Well, with an interesting presidential election looming (see my previous picks column for a break down of why it's interesting), how could I not do a live blog with my blow by blow reaction? After watching some pre-debate coverage on Fox News and MSNBC I finally settled on CNN to watch the debate, largely due to Wolf Blitzer's awesome beard. Man do I miss Tim Russert.
As always, I write the time stamp and what my thoughts are. Tonight's debate was supposed to focus on domestic politics, and we'll see how well Jim Lehr does holding to that. The general consensus seems to be that Romney needs to do a great job and win this debate going away to get the momentum he's been searching for. The Democrats seem to be saying that they believe the race is too close to call in spite of polling momentum going their way. Not bad to play dead and hope that increases your chance to see voter turnout up. Personally, I think that this debate hinges on if Romney can attack Obama without seeming like he's attacking Obama. Romney is the superior debater historically, but he can be knocked off kilter when his opponent manages to counter his rebuttals and attack lines while moving the point of conversation. Without further delay, here we go:
8:57pm - Little mentioned but potentially huge fact: Obama hasn't debated since 2008, whereas Romney debated somewhere north of 20 times in the Republican Primary alone. At least it felt that way. Fact check...Wikipedia says twenty on the head.
9:01pm - I feel like there should be A) Gambling odds for inane things like "over under 45.5 times the phrase 'middle class' is mentioned tonight" and B) a drinking game where you drink every time something like that is said. Wolf Blitzer tells me that Obama won the coin toss to go first, and Romney gets to go last. Doesn't it feel like Obama should have deferred to the last response? Is that even allowed? Actually, who am I kidding: as a Bears fan Obama probably is going to wait to get to the podium, look around confused, then call a time out.
9:04pm - Obama in the blue tie, Romney in red. I feel like if I was in this debate I'd wear the other guy's color just to screw with them. Economy starts with a question on jobs... and we're off. Romney is writing notes on Obama wishing Michele a happy 20th anniversary. One minute in and Obama is still setting up his answer. He ended up settling on setting up the paradigm that Romney thinks it's all about tax cuts, and whereas he described a diversified approach centered on education.
9:07pm - Romney hit well with joke about Obama spending his anniversary with him, then goes right into multiple stories from American people. Strong start by Romney, quickly describing a dichotomy between not only he and Obama, but quickly countering Obama's claim that his approach is top down. Still, after two minutes he didn't really get into any policy specifics. He did, however, hit Obama by claiming his approach is "trickle down" government. Did he just hit Reagan's legacy?
9:10pm - Obama counters by talking more about education. Seems dangerously close to pandering to the hall (at a University) rather than going for the viewers at home. He then transitions into talking about tax code, then energy. Obama's attempt seems to be to go after Romney on the tax issue while saying "I'm the authority on education and energy." First mention of the deficit tonight. First hit on Romney's tax plan from Obama.
9:12pm - Romney gives a rebuttal that says that high income people will not get a break under him... then uses Biden's terminology that the middle class is "crushed" twice. Anyone want to be that there will be a commercial showing Romney and Biden back to back saying the middle class is being "crushed" soon?
9:15pm - So Romney was asked to ask the president a question, then went on a multi-minute rant. He did say "by the way, I like coal." I want Obama to say "I love lamp" pretty bad here. At any rate, Romney went way long and didn't ask a question. It sounds to me like Romney is describing a tax plan that does little but shuffle the chips around at best: cut taxes, eliminate exemptions, deficit gone? Doesn't add up. Obama counters by saying that he did what he said he would: cut taxes for the middle class. Obama's going intellectual with his response, which makes him sound like Kerry/Gore ... not the contrast he wants.
9:18pm - Romney says that Obama is misrepresenting ... but doesn't explain how. Then he calls Obama a liar without saying it directly. Romney promises he will not under any circumstances raise taxes on middle income families. Obama comes right back at Romney saying he ran on a tax plan for eighteen months, and now is saying his "big bold idea is never mind." He then comes back with "it's math. It's arithmetic." I really get the feel, only eighteen minutes in, that these guys don't really like each other. Obama brings up Clinton first, and tells the American people he wants to go back to the tax rates that encouraged Clinton era growth.
9:22pm - Obama goes for a Trump joke that seems to miss. At the present time Romney doesn't look nearly as comfortable as Obama. Jim Lehr tries to get things back on track and Romney talks over him quite a bit. Romney hits Obama on his tax plan hurting small businesses more; he also mentions Bowls-Simpson first. Obama goes right back at the tax issue, speaking right to the American people.
9:25pm - Obama ties Romney's approach to Bush directly for the first time. He then directly ties his approach to Clinton. So there you have it: A third Bush term, or a fourth Clinton term. I'm glad we could simplify this. Lehr still has not gotten them off the first subject, he tries again, and Romney talks over it again. Romney keeps saying "that's not my plan" and then says his plan is not like anything that's been done before.
9:27pm - we finally move to the second segment, this one on the deficit. Romney articulates three options to cut the deficit. Romney than says that he likes Big Bird, but will stop the subsidy for PBS. Basically, he'll cut taxes to grow the economy, then cut programs. Obama's responds by going back to Bush and illustrating the state of the deficit and how it got here. A major strength here, and Obama gets on his wheel horse. I'm not sure how he can own an issue that he's struggled so much with, but he does. Obama does great explaining his balanced approach and then contrasting Romney as unbalanced.
9:32pm - Finally we get some back and forth ... might see the gloves come off a bit. Romney says that he has his own plan and it's not Simpson-Bowls, but that Obama should have grabbed on to Simpson Bowls. If I remember correctly the House shot that plan down. Romney slams taxes again "you raise taxes, you kill jobs." Obama looks annoyed, not a great thing for him. Romney states emphatically that he has ruled out increasing revenue entirely. Romney keeps talking over Lehr.
9:35pm - Obama now goes after the oil industry tax rates. I'm confused: what happened to the talk about the deficit. Use of Exon Mobile as a straw man by Obama here. Obama says he wants to do the same thing with closing loopholes that Romney says he wants to do, only he can actually say what he wants to do, not just that he will do it. Obama's first use of an "everyday American" story to four by Romney.
9:37pm - Twix break... mmmm..... Twix ....
9:39pm - Romney confronts Obama for lying a second time (again, without saying it directly). Obama is the first person to mention Reagan. We've moved on to Social Security. Obama goes to his grandmother to set up his argument. I'm shocked that Obama says "you don't need a major structural change to make sure social security is there for the future." Absolutely shocked.
9:43pm - Romney goes right after Obama on the Medicare cuts, saying he'd put the money right back in. Well, not exactly right after: he was on different chain of thinking then suddenly remembered he was supposed to be against "Obamacare" and switched course. Obama tries to get some footing by going after Romney's voucher program, but he stumbles out of the corner trying to establish this point. Obama then embraces the "Obamacare" term and illustrates why a repeal would increase cost on seniors.
9:48pm - Neither candidate has had an "ah ha" moment yet. I'd be inclined to say Romney is winning on logic, but Obama is winning in terms of presentation. Romney seems edgy and aggressive. In terms of speaking time Obama has opened a small lead over Romney. In other news, I kinda wish this was a foreign policy debate. I'm starting to think that I should start work on my NFL picks this week.
9:53pm - "Does anybody out there think that the problem we've had was due to too much regulation on wall street?" Obama scores there. Romney comes swinging back. I'm on to salt water taffy.
9:58pm - Moving to health care. First time we've heard the term Affordable Care Act. Romney opens up by talking about the cost of health care, then says that "Obamacare" is adding to cost. For the record, "Obamacare" hasn't had a negative impact on my company's bottom line. Interesting the Romney never smiles with his teeth. He just looks tight and uncomfortable.
10:00pm - Obama goes in to the positives of the ACA. Lehr is trying to hold the line, but failing. Can we send him out to pasture? I miss Tim Russert. Text in from my mother noting that Romney's been too aggressive. Obama looks much more comfortable on stage than Romney.
10:07pm - Romney blatantly lies about his "plan" by stating his plan covers pre-existing conditions and kids up to 26. He says these were already staples of the private market. If he thinks that he's out to lunch. He's also all but saying "death panel" repeatedly.
10:10pm - Obama goes through a number of things that Romney has promised tonight but outlines how he hasn't said anything about how he's going to do it. Romney barrels over Jim Lehr to get a response he didn't have the right to according to debate rules.
10:14pm - Jim Lehr has been pretty much worthless tonight. Now we are on to the role of government. Obama's first response is to keep American's safe and to create frameworks to help people to succeed. He then illustrates how past instances of the government investing have led to dividends.
10:17pm - Romney goes back to the constitution, thereby not answering the question. Obama continues to stretch out his time advantage. Now talking about student loans.
10:22pm - And here comes the blow on Romney's statement that people should just borrow from their parents to go to school. Obama's not scoring well on this topic, and Romney AGAIN calls Obama a liar without doing so directly. The lack of political acumen shocks me. Romney goes after the green energy campaigns again. It's amazing to me that he could be so short sighted on energy.
10:25pm - Getting close to the wrap up point, and Lehr did such a poor job that they missed an entire topic. He finishes up on partisan gridlock. Romney gives a pretty nondescript answer. Obama has a tougher standard with this question to hit. He responds that he will meet with anyone as long as the goal is helping further the opportunities of the American people. Obama manages to get a Bin Laden references in as well. He finishes up with nearly a minute advantage in speaking time, but it felt like Romney was the person refusing to stop talking most of the time tonight. Good job by Obama in that regard.
10:28pm - Obama stumbles out of the gate on his closing statement. He has had a hard time with transitions tonight. He didn't really go anwhere, but Romney goes right to the core and hits his talking points without any issue. A strong finish by Romney, who wanted to go last exactly for this reason.
Final Verdict: Romney did a great job staying on topic and Obama never took him out of his comfort zone. From a standpoint of actual academic topics the debate was nearly a draw, with perhaps a slight edge to Romney. Obama didn't really go after Romney much at all, nothing about any of the major attack points. Obama clearly looked more comfortable however, and if JFK v Nixon tells us anything, its that the person who looks more presidential sometimes takes a big advantage.
Showing posts with label running diary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running diary. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
The National Championship - A Running Diary
'Bama v LSU Redux? Sounds like a great time for a live blog. Remember, this "running diary" will chronicle the National Title game, but will also include a wide variety of quick hits and insights. I hope you enjoy:
8:16pm - Welcome to the POV's live breakdown of the National Championship Game. If this game is half as entertaining, close, and hard fought as the first LSU - Alabama match up was you'll be very pleased with the results of this blog. Otherwise, I might just stop half way through. Either way I do have some bad news: I'm most likely unable to do my fourth annual Super Bowl live blog due to working obligations. In light of this, please accept my apologies, and take this live blog in its' place. If I find a way to not work the Super Bowl, you'll just have to suck it up and get a two for one.
8:19pm - I think the guy singing the national anthem should have started half a key lower. He sounds like he is dying. In other news, IU is number eight in the coaches poll and number seven in the AP. My mind is blown. For the record, I don't think they'll finish the year in the top ten heading into the NCAA tourney, but they did do what they needed to do in a brutal opening to the Big Ten season. Playing three top twenty teams to open conference play is tough, but IU held serve, winning both home games (including against then #2 Ohio State), and losing at Michigan State. They then went on the road and beat Penn State. Now, this might seem like a "well they should have game," but you can never assume anything on the road in the Big Ten.
8:22pm - My playoff picks were off to a great start heading into the Denver - Pittsburgh game ... then I got Tebowed. I don't even know how to express my bewilderment, but consider this: the last three "worst playoff team ever" were the Arizona Cardinals, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Denver Broncos. I picked against all three in their opening round home games. All three one. I am the cooler.
8:25pm - Nick Saban has coached both these teams, in case you didn't know. Furthermore, he has won the national title with both teams. And now he's coaching one against the other. ESPN really wants you to know this because they've mentioned it four times in the ten minutes since I turned on the TV. I don't want you to miss out on that fact. "I wish smiley faces were acceptable for everything" says Jenny. I'm glad she's along for this journey. Musburger is currently giving us a retrospective on the big moments in Super Dome history. Pretty cool.
8:29pm - Coin toss time. I had a laptop chord issue, so I missed who would get the toss. I did catch the mandatory pregame coach interviews. I can't remember the last time we learned something insightful from these things. "Erin Andrews looks good in her purple shirt ... you should mention that" Jenny notes. What shirt?
8:30pm - And now, kickoff. It appears that there will be a home field advantage for LSU, but that shouldn't surprise anyone, as the Super Dome does happen to be located in Louisiana. LSU is receiving the kick, and we are underway. HUGE tackle on the opening kick, and so the tone is set. Jordan Jefferson continues to start for LSU. This is an underrated storyline for the LSU season, as they have gone undefeated to this point despite starting two very different QBs throughout the year. First run up the middle is stuffed; expect lots of defense in this game. A screen picks up some, but a third down will be upcoming. I love watching these defenses, which move quickly and hit hard. Feels like football. Fumble on the third down snap and the Alabama players have to hold back from throwing Jefferson to the ground after the whistle. Three and out for LSU. An insane punt pins Alabama deep. If we assume a defensive struggle, field position will naturally be huge. Alabama controlled field position in the first game and couldn't take advantage. Let's see what LSU can do starting off with good field position today.
8:35pm - Alabama picks up a first down on the first play from scrimmage. Another play action picks up some incremental yardage. Alabama looked to be the better team to me in the first game. They controlled the field position, and they looked more poised. The missed field goals killed them, and ultimately LSU took advantage, but I am in the group that is happy to see a rematch, and I'll go on record as saying that I expect an Alabama victory today. According to sportsbook.com Alabama was a two point favorite heading into this game? Really? I can't believe that. Meanwhile, LSU stops Alabama on third, but the Tide managed to completely flip field position by getting near mid field. The punt is off and goes out of bounds as they punt away.
8:42pm - It appears the Alabama (-2) was an adjusted for the current game situation line. I can't imagine that this game is more than LSU (-2) heading in, since it is technically a neutral field. I've got to remember to look up sports lines prior to game starting, since they want to make them disappear as soon as the ball is kicked off. Six minutes in and we are on our third possession of the game. LSU takes over at the twenty one yard line, but a false start moves them back. That wasn't a great punt, but it shows the respect the Tide has for the LSU return game. Resetting on first and fifteen they go to the shotgun then run in the middle, and pick up a couple. Alabama runs a three four defense, which is rare, it seems, in college football. Jefferson runs the option but falls down after an option that Herbstreet describes accurately as "slow developing." I can't stand Musburger, but Herbie knows his stuff. LSU runs the option again on third and is dropped almost immediately. Another punt forthcoming, and it's another booming punt but Alabama gets a great return. The return man Maze clearly pulls a hamstring on the return then runs out of bounds. Jenny agrees with my assessment, then says "poor kid, he's out for the game." We'll see how good she is from 20 hours away.
8:48pm - My initial thoughts on the upcoming weekend worth of football games, prior to doing any research: I like the Saints over the 49ers, the Pats over T.C. and his Broncos, the Ravens over the Texans, and I'm leaning towards the Giants over the Pack. Call me crazy, but I think the game plan they executed last weekend could beat the Pack this weekend. Either way, if the line is as high as is being first reported (favoring the Pack by as much as 9) I think I'll be taking the points. Alabama now has the ball at the ten and goes to the run, which LSU jumps all over. It is essential that Alabama scores a touch down on this possession, given the way the other game went. Second and goal Alabama audibles, then throws the ball away. The passing game has worked well thus far, but a third and goal from roughly the ten isn't a great spot to be in. Herbie is agreeing with my prior statement about the importance of a TD here. On third down Bama ends up short at the five yard line. Big hit on the Alabama QB. The short yardage kicked for the Tide knocks it through, but, again, the Tigers held them to a field goal.
8:53pm - Jenny is dancing to a discover card commercial ever so slightly. I don't think she notices that I notice. Good times.
8:54pm - A great hit on the ensuing kick return, as I try to determine what the charge on my debit card is. No idea. A great high catch by LSU, and they start to move quick in a semi no-huddle. A first down is picked up, and the tempo feels a bit more manic, but another option read gets him killed. Jefferson resumes with a completion, but another failed third down leads to another great punt. I've determined where the mystery charge came from, so that was at least quick.
9:00pm - Alabama is facing a second and five as Maze returns from the locker room. Alabama picks up a few first downs. With the ball just past the thirty five they run another boot and there is an incredible catch down the sideline by Norwood to end the first quarter. an incredible route that culminated with an insane jump and catch for a gain of 26. At the end of the first quarter Alabama looks more like they are prepared to take the championship mantle than LSU.
9:08pm - The second quarter opens with Alabama narrowly missing a pass inside the ten. Alabama has come out throwing pretty consistently and aggressively, and LSU doesn't look as prepared. The play action has been working really well thus far. A good tuck and run leaves Alabama with a third and three. They run it with their backup running back and get nowhere, putting the team in the same position they were many times last game with a long field goal attempt. Alabama fakes the kick, and it is close. An interesting move by Saban this early in the game. Again, field position is paramount. With the ball at the thirty two you have a forty nine yard field goal, a pooch punt, and a fake/going for it. The spot gives the Tide the first down, and the play goes immediately under review.
9:12pm - The determination was first down by an inch. The ball is now at the twenty eight, and Alabama goes play action again, and the result is an incomplete with a big hit by the linebacker in the flat. LSU is adjusting, ever so slightly. Reports are indicating Maze has returned to the locker room with they hamstring injury. That's a big blow for the Alabama offense, as well as special teams. Now the Tide faces third and seven ... in the shotgun... incomplete over the middle. The fake kick will not result in anything other than an attempt that is seven yards closer. From 42 the kick is blocked. This game feels eerily like the first game at this point: Alabama has momentum, time of possession, but cannot seem to capitalize enough.
9:19pm - I watched the majority of the Meet the Press Republican Primary Debate Saturday, and I have a few quick hit thoughts on the current standings and the upcoming primaries:
- for Romney, you've got to be cautiously excited about where you sit. If you hold strong in New Hampshire you've managed to take the first two states, which is rare in a heavily contested year. If you can then go to South Carolina and actually win (a distinct possibility if Santorum, Perry, Paul and Gingrich split the conservative vote), you've just won the nomination in the first three states most likely. Mitt's strategy at the debates generally show a candidate who is very aware of his position. He's playing defense, trying hard not to trip himself up, and trying to rise above the fray.
- For the rest of the candidates, after an entire season running up to this moment trying to establish the "anti-Mitt" we've ended up with an even more fractured, divided party than ever before. The line of the process, thus far, came from Huntsman when he said that he hoped the party would return to sanity after this cycle.
9:20pm - another false start and then a screen that goes nowhere. Dear Uncle, if you read this far, I promise you that there is tackling going on in this game. Third and seven for LSU ... incomplete. LSU again falters, and Alabama gets the ball right back.
9:26pm - Alabama again doesn't get great position after the punt, and now faces third and six. Another huge hit from the LSU secondary, but 'Bama picks up the first down. LSU is playing the run very well today, but 'Bama continues to move the ball courtesy of a solid passing game. Richardson immediately runs twice for 12 yards to prove my analysis of the LSU running game wrong. The Alabama offensive line is huge; I bet they outweigh the IU line by a solid 200lbs.
9:30pm - A late hit by LSU isn't called. In the NFL that would have been called, but they are letting these teams play. I can see a world in which college football is more "football" like than the NFL in a few years, because with the players not fully developed in strength and speed you can still let them hit without all the major repercussions. Richardson picks up a bunch to continue to prove me wrong. Alabama returns to the passing game, and goes incomplete. At this point Bama has ten first downs to LSU's one ... but much like the first game 'Bama is struggling to score and leaving the door open for the Tigers. Herbie is confused as to why 'Bama continues to pull Richardson when they get into Tigers territory. It does seem odd to pull your Heisman finalist when you get close to scoring.
9:32pm - 3rd and 1 for the Tide, and they are stopped, but again it is a handoff to the backup running back. The replay shows that the back killed himself by stretching the play instead of just diving forward. A 34 yard field goal is dead center and good, so now Bama is up 6-0. "Here we go again" says Musburger. Amen. LSU has four punts in four possessions, and only 26 yards on offense.
9:35pm - Barry Larkin will join Ron Santo in induction to the baseball Hall of Fame this year, it was announced today. I think Larkin was a very good player, sometimes even a great player, but I never feared him when the Cubs played him. To be honest, I feared Carlos Lee more than Barry Larkin. If Larkin is in the Hall of Fame how is Alan Trammel not? It was a lackluster class, and I get that, but that doesn't mean you have to put someone in just for the sake of doing it. Also, in case I haven't stated it here, I'd like the baseball writers, the veterans committee, and everyone associated with holding out until Santo died to put him in to realize that you are, in fact, bad people. The man was a no brainer Hall of Famer. You've put in many questionable players in my lifetime ... Dawson, Rice, and Sutter to name a few ... but he was a no brain absolute Hall of Fame player. I don't know who will be speaking for Santo, but I hope that they stick it to the group that held him out for no good reason.
9:40pm - LSU faces 3rd and 5, after icing their QB with a timeout. Jefferson lines up in the shot gun, then audibles as the clock runs down. He fumbles the snap again, picks it up, and falls short again ... all this after the time out. Les Miles is looking a bit over matched at this point. Herbie points out that Jefferson was looking at the Alabama defense instead of the snap. Another good punt; yet again, the LSU punter has to be the MVP of their team thus far. Alabama has two minutes to move the ball down the field before half, but also has all their timeouts and the college stop the clock after first down rule. From what we've seen so far that is a task that can be accomplished.
9:42pm - Third and two, and Alabama is letting the clock run. They seem happy to have the lead heading into the half. Richardson picks up the first down again, and the QB throws the ball to the flat for no gain. Alabama seems perfectly content to go into half up two field goals. Musburger and Herbstreet seem befuddled by Alabama's removing of Richardson when they get into LSU territory. 2nd and 12 ... completion to the LSU 45. Alabama picks up a few more, then uses their second time out. Twenty One seconds left, and Alabama needs to pick up about twenty more yards to start feeling good about the field goal attempt. A couple of good catches get the Tide down for a 41 yard field goal attempt. The kick is up and good. A huge kick for Alabama to make it a two score game heading in to half time. 9-0 Alabama is a great place to be, and you've got to figure that Saban is happy being up two scores with the ball coming at the start of the second half ... but there is no doubt he'd feel better if they were up 17-0.
9:55pm - A few thoughts during halftime:
- The take away, for me, of the Denver - Pittsburgh game had little to do with the Broncos. It was how old Pittsburgh looked all around. Big Ben will be okay when he recovers, but the offensive line in Pittsburgh continues to be its Achilles heel. How many years in a row will this be the case? We've got to be going on four or five now. Furthermore, the defense looked old and ineffective in trying to stop a very pedestrian Broncos attack. I expect that New England is ready to roll, and will be ready to take it to the Broncos. I expect that Denver expects that they had their fun and will likely go home, although I also expect that they won't talk like that because the one person who undoubtedly believes they will with the Super Bowl is T.C. himself, and he won't want to hear it.
- The Bulls begin a stretch of seven games in nine nights, going three straight, one off, two on, one off, and two on. If they come out of that stretch five and two I'll be happy. The team looks as good as last year, but as we found out, that wasn't quite good enough. Furthermore, the Heat are much better than last year, and certainly much deeper. A flash over to comcast sports net shows the Bulls up fifteen on the Pistons with six and a half left. So far so good.
- I would be completely remiss if I failed to mention that a long time POV reader, lovingly known as "Coach" passed away 12/29/11. Coach was a brilliant mind, and intellectual sparring with him would challenge you to rethink your positions. You always needed to have your facts in order if you were going to debate a topic with him, and his drive to know more always pushed me to do the same. It was indeed his time, and I am happy he is at peace, but no matter how many people read this blog in the ensuing years it will always feel a bit empty now that one of the two charter members who have been reading me since my first post has left us to be with God. As I sat in his memorial service this week I was taken by the many roles this man, my Grandfather, played in my life. I know that I wouldn't have near the diverse interest in things I have now, including sports, music, politics, and astronomy. Rest in peace Coach ... you are missed, will be missed, and will always be a part of all of us.
10:12pm - Alabama has the ball to start the half, and gets it to the thirty two yard line. Another big throw takes the ball inside LSU territory after a pick up of nineteen. A screen goes way down to the twenty two. Maze will be out the remainder of the game, and so Jenny was right in her diagnosis from 20 hours away. Hopefully she'll be happy that I put this in here.
10:15pm - 2nd and ten and a pickup of a few by Hanks leads the Tide to another third down deep in LSU territory. A deflection nearly leads to an INT, but the Tide will have yet another field goal attempt, their fifth of the game thus far. This kick will be from 35 out ... another solid kick right through. Alabama has now doubled their score from the earlier game, but they continue to stall in LSU territory, leaving the door open for LSU.
10:18pm - Two words: Jabba Cupcake.
10:19pm - Okay, I'm back, that just killed me. LSU gets the ball and we see if they were able to make any major adjustments at the half. Jefferson has a wide open receiver and overthrows him. Again, even when they get a break (in this case a free release) they can't execute. Alabama allows the same play to happen again, and for the second time today there is a LSU first down. They attacked the same place, making me think they saw something at the half. As an aside, the officials are letting them play; there have been a number of hard hits, late hits, and other plays that would have been penalties in the NFL games yesterday and today ... no flags. Jefferson is sacked by Upshaw, and now LSU faces 3rd and long again.
10:22pm - 3rd and 14 for Jefferson and the Tigers. He takes a deep drop and runs it, but is forced out of bounds short of midfield, and so LSU prepares to punt again. At some point LSU is going to have to go for the trick play, going deep into the playbook, but this isn't it with ten minutes left in the third quarter. Another deep kick ... penalty flag, right after I look at Jenny with exasperation about the lack of a flag. They call an unnecessary roughness after the Alabama player clearly calls for a fair catch and is hit. The replay confirms that it is, indeed, clearly a fair catch.
10:27pm - The personal foul helps to move the ball out to the twenty five, and Bama again comes out throwing and completes the pass. I'm a little surprised that the Tide keeps throwing, but obviously Saban isn't going to play it conservative after he lost a conservative game last time around. Play action and he overthrows a wide open Hanks down the sideline. Second and ten now, but I continue to be amazed that Alabama is not just throwing, but throwing successfully. They run with Richardson, and lose a yard, so 3rd and 11 comes up. 'Bama has the ball around midfield. The first down throw, second down run, leaves a long play to convert, and the Tide takes a dump off for a few, but a punt will be upcoming. By my top of the head count this is only the second punt of the game for Alabama, and they punted away the last time, and I expect they'll do the same. The gunner misses the ball at the one yard line, and so the ball comes out to the twenty. As a side note, if Musburger says "honey badger" when referencing Mathieu again I might throw my laptop at the TV. It's getting a tad annoying. Or is it "hunting badger?" I can't tell, it just needs to stop.
10:34pm - A shot of Bourbon Street makes me long to be back at Bourbon street. Boatloads of fun down there. Yet another terrible option play loses two for LSU. Jefferson isn't exactly T.C. when running the option. He's not even Eric Crouch. Jefferson steps up in the pocket, tosses the ball out, and it ends up right in the hands of an Alabama player. His back turned to block, which ended up leading to the INT. The player who picked the ball off is injured and Jenny is upset she can't see the play clearly enough, but she speculates there is a broken arm. Commercial break, and if Alabama can actually put the ball in the endzone here they might put this game away already.
10:37pm - Chiefs have hired Romeo Crennel as their head coach. He seemed like a deadbeat in Cleveland, but it was properly asked "what have they done since he left?" The answer, of course, is nothing, and so maybe we shouldn't be too quick to judge Romeo. Still, I never thought he'd get a second chance, as old as he is. Good for him.
10:38pm - Mosely is injured, and the Tide takes the ball, and Richardson is in, but loses a yard. The Tide must feel like they should capitalize on the huge turnover by LSU, and Herbie wonders if Jarret Lee will come in for Jefferson due to his ineffective play. LSU has to hold Alabama to a field goal to avoid the game going to a three score game. Third and Seven from the twenty four yard line ... a wrong route leads to an incomplete pass in the endzone, and Shelley, the kicker, comes in for his sixth field goal attempt. He's good from 23, 34, 41 and 35. He had a 42 yarder blocked, and pushes this 41 yarder right for a miss. A big stop for LSU, and Alabama can't feel like they are out of the woods yet. The LSU defacto home crowd boos Jefferson when he comes back in at QB. They want Lee.
10:42pm - Jefferson in the shotgun, throws a screen for four, then another screen on the opposite side of the field for a loss of four. Jefferson is not exactly inspiring confidence at the present time. LSU is zero for six on third down ... Jefferson is dropped for another sack at the seventeen yard line. The Alabama defense looks like the best in the nation, bar none. LSU has been good today, but they've been able to pass on them. LSU has not been able to do anything yet against 'Bama. A (relatively speaking) poor punt helps 'Bama to get a return into LSU territory to start this next possession. By my count the Tide have had eight possessions, resulting in two punts, two missed field goals, and four made field goals. A hand off goes for twelve to the thirty six after a tough run.
10:46pm - Seventeen first downs for 'Bama to 2 by LSU. More tough running down to the 25, again by the backup. Herbie wonders if the LSU defense is wearing down. Given the time of possession I can't imagine they aren't to a certain degree. At this point the LSU defense has to feel like they need to score twice to win this game, because the offense has 56 total yards. Richardson back in on 2nd and ten ... play action, down to the one yard line, then ruled incomplete. Gibson was the receiver ... good call, as the receiver drops the ball after being hit by the safety. A HUGE drop right there, as it is now 3rd and ten, leading to a timeout by Alabama.
10:49pm - Shelley will come out again after the 'Bama QB avoids a big sack that would have knocked them out of field goal range. A seventh field goal attempt for Alabama. LSU has allowed lots of yards between the 20s, but has held firm. A 44 yard attempt.... right through. He is now 5 of 7, and the young man has a career long field goal in the national championship game. Good for Saban for continuing to roll the same kid out, who we were told looked great in pre game warm ups. Great coaching move, rather than bringing in their "long" field goal kicker for the 40+ yard attempts. He's only 2 for 4 on the 40+ kicks, but his confidence is rising. 15 nothing at this point is a two score game with 22 seconds left in the third quarter. LSU's special team advantage has not been great thus far, and on the kick off 'Bama continues to hold stout.
10:54pm - Jefferson comes back out again, and fires a completion for a pickup of about seven, which takes us to the end of the fourth quarter. "The sands of time running out in New Orleans" Musburger muses.
10:58pm - The 4th quarter opens with an Alabama helmet flying off on the LSU run up the gut for two. 3rd and 1 for LSU who finally picks up a third down, and only their third first down of the game. All Alabama cares about? The clock keeps running, and the first minute of the final quarter is gone. Herbie points out that LSU already looks beaten on the sideline, and it's easy to see that Alabama is hitting much harder. Erin Andrews points out that the LSU coaches are urging the the players to get up and get life in them. Jarrett Lee stands on the sideline staring on the field, wondering how he isn't in the game, and LSU faces 3rd and 3. They can't convert this one, but don't they have to think about going for it at this point on 4th down? You need every down you can, every chance you have, and the game of field position hasn't worked out thus far. 'Bama will take over at the 17.
11:02pm - The underrated part of this story right now is how many AP voters vowed to vote for LSU to be national champion regardless of the outcome of this game. If enough did that it would split the national title for the first time since 2003 I believe. Although, unless LSU has a miraculous comeback I can't imagine how anyone could refuse to vote for Alabama given the way they've dominated them. Alabama hasn't beaten themselves and they have dominated the game.
11:04pm - I don't understand why these games have to start so late; I'm ready to go to bed and we only just started the fourth quarter. If Alabama would grace me with a TD here I might sign off early and go to bed. Bama runs on the first play, and again on 2nd down for minimal gains. Musburger informs us that there has never been a shut out in a BCS bowl game, let alone a BCS championship game. Alabama has yet to allow LSU past mid field. LSU's defense finally gets the play they need for a big sack on 3rd down, forcing a punt from deep inside the Tide's own side of the field. For the first time today they have field position on their side on offense, as 'Bama punts from their own end zone. The punter gets a good punt off, and Mathieu doesn't do anything other than make a risky pick up and give Musburger a chance to say "honey badger" four more times.
11:07pm - LSU takes over with less than ten minutes to go, and picks up five on the ground. Jefferson picks up a few more on a scramble. Third and two is a good quick toss for the first down. The ball is finally at mid field for LSU, and Jefferson avoids the rush and gets the ball down to the 31, moving the ball into Tide territory for the first time today. If LSU scores a TD quickly here we have a game still. Yet again Jefferson runs a terrible option, waiting way too long before pitching.
11:12pm - 2nd and 13 after the busted option, and another false start. Alabama has no penalties thus far, yet another reason why they have simply out executed LSU in every aspect of the game. 2nd and 18 now, Jefferson throws it into the ground. 3rd and 18 now ... Jefferson is hit as he throws, leading to an incomplete. 6:21 left ... LSU has to go for this you'd think. 4th and 18 ... Jefferson is strip sacked and Alabama recovers.
11:17pm - As Alabama moves into "run as much time off the clock as we can" mode, I am just totally impressed with how complete this team played this game. I felt, after the last game, that the better team had not one, and this game makes it seem like I was correct in that assessment. Alabama did not get near the publicity this year, but they have perhaps the best defense I've ever seen in college football. They tackle, they contain, they pressure ... they can do it all. I understand that LSU beat a myriad of good teams throughout the year, starting with a good Oregon team, including this Alabama team, and the rest of their SEC schedule. That does count for something, but Alabama is the better team and the better team will win this. Richardson goes to the endzone to break LSU's back, and the Tide will now be up 22-0. This game was trench warfare for most of the game, but Alabama wore the Tigers down, and now have put them away. Shelley misses the extra point, so the game is 21-0. Uncanny.
11:21pm - My final thoughts for the night are this: it is completely bogus that Michigan, Clemson, VA Tech, and West Virginia played in BCS Bowls, while Boise State, who was much higher in the BCS rankings played against a 6-6 team in a who cares bowl because they missed one field goal. The Broncos were one of the six best teams in college football, and they were robbed by a system that focuses on big conferences, and the money they crave, rather than the football matchups we want to see. I'm glad we got 'Bama - LSU, but we could have also seen Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Stanford, Georgia, Wisconsin, Boise State and one more team (West VA?) play in the other games and I would have been much happier. Boise deserved a shot against a top tier program. Michigan, Clemson, VA Tech and West Virginia didn't earn that same chance. I'm tired of a system which rewards where you play over how you play. It's stupid, it's greedy, and it doesn't accurately determine the best team in the nation. I have no idea if LSU or Alabama could really beat Boise; I think so, but I have no way of knowing. And so, with four minutes left, and the Tide up by three touch downs, I sign off. I know it's not the Super Bowl, but this just may have to do sports fans. Enjoy the new year, and I'll be back by week's ends with my official NFL Playoff picks.
8:16pm - Welcome to the POV's live breakdown of the National Championship Game. If this game is half as entertaining, close, and hard fought as the first LSU - Alabama match up was you'll be very pleased with the results of this blog. Otherwise, I might just stop half way through. Either way I do have some bad news: I'm most likely unable to do my fourth annual Super Bowl live blog due to working obligations. In light of this, please accept my apologies, and take this live blog in its' place. If I find a way to not work the Super Bowl, you'll just have to suck it up and get a two for one.
8:19pm - I think the guy singing the national anthem should have started half a key lower. He sounds like he is dying. In other news, IU is number eight in the coaches poll and number seven in the AP. My mind is blown. For the record, I don't think they'll finish the year in the top ten heading into the NCAA tourney, but they did do what they needed to do in a brutal opening to the Big Ten season. Playing three top twenty teams to open conference play is tough, but IU held serve, winning both home games (including against then #2 Ohio State), and losing at Michigan State. They then went on the road and beat Penn State. Now, this might seem like a "well they should have game," but you can never assume anything on the road in the Big Ten.
8:22pm - My playoff picks were off to a great start heading into the Denver - Pittsburgh game ... then I got Tebowed. I don't even know how to express my bewilderment, but consider this: the last three "worst playoff team ever" were the Arizona Cardinals, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Denver Broncos. I picked against all three in their opening round home games. All three one. I am the cooler.
8:25pm - Nick Saban has coached both these teams, in case you didn't know. Furthermore, he has won the national title with both teams. And now he's coaching one against the other. ESPN really wants you to know this because they've mentioned it four times in the ten minutes since I turned on the TV. I don't want you to miss out on that fact. "I wish smiley faces were acceptable for everything" says Jenny. I'm glad she's along for this journey. Musburger is currently giving us a retrospective on the big moments in Super Dome history. Pretty cool.
8:29pm - Coin toss time. I had a laptop chord issue, so I missed who would get the toss. I did catch the mandatory pregame coach interviews. I can't remember the last time we learned something insightful from these things. "Erin Andrews looks good in her purple shirt ... you should mention that" Jenny notes. What shirt?
8:30pm - And now, kickoff. It appears that there will be a home field advantage for LSU, but that shouldn't surprise anyone, as the Super Dome does happen to be located in Louisiana. LSU is receiving the kick, and we are underway. HUGE tackle on the opening kick, and so the tone is set. Jordan Jefferson continues to start for LSU. This is an underrated storyline for the LSU season, as they have gone undefeated to this point despite starting two very different QBs throughout the year. First run up the middle is stuffed; expect lots of defense in this game. A screen picks up some, but a third down will be upcoming. I love watching these defenses, which move quickly and hit hard. Feels like football. Fumble on the third down snap and the Alabama players have to hold back from throwing Jefferson to the ground after the whistle. Three and out for LSU. An insane punt pins Alabama deep. If we assume a defensive struggle, field position will naturally be huge. Alabama controlled field position in the first game and couldn't take advantage. Let's see what LSU can do starting off with good field position today.
8:35pm - Alabama picks up a first down on the first play from scrimmage. Another play action picks up some incremental yardage. Alabama looked to be the better team to me in the first game. They controlled the field position, and they looked more poised. The missed field goals killed them, and ultimately LSU took advantage, but I am in the group that is happy to see a rematch, and I'll go on record as saying that I expect an Alabama victory today. According to sportsbook.com Alabama was a two point favorite heading into this game? Really? I can't believe that. Meanwhile, LSU stops Alabama on third, but the Tide managed to completely flip field position by getting near mid field. The punt is off and goes out of bounds as they punt away.
8:42pm - It appears the Alabama (-2) was an adjusted for the current game situation line. I can't imagine that this game is more than LSU (-2) heading in, since it is technically a neutral field. I've got to remember to look up sports lines prior to game starting, since they want to make them disappear as soon as the ball is kicked off. Six minutes in and we are on our third possession of the game. LSU takes over at the twenty one yard line, but a false start moves them back. That wasn't a great punt, but it shows the respect the Tide has for the LSU return game. Resetting on first and fifteen they go to the shotgun then run in the middle, and pick up a couple. Alabama runs a three four defense, which is rare, it seems, in college football. Jefferson runs the option but falls down after an option that Herbstreet describes accurately as "slow developing." I can't stand Musburger, but Herbie knows his stuff. LSU runs the option again on third and is dropped almost immediately. Another punt forthcoming, and it's another booming punt but Alabama gets a great return. The return man Maze clearly pulls a hamstring on the return then runs out of bounds. Jenny agrees with my assessment, then says "poor kid, he's out for the game." We'll see how good she is from 20 hours away.
8:48pm - My initial thoughts on the upcoming weekend worth of football games, prior to doing any research: I like the Saints over the 49ers, the Pats over T.C. and his Broncos, the Ravens over the Texans, and I'm leaning towards the Giants over the Pack. Call me crazy, but I think the game plan they executed last weekend could beat the Pack this weekend. Either way, if the line is as high as is being first reported (favoring the Pack by as much as 9) I think I'll be taking the points. Alabama now has the ball at the ten and goes to the run, which LSU jumps all over. It is essential that Alabama scores a touch down on this possession, given the way the other game went. Second and goal Alabama audibles, then throws the ball away. The passing game has worked well thus far, but a third and goal from roughly the ten isn't a great spot to be in. Herbie is agreeing with my prior statement about the importance of a TD here. On third down Bama ends up short at the five yard line. Big hit on the Alabama QB. The short yardage kicked for the Tide knocks it through, but, again, the Tigers held them to a field goal.
8:53pm - Jenny is dancing to a discover card commercial ever so slightly. I don't think she notices that I notice. Good times.
8:54pm - A great hit on the ensuing kick return, as I try to determine what the charge on my debit card is. No idea. A great high catch by LSU, and they start to move quick in a semi no-huddle. A first down is picked up, and the tempo feels a bit more manic, but another option read gets him killed. Jefferson resumes with a completion, but another failed third down leads to another great punt. I've determined where the mystery charge came from, so that was at least quick.
9:00pm - Alabama is facing a second and five as Maze returns from the locker room. Alabama picks up a few first downs. With the ball just past the thirty five they run another boot and there is an incredible catch down the sideline by Norwood to end the first quarter. an incredible route that culminated with an insane jump and catch for a gain of 26. At the end of the first quarter Alabama looks more like they are prepared to take the championship mantle than LSU.
9:08pm - The second quarter opens with Alabama narrowly missing a pass inside the ten. Alabama has come out throwing pretty consistently and aggressively, and LSU doesn't look as prepared. The play action has been working really well thus far. A good tuck and run leaves Alabama with a third and three. They run it with their backup running back and get nowhere, putting the team in the same position they were many times last game with a long field goal attempt. Alabama fakes the kick, and it is close. An interesting move by Saban this early in the game. Again, field position is paramount. With the ball at the thirty two you have a forty nine yard field goal, a pooch punt, and a fake/going for it. The spot gives the Tide the first down, and the play goes immediately under review.
9:12pm - The determination was first down by an inch. The ball is now at the twenty eight, and Alabama goes play action again, and the result is an incomplete with a big hit by the linebacker in the flat. LSU is adjusting, ever so slightly. Reports are indicating Maze has returned to the locker room with they hamstring injury. That's a big blow for the Alabama offense, as well as special teams. Now the Tide faces third and seven ... in the shotgun... incomplete over the middle. The fake kick will not result in anything other than an attempt that is seven yards closer. From 42 the kick is blocked. This game feels eerily like the first game at this point: Alabama has momentum, time of possession, but cannot seem to capitalize enough.
9:19pm - I watched the majority of the Meet the Press Republican Primary Debate Saturday, and I have a few quick hit thoughts on the current standings and the upcoming primaries:
- for Romney, you've got to be cautiously excited about where you sit. If you hold strong in New Hampshire you've managed to take the first two states, which is rare in a heavily contested year. If you can then go to South Carolina and actually win (a distinct possibility if Santorum, Perry, Paul and Gingrich split the conservative vote), you've just won the nomination in the first three states most likely. Mitt's strategy at the debates generally show a candidate who is very aware of his position. He's playing defense, trying hard not to trip himself up, and trying to rise above the fray.
- For the rest of the candidates, after an entire season running up to this moment trying to establish the "anti-Mitt" we've ended up with an even more fractured, divided party than ever before. The line of the process, thus far, came from Huntsman when he said that he hoped the party would return to sanity after this cycle.
9:20pm - another false start and then a screen that goes nowhere. Dear Uncle, if you read this far, I promise you that there is tackling going on in this game. Third and seven for LSU ... incomplete. LSU again falters, and Alabama gets the ball right back.
9:26pm - Alabama again doesn't get great position after the punt, and now faces third and six. Another huge hit from the LSU secondary, but 'Bama picks up the first down. LSU is playing the run very well today, but 'Bama continues to move the ball courtesy of a solid passing game. Richardson immediately runs twice for 12 yards to prove my analysis of the LSU running game wrong. The Alabama offensive line is huge; I bet they outweigh the IU line by a solid 200lbs.
9:30pm - A late hit by LSU isn't called. In the NFL that would have been called, but they are letting these teams play. I can see a world in which college football is more "football" like than the NFL in a few years, because with the players not fully developed in strength and speed you can still let them hit without all the major repercussions. Richardson picks up a bunch to continue to prove me wrong. Alabama returns to the passing game, and goes incomplete. At this point Bama has ten first downs to LSU's one ... but much like the first game 'Bama is struggling to score and leaving the door open for the Tigers. Herbie is confused as to why 'Bama continues to pull Richardson when they get into Tigers territory. It does seem odd to pull your Heisman finalist when you get close to scoring.
9:32pm - 3rd and 1 for the Tide, and they are stopped, but again it is a handoff to the backup running back. The replay shows that the back killed himself by stretching the play instead of just diving forward. A 34 yard field goal is dead center and good, so now Bama is up 6-0. "Here we go again" says Musburger. Amen. LSU has four punts in four possessions, and only 26 yards on offense.
9:35pm - Barry Larkin will join Ron Santo in induction to the baseball Hall of Fame this year, it was announced today. I think Larkin was a very good player, sometimes even a great player, but I never feared him when the Cubs played him. To be honest, I feared Carlos Lee more than Barry Larkin. If Larkin is in the Hall of Fame how is Alan Trammel not? It was a lackluster class, and I get that, but that doesn't mean you have to put someone in just for the sake of doing it. Also, in case I haven't stated it here, I'd like the baseball writers, the veterans committee, and everyone associated with holding out until Santo died to put him in to realize that you are, in fact, bad people. The man was a no brainer Hall of Famer. You've put in many questionable players in my lifetime ... Dawson, Rice, and Sutter to name a few ... but he was a no brain absolute Hall of Fame player. I don't know who will be speaking for Santo, but I hope that they stick it to the group that held him out for no good reason.
9:40pm - LSU faces 3rd and 5, after icing their QB with a timeout. Jefferson lines up in the shot gun, then audibles as the clock runs down. He fumbles the snap again, picks it up, and falls short again ... all this after the time out. Les Miles is looking a bit over matched at this point. Herbie points out that Jefferson was looking at the Alabama defense instead of the snap. Another good punt; yet again, the LSU punter has to be the MVP of their team thus far. Alabama has two minutes to move the ball down the field before half, but also has all their timeouts and the college stop the clock after first down rule. From what we've seen so far that is a task that can be accomplished.
9:42pm - Third and two, and Alabama is letting the clock run. They seem happy to have the lead heading into the half. Richardson picks up the first down again, and the QB throws the ball to the flat for no gain. Alabama seems perfectly content to go into half up two field goals. Musburger and Herbstreet seem befuddled by Alabama's removing of Richardson when they get into LSU territory. 2nd and 12 ... completion to the LSU 45. Alabama picks up a few more, then uses their second time out. Twenty One seconds left, and Alabama needs to pick up about twenty more yards to start feeling good about the field goal attempt. A couple of good catches get the Tide down for a 41 yard field goal attempt. The kick is up and good. A huge kick for Alabama to make it a two score game heading in to half time. 9-0 Alabama is a great place to be, and you've got to figure that Saban is happy being up two scores with the ball coming at the start of the second half ... but there is no doubt he'd feel better if they were up 17-0.
9:55pm - A few thoughts during halftime:
- The take away, for me, of the Denver - Pittsburgh game had little to do with the Broncos. It was how old Pittsburgh looked all around. Big Ben will be okay when he recovers, but the offensive line in Pittsburgh continues to be its Achilles heel. How many years in a row will this be the case? We've got to be going on four or five now. Furthermore, the defense looked old and ineffective in trying to stop a very pedestrian Broncos attack. I expect that New England is ready to roll, and will be ready to take it to the Broncos. I expect that Denver expects that they had their fun and will likely go home, although I also expect that they won't talk like that because the one person who undoubtedly believes they will with the Super Bowl is T.C. himself, and he won't want to hear it.
- The Bulls begin a stretch of seven games in nine nights, going three straight, one off, two on, one off, and two on. If they come out of that stretch five and two I'll be happy. The team looks as good as last year, but as we found out, that wasn't quite good enough. Furthermore, the Heat are much better than last year, and certainly much deeper. A flash over to comcast sports net shows the Bulls up fifteen on the Pistons with six and a half left. So far so good.
- I would be completely remiss if I failed to mention that a long time POV reader, lovingly known as "Coach" passed away 12/29/11. Coach was a brilliant mind, and intellectual sparring with him would challenge you to rethink your positions. You always needed to have your facts in order if you were going to debate a topic with him, and his drive to know more always pushed me to do the same. It was indeed his time, and I am happy he is at peace, but no matter how many people read this blog in the ensuing years it will always feel a bit empty now that one of the two charter members who have been reading me since my first post has left us to be with God. As I sat in his memorial service this week I was taken by the many roles this man, my Grandfather, played in my life. I know that I wouldn't have near the diverse interest in things I have now, including sports, music, politics, and astronomy. Rest in peace Coach ... you are missed, will be missed, and will always be a part of all of us.
10:12pm - Alabama has the ball to start the half, and gets it to the thirty two yard line. Another big throw takes the ball inside LSU territory after a pick up of nineteen. A screen goes way down to the twenty two. Maze will be out the remainder of the game, and so Jenny was right in her diagnosis from 20 hours away. Hopefully she'll be happy that I put this in here.
10:15pm - 2nd and ten and a pickup of a few by Hanks leads the Tide to another third down deep in LSU territory. A deflection nearly leads to an INT, but the Tide will have yet another field goal attempt, their fifth of the game thus far. This kick will be from 35 out ... another solid kick right through. Alabama has now doubled their score from the earlier game, but they continue to stall in LSU territory, leaving the door open for LSU.
10:18pm - Two words: Jabba Cupcake.
10:19pm - Okay, I'm back, that just killed me. LSU gets the ball and we see if they were able to make any major adjustments at the half. Jefferson has a wide open receiver and overthrows him. Again, even when they get a break (in this case a free release) they can't execute. Alabama allows the same play to happen again, and for the second time today there is a LSU first down. They attacked the same place, making me think they saw something at the half. As an aside, the officials are letting them play; there have been a number of hard hits, late hits, and other plays that would have been penalties in the NFL games yesterday and today ... no flags. Jefferson is sacked by Upshaw, and now LSU faces 3rd and long again.
10:22pm - 3rd and 14 for Jefferson and the Tigers. He takes a deep drop and runs it, but is forced out of bounds short of midfield, and so LSU prepares to punt again. At some point LSU is going to have to go for the trick play, going deep into the playbook, but this isn't it with ten minutes left in the third quarter. Another deep kick ... penalty flag, right after I look at Jenny with exasperation about the lack of a flag. They call an unnecessary roughness after the Alabama player clearly calls for a fair catch and is hit. The replay confirms that it is, indeed, clearly a fair catch.
10:27pm - The personal foul helps to move the ball out to the twenty five, and Bama again comes out throwing and completes the pass. I'm a little surprised that the Tide keeps throwing, but obviously Saban isn't going to play it conservative after he lost a conservative game last time around. Play action and he overthrows a wide open Hanks down the sideline. Second and ten now, but I continue to be amazed that Alabama is not just throwing, but throwing successfully. They run with Richardson, and lose a yard, so 3rd and 11 comes up. 'Bama has the ball around midfield. The first down throw, second down run, leaves a long play to convert, and the Tide takes a dump off for a few, but a punt will be upcoming. By my top of the head count this is only the second punt of the game for Alabama, and they punted away the last time, and I expect they'll do the same. The gunner misses the ball at the one yard line, and so the ball comes out to the twenty. As a side note, if Musburger says "honey badger" when referencing Mathieu again I might throw my laptop at the TV. It's getting a tad annoying. Or is it "hunting badger?" I can't tell, it just needs to stop.
10:34pm - A shot of Bourbon Street makes me long to be back at Bourbon street. Boatloads of fun down there. Yet another terrible option play loses two for LSU. Jefferson isn't exactly T.C. when running the option. He's not even Eric Crouch. Jefferson steps up in the pocket, tosses the ball out, and it ends up right in the hands of an Alabama player. His back turned to block, which ended up leading to the INT. The player who picked the ball off is injured and Jenny is upset she can't see the play clearly enough, but she speculates there is a broken arm. Commercial break, and if Alabama can actually put the ball in the endzone here they might put this game away already.
10:37pm - Chiefs have hired Romeo Crennel as their head coach. He seemed like a deadbeat in Cleveland, but it was properly asked "what have they done since he left?" The answer, of course, is nothing, and so maybe we shouldn't be too quick to judge Romeo. Still, I never thought he'd get a second chance, as old as he is. Good for him.
10:38pm - Mosely is injured, and the Tide takes the ball, and Richardson is in, but loses a yard. The Tide must feel like they should capitalize on the huge turnover by LSU, and Herbie wonders if Jarret Lee will come in for Jefferson due to his ineffective play. LSU has to hold Alabama to a field goal to avoid the game going to a three score game. Third and Seven from the twenty four yard line ... a wrong route leads to an incomplete pass in the endzone, and Shelley, the kicker, comes in for his sixth field goal attempt. He's good from 23, 34, 41 and 35. He had a 42 yarder blocked, and pushes this 41 yarder right for a miss. A big stop for LSU, and Alabama can't feel like they are out of the woods yet. The LSU defacto home crowd boos Jefferson when he comes back in at QB. They want Lee.
10:42pm - Jefferson in the shotgun, throws a screen for four, then another screen on the opposite side of the field for a loss of four. Jefferson is not exactly inspiring confidence at the present time. LSU is zero for six on third down ... Jefferson is dropped for another sack at the seventeen yard line. The Alabama defense looks like the best in the nation, bar none. LSU has been good today, but they've been able to pass on them. LSU has not been able to do anything yet against 'Bama. A (relatively speaking) poor punt helps 'Bama to get a return into LSU territory to start this next possession. By my count the Tide have had eight possessions, resulting in two punts, two missed field goals, and four made field goals. A hand off goes for twelve to the thirty six after a tough run.
10:46pm - Seventeen first downs for 'Bama to 2 by LSU. More tough running down to the 25, again by the backup. Herbie wonders if the LSU defense is wearing down. Given the time of possession I can't imagine they aren't to a certain degree. At this point the LSU defense has to feel like they need to score twice to win this game, because the offense has 56 total yards. Richardson back in on 2nd and ten ... play action, down to the one yard line, then ruled incomplete. Gibson was the receiver ... good call, as the receiver drops the ball after being hit by the safety. A HUGE drop right there, as it is now 3rd and ten, leading to a timeout by Alabama.
10:49pm - Shelley will come out again after the 'Bama QB avoids a big sack that would have knocked them out of field goal range. A seventh field goal attempt for Alabama. LSU has allowed lots of yards between the 20s, but has held firm. A 44 yard attempt.... right through. He is now 5 of 7, and the young man has a career long field goal in the national championship game. Good for Saban for continuing to roll the same kid out, who we were told looked great in pre game warm ups. Great coaching move, rather than bringing in their "long" field goal kicker for the 40+ yard attempts. He's only 2 for 4 on the 40+ kicks, but his confidence is rising. 15 nothing at this point is a two score game with 22 seconds left in the third quarter. LSU's special team advantage has not been great thus far, and on the kick off 'Bama continues to hold stout.
10:54pm - Jefferson comes back out again, and fires a completion for a pickup of about seven, which takes us to the end of the fourth quarter. "The sands of time running out in New Orleans" Musburger muses.
10:58pm - The 4th quarter opens with an Alabama helmet flying off on the LSU run up the gut for two. 3rd and 1 for LSU who finally picks up a third down, and only their third first down of the game. All Alabama cares about? The clock keeps running, and the first minute of the final quarter is gone. Herbie points out that LSU already looks beaten on the sideline, and it's easy to see that Alabama is hitting much harder. Erin Andrews points out that the LSU coaches are urging the the players to get up and get life in them. Jarrett Lee stands on the sideline staring on the field, wondering how he isn't in the game, and LSU faces 3rd and 3. They can't convert this one, but don't they have to think about going for it at this point on 4th down? You need every down you can, every chance you have, and the game of field position hasn't worked out thus far. 'Bama will take over at the 17.
11:02pm - The underrated part of this story right now is how many AP voters vowed to vote for LSU to be national champion regardless of the outcome of this game. If enough did that it would split the national title for the first time since 2003 I believe. Although, unless LSU has a miraculous comeback I can't imagine how anyone could refuse to vote for Alabama given the way they've dominated them. Alabama hasn't beaten themselves and they have dominated the game.
11:04pm - I don't understand why these games have to start so late; I'm ready to go to bed and we only just started the fourth quarter. If Alabama would grace me with a TD here I might sign off early and go to bed. Bama runs on the first play, and again on 2nd down for minimal gains. Musburger informs us that there has never been a shut out in a BCS bowl game, let alone a BCS championship game. Alabama has yet to allow LSU past mid field. LSU's defense finally gets the play they need for a big sack on 3rd down, forcing a punt from deep inside the Tide's own side of the field. For the first time today they have field position on their side on offense, as 'Bama punts from their own end zone. The punter gets a good punt off, and Mathieu doesn't do anything other than make a risky pick up and give Musburger a chance to say "honey badger" four more times.
11:07pm - LSU takes over with less than ten minutes to go, and picks up five on the ground. Jefferson picks up a few more on a scramble. Third and two is a good quick toss for the first down. The ball is finally at mid field for LSU, and Jefferson avoids the rush and gets the ball down to the 31, moving the ball into Tide territory for the first time today. If LSU scores a TD quickly here we have a game still. Yet again Jefferson runs a terrible option, waiting way too long before pitching.
11:12pm - 2nd and 13 after the busted option, and another false start. Alabama has no penalties thus far, yet another reason why they have simply out executed LSU in every aspect of the game. 2nd and 18 now, Jefferson throws it into the ground. 3rd and 18 now ... Jefferson is hit as he throws, leading to an incomplete. 6:21 left ... LSU has to go for this you'd think. 4th and 18 ... Jefferson is strip sacked and Alabama recovers.
11:17pm - As Alabama moves into "run as much time off the clock as we can" mode, I am just totally impressed with how complete this team played this game. I felt, after the last game, that the better team had not one, and this game makes it seem like I was correct in that assessment. Alabama did not get near the publicity this year, but they have perhaps the best defense I've ever seen in college football. They tackle, they contain, they pressure ... they can do it all. I understand that LSU beat a myriad of good teams throughout the year, starting with a good Oregon team, including this Alabama team, and the rest of their SEC schedule. That does count for something, but Alabama is the better team and the better team will win this. Richardson goes to the endzone to break LSU's back, and the Tide will now be up 22-0. This game was trench warfare for most of the game, but Alabama wore the Tigers down, and now have put them away. Shelley misses the extra point, so the game is 21-0. Uncanny.
11:21pm - My final thoughts for the night are this: it is completely bogus that Michigan, Clemson, VA Tech, and West Virginia played in BCS Bowls, while Boise State, who was much higher in the BCS rankings played against a 6-6 team in a who cares bowl because they missed one field goal. The Broncos were one of the six best teams in college football, and they were robbed by a system that focuses on big conferences, and the money they crave, rather than the football matchups we want to see. I'm glad we got 'Bama - LSU, but we could have also seen Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Stanford, Georgia, Wisconsin, Boise State and one more team (West VA?) play in the other games and I would have been much happier. Boise deserved a shot against a top tier program. Michigan, Clemson, VA Tech and West Virginia didn't earn that same chance. I'm tired of a system which rewards where you play over how you play. It's stupid, it's greedy, and it doesn't accurately determine the best team in the nation. I have no idea if LSU or Alabama could really beat Boise; I think so, but I have no way of knowing. And so, with four minutes left, and the Tide up by three touch downs, I sign off. I know it's not the Super Bowl, but this just may have to do sports fans. Enjoy the new year, and I'll be back by week's ends with my official NFL Playoff picks.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Game Five: The Mini Live Blog
Coming from you at the start of the fourth quarter of game five. Bulls lead 62 to 57.
10:35PM - Coach Thibs says the Bulls have to "play smart without fouling." I'm pretty sure the only way they could do that at this point is by pulling all their players off the court. They called a foul on Noah earlier for sneezing in LeBron's general direction.
10:37PM - If you didn't see the final four minutes of the third quarter, you should go back and watch. The officials were actively trying to throw the game for Miami. 1919 Black Sox style. The flagrant on Boozer was a terrible call, the next foul on Deng should have been a moving screen on Miami, the foul on Noah was awful, and the technical on Gibson was for less than LeBron does after every single play. Even Reggie Miller agrees. This is Lakers - Kings 2002 stuff. Is Tim Donaghy actually officiating this game? I can't believe the officials have ripped the Bulls off four straight games. On the bright side, the Bulls are somehow winning again, all while playing five on eight.
10:40PM - Just talked to a friend on the phone; we are collectively wondering when we're just going to have to stop watching sports. Is the joy of winning worth the pain, frustration, and risk of stroke related death that sit on the other side of the ledger? I used to articulate a pretty convincing argument (for me) about it being worth it, but anymore I don't know. I do know that I'm actually beginning to appreciate the Cubs lowering my expectations to nothing within a week of this season. After living through the Bears, now the Bulls, I don't think I could take the Cubs being relevant this year. My heart needs a break.
10:42PM - Rose brings the ball up, Bulls leading by eight. Kurt Thomas finally playing ... foul on the Heat not called. It's amazing to me that every time LeBron and Wade get bumped it's a foul, but when Rose gets hit it's not. James dropped his shoulder into Kurt Thomas, knocks him over, and Thomas is called for the foul. These officials have been worth about 15 points to Miami thus far, no joke. Somebody needs to have a federal investigation into this. Are we sure that David Stern isn't into the mob for about $5 million? These officials are working really hard to throw this game.
10:45PM - If you're Chicago you've got to go back to the pick and pop with Thomas. It's working. Wade hits a shot to cut the lead to six. Honestly, if the officials were calling this game even somewhat even the Bulls would be up by 25. What happened in the first three games was typical NBA deciding who was going to win by calling the game differently for each team; what is happening in this game is flagrantly illegal. Somewhere, Joe Jackson is nodding in agreement. He's seen a performance like this before.
10:48PM - Deng back in the game with seven minutes to go ... with five fouls, two of which were legitimate. Brewer with a huge shot. I like him quite a bit. LeBron is flopping so frequently that even Vlade Divac would blush. I don't think Reggie even flopped this much. I have to admit that I'm very confused why we have seen so little of Kurt Thomas this series. He's tough, he's smart, and he's thick. Tonight he's playing exceptionally. I've been asking for him since the officiating changed in game two. I'm glad Thibs listened (finally). Still, he's done a good job coaching this year, his rookie year. When the officials turn against you it's essential to have a tough vet who can help hold your team steady. Thomas is the only one on our team.
10:51PM - Bulls back up by ten, and ... Miami literally just tackled Ronnie Brewer, and no foul was called. Wade complains after he misses a wide open layup. No technical for that? This is embarassing for the NBA how one sided these officials are calling this. If congress could investigate steroid use in baseball they sure as hell can investigate this.
10:53PM - Finally a real foul on the Bulls; Rose hacks James but stops him from making the shot. Smart foul. LeBron keeps making his foul shots. He's certainly improved in that regard. 32 free throws made in a row. Even if Chicago holds on to this I can't imagine the league letting them have a prayer in game six. Stern might actually hit Rose in the knee with a crowbar the way this has been going. HUGE THREE by Ronnie Brewer after Rose gets fouled, but doesn't get the call. Hypocrisy, thy name is NBA officials.
10:56PM - While we go to commercial, text time!
- "maybe (the officials) just can't stand the sight of tears" (because, you know, if Miami loses they cry ... their coach told us)
- "This is unbelievable" (after the Noah foul/Gibson technical pu pu platter of calls)
- "The officials are actively trying to throw this game"
- "This is ridiculous. Even Reggie Miller said they have to start calling it on the Heat as well. That technical was complete bull****."
- "I guess bribing the officials is a step up from buying a ring on Ebay."
10:59PM - Brewer is playing great ... and I've got news for you: watch the replay of the Brewer foul on James. He didn't touch him; LeBron acted and got the call. He deserves an academy award. That is now two fouls he's drawn by faking contact. He's Reggie Miller 2.0 in the playing like a girl department. Somewhere, Michael Jordan is nodding.
11:01PM - Ronnie Brewer and Kurt Thomas ... amazing how strong, tough players can help. Wade with a tough shot, and he's warming up. That's not good. Rose back the other way ... and the turnover. Wade hits a layup and gets a foul call on yet another phantom foul. How is that a foul? Every single time Rose does that it isn't a foul. Thank God Wade and James are missing a few free throws now. Bulls are not getting good looks at the hoop, and James hits a three to cut the lead to five. Back to the foul that sent Wade to the line: you can't call that foul. That is how the league threw the NBA finals to Miami back in 2005 (I think) when they beat Dallas. I'm not going to look the year up, but if you do look up the free throw disparities. Actually, screw it, I'll look it up. It was 2006. This year's free throw disparity has been nearly as bad. Just this March Phil Jackson even said the free throw disparity was the league paying Mark Cuban back.
11:06PM - A HUGE PHANTOM FOUL on Rose giving Wade a four point play to cut the lead to three. Amazing job by the officials this game. They have literally given up trying to pretend they are impartial. Bosh just shoved Gibson in the back, which wasn't called, leading to a James three. No foul when Rose drove to the hoop on the previous play either. James and Wade (and probably Bosh) have been getting that call every time since game one. This is criminal.
11:08PM - Well, sports fans, here we are. One minute left, tied game, as the officials have managed to cut a 13 point lead to nothing. Using my Charles Barkley voice, "this officiating is turible." ROSE IS FOULED AND IT'S NOT CALLED. This is a joke. James pushes off on Brewer, no call, and hits the shot. Miami does nothing wrong I guess. Next text!
- "Cuban's going to have to dig deep in his pockets if he wants to buy the refs from Miami."
11:11PM - James shoves Rose to actually get a foul called. I'm so confused by how this game has gone down the stretch. I honestly don't know that there is any game I've ever watched, including L.A. - Portland, L.A. - Sacramento, and Miami - Dallas, has ever been this stupid. Rose misses the free throw. Even we can't save ourselves. Not that it mattered. After watching this game there is one thing for sure: there is no way in hell that the league was going to let Miami lose this series.
11:13PM - My head is literally spinning. This is on par with the way Bears - Colts felt as Lovie showed his incompetence, and Cubs - Marlins when Dusty did the same. The Bulls grab the Heat with 22 seconds left; the officials don't blow the whistle until 16.8 seconds. The literally won't call the foul when we ARE TRYING TO FOUL. We should have just tackled LeBron and taken out his leg. Heat win. Congrats to the officials, and the biggest crook of them all, David Stern.
I was hoping that I was going to be able to avoid having to do this already, but:
"Help us Dirk Nowitski. You're our only hope."
If Miami beats Dallas I think I'm going to give up all professional sports. On the bright side, great job by Chicago for keeping their composure even while they were being screwed out of this series. I guess that David Stern decided they hadn't paid their dues yet, but they kept their cool. Here's to hoping that the NBA locks out their players next year. Congrats Mr. Stern: right after winning me back for the first time since 1998, I'm back out on your crooked product. Needless to say, it's going to be tough to get to sleep tonight.
10:35PM - Coach Thibs says the Bulls have to "play smart without fouling." I'm pretty sure the only way they could do that at this point is by pulling all their players off the court. They called a foul on Noah earlier for sneezing in LeBron's general direction.
10:37PM - If you didn't see the final four minutes of the third quarter, you should go back and watch. The officials were actively trying to throw the game for Miami. 1919 Black Sox style. The flagrant on Boozer was a terrible call, the next foul on Deng should have been a moving screen on Miami, the foul on Noah was awful, and the technical on Gibson was for less than LeBron does after every single play. Even Reggie Miller agrees. This is Lakers - Kings 2002 stuff. Is Tim Donaghy actually officiating this game? I can't believe the officials have ripped the Bulls off four straight games. On the bright side, the Bulls are somehow winning again, all while playing five on eight.
10:40PM - Just talked to a friend on the phone; we are collectively wondering when we're just going to have to stop watching sports. Is the joy of winning worth the pain, frustration, and risk of stroke related death that sit on the other side of the ledger? I used to articulate a pretty convincing argument (for me) about it being worth it, but anymore I don't know. I do know that I'm actually beginning to appreciate the Cubs lowering my expectations to nothing within a week of this season. After living through the Bears, now the Bulls, I don't think I could take the Cubs being relevant this year. My heart needs a break.
10:42PM - Rose brings the ball up, Bulls leading by eight. Kurt Thomas finally playing ... foul on the Heat not called. It's amazing to me that every time LeBron and Wade get bumped it's a foul, but when Rose gets hit it's not. James dropped his shoulder into Kurt Thomas, knocks him over, and Thomas is called for the foul. These officials have been worth about 15 points to Miami thus far, no joke. Somebody needs to have a federal investigation into this. Are we sure that David Stern isn't into the mob for about $5 million? These officials are working really hard to throw this game.
10:45PM - If you're Chicago you've got to go back to the pick and pop with Thomas. It's working. Wade hits a shot to cut the lead to six. Honestly, if the officials were calling this game even somewhat even the Bulls would be up by 25. What happened in the first three games was typical NBA deciding who was going to win by calling the game differently for each team; what is happening in this game is flagrantly illegal. Somewhere, Joe Jackson is nodding in agreement. He's seen a performance like this before.
10:48PM - Deng back in the game with seven minutes to go ... with five fouls, two of which were legitimate. Brewer with a huge shot. I like him quite a bit. LeBron is flopping so frequently that even Vlade Divac would blush. I don't think Reggie even flopped this much. I have to admit that I'm very confused why we have seen so little of Kurt Thomas this series. He's tough, he's smart, and he's thick. Tonight he's playing exceptionally. I've been asking for him since the officiating changed in game two. I'm glad Thibs listened (finally). Still, he's done a good job coaching this year, his rookie year. When the officials turn against you it's essential to have a tough vet who can help hold your team steady. Thomas is the only one on our team.
10:51PM - Bulls back up by ten, and ... Miami literally just tackled Ronnie Brewer, and no foul was called. Wade complains after he misses a wide open layup. No technical for that? This is embarassing for the NBA how one sided these officials are calling this. If congress could investigate steroid use in baseball they sure as hell can investigate this.
10:53PM - Finally a real foul on the Bulls; Rose hacks James but stops him from making the shot. Smart foul. LeBron keeps making his foul shots. He's certainly improved in that regard. 32 free throws made in a row. Even if Chicago holds on to this I can't imagine the league letting them have a prayer in game six. Stern might actually hit Rose in the knee with a crowbar the way this has been going. HUGE THREE by Ronnie Brewer after Rose gets fouled, but doesn't get the call. Hypocrisy, thy name is NBA officials.
10:56PM - While we go to commercial, text time!
- "maybe (the officials) just can't stand the sight of tears" (because, you know, if Miami loses they cry ... their coach told us)
- "This is unbelievable" (after the Noah foul/Gibson technical pu pu platter of calls)
- "The officials are actively trying to throw this game"
- "This is ridiculous. Even Reggie Miller said they have to start calling it on the Heat as well. That technical was complete bull****."
- "I guess bribing the officials is a step up from buying a ring on Ebay."
10:59PM - Brewer is playing great ... and I've got news for you: watch the replay of the Brewer foul on James. He didn't touch him; LeBron acted and got the call. He deserves an academy award. That is now two fouls he's drawn by faking contact. He's Reggie Miller 2.0 in the playing like a girl department. Somewhere, Michael Jordan is nodding.
11:01PM - Ronnie Brewer and Kurt Thomas ... amazing how strong, tough players can help. Wade with a tough shot, and he's warming up. That's not good. Rose back the other way ... and the turnover. Wade hits a layup and gets a foul call on yet another phantom foul. How is that a foul? Every single time Rose does that it isn't a foul. Thank God Wade and James are missing a few free throws now. Bulls are not getting good looks at the hoop, and James hits a three to cut the lead to five. Back to the foul that sent Wade to the line: you can't call that foul. That is how the league threw the NBA finals to Miami back in 2005 (I think) when they beat Dallas. I'm not going to look the year up, but if you do look up the free throw disparities. Actually, screw it, I'll look it up. It was 2006. This year's free throw disparity has been nearly as bad. Just this March Phil Jackson even said the free throw disparity was the league paying Mark Cuban back.
11:06PM - A HUGE PHANTOM FOUL on Rose giving Wade a four point play to cut the lead to three. Amazing job by the officials this game. They have literally given up trying to pretend they are impartial. Bosh just shoved Gibson in the back, which wasn't called, leading to a James three. No foul when Rose drove to the hoop on the previous play either. James and Wade (and probably Bosh) have been getting that call every time since game one. This is criminal.
11:08PM - Well, sports fans, here we are. One minute left, tied game, as the officials have managed to cut a 13 point lead to nothing. Using my Charles Barkley voice, "this officiating is turible." ROSE IS FOULED AND IT'S NOT CALLED. This is a joke. James pushes off on Brewer, no call, and hits the shot. Miami does nothing wrong I guess. Next text!
- "Cuban's going to have to dig deep in his pockets if he wants to buy the refs from Miami."
11:11PM - James shoves Rose to actually get a foul called. I'm so confused by how this game has gone down the stretch. I honestly don't know that there is any game I've ever watched, including L.A. - Portland, L.A. - Sacramento, and Miami - Dallas, has ever been this stupid. Rose misses the free throw. Even we can't save ourselves. Not that it mattered. After watching this game there is one thing for sure: there is no way in hell that the league was going to let Miami lose this series.
11:13PM - My head is literally spinning. This is on par with the way Bears - Colts felt as Lovie showed his incompetence, and Cubs - Marlins when Dusty did the same. The Bulls grab the Heat with 22 seconds left; the officials don't blow the whistle until 16.8 seconds. The literally won't call the foul when we ARE TRYING TO FOUL. We should have just tackled LeBron and taken out his leg. Heat win. Congrats to the officials, and the biggest crook of them all, David Stern.
I was hoping that I was going to be able to avoid having to do this already, but:
"Help us Dirk Nowitski. You're our only hope."
If Miami beats Dallas I think I'm going to give up all professional sports. On the bright side, great job by Chicago for keeping their composure even while they were being screwed out of this series. I guess that David Stern decided they hadn't paid their dues yet, but they kept their cool. Here's to hoping that the NBA locks out their players next year. Congrats Mr. Stern: right after winning me back for the first time since 1998, I'm back out on your crooked product. Needless to say, it's going to be tough to get to sleep tonight.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Game One: A Live Blog
"... Good God, that's Mike D's music!"
What better occasion to draw me out of silence and into blogging than the first Conference Finals game involving my beloved Chicago Bulls since Michael Jordan dispersed of Reggie Miller in 1998? I feel like I should be honoring everything 1990s right now, so I come to you live, from my house, with a Mountain Dew and Doritos in hand ... and a Michael Jordan Jersey on my back. And, since today is my lone off day before I ship off to Boston at the end of the week, I'll celebrate this pivotal game (is it possible for game one to be pivotal?) with a running blog of my observations. You can thank me later.
7:50 PM - Ernie, Chuck and Kenny are breaking down the Zombie Sonics' victory over Memphis earlier in the day. I went looking for my Supersonics hat earlier today and could not find it. It's likely that I'll have to excavate my old room at my parents house to find it, but I feel like I should at least locate it, although I don't know that I can root for the Zombies over the Mavs. I'm torn here: on the one hand, I loudly proclaimed before last year that Kevin Durant would be the best player of the generation (ahead of LeBron), and I would love to see him attain that title. Additionally, I proclaimed this year (after LeBron decided that he was created to be Riker to Wade's Jean-Luc) that Miami would not be the next powerhouse, but that OKC would take that mantel. So, out of a desire to see both those predictions validated, an OKC western conference title would make me feel good. Still ... it's the Mavericks. I have a Kidd jersey. I have a Mavs hat and Mashburn shirt (courtesy of my Uncle, years ago). And they have Dirk, who is fun to watch, and Cuban, who I wish would have bought the Cubs. I guess on the bright side, I can't really lose no matter who wins the Western Conference Finals. I can't say the same about the East...
7:54 PM - What a final four in the NBA! You have the villains (LeBron, Wade and Bosh ... and if you've forgotten why they are the villains, watch this again to see an intro that would make Vince McMahon blush), aiming to prove that teamwork, balance, and testicular fortitude are no longer precursors to winning in the NBA. You have the veteran team showing unexpected spunk, and playing for keeps (Dallas shocking the Lakers and ending Phil's reign). You have the young team we expected to make the jump (the Oklahoma City Zombies, who proved last year they were ready for the jump in their tough round one loss to Los Angeles). And then you have the young team nobody expected to make the jump this quick, my beloved Bulls. As this year kept on going and I became more and more impressed with the way they played as a team, and with the way which Derrick Rose carried himself. He is a deserving MVP, but we now have the rare situation where the four best players in the league are arguably on the four remaining teams. Exciting times indeed.
8:01 PM - Just had an interview with Joakim Noah, the penultimate "guy you love when he's on your team, but want to punch when he's not on your team." Trust me, when he played at Florida I wanted to punch him, and it wasn't as if I was totally against him. But now that he plays for my team, I love him. He's like Rodman, only sane and not into cross-dressing.
8:03PM - Anyway, back to my previous comment regarding the four best players in the league remaining, I'd break my MVP vote down this way for this season:
8:08 PM - Great job getting the ball inside to Noah, who finishes with a baby hook. Miami comes back with a deep three by Bibby ... not the shot they want, but the shot we want. Bulls weathered the first storm, let's see how Miami does in the halfcourt set.
8:10PM - Bosh draws the foul and makes the shot. Bruce always taught us: if you're going to foul, make damn sure they don't make shot as well. Noah should keep that in mind. Miami 9, Chicago 7.
8:13PM - Carlos Boozer may very well be the x-factor in this series. If he plays like an all-star the Bulls can win, but if he plays like he did for much of the first two rounds the Bulls won't stand a chance. They go to him early tonight, and we'll see how he responds. Mr. Rose has another turnover, and I start to get antsy. Terrible call giving LeBron continuation when he was fouled three steps earlier. Glad to see the officials still don't know how to call a game. Oh, by the way, that was off of yet another Rose turnover.
8:15PM - Boozer scores off a nice pass. He had to use high glass, but didn't get blocked. Baby steps. Wade responds by drawing a foul on Bogans. The Bulls might end up regretting going with the Bogans, Brewer, Korver poo-poo platter instead of making the move for Ray Allen during free agency or O.J. Mayo before the trade deadline. Heat by four. Brewer in.
8:17PM - Awful shot by Deng ... he's been quiet so far, and he can't be. We have our first time out with the Heat up four. It's actually a minor miracle we are only down four when we've turned the ball over half a dozen times already. Thibs better get on the boys during this stoppage of play. We are playing their game, not ours.
8:18PM - My father told me he thought tonight's winner would be the team to take the series. I told him that I felt Miami would win the series, based entirely on me being pessimistic and not having had anything good happen for one of my teams since 1998. Also known as A.J. (after Jordan). We return to play with Craig Sager sporting yet another hideous coat, and with Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" playing in the United Center. Bosh hits a set shot, and Miami increases its' lead. Noah misses on the other side, then picks LeBron's pocket, then Miami stops the Bulls, then scores.
8:21PM - The Bulls are down eight, and are playing super sloppy. Miami is +6 on rebounds right now, but Noah gets an offensive board and kicks it to Deng who hits his shot. Noah goes to the line after drawing a foul on James. As a side note, somewhere along the line I went from loathing Marv Albert to not minding him at all. It's also comforting to have Steve Kerr calling the game ... it's like having a secret agent. Maybe we can get him to come out of retirement to hit a shot since the rest of our team doesn't appear interested in hitting any. Timeout, Miami.
8:24PM - Smitty has returned to the man-cave, and sticking with our 90s motif he has busted out his own Mt. Dew. Indiana weather, as usual, sucks. Rainy and cold all day. It's not like it's mid-May or anything. Miami comes out of a timeout with a shot by Bibby, who hits another shot. When did Bibby's corpse begin playing basketball again? Rose responds, the Wade responds. Kerr tells us that Miami has gone small, playing LeBron at the 4. The Bulls put Taj Gibson in for Boozer.
8:28PM - LeBron picks up foul two, complains to the ref, then gets pulled from the game. Erik Spoelstra has a classic "punch me" face ... Smitty points out he also always looks confused. Steve Kerr "Erik Spoelstra has really shown his hand early." Kerr is pointing this out in regards to him going small. Meanwhile, Wade blatantly double dribbles, which of course the referees don't call. The one thing that always makes me hesitant to care about the NBA is the corrupt nature of the officiating. If you make it through one game without the feeling that the refs are trying to throw it one way or another it's a miracle. Honestly, it is beyond me how they can be this bad, and still be considered professionals.
8:34PM - Michael Jordan + Hitler Mustache = successful commercial (in the minds of some Haynes executive). I'm still fascinated with how this went down. Did Jordan show up with a Hitler 'stache unknowingly? Did he lose a bet and have to do it? Did he do it intentionally to see if someone would stop him? I feel like I'm missing out by not knowing.
8:36PM - Watson to Gibson for two, and the Bulls are down one. Bulls go to the reserves, with all starters except for Deng out. A coach Thibs staple. Watson next leaves a runner short. Ugh. HUGE DUNK by Taj Gibson, drawing a foul on Wade. Remember: Taj Gibson is a rich-man's Carlos Boozer. I honestly think he's better than Boozer. What's scary is there aren't many people who want to argue the point.
8:39PM - When Wade pump fakes you have to stay home... Gibson didn't stay home. Wade goes to the line and give Miami the lead back. I've got to say, I'm a big fan of letting the reserves get a rhythm, and it'll be interesting to see how long Thibs can let the reserves go. Gibson another nice bucket off a nice pass from Deng. Korver comes in for Deng now, and now we have all backups in. This is high risk.
8:42PM - Omar Asik scores inside and draws the foul. I like him by the way. TV timeout. The fact that the Bulls withstood the early storm, their own turnovers, and begin out rebounded early and are now tied with Miami bodes well for this game.
8:44PM - Bulls have their first lead at 30 - 29. LeBron has checked back in, and Wade has checked out. Yet another Bulls turnover. On the bright side the Bulls bench has 12 points already. Miami gets away with an offensive goal tending. Korver misses off a screen, and then the Bulls turn it over again. Boozer and Rose come back in with 7:12 left in the second. Miami has six on the court, but doesn't get the technical. What the hell?
8:49PM - Miami up four, following a defensive 3 second call on the Bulss. Kerr with a good explanation of the rule. Kerr also agrees with me that Heat should have had a technical for the 6 on the court. The officials literally just gave Miami points. Big 3 from the corner for Deng. Bulls are not boxing out well; another second chance 2 for Bosh. Timeout with five minutes left.
8:52PM - Bulls open up with another turnover. I don't know how many we have, but it's got to be close to ten already. Big put back by Boozer after a Noah miss. So far we've seen Chicago play decent defense, but we are getting drawn off on pump fakes a stupid amount of times. LeBron goes to the line again. The crowd in Chicago is quite lively ... making me proud. Rose hits a jumper ... terrible foul call on Korver. LeBron pushes off and it's a foul on Korver?
8:57PM - Deng is playing great right now, and the Bulls tie it on a Noah put back. Deng will need to be Pippen to Rose's Jordan if the Bulls are going to win this series. Carrying that analogy to its' end, we have the following:
9:04PM - HUGE turnover by Noah. The Bulls are making Bosh look like he's worth the money. That's the first time that has happened this year. The Noah turnover ended up being a six point swing. That's awful. Rose only shooting jumpers has led to him getting only two free throw attempts today. He's going to need to get to the line much more than that. Three fouls on Bosh is promising, but LeBron "shockingly" has been allowed to play every bit as physical without getting his third foul. Deng hits two free throws. Miami calls a timeout with 18.1 seconds left in the half to draw up the last shot.
9:08PM - James hits a shot with five seconds left, and the bulls get a chance to respond, but Rose barely has a handle on it. Tied at the half. Lovely. This halftime break will be sponsored by the Subway on my corner, which I will now walk to and get a footlong spicy Italian. Subway. Eat Fresh.
9:35PM - And ... we're back. With a stomach full of Subway. Noah pads his stats with a rebound and put back. Bulls lead by one after four minutes have passed in the third. I can't believe that we've allowed Bosh to score 21 tonight. Weak defensive performance inside. James hits an MJ-like fade away. Kareem's sky-hook, MJ's fade, Hakeem's dream shake ... the most difficult to defend shots of my lifetime.
9:40PM - Marv, Kerr and Miller are having a long discussion about LeBron and Wade signing with Chicago this summer and how "close" it was. Meanwhile, Keith Bogans hits a corner three, putting the Bulls up five. Rose takes a hard fall after missing a fast break layup. Noah ran the fast break by the way. Like he dribbled it up. Impressive. Rose hits both his free throws.
9:42PM - Time out by Miami. Erik Spolestra would like you to know Miami's players care about this game. They are all crying in the huddle right now. Crying ok? That's how much this means to them. In other news, I have a major issue with Hyundai "guaranteeing" a set resale price for their cars. Since when is fixing prices a part of a capitalist society?
9:45PM - I think WGU Indiana, an online "college," is actually "Mitch Daniels University." Which means you will be taught in the fine arts of "outsourcing highway management so that the roads are not maintained and the state does not experience the profit you promise," "cutting all critical social services below the federal reimbursement level, then skim that difference off the top," and "see how much profit you can turn for the state while screwing over everyone else." In other news, a Mitch Daniels nomination for president would have Obama tap dancing with joy.
9:48PM - The Bulls have quietly extended their lead to nine, while the officials decide that it has been too much of a good thing for the Bulls, so they call a foul on Deng which replays clearly show was not a foul. Keith Bogans then shoots, and misses again. Deng makes it up by forcing the ball off LeBron's foot. No foul there Tim Donaghy?
9:50PM - Why is Keith Bogans shooting so much? Three possessions out of five have been Bogans misses. Great defense on James by Gibson, then Rose and Wade exchange baskets. Bulls by six.
9:53PM - Deng with a big three, then more tough D on James, while Wade also gets shut down. This current group (Brewer, Deng, Rose, Noah, Gibson) is very long, and contests shots well. I like it. A lot. Miami has 7.3 seconds left in the quarter, and Wade goes to the bench.
9:56PM - I hate the Sager interviews at the start of the quarters. You miss the first play every time. Couldn't we do them audio only? Thibs needs to get Rose a break here early in the fourth. Asik is in for Noah.
10:00PM - Two big plays in a row by Asik just challenging the shots. And then he dunks it and draws the foul. LeBron answers with a 3. Watson in for Rose. This is a big sequence, and Deng follows his shot. The Bulls are doing great on the offensive glass, this half in particular. It's heartening to see that they have reestablished themselves there. Big steal by Brewer who will get two shots plus the ball.
10:03PM - The Bulls are now up 12, and they have pulled it back up again with the bench players out on the court. Wade, Bosh and James are back in for Miami. Brewer dunks it; Bulls up 14, and Miami calls a quick time out. This has been the Bulls M.O. all year: the bench gets it done. If they can finish this out over the last nine minutes this would be an unbelievably huge first game. Right now the Bulls look like they are on a different plane. They have the look of a team that loves playing together and doesn't care who gets it done, just that it gets done. Miami, conversely, looks quite disheveled.
10:06PM - Spolestra "if you are real about winning this game." Not good if the coach doesn't know if his team is real about winning a game. Somehow the Bulls keep getting 7'1" Omar Asik switched onto James, and he keeps James in front. big three by Watson. Bosh responds with an "and one."
10:10PM - Rose and Noah back in ... Deng gets a three to roll in. It's nice when the ball bounces your way. James kicks to Chalmers to respond for 3. Smitty observes "if they (Chicago) can grind teams down like this they are going to win." It's a good observation, because this game has gone that way. The first half Chicago didn't play great, but held close. Their bench closed the gap to allow them to keep the game close, and then pull ahead. Boozer back in, Bulls by 14 with 6:30 left.
10:11PM - following a turnover by Boozer Miami cuts the lead to 12. Rose responds on cue. Bosh is fouled inside, and there is a TV timeout.
10:14PM - We return to the game with the score Chicago 90 - Miami 76. There is 5:35 left in the quarter, with Bosh at the line. The Bulls are 9 of 19 from 3. That won't hold through the entire series, but Rose won't be this ineffective at getting to the line either, so it should balance out. Bosh makes both free throws. James just complained and got a call changed from a foul on him to a foul on Chalmers. Cute.
10:18PM - Boozer has 14 points and 9 rebounds. We'd take that every game. Gibson will check in for defensive purposes, but Boozer has had a solid game thus far. Bosh is at the line again, and he cuts the Bulls lead to 12.
10:20PM - Korver knocks down a timely three to extend the lead to fifteen. It's great to see him hit a shot; that will be important as the series progresses. Wade responds by tossing the ball to Deng. The fans get loud; they can feel it. D-Rose to the hoop. Bulls by 17.
10:22PM - Trailer for the new Cameron Diaz movie has the following dialogue:
"LeBron will never be Jordan, call me when he has six titles"
"Is that your only argument?"
"IT'S THE ONLY ARGUMENT I NEED!!!"
...
...
Amen
10:24PM - Under four minutes now, and Noah is showing some fire. Miami is running a slow offense, conceding the game. Udonis Haslem is in to get some garbage minutes. 21 for Deng, with great defense, passing and rebounding. Pippen-esqe if you ask me. Time to pull the starters; Bulls up 19 with 2:14 left. Thibs begins pulling on cue. Rose is out; all the starters follow.
10:30PM - The crowd is chanting "over-rated" at Miami. Even Ronnie Brewer is knocking down jumpers. The Bulls have gone on a 44-22 run to end this game. Emphatic dunk by the Rich Man's Carlos Boozer: Taj Gibson. Emphatic win by the Bulls. Even Reggie Miller says "I have been to the mountain top." One down. Three more to go. Class on Wednesday will hold me back a bit, but I think I'll be able to see it. The Mad House on Madison is back baby. I'm smiling about as much as you can.
What better occasion to draw me out of silence and into blogging than the first Conference Finals game involving my beloved Chicago Bulls since Michael Jordan dispersed of Reggie Miller in 1998? I feel like I should be honoring everything 1990s right now, so I come to you live, from my house, with a Mountain Dew and Doritos in hand ... and a Michael Jordan Jersey on my back. And, since today is my lone off day before I ship off to Boston at the end of the week, I'll celebrate this pivotal game (is it possible for game one to be pivotal?) with a running blog of my observations. You can thank me later.
7:50 PM - Ernie, Chuck and Kenny are breaking down the Zombie Sonics' victory over Memphis earlier in the day. I went looking for my Supersonics hat earlier today and could not find it. It's likely that I'll have to excavate my old room at my parents house to find it, but I feel like I should at least locate it, although I don't know that I can root for the Zombies over the Mavs. I'm torn here: on the one hand, I loudly proclaimed before last year that Kevin Durant would be the best player of the generation (ahead of LeBron), and I would love to see him attain that title. Additionally, I proclaimed this year (after LeBron decided that he was created to be Riker to Wade's Jean-Luc) that Miami would not be the next powerhouse, but that OKC would take that mantel. So, out of a desire to see both those predictions validated, an OKC western conference title would make me feel good. Still ... it's the Mavericks. I have a Kidd jersey. I have a Mavs hat and Mashburn shirt (courtesy of my Uncle, years ago). And they have Dirk, who is fun to watch, and Cuban, who I wish would have bought the Cubs. I guess on the bright side, I can't really lose no matter who wins the Western Conference Finals. I can't say the same about the East...
7:54 PM - What a final four in the NBA! You have the villains (LeBron, Wade and Bosh ... and if you've forgotten why they are the villains, watch this again to see an intro that would make Vince McMahon blush), aiming to prove that teamwork, balance, and testicular fortitude are no longer precursors to winning in the NBA. You have the veteran team showing unexpected spunk, and playing for keeps (Dallas shocking the Lakers and ending Phil's reign). You have the young team we expected to make the jump (the Oklahoma City Zombies, who proved last year they were ready for the jump in their tough round one loss to Los Angeles). And then you have the young team nobody expected to make the jump this quick, my beloved Bulls. As this year kept on going and I became more and more impressed with the way they played as a team, and with the way which Derrick Rose carried himself. He is a deserving MVP, but we now have the rare situation where the four best players in the league are arguably on the four remaining teams. Exciting times indeed.
8:01 PM - Just had an interview with Joakim Noah, the penultimate "guy you love when he's on your team, but want to punch when he's not on your team." Trust me, when he played at Florida I wanted to punch him, and it wasn't as if I was totally against him. But now that he plays for my team, I love him. He's like Rodman, only sane and not into cross-dressing.
8:03PM - Anyway, back to my previous comment regarding the four best players in the league remaining, I'd break my MVP vote down this way for this season:
- Derrick Rose - nobody expected him, nor his team, to make the jump this year, and they ended up with the best record in the league. After the Bulls knocked out the Hawks in the second round we heard Rose responding to Larry Drew (Hawks coach) as Drew offered encouragement. What did he say? "Yes Sir, thank you Sir." Um ... this is the NBA we're talking about right? I can't even get the high school kids I coach to say thank you sir to the officials consistently. Again, I was wrong, John Paxson was right.
- Dirk Nowitzki - look up Dallas' record with him before his injury, then after he recovered. They would have been the number one overall seed in the NBA without his injury.
- D Wade - He was the clutch member of the team, and, of course, he orchestrated everyone coming to Miami. So he also should be executive of the year.
- Durant - best scorer in the league, most complete offensive game since Bird (combining inside, outside, everything).
8:08 PM - Great job getting the ball inside to Noah, who finishes with a baby hook. Miami comes back with a deep three by Bibby ... not the shot they want, but the shot we want. Bulls weathered the first storm, let's see how Miami does in the halfcourt set.
8:10PM - Bosh draws the foul and makes the shot. Bruce always taught us: if you're going to foul, make damn sure they don't make shot as well. Noah should keep that in mind. Miami 9, Chicago 7.
8:13PM - Carlos Boozer may very well be the x-factor in this series. If he plays like an all-star the Bulls can win, but if he plays like he did for much of the first two rounds the Bulls won't stand a chance. They go to him early tonight, and we'll see how he responds. Mr. Rose has another turnover, and I start to get antsy. Terrible call giving LeBron continuation when he was fouled three steps earlier. Glad to see the officials still don't know how to call a game. Oh, by the way, that was off of yet another Rose turnover.
8:15PM - Boozer scores off a nice pass. He had to use high glass, but didn't get blocked. Baby steps. Wade responds by drawing a foul on Bogans. The Bulls might end up regretting going with the Bogans, Brewer, Korver poo-poo platter instead of making the move for Ray Allen during free agency or O.J. Mayo before the trade deadline. Heat by four. Brewer in.
8:17PM - Awful shot by Deng ... he's been quiet so far, and he can't be. We have our first time out with the Heat up four. It's actually a minor miracle we are only down four when we've turned the ball over half a dozen times already. Thibs better get on the boys during this stoppage of play. We are playing their game, not ours.
8:18PM - My father told me he thought tonight's winner would be the team to take the series. I told him that I felt Miami would win the series, based entirely on me being pessimistic and not having had anything good happen for one of my teams since 1998. Also known as A.J. (after Jordan). We return to play with Craig Sager sporting yet another hideous coat, and with Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" playing in the United Center. Bosh hits a set shot, and Miami increases its' lead. Noah misses on the other side, then picks LeBron's pocket, then Miami stops the Bulls, then scores.
8:21PM - The Bulls are down eight, and are playing super sloppy. Miami is +6 on rebounds right now, but Noah gets an offensive board and kicks it to Deng who hits his shot. Noah goes to the line after drawing a foul on James. As a side note, somewhere along the line I went from loathing Marv Albert to not minding him at all. It's also comforting to have Steve Kerr calling the game ... it's like having a secret agent. Maybe we can get him to come out of retirement to hit a shot since the rest of our team doesn't appear interested in hitting any. Timeout, Miami.
8:24PM - Smitty has returned to the man-cave, and sticking with our 90s motif he has busted out his own Mt. Dew. Indiana weather, as usual, sucks. Rainy and cold all day. It's not like it's mid-May or anything. Miami comes out of a timeout with a shot by Bibby, who hits another shot. When did Bibby's corpse begin playing basketball again? Rose responds, the Wade responds. Kerr tells us that Miami has gone small, playing LeBron at the 4. The Bulls put Taj Gibson in for Boozer.
8:28PM - LeBron picks up foul two, complains to the ref, then gets pulled from the game. Erik Spoelstra has a classic "punch me" face ... Smitty points out he also always looks confused. Steve Kerr "Erik Spoelstra has really shown his hand early." Kerr is pointing this out in regards to him going small. Meanwhile, Wade blatantly double dribbles, which of course the referees don't call. The one thing that always makes me hesitant to care about the NBA is the corrupt nature of the officiating. If you make it through one game without the feeling that the refs are trying to throw it one way or another it's a miracle. Honestly, it is beyond me how they can be this bad, and still be considered professionals.
8:34PM - Michael Jordan + Hitler Mustache = successful commercial (in the minds of some Haynes executive). I'm still fascinated with how this went down. Did Jordan show up with a Hitler 'stache unknowingly? Did he lose a bet and have to do it? Did he do it intentionally to see if someone would stop him? I feel like I'm missing out by not knowing.
8:36PM - Watson to Gibson for two, and the Bulls are down one. Bulls go to the reserves, with all starters except for Deng out. A coach Thibs staple. Watson next leaves a runner short. Ugh. HUGE DUNK by Taj Gibson, drawing a foul on Wade. Remember: Taj Gibson is a rich-man's Carlos Boozer. I honestly think he's better than Boozer. What's scary is there aren't many people who want to argue the point.
8:39PM - When Wade pump fakes you have to stay home... Gibson didn't stay home. Wade goes to the line and give Miami the lead back. I've got to say, I'm a big fan of letting the reserves get a rhythm, and it'll be interesting to see how long Thibs can let the reserves go. Gibson another nice bucket off a nice pass from Deng. Korver comes in for Deng now, and now we have all backups in. This is high risk.
8:42PM - Omar Asik scores inside and draws the foul. I like him by the way. TV timeout. The fact that the Bulls withstood the early storm, their own turnovers, and begin out rebounded early and are now tied with Miami bodes well for this game.
8:44PM - Bulls have their first lead at 30 - 29. LeBron has checked back in, and Wade has checked out. Yet another Bulls turnover. On the bright side the Bulls bench has 12 points already. Miami gets away with an offensive goal tending. Korver misses off a screen, and then the Bulls turn it over again. Boozer and Rose come back in with 7:12 left in the second. Miami has six on the court, but doesn't get the technical. What the hell?
8:49PM - Miami up four, following a defensive 3 second call on the Bulss. Kerr with a good explanation of the rule. Kerr also agrees with me that Heat should have had a technical for the 6 on the court. The officials literally just gave Miami points. Big 3 from the corner for Deng. Bulls are not boxing out well; another second chance 2 for Bosh. Timeout with five minutes left.
8:52PM - Bulls open up with another turnover. I don't know how many we have, but it's got to be close to ten already. Big put back by Boozer after a Noah miss. So far we've seen Chicago play decent defense, but we are getting drawn off on pump fakes a stupid amount of times. LeBron goes to the line again. The crowd in Chicago is quite lively ... making me proud. Rose hits a jumper ... terrible foul call on Korver. LeBron pushes off and it's a foul on Korver?
8:57PM - Deng is playing great right now, and the Bulls tie it on a Noah put back. Deng will need to be Pippen to Rose's Jordan if the Bulls are going to win this series. Carrying that analogy to its' end, we have the following:
- Rose = Jordan
- Deng = Pippen
- Noah = Rodman
- Bogans = Harper
- Boozer = Longley?
9:04PM - HUGE turnover by Noah. The Bulls are making Bosh look like he's worth the money. That's the first time that has happened this year. The Noah turnover ended up being a six point swing. That's awful. Rose only shooting jumpers has led to him getting only two free throw attempts today. He's going to need to get to the line much more than that. Three fouls on Bosh is promising, but LeBron "shockingly" has been allowed to play every bit as physical without getting his third foul. Deng hits two free throws. Miami calls a timeout with 18.1 seconds left in the half to draw up the last shot.
9:08PM - James hits a shot with five seconds left, and the bulls get a chance to respond, but Rose barely has a handle on it. Tied at the half. Lovely. This halftime break will be sponsored by the Subway on my corner, which I will now walk to and get a footlong spicy Italian. Subway. Eat Fresh.
9:35PM - And ... we're back. With a stomach full of Subway. Noah pads his stats with a rebound and put back. Bulls lead by one after four minutes have passed in the third. I can't believe that we've allowed Bosh to score 21 tonight. Weak defensive performance inside. James hits an MJ-like fade away. Kareem's sky-hook, MJ's fade, Hakeem's dream shake ... the most difficult to defend shots of my lifetime.
9:40PM - Marv, Kerr and Miller are having a long discussion about LeBron and Wade signing with Chicago this summer and how "close" it was. Meanwhile, Keith Bogans hits a corner three, putting the Bulls up five. Rose takes a hard fall after missing a fast break layup. Noah ran the fast break by the way. Like he dribbled it up. Impressive. Rose hits both his free throws.
9:42PM - Time out by Miami. Erik Spolestra would like you to know Miami's players care about this game. They are all crying in the huddle right now. Crying ok? That's how much this means to them. In other news, I have a major issue with Hyundai "guaranteeing" a set resale price for their cars. Since when is fixing prices a part of a capitalist society?
9:45PM - I think WGU Indiana, an online "college," is actually "Mitch Daniels University." Which means you will be taught in the fine arts of "outsourcing highway management so that the roads are not maintained and the state does not experience the profit you promise," "cutting all critical social services below the federal reimbursement level, then skim that difference off the top," and "see how much profit you can turn for the state while screwing over everyone else." In other news, a Mitch Daniels nomination for president would have Obama tap dancing with joy.
9:48PM - The Bulls have quietly extended their lead to nine, while the officials decide that it has been too much of a good thing for the Bulls, so they call a foul on Deng which replays clearly show was not a foul. Keith Bogans then shoots, and misses again. Deng makes it up by forcing the ball off LeBron's foot. No foul there Tim Donaghy?
9:50PM - Why is Keith Bogans shooting so much? Three possessions out of five have been Bogans misses. Great defense on James by Gibson, then Rose and Wade exchange baskets. Bulls by six.
9:53PM - Deng with a big three, then more tough D on James, while Wade also gets shut down. This current group (Brewer, Deng, Rose, Noah, Gibson) is very long, and contests shots well. I like it. A lot. Miami has 7.3 seconds left in the quarter, and Wade goes to the bench.
9:56PM - I hate the Sager interviews at the start of the quarters. You miss the first play every time. Couldn't we do them audio only? Thibs needs to get Rose a break here early in the fourth. Asik is in for Noah.
10:00PM - Two big plays in a row by Asik just challenging the shots. And then he dunks it and draws the foul. LeBron answers with a 3. Watson in for Rose. This is a big sequence, and Deng follows his shot. The Bulls are doing great on the offensive glass, this half in particular. It's heartening to see that they have reestablished themselves there. Big steal by Brewer who will get two shots plus the ball.
10:03PM - The Bulls are now up 12, and they have pulled it back up again with the bench players out on the court. Wade, Bosh and James are back in for Miami. Brewer dunks it; Bulls up 14, and Miami calls a quick time out. This has been the Bulls M.O. all year: the bench gets it done. If they can finish this out over the last nine minutes this would be an unbelievably huge first game. Right now the Bulls look like they are on a different plane. They have the look of a team that loves playing together and doesn't care who gets it done, just that it gets done. Miami, conversely, looks quite disheveled.
10:06PM - Spolestra "if you are real about winning this game." Not good if the coach doesn't know if his team is real about winning a game. Somehow the Bulls keep getting 7'1" Omar Asik switched onto James, and he keeps James in front. big three by Watson. Bosh responds with an "and one."
10:10PM - Rose and Noah back in ... Deng gets a three to roll in. It's nice when the ball bounces your way. James kicks to Chalmers to respond for 3. Smitty observes "if they (Chicago) can grind teams down like this they are going to win." It's a good observation, because this game has gone that way. The first half Chicago didn't play great, but held close. Their bench closed the gap to allow them to keep the game close, and then pull ahead. Boozer back in, Bulls by 14 with 6:30 left.
10:11PM - following a turnover by Boozer Miami cuts the lead to 12. Rose responds on cue. Bosh is fouled inside, and there is a TV timeout.
10:14PM - We return to the game with the score Chicago 90 - Miami 76. There is 5:35 left in the quarter, with Bosh at the line. The Bulls are 9 of 19 from 3. That won't hold through the entire series, but Rose won't be this ineffective at getting to the line either, so it should balance out. Bosh makes both free throws. James just complained and got a call changed from a foul on him to a foul on Chalmers. Cute.
10:18PM - Boozer has 14 points and 9 rebounds. We'd take that every game. Gibson will check in for defensive purposes, but Boozer has had a solid game thus far. Bosh is at the line again, and he cuts the Bulls lead to 12.
10:20PM - Korver knocks down a timely three to extend the lead to fifteen. It's great to see him hit a shot; that will be important as the series progresses. Wade responds by tossing the ball to Deng. The fans get loud; they can feel it. D-Rose to the hoop. Bulls by 17.
10:22PM - Trailer for the new Cameron Diaz movie has the following dialogue:
"LeBron will never be Jordan, call me when he has six titles"
"Is that your only argument?"
"IT'S THE ONLY ARGUMENT I NEED!!!"
...
...
Amen
10:24PM - Under four minutes now, and Noah is showing some fire. Miami is running a slow offense, conceding the game. Udonis Haslem is in to get some garbage minutes. 21 for Deng, with great defense, passing and rebounding. Pippen-esqe if you ask me. Time to pull the starters; Bulls up 19 with 2:14 left. Thibs begins pulling on cue. Rose is out; all the starters follow.
10:30PM - The crowd is chanting "over-rated" at Miami. Even Ronnie Brewer is knocking down jumpers. The Bulls have gone on a 44-22 run to end this game. Emphatic dunk by the Rich Man's Carlos Boozer: Taj Gibson. Emphatic win by the Bulls. Even Reggie Miller says "I have been to the mountain top." One down. Three more to go. Class on Wednesday will hold me back a bit, but I think I'll be able to see it. The Mad House on Madison is back baby. I'm smiling about as much as you can.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Super Bowl: Running Diary
Coming to you late, after the first Green Bay TD. As with the past few years, here comes a live commentary on the Super Bowl. This year we get to have good (Pittsburgh) versus evil (Green Bay). Again. (Chicago v Indianapolis and New Orleans v Indianapolis being the two most recent good v evil games).
7:05PM - Tough choice: ESPN's 30 for 30 on Michael Jordan's baseball career, or the Super Bowl which very well might lead to me having to watch Green Bay hoist a trophy. Just keeping a running list of the ways in which I've been hit in the stomach since 2000 is painful: Red Sox, White Sox, Cardinals, Colts, Kobe, Purdue becoming relevant, IU basketball falling apart ... that's just off the top of my head.
7:07PM - Deep throw from Big Ben, pick six. Can't have a TAINT in a game like this. Flag is on the field, but it's unsportsmanlike after the play. Not looking good for the forces of good this week. In related news, my brother finally came fully out of the sports closet, announcing his love this week for all things Green Bay, St. Louis, USC, Michigan, Indianapolis and also having a deep passion for NASCAR. It was a sad day in our family's history; we are all asking ourselves where we went wrong. I might need Robin Williams to hold me and tell me it's not my fault to get over this one.
7:10PM - Okay, 3:20 left in the first quarter, down two TDs, Green Bay has all the momentum. A documentary on Michael Jordan playing baseball is sounding pretty damn good right now. A couple of thoughts on the demise of the Bears this year, you know, while I'm ignoring this game:
- Jay Cutler could have played through the pain, and Lovie should have had Todd Collins inactive before he had him as the number two QB. I've heard the argument that it was Martz call, but I've got to remind you that Lovie is (supposedly) the head coach. It was his call, and yet another in a long list of reasons why he is terrible at his job.
- The defense really has Aaron Rodgers' number, a good sign for the future, if you believe that an aging defense can hold it together.
- We need 5 new starters on the offensive line. Not one of those guys is NFL quality, at least not starter quality.
7:13PM - Pittsburgh just keeps killing itself with penalties. Flozell Adams and Bryant McFadden are out with injuries. Not looking good. Funny that Pittsburgh's offensive line, as banged up as it is, is handling Green Bay better than Chicago did. Big Ben looks hurt after slipping. This could be a short running diary.
7:15PM - "Bad knee and all" Joe Buck says as Ben runs for a first down. If Big Ben were Jay Cutler he would already be on his way to the team hotel right now. First quarter is over, and the game is looking over. Back to Michael Jordan.
7:18PM - I've got to say, Go Daddy is always a big let down. Every year they show the commercial that promises more, and it never delivers. But, on the bright side, we have brownies.
7:20PM - Big third down conversion again for Pittsburgh. They need a touch down right here to stay in this game, particularly because Green Bay gets the ball to start the second half. Still, Baltimore was up the same amount this postseason and Pittsburgh won that one.
7:22PM - Sanders injured, gets us a Randel El sighting. Nick Collins makes a great tackle, and Pittsburgh has to settle for the field goal. Their best defense right now might be to finish Aaron Rodgers off the same way that the Bears finished off Favre. Drive him right into the turf.
7:25PM - Already starting to get a steady stream of texts from Colts fans talking crap. There really is no end to the ways in which Colts fans suck. Also, Joe Buck doing this game makes it ten times worse. In related news, my brother just held a press conference announcing his love for all things Peyton Manning.
7:30PM - I've been watching The Office lately, and I have to agree with the numbers of people who endorse the show. It's good, light comedy that keeps you thinking, but also makes you laugh. I'm up to season five right now, and it hasn't really fallen off at all, although I do see how it is running out of original plot.
7:33PM - The Volkswagen commercial with the little kid dressed up as Darth Vader makes me think of my brother. I wonder if there is still good left in him, or if all is lost. In news related to this game, Rashard Mendenhal doesn't seem to be containable, but the Steelers just keep shooting themselves in the foot with stupid penalties. The Packers are just plain hitting harder than the Steelers.
7:36PM - If I were Pittsburgh at this point I keep running it down Green Bay's throat. The Packers are doing well with coverage down field. By the way, Big Ben is absolutely showing you what a QB should do in a big game: gut it out. Why are we getting Mwelde Moore instead of Mendenhal? Another big third down (how many times will we say that today? Depends on how long Pittsburgh keeps the dream alive). WHAT A THROW by Ben to Randel El. Insane
7:39PM - It was nice of the officials to overlook that facemask on Green Bay. It's good to know you can tackle a player by grabbing his facemask again. 2nd and 11, and a timeout by Pittsburgh. Good timeout. It's essential that Pittsburgh regain momentum on this drive.
7:41PM - How many championships do you think the Bulls would have won if MJ had never retired? I think they would have won in 1999 easily (strike shortened year would have helped) and probably in 1995 if he had been there, in shape, the whole year. 1994 is the one I can't figure out. The best Knicks team of the era, as well as a really good Rockets team.
7:42PM - INT Green Bay. Not. Looking. Good.
7:43PM - At all.
7:45PM - Just when it seemed that the momentum was swinging back Pittsburgh's way, Green Bay just takes it over again. Pittsburgh needs a huge defensive play here. Someone needs to take Aaron Rodgers out of this game. Soon. TD Green Bay. By the way, that last INT would have been called off on a pass interference if Peyton Manning had been the QB who made the throw. Just saying.
7:48PM - If Pittsburgh doesn't score a TD before the end of the half this running diary might be as dead as my hopes of Green Bay losing. Another big catch by Randel El. Very nice.
7:52PM - Just for fun, let's recap my least favorite teams in all the sports I follow, and then look at what they've done recently:
- NFL: Packers and Colts - Both knocked my Bears out on the way to (what looks like) Super Bowl wins.
- MLB: Cardinals and White Sox - World Series wins in back to back years
- NBA: Pistons and Pacers - Pistons win it all; Pacers at least didn't get all the way there
- NHL: Redwings - Yeah, they've won it once or twice
- College Basketball - Purdue and Illinois - both have become more relevant than the more legendary Hoosiers basketball program
so, yeah, it hasn't exactly been a great period of time in my life as a sports fan.
7:54PM - Another tipped ball, nearly picked. Ugh. This game is a nightmare. I'm not even sure why I'm still watching it. Probably out of a real sense of depression that this might be the last football game for over one year. Big hit on Big Ben.
7:56PM - I should also mention that in College Football I can't stand Ohio State or Texas, both of which have been very prominent and have won national titles in recent history. TD Hines Ward. At least there is some life left in this team, but even the 39 seconds they left on the clock scares me at this point. That's how bad Pittsburgh's defense has been playing. What do you think the odds are in Vegas of Pittsburgh onside kicking to start the second half? You know, since that happened last year. How crazy was that play in hindsight? Even crazier than it was in the moment. What a gutsy call.
7:59PM - If I'm Green Bay I go for the jugular right now. That's a big difference between me and most of the coaches in the NFL. But they do have the ball to start the second half. Who knows. Pittsburgh's TD at the end of the half will keep me interested for the second half.
8:04PM - Okay, so watching the replays remind me that Pittsburgh really needs to run the ball up the gut, not to the outside. Bill Simmons, live from the game, tweets "how funny would it be if Ben suffered a partially torn MCL + kept playing?" Hilarious Bill. Hilarious. Bill also notes that the Steelers aren't getting any calls, which is fair, although on my end I have to admit that I have been having a harder time than usual watching the game while typing, so I am not able to accurately describe whatever is going on with the calls.
8:09PM - I'm really in shock that Fergie is still a member of the Black-Eyed Peas. I thought that ship had sailed. Here we go. Can't be worse than The Who's corpses playing last year.
8:10PM - Okay, one minute in and I take back my previous statement. Give me The Who's corpses. Please. Interesting that they didn't let any fans on the field for the show this year. Can't ever remember them not having a crowd on the field before. I'm getting very confused by this show. I can only imagine what my parents are thinking. Or my grandparents for that matter. Am I getting too old for "pop culture" already?
8:13PM - And now, a surprise appearance by Slash, from Guns n Roses. That was cool for a minute, and then Fergie started singing. And now I'm breaking down and crying. Seriously. Guns n Roses would have been a better choice here.
8:15PM - I'm thinking that they were going for a spaceship motif this year. Which is either stupid or horribly ironic, given the fact that Jerry's dome looks like a spaceship from the outside (I've heard). Now they are dropping Usher in from the ceiling. Wow. That's what real talent looks like. Seriously, the Black Eyed Peas were so bad they had to import real talent to spice it up. Hilarious.
8:17PM - This half time has been so silly that my mind is almost 100% off the game. Next guest star for the halftime show? I'm betting a famous Cowboy, or Peyton Manning. Anything to take the attention off the Black Eyed Peas. Fergie is actually just yelling at this point, not even singing.
8:20PM - I can't wait until Lady Gaga does the Super Bowl next year. I'm only half kidding. And ... thank God it's over. But it was like a trainwreck: I couldn't stop watching.
8:25PM - ESPN is now showing their 30 for 30 about the Red Sox comeback in 2004. Maybe a good sign for Pittsburgh?
8:30PM - I always love, in a game like this, when the announces try to talk themselves into the game actually being a game. Right now they are talking about how the Ward TD was a huge momentum shift. Woodson being out will help Pittsburgh a bit, if their D can step it up.
8:32PM - Wait ... what? A penalty on Green Bay? That can't be ... I'm confused. I thought we had agreed to only call penalties on Pittsburgh. I'm going to have to check on this.
8:33PM - Pittsburgh also has Sanders out, and they are missing tackles. Tomlin lit into the Steelers at the half. That's what a good coach does. Somewhere Ditka is nodding in agreement. False start on Green Bay. What? Did the Black Eyed Peas possess the officiating crew?
8:35PM - Pittsburgh has got to close on tackles better; right now Green Bay is just running around them, getting all kinds of extra yards. Poor tackling just made it 3rd and 5 instead of much longer. Holy Crap the Steelers just got lucky with that drop by James Jones. Great throw, terrible catch. Wow. Flag down after the punt ... personal foul for a facemask that did not really happen. Make up call for earlier, so we'll call it even.
8:37PM - If I were to make a top ten list of ideas that should have been dropped when a prominent person left said idea, American Idol continuing after Simon left would have to be up there. Great run up the right side by Mendenhal, but then he's slow to get up. Ugh.
8:40PM - If Pittsburgh can get a TD here this game is very much in play. Anything less makes it that much more difficult. Nice run up the left side by Redmond. Run the ball Pittsburgh, run the ball.
8:42PM - TD right up the gut. Pittsburgh can run all day on this defense. They have just got to avoid shooting themselves in the foot again. It's a game again though. Now it's the time for Pittsburgh's defense to step it up. Am I the only person who thought the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie was, um, the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie?
8:45PM - Nelson looks like he is only going to get to the ten, then gets to the 20. And now into the Super Bowl facts: no team has ever come back from more than 10 down to win a super bowl. Pittsburgh trailed by 18. Records are made to be broken, right? Boy the Steelers fans are loud right now. Good run up the gut by Green Bay. Steelers fans are making up about half of the crowd and Packers only about a quarter according to Bill Simmons.
8:48PM - Incomplete over the middle on 2nd down. Pittsburgh needs a big sack of Aaron Rodgers, just to let him know that he can be hit too. 3rd and 7 ... big play ... SACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! James Harrison!!!!!!!!!!!!! Huge play. Pittsburgh has the momentum now. Run the ball boys. Dangerous field of the punt by the Steelers, but they hold on and have the ball.
8:50PM - Other things my brother has decided to root for: global warming, Communist China, Barry Bonds and the Iranian Nuclear program. Not looking like a strong 2011 for him.
8:52PM - Pittsburgh's screens, which usually are uber-effective, have not been great today. Mike Wallace has been awful quiet today as well. 3rd and 1 for Pittsburgh after a run and a screen. Ball near midfield. Pittsburgh has to blow a huge timeout. My brother texts that he is also against cancer research. I'm going to start calling him Darth. Nice run to the right by Moore. Whew.
8:55PM - Big Ben overthrows a wide open Mike Wallace. Dang. That would have been a huge play, particularly because Green Bay bit on the play action so hard. Bummer. 2nd and 10 now ... Hines Ward picks up a first down over the middle. Good pump fake by Big Ben.
8:57PM - Wow ... Clay Matthews almost batted the ball in the air, then picked it off. Not a good play call. Why is Pittsburgh suddenly hell-bent on passing the ball, right after running it all day on Green Bay the last drive? Come on Steelers ... Miller dropped for a loss after another pass by Big Ben. This is insane.
8:59PM - 3rd and 13 ... Sacked, out of field goal range. Terrible play calling by Pittsburgh on that drive. The drive before you run it right down their throats for a TD, and this time you drop back all but the first play? Wow ... they are going for a 52 yard field goal. WAY OFF. Stupid call. Absolutely a Lovie Smith type call. You have to pooch punt that and let your D have the long field. You're only down 4.
9:01PM - Okay, let me get this straight. Chrysler literally just ran a commercial with Eminem. The rapper. I'm glad I bought a Ford.
9:02PM - Pack with great field position. And they throw deep. And now they are in Pittsburgh territory. Pittsburgh's decision to kick the field goal was yet another stupid mistake, and it switched momentum entirely. Timmons makes a good play for a loss of 3.
9:04PM - Packers now have 3rd down and eight, just inside the forty. And I just had to plug my laptop in. Not bad battery life at all. 3rd and 8 ... Steelers time out. They had better get a stop after wasting that timeout as well. This is the Super Bowl and they have only one timeout left in the second half. Seriously, did Lovie Smith possess Mike Tomlin? Can we get someone down to the sideline to perform an exorcism? Dubya is qualified. Please?
9:06PM - Here we go ... Polamalu just missed an interception. Green Bay will punt rather than risk giving Pittsburgh good field position. See, that's how you do it Lovie possessed Mike Tomlin. In other news, Joe Buck thinks all the momentum is going for Pittsburgh. Did he miss that field goal attempt? Is he blind? Or is he about to tell me that stupid is as stupid does? Now the Steelers run it.
9:08PM - Pittsburgh has, thus far, been incapable of putting two good halves together this postseason. They were awful in the first half against Baltimore and the second half against New York, and were good in the opposing halfs. They were awful in the first half today, and are winning this half thus far. Time will tell if it is going to bite them in the rear finally, but it's interesting to note. Ben overthrows Wallace again, and Pittsburgh must punt, with poor field position. Momentum Joe Buck? I'll take your momentum and raise you field position. This is where Aaron Rodgers kills you, especially if this becomes a stupid penalty on Pittsburgh ... but it is going to go against Green Bay instead. What a moron, hitting the Steeler in the head like that. Field position just got switched.
9:10PM - As we get to the end of the 3rd quarter, one still has to wonder if Pittsburgh is in the process of killing themselves, but they are undeniably still in this game. Rodgers looks a little off on that throw, going just behind the receiver. Pittsburgh needs to keep field position here, they can't allow Green Bay to flip the field. 2nd and 10 for Green Bay ... good pressure by Pittsburgh. 3rd and 10 ... RULED INCOMPLETE. Wow. I bet we are going to get a challenge here. This is a huge play, and a huge call. The ruling on the field being incomplete is huge here, but here comes the challenge flag. Walt Anderson has his mic on for a few minutes. That was almost really entertaining. Looks like it could go either way to me, but I disagree that it was a down by contact under any interpretation. I agree with the challenge, because this is a big moment for field position. The entire FOX booth of brilliant minds says that the call will stand. That doesn't bode well for the call standing.
9:16PM - And the ruling is ... confirmed! Nice. I'd go after this punt here, trying to block it. But I'm uber aggressive in my play calling. 4 punts by Green Bay in the 3rd quarter. Looks like Pittsburgh's defense figured something out. Penalty flag thrown back at the line of scrimmage. This is another tough call as to whether to re-punt or to add the 5 yards on to the end of the run. It was a good return, but Pittsburgh chooses to re-kick. We'll see if this works out ... Pittsburgh gets better field position. Can't believe Brown didn't signal a fair catch there, but he didn't. Good field postion makes this a must score drive.
9:20PM - Time for one play before the end of the quarter, and Mendenhal runs tough to the right side, out of bounds. Enter the fourth quarter. Joe Buck says "Superbowl 45 is going to come down to the final quarter." Joe, has a Superbowl ever not come down to the 4th quarter? Have they ever just stopped after 3 quarters and called it a game? It makes more sense to say "will be close heading into the fourth quarter," right?
9:25PM - And there was the big Mendenhal fumble everyone was talking about before this game. Wow. Backbreaker there. Now Green Bay has a chance to essentially finish Pittsburgh. First pass incomplete. Pittsburgh has to hold right here if they want to keep the dream alive. Good tackle by Polamalu. Pittsburgh now has 3 turnovers, plus the defacto fourth turnover on that terrible field goal attempt. 3rd and 7 ... Green Bay hurries to the line quickly. Good non challenge. If Pittsburgh can hold Green Bay to a field goal they are alive, but if they hold them without scoring field position stinks. No win situation right now Steelers fans.
9:28PM - "Nelson drops another." I can't hear that enough tonight. Big 3rd and 10 here. Can Pittsburgh get pressure on Rodgers? No; Nelson turns up field, and Green Bay is knocking on the door of the endzone. Mendenhal's inability to take care of the ball probably just cost Pittsburgh a Super Bowl. Big sack, but probably too little too late.
9:30PM - Touch Down Green Bay. That, sports fans, is probably the game. You can't expect to shoot yourselves in the foot that many times and still win. Poor execution by Pittsburgh is going to let the lesser team win. Too bad.
9:35PM - Tom Brady won his second MVP award today, the first in NFL history to be won unanimously. At least I was right that he wasn't done. I got one thing right. The way this game is going a lockout doesn't sound so bad...
9:37PM - Bowser states that he didn't know that Cutler was traded to Pittsburgh for today's game. Amen. He also states that he could never root for Green Bay. That's because he's a true Bears fan.
9:39PM - This is shaping up like a game that will make me need to play Madden football all night to work off the angst. I don't know what will be worse if the Packers win: them winning, or Mike McCarthy becoming a Super Bowl calibur coach. Another hold, but this one wasn't even close to being a hold. Terrible call. Another screen goes nowhere. Ugh.
9:41PM - Big pick up on 2nd and 18 leaves a manageable 3rd and 3. A big play here, as a TD is pretty essential to regain any momentum. TD WALLACE! Still a game. Man, if only Pittsburgh hadn't decided to turn the ball over three times they would have killed this Packers team today. Instead, they will probably lose. Can't beat yourself. Interesting choice going for two. Shotgun formation. Big play. PITCH TO RANDEL EL. HOOSIERS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9:43PM - Again, I have to remind you that there is NOTHING MORE TO SEE on the GoDaddy website. They lie to you. They just try to sell you on their product.
9:45PM - If you were in the Dallas stadium right now would you be watching the field or the huge TV. I feel like you'd be watching the TV. Pittsburgh is going to need some stellar defense right about now. In other news, Pittsburgh just moved this game into a push. Vegas is sweating right now.
9:47PM - That was a pretty impressive blitz that Pittsburgh unleashed, but they are going to need plenty more like that if they are going to get back in this game. 2nd down, empty backfield for Green Bay; pick up of nine. It seems to me that Pittsburgh can't matchup against five receivers. 3rd and 5 ... false start for Green Bay. Pittsburgh's fans have really shown up for this game. Green Bay has called 37 passes to 9 runs to this point. Third and ten now ... Damn. Great play to Jennings. He got right by the bump and that was what made that play. Green Bay has Pittsburgh looking done now.
9:53PM - Pittsburgh has dominated this game; Time of possession, yards, everything except turnovers. Pittsburgh needs a turnover now. Having blown two timeouts earlier is also a killer at this point. Green Bay is acting like they own this defense right now. Yet another easy first down via pass.
9:55PM - At least Pittsburgh kept it interesting enough for me to finish this running diary. I'm sure the millions of my fans would have been crushed if they hadn't. 2nd and goal ... from the seven ... down to the five, third and goal. If I'm Green Bay I'm tossing it into the end zone here. Go for the outright win. Incomplete, and here comes the field goal. Nelson has as many drops as he's had big catchs today. Chip shot for Mason Crosby ... dead red. 2:07 left, one timeout, Pittsburgh down six. Even as bad of a game as he's had, this is the thing that legends are made of for Big Ben.
9:59PM - After it all, can Pittsburgh really overcome their own mistakes to win this game? Can we avoid Green Bay joining the ever growing list of teams I hate winning? The drive will start much further back because of yet another Pittsburgh mistake. A personal foul will move this drive's starting position all the way back. One timeout, and coming off yet another mistake. Man Pittsburgh has killed themselves in this game. They've got nobody to blame but themselves. In other news, "Terra.Nova" looks like a show that I would like, but will be canceled after half a season. Get back to me if they make it to season three.
10:03PM - Starting at the 13 instead of the 27, here comes an empty backfield. Heath Miller picks up the first down. Next play ... short completion, but lots of time is running off the clock. already down to 1:16 ... thrown away. Here comes the third down play ... huge overthrow.
10:05PM - Well, Steelers fans, here it is. Fourth and five. One play left. 56 seconds. They break the huddle with an empty backfield. Incompletion on what should have been a pass interference. But I get why the refs don't throw the flag; you never want to make that call if you're the ref. And so, signing off, Green Bay Sucks.
7:05PM - Tough choice: ESPN's 30 for 30 on Michael Jordan's baseball career, or the Super Bowl which very well might lead to me having to watch Green Bay hoist a trophy. Just keeping a running list of the ways in which I've been hit in the stomach since 2000 is painful: Red Sox, White Sox, Cardinals, Colts, Kobe, Purdue becoming relevant, IU basketball falling apart ... that's just off the top of my head.
7:07PM - Deep throw from Big Ben, pick six. Can't have a TAINT in a game like this. Flag is on the field, but it's unsportsmanlike after the play. Not looking good for the forces of good this week. In related news, my brother finally came fully out of the sports closet, announcing his love this week for all things Green Bay, St. Louis, USC, Michigan, Indianapolis and also having a deep passion for NASCAR. It was a sad day in our family's history; we are all asking ourselves where we went wrong. I might need Robin Williams to hold me and tell me it's not my fault to get over this one.
7:10PM - Okay, 3:20 left in the first quarter, down two TDs, Green Bay has all the momentum. A documentary on Michael Jordan playing baseball is sounding pretty damn good right now. A couple of thoughts on the demise of the Bears this year, you know, while I'm ignoring this game:
- Jay Cutler could have played through the pain, and Lovie should have had Todd Collins inactive before he had him as the number two QB. I've heard the argument that it was Martz call, but I've got to remind you that Lovie is (supposedly) the head coach. It was his call, and yet another in a long list of reasons why he is terrible at his job.
- The defense really has Aaron Rodgers' number, a good sign for the future, if you believe that an aging defense can hold it together.
- We need 5 new starters on the offensive line. Not one of those guys is NFL quality, at least not starter quality.
7:13PM - Pittsburgh just keeps killing itself with penalties. Flozell Adams and Bryant McFadden are out with injuries. Not looking good. Funny that Pittsburgh's offensive line, as banged up as it is, is handling Green Bay better than Chicago did. Big Ben looks hurt after slipping. This could be a short running diary.
7:15PM - "Bad knee and all" Joe Buck says as Ben runs for a first down. If Big Ben were Jay Cutler he would already be on his way to the team hotel right now. First quarter is over, and the game is looking over. Back to Michael Jordan.
7:18PM - I've got to say, Go Daddy is always a big let down. Every year they show the commercial that promises more, and it never delivers. But, on the bright side, we have brownies.
7:20PM - Big third down conversion again for Pittsburgh. They need a touch down right here to stay in this game, particularly because Green Bay gets the ball to start the second half. Still, Baltimore was up the same amount this postseason and Pittsburgh won that one.
7:22PM - Sanders injured, gets us a Randel El sighting. Nick Collins makes a great tackle, and Pittsburgh has to settle for the field goal. Their best defense right now might be to finish Aaron Rodgers off the same way that the Bears finished off Favre. Drive him right into the turf.
7:25PM - Already starting to get a steady stream of texts from Colts fans talking crap. There really is no end to the ways in which Colts fans suck. Also, Joe Buck doing this game makes it ten times worse. In related news, my brother just held a press conference announcing his love for all things Peyton Manning.
7:30PM - I've been watching The Office lately, and I have to agree with the numbers of people who endorse the show. It's good, light comedy that keeps you thinking, but also makes you laugh. I'm up to season five right now, and it hasn't really fallen off at all, although I do see how it is running out of original plot.
7:33PM - The Volkswagen commercial with the little kid dressed up as Darth Vader makes me think of my brother. I wonder if there is still good left in him, or if all is lost. In news related to this game, Rashard Mendenhal doesn't seem to be containable, but the Steelers just keep shooting themselves in the foot with stupid penalties. The Packers are just plain hitting harder than the Steelers.
7:36PM - If I were Pittsburgh at this point I keep running it down Green Bay's throat. The Packers are doing well with coverage down field. By the way, Big Ben is absolutely showing you what a QB should do in a big game: gut it out. Why are we getting Mwelde Moore instead of Mendenhal? Another big third down (how many times will we say that today? Depends on how long Pittsburgh keeps the dream alive). WHAT A THROW by Ben to Randel El. Insane
7:39PM - It was nice of the officials to overlook that facemask on Green Bay. It's good to know you can tackle a player by grabbing his facemask again. 2nd and 11, and a timeout by Pittsburgh. Good timeout. It's essential that Pittsburgh regain momentum on this drive.
7:41PM - How many championships do you think the Bulls would have won if MJ had never retired? I think they would have won in 1999 easily (strike shortened year would have helped) and probably in 1995 if he had been there, in shape, the whole year. 1994 is the one I can't figure out. The best Knicks team of the era, as well as a really good Rockets team.
7:42PM - INT Green Bay. Not. Looking. Good.
7:43PM - At all.
7:45PM - Just when it seemed that the momentum was swinging back Pittsburgh's way, Green Bay just takes it over again. Pittsburgh needs a huge defensive play here. Someone needs to take Aaron Rodgers out of this game. Soon. TD Green Bay. By the way, that last INT would have been called off on a pass interference if Peyton Manning had been the QB who made the throw. Just saying.
7:48PM - If Pittsburgh doesn't score a TD before the end of the half this running diary might be as dead as my hopes of Green Bay losing. Another big catch by Randel El. Very nice.
7:52PM - Just for fun, let's recap my least favorite teams in all the sports I follow, and then look at what they've done recently:
- NFL: Packers and Colts - Both knocked my Bears out on the way to (what looks like) Super Bowl wins.
- MLB: Cardinals and White Sox - World Series wins in back to back years
- NBA: Pistons and Pacers - Pistons win it all; Pacers at least didn't get all the way there
- NHL: Redwings - Yeah, they've won it once or twice
- College Basketball - Purdue and Illinois - both have become more relevant than the more legendary Hoosiers basketball program
so, yeah, it hasn't exactly been a great period of time in my life as a sports fan.
7:54PM - Another tipped ball, nearly picked. Ugh. This game is a nightmare. I'm not even sure why I'm still watching it. Probably out of a real sense of depression that this might be the last football game for over one year. Big hit on Big Ben.
7:56PM - I should also mention that in College Football I can't stand Ohio State or Texas, both of which have been very prominent and have won national titles in recent history. TD Hines Ward. At least there is some life left in this team, but even the 39 seconds they left on the clock scares me at this point. That's how bad Pittsburgh's defense has been playing. What do you think the odds are in Vegas of Pittsburgh onside kicking to start the second half? You know, since that happened last year. How crazy was that play in hindsight? Even crazier than it was in the moment. What a gutsy call.
7:59PM - If I'm Green Bay I go for the jugular right now. That's a big difference between me and most of the coaches in the NFL. But they do have the ball to start the second half. Who knows. Pittsburgh's TD at the end of the half will keep me interested for the second half.
8:04PM - Okay, so watching the replays remind me that Pittsburgh really needs to run the ball up the gut, not to the outside. Bill Simmons, live from the game, tweets "how funny would it be if Ben suffered a partially torn MCL + kept playing?" Hilarious Bill. Hilarious. Bill also notes that the Steelers aren't getting any calls, which is fair, although on my end I have to admit that I have been having a harder time than usual watching the game while typing, so I am not able to accurately describe whatever is going on with the calls.
8:09PM - I'm really in shock that Fergie is still a member of the Black-Eyed Peas. I thought that ship had sailed. Here we go. Can't be worse than The Who's corpses playing last year.
8:10PM - Okay, one minute in and I take back my previous statement. Give me The Who's corpses. Please. Interesting that they didn't let any fans on the field for the show this year. Can't ever remember them not having a crowd on the field before. I'm getting very confused by this show. I can only imagine what my parents are thinking. Or my grandparents for that matter. Am I getting too old for "pop culture" already?
8:13PM - And now, a surprise appearance by Slash, from Guns n Roses. That was cool for a minute, and then Fergie started singing. And now I'm breaking down and crying. Seriously. Guns n Roses would have been a better choice here.
8:15PM - I'm thinking that they were going for a spaceship motif this year. Which is either stupid or horribly ironic, given the fact that Jerry's dome looks like a spaceship from the outside (I've heard). Now they are dropping Usher in from the ceiling. Wow. That's what real talent looks like. Seriously, the Black Eyed Peas were so bad they had to import real talent to spice it up. Hilarious.
8:17PM - This half time has been so silly that my mind is almost 100% off the game. Next guest star for the halftime show? I'm betting a famous Cowboy, or Peyton Manning. Anything to take the attention off the Black Eyed Peas. Fergie is actually just yelling at this point, not even singing.
8:20PM - I can't wait until Lady Gaga does the Super Bowl next year. I'm only half kidding. And ... thank God it's over. But it was like a trainwreck: I couldn't stop watching.
8:25PM - ESPN is now showing their 30 for 30 about the Red Sox comeback in 2004. Maybe a good sign for Pittsburgh?
8:30PM - I always love, in a game like this, when the announces try to talk themselves into the game actually being a game. Right now they are talking about how the Ward TD was a huge momentum shift. Woodson being out will help Pittsburgh a bit, if their D can step it up.
8:32PM - Wait ... what? A penalty on Green Bay? That can't be ... I'm confused. I thought we had agreed to only call penalties on Pittsburgh. I'm going to have to check on this.
8:33PM - Pittsburgh also has Sanders out, and they are missing tackles. Tomlin lit into the Steelers at the half. That's what a good coach does. Somewhere Ditka is nodding in agreement. False start on Green Bay. What? Did the Black Eyed Peas possess the officiating crew?
8:35PM - Pittsburgh has got to close on tackles better; right now Green Bay is just running around them, getting all kinds of extra yards. Poor tackling just made it 3rd and 5 instead of much longer. Holy Crap the Steelers just got lucky with that drop by James Jones. Great throw, terrible catch. Wow. Flag down after the punt ... personal foul for a facemask that did not really happen. Make up call for earlier, so we'll call it even.
8:37PM - If I were to make a top ten list of ideas that should have been dropped when a prominent person left said idea, American Idol continuing after Simon left would have to be up there. Great run up the right side by Mendenhal, but then he's slow to get up. Ugh.
8:40PM - If Pittsburgh can get a TD here this game is very much in play. Anything less makes it that much more difficult. Nice run up the left side by Redmond. Run the ball Pittsburgh, run the ball.
8:42PM - TD right up the gut. Pittsburgh can run all day on this defense. They have just got to avoid shooting themselves in the foot again. It's a game again though. Now it's the time for Pittsburgh's defense to step it up. Am I the only person who thought the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie was, um, the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie?
8:45PM - Nelson looks like he is only going to get to the ten, then gets to the 20. And now into the Super Bowl facts: no team has ever come back from more than 10 down to win a super bowl. Pittsburgh trailed by 18. Records are made to be broken, right? Boy the Steelers fans are loud right now. Good run up the gut by Green Bay. Steelers fans are making up about half of the crowd and Packers only about a quarter according to Bill Simmons.
8:48PM - Incomplete over the middle on 2nd down. Pittsburgh needs a big sack of Aaron Rodgers, just to let him know that he can be hit too. 3rd and 7 ... big play ... SACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! James Harrison!!!!!!!!!!!!! Huge play. Pittsburgh has the momentum now. Run the ball boys. Dangerous field of the punt by the Steelers, but they hold on and have the ball.
8:50PM - Other things my brother has decided to root for: global warming, Communist China, Barry Bonds and the Iranian Nuclear program. Not looking like a strong 2011 for him.
8:52PM - Pittsburgh's screens, which usually are uber-effective, have not been great today. Mike Wallace has been awful quiet today as well. 3rd and 1 for Pittsburgh after a run and a screen. Ball near midfield. Pittsburgh has to blow a huge timeout. My brother texts that he is also against cancer research. I'm going to start calling him Darth. Nice run to the right by Moore. Whew.
8:55PM - Big Ben overthrows a wide open Mike Wallace. Dang. That would have been a huge play, particularly because Green Bay bit on the play action so hard. Bummer. 2nd and 10 now ... Hines Ward picks up a first down over the middle. Good pump fake by Big Ben.
8:57PM - Wow ... Clay Matthews almost batted the ball in the air, then picked it off. Not a good play call. Why is Pittsburgh suddenly hell-bent on passing the ball, right after running it all day on Green Bay the last drive? Come on Steelers ... Miller dropped for a loss after another pass by Big Ben. This is insane.
8:59PM - 3rd and 13 ... Sacked, out of field goal range. Terrible play calling by Pittsburgh on that drive. The drive before you run it right down their throats for a TD, and this time you drop back all but the first play? Wow ... they are going for a 52 yard field goal. WAY OFF. Stupid call. Absolutely a Lovie Smith type call. You have to pooch punt that and let your D have the long field. You're only down 4.
9:01PM - Okay, let me get this straight. Chrysler literally just ran a commercial with Eminem. The rapper. I'm glad I bought a Ford.
9:02PM - Pack with great field position. And they throw deep. And now they are in Pittsburgh territory. Pittsburgh's decision to kick the field goal was yet another stupid mistake, and it switched momentum entirely. Timmons makes a good play for a loss of 3.
9:04PM - Packers now have 3rd down and eight, just inside the forty. And I just had to plug my laptop in. Not bad battery life at all. 3rd and 8 ... Steelers time out. They had better get a stop after wasting that timeout as well. This is the Super Bowl and they have only one timeout left in the second half. Seriously, did Lovie Smith possess Mike Tomlin? Can we get someone down to the sideline to perform an exorcism? Dubya is qualified. Please?
9:06PM - Here we go ... Polamalu just missed an interception. Green Bay will punt rather than risk giving Pittsburgh good field position. See, that's how you do it Lovie possessed Mike Tomlin. In other news, Joe Buck thinks all the momentum is going for Pittsburgh. Did he miss that field goal attempt? Is he blind? Or is he about to tell me that stupid is as stupid does? Now the Steelers run it.
9:08PM - Pittsburgh has, thus far, been incapable of putting two good halves together this postseason. They were awful in the first half against Baltimore and the second half against New York, and were good in the opposing halfs. They were awful in the first half today, and are winning this half thus far. Time will tell if it is going to bite them in the rear finally, but it's interesting to note. Ben overthrows Wallace again, and Pittsburgh must punt, with poor field position. Momentum Joe Buck? I'll take your momentum and raise you field position. This is where Aaron Rodgers kills you, especially if this becomes a stupid penalty on Pittsburgh ... but it is going to go against Green Bay instead. What a moron, hitting the Steeler in the head like that. Field position just got switched.
9:10PM - As we get to the end of the 3rd quarter, one still has to wonder if Pittsburgh is in the process of killing themselves, but they are undeniably still in this game. Rodgers looks a little off on that throw, going just behind the receiver. Pittsburgh needs to keep field position here, they can't allow Green Bay to flip the field. 2nd and 10 for Green Bay ... good pressure by Pittsburgh. 3rd and 10 ... RULED INCOMPLETE. Wow. I bet we are going to get a challenge here. This is a huge play, and a huge call. The ruling on the field being incomplete is huge here, but here comes the challenge flag. Walt Anderson has his mic on for a few minutes. That was almost really entertaining. Looks like it could go either way to me, but I disagree that it was a down by contact under any interpretation. I agree with the challenge, because this is a big moment for field position. The entire FOX booth of brilliant minds says that the call will stand. That doesn't bode well for the call standing.
9:16PM - And the ruling is ... confirmed! Nice. I'd go after this punt here, trying to block it. But I'm uber aggressive in my play calling. 4 punts by Green Bay in the 3rd quarter. Looks like Pittsburgh's defense figured something out. Penalty flag thrown back at the line of scrimmage. This is another tough call as to whether to re-punt or to add the 5 yards on to the end of the run. It was a good return, but Pittsburgh chooses to re-kick. We'll see if this works out ... Pittsburgh gets better field position. Can't believe Brown didn't signal a fair catch there, but he didn't. Good field postion makes this a must score drive.
9:20PM - Time for one play before the end of the quarter, and Mendenhal runs tough to the right side, out of bounds. Enter the fourth quarter. Joe Buck says "Superbowl 45 is going to come down to the final quarter." Joe, has a Superbowl ever not come down to the 4th quarter? Have they ever just stopped after 3 quarters and called it a game? It makes more sense to say "will be close heading into the fourth quarter," right?
9:25PM - And there was the big Mendenhal fumble everyone was talking about before this game. Wow. Backbreaker there. Now Green Bay has a chance to essentially finish Pittsburgh. First pass incomplete. Pittsburgh has to hold right here if they want to keep the dream alive. Good tackle by Polamalu. Pittsburgh now has 3 turnovers, plus the defacto fourth turnover on that terrible field goal attempt. 3rd and 7 ... Green Bay hurries to the line quickly. Good non challenge. If Pittsburgh can hold Green Bay to a field goal they are alive, but if they hold them without scoring field position stinks. No win situation right now Steelers fans.
9:28PM - "Nelson drops another." I can't hear that enough tonight. Big 3rd and 10 here. Can Pittsburgh get pressure on Rodgers? No; Nelson turns up field, and Green Bay is knocking on the door of the endzone. Mendenhal's inability to take care of the ball probably just cost Pittsburgh a Super Bowl. Big sack, but probably too little too late.
9:30PM - Touch Down Green Bay. That, sports fans, is probably the game. You can't expect to shoot yourselves in the foot that many times and still win. Poor execution by Pittsburgh is going to let the lesser team win. Too bad.
9:35PM - Tom Brady won his second MVP award today, the first in NFL history to be won unanimously. At least I was right that he wasn't done. I got one thing right. The way this game is going a lockout doesn't sound so bad...
9:37PM - Bowser states that he didn't know that Cutler was traded to Pittsburgh for today's game. Amen. He also states that he could never root for Green Bay. That's because he's a true Bears fan.
9:39PM - This is shaping up like a game that will make me need to play Madden football all night to work off the angst. I don't know what will be worse if the Packers win: them winning, or Mike McCarthy becoming a Super Bowl calibur coach. Another hold, but this one wasn't even close to being a hold. Terrible call. Another screen goes nowhere. Ugh.
9:41PM - Big pick up on 2nd and 18 leaves a manageable 3rd and 3. A big play here, as a TD is pretty essential to regain any momentum. TD WALLACE! Still a game. Man, if only Pittsburgh hadn't decided to turn the ball over three times they would have killed this Packers team today. Instead, they will probably lose. Can't beat yourself. Interesting choice going for two. Shotgun formation. Big play. PITCH TO RANDEL EL. HOOSIERS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9:43PM - Again, I have to remind you that there is NOTHING MORE TO SEE on the GoDaddy website. They lie to you. They just try to sell you on their product.
9:45PM - If you were in the Dallas stadium right now would you be watching the field or the huge TV. I feel like you'd be watching the TV. Pittsburgh is going to need some stellar defense right about now. In other news, Pittsburgh just moved this game into a push. Vegas is sweating right now.
9:47PM - That was a pretty impressive blitz that Pittsburgh unleashed, but they are going to need plenty more like that if they are going to get back in this game. 2nd down, empty backfield for Green Bay; pick up of nine. It seems to me that Pittsburgh can't matchup against five receivers. 3rd and 5 ... false start for Green Bay. Pittsburgh's fans have really shown up for this game. Green Bay has called 37 passes to 9 runs to this point. Third and ten now ... Damn. Great play to Jennings. He got right by the bump and that was what made that play. Green Bay has Pittsburgh looking done now.
9:53PM - Pittsburgh has dominated this game; Time of possession, yards, everything except turnovers. Pittsburgh needs a turnover now. Having blown two timeouts earlier is also a killer at this point. Green Bay is acting like they own this defense right now. Yet another easy first down via pass.
9:55PM - At least Pittsburgh kept it interesting enough for me to finish this running diary. I'm sure the millions of my fans would have been crushed if they hadn't. 2nd and goal ... from the seven ... down to the five, third and goal. If I'm Green Bay I'm tossing it into the end zone here. Go for the outright win. Incomplete, and here comes the field goal. Nelson has as many drops as he's had big catchs today. Chip shot for Mason Crosby ... dead red. 2:07 left, one timeout, Pittsburgh down six. Even as bad of a game as he's had, this is the thing that legends are made of for Big Ben.
9:59PM - After it all, can Pittsburgh really overcome their own mistakes to win this game? Can we avoid Green Bay joining the ever growing list of teams I hate winning? The drive will start much further back because of yet another Pittsburgh mistake. A personal foul will move this drive's starting position all the way back. One timeout, and coming off yet another mistake. Man Pittsburgh has killed themselves in this game. They've got nobody to blame but themselves. In other news, "Terra.Nova" looks like a show that I would like, but will be canceled after half a season. Get back to me if they make it to season three.
10:03PM - Starting at the 13 instead of the 27, here comes an empty backfield. Heath Miller picks up the first down. Next play ... short completion, but lots of time is running off the clock. already down to 1:16 ... thrown away. Here comes the third down play ... huge overthrow.
10:05PM - Well, Steelers fans, here it is. Fourth and five. One play left. 56 seconds. They break the huddle with an empty backfield. Incompletion on what should have been a pass interference. But I get why the refs don't throw the flag; you never want to make that call if you're the ref. And so, signing off, Green Bay Sucks.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Super Bowl - A Running Diary
A 52" TV? Surround sound? Macho nachos? The ultimate good vs evil match-up of the decade? Here's a running diary of the Super Bowl, featuring my Dad, my Mom, The Wiese ... and yours truly.
6:00 PM - Ready to go. The last time I needed the Colts to lose a game and they did I was rooting the Steelers on in the divisional round. For today's game I have busted out the same pants, the same undershirt, and the same all black shirt. The difference? Of course the Saints hat which dons my head. A few quick facts about this hat:
6:05 PM - Nantz and Simms just told us that Freeney will play. Not a big surprise there ... what kind of wuss would you have to be to not even take the field in your championship game. I mean, even Colt McCoy managed to get onto the field before taking himself out for fear that his draft position would drop. Still, I'm hard pressed to believe that Freeney will be anything other than a side note in this game. A level three sprained ankle, by definition I've been told, involves torn ligaments. Freeney's game is based on speed. Seems like a bad combo to me.
6:09 PM - Just turned the surround sound system on; wow this thing is impressive. In other news, we are now meeting the NFC Champions, the team of God, and of all things good ... the New Orleans Saints. I will now spend the next few minutes praying while the come onto the field. Please God, I need this ...
6:10 PM - The Saints entering to the Chicago Bulls old music, as Wiese correctly notes. That has GOT TO BE a good sign, right? I'm now pumped. Wiese points out that you can't hear the players speak in their intro video clip. "Some guy is gonna get fired at CBS" he says. "We're back" is the only thing I can hear from it. Hopefully for the last time, jackass. "Those *ers. They don't deserve to have The Who playing for them" Wiese says. I think he's just watching this game for the halftime show.
6:16 PM - Macho Nachos are sitting next to me, an Old Style in hand ... I think I'm about as ready for this as I can be. My phone is even cooperating; it's almost dead, making it impossible for all the annoying Colts fans I know to inundate me with "Go HORSE," or "Go BLUE," or "Go Manning Family threesome" texts. I made one of the three of those up, but you get the point: Colts fans suck. My buddy Dave said, upon returning from a conference in Indy this week, "I get it now. Colts fans are ungodly annoying. I get why you hate them."
And the finalists for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award are: London Fletcher, Mike Furrey, and Brian Waters. And the winner is: Brian Watters, Guard Kansas City Chiefs. I'm glad people haven't forgotten Sweetness; not just the fact he was the greatest ever, but also the fact he was such an amazing man. Queen Latifa is singing, back in a minute.
6:20 PM - Not raining in Miami this time around. Seriously, if before Super Bowl XLI you had given me odds on the Bears winning if it was raining, I would have pounded "yes." I will now go beat myself in the head with my NFC Championship hat ...
As Carrie Underwood sings there is a shot of Jim Caldwell and Peyton Manning. Manning blinked three times, Caldwell zero. The real coach and the cadaver. Uncanny. I bet he won't blink when they dump the Gatoraide on him. Wiese's phone rings. "Who dares disturb me during the national anthem?" He then suggests that A) we should have our cat sing the next national anthem, and B) that the next M. Night Shamalyn movie will probably suck. "I remember when I saw 'The Happening'" Wiese says. "Boy that movie really shit the bed."
6:25 PM - The first winning commercial of the night? Larry Legend stealing LeBron's McDonalds as he and Dwight Howard do a dunk off. Proving once again that the older you get the smarter you get. Coin Toss time ... but first a shot of Emmit "I have to play football until I break a record because I'm so self absorbed" Smith. Saints win the toss and screw up: they choose to receive, and I think you wanted to give Manning the ball. "I'm sure they must have discussed it" my Mom says." True, but they didn't ask me.
6:30 PM - IU alumni Courtney Roby returns the kick, and we are underway. In other news, we have a fantasy football championship to decide tonight as well. All kinds of things going on. Saints punt after passing deep on 3rd and 2. "I Don't understand why you don't run there" Dad says. Courtney Roby with a great tackle again; GO HOOSIERS.
6:35 PM - Listen to those Saints fans!!! WHO DAT? Manning, that's who: over the middle without any issues to Dallas Clark. Dad is all over the fantasy football stats. Colts are moving without any issues.
6:38 PM - Roman Harper has had a couple of big plays so far. Manning under pressure, finds Collie for a big gain. If the Saints aren't careful this game will be over pretty quick.
6:42 PM - Jim Caldwell makes Lovie Smith look like Bobby Knight; seriously man, get excited! You're about to win the Super Bowl! In other news, my dad wonders why Peyton Manning hasn't thrown to Devery Henderson yet. I inform him that it may be because Henderson plays for the Saints. Colts FG; my Mom says "well I thought that was going to be worse." Gotta love being in a Saints only environment. Now my parents are laughing at Snickers commercials. Gotta love them.
6:45 PM - And ... THAT was the big "Tim Tebow is going to cause women to die because abortions won't be legal anymore" commercial? I just want this debate to end... Roby fumbles, Saints recover. Let's go Saints.
6:46 PM - Wow Bears ... wow. Super Bowl Shuffle for Boost Mobile? Can we just get Richard Dent into the hall of fame so that he has some pride? Saints get a first down ... thank God. "Only because of the fact the Saints needed that first down" my Dad says while applauding. Bush is on the other guys team for this fantasy football thing. Gotta love it.
6:50 PM - Colston just DROPPED that ball. Man. I could have caught that ball. 3rd and long for the Saints ... Saints to punt. Here's to hoping that Greg Williams has some new ideas to stop Manning on this next drive. Another spectacular special teams play by Roby as we head to commercial.
6:55 PM - Joe Addai is slicing the Saints D up, and even though the drive started inside the 5 the Colts are quickly to midfield. This Saints defense looks as soft as expected, but missing the opportunity to score on the first two possessions is what will kill this team. Addai busts another huge run up the middle. Shades of the Denver - Atlanta Super Bowl from 1998. May not even be a game.
7:00 PM - "I hate watching Manning ... I really do" my Mom says. She calls him a "fidgity ass. I love my mom. TD Indianapolis. Shit. Shades of 98 and 95 all over again. I don't think New Orleans is going to be capable of stopping Peyton. To say that I hate him would be a firm understatement.
7:05 PM - I note that the Saints need a TD now or this game will be over. My mom says "normally this is where I'd say that it's early, but I think you're right." We've officially reached my first hat toss of the night, following a phantom holding call on the Saints, backing them up to the ten. And the end of the 1st quarter sees a Colts 10 - Saints 0 score.
7:10 PM - CBS is proclaiming itself the "network of the decade?" I think that wins the Winston Wolf memorial "let's not start sucking each other's Popsicles yet" award. Great catch by Colston. Come on Saints.
7:12 PM - My dad perfectly calls the late hit and explains why it was called that why while my mom says "give me my scissors" while seeing the long hair of a Colts defender. They are certainly one of a kind. Pierre Thomas with a couple of plays that make it seem like he just wants it. In other news, we've finally had a Devery Henderson sighting.
7:17 PM - Freeney sacks Brees. Will someone just kick him in the ankle? Long FG here ... good. Come on Saints D. "Right here is where we could use Peyton Manning having his legs separated from his shoulder blades" my Dad retorts.
7:20 PM - Letterman and Leno quite simply nailed that commercial. Well done by Jay going on CBS making fun of himself. And now we have back to back commercials with fat guys in no pants ... and Favre at 50. That salvaged it.
7:25 PM - Go time for the Saints D, let's see if they can do it. Great stop on 2nd and 1 by Jon Vilma, sticking Addai in the backfield. And, courtesy of a drop by Pierre Garcon we have our first 3 and out for the Colts tonight. Thank God. That drop was almost worse than the Colston drop. The Dove for Men commercial is awesome "BECAUSE YOU'RE A MAN!!!"
7:30 PM - "I'm Peyton Manning derp de derp." Wiese doesn't even follow football, and even he can see how much of a tool Manning is. Now he's back to his research on Keith Moon. We have now officially crossed into a point where my dad is celebrating after every point our fantasy team picks up for me so that I can just sulk and focus on my Peyton Manning Voodoo doll. Saints are up around midfield after a great catch by Shockey. Wiese is waxing poetic on The Dark Knight and The Shining. Life is good. And then we get a reverse? Why would you run a reverse against this defense? Go up the gut; the Colts are soft. Thats how you beat them!
7:35 PM - False start at the three ... damn. Saints now face 2nd and goal from the 8. Now 3rd and 1 ... at the 2 minute warning. We are in trouble here, because Manning will get the ball back, with 3 time outs, and roughly 2 minutes left. The Saints must push this ball in, because the Colts will probably get at least a field goal here. And, due to the aforementioned stupid decision to take the ball at the start of the game, the Colts have the chance for back to back scores. I feel sick.
7:40 PM - Mike Bell falls down, and now we've got 4th and goal from about the 2. Stupid call; why run a stretch play to the outside against a fast defense. Use power, run right up the gut. They should have gone with a QB sneak. Saints are going for it. Shit. Colts stuff Pierre Thomas, and here comes Peyton Manning. My dad and I are in agreement that running two straight off tackle plays was stupid. The entire Saints offensive line was across the goal line on that last one.
7:45 PM - Reggie Bush steps in for the punt return. And Reggie goes East to West again, gaining nothing. HUGE catch by Henderson though, and the Saints may well salvage a field goal here. Let us pray. Field Goal ... GOOD! Half time; time for a break.
8:20 PM - Wiese's expert analysis of The Who's performance "they're old dude." My dad and I did our instant analysis of the game thus far. We've decided that:
A) we have lost about four points in the first half in our fantasy football league, but are still hanging tough.
B) The Saints managed to take control of the 2nd quarter, and missing on the TD might not have been a killer as it kept Manning from doing his patented end of half drive.
C) The first possession will be huge for the Saints D
Additionally, I noted that the game would probably turn into a shootout in the 2nd half, and that the first defense to force a key turnover would probably be the team to win. Also, you can't ever state enough how much the extended halftime of the Super Bowl messes with a team's rhythm. That isn't good for New Orleans, who ended the half having run all but 6 of the plays in the 2nd quarter.
8:25 PM - Here comes the second half. For the time being it is down to just Wiese and I. Sorry, I'm back now. I just shit myself due to that onside kick call. Sean Payton, congrats. You win the "biggest balls in the room" award. That's why they took the ball at the start of the game. I get it now.
8:27 PM - Everyone is back in the room. My dad called Saints ball before I did due to being on a non satellite connection. Gotta love technology. What a huge momentum swing. TD Saints, Pierre Thomas on a screen. Peyton Manning now gets the chance to do what he has done all year: come from behind in the 2nd half of a close game. But the Saints certainly sliced and diced that Colts defense. Whew.
8:30 PM - Colts are driving again, looking like it didn't even bother them that they didn't have the ball for more than 6 plays in the last 70 minutes. Midfield already. 3rd down and a spectacular throw from Manning to Clark. He is so good. Over 3 defenders.
8:37 PM - Now down inside the ten, this is why Manning is so good. Without blinking he drives the field. First and goal from the four ... Addai TD. If it had to be a Colts TD I'm glad it was Addai.
8:40 PM - OK, Saints serve now. So far my shootout prediction has been spot on. Wiese notes that the new elephant that my parents got my nephew looks like a crack addict. He does. He also sings and dances. And moves his ears. "It sounds better than The Who." My dad cracks.
8:45 PM - Saints ball after a decent return from Roby. The Saints are staying with Pierre Thomas, finally a team that utilizes the ground game against the Colts. It's important for the Saints to score here. They are at midfield, then a first down at the Colts 36. DeVery Henderson is looking VERY good.
8:50 PM - Manning is lecturing his offense ... 3rd and 7 now. Short again, but the pickup of 4 makes it a field goal attempt ... GOOD!!!!!! Garret Hartley is looking golden thus far. "The Saints D needs a stop now" Dad says. Agreed, agreed.
8:52 PM - Great coverage by the Saints special teams as they pin the Colts to the ten. A promising start to the drive. Now let's see if they can finally put Mr. Manning on his rear end.
8:55 PM - Manning moves the team out to the 25 without any issues. The 3rd quarter is already winding down. Seems like it just started. This still isn't where we want to be, but at least we got to see Peyton stomp his feet like a little girl over not getting the snap off in time.
9:00 PM - Start of the 4th ... we open with a huge gain across the middle to Pierre Garcon. Colts are to midfield again. Colts now face a 4th and 2 in the 40s and THE COLTS GET IT. Ugh. This is another reason why I hate the Colts. Manning is so good.
9:05 PM - 3rd and long ... again. Let's see if we can hold them. Manning audibles and throws incomplete. I can't believe that Stover is going to kick a 50 yard FG ... and they shouldn't have. Wiese is talking about Beyonce "she be got it goin' on, you know what I'm sayin'?" Gotta love The Wiese.
9:10 PM - My mom asks if I remember when Manning came into the league, and The Wiese asks her if she is really my mother. Priceless getting this group together. Some high quality Pierre Thomas and Devery Henderson pick ups here. My mother has now moved back to the couch by me to help keep me cool. Brees is dinking and dunking beautifully, showing super accuracy. This is just a reminder that he is the only Purdue Alumni to ever receive a full pardon by me. This happened last year, after he helped my dad and I to finish second in both the regular season and the playoff redraft of our fantasy football league.
9:15 PM - Brees is close to the completion record already. Inside the five, and a TD to Shockey. That's why you don't give the opposing team the ball at the 41 instead of pooch punting inside the ten. Love it. Now the 2pt conversion, and it is ruled incomplete on the field, and Phil Simms calls it incomplete. Well, my friends, Simms is a moron. Moore has it, it crosses the plain of the goal line, which is all it has to do. I'm sure the Saints will review, but we go to commercial.
9:17 PM - We come back from commercial and now get to decide if this officiating crew is a bunch of morons or not. This is clearly a 2pt conversion. This is a huge moment in this game. Simms is now trying to back out. Just say that your wrong Phil. And the crew overturns it. 2pt conversion is good. New Orleans baby! 5:42 left in the game.
9:20 PM - My mom says she sees horns growing out of Peyton's head. Gotta love my supporting cast tonight. Here's a big round of applause to them; they're probably the only group of people in America brave enough to watch a Super Bowl involving the Colts with me.
9:23 PM - Colts ball at the 30, you can hear the Saints fans going nuts, and the Colts false start. Manning picks up 17 to Garcon, then Malcolm Jenkins nearly picks one off. Come on Saints.
9:25 PM - Manning back to Garcon, across the middle, and the Colts are back to midfield. He is tearing them up ten to fifteen yards at a time. While we break for for a Saints injury my Dad celebrates that Manning is having to get up off his rear finally; I point out that Peyton probably flopped Vlade Divac style to try to draw a roughing the passer.
9:30 PM - 3rd and 5 for the Colts ... PICKED OFF BY TRACY PORTER!!!!!! AND THE CROWD GOES WILD FOR THE HOOSIER PICK SIX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't think I could have ever asked for more. I will now order a Tracy Porter Jersey. It is going to happen. I will be rocking a Tracy Porter Jersey soon. I love that man.
9:32 PM - "Gotta love the Indiana Hoosier with the INT for TD" texts Bowser. Indeed sir. Indeed.
9:35 PM - Manning is barking out orders, less than 3 minutes left. Saints call a time out due to confusion. Clark is toughing it out, but he's hurt. A questionable catch by Collie over the middle to say the least. I am outvoted by the team who all says it's a catch. I don't believe it is. But then again I do suffer from a rare condition that causes me to always think the Colts suck and miss on plays.
9:40 PM - Late hit on the Saints? Yup. What a moron. The Saints are TRYING to get the Colts into the game. Flag on an INTERCEPTION ... oh please God ... Interference ... no INT. Addai down to the 3. This is the Peyton we know and love with these couple bad throws, but this game isn't over til the fat lady sings. 2nd and goal. Incomplete hitting the goalpost. Can't really remember that I've seen that happen before.
9:45 PM - 3rd and goal ... Addai ... NO! 4th and goal, 1 minute to go. I'm starting to believe it may happen. INCOMPLETE SAINT WIN!!!
...
Well, not yet, but it's done. "I'll tell you this, even the 'great' Manning can't pull this out" says my Dad. Yes. Saints win.
A special thanks to the entire team who helped me through this tough moment in life: my mom, my dad, and The Wiese. I'd also like to give credit to the cracked out elephant who sat in front of me from the moment my dad brought him down here, and stared at me. The Wiese tried to move him once but I asked him not to because it was good luck. Good job elephant.
And so, sports fans, disaster has been avoided. Good prevailed over evil. And we have seen the return of the Manning Face. Thanks for reading along.
6:00 PM - Ready to go. The last time I needed the Colts to lose a game and they did I was rooting the Steelers on in the divisional round. For today's game I have busted out the same pants, the same undershirt, and the same all black shirt. The difference? Of course the Saints hat which dons my head. A few quick facts about this hat:
- It was purchased by me, in the Ft. Wayne Mall on a youth group trip to see Ft. Wayne Hockey.
- It was purchased for the singular reason that Mike Ditka was the head coach of the New Orleans Saints at that point.
- It journeyed with me to the Gulf Coast a record nine times for relief trips, and has the sweat of all those trips and all that work built into it.
6:05 PM - Nantz and Simms just told us that Freeney will play. Not a big surprise there ... what kind of wuss would you have to be to not even take the field in your championship game. I mean, even Colt McCoy managed to get onto the field before taking himself out for fear that his draft position would drop. Still, I'm hard pressed to believe that Freeney will be anything other than a side note in this game. A level three sprained ankle, by definition I've been told, involves torn ligaments. Freeney's game is based on speed. Seems like a bad combo to me.
6:09 PM - Just turned the surround sound system on; wow this thing is impressive. In other news, we are now meeting the NFC Champions, the team of God, and of all things good ... the New Orleans Saints. I will now spend the next few minutes praying while the come onto the field. Please God, I need this ...
6:10 PM - The Saints entering to the Chicago Bulls old music, as Wiese correctly notes. That has GOT TO BE a good sign, right? I'm now pumped. Wiese points out that you can't hear the players speak in their intro video clip. "Some guy is gonna get fired at CBS" he says. "We're back" is the only thing I can hear from it. Hopefully for the last time, jackass. "Those *ers. They don't deserve to have The Who playing for them" Wiese says. I think he's just watching this game for the halftime show.
6:16 PM - Macho Nachos are sitting next to me, an Old Style in hand ... I think I'm about as ready for this as I can be. My phone is even cooperating; it's almost dead, making it impossible for all the annoying Colts fans I know to inundate me with "Go HORSE," or "Go BLUE," or "Go Manning Family threesome" texts. I made one of the three of those up, but you get the point: Colts fans suck. My buddy Dave said, upon returning from a conference in Indy this week, "I get it now. Colts fans are ungodly annoying. I get why you hate them."
And the finalists for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award are: London Fletcher, Mike Furrey, and Brian Waters. And the winner is: Brian Watters, Guard Kansas City Chiefs. I'm glad people haven't forgotten Sweetness; not just the fact he was the greatest ever, but also the fact he was such an amazing man. Queen Latifa is singing, back in a minute.
6:20 PM - Not raining in Miami this time around. Seriously, if before Super Bowl XLI you had given me odds on the Bears winning if it was raining, I would have pounded "yes." I will now go beat myself in the head with my NFC Championship hat ...
As Carrie Underwood sings there is a shot of Jim Caldwell and Peyton Manning. Manning blinked three times, Caldwell zero. The real coach and the cadaver. Uncanny. I bet he won't blink when they dump the Gatoraide on him. Wiese's phone rings. "Who dares disturb me during the national anthem?" He then suggests that A) we should have our cat sing the next national anthem, and B) that the next M. Night Shamalyn movie will probably suck. "I remember when I saw 'The Happening'" Wiese says. "Boy that movie really shit the bed."
6:25 PM - The first winning commercial of the night? Larry Legend stealing LeBron's McDonalds as he and Dwight Howard do a dunk off. Proving once again that the older you get the smarter you get. Coin Toss time ... but first a shot of Emmit "I have to play football until I break a record because I'm so self absorbed" Smith. Saints win the toss and screw up: they choose to receive, and I think you wanted to give Manning the ball. "I'm sure they must have discussed it" my Mom says." True, but they didn't ask me.
6:30 PM - IU alumni Courtney Roby returns the kick, and we are underway. In other news, we have a fantasy football championship to decide tonight as well. All kinds of things going on. Saints punt after passing deep on 3rd and 2. "I Don't understand why you don't run there" Dad says. Courtney Roby with a great tackle again; GO HOOSIERS.
6:35 PM - Listen to those Saints fans!!! WHO DAT? Manning, that's who: over the middle without any issues to Dallas Clark. Dad is all over the fantasy football stats. Colts are moving without any issues.
6:38 PM - Roman Harper has had a couple of big plays so far. Manning under pressure, finds Collie for a big gain. If the Saints aren't careful this game will be over pretty quick.
6:42 PM - Jim Caldwell makes Lovie Smith look like Bobby Knight; seriously man, get excited! You're about to win the Super Bowl! In other news, my dad wonders why Peyton Manning hasn't thrown to Devery Henderson yet. I inform him that it may be because Henderson plays for the Saints. Colts FG; my Mom says "well I thought that was going to be worse." Gotta love being in a Saints only environment. Now my parents are laughing at Snickers commercials. Gotta love them.
6:45 PM - And ... THAT was the big "Tim Tebow is going to cause women to die because abortions won't be legal anymore" commercial? I just want this debate to end... Roby fumbles, Saints recover. Let's go Saints.
6:46 PM - Wow Bears ... wow. Super Bowl Shuffle for Boost Mobile? Can we just get Richard Dent into the hall of fame so that he has some pride? Saints get a first down ... thank God. "Only because of the fact the Saints needed that first down" my Dad says while applauding. Bush is on the other guys team for this fantasy football thing. Gotta love it.
6:50 PM - Colston just DROPPED that ball. Man. I could have caught that ball. 3rd and long for the Saints ... Saints to punt. Here's to hoping that Greg Williams has some new ideas to stop Manning on this next drive. Another spectacular special teams play by Roby as we head to commercial.
6:55 PM - Joe Addai is slicing the Saints D up, and even though the drive started inside the 5 the Colts are quickly to midfield. This Saints defense looks as soft as expected, but missing the opportunity to score on the first two possessions is what will kill this team. Addai busts another huge run up the middle. Shades of the Denver - Atlanta Super Bowl from 1998. May not even be a game.
7:00 PM - "I hate watching Manning ... I really do" my Mom says. She calls him a "fidgity ass. I love my mom. TD Indianapolis. Shit. Shades of 98 and 95 all over again. I don't think New Orleans is going to be capable of stopping Peyton. To say that I hate him would be a firm understatement.
7:05 PM - I note that the Saints need a TD now or this game will be over. My mom says "normally this is where I'd say that it's early, but I think you're right." We've officially reached my first hat toss of the night, following a phantom holding call on the Saints, backing them up to the ten. And the end of the 1st quarter sees a Colts 10 - Saints 0 score.
7:10 PM - CBS is proclaiming itself the "network of the decade?" I think that wins the Winston Wolf memorial "let's not start sucking each other's Popsicles yet" award. Great catch by Colston. Come on Saints.
7:12 PM - My dad perfectly calls the late hit and explains why it was called that why while my mom says "give me my scissors" while seeing the long hair of a Colts defender. They are certainly one of a kind. Pierre Thomas with a couple of plays that make it seem like he just wants it. In other news, we've finally had a Devery Henderson sighting.
7:17 PM - Freeney sacks Brees. Will someone just kick him in the ankle? Long FG here ... good. Come on Saints D. "Right here is where we could use Peyton Manning having his legs separated from his shoulder blades" my Dad retorts.
7:20 PM - Letterman and Leno quite simply nailed that commercial. Well done by Jay going on CBS making fun of himself. And now we have back to back commercials with fat guys in no pants ... and Favre at 50. That salvaged it.
7:25 PM - Go time for the Saints D, let's see if they can do it. Great stop on 2nd and 1 by Jon Vilma, sticking Addai in the backfield. And, courtesy of a drop by Pierre Garcon we have our first 3 and out for the Colts tonight. Thank God. That drop was almost worse than the Colston drop. The Dove for Men commercial is awesome "BECAUSE YOU'RE A MAN!!!"
7:30 PM - "I'm Peyton Manning derp de derp." Wiese doesn't even follow football, and even he can see how much of a tool Manning is. Now he's back to his research on Keith Moon. We have now officially crossed into a point where my dad is celebrating after every point our fantasy team picks up for me so that I can just sulk and focus on my Peyton Manning Voodoo doll. Saints are up around midfield after a great catch by Shockey. Wiese is waxing poetic on The Dark Knight and The Shining. Life is good. And then we get a reverse? Why would you run a reverse against this defense? Go up the gut; the Colts are soft. Thats how you beat them!
7:35 PM - False start at the three ... damn. Saints now face 2nd and goal from the 8. Now 3rd and 1 ... at the 2 minute warning. We are in trouble here, because Manning will get the ball back, with 3 time outs, and roughly 2 minutes left. The Saints must push this ball in, because the Colts will probably get at least a field goal here. And, due to the aforementioned stupid decision to take the ball at the start of the game, the Colts have the chance for back to back scores. I feel sick.
7:40 PM - Mike Bell falls down, and now we've got 4th and goal from about the 2. Stupid call; why run a stretch play to the outside against a fast defense. Use power, run right up the gut. They should have gone with a QB sneak. Saints are going for it. Shit. Colts stuff Pierre Thomas, and here comes Peyton Manning. My dad and I are in agreement that running two straight off tackle plays was stupid. The entire Saints offensive line was across the goal line on that last one.
7:45 PM - Reggie Bush steps in for the punt return. And Reggie goes East to West again, gaining nothing. HUGE catch by Henderson though, and the Saints may well salvage a field goal here. Let us pray. Field Goal ... GOOD! Half time; time for a break.
8:20 PM - Wiese's expert analysis of The Who's performance "they're old dude." My dad and I did our instant analysis of the game thus far. We've decided that:
A) we have lost about four points in the first half in our fantasy football league, but are still hanging tough.
B) The Saints managed to take control of the 2nd quarter, and missing on the TD might not have been a killer as it kept Manning from doing his patented end of half drive.
C) The first possession will be huge for the Saints D
Additionally, I noted that the game would probably turn into a shootout in the 2nd half, and that the first defense to force a key turnover would probably be the team to win. Also, you can't ever state enough how much the extended halftime of the Super Bowl messes with a team's rhythm. That isn't good for New Orleans, who ended the half having run all but 6 of the plays in the 2nd quarter.
8:25 PM - Here comes the second half. For the time being it is down to just Wiese and I. Sorry, I'm back now. I just shit myself due to that onside kick call. Sean Payton, congrats. You win the "biggest balls in the room" award. That's why they took the ball at the start of the game. I get it now.
8:27 PM - Everyone is back in the room. My dad called Saints ball before I did due to being on a non satellite connection. Gotta love technology. What a huge momentum swing. TD Saints, Pierre Thomas on a screen. Peyton Manning now gets the chance to do what he has done all year: come from behind in the 2nd half of a close game. But the Saints certainly sliced and diced that Colts defense. Whew.
8:30 PM - Colts are driving again, looking like it didn't even bother them that they didn't have the ball for more than 6 plays in the last 70 minutes. Midfield already. 3rd down and a spectacular throw from Manning to Clark. He is so good. Over 3 defenders.
8:37 PM - Now down inside the ten, this is why Manning is so good. Without blinking he drives the field. First and goal from the four ... Addai TD. If it had to be a Colts TD I'm glad it was Addai.
8:40 PM - OK, Saints serve now. So far my shootout prediction has been spot on. Wiese notes that the new elephant that my parents got my nephew looks like a crack addict. He does. He also sings and dances. And moves his ears. "It sounds better than The Who." My dad cracks.
8:45 PM - Saints ball after a decent return from Roby. The Saints are staying with Pierre Thomas, finally a team that utilizes the ground game against the Colts. It's important for the Saints to score here. They are at midfield, then a first down at the Colts 36. DeVery Henderson is looking VERY good.
8:50 PM - Manning is lecturing his offense ... 3rd and 7 now. Short again, but the pickup of 4 makes it a field goal attempt ... GOOD!!!!!! Garret Hartley is looking golden thus far. "The Saints D needs a stop now" Dad says. Agreed, agreed.
8:52 PM - Great coverage by the Saints special teams as they pin the Colts to the ten. A promising start to the drive. Now let's see if they can finally put Mr. Manning on his rear end.
8:55 PM - Manning moves the team out to the 25 without any issues. The 3rd quarter is already winding down. Seems like it just started. This still isn't where we want to be, but at least we got to see Peyton stomp his feet like a little girl over not getting the snap off in time.
9:00 PM - Start of the 4th ... we open with a huge gain across the middle to Pierre Garcon. Colts are to midfield again. Colts now face a 4th and 2 in the 40s and THE COLTS GET IT. Ugh. This is another reason why I hate the Colts. Manning is so good.
9:05 PM - 3rd and long ... again. Let's see if we can hold them. Manning audibles and throws incomplete. I can't believe that Stover is going to kick a 50 yard FG ... and they shouldn't have. Wiese is talking about Beyonce "she be got it goin' on, you know what I'm sayin'?" Gotta love The Wiese.
9:10 PM - My mom asks if I remember when Manning came into the league, and The Wiese asks her if she is really my mother. Priceless getting this group together. Some high quality Pierre Thomas and Devery Henderson pick ups here. My mother has now moved back to the couch by me to help keep me cool. Brees is dinking and dunking beautifully, showing super accuracy. This is just a reminder that he is the only Purdue Alumni to ever receive a full pardon by me. This happened last year, after he helped my dad and I to finish second in both the regular season and the playoff redraft of our fantasy football league.
9:15 PM - Brees is close to the completion record already. Inside the five, and a TD to Shockey. That's why you don't give the opposing team the ball at the 41 instead of pooch punting inside the ten. Love it. Now the 2pt conversion, and it is ruled incomplete on the field, and Phil Simms calls it incomplete. Well, my friends, Simms is a moron. Moore has it, it crosses the plain of the goal line, which is all it has to do. I'm sure the Saints will review, but we go to commercial.
9:17 PM - We come back from commercial and now get to decide if this officiating crew is a bunch of morons or not. This is clearly a 2pt conversion. This is a huge moment in this game. Simms is now trying to back out. Just say that your wrong Phil. And the crew overturns it. 2pt conversion is good. New Orleans baby! 5:42 left in the game.
9:20 PM - My mom says she sees horns growing out of Peyton's head. Gotta love my supporting cast tonight. Here's a big round of applause to them; they're probably the only group of people in America brave enough to watch a Super Bowl involving the Colts with me.
9:23 PM - Colts ball at the 30, you can hear the Saints fans going nuts, and the Colts false start. Manning picks up 17 to Garcon, then Malcolm Jenkins nearly picks one off. Come on Saints.
9:25 PM - Manning back to Garcon, across the middle, and the Colts are back to midfield. He is tearing them up ten to fifteen yards at a time. While we break for for a Saints injury my Dad celebrates that Manning is having to get up off his rear finally; I point out that Peyton probably flopped Vlade Divac style to try to draw a roughing the passer.
9:30 PM - 3rd and 5 for the Colts ... PICKED OFF BY TRACY PORTER!!!!!! AND THE CROWD GOES WILD FOR THE HOOSIER PICK SIX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't think I could have ever asked for more. I will now order a Tracy Porter Jersey. It is going to happen. I will be rocking a Tracy Porter Jersey soon. I love that man.
9:32 PM - "Gotta love the Indiana Hoosier with the INT for TD" texts Bowser. Indeed sir. Indeed.
9:35 PM - Manning is barking out orders, less than 3 minutes left. Saints call a time out due to confusion. Clark is toughing it out, but he's hurt. A questionable catch by Collie over the middle to say the least. I am outvoted by the team who all says it's a catch. I don't believe it is. But then again I do suffer from a rare condition that causes me to always think the Colts suck and miss on plays.
9:40 PM - Late hit on the Saints? Yup. What a moron. The Saints are TRYING to get the Colts into the game. Flag on an INTERCEPTION ... oh please God ... Interference ... no INT. Addai down to the 3. This is the Peyton we know and love with these couple bad throws, but this game isn't over til the fat lady sings. 2nd and goal. Incomplete hitting the goalpost. Can't really remember that I've seen that happen before.
9:45 PM - 3rd and goal ... Addai ... NO! 4th and goal, 1 minute to go. I'm starting to believe it may happen. INCOMPLETE SAINT WIN!!!
...
Well, not yet, but it's done. "I'll tell you this, even the 'great' Manning can't pull this out" says my Dad. Yes. Saints win.
A special thanks to the entire team who helped me through this tough moment in life: my mom, my dad, and The Wiese. I'd also like to give credit to the cracked out elephant who sat in front of me from the moment my dad brought him down here, and stared at me. The Wiese tried to move him once but I asked him not to because it was good luck. Good job elephant.
And so, sports fans, disaster has been avoided. Good prevailed over evil. And we have seen the return of the Manning Face. Thanks for reading along.
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