GarageGabs

You probably remember this Nike add, but it’s definitely worth another watch.

Well, that’s one down. I can’t say that I didn’t see this coming. I’m actually quite glad that he went ahead and took his name on the mix. Now maybe people will focus on candidates that are more likely

Cowher Has No Interst In NCSU Job

Also, Norm Chow and David Cutcliffe say they haven’t been approached yet.

It appears that the heat from the New York media might be getting to the New York Giants, who are in the midst of a 3 game losing streak, and host Dallas in a crucial NFC East matchup this weekend.

First, you’ve got Jeremy Shockey mouthing off at every given moment about anything under the sun.  His latest was last week when he mentioned that there was “no way in hell” the Cowboys could beat the Giants if the Giants were playing up to par.  Dallas is reportedly using the quote as bulletin board material.
Then you’ve got Tiki Barber complaining to the media that he doesn’t get the ball enough.  Apparently,  Coach Tom Coughlin pulled Barber aside and discussed the matter with him.  To think, all this time we thought Barber was a quiet guy that kept his mouth shut.  Now, twice in the past year he’s called out his coaching staff.
Finally, today, Michael Strahan shows that the stress is getting to him when questioned about Plaxico Burress quitting on plays. You REALLY, REALLY, need to watch the video on this page, Strahan is obviously pretty stressed out, but I also think it speaks volumes on the media’s role in how things are portrayed.  Strahan even mentions that the media wants to put a negative slant on things just so it is news.  Hey, anything they can do to stress out the giants is fine with me.

What I’m wondering is why we haven’t heard from wonder boy, Eli Manning yet?   Manning has been noticeably absent from most of the talk surrounding the imploding G-men, which could be a good thing….or is it?  I just get the impression that the entire team is imploding on itself while they all try to protect Daddy’s boy, Eli.  Why hasn’t there been talk of Eli slipping into another late season slide….just like he did last year.  Remember, Eli started off last season on fire with a 14-5 TD/INT (and an 84 QB rating) ratio in the first 8 games, only to finish the season with a 10/12 ratio (and a 69 rating).  Manning started off this season pretty well also, with 13TD & 8 INT in his first 6 games, but has thrown 7 INT and just 4 TD in his last 5 games.  What’s the deal with Eli?  Quarterbacks usually improve with experience, but Eli seems to get worse as the games get more important.  Early in the year, he looks like his brother, standing in the pocket, making clutch throws, then as the weather gets cold he reverts back to the mistake prone, bad decision making, Eli.

I realize Eli plays on a team slam full of veteran leadership but I think he could save this sinking ship; not only with his play on the field, but with his actions in regard to the media.  I will give him credit for taking most of the blame for his mistakes (I heard him interviewed after the Jacksonville loss, he was humble) but maybe a pissed off Eli could help the team.  Maybe an Eli acting like Michael Strahan would help the New York Giants?  The way it is now, we hear everyone complain, except the man that distributes the football.  It’s almost as if Manning tries to walk a fine PR line so as not to ruffle any feathers.  That can’t be a lot of fun.  Imagine the amazement if Eli were to stand up and yell “Why doesn’t everyone just be quiet and let’s win some football games dag-on-it!”  I know I’d be surprised.
Anyway, long story short, I wonder if Eli (or his daddy) wishes he had just stayed with the Chargers.  Remember, it was SanDiego that wanted him, but Manning and his daddy made it clear that Eli wouldn’t be a Charger.  I wonder if he looks over at Mr. Efficiency, Philip Rivers, and watches L.T. scamper into the endzone 4 times a game and wonders how he got involved with this group of characters.   Come to think of it, I don’t even know what L.T. sounds like because you never hear anything out of the guy except “touchdown”.  I hear it’s warmer in SanDiego as well, and I bet the media goes a bit easier on you.  I’ve also heard that it was discovered by the Germans in 1904, and they named it SanDiego, which of course means “whale’s vagina” in German.  Stay Classy New York Giants.

Well, we’ve reached the point in the season where we start getting Thursday (and soon to be Saturday) games.  Go figure that most of us can’t watch the Baltimore at Cincinnati game tomorrow night because we don’t have the NFL Network.

This was by far the toughest game to pick of the week.  Baltimore has been playing really well the past few weeks, and Cincinnati seems to have rebounded nicely as well.  I really do wish I could watch this game, but I don’t get the NFL Network (It’s not offered by the #2 Cable Provider in America [Time Warner] because the NFL has become a greedy conglomerate) and, I’ll be attending the Hurricane’s game as they face Montreal.  Seriously, up yours NFL.  At least I could have DVR’d the thing.

Anyway, I look for a good game, I think both teams will get some offense going.  Jamal Lewis should have a nice game for the Ravens, I’m guessing over 100 and at least one TD.  Carson Palmer has been looking like the Palmer of old lately, and I believe he will win this game for the Bengals.  He had a horrible game the 1st time out vs. Baltimore, but I really don’t think he’s been 100% until the last 3-5 weeks.  I’m gonna take the Bengals, 23-20.  (When in doubt, I usually do pick the home team.)

Ravens at Bengals 

Ohio State 89 @ UNC 98

I don’t have a lot to say about this game that you don’t already know. The national media is all over Ohio State because they are young, talented, playing with out freshman sensation Greg Oden, and more than hung with UNC. I say whatever, Oden had better be the next Patrick Ewing because Ohio State shot LIGHTS OUT from 3 land. I’m not saying they aren’t good, but I don’t see them shooting 13-26 every night, and with the youth they have, I just see a lot of inconsistency on the horizon.

As for UNC, my goodness this team has a lot of weapons. The addition of Lawson at the point is helpful, but the kid better learn to hit his free throws if he wants to get big minutes. They can run, or bang, and they are deep. I believe the Heels can play just about any style of ball they like. As long as that style isn’t playing down to the competition, I think this team is hands down your ACC winner….at least.

The ACC went 3-2 in the other games tonight, taking the Challenge 8 games to 4.

NC State’s next opponent, Virginia, lost to Purdue, 61-59.

Keep an eye out for an ACC Preview over the next couple of days.

A few other names are popping up. As far as I know, Bill Cowher has not turned down the job yet either, so that pretty much blows up Adam Gold’s blog.

Here are the names in the mix currently:

Paul Johnson (Navy)- My pick if we can’t have Cowher.
Bill Cowher (Pittsburgh Steelers) Not happening
Jimbo Fisher (LSU assistant) Possible, but if Alabama wants him, he’s off the board
Norm Chow (Tennessee Titans assistant) Love to have him, but highly unlikely
David Cutcliffe (Tennessee Vol’s assistant) Has shown interest, I’d say his chances are rising.

Steve Logan His name has been “brought up” I can tell you now, NC State fans would NOT be happy with this hire. Not happening.

Submitted By Mac Deters (Special Correspondent)

I love college football, but there need to be some
rule changes to bring more consistency and fairness to
the game.

Read more

The ACC/Big-10 Challenge resumed last  night with 10 teams in action.  The ACC is off to an early 4-2 lead, with 6 games left to be played tonight, including the big Ohio St. @ UNC Game.
I’m planning on having an ACC Preview in the next couple of days.

Here are Tonights Games-

Here are the results so far-

Michigan 67 @ NCSU 74

Indiana 51 @ Duke 54

Penn St. 73 @ Georgia Tech 77

Maryland 72 @ Illinois 66

Miami (fl) 59 @ Northwestern 61

Florida St. 66 @ Wisconsin 81 

I wasn’t able to make the game last night so I gave my tickets to my neighbors, Brad and Miranda.  From what I’m seeing, the Canes played pretty bad last night, even after getting 4 days rest.  I’ll try and get a game report from Brad later this evening….that should be interesting.

Recap

This weeks NFL picks and discussion. This isn’t the best video in the world, (the quality is poor, had to upload using google, due to length, I am waiting on my “director” status via youtube) BUT this video is worth a watch if for nothing else the caller at the 12 minute mark and the stylings of the wonderful Eva J.

[googlevideo]-994547968039846942&hl[/googlevideo]
Also, after posting, I see it is hard to make out the picks, so here they are.

Baltimore 20 @ Cincinnati 23

SanFrancisco 24 @ NewOrleans 31

SanDiego 27 @ Buffalo 10

New York Jets 16 @ Green Bay 21

Minnesota 13 @ Chicago 20

Kansas City 26 @ Cleveland 10

Indianapolis 34 @ Tennessee 21

Detroit 12 @ NewEngland 26

Atlanta 10 @ Washington 9

Arizona 24 @ St. Louis 27

Jacksonville 24 @ Miami 23

Houston 14 @ Oakland 17

Tampa Bay 17 @ Pittsburgh 34

Dallas 23 @ New York Giants 17

Seattle 27 @ Denver 16

Carolina 28 @ Philadelphia 20