What Can Penn State Do To Impress The Committee?

When the rankings were announced Penn State found themselves rated 8th which is not a bad position right now. The first thing that Penn State needs is some help and the best way to get that would be Ohio State to  continue to win. This would eliminate Michigan from the playoff picture. If Michigan wins out Penn State has no chance of making the playoffs. Besides Ohio State winning they need Louisville and Washington to struggle in their remaining games. Not likely, but Penn State fans can always hope.



The other thing the Nittany Lions need is to play in the Big Ten Championship game which still is possible. A dominating performance will go a long way in swaying the committee. For Penn State there best chance is have some teams to lose and continue to win. If Ohio State loses to Michigan the Penn State Nittany Lions will just be playing in a good bowl game. They just wont be playing for a National Championship. Penn State has come a long way this season and have many things to be proud of and who knows they may make the playoffs.

Could Penn State Get Screwed By The College Football Playoff System?

Just a few weeks back nobody was talking about Penn State Football program, but now that has taken a 360 degree turn. The Nittany Lions upset the Ohio State Buckeyes and everything has changed for this program. Penn State has slowly moved up the rankings and could find themselves in the Big Ten Championship game, but will that be enough for the College Football Playoff Committee.

This could get very confusing and upsetting for Penn State fans before its all over. In the scenario that Ohio State wins there last two games just like Penn State must do the Nittany Lions win the tiebreaker. By beating the Buckeyes they would go to the Big Ten Championship game. Seems pretty simple doesn't it, but this is College Football and it is not that simple. We are talking about politics and that could put the Nittany Lions on the outside looking in. Let's look closer at this and how Penn State might be left out.

The College Football Playoff committee has said it values winning your conference championship, but even if Penn State does there record won't be as good as the Buckeyes. Ohio State will have wins over Wisconsin, Michigan, and Oklahoma on their resume. This means even though Penn State beat the Buckeyes they could find themselves not in the playoff format. Is this fair? Of course not, but we are talking about college football and sometimes the committee see's something everyone else does not.

College Football Playoff Could Get Messy In The End

When the College Football Playoff idea came around we all thought it was the answer to the BCS, but little did we know it has not solved the issues. It seems every season it has gotten worse and this year could really be a terrible mess. Let's look at some of the issues the committee could face when selection time comes. It could be tough that's for sure.

Let's start with the Big Ten as that should not be to bad of a mess for the selection committee. Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin are all still in the running for a playoff spot. Michigan is in the best spot as if they win out they will get in. Wisconsin has to have some help, but winning the Big Ten Championship could hold alot of weight as they will need to beat either Ohio State or Michigan to get it. Wisconsin is a long shot even if they win the Big Ten Championship in my opinion.

In the SEC it's Alabama to lose as all season they have been the best team in College Football. Even with a loss I could see Alabama getting in. That loss though will need to come in the SEC Championship game. Clemson is another team that is a lock if they win out rest of the season.

Right now I see Alabama, and Clemson as locks to get in which means there is two spots left. If Washington runs the table I see them getting in to the playoffs. Now after that this is where it could get interesting. I think if Ohio State or Michigan runs the table they will be the remaining team in. This means a one loss Louisville could not make it even though there one loss was a close game at Clemson. Oklahoma could be Big 12 champions but with two blowout losses they will not make it.

Now if some of these teams drop a game down the stretch there could be a lot of one loss teams. This means more teams will be in the mix. No matter how you look at it adding more teams is something that will need to be done down the road.

Cleveland Or Chicago No Matter Who Wins This World Series Is Special

The one thing baseball has been lacking in the last few years is a good storyline and the 2016 World Series has brought us plenty. We have the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians both trying to get that elusive World Series Title. Both teams have seen there share of struggles, but both now are elite teams in the MLB. Fans have waited a long time for both teams to win a championship, but only one will be able to do it.

One of the biggest things I have taken away from this world Series is how well it has been played. Both managers have used their players wisely and for the most part the pitching has been outstanding. If you like pure baseball then this World Series has been for you. It has been a long time since we have had two teams that are pretty closely matched in the Fall Classic.

The only bad thing about this Series is one team will have to lose which is a shame. Both teams deserve to win for their cities and their fans. No matter who wins it should go down as a very good World Series. I know the ratings have been good for this Fall Classic. Hopefully, this will put Baseball back up as one of the best sports to watch again. For some time it was pretty boring to watch, but thank the Indians and Cubs for baseball's revival.

Cubs And Indians Making Baseball Fun Again

Over the last few years it seems baseball has slowly lost fans and viewers, but that sure is changing right now. I'm not a fan of either the Indians Or Cubs, but have found myself watching or listening to the games on the radio. Yes, I said listening to the games on the radio as well. That part takes me back to when I use to listen to the Tigers on radio all the time with Ernie Harwell. Boy that brings back alot of memories.

Both the Cubs and Indians have struggled to get back to the World Seris, but this season both found a way back. Suffering Cubs and Indians fans are delighting in the matchup, but so are the fans of baseball. Both teams are playing the game the way it should be played. You can thank manager of  both teams along with the players. It looks like baseball is back and the real winners are the fans of the sport.

Ohio State vs Wisconsin Big Ten Championship Preview?

Wisconsin maybe the surprise of the Big Ten along with Nebraska, but Saturday Night they have a tall order in front of them. The Badgers will be hosting the Ohio State Buckeyes the No.2 team in the nation. This game could be a preview of a future Big Ten Championship game if everything falls into place for both teams. Let's take a closer look at this game and who should win it.

The Badgers have two things going for them heading into this game one is a home crowd and they are rested. Wisconsin will have a rowdy crowd to welcome the Buckeyes on Saturday Night and playing up in Wisconsin at night is not an easy thing. Many teams have seen there playoff hopes dashed in this night game. Wisconsin will also need to play ball control if they want to stay in this game. Keeping Ohio State's offense off the field will be one of the keys. Ohio State has one of the best offenses int he country and can light up the scoreboard.

Ohio State must remember to do a couple of things if they want to sneak out of Wisconsin with a valuable win. One of the first things is to not commit turnovers. If Ohio State does not protect the football they could be in for a very long night. The second thing they must do is not let the crowd noise or the aura of playing in Camp Randall Stadium effect them. If they do these things they should be fine.

Picking this game is tough, but I still like the Buckeyes in a close one 28-24. Ohio State is to good for Wisconsin right now. The skilled positions Ohio State is very good and they have an outstanding defense. I like the Buckeyes from the start of the season and so far they have proven me correct.

Michigan Could Be The Best Team In College Football

After watching Michigan play Rutgers you just have to shake your head. Yes, I will be the first to admit Rutgers is not a very good football team, and was over matched. The one thing I did take away from the game is Michigan could very well be the best team in College Football. Many people besides me are in the same kind of thinking. How good is Michigan really?

Well the one thing that makes Michigan so good is the defense. When you have a defense as good as Michigan you will be in most every game you play. This makes it so much easier on the offense and planning for games. Michigan is only giving up a little over 10 points a game. For the offense all they need to do is get two touchdowns and more times then not they will be winners. It makes it much easier for the offensive coaches as well.

No matter what anyone tells you defense wins championships and Michigan has a championship caliber defense. As long as the defense continues to play well Michigan will be a tough team to handle. The showdown with Ohio State could be the only test Michigan has this season until the playoffs roll around.

Are The Huskers For Real Or Is it Smoke And Mirrors?

When the Nebraska Cornhuskers were struggling last season many people wanted to see Mike Riley gone as coach, but what a difference a year happens to make. Nebraska lost a number close games last season, but the opposite has happened this season. Losing those close games has brought the team closer together, and coach Mike Riley has had a big part in making sure he did not lose the team.

This season the Cornhuskers have showed poise even after they made mistakes and it looked like things were going south. Give Riley and his staff credit for not giving up on this group. Another guy who has showed up big is Tommy Armstrong Jr. Last season he made alot of mistakes, but he learned from it. He has become the leader Nebraska has needed for a couple of years. How far can this group go?

In two weeks the Cornhuskers travel to play Wisconsin on the road. I feel this will give us a better gauge of how good Nebraska happens to be. Give the Cornhuskers credit they are playing good right now. Nebraska is rated No.12 and it has been a long time since fans could say that about their Cornhuskers. Only time will tell how far Nebraska can go, but at least they are headed in the right direction.

Can Nebraska Finally Get Over The Hump In The Big Ten?

I will admit I thought when Nebraska moved to the Big Ten it suited the kind of football they played, but so far it has been a bit of a rocky road. Nebraska at times have looked good, but for the most part they have looked downright horrible. Some games I will admit I was embarrassed the way they played especially against Wisconsin one year. Over the last few years there have been games that Nebraska fans have come away shaking there heads. Yes, Nebraska fans are passionate and many times they do cross the line on social media calling out coaches and players. Sometimes I wish it would not happen, but it does. Passionate fans is something Nebraska football is all about. Now back to the question can Mike Riley and the Nebraska Cornhuskers get over the hump this year?

Tommy Armstrong will be the key this season once again. I am hoping over the spring and summer he has worked on his decision making skills. Many times he made mistakes that cost Nebraska games because he was trying to do to much. With that said Armstrong also has the heart of a lion as well. He will give you all he has on every play. You really cannot ask any more of a player. I am critical of Tommy Armstrong at times, but I will take him any day of the week. He just needs to make better decisions with the ball this coming season.

I like the offense has they should be able to score points with the talent returning and what is coming in to the program. What worries me the most is the defense. We need a defense that can get stops when needed and that was not the case last season. Hopefully the defense will get better and the Blackshirts will be back. Can they get over the hump? The answer is yes if they get good play and some breaks go there way. This season the Big Ten will be tough, but with the right leadership on the team they will be very competitive this coming season.

Are You Ready For Some Football Cleveland Browns Fans?

Most Cleveland Browns fans will tell you they cannot wait for the season to start, but isn't it that way every season. The Browns are hoping a new serious coach in Hue Jackson will turn things around for them. Cutting Johnny Manziel should help as there should be alot less distractions to deal with which is a good thing. Hue Jackson is a no nonsense guy that wants you to come to work and be prepared. He is fair with everyone, but if you get in his doghouse that is not a good thing. He did help get the Raiders going in the right direction which is no small feat.

August 12, 2016 the Browns will head to Green Bay to take on the Packers which should be interesting to say the least. Both teams will play alot of players and this is something that is normal in a preseason football game. I will be looking at several things in the first game. One of the things I want to see is how many mistakes the Browns make. I know this is the first game, but you do not want to see alot of mistakes. Preseason mistakes can translate to regular season mistakes and you do
 not want that to happen.

One of the most important things to watch will be the quarterback play. RGIII is being groomed to be the started, but nothing is guaranteed. Every quarterback will be given a chance, but in the end the one who moves the team and makes the less mistakes will win out. No matter whom it may be the Browns need someone they can count on. I will admit I have no idea who the starter will be, so we will just have to watch and see what happens.

This is what is great about the NFL you never know what could happen. A player many people never heard of could come out of nowhere to be the starter. This years Browns team should be fun to watch. I just hope Hue Jackson can do what he did in Oakland and that is turn the team into an competitive team week after week. If he does that Browns fans should be very happy.

Kevin Durant Decides To Take Easy Route And Play For Golden State Warriors

Well I must admit I never thought Kevin Durant would leave the Oklahoma City Thunder and take the easy way out. In the years with the Thunder he would say how he loved playing for the fans and he loved the small town atmosphere in Oklahoma City. I guess that was really just talk, as he bolted for the Golden State Warriors. Was this  good move or one that kills his legacy as a player?

Many people keep saying it won't make a difference, but I have to disagree with that analogy. Going to Golden State is the easy way out and it will hurt his legacy. Lebron James legacy was not cemented until he came back to Cleveland and led  the team to the NBA Championship. Durant is going to a team that has already won a championship. His contribution will not be valued as much because Golden State was already the early favorite to win anyways.

Durant has disappointed a lot of people by his decision, but it will be one he must live with down the road. I think staying in Oklahoma would have been the best move, but only time will tell on that one. Russell Westbrook now becomes the man in OKC and they are still going to be a good team. Durant will be hated forever in OKC, but it was his choice and in my opinion not a wise one.

Is Lebron James A Coach Killer?

When David Blatt was fired as the Cleveland Cavaliers coach many people were scratching their heads. Why do you fire a coach that has his team with the best record in the East Conference? Many people think Lebron James had something to do with it. Is Lebron James a coach killer? Let's take a closer look at James and his role in all of this.

Now David Blatt was not the best coach in the world. There have been many stories how he was confused with the American game and understanding defense and matchups. This maybe true, but James and his camp was never happy with Blatt. It was a surprise to me when the Cavaliers retained him after the first season. James and his camp wanted a changed, but did not force one in season one.

The relationship between Blatt and James got worse in season two and I think the Cavaliers could see that and decided a changed needed to be made. No matter what anyone says publicly James wields a lot of power still in Cleveland. James may not have asked for the firing directly, but I'm sure management was warned about James displeasure with Blatt.

James a coach killer? Maybe not in that sense, but James has a lot of power in Cleveland. The writing was on the wall and Blatt days were numbered. We may never know what influence James had on the decision, but for James coach killer will now follow him.