2023-24 NCAA Football (Week 13)

Games I watched (some of):

(2) Ohio State 24-30 (3) Michigan

Tough game, back and forth action, Michigan was better but not wildly so. Both teams had moments of moving the ball but both had a lot more moments of rugged defense that locked everything in place for long stretches of time. As evenly matched as I've probably ever seen these two teams, would've gone with the Buckeyes at home but the Wolverines were the better team on this day.

Kentucky 38-31 (10) Louisville

Kentucky kept making the big plays and even when they gave up a hideous interception (ohhhhhhhhhh, bad interception) right after taking the lead in the 4th quarter, they came back and won anyway! I can't tell you how many times in my life I've watched UK give away a game, but I can count on one hand the number of times they've come back to win in spite of themselves! UK was okay this season, got destroyed by Georgia and Alabama (yeah, that happens), stung by a better-than-usual Missouri squad (shoot, really thought UK was ready to win that one), came up short to Tennessee (pretty normal) and a bad L to South Carolina (yeah, that one sucked); but beating Florida and Louisville is always nice, there's a bowl awaiting and our coach got some buzz at bigger schools, so pretty good season actually. As for Louisville, well, this knocks them out of the playoff but they weren't going anyway, so....just a wakeup call before the ACC title game, really. 

Top 25 

Handed their business

(3) Michigan, (5) Florida State, (6) Oregon, (7) Texas, (9) Missouri, (11) Penn State, (12) Mississippi, (13) Oklahoma, (14) Louisiana State, (15) Arizona, (16) Notre Dame, (20) Oklahoma State, (21) Tennessee, (22) North Carolina State, (23) Tulane, (24) Clemson, (25) Liberty

Won but did not impress

(1) Georgia

Dang, man, GA Tech is pretty sorry this year. Half effort is not the way to play at this time of year, Bulldogs. 

(4) Washington

You, too, Huskies. I get that your in-state rival is so lame you can't even get up for the game, but those are the most dangerous ones!

(8) Alabama

Crappiest Auburn team you've seen in decades....is no reason to let off the gas going into Championship week! Just because everyone got away with it is not confirmation that hard work isn't necessary. 

(17) Iowa

I kept trying to make the case that Iowa is actually pretty good this year (got stomped by Penn State, no shame in that and got ripped off by the refs against Minnesota--otherwise a pretty clean season), but then came this putrid performance against a Nebraska team that is no good at all. Sweet Ginger! This offense is awful! If the Hawkeyes beat Michigan, it will be one of the biggest upsets of my lifetime. 

Bad beat

(2) Ohio State

Hey, man, nobody wins at Michigan these days. 

(16) Oregon State

Hey, man, Oregon is rolling right now. Nobody wants to play them.

Not so good

(10) Louisville

Gotta beat the Wildcats to stay in the playoff chase (jk, you guys weren't in the playoff chase). 

(19) Kansas State

Smoked in the 2nd half by Iowa State? At home? What happened to the Wildcats?

My top 12

(1) Georgia (the best all season long)

(2) Washington (their big win was earlier than Michigan's and I think the Pac-12 was generally better than the Big 10)

(3) Oregon (playing their best right now--UW better watch out!)

(4) Michigan (two good w's (Penn State, Ohio State) and nothing else, why do they need to be higher than #3? (which will happen after Washington-Oregon play each other))

(5) Ohio State (tough L, still a shot at getting into the top 4)

(6) Alabama (their QB play has gotten better each week, still in the hunt)

(7) Florida State (never particularly impressive but they won all their games)

(8) Texas (nice team but outside of a good W in Tuscaloosa, what did they do?)

(9) Missouri (good team, not good enough)

(10) Penn State (good team, not good enough)

(11) Mississippi (good team, not good enough)

(12) Arizona (took a while but playing as well as anyone right now)

Championship week matches

(CUSA) (56.5) 

New Mexico St. @ (25) Liberty (-11) 

I don't know either of these teams but I'm intrigued that New Mexico State won 31-10 at Auburn; yes, Auburn sucked this year but that's still a great W for a CUSA squad. Is that good enough to keep them close to Liberty? I have no idea, but I will say Yes, anyway. I'll take Liberty 34-28 (New Mexico State and the over)

(Pac 12) (65.5) 

(6) Oregon (-9.5) @ (4) Washington

Game of the year (til the next day). Washington already beat Oregon this year but that is old news and Oregon is playing as well as anyone in the country right now. But UW ain't bad and I don't see why they'd be a virtual double digit dog on a neutral field (and I would consider Las Vegas "neutral"). I think this is gonna be a great game, I like Oregon to win but I don't see a blowout coming. The Huskies will have to bring their offense to keep up but I think they'll make for a spicy 4th quarter. I'll say Oregon 38-31 (Washington and the over). 

(Big 12)  (54.5) 

(20) Oklahoma State @ (7) Texas (-15.5)

Oklahoma State has a coupla puzzling losses (stomped at Central Florida and stomped at home by South Alabama) and Texas has arguably the best W of the season (a convincing victory @ Alabama), but otherwise their resumes are virtually identical. Yeah, Texas at Tuscaloosa--not trying to take that away from them--but Alabama's QB is light years better than that now, so if you're trying to tell me that Texas is some all-world championship squad because of that, well, I'm a little dubious. So outside of the fact that the Cowboys are clearly capable of mailing it in, what's the real difference between Texas and Oklahoma State? Texas is better and has been more consistent but I don't see them as 16 points better than OSU, who should at least keep the game close. I'll say Texas 30-24 (Oklahoma State and the over).

(SEC) (54.5) 

(1) Georgia (-6) @ (8) Alabama

Game of the year (hot on the heels of the UW-Oregon game of the year from the night before). UGA has been destroying everyone for a coupla years now, clearly we've all forgotten that shortly before this dominance it was Alabama that destroyed everyone for years at a time. Alabama's shameful #5 finish last year was a real wake-up call to all right-thinking Americans and their early season QB play was shocking! But our long national nightmare is over, Bama has righted its offensive ship and looks pretty damn good on the other side of the ball, too. Can they hang with Georgia? I believe they can. As opposed to the Pac-12 championship, which should be an offensive buffet, this looks like a defensive grudge match, I don't see either team moving the ball effectively and I don't see a lot of points coming. I'll take Georgia 17-14 (Alabama and the under). 

(AAC) (47.5) 

Southern Methodist @ (23) Tulane (-3.5)

Don't know either team, kinda forgot that SMU even played football any more. Tulane has bugged me most of the season but I think they know who they are and they should be way better than SMU, so I think they mush SMU. I'll say Tulane 31-10 (Tulane and the under). 

(Big 10) (34.5) 

(3) Michigan (-22) @ (17) Iowa

I'm puzzled by the line on this game: Michigan can score 35 by themselves and do you really think 3 TD's will be hard for them to win by? Iowa has a really good defense and they will play hard in  this game, but their offense is abysmal and its only a matter of time before the Wolverines break through: either Michigan runs up the score right away and mails in the 2nd half or its a grudge match field position game til the Iowa defense eventually gives out, either way the Wolverines are going to score and win this game easily. If Michigan loses this, it'll be the biggest shock of my college football watching life. I'll say Michigan 35-6 (Michigan and the over--OMG, bet the OVER!). 

(ACC) (47.5) 

(10) Louisville @ (5) Florida State (-2.5)

This line,  too, has me mystified. I like Louisville as much as the next guy and they will be bringing a for-real offense to this match; but Florida State is better at everything, has played a tougher schedule--and done better!--and this is the game they've been waiting for all season. And you're telling me FSU is only a FG better than UL? Why are you saying that? I think they're way better than Louisville and while I expect Louisville to score (though probably less than they've scored all year), I don't see them topping Florida State or even keeping particularly close. I'll say Florida State 31-21 (Florida State and the over). 

That should leave us with: (1) Georgia, (2) Michigan, (3) Oregon, (4) Florida State, (5) Texas, (6) Washington, (7) Ohio State, (8) Alabama, right? Undefeated Big 12 champ left out for a 1-loss Pac-12 Champ....yeah, that looks right to me. 

2023-24 NFL (Week 12)

Games I watched (some of):

Packers 29-22 Lions

Wondered if the Lions were ever going to wake up and get going. (Answer: No) QB Love looked pretty good for the Packers, suddenly I'm not sure if the Packers are underachieving or overachieving. The Lions have been good but they can let it slip away, would you be shocked if the Lions didn't make the playoffs? (Answer: uh...., a little) The Packers are getting better, not sure what the Lions are getting.  

Commanders 10-45 Cowboys

Snooze! Every Cowboys game ends up being 45-10, the Cowboys win some, they lose some, but the score never changes. This accounts for why the Cowboys are so hard to watch, they either win or lose in such decisive fashion that there isn't much to see. As for the Commanders they're just not any good at anything--indeed, they are the dreaded "mediocre": not awful enough to to just bottom out, not good enough to actually get anywhere. The Commanders are in the worst place to be in all of sports. 

Niners 31-13 Seahawks

Lost interest in this one by halftime. Thought the Seahawks might bring some spice to a prime time home division game but not so much. The Niners sucked the life out of them pretty early. The Niners are arguably the deepest team in the league, still haven't figured out what the Seahawks are. 

Dolphins 34-13 Jets

The Jets are just awful. The Dolphins are good (but I suspect not as great as we assume). 

Steelers 16-10 Bengals

How do the Steelers keep winning games? Well, in this case it was that the Bengals had no QB, but even still, the Steelers offense is so uninspiring.

Bills 34-37 (OT) Eagles

Fun game! The Bills blew another one, the Eagles escape late again. Look, we keep wanting to bury the Bills and I get it, they sure do pile up L's. But all these losses are their own fault and at some point you have to see that they are still better than all these teams they keep losing to. The Bills have been letting opportunities go by, if they ever start grabbing those opportunities, I still think they can win the Super Bowl (but I won't be thinking that for too much longer). The Eagle are blithely better than everyone else but they are playing a dangerous game: but waiting til the last second to get going each week, they will eventually dig themselves a hole they can't dig out of. 

The rest of the slate

Saints 15-24 Falcons

The Saints just don't seem to have a complete game in them. The Falcons are loaded with talent but need a real QB. I haven't changed my opinion of either team in weeks.

Panthers 10-17 Titans

Ugh! A terrible team against a not-any-good team. 

Bucs 20-27 Colts

Two mystery teams: occasionally pretty good, occasionally truly awful. This was probably a pretty fun game.

Pats 7-10 Giants

Glad I missed this one. 

Jags 24-21 Texans

Texans doinked the FG at the buzzer that would've tied it, these two squads are closer than you think. The Jags have been getting W's, but I'm still not sure about them. I'm actually much more confident in the Texans (though it is troubling that QB Stroud has added interceptions to his diet lately). Two pretty good teams that could get upsets in the post-season (don't be shocked: the AFC is mostly jello).

Browns 12-29 Broncos

This game was actually kinda close, bad turnover late by the Browns ballooned the margin of victory. I still believe (sorta) in the Browns, though obviously QB play needs to get more consistent, and still skeptical of the Broncos, though clearly they are playing much better on both sides. 

Rams 37-14 Cards

The Cards have had moments this season but this game doesn't look like one of them. The Rams are kinda not bad when they feel like showing up.

Chiefs 31-17 Raiders

Raiders started frisky, ended down by 2 TD's. Yeah....

Ravens 20-10 Chargers

I keep telling ya: the Ravens have feasted on bad performances by their opponents, feels like this was another one.

Bears 12-10 Vikings

Caught the 4th quarter, glad I didn't catch more. Still haven't given up on QB Fields, with two top-5 picks the Bears might could have something next year. Will the Vikings draft a QB or are they cool with Dobbs and/or rehabbing Cousins? Curious to see.

2023-24 NBA Bric-a-Brac (Week 5)

Signings

Ibou Badji (Blazers) signed to 2-way contract

Don't know him, guessing he's a nice guy. 

Jaylen Nowell (Grizzlies), Shaq Harrison (Grizzlies) both signed to 10-day contracts

The Grizz picked up an injured player exception for losing Steven Adams and so they had room to fill at the end of their roster.  Well, it is now filled. Will either of these guys get any run? Probably not, these moves aren't about bringing in talent but just paperworking the rules and regs around the roster itself. I presume these are just clerical moves.  

Waivings

Jamaree Bouyea (Blazers), Filip Petrusev (Kings), Duane Washington Jr (Knicks)

I wondered what would happen to Petrusev, and though it took a coupla weeks longer than I thought it would, we have our answer. He is apparently back to Europe and free and clear as an NBA free agent.

Bouyea and Washington....don't know them, it's just that time of year when rosters need to be shuffled.  

2023-24 NBA Bric-a-Brac (Week 4)

Waivings

Pacers bought out the contract of Daniel Theis

Personally I always liked Theis, works hard, gets no respect from refs, doesn't need the ball, definitely the kind of role player that every team could use. Well....except for the Pacers, apparently. 

Signings

Clippers sign Josh Primo and Daniel Theis to rest of season contract, Xavier Moon to 2-way contract

Clippers got busy filling out their short-sheeted roster. Primo needs to chill in silence for a while so that people can forget how he pissed everyone off. And for now the Clippers have more ball handling playmakers than they even need, so the Clippers is probably the perfect place for the troubled young man to get his game (and his act) together. I like Theis, I think he fits the Clippers. Moon has been bouncing around, keep getting dem checks!

Light week on transactions, would be a great time to start looking into, say, Most Improved. But, I'm hungover and I got family stuff going on, so the Most Improved deep dive will probably be closer to Xmas. Happy holidays!

2023-24 NFL (Week 11)

Games I watched (some of)

Bengals 20-34 Ravens

I found it curious that while Joe Burrow was grabbing his wrist and jumping around like he was on fire, no one bothered to mention that his throwing hand was swollen up like a T-giving turkey! Dude, he looked like he had a cartoon hand! And they're saying, "Hmmm....looks like he's in pain...." You think so? Looks like he should hooked to an IV right now! Anyway, another Ravens thumping where--come on, man--the other team's QB looked like he'd just been bit by a viper. I know the Ravens have a good record, I'm not saying they suck, I'm just saying their opponents lose more games than the Ravens win. Maybe they can keep that magic going, but I don't see how they go deep in the playoffs just waiting for everyone else to self-destruct--that ain't gonna work on the Chiefs. Oh, and if QB Burrow is done, then the Bengals are done. 

Steelers 10-13 Browns

How was that opening drive not a safety? QB Pickett had both feet on the goal line when he was tackled. And on the very next play the RB was clearly still in the end zone. I guess it didn't matter because the Browns defense more or less crushed the Steelers all day and the Browns' 3rd string QB, I thought, soldiered nicely through a tough Steeler D and a pack of teammates that refused to catch passes that hit them in the hands (dude, TE Njoku was making plays last week against the Ravens, this week it was like the ball had a curse on it or something, he refused to make a catch!). The Browns are now without QB Watson for the rest of the season but (unlike the Bengals), I don't think the Browns are finished. They've got a hell of a D-line, a pretty good running game and have already gotten more good backup QB play than any team can expect, so I think they'll hang around for a while as the Bengals fade and the Steelers prove that they're truly not any good. 

Jets 6-32 Bills

See? When Buffalo doesn't commit an unending series of dumb penalties, dumb mistakes and dumb turnovers, they're still actually a pretty good team. The talk of burying the Bills was premature simply because all their losses so far are self-inflicted and not the result of actually being up against a better team. As for the Jets, I dunno, man, they've been way more successful than I thought they'd be--and I was factoring them having Aaron Rodgers at QB! I just don't see how they get any more W's, they're worse than the Steelers at every phase of the game (I don't understand how they win either). If the Bills quite making the dumb mistakes, they'll be fine, in fact it seems plain to me they will be in the mix with the Chiefs and Ravens (and Texans?) well into January. 

Vikings 20-21 Broncos

Another week, another bizarre W for the Broncos. They play great on both sides, the other team plays terrible and the Broncos get lucky late to steal a W. Okay, keep riding that formula as long as you can, but if I was the Broncos, I'd rather just bottom out and draft a new QB. Okay, we've seen that the Broncos are not as bad as they looked early on but are they good enough to make the post-season and be scary? (Come on, man....) As for the Vikings, well, another week, another weird result. Last year they were the one of the most overachieving teams I've ever seen, this year they are the most unpredictable. Some weeks they look pretty good, some weeks they just get lucky, some weeks they just get unlucky. They're not as good as the Lions, but I suppose they should still be better than the Packers, so maybe they've got wild card potential. I dunno.

The rest of the slate

Bears 26-31 Lions

The Lions waited til the last minute to get it done against the Bears, not a good sign. Yes, division games are always wonky but a beat up mutt like the Lions ought to be savoring every opportunity to drop a beatdown and while they delivered some heartbreak to Bears fans momentarily high on the delusion of possibly winning a game, that doesn't help the punters that had the Lions -10.5! Come on, Lions, be the tough guy from the R-rated movie we all want you to be and quit f'n around!

Chargers 20-23 Packers

I think Chargers HC Staley is the worst coach in all of sports. If the Chargers went to a back alley in Calcutta and found a withered old lady that forsooth with chicken bones, they couldn't do worse than this guy. A coin flip would be right more often than this guy. The Packers got a nice W at home, you know their season isn't over, they can still get hot, I would not be so shocked. 

Raiders 13-20 Dolphins

Everyone keeps thinking of the Dolphins are that team that dropped 70 on the Broncos and I don't think they are that team. They're good but they're not great. The Raiders are definitely much better since they made staff changes and their rookie QB (McConnell) certainly has had moments so far, perhaps they've got something there. 

Giants 31-19 Commanders

Both of these teams are sorry and I hate myself for even knowing that they played each other. 

Cowboys 33-10 Panthers

The Panthers are the worst team in the league. Fortunately, they already have the QB of the future because they've already traded away next year's draft pick--which could be the #1 pick. Ooof! The Cowboys didn't even try hard in this game and they are the kings of pummeling bad teams. 

Titans 14-34 Jags

The Titans look pretty much done and their rookie QB looks like a rookie QB. The Jags are one of those teams that is more impressive to everyone else than they are to themselves, I think. When they stop talking themselves out of games, they'll win more like this. 

Cards 16-21 Texans

The Texans keep piling up W's and though one would like to see them smack around a second-reate squad like the Cards, a W is a W. And the Cards with Kyler Murray aren't great but they are kinda scary (which is why talk of trading Murray makes no sense, right?).

Bucs 14-27 Niners

The Bucs play hard on the road but they're not as good as the Niners. The Niners seem to be over their injuries (for now) and rolling again. 

Seahawks 16-17 Rams

Those NFC West teams never do what you think they're going to do head-to-head, right? Felt like the Seahawks were the better team but not on this day. What does this portend for these two squads moving forward? No idea.  

Eagles 21-17 Chiefs

Yeah, I'm backwards: I think the Eagles are clearly the best team in the NFL right now and the Chiefs are merely 'in the mix' in the AFC, where virtually every team is still in it. So this score doesn't surprise me. This is cold comfort for the Eagles, I'm guessing they would've rather won the Super Bowl, but, hey, you're out there to win every game you can and this must be something like revenge. I think the Eagles will face stiff competition from the Niners but otherwise I have no second thoughts about them winning the NFC again. As for the Chiefs, I dunno, man, Mahomes is still awesome but I'm not sure there's anything else awesome going on in KC right now; they may be better than everyone else in the AFC but they may not.

2023-24 NCAA Football (Week 12)

Games I saw (some of)

(1) Georgia 38-10 (18) Tennessee

I watched the 1st quarter. was instantly convinced that (as I figured) UGA came ready to play and was probably going to pummel the Vols and then I halfheartedly checked back in periodically. The Vols have reached the yawn-level portion of their season, I was never convinced by them this year but the schedule necessitated that they get some time in the top 25 sunlight. UGA is rolling, they'll be ready for Bama in the conference final. 

(3) Michigan 31-24 Maryland

I kept waiting for Michigan to take control of this game and they never did. Maryland was never particularly impressive and yet made enough plays to hang around and make the Wolverines sweat it out. The Terps finally fell so far behind in the field position game that their chances of winning in the end were farcical. Michigan did what they needed to do, I guess, but more than anything they were able to goad the Terps into blowing their best opportunities (meh, I don't that will work against good teams). 

(10) Louisville 38-31 Miami

Good back and forth game, I felt throughout that Louisville was the better team but it still felt like they could blow it. In the end, the Hurricanes had a series of dumb penalties (two 15-yard anger management offenses) that just killed whatever chance they had a comeback (seriously, this is the kind of late game antics that coaches will be showing players as an abject lesson for years to come). I like the Cards and the Seminoles may have lost their QB, so I guess I'd give them a puncher's chance against Florida State in the ACC final, but I'm not overly sold on Louisville or anything. 

Top 25

Handled their business

(1) Georgia, (2) Ohio State, (4) Florida State, (5) Washington, (6) Oregon, (7) Texas, (8) Alabama, (10) Louisville, (12) Penn State, (13) Mississippi, (15) Louisiana State, (17) Arizona, (19) Notre Dame. (21) Kansas State. (23) Oklahoma State, (24) Tulane

Won but did not impress

(3) Michigan

Their coach wasn't on the sideline and Maryland is kinda plucky, so perhaps I'm overreacting, but I was never impressed with the Wolverines the way I'd like to be this late in the season.

(9) Missouri

I've been really impressed with Missouri this season, so to see them struggle against a left-for-dead Florida team was kinda shocking. They rallied and sealed the W, shouldn't complain, but they're better than Florida and I would've liked to see them show that fact off a little more. 

(14) Oklahoma

I'm kinda done with Oklahoma. They had a nice W over Texas but otherwise they've been kinda overrated all season long. And BYU isn't exactly a world beater this year and the Sooners had to scramble to beat a team that isn't as good as them. The Sooners are on the comeback, this has been a nice season for them (any W over Texas is a good season, I guess) but the glory days of penciling them into the Final Four every year is still a ways off. 

(16) Iowa

They got jobbed against Minnesota, so what happened here? Scrambling to shoo away an Illinois team that inspires no fear at all? Poor showing, Hawkeyes, I expected more from the Big 10 Runner-up (too soon?). 

Bad beat

(11) Oregon State

The Beavers are ranked as high as they are solely because they still had their shot to beat Washington and sneak into the PAC 12 title game. Well, they gave a game effort but came up short, so that ranking can officially be expunged now.

(18) Tennessee

I've been done with the Vols for a while, they never had any shot against Georgia. 

(22) Utah

I gave Utah a shot at holding off the charging Arizona side, but it did not happen and the Utes got charged all over in Arizona. Good W for the Wildcats, disappointing end of season for Utah.

Not so good

(20) North Carolina

I knew they weren't going to beat Clemson. The only reason anyone cared is because the Tar Heels are still ranked, though that should've gone away weeks ago.

(25) Kansas

I struggled with whether losing at home to a conference (in-state) foe was maybe a bad beat considering that their QB got snapped in half last week--and, if they'd lost 42-10, I would've been more sympathetic. But the fact that they were up late in the 4th and couldn't hold the lead makes me less sympathetic to them and makes me think this is a game they could've/should've won.

My top 12

1) Georgia (they've been the best all season and they still are)

2) (winner) Ohio State-Michigan (yeah, the winner would be undefeated with a coupla top notch W's, worthy of #2 overall)

3) Washington (still in on the Huskies and on QB Pennix in particular, I think they're going to beat Oregon (again) and will give the (Buckeyes/Wolverines) a run for their money)

4) Florida State (lost their QB and though I've been a little skeptical, they have taken all comers and have only Louisville remaining, whom they should beat)

5) (loser) Ohio State-Michigan (1-loss Big 10 also ran is still gonna be better than most everyone else)

6) Oregon (I hope you have the PAC 12 championship circled on your calendar because it is going to be a good one)

7) Alabama (they're gearing up for the SEC showdown with Georgia and I say they've got a better shot than anyone else has had all year)

8) Texas (I'm still skeptical of the Longhorns but they are the last ones standing in the Big 12, so here they are)

9) Penn State (the idea that the Nittany fanbase is contemplating firing the coach--are you people insane? You prefer, what, Jimbo Fischer? Knute Rockne ain't walkin' through that door, folks!)

10) Louisville (beat Florida State and show us you're better than #10 (although if/when you lose to Florida State, you might still be #10 on my list))

11) (pick 2) Missouri/Mississippi/Louisiana State (I dunno, these last two spots don't matter anyway and I can't quite take Arizona over any of these SEC squads, just drop your least favorite of these three and we'll call it 12)

Next week's intriguing matches (a lot of upset potential games, but not many that are that impactful or interesting; kinda the worst possible week: meaningless to standings and rankings and a stay away for gamblers)

(11) Oregon State @ (6) Oregon (could be fun but I'm guessing the Ducks go hard on the Beavers)

(2) Ohio State @ (3) Michigan (this is the game; I think the Buckeyes are better but I'm not sure, we'll find out)

Colorado @ (22) Utah (can the Prime Buffaloes steal back some glory as their up-and-down season winds down? A double-edged sword kinda game: winning at Utah is a nice way to close the season but with Utah down the last few weeks, a Colorado victory might seem kinda hollow)

2023-24 NBA Bric-a-Brac (Week 3)

Trade

Kings get Filip Petrusev, cash; Clippers gets rights to Luka Mitrovic

Do the Kings really want Petrusev? Well, almost a week has gone by, they haven't waived him, nor have they sent him to the G League or made any public arrangements to send him back to Europe to marinate. Right now he is 15th on the depth chart, I'd say, and he can be waived or stuffed in a trade deal without much effort, so I don't see much chance of Petrusev playing for the Kings. But they did trade for him and they've got him, so maybe they really want him.

As for the Clippers, well, now there's talk that they have to make furious moves soon to shore up the lack of bodies on their roster....so why did they trade away Petrusev? I dunno, but they need somebody on their books and apparently they've got someone better in mind. 

Signings

Kevin Knox signed with Pistons for rest of the year

I though Knox coming out of Kentucky was built to be a filler-upper in the NBA. But he was never out of Coach Thibadeault's doghouse and spent the last few years bouncing around the league. Does that mean he's not any good? No, but it does mean he hasn't had much real development time. The Pistons are a youth movement, but they're also the 2nd chance team, so maybe he can find some playing time here. (By the way, I've never understood what was so great about Coach Thibs and the fact that he never liked Knox means nothing to me)

Gui Santos signed with Warriors to multi-year contract

I don't know who this is, but we've all learned one thing in recent years: stay out of the reach of Draymond's flying fists. 

Jamaree Bouyea signed 2-way contract with Blazers

Okay. The name is vaguely familiar, the Blazers needs bodies, maybe he'll actually play. 

Skylar Mays re-signed 1 year deal with Blazers

I liked Skylar Mays coming out of LSU, not surprised he's still around. 

DPOY update

Three weeks in but I'll go ahead and say your Defensive Player of the Year is going to be from this group of 22 (the current leaders in Steals + Blocks): 

Anthony Davis (Lakers), Ausar Thompson (Pistons), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs), Scottie Barnes (Raptors), Chet Holmgren (Thunder), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Rudy Gobert (Wolves), Brook Lopez (Bucks), Herb Jones (Pelicans), Joel Embiid (Sixers), Bam Adebayo (Heat), Lu Dort (Thunder), Jalen Suggs (Magic), Evan Mobley (Cavs), Desmond Bane (Grizzlies), Marcus Smart (Grizzlies), Deandre Ayton (Blazers), Myles Turner (Pacers), Aaron Gordon (Nuggets), Paul George (Clippers), Daniel Gafford (Wizards), Donovan Mitchel (Cavs)

2023-24 NFL (Week 10)

Games I watched (some of):

Panthers 13-16 Bears

Take out the punt return TD and the Panthers did absolutely nothing in this game. And they still almost won--which is a testament to how uninspiring the Bears are. I can't believe I watched as much of this game as I did. These teams are both hideous, though I think the Bears have a bit more moxy (and they have the Panthers 1st rd pick), while the Panthers just have nothing. Nothing at all (not even their own 1st rd pick!). 

Texans 30-27 Bengals

This didn't surprise me. I'm all in QB Stroud, that kid is good, he's cool under pressure, throws a tight spiral, knows what he wants to do with the ball. The Bengals D did not fase him one iota; as for the Texans pass rush, it was in Joe Burrow's face all day, Burrow got hit a lot in this game. The Bengals have been on a nice streak but so have the Texans and I'm not convinced that the Bengals are back. I think I'm more convinced that the Texans can win their division and be a real handful in the playoffs, whereas the Bengals are still in a tough division and simply don't look as good as they have in the last few years. A lot of season left, both of these squads have ups and downs in them. 

Browns 33-31 Ravens

Okay, I'm gonna say something weird about the Ravens: I've watched them a few times this year and I am convinced that they have gotten every opponent's worst game. I'm not saying the Ravens suck or that they're overrated or that they have no chance of winning in the post-season (I would, in fact, say all of those things about the Steelers, for example), but I am saying their wins are not as impressive as they look. I say all that to report that I'm not at all shocked that the Browns came back and stole this W, after giving it away early in the game. And, yes, Deshaun Watson has mostly been disappointing but in this game he made plays over and over and came up wincing, grabbing, reaching in pain and never came out of the game. Dude played tough today and made plays and got his team a W and the defense is legit. I think the Browns are better than the Ravens, who are flat out just not as good as they look. I think the Browns go on a run from here and I can see the Ravens scuffling but probably hanging on to a playoff spot. 

Broncos 24-22 Bills

Jeez, Bills, what was that? If I told you that the Broncos would get a really great game out of Russell Wilson, a solid performance on D and get FOUR free turnovers, would you say that the Broncos would win the game? Yeah, I would to, but all of that added up to a FG attempt at the buzzer (which, actually, they missed). I get that the Bills are struggling, bad injuries on defense, but before we bury them, let's just remember how awful--brutally fucking awful!--they played and they still should've won. Indeed, they truly bent over backwards to give this game to Denver, who played really good throughout. So before we bury the Bills, let us recall how many unforced errors it took to lose this game and how horribly they played for virtually all 60 minutes and still should've won. I understand the concern about the Bills but I'm not out on them just yet, all they have to do is stop giving games away and they'll start winning again. As for the Broncos, man, they played great on both sides of the ball (not so much on special teams) and still got astoundingly lucky to win this, if you're betting on a Broncos Renaissance, I'd save my money. 

The rest of the slate:

Colts 10-6 Pats

NFL games on foreign soil (in this case Germany), are bad for America, bad for the economy, might as well set mom's apple pie on fire. I'm a free market guy but there are limits, if you cross those boundaries you devalue your product--counterintuitive to the money collected from German fans, I grant, but I am convinced the game is worth less tomorrow because the pwoers that be are sucking the value out of it (for themselves) today. Good stewards of the game would never allow regular season NFL games to be played anywhere other than NFL stadiums. Oh, and the Pats suck. 

Saints 19-27 Vikings

The Vikings are rolling nicely under the helm of QB Josh Dobbs, who keeps making crazy plays and getting W's. The Saints had to break glass and reach for the Jameis Winston and it almost worked (yeah, that's kinda the whole Jameis Winston era, right? It "almost worked"...). The Saints are still in a horrible division, so their season isn't over and bringing in Jameis may well revitalize their offense. As for the Vikings, well, the Packers can't seem to get it together and no one is catching the Lions, but they might could hang around the wild card and be kinda fun. 

Packers 19-23 Steelers

Another week, another mystifying Steelers win. They suck on offense and on defense and on special teams but for some reason that never seems to matter to the Steelers. They just keep winning. And the Packers just aren't right, I don't know if it's Jordan Love, he's not bad but he's not great, which is maybe the worst possibly place for a QB to be. 

Titans 6-20 Bucs

The Bucs have moments, man, and their division is terrible, so keep an eye on them. The Titans are just not very good, thought it was the QB but I think it's whole team. 

Niners 34-3 Jags

Good win for the Niners, west teams going east usually suck, so this is kind of an amazing blow out, but they clearly have their mojo back. As for the Jags, well, they had been playing well but the AFC just isn't as strong as the NFC this season, is it?

Falcons 23-25 Cardinals

Kyler Murray resurrected and looking in fun form already, ran around and stole a W. And hey, Falcons: why didn't you trade for Josh Dobbs? Why do you continue to act like you can win without a QB?

Lions 41-38 Chargers

Wish I'd watched this one. Two old school slingers going at it, Lions got the W at the buzzer. Why was I forced to watch the Giants get served up like a human sacrifice?

Giants 17-49 Cowboys

I've thought it over but I think I'm convinced: the Giants suck. The Cowboys are pretty good and like all "pretty good" teams, they destroy the awful teams (and struggle against not-awful teams). 

Commanders 26-29 Seahawks

Crazy fireworks in the 4th quarter....did me no good because I had the Seahawks at -6.5. Yup, my own fault really. The Seahawks are okay but not great, the Commanders are a team that just isn't good but isn't awful, either (worst place to be in sports). 

Jets 12-16 Raiders

I saw none of this game and I have no regrets. The Raiders seem revitalized. Perhaps it is time for NYJ to quit winning games they don't deserve to win. 

2023-24 NCAA Football (Week 11)

Games I saw (some of):

(3) Michigan 24-15 (10) Penn State

A sludge of a game, felt like the ball was gonna live between the 30-yard lines all day, but there were bursts of offense. The Wolverines were the better team but both sides are defensive monsters with little rays of offense sneaking through the clouds. Penn State's QB play just wasn't as good as Michigan's, that was the difference on the whole season. Both of these teams are really good, Michigan was a little better. 

Top 25

Handled their business

(1) Ohio State, (2) Georgia, (3) Michigan, (4) Florida State, (5) Washington, (6) Oregon, (8) Alabama, (12) Oregon State, (14) Missouri, (17) Oklahoma, (19) Louisiana State, (21) Arizona, (22) Iowa, (25) Kansas State

Won but did not impress

(7) Texas

Conference road W's normally impress me a priori, but if Texas really fancies itself a full on playoff contender, then I'd like to see them to put the wood to an in-state conference foe, instead of just hanging on against a sub-par Texas Christian. Perhaps I'm being too hard on the Longhorns but I wanted a solid victory and this isn't it. 

(11) Louisville

Ditto for the Cardinals. Virginia is not good--especially on the road--and yet the Cards had to scramble late to steal the victory. At this time of the season blowouts and decisive victories are influential and I want to see the better teams separate themselves from the lesser teams. Louisville got lucky here, never looked like a top tier squad. 

(23) Tulane

I shouldn't be so hard on Tulane, they are a bettor's dream: always a favorite, never a cover. I dunno, I should be more generous to such a reliable team.

(24) North Carolina

I'm surprised the Tar Heels are still in the top 25 and this scuffling OT victory over a decimated Duke team that is already far past their peak didn't change my mind. I dunno, I'm not impressed.

Bad beat

(9) Mississippi

UGA was waiting for the Rebels and they got got. Yeah, they could've played better but they were clearly outclassed and we all knew this was coming. 

(10) Penn State

Penn State may be the 10th best team in the country but they're only 3rd best in their own division. Tough place to find yourself, the Nittany Lions are a good squad but just not good enough unfortunately. 

(16) Kansas

Normally an L at home to a lesser conference team would go in the Not So Good category, but the Jayhawks lost their QB early in this game and though it took them forever to get any offense going, they still almost won. Yeah, I'm getting kinda soft on this one but even after this match I'm quite convinced that Kansas is better than Texas Tech, they just got unlucky. 

(18) Utah

Like Penn State, Utah is a really good team in a really really good division. Tough break but I'm still convinced Utah is one of the better teams in the nation. 

Not so good

(13) Tennessee

An L on the road in conference to a team that is better is normally a Bad Beat, but the Vols were the fave and they surely thought they were going to win. But they kinda got stomped (yo, Missouri is actually pretty good!) and soon enough they'll take their whoopin' from UGA (oh man, they better beat Kentucky!), the Vols are in full-on flail mode. 

(15) Oklahoma State

Whoa! They got straight destroyed at Central Florida! I was in on Oklahoma State but you can't whooped like that in conference and continue on in the top 25. I suspect we've seen all we're gonna see of the Cowboys this year.

My top 12

(1) Georgia (they're just getting going, but I'm among those that thinks Alabama is ready to give them a for-real match)

(2) Ohio State (the Buckeyes have a top tier defense, still a little worried about that offense but they've got good W's and all they have to do is beat Michigan)

(3) Washington (probably can't get ahead of the Big 10 winner, but should still firmly ahead of the Big 10 runner-up if they hold on @ Oregon State and take care of (presumably) Oregon in the championship; if they win their next 3 games they'll have to be in the semifinals)

(4) Florida State (Seminoles are eagerly waiting to see whether it's Ohio State or Michigan ahead of them, but they've got 4th place pretty well sewn up)

(5) Michigan (okay, finally got a signature W against Penn State, just need to finish off Ohio State and (presumably) Iowa and they'll be in the semifinal; if not, Ohio State will, right?)

(6a/6b) Oregon/Alabama (these two can still play their way in and they're both balling well enough to think they can get it done; I'll be keeping an eye on them)

(8) Texas (I guess they're still alive and as the teams ahead of them clash, the Longhorns will have their chance to sneak in, but outside of an early season W at Alabama, what else have they done this season? Yeah, they've got a nice record, 1 top tier W and they'll likely win their conference, but I don't see them higher than #5--especially considering that if Alabama beats UGA, I don't think UGA completely falls out; I think Texas is rooting for Ohio State, Washington, Georgia to keep winning and they need the Seminoles to fall to....Louisville? They are still in the discussion but it's mostly a peas-and-carrots thing for the Longhorns)

(9a/9b) Louisville/Oregon State (gotta leave these two up here because they've still got meaningful games left--in fact, I guess Louisville is still alive for the 4-team playoff and technically I think the Beavers are still alive for the Pac-12 Championship; I think these two need to be rooting for each other (and against Texas and Alabama) and they could still crash the party--though it's massive longshot for either

(11/12) Penn State/Utah (I think these are these two best of the also-rans; Arizona is technically not out of it but as well as they've played lately, I don't see them wormig their way into the big dance so I don't see them as a top 12 squad)

(6 more for good measure) Missouri, LSU, Arizona, Iowa, Mississippi, Notre Dame

Next week's intriguing matches

(18) Utah @ (21) Arizona (probably not that meaningful but should be a fun one)

(2) Georgia @ (13) (does anyone think the Vols can beat UGA? I for one *yawn* ....do not)

(24) North Carolina @ Clemson (I'm only throwing this in because I think Clemson has a good shot at sticking the Tar Heels; well see, could be some fun)

(25) Kansas State @ (16) Kansas (if KU doesn't have their QB, then this one is probably already over, right?)

(5) Washington @ (12) Oregon State (the marquis match right here; is Corvallis where empires go to die?)

(7) Texas @ Iowa State (the Cyclones over the years have handed out many unexpected late season upsets lately, the Longhorns better gird them loins)

2023-24 NBA Bric-a-Brac (Week 2)

Trade

Clippers get James Harden, PJ Tucker, Filip Petrusev; Sixers get Robert Covington, Nicolas Batum, Kenyon Martin Jr, Marcus Morris, 2026 1st r pick, 2024 & 2029 2nd rd picks, 2029 1st rd pick swap; Thunder get a 2027 1st rd pick swap

Our long national nightmare is over (for now). Harden goes to the Clippers and takes PJ Tucker with him. Will Petrusev fit into the Clipper rotation? Well, there will be a lot of "load management" to account for, so maybe so.  Are the Clippers better? They're older and more expensive....but better....I'm not sure. 

The Sixers bring back Covington, still a nice 3-and-D guy that should get immediate minutes in the Sixer rotation. Not sure about Martin, young player but he'll have time to catch on. Batum and Morris, though, are both pretty old and may or may not fit with the Sixers. Wouldn't be surprised to see Martin and Morris re-traded by February and Batum to retire if he doesn't find meaningful minutes in this rotation.

As for the various picks, I think the Thunder did well to throw in an unnecessary pick as a gamble on a much better pick. The Clippers, though, are built on free agents, not draft picks (don't believe me? Ask Shai Gilgeous-Alexander), so these pick moves mean nothing to them. The Sixers, are in between: they're a veteran rotation looking to win now and these picks are likely to be more trade fodder; on the other hand, if the season goes sideways (re: if Embiid makes a trade demand), they may need to look to a draft-centered future and can't simply barter these away for some magic beans.

Waivings

Danny Green (Sixers), Kaiser Gates (Pelicans)

Green was moved to make room for the spoils of the Harden trade; what are the chances that Green ends up with the Clippers by season's end? Gotta admit: I've never heard of Kaiser Gates before.

Signings (2-way contacts)

Keon Johnson (Nets), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (Pelicans), Xavier Moon (Clippers)

I knew Johnson and Robinson-Earl would catch on, they're both young and talented and caught up in team management issues.  Moon is a bit older and realistically a practice player, a roster filler, but good for him, glad to see him still around. 

Team Options Exercised

Marjon Beauchamp (Bucks), Dalen Terry (Bulls), Mark Williams (Hornets), Jonathon Kuminga (Warriors), Moses Moody (Warriors), (and no extension for James Bouknight (Hornets))

Thumbs up on all these moves. Beauchamp is poised to take on a bigger role with the Bucks. Moody and Kuminga, too, are going to be thrown into a bigger role with the Warriors, they will either sink or swim (I think its the latter for both). Williams already seems like a solid member of the Hornet rotation. Not sure about Terry, but I guess the Bulls think he's worth it. But, not so for Bouknight, a lottery pick that has never gotten much of a chance with the Hornets--is it because he isn't good or because the Hornets are a dumb team that do everything wrong? Hmmmm....I'm honestly not sure.  

ROY Update

Okay, two weeks in and there are 14 rookies that are setting themselves apart from the rest (in order of Minutes Played): Ausar Thompson (Pistons), Chet Holmgren (Thunder), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs), Jordan Hawkins (Pelicans), Brandon Miller (Hornets), Toumani Camara (Blazers), Dereck Lively (Mavs), Keyontae George (Jazz), Cason Wallace (Thunder), Marcus Sasser (Pistons), Scoot Henderson (Blazers), Bilal Coulubaly (Wizards), Jaime Jazquez (Heat), Gradey Dick (Raptors)

My personal order would be Wembanyama, Holmgren, Ausar, Lively and Miller. Those guys have already established that they are ballers firmly ensconced in their rotations. Not sure I'm ready to say that about any of the rest.

I haven't given up on Scoot, I think he's playing all wrong right now and when it clicks for him, he'll be fine. 

I'm a little suspicious of Sasser (just doesn't pass the eye test yet) and Wallace (wait a second, his numbers are too good). Gotta admit: I have no idea who Jordan Hawkins is, guess I need to watch more Pelicans. 

Two others that are worth noting so far: Sasha Vezenkov (Kings) and Julian Strawther (Nuggets) have shooting numbers that are eye-popping, let's see if they hold up. 

I'm a little surprised we haven't seen/heard more from: Taylor Hendricks (Jazz), Kris Murray (Blazers), Jett Howard (Magic), Cam Whitmore (Rockets); perhaps their teams have a grand plan for them or the timing just hasn't worked for them, I dunno. Also, it may take a while but the Thunder need to find some time for Vasilije Micic, if for no other reason than he might have trade value. 

2023-24 NFL (Week 9)

Games I watched (some of)

Titans 16-20 Steelers

I keep watching the Steelers, they keep looking like shit to me, they keep winning. Okay, man, whatever you say, but this team is not any good, I'm just telling ya. QB Will Levis is, I must admit, already way better than I ever thought possible, he stands firmly in the pocket and chucks deep down field with confidence, if they can keep him upright he'll be better than anything they've had for a while. Thought the Titans could've pulled it out but didn't happen, another fluke W for the Steelers. 

Vikings 31-28 Falcons

The Falcons had a fumble (that went for a FG) and an interception (that went for an 8-point TD) and that sealed their fate; if the Falcons had avoided those two turnovers, I think they would've won handily. But letting the Vikings put some points on the board was all new QB Josh Dobbs needed to steal this one on the road with a pack of teammates he just met ten minutes ago. I was watching the game thinking (as I presume most of the Falcons sideline was, too): why didn't the Falcons trade for Josh Dobbs? The Falcons have some nice weapons on their offense and no one to get the ball to them. Oh well. The Vikings were devastated by the loss of QB Kirk Cousins but, for now, Dobbs has given them something to hope for. Curious to see where the Vikings go from here. 

Bucs 37-39 Texans

All I saw was the final coupla minutes but I think I got the best part. The Bucs had a nice drive to take the lead with a minute or so to go and then QB Stroud went right down the field and stole the lead back. Thing of beauty. I think we can go ahead and hand out that offensive rookie of the year award right now--I like Bijan Robinson as much as the next guy but Stroud is the deal! The Texans are dangerous now, just like that. The Bucs are actually a fun team, if they could find some consistency they might still be able to win their terrible division.

Cowboys 23-28 Eagles

I turned this one off before the final drive because I thought the Eagles had it won, but they managed to shoot themselves in the foot and give the Cowboys one last chance. I thought the Eagles were the better team, that D-line was stout today and while I kinda like the Cowboys, I don't think they're as good as the Eagles. And, yes, the Eagles have yet to play a complete game but I still suspect they're the best team in the league (especially since the Niners are suffering through injuries, the Chiefs don't seem capable of a complete game and the Dolphins don't play well against good teams). The Cowboys are snakebit but don't sleep on them, I think they are as capable as anyone of going on a run late in the year. 

Bills 18-24 Bengals

Yes, the Bengals were the better team on this night but I think people are a little too quick to bury the Bills. They had a phantom penalty (what was "intentional" about that intentional grounding call?) and a fumble at the 5-yard line, so I suggest that's 10 points the Bills snatched away from themselves. The Bengals went up 14-0 quick and didn't do much for the rest of the game--what exactly was so impressive about their smooshing of the Bills? The Bengals were better, the Bengals have been better the last few times these two have played, but this game was closer than I think some like to suggest. The Bengals are getting it going and look pretty dangerous. The Bills have suffered many defensive injuries but I think they're better than given credit for and I wouldn't write them off just yet. 

Chargers 27-6 Jets

In and out of this game because both of these teams are so uninspiring. Oh, man, QB Zach Wilson is just not the guy. I've never seen anyone so immobile in the pocket, he just stands there as the pocket collapses around him, never seen anything like it. The Chargers were fine, handled themselves well against that soli NYJ pass defense. These two teams now have the same record--how is that possible?

The rest of the slate

Dolphins 14-21 Chiefs

Still waiting for the Dolphins to beat a good team. 

Cards 0-27 Browns

The Cards are officially on their way to #1 pick, right? Nice W for the Browns, is QB Deshaun Watson ready to play now?

Rams 3-20 Packers

The Rams without QB Matt Stafford are really not  very good, huh? Packers at home might be kinda okay.

Commanders 20-17 Patmiots

I thought the Commanders were tanking, but apparently the Pats are tanking even harder. 

Bears 17-24 Saints

The Bears have no incentive to do anything at this point. The Saints could still win their terrible division.

Seahawks 3-37 Ravens

I've watched the Ravens utterly destroy a handful of teams this year and I gotta say: I'm skeptical. I think they just happen to get everyone's worst game. Why isn't there more buzz about the Ravens? Because they're kinda getting lucky. The Seahawks are okay. 

Colts 27-13 Panthers

The Colts aren't bad. The Panthers are. 

Giants 6-30 Raiders

The Raiders parted ways ith their coach, offensive coordinator and GM (at a price tag upwards of $80m!) and, well, the team looks a lot better right away. But the Giants lost QB Daniel Jones here and look pretty much done for the rest of the season, so might wanna pump the brakes for now, Raider fans.

2023-24 NCAA Football (Week 10)

Games I watched (some of) (*):

(12) Missouri 21-30 (2) Georgia

I was reasonably impressed with Missouri, a bad 4th quarter interception really gave this away for them but they played hard and were in it til (almost) the end. This was the best game that Georgia has played this season: they were tested on both sides and they came up with the plays they needed more often than not. This is not a game that UGA as paying much attention to and Missouri is better than you think, I thought this would be a good match and I was right. Sneaky good W for Georgia, not a bad L for Missouri (though they had their chances to steal this). 

(5) Washington 52-42 (20) Southern Cal

I caught most of the 4th quarter, still good back and forth action, I was afraid the Trojans would score a late TD and cover the spread but it came to naught. I'm definitely a believer in Caleb Williams (not necessarily for a second Heisman but definitely for #1 pick in the draft) but, man, I was really impressed with Washington's QB Penix: big kid, moves well, he's a lefty but throws a good ball, made the big plays when necessary--I like this kid, too! I hadn't seen UW yet this year and I was pretty impressed and since they've already beaten Oregon (who is dominating lately), I'd say they can stamp their ticket for whatever the playoff looks like this year. 

(23) Kansas State 30-33 (OT) (7) Texas

Texas kinda domiated the 1st half, then more or less disappeared in the 2nd. Once Kansas State got rolling, they were the better team on both sides and why they went for it on 4th down in OT instead of just kicking the FG, I don't understand. Dude, your team was better than Texas, just keep the game going and you'll pull it out! Any time I see a coach do something that stupid, I automatically assume he's auditioning for the Chargers job, so don't be surprised if Kansas State's coach is on the sidelines in LA next year. Wildcats blew a perfectly winnable game, the Longhorns got lucky. 

(14) Louisiana State 28-42 (8) Alabama

Fun game, pretty even match until the refs let Alabama violently assault LSU's QB: helmet to helmet is 1 15-yad penalty and driving him into the turf is a 2nd 15-yard penalty, how does this lineman not get tossed out of the game? That's two red cards in one play and he received zero. WTF? I thought we were protecting QB's now!  The next day this happened....so are we protecting QB's or what? How do "rules" work again? Look, Alabama'a QB Millroe has grown by leaps and bounds in the last 4-6 weeks or so and the Tide are kinda dangerous again. They matched LSU for a while but once they Tide found their form they were the better team (especially when the refs let them openly pummel the other team). 

Top 25

Handled their business

(1) Ohio State, (2) Georgia, (3) Michigan, (4) Florida State, (5) Washington, (6) Oregon, (8) Alabama, (11) Penn State, (13) Louisville, (16) Oregon State, (17) Tennessee, (18) Utah, (21) Kansas, (22) Oklahoma State

Won but did not impress

(7) Texas

Admit it, Longhorns: you got lucky. The other team had you beat on your own home field and their idiot coach coached K-State right out of a win in Austin. Texas is a nice team but not sure they're top tier--pretty confident they would not beat Alabama in a rematch this weekend. 

(10) Mississippi

Perhaps I'm being overly critical, a W against a quality conference foe is not something scoff at, but I wanted a decisive victory for Ol' Miss and they didn't deliver. If they're truly a top 10 squad, then show the world that you can handle yourself when facing a so-so opponent. The Rebels got the late victory, can't really complain and yet....I feel like complaining. 

(24) Tulane

What is you with you, Tulane? Are you a top 25 team? Doesn't that suggest you should score more than 13 points at winless East Carolina? Why is Tulane on my scoreboard?

Bad beat

(12) Missouri

UGA is better but the Tigers gave them a game. Unfortunate late turnover doomed them but they were very much in this game in the 4th quarter and that's a serious accomplishment. 

(14) Louisiana State

I think Alabama was better and would've won anyway, but the refs standing by and watching as your QB gets carted off is a tough way to go. LSU is such a strong program that people watch this team and think they suck (I wish my team sucked like this).

(20) Southern Cal 

Game effort but we know what USC is: good offense, terrible defense. I like that QB and those WR's, but that D is *shudder*.

(23) Kansas State

Sorry, guys, your coach is an idiot. He thought he' go for it on 4th down instead of just kicking the FG and keeping the game going. You were better than Texas and everyone but your coach knew that if the game just kept going, you would invariably get the win. Oh well, maybe next time you'll have a better coach. 

Not so good

(9) Oklahoma

Let's be honest: the Sooner have been shaky all year long. They got a nice W at Texas but they've hardly been dominant at anything in any way. They really aren't a top 10 team and the Cowboys just showed that to be true but giving them a good dose of reality.

(15) Notre Dame

You should've beat Clemson. That's just all there is to it. Clemson was laying in wait for you all season long and you fell for it instead of just handling your business. You know how much you should've beaten Clemson? Beating Clemson wouldn't even have done anything for you...that's how beatable Clemson is this year and you didn't beat them.

(19) UCLA

Gotta win on the road if you want to be a big dog. UCLA is not a big dog. 

(25) Air Force

WTF, Air Force? Who are you and why are you taking up space in my top 25? You got smoked at home by an Army team that isn't any good at all. Very disappointing.

My Own Top 12 (probably should've started this earlier but here it is for now):

(1) Georgia (the 2-time defending champs, just now starting to play their best football)

(2) Ohio State (they beat Notre Dame and Penn State and even though I haven't been wowed by the Buckeyes yet this season, they're playing winning football and the Michigan game is all that matters)

(3) Washington (I think the Huskies are underappreciated; they've already beaten Oregon and USC, stomped Michigan State and Boise State, avoided the Arizona State trap, if they beat Utah, what else do you need them to do?)

(4) Florida State (not overly impressed with their resume so far, but they keep winning and that's good)

(5) Oregon (convincing wins over Colorado and Utah, a tough L @ Washington, feel like they won't fall for USC, Arizona State or Oregon State, this team is firmly in the top 10, I got them top 5).

(6) Michigan (they haven't played anybody at all; beat Penn State and Ohio State and they'll cement themselves in the top 3 but until then, why are they so highly ranked? They haven't played anyone at all after 10 weeks!)

(7) Alabama (beating Tennessee and LSU in the last two weeks (I think they'll whip Kentucky this week) has turned their so-so season around, the QB play is getting there, the D is punishing, the Tide is coming--UGA needs to be wary)

(8) Penn State (played well against Ohio State, got their chance at Michigan this week, the Nittany Lions are a good team in a tough neighborhood but they still need to produce a signature victory to gt some real playoff love)

(9) Texas (didn't Texas beat Alabama, you say? Yeah but that was Week 2, if they played in Week 11, I think the Tide would stomp the Longhorns; I've been skeptical of UT all season and my skepticism is only growing; they've still got a good record so I'll keep them at #9 but I don't see them getting higher than that)

(10-12) Utah, Mississippi, Tennessee (there's a drop at #10 but Utah still has greatness in their grasp @ Washington, whereas I feel like Ole Miss gets pummeled by Alabama and Tennessee gets pummeled by UGA, these three are still alive even if I'm dubious of their chances but I can't get into Louisville or Oregon State--not sure either of them are better than Missouri and actually I still have a lot of respect for LSU and Arizona, a coupla 3-Loss teams that play harder than some of the more successful sides)

Next week's intriguing matches:

(2) Michigan @ (9) Penn State (winner of this game finally has a good W on their resume)

(8) Alabama @ Kentucky (I think Alabama will show that their recent offensive prowess is for real and will lay a smackdown on an okay UK team)

(13) Utah @ (5) Washington (one last gasp for Utah or another feather in the cap for UW?)

(14) Tennessee @ (16) Missouri (good conference grudge match between two pretty good teams)

(10) Mississippi @ (1) Georgia (UGA is only now beginning to play real football, can the Rebels catch them off guard? I doubt it but its possible)

Michigan State @ (3) Ohio State (I've seen the Spartans sneak attack the Buckeyes so many times...it can't possibly happen this year, can it? (I'd say no, but I've said that before)

Southern Cal @ (6) Oregon (I think Oregon will tool the Trojans but it is USC's last chance to put an impressive win on their resume)

(*) For some reason I watched way more of Dortmund 0-4 Bayern Munich than was necessary. Bayern's counterattack just choked out anything Dortmund could push forward over and over and over. Embarrassing L for Dortmund. 

2023 World Series

Rangers over D-Backs in 5

The Rangers were one of the better teams in the AL this year, started hot, cooled off for a while, got hot again, cooled off again, blew the division lead but still managed to hold on to a Wild Card slot. They went to Tampa where they quickly dispatched the 2nd best team in the AL, then on to Baltimore where they quickly dispatched the best team in the AL. Went back to Texas where they outdueled the Astros (and set the stage for next year's must-watch grudge match). They were 5th in the AL but when the post-season came, they blasted their way through to the World Series by winning 8 of the 9 games they played, mostly on the road.

The D-Backs, similarly, were a 2nd tier team in the NL but swept the Brewers and then swept the Dodgers (*) and took the Phillies to 7 games (the first 7th game in Phillies history--really?!?!), a great series. And while I think the Phillies would've given the Rangers a better match, the D-Backs were electric in that series and the worthy NL champ.

I thought Corey Seager was the deserving MVP, I struggle to remember anyone hitting as many timely home runs as Seager did here. Adolis Garcia was a monster in the ALCS but missed the last two games of the World Series and wasn't quite as impactful, I thought, as Seager. Nathan Eovaldi cemented his status as a big-game pitcher, but even he wavered in his first start. The Rangers got not much out of Max Scherzer (just 3 innings) and though they rode Jordan Montgomery through the AL, he didn't do much in the World Series (lost his one start). And the bullpen that got them out of so many jams in the AL was fine but not as necessary in the final. 

The D-Backs were fine, I'm now a big fan of Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte, those guys just kept making big plays throughout the playoffs. They overachieved but they won the games they needed to win--stuck the Dodgers and Phillies in their eyes, so good for them.  

The World Series itself was a pretty good mix: Game One was a classic (see above), Games Two and Four were blowouts, while Games Three and Five were loaded with tension and drama. That's good stuff, man, I love baseball as much as I ever have. I don't obsess over the players or the numbers like I did when I was a kid (that obsession has drifted to the NBA) but good baseball is still as good as anything in sports. Now if my Guardians could find a replacement for Coach Francona and some pop in the middle of the lineup, I can watch my own team win instead of the vicarious thrill.

(*) Lots of people were complaining about the MLB playoff format, but I mostly thought it was salty Dodgers fans. They talked of rule changes to facilitate a better playoff experience. Okay, here's what I propose: if the Dodgers score less runs than their opponent, they get to win anyway. Does that sound good, Dodger fans? Is that the rule change you were looking for? I get it: baseball players gotta play baseball and giving the good teams time off is a luxury in other sports but kind of an impediment in baseball. But the game is the same as it always was: you've got to score more runs to win games to advance. Figure it out, Dodger fans, this is baseball and if you can't play it, I got no sympathy. This was a great MLB post-season--GREAT!--and the fact that your team didn't bother to show up mattered not a whit to me. 

2023-24 NBA Bric-a-Brac (Week 1)

Contract extensions

Giannis Antetokounpo (3yr/$186m), Onyeka Okongwu (4yr/$62m), Cole Anthony (3yr/$39m), Josh Green (3yr/$41m), Aaron Nesmith (3yr/$33m), Jaden McDaniels (5yr/$136m), Deni Avdija (4yr/$55m)

Giannis deserves way more money than this and I believe the whole point of this 3-year extension is to leave him open to making way more on the next extension. Look: a great player like Giannis deserves all the money and $62m/year is just the beginning. 

I like Onkongwu, good fit in Atlanta, seems ready to slide into the slot that Clint Capela will leave behind eventually. Good signing.

I like Anthony and $13m/year is fine but I'm not sure he fits in Orlando any longer. But this extension probably makes him more tradeable (or does it make Jalen Suggs more tradeable?). 

I haven't been as swept away by the Josh Green experience as others have, but if he works out this season then he will be worth it. So this is an optimism signing.

Nesmith seems to be the right fit for the Pacers and $11m/year is not back-breaking, so the Pacers did well to lock up a nice scorer. 

Like Josh Green, I have yet to be gripped by the fascination with McDaniels and north of $25m/year seems much too rich to me. But, the Wolves seem to love this guy, so I guess they're into it. I don't see it and I don't think the signing makes him more tradeable, so I think this is a dangerous deal (but its not my team).

I like Avdija, the deal seems reasonable. Hope he fits with Jordan Poole because that is your Washington Wizards for the next 4 years.

Signings

Ish Smith (Hornets), Bismack Biyombo (Grizzlies)

Ish! Still getting dem checks. Good for you!

I like Biyombo as much as the next guy but he doesn't have much grit or grind to him. I guess he could get swept up by the Grizz atmosphere, but I can also see him being waived at the first opportunity. 

2-way Contracts

Duop Reath (Blazers), Duane Washington (Knicks), Nate Williams (Rockets), Nate Hinton (Rockets), Charles Bediako (Spurs), John Butler (Wizards), Ricky Council (Sixers)

Okay, I don't know any of these guys. 

Team Options Exercised

David Roddy (Grizzlies), Jake LaRavia (Grizzlies), Santi Aldama (Grizzlies), Ziaire Williams (Grizzlies), Blake Wesley (Spurs), Jeremy Sochan (Spurs), Malaki Branham (Spurs), Scottie Barnes (Raptors), Cam Thomas (Nets), Day'Ron Sharpe (Nets), Wendell Moore (Wolves), Bones Hyland (Clippers), Quentin Grimes (Knicks)

I don't know Wesley, not sure Williams has done anything to warrant optimism and Hyland is a buyer-beware kinda player. But all the rest look like good moves to me. 

Waivings

Montrezl Harrell (Sixers), Ibou Badji (Blazers), Darius Days (Rockets), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (Rockets), Trevor Hudgins (Rockets), Keon Johnson (Suns), Taj Gibson (Wizards), Xavier Cooks (Wizards), Stanley Umude (Pistons), Edmond Sumner (Hornets), Azuolas Tubelis (Sixers)

Harrell suffered a knee injury during the summer, looks to be back in action as an eligible free agent by year's end.

Might be the end of the road for Taj (or back to the Knicks).

I feel like Robinson-Earl and Johnson are gonna catch on somewhere. 

No idea about Badji, Days, Hudgins, Cooks, Umulde, Sumner or Tubelis. 

Signed overseas

Tristan Vukcevic (KK Partizan)

I don't see any evidence that the Wizards still retain his draft rights, so is he considered an NBA free agent? (Not sure)

Way too early look at Rookie of the Year

It's been one week, which rooks have stood out so far? 

Ausar Thompson (Pistons), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) Chet Holmgren (Thunder) are clearly the frontrunners for now, playing major minutes and looking comfortable out there. 

Brandon Miller (Hornets) is scoring nicely. 

Cason Wallace (Thunder) has numbers that are almost too good. 

I kinda love Dereck Lively (Mavs)'s fit so far, he could be a Keegan Murray-type major rotation guy by year's end. 

Keyontae George (Jazz) has a tantalizing asst:to and seems like a nice scorer. 

Jaime Jacquez (Heat) look like the next Heat creation. 

But there are still plenty of guys that could--and will--emerge. (Scoot Henderson (Blazers) starting slow, but I'm still in on him)

2023-24 NFL (Week 8)

Games I watched (some of):

Bucs 18-24 Bills

The Bills have yet to play a complete game--are they saving it for the right time or do they just not have it in them? They've also sustained some serious defensive injuries, not sure they'll be able to float along much longer. The Bucs play better on the road than at home--man, they had a 4th quarter drive that lasted forever! Bills penalties kept the drive going but the clock wasn't in the Bucs favor.

Jags 20-10 Steelers

I've watched the Steelers many times already this year and I am convinced they are not any good at all, especially when they are forced to put Mitch Trubisky at QB. The defense is fine but the offense is not built to outscore anybody, so how they've gotten this far is mystifying. The Jags are starting to look like the team they should be, they're on their way to ruling their division and if they get a nice head of steam going, this team could be dangerous down the road. 

Bengals 31-17 Niners

Joe Burrow finally looked right in this game, definitely the best the Bengals have looked this season. He was pushing the ball downfield, which opened up the running game, which they haven't been able to do so far, taking a W in San Fran is a scary thing for the AFC. The Niners are flailing, injuries are piling up and Brock Purdy is suddenly everyone's least favorite QB. If the injuries persist, the Niners could be in trouble (but if not, the Niners are still probably the most talented team in the league). 

The rest of the slate:  

Rams 20-43 Cowboys

All Cowboys here, Rams couldn't get out of their own way.

Vikings 24-10 Packers

Vikings lose QB Cousins for the season--ouch! Just as they were getting going. The Packers are scuffling all around.

Falcons 23-28 Titans

Titans got a new QB (all hail the Levis!). The Falcons could really use one of those, too.

Saints 38-27 Colts

Saints finally found some offense, is the a sign of things to come? (Still time for them to take their awful division). The Colts are downright plucky, but that doesn't mean they'll win much. 

Pats 17-31 Dolphins

Yeah, that's about right. 

Jets 13-10 (OT) Giants

Ugh! How many punts were there in this game? 

Eagles 38-31 Commanders

Division game. Commanders could've won this but didn't get it  done. 

Texans 13-15 Panthers

First win for the Panthers! But, it kinda feels like they played the perfect game just to score 15 points. The Texans let a W get away from them. 

Browns 20-24 Seahawks

Browns had their chance to steal it but came up short, they need to figure out their QB position (oh, wait, they have the highest paid QB in the league). The Seahawks are sturdy, not great but savvy enough to keep games close and seal them when they can. 

Chiefs 9-24 Broncos

What happened here?

Ravens 31-24 Cards

The Cards play hard but clearly aren't much good; the Ravens have moments, curious to see if they can actually get better as the year goes on.

Bears 13-30 Chargers

The Bears are not good, the Chargers pretty much only win when the opponent is utterly incapable. 

Raiders 14-26 Lions

The Lions didn't exactly dominate but the Raiders didn't do much to win this game.