finally have that experienced defensive mentor they’ve needed in Rob Scuderi. It’s not enough to get them into the playoffs this year, but they look like they’re ready to send a message that their days of being the Western Conference push-over might be just about done.

13. Phoenix Coyotes (76 pts)- I’m one who firmly believes the team will be in Phoenix this coming season when the league drops the puck, and while this off-ice ownership drama has no doubt been hurting them, this team actually has a surprisingly great young core of players. Their real weakness, ownership and management, has done a horrible job keeping veteran talent in the pack (pardon the pun). With the skill in young guys like Mikkel Boedker, Peter Muller, and Kyle Turris, as well as new additions in Radim Vrbata, Vernon Fiddler, Jim Vandermeer, and Adrian Aucoin, this team really has the makings of a team that would shine if it were to get a GM and an owner with at least half of a brain between the two of them.

14. Edmonton Oilers (68 pts)- Undoubtedly I just ticked off a whole lot of Oilers fans by placing them here, but let’s be honest Oilers fans, you signed Nikolai Khabibulin in to replace Dwayne Roloson, but what else have you got? Next to nothing. Ales Kotalik walked off to New York, and Shawn Horcoff and Dustin Penner aren’t leaders. Lubmoir Visnovsky and Sheldon Souray are your only defensemen with any skill at all, and the rest of your team has about as much experience combined as Pavel Datsyuk does in his left hand. It wasn’t MacTavish’s fault that you guys missed the playoffs last year, it was Kevin Lowe’s fault for failing to put a quality team on the ice in Edmonton. And, no, not even Danny Heatly would have saved you. Sidenote: does anybody else find it funny that the team who prides itself so much on its being Canadian uses Kid Rock’s “American Bad*&$” as its goal horn song? I thought so.

15. Colorado Avalanche (62 pts)- Well, things could be worse for this team. Joe Sakic called it quits, but it’s not all bad. Bringing in Craig Anderson finally allows the Av’s stop relying on a backup goaltender night-in and night-out. Draft pick Matt Duchene shows some real promise as well, but he will need a few seasons under his belt before he can be relied on to carry the Av’s forward. In the mean time, the Av’s are going to have a few nightmare-ridden years ahead of them.

This post was submitted by Kyle Nicolas.

Standings Predictions: Eastern Conference

Well, everybody, the time is almost upon us. Pre-season games have been scheduled, training camps are on the verge of opening, and the pundits are taking their swings at guessing who will be tops come the end of this forthcoming regular season which is still well over a month away from starting. But, you know what, I just can’t resist so here’s my shot at a standings prediction.

Notes: the first 3 spots are reserved for the division leaders, just like the NHL standings are normally, and the number in parentheses next to the team name is the predicted standings point total they will have at the end of the regular season.

2009-2010 Standings Prediction: Eastern Conference
1. Boston Bruins (110 pts)- The Big-Bad Bruins pretty much ravaged the East last year and walked away with a realatively unchallenged Conference title. As for this year, it’s probably going to be pretty much the same story. Nobody’s really on the same page as these guys, and nobody really did enough to close the skill gap. Tim Thomas is poised for another fantastic year

2. Washington Capitals (101 pts)- Many people are asking questions of the Capitals offensive power this season after the departure of Sergei Federov. Their answer: the signing of big-man Mike Knuble. The guy’s big, and has put up stats in the past that will greatly benefit Washington if he can duplicate them. Plus let’s not count out the numbers Mike Green can put up from the blue line. And then there’s the matter of guys like Alexander Semin, and some guy called Alex Ovechkin, who will likely throw up more than 50 goals on the scoresheet yet again.

3. Philadelphia Flyers (98 pts)- The Flyers look like they’re going for their old reputation of the Broad Street Bullies, only this time around starring Ray Emery, Daniel Carcillo, and Chris Pronger. I really don’t know what this whole thing is with people thinking Pronger is an undisciplined player who takes selfish penalties a lot. It’s a complete myth, and the Flyers have just scooped up quite possibly the most dominant defenseman in the game today, who has shown he can carry a team on his back all the way to game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final (see the 06 Oilers). If Emery can get his head in shape and play well, this team will be very dominant with a very physical, but very offensive strategy (keep in mind they still have the likes of Mike Richards and Daniel Briere in their ranks).

4. Carolina Hurricanes (94 pts)- The Hurricanes look like they’ve really settled down with a solid lineup that showed it’s got the capability of playing really well when they’re on their game. They didn’t do a whole lot to change the team during the offseason, but they welcome Stephan Yelle into the fold and with Tom Barrasso as a goaltender coach, an already outstanding Cam Ward will only get better.

5. New Jersey Devils (92 pts)- New Jersey was about a minute away from a trip to the Semi-Finals last year, only to have the late-game dramatics of the Hurricanes suddenly make that dream vanish. This year’s Devils look very strong offensively still, despite the loss of key names like Jay Pandolfo and John Madden, and if Broduer stays healthy, they could contend for the Atlantic title with Philadelphia with intense fervor. However, that’s the key this season: they need to stay healthy. This team is showing signs of a group that could be positively decimated by injuries to one or two key players, especially if they were to come to an already very shallow defense group.

6. Montreal Canadiens (88 pts)- After doing some math here, the Canadiens weakness is incredibly obvious: This team has spent over 75% of their salary cap on 10 players. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good group of players that makes any team seem fantastic on paper, but it leaves one gaping question: where’s the depth? Beyond these all-stars, the rest of the team is young, inexperienced guys who will not be able to support the play of these All-Stars. And if any of these veterans were to be injured, this team would be sent into a freefall down the standings. In addition, Carey Price being backed up by Jaroslav Halak, far from a lethal goaltending duo that will likely be torn to shreds by an offensive superpower like New Jersey or Washington.

7. Tampa Bay Lightning (88 pts)- The ‘05 champions have struggled since their Cup winning year, but it looks this year as though they’ll finally turn it around. Vinny Lecavalier still sits in the lineup, and with young Victory Hedman back on the blue line, as well as some other key additions (notably Mattias Ohlund), this team looks like it’s ready for a climb up the standings, which has the potential to be a playoff season.

8. Pittsburgh Penguins (86 pts)- Many people have got to be wondering how I could possibly put the defending champs all the way down here. Well let me answer that: quite honestly this summer, as I thought, wasn’t the most friendly summer in the Steel City. A large portion of the Pens defense is gone (in guys known as Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill), and Peter Sykora and Miroslav Satan will not be returning either (though Pens fans will argue that Satan was not really worth the money anyway). On top of that, they haven’t done much to fill in these gaps. However, on the bright side, their high-power offense is still mostly in tact, with Guerin, Crosby, Malkin, Kunitz, and Jordan Staal all still in the lineup.

9. New York Rangers (85 pts)- Well, as soon as Minnesota didn’t pick up Marian Gaborik again, I knew somebody was going to overpay to bring him in, and who better to do it than the New York Rangers? A team that over the years has really struggled with overpaying players in the past really didn’t do much to help their cause this year, as their defense still looks pitifully shallow, and their offense is now being led by a guy who’s consistently hurt for 50+ games every year. Better hope they get their money’s worth out of Chris Drury. On the positive side, they are getting a good deal on Vaclav Prospal and Donald Brashear.

10. Toronto Maple Leafs (85 pts)- Brian Burke looks like he’s got this team on the turn-around after missing the playoffs the last… I don’t know how many years cause to be honest I’ve lost count. Bringing in former Anaheim defensive guru Francois Beauchimin is really just one example of the good things this management genius has done to turn this consistent non-contender into a team that maybe within the next few years will push hard for a playoff spot.

11. Florida Panthers (84 pts)- The Pathers narrowly missed out on the Eastern Conference playoffs last year, and sadly for them, I think that will likely be the case again this year, though their summer additions of Steve Reinprecht and Jordan Leopold are a bright spot on this team’s future. They do need to take some of that $8+ million they have in cap space and put it to good use now by resigning Richard Zednik

12. Atlanta Thrahsers (75 pts)- If any year was a critical year in Blueland, this is it. Ilya Kovalchuck’s contract expires on July 1, 2010, and if the Thrashers can’t show him that they’re capable of success, then he’s as good as gone, which would essentially condemn this franchise to several more years of bottom feeding. Evander Kane will be exciting to watch, but this team really needs to surprise some people if they want Ilya Kovalchuck to even think about signing a new contract, and I don’t think anything short of another playoff appearance (this time getting at least 1 win) will do it.

13. New York Islanders (68 pts)- Okay, I know you have John Tavares, but for crying out loud he’s not Superman on ice! He’s a single player, talented as he is, with no NHL experience. The last time we saw this much expectation on a single rookie to carry a team, Sidney Crosby’s Penguins missed the playoffs, and were pretty much in the same boat as the Isles are going to be in this year. At least with the signings of Dwayne Roloson and Marty Biron they’ve solved their streaky-goaltending problem, and made sure that in the event DiPietro gets hurt (which WILL happen again very soon most likely), then they’re not hung out to dry. A small and almost unimportant bright spot on a summer that shows this team where it’s destined to hang for a while.

14. Ottawa Senators (66 pts)- All this Danny Heatly drama has screwed this team over. While they’ve been too busy trying to get rid of him (and having him whine and complain about not wanting to go to any of the teams who’ve made offers for him), they’ve been unable to go out and do something about this team which is absolutely lifeless. They’ve got pretty much nothing going for them, and unless they can push Heatly away somewhere, will have one very unhappy and under performing superstar hogging 8 million in cap space.

15. Buffalo Sabres (48 pts)- I stick with what I said here before… not much needs said here. It’s going to be a long year in Northern New York. You have to feel for Ryan Miller. At least he might get a break and a decent team in front of him when the Olympics roll around.

This post was submitted by Kyle Nicolas.

The Sportmeisters NFL Season Preview: AFC North

With the NFL season fast approaching, Sportmeisters Derek and Ryan break out the crystal ball and forsee the future of all 32 NFL teams. Today, Derek and Ryan look at the AFC North, and discuss how they got to their respective decisions. What follows is a transcript of that discussion.

Ryan:

• Pittsburgh Steelers: 15-1
• Baltimore Ravens: 11-5
• Cincinnati Bengals: 9-7
• Cleveland Browns: 3-13

Derek:

• Pittsburgh Steelers: 15-1
• Baltimore Ravens: 7-9
• Cincinnati Bengals: 7-9
• Cleveland Browns: 3-13

Ryan: Derek, it looks like we’ve been drinking the Pittsburgh Steelers kool-aid again.

Derek: With good reason, Ryan. The AFC North was a much closer race then people thought it would be last year. However, this year it won’t be that close.

Ryan: I have it a bit closer, with three teams over .500, but you’re sold on just Pittsburgh to make noise in the North.

Derek: The defending Super Bowl Champion Steelers look to be on easy street this year. They have a few tough games against Tennessee, Chicago, Minnesota, Green Bay, and San Diego, but I think their Monster Defense gives them the edge against all but San Diego.

Ryan: In what is sure to be a first, the only game I have Pittsburgh losing is at San Diego, but this team could easily lose a few other games. Their opening game against Tennessee will be tough, but with the home crowd behind them, I can’t see the Steelers losing. Along with that, the rejuvenated Ravens could make a stand or two in a tough physical matchup.

Derek: Baltimore has a much tougher schedule this year and second year QB Joe Flacco and LB Ray Lewis won’t be able to lead them to victory over Pittsburgh, Chicago, Indianapolis, San Diego, New England, Minnesota, Green Bay, and they may even lose to a revitalized Cincinnati.

Ryan: Derek, I’m going to disagree there, because I do think one of the most physical teams in the NFL will pound their ways to victory, much like last year. I see them defeating New England, Minnesota, and Green Bay.

Derek: Their strong Defense will lead them to wins over Cleveland, Kansas City, Denver, Detroit, and Oakland, but that won’t be enough to make the playoffs.

Ryan: That’s where you’re wrong, they’ll make the playoffs, using the successful formula of last year behind the running game and the defense to take a wild card spot.

Derek: Let’s move on to the Hard Knocks team of the summer, the Cincinnati Bengals. With a healthy Carson Palmer and a rejuvenated Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati will have a much better year this year, but it won’t be enough.

Ryan: It really won’t be for them, but I think it’s a victim of the division they are in. However, this team needs to fire Marvin Lewis, and start fresh. Keep an eye on Carson Palmer’s injuries, as he still has not been the same since 2006.

Derek: Losses to Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Green Bay, Chicago, Houston, San Diego, and the Jets will seal their fate outside the playoffs yet again.

Ryan: They’ll take Green Bay, and be close to a wild card slot in the final week, forcing them to defeat the Jets, but it won’t be enough, either.

Derek: Finally, the Browns are still the bottom of the barrel, despite Eric Mangini’s overhaul.

Ryan: It takes a lot in year one to make a difference, and using the Bill Belichick mold, he made some huge trades to bring in some of his top contributors from his time at New York, but he’s still a year or two away.

Derek: He’s installed a new Defensive philosophy, but beyond Quarterback, this team is still struggling for talent.

Ryan: Luckily, we’re not struggling for opinions on the AFC North.

This post was submitted by Derek and Ryan of The Sportmeisters.

Gators Overwhelming Preseason # 1

In an astounding and near unanimous consortium of AP pollsters, 58 out of 60 chose the defending national champion Florida Gators as their choice for pre season #1. It’s actually no surprise except for the two representatives who pegged Texas, and what were they thinking? Maybe they were from Texas, huh? You think?

Accordingly, the Gators return the entire defensive unit that stifled teams during the 2008 season, especially the paltry 14 points that high scoring Oklahoma could muster during the 2008 BCS National Title game. So we take one of the most prolific scoring machines in the nation, and give them such an efficient defense, which incidentally could be even better with another year of maturity . Head coach Urban Meyer has been the savior every die hard Gator searched for ever since the legendary and irascible Steve Spurrier unexpectedly retired, only to unretired with an aborted stint in the NFL, and a subsequent heinous move to the sidelines of SEC rival South Carolina. Compounding this aberration, athletic director Jeremy Foley desperately sought to continue the magic, by plucking former defensive coordinator Ron Zook out of the NFL, and giving him the BIG office. However, the Zook years were fraught with problems, defeats, and a return to mediocrity, which Gators everywhere would not tolerate.

When Zook’s firing was imminent, Foley briefly courted Spurrier, then looked elsewhere for the highest profile hiring possible. He was under enormous pressure to patch the gaping hole at head coach and the rapid disappearance from the top 25 polls. Enter Urban Meyer, who transformed both Bowling Green and Utah, into winners and even powerhouses. At first , we all had some doubt, but Meyer quickly implemented his no nonsense approach, along with one of the most brilliant football playbook ever seen. He demanded discipline from his players, and unabashedly dismissed any from the starting positions or the even the team entirely. Many a blue chipper was recruited to Florida, but if he didn’t toe the line, he was gone. Obviously this approach rankled many, but subsequently everyone bought into it, and the results were amazing.

Already two national titles in the vault, a preseason number one ranking in every poll, magazine, blog, etc. and the expectation of more, much, much more. I’ve been a Gator since that Heisman year of Steve Spurrier’s in 1969, and endured the lean years, the controversial years, when the NCAA death penalty was a consideration, and then reveled in the fabulous glory years, only to be brought back to reality with the hiring of Ron Zook. I always loved Zook’s energy, recruiting acumen, and his rapport with the players, but conversely, hated his inability to call the right play at the right time, and his incredible over tolerance to criminal behavior by his players which lead to a total lack of discipline, on and off the field.

Each year became more tedious than the last, the national title was reduced to a daydream, and the team led the SEC in penalties and turnovers, not in scoring or wins. So, Gators everywhere remember who we have patrolling the sidelines, and be very thankful it was us that was able to land Urban Meyer, and revel in the fact that we have more championship trophies just itching to share space in the huge trophy case in Gainesville.

Story by Mark O’Leary

This post was submitted by Mark O'Leary.

Fantasy Baseball Week 20 Winners, Losers, And Waiver Wire Wonders

Another week of baseball in the books means another winners, losers, and waiver wire wonders blog from the fantasy guru. Keep in mind, the stats I show are the players stats for the week, not on the season. Let’s go!

Winners

OF – Jayson Werth – Philadelphia Phillies – .440 BA, 11 H, 7 R, 3 Doubles, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 1 BB, 5 K

Werth hit five home runs last week, raising his season total to 29. He also has a .269 average with 79 RBI’s and 13 stolen bases. He has been a complete fantasy player this year and should be started at all times for his consistency in all categories.

2B – Brian Roberts – Baltimore Orioles – .379 BA, 11 H, 8 R, 2 Doubles, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 5 BB, 5 K, 3 SB

Roberts had a good week with the long ball, going deep four times. He also had three stolen bases, raising his season total to 27. He is hitting .294 with 14 home runs and 60 RBI’s and has been every bit the elite fantasy second baseman that we thought he would be. Keep starting him with full confidence.

1B – Adam LaRoche – Atlanta Braves – .462 BA, 12 H, 8 R, 1 Double, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 3 BB, 7 K

It looks like the trade back to Atlanta was just what LaRoche needed to get back on track. He has hit .406 since being acquired by Atlanta on August 1^st and has seven home runs and 16 RBI’s. He had four of those home runs last week and drove in nine. You have to start him right now as he is a second half player and is clearly hot right now.

DH – David Ortiz – Boston Red Sox – .400 BA, 8 H, 8 R, 3 Doubles, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 4 BB, 2 K

This is the Big Papi that we have been waiting for all year. Ortiz hit three home runs and drove in 10 last week, but is still only hitting .227 on the year and is splitting time with Victor Martinez, Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek, and Kevin Youkilis. Ortiz looks to be the odd man out, as Youkilis and Lowell have been hot and Martinez has started 10 games at First for Boston with Youkilis at Third and Lowell at DH. Watch out for his playing time and only start him if you need the power.

OF – Hideki Matsui – New York Yankees – .261 BA, 6 H, 4 R, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K

Godzilla wasn’t bad last week, but he wasn’t great either. He hit just .261, but hammered four home runs and drove in 10. He now has 23 home runs and 68 RBI’s on the year and should be started while he’s hot.

SP – Chris Carpenter – St. Louis Cardinals – 15 IP, 2 W, 14 K, 4 BB, 8 HA, 2 ER

Carpenter was lights out again last week, winning both starts. He struck out 14 and only allowed two runs in 15 innings. He should be started at all times and may win his second CY Young award this year.

SP – Ubaldo Jimenez – Colorado Rockies – 16 IP, 2 W, 14 K, 3 BB, 13 HA, 4 ER

Jimenez has been on a hot streak recently, winning five of his last seven, going eight innings in four of those games. Last week, he went 16 innings and struck out 14, only walking three. He is now 12-9 on the year with a 3.36 ERA and should be started in all formats while he’s hot.

SP – CC Sabathia – New York Yankees – 14.7 IP, 2 W, 15 K, 1 BB, 13 HA, 5 ER

This is the Ace that the Yankees were looking for when they signed Sabathia to that monster contact this off-season. He won both games last week and has won six of his last seven starts to raise his record to 15-7 on the year. He also has an ERA of 3.59 with 148 strikeouts. He has been exactly what fantasy owners thought he would be and should be started at all times.

SP – Brett Tomko – Oakland Athletics – 11 IP, 2 W, 9 K, 3 BB, 8 HA, 1 ER

The Yankees loss looks to be the Athletics gain. The Yankees designated Tomko for assignment on July 21^st and he then signed with Oakland. He has not disappointed, winning both starts last week and allowing just one run in 11 innings. Keep an eye on him to see how he pitches his next start, if all goes well, he may be a nice waiver wire wonder for your team’s playoff run.

SP – Cliff Lee – Philadelphia Phillies – 9 IP, 1 W, 1 CG, 11 K, 0 BB, 2 HA, 0 ER

Lee has been nearly unhittable since joining the Phillies, going 5-0 with a 0.68 ERA. He has benefited from more run support, but he hasn’t really needed it since the most runs he hasn’t allowed more than one run in any of his five starts. Continue to start him in all formats and look for him to wind up as a possible CY Young candidate.

SP – Jered Weaver – Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim – 9 IP, 1 W, 1 CG, 3 K, 1 BB, 7 HA, 0 ER

Weaver hasn’t been as good in the second half as he was in the first, but was pretty good on Wednesday. He threw a seven hit shutout and raised his record to 13-4. Weaver has been an Ace all year and there is no reason to bench him now, even with his second half woes.

RP – Rafael Soriano – Atlanta Braves – 4 IP, 3 SV, 4 K, 1 BB, 2 HA, 0 ER

Soriano has rebounded from his poor week that he had in week 19 to save three games and not allow a run in four innings last week. He has been dominant, with the exception of week 19, and should be started at all times as he has clearly taken the closer’s role away from Mike Gonzalez.

Losers

OF – Josh Willingham – Washington Nationals – .105 BA, 2 H, 0 R, 1 Double, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 4 K, 0 SB

Willingham had been producing nicely for the Nationals until this past week. He hit a bit of a slump and had just two hits in 19 At-Bats and failed to drive in a run. He is still hitting .292 with 19 home runs and 50 RBI’s on the year, so don’t drop him based on one bad week, but stash him on the bench until he starts hitting again.

SS – Miguel Tejada – Houston Astros – .240 BA, 6 H, 3 R, 2 Doubles, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 SB

Tejada is on this list due to the beginning of the week. He was in a bit of a funk, but looks to be out of it after getting four hits in his last nine At-Bats. He only drove in one run all week and has 69 on the season. Keep starting him and he will reward you, as he is a top tier shortstop.

2B – Robinson Cano – New York Yankees – .192 BA, 5 H, 3 R, 2 Doubles, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0 BB, 6 K, 0 SB

Another guy who had a slow start to the week, but ended it hot. Cano started the week 0-12, but then finished 5-14. He is hitting .314 with 19 home runs and 62 RBI’s on the year and plays in a monster lineup. Keep starting him.

3B – Brandon Inge – Detroit Tigers – .087 BA, 2 H, 1 R, 0 Doubles, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0 BB, 9 K, 0 SB

His knee injury has clearly affected his play as he is now hitting just .165 since the All Start break with just three home runs. He has the power to be effective for your team, but watch his injury closely and stash him on the bench until Detroit makes a decision on what to do with him.

SP – Francisco Liriano – Minnesota Twins – 2 IP, 1 L, 1 K, 2 BB, 7 HA, 7 ER

Not only did he lose his 12^th game of the season on Monday, he was then placed back on the DL with a dead arm on Tuesday. He had pitched well in his previous start, but has not been the same guy this year. He will be out until at least mid September and he hasn’t been good enough to stash away for a return, but don’t drop him yet and wait to see how he pitches at the end of the year before deciding on him for next year.

SP – Derek Lowe – Atlanta Braves – 8.7 IP, 1 L, 3 K, 1 BB, 20 HA, 11 ER

Lowe was awful in his start against the Mets on Tuesday, allowing eight runs and 11 hits in just three and two thirds innings. However, he was a bit better on Sunday against the Marlins, only allowing three runs and nine hits in five innings. He had won four of his previous five starts before these two and should remain in your starting lineup, as he should bounce back while his team is in the hunt for the wild card.

RP – Kevin Gregg – Chicago Cubs – 1.7 IP, 1 L, 0 K, 2 BB, 2 HA, 4 ER

It looks like Gregg has blown his last save chance for the Cubs this year as Carlos Marmol replaced him on Tuesday. He allowed four runs in less than two innings last week and Manager Lou Pinella finally made the switch. He has a 4.40 ERA on the season and no longer has any fantasy value. Feel free to drop him.

Waiver Wire Wonders

SP – J.A. Happ – Philadelphia Phillies – 7 IP, 1 W, 1 K, 2 BB, 8 HA, 1 ER

No wonder the Phillies sent Jamie Moyer to the bullpen instead of Happ. Happ pitched well again last week and is now 10-2 on the year with a 2.59 ERA. This is three weeks in a row that he is on my Waiver Wire list and apparently you people are listening as he is owned in 79 percent of Yahoo leagues (up from 77 percent last week), 90 percent of CBS Sports leagues, and 63.9 percent of ESPN leagues (up 5.8 percent from last week) and should be owned and started in all formats as he has won five of his last 10 starts.

SP – John Smoltz – St. Louis Cardinals – 5 IP, 1 W, 9 K, 0 BB, 3 HA, 0 ER

After Smoltz was let go by the Red Sox, it seemed like his career may be over, but not so fast. The Cardinals signed him and he pitched great in his first start. He was terrible with Boston, going 2-5 with an 8.32 ERA, but he knows the NL much better and it appears he may be starting to come around. If you need pitching, he should be available, as he is only owned in 32 percent of Yahoo leagues, 57 percent of CBS Sports leagues, and 14 percent of ESPN leagues.

RP – Carlos Marmol – Chicago Cubs – 2.7 IP, 1 SV, 3 K, 0 BB, 1 HA, 0 ER

The Cubs finally got tired of Kevin Gregg and named Marmol the closer on Tuesday. He was supposed to take the job early this season, but it looks like it’s better late then never. Marmol may not be available, as he was drafted in most leagues with the thought that he was the Cubs closer. However, he is only owned in 77 percent of Yahoo leagues, 68 percent of CBS Sports leagues, and 61.4 percent of ESPN leagues, so if he is available in your league, grab him and you could get some late season saves.

OF – Chris Coghlan – Florida Marlins – .292 BA, 7 H, 2 R, 1 Triple, 1 RBI, 4 BB, 5 K

Three weeks in a row! It looks like Coghlan is rewarding the Marlins (and fantasy owners) for allowing him to keep his starting job. Especially after getting 36 hits in his 93 August At-Bats and driving in 14 runs. He set a Marlins record three weeks ago with eight straight multi-hit games and has now raised his season average to .289. He won’t hit you many home runs, but will get on base (as his .452 August OBP shows) and steal a few bases too. He is going fast, now being owned in 24 percent of Yahoo leagues (up from 21 percent last week), 56 percent of CBS Sports leagues (up from 53 percent last week), and 17.4 percent of ESPN leagues (up from 10 percent last week), so go ahead and grab him while you can.

RP – Mike MacDougal – Washington Nationals – 2 IP, 1 K, 0 BB, 2 HA, 0 ER

Can you say Waiver Wire Wonder? MacDougal has been surprisingly good for the Nationals. He has saved 13 on the year and has not allowed a run so far in August. He has been on this list for three weeks now and yet he is only owned in 36 percent of Yahoo leagues (up from 31 percent last week), 34 percent of CBS Sports leagues (up from 32 percent last week), and 19 percent of ESPN leagues (up from 14.4 percent last week). He has lowered his ERA from 4.55 to 3.23 this month and if you need saves, he could be a nice sleeper for the end of the year.

By the way, for all you Johan Santana owners, he is going to have elbow surgery and will be out for the rest of the year. However, don’t drop him if you are in a keeper league. Stash him away on the DL or the bench and save him for next year. That’s all for now sports fans. Any questions or concerns, email me at Derek@Sportmeisters.com.

This post was submitted by Derek of The Sportmeisters.

Gators Run the Table, Repeat As Champs

Gators Run The Table, Win It All!

In a glimpse into the future, The defending national champion Florida Gators have won back to back titles, 3 out of the last four, in a convincing statement on football superiority. Thoroughly dominating their opponent in this historic Rose Bowl, the Gators put up points in every way possible on the Texas Longhorns, who managed to sweep aside their conference foe, and bitter rival, the Oklahoma Sooners on their way to Pasadena. The Gators had the good fortune to return virtually the entire defense from the 2008 championship team, so that unit only got better during the perfect season. No stumbles by the Gators this year, as they were determined not to get ambushed by their own complacency, like during the loss to Ole Miss at the Swamp, of all places. Urban Meyer has to already be listed as one of the all time great coaches, with the stellar job he’s done in Gainesville, and as a young guy, the sky’s the limit.

As they looked for a successor to the deposed Ron Zook, only a handful of seasons ago, never did the Gator nation imagine they would land such a gem as Meyer. He obviously has the ability to recruit, communicate, and coach, along with the keen judgement to surround himself with the greatest football minds. One of his protégées has already been plucked by Miss. St, who are counting on Dan Mullen to produce a winner. The Longhorns survived a brutal season to bull their way into the national championship game, with convincing wins over conference foes, and a magnificent record against all others. Future 1st overall draft pick Colt McCoy rolled to a convincing Heisman Trophy win, although several other quarterbacks also had amazing seasons .Among them, was defending Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, who’s Oklahoma Sooners won their bowl game in a romp, to secure 3rd place in the final standings.

Another team that had a smashing season, with only an early last second loss to taint their season, are the generic clad Penn St Nittany Lions, as Joe Paterno opens up a huge gap in all time victories over his closest rival Bobby Bowden, who incidentally lost 14 wins before the season ever started because of NCAA sanctions. Penn St always is right there at year’s end, as the football world wonders how much longer Paterno can generate his magic. I’m sure there is that faction of fans that feel Joe Pa should hang up the cleats, and bring some fresh young blood into the locker room , sidelines, and the homes of recruits.

Although he has a huge legion of competent assistants, the ultimate decisions still rests with Paterno, and his mind must have diminished some after all this time. Alabama had a fantastic season, and surely was Pasadena bound, if not for a repeat of the 2008 SEC title game, which the dreaded Gators won again. They steamrolled all foes with overwhelming scores, as quarterback Greg McElroy had an insane season, and joined in the Heisman Trophy hunt. But it was fellow SEC juggernaut, Florida that once again derailed Alabama’s season in the showdown in Atlanta, with the ultimate college football prize to the victor. Coming in at 6th place for year end honors, is the pro style program head coach Pete Carroll has crafted at USC, and despite several NFL bound players in their stacked lineup, the Trojans once again watched as someone else played for the national title, and in their own backyard, the Rose Bowl, to further add insult to that ignominious fact.

The Pac 10 has been USC and the rest, but in recent years both teams up in Oregon have risen to prominence and have themselves become a force. So much so, that the Ducks ended this season just behind the Trojans, at number 7. Oregon barely eked by cross state rival Oregon St. in their annual matchup, as Jacquizz Rodgers of the Beavers cemented his stature as a future 1st round draft pick, by running roughshod over the Ducks. Dark horse Boise St. has put together yet another outstanding team , and by years end they bulled their way into the top ten, with a stellar 8th place finish in the standings. Their conference has gotten tougher year by year, thanks mainly to their high standards, and winning out has become much more than just showing up. The blue turf has become a beacon to dozens of prized high school recruits, as the Broncos continue to stack their lineup with lightning fast prospects. It’s a formula that has served defending national champion Florida, and their SEC brethren well, and many teams across the land have bought into that formula. Quarterback Kellen Moore crashed the Heisman Trophy race, as he followed up his scintillating freshman season, and already is primed to break longstanding Boise St records.

Dark horse number two, is the much maligned, little respected, Utah Utes , who followed up their perfect 2008, with another outstanding season in 2009. Their 9th place finish is vastly superior to the final standings of 2008. It’s quite a statement when a state senator proposes legislation to alter the system that has been implemented by the BCS, but short of playing every major school during the season, there is very little recourse for the Utes. Closing out the 10th spot to end the 2009 season, is another SEC powerhouse, LSU, who despite not making it to the SEC title game, still managed to be in the national title hunt all year. The decisive ingredient was a retooling of the defense, which allowed more than 30 points a game in 2008.

The Tigers have always scored points in bunches, but without a way to keep opponents offense off the field, their high powered offense is useless. Also, an internal shakeup to weed out malcontents, allowed the Tigers to stay much more focused on the field. It has become an epidemic in the NCAA the number of talented individuals that perceive themselves as larger than the program, and constantly run afoul of the rules. These pariahs don’t go to class, get into altercations in public, feud with their coaches, and generally place themselves above the university. In years past, this abhorrent behavior was largely overlooked because head coaches coddled these players for the sake of wins, but the new breed of head coaches, such as Florida’s Urban Meyer, adamantly refuse to cater to these punks. Look at how many stellar athletes have been dismissed from major schools, many never resurfacing, but others choosing to sit out a year, as they transfer to a school that has more tolerance. This list has grown exponentially every year , and maybe some how these kids will get the message.

So many careers have been derailed with self destructive and boorish behavior, and it’s a shame they can’t toe the line for 3 or 4 years. Maurice Clarrett is one name that immediately comes to mind, as he had it all, thought he was the reincarnation of Jim Brown and Jesus, thumbed his nose at authority, and now wallows in prison.

This post was submitted by Mark O'Leary.

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