No Dome Field Advantage

Waldini:

Well by now, you've heard Weis is out at ND. I'm not going to do the obvious that other media types will do today which is add salt to the wound, talking about Weis was never this, never that, yada yada. I'm going straight at the ND athletic staff that has been out of touch since Holtz "retired" from there. They are like those small towns that have one high school and that high school;s football program means everything to the high school alum and town folks. And like those small town folks, they have lost touch with reality. Back in the day, yea you're program was king but this ain't the 50s (hell not even the 80s during the Tony Rice days).

It's 2009 and the reality is ND will not be consistently on top. Like every other program (see USC, see Oklahoma, see Texas, hell even see Nebraska right now), you will have periods like this where the program is mediocre or below average. Patience, which seems to be lacking everywhere in sports these days, is a must. Too bad ya'll dumb asses will have to learn it the hard way via a $15 million dollar buyout for firing him early. You deserve everything bad that happens to that program.

Yep Thanksgiving is over Commission :-)

Gangsta D:

Yep, pretty much. Definitely was a brilliant idea to lock him up with a ten year extension after a loss. It's leadership like that from the "front office" that would instill the utmost confidence in me if I were a Domer. Suck it, Notre Dame. Suck it, harder than Vanessa Del Rio...

Waldini:

The crazy part is that Weis is telling folks at least 6 NFL teams have contacted him about being an NFL offensive coordinator again. Why is that an issue? Because folks like Romeo Crennel, Art Shell either had to wait many years or never were contacted by the same folks about taking over similar roles (defensive coordinator, o line coach, etc). Hmmm....

Gangsta D:

Charlie is gonna be just fine. ND is paying him out the ass, and he's gonna get a multi-million dollar coordinator job. Only in America, can abject failure make you filthy rich...

Read more!

Who You Got?!?

UGA - UF

Waldini: This is a difficult one. Since the 'Bama loss, Georgia has been laying teams out. Since the Ole Miss loss, Florida has been laying teams out. Who wins? I'm going with GEORGIA in a squeaker

Gangsta D: Matt Stafford's arm is from another planet. He made throws against LSU that maybe 2-3 PRO QBs can make. He's the difference. Knowshon is gonna get his. UGA's defense can't shut down Florida. Staff's gonna have to put it in the air and score points. I think he's ready to make the leap.

Realist: I have no idea at this point. I'm picking Florida because...well, can Georgia show up two weeks in a row?

UT - TT

Waldini: Waldini's upset special. For some reason I just think McCoy's luck runs out on Sat. TEXAS TECH

Gangsta D: OK, THIS is the week that Texas succumbs to a team after consecutive emotional victories. I hope.

Realist: Always Texas in this matchup. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm not picking Tech ever in this matchup and I *may* be wrong 1 time out of 10.

OU - 'Braska

Waldini: OKLAHOMA. No explanation needed lol

Gangsta D: Oklahoma will kill the Cornhuskers.

Realist: Oklahoma

FSU - G Tech

Waldini: I was reading USA Today and they spotlighted the Varsity as great place to eat in Atlanta. What does this have to do with this pick? For the simple reason that I h8 the Varsity (vastly overrated) which means I'm Silky Johnson aka Playa Hata of the Year. FLORIDA ST.

Gangsta D: Unfortunately, the Noles appear to be decent this year. Tech looked like a surprise team before falling to the Cavs. I'll go with Tech. That triple option will fluster Mickey. I think.

Realist: Probably a toss-up, but I'm going with the Noles
Miami - UVA

Waldini: This is the same UVA that got destroyed by the Men of Troy and UConn in back to back weeks. And now they are upsetting ACC teams left and right. I think Shannon's a better coach than Groh but UVA's been playing better of late. VIRGINIA

Gangsta D: On pure talent and potential, the Wahoos shouldn't get within two TDs of the Canes. But our best players are true freshmen and redshirt freshmen, so they are so inconcsistent. But, they will be out for blood after that 48-0 mollywhopping from last year.

Realist: Virginia
ND - Pitt

Waldini: Did you know ND was 5-2? that Pitt was the Big East leader? Neither did I and since I'm still in Silky Johnson mode, you know where this is going. PITT

Gangsta D: I'll never ever pick ND. If it's ND versus The Hell's Angels, I got the Hell's Angels.

Realist: Notre Dame Read more!

Weekend Recap

Waldini:

College Football - Another week and another high ranking team (Boston College) goes down. Kansas continues to roll and despite handing Nebraska one of their worst beatdowns ever, the polls still have the Sooners ranked higher. ND's nightmare continues as Navy ends a looooong losing streak. LSU is hanging by a thread and they will get beat if they continue to screw around with inferior opponents. And what the hell is going on with Jamaal Charles??! Back to back games (well really 4Qs)
where he goes off and rallies his team.

Pro Football - The "new" game of century was actually pretty hype. I only caught the 2nd half but the 4Q was the only quarter that mattered anyway. I still think the Pats defense is weak. The Saints continue to climb back into the playoff chase, AP officially became my target for next year's fantasy draft, and people need to stop sleeping on the Browns' offense.

Pro Baseball - A week has gone by and folks are tripping on A-Rod's supposedly ill-timed opt out announcement. I've got a question...WHO CARES?? In an era marked by juicing (McGwire, Giambi, etc), ridiculous spending (Yankees, Red Sox), and escalating baseball prices, what difference does it make. Funny, someone said he was destroying the integrity of the game. Get yours A-rod, even though you will choke when it matters....and the Barry Bonds boycott watch is officially on

Pro Basketball - Too early to tell anything so I do not put a lot of stock in any of these games. I did check out the NBA free preview of League pass and that confirmed I don't want it :-). Kinda hard to get pumped up to watch the Heat-Bobcats. Oh did you peep Phil's clowning of Mike D'Antoni on Friday. Classic Zen Master

Gangsta D:

I put our loss squarely on Coker's shoulders, and I'm not one of those "Everything's Coker's Fault" guys. But he left us with only two scholarship QBs, one of whom can't COMPLETE A FUCKIN' PASS!!! If Kyle had started, we wouldv'e won going away. No doubt he would've made his share of bonehead plays, but he also would've complete MORE THAN ONE PASS!! But I'm not bitter at all.

Kansas, essentially, called Ryder and gave them directions to Bill callahan's house. I haven't seen a beatdown like that since Penny got burned by an iron. Charlie Weis is a massive fuckhead. Going for it on 4th and 8? Very smart idea, Chuck. LSU probably should've lost that game, but they find ways to pull it out. Nevertheless, I can't say they're the best team in the country anymore. Too many mistakes.

How 'Bout Them Cowboys. Nice critical beatdown of the Iggles. Do NOT sleep on the Cleveland Steamer. That offense is crucial. Defense sucks, but they can score on just about anyone. The Pats can be beaten. The Colts should've beaten them. They should've been up 14-0 in the 1st qtr, but a lack of playmakers on the outside killed momentum. I'm really starting to hate everything Boston.

Boy, the Bulls are 0-3 and are in an offensive funk. Looks like they could use some help, huh?

The Lakers look like an actual team. I watch with guarded optimism. I don't want to put too much heart into cheering just to see them start scrubbing out, or see Kobe get traded. As it stands now, they move the ball, rebound, play defense, and hustle. That's really all I can ask for. Read more!

Clausen Is German For Schadenfruede

Realist put a link to this video in our Picks Post, but it really deserves its own place to shine. This year, Notre Dame doesn't warrant the squirt of piss I just dropped in the toilet, but I just can't help myself. I love it when the Domers get bitch slapped. My hate is irrational and I'm OK with that.

Read more!

Weekend Bloodletting

Gangsta D:

Jesus, I leave the house for a couple of hours and College Football goes absolute apeshit! I told ya'll Oklahoma was overrated:)

Waldini:

That was one of the greatest days, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame (all teams I cant stand for one reason or another) LOST! Add in Rutgers, Clemson, West Virginia, Alabama, and Penn St all go down in games they were supposed to win. LSU and USC didnt exactly overwhelm their competition either. So the question is, who really is the best team in the land? NO ONE is miles ahead of anyone....

And I'm pissed neither ABC or Fox Sports showed the Cal-Oregon game in my area :-)

Da Realist:

That was the best saturday i've had in a long, long time. :-D C'etait parfait!

Weis got a fat contract extension cause he "almost" beat USC. what does willingham get for "almost" beating USC two years in a row?

Gangsta D:

A pat on the back and an "atta boy." lol

Waldini:

And the big piece of chicken when he gets home

Did you hear Holtz after they lost? Paraphrasing but said they were playing winning football in the 2nd half. WTF? I thought playing winning football meant you actually won the game.

D, you should start putting on our picks list a special slot for the Irish and just simply say "Weekly Suicide Watch: Do the Irish win or lose this week?"

Da Realist:

Y'all are cold. LOL... Read more!

Who Ya Got?!?

Gangsta D:

Picks update:

Yours truly 9-3
Smokey 8-4
Osceola 7-5

Da Realist:

I'm only 2 back??? LOL...


USC vs NEB

Gangsta D: USC has been ordained the best team in football once again, but they were kind of pedestrian against Toledo. Nebraska didn't exactly look like the World's Greatest against Wake Forest either. I wonder if the bye week hurt 'Sc or will help them. It's always tough playing Nebraska. But, the Trojans just have too many athletes. Nebraska would have to play over their heads to pull this one out. I think it's closer than the experts predict, but 'SC pulls it out nevertheless.

Waldini: I'm not impressed by Carroll, Booty and co PLUS it's weird they have 9 tailbacks on their roster. But I agree, Nebraska didn't lay the smack down on the Demon Deacons like they should have. Originally I had Nebraska but I'm switching to the dark side er I mean USC.

Da Realist: I didn't see usc play, but I saw Nebraska stumbling against Wake Forest. USC has more athletes, even if they are raw and not 100%. I can't remember the last big win Bill Callahan has had in college or pro. USC is used to being everyone else's "game of the year". USC


Ohio St vs UW

Gangsta D: I'm officially on the Ty Willingham bandwagon. Ok I've never really been off, but it looks like Ty has his team ready to play. Jake Locker is trying to cement his status as the White Pat White. Ohio St didn't look that impressive to me against Akron at home. They were up 3-2 in the second quarter. Plus the Buckeyes have to travel cross country to play in a stadium that will be rocking. Can the new QB handle the pressure? Ken Dorsey couldn't in 2000, so there is definitely precedence. I think U-Dub wins and it's by double digits.

Waldini: I picked against you last week Ty, I wont make the same mistake again. I thought Wells was supposed to be the 2nd coming of Eddie George at OSU. That offense struggled against a not on the same level as Appalachian St team called Akron. That's all I need to know. HUSKERS

Da Realist: I hope the Huskies can find a way to win this game and officially throw dirt on the corpse of the Big Ten this year. and oh boy would he stick a big "f you" in the faces of all Notre Dame fans. I just don't see it happening. OSU.


ND vs Mich

Gangsta D: The most hyped game between two winless teams in the history of hyped games. Ryan Mallet versus Jimmy Clausen. Let's just say that the running game is gonna be very important on Saturday. Edge goes to Mich and Mike hart, who is the only Wolverine who seems to be playing to potential. Lord Weis loses his FIFTH in a row, hopefully by 20+ points.

Waldini: The hate in me wants me to go w/Mich but losing Henne is huge. I saw Mallet in mop up duty last week. He's got a cannon but he doesnt have that accuracy down yet. Mike Hart can only do so much see App St game. But Clausen didnt exactly drum up memories of Montana or Theisman either. And that offense is atrocious. Gimme Mich in the Donut Bowl

Da Realist: Michigan has some athletes, but they are slow. Notre Dame doesn't have athletes. Michigan has trouble with speed and mobile quarterbacks, neither of which Notre Dame has. UM


BC vs G-Tech

Gangsta D: I'm sold on Matt Ryan. Dude just puts up numbers. We know he's good. But we don't know if Tech is any good. Throttling ND and Samford doesn't really tell me a whole lot. Their running game is good, as Tashard Choice is a proven commodity. But Taylor Bennet didn't impress me at ND. Plus, we don't know if Tech's secondary is any good because the Irish passing game is pretty nonexistent. Normally I would go with the home team, but I'm getting darkhorse Heisman vibes from matt Ryan. Well see if he turns into Carson Palmer or Kyle Orton. BC in a squeaker.

Waldini: You have the ACC Preseason Player of the year (Matt Ryan) vs the 2006 ACC Rushing Leader (Tashard Choice). Choice has a huge chip on his shoulder (he didnt like being on 2nd team last year) and they're playing in Atlanta. I'm going w/G. Tech, I just think they are going to do some things in the ACC this year.

Da Realist: I like that Georgia Tech defense. I'm not sure how good Boston College really is but I know they are historically big but slow. i think Matt Ryan will find his ass on the ground more and more often as the game wears on. GT.


ARK vs Bama

Gangsta D: All I know about Bama is that Gil's cousin plays for them, and he's pretty fast. All I know about Arkansas is that McFadden and Jones are REALLY fast. The Hogs have zero passing game, but with those two, do you really need one? The Tide hasn't faced a running combo like McFadden-Jones so I have no idea if they're up for the challenge. Even though Saban may have something up his sleeve, the Hogs pull it out.

Waldini: Saban's a genius, a revolutionary, an offensive wunderkind, a relentless recruiter, and a quitter :-). You said it Gangsta Fadden and Jones is a lethal 1-2 punch (only WVA's Slaton and Devine, and Clemson's Spiller and Davis come close to matching that power & speed). And it's in Fayetteville. Arkansas goes ape shit on Sat.

Da Realist: As great as Arkansas's running game is, you can't bring a one-dimensional offense on the road and expect to win. The Hogs are relying on Casey Dick to make some big plays on the road in Nick Saban's home opener (because you know the tide will stack the line). i hope i'm wrong, but... ALABAMA


UT vs UF

Gangsta D: It's hard for me to keep the bile from overtaking my mouth. There's a pain in my stomach that's gotta be worst than contractions. I'm actually going to pick the Floriduh Gaytors. Blechh! I'm gonna go wash my mouth out now.

Waldini: Do I even need to explain why Tenn is my pick?

Da Realist: Another prediction of which i hope i'm wrong, but Tennessee doesn't look that good. I fell asleep watching last week. Where is the explosiveness? Where is the athletic offensive line phil is known for? Love em or HATE em, Florida has athletes. Lots of them. I hope UT can somehow knock UF on its butt at the swamp, but i can't pick em. UF

(Photo from Loser With Socks) Read more!

Who Ya Got?!?

The U vs OK

Gangsta D:

A week ago I said to myself, "We could beat Oklahoma." Around Tuesday I was saying, "If we win, it'll be close." Now I'm saying, "We'll win by two TDs." I just have this feeling that we're gonna blow into Norman and put a critical beatdown on the Sooners. Why? Well, what has Oklahoma done to be considered so good? Preseason ranking don't mean anything. They have a REDSHIRT FRESHMAN starting at QB. Mr. Bradford, please meet the best D-line you'll see all season. Whenever Oklahoma is faced with equal or better speed, they fold. The Canes have speed. Boy do they have speed. Plus I feel the offense will be much more dynamic. More 3-WR sets. Graig Cooper motioning into the slot. Coop and Baby J in the backfield at the same time. And a TON of play action. I'm getting a Virginia Tech 2005 feeling for this one. Canes by two TDs.

Da Realist:

Missed most of last week's games so I don't have much of anything to go on. this is what happens when one travels during football season. i haven't seen ANY OF THESE TEAMS play yet. well i did see LSU.

Miami has speed but are their playmakers ready? this is just the 2nd game of the season and they're going to norman? it would help if i had seen a little of both of these teams, but alas... i'll go with the home team. OKLAHOMA

Waldini:

I didnt see OU but I have seen Miami. Their defense is legit but that offense worries me. Sorry Gangsta, I'm going with OU in a nailbiteer


VT vs LSU

Gangsta D:

I didn't see much of the VT game last week, but what I saw of their offense wasn't encouraging. They probably should've lost that game. Maybe they were flat emotionally. Maybe, like most VT teams, they're just not as good as everyone thinks they are. LSU didn't exactly look like world beaters either. I'm still not sold on Matt Flynn or that offense. The defense looks pretty stout. Sean Glennon and Glen Dorsey will probably be doing the tango all game. If both defenses are about even, then LSU has the edge on offense. Plus it's a night game at LSU. The Hokies don't really have a chance.

Da Realist:

i will never predict a virginia tech victory in a big game again until they prove themselves. LSU

Waldini:

Ditto Realist's comments. LSU


Mich vs Oregon

Gangsta D:

I saw the Mich-App St game last week and was going apeshit throughout the contest. I actually like Michigan, but it was something about a 1-AA team beating them AT the Big House that got me giddy. So how do the Wolverines respond to adversity? Well since Lloyd Carr is the coach, I'm gonna say not very well. Traveling cross country is never a great thing. But traveling cross country, to play in Autzen Stadium, a week after you've been humiliated, may be too much to overcome. I don't know much about Oregon's team this year, but they usually have speed on the outside. And that's what killed Michigan last week. I don't think they recover, and start the season 0-2. Goodbye Lloyd. We hardly knew ye.

Da Realist:

I can't see Michigan coming out 0-2. I can't see them losing 2 straight games at the big house. MICHIGAN

Waldini:

Gimme Michigan.


PSU vs ND

Gangsta D:

Ahh, this is the game I've been waiting three years for. All you need to know about this game is that Jimmy "Emu" Clausen is getting the start...at Happy Valley. I'm not sure if he knows what playing in front of 100,000 people is like. He's gonna find out real quickly. There is no way this game doesn't end in a blowout. Notre Dame could do NOTHING against Tech last week. The defense looked good in spots, but still gave up over 200 yards on the ground. Think JoePa is gonna air it out after that display last week? I doubt it. Lord Weis thought it a good idea that his true freshman QB's first start should be on the road in front of 100,000 people. So I don't expect the offense to do much again this week. It's gonna get ugly and fast. My only regret is that I will probably miss the quarter. I really want to see Clausen's first INT live.

Da Realist:

Penn State will put a hurting on Notre Dame.

Waldini:

Puhlease, Happy Valley is going to remain happy. PSU


Boise St. vs UW

Gangsta D:

Umm...coin flip...and...I'll go with the black coach.

Da Realist:

Watching D flip his coin....i'll take the opposite. BOISE STATE

Waldini:

I just saw the Boise St video on their perfect season, I'm taking Boise. BSU

Read more!

Hatred Redux

In honor of the return of college football, I though I'd repost a piece I wrote while pinch hitting for The Big Lead in April. It's a testament to my hatred of Notre Dame. For some reason, I got supremely hated on for a post that wasn't meant to be taken seriously. I thought Notre Dame fans would have a sense of humor. I was just a tad wrong. Anyway, here's the post in all it's vitriolic glory.


I hate Notre Dame.

I hate Brady Quinn and his wanna be a pinup body.

I hate his campaigning for the #1 pick, like going 0-3 in bowls and shitting your pants when faced by a real pass rush qualifies you for a guaranteed $25 million.

I hate Charlie Weis because HE’S FUCKING CHARLIE WEIS.

I hate Jimmy “Jehova” Clausen and his ridiculous stick-your-finger-in-a-socket haircut.

I hate that he will bang more chicks this fall semester than I have in the past 3 years.

I hate that Notre Dame had a black mascot. When the fuck have you ever seen a black leprechaun?

I hate that Lou Holtz went apeshit on a kid during the spring football game.

I hate that Lou Holtz gets paid to talk.

I hate the phrase “Wake up the echoes.” How the fuck do you awaken an echo?

I hate that they’ve lost six games the past two years, but everyone considers Tweedledum to be a genius because they didn’t lose eight.

I hate that I hate Notre Dame so much.

I hate that I wrote that last sentence, because it’s not true and I was only trying to come off less asshole-ish.

OK, I feel better. I just have to release some ND hate every now and then. Nothing personal.
Read more!

Winners Win. Cryers Cry.

Da Realist

The 100 greatest beatdowns in history

95. NBA referees versus Sacramento Kings, Game 6, 2002 Western Conference finals: Kings called for 27 fourth-quarter fouls against the
Lakers as L.A. pulled out a 106-102 victory.

Gangsta D:

How did I know you would parse that ONE item from a hundred? Lol

Will we mention how Shaq fouled out of games 2 and 5, while getting to the line less than 10 times combined? Will we mention that? Nope, no need to mention that.

Da Realist:

THAT'S for the pippen debate you started. i felt like i had to choose between 2 children or pick my favorite grandmother.

Waldini:

Funny how anybody but a Lakers fan will always point to Game 6 as the poor, deserving Kings getting the wrong end of the referees whistle. Let's talk about Game 5 as Gangsta stated. Shaq fouls out, the Lakers were getting the wrong end of the ref's whistles, the Kings "won" that game. Or let's talk about Game 4 where bad refereeing was involved and the Kings blew a 20 pt lead. Shoot Divac should have been the Miller Genuine Draft player of the game for passing the ball to Horry to make the game winning 3. Or Let's talk, Game 7, on your own home floor, again no bad refereeing. both teams went to the FT line the same amount of times. One team just choked it away. I'm sorry if you are hanging Game 6 as the reason you lost a series, you are a jackass. What happened in Games 1-5 and 7. You didnt close out in those games. Bottom line, winners win, losers lose. Dont cry for the Queens. They were built for the regular season.

Shoot you're telling me you rather have a perennial underachiever (Chris Webber), the king of flopping (Vlade Divac), a man who cant control his wife (Doug Christie) and Mr April (Peja Stojakovic) representing the NBA as your champion. Get the f*** outta here.

Gangsta D:

Chuuuuch...

Waldini:

87. 2001 Fiesta Bowl: The once-pathetic Oregon State Beavers, full of pregame boasts, humiliated Notre Dame 41-9 -- and it could have been worse, as the Beavers were flagged for 18 penalties, many for illegal roughness and cheap shots.87. 2001 Fiesta Bowl: The once-pathetic Oregon State Beavers, full of pregame boasts, humiliated Notre Dame 41-9 -- and it could have been worse, as the Beavers were flagged for 18 penalties, many for illegal roughness and cheap shots.

Oh that game was GREAT! The touchdown celebration Chad Johnson and TJ Houzamandeh did in the end zone was classic.

Gangsta D:

Maybe the best TD celebration ever.

Da Realist:

FRAME THIS:-)

If you care about basketball, Friday night's Game 6 of the Western Conference finals was a rip-off. The Kings and Lakers didn't decide this series would be extended until Sunday; three referees did. Statistical evidence is usually circumstantial, but consider this anyway: the Lakers had shot an average of 22 foul shots through the first five games of this series, but on Friday night here at home they shot 27 . . . in the fourth quarter.

Gangsta D:

Fuck Wilbon! Not really, but I don't wanna hear it:)

Waldini:

I didn't know Wilbon had a drinking problem. Read more!