I have read the Mitchell report. Actually, it would be more accurate to say that I scanned the Mitchell report. It is, including appendices and such, more than 400 pages in length. There aren't many pictures. It is written in attorney speak. Who would want to read it word for word?
Those among us who follow baseball, and even sports in general, know a little something about the Mitchell report. It is authored by former US Senator George Mitchell, and is the conclusion of a 20-month investigation into the use of illegal and banned substances by professional baseball players.
Barry Bonds has been the steroid poster child for the last few years. Bonds, who broke into the majors as a skinny, fleet-footed Pittsburgh Pirate, is finishing his career as a large, slow power hitter with anyone still willing to pay his salary. The all-time home run king is hated for his alleged cheating and various public relations blunders.
In the court of public opinion, and I think in reality, he is guilty. The question is, beyond Barry Bonds, who else is guilty, and how widespread is the problem?
The conclusion of the report -- many are probably guilty, and the problem has been widespread. I was glad to see that my past and present favorite players were not named, guys like Ryne Sandberg, Derrick Lee, and Albert Pujols. But like many, I was surprised to see many current and former All-Stars, including Roger Clemens.
So much has been written about this topic. To me, it all boils down to this. Players take this stuff because they want to perform better, because better performance leads to more lucrative contracts. Guys like Bonds earn $15-20 million annually, payed for through TV deals, ticket prices, and jersey sales. Bonds earns that kind of money because fans support MLB with their wallets. If we didn't go to the games, buy the Cracker Jacks, turn on the TV, and slip on our favorite hat (AKA reduce the demand) things might be different.
But, who's kidding who? Things will not change. Some percentage of athletes will always look for ways to get ahead. This is not new -- it is the human condition. And, why not inject yourself with HGH for a couple years, avoid detection (MLB drug testing does not detect HGH), and sit on your pile of millions the rest of your life? Not an unattractive life, depending on your scruples.
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
December 19, 2007
October 2, 2007
The Hawgs Strike Out
The latest fantasy baseball season has concluded, and with it, my attempt to win my own league. After running in the top three 3/4 of the season, I lost steam and finished a disappointing fourth. The final standings:
- Jazzman's Stars (our resident personal banker) 87.5
- Phillies (local PE teacher and coach) 86.5
- Hot Wheelers (long-time friend Jeff Wheeler) 78.5
- Hawgs 74.5
- Phat Farm Team (president of the CR realtor association) 68
- Clemente's Clubbers (researcher extraordinaire 67
- Gnats (Rockwell Collins manager and Nationals fan) 63
- What the Card Says (father/son duo) 61
- Steady Eddy (instrumental music instructor) 58.5
- Hawkeyes (my dad) 50
- Ink Stain (civic development leader) 46
- Cubbies (another local development dude) 39.5
September 26, 2007
Those Pesky Newspaper Reporters
This past week, sports columnist Jenni Carlson of the Daily Oklahoman apparently had some negative things to say about the Oklahoma State football team's quarterback. She questioned his toughness and posed this question: " ... Does he want to be coddled, babied, perhaps even fed chicken?"
None of this would have been all that newsworthy in far flung places like Iowa, except that on Monday the Oklahoma State coach went into a press conference tirade that is now being broadcast several thousand times an hour on You Tube. Coach Gundy "... blasted Carlson the entire time, calling her column 'fiction' and the newspaper 'garbage.'"
Sometimes the relationship between newspaper writer and subject matter can get a little hairy. Believe me, I know. On January 30, 1990, I wrote the following editorial column for the University of Northern Iowa's Northern Iowan:
None of this would have been all that newsworthy in far flung places like Iowa, except that on Monday the Oklahoma State coach went into a press conference tirade that is now being broadcast several thousand times an hour on You Tube. Coach Gundy "... blasted Carlson the entire time, calling her column 'fiction' and the newspaper 'garbage.'"
Sometimes the relationship between newspaper writer and subject matter can get a little hairy. Believe me, I know. On January 30, 1990, I wrote the following editorial column for the University of Northern Iowa's Northern Iowan:
"Rarely are events as memorable as the hype that proceeds them. This is especially true in athletics .... The UNI-Iowa [basketball game] was an exception. Perhaps in this case the game WAS the most exciting aspect of the evening.
"As a result of UNI's stunning victory, a new level of success has been reached in Panther athletics. Panther fans could carve a big notch in their bedposts and proudly chant, 'We're number one, we're number one.'"
"UNI 77-Iowa 74. I think its universally recognized that Iowa men's basketball is vulnerable this year. Many prognosticators pick Iowa to finish near the bottom of the Big Ten. The same crystal ball lists UNI as runaway AMCU champions. So, UNI wins at home, in the dome, for the first time in 75 years. Impressive, maybe so."
I went on to suggest that UNI fans should avoid getting too big for their britches, the league it played in was inferior, and that "we should realize we have a good team and be proud of what it does. But, don't dream of what it can't do. National championships are not around any corner on this campus."
"Don't let the thrill of a little success fool you. Enjoy Panther basketball for what it is -- in-state athletes using their talents for a few more years. Thank them for the entertainment they provide, support them with pride. Don't belittle their success with talk of greatness."
As football commentator Keith Jackson would say, "Whoa Nelly!" That column, written 17 years ago, got me in heaps of trouble. The basketball team captain called me up and volunteered to rearrange my face. Threats from large male students plugged up my dorm room voicemail. Letters to the editor piled up (a rare occurrence for the Northern Iowan). I even had a sit-down with then-head basketball coach Eldon Miller and head football coach Terry Allen.
Was what I said true? Some parts were. The University of Iowa Hawkeyes went on to have a dismal year, finishing low in the Big Ten. UNI went on to have the best season in its history (at that point), even winning an NCAA tournament game against Missouri. The Association of Mid-Continent Universities (AMCU) was kind of a rinky dink outfit. It has changed its name and team lineup many times since 1990, and UNI is no longer in it. In 1990, it was rare for UNI to beat Iowa or Iowa State University in any athletic competition, let alone men's basketball (the gap has narrowed in recent years). UNI has not won a national basketball championship (it has never gotten past the second round of the NCAA tourney).
But, was what I wrote inflammatory? Yep. Not intentionally, but obviously.
Was Ms. Carlson of Oklahoma trying to be inflammatory? I don't know. Here's my guess though -- she is paid by the newspaper to write about sports, in a way that both sells newspapers and accurately reflects the truth. Since the job of an opinion columnist is to express their opinion, you can imagine that others may disagree from time to time. Carlson suggested that the QB in question is "soft." Coach Gundy, at least in a public forum, has a different opinion.
I wonder who is receiving the brunt of criticism in Oklahoma this week -- the quarterback who lost his starting job, the reporter who tried to explain why, or the coach who lost his cool in front of the world.
And the beat goes on ...
August 29, 2007
Iowa Hawkeye Predictions
Tis the time of year for followers of college football to show how far from reality the world is that they live in. That's right, it's time to predict all the blowout wins your team will accumulate in the next 13 weeks, and minimize the potential for losses.
Predicting the Iowa Hawkeyes the last few years has been tough. The team probably overachieved 2002-04 and underachieved 2005-06. Aught seven brings a wealth of new starters, recent bad publicity for the off-field actions of a few players, and a schedule abnormality.
Without further delay, here we go ...
Week 1: Iowa enters glitzy Soldier Field for its opener against the Northern Illinois Huskies. In recent years, NI has been an above average team in a lesser-talented conference. Iowa will likely break out only its most basic offensive and defensive schemes, which means the game will stay close and, perhaps, low scoring. Iowa 21 -- Northern Illinois 10
Week 2: It took a miraculous goal-line stand to hold off the Orange last year. For Hawk fans, it was the first sign that its team was not as strong as hoped for. The game is under the lights in Iowa City this year. Look for 'Cuse to struggle so far from home. Iowa 27 -- Syracuse 13
Week 3: The only mystery in Iowa bigger than the Hawks is the Cyclones of Iowa State. New coach, new uniforms, but same old task of competing against bigger, faster, stronger Big 12 schools. Playing in Ames will be a hostile wakeup call for Iowa. Iowa 16 -- Iowa State 13
Week 4: Even without Ohio State and Michigan on Iowa's schedule, its still the Big Ten. Iowa's trip to Madison will be a rude one. Wisconsin 31 -- Iowa 21
Week 5: Homecoming in Iowa City. A couple years ago the AD tried to predict what team would be the Big 10's worst in 2007 for the Homecoming game. He chose Indiana. He was wrong, but not by much. Iowa 27 -- Indiana 6
Week 6: Another road game, this time to Happy Valley and home of legendary coach Joe Pa. Like the trip to Wisconsin, Hawk fans hope against hope, and cry in their beer. Penn State 28 -- Iowa 17
Week 7: Back to Iowa City to face the Illini. It will be Illinois first trip to Iowa City without Chief Illiniwiek. Hawk fans are the ones who will be war-dancing. Iowa 38 -- Illinois 24
Week 8: Purdue's Joe Tiller has made a few lists of "coaches on the hot seat." The seat will get warmer after Iowa surprises Purdue in West Lafayette. Iowa 28 -- Purdue 27
Week 9: Michigan State might be the worst team in the conference this year. But will Iowa come home with too big of chip on their shoulders. I say they do, and it costs them the win. MSU 16 -- Iowa 14.
Week 10: For the last three years, Iowa had been black and purpled when Northwestern comes a callin'. Used to be that the Mildcats were an easy win. Now, its anyone's guess. Iowa 21 -- Northwestern 17
Week 11: Floyd went to Minneapolis and stayed there after the game. Enough said. Iowa 34 -- Minnesota 17
Week 12: Iowa schedules a 12th game and gets Western Michigan to come to Iowa City for the big payday. Following the game, Iowa fans muse which warm bowl game will extend an invite to their beloved Hawks. Iowa 31 -- WMU 10
That's 9-3 if you were counting. Here's the proverbial fine print: If Iowa's QB or RB goes down, so does the record. Iowa is gonna have to keep their offense on the field and score some points. If they don't, 9-3 will be 6-6 in a heartbeat.
Now, on with the show.
Predicting the Iowa Hawkeyes the last few years has been tough. The team probably overachieved 2002-04 and underachieved 2005-06. Aught seven brings a wealth of new starters, recent bad publicity for the off-field actions of a few players, and a schedule abnormality.
Without further delay, here we go ...
Week 1: Iowa enters glitzy Soldier Field for its opener against the Northern Illinois Huskies. In recent years, NI has been an above average team in a lesser-talented conference. Iowa will likely break out only its most basic offensive and defensive schemes, which means the game will stay close and, perhaps, low scoring. Iowa 21 -- Northern Illinois 10
Week 2: It took a miraculous goal-line stand to hold off the Orange last year. For Hawk fans, it was the first sign that its team was not as strong as hoped for. The game is under the lights in Iowa City this year. Look for 'Cuse to struggle so far from home. Iowa 27 -- Syracuse 13
Week 3: The only mystery in Iowa bigger than the Hawks is the Cyclones of Iowa State. New coach, new uniforms, but same old task of competing against bigger, faster, stronger Big 12 schools. Playing in Ames will be a hostile wakeup call for Iowa. Iowa 16 -- Iowa State 13
Week 4: Even without Ohio State and Michigan on Iowa's schedule, its still the Big Ten. Iowa's trip to Madison will be a rude one. Wisconsin 31 -- Iowa 21
Week 5: Homecoming in Iowa City. A couple years ago the AD tried to predict what team would be the Big 10's worst in 2007 for the Homecoming game. He chose Indiana. He was wrong, but not by much. Iowa 27 -- Indiana 6
Week 6: Another road game, this time to Happy Valley and home of legendary coach Joe Pa. Like the trip to Wisconsin, Hawk fans hope against hope, and cry in their beer. Penn State 28 -- Iowa 17
Week 7: Back to Iowa City to face the Illini. It will be Illinois first trip to Iowa City without Chief Illiniwiek. Hawk fans are the ones who will be war-dancing. Iowa 38 -- Illinois 24
Week 8: Purdue's Joe Tiller has made a few lists of "coaches on the hot seat." The seat will get warmer after Iowa surprises Purdue in West Lafayette. Iowa 28 -- Purdue 27
Week 9: Michigan State might be the worst team in the conference this year. But will Iowa come home with too big of chip on their shoulders. I say they do, and it costs them the win. MSU 16 -- Iowa 14.
Week 10: For the last three years, Iowa had been black and purpled when Northwestern comes a callin'. Used to be that the Mildcats were an easy win. Now, its anyone's guess. Iowa 21 -- Northwestern 17
Week 11: Floyd went to Minneapolis and stayed there after the game. Enough said. Iowa 34 -- Minnesota 17
Week 12: Iowa schedules a 12th game and gets Western Michigan to come to Iowa City for the big payday. Following the game, Iowa fans muse which warm bowl game will extend an invite to their beloved Hawks. Iowa 31 -- WMU 10
That's 9-3 if you were counting. Here's the proverbial fine print: If Iowa's QB or RB goes down, so does the record. Iowa is gonna have to keep their offense on the field and score some points. If they don't, 9-3 will be 6-6 in a heartbeat.
Now, on with the show.
August 27, 2007
Cable Television and College Dorm Rooms
I've chronicled in past articles my thorough dissatisfaction with the cable television industry, but let me list a few grievances again:
News from Iowa City this past week is that the dorms at the U of I will receive a cable feed for the Big Ten Network (BTN). The BTN is a new idea that I already dislike. The BTN and Mediacom have been unsuccessfully negotiating for months -- Iowa games airing on the BTN will not be seen in my neighborhood. If the two parties (BTN and Mediacom) do reach a deal, I'm sure it will result in another rate increase (and only available in a new package of networks). But I digress ...
The dorms are getting the BTN, and I'm not. Yet, my tax dollars are surely subsidizing the cost so that a college student can watch something that I can not.
The steep rise in higher education costs have been well-documented. I can understand why. As a student at the University of Northern Iowa, I lived in a small, warm room with a single phone jack and four television channels. Fifteen years later, dorm rooms are equipped with air conditioning, cable tv, and broadband access. I doubt those amenities are donated free of charge by the respective utility company.
So, what is the cost of us non-college students for watching Iowa football this fall? Games could be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ABC, and the Big Ten Network.
- In my neighborhood, there is only one source for cable television. So, a monopoly exists.
- That company (Mediacom) has raised my cable rate almost 70 percent in the past year, without expanding my coverage.
- That company was in a heated dispute with a local network station for more than six months, and did not carry the channel for a portion of that time.
- Unrelated (and yet related), as the Iowa Hawkeye football season approaches, it seems unlikely that many of the games will be shown on channels that I currently receive in my home, or that are even available at any price from my cable provider.
News from Iowa City this past week is that the dorms at the U of I will receive a cable feed for the Big Ten Network (BTN). The BTN is a new idea that I already dislike. The BTN and Mediacom have been unsuccessfully negotiating for months -- Iowa games airing on the BTN will not be seen in my neighborhood. If the two parties (BTN and Mediacom) do reach a deal, I'm sure it will result in another rate increase (and only available in a new package of networks). But I digress ...
The dorms are getting the BTN, and I'm not. Yet, my tax dollars are surely subsidizing the cost so that a college student can watch something that I can not.
The steep rise in higher education costs have been well-documented. I can understand why. As a student at the University of Northern Iowa, I lived in a small, warm room with a single phone jack and four television channels. Fifteen years later, dorm rooms are equipped with air conditioning, cable tv, and broadband access. I doubt those amenities are donated free of charge by the respective utility company.
So, what is the cost of us non-college students for watching Iowa football this fall? Games could be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ABC, and the Big Ten Network.
- Mediacom does not have, at any price, a package that includes all these channels.
- Dish TV also has yet to sign the BTN. It's package cost for everything but the BTN is $58. Fortunately, for my viewing pleasure, that includes access to a number of Spanish-speaking stations and the "Sirius Metropolitan Opera Channel."
- Want to go the Direct TV route? They've got everything I need (and a whole lotta don't needs) for $70, with a cost increase guaranteed after four months.
August 15, 2007
Michael Vick
You've heard the headlines even if you don't follow professional sports -- NFL quarterback Michael Vick on trial for arranging dogfighting at his property in Virginia.
There are a lot of angles to this story:
Vick will win sympathy votes because, by all accounts, his upbringing was poor and very difficult. In fact, we should feel sympathy for any child in those circumstances. But Vick is no longer financially poor, just morally bankrupt. If we wish to feel anything for Vick, it should be hope that he will surrender his life to the highest moral authority -- Jesus -- and that future chapters of his story will reflect the miracle of God's grace.
That doesn't exclude the nature of his present predicament. The legal system should run its course. If appropriate, he should be found guilty and imprisoned (others that have been charged are essentially pleading guilty and plea bargaining lesser sentences). He should never play professional football again. He will serve as a reminder that no one is above the law.
There are a lot of angles to this story:
- Vick is not only the face of the Atlanta Falcons, he is a headliner for the NFL. When he came into the league, he was supposed to revolutionize how the game was played with a quarterback's legs (never mind that Fran Tarkenton did that 40 years ago).
- Though Vick is highly publicized, he has arguably never lived up to the hype. Atlanta has been a mostly-average team. Vick's personal statistics do not jump off the page. In fact, his completion percentage is in decline. He is an interesting, but average, QB.
- Vick is not yet being accused of betting on the dogfights, rather, just buying the dogs, arranging the fights, watching the dogs die, and burying the dogs. Betting on the fights is another crime alltogether, and apparently one with a stiffer sentence.
- If this was snake fighting, would anyone care? Dogfighting is illegal. Is this illegality based on immorality? I suppose you could say it is. If you own a dog, or like dogs, you are far more outraged by this story than those of us who don't count canines as our best friends.
- This isn't Vick's only brush with controversy and the law. Last year he was in trouble for making obscene gestures to fans. In January 2007 he was detained for allegedly transporting marijuana through Miami International airport (he was cleared of any wrongdoing). While these incidents do not speak of illegality, they may speak of his character.
- Anybody remember Marcus Vicks? That's Michael's younger brother. He too was a star QB at Virginia Tech. But the younger Vick was dismissed form the Hokies for a series of boo-boos. First, he was arrested and suspended in 2004. Then in '05, he roughed up an opposing player, intentionally stomping on the leg of a player who had tackled him. Then, another arrest, for driving with a suspended license. I wouldn't be surprised is his grades were less than stellar, too. Now, Michael is Michael, and Marcus is Marcus, but the behavior of each seems to reflect the values of the other.
Vick will win sympathy votes because, by all accounts, his upbringing was poor and very difficult. In fact, we should feel sympathy for any child in those circumstances. But Vick is no longer financially poor, just morally bankrupt. If we wish to feel anything for Vick, it should be hope that he will surrender his life to the highest moral authority -- Jesus -- and that future chapters of his story will reflect the miracle of God's grace.
That doesn't exclude the nature of his present predicament. The legal system should run its course. If appropriate, he should be found guilty and imprisoned (others that have been charged are essentially pleading guilty and plea bargaining lesser sentences). He should never play professional football again. He will serve as a reminder that no one is above the law.
May 7, 2007
Nice Gig if You can Get It
How would you like to make $5,714 for every second of real work that you do? That's about what Roger Clemens is going to make beginning June 1.
Clemens is a 45 year-old Major League pitcher with a Hall of Fame career in his rear view mirror. Two years ago he retired, only to be lured out of retirement by the Houston Astros when they promised to pay him an unbelievable amount of money and leave him alone on the days he didn't have to pitch (Clemens' home is in Houston and he didn't want to be bothered by traveling out of town with the team if he wasn't going to play).
That scenario, apparently, worked out well for both the 'Stros and Clemens. So well, that he's going to try it again this year. But the New York Yankees, a former team of Clemens, came in with such a doozy of an offer that ol' Roger is temporarily moving to the Big Apple.
Warning: unreliable math ahead
Clemens is going to be paid about $18 million over the course of the season between June and October. Let's break that number down using some performance assumptions:
Oh, and Clemens doesn't have to fly with the team on their private jet during those brutal road trips.
Fathers, have you played catch with your sons today? Might be a good time to see what kind of an arm junior has.
Clemens is a 45 year-old Major League pitcher with a Hall of Fame career in his rear view mirror. Two years ago he retired, only to be lured out of retirement by the Houston Astros when they promised to pay him an unbelievable amount of money and leave him alone on the days he didn't have to pitch (Clemens' home is in Houston and he didn't want to be bothered by traveling out of town with the team if he wasn't going to play).
That scenario, apparently, worked out well for both the 'Stros and Clemens. So well, that he's going to try it again this year. But the New York Yankees, a former team of Clemens, came in with such a doozy of an offer that ol' Roger is temporarily moving to the Big Apple.
Warning: unreliable math ahead
Clemens is going to be paid about $18 million over the course of the season between June and October. Let's break that number down using some performance assumptions:
- If Clemens makes 30 starts, he'll be paid $600,000 per start
- If he pitches an average of seven innings per start, he'll make $85,714 per inning
- If he makes 15 pitches per inning, that comes to $5,714 per pitch
- If his ratio of strikes to balls is 2/1, he'll make $571 per usable pitch
- If he wins 2/3 of his starts that's $900,000 per win
Oh, and Clemens doesn't have to fly with the team on their private jet during those brutal road trips.
Fathers, have you played catch with your sons today? Might be a good time to see what kind of an arm junior has.
March 5, 2007
Spring
Apparently, three robins were lost this morning. They were sitting in a tree near my parking lot, basking in the glow of the overcast skies and 22 degree temps. There woudn't have been any reason for the birds to be on the ground -- good luck pecking through the frozen grass to find worms.
Robins in Iowa are generally a sign that spring is on the way. Since our winter weather came late and with a vengeance, robins seem out of place at the moment. For many Iowans, spring is the favorite season. Snow is replaced by rain, brown grass by green, tulips and daffodils make their appearances ... it's a grand show. The doldrums of winter, which include weight gain and a certain level of depressions for many, give way to cheery greetings, new diet and exercise programs, and outside activity (minus the snow shovel). Turning the page to March also signifies that the baseball season is just around the corner, and the Iowa Farm League player draft.
As the co-founder and commissioner of the league, one of my duties is to round up all the other team owners and herd them towards the New York Life building on the last Saturday of the month. Its on that day that we sit in a conference room for five hours and craft a dozen fantasy teams that consist of 23 professional baseball players from National League rosters. This is our 11th year of existence, with a gap of a couple years in there.
Baseball is just one sport that comes around in spring. Golf is another. I plan for this to be the year that my kids accompany me to the golf course and begin to learn the game. I'm looking forward to teaching them how to stand improperly, grip the club improperly, swing improperly, and then question why the ball doesn't land where it is supposed to. Ah, good times.
Robins in Iowa are generally a sign that spring is on the way. Since our winter weather came late and with a vengeance, robins seem out of place at the moment. For many Iowans, spring is the favorite season. Snow is replaced by rain, brown grass by green, tulips and daffodils make their appearances ... it's a grand show. The doldrums of winter, which include weight gain and a certain level of depressions for many, give way to cheery greetings, new diet and exercise programs, and outside activity (minus the snow shovel). Turning the page to March also signifies that the baseball season is just around the corner, and the Iowa Farm League player draft.
As the co-founder and commissioner of the league, one of my duties is to round up all the other team owners and herd them towards the New York Life building on the last Saturday of the month. Its on that day that we sit in a conference room for five hours and craft a dozen fantasy teams that consist of 23 professional baseball players from National League rosters. This is our 11th year of existence, with a gap of a couple years in there.
Baseball is just one sport that comes around in spring. Golf is another. I plan for this to be the year that my kids accompany me to the golf course and begin to learn the game. I'm looking forward to teaching them how to stand improperly, grip the club improperly, swing improperly, and then question why the ball doesn't land where it is supposed to. Ah, good times.
February 7, 2007
Super Bowl, Super Ads?
After surviving the first seven seconds of the game, the Colts came through and dominated the Bears. The score was closer than it should have been. Prior to the game I mentioned to a fellow watcher that the Colts would win by 17. Didn't quite happen that way, but it could have.
Some watch "The Game" for the game, others for the halftime show. I watched a few minutes of Prince singing "Let's Go Grazy," then went for some munchy refills. Been there, done that, 21 years ago (yes, it's been that long).
And then, there's the advertisements. Since today is Wednesday, I figure that the most impacful ads would be the ones I still remember. That is the point of advertising, right? That people will remember your product long after the commercial has aired? For the $2.8 million paid for each 30 second time slot, these companies better hope I take memory of their ads to my grave.
So, which one's stand out?
And by the way, the Colts will repeat in Super Bowl XXXXII.
Some watch "The Game" for the game, others for the halftime show. I watched a few minutes of Prince singing "Let's Go Grazy," then went for some munchy refills. Been there, done that, 21 years ago (yes, it's been that long).
And then, there's the advertisements. Since today is Wednesday, I figure that the most impacful ads would be the ones I still remember. That is the point of advertising, right? That people will remember your product long after the commercial has aired? For the $2.8 million paid for each 30 second time slot, these companies better hope I take memory of their ads to my grave.
So, which one's stand out?
- I liked the one where the critters are using a live mouse to try and run their computer. It made me laugh. But I don't remember the product it was touting. I'm probably not going to go out and buy a live mouse, nor a computer mouse, so that ad didn't earn any money for the sponsor.
- The rock, paper, scissors ad with the two guys fighting over the last beer was also funny. Since Budweiser was the primary (only?) beer advertisor during the game, I assume that was a Bud or Bud Light ad.
- The series of ads from CareerBuilder.com were comical. The fact that I remember CareerBuilder.com is a nice bonus. Sadly, I'm not planning to visit their website.
- GoDaddy has been trying with all their might to make a splash with Super Bowl advertising by showing some skin. Visit their website and you can read all about Bob Parson's fight with the FCC over racy commercials, and why they go that route in the first place. I don't like the ads, for obvious reasons. But at least this year's "Everyone wants to work in marketing" tagline was humorous.
- The various ads from Doritos (the homemade variety), the car commercials (can't remember which cars) and the tribute to black coaches were fine fillers, but not particularly impactful. I certainly won't be going out and buying a new Toyota Tundra as a result of watching a computer generated scene of peril.
And by the way, the Colts will repeat in Super Bowl XXXXII.
January 24, 2007
Environmental Wacko Pick
Listened to the State of the Uion address last night ... not much to comment on. I feel like I've heard it all before. The most interesting part of the speech to me is watching which side of the aisle applauds which points. My wife watched with me last night and said "That must be where the Democrats are sitting."
Touche'.
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For about three years I listened to Rush Limbaugh every day (back in the mid-90s). I don't listen at all now, except for the occasional surfing the dial while riding in the car. But one thing I always thought was funny was his environmental wacko pro football picks. He would go through the games to be played the upcoming weekend and predict the outcome based on the natural order of things -- tongue-in-cheeck of course.
Dolphins vs. Packers -- Wait till those Packers get ahold of a Dolphin!
Patriots vs. Redskins -- We already know what happened when Patriots encountered Redskins!
Falcons vs. Cardinals -- The meek Cardinals will get eaten alive!
The upcoming Super Bowl pits the Indianapolis Colts vs. the Chicago Bears. Hmmmm ... Colts vs. Bears. These two animals would not be natural enemies of one another, as Colts can easily outrun Bears. Yet, Bears express a certain tenacity and carnivorous spirit that Colts do not. Therefore, the Bears will catch the Colts and tear them apart, gorging on their hindshanks like a Sunday buffet!
(In truth, I think the Colts are the better team and Peyton Manning is going to finally get his first Super Bowl ring.)
Touche'.
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For about three years I listened to Rush Limbaugh every day (back in the mid-90s). I don't listen at all now, except for the occasional surfing the dial while riding in the car. But one thing I always thought was funny was his environmental wacko pro football picks. He would go through the games to be played the upcoming weekend and predict the outcome based on the natural order of things -- tongue-in-cheeck of course.
Dolphins vs. Packers -- Wait till those Packers get ahold of a Dolphin!
Patriots vs. Redskins -- We already know what happened when Patriots encountered Redskins!
Falcons vs. Cardinals -- The meek Cardinals will get eaten alive!
The upcoming Super Bowl pits the Indianapolis Colts vs. the Chicago Bears. Hmmmm ... Colts vs. Bears. These two animals would not be natural enemies of one another, as Colts can easily outrun Bears. Yet, Bears express a certain tenacity and carnivorous spirit that Colts do not. Therefore, the Bears will catch the Colts and tear them apart, gorging on their hindshanks like a Sunday buffet!
(In truth, I think the Colts are the better team and Peyton Manning is going to finally get his first Super Bowl ring.)
November 9, 2006
Mac and the Knife
A little play on words from the Bobby Darin 1960s hit for my older readers (namely my parents).
The other Mac, Iowa State football coach Dan McCarney, met the knife Wednesday evening as the University's athletic director announced the "resignation" of the winningest coach in school history. Unfortunately for Coach Mac, he was also the losingest coach. That's what happens when you stay in one place for 12 years, and that place happens to be a subpar football school in an above par football conference.
Saying that revenue drives the entire athletic department (nay, the whole world) and football is the prime vehicle for earning revenue, AD Jamie Pollard tearfully said he had to replace Dan McCarney, using language that insinuated that he had no choice. "Coach McCarney is one of the biggest reasons I came to Iowa State," said Pollard. Pollard and McCarney both said that the football program could not afford a divided fan base.
During McCarney's tenure at ISU, the Cyclones played mediocre football, but created enough highlights to keep most fans happy. McCarney had more total losses than wins, and more conference losses than wins. He had a winning record against 1-AA opponents, and a .500 average against the Iowa Hawkeyes. The latter statistic was likely the most significant achievement in fans' eyes. ISU played in six bowl games (none of much prestige, however), winning two (the only wins in school history). Mac fought for improved facilities and got them. He pleaded for fan support, and was marginally successful.
But, in the end (as Pollard admitted), this is all about money. Jack Trice Stadium holds 45,814. Because of grassy seating areas that don't count as seats, you can cram about 56,000 in. If a seat costs $30 a pop, gate receipts for a home contest come to $1.68 million. If each fan spends another $6 on refreshments, that comes to about $2 million if the staidium is full. The you got the licensing fees from $40 sweatshirts and the like.
But, if you average only 40,000 fans, you miss out on half-a-million bucks. Conversely, if you filled the stadium with such regularity that it warranted adding 10,000 seats (see Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City), that's an increase of about a half million. A million bucks at Iowa State probably fully funds several sports, like cross country, soccer, softball and the like. Or, it pays almost the entire salary of the head football coach.
I'll be shocked ... shocked ... if the next 12 years at Iowa State are better football years than the last 12 have been. But the more important question is clearly this -- will the new coach be able to put fannies in the seats? If so, success will (apparently) be achieved.
The other Mac, Iowa State football coach Dan McCarney, met the knife Wednesday evening as the University's athletic director announced the "resignation" of the winningest coach in school history. Unfortunately for Coach Mac, he was also the losingest coach. That's what happens when you stay in one place for 12 years, and that place happens to be a subpar football school in an above par football conference.
Saying that revenue drives the entire athletic department (nay, the whole world) and football is the prime vehicle for earning revenue, AD Jamie Pollard tearfully said he had to replace Dan McCarney, using language that insinuated that he had no choice. "Coach McCarney is one of the biggest reasons I came to Iowa State," said Pollard. Pollard and McCarney both said that the football program could not afford a divided fan base.
During McCarney's tenure at ISU, the Cyclones played mediocre football, but created enough highlights to keep most fans happy. McCarney had more total losses than wins, and more conference losses than wins. He had a winning record against 1-AA opponents, and a .500 average against the Iowa Hawkeyes. The latter statistic was likely the most significant achievement in fans' eyes. ISU played in six bowl games (none of much prestige, however), winning two (the only wins in school history). Mac fought for improved facilities and got them. He pleaded for fan support, and was marginally successful.
But, in the end (as Pollard admitted), this is all about money. Jack Trice Stadium holds 45,814. Because of grassy seating areas that don't count as seats, you can cram about 56,000 in. If a seat costs $30 a pop, gate receipts for a home contest come to $1.68 million. If each fan spends another $6 on refreshments, that comes to about $2 million if the staidium is full. The you got the licensing fees from $40 sweatshirts and the like.
But, if you average only 40,000 fans, you miss out on half-a-million bucks. Conversely, if you filled the stadium with such regularity that it warranted adding 10,000 seats (see Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City), that's an increase of about a half million. A million bucks at Iowa State probably fully funds several sports, like cross country, soccer, softball and the like. Or, it pays almost the entire salary of the head football coach.
I'll be shocked ... shocked ... if the next 12 years at Iowa State are better football years than the last 12 have been. But the more important question is clearly this -- will the new coach be able to put fannies in the seats? If so, success will (apparently) be achieved.
November 3, 2006
Declawing the Mildcats
Iowa is bowl eligible. That's the obvious plus that came out of last week's game against Northern Illinois. While the score was not as close as I had predicted, it was a close game that left some fans distraught. I knew it would be tight. Iowa did not cover the betting spread.
This week Northwestern comes to turn. The Wildcats are Mildcats, having yet to win a Big Ten game. Prior to the season's first kickoff Northwestern lost their head coach to a fatal heart attack. They also had graduated their fine quarterback. The combination has drug the team into the cellar. They will not see any light this week.
Iowa proved it can win with either its starting QB or his backup. That's a comforting thing to know. Drew Tate is the apparent starter this week, bum thumb and all. Look for Iowa to get out to an early lead and take its foot off the gas later in the game.
Iowa 27
Northwestern 14
This week Northwestern comes to turn. The Wildcats are Mildcats, having yet to win a Big Ten game. Prior to the season's first kickoff Northwestern lost their head coach to a fatal heart attack. They also had graduated their fine quarterback. The combination has drug the team into the cellar. They will not see any light this week.
Iowa proved it can win with either its starting QB or his backup. That's a comforting thing to know. Drew Tate is the apparent starter this week, bum thumb and all. Look for Iowa to get out to an early lead and take its foot off the gas later in the game.
Iowa 27
Northwestern 14
October 27, 2006
Calling the Spread
I'm not much of a gambler. Outside of a friendly, low key NCAA tournament pool and $10 in a cruise ship casino, I don't recall ever wagering money.
Just for fun, I signed up this past fall for a college football pick'em contest through Yahoo. Each week you pick the winner of 18-20 games featuring nationally recognizable teams. Not only do you have to pick a winner, but you have to pick against the spread. So, if Iowa and Michigan are playing and Michigan is a 13 point favorite (this was the case last week), picking Iowa means that you expect them to win, or lose by less than 13. If you pick Michigan, they must win by 13 or more to count it as a successful pick.
I've been amazed by the number of games where the spread is dead-on accurate. It's a reminder that you're really not supposed to win money when you gamble -- at least, not a lot of money. Just enough to keep you coming back, so you'll bet (and lose) again.
Iowa did not cover the spread last week, thanks to a late-game Michigan touchdown. Ironically, most fans thought Iowa played a great game. Yet if you had bet on Iowa losing by less than 13 points, you lost your coin.
I don't know what the spread is for this week's game against Northern Illinois (it doesn't happen to be one of the pick'em games). But I see a challenging game ahead for Iowa. Northern Illinois has one of the nation's best running backs. If Iowa can shut him down, they might pass for 300 yards. But Iowa's biggest concern is the absence of starting QB Drew Tate. Iowa's ofense has been inconsistent, and could lay an egg Saturday.
I think the game might be uncomfortably close. If the weather is cold and wet, anything could happen. Hawk fans, cross your fingers and rub your rabbit foot.
Iowa 16
Northern Illinois 13
Just for fun, I signed up this past fall for a college football pick'em contest through Yahoo. Each week you pick the winner of 18-20 games featuring nationally recognizable teams. Not only do you have to pick a winner, but you have to pick against the spread. So, if Iowa and Michigan are playing and Michigan is a 13 point favorite (this was the case last week), picking Iowa means that you expect them to win, or lose by less than 13. If you pick Michigan, they must win by 13 or more to count it as a successful pick.
I've been amazed by the number of games where the spread is dead-on accurate. It's a reminder that you're really not supposed to win money when you gamble -- at least, not a lot of money. Just enough to keep you coming back, so you'll bet (and lose) again.
Iowa did not cover the spread last week, thanks to a late-game Michigan touchdown. Ironically, most fans thought Iowa played a great game. Yet if you had bet on Iowa losing by less than 13 points, you lost your coin.
I don't know what the spread is for this week's game against Northern Illinois (it doesn't happen to be one of the pick'em games). But I see a challenging game ahead for Iowa. Northern Illinois has one of the nation's best running backs. If Iowa can shut him down, they might pass for 300 yards. But Iowa's biggest concern is the absence of starting QB Drew Tate. Iowa's ofense has been inconsistent, and could lay an egg Saturday.
I think the game might be uncomfortably close. If the weather is cold and wet, anything could happen. Hawk fans, cross your fingers and rub your rabbit foot.
Iowa 16
Northern Illinois 13
October 20, 2006
Maize and Blue Gives Black and Blue
Iowa's disastrous game last Saturday against Indiana has been well-chronicled in the local media. The bottom line is two-fold. First, that a loss to Indiana should not have happened at this stage of the Iowa program. But second, that's why the game is played and predictions aren't worth the paper (or the electronic media device) they're printed on.
I looked back to previous blog entries this fall and noticed that I never gave a season projection of wins for the Iowa team. I had meant to. So, while it may appear to be cheating now that the season is half over, my prediction would have been (you just half to trust me):
9-3
I would have said that Iowa loses to Ohio State. I would have said that Iowa would lose to either Iowa State, Wisconsin, or Purdue. And I would have said that Iowa loses to Michigan.
Of course, Iowa did lose to Ohio State. Since Iowa has beaten ISU and Purdue, it stands to reason that I think Iowa can (and will) be beaten by Wisconsin. And this weekend, Iowa will lose to Michigan. Couple those predictions with Iowa's unexpected loss, and I think the team will finish 8-4.
This weekend could be brutal. Michigan has the best run defense in the conference (maybe the country). Iowa's first string guy is hurt, third string guy is hurt, and the second string guy has a recent habit of fumbling. If Iowa can't run, that means QB Drew Tate will have to pass 40-50 times. I'm comfortable with Tate passing, but I'm not comfortable with the guys on the receiving end. There have been a lot of missed routes and dropped balls this year among Iowa's inexperienced and less talented receiving corps. The breakout guy of the year, Dominque Douglas, may be hobbling due to an injury suffered last week.
I don't like the way this game is setting up. If Iowa looked bad against OSU at home, I think the result at Michigan may be worse. With that in mind ...
Iowa 17
Michigan 38
I looked back to previous blog entries this fall and noticed that I never gave a season projection of wins for the Iowa team. I had meant to. So, while it may appear to be cheating now that the season is half over, my prediction would have been (you just half to trust me):
9-3
I would have said that Iowa loses to Ohio State. I would have said that Iowa would lose to either Iowa State, Wisconsin, or Purdue. And I would have said that Iowa loses to Michigan.
Of course, Iowa did lose to Ohio State. Since Iowa has beaten ISU and Purdue, it stands to reason that I think Iowa can (and will) be beaten by Wisconsin. And this weekend, Iowa will lose to Michigan. Couple those predictions with Iowa's unexpected loss, and I think the team will finish 8-4.
This weekend could be brutal. Michigan has the best run defense in the conference (maybe the country). Iowa's first string guy is hurt, third string guy is hurt, and the second string guy has a recent habit of fumbling. If Iowa can't run, that means QB Drew Tate will have to pass 40-50 times. I'm comfortable with Tate passing, but I'm not comfortable with the guys on the receiving end. There have been a lot of missed routes and dropped balls this year among Iowa's inexperienced and less talented receiving corps. The breakout guy of the year, Dominque Douglas, may be hobbling due to an injury suffered last week.
I don't like the way this game is setting up. If Iowa looked bad against OSU at home, I think the result at Michigan may be worse. With that in mind ...
Iowa 17
Michigan 38
October 12, 2006
Seeing Red
Just four days ago I was at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, basking in the glow of an Iowa blowout over Purdue and an even more robust glow from the 82-degree sun. The left side of my face and the tops of my knees sunburned while the Hawks burned the Boilermakers interior defensive line. Oh, how quickly things change. This morning in Cedar Rapids there is a dusting of snow on the ground and temps are in the high 30's.
Also changed is the opponent for this week's game. Iowa travels to Indiana to face the Hoosiers. Indiana is one of three teams in the Big Ten (Illinois and Northwestern are the other two) that should be gimme wins for everyone else in the conference. Of course, that's what Hawk fans said two days before Iowa played Illinois and Syracuse -- both wins, but by the slimmest of margins.
This Iowa team is a tough one to figure out. They played a bad game against an outstanding Ohio State team. The played a great game against an above average Purdue squad. They were aweful against the two teams dressed in orange, and just fine in wins over teams of red (Iowa State and Montana -- I'll call Ohio State a silver team).
Maybe Iowa is a team whose performance can be predicted by color. Good on red, great on gold, suspect against orange. What about blue (Michigan) and purple (Northwestern)?
This week is a red team. Look for Iowa to come out and play a red game -- not too flashy, but gets the job done. Then, we get ready for a blue week (might be blue in more ways than one).
Iowa 27
The Red Team in Indiana 14
Also changed is the opponent for this week's game. Iowa travels to Indiana to face the Hoosiers. Indiana is one of three teams in the Big Ten (Illinois and Northwestern are the other two) that should be gimme wins for everyone else in the conference. Of course, that's what Hawk fans said two days before Iowa played Illinois and Syracuse -- both wins, but by the slimmest of margins.
This Iowa team is a tough one to figure out. They played a bad game against an outstanding Ohio State team. The played a great game against an above average Purdue squad. They were aweful against the two teams dressed in orange, and just fine in wins over teams of red (Iowa State and Montana -- I'll call Ohio State a silver team).
Maybe Iowa is a team whose performance can be predicted by color. Good on red, great on gold, suspect against orange. What about blue (Michigan) and purple (Northwestern)?
This week is a red team. Look for Iowa to come out and play a red game -- not too flashy, but gets the job done. Then, we get ready for a blue week (might be blue in more ways than one).
Iowa 27
The Red Team in Indiana 14
October 5, 2006
Gold on Gold
The point spread got a little out of control last week in the Iowa-Ohio State game. Blame it on quarterback Drew Tate and Iowa's need to go all pass after it fell behind in the second half. That's a lot of pressure on an above average (but not great) QB who is apparently suffering from a painful abdominal injury.
This week I will be among the 70,000 at Kinnick, thanks to my parents still being out of town and their tickets needing a user. My father-in-law Dick and I will be on the 32 yard line expecting a big victory.
Purdue is a pass-happy team that is a little defense. Iowa is going to run, run, run until it proves it can, and then it will run some more. If the run isn't working, only then will the Hawks consistently put the ball in the air. When Purdue has the ball, it will drive Iowa fans crazy with the five yard passes all day long.
I look for an Iowa win, for sure, but the point prediction is tough. Will the game be close? Will it be high scoring or low? I think it will be a close game, and the score will be medium. Lets call it ...
Iowa 24
PU 20
October 4, 2006
Baseball Blowout
The Major League baseball regular season just came to a close, and with it, the fantasy Iowa Farm League.
I was out of the race early. A number of my players spent significant time healing from injures early in the season (I was in third place in late May). Then, my biggest stars were traded from the National League to the American League, and nothing of value came back in return. This pushed Hags Hawgs down to 11th place in a two month span (July and August). In early September I made a number of moves, essentially giving up on most offensive categories, and focusing on three categories I thought I could win -- saves, holds, and WHIP. The strategy worked, and I gained four places in the standings. In the final tally, I was seventh in the league -- better than 11th, but not nearly as good as I had hoped leaving the draft table. I won the three statistical categories I could, but had little else I could muster.
In the world of real baseball, I have lost some interest this past year. My Cubs lost their studs Derek Lee, Mark Prior, and Kerry Woods early on, and have now fired their manager Dusty Baker. Their record was the worst among National League teams. Beyond the Cubs, the NL almost resembles AAA baseball, compared to the American League. Big budget AL teams in New York, Boston, Toronto, Baltimore, Texas, Chicago and LA have been buying NL talent for several years now. I think this will be reflected in the World Series this year, just as it has shown up in recent playoffs and All-Star games.
In my opinion, baseball needs to inforce a salary cap like the National Football League, thereby allowing smaller market teams to compete on a level playing field. Who are some of the leading teams in the NFL? Kansas City, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Denver, Green Bay (until recently). Those same cities have poor baseball franchises, or none at all, because of the fan base.
Next year's IFL draft is just six months away (the baseball season is a long one). I'll be ready.
I was out of the race early. A number of my players spent significant time healing from injures early in the season (I was in third place in late May). Then, my biggest stars were traded from the National League to the American League, and nothing of value came back in return. This pushed Hags Hawgs down to 11th place in a two month span (July and August). In early September I made a number of moves, essentially giving up on most offensive categories, and focusing on three categories I thought I could win -- saves, holds, and WHIP. The strategy worked, and I gained four places in the standings. In the final tally, I was seventh in the league -- better than 11th, but not nearly as good as I had hoped leaving the draft table. I won the three statistical categories I could, but had little else I could muster.
In the world of real baseball, I have lost some interest this past year. My Cubs lost their studs Derek Lee, Mark Prior, and Kerry Woods early on, and have now fired their manager Dusty Baker. Their record was the worst among National League teams. Beyond the Cubs, the NL almost resembles AAA baseball, compared to the American League. Big budget AL teams in New York, Boston, Toronto, Baltimore, Texas, Chicago and LA have been buying NL talent for several years now. I think this will be reflected in the World Series this year, just as it has shown up in recent playoffs and All-Star games.
In my opinion, baseball needs to inforce a salary cap like the National Football League, thereby allowing smaller market teams to compete on a level playing field. Who are some of the leading teams in the NFL? Kansas City, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Denver, Green Bay (until recently). Those same cities have poor baseball franchises, or none at all, because of the fan base.
Next year's IFL draft is just six months away (the baseball season is a long one). I'll be ready.
September 28, 2006
Saturday Night Lights
The biggest thing in regular season college athletics is coming to Iowa tomorrow. ESPN GameDay is on its way to Iowa City to broadcast the Saturday evening football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and The Ohio State University Buckeyes. The eyes of collegiate football fans will soak up the sights and sound of Iowa City for a couple of days, and the atmosphere of Kinnick Stadium for three hours.
How do you know that Iowa football is not a national power (and may never be).? Simple -- ESPN GameDay is an exceptional happening. This is not your average week of football in Eastern Iowa. Everyone remotely interested in the Hawkeyes knows that their team is in the spotlight Saturday night like they haven't been for 14 years. In fact (as Blue would say), that's a clue! Fans can remember the last time there was a night game at Kinnick (1992 against Miami) and the last time GameDay was in town (1985 vs. Ohio State).
When was GameDay last in Columbus? Last week. South Bend, College Station, Lincoln, Los Angeles? Very recently. Those are a few of the hometowns of college football programs who are truly powers.
So, what kind of impression will the Hawks leave on the 18 million people that tune in at 7 p.m. on Saturday night? Ah, that is the question every fan is asking -- is this Iowa team for real?
Iowa is for real, as is the homefield atmosphere that will be like a 12th man on the field in black and gold. But is Iowa ready to play and beat the unanimous #1 team in the country, with the unanimous #1 star?
Nope, at least I haven't seen anything yet this year that indicates so.
And so while it pains me to have to pick against Iowa, it must be done. Iowa drops their first game of the season this week. Look for a poor showing the first half of the game, with some recovery in the second half.
Iowa: 17
Ohio State: 27
How do you know that Iowa football is not a national power (and may never be).? Simple -- ESPN GameDay is an exceptional happening. This is not your average week of football in Eastern Iowa. Everyone remotely interested in the Hawkeyes knows that their team is in the spotlight Saturday night like they haven't been for 14 years. In fact (as Blue would say), that's a clue! Fans can remember the last time there was a night game at Kinnick (1992 against Miami) and the last time GameDay was in town (1985 vs. Ohio State).
When was GameDay last in Columbus? Last week. South Bend, College Station, Lincoln, Los Angeles? Very recently. Those are a few of the hometowns of college football programs who are truly powers.
So, what kind of impression will the Hawks leave on the 18 million people that tune in at 7 p.m. on Saturday night? Ah, that is the question every fan is asking -- is this Iowa team for real?
Iowa is for real, as is the homefield atmosphere that will be like a 12th man on the field in black and gold. But is Iowa ready to play and beat the unanimous #1 team in the country, with the unanimous #1 star?
Nope, at least I haven't seen anything yet this year that indicates so.
And so while it pains me to have to pick against Iowa, it must be done. Iowa drops their first game of the season this week. Look for a poor showing the first half of the game, with some recovery in the second half.
Iowa: 17
Ohio State: 27
September 14, 2006
CyHawk
Football in the state of Iowa reaches its annual pinnacle this weekend when Iowa and Iowa State square off. During Hayden Fry's glory years at Iowa, the Hawks owned the Cyclones. But since 1998, the Clones have taken six of eight games. In 2002, Iowa's only loss was in the second half to ISU.
A couple of subplots to the game this week:
I'm making two predictions for this Saturday.
If Tate plays four quarters:
Iowa 24
Iowa State 17
If Manson is the man:
Iowa 16
Iowa State 14
(Iowa wins with a field goal in the last minute of the game)
A couple of subplots to the game this week:
- Iowa QB Drew Tate sat out last Saturday with an injury. Iowa won without him, but only by the thinnest of hairs on backup Jason Manson's chin.
- An Iowa win this week likely vaults Iowa back to #12 or so in the ratings. A win by Ohio State this week keeps them at #1. The two teams play next Saturday in Iowa City, in prime time on ABC.
- Most people in these parts believe ISU traditionally plays their best game against the Hawks because they want the win more badly. That's probably not true, but its a good excuse for Iowa fans when their team loses. This year, particularly, I don't think there's any chance whatsoever that the black-and-gold are looking past the cardinal-and-gold.
I'm making two predictions for this Saturday.
If Tate plays four quarters:
Iowa 24
Iowa State 17
If Manson is the man:
Iowa 16
Iowa State 14
(Iowa wins with a field goal in the last minute of the game)
September 7, 2006
Black, Gold and Orange
Haven't posted as much recently due to being out of town for Labor Day, and returning to a full schedule of work and website building. No, the website is not mine, but rather, a refresh of the New Life site.
My season of football prognosticating got off to a great start with an Iowa win (41-7) right in line with what I said would happen (41-13). Now for week two. Iowa travels to New York for a game against Syracuse. Their football program is, by all accounts, dismal. Several years ago when the schedule was made, the Orange were a .500 team that fought to got to a throwaway bowl. In fact, they were a lot like Iowa as Ferentz in his third season.
But Iowa has gotten better, and Syracuse has gone down the tubes.
If this were a Big Ten game, it would be something like Iowa vs. another orange team, the Illini. I think the score will be similar to Iowa traveling to a place like Champaign-Urbana. Not a blowout like Montana, but not topnotch competition either.
The Hawks come home 2-0 hungry for dates with Iowa State, Ohio State and Purdue.
Iowa 31
Syracuse 10
My season of football prognosticating got off to a great start with an Iowa win (41-7) right in line with what I said would happen (41-13). Now for week two. Iowa travels to New York for a game against Syracuse. Their football program is, by all accounts, dismal. Several years ago when the schedule was made, the Orange were a .500 team that fought to got to a throwaway bowl. In fact, they were a lot like Iowa as Ferentz in his third season.
But Iowa has gotten better, and Syracuse has gone down the tubes.
If this were a Big Ten game, it would be something like Iowa vs. another orange team, the Illini. I think the score will be similar to Iowa traveling to a place like Champaign-Urbana. Not a blowout like Montana, but not topnotch competition either.
The Hawks come home 2-0 hungry for dates with Iowa State, Ohio State and Purdue.
Iowa 31
Syracuse 10
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