Double Post!
That's right, kids. Two doses of the Nate Dogg today because I'm in a good mood! It starts with football stuff and I'll end with some Best of 2005 awards. All aboard!!!
Tough one for Michigan the other night. Not much else to say. They got beat by a pretty average team. I talked a little U of M football with former backup placekicker Luke Perl who happened to spot me wearing my Tom Brady 2000 Orange Bowl replica jersey over the weekend. Cool guy. Can't recall if he ever played in any games, but... The TB jersey was a great Christmas gift from my girlfriend.
Without further ado, the conclusion of my bowl picks:
Capital One Bowl, Jan. 2- Orlando, FL
Wisconsin v. Auburn
After seeing Bucky play a lot more than I cared for this year (except for the game at Camp Randall, that was awesome.), I've been frustrated by this team. The squeak by both U of M's (Wolverines and Gophers), lose to Northwestern in a shootout and then in typical Badger style, limp to the finish. I guess I'll pull for Bucky to pull this one out, but I'm afraid the smart money's on Auburn.
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, Jan. 2- Tempe, AZ
Notre Dame v. Ohio St.
Quote of the bowl season from super Michigan fan, Grant Murray:
"Notre Dame is playing Ohio St in the Fiesta Bowl. Good god, can I root for a scoreless tie?"
In a related note, I don't care what Mel Kiper says, Brady Quinn is not going to be a better NFL quarterback than Matt Leinart. It just isn't going to happen. Can we stop with this talk now?
Nokia Sugar Bowl, Jan. 2- Atlanta, GA
Georgia v. West Virginia
How long has it taken us to pine for the days that Miami and Virginia Tech were in the Big East? Yep, this is your answer. I want to watch West Virginia about as much as I'd want to go watch somebody's garage band play five sets of Bob Dylan. UGA by a lot.
FedEx Orange Bowl, Jan. 3- Miami, FL
Florida St. v. Penn St.
Intrigue abounds in this matchup of coaches with about 800 wins and 250 years between them in Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno. I still cannot believe this is the same Penn St. football team that Grant and I saw scrambling to come back against Northwestern in September. I'll have to take them here. Hail the Lions of the Nittany Valley.
The Rose Bowl presented by Citi, Jan. 4- Pasadena, CA
Southern California v. Texas
I like USC in this one, but it's not because Reggie Bush is supposedly the greatest running back on the planet right now, it's more because they are the defending champs and I think they are just plain better than Texas. The Longhorns are by no means bad, but I think the jubilation of finally getting over the Oklahoma hump may have been their season. Texas doesn't seem to have the swagger right now to beat the champs, but there is always 2007.
Finally, I'm very dismayed by all the talk about Reggie Bush's impending NFL stardom. If the NFL draft has taught us anything, it is that nothing is for sure. Plus, I think a lot of folks forget things like: "The linebackers hit harder in the NFL." "They play a longer season." "NFL defenses are very smart." My point is, Reggie Bush had a huge college season and was the best player in the nation this year. Barring a Willis McGahee type injury next Wednesday he will most likely be cashing a huge check later in the year from the Saints or the 49ers. Then in August we will see what he can do on the next level. What I don't need right now in December of 2005 is people saying Reggie Bush is the best running back on any level. Just stop it.
---
First Annual Hossie Awards for 2005
Best TV Show- "Commander in chief." Turned out to be a lot more than I expected. It made me like Geena Davis. That was a small miracle after "A League of Their Own." A close second is Boston Legal.
Worst TV Show- "Britney & Kevin: Chaotic." True story. We watched this show for 2 minutes and then I set forth a decree that we never turn it on again. Under any circumstances.
Best Song- "Beverly Hills- Weezer" Close call between that and "The Geeks Get The Girl- American Hi-Fi," "Ohio (Come Back to Texas)- Bowling for Soup," and "Sugar- Trick Daddy and Lil Kim."
Worst Song- Mike Jones! Mike Jones! Mike Jones! Mike Jones! Mike Jones! SHUT THE HELL UP, MIKE JONES! Seriously, this year for hip-hop music may have been the single worst year for any genre in the history of time.
Best Movie- "Star Wars Episode III" Finally, one of the prequels lived up to expectations and hype. To be fair, I am bestowing this award and have not seen King Kong yet. The runners up in this category were "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" and "Batman Begins."
Worst Movie- "The Perfect Man" My old nemesis Roger Ebert actually summed this movie up best: "The Perfect Man" takes its idiotic plot and uses it as the excuse for scenes of awesome stupidity." Runner up? "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
Best Story- "Nick and Jessica Break Up." Remember when Jessica was the wholesome country girl that had tamed the heart of a hugely successful playboy? It's like someone flipped the "She becomes a skank overnight and he has nothing to do while she's filming Dukes of Hazzard, so he decides to bone every stripper he sees" switch this year. Pure entertainment.
Worst Story- Katrina.
Most Intriguing Person- Felicity Huffman. I have a feeling she'll be carrying her own TV shows long after Teri Hatcher is having her second bout of Used-to-be-on-a-popular-show-and-now-is-forgotten-itis and even after we are saying, "Remember that actress everyone thought was hot until they took a second look and realized it just wasn't true? It was Eva... Eva Long... something."
Worst Pain in The Butt Who People Couldn't Stop Discussing- Terrell Owens. Just go away. You are voted off the island.
Thing That Made Me Most Happy- Patriots. Tom Brady for President.
Thing That Makes The Least Sense- It's a toss up between Tom & Katie and the Tyra Banks talk show.
Things I hope for in 2006: No more reality TV (unless it's Cops), No more pissing off countries that have big militaries, No more huge hurricanes, More good Ryan Reynolds movies, Less marginally talented good looking people being talked about constantly, Less scandals from Republicans (you know, the whole throwing stones and glass houses thing), Less people from the Salvation Army going on TV news pissed off because people gave too much money to disaster relief and not to them, Less people from the Salvation Army on the news at all, Less millionare athletes claiming they need more money to "feed their families" or that they need a stipend to buy dress clothes, More hockey, Cheaper gas, The ability to fly.
Happy New Year, my friends!
I'm finished,
Nate
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Season's Greetings
A picture of me and the T Puppy, before we had some "holiday spirits.:
Merry Christmas!
Nate
Merry Christmas!
Nate
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Ruining My Fantasy.
I am still recovering from the shocking football loss this weekend. No, not the Colts blowing their chance for a perfect season. I'm talking about the 58-59 playoff loss that the Appleton Smoke suffered at the hands of the X-Men. I never thought it would end like this. I envisioned a final climactic battle between myself and Uncle Matt. It was not to be. Still, I took home $100 for second place in the regular season (when you figure that it was a $65 entry fee and I'll have $15 in transaction costs taken out of my winnings, my net is only $20), so all was not lost. Still, I have that empty feeling of wait until next year.
I'd like to take a moment to show some love to my boys that excelled this season for the Smoke: Marc Bulger, Jake Plummer, Shaun Alexander, Corey Dillon, Chad Johnson, and Josh Brown.
Now you shouldn't have to hear me talking about fantasy football until next year's draft. Everybody wins.
I'm finished,
Nate
I'd like to take a moment to show some love to my boys that excelled this season for the Smoke: Marc Bulger, Jake Plummer, Shaun Alexander, Corey Dillon, Chad Johnson, and Josh Brown.
Now you shouldn't have to hear me talking about fantasy football until next year's draft. Everybody wins.
I'm finished,
Nate
Monday, December 12, 2005
Reckless Adjudication
Every once in a while you'll hear about a judge making a particularly... um... questionable decision in a case. Like we've all heard the one about the young man who was let off the hook for rape because of the judge's "boys will be boys" mentality. I firmly believe that we do need judges to fill in the grey area where the law is not specifically hammered out. There needs to be someone wearing that robe that can look at a case as objectively as possible and make sure the rule of law is kept up to code.
And then there are cases like this. A young man in Nebraska City, NE was ruled to have not been driving recklessly even though he was in a high speed chase with police at over 128 mph. Basically, County Judge John Steinheider ruled that because the driver didn't kill anyone or put anyone else other than himself in immediate danger, his actions couldn't be considered reckless. Um, what now? He didn't put anyone else in danger? What about the cop car chasing him? Typically, cop cars are driven by real, live people. Last I checked, having to chase some jackass at 128 mph increases your chances of dying in a giant fireball of a crash.
That being said, there would have been scenarios where even this judge would have been compelled to enforce the law. As he put it, "If you had had a passenger, there would be no question of conviction. If there had been other cars on the roadway, if you would've went into the wrong lane or anything, I would have convicted you."
Speaking of police, although we may not always like them, do serve a purpose in society. One of those purposes is to arrest people that drive over the speed limit or in this case, over two times the speed limit. The laws are in place to deter people from taking part in such illegal activities. If the enforcement of these laws is undermined, even a little bit, what is the point of having them at all? You should just assume that if you drive over two times the speed limit, you will get jailed or fined. But apparently if you get the right judge in Nebraska, you can push your F-16 right to the edge of the envelope as long as you are only fleeing the police.
Other quick things:
The Appleton Smoke fantasy team won this weekend's game by one point and will start the playoffs as the two seed in the eight team tournament. Now I need the Seahawks to keep trying to win games so that they aren't sitting Shaun Alexander after 5 carries, in effect crippling my team. Hey, it's real to me.
Richard Pryor passed away this weekend after years of struggling with MS. I won't sit here today and say that I was Richard Pryor's biggest fan, but you have to respect what the guy did for comedy. Along with other folks like George Carlin, he paved the way for comedy that didn't have limits and where nothing was taboo. He wasn't afraid to say what he wanted, when he wanted and I always respected that about him, even though I may have not always thought he was extremely funny. From him, more than any other comedian, I saw that it was OK sometimes to make fun of yourself, even if the subject matter is pretty messy.
I've never watched SNL and said to myself, "Dang, man. I just cannot wait until that Alec Baldwin hosts the show again."
Congratulations to the Grand Valley State Lakers for winning their third D2 football national championship. I only shudder a little bit saying that sentence because it reminds me of the battle on the internet message boards of days gone by with Laker fans spitting out crap like, "David Kircus will be a good number two receiver in the NFL." He hasn't. Or the claim of, "GVSU should go Division I and play in the Big Ten. They could beat half the teams in the Big Ten right now." No, they shouldn't. And no, they can't. I can only imagine what's getting posted right now. Probably something along the lines of, "Cullen Finnerty invented the eyebrow."
I'm finished,
Nate
And then there are cases like this. A young man in Nebraska City, NE was ruled to have not been driving recklessly even though he was in a high speed chase with police at over 128 mph. Basically, County Judge John Steinheider ruled that because the driver didn't kill anyone or put anyone else other than himself in immediate danger, his actions couldn't be considered reckless. Um, what now? He didn't put anyone else in danger? What about the cop car chasing him? Typically, cop cars are driven by real, live people. Last I checked, having to chase some jackass at 128 mph increases your chances of dying in a giant fireball of a crash.
That being said, there would have been scenarios where even this judge would have been compelled to enforce the law. As he put it, "If you had had a passenger, there would be no question of conviction. If there had been other cars on the roadway, if you would've went into the wrong lane or anything, I would have convicted you."
Speaking of police, although we may not always like them, do serve a purpose in society. One of those purposes is to arrest people that drive over the speed limit or in this case, over two times the speed limit. The laws are in place to deter people from taking part in such illegal activities. If the enforcement of these laws is undermined, even a little bit, what is the point of having them at all? You should just assume that if you drive over two times the speed limit, you will get jailed or fined. But apparently if you get the right judge in Nebraska, you can push your F-16 right to the edge of the envelope as long as you are only fleeing the police.
Other quick things:
The Appleton Smoke fantasy team won this weekend's game by one point and will start the playoffs as the two seed in the eight team tournament. Now I need the Seahawks to keep trying to win games so that they aren't sitting Shaun Alexander after 5 carries, in effect crippling my team. Hey, it's real to me.
Richard Pryor passed away this weekend after years of struggling with MS. I won't sit here today and say that I was Richard Pryor's biggest fan, but you have to respect what the guy did for comedy. Along with other folks like George Carlin, he paved the way for comedy that didn't have limits and where nothing was taboo. He wasn't afraid to say what he wanted, when he wanted and I always respected that about him, even though I may have not always thought he was extremely funny. From him, more than any other comedian, I saw that it was OK sometimes to make fun of yourself, even if the subject matter is pretty messy.
I've never watched SNL and said to myself, "Dang, man. I just cannot wait until that Alec Baldwin hosts the show again."
Congratulations to the Grand Valley State Lakers for winning their third D2 football national championship. I only shudder a little bit saying that sentence because it reminds me of the battle on the internet message boards of days gone by with Laker fans spitting out crap like, "David Kircus will be a good number two receiver in the NFL." He hasn't. Or the claim of, "GVSU should go Division I and play in the Big Ten. They could beat half the teams in the Big Ten right now." No, they shouldn't. And no, they can't. I can only imagine what's getting posted right now. Probably something along the lines of, "Cullen Finnerty invented the eyebrow."
I'm finished,
Nate
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Going Bowling, Part Deux.
Here's the second installment of my bowl preview. It's going to get a little more analytical, a little more serious, and a whole lot longer. On unrelated note, my Appleton Smoke got... um... smoked last weekend which knocked me out of contention for the regular season fantasy league championship. But the playoffs are a whole different ballgame and I'm coming for you, Uncle Matt!
Oh, and Reggie Bush wins the Heisman tomorrow night. This is one of those Ricky Williams / Ron Dayne type of years. Nobody even came close to him by the end of the year.
(On another completely unrelated note, I saw the best SNL of the season last Saturday hosted by stand up superstar Dane Cook. You mean to tell me this guy couldn't carry a sitcom or something? "Everybody Loves Raymond" is on for 10 years, but Dane Cook doesn't get a pilot? He started with his standup monologue and stole most of the sketches he was in. I was delighted to watch the first legitimately funny SNL of the season. Now, on with the show!)
MasterCard Alamo Bowl, Dec. 28- San Antonio, TX
Michigan v. Nebraska
Needless to say, this is not where this season was supposed to end up for the maize and blue. I remember watching the Wolverines on Sept. 10 (when they were still in the top 5) as they tried to come back against Notre Dame and thinking, "Uh-oh. This team isn't as good as everyone thought." It also seems that they have a hard time coming back against anyone and always lose that game or two that they probably just shouldn't lose. Granted, three out of the four teams they lost to this year (Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Ohio St.) were pretty darned good and they did beat the team that finished #3 in the BCS, but these were supposed to be wins when the season began (with the possible exception of OSU.)
It is hard to use the words "consistently mediocre" about a team that has won a national championship in the last decade and a Big Ten title as recently as last year, but at some points that is how I feel about this team. Every year as a Wolverine fan, you just wait for the other shoe to drop. If we make it through the Notre Dame game, there is always the Ohio St game, provided we even make it through the Michigan St. game or when we go to Camp Randall to play Bucky. Do you think this is the way USC fans have gone into the last two years? Besides Oklahoma, do you think Texas looks at any game on their schedule and says, "Man, I wish we could just skip them this year!" Miami? How about Georgia? I want to start looking at the Wolverine's schedule and feel like Ohio St. is the only game we need to worry about, and even then, worry only slightly. That is the feeling an elite college football team should have. I just haven't seen that from the Wolverines. I think my buddy Corey, a U of M grad student, put it best by saying, "One of the great subtleties of Michigan athletics seems to be the lack of a killer instinct; that'll keep you going to mediocre bowls for decades at a time but prevent outright dominance."
In this game, on this day, Michigan wins the Alamo Bowl. Nebraska sucks hard. Ironically, eight years ago, this should have been the matchup for the National Championship. Today, in 2005 it'll be an entry in the media guide that makes us look back in a few years and think, "What the hell happened that season?"
Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, Dec. 30- Nashville, TN
Minnesota v. Virginia
There's nothing quite like a matchup of a 6-5 team playing a 7-4 team that finished 7th in their conference. In fact, Virginia was tied for the second to worst conference record (3-5) in the ACC and finished 5th in the ACC Coastal division... out of 6 teams. People complain every year about how there are too many bowl games and usually I disagree. I think there should be a bowl for teams from the smaller conferences to go to if they have a good year. But this game is the best argument for why we don't need a Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl. I like Laurence Maroney and Minnesota in this one... if they absolutely have to play it.
Vitalis Sun Bowl, Dec. 30- El Paso, TX
UCLA v. Northwestern
I love this game. UCLA's resurgence will certainly provide an interesting subplot for them and cross town big brother USC for years to come. Northwestern is going through one of those resurrections they have every decade or so when they are actually competitive. Both teams allow around 450 yards per contest and Northwestern averages about 490 yards/game to UCLA's 429 yards. Final score: UCLA 51, NU 47
Independence Bowl, Dec. 30- Shreveport, LA
South Carolina v. Missouri
I can't tell you how jazzed I am to see Steve Spurrier coaching in a bowl game again. Hell, I was tickled that he's coaching in college, period. In Big Ten country, we get so used to vanilla coaches that only speak in terms of "They're a good team. We need to play better. We've got stuff to work on. They played good today." Having a mouthpiece like Steve Spurrier in college football is crucial in my opinion. Wait until he gets his South Carolina teams really good and starts referring to the Florida Gators as the Iguanas after he hangs 50 points on 'em. Can't wait. Carolina wins going away.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Dec. 30- Atlanta, GA
Miami (FL) v. LSU
You can make an argument that Miami hasn't been the same since they got jobbed in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio St. a couple of years ago. They should have had their back to back titles. LSU is, in my opinion, still dealing with a lack of respect even though they went to the national title game two years ago... and won the damned thing! Remember, even though Matt Leinart from USC is going for his "third straight national championship" at USC, it was actually the LSU Tigers that won the BCS title in 2004. I think Miami wins this guy.
Meineke Car Care Bowl, Dec. 31- Charlotte, NC
South Florida v. NC State
The Meineke Car Care Bowl is a New Year's Eve bowl? South Florida is playing in a New Year's Eve Bowl? Are they sure the date is right on this one? The same South Florida that had no football program 10 years ago? Isn't that just ducky? I like South Florida in this one. Because I have nothing else to say, five teams from Florida made a bowl game this year (UCF, South Florida, Florida, Florida St., Miami.) That's gotta be like a record or something.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Dec 31.- Memphis, TN
Tulsa v. Fresno St.
A few things you may or may not have known about Tulsa, the home of the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricanes. Eighty-four percent of its residents have a high school diploma. It is the birthplace of Garth Brooks. The auto theft rate in Tulsa is 892 per 100,000 people. Finally, there are no bodies of water near Tulsa, making the mascot of Golden Hurricanes seem ridiculous! Fresno St. rolls the Hurricanes.
EV1.net Houston Bowl, Dec 31.- Houston, TX
TCU v. Iowa St.
By the time this game is played, chances are I'll already getting my New Year's party on. TCU wins a close one.
AT&T Cotton Bowl, Jan 2.- Dallas, TX
Alabama v. Texas Tech
Because of the NFL games, there are no bowls on New Year's Day this year and I can't be the only one that feels weird about that. I've liked Texas Tech all season and I'm not changing now.
Outback Bowl, Jan 2.- Tampa, FL
Iowa v. Florida
Even though the NFL has moved this game to the second of January, I'd like to share some random quotes from Capital One Bowls past (remember, the game starts at 11AM): "When did you finally pass out last night?" "Remember that fight we saw last night?" "Oh my god, does anyone have some aspirin?" "Did Michigan just get scored on again?" "I'm never drinking again..." This year I'm going with Florida over the Hawkeyes.
Toyota Gator Bowl, Jan. 2- Jacksonville, FL
Louisville v. Virginia Tech
Matchup of two teams that had big things expected of them at the beginning of the year. Both spent time very highly ranked and there was even talk of whether or not the Hokies should go to the championship game as recently as early November. I'll go with Underachiever Tech over Underacheiverville.
I'm going to save my take on Wisconsin as well as the BCS games for another couple of days. Until then, this is Nathan Holtslander with Beano Cook saying, "Ron Powlus will win four Heisman trophies!"
I'm finished,
Nate
Oh, and Reggie Bush wins the Heisman tomorrow night. This is one of those Ricky Williams / Ron Dayne type of years. Nobody even came close to him by the end of the year.
(On another completely unrelated note, I saw the best SNL of the season last Saturday hosted by stand up superstar Dane Cook. You mean to tell me this guy couldn't carry a sitcom or something? "Everybody Loves Raymond" is on for 10 years, but Dane Cook doesn't get a pilot? He started with his standup monologue and stole most of the sketches he was in. I was delighted to watch the first legitimately funny SNL of the season. Now, on with the show!)
MasterCard Alamo Bowl, Dec. 28- San Antonio, TX
Michigan v. Nebraska
Needless to say, this is not where this season was supposed to end up for the maize and blue. I remember watching the Wolverines on Sept. 10 (when they were still in the top 5) as they tried to come back against Notre Dame and thinking, "Uh-oh. This team isn't as good as everyone thought." It also seems that they have a hard time coming back against anyone and always lose that game or two that they probably just shouldn't lose. Granted, three out of the four teams they lost to this year (Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Ohio St.) were pretty darned good and they did beat the team that finished #3 in the BCS, but these were supposed to be wins when the season began (with the possible exception of OSU.)
It is hard to use the words "consistently mediocre" about a team that has won a national championship in the last decade and a Big Ten title as recently as last year, but at some points that is how I feel about this team. Every year as a Wolverine fan, you just wait for the other shoe to drop. If we make it through the Notre Dame game, there is always the Ohio St game, provided we even make it through the Michigan St. game or when we go to Camp Randall to play Bucky. Do you think this is the way USC fans have gone into the last two years? Besides Oklahoma, do you think Texas looks at any game on their schedule and says, "Man, I wish we could just skip them this year!" Miami? How about Georgia? I want to start looking at the Wolverine's schedule and feel like Ohio St. is the only game we need to worry about, and even then, worry only slightly. That is the feeling an elite college football team should have. I just haven't seen that from the Wolverines. I think my buddy Corey, a U of M grad student, put it best by saying, "One of the great subtleties of Michigan athletics seems to be the lack of a killer instinct; that'll keep you going to mediocre bowls for decades at a time but prevent outright dominance."
In this game, on this day, Michigan wins the Alamo Bowl. Nebraska sucks hard. Ironically, eight years ago, this should have been the matchup for the National Championship. Today, in 2005 it'll be an entry in the media guide that makes us look back in a few years and think, "What the hell happened that season?"
Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, Dec. 30- Nashville, TN
Minnesota v. Virginia
There's nothing quite like a matchup of a 6-5 team playing a 7-4 team that finished 7th in their conference. In fact, Virginia was tied for the second to worst conference record (3-5) in the ACC and finished 5th in the ACC Coastal division... out of 6 teams. People complain every year about how there are too many bowl games and usually I disagree. I think there should be a bowl for teams from the smaller conferences to go to if they have a good year. But this game is the best argument for why we don't need a Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl. I like Laurence Maroney and Minnesota in this one... if they absolutely have to play it.
Vitalis Sun Bowl, Dec. 30- El Paso, TX
UCLA v. Northwestern
I love this game. UCLA's resurgence will certainly provide an interesting subplot for them and cross town big brother USC for years to come. Northwestern is going through one of those resurrections they have every decade or so when they are actually competitive. Both teams allow around 450 yards per contest and Northwestern averages about 490 yards/game to UCLA's 429 yards. Final score: UCLA 51, NU 47
Independence Bowl, Dec. 30- Shreveport, LA
South Carolina v. Missouri
I can't tell you how jazzed I am to see Steve Spurrier coaching in a bowl game again. Hell, I was tickled that he's coaching in college, period. In Big Ten country, we get so used to vanilla coaches that only speak in terms of "They're a good team. We need to play better. We've got stuff to work on. They played good today." Having a mouthpiece like Steve Spurrier in college football is crucial in my opinion. Wait until he gets his South Carolina teams really good and starts referring to the Florida Gators as the Iguanas after he hangs 50 points on 'em. Can't wait. Carolina wins going away.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Dec. 30- Atlanta, GA
Miami (FL) v. LSU
You can make an argument that Miami hasn't been the same since they got jobbed in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio St. a couple of years ago. They should have had their back to back titles. LSU is, in my opinion, still dealing with a lack of respect even though they went to the national title game two years ago... and won the damned thing! Remember, even though Matt Leinart from USC is going for his "third straight national championship" at USC, it was actually the LSU Tigers that won the BCS title in 2004. I think Miami wins this guy.
Meineke Car Care Bowl, Dec. 31- Charlotte, NC
South Florida v. NC State
The Meineke Car Care Bowl is a New Year's Eve bowl? South Florida is playing in a New Year's Eve Bowl? Are they sure the date is right on this one? The same South Florida that had no football program 10 years ago? Isn't that just ducky? I like South Florida in this one. Because I have nothing else to say, five teams from Florida made a bowl game this year (UCF, South Florida, Florida, Florida St., Miami.) That's gotta be like a record or something.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Dec 31.- Memphis, TN
Tulsa v. Fresno St.
A few things you may or may not have known about Tulsa, the home of the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricanes. Eighty-four percent of its residents have a high school diploma. It is the birthplace of Garth Brooks. The auto theft rate in Tulsa is 892 per 100,000 people. Finally, there are no bodies of water near Tulsa, making the mascot of Golden Hurricanes seem ridiculous! Fresno St. rolls the Hurricanes.
EV1.net Houston Bowl, Dec 31.- Houston, TX
TCU v. Iowa St.
By the time this game is played, chances are I'll already getting my New Year's party on. TCU wins a close one.
AT&T Cotton Bowl, Jan 2.- Dallas, TX
Alabama v. Texas Tech
Because of the NFL games, there are no bowls on New Year's Day this year and I can't be the only one that feels weird about that. I've liked Texas Tech all season and I'm not changing now.
Outback Bowl, Jan 2.- Tampa, FL
Iowa v. Florida
Even though the NFL has moved this game to the second of January, I'd like to share some random quotes from Capital One Bowls past (remember, the game starts at 11AM): "When did you finally pass out last night?" "Remember that fight we saw last night?" "Oh my god, does anyone have some aspirin?" "Did Michigan just get scored on again?" "I'm never drinking again..." This year I'm going with Florida over the Hawkeyes.
Toyota Gator Bowl, Jan. 2- Jacksonville, FL
Louisville v. Virginia Tech
Matchup of two teams that had big things expected of them at the beginning of the year. Both spent time very highly ranked and there was even talk of whether or not the Hokies should go to the championship game as recently as early November. I'll go with Underachiever Tech over Underacheiverville.
I'm going to save my take on Wisconsin as well as the BCS games for another couple of days. Until then, this is Nathan Holtslander with Beano Cook saying, "Ron Powlus will win four Heisman trophies!"
I'm finished,
Nate
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.
With 24 bowl games scheduled from Dec. 20 through Jan. 4, I thought I'd jot down my picks and have a little fun with the bowl games. Even if you don't like football, you should read the post. Just trust me on this. Oh, and Greg, if you are reading this, send me a pick sheet if you are running the pool this year. I need redemption from last year's picks, dogg! My remote is ready, my beer is in the fridge, my girlfriend is trying to think of ways to move all of her things out in between games without me noticing, and without further ado, I give you.... PICKS!
New Orleans Bowl, Dec. 20- Lafayette, LA
Arkansas St v. Southern Miss
In light of what happened in New Orleans this year, couldn't they have just cancelled this bowl? This may be the first bowl in history that loses so much money that they have to call it at halftime because they can't afford to keep the lights on. Um, Southern Miss...I guess.
GMAC Bowl, Dec. 21- Mobile, AL
UTEP v. Toledo
Toledo lost to the Central Michigan Chippewas this year. That has got to be the first bowl eligible team of the 21st century to do that. No way am I taking them. On second thought, though... No! I won't do it! UTEP, Go Miners.
Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl, Dec. 22- Las Vegas, NV
California v. BYU
Imagine you are from BYU, the most prudish and social restrictive campus in the country that doesn't have "academy" in the title. Then imagine trying to keep focused in Sin City for four days. Advantage: Cal.
SD Cnty Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, Dec. 22- San Diego, CA
Colorado St. v. Navy
Are you kidding me? Credit unions are sponsoring bowls now? What next, the Leo's Grocery Hospitality Bowl? I love seeing Navy in a bowl game for one reason. I get to bet against them if I want. Go Rams.
Fort Worth Bowl, Dec. 23- Cincinnati, OH
Kansas v. Houston
Can you at least name the bowl something, not just the city it's in? This angers me. It's the same as just naming a stadium after your team... it's stupid... like... Yankee Stadium. (And you thought I wouldn't get another Yankee barb in until spring.) I'll take Houston.
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, Dec. 24- Honolulu, HI
Nevada v. Central Florida
UCF completed one of the greatest turnarounds I can ever remember in college football history this year, going from no wins last year to 8-4 this year. Gotta go with the heart on this one. UCF wins a bowl game in their first ever appearance.
Motor City Bowl, Dec. 26- Detroit, MI
Memphis v. Akron
Oh my goodness, another blockbuster Motor City Bowl Matchup. Akron also lost to Central Michigan this year, so Memphis it is.
Champs Sports Bowl, Dec. 27- Orlando, FL
Clemson v. Colorado
I like Clemson in this one. The only real question I have is whether or not the vendors at the game will be trying to sell waterproofing spray with everything, to insure that you can get the WHOLE Champs Sports experience. "Nachos? Sure, let me grab those for you. You know, you're going to need to water proof these puppies once a month for a year to keep them from getting stains."
Insight Bowl, Dec. 27- Phoenix, AZ
Arizona St. v. Rutgers
I'll always go with the team that is playing in their backyard over a team that has to fly across country from New Jersey. Plus, ASU beat Southern Cal this year until halftime, when the Trojans unveiled their "Awww. That Was So Cute." offense. Advantage: ASU.
MPC Computers Bowl, Dec. 28- Boise, ID
Boise St. v. Boston College
Boise St. is playing in the Boise bowl game for the tenth or eleventh consecutive year. How much does it suck to go to a bowl game in your own town? Now take that feeling and multiply it to the "your town is Boise" degree. I like BC in this one.
Emerald Bowl, Dec. 29- San Fransisco, CA
Georgia Tech v. Utah
I can honestly say that I have no interest in this game. I can't even feign interest. Maybe it will get cancelled.
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, Dec. 29- San Diego, CA
Oregon v. Oklahoma
If you would have told me last year at this time that Oklahoma would have four losses this year and have to play in the Holiday Bowl, I would have said, "God, that'd be fantastic." I hate Oklahoma in this one. Hopefully it leads to many seasons of this and maybe next year they can be worse and get that spot in the Alamo Bowl.
Speaking of the Alamo Bowl, I think this is a good place to stop for now. I'm roughly half way through the games and I want to start the next post with the Michigan-Nebraska matchup in the Alamo Bowl. So, until then, this is Nathan Holtslander with Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit, saying goodnight from Appleton!
I'm finished,
Nate
New Orleans Bowl, Dec. 20- Lafayette, LA
Arkansas St v. Southern Miss
In light of what happened in New Orleans this year, couldn't they have just cancelled this bowl? This may be the first bowl in history that loses so much money that they have to call it at halftime because they can't afford to keep the lights on. Um, Southern Miss...I guess.
GMAC Bowl, Dec. 21- Mobile, AL
UTEP v. Toledo
Toledo lost to the Central Michigan Chippewas this year. That has got to be the first bowl eligible team of the 21st century to do that. No way am I taking them. On second thought, though... No! I won't do it! UTEP, Go Miners.
Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl, Dec. 22- Las Vegas, NV
California v. BYU
Imagine you are from BYU, the most prudish and social restrictive campus in the country that doesn't have "academy" in the title. Then imagine trying to keep focused in Sin City for four days. Advantage: Cal.
SD Cnty Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, Dec. 22- San Diego, CA
Colorado St. v. Navy
Are you kidding me? Credit unions are sponsoring bowls now? What next, the Leo's Grocery Hospitality Bowl? I love seeing Navy in a bowl game for one reason. I get to bet against them if I want. Go Rams.
Fort Worth Bowl, Dec. 23- Cincinnati, OH
Kansas v. Houston
Can you at least name the bowl something, not just the city it's in? This angers me. It's the same as just naming a stadium after your team... it's stupid... like... Yankee Stadium. (And you thought I wouldn't get another Yankee barb in until spring.) I'll take Houston.
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, Dec. 24- Honolulu, HI
Nevada v. Central Florida
UCF completed one of the greatest turnarounds I can ever remember in college football history this year, going from no wins last year to 8-4 this year. Gotta go with the heart on this one. UCF wins a bowl game in their first ever appearance.
Motor City Bowl, Dec. 26- Detroit, MI
Memphis v. Akron
Oh my goodness, another blockbuster Motor City Bowl Matchup. Akron also lost to Central Michigan this year, so Memphis it is.
Champs Sports Bowl, Dec. 27- Orlando, FL
Clemson v. Colorado
I like Clemson in this one. The only real question I have is whether or not the vendors at the game will be trying to sell waterproofing spray with everything, to insure that you can get the WHOLE Champs Sports experience. "Nachos? Sure, let me grab those for you. You know, you're going to need to water proof these puppies once a month for a year to keep them from getting stains."
Insight Bowl, Dec. 27- Phoenix, AZ
Arizona St. v. Rutgers
I'll always go with the team that is playing in their backyard over a team that has to fly across country from New Jersey. Plus, ASU beat Southern Cal this year until halftime, when the Trojans unveiled their "Awww. That Was So Cute." offense. Advantage: ASU.
MPC Computers Bowl, Dec. 28- Boise, ID
Boise St. v. Boston College
Boise St. is playing in the Boise bowl game for the tenth or eleventh consecutive year. How much does it suck to go to a bowl game in your own town? Now take that feeling and multiply it to the "your town is Boise" degree. I like BC in this one.
Emerald Bowl, Dec. 29- San Fransisco, CA
Georgia Tech v. Utah
I can honestly say that I have no interest in this game. I can't even feign interest. Maybe it will get cancelled.
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, Dec. 29- San Diego, CA
Oregon v. Oklahoma
If you would have told me last year at this time that Oklahoma would have four losses this year and have to play in the Holiday Bowl, I would have said, "God, that'd be fantastic." I hate Oklahoma in this one. Hopefully it leads to many seasons of this and maybe next year they can be worse and get that spot in the Alamo Bowl.
Speaking of the Alamo Bowl, I think this is a good place to stop for now. I'm roughly half way through the games and I want to start the next post with the Michigan-Nebraska matchup in the Alamo Bowl. So, until then, this is Nathan Holtslander with Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit, saying goodnight from Appleton!
I'm finished,
Nate
Monday, December 05, 2005
If Johnny Wants An X-Box, Then, Damn It...
I watched a little football this weekend (like I always do) and I saw a team that only gained 188 total yards on offense, never scored a touchdown, and had a quarterback that was 6 for 17 for 68 yards. That team beat the Packers on Sunday. Admittedly, the Bears were helped by Brett Favre's four turnovers. I am not a Packer fan, but I'm just saying that it might just be time to give Aaron Rodgers some looks. The only bright side for the green and gold is that every mistake Favre makes brings them one step closer to getting Reggie Bush in the draft. Oh, and if you're Viking fan right now, what do you do with Daunte Culpepper next season? You're team is undefeated since Daunte shred his knee up, tearing his ACL, MCL, PCL, ACLU, UPS and BFF in the process. Just something to think about.
A few other notes from the weekend:
The Wisconsin Badger hockey team is good. We watched some of the demoralization of a good University of Minnesota team on Saturday down at The Fish House, and it was like two different levels of talent. The Wolverines are going to have their hands full if they end up in a regional pairing together. Northern does get a shot at the Badgers this year in a holiday tournament, a matchup that harkens back to the days of conference matchups when NMU was still in the WCHA. Northern is going to have to put together a really good night to compete with these Badgers.
My front passenger side tire on the Gutlass blew out on Friday night. There are few things as uncomfortable as changing a tire while wearing breathable cotton dress pants in 10 degree weather. Brr.
I'd like to throw out a big "you're welcome" to Carrie. Even though I'm not entirely sure what word verification is, I'm very proud to not have it, as Carrie has informed me that it is desirable to not have word verification. Hopefully others can learn from my example and we can some day completely eradicate word verification worldwide. Through education and possibly a concert by Bono we can make this dream a reality.
So, I skipped Desperate Housewives last week to go to the movies. My, what a difference a week makes. The serial killing pharmacist is dead, Carlos is out of jail, Zach came back to his father who isn't really his father because Mike Delfino is actually his father, etc... Next thing you know, Felicity Huffman will be getting more attention than Eva Longoria! Nah, I think that's probably a little too much to ask for. The woman won an Emmy, people! In a related note, Grey's Anatomy, the show immediately after Housewives, is really good.
Is there anyone besides me who remembers how to drive in the winter from season to season? Slow it down and allow more time for braking. Rinse. Repeat. It's like we get the first snowfall and people freak out. "What is this stuff?!?! Why is my car not stopping?!?! Maybe I should speed up to get better traction!!!! Aaahhhhhhhh!!!!" It think everyone else on the road reached into one giant Cracker Jack box for a license.
Finally, good show by Microsoft to get those X-Box 360 consoles out in time for Christmas. I hope that the middle class suburban kids who's parents paid $1200 to get one of those suckers on eBay enjoy the design flaw that causes the machine to overheat and freeze up. Merry Christmas to all!
I'm finished,
Nate
A few other notes from the weekend:
The Wisconsin Badger hockey team is good. We watched some of the demoralization of a good University of Minnesota team on Saturday down at The Fish House, and it was like two different levels of talent. The Wolverines are going to have their hands full if they end up in a regional pairing together. Northern does get a shot at the Badgers this year in a holiday tournament, a matchup that harkens back to the days of conference matchups when NMU was still in the WCHA. Northern is going to have to put together a really good night to compete with these Badgers.
My front passenger side tire on the Gutlass blew out on Friday night. There are few things as uncomfortable as changing a tire while wearing breathable cotton dress pants in 10 degree weather. Brr.
I'd like to throw out a big "you're welcome" to Carrie. Even though I'm not entirely sure what word verification is, I'm very proud to not have it, as Carrie has informed me that it is desirable to not have word verification. Hopefully others can learn from my example and we can some day completely eradicate word verification worldwide. Through education and possibly a concert by Bono we can make this dream a reality.
So, I skipped Desperate Housewives last week to go to the movies. My, what a difference a week makes. The serial killing pharmacist is dead, Carlos is out of jail, Zach came back to his father who isn't really his father because Mike Delfino is actually his father, etc... Next thing you know, Felicity Huffman will be getting more attention than Eva Longoria! Nah, I think that's probably a little too much to ask for. The woman won an Emmy, people! In a related note, Grey's Anatomy, the show immediately after Housewives, is really good.
Is there anyone besides me who remembers how to drive in the winter from season to season? Slow it down and allow more time for braking. Rinse. Repeat. It's like we get the first snowfall and people freak out. "What is this stuff?!?! Why is my car not stopping?!?! Maybe I should speed up to get better traction!!!! Aaahhhhhhhh!!!!" It think everyone else on the road reached into one giant Cracker Jack box for a license.
Finally, good show by Microsoft to get those X-Box 360 consoles out in time for Christmas. I hope that the middle class suburban kids who's parents paid $1200 to get one of those suckers on eBay enjoy the design flaw that causes the machine to overheat and freeze up. Merry Christmas to all!
I'm finished,
Nate
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Let's Go Out To The Movies.
For the first time in what seems like forever, my best girl and I went out to the movies on Sunday night. Sundays are a very underrated day to go to the cineplex. Think about it, there's barely ever a line and the theater is less crowded. Anyways, we took in the romantic comedy "Just Friends" which stars Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart and the incomparable Anna Farris (of Scary Movie fame.) I laughed so hard in some spots that it actually hurt. It was one of those movies that you watch thinking to yourself, "This plot is pretty preposterous, it jumps around and will no doubt come to an oddly placed and abrupt conclusion, but darn it all, I'm having fun." I honestly remembered thinking to myself that Roger Ebert would definitely not be giving a thumbs up to "Just Friends." I was kinda right.
Not only did Roger Ebert not like it, he actually got angry on his weekly show "Ebert & Roeper" that the studios would dare putting this vile piece of garbage out during the oh so critical Oscar season. That is why I believe there needs to be film critics in this country that will watch a movie with Joe Average American in mind. Tell me if it was funny. Tell me if it was boring. Tell me something besides whether or not you think the director made this one as good as his others. Tell me something relevant.
For example, one thing critics absolutely seem to hate is slapstick humor. They see it as a shortcut to laughs or a filmmaking cheat code of sorts. For me, if it is done correctly, both slapstick comedy and gross out humor can be used effectively to make a funny. The one thing I want to do when I watch a comedy movie is laugh. Whether it is smart and wordy comedy like that of the Kevin Smith classics or the pranks of the American Pie movies, I simply want to laugh. Ebert disregarded "Just Friends" so much that in his review of the movie for the Sun Times he wrote about everything else except the film because it "will be a hard subject to stay on." Real cute, Ebert. Way to earn your paycheck, buddy.
To summarize my feeling, "Just Friends" is a great date movie that will make you laugh in some spots and chuckle in others. Ryan Reynolds plays a dorky overweight high schooler who goes on to be a fit as a fiddle record industry bigshot. Through a freak coincidence, he is stranded in his hometown around Christmas time and tries to woo his high school best friend (Smart) all the while putting up with a crazy pop sensation (Farris) whom he is wooing for the record company. You should see this movie if you don't mind suspending reality (it is a romantic comedy after all) and are willing to laugh at some goofiness. Plus, my man-crush Ryan Reynolds stars in it. Nuff said.
Now read Ebert's review and tell me who's better.
A few more quick things:
Someone please nominate me a new song to have stuck in my head. "I Don't Wanna Be" by Gavin DeGraw is entrenched for the third straight week.
The Appleton Smoke kept rolling last week with a 58-47 victory over Joe Smokevitch, putting my fantasy team at 8-4 for the season. A win this weekend would assure me of a second place finish in the regular season and the $100 prize that goes with it.
The Wildcat hockey team has rebounded from the four straight losses to UM and MSU to get back to mediocrity, splitting two straight series.
We lost a great actor last week with the passing of Pat Morita. His portrayal of Mr. Miyagi and 'Arnold' Takahashi on "Happy Days" were both institutions. Show of hands if you've ever used the "Wax on. Wax off. Wax on. Wax off." joke. Somewhere in heaven right now Mr. Miyagi is having tea with Ralph Macchio's acting career.
This last week also saw the passing of Brett Favre's free ride in Green Bay. People are actually getting on the radio and questioning whether or not St. Favre of Lambeau may be actually hurting his team sometimes. And to think, Grant and I have only been saying that for three years or so.
Finally, now that Steve Mariucci is looking for a job, I'd like to be the first to invite the Northern Michigan University alum to come back and turn around the Wildcats. Rest assured, Mooch, the university would never ever be stupid enough to bring in Matt Millen as an AD so you'd be all set. I think a more likely scenario is that he's coaching the Packers next year, but a boy can dream can't he?
I'm finished,
Nate
Not only did Roger Ebert not like it, he actually got angry on his weekly show "Ebert & Roeper" that the studios would dare putting this vile piece of garbage out during the oh so critical Oscar season. That is why I believe there needs to be film critics in this country that will watch a movie with Joe Average American in mind. Tell me if it was funny. Tell me if it was boring. Tell me something besides whether or not you think the director made this one as good as his others. Tell me something relevant.
For example, one thing critics absolutely seem to hate is slapstick humor. They see it as a shortcut to laughs or a filmmaking cheat code of sorts. For me, if it is done correctly, both slapstick comedy and gross out humor can be used effectively to make a funny. The one thing I want to do when I watch a comedy movie is laugh. Whether it is smart and wordy comedy like that of the Kevin Smith classics or the pranks of the American Pie movies, I simply want to laugh. Ebert disregarded "Just Friends" so much that in his review of the movie for the Sun Times he wrote about everything else except the film because it "will be a hard subject to stay on." Real cute, Ebert. Way to earn your paycheck, buddy.
To summarize my feeling, "Just Friends" is a great date movie that will make you laugh in some spots and chuckle in others. Ryan Reynolds plays a dorky overweight high schooler who goes on to be a fit as a fiddle record industry bigshot. Through a freak coincidence, he is stranded in his hometown around Christmas time and tries to woo his high school best friend (Smart) all the while putting up with a crazy pop sensation (Farris) whom he is wooing for the record company. You should see this movie if you don't mind suspending reality (it is a romantic comedy after all) and are willing to laugh at some goofiness. Plus, my man-crush Ryan Reynolds stars in it. Nuff said.
Now read Ebert's review and tell me who's better.
A few more quick things:
Someone please nominate me a new song to have stuck in my head. "I Don't Wanna Be" by Gavin DeGraw is entrenched for the third straight week.
The Appleton Smoke kept rolling last week with a 58-47 victory over Joe Smokevitch, putting my fantasy team at 8-4 for the season. A win this weekend would assure me of a second place finish in the regular season and the $100 prize that goes with it.
The Wildcat hockey team has rebounded from the four straight losses to UM and MSU to get back to mediocrity, splitting two straight series.
We lost a great actor last week with the passing of Pat Morita. His portrayal of Mr. Miyagi and 'Arnold' Takahashi on "Happy Days" were both institutions. Show of hands if you've ever used the "Wax on. Wax off. Wax on. Wax off." joke. Somewhere in heaven right now Mr. Miyagi is having tea with Ralph Macchio's acting career.
This last week also saw the passing of Brett Favre's free ride in Green Bay. People are actually getting on the radio and questioning whether or not St. Favre of Lambeau may be actually hurting his team sometimes. And to think, Grant and I have only been saying that for three years or so.
Finally, now that Steve Mariucci is looking for a job, I'd like to be the first to invite the Northern Michigan University alum to come back and turn around the Wildcats. Rest assured, Mooch, the university would never ever be stupid enough to bring in Matt Millen as an AD so you'd be all set. I think a more likely scenario is that he's coaching the Packers next year, but a boy can dream can't he?
I'm finished,
Nate
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