Below is each of the past five articles published in the Chattanoogan, Chattanooga Times Free Press and Cleveland Daily Banner that I wrote so far this season as beat reporter for Cleveland State CC athletics. Will continue posting these as time goes along.
http://cscougars.com/sports/bsb/2014-15/releases/20150319jawn6y
http://cscougars.com/sports/bsb/2014-15/releases/20150319dgdogv
http://cscougars.com/sports/sball/2014-15/releases/20150316i2oagl
http://cscougars.com/sports/bsb/2014-15/releases/20150316wkw441
http://cscougars.com/sports/sball/2014-15/releases/20150315a2wbcg
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Sunday, June 15, 2014
NBA Playoff Predictions
Here's my way too late NBA Playoffs prediction. Better late than never as they say.
Round 1
East
Pacers vs Hawks - Pacers in 5
Bulls vs Wizards - Bulls in 6
Raptors vs Nets - Nets in 6
Heat vs Bobcats - Heat in 5
West
Spurs vs Mavericks - Spurs in 6
Rockets vs Blazers - Rockets in 6
Clippers vs Warriors - Clippers in 6
Thunder vs Grizzlies - Thunder in 5
Conference Semi-Finals
East
Pacers vs Bulls - Pacers in 6
Heat vs Nets - Heat in 6
West
Spurs vs Rockets - Spurs in 6
Thunder vs Clippers - Thunder in 6
Conference Finals
East
Pacers vs Heat - Heat in 6
West
Spurs vs Thunder - Thunder in 6
Finals
Thunder vs Heat - Heat in 7
11-3 overall picking each series thus far. Even though it's Heat vs Spurs, different than my finals prediction, and the Heat are down 3-1, I'm still sticking to my Heat in 7 finals pick.
The Spurs have owned the Heat this series, but I stick to my picks no matter what. And I expect LeBron will prove his legacy by pulling off a historic comeback against one of the best teams in NBA history.
Round 1
East
Pacers vs Hawks - Pacers in 5
Bulls vs Wizards - Bulls in 6
Raptors vs Nets - Nets in 6
Heat vs Bobcats - Heat in 5
West
Spurs vs Mavericks - Spurs in 6
Rockets vs Blazers - Rockets in 6
Clippers vs Warriors - Clippers in 6
Thunder vs Grizzlies - Thunder in 5
Conference Semi-Finals
East
Pacers vs Bulls - Pacers in 6
Heat vs Nets - Heat in 6
West
Spurs vs Rockets - Spurs in 6
Thunder vs Clippers - Thunder in 6
Conference Finals
East
Pacers vs Heat - Heat in 6
West
Spurs vs Thunder - Thunder in 6
Finals
Thunder vs Heat - Heat in 7
11-3 overall picking each series thus far. Even though it's Heat vs Spurs, different than my finals prediction, and the Heat are down 3-1, I'm still sticking to my Heat in 7 finals pick.
The Spurs have owned the Heat this series, but I stick to my picks no matter what. And I expect LeBron will prove his legacy by pulling off a historic comeback against one of the best teams in NBA history.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Super Bowl Pick
The day is finally upon us. It's always bitter sweet because it's the biggest game on earth, but it also means it's the last day of football for a while.
I predicted 49ers vs Broncos in the Super Bowl at the beginning of the year and thought San Fran would take home the Lombardi trophy. I didn't account for Colin Kaepernick pulling a Tony Romo. After Kaep's performance last week I won't pick the 9ers to win anything until he can prove he can.
With that being said, I'm picking the Broncos to win it all. This is Peyton's year. He's broke so many records with the most impressive may be winning his fifth MVP award last night. Unprecedented.
The Seahawks defense is the best in the league, the best in a long time in the league. And Peyton's arm strength isn't what it once was, but his preparation and anticipation has never been better.
Everyone's discussing the #1 Broncos offense vs. the #1 Seahawks defense, but I think the more important match up is between the Seahawks offense and the Broncos defense.
The Broncos D is solid. Not as good as Seattle's, but still very good. Add to it that this is future Hall of Famer Broncos CB Champ Bailey's first ever Super Bowl and I see their D playing the best game to date. And I'm predicting Champ to get a pick in this one.
Seattle's offense has struggled down the stretch and second year QB Russell Wilson, while a very good young QB, just doesn't have the experience to win it this year. RB Marshawn Lynch will go "Beast Mode" but the Broncos run D will contain him enough to not let him control the game.
Too many things have to happen in the Seahawks favor for them to win. I just can't see Peyton looking on as Russell Wilson holds up the trophy. Not this year. This is Peyton's year.
I predicted 49ers vs Broncos in the Super Bowl at the beginning of the year and thought San Fran would take home the Lombardi trophy. I didn't account for Colin Kaepernick pulling a Tony Romo. After Kaep's performance last week I won't pick the 9ers to win anything until he can prove he can.
With that being said, I'm picking the Broncos to win it all. This is Peyton's year. He's broke so many records with the most impressive may be winning his fifth MVP award last night. Unprecedented.
The Seahawks defense is the best in the league, the best in a long time in the league. And Peyton's arm strength isn't what it once was, but his preparation and anticipation has never been better.
Everyone's discussing the #1 Broncos offense vs. the #1 Seahawks defense, but I think the more important match up is between the Seahawks offense and the Broncos defense.
The Broncos D is solid. Not as good as Seattle's, but still very good. Add to it that this is future Hall of Famer Broncos CB Champ Bailey's first ever Super Bowl and I see their D playing the best game to date. And I'm predicting Champ to get a pick in this one.
Seattle's offense has struggled down the stretch and second year QB Russell Wilson, while a very good young QB, just doesn't have the experience to win it this year. RB Marshawn Lynch will go "Beast Mode" but the Broncos run D will contain him enough to not let him control the game.
Too many things have to happen in the Seahawks favor for them to win. I just can't see Peyton looking on as Russell Wilson holds up the trophy. Not this year. This is Peyton's year.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
NFL Playoff Picks; Championship Round
Well, there are a few reasons for my picks this week, but my main reason is this, these two teams I picked to go to the Super Bowl before the season started.
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos: Broncos win. It's tough to pick against Tom Brady when the game matters, but this is Peyton's year. He broke Brady's single season TD record, stole his wide receiver (Wes Welker), and now tough times will come in threes for Tom because Manning has the better team. If Rob Gronkowski were healthy for the Patriots I'd pick New England, but he isn't and even with Denver's injuries and struggles on defense their offense is more potent than the Patriots, who have their own injury problems.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: 49ers win. Russell Wilson has struggled the last few weeks for the Seahawks and Colin Kaepernick has played great lately with a chip on his shoulder to get back to the Super Bowl. Both defenses and running games are great, but the edge goes to San Fran in the receiving game.
Overall I'm 173-90 (66%) and 6-2 in the playoffs (75%) this season and I still see this as Denver and San Francisco playing for it all this year in New Jersey. You can bet on it.
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos: Broncos win. It's tough to pick against Tom Brady when the game matters, but this is Peyton's year. He broke Brady's single season TD record, stole his wide receiver (Wes Welker), and now tough times will come in threes for Tom because Manning has the better team. If Rob Gronkowski were healthy for the Patriots I'd pick New England, but he isn't and even with Denver's injuries and struggles on defense their offense is more potent than the Patriots, who have their own injury problems.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: 49ers win. Russell Wilson has struggled the last few weeks for the Seahawks and Colin Kaepernick has played great lately with a chip on his shoulder to get back to the Super Bowl. Both defenses and running games are great, but the edge goes to San Fran in the receiving game.
Overall I'm 173-90 (66%) and 6-2 in the playoffs (75%) this season and I still see this as Denver and San Francisco playing for it all this year in New Jersey. You can bet on it.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
NFL Playoff Picks; Divisional Round
Last week's wild card round picks were about the number two for me. I went 2-2 and learned two things.
One is never bet against Andrew Luck, even when he's down 28 points in the third quarter against one of the best defenses in the league while missing his top wide receiver. Luck has officially been added to the "never pick against him" list, joining Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, and Aaron Rodgers.
The other thing I learned from last week, never bet on the Bengals. No matter how talented their players are they will always be the Bungals. It's been 24 years since their last playoff victory.
Overall this season I am 169-90, a 65% winning percentage. Here are my picks this week.
New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks: Seahawks win. It's well documented that Drew Brees isn't the same player and the Saints aren't the same team on the road and in the elements. It's also well documented how great the Seahawks are at home. Seattle wins comfortably.
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots: Patriots win. Two great quarterbacks face off that no one should ever bet against. You have to pick against one and even though the Patriots are plagued with more injuries than the Colts I just can't go against Tom Brady at home in the playoffs against a second year QB.
San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers: 49ers win. This will be the most physical contest of the weekend. Both defenses are dominant and both QBs play a similar style. I'm giving this to the 49ers based on experience and the 49ers having better offensive weapons.
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos: Broncos win. The Chargers have the Broncos number and it's cold outside so Peyton might not play as well. The Chargers are hot, but this isn't the Bengals they face this week. This is Peyton in the playoffs at home trying to cement his legacy during his historic season. Broncos win, even if Philip Rivers wears the bolo tie.
My winning percentage suggests I'll go 3-1 this week, but you never know at this time of year. And in my Pick 'Em league I'm up 8 games, there's only 7 left, so I clinched the title meaning I really don't mind my opponents reading this. Good luck.
One is never bet against Andrew Luck, even when he's down 28 points in the third quarter against one of the best defenses in the league while missing his top wide receiver. Luck has officially been added to the "never pick against him" list, joining Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, and Aaron Rodgers.
The other thing I learned from last week, never bet on the Bengals. No matter how talented their players are they will always be the Bungals. It's been 24 years since their last playoff victory.
Overall this season I am 169-90, a 65% winning percentage. Here are my picks this week.
New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks: Seahawks win. It's well documented that Drew Brees isn't the same player and the Saints aren't the same team on the road and in the elements. It's also well documented how great the Seahawks are at home. Seattle wins comfortably.
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots: Patriots win. Two great quarterbacks face off that no one should ever bet against. You have to pick against one and even though the Patriots are plagued with more injuries than the Colts I just can't go against Tom Brady at home in the playoffs against a second year QB.
San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers: 49ers win. This will be the most physical contest of the weekend. Both defenses are dominant and both QBs play a similar style. I'm giving this to the 49ers based on experience and the 49ers having better offensive weapons.
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos: Broncos win. The Chargers have the Broncos number and it's cold outside so Peyton might not play as well. The Chargers are hot, but this isn't the Bengals they face this week. This is Peyton in the playoffs at home trying to cement his legacy during his historic season. Broncos win, even if Philip Rivers wears the bolo tie.
My winning percentage suggests I'll go 3-1 this week, but you never know at this time of year. And in my Pick 'Em league I'm up 8 games, there's only 7 left, so I clinched the title meaning I really don't mind my opponents reading this. Good luck.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
NFL Playoff Picks: Wild Card Round
Below are my first round (wild card weekend) NFL Playoff picks. My regular season record this year was 167-88, a 65% winning percentage, and would make the playoffs as an NFL team.
Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts: Chiefs win. KC has the better defense and better offensive weapons. The Colts have the better QB, but it won't be enough, even in Indy. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has an unbelievable record coming off bye weeks, and I'm considering last week a bye since they sat nearly all of their starters.
New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles: Saints win. The Saints are not very good on the road, especially in cold elements, but the Eagles secondary is near the worst in the league. Drew Brees will pick them apart and the Saints defense will pressure Foles, forcing turnovers in his first playoff experience.
San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals: Bengals win. The Chargers shouldn't even be in the playoffs and nearly lost last week to the Chiefs back ups. The Bengals are the best overall team in the AFC. This will be Cincinnati's first playoff win since 1990.
San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers: 49ers win. Rodgers is back for the Pack, but he can't play on their sub par defense. The 49ers are the most complete team in the NFL and even though they are a California team playing on the road in the cold, they are a team built to win in cold weather. Keep in mind SF's QB Colin Kapernick was born in Wisconsin.
Out of these games I'd say the closest will be the KC at Indy game. The other three are sure bets in my mind.
I'm in a pick 'em league, but currently have a nine game advantage, so if my opponents are reading this I no longer care as it's all but clinched at this point.
Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts: Chiefs win. KC has the better defense and better offensive weapons. The Colts have the better QB, but it won't be enough, even in Indy. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has an unbelievable record coming off bye weeks, and I'm considering last week a bye since they sat nearly all of their starters.
New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles: Saints win. The Saints are not very good on the road, especially in cold elements, but the Eagles secondary is near the worst in the league. Drew Brees will pick them apart and the Saints defense will pressure Foles, forcing turnovers in his first playoff experience.
San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals: Bengals win. The Chargers shouldn't even be in the playoffs and nearly lost last week to the Chiefs back ups. The Bengals are the best overall team in the AFC. This will be Cincinnati's first playoff win since 1990.
San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers: 49ers win. Rodgers is back for the Pack, but he can't play on their sub par defense. The 49ers are the most complete team in the NFL and even though they are a California team playing on the road in the cold, they are a team built to win in cold weather. Keep in mind SF's QB Colin Kapernick was born in Wisconsin.
Out of these games I'd say the closest will be the KC at Indy game. The other three are sure bets in my mind.
I'm in a pick 'em league, but currently have a nine game advantage, so if my opponents are reading this I no longer care as it's all but clinched at this point.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Pittsburgh Steelers Still Playoff Eligible, Barely
Since the AFL-NFL merger only the 1992 San Diego Chargers made the playoffs after starting 0-4. This year's Pittsburgh Steelers look to become the second.
The Steelers still have a lot of work and luck cut out for them in week 16 of the season, but there is still a chance. (Top five most unlikely playoff participants.)
If the Steelers win their last two, the Miami Dolphins lose their last two, the Baltimore Ravens lose their last two, the San Diego Chargers lose one of their last two, and the New York Jets win their last two, the Steelers will make the playoffs, according to the NFL tie-breaking procedures. Sounds easy enough.
In this scenario each team's record is 8-8. First comes head to head. The Dolphins beat the Steelers, but the Ravens beat the Dolphins and the Steelers and Ravens split. The Dolphins beat the Chargers, but the Dolphins and Jets would split. The Ravens and Steelers both beat the Jets. Here the Chargers are eliminated (and also have the worst conference record).
Onto divisional games. The Steelers beat out the Ravens by one game and the Jets beat out the Dolphins by one game.
With the Steelers beating the Jets, the Steelers advance.
The Steelers still have a lot of work and luck cut out for them in week 16 of the season, but there is still a chance. (Top five most unlikely playoff participants.)
If the Steelers win their last two, the Miami Dolphins lose their last two, the Baltimore Ravens lose their last two, the San Diego Chargers lose one of their last two, and the New York Jets win their last two, the Steelers will make the playoffs, according to the NFL tie-breaking procedures. Sounds easy enough.
In this scenario each team's record is 8-8. First comes head to head. The Dolphins beat the Steelers, but the Ravens beat the Dolphins and the Steelers and Ravens split. The Dolphins beat the Chargers, but the Dolphins and Jets would split. The Ravens and Steelers both beat the Jets. Here the Chargers are eliminated (and also have the worst conference record).
Onto divisional games. The Steelers beat out the Ravens by one game and the Jets beat out the Dolphins by one game.
With the Steelers beating the Jets, the Steelers advance.
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