The 10 Best College Football Uniforms Minus LSU's

(Click here to check out my thoughts on Week 15 of the 2009 NFL season.)

One of the best features of college football are the uniforms. They add a certain flare to those Saturday games. As a fan I have many jerseys I adore, but since I am an LSU Tiger I will not include them in my Top 10 because let's be honest nothing can top that purple and gold, white uniform the Bayou Bengals wear nearly every Saturday.



So....here are my Top 10 College Football Uniforms Minus LSU's

10. Baylor Bears

When the Baylor Bears wear their green uniforms it looks classical, yet stylish. Now, I understand ND has a green jersey, but keep in mind Notre Dame wears their green jerseys about as often as Haley's comet comes around. The mild-colored green jerseys seem to go hand-in-hand with the solid gold helmets for this Waco, Texas university. Now if only the school could get a decent football coach.

9. UCLA Bruins

Light blue is a hard color to make look both respectable and intimidating, while staying away from that "baby" image. The Bruins due just that as the uniforms seem to say to opponents, "I'm going to score, and I'm going to look damn good doing it." Also, it helps that the school's letters are written in Greek-esque cursive. Love it.

8. Michigan Wolverines



There is something about that Michigan uniform that is so intimidating and fearing. I really can not put my finger on why the maize and blue suits strike fear in all who look at them. For me personally when I think of those uniforms I think of a wide receiver who runs like the wind and is built like a linebacker. And I imagine that wide receiver on the line of scrimmage glaring at the cornerback, watching the ball, and waiting for the snap...



7. Hawaii Warriors



Back when they were the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors the jerseys the school wore looked like something Barney the Dinosaur wore to bed. Not even joking. After dropping "Rainbow" from the name things have only gotten better. In the past couple years the black jersey Hawaii unis have been stunning. Believe or not, you actually fear the Warriors when they are all dressed in black, while showing a little green on the helmet...the lovely "H."



6. Fresno State Bulldogs



All red. It's so vivid. It's so there. I'm sorry not sure what the heck those two sentences I just wrote mean. Anyway, FSU's red uniforms make bright red look dangerous because danger seems to always be associated with the color red. Not sure why. More importantly, the red unis are a trademark of Fresno. You see red uni it is Fresno State...or maybe Rutgers. Anyway, you get the point.



5. Colorado Buffaloes



The helmet art is one the biggest reasons the Colorado uniform is so awesome. That "C" and "U" going through that crazy Buffalo. Love it all. But then there's the black jerseys. All black, no color. I can still remember when Coach Gary Barnett was there and the school actually had a team. Or how about when Rick Neuhesel was coaching? Those were the days the unis were at there best. They were the purest definition of pain on the football field.



4. North Carolina Tar Heels



The Smurfs is what they the call baby blue uniforms the Tar Heels wear. Not going to lie, they have grown on me. When the defense was looking good (back when Mack Brown was there) it looked like a tidal wave was hitting the QB during a sack. But as we all know, it was not a wave, but rather a group of Tar Heels wearing some breath taking uniforms.

3. Oregon Ducks

Whoa, calm down! Before you badger me for liking one of Oregon's 324 uniforms let me state there is actually 325 if you saw the Washington game last week. Oregon wore some white unis I fell in love with. They seem to fit Dennis Dixon and Jonathon Stewart perfectly because white seems to be a mystery color, and let's be honest Oregon is a mystery team.

2. Penn State Nittany Lions

White. The one color (it's a color don't give me that shade crap) that seems to have no feel. No emotion. It's nothing. It's white. Well, that use to be true until the all white Penn State uniform. That's a uniform. That is college football. It really is the something that makes college football, college football. Indescribe is the best word for the PSU uniform. Indescribe...like the color white.

1. Washington Huskies

And the No. 1 uniform (minus LSU's) is Washington University! Why? Got to be honest I love the purple and gold jerseys. Yes they are LSU colors, but so what the Huskies look superb when they are wearing the purple jerseys and solid gold helmets. It's a look that is the very definition of beauty in college football. Did I really just say that last sentence? Sorry, I get passionate about my college football uniforms.



Hey, I'm interested in hearing what you guys consider the Top 10 uniforms in college football! Just feel free to leave a comment!


CHECK OUT MY LATEST ARTICLE ON WEEK 15 OF THE 2009 NFL SEASON. ARTICLE

Rebuttal to Pete Fiutak's "Hail Miles"

As I was searching the web yesterday, I visited one of my favorite college football web sites (http://www.collegefootballnews.com/). I came across the weekly Cavalcade of Whimsy by Pete Fiutak (http://cfn.scout.com/2/693681.html).

For the most part I agreed with Fiutak's observations...for the most part.

After reading Fiutak's thoughts about LSU coach Les Miles's late game decision against Auburn, I could see that Fiutak, much like many other writers, is still confused on Miles's call.

Fiutak's entire claim is based around how "unnecessary" it was for Les Miles to take a shot at the end zone.

I have got two words for you Pete: Colt David. Those two words together are what makes Miles's call the right one. Why? On the season Colt David is 14 of 19, which is not that bad...until you look at the fact that during LSU's last home game against Florida he was 0 for 2, and on the season David has never made a field goal past the 40 yard line. Had LSU needed to kick a field goal it would of been from about 40 yards out. In the eyes of many, Colt David is seen as an inconsistent kicker.

I hope you realize these thoughts had to be in Miles's head in the closing moments of the game.


Furthermore you make the claim the call was downright "stupid." Referring to something as "stupid" is clearly a statement with no validity. When I think of "stupid" I think of two grade school kids arguing over whose favorite basketball player is the best. When one kid says his favorite player is better, the other kid simply states, "I don't like him. He's stupid." There's no substance to saying the call was just "stupid."

Now let me say, LSU should of managed the clock late in the game much better. As we all know that did not happen. Even so, Miles wanted to take two chances at scoring rather than one. He did not want to put all his chips on Colt David winning the game just right yet.


Miles basic thinking was, "There is time for one more play before the field goal. Let's take a shot at the end zone. If we don't get anything we'll go for the field goal. Let's just try it."


Well his attempt did work. Now I am sure it's been said countless times, but when Demetrius Byrd hit the ground after his TD catch at least 3 seconds were left on the clock. So what if the pass was tipped? There easily would of been time left in the game. How about an interception? In single coverage that is not nearly as likely. It was a small risk.

But if you are going to sit there and play the "What-If Game," how about this: what if there was a bad snap for the field goal attempt? What if Colt David shanked it?

And finally the reason I felt inclined to write my rebuttal to your "Hail Miles" paragraph Pete, is for the simple fact that you fall into the category of the many people who consider Les Miles to be stupid. Face it, Pete, you think the guy is not that great of a coach and is only winning off of pure luck, or as you would like to say it "stupid" calls. Now granted, I do not think Miles is a god, but I will give him his credit when it is due. (Cough! Auburn game.) I have heard all the excuses regarding how Les Miles's being a good coach is overrated. "Come on the coach has gotten so lucky this year. He coaches LSU! How can't you win there?"

Pete, I do not know why guys like you continue to shy away from giving Miles any credit. Is it because of the way he comes across during interviews; that long, slow speech of his? Or maybe it's the hat? One thing is for sure Les Miles is not an idiot (Degree in Economics from Michigan), and his call against Auburn was not "stupid."

It was gamble, that can separate the good coaches from the great ones.

Hyping Down the Situation

I have read my share of sports web sites since LSU's dramatic 30-24 victory against Auburn Saturday night. I have carefully kept my mouth shut and my mind open, but enough is enough.

The constant criticism of Coach Les Miles's daring call is by all means being blown way out of proportion.

LSU started off that final drive on their own 42 yard line. In four plays the Tigers had gotten three first downs. For the first time in about three games the LSU offense was really playing to it's potential.

Once the Tigers got inside Auburn's 30 yard line, as a fan, I could notice LSU's play calling became much more conservative. This was upsetting to me, as well as, may other fans because LSU was banking on the winning points coming from the inconsistent field goal kicker Colt David. Sure you could point out David was 3 for 3 on the day, but that still did not erase his past blunders. For example, against Florida David missed two key field goals.

These thoughts on David were common for all LSU faithful.

Leading up to the winning touchdown, LSU was very slow on getting the play onto the field. Watching this was nerve-racking. Of course as we remember, QB Matt Flynn called hike with the clock running at :09 seconds. When Demetrius Byrd caught the ball and hit his shoulder in the end zone at least :03 seconds were left.

Reread that. At least :03 seconds. Now granted LSU should of managed the time a bit better. For instance, getting the play out to the QB should not have taken so long, but as we all know it did take longer than expected.

Why did the clock run to :01 second? Not sure. Maybe the clock was celebrating the touchdown. The point is, yes, Tigers should of snapped it sooner, but that really is not that big of deal considering there was at least :03 seconds left. You could easily make the case :04 seconds should of been left.

When you take into account how much time really should of been left you begin to realize that the worries of an incomplete pass go out the window.

What if a DL had tipped the pass? That was very unlikely considering the play called for Flynn to immediately arch the ball after the snap.

What about if the cornerback intercepted the pass? This situation would of been just as unlikely. Why? Demetrius Byrd was in single coverage. INTs in those scenarios are rare.

Overall, Miles was preparing for a field goal to win the game, but before laying the game in the hands of a so-so kicker he wanted to take a shot at the end zone. He wanted to take a shot!

Former Auburn coach Terry Bowden said Miles call was a stupid play gone good.

Bowden, my only response is you did not assess the whole situation. "Stupid" does not describe the play accurately. Gutsy is more like it.

And if there is anything you know about college football is to be the best you have to take chances.

Six Weeks Completed...

Week 6 just finished for the NFL and many thoughts are racing through my head. Well let me stop the suspense. Enjoy.


Cincinnati Bengal Fans: Panic!

Bengals were a disappointment last year finishing 8-8. Right now the team looks like 8-8 could be a reach as Cincy is currently 1-4. The defense was going to be a concern coming into the season, but turns out it is worse than expected (giving up 31 points per game). Furthermore, the offense is not clicking like it was expected to. Fact remains team is 1-4 and fingers are starting to point. Marvin Lewis was known for his D, but Cincy does not seem to have that. Or a winning record.


Awakening of the Saints!

N'Awlins started out the 2007 season 0-4. Super Bowl hype went out the window. Sunday night the hype did not return, but hope definitely surfaced. For once, the offense woke up as Drew Brees threw for 246 yards, 2 TDs, while completing 25 of 36 passes. Even better, Bush had 44 yards receiving and 97 yard rushing. Wait! The defense showed up as well as the Saints got 5 sacks on Matt Hasselback of the Seattle Seahawks. Is this 28-17 Saints win in Seattle speaking volumes for the season, or was it simply just a "win"?


New York Giants are 4-1?

The Jints were supposed to be at the bottom of the NFC East. Supposed. After losing the opening week, Tom Coughlin has his clan rolling as the New York boys are on a 4 game winning streak following the 31-10 Monday Night win in Atlanta. Eli Manning's stats are not incredible (1076 yards; 9 TDs and 6 INTs), but he is starting to show the ability to do the only thing that really matters: win games. Question everyone is asking is how legit is this 4-1 record for the Giants? Only time will tell.


Patriots Pacing for To Become Greatest Team Ever?

Through 6 games the Pats are undefeated. Okay that is not that surprising, what is how N.E. is doing it. Belichick's clan is absolutely beating the tar out of competition. (Average score: Pats 38, Opponents 15) I am really starting to the think this team has the best chance ever at going undefeated like the 1972 Miami Dolphins. And then there is Tom Brady's stats. (Try and hold yourself together after reading this.) 1771 yards thrown, 21 TDs and 2 INTs. 21 TDS 2 INTS! IN THE NFL, NOT NCAA! Wow. Brady has a chance to break Manning's 49 TDs in a season record. Really take into account this past week's so called "big" game. Dallas vs. New England: Game of the Week. Final Score: 48-27 Pats. So much for a game.


Coach Magician: What's with the Jets?

Last season there was the amazing story of Eric Magini and how he led a Jets team to the playoffs despite having a team that was seen by many as one of the worst in the league. Well, that story is dead. 2007 season record: 1-5. Ouch! Biggest issue for the boys in green is who is going to play QB and put up decent stats. Chad Pennington has thrown for 939 yards and 6 TDs, but there are those 6 INTs. Overall, that is not going to cut it in NYC.


Pack Continues Climb to Top with Steady Wins

Week in and week out the Green Bay Packers put together a solid performance and always at the end of the game the team has a shot to win. For the most part, a "W" has resulted when the Cheeseheads have been in that situation in 2007. Currently at 5-1 the team is still seen as "unproven," but have it be known Coach Mike McCarthy has built a team around Favre. Look for the Pack to win at least 10 games this season.


Victory Does Not Diminish Future Troubles for Philly

Yes, the Eagles won this weekend 16-9 against the Jets, but have it be known Philly is going to have a rough year. My call? No playoff berth will be coming to the City of Brotherly Love. The defense is still solid as Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Johnson is still there. But the offense? Dead as a door nail. McNabb is going to feel the heat from the fans, as well as calls for Kyle Kolb. And yet again, Westbrook is battling injuries. Do not worry, come December Coach Reid will have the "luxury" of telling his players Christmas shopping starts early this year.


Death of a Defense

In recent years the Chicago Bears have had trouble with getting a soild offense to go with their stellar defense. Rex Grossman is no longer QB, Brian Griese is, but rest assured he is no Peyton Manning. Griese is workable though (unlike Sexy Rexy). Nonetheless, the biggest problem for Chicago is the troubles arising on defense. The team fell to 2-4 after a 34-31 loss to Minnesota. Minnesota! Worse is Adrian Peterson ran for 200+ yards against the Bears so-called "top defense." In Total Defense is 27th! Scoring Defense? 22nd with 25 points per game.

0-5? Likely...

As a fellow New Orleans Saints fan I can vividly remember growing up and year in and year out the watching the Saints fail miserablely. It was almost clockwork to watch the 'Aints start off 0-5, and always win that sixth game.

I thought those days were over. I thought the suffering of Saints fans was officially a thing of the past. After all this is the Post-Katrina New Orleans Saints. This is a new era.

Well, I was wrong. Dead wrong.

Four games into the 2007 NFL season, the Saints are winless. That's right winless. The same squad predicted to go to the Super Bowl has yet to win a game. I would love to sit here and tell you Saints will run the tables and make the playoffs. But sorry, this ship is going down.

Is it too much to ask for to have back-to-back Saints playoff appearances? I guess so.

Sunday Night Football will sadly be between the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints. Even worse is the game is in Seattle, one of the loudest home crowds in the NFL. Well, long story short look for the Saints to go down Sunday.

Final: Seahawks 35-20

Why? There is no running game with Deuce out, and we already know Bush can not carry the load by himself. So? That forces Brees to throw a lot, which is not good considering the QB has a 100 INTS for every TD this year.

...Having a a DL (and OL) similar to folding chairs does not help either, thank God for the LSU Tigers!...

LSU/Florida Thoughts

Saturday night's game against the Florida Gators in Death Valley was one of epic proportions. For much of the game the team looked doomed for defeat, but somehow Miles got the squad thinking they could still win this game - and they did just that. With the game officially in the record books I thought I would share with you my postgame (and some during the game) thoughts:

Early Doucet: No game has it been more evident that LSU misses his presence on the field A LOT. Brandon LaFell is a growing WR, but he does not have the credibility yet to be a receiver who will make that third down catch every time. Doucet is.

Brandon LaFell: As the No. 1 WR for the Tigers, LaFell showed quite a bit of trouble against the Gator defense Saturday. LaFell bobbled his first pass to give Florida an INT on the opening LSU drive. Overall, LaFell did have some big catches, but far too many drops (3).

Tim Tebow: I knew he was one of the nation's best QBs, but I did not realize he was borderline unstoppable. Tebow was manhandling the LSU D for the majority of the game. He will throw the ball down your throat, or just plain run over you. Definitely a Heisman candidate now and for years to come.

Colt David: I am the first to say I will stick by the field goal kicker longer than most people. I have had faith in David for a while, but this past weekend my support for him went down a bunch. Two missed field goals against Florida was just too critical of a mistake on his part. Too be honest, I am going to be rooting for Miles to go for it now on 4th, rather than risk another shanked kick attempt. David obviously has something mental going on.

Defense: For most of the game I began thinking to myself made this unit is overrated. I obviously jumped to conclusions rather soon. This D is for real and they proved it when they helped jumpstart a huge fourth quarter rally.

Kentucky: So the team beat Florida in an epic fashion. Is there going to be a letdown against Kentucky? Let's hope not because this is not your old Kentucky team that was a simple "W." Kentucky very well could have an offense better than Florida's. Let's hope the Tigers can keep their head on straight and not pull another "Tulane first half."

Saints' Rant

Okay, let's me honest. The New Orleans Saints are 0-3. START PANICKING!

0-1, that's workable come on they lost to the Super Bowl Champs!

0-2, alright so Tampa Bay creamed them, still only 2 losses it's manageable.

0-3, pray.

The Saints were clobbered on live television 31-14. All the goodness surrounding this new era of Saints football is now gone. Pretty crazy how in one year things can swing to being absolutely awful. And let's face it N'Awlins is not just losing they are getting destroyed.

The Offensive and Defensive Line are looking a lot like folding chairs. So hey Brees has got about 0.5 seconds to make something happening. It doesn't help that the one play Brees does get time, he throws a boneheaded INT.

Coach Payton must feel fortunate for a bye week because I frankly am sick of all the losing. Since losing 39-10 in the NFC Championship game. The Saints have been outscored an astounding 142-48. Since walking into Soldier field Saints are losing to opponents by an average score of 36-12.

What's that you want to know how they are doing this season? So far in 2007, Saints are getting outscored 103-38, that comes out to an average whoopin' of 34 to 13.

The thing that really gets me is N.O. had the Tennessee game. Bush just scored his second TD and the stands where rocking. It was 14-10 N'Awlins and it looked like the offense was finally in sync.

Wrong!

Defense gives up a TD so it's 17-14. Well that's fine Saints will just have to do this Old West shootout style. Then Drew Brees fumbles and just like that it's 24-14.

Okay, still time! C'mon Brees! Cha-ching another pick and shortly another touchdown for Tennessee.

Saints feel over and croaked hard. Shame, shame shame. Bottom line: What the hell is going on Coach Payton? I wouldn't get too discouraged because LSU is winning (Geaux Tigers!), but still I'm lost for words.

Don't know why I'm saying this, but it's only been 3 games! C'mon they can turn it around! Is it really too much to ask for in having back to back seasons with playoffs appearances?

(4 weeks later, "Hey they are only 0-7!")

Well that's my Saints' rant now please do me the honors and push the button labeled PANIC.

Damaging Effect

For second time in a month LSU reserve linebacker Derek Odom got engaged with the law, unlike the first time, I do not agree with the decision made by Coach Les Miles regarding Odom's future.

Odom should of been kicked off the team. End of story.

For those of you unaware of the situation Derek Odom seems to be a common name under Police Encounters in Baton Rouge. First during the month of August, Odom was at an apartment complex where he lost he temper. Odom wanted to enter some one's apartment, but that person was not having it...and neither was Odom. Long story short, Odom did damage to this person's property as well as key his car.

The apartment complex had every reason to press charges against Odom. He was an idiot and was not apologizing. But considering the apartment landlord was probably an LSU fan, he did not want to cause trouble. The charges where dropped and Odom would apologize...eventually.

Strike 1.

As for his most recent encounter with law enforcements, Derek Odom has done that in this recent, beautiful month of September. Odom was hanging out with former LSU wide receiver (and current professional track runner) Xavier Carter. Apparently Carter and Odom were not too pleased with the views by a certain girl. She was sitting in her car when Odom proceeded to ram himself into this female's car as well as shatter a window with his fist. To make matters even better, Carter was jumping on the hood of the car.

Strike 2.

Two strikes for Mr. Odom surely had to spell an end to his LSU career, right? Wrong! Coach Miles has only suspended Odom an extra two weeks from playing on the field. He can practice, but come game time Odom is on the sidelines all four quarters. This simple decision by Miles is echoing farther than he can imagine. When a coach starts letting the "loose cannon" players stay on the team, a certain aspect of a school's credibility is lost.

A prime example is Miami-Florida. The University has always been heavily criticized for letting troublemakers play on the team while getting only a slap on the wrist. All the negative thoughts about Miami players reached it's peak when the FIU/Miami-Florida brawl broke out last year.

The same can be said for Florida State. FSU is not as bad as Miami, but let's just say it's not uncommon to hear about serious charges against Seminole players being dropped because Coach Bobby Bowden said, "they learned their lesson."

Now do not jump to conclusions. I am not implying LSU is anywhere near the level of Miami-Florida or Florida State for that matter. All I am saying is Miles's seems to be handling discipline in some manners and little lighter than previous LSU coaches, and in time that will take an effect on the University's image to the college football world.

And believe me, that is something more damaging than Miles realizes...

Daily Checklist for the Typical Rapper

[] Ho, where is she?
[] Cristal: 1 or 2 bottles?
[] Polish rims
[] Pick up machine gun at shop
[] Use random method to decide what rapper I will start beef with; he stole my song, he is a rapper, etc.
[] Make music video with (new) hos, cars, and guns
[] Open bottle of Hennessy
[] Randomly fire shots outside house to start chaos
[] Officially start new "beef" with rival rapper by making a song
[] Include in song deep thoughts I have about this individuals mother and possibly girlfriend
[] Think of a typical CD cover name. Something ordinary, but catchy like "Da Future"
[] Buy new rims
[] Drive by "beef" guy's house and shoot at his house with new machine gun
[] Visit kid with Baby Momma #1
[] Feed pit bulls
[] Start preparing basement for dogfighting competition tonight
[] Visit other kid with Baby Momma #2
[] DVR Spongebob
[] Go to bed...with polished gun under pillow

Analysis on 1st Week of NFL Games

First week of football is over, and contrary to what I would of expected the scoring was definitely a bit lower than usual. Well, I will cut the small talk and get going on just what exactly I thought about certain team's performances.

41 Colts 10 Saints

-As you know I am a Saints fan. Was thinking a good game was going to break out here, and it was...for the first half. Then in the second half the snowball effect occurred and before you knew it N'Awlins fans were calling for Jason David's head just like they did for Fred Thomas's back in January.

16 Packers 13 Eagles

-The Pack showed that they picked up right where they left off from last year. It was not a pretty win, but Favre did show his old magic and that he still can win the tough ones. I'm starting to think Philly was victim to a very underrated GB defensive unit.

15 Broncos 14 Bills

-Buffalo has a Top 5 defense. Amazing how DEN was able to get the snap off in time as the clock ran out. Still lots of kinks in Cutler's play...as well as Losman's.

20 Texans 3 Chiefs

-Everyone has been saying it for a while, but Kansas City could be in some serious trouble this year. I mean who's the QB? Brodie Croyle, eek! Texans are not that impressive. Just watch because by Week 6 Matt Schaub will be spending more time on his butt than on his feet. It's a Houston Texans offensive line ritual.

34 Steelers 7 Browns

-I am friends with a Browns fan who said Romeo's team would be ready. Sorry, Grizzly I would have to say they were more pathetic if anything. Pitt looked good with their new coach, but keep in perspective Steeler fans CLE could be bad this year. Bad.

13 Titans 10 Jaguars

-Tennesse must have a vastly improved D, or David Garrad was not the right choice. I will have to go with choice A. Fantasy owners are grasping for TEN running back Chris Brown. Sunday Brown had a monstrous 19 carries for 175 yards. His effectiveness gave TEN a chance to pull out the win.

24 Vikings 3 Falcons

-Now this is a case of two very bad teams. Without Vick, Atlanta is really going to be abismol this year. For a second I was convinced that Joey Harrington maybe could lead this franchise to countless victories. Than I woke up.

38 Patriots 14 Jets

-Guess Jets are not as close to New England as we all had thought. It was close, then came the old Randy Moss. Most interesting aspect of this game is the mysterious video tape NFL officials found in the hands of a New England Patriots staff worker. Don't want to spoil the story so go to SI.com.

27 Panthers 13 Rams

-Quite the defensive slugfest for while. I was impressed on the Jake Delhomme's 3 TD day. Maybe bringing David Carr was a good thing for him. Also, Marc Bulger completed 22 passes for a measely 162 yards. Now that's defense!

16 Redskins 13 Dolphins

-Not the most exciting game if you ask me. It was another game decided by a field goal. Jason Campbell keeps growing into what could be a solid NFL QB. Sunday he was 12 of 21 for 222 yards. Not fantastic, but hey the team won! Up next: Philly.

36 Lioins 21 Raiders

-Well Kitna your team has nine more games to win to match the guarantee you made in the summer. Lions put up a lot of points, but again they also let Oakland stay in the game for a while. When's the last time a Oakland offense looked, dare I say, decent?

20 Seahawks 6 Buccaneers

-Jeff Garcia could not get things going against a stingy Seattle D, but again keep in mind lots of analysts have Garcia not doing nearly as good as he did in Philly last year. Also, Shaun Alexander looks like he is regaining that previous MVP form he had. He could definitely be a MVP sleeper this year.

14 Chargers 3 Bears

-Two things: 1. San Diego's D could end up being better than last year's and 2. Rex Grossman could still be the same impatient player he was last year. But I guess 12 for 23 for 145 yards is not a 0 rating on the QB scale so maybe it wasn't that bad.

45 Cowboys 35 Giants

-I knew NYG would not have a D, but Dallas? Come on Wade Phillips! The team almost blew a comfortable 31-19 because the defense seemed to a have taken a nap...or vacation. Eli showed glimpses of that QB everyone is praying he will turn out to be. As for Romo, he completed only 15 passes for 345 yards and 4 touchdowns. This once unknown player seems to have a favorite target in TE Jason Witten (6 catches for 116 yards).

27 Bengals 20 Ravens

-Cincy got some forunate calls at the end of the game, but regardless Chad Johnson's TD celebration was hilarious. Anyway, Steve McNair is nowhere near as productive as he use to be. If anything, Air McNair could be the factor that holds the Ravens from achieving their greatness potential. Kyle Boller, second chance? One more thing, do not be fooled yet. Cincy does have a lousy D. Just let the season carry on.

20 49ers 17 Cardinals

-Alex Smith (as well as Matt Leinart) played subpar games, especially Smith. With that said, Smith still did come through when most needed. He team was down by 4 and they were 86 yards away from glory. Smith lead this down the field for the victory. Also, the Edge seemed to be showing his destructive force again as the Miami grad finished with 26 carries for 96 yards.

The Mysterious Tabloid

You see them everywhere. Gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies. They represent all that is wrong with the media.


They are the tabloids. Pages and pages of nothing more than straight up lies.


It was not too long ago when I picked one up and began pondering the history and thinking behind these packages of trash. Through further research I began to see that some "famous" tabloids such as the National Enquirer have been around since 1926.

And believe it or not the magazines use to be legit! But why did the owners all of a sudden turn to the dark side and begin manifesting lies?


In the 1950-60s the media industry in the US greatly expanded. More companies were starting up with their own newspapers and tabloids, while the existing ones where seeking more power.


So National Enquirer choose to separate itself from the pack...


...in the most gutless of ways.


The solution was to blatantly lie about current issues. In time, The National Enquirer soon began to have some competition as tabloids such as Star and the World News sprouted up. Regardless of being a complete joke to most of society, the tabloids still bring in lots of profit in America.

You can not help but think do people honestly believe the garbage inside them? Sadly that answer is yes.

The more popular tabloids such as Star are prized by females ranging from teenagers to middle-aged women. As for the outrageous covers such as the black and white World News, which recently proclaimed Vice President Dick Cheney goes to the hospital so often because he needs his gears changed because in fact the Vice President is a robot, they are beloved by the senior citizen class.

It is a shame that in America "news" has come to this, but at the same time you really must analyze how one acquires a position working for one of these newspapers.

I mean really how hard could it be to completely make up a story once a week? Right now I was able to think of one, "Tom Hanks is Caught Cheating With Pamela Anderson!"

That's money is the bank right there. All I need to do now is make up some quotes and photo shop a picture and wa-la you have got your newest tabloid.

I can already see the cover of Star magazine when nuclear war breaks out globally,

"Aliens Attack Planet Earth; Want Revenge!"

The Spark American Soccer Needs

Soccer is the world's most popular sport, and for people like me that is an understandable statement. With that said, I do not find it as exciting as football or basketball, but by all means it surpasses the standing-around sport of baseball.


Even with my satisfaction in watching the sport, most of America still finds the sport not entertaining. Not enough scoring, too long, but really it does not matter because I have the solution; the spark that will make soccer a success in the USA.


(Again, I can not understand the above statement about how soccer is boring, but baseball is not.)

Getting great soccer players to come to America such as David Beckham will greatly help soccer in the USA, but that is not my solution. My solution is to create rivals. Bitter rivals.

Now I am not talking about your D.C. United vs. L.A. Galaxy game. I am talking about international games. Games I am not sure have ever been played. In America, rivals exist everywhere and by all means they are a vital part of a sport.

Examples would be Michigan vs. Ohio State in college football, the Yankees vs. the Red Sox in the MLB, the Colts vs. the Patriots in the NFL, and the Hawks vs. Bobcats in the NBA.

Ha ha, sorry I made that last one up. Thought you might enjoy it. Well, anyway as I was saying a bitter rival in soccer would definitely boost America's interest in the sport even if a viewer did not have much knowledge of the sport. Why? Because as a viewer seeing passion in a sport is one of the most addicting things about a sport.

Here are some great examples of bitter rivals Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) should arrange....


1. North Korea vs. South Korea

These two countries still remain hostile towards each other even though the Korean War ended over 50 years ago. What better way for these two sides to release some anger than on a soccer field? South Korea would love nothing more than to crush their evil brother that always seems to be in the headlines North Korea's Kim Jong Il is ruthless leader, but if he could take down a top 5 team in South Korea he certainly would gain some respect...in the soccer world.

Location: Hopefully, the Demilitarized Zone which separates North and South Korea.

2. Iran vs. Iraq

Again, I enter uncharted waters when I suggest former enemies of war should engage in a soccer match, but please remember these match ups are meant as a way for these countries to interact in a nonviolent (non-nuclear war) manner. In the 1980s these two nations engaged in a bloody war that lasted for eight years. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seems to think he is all big and bad. Well if he indeed is, he will easily be able to defeat his arch nemesis in a friendly game of soccer. As for the Iraq team no American citizen could play on it. Only Iraqis would be able to suit up. Winning this game would be a huge boost for Iraq, it would be a giant step in the right direction for a country in rebuilding mode.

Location: Bahrain, a small island in the Persian Gulf. It's an isolated area, but do not worry plenty of transportation would be provided for the Iraqi and Iranian fans.


3. Pakistan vs. India

Pakistan use to be a part of India, but now find themselves independent. Nonetheless, the two countries are still engaging in hostile situations year in a year out. Nuclear war is even talked about between the two countries. Perfect alternate? A 90 minute game of soccer filled with passion and pride. Come on it could be a yearly showdown! Each year their would be more and more hype for the slug fest on the Indian Ocean.

Location: This would be a tough one considering the ground is not flat where Pakistan and India meet. Solution? China, a country East of Pakistan and North of India. And of course transportation costs would be provided for.


4. Ireland vs. Northern Ireland

Not a lot of love between the Irish and Northern Irish, in fact it is straight bad blood. What better way to settle these constant disputes about religion than a soccer match for some of the world's most passionate fans: the Irish? Unlike any of the previous bitter rivals I have been talking about, this match up would really need top notch security. I am talking about metal gates that separate the two fan bases, and a little limit on how much alcohol one fan is allowed to consume.

Location: Wembley Stadium in London, England. This state of the art structure would definitely fit the needs for a grudge match up to par with the yearly Florida/Florida State fist fight.


5. Israel vs. Palestine

This would be the match up of the century. These two types of people have been fighting since the beginning of time. No end seems to be in sight. It would be a clever way to sort of cease the tension between the two nations. Why do I say this? A soccer game is important, but not nearly as important as say the possibility of a bomb being dropped in your home country. Let me put it this way the loser of the soccer game would not be exterminated.

Location: Security here would have to be the Super Bowl x 50, which would mean one heck of a neutral site. Perfect spot? None other than Cyprus, the small island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is isolated which would mean chaos would be easier to prevent. Contests would be held to select the winners for fans who will attend the game. Transportation costs would be set up by FIFA.


6. Taiwan vs. China

So Taiwan wants to consider itself independent of China? Well then defeat them in the ever important soccer match up. China watches Taiwan's every move, if Taiwan wants to show they are ready to be free of Chinese rule (which will never happen) they will need to take down their big brother. Taiwan wants to prove it is capable of supporting itself, China wants to prove it will squash any oppositions...even if it lies within itself.

Location: If you think this match up is big I can not imagine the importance it would have in Asia. The world wants to see this game and no better place to watch it than Tokyo, Japan. The Japanese are excellent hosts who would love being in the spotlight of a bitter rival.


7. USA vs. Cuba

For the rest of the world this might not be as big of a game as say India vs. Pakistan, but certainly tension is present between the USA and Cuba. Ever since the Cuban Missile Crisis, America has stopped accepting any assets from the Caribbean nation. Furthermore, Castro is on his way out so what better way to end his awful relationship with the US than a soccer match? Absolutely nothing.

Location: I was thinking Mexico City, but as an American I want our national soccer team to get the whole experience. This game is going to be played in Havana, Cuba. Let's give the Cubans the home field advantage they desire. That will make victory even greater.

Hope you enjoyed my dream match ups that will give soccer the necessary spark. Though the more I think about it the more I realize everyone of these matches needs to be in Level 5 security. In no way do I want passionate fans blowing these games out of proportion. I mean a few fistfights after the games will be unavoidable, but let's not overdo it with suicide bombers and guys throwing beer bottles. Sports have no room for sore losers. Except for Terrell Owens, he can do it because he was made fun of in grade school.