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Friday, September 30, 2011
Wheldon To Drive For Sam Schmidt Racing In Preparation For $5m Bonus
Vicks NyQuil Fantasy Football Sleeper Of The Week
SPONSORED BY VICKS NYQUIL I?m going with Kendall Hunter this week as my top sleeper. The running back for the San Francisco 49ers had somewhat of a breakout game last week with a key touchdown run against the Cincinnati Bengals
Source: http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/09/30/vicks-nyquil-fantasy-football-sleeper-of-the-week/
Video: Phil Mickelson?s Remarkable Lob Shot
Mickelson?s remarkable lob shot certainly qualifies, and it is on impressive display in the video below.
Hat tip: Yahoo via Reddit
The only thing that would have made this video better is if Mickelson had decided to also show off his not-as-remarkable vertical jump in celebration.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tennis News Net Notes for September 29, 2011
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the China Open due to a back injury.� Djokovic told tournament organizers that his injury dates back tot he US Open.
Djokovic wrote on his twitter page on Thursday, ?I am very sad to announce that I will not participate on China Open in Beijing next week. Because of my back injury, which is very particular, and restrains me from rotating my upper body in serve motion, I am not able to compete on the professional level.
?I have tried to hit couple of balls to test my body, but unfortunately, I still feel pain and therefore I cannot risk playing China Open next week.?
Maria Sharapova retired from her match in Tokyo against Petra Kvitova due to ankle sprain.� ?I hit a serve and then landed awkwardly on my left ankle,? Sharapova said. ?I felt a sharp pain and next thing I knew I was on the floor. It swelled up immediately and I knew there was no way I could continue.?
�Kim Clijsters announced on her website that she has split with her ...
LPGA rookie posing nude in Body Issue
Baddeley spurred to action by challenge from Norman.
Norman told Baddeley over the phone on Monday he had to impress atEast Lake Golf Club in Atlanta if he wanted a spot on the International team to take on the United States at Royal Melbourne from November 17-20.
Baddeley, 30, responded with a blistering six-under 64 yesterday to move into a share of the lead with American Hunter Mahan at nine under par.
Fellow Australian Jason Day is tied third with South Korean K.J. Choi, two shots further back at seven under.
Despite having won the Northern Trust Open in February this year, Baddeley was thrown into a shoot-out with fellow Australian John Senden by Norman. Co AAP
The Bottoms Line Non-BCS Watch List: Harvard Crimson
Harvard Crimson
Looking Back
Tommy Amaker?s first Harvard squad won just eight games in 2007-08, but he has engineered an impressive resurgence and was within a last-second shot in of making the NCAA Tournament last year.� In all, the Crimson finished 23-7 after losing in the Ivy League ?playoff? to Princeton and subsequently falling to Oklahoma State in the opening round of the NIT.� Along the way, they lost a close game toMichigan and knocked off Colorado and Boston College.
Harvard finished the season ranked 83rd in the Pomeroy Ratings, fueled largely by an offensive efficiency rating just outside the Top 50.� The Crimson were 14th in the nation in effective field goal percentage to go with a strong free throw rate.� Their turnover and offensive rebound percen...
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Pac-12 Not Thrilled with Matt Barkley?s Comments About Vontaze Burfict
Matt Barkley made a factual statement about Vontaze Burfict. The Pac-12 reprimanded him.
Blue Jays 3, White Sox 2
It seemed to be a fitting finish for the White Sox, whose year spun out of control. Earlier in the day, Ozzie Guillen was announced as the new manager of the Florida Marlins - the White Sox released him from his contract Monday.
Expected to be a contender in the AL Central, the White Sox wound up 79-83 with pitching coach Don Cooper serving as interim manager the last two games.
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/blue_jays_3_white_sox_2/7088119
LSU Unveils Shaq Statue
 | Shaquille O'Neal was on hand at LSU for the unveilling of a larger-than-life statue at the school where he was once collegiate player of the year. | From: NBA Views: 25826   398 ratings |
| Time: 01:49 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeGs2AGpnM4&feature=youtube_gdata
30 in 30: Toronto Maple Leafs
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/30_in_30_toronto_maple_leafs/7059604
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Kobe Bryant Video: Watch Lakers' Star Get Knocked Out by The Simpsons
As if the lockout-plagued offseason wasn’t a dire enough situation for Kobe Bryant, now he has to contend with the jabs brought out by "The Simpsons".
Like Kobe needs anymore headaches.
This man is busy trying to decide if he wants to play pickup games in Europe for a million dollars a game or if he wants to just stay home and bathe in the millions upon millions he already has.
Let’s get real, this video was a subtle jab at Bryant, and we can all support any cartoon that depicts famous athletes getting their comeuppance.
As it shows the character describing the tough training he had to go through to become as affluent in self defense as he was, they show many tests he has to face.
From an old timey sailor guy to Chucky to Hellraiser, "The Simpsons" touches on the toughest elements in the fantasy world before it comes to the character's easiest adversary, Kobe Bryant.
With one left to the face, the fake Bryant went down like it was the NBA playoffs and his brief brush with animated glory was over.
Now NBA fans will just have to subscribe to Turkish television channels to catch their favorite star play, or they can just wait until the washed up star finally limps his way back to the NBA.
Check back for more on the NBA as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NBA Page to get your fill of the NBA.
NFL's Stock Up Stock Down Week 4: Whose Value Is Plummeting After Week 3?
Football, like any game, has winners and losers.
Likewise, for any player or team whose value skyrockets with their gameday play, there are a few who fail to match the high expectations placed on them.
Whether it's sloppy decision making, poor execution, or just bad luck, these players and teams have distinguished themselves (in a less than positive way) with their play this weekend.
Here are some of the players and teams whose value has been diminished by their play in Week 3.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Todd Bertuzzi's pretty between-the-legs goal
Potter takes Nationwide Tour event in playoff
Potter, the third player to win twice on the tour this season, assured himself a trip to the PGA Tour in 2012 as one of the 25 money leaders on the Nationwide.
Potter, Gonzalez and Carballo were tied at 14-under 270 after regulation. Gonzales birdied his final two holes for a 64, Carballo had a 65 and Potter shot a 66. He birdied 18 after missing a 12-foot eagle putt that would have won it.
Kyle Busch dominates Trucks race
Busch was never threatened en route to his 30th career victory in the series. Six of those victories were recorded this season.
Austin Dillon was second and Kevin Harvick third. Ron Hornaday and Johnny Sauter rounded out the top five. Only six drivers finished on the lead lap.
Busch has 18 victories this season in Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Trucks. He won from the pole Saturday.
Dillon grabbed the points lead and has the championship in sight as the season winds down. Dillon chewed up some seconds on Busch's lead over the final laps, but it was way too late to end up in Victory Lane.
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/kyle_busch_dominates_trucks_race/6993673
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Stanford Strikes With Pledge from Christian Sanders
Even on a loaded team, Sanders was easily recognizable as a high-major prospect. Today, he declared where he’ll play college ball, and the sterlign long-distance outside shooter committed to Stanford, according to Houston-area basketball writer Jim Hicks, of RCS Sports. The prospect from St. Thomas (TX) was considering Colorado, Maryland, Oklahoma State, Texas and other high-major programs before electing to play for the Cardina...
Romo, Hall add subplot to Cowboys vs. Redskins
Despite a cracked rib that led to a punctured lung last Sunday, Romo seems to have healed enough to start for the Dallas Cowboys when they play host to Hall and the Washington Redskins on Monday night.
The injury is no secret, nor is the notion a foe will try hitting him where it hurts to see just how well his protective vest and painkilling medication really work. Usually, though, that goes without saying. Hall went ahead and said it, declaring, ''I want to get a chance to put my helmet on whatever's hurt.''
He added: ''I'm going to be asking for some corner blitzes.''
Tough talk from a guy who has a total of one sack in 103 games, and it wasn't even his own doing. He got a half-sack as a rookie in 2004, and another half in 2008.
Romo actually wouldn't mind seeing No. 23 coming his way.
''If he's blitzing, that means he's not covering,'' Romo said. ''So we'll attack his guy he's covering.''
Romo vs. Hall has a long way to go before joining the pantheon of great subplots in the Cowboys-Redskins series, but it's the best going into this game.
The main plot is pretty good, too.
Washington (2-0) and Dallas (1-1) are vying for early supremacy in the NFC East, a status handed to Philadelphia after its offseason spending spree. The Eagles remain a solid threat, but at least one of these teams could put up a fight, too.
The Cowboys' chances are more tenuous, especially because they are so banged up.
Even if Romo plays, he will be without receiver Miles Austin (hamstring) and could be without receiver Dez Bryant (thigh). Running back Felix Jones will play with a shoulder that was dislocated last week, and two of Dallas' inexperienced linemen are trying to play through knee injuries. Seven players who've started games missed at least one practice this week, plus they could be without kickoff specialist David Buehler.
Coach Jason Garrett preaches that injuries are opportunities for others, and former reality TV star Jesse Holley took advantage last Sunday. He replaced Austin in overtime and caught a 77-yard pass to set up the winning field goal. His first career catch came on the drive that tied the game near the end of the fourth quarter. The secondary should get a boost, too, with the return of cornerback Terence Newman. He's been out since early August with a groin problem.
As long as Dallas' injury list is, Romo said the club is somewhat lucky because none of the injuries are long-term. Players had an extra day to heal before playing Washington, this is the first of two straight at home and then there's a bye week.
It all adds up to this game marking an early crossroad.
Beating either the Redskins or the Lions next Sunday would keep Dallas' season afloat. Winning both would really be something. Losing both could leave the Cowboys staring at 1-4 - they go to New England after the bye - and would draw all sorts of comparisons to last year's 1-7 start.
''It's a big week for us,'' tight end Jason Witten said.
Washington is 2-0 for the first time in four years, and enjoying the rare treat of being in first place in the NFC East, even if it is so early. It's still the first big indication that coach Mike Shanahan is spending Dan Snyder's money wisely and perhaps putting together a contender.
Beating the Giants and Cardinals at home doesn't stamp a team for greatness. How they did it is what stands out. They're following the Shanahan blueprint on offense and might be even more improved on defense. History is on their side, too: five of the six previous Washington teams that started 2-0 ended up in the playoffs.
''Guys are a lot more relaxed,'' said outside linebacker Brian Orakpo, who's become tougher to stop with offenses also trying to slow rookie linebacker Ryan Kerrigan. ''Our abilities in everything we're showing up so far from preseason to the first two games has been through the roof. We couldn't ask for anything more. I really feel like guys are playing well, playing hard and playing fast.''
Rex Grossman is doing an effective job leading the offense. Running backs Tim Hightower and Roy Helu are loading up on carries and grinding out yards, and tight end Fred Davis is emerging as quite a threat. Santana Moss is someone to watch, too, as many of his best games have come against the Cowboys. In 12 career games against Dallas, he has 73 catches for 1,055 yards and six touchdowns.
The Cowboys have their own series star in DeMarcus Ware. He has nine sacks in 12 games against Washington, and comes in leading the NFL with four sacks this season. He's already led the NFL in sacks twice in the last three years.
Dallas is 0-2 in home openers at Cowboys Stadium. Washington is 0-2 at Jerry Jones' $1.3 billion palace, having lost by a total of four points.
Romo will be playing at home for the first time since another Monday night game - the one against the Giants last October when he broke a collarbone and was done for the 2010 season. And this time he'll be coming in already brittle.
''We're going to blitz him every down if he's playing, the first 15 plays,'' Shanahan said, laughing. ''No, obviously everybody's got a game plan for everything, but usually if a guy can play he's got a legitimate chance to do what he's capable of doing or else they couldn't have him in there.''
Ugly Win over Pitt Shows Notre Dame Football Program Has Improved
For many Irish fans, the first three-and-a-half quarters of Saturday's game against Pittsburgh were gut-wrenching.
The Irish offense was turning over the ball again, and for the first time this year looked outplayed. While Pittsburgh deserves much of the credit for the Irish's mistakes, Notre Dame showed a toughness that was missing so far this season and from the program over recent years.
Notre Dame has unfair standards. Almost every major college football program does. Fans demand instant success and anything less than that is considered "too slow" or "not showing enough improvement."
In order to appreciate how far the program has come, analyze Notre Dame like any other program rebuilding. In year one, they won four-straight games to end the year, including a bowl game. They seemed to improve as the year went on.
In year two, the Irish lost two tough games to start the year but showed flashes of greatness on offense with 508 total yards against South Florida and 513 total yards against Michigan.
After an opportunistic win against Michigan State, Notre Dame sat at 1-2 and was predicted by most "experts" to win their game against Pittsburgh.
That's when Notre Dame appeared to be the same old Notre Dame team of years past. Two early turnovers killed Irish offensive chances, and Pittsburgh claimed a 12-7 lead into the fourth quarter. Amidst all this frustration and fear from Irish fans of history repeating itself, the defense was sensational. They held Pitt to 268 total yards and remained consistent before and after the Irish figured out a way to take a 15-12 lead.
This wasn't the 2010 Irish defense, or the Irish teams of the last few seasons. The defense didn't bend and break like they did in 2010 in a stunning last-second loss to Tulsa. They weren't dominated by a less talented opponent like Navy.
Take this development, combined with recent outstanding defensive recruits like Aaron Lynch. Times appear to be indeed different.
The Irish won an ugly game the right way: defensively.
Many teams find ways to win shootouts. Good teams and good programs can win games with defense. This was a huge step for a program that needed a change.
After an up-and-down 2010 and two tough losses to begin 2011, Saturday's win over Pitt signaled a change in South Bend. Despite sloppy offensive play, the Irish won a game that they would have given away in years past. It's a big step for the team that is trying to change the culture of it's program one game at a time.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
One-Dimensional Wolverines: Michigan Must Find a Passing Game Soon
The Maize and Blue are 4-0, and yes all the Michigan faithful are saying how this eerily reminds them of the last three seasons under Rich Rodriguez. This year has a much different feel to it, not only because there is a new coach in town, but because there is a man leading this team that believes in his football program and understands the intensity and passion of Michigan's rivalries and traditions.
Obviously, Michigan's defense is a significant improvement from what it was under Greg Robinson the last three seasons. The Wolverines have only given up 20 points in three of their games this season, and surprisingly only relinquished seven points to a potent San Diego State offense led by Ryan Lindley and Ronnie Hillman.
How about this Michigan offense? As expected, Michigan is heavily resorting on the legs of Denard Robinson and the zone read. It's very apparent that this Michigan offense is not a pro-style offense, there is too much speed to be running an offense that is designed for 6'3" quarterbacks and 195-pound running backs.
Robinson has been electrifying this year, leading the Big Ten in rushing, which is not a surprise. There is one thing, however, that Denard Robinson is far from leading the Big Ten in, and that's passing.
Michigan is 4-0, but their non-conference schedule has been favorable for the most part; playing two MAC teams and a Mountain West team. Other than Notre Dame, Michigan has yet to be really challenged this season. I am by no means saying Michigan is going to fall into the cracks like the last three seasons, but it is certainly a possibility if they continue with this one dimensional offense.
I know my team as much as the next insane Michigan fan, if not more, and I know what the past has served us when all we do is rely on the legs of Denard Robinson to win us games, granted during those times our defense was absolutely atrocious.
First of all, Robinson has entirely too much weight on his shoulders. No athlete should completely make or break a team, and Robinson does for Michigan. If Robinson were to have a season ending injury, Michigan would look like an entirely different football team.
Secondly, this offense needs a lot of balance. When I say this, I'm not only talking about other players stepping up, I'm talking about the incredible need for a passing game in this offense.
Robinson is completing 46 percent of his passes, and has thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns this season; that's not going to come close to cutting it in the thick of the Big Ten schedule.
If you watch any of Michigan's press/post game conferences, you always hear how Al Borges is constantly working with Robinson on his foot work, and how glamorous the passing game is in practice, well that needs to be transferred to the field on Saturday.
If it's not already obvious, Michigan's schedule is going to get a lot tougher, and Big Ten defenses aren't nearly as easy to run against as Eastern and Western Michigan. With that said, a passing game must be established.
It isn't the inaccuracy of Robinson that is the problem, it is his foot work and body release that is causing him to constantly overshoot receivers deep down the field. Robinson looks good throwing to his check-downs, but long throws have plagued him the entire season.
The bottom line: If Robinson fails to cure his happy feet in the pocket, and learn to set his feet right on his throws, then this Michigan offense could be in trouble. It's something I hate to say, because I am a die-hard Michigan fan, but I have seen before what this Wolverine offense is like when it is completely dependent upon Robinson's legs.
Michigan has way too many playmakers at the receiver position to be so one dimensional offensively. Roy Roundtree had 72 receptions last season; this season he's on pace for 15. Junior Hemingway is a big down field threat with amazing hands, the ball needs to get to him more. Jeremy Gallon is about as a elusive receiver as you can get in the open field.
This offense, with a variety of weapons, would be that much more explosive if the passing dimension existed.
Michigan faces Minnesota in the Big House next Saturday for the Little Brown Jug, and the opening of Big Ten play. Minnesota is an inferior Big Ten opponent, but I would still like to see progressions in the Wolverines' passing game, but still expect to see a heavy dose of Robinson's legs on Saturday.
Michigan must transition to a more balanced offense where there is less pressure on Denard Robinson, and where the talented receiving corps is utilized more often. If Michigan fails to do this, expect the Maize and Blue to struggle to produce offense against tough Big Ten defenses.
TWICF ? This Week in College Football: 9/23/11
Liverpool FC: Kenny Dalglish Has Defensive Problems to Solve
When Liverpool take on Mick McCarthy's Wolves on Saturday, much of the pre-match discussion will be centered around the impending return to full-fitness of Steven Gerrard—and the form of Craig Bellamy.
Should Dalglish start Gerrard in the place of Adam or Henderson? Should Liverpool persist with Andy Carroll or attempt to nourish the flashes of understanding between Luis Suarez and Bellamy on display mid-week? Will John Henry's wife be attending?
All of this is important, but it is Liverpool's goals-against statistic that I would like to highlight here. The Reds currently sit in eighth spot having conceded seven goals, the most out of any team in the top half of the table. In the last three games Jaime Carragher has concerted two penalties, the first against Stoke ending up being the difference in the match. Simply put, leaky back lines don't win trophies.
Much of this defensive woe has been heaped on Jaime Carragher (both fair and unfair criticism) as well as on Martin Skrtel's inability to deal with the pace and incision of Gareth Bale at White Hart Lane.
In hindsight it's clear that Dalglish should have opted for a speedier Martin Kelly (who may not have been fully fit) or young John Flanagan, who deputised well against Manchester City at the end of last season.
Finally, anyone thinking Daniel Agger would have an injury-free season should send me a sample of what they're smoking, as the Dane once again faces a spell on the sidelines.
One aspect that has been addressed this season is plugging that bothersome left-back hole, and Jose Enrique has proven to be more than competent. Problem solved. So what do we do about the rest of this mess?
Watching Chris Smalling and especially Phil Jones rampage around the field for Manchester United is annoying, not only because Liverpool targeted Jones, but mostly because Dalglish didn't reinforce the back line this summer.
Sebastian Coates was clearly not ear-marked to slot right into the starting XI, but he very well may be fast-tracked to face Wolves this weekend.
The main problem at hand seems to be simply a lack of pace. Charlie Adam isn't going to be winning any sprints tracking back, and the more fluid Liverpool play is, the more exposed they will be on the counter-attack.
Our first-choice back two of Carragher and Skrtel is desperately lacking in mobility and, worryingly, strength—as evidenced by Jermaine Defoe, yes that's right Jermaine Defoe managing to out-muscle Skrtel on a pretty standard hoofed ball last weekend.
Coates didn't show any prominent turn of speed for Uruguay in this summer's Copa America, though to be fair they played a rather deep defensive line.
There is speed abound on our flanks as neither Enrique, Kelly, Glen Johnson, Flanagan nor Jack Robinson are slouches by any description. A fit Johnson would certainly be a boon to both Liverpool and England, but he hasn't been able to get a good run in the team for some time. A fully-fit Martin Kelly solves this problem, but the issue remains that any isolation of our two center-backs spells immediate trouble.
If this weren't enough, it is getting just slightly harder to continue supporting Pepe Reina as one of the most underrated and brilliant goalkeepers in the Premier League. Just to be clear I'm not criticizing our No. 25 in any way, but his reputation as a penalty specialist has me unable to recollect a recent save from 12-yards.
Most of Tottenham's efforts left Reina with little to no chance, but it would be nice to see him perform the kind of blind robbery that we know he's capable of.
The problems of fitting Gerrard into this midfield, and just how exactly to get the best out of Andy Carroll, are immaterial if we continue to display the defensive resilience of a village facing the Mongolian horde.
So what does Kenny do at this point? Drop Henderson and introduce Spearing to bulk up a shielding midfield using 4-2-3-1? Resort to fielding all fit center-backs, and keep the ball with a 3-5-2? Drop stand-in captain Jaime Carragher and see what this Coates is made of?
Liverpool's next three fixtures read Wolves at home, Everton at Goodison Park before Sir Alex Ferguson brings his army to Anfield on October 15th. Neither Wolverhampton nor Everton have shown a great deal of teeth and menace this season up front, which should give Dalglish some breathing space.
All experimenting will come to an end when Liverpool's back line will be examined by Ashley Young, an in-form Nani and Javier Hernandez. Not to mention this season's Fantasy MVP Wayne Rooney.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Barkley Praises Bernard King's Scoring Ability
 | The always-talkative Sir Charles speaks about the incredible scoring ability of one of the top stars of the 1980's, Bernard King. | From: NBA Views: 36706  157 ratings |
| Time: 00:55 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lskAWuiuA1I&feature=youtube_gdata
Chauncey Billups Leads Team to Victory at Impact League
Should Marcus Lattimore Be Worried About His Workload?
South Carolina's star running back is on pace to carry the ball 348 times this season, which is a heavy workload for someone with a pro future. We take a look at how Lattimore's carry totals compare to previous star running backs at the college level.
Source: http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/09/22/should-marcus-lattimore-be-worried-about-his-workload/
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Hockey Player Paul Bissonnette Explains How to Have Sex With Groupies on Twitter
I am not sure why I have told you several times that twitter is nothing but a Brothel.� It is a like EBAY for athletes, groupies, entertainers and gold diggers, they can shop online to fulfill their desires.
Bissonnette breaks it down very simply and it is spot on.
Bissonnette informed Traina that you can also pick up girls using the social media service. He outlined his strategy, which we?ll call the P.A.U.L system.
Ping: Bissonnette will receive a message from a new follower.
Assess: Bissonnette will click on their Twitter avatar. Are they female? Are they hot? Bissonnette will assess the situation.
Utilize: If the new follower in question is indeed a female who is hot, Bissonnette will utilize his clout. He will message them back, and voila, a friendship is born.
Love: Bissonnette will have sex with his new friend.
Easy as 1,2,3 and it is happening every single day on Twitter.� I give Bissonnette credit for being so honest.� You can listen to Bissonnette?s breaking it down below.
1965 Eastern Finals: "Havlicek Stole the Ball"
 | John Havlicek seals the win for the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals against Wilt Chamberlain and thePhiladelphia 76ers by knocking away Hal Greer's inbounds pass in the final seconds. | From: NBA Views: 7882 107 ratings |
| Time: 00:36 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4fTjcJwImw&feature=youtube_gdata
Verplank out for season after surgery
The surgery last Friday came one month after Verplank was in contention on the back nine of the PGA Championship until coming up just short of the 17th green and taking double bogey.
He says his left wrist has been bothering him for two years, and there were times he didn't know if he would be able to play until he got to the first tee at a tournament. Verplank still managed to record three top-10 finishes and earn nearly $1.2 million.
He says the surgery went well and he hopes to return in February.
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/golf/article_external/verplank_out_for_season_after_surgery/6928600
Reggie Miller's Game-Winner Against Bulls in 1998
 | Reggie Miller gets free from Michael Jordan and and hits the game-winning 3 pointer in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. | From: NBA Views: 45381 413 ratings |
| Time: 00:24 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5drIn3aLco&feature=youtube_gdata
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
2011-12 All-Big Ten Preview: Jordan Taylor
The 2010-11 Hoosiers got a taste for Jordan Taylor?s deadliness on senior night. Taylor took over in the second half of a game Indiana was in, hit a bunch of highly-contested threes and put the Badgers on his back en route to 39 points and the W.
It was a punch right to Assembly Hall?s gut.
But Taylor makes the cut here not just for his deep-threat shooting (42.9 percent from beyond the arc last season), but for playing with startling efficiency.�According to KenPom, Taylor?s turnover percentage was just 8.5 percent last season, good for second in the nation. His assist rate was 30.4 percent (77th in the nation), meaning nearly a third of buckets made by Wisconsin with Taylor on the court came via a pass from him....
Fantasy Football Week 3 Rankings: Ranking the Top Defenses
Welcome to the dark-side for those that love defense. In the world of fantasy football, having a solid D can really give you an edge each week.
With that in mind, it's harder to predict a consistent defense in fantasy football than it is one particular offensive player.
Unless you're in a league that uses individual defense, having to rely on an entire unit at once can be rather frustrating at times.
Regardless of the situations, we need them and they need us.
So, here are the top three defenses for Week 3.
3. Baltimore Ravens (at St. Louis Rams)
For both teams this is an interesting matchup, because the Ravens allow 302 pass yards per game, ranking them last in the NFL.
The Rams, on the other hand, still rank No. 14 in pass offense (244.5 per game). Obviously something's got to give.
Unfortunately for St. Louis, Baltimore only allows 70 yards on the ground (ranked No. 4), so they will be forced to become one-dimensional.
Advantage Baltimore, as they then can drop more into coverage and blanket the young and inexperienced Rams' offense.
St. Louis is a team with a lot of potential, but the Ravens' pass D has nowhere else to go but up, and they're simply too talented too not get better.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (at Indianapolis Colts)
The Colts only managed to score seven points against the Houston Texans and 19 against the Cleveland Browns.
Although both of those defenses have made some improvements, they're still nothing compared to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Even if Peyton Manning was under center it wouldn't matter, as he wouldn't be 100 percent and they would be one-dimensional anyway.
Look for Pittsburgh to attack Indianapolis early on, because for starters, it won't matter who's under center.
Not to mention their pass D has improved quite a bit since last season, so don't be surprised if Blitzburgh forces multiple interceptions and then returns one or two for a TD.
1. San Diego Chargers (vs Kansas City Chiefs)
It's a big divisional game for San Diego even though the Chiefs are without RB Jamaal Charles and safety Eric Berry.
You can't expect K.C. to really do anything on either side of the ball with two of their best players out, and after being picked a part by Tom Brady in Week 2, the Bolts' D is anxious to get back on the field.
San Diego will be blitzing a lot and playing a lot of man coverage, because other than Dwayne Bowe, there aren't any deep receiving threats.
With QB Matt Cassel having thrown just one TD to four picks, it's going to be another long day at the helm.
The Bolts will force turnovers, but with the coverage being locked-in, there will be more hits on Cassel, thus more fumbles to recover/scoop and score.
Altogether these three defenses will dominate; the only question remaining is who actually produces the most?
Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.
And you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/859255-fantasy-football-week-3-rankings-ranking-the-top-defenses
Bubba Watson sinks putt on airplane
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Why is Kevin Durant Rocking a Bulls Hat?
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/why_is_kevin_durant_rocking_a_bulls_hat/6869722
Baghdatis, Muller reach 2nd round at Moselle Open
Baghdatis won seven straight games in a 7-5, 6-2 win over Matthias Bachinger. Muller edged Philipp Petzschner 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5).
Baghdatis, the Australian Open runner-up in 2006, next plays third-seeded Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine. Muller will next face Andrey Golubev of Kazakhstan or Benoit Paire of France.
Baghdatis won the last three games of the first set and jumped ahead 4-0 in the second. He converted three of seven break points. Bachinger failed to convert his only break chance.
Muller had a tougher time, saving five break points in the first set to force a tiebreaker. The left-hander took a 5-0 lead before serving an ace to clinch the set. Petzschner broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set but failed to serve it out at 5-3.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Kansas City Royals: Predicting their 2012 Opening Day Lineup
With the Kansas City Royals 2011 season about to wrap up, it's time to look forward to the upcoming '12 campaign.
Next year's starting lineup for the Royals should likely consist of many of the same players who will finish with the team this season.
The key to success in 2012 and beyond for the KC offense will be the play of their younger hitters, such as Hosmer, Moustakas, Giavotella and Perez.
Here is my predicted 2012 Opening Day lineup for the Royals.
Top 10 Plays of the 1990 Finals
 | Check out the best of the best from the 1990 showdown between the Pistons and Blazers in the NBA Finals. | From: NBA Views: 37234 391 ratings |
| Time: 03:00 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs_ICwIFPJk&feature=youtube_gdata
WTA Guangzhou ? Monday Results, Tuesday Schedule
Guangzhou, China
September 19-24, 2011
$220,000/International
Hard/Outdoors
Results ? Monday, September 19, 2011
Singles ? First Round
(4) Petra Martic (CRO) d. Chang Kai-Chen (TPE) 64 64
Urszula Radwanska (POL) d. Anastasia Rodionova (AUS) 76(5) 64
Noppawan Lertcheewakarn (THA) d. (WC) Zheng Saisai (CHN) 75 60
Doubles ? First Round
(WC) Liang/Tian (CHN/CHN) d. A.Bondarenko/Koryttseva (UKR/UKR) 46 63 1210 (Match TB)
Singles Qualifying ? Final Round
(WC) Zhao Yi-Jing (CHN) d. (2) Madalina Gojnea (ROU) 62 63
(3) Zarina Diyas (KAZ) d. (9) Nicha Lertpitaksinchai (THA) 75 61
(6) Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE) d. (4) Zhang Ling (HKG) 76(0) 46 61
Xu Yi-Fan (CHN) d. (10) Chan Chin-Wei (TPE) 61 62
Order of Play ? Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Centre Court (From 13.00hrs)
1. Anastasija Sevastova vs. Chanelle Scheepers
2. Han Xinyun vs. Jarmila Gajdosova
3. Maria Kirilenko vs. Alona Bondarenko
4. Alberta Brianti vs. Zheng Jie (...
Faldo: Woods will not catch Nicklaus
Sunday, September 18, 2011
New York Knicks: Let?s Meet Mike Woodson
Experts say the best thing about Woodson?s coaching philosophy is that he?s able to get the best out of his players defensively which is exactly what the Knicks coaching staff is looking for.
You probably know Woodson from his head coaching days with the Atlanta Hawks and if you remember Woodson for one reason and you?re like me then you remember him for shaving his head after the Hawks made the playoffs in 2008 as a promise to his players for the accomplishment. It?s obvious the two influences that made Woodson the great defensive mind that he is. The first would be playing under Bob Knight at the University of Indiana where Knight called him his protege....
Source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/new_york_knicks_lets_meet_mike_woodson/6861457
PHOTOS: NBA Rookie Star Josh Selby Caught In Gay Scandal?
Justin: Aight well are you still gonna get the hotel room? and once I?m done with you your gonna get turned out LOL and when you get time follow me @IamJustinCruzJosh: Idk about all of that but will see your pretty face :) and yeah I?m getting the telly hit me up aight!Josh: wassup bruh?.heres some pictures of me. don?t show anybody! because im in sports and dont want people to know and plus im just curious not gay bruh.
Now maybe they're joking around, and maybe they're talking about "playing with the x...
Dr. J Kicks off the 1977 Finals with a Jam
 | Julius Erving gets the ball off the opening tip and throws down a dunk in Game 1 of the classic series between the Blazers and Sixers. | From: NBA Views: 21164 226 ratings |
| Time: 00:38 | More in Sports |
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVePnzgDVyE&feature=youtube_gdata
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Time to pick battles for Chase rivals
Or perhaps another driver in the field looking to settle a score?
Although Jimmie Johnson and Kurt Busch rumbled for the umpteenth time, it appears the drivers were simply exhausting a little angst before the playoffs began.
The fellow champions cleared the air after the Richmond race and again on Wednesday night when Johnson and Busch broke bread together at the same table during NASCAR's dinner for the Chase contestants.
Each driver acknowledged that the score was settled prior to the Chase and now it's go time.
"The discussion we had following Richmond, that is the first we have had a discussion like that," Johnson said. "I do feel it is behind and I am entering this Chase and the next 10 races, and really forever on the race track that it is behind us, and certainly hope that it is."
Busch concurred.
"What we do as champion drivers is put those things behind us and go race," Busch said. "That's what we're suppose to do. As a team carrying the Dodge banner and for our sponsors Shell and Pennzoil, we know we have to race hard and race smart."
Despite tangling with both Marcos Ambrose and Travis Kvapil at Richmond, Chaser Dale Earnhardt Jr. doesn't anticipate payback down the stretch. He has not reached out to either driver because Earnhardt considered his altercation with Ambrose as just a racing deal and feels that Kvapil "had it coming."
Other drivers such as former champion Matt Kenseth, who was swept up into a melee unintentionally with Regan Smith and Paul Menard, insists he simply lost control of his car on Saturday night. He characterized the "mistake" as driver error.
Kenseth called Smith and sent texts to Menard in order to clear the air before the Chase began. But for a cool customer such as Kenseth, he would prefer not to let the situation linger -- regardless of the timing.
"I think you always try to do that whenever you have a conflict with someone or you make a mistake or even if you are mad and two people get into each other," Kenseth said. "Any time you have conflict you try to resolve that, Chase or no Chase. I don't think it matters. I don't race any different whether I am in the Chase or not in the Chase and I don't expect other people to race me different.
"Paul is a buddy of mine. We have hung out before and he raced at RPM -- which was basically a teammate. We have flown around to places together, gone to appearances together. You feel bad when something happens to anybody, but especially someone you know that is a friend of yours.
"You try to work it out, but not because it is the Chase and you are worried that something might happen to you in the Chase. You would do that anyway, no matter when it was."
Still, for drivers in the Chase, it's a matter of selecting which fight is worth the effort. Kevin Harvick found out the hard way last season about getting involved in someone else's mess.
Harvick had the dominant team in 2010. He led the points for 20 of the first 26 weeks of the regular season -- and was never lower than fifth in the standings. He had a 228-point advantage after Richmond before the standings were reset for the Chase and the No. 29 team was shuffled to third.
Rolling into Dover Downs, the second race of the Chase, comments from Denny Hamlin regarding the integrity of Richard Childress Racing rose Harvick's ire. Harvick retaliated with his chrome horn during practice. The team lost time on the track and appeared sidetracked the rest of the weekend. Harvick qualified 33rd, finished 15th and fell to fifth in points.
While Harvick recovered to finish third for the season, losing his cool in the Chase proved costly. Harvick, who is currently second in the point standings with four wins this season, learned a valuable lesson from the incident.
"You definitely have to pick and choose what you do and you have to be smart," Harvick said. "I think every year that we go through situations and circumstances; I think we get a little bit smarter and we learn how to handle things a little bit different.
"There's a lot of smart people that you're racing against too that have done this for awhile and you have to know how to navigate your way through the game."
Chase newcomer Brad Keselowski has lived a charmed life in the second half of the season. In the final seven races of the regular season, Keselowski posted an average finish of 4.8 and vaulted from 23rd to a solid 11th place in the standings. While the 27-year-old has had his share of run-ins with fellow Chasers Hamlin and Carl Edwards in the past, he'll do his best to avoid confrontation with the title on the line.
Despite being a Chase rookie, Keselowski refuses to be a doormat for the competition.
"I'm not entering the Chase with the approach that I have to beat Carl Edwards 'cause I don't like him or another driver because I don't like him. I don't have that approach," Keselowski said. "I can't speak for others -- how they feel about it -- but it's certainly not part of the equation.
"I try my darnedest not to put myself in the position for (an ensuing feud) to happen. But there are sometimes when you can't. I can tell you one thing, if I ever get in the shoes again like I was in (when Edwards wrecked him) at Atlanta or Gateway, I will take care of business before business takes care of me. Then I won't have to worry about that."
BEST FEET FORWARD
Richard Childress Racing recently made changes to its pit crew roster.
Kevin Harvick, RCR's only Chase driver, will now have front-tire changer Jason Pulver, front-tire carrier Austin Craven, rear-tire changer Dustin Necaise, rear-tire carrier Matt Kreuter and jackman Andrews Childers.
Kyle Turner is joining the No. 31 team as the front-tire changer and John Wallace will gas the car.
NUMBERS GAME
Here's the average finish of the top 12 Chase drivers in the last 10-race stretch before the postseason:
Kyle Busch - 10.1 Kevin Harvick - 12.7 Jeff Gordon - 6.1 Matt Kenseth - 10.9 Carl Edwards - 14.0 Jimmie Johnson - 10.0 Kurt Busch - 15.5 Ryan Newman - 10.2 Tony Stewart - 14.4 Dale Earnhardt Jr. - 16.8 Brad Keselowski -9.1 Denny Hamlin - 16.4 SAY WHAT?
Even a five-time champion such as Jimmie Johnson has a difficult time describing track conditions, as was the case when on Friday when he attempted to recall last year's event at Chicagoland Speedway.
"There will be a lot of grip out there today -- not sure how it is going to play into our efforts on Saturday for qualifying -- but this might be a good chance for us to get a feel for the race," Johnson said. "Day practices with night races are always tough. It might help close that gap a little since this is an afternoon race. Was this a night race last year? I almost spun out, never mind . . . I knew there was a night thing in my brain for some reason."
SAY WHAT II?
Dale Earnhardt Jr. on whether teammates offer an assist in racing: "We're all human beings. So yes, things will happen and things do happen and things probably do go on. As long as human beings are involved, there will be a level of corruption, you know?"
NFL Power Rankings: 3 Teams Whose Defense Will Keep Them Ranked High
Week 1 was an action filled weekend that lived up to its hype.
The games from week 1 were highlighted by great offensive performances. There was plenty of scoring to get excited about.
The most important teams are the ones whose defenses shown.
Now looking forward to week 2 the defenses will be the difference.
Here are 3 teams whose defenses will keep them ranked high.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens had an extremely hard match up week 1 against the Steelers.
The match up was toted as one that would be a gridiron battle of defenses.
Fans instead got the Ravens offense opening up the Steelers normally strong defense.
The Ravens offense all started with their great defense. The defense forced 7 turnovers.
The Ravens will be doing much of the same in week 2 as they take on the Titans.
The Titans are struggling to get their passing game going. This means that the Ravens will put pressure on Matt Hasselbeck and cause him to rush and turn over the ball.
Green Bay Packers
AJ Hawk and Clay Matthews meet Cam Newton.
The week 2 match up is very much in favor of the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Cam Newton looked great last week against the Arizona Cardinals defense. He stood up and showed why he was so hyped and the number one pick.
Cam Newton will be knocked back into his place after this week 2 match up. The Packers will cause Cam Newton to rush and his flaws will shine in his second start.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are playing a tough opponent this weekend when they face the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints are a high scoring team that makes most good defenses appears average.
The Bears have a leader and a brother to stand up for. With Brian Urlacher?s mother suddenly passing away during the week he has something he will be playing for.
Urlacher will be pushed by his emotions and the Bears defense will have to stand by their brother and support him.
Expect the Bears to put on a defensive display that is unexplainable.
Kyle Skov 2011 NFL Power Rankings
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. New England Patriots
5. New York Jets
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
7. New Orleans Saints
8. San Diego Chargers
9. Houston Texans
10. Chicago Bears
11. Detroit Lions
12. Atlanta Falcons
13. Dallas Cowboys
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
15. St. Louis Rams
16. Minnesota Vikings
17. Arizona Cardinals
18. Washington Redskins
19. New York Giants
20. San Francisco 49ers
21. Oakland Raiders
22. Miami Dolphins
23. Carolina Panthers
24. Kansas City Chiefs
25. Denver Broncos
26. Buffalo Bills
27. Tennessee Titans
28. Seattle Seahawks
29. Cincinnati Bengals
30. Cleveland Browns
31. Indianapolis Colts
32. Jacksonville Jaguars
30.Cleveland Browns
31.Indianapolis Colts
32.Jacksonville Jaguars
Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald Didn?t Think His Paper Should Have Mentioned the Sarah Palin-Glen Rice Hookup
Was it irresponsible of newspapers to run with the Glen Rice-Sarah Palin story this week?