Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
First Take from Bryant Park Live Blog January 28, 2013
11:59 Guess he got a REXtension on his contract.
11:58 Rodgers-Cromartie: "I will retire if we win."
11:57 Stephen A.: "I do not trust anybody who wants to stay with the New York Knicks."
11:49 Oh no, I can't believe they're planning to continue about Bravo's show after the break. What a horrible way to end the show.
11:49 I say, "What about Honey Badger?"
11:48 Stephen A.: Sherman is helped by Earl Thomas and Cam Chancellor. Patrick Peterson is better, but doesn't have as good teammates.
11:47 Skip: Richard Sherman has the advantage over Demaryius Thomas, and it's too bad Peyton doesn't have Antonio Brown.
11:46 Skip: Floyd is just running from Pacquiao and Bradley.
11:45 Stephen A.: People who chide Floyd don't understand the sport of boxing.
11:42 Stephen A.: I don't know how much longer this amazing physical specimen that is LeBron James can continue to last at this level.
11:42 Skip: LeBron will get 5 rings.
11:37 Carmelo Anthony's wife's going on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live!" and talking about his future is irrelevant to anything that should ever be discussed on ESPN2. In fact, the only time I've ever cared about Bravo is when NBC used it to broadcast the first five rounds of Olympic tennis in 2012. Mainly the semifinal match between Federer and Del Potro that lasted 4 hours and 26 minutes.
11:34 YOU CAN'T SPELL BELIEVE WITHOUT ELI
11:31 "This is the first Super Bowl I can remember when no one is talking about John Fox or Pete Carroll. It's all about Peyton Manning and Richard Sherman." -Steve
11:28 "Peyton Manning is the GOAT no matter what happens Sunday." -Steve
11:22 Giants P Steve Weatherford has selected the Broncos.
11:22 "You lose, you're a loser, you just lost later." -Martellus Bennett
11:20 "Eli Manning would not have led the league in interceptions for the third time if I had been there this year." -Martellus Bennett
11:19 "Jerry Jones seems to be more concerned with making money than winning." -Stephen A. Smith
11:18 Martellus Bennett didn't like playing for the Dallas Cowboys at all.
11:17 Martellus Bennett liked Richard Sherman's postgame rant, but he thinks that Michael Crabtree is nice, not mediocre.
11:17 MLB approves padded caps for pitchers.
11:13 because his brother plays for them.
11:08 Martellus Bennett has selected the Seahawks.
11:04 "Both Shanahan and RGIII are to blame." -Chris Cooley
11:02 "It would be amazing to play for [Peyton Manning's] offense." -Chris Cooley
10:59 Chris Cooley has picked the Broncos.
10:50 Skip is changing his tune for no reason, except to create drama on this show. He picked Durant over LeBron and Westbrook for years, and now he's saying Westbrook and LeBron are better than KD.
10:48 Stephen A. makes a good point that the fact that KD sucked in the Finals is not a fact because he averaged 30 and 50+% shooting in those games.
10:44 Skip, last year's playoffs are irrelevant to the conversation of whether you are impressed with KD in the last 11 games.
10:37 "Tom Brady did enough to win Super Bowl XLII." -Skip Bayless
10:35 "We drew up the Tyree play." -Osi
10:33 This is so awkward for Skip Bayless to say that Matt Ryan sucks in front of Osi Umenyiora.
10:31 "Peyton Manning is the GQBOAT regardless of what happens in this game." -Osi
10:29 "I'm not sure I've reached my full potential yet. I'm still learning how to play quarterback in this league." -Peyton Manning
10:28 "A sack is the most overrated stat in football." -Osi Umenyiora
10:27 Osi says how he got after Brady in the Super Bowls reminds him that defense wins championships.
10:26 Osi picks the Seahawks due to their defense (since he's a defensive guy) and due to the weather.
10:15 "The Cowboys epitomize dysfunctionality, simply because of their owner. Cowboys fans all over this world should, I'm on the verge of saying, boycott this team."
10:13 Scott Linehan? Why do the Cowboys continue to make headlines when they're so irrelevant? Even on Super Bowl week? What a joke. The team is just an unsuccessful media circus.
10:12 Skip is wrong. Peyton won't have an ego and throw to Demaryius on purpose because Sherman is talking.
10:08 Stephen A. made a great point: Richard Sherman is like Jadeveon Clowney and his hit. After that hit, he talked about himself and how no one could triple-team him so much, that coaches ignored him at the beginning of the 2013 season, and he became irrelevant. Who cares if Richard Sherman talks and talks? Peyton will throw to Julius Thomas, Welker, and Decker instead.
10:06 I disagree with Skip Bayless that Richard Sherman should take a shot at Peyton Manning today. In fact, Richard Sherman should turn it down in the days leading up to the Super Bowl, not make more noise.
10:06 It is hilarious that Stephen A. just kicked a fan off the set for wearing a Tebow jersey.
11:58 Rodgers-Cromartie: "I will retire if we win."
11:57 Stephen A.: "I do not trust anybody who wants to stay with the New York Knicks."
11:49 Oh no, I can't believe they're planning to continue about Bravo's show after the break. What a horrible way to end the show.
11:49 I say, "What about Honey Badger?"
11:48 Stephen A.: Sherman is helped by Earl Thomas and Cam Chancellor. Patrick Peterson is better, but doesn't have as good teammates.
11:47 Skip: Richard Sherman has the advantage over Demaryius Thomas, and it's too bad Peyton doesn't have Antonio Brown.
11:46 Skip: Floyd is just running from Pacquiao and Bradley.
11:45 Stephen A.: People who chide Floyd don't understand the sport of boxing.
11:42 Stephen A.: I don't know how much longer this amazing physical specimen that is LeBron James can continue to last at this level.
11:42 Skip: LeBron will get 5 rings.
11:37 Carmelo Anthony's wife's going on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live!" and talking about his future is irrelevant to anything that should ever be discussed on ESPN2. In fact, the only time I've ever cared about Bravo is when NBC used it to broadcast the first five rounds of Olympic tennis in 2012. Mainly the semifinal match between Federer and Del Potro that lasted 4 hours and 26 minutes.
11:34 YOU CAN'T SPELL BELIEVE WITHOUT ELI
11:31 "This is the first Super Bowl I can remember when no one is talking about John Fox or Pete Carroll. It's all about Peyton Manning and Richard Sherman." -Steve
11:28 "Peyton Manning is the GOAT no matter what happens Sunday." -Steve
11:22 Giants P Steve Weatherford has selected the Broncos.
11:22 "You lose, you're a loser, you just lost later." -Martellus Bennett
11:20 "Eli Manning would not have led the league in interceptions for the third time if I had been there this year." -Martellus Bennett
11:19 "Jerry Jones seems to be more concerned with making money than winning." -Stephen A. Smith
11:18 Martellus Bennett didn't like playing for the Dallas Cowboys at all.
11:17 Martellus Bennett liked Richard Sherman's postgame rant, but he thinks that Michael Crabtree is nice, not mediocre.
11:17 MLB approves padded caps for pitchers.
11:13 because his brother plays for them.
11:08 Martellus Bennett has selected the Seahawks.
11:04 "Both Shanahan and RGIII are to blame." -Chris Cooley
11:02 "It would be amazing to play for [Peyton Manning's] offense." -Chris Cooley
10:59 Chris Cooley has picked the Broncos.
10:50 Skip is changing his tune for no reason, except to create drama on this show. He picked Durant over LeBron and Westbrook for years, and now he's saying Westbrook and LeBron are better than KD.
10:48 Stephen A. makes a good point that the fact that KD sucked in the Finals is not a fact because he averaged 30 and 50+% shooting in those games.
10:44 Skip, last year's playoffs are irrelevant to the conversation of whether you are impressed with KD in the last 11 games.
10:37 "Tom Brady did enough to win Super Bowl XLII." -Skip Bayless
10:35 "We drew up the Tyree play." -Osi
10:33 This is so awkward for Skip Bayless to say that Matt Ryan sucks in front of Osi Umenyiora.
10:31 "Peyton Manning is the GQBOAT regardless of what happens in this game." -Osi
10:29 "I'm not sure I've reached my full potential yet. I'm still learning how to play quarterback in this league." -Peyton Manning
10:28 "A sack is the most overrated stat in football." -Osi Umenyiora
10:27 Osi says how he got after Brady in the Super Bowls reminds him that defense wins championships.
10:26 Osi picks the Seahawks due to their defense (since he's a defensive guy) and due to the weather.
10:15 "The Cowboys epitomize dysfunctionality, simply because of their owner. Cowboys fans all over this world should, I'm on the verge of saying, boycott this team."
10:13 Scott Linehan? Why do the Cowboys continue to make headlines when they're so irrelevant? Even on Super Bowl week? What a joke. The team is just an unsuccessful media circus.
10:12 Skip is wrong. Peyton won't have an ego and throw to Demaryius on purpose because Sherman is talking.
10:08 Stephen A. made a great point: Richard Sherman is like Jadeveon Clowney and his hit. After that hit, he talked about himself and how no one could triple-team him so much, that coaches ignored him at the beginning of the 2013 season, and he became irrelevant. Who cares if Richard Sherman talks and talks? Peyton will throw to Julius Thomas, Welker, and Decker instead.
10:06 I disagree with Skip Bayless that Richard Sherman should take a shot at Peyton Manning today. In fact, Richard Sherman should turn it down in the days leading up to the Super Bowl, not make more noise.
10:06 It is hilarious that Stephen A. just kicked a fan off the set for wearing a Tebow jersey.
STAT OF THE NIGHT
This is the first time two one seeds have met in the Super Bowl since 2009 (Colts/Saints). The last time it happened without Peyton Manning was in 1993 (Bills/Cowboys).
Why the NFL should not eliminate the PAT, Part One
There's no reason to.
By my understanding, Goodell has said the reason he'd like to eliminate the PAT is to remove an uninteresting play and add an exciting play to the game. For fans. The words he always uses: for fans.
The thing is, the play he is suggesting is as follows: Teams no longer have to kick the PAT to get to 7. A touchdown is worth 7 points, but you can go for an 8th if you like, a running or passing play from the 2-yard line, but if you fail you go back to six. Ok, great. So Goodell wants to implement the exact same thing we already have for a 2-pt. conversion, except now if you'd rather go for one instead of two, you just raise your hand and say, "I'm not going for two," and you get the extra point automatically. I was particularly ashamed of America in general when Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith both agreed that Goodell's proposal would make the game more exciting. How would it make the game more exciting? Teams would go for two (which would now be called going for one) at the same frequency, probably only in the fourth quarter, and other than that they'd just go for one (which would now be called not going for one). If someone can explain to me why teams would go for the eighth point more frequently under the new system, please tell me, and then I'll be happy to refute your claim.
By my understanding, Goodell has said the reason he'd like to eliminate the PAT is to remove an uninteresting play and add an exciting play to the game. For fans. The words he always uses: for fans.
The thing is, the play he is suggesting is as follows: Teams no longer have to kick the PAT to get to 7. A touchdown is worth 7 points, but you can go for an 8th if you like, a running or passing play from the 2-yard line, but if you fail you go back to six. Ok, great. So Goodell wants to implement the exact same thing we already have for a 2-pt. conversion, except now if you'd rather go for one instead of two, you just raise your hand and say, "I'm not going for two," and you get the extra point automatically. I was particularly ashamed of America in general when Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith both agreed that Goodell's proposal would make the game more exciting. How would it make the game more exciting? Teams would go for two (which would now be called going for one) at the same frequency, probably only in the fourth quarter, and other than that they'd just go for one (which would now be called not going for one). If someone can explain to me why teams would go for the eighth point more frequently under the new system, please tell me, and then I'll be happy to refute your claim.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Australian Open Day 14 TV Schedule
Gentlemen's Singles Final: Nadal/Wawrinka (3:45 AM ET, ESPN, ESPN3)
Longest final ever: 5 hours and 53 minutes (2012)
Nadal: Trying to become first man ever to complete double career grand slam
Longest final ever: 5 hours and 53 minutes (2012)
Nadal: Trying to become first man ever to complete double career grand slam
Friday, January 24, 2014
Australian Open Day 13 TV Schedule
Ladies' Singles Final: Li/Cibulkova (3:45 AM ET, ESPN, ESPN3)
Longest final ever: 33 games, in 1956, Reitano beat Long 3-6, 6-2, 9-7.
Longest final ever: 33 games, in 1956, Reitano beat Long 3-6, 6-2, 9-7.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
GAME OF THE WEEK: Week 4, 2014: NADAL FEDERER XXXIII
Australian Open Day 12 TV Schedule
Gentlemen's Singles Second Semifinal (3:45 AM ET, ESPN, ESPN3)
Gentlemen's Singles Second Semifinal (3:45 AM ET, ESPN, ESPN3)
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
STAT OF THE NIGHT
This is the first time since 1997 when there are no Top 3 seeds in the ladies' singles semifinals.
Australian Open Day 11 TV Schedule
Ladies' Singles Semifinals
The following two matches will be played on the same court back-to-back: (9:45 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Bouchard/Li
Cibulkova/Radwanska
Gentlemen's Singles First Semifinal: Berdych/Wawrinka (3:45 AM ET, ESPN, ESPN3)
The following two matches will be played on the same court back-to-back: (9:45 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Bouchard/Li
Cibulkova/Radwanska
Gentlemen's Singles First Semifinal: Berdych/Wawrinka (3:45 AM ET, ESPN, ESPN3)
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Australian Open Day 10 TV Schedule
Ladies' Singles Quarterfinal: Halep/Cibulkova (7:15 ET, Tennis Channel)
Ladies' Singles Quarterfinal: Radwanska/Azarenka (~8:45 ET, start on Tennis Channel if before 9, then ESPN2)
Gentlemen's Singles Quarterfinal: Nadal/Dimitrov (10:15 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Gentlemen's Singles Quarterfinal: Murray/Federer (3:45 AM ET, ESPN, ESPN3)
Ladies' Singles Quarterfinal: Radwanska/Azarenka (~8:45 ET, start on Tennis Channel if before 9, then ESPN2)
Gentlemen's Singles Quarterfinal: Nadal/Dimitrov (10:15 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Gentlemen's Singles Quarterfinal: Murray/Federer (3:45 AM ET, ESPN, ESPN3)
Monday, January 20, 2014
Australian Open Day 9 TV Schedule
Ladies' Singles Quarterfinal: Li/Pennetta (7:15 ET, Tennis Channel)
Ladies' Singles Quarterfinal: Ivanovic/Bouchard (9 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Gentlemen's Singles Quarterfinal: Berdych/Ferrer (10:45 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Gentlemen's Singles Quarterfinal: Wawrinka/Djokovic (3:15 AM ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
*Wawrinka and Djokovic played a match that lasted 5:02 in last year's Round of 16 before Djokovic finally beat Wawrinka 12-10.
Ladies' Singles Quarterfinal: Ivanovic/Bouchard (9 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Gentlemen's Singles Quarterfinal: Berdych/Ferrer (10:45 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Gentlemen's Singles Quarterfinal: Wawrinka/Djokovic (3:15 AM ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
*Wawrinka and Djokovic played a match that lasted 5:02 in last year's Round of 16 before Djokovic finally beat Wawrinka 12-10.
First Take Live Blog January 20, 2014
11:59 "I'm also suing Jackie Robinson for breaking into the major leagues, which is what led to this situation in the first place."
11:59 "I'm suing steroids for being inside of me."
11:54 KD is Stephen A.'s MVP
11:53 Kobe? Haha, why would Skip take Kobe over KD right now? Too injury-prone.
11:50 PREDICTION: KD will cool off once Russell Westbrook comes back.
11:47 I can't believe we're about to have another KD segment, THREE DAYS after he dropped the points. Just because it's the first First Take doesn't mean that we have to talk about it like it's news. It's old news, and also now Stephen A. will rant. We can't go one show without Stephen A. talking about KD.
11:42 Tim Hasselbeck makes the point that Champ Bailey and Richard Sherman behave in completely different manners. I must agree that we should be talking about the play, not the comments afterwards. It was an amazing play, and unfortunately nobody is talking about it.
11:35 Stephen A. counteracted Tim in a really good way: made the point that Denver only put up 26, so Talib argument doesn't hold up when compared to the fact that the Patriots' offensive performance wasn't up to par.
11:21 Tom Brady: 8-8 in last 16 playoff games
11:20 Ok, so Tim Hasselbeck thinks that Aqib Talib was a bigger factor in the loss than Tom Brady. I trust him more than Skip Bayless.
11:17 Thank you, Tim Hasselbeck. Skip is ridiculous to say that Pete Carroll's game plan of 0 blitzes came from Joe Montana.
11:15 Trey Wingo brings up a good point. Kaepernick shouldn't even have thrown the ball to the end zone on first down with 2 timeouts.
11:12 I have to disagree a bit with Joe Montana's criticism of Colin Kaepernick. I think that his being good at running and mobility is still excellent and important for a team, and not every quarterback can be like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, as Tim Hasselbeck just said.
11:05 "He's not a quilt." -Stephen A. Smith.
11:04 I'm glad Roger Goodell will sit outside during the Super Bowl.
11:03 I think the NFL should just say that everything is reviewable. What's the problem with that? Why do they keep adding things season after season while leaving some things unreviewable?
10:58 Next topic up: Should the NFL change its rules on whether possession of a fumble is reviewable?
10:56 Exactly. Sherman and the defense might be able to stop Peyton Manning's offense, but probably will give the Seattle offense bad field position.
10:55 Tom Brady said before yesterday's game that six of the defensive starters for Denver were different from who he saw in Foxborough in November.
10:54 Anybody who's betting should wait for the weather report.
10:49 Stephen A. is right. No one knows right now who should be favored. Weather will play a huge role.
10:42 I agree with Stephen A. that the NFL promotes quarterbacks and other offensive stars more than defensive backs and that this is why Richard Sherman feels that he is not getting enough attention.
10:36 I agree with Mike Greenberg's tweet https://twitter.com/Espngreeny/status/425251333164130304
10:35 I do not think this is extracurricular. I am actually surprised that Stephen A. agrees with Skip. Oh, I didn't know he did the choke sign I missed that. I thought they were just talking about the Erin Andrews interview.
10:33 I disagree with Skip. I don't thing that Richard Sherman went too far. Going too far would have been giving an expletive-laced rant and saying things about Crabtree's character or mother. Calling him a sorry receiver is not classless because that's what he thinks.
10:26 Skip Bayless: "Tom Brady should be the NFL MVP. Aqib Talib is better than Richard Sherman."
10:25 Welker says he was not aiming to harm.
10:24 Wow, I didn't even realize that they were averaging 1 point a quarter through the first three.
10:20 How can Skip say that 36-to-24 TOP is somehow in favor of his Talib argument? TOP is the New England offense's fault, too, for not converting first downs.
10:18 I'm glad that Stephen A. is ripping into Skip on the Pats' offense. What does Talib's injury have anything to do with the Pats' offense sucking?
10:15 "A deliberate play by the receiver [to take out Talib], who make no attempt to get open. I'll let the league handle the disciplinary action on that. Worst play I've ever seen." -Bill Belichick, talking about Wes Welker
10:14 I cannot believe that Skip Bayless says the game ended when Talib went out.
10:10 Vernon Davis was definitely a no-show. I don't know that he should be called soft. But he was not there last night.
10:08 I gree with Skip Bayless that San Francisco might be better than Seattle on a neutral field. The thing is, homefield advantage was earned by Seattle. A potential neutral field matchup was irrelevant.
10:07 Stephen A. is right. The key play of the game that was the dagger was more the defense's fault and not Kaepernick's. The 4th down free play touchdown.
11:59 "I'm suing steroids for being inside of me."
11:54 KD is Stephen A.'s MVP
11:53 Kobe? Haha, why would Skip take Kobe over KD right now? Too injury-prone.
11:50 PREDICTION: KD will cool off once Russell Westbrook comes back.
11:47 I can't believe we're about to have another KD segment, THREE DAYS after he dropped the points. Just because it's the first First Take doesn't mean that we have to talk about it like it's news. It's old news, and also now Stephen A. will rant. We can't go one show without Stephen A. talking about KD.
11:42 Tim Hasselbeck makes the point that Champ Bailey and Richard Sherman behave in completely different manners. I must agree that we should be talking about the play, not the comments afterwards. It was an amazing play, and unfortunately nobody is talking about it.
11:35 Stephen A. counteracted Tim in a really good way: made the point that Denver only put up 26, so Talib argument doesn't hold up when compared to the fact that the Patriots' offensive performance wasn't up to par.
11:21 Tom Brady: 8-8 in last 16 playoff games
11:20 Ok, so Tim Hasselbeck thinks that Aqib Talib was a bigger factor in the loss than Tom Brady. I trust him more than Skip Bayless.
11:17 Thank you, Tim Hasselbeck. Skip is ridiculous to say that Pete Carroll's game plan of 0 blitzes came from Joe Montana.
11:15 Trey Wingo brings up a good point. Kaepernick shouldn't even have thrown the ball to the end zone on first down with 2 timeouts.
11:12 I have to disagree a bit with Joe Montana's criticism of Colin Kaepernick. I think that his being good at running and mobility is still excellent and important for a team, and not every quarterback can be like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, as Tim Hasselbeck just said.
11:05 "He's not a quilt." -Stephen A. Smith.
11:04 I'm glad Roger Goodell will sit outside during the Super Bowl.
11:03 I think the NFL should just say that everything is reviewable. What's the problem with that? Why do they keep adding things season after season while leaving some things unreviewable?
10:58 Next topic up: Should the NFL change its rules on whether possession of a fumble is reviewable?
10:56 Exactly. Sherman and the defense might be able to stop Peyton Manning's offense, but probably will give the Seattle offense bad field position.
10:55 Tom Brady said before yesterday's game that six of the defensive starters for Denver were different from who he saw in Foxborough in November.
10:54 Anybody who's betting should wait for the weather report.
10:49 Stephen A. is right. No one knows right now who should be favored. Weather will play a huge role.
10:42 I agree with Stephen A. that the NFL promotes quarterbacks and other offensive stars more than defensive backs and that this is why Richard Sherman feels that he is not getting enough attention.
10:36 I agree with Mike Greenberg's tweet https://twitter.com/Espngreeny/status/425251333164130304
10:35 I do not think this is extracurricular. I am actually surprised that Stephen A. agrees with Skip. Oh, I didn't know he did the choke sign I missed that. I thought they were just talking about the Erin Andrews interview.
10:33 I disagree with Skip. I don't thing that Richard Sherman went too far. Going too far would have been giving an expletive-laced rant and saying things about Crabtree's character or mother. Calling him a sorry receiver is not classless because that's what he thinks.
10:26 Skip Bayless: "Tom Brady should be the NFL MVP. Aqib Talib is better than Richard Sherman."
10:25 Welker says he was not aiming to harm.
10:24 Wow, I didn't even realize that they were averaging 1 point a quarter through the first three.
10:20 How can Skip say that 36-to-24 TOP is somehow in favor of his Talib argument? TOP is the New England offense's fault, too, for not converting first downs.
10:18 I'm glad that Stephen A. is ripping into Skip on the Pats' offense. What does Talib's injury have anything to do with the Pats' offense sucking?
10:15 "A deliberate play by the receiver [to take out Talib], who make no attempt to get open. I'll let the league handle the disciplinary action on that. Worst play I've ever seen." -Bill Belichick, talking about Wes Welker
10:14 I cannot believe that Skip Bayless says the game ended when Talib went out.
10:10 Vernon Davis was definitely a no-show. I don't know that he should be called soft. But he was not there last night.
10:08 I gree with Skip Bayless that San Francisco might be better than Seattle on a neutral field. The thing is, homefield advantage was earned by Seattle. A potential neutral field matchup was irrelevant.
10:07 Stephen A. is right. The key play of the game that was the dagger was more the defense's fault and not Kaepernick's. The 4th down free play touchdown.
Another STAT OF THE NIGHT
The first four games of the A. Radwanska/Muguruza match lasted 38 minutes. The entire rest of the match lasted 40 minutes.
(Two of the first four games went to at least 6 deuces.)
(Two of the first four games went to at least 6 deuces.)
STAT OF THE NIGHT
Before tonight, the last time Roger Federer beat a Top 10 player three sets to love was when he beat 9 Monfils in 2011 Roland Garros.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Australian Open Day 8 TV Schedule
Ladies' Singles Bottom Half and Gentlemen's Singles Top Half Round of 16
Cibulkova/Sharapova (7:15 ET, Tennis Channel)
Stephens/Azarenka (Immediately after C/S match, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Nadal/Nishikori (Immediately after S/A match, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Jankovic/Halep (9:15 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Dimitrov/Bautista Agut (9:15 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Murray/Robert (12:45 AM ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
TSONGA/FEDERER (3:15 AM ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
A. Radwanska/Muguruza (Immediately after T/F match, ESPN2, ESPN3)
The MATCH OF THE NIGHT is Tsonga/Federer. Tsonga beat Federer in 2011 Wimbledon qtrs. and 2013 French qtrs.
Cibulkova/Sharapova (7:15 ET, Tennis Channel)
Stephens/Azarenka (Immediately after C/S match, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Nadal/Nishikori (Immediately after S/A match, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Jankovic/Halep (9:15 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Dimitrov/Bautista Agut (9:15 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Murray/Robert (12:45 AM ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
TSONGA/FEDERER (3:15 AM ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
A. Radwanska/Muguruza (Immediately after T/F match, ESPN2, ESPN3)
The MATCH OF THE NIGHT is Tsonga/Federer. Tsonga beat Federer in 2011 Wimbledon qtrs. and 2013 French qtrs.
GAME OF THE WEEK: Week 3, 2014: BRADY MANNING XV
GAME OF THE WEEK: New England at Denver, 1 MT (3 ET, CBS): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, and Tracy Wolfson
Peyton Manning understands the moment. He understands that as his career comes to a close, his legacy will forever be tainted unless he wins another championship. He is somehow able to see his career from afar, and he knows that the time is now. In the first meeting, the game would have ended in a tie if it weren't for a botched punt return. There are no ties in the playoffs, but the game will still be close. This one is at Denver, and is much warmer (54, few clouds), indicating to me that the Broncos will pull off the victory. Broncos 24, Patriots 21, OT
Saturday, January 18, 2014
QUOTE OF THE NIGHT
"The shots I missed [today in loss to Ivanovic], I haven't missed since the '80s." -Serena Williams, in post-match press conference.
UPSET ALERT
Top-seeded Serena Williams lost second set 3-6 (with two breaks) to 14 Ana Ivanovic. Onto a final set in Melbourne (ESPN2, ESPN3)
Tennis and football TV schedule for Sunday
Australian Open Day 7
Ladies' Singles Top Half and Gentlemen's Singles Bottom Half Round of 16
Kerber/Pennetta (7:15 ET Saturday, Tennis Channel, will continue on ESPN2 if goes past 9)
S. Williams/Ivanovic (8:45 ET Saturday, Tennis Channel, will continue on ESPN2 at 9)
Li/Makarova (8:45 ET Saturday, Tennis Channel, will continue on ESPN2 at 9)
Fognini/Djokovic (10:15 ET Saturday, ESPN2, ESPN3)
F. Mayer/Ferrer (10:15 ET Saturday, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Berdych/Anderson (1:15 AM ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Dellacqua/Bouchard (3:15 AM ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Wawrinka/Robredo (5:15 AM ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
AFC
Conference Championship
New England at Denver (3 ET, CBS)
NFC
Conference Championship
San Francisco at Seattle (6:30 ET, Fox)
Ladies' Singles Top Half and Gentlemen's Singles Bottom Half Round of 16
Kerber/Pennetta (7:15 ET Saturday, Tennis Channel, will continue on ESPN2 if goes past 9)
S. Williams/Ivanovic (8:45 ET Saturday, Tennis Channel, will continue on ESPN2 at 9)
Li/Makarova (8:45 ET Saturday, Tennis Channel, will continue on ESPN2 at 9)
Fognini/Djokovic (10:15 ET Saturday, ESPN2, ESPN3)
F. Mayer/Ferrer (10:15 ET Saturday, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Berdych/Anderson (1:15 AM ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Dellacqua/Bouchard (3:15 AM ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Wawrinka/Robredo (5:15 AM ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
AFC
Conference Championship
New England at Denver (3 ET, CBS)
NFC
Conference Championship
San Francisco at Seattle (6:30 ET, Fox)
Friday, January 17, 2014
Australian Open Day 6 TV Schedule
3rd Round Coverage (7:15 ET, Tennis Channel)
Continuing Coverage (9 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
The Beats commercial
with Kaepernick is an accurate representation of what I believe will happen on Sunday. I don't mean that 52 minutes before kickoff he will get off a personal bus with the Seahawks crowd unable to be contained by security because they've had far too many DangeRuss dogs and Beast Burgers. What I mean is that Kaepernick will be hearing what he wants instead of the 71-16 margin by which the Seahawks have won the last 2 games against the 49ers at the Link. What is failed to be mentioned is when those 2 games took place. Week 16, 2012, and Week 2, 2013.
The 2012 game was Kaepernick's sixth-ever game. He has much more experience now, and also both teams are very different now than they were more than a year ago. I throw that game's result out of this week's analysis.
The 2013 game happened at the very beginning of the season, and on top of that was interrupted in the middle of the first quarter and delayed due to lightning. The 49ers have improved much since then, and I would argue that the Seahawks have become worse: Russell Wilson in the last five games has only one more TD than INT and only passed the 200-yd. mark once, in the shutout at the Meadowlands. 49ers 26, Seahawks 24
The 2012 game was Kaepernick's sixth-ever game. He has much more experience now, and also both teams are very different now than they were more than a year ago. I throw that game's result out of this week's analysis.
The 2013 game happened at the very beginning of the season, and on top of that was interrupted in the middle of the first quarter and delayed due to lightning. The 49ers have improved much since then, and I would argue that the Seahawks have become worse: Russell Wilson in the last five games has only one more TD than INT and only passed the 200-yd. mark once, in the shutout at the Meadowlands. 49ers 26, Seahawks 24
Play suspended on Margaret Court Arena
Rain again. Play continues on Hisense and Rod Laver under the rooves.
STAT OF THE NIGHT
Play suspended at the Australian Open: rain
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Australian Open Day 5 TV Schedule
3rd Round Coverage (7:15 ET, Tennis Channel)
Continuing Coverage (11 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Key matches and times:
All of the three biggest matches of Day 5 are in primetime.
At 3:15 AM ET on Rod Laver Arena, Stosur/Ivanovic
Immediately after that on Rod Laver Arena, Istomin/Djokovic
At 3:15 AM ET on Margaret Court Arena, Fognini/Querrey
Winners of I/D and F/Q matches will meet in Round of 16 Sunday.
Continuing Coverage (11 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Key matches and times:
All of the three biggest matches of Day 5 are in primetime.
At 3:15 AM ET on Rod Laver Arena, Stosur/Ivanovic
Immediately after that on Rod Laver Arena, Istomin/Djokovic
At 3:15 AM ET on Margaret Court Arena, Fognini/Querrey
Winners of I/D and F/Q matches will meet in Round of 16 Sunday.
First Take Second Half Live Blog: January 16, 2014
noon OMAHA STEAKS
11:54 Blazers Spurs tomorrow night will decide it for me though.
11:50 I think that for now the Blazers are the best team in the West. They're the only team in this conversation that has played the Heat, and they lost by one. We'll see how the Spurs, Thunder, and Rockets do against the Heat. (Clippers lost by 5) Spurs are 1-7 against Thunder, Rockets, Clippers, Blazers, and Pacers. They are not the best team in the West.
11:30 Why is Sarah Harbaugh mad that her husband wears $8 Walmart khakis? They don't look bad. No one is looking at his pants until today, anyway. No one was noticing. Also, now that I am noticing, I don't see anything bad. He looks fine. On top of that, just because he makes money, why should he waste it on more expensive pants when those pants are NOT BETTER IN ANY WAY than $8 Walmart khakis? What a waste of money. How pathetic are the rich. I have no respect for Sarah Harbaugh, and every respect for Jim for not letting money get to his head.
11:30 No seed for Embiid
11:29 Hal Steinbrenner says Rodriguez is an asset? What a joke
11:29 Mayweather Pacquiao thing is a joke. Stop talking about it and giving them media attention. If it happens it happens. Stop speculating, media
11:27 Cy Young is a regular season award (unless I'm mistaken). Clayton choked in Game 6, the only game that mattered in the entire season for the Dodgers. Shoudn't have paid him. Dodgers won't win a championship in the next seven years. Also, baseball needs a cap.
11:14 "If I could change places with LeBron James right now, not in a million years would I do it." -Kevin Hart
11:11 I love how Kevin Hart beat Usain Bolt in the celebrity All-Star Game last year.
11:10 I disagree that if Peyton Manning wins a championship he should retire. Do what John Elway did and win two in a row and then retire. This would also give him equal rings with Brady.
11:09 I like Kevin Hart expressing the truth about how living in Boston a long time affected how he thinks about the Patriots. "You can't hate greatness. You can just dislike it." Truth
11:54 Blazers Spurs tomorrow night will decide it for me though.
11:50 I think that for now the Blazers are the best team in the West. They're the only team in this conversation that has played the Heat, and they lost by one. We'll see how the Spurs, Thunder, and Rockets do against the Heat. (Clippers lost by 5) Spurs are 1-7 against Thunder, Rockets, Clippers, Blazers, and Pacers. They are not the best team in the West.
11:30 Why is Sarah Harbaugh mad that her husband wears $8 Walmart khakis? They don't look bad. No one is looking at his pants until today, anyway. No one was noticing. Also, now that I am noticing, I don't see anything bad. He looks fine. On top of that, just because he makes money, why should he waste it on more expensive pants when those pants are NOT BETTER IN ANY WAY than $8 Walmart khakis? What a waste of money. How pathetic are the rich. I have no respect for Sarah Harbaugh, and every respect for Jim for not letting money get to his head.
11:30 No seed for Embiid
11:29 Hal Steinbrenner says Rodriguez is an asset? What a joke
11:29 Mayweather Pacquiao thing is a joke. Stop talking about it and giving them media attention. If it happens it happens. Stop speculating, media
11:27 Cy Young is a regular season award (unless I'm mistaken). Clayton choked in Game 6, the only game that mattered in the entire season for the Dodgers. Shoudn't have paid him. Dodgers won't win a championship in the next seven years. Also, baseball needs a cap.
11:14 "If I could change places with LeBron James right now, not in a million years would I do it." -Kevin Hart
11:11 I love how Kevin Hart beat Usain Bolt in the celebrity All-Star Game last year.
11:10 I disagree that if Peyton Manning wins a championship he should retire. Do what John Elway did and win two in a row and then retire. This would also give him equal rings with Brady.
11:09 I like Kevin Hart expressing the truth about how living in Boston a long time affected how he thinks about the Patriots. "You can't hate greatness. You can just dislike it." Truth
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Play suspended at the Australian Open
EXTREME HEAT POLICY IN EFFECT
MATCHES ON OUTDOOR COURTS SUSPENDED
(unless in the middle of a set)
Therefore, Knapp/Sharapova continues to conclusion of the match. Knapp leads 7-6 in the 3rd, but they are on serve. (ESPN2, ESPN3)
MATCHES ON OUTDOOR COURTS SUSPENDED
(unless in the middle of a set)
Therefore, Knapp/Sharapova continues to conclusion of the match. Knapp leads 7-6 in the 3rd, but they are on serve. (ESPN2, ESPN3)
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Australian Open Day 3 TV Schedule
2nd Round Coverage (7:15 ET, Tennis Channel)
Continuing Coverage (9 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Continuing Coverage (9 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Monday, January 13, 2014
Australian Open Day 2 TV Schedule
1st Round Coverage (7:15 ET, Tennis Channel)
Continuing Coverage (9 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
Continuing Coverage (9 ET, ESPN2, ESPN3)
UPSET ALERT
Former Wimbledon champion Kvitova is down to unseeded Kumkhum from Thailand. Kumkhum serving for match on ESPN2 and ESPN3.
Match update
Janowicz wins third set 6-4 on only one break (on set point), his only break of the match. Fourth set in progress on ESPN2 and ESPN3.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
UPSET ALERT
Jordan Thompson, 19-year-old Aussie, making his Tour-level debut, is up 2 sets to love (6-1, 6-4) on 20-seed Jerzy Janowicz, Wimbledon semifinalist. Thompson has not yet faced a break point. (ESPN2, ESPN3)
GAME OF THE WEEK: Week 2, 2014
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos, 2:40 MT (4:40 ET, CBS): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, and Tracy Wolfson
Ever since Peyton Manning broke the touchdown record the first time (49) against the Chargers, he's struggled against them, including when he was 13-0 the following season and lost, 7-1 in 2007 and lost, and 2 playoff losses, including Tony Dungy's last-ever game. However, since coming to Denver he is 3-1 against them, and he has never lost to the same team twice in the same year. Nearing the end of his career, Peyton realizes the gravity of the game on his legacy and his overall career, and will not make the same mistakes as he did in the past, and bring the Broncos to a victory in a shootout. Broncos 45, Chargers 37
Ever since Peyton Manning broke the touchdown record the first time (49) against the Chargers, he's struggled against them, including when he was 13-0 the following season and lost, 7-1 in 2007 and lost, and 2 playoff losses, including Tony Dungy's last-ever game. However, since coming to Denver he is 3-1 against them, and he has never lost to the same team twice in the same year. Nearing the end of his career, Peyton realizes the gravity of the game on his legacy and his overall career, and will not make the same mistakes as he did in the past, and bring the Broncos to a victory in a shootout. Broncos 45, Chargers 37
SF@CAR, 1:05
San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers, 1:05 ET (1:05 ET, Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Pam Oliver
Both these defenses are elite as they rank 2nd and 3rd (Seahawks) in total points allowed this season. This will be a similarly defensive game to the Week 10 10-9 Carolina victory, but in that game two key San Francisco players were out (Crabtree and A. Smith) and one was out starting in the second quarter (Davis). 49ers 13, Panthers 10
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Divisional Saturday
Game 1: New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks, 1:35 PT (4:35 ET, Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch, and Erin Andrews
I originally thought this would be similar to the first blowout by the Seahawks from the Monday night game in Week 13, but after hearing about the weather conditions yesterday while I was watching First Take, I've changed this opinion a little bit. It's supposed to be a torrential downpour with winds in the 20s throughout the game, so I think it will be a little harder to throw the ball for both teams. I still think the Seahawks will win, but it won't be as high-scoring. The Seahawks stop the run first and will dare Drew Brees to throw the ball, and their secondary (Richard Sherman) will shut down the receivers. Seahawks 24, Saints 13
Game 2: Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots, 8:15 ET (8:15 ET, CBS): Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf, and Allie LaForce
I personally think the Patriots' line in this game (-7.5) is ridiculously high, especially given how they've played in some of their games late in the season against weak teams (Cleveland in Week 14, Miami in Week 15), and how well the Colts came back last week. Andrew Luck has the best amnesia of any quarterback I can ever remember watching. It was ridiculous that after 3 interceptions, including one in the second half, the Colts came back to win the shootout. With how decimated the Patriots are offensively (Thompkins, Dobson, Gronkowski) and defensively (Spikes), and the fact that the Patriots have struggled in some random games this season, I actually think that all the momentum coming in is with the Colts, and that Andrew Luck will lead the Colts to a 2-touchdown victory. This is Dan Dierdorf's last-ever game as a commentator. Colts 38, Patriots 24
I originally thought this would be similar to the first blowout by the Seahawks from the Monday night game in Week 13, but after hearing about the weather conditions yesterday while I was watching First Take, I've changed this opinion a little bit. It's supposed to be a torrential downpour with winds in the 20s throughout the game, so I think it will be a little harder to throw the ball for both teams. I still think the Seahawks will win, but it won't be as high-scoring. The Seahawks stop the run first and will dare Drew Brees to throw the ball, and their secondary (Richard Sherman) will shut down the receivers. Seahawks 24, Saints 13
Game 2: Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots, 8:15 ET (8:15 ET, CBS): Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf, and Allie LaForce
I personally think the Patriots' line in this game (-7.5) is ridiculously high, especially given how they've played in some of their games late in the season against weak teams (Cleveland in Week 14, Miami in Week 15), and how well the Colts came back last week. Andrew Luck has the best amnesia of any quarterback I can ever remember watching. It was ridiculous that after 3 interceptions, including one in the second half, the Colts came back to win the shootout. With how decimated the Patriots are offensively (Thompkins, Dobson, Gronkowski) and defensively (Spikes), and the fact that the Patriots have struggled in some random games this season, I actually think that all the momentum coming in is with the Colts, and that Andrew Luck will lead the Colts to a 2-touchdown victory. This is Dan Dierdorf's last-ever game as a commentator. Colts 38, Patriots 24
Friday, January 10, 2014
LSU Ole Miss 2009
http://viewrz.com/video/lsu-ole-miss-2009
You guys should all check this highlights reel I just made. It's frequently overlooked because very few people originally watched this game since it had no SEC or national championship implications because by this point in the season Alabama had already clinched the division. However, I think it's definitely in the top 5 most exciting SEC games ever just because of all the chaos that happened throughout the game, and it has the most bizarre finish in the history of all sports games I've ever seen.
You guys should all check this highlights reel I just made. It's frequently overlooked because very few people originally watched this game since it had no SEC or national championship implications because by this point in the season Alabama had already clinched the division. However, I think it's definitely in the top 5 most exciting SEC games ever just because of all the chaos that happened throughout the game, and it has the most bizarre finish in the history of all sports games I've ever seen.
First Take Live Blog January 10, 2014
11:58 I'm glad Red McCombs apologized. I think Charlie is a Strong hire for Texas.
11:50 I have to look at this interview and give my own opinion later. Skip says Jay looked like deer-in-the-headlights. Wow. I'd be surprised it that were actually true.
11:47 I don't agree with Stephen A. Smith that Andy Dalton has regressed. I don't know what he's saying.
11:40 Skip Bayless needs to stop talking about his being a Vanderbilt alum. It's so irrelevant to the situation at hand.
11:34 James Franklin should not be the Penn State coach because if this Vanderbilt rape case goes to trial, he will be subpoenaed to testify, and Penn State does not want the shadow of another trial going on. Even if he did not ask a student to delete cellphone video, it will just bring too much attention to Penn State that Penn State does not want and did not have under Bill O'Brien.
11:30 NUMBER YOU CAN'T DEBATE Last night KD was the only player with more than 13 points on his team. Basketball is a team sport, not an individual sport.
11:27 NUMBER YOU CAN'T DEBATE Unless Peyton goes undefeated for the rest of his life in the playoffs, he will set a record with at least 12 postseason losses.
11:25 "San Diego's seen Peyton two Sundays." -Darren Woodson. What are you saying man? They won on a Thursday.
11:17 Wow I didn't know about the weather tomorrow in Seattle. This significantly changes the blowout I was expecting. I do think though that Seattle will still win.
11:05 I find it funny that Suh and Calvin are the #1 and #2 most feared players according to an espn.com NFL Nation survey, and they aren't in the playoffs. I agree with Smith that it doesn't matter if they're not in the playoffs, but I disagree with both of them that Caldwell would be a good coach for the team. Caldwell was never good in Indianapolis. He just had Peyton. Did you see what happened when Peyton was injured??
10:57 "In the end, Andrew Luck will be a first-ballot hall of famer"??? what? how can you start predicting this in his second year?
10:52 Skip brings up good ponits about the Oakland, Miami, Arizona, Cincinnati, San Diego, and St. Louis games by Indy, but I think Luck plays well in the big games. I've gotta take the Colts in this game.
10:48 NUMBER YOU CAN'T DEBATE While Brady is 17-7 all-time in postseason, he's 7-7 in the last 14.
10:44 Skip Bayless is not making any sense. He just talked the Patriots down so much explaining how they have no receivers and they're decimated, and then proceeded to say Patriots 37, Colts 34, without saying a word in his argument about tte Indianapolis Colts.
10:36 What is going on. Stephen A. Smith said he's going to go to Knicks/76ers Saturday night rather than watching Colts at Patriots.
10:33 This is very interesting. Stephen A. Smith says that the Knicks want to play the Heat in the playoffs, and that they would go 7, and the only reason they lost last year was because it was the Pacers!!
10:31 I didn't consider that JR Smith didn't know he was benched and was waiting to go in the whole game. That's an interesting decision by Mike Woodson, and I don't know that that's a good tactic. Clearly it worked though.
10:27 I'm glad Stephen A. Smith is praising Carmelo and the Knicks after reviling both 'Melo and the entire franchise yesterday. Stephen A. Smith says the reason the Knicks won is because they played for Woodson's benching of Smith, endorsing it. That's an interesting take that I never thought of.
11:50 I have to look at this interview and give my own opinion later. Skip says Jay looked like deer-in-the-headlights. Wow. I'd be surprised it that were actually true.
11:47 I don't agree with Stephen A. Smith that Andy Dalton has regressed. I don't know what he's saying.
11:40 Skip Bayless needs to stop talking about his being a Vanderbilt alum. It's so irrelevant to the situation at hand.
11:34 James Franklin should not be the Penn State coach because if this Vanderbilt rape case goes to trial, he will be subpoenaed to testify, and Penn State does not want the shadow of another trial going on. Even if he did not ask a student to delete cellphone video, it will just bring too much attention to Penn State that Penn State does not want and did not have under Bill O'Brien.
11:30 NUMBER YOU CAN'T DEBATE Last night KD was the only player with more than 13 points on his team. Basketball is a team sport, not an individual sport.
11:27 NUMBER YOU CAN'T DEBATE Unless Peyton goes undefeated for the rest of his life in the playoffs, he will set a record with at least 12 postseason losses.
11:25 "San Diego's seen Peyton two Sundays." -Darren Woodson. What are you saying man? They won on a Thursday.
11:17 Wow I didn't know about the weather tomorrow in Seattle. This significantly changes the blowout I was expecting. I do think though that Seattle will still win.
11:05 I find it funny that Suh and Calvin are the #1 and #2 most feared players according to an espn.com NFL Nation survey, and they aren't in the playoffs. I agree with Smith that it doesn't matter if they're not in the playoffs, but I disagree with both of them that Caldwell would be a good coach for the team. Caldwell was never good in Indianapolis. He just had Peyton. Did you see what happened when Peyton was injured??
10:57 "In the end, Andrew Luck will be a first-ballot hall of famer"??? what? how can you start predicting this in his second year?
10:52 Skip brings up good ponits about the Oakland, Miami, Arizona, Cincinnati, San Diego, and St. Louis games by Indy, but I think Luck plays well in the big games. I've gotta take the Colts in this game.
10:48 NUMBER YOU CAN'T DEBATE While Brady is 17-7 all-time in postseason, he's 7-7 in the last 14.
10:44 Skip Bayless is not making any sense. He just talked the Patriots down so much explaining how they have no receivers and they're decimated, and then proceeded to say Patriots 37, Colts 34, without saying a word in his argument about tte Indianapolis Colts.
10:36 What is going on. Stephen A. Smith said he's going to go to Knicks/76ers Saturday night rather than watching Colts at Patriots.
10:33 This is very interesting. Stephen A. Smith says that the Knicks want to play the Heat in the playoffs, and that they would go 7, and the only reason they lost last year was because it was the Pacers!!
10:31 I didn't consider that JR Smith didn't know he was benched and was waiting to go in the whole game. That's an interesting decision by Mike Woodson, and I don't know that that's a good tactic. Clearly it worked though.
10:27 I'm glad Stephen A. Smith is praising Carmelo and the Knicks after reviling both 'Melo and the entire franchise yesterday. Stephen A. Smith says the reason the Knicks won is because they played for Woodson's benching of Smith, endorsing it. That's an interesting take that I never thought of.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Australian Open Draw is tonight
at 6 ET and can be viewed LIVE here: http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/video/drawceremony.html
Thoughts On and Questions About the College Football Playoff, 2015-2026
First let me start with my thoughts about the new format, and this will be quick: For all its criticisms, I love the CFP, and the fact that the two teams playing in the national championship game will finally have to play their way in, automatically makes it better than the BCS to me.
My main problem with it at this point is that there are so many unanswered questions that it's hard to believe. It's mindboggling that it's been almost a year and a half since the proposal was first announced1 and there are still so many things that are unclear.
Before I get to my questions though, let me review the information we know so far about the CFP, since I'm sure many still don't know much about it.
The CFP will include seven games each year: six bowls and a national championship game, whose location will be selected similarly to the Super Bowl location, with different cities placing bids. In 2015, it will be at AT&T Stadium and in 2016, University of Phoenix Stadium. The national championship game does not have to be at a CFP bowl location however, since it was announced last month that the 2017 game will take place at Raymond James Stadium. The national championship game will be played on a fixed Monday night in January that will always fall exactly 37 days after Conference Championship Saturday (the first Saturday in December).
The six bowls included in the CFP are the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and Peach Bowl2. Each year, two bowls will be the national semifinals, and the other four will have eight elite teams (similar to the four BCS bowls). All twelve teams will be selected by a committee3. The committee will seed the top 4 teams, and the two semifinals will be 1 vs. 4 and 2 vs. 3.
Here is the rotation for the semifinals:
In the years in which the bowls are not the semifinals, the teams that will play in them are:
Rose Bowl: Big 10 vs. Pac-12
Sugar Bowl: SEC vs. Big 12
Orange Bowl: ACC vs. SEC #2, Big 10 #2, or Notre Dame (Notre Dame can only play in the Orange Bowl if it is ranked 5-12 in the CFP rankings.)
Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and Peach Bowl: at-large vs. at-large, or "Group of Five", where Group of Five indicates the five mid-major conferences. The highest ranked champion of these five conferences is guaranteed a CFP bowl berth if not selected for the national semifinals. If the Big Ten or SEC champion is available for a non-playoff bowl in a year when the Rose and Sugar Bowls are hosting semifinals, that team will appear in either the Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, or Peach Bowl, but not the Orange Bowl.
The above information is all official, and now here are the questions that I have:
Since it is a committee releasing these rankings and not a point-based system as the BCS was, could there be some blatant misseeding that goes on to ensure a conference tie-in matchup for semifinals? For example, (as a complete joke) let's say that Washington State, Ohio State, Iowa State, Mississippi State, and NC State win their conferences next year, and all except Iowa State qualify for the national semifinals. If the national consensus in the AP poll and USA Today poll is that the teams should be ranked (1)Mississippi State, (2)NC State, (3)Washington State, (4)Ohio State, might the committee purposely seed NC State 4th and move Washington State and Ohio State to 2 and 3 to ensure that the Rose Bowl semifinal is Pac-12 vs. Big 10? I certainly hope not.
Another case of blatant misseeding to attempt to get a conference tie-in for a semifinal that I am afraid might happen would be (going back to the same example) if Washington State was 1, Iowa State was 4, and Ohio State was 5 in all major polls. In this case, I hope the committee would not purposely switch Iowa State and Ohio State, eliminating a deserving team, just to try to get the Rose Bowl semifinal to be Pac-12 vs. Big 10 again. Basically, I really hope that which bowl game is being a semifinal that year never affects the teams selected.
Going back to my first scenario where only the Big 12 champion did not qualify for the semifinals, my question is, in which bowl would the team play next year? Under the CFP's currently revealed information, the Big 12 champion plays in the Sugar Bowl, but the Sugar Bowl is a semifinal next year and not available for Iowa State. While an alternative has been made explicit for the Big 10 and SEC champions, nothing has been made clear for any of the other three conference champions. Under the current format, I would assume that Iowa State would qualify for the Cotton Bowl or the Fiesta Bowl based on their past Big 12 tie-ins, but this has not been made official, and I am surprised this hasn't been made clear, not only for the Big 12 and Pac-12, but also for the ACC for years when the Orange Bowl is scheduled to host a semifinal, such as the year after next.
Speaking of past tie-ins, my final question is: will the Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and Peach Bowl really just become completely at-large bowls? This seems so unlikely to me, given the Cotton Bowl's history with SEC vs. Big 12, the Fiesta Bowl's past tie-in to the Big 12, and the Peach Bowl's long run of SEC vs. ACC matchups, that I find it hard to believe the official information that these will all become at-large. Unfortunately, unlike my first two questions, which I think will be answered before the season begins, I feel like the answer to this one will only be revealed over the next few years as we see which teams are selected for these bowls.
But again, going back to what I said at the top, I'm definitely happy with the CFP and believe that it represents marked improvement over the BCS, but I'm simply surprised at how much we still don't know.
Citations:
1. http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8099187/ncaa-presidents-approve-four-team-college-football-playoff-beginning-2014
2. http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9208306/chick-fil-bowl-become-chick-fil-peach-bowl
3. http://www.collegefootballplayoff.com/story?id=9825420
And here is more information about the CFP in an interview with Bill Hancock: http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/tony-barnhart/24400200/before-bcs-ends-the-whens-wheres-and-whys-of-college-football-playoff
New Sports Blog
Hey guys, I'm a fan of pretty much every sport, and because I talk about sports so much, some people told me I should start a blog.
I seriously follow football, baseball, tennis, hockey, and basketball, and I don't follow as seriously, but still follow the major events, in golf, soccer, horse racing, and auto racing.
I seriously follow football, baseball, tennis, hockey, and basketball, and I don't follow as seriously, but still follow the major events, in golf, soccer, horse racing, and auto racing.
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