Monday, November 7, 2011

New-look Cats push past Valpo, 73-64

Kyle Fogg had 16 points and Jesse Perry had a double-double as the Cats took the first step forward into the post-Derrick Williams era. Sean Miller's new squad of young talent must depend on the two seniors if they want to continue the success Miller established last season. Valparaiso closed within two at half-time but the Cats played great basketball coming into the second half. The Cats finished the game weak but the outcome was inevitable.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Vic-Torrey. Baltimore completes sweep, win 23-20

Torrey Smith had an awful start to the SNF match-up against the division rival Steelers: he was called for holding to negate a Ray Rice opening play TD and he dropped a would-be game winner. Smith finally found his redemption when he caught the actual game winning touchdown. The Steeler defense crumbled on the last drive and Joe Flacco shined, proving that Baltimore is the true top-dog in the AFC North.

Super Bowl XLII Rematch: same result, Giants win

The rematch of Super Bowl XLII was almost like the actual game that took place in Glendale, AZ 2008. The Patriots were favorites, Manning was being criticized, Brady was on a hot-streak, and even the uniform colors were the same. The first three quarters had virtually no scoring but things blew open in the 4th quarter. Brady threw to Gronkowski to put the Pats up 20-17 late in the 4th, but Manning was given the ball back with little time left. Manning had a tremendous throw and catch to #85, but it wasn't Tyree it was Ballard. A few plays later, Manning threw a jump ball to the corner of the end zone to Ballard as time expired. Can you say Dejá vu? Giants won 24-20 and the Patriots lose control of the AFC East.

Cardinals snap losing streak, beat Rams 19-13 OT

Cards fans haven't had too much to cheer about this season. An opening win to the Panthers followed by six demoralizing losses isn't fun for any football team, but emotions ran high on Sunday as the Cardinals snapped their losing streak. After tying the game at 13 all, the Cardinals had chances to win the game in regulation, but they surrendered the ball to St. Louis. Sam Bradford led a drive to set up a 42-yard FG at the end of regulation, but Calais Campbell blocked the Josh Brown attempt and the game went to OT. The Rams had a short offensive series and punted the ball to Patrick Peterson. The rookie out of LSU would return the kick 99 yards for the walk-off win as Arizona moves to 3rd in the NFC West. There isn't much left for the team to do this season since the 49ers are 7-1, but Arizona can work towards the future and give a few more starts to John Skelton instead of an injured Kevin Kolb.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Game of the Century? Yes, LSU knocks off Bama, 9-6 OT

In a classic gridiron duel, #1 LSU at #2 Bama was the greatest game of the 21st century. The game was a brawl between the two best defenses in the nation, but LSU created more mistakes and Bama committed more mistakes, leaving the Tigers at #1 in the nation. Bama went 2-6 on Field Goals, missing a crucial attempt in OT. LSU capitalized nd kicked their own Field Goal to leave Tuscaloosa with a huge win. Though the game wasn't an offensive showdown, the defenses definitely showed up. LSU will look to remain #1 as they're in control for another National Championship berth in New Orleans.

#3 Oklahoma State Cowboys avoid upset to #17 KSU, 52-45

With a #3 rank and a 1 and 2 match-up on the same day, Oklahoma State looked to take the 2 spot with a win against a declining and over-rated Kansa State team coming into Stillwater. But the truth is, it's college football. KSU is not over-rated and they gave OSU everything they could handle. The Pokes jumped out to an early 14 point advantage but the Wildcats leaped out to take a 10 point lead. Brandon Weeden and his Cowboys eventually regained a 10 point lead. Collin Klein led K-State to within the 3 of OSU with a couple of seconds left, but the Cats came up short of forcing OT. Oklahoma State will jump to #2 and remain as the Big 12's only undefeated team.

Top 10 match-up? No problem for the Hogs

The Gamecocks of South Carolina controlled their own destiny in the SEC East, until they set foot in Fayatteville. Bobby Petrino's #8 Razorbacks romped the #10 Gamecocks by a score of 44-28 as Georgia takes control of the SEC East. The game looked to be an offensive showdown, but Spurrier's offense was outplayed by Arkansas'. The Hogs probably won't make the Sugar Bowl like last year, but it sure feels good to deny another team that opportunity.