Linking Up: August 22
Musings while wondering why boxing always goes down "after dark"...
-Mike Balogun's lawyer says his client is approaching a compromise with the NCAA that would be a "win-win" for all parties involved. What exactly does the NCAA have to win in this case?
-The Skinny says License to Wed is one of the top 10 comedies of this decade. Homerism says I'd rather ride a bike without a seat for 90 minutes than subject myself to that.
-Remember how the Associated Press removed its poll from the BCS process because the writers all of a sudden got religion about "creating" the news instead of reporting it? Would love to know why they even continue to publish it if that's truly the case. If the AP poll names a different champ at the end of the season--as was the case in 2003--wouldn't that "make" news? Funny thing is, I think the writers poll actually has more credibility.
-Joe Buck Live returns September 22! Guests include Andrew Dice Clay, Rex Ryan and Mike Tyson.
-Every time Vince Young drops back to throw, Tim Tebow drops a spot in the NFL draft. I don't think there is one good thing to be said about VY's performance in Friday night's preseason game against Dallas. Seriously, after watching him play two preseason games so far this year, I can't envision any circumstance in which I'd put him in an NFL game that didn't involve a four-touchdown lead and less than five minutes to play.
Young is one of the five best college football players I've ever seen, but he is a testament to the vast differences between the college and pro games for a quarterback. He certainly has attitude issues, but his real problems start with his skills as a passer. You just can't "turn" a guy into an NFL-caliber thrower. Doesn't happen.
-Homerism's ranking of USC at number two in my preseason power poll has generated some discussion among his six or seven loyal readers. Yes, I understand that the Trojans will have a freshman at quarterback this year. Yes, I know Pete Carroll has a whole new defense coming in this year.
Read the explanation of my preseason ranking process carefully, though. I happen to think USC drops two or three games this season. How I see the season playing out is irrelevant, though. The factors working against USC--mainly a number of tough road games--bear no weight on these rankings. If you lined up the Trojans any of the 120 D-I teams on a completely neutral field in Mongolia, I'd favor USC right now over everyone other than Florida.
-Season one of my OU dynasty in NCAA 2010 ended today with the Sooners drilling Florida, 28-14, in the BCS title game. Three turnovers marred Tim Tebow's final college game. So OU has that going for it.
-I really like the Saints this year.
-Homerism will be participating in a college fantasy football league this season sponsored by my homies over at GatorsFirst. We're drafting on Monday night. If anyone has any advice, feel free to shoot it my way. While I love talking fantasy sports, few things are more boring than listening to people talk about their own fantasy teams. I'll probably run down the draft results on Tuesday or Wednesday, at which point I'll make a call as to whether or not I should give it much play during the regular season. If it sounds like something you're interested in reading about, make your opinion known. Thanks.