"Heroes Get Remembered, But Legends Never Die" RIP Joe Paterno

"Remember kid, there's heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die, follow your heart kid, and you'll never go wrong." - The Babe in the movie Sandlot




Whether we braced for it last night with the false, yet soon to be correct reports from CBSSports, or you woke up this morning to the news; everyone felt a sense of saddened shock upon hearing that long time Penn State football coach Joe Paterno passed at age 85 after complications from lung cancer.


Though I never had the chance to meet JoePa, as few of us from outside the University actually did, I have had my opportunities to visit Happy Valley in my short time here. Each time I felt compelled to visit the Paterno statue outside of Beaver Stadium. It was almost like a calling to any college sports fan, to see the resemblance of a man that withstood the test of time as a coach and a human.


The all-time winningest coach in Division I football was not just the head of a program, he was the face of a University and an icon in the sport. Students who never put on football pads went there because of Joe Paterno. Sure there were other reasons, but the chance to be a part of the Nittany Lions football tradition was the main sticking point.


Paterno, who was from Brooklyn, went to Brown to become a lawyer, found a calling and a passion and he stuck with it for more than a half-century. Joining the school in the mid-50's, for 45 years he was the head coach of Nittany Lions football. He lived on the campus of Penn State, was beloved by students and community members so much that rallies were staged when he was relieved of his coaching duties in November. A true family man, he was not just a coaching icon, but someone whose life was so fulfilling, it makes you want to emulate him more.


In his final interview with The Washington Post, Paterno stuck with his tradition as a family man. One who was honest, pure, and kept private matters, well, private. When asked about his gut reaction to former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky's sexual abuse scandal, Paterno said "I've had a wonderful experience here at Penn State. I don't want to walk away from this thing bitter."


Unfortunately, he may have. What is upsetting to many, especially in the immediate aftermath of his passing, is the way he was dismissed from Happy Valley. A lot of people, analysts and former players alike, feel as though his leaving PSU began a downward trend in his health. Little did we know that less than three months after that, he would be gone from us. Believe what you wish, but this man WAS Penn State. The only thing he loved more than PSU was his family. He was one of the lucky ones, someone who did what he loved and loved what he did. When he lost one of the things he loved the most, he lost the will to live.


The beautiful part about history is that, for most people, we remember icons for their achievements and not their descent. Soon enough, we will all look fondly on the memory of Joe Paterno has the coach that made Penn State a powerhouse in football and a longing destination for many. We will remember his joyous smile at seeing people happy and the passion for his job.


That is the legacy of Joe Paterno, that is the memory of a true legend. He will always be remembered, and he will never die. Thank you, Joe. Rest In Peace.






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2011 NFL Playoff/Award Predictions

In what has been a highly entertaining, controversial, and somewhat annoying NFL season we are now ready for the, say it with me, "POST. SEASON! GET EXCITED!" Here are what I think happens beginning this weekend in the wild card round:

NFC Wild Card


#6 Detroit @ #3 New Orleans - Is there any doubt what the most potent offense in the NFL is? Maybe Green Bay and maayyyybe New England. But Drew Brees and company will rock the Superdome this weekend and end a brief return to the playoffs for the Lions. Saints win 37-23.

#5 Atlanta @ #4 New York Giants - The Giants playoff season began two weeks ago when they won a "road" game at the Jets and continued winning the division crown over the Cowboys on the final day of the season. The Falcons have one of the worst secondaries in the league this season and for some reason, I think Big Blue's defense will step up at home against Matty Ice. Giants win 27-20.

AFC Wild Card


#6 Cincinnati @ #3 Houston - Apparently Andy Dalton has spent the last couple of nights sleeping by the toilet (you're welcome for that image) and hasn't practiced. Still, that defense is very underrated and will make life hell for TJ Yates. However, Arian Foster won't be denied. Texans win 20-16.

#5 Pittsburgh @ #4 Denver - Somehow, Tim Tebow has led his squad to a division title and in to the playoffs. All week the talk has been about how he will handle a recent three game skid and the fact that Ryan Clark will not play. Though it "technically" is an upset, the Steelers are favored and will cover the 8.5 spread. Steelers 24-14.

NFC Divisional Round


#3 New Orleans @ #2 San Francisco - If you didn't believe in a sports "East Coast Bias" it was relevant this year with the Niners. However, I'm not a believer in the media and feel San Fran is the best TEAM in the playoffs right now and their defense proves it. On to the next one. 49ers 24-20.

#4 New York @ #1 Green Bay - As much as I love my Giants, and truly think they have a great shot at knocking off the Pack (like they did on their trip to the Super Bowl four years ago) something won't let me pick New York in this game. Aaron Rodgers goes for 350 and 3 scores. Packers 27-21.

AFC Divisional Round


#3 Houston @ #2 Baltimore - The AFC North Champs are still playing pretty solid defense and Ray Rice is a motivated human. CAA Bias in this one as Joe Flacco (UDEL) pushes the Ravens past a suspect Texans squad. Ravens 24-10.

#5 Pittsburgh @ #1 New England - This is a difficult game for me. New England is bad against the pass but Big Ben is hurt and will be even more after Dumervil and Miller get to him the previous week. However, Pittsburgh has the best pass defense in the league and unless the Pats draft Trent Richardson tomorrow, they won't run the ball. Steelers win it 30-21.

NFC Championship Game


#2 San Francisco @ #1 Green Bay - The match up that I think is the Super Bowl two weeks early. Home field advantage may go to the Packers here, but the best defense and an offense that doesn't make a lot of mistakes (despite having a sub par QB in Alex Smith) win on the road. Niners back in the Promised Land 20-17.

AFC Championship Game


#5 Steelers @ #2 Baltimore - For the second consecutive year Pittsburgh plays in the AFC title game but this time against a division rival. The Ravens have been a solid squad all year despite have a few up and down weeks. John Harbaugh is a very good coach and by this point, Roethlisberger will be too damaged to be effective. Ravens 21-17.

Super Bowl


AFC Champion Ravens vs. NFC Champion San Francisco (The Harbowl)- So I may have given away my pick with my NFC prediction but the NFL gave away the champ back on Thanksgiving. The Niners cap off an incredible season and return to the glory days of Montana-Clark, Young-Rice and Coach Walsh. San Fran, Super Bowl XLVI Champions 24-17.

Postseason Awards


Offensive Rookie of the Year - This is an easy no-doubter. The guy was the #1 overall pick and shattered records from opening day. The Panthers had a good "bounce-back" year and may have their quarterback of the future. Carolina's Cam Newton.

Defensive Rookie of the Year - The Broncos deserve something for their devout faith in what everyone calls a "flawed quarterback". The defense got very little credit during Denver's winning streak and Von Miller was a huge part of that. Well done, Rook.

NFL Coach of the Year - If Rookie of the Year wasn't a no-brainer, this one sure as hell is. You win a Super Bowl (I think) in your first season? San Francisco's Jim Harbaugh the easy choice here.

NFL MVP - Can Peyton Manning seriously win this without playing a snap? Seriously, no; but shouldn't he? Drew Brees broke records, Tom Brady was impressive, but Aaron Rodgers was DOMINANT. And he wins Most Valuable Player.




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The Coolest Brees

On Monday night, whilst spending the few hours I had left with my family for the holidays, I stopped everything and hushed the room silent. Six seconds later, we are all still quiet watching one man be lifted by an entire city for an accomplishment he deemed "a group effort". New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees passed Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino as the single-season passing leader with 5,087 yards. A record that stood for 27 years finally fell.

"Awesome," were the first words anyone said. My dad, a solid sports guru but more a noble man, continued "Nicest guy, too. Awesome."

That sentiment was echoed on the ESPN broadcast, on Twitter/Facebook, and every media outlet there is.

"Nicest guy."

Drew Brees, who I personally feel is the most under appreciated GREAT player at his position in the NFL, is one of the few you can call a better person than a player. The man who was shipped out of San Diego like a broken toy, arrived in New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He and his family took part in the rebuilding process financially, physically, and in Super Bowl XLIV, he did it emotionally.

The man is a class act, never asking for the spotlight and always deflecting it to someone else. You can tell just how much his teammates, coaches, and fans love being near him. After his record-breaking touchdown pass to Darren Sproles (in another dominant win, by the way), his entire team rushed him, and the Superdome had never been louder.

In the locker room after he acknowledged the efforts of everyone else, from the line who blocked to the receivers/running backs who caught for him. From the defensive players who gave the ball back to the offense, to the coaches who called the plays. Brees wanted EVERYONE to know they were a part of the record, just like he wanted everyone in the city to know they were part of that Championship.

While he may not get the MVP talk he deserves like a Tom Brady or an Aaron Rodgers, nor the "best QB in the game" discussion like a Brady or a Peyton Manning, he couldn't care less. He wants a win for his team, a win for his city, and a chance to play the game.

Now Brady or Rodgers or maybe even Eli Manning could be the eventual single-season leader in passing yards, but time will remember it was Drew Brees who broke it the day after Christmas. Why? Because sometimes, the nice guy really does win, a lot.




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Make Room For One More: It's Tebow Time!

In a world where our sports athletes are more of a role model than mothers and fathers, its upsetting to see basketball players whining about not enough money, or not going to play in a certain city; football players constantly cursing on the sidelines or illegally hitting a player and showing no remorse. However, in the last two months, we have seen the public (myself included) berate one of these athletes for what seems to be no apparent reason.

Look, it's no secret that Denver Broncos second year Quarterback Tim Tebow is not your "typical" quarterback. His throwing motion is slow and the ball looks terrible on 60% of his passes. He doesn't have, and probably never will have, the dazzling stats of an Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or Eli Manning. But one thing he does have over all, is his true being.

This is a man whose faith was instilled in him at a young age, and he didn't let the trials and tribulations of life deter him from it. The prodigal son has shown loyalty, intensity, devotion to excellence, and desire to perform all with an air of humility lost in professional sports. He is motivated by performance, and ridiculed by all. Exalted by many, tortured by more.

Sure, his games are ugly to watch for the first 45 minutes but when it matters, boy is he exciting. But it isn't just himself that's fun to watch, and it's not just fun for us on TV. When you see a Broncos game, watch the sidelines. Every defensive/special teams/reserve player is standing up watching to see what this kid will do next. Those same players will play their hearts out for this kid because they want to win just as much as he does, which almost seems impossible.

More importantly, he does all of this the right way. Watch his post game interviews. He credits everyone else. The defense, the coach, the running back, the kicker and of course, his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It seems to be that part that irks people. And if it does, that's your own issue. I, for one, am jealous of a man who has that kind of faith because it must be a happier world when your believe is so strong. What grinds my gears is the fact that some folks continue to give all the credit to him, as if he is solely responsible for everything. As much as he makes everyone around him better, and make no mistake about it, he does; there is too much that goes on to give Tebow 100% of the reason for the credit.

That being said, his intangibles as a leader are unfathomable, his ability as a winner is almost, dare I say, Divine? The guy is 7-1 as a starter and has his team in first place. He may not be the ideal version of a signal caller, but he is the epitome of a role model. So I'm done criticizing him as a player because if I had a child, I'd want them to exhibit the same characteristics as Tim Tebow. After all, he is making an NFL Quarterbacks salary. Not bad for a Dad who will probably be struggling to make rent.




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The 2011 Heisman Trophy Winner is....

If Michigan Cornerback Charles Woodson beat out Tennessee Quarterback Peyton Manning for the 1997 Heisman Trophy, then LSU's Tyrann "Honey Badger" Mathieu could easily edge Baylor's Robert Griffin, III, right?

Well, if you look at the numbers, Mathieu has had a better year than Woodson did; similarly, RG3 has had a better season than Manning. Fourteen years ago, Manning led the Volunteers with 3,819 yards with a 60.17 completion percentage to go along with 36 touchdowns to just 11 picks en route to an Orange Bowl loss against Nebraska. However, he also lost the best college football player award to a Wolverine who racked up only 44 tackles, 5 sacks, 11 pass breakups, and just four combined TD's (2 punts, 1 receiving, and 1 rushing) on the way to a Rose Bowl win and a share of the National Title.

In 2011, Mathieu has gone crazy leading the LSU Tigers in tackles (70) while also piling up 1.5 sacks, 7 pass breakups and 9 passes defended along with two picks, five forced fumbles, and four scores. BUT what has the Honey Badger on a plane to New York this Saturday is his outstanding play as a punt returner (he only returns punts) where he has 420 yards and two touchdowns, not to mention multiple jaw-dropping returns that didn't reach pay dirt. Something Woodson never really had that year. However, they both were on top teams in the NCAA.

As for RG3, the dude just burst on to the scene this year and has put up probably the best season any Baylor Bear has had. He has thrown for just shy of 4,000 yards (3,998) completing 72.4% of his passes for 36 TD's to just 6 INT's AND he has rushed 644 yards and nine more scores. But, he plays for a team ranked much lower, in a conference much worse off, and won't have a shot at winning the Coaches Trophy.

In a world where the MVP generally goes to the best player on the best team, Tyrann Mathieu would be a logical choice considering he is the face of a program that has no true steady hand on the offensive side of the ball and will probably win the rematch of the "Game of the Century" (more on that in a later post). However, as amazing as it would be to see a non-QB/RB win the Heisman, I can't see the voters truly going against the video game numbers and awe-inspiring moments the other three players have given us.

Andrew Luck, the Stanford QB and soon-to-be number 1 NFL draftee, has had one of the more remarkable two years we've seen in recent memory and he will translate in to the type of player a lot of folks are projecting him to be. Over 3,000 passing yards (3,170) and 35 throws to the end zone are probably not enough to overcome an embarrassing loss to Oregon and an 11-1 record. Especially when he was the favorite ever since losing it to Cam Newton last year.

Wisconsin running back Montee Ball went out and dominated a power hitting conference with a blend of Big 10 brash and SEC speed. He is fourth in the country in rushing yards per game at 135.3 and has 32 touchdowns, 12 more than the next closest guy. Yet, he will only be in the Rose Bowl after being unable to power the Badgers to an undefeated season. On a positive, he'll probably break Barry Sanders touchdown record with two more in the "Granddaddy of them All".

Another power-back, Alabama's Trent Richardson, was heard of two years ago when he backed up the Tide's first ever Heisman winner in Mark Ingram. This year, Richardson has racked up 1,583 rushing yards while shaking and baking his way home 20 times over the year giving 'Bama another shot at conference champion LSU in the national title game.

Say what you want about these five, and the fact the Matt Barkley isn't among them, but this is a tough decision despite what some "projections" have. Going based off of "best player on best team" then it is easily Tyrann Mathieu. If you want precedence and impressive stats, Luck or Ball is there. You want true value to the whole of the parts, Richardson. But the best player in the country is Baylor's Robert Griffin, III. He has been the most exciting guy to watch moving the Bears in to the top-15 at one point this year and three wins over top-25 teams on national TV. He is tops in the country in passer efficiency, and points responsibility, while being in the top five in total offense, touchdown passes, and completion percentage.

A lot of projections say it is a comfortable win for RG3, a lot of people say a guy who plays at a sub-par school shouldn't win it, but whatever they say, they will all say Robert Griffin, III is the 2011 Heisman Trophy Winner.



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Meyer, Liar; Did Retire (Sorta)

There is something extremely disingenuous about a person doing something for one reason and then making another decision that completely contradicts their first action. It’s quite another thing to go back on the original choice less than a year later. Of course, I’m talking about former Florida football coach Urban Meyer.


While in Gainesville, Meyer won two national championships (2006 & 2008), dominated the Southeastern Conference and had a pretty good record with a damn good quarterback, but you already know all of this. When Urban retired from the Gators at the end of last season, he said it was due to his poor health caused by the stress of his job and so he could spend more time with his wife and kids.

Instead, he joined the “Mother Ship” of sportscasting and became a color commentator for ESPN, traveling across the country every week calling college games. Now, being a sportscaster myself I can assure you the stresses of this job are nothing compared to that of a Division I football coach. However, the travel and time needed to do this at a high level can take away from that precious family time. That immediately made me question Coach Meyer’s truthfulness in retiring.

Yesterday it was announced that Urban Meyer would be the new head coach of the program formerly known as THE Ohio State University. Meyer had denied ever speaking with the Buckeyes in the weeks leading up to this announcement but everyone knew it to be true. Why? Cause once he put on a headset everyone knew he wasn’t quitting football for good and it certainly wasn’t to be with his family.
So the question now is, why did he leave Gainesville and a conference that is still the best in Division I football? Was it that he knew he could not win with Tim Tebow gone? Did he begin to lose his recruiting touch with the rise of Auburn and Alabama again? Did he see what was happening at Auburn with Cam Newton and decided to get the hell out of dodge before something bigger about Newton’s time at Florida came out? Or was it simply because he wanted an excuse to leave Florida and wait until another prolific program opened its doors?

Let’s be honest, if Meyer had stayed at Florida one more year and Jim Tressel was still dismissed from OSU, everyone would have pegged Urban to replace him. The guy is an Ohio native and was a Buckeyes assistant in the late ‘80s. At Utah he was Chris Peterson before there was a Chris Peterson. Nobody would have blamed him if he left the Swamp for the Horseshoe, nobody. Instead we question his methods and I, personally, have lost a lot of respect for what was a great man and still is a great coach.

Maybe I’m wrong. The guy is a miracle worker after all: He built the Utes into a BCS Buster, he birthed Tim Tebow, and apparently, he’s even cured all his stress related illnesses and watched his kids grow up just a year. Even that is impressive.

 
 
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2011 CMA Predictions: The Greatest Music Show Not Named the Grammy's

So with all the terrible things happening in the world, I'm reminded of one of the better things in life: music. With music we can tell a story that reaches everyone and can change your mood for the better. And no style does that better than Country music. Tonight, the Country Music Association Awards will be showcased on ABC and I personally cannot wait to watch! Not only because it's some of the greatest musical talent there is, but also to gauge how much I still think I know about the industry with my picks:

Musical Event of the Year:
Nominees: As She's Walking Away (Zac Brown Band & Alan Jackson); Coal Miner's Daughter (Loretta Lynn, Sheryl Crow and Miranda Lambert); Don't You Wanna Stay (Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson); Old Alabama (Brad Paisley featuring Alabama); You and Tequila (Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter)
Last Year's Winner: Hillbilly Bone (Blake Shelton ft. Trace Adkins)
Who Will Win? While "Coal Miner's Daughter" is an iconic song in the industry sung by three insanely big stars (including the original artist), and Zac Brown had arguably their biggest popularity year, Brad Paisley featuring Alabama will take this. You have a fun song that incorporates some great old-school rythym and guitar with probably the best guitarist in the business into a hit number one. Awesome stuff.

Song of the Year:
Nominees: Colder Weather - Zac Brown Band, Dirt Road Anthem - Brantley Gilbert & Colt Ford, If I Die Young - Kimberly Perry, Mean - Taylor Swift, You and Tequila - Matraca Berg & Deana Carter
Last Year's Winner: The House That Built Me
Who Will Win? Now, it is important to note this is an award based on song writing and not performance (hence why Jason Aldean is not listed with Dirt Road Anthem). Dirt Road Anthem is a career defining song for Aldean, but since it isn't up for Single of the Year he won't win. "If I Die Young" catapulted The Band Perry to new found fame and will not only win this award, but others tonight.

Album of the Year:
Nominees: All About Tonight - Blake Shelton, My Kinda Party - Jason Aldean, Speak Now - Taylor Swift, This Is Country Music - Brad Paisley, You Get What You Give - Zac Brown Band
Last Year's Winner: Revolution - Miranda Lambert
Who Will Win? Honestly, this will probably be the award I'm most disappointed in as a fan (a.k.a a guy). All of these albums were amazing in terms of the amount of hit songs produced from them. But only one has helped to keep a world-wide phenom at the top. Taylor Swift has the music world in a choke hold and although I will be upset if/when she accepts this award, it rightfully does belong to her.

Single of the Year:
Nominees: A Little Bit Stronger - Sara Evans, Colder Weather - Zac Brown Band, Don't You Wanna Stay - Jason Aldean w/ Kelly Clarkson, Honey Bee - Blake Shelton, If I Die Young - The Band Perry
Last Year's Winner: Need You Now - Lady Antebellum
Who Will Win? At this point, my buddy Goose has stopped reading because I once again am not picking ZBB. Blake Shelton had a great feel good up-tempo love song that was dominant this year. But Blake is also established in the industry. When a song takes you from "one-hit wonder" to "legitimate act" and gets you a gig opening for legend Alan Jackson, you got a special single. The Band Perry wins.

Vocal Duo of the Year:
Nominees: The Civil Wars, Montgomery Gentry, Steel Magnolia, Sugarland, Thompson Square
Last Year's Winner: Sugarland
Who Will Win? Well, they didn't really do much over the past year in terms of song output, but Kristian Bush and Jennifer Neddles were at the center of one of the most painful events of the summer when a stage at a state fair they were performing at, collapsed killing multiple people. That will have little to do with the award but hearing their acceptance speech will be very emotional given the circumstance.

Vocal Group of the Year:
Nominees: The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Zac Brown Band
Last Year's Winner: Lady Antebellum
Who Will Win? Sometimes, in categories like this, I think the association just puts in groups to fill it up. The Band Perry has had a phenomenal year as already mentioned. Rascal Flatts is a powerhouse group that gets better every year. Little Big Town still has yet to become that "headline" act despite having almost a 10 year career. Lady A has been to vocal groups what Taylor Swift has been to solo artists, amazing. That being said, this is when the Zac Brown Band gets their due. They are an amazing group that blends old-time country meaning and music with new-age lyrics and tempo. It will not be long before they are nominated for, and win, multiple Entertainer of the Year awards.

New Artist of the Year:
Nominees: The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Thompson Square, Chris Young
Last Year's Winner: The Zac Brown Band
Who Will Win? This is the category that I can never understand. True country music fans will understand because only two of these artists are actually "new". Luke, Eric and Chris have been around for a few years (Chris Young won the original Nashville Star back in 2007). That being said, Luke has add a tremendous year and I will be holding on to my bias in rooting hard for him. Don't be surprised if Eric Church adds an award to his resume. Both are awesome but I'm rooting for the ACM New Artist of the Year in Luke Bryan.

Male Vocalist of the Year:
Nominees: Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban
Last Year's Winner: Blake Shelton
Who Will Win? It is no secret that I absolutely LOVE Kenny and he still is the best concert I've seen (saw him twice this year). He took a summer off last year which cost him quite a view awards including his reign as Entertainer of the Year. Keith is a great talent in both vocals and instrumentals but he's been on the back burner aside from the song "Without You". Blake once again had a great year professionally and personally while Brad is still the best SHOW I've ever seen. All that fails to match the year Jason Aldean had. If Taylor Swift did not have the year she did, he would win Album of the Year as well. This is a nice consolation though.

Female Vocalist of the Year:
Nominees: Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood
Last Year's Winner: Miranda Lambert
Who Will Win? Well the Champ has a great chance to repeat this year considering the career of her husband and herself were mirrors of one another. Sara had a strong showing but just one song, while Martina and Carrie continued to be the icons they are. However, with all the love I gave Taylor earlier, it should not be a surprise that she captures this title along with the previous honor.

Entertainer of the Year:
Nominees: Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban
Last Year's Winner: Brad Paisley
Who Will Win? Last year, Brad proved that it takes more than catchy songs and a good voice to be a true Entertainer knocking off Kenny. This year, Chesney isn't even nominated. For me it comes down to the Titan of Pop-Country in T-Swift and not the Male Vocalist of the Year in Mr. Aldean, but Mr. Miranda Lambert. Blake has come a long way since his mullet and cowboy hat singing songs like "The Baby" but he has always kept the edge you heard in "Ol' Red". This past year he matched that with some heart-felt love songs and a great showing on the hit TV program "The Voice". Though I have not seen his concert in about four years, and wasn't impressed, he has become very entertaining and very deserving as this year's Country King.



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