HAPPY BUT DUH! by ST

The word just came down that LeMichael James will return to play for the Ducks next season. Awesome news. Not even 1% surprising. That's right, I've harped for weeks that he's coming back because leaving to become a 3rd or 4th round NFL pick with their hovering labor issues is pretty much stupid and LMJ is obviously a wise young man. I'm as big a fan of #21 as the next guy, but being an NFL junkie he's not a lock to get a lot of playing time at the next level. He would be the lightest feature back by about 10 pounds. In order to become a viable pro threat I believe LeMike will have to put his pass catching talents on display and maybe show he can return punts or kicks. Pleased he'll be a part of the backfield seeking a Pac 10 three-peat but I truly never doubted it.
How about the Black Knights of the Hudson winning their first bowl in a quarter century taking down SMU 16-14. Army runs it, alot. Their quarterback Trent Steelman put it up 6 times with 1 completion the first 58 minutes and 12 seconds of the game. On 3rd and 4 he connected with David Brooks to ice the thing and end in victory formation. Gotta see some irony in one of the rare, true scholar/athlete football programs representing the U.S Military Academy beating the one program we've seen hit with the Death Penalty during this generation. Talk about a contrast! It's a beautiful thing, and more importantly, made my dad happy. He called me here at the station the minute the game ended.
We'll be talking Blazers on the program today at 5pm with Jason Quick of the Oregonian, plus your continued memories of Mac Court as well as our usual m/o.

MINIMALLY CLOTHED EMPEROR by ST

I really wish a politician or any public figure would just come out and say it. Once! Is the truth really that hard? Does it allow for that life altering moment when we peek behind the curtain and things just ain't the same from that point forward? The NCAA is claiming, via it's website, that no favoritism was played in allowing Cam Newton to play for Auburn as well as the merry pranksters at Ohio State. My kingdom for a polygraph machine and international TV audience. On Crunchtime/Sportstalk today we hook these clowns up and ask the questions. So if 5 Florida International players were discovered to have sold their gear in violation of NCAA rules they would have played against Toledo in the Little Caesar's Bowl? You can't tell, but I just fell out of my chair laughing and had to dust off the shirt and refill my doggies water bowl after that. Why can't someone in authority just say they think we're morons, will do and follow what ever they put in front of us and have zero respect for what fans prefer or think. It's the truth, like it or not.
Found myself in hysterics over the new lead story on ESPN's site(it's 11am). Brett Farve has been hit with a 50K fine for failure to cooperate in the texting investigation. This is completely surprising. He's usually so in tune with what other's want and not at all self absorbed. Same goofball who has to have coaches and players literally fly to where he is and pretty much physically take him from Mississippi each summer to football camp. Brett Farve is the reason legal eagles can issue subpoenas. You might not want to come to our hearing, but the law says you must. Curious to see how many of you think he's actually tainted his legacy. Guy has stones the size of Autzen, never misses a game, yet many view him as a diva or drama queen. How odd is that?
Want to thank the Vikings for last night's performance and victory over the Eagles. Minny interim coach Leslie Frazier and his defensive people concocted a sweet design to limit the Philly rush, keep the dog killer in the pocket and clamp down with incredible effectiveness. They held the Iggle offense to just one TD over the games final 3 1/2 quarters. Lot of corner blitzes, at times they went after #7 up the gut, but he was spied and contained most of the night. So if the Bears win at Lambeau on Sunday they grab that NFC #2 seed and bye. Beyond my obvious desire to see the idiot Jets make a Super Bowl run, my second choice is to NOT have Philadelphia have success. Not sure I can stomach that swine celebrating the ultimate accomplishment in pro football. I will declare myself a huge fan of the "other" 5 NFC playoff teams.

STANDING CORRECTED by ST

Don't you hate when someone puts their brain on hold and fires off some idea that turns out to be pretty idiotic at the core. I enter a guilty plea when it comes to this whole business about postponing the Sunday NFL game between the Vikings and Eagles at Philly. I felt the PA gov was dead on pointing out what a wussified decision it was over a mere snowstorm. Turns out the weather was beyond severe and with the airport canceling flights left and right the situation would have graduated into a logistical nightmare and flat out been unsafe for fellow citizens. With the dust and snow settled, now we have an NFL game on a Tuesday night which is pretty cool. Go Minny!
How about Seton Hall hooper Jeremy Hazell surviving getting shot Christmas Night? Was heading into where he lives when 4 muggers approached him and threatened to shoot him if he didn't sit down. He took off running, and of the 4 shots fired in his direction, one found the mark. Fortunately it was a through and through, he flagged down an ambulance and is okay. Might miss the rest of the season, but that seems insignificant now.
Following the disastrous ending at Golden State on Saturday night, the Blazers showed some nice resolve in winning at Salt Lake City, always a difficult facility for a road team to emerge victorious in. LeMarcus Aldridge continues to step up as THEE guy with Brandon Roy out. Had a tremendous 4th quarter on both ends of the floor. Another solid all around game for Andre Miller who in college helped Utah make it all the way to the NCAA title game falling to Kentucky. He scored 17 points, dished out 6 assists and added 3 steals. Portland avoided falling below the .500 mark and face another tough test at Denver this evening, a 6 o'clock tip off.
All week long on Crunchtime/Sportstalk we will continue to share memories of Mac Court as the games at the legendary Pit wind down to a precious few.

FOOTBALL = WEATHER by ST

As I got my Sunday rolling and flipped on the radio, one of the first things I heard was possibly postponing Vikings/Eagles because of snow. Really? Didn't see that possibility in the Northeast in late December? Knowing the Philly fans whose beloved "Iggles" are in the hunt, they'd hire Nanook of the North to make it to the Link for this game. Not to mention they have a terrific public transportation system(SEPTA-South East Pennsylvania Transit Authority) having used it quite frequently my 2 years there. Are you telling me the circumstances from a fan danger point of view wasn't more severe in Minnesota last week when the game switched from indoors to outdoors? Really odd.
Anyone else find the 5 Buckeye players getting suspended for about 40% of the season for making a few hundred dollars out of balance considering we're pretty much convinced Cam Newton & his family sold his services for 180 grand? I'm actually happy he's playing to avoid the immediate taint clouding the BCS title game, but at the same time I can't imagine this ends without Auburn having the 2010 season erased for using an ineligible player!
I'm with Chip Kelly, I don't buy into "messages", but the effort and result on Xmas day with the Heat torching the Lakers at LA was audible. I'm mentioned before my hope that Miami makes a legit NBA Championship run for all those goofballs who went so far overboard in their hatred of LeBron James. He certainly misfired on "the decision", but made one of the most pathetic, loser pro franchises relevant and was leaving because Cleveland is not a dream destination. Played out his contract and left as a free agent. Stop the presses.
The Oregon men hoopers begin Pac 10 play on Thursday and the visit from the Arizona schools represents the final 2 games in program history at Mac Court. Wow! Even seems odd seeing it written.

THAT'LL LEARN YA by ST

So the NCAA has suspended 5 Buckeyes including Terrelle Pryor and one of his top weapons, Devier Posey for the first five games of the 2011 season. Hmm. If only there was a way to dole out a severe, message sending punishment this season, like an upcoming major bowl game. The decision was handed down from the NCAA, not thee Ohio State University. My guess is coach Jim Tressell or AD Gene Smith could have insisted the goofballs sit for the Sugar Bowl, but decided against it. What a joke! How much cash you want to lay down Pryor & Posey simply enter the NFL draft and side step the entire issue. Pryor is on the hook for the $2500 or so he got from selling stuff like his 2008 Big 10 Championship ring. Also nabbed for receiving improper benefits, leading rusher Dan Herron, starting left tackle Mike Adams and a key D-Line rotation guy in Solomon Thomas. Think having them sit would impact the game against Arkansas on January 1st??
It was a sweat-out, but I gave you Boise State laying the 17 in last night's Vegas Bowl. The interesting aspect of betting these games is you view the scoreboard differently than the average fan. I'm thinking at 26-3 when Utah got the ball back on their own 44 with 8:49 left that BSU is going max prevent. That added up to a gimme, meaningless TD, what my buddies and I refer to as "the late cheapie" to make it 26-10 sticking it to us by a point. When Terrence Cain was stuffed on a 4th down play, jubilation rang out in the Tannen household. Amazing how happy you can get over 50-bucks!
No question we're going list crazy on today's programming. My favorite stories, people and moments of 2010. Have a Merry Christmas!

TOUGH NIGHTS AHEAD by ST

Tough loss at home for Oregon last night(Tue). It's important to remain optimistic with a new regime running the show but it was Idaho. I'd cite a loss to Portland during the Elite 8 run of 2002, but I don't think that's an accurate comparison. This is simply not a very good shooting team and obviously they lack the size inside to overcome that by hammering the rock down low for higher percentage shots. I'd say with the coaching, the effort and just as key, the apparent coachability of the current roster a complete disaster can be averted. That said, there will be some rough stretches as Pac 10 play begins after a break a week from Thursday at The Pit against Arizona. I figured the Ducks were a lock for last in league. Then I saw how much Oregon State has struggled. When USC lost to Rider early in the year I thought the Trojans were vulnerable but they've posted rock solid wins versus ranked teams(Texas & Tennessee) and nearly knocked off then #3 Kansas. Stanford isn't great but they tore apart the same Virginia team who dusted Oregon without their best player by 21. Plus the Cardinal can throw out a pretty big front line. The jury is out on Cal. They posted a nice win against #20 Temple in game 3 and we'll learn more about them tonight when they host Kansas. Washington is really strong, the Cougs buried Idaho, took out Gonzaga and have just one loss, by 5 to that excellent Kansas State team. Sean Miller has Arizona on the rise with a stud sophomore Derrick Williams and a 10 man rotation. ASU is tough to get a read on as they've beaten no one and have lost to each major conference team they've played like Baylor & St. Johns as well as a 9 & 1 New Mexico team plus a home loss to Richmond. I'm thinking the Ducks might scratch out an 8th place finish at best. That final game at Mac Court, Arizona State on New Year's Day could be a key in setting the tone for their Pac 10 season.
I know some of these pre-Christmas Bowl Games are hard to get pumped for but last night's Louisville win over Southern Miss was pretty entertaining with the Cardinals taking it 31-28. You've got to love the oddsmakers. Had UL a 2 1/2 point favorite with the over/under at 60! This is why they build all those nice places in Vegas. I think Boise State will ruin Utah tonight. I'm saying lay every one of those 17 points. I do not buy into the theory the Broncos are disappointed from missing out on a major after that heartbreaking loss to Nevada. If they were playing a lesser program, maybe, but the Utes are joining the Pac 10 and you just sense Chris Peterson views this as another proving ground. It's the final game for those 2 terrific senior wide outs Austin Pettis and Titus Young along with all purpose performer Jeremy Avery. Plus I think BSU's defense will do well against the talented but erratic Ute QB Jordan Wynn.

WANTED: LARGER MANTLE by ST

Chip Kelly had a really nice career designing offenses for New Hampshire. Now he's operating at a whole new level. He's going to need a bunch more space on that mantle in the den for all the hardware he's accumulating since the Civil War put the Ducks in the BCS title game. The latest trophy will read "AP Coach of the Year". Too many to mention, but that really cool looking crystal bowl would make a lovely addition to the Casanova case. Kelly won relatively convincingly in this latest vote garnering 24 of the 55 first place votes. His Auburn counterpart, Gene Chizik was second with 17. Well done!
In case you didn't think Brett Farve got more than his share of coverage, the Bears won the game, clinched the NFC North yet the headline on ESPN was also a share. Bears win division, knock out Farve.
Another NFL story had a goofy intro. "McNabb feels disrespected by benching". Duh! Was he supposed to read getting dropped behind Rex Grossman as a vote of confidence? I'm all for talking things through, but this deal with every guy going on radio and sharing their "feelings" is getting to be a bit of a turn off. Man up, you stunk and got benched. End of conversation!
Duck men get back to work tonight at the Pit versus Idaho. The Vandals have had some awful moments this season bottoming out with a 75-33 loss at Montana. They've already made one venture into Pac 10 country getting dusted 88-71 at Pullman. Like Oregon, they're not very deep. For historians, this is the final non-league men's basketball game at Mac Court. Wow!

I THOUGHT WE WERE FRIENDS by ST

For more than a decade I've been harping on the importance of sharing good information with each other. That includes sports, movies, great TV, comedy, all of it. Last night at 9pm I was goofing around with the tube on and a rerun of The Family Guy was on. I'd never seen it. It was their spoof on "Star Wars". I lost my mind laughing for an hour. Between my son and some of you, I'm very disappointed you didn't insist this was must see viewing. Absolutely brilliant. A bit insane for sure, but really clever and completely hysterical.
How New York Giants special teams coordinator Tom Quinn still has his job today is nothing short of water into wine miraculous. With the game tied and :12 left he allows his rookie punter Matt Dodge to kick the ball to DeSean Jackson. Perhaps not every NFL fan is aware of how stupid that is, but I know every Pac 10 fan and especially Oregon fans are in tune with the absolute horror that loomed. Naturally DJ took it to the house for the win. Literally you'd prefer the punter kick it backwards, sideways or take a knee. This was 7 1/2 minutes after the Gmen got caught napping on a "here it comes" onsides kick. Oh the horror!
I know it was on Friday, but the Oregon men getting beat at Virginia represents the cautionary tale of this season. Whether it be proper ball movement or outright accuracy, this team needs to shoot a good percentage because their lack of height will cause issues on the boards. The numbers were close to even, but 3 of 19 from three point land is nearly impossible to overcome. They also got to the free throw line just 9 times. Don't forget, the Cavs played without their best player Mike Scott who suddenly underwent arthroscopic surgery on his ankle and were coming off a 10 day layoff. I'm really encouraged by what we've seen from Dana Altman's charges, but there will be some rough nights for sure. Just gotta hang in and realize his capability of building something special.

PLEASE DEFINE "INSULT" by ST

I've been insulted. You've been insulted. For heaven's sake we've sat around knocking back cold ones and the entire conversation was based on cutting each other up. I don't recall offers of substantial dollars to play a game coming into play. San Francisco Giant's part time shortstop Edgar Rentaria says the team disrespected him by putting a million dollar, 1 year contract in front of him. We know he hit the go ahead homer in the deciding game against Texas this past October to win the world series. He's had a nice career. He missed 90 games. They signed the much more productive Miguel Tijada to play the position every day. The year before, 2009, he hit 5 homers, drove in 48 runs and batted a whopping .250. The Giants have paid him 18 million dollars over the past 2 seasons. He's earned more than 80-mill during his career. He's not the one who should be insulted.
The NFL's 3rd to last week of the regular season got rolling with a snoozer as the Chargers kept their post season hopes alive by punishing the 49ers. I thought Frisco was going to win the West and ridiculously, they still might, but they're a disappointment. I think coach Mike Singletary is gone. In the biggest game of the year, they could barely make a 1st down or make a defensive stop. Brutal. The Bolts could win out and still miss the post season at 10 & 6 and be the hottest team this side of the Patriots in the NFL.
Amazing story of the day. Tom Fenton lives just north of New York City. He coaches hockey. In 2009 he was a goalie who won one of his 14 starts at a small school in Massachusettes. Phoenix was in NY to play the Rangers. Their starter was hurt. They needed a back-up. His phone rang. On the other end was the Coyotes director of scouting who told Fenton they needed him to get to Madison Square Garden and suit up as their emergency netminder. He arrived, warmed up but never got in. Can't make this stuff up.
Bowl season begins tomorrow. Gotta admit, I'm kind of looking forward to catching some college action. Nice way to ease in, prep for the holidays and take our minds off the monster layoff before the BCS title game.
Very pumped for a Sunday chock full of NFL. Jags at Colts, Chiefs at Rams, Eagles at Giants, Saints at Baltimore. All 10 am games where both teams are in the playoff hunt. After last week's terrible slate, this is a beautiful thing. Enjoy your weekend.

NAMES THAT SURFACE by ST

A few days ago we learned Bob Feller had taken a turn for the worse. He's one of those guys who faced Gherig, was a peer of Dimaggio but was still around. His name would come up accompanied by grainy old film when the latest fireballer would make the show. Probably the most famous shot was his throwing a pitch with a motorcycle racing the ball which times out as the first to hit 100 miles per hour. In 1984 his mug appeared frequently as we were introduced to the Mets Dwight Gooden. Feller was the guy, like Ted Williams and others who actually lived the life John Wayne played in movies. A great athlete who put the glove down to serve during World War II. One of the more astonishing facts was his dominance as a kid. He made the bigs at age 17. He'd posted a 20 win season before the age of 21. 2 days after the bombs fell at Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the Navy. He was the first major leaguer to enlist! I always admired his hard line stance on Pete Rose. Feller had a screw him attitude. He will be missed.
Did you see the end of Knicks/Celtics last night. Four-tenths of a second left. Boston up by a deuce. Amare Stoudamire takes the inbound at the top of the 3 point circle. Actually takes the time to square up and launch the prayer. Makes it, but about a second after the final buzzer. What a moron! Dude, catch and release as quickly as possible. He needs a lesson with Derek Fisher.
After a very sluggish first half, the Blazers made a run but came up light at Dallas. No answer down the stretch for Dirk Nowitzki. Quick side note, I heard Mavs owner Mark Cuban on the radio today. Actually mentioned Dirk in the same breath as Larry Bird. Knucklehead! Not a dynamic finish for Andre Miller who coughed it up twice in the final minute and a half but Nowitzki was not to be denied draining 4 huge buckets the final 2 1/2 minutes. Portland now returns home for 3 starting with the Timberwolves tomorrow. Gotta get things moving in a positive direction.
By the way. Michael Vick says he'd like to own a dog someday. Why can't crazed, homicidal maniacs ever target someone like this? I'd chip in for the defense attorney's bill.

GETTING PAST THE LATEST OUTFIT by ST

Been taking a fair share of calls about Oregon's football uniforms. They've been called more Oakland Raider like than Duck like. Where are the school colors? I've heard it all and it's getting really boring. Let's get this straight, if you're older that 18 and not a possible recruit or current player no one cares about your opinion. The kids love the whole fashion show so deal with it! When I went to log onto my hotmail account this morning, the MSN page opened and halfway down the page was a link to a story where you could "see Oregon's uniforms for the BCS Title game"! You can't pay for that kind of publicity. The whole fuddy-duddy routine is boring. Whining about the Duck uniforms is now officially in the category of "turn down that rock and roll" or "I hate night games". You don't like the colors, don't buy the gear, go green and yellow. I was with you....like 3 years ago when I read about recruits overwhelmingly loving how the Ducks were decked out in different get-ups for just about every game. That's the trump card so do yourselves a favor and stop banging your head against the wall and move on! FYI, there is a story on Page 2 of ESPN's site by Paul Lukas that asks what you think of the UO unis that will be on display for the championship game against Auburn.
I just read that a brawl broke out during Hulk Hogan's wedding. It happened between a security guard and a member of the paparazzi. I could not help but be amazed that anyone still cared what happened to this clown. Still, would have been nice to see the loser with the camera body slammed!
Trailblazers at Dallas is the 2nd half of the ESPN double header this evening. Portland has suddenly become drama central. Are Brandon Roy and Andre Miller getting along? Has the team tuned out coach McMillian? Is it time to make a few moves and go back to the drawing board? Legit questions all. This team is a game below .500 and seems to get stuck in neutral offensively at the most inopportune times. They have 8 games left in calendar year 2010, 4 at home and 4 on the road. After the Mavs tonight, they have 3 in a row at the Rose Garden against the Twolves, Warriors and Bucks. In order these teams sport 1, 3 and 3 wins on the road. I think we'll learn alot about the direction of the Trailblazers during that stretch. Stay tuned.

SHOUTING OUT WITH G-LEE! by ST

So the Phillies sneak under the radar and grab Cliff Lee from the Rangers and the evil clutches of the Yankees. I was glad New York failed because this knee jerk reaction of always pursuing a big ticket free agent to solve problems doesn't guarantee anything. The recent run of success came via the mix. Draft picks, the occasional trade and sure, when you're filthy wealthy, sign a stud. I feel for Texas. This is not a franchise traditionally in the mix or even the post season and Lee was their big gun that gave them the edge in the West and made them a legit player in the AL. Plus I really like Nolan Ryan and what he's doing in Arlington. He, along with Orel Hersheiser are promoting the end of babying pitchers. We'll all hear ad-nauseum what this means for the Phils rotation and shot at returning to the World Series in 2011. No great teams in the NL. They're a huge favorite without a doubt.
Really like how the Oregon men just rolled over their opponent last night. Make no mistake, I had this vision leading up to the season of them struggling to put away lesser teams but they're better than expected. They shot well, but more than the percentage, it's the quality of shots they're getting. In the 1st half, 11 of their 15 buckets came via the assist which is a tremendous ratio signifying outstanding ball movement and decision making. Things get a bit more difficult at the John Paul Jones arena against ACC member Virginia. We'll have more Cavs/Ducks talk as the week moves along, but UVA at 6 & 3 has beaten #17 Minnesota and Oklahoma with losses to Pac 10 foes Washington and Stanford. Interesting.
If you want tickets to the Arizona State game on New Years day, get into our drawing by signing up to become a member of The Score Skybox Club on our website. Visit www.953thescore.com. We will announce a winner in the 5 o'clock hour today. Good luck!

NEEDING A BATH by ST

I doubt it, but I'm putting it out there anyway. Was I the only one who felt dirty watching the Heisman presentation Saturday night? For the record, I tuned in for the last 10-12 minutes only. When I first saw Cam Newton in front of the camera after his dazzling 2nd half performance to beat South Carolina the first time in late September I was impressed. Seemed at ease, let his play do the talking, great smile, hell of a player. Now I see him as a snake oil salesman. Let's play bottom line. I think he knew what daddy Cecil was up to and wanted the cash to play. I'm not naive to think he's unique, but I'm hopeful enough to wish he didn't represent the rule. The whole thing stinks to high heaven.
The Eagles beat the Cowboys in Sunday night football. After the final gun, Dallas running back Tashard Choice got an autograph for his nephew from the murdering scum bag Michael Vick. Not sure what's more nauseating, getting an opponents signature or passing along one from a psychopath evil pig to a child.
I have a theory about the NFL. I count the Ravens, Steelers, Patriots, Saints and maybe Atlanta as Super Bowl contenders. Look at what happened to the Bears yesterday and the Jets the past 2 weeks. Talk about frauds! You can have the other 27 teams and that includes Philly with a very suspect defense. A buddy and I caught the better part of most of yesterday's games and we shook our heads at the lack of snap or quality. Considering the departure of college football I was looking forward to some great pro action. What a DUD!
I'm starting to get excited about college basketball season. Tennessee winning at Pitt on Saturday was pretty entertaining. Compared to the NFL yesterday, it was Duke/Kentucky from 92!

PRAISE OR A SLAP? by ST

The Urban Meyer resignation has sent some shockwaves around football, both college and pro. When a substantial gig like the head coaching position at Florida opens up, someone is losing a coach. I'd be surprised if it wasn't Dan Mullen who worked for Meyer as Offensive Coordinator for 4 seasons before taking the Mississippi State job prior to 2009. That said, I'm getting really tired of guys like Meyer's using the "spend time with family" excuse. Am I alone? Those of us who bust our buns working and raising a family, find time to be a good husband or dad? We don't have the luxury of quitting with several million in the bank. I also don't want to hear about his responsibilities or time constraints. It's freaking football. Personally I'd vote for "Slap"!
I'm certainly not on the Brett Farve bandwagon, but I just heard Jenn Sterger's manager Phil Reese on the Dan Patrick show. Patrick asked how her career is going. Career? What career? Does she put "professional bimbo" on her resume. If Farve in fact sent those revealing texts, he's a pig and I hope his wife dumps him. He's a selfish, phony child anyway who should not be cavorting with a woman like that when he's married so his true character has been exposed either way. But no question, this is Sterger's 15 minutes.
The Oregon men's basketball team gets back at it Saturday night with Willamette at the Pit for a 7 o'clock tip off. We will speak with assistant Kevin McKenna tomorrow morning at 8:35 on KUGN's Ducktalk show at the Gateway I.H.O.P. If you want the chance to win tickets to see this and games all year long moving from Mac Court to Matt Knight Arena go to our website, www.953thescore.com and become a member of our Score Skybox Club. We will give away a pair of tickets on today's show for the Saturday game. Good luck.

ODD CONCEPT by ST

30 years ago tonight I was watching Monday Night Football with the legendary crew of Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell and Dandy Don Meredith. Patriots & Dolphins, big AFC East battle. My 15 year old sister was supposedly asleep in her room, but she frequently kept her radio on. She came in, bleary eyed and said she thought she heard that John Lennon had been shot. What? It made no sense. Political figures or world leaders were assasinated, not rock stars. Then Howard Cosell stopped the action on ABC to verify the horrifying news. I still haven't wrapped my brain around it. Why this vermin we learned was Mark David Chapman would develop this violent obsession with the ultimate man of peace. What the hell kind of society breeds this kind of dirt? I'd say I'm just as angry on 12-8-2010 as I was on 12-8-1980. R.I.P John Winston Lennon.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER by ST

Listening to all the BCS coverage, NFL football, NBA, ect. and I'm wondering who folks think are the best and worst. No qualifications or limitations. If the broadcaster is national or network, they're fair game. They can do play by play, color commentary, radio, TV studio work, give me your 3 best and the trio you'd like to throw down with.
The firing of Josh McDaniels in Denver seems like the poster move for the modern, information age generation. An owner like Pat Bowlen who ran a very stable franchise, went outside the Bronco circle to pull in a Bill Belichick desciple. Didn't last 2 years. Too much at stake. Too many missteps? The days of a 3-4 or 5 year program are a distant memory. Gotta make a move now or you're history.
People are making too much of this Patriot dusting of the Jets. New York could very easily be 5 & 7. They won games late against the Browns, Lions, Texans and ironically the Broncos that don't happen in other seasons. New England is coming together with a very young defense and a cohesive offense. This is far from etched in stone, but I see the Steelers at Pats for the AFC title and the Dixie battle between the Saints and Falcons in the NFC.
How about the NBA. Think people jump to knee jerk conclusions? Heat are now 14 & 8 with Miami Thrice starting to gel. How folks hit the pro hoop panic button in November is nothing short of idiotic. The East is not great. The freaking Knicks are making a move. Talk to me on February 1st before you draw any serious thoughts about Lebron, Dwade & this team, especially as they heal up. Definitely keep an eye on the Bulls. Just got Carlos Boozer back and they just beat the excellent Oklahoma City team with CB putting up 29 pts & grabbing 12 boards. After a stop in Cleveland tomorrow they host the Lakers Friday night. Early season can't miss NBA.
Okay, time to give away some loot. E-mail the correct answer to stevetannen@live.com or text it to 653-3098. The Ducks have played in 2 BCS games, the win versus Colorado and last year's loss to Ohio State. Combined they've scored a total of 7 touchdowns. How many were via the run, how many via the pass? Good luck!

SO GOOD, SO RARE by ST

This is really sweet. I was crunching some numbers. The 1st BCS title was held in January of 99. Including the 2 participants from this year, that means 26 slots. Auburn and Oregon become the 13th and 14th programs to vie for the prize. It's a very repative, select club. Of the previous 12 to qualify, only Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Alabama and Nebraska have made one appearance. Of the rest, Texas, Miami, USC, LSU and Florida went twice. Florida State and thee Ohio State University made the biggie three times and Oklahoma four! It's one of those moments or accomplishments which seperates. We've spoken many times over the years about where Oregon football stands. The clear upgrade from the early 90's, through the Harrington years to where they are now. By making back to back BCS bowls the Ducks join conversations that once seemed unattainable.
How about Dana Altman and this basketball team? You don't want to get too far ahead of yourselves, but how can you not be encouraged? I was a huge supporter of the Kent regime and still feel he deserved a shot to open the new arena, but that doesn't mean Coach Altman isn't a terrific hire. They're very different people and with the multiple Elite 8 appearances, the bar is set pretty up there but this guy seems to be outstanding with those x's & o's. A knowledgable buddy of mine uses the phrase "nuts & bolts". I like how his offense gets the ball inside for high percentage shots and the players appear to be very willing to absorb what Altman is saying. My personal level of optimism has grown substantially in recent weeks.
On today's shows we continue the share the joy, take your calls, and of course culminate CrunchTime with another edition of "What Are You Doing?"

DESTINATION ETCHED IN STONE

THEY'RE GOING NATTY!

IT'S HERE by ST

So how high on the list is playing for the right to play for a national title in the sport that has become America's passion? And I'm talking in the history of the Pacific Northwest. Up there with the Blazers winning it all in 77 or making the NBA Finals in 90 & 92? Winning the Fiesta Bowl in 2001. Seattle has had minimal success. No World Series, one Super Bowl, one NBA title in 79. Do National Titles in sports like Track & Field or College Baseball rate? I'm thinking this rates with any of them. I'll be looking for your input on this when we crank it up for our two local shows starting at 3pm.
Absolutely must acknowledge the passing of longtime Cubbie 3rd baseman, Ron Santo. I've had issues with those who vote for baseball's Hall of Fame the past decade or so because ballotteers have become self righteous, Sabre-metric twits. Santo should be in no question. The numbers he put up must be properly evaluated and these morons have bricked for way, way too many years. The years he was driving in more than 100 and knocking out 30+dingers were during the most dominating pitching era since pre-Babe Ruth. It was so out of whack, that following the 1968 season they lowered the mound because Bob Gibson had a 1.12 era, a mediocre pitcher like Denny McClain won 31 games and Carl Yazstremski led the AL in batting with a .301 average. Santo led the league in walks 4 times, on base percentage twice and even paced the NL in triples in 1964. He was also a 9 time All Star and won 5 gold gloves at 3rd. Compare him to an undeserving, one dimensional hack like Jim Rice who couldn't catch a cold and played in the much more favorable mid 70's thru the 80's. It's a freaking disgrace!
Get in on our score prediction for the Civil War. The winner will get a $25 certificate to Tracktown Pizza on Franklin and Jung's Mongolian Grill on West 11th. Send your score to stevetannen@live.com or text it to 653-3098. Good luck.

NOT SO CIVIL by ST

I think it's an interesting coincidence Lebron James is returning to Cleveland for the 1st time since the ill-conceived "Decision", the same week as the biggest Civil War ever. Lot of talk about how he'll be treated. Some writers and media members calling on the Cavs fans to go easy and not spew so much venom. Hate to say it, but that ain't happening. Remember, for the most part this franchise is the Clippers or the Lions of their sport. Complete and total non-entities. Except for the period between 2003-04 and last year when James put them on the map and made them relevant. In the early 1990's they made the East finals with Mark Price, Craig Ehlo, Brad Daugherty and Larry Nance, but for the most part been a "who cares" team. Right now they're significant, but as of tomorrow morning, it's back to the back burner. That's why I see some serious fireworks on tonight's horizon. Last chance for people to pay attention. Hopefully it won't get ugly.
As for that other Civil War. I was thinking about the logic of Oregon State doing all they can to run the ball, and keep the Oregon offense on the sideline for as long as possible. Obviously that means getting Quizz Rodgers on track. The problem with that theory is what's gone down during this 2010 season. Against the 3 top opponents the Beavs have faced, TCU, Boise State and Stanford, Jacquizz has made a limited contribution at best. Never more than 75 yards. 1 TD versus the Froggies, 1 against the Broncos and he was kept from paydirt in last week's disaster down on the farm. I don't see him having a monster game at Reser which means Ryan Katz has to come up huge. I don't think there is a more important player on Saturday than the Beav's sophomore from Santa Monica.
Again, to get in on a shot for the $25 certificate to both Tracktown Pizza on Franklin and Jung's Mongolian Grill up West 11th, send me your score prediction to stevetannen@live.com or text it to 653-3098.

CHANNEL FOUR by ST

If you hang with a group of guys, co-workers, family members long enough, you'll develop a kind of personal language or means of communication. I knew a few knuckleheads I worked with maybe 28-29 years ago who would in the middle of the conversation yell "sweep"! That meant it was time to sweep what the outsider was saying under the rug. A favorite of my gang of misfits was "NBC" or "Channel 4". In the New York market, the NBC affiliate is on Channel 4. But to us idiots it means "No Body Cares". I'm hearing people on a national level talk about the early season problems of the Miami Heat like the security of America hangs in the balance. As I drive around and the subject surfaces my reaction is always "NBC" or "Channel 4". I hope my old pals appreciate this. Can even the most die hard NBA fan be that up in arms over anything that happens beyond a season ending injury in late November? Come on!
By the way, now day 3 of Civil War week and still have not heard one football reason to believe Oregon State has a legit shot at derailing the Duck express headed for Glendale. The joy of sports is the unknown. Miracle on Ice coach Herb Brooks expressed it brilliantly. 99 out of 100 nights that Soviet Red Army team is taking out Team U.S.A, just not that night. The 2010 Ducks and Beavs meet 20 times, gotta believe Oregon is winning 19. Will that one misstep be Saturday? Be curious to hear from the expert analysts out there to point me in another direction.
Gonna go easy on you folks the rest of the week. No Trivia. Just a prediciton for Saturday's Civil War. The winner gets a $25 gift certificate for Jung's Mongolian Grill on West 11th and Tracktown Pizza on Franklin. Sweet deal. E-mail your numbers to stevetannen@live.com or text it to 653 3098! Good luck.

MEAN DOES NOT NEGATE THE TRUTH by ST

After I arrived on the West Coast, I was fortunate to make some great friends. Even met my wife. At times they've pulled me aside and said that my East Coast "tone" is capable of coming off as a bit mean spirited and downright obnoxious. I understood, but at the same time countered it doesn't mean I'm wrong. Former NBA All-Star Antoine Walker is trying to continue his playing career in the Developmental League. Despite having earned about 100 million over his career in salary, he's not only broke, but in debt. Antoine Walker is a moron. Is that harsh? Mean? Sure! Wrong? I don't think so.
Still haven't heard from an OSU supporter who has offered up a football reason this Civil War is going to be tight. Received some cuts, some 'watch outs', but no one has even come remotely close to convincing me the game is hanging in the balance like last season at Autzen. We will have a conversation with Lindsay Schnell who is in her 1st year covering the Beaver Beat for the Oregonian. She's due for a chat at 4:20. I really like her work. Had a great quote from one of the coaches about having to "tackle in space" better against Oregon. If that's their potion, I'm doubling down on the Ducks.
The Colorado Rockies have just extended their shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to the tune of 20-mil per season. That's a bit more than the Yankees offered Derek Jeter, but less than he wants. Tulo will play this season at age 26. He's just hitting his prime. Love my Jeets, but he's gotta get a grip and take that 3 year, 45 million dollar offer from the Yanks.
I was just given some neat giveaways to get us through the week. Let's begin with $25 gift certificate to Jung's Mongolian Grill. Great stuff. Up West 11th in Eugene. Text me at 653-3098 or email the answer to stevetannen@live.com
We've seen a few lopsided Civil War football games this decade including 65-38 in 2008, 50-21 in 2004. What was the most one-sided romp during the decade of the 1990's?? Good luck!

PROVE IT by ST

Get the cliches ready. It's the Civil War. Throw the records out. You never know what can happen. I buy this in some cases. If the Ducks play their worst game of the year by far. If Darron Thomas throws 5 interceptions(like Joey in 2000). Maybe, somehow, Oregon State can hang with this team and steal it. I don't see it. I see the USC romp by OSU a borderline abberation. The 2010 Beavs are fair, maybe mediocre. They lost to awful teams like UCLA and the Washington Schools. The defense is just plain bad when if faces a solid, balanced offense. They can't get the opposition off the field. Stanford converted 9 of 15 on third down. Wazzou was 10 of 17! Let's not forget, last year the Ducks rolled up nearly 500 total yards of offense and turned it over twice. They passed and ran for more than 200 yards each. This against an Oregon State team that was Pac 10 champion caliber. Oregon is much stronger in all aspects of the game in 2010, the Beavs weaker. Their defense failed to find a replacement top playmaker Keaton Kristick or David Pa'aluhi. Quizz is simply not as dangerous without James. Ryan Katz as a sophomore is not in the same league as Sean Canfield who was as good a QB as we had in the Pac 10 last year. Nothing is for sure, but it's gonna take more than anger, desire and want to convince me OSU has a shot to win this game.
As for Auburn barely climbing past Oregon in the BCS rankings, it's completely and totally meaningless. For openers, I'm a bit surprised the computers have the Ducks this close to the Tigers. I have bad news, the Pac 10 is 2 elite teams and 8 that are either very mediocre, fair or just plain bad. Really? Washington wins as many conference games as anyone besides Oregon and Stanford? Time to bag the no respect, or East Coast bias whine. It's moronic. Just worry about this team beating Oregon State then taking on Auburn from what is clearly the best league in the nation.
So much NFL and Boise State's nightmare and the decent showing by Dana Altman's crew, plus a few surprises coming at ya!

THE SCHEDULE AND A FEW THOUGHTS by ST

This blog is gonna have to last through Monday unless I get really motivated(don't count on it).
Want to chime in on the fact most of the pundits are riding the Alabama bandwagon, calling for them to knock off Auburn. It won't be an upset as the Tide is a 4 point chalk with an over/under at 58 points. I still don't get it. Not saying Bama "can't" win, but based on what do they stop the Tigers. Alabama had an historically great defense last year but lost the following. One of the nation's great run stoppers in Terrence Cody on the nose(2nd round pick of Baltimore). Add in fellow lineman Brandon Deadrick who was taken by the Patriots. It goes on. Rolando McClain was the Butkus Award winner as the top linebacker in America along with one of their top tacklers, Eryk Anders, an outside linebackers. Not sold? How about 1st team All American corner Javier Arenas, a 2nd round selection of the Chiefs. On the other side they lost Kareem Jackson who was a 1st round pick of the Texans, is now starting in the NFL. A year ago(granted at Auburn), it was a really close game, 26-21 against a team who lost 5 SEC games. The Tigers had a decent game. Just under 350 total yards, 180 throwing, 150 running. Nice balance. Now the Auburn offense is 100 times better and the Tide defense is significantly weaker. I love Auburn in this game! FYI this game is at 11:30 our time on CBS(KVAL local).
On Friday we'll also get Oregon/AZ on ESPN at 4pm, Nebraska looking to ice their spot in the Big 12 title game on ABC at 12:30(KEZI local) and the biggie between Boise State & Nevada at 7:15, following Ducks/Cats on ESPN. Broncos win that after an Alabama victory over Auburn and they might just clinch their spot in the National Title game.
On Saturday, Oregon State at Stanford is 4:30 on Versus. We won't get Oklahoma State & Oklahoma at 5 on ABC as, understandably, KEZI will roll with USC/Notre Dame though the battle for the Bedlam Bell is about 800 times more significant on a national level.
The Big 10 picture clarifies a bit on Saturday with Wisconsin hosting Northwestern at 12:30 on KEZI. The day begins with Michigan at Ohio State at 9am on our ABC affiliate as well with ESPN2 rolling with Michigan @ Penn State. FYI....if all 3 win it likely means a trip to Pasedena for the Badgers as they'd finish higher in the BCS rankings to break that 3 way tie.

LIST TIME by ST

I like to think I come clean at least as often as any other Sports Radio host in America. Woke up today. Snow on the ground. On the cars. Had to take time to shovel, clear the rigs, even to do some work in the backyard and on our faucets as we have a 58 year old home. Really cut into my show prep. While working out I heard Coach K of Duke won his 799th game last night with the Blue Devils and is 4th all time behind Bobby Knight, Dean Smith and Adolph Rupp. Started wondering about the great hoop coaches I'd seen. Then the dominoes started to tumble and I figured it's radio bailout time. Gonna throw it out to Justin and the gang who are the all time manager/coaches we've seen. Top 3 in college football and hoops, NBA, MLB, NFL. That should kill a couple of hours. Throw in Oregon getting back to work versus Cal, some interesting goings on in the NBA and a newly crowned AL MVP, I might sneak by with minimal work. Really counting on our listeners.
Oregon men's basketball team gets back at it this evening with Texas Southern at The Pit. If you want in on the action and perhaps a pair of freebies, you'll need to log onto our website(already there) and join our Skybox Club. Looks like that's how we will be distributing the tickets we get for our beloved listeners. Their next game is against top ranked Duke in Portland on Saturday. Great timing there!
Today I'll also recap the picture as far as the NFL playoffs and major conference races in college football. Look forward to it.

TELLING WEEKEND? by ST

If we've learned anything this football season, and I mean NCAA & NFL, it's don't pay all that much attention to what you just saw. Not sure I recall a year where the landscape changes more week to week. I was positive this Oregon State team was as weak as we've seen since 1997, the year before they beat Oregon in that Triple OT Civil War. And by the by, those losses to the Cougs, Dawgs and Bruins are a horror show. Saturday's top to bottom demolition of USC shows Mike Riley can still rally the troops and knock you off your pedastal. Still have to grab one agains the class of the conference(and nation), on the road at Stanford and home for the Ducks. Gotta admit, I was way more worried about Arizona from an Oregon point of view. That's changed a bit.
Lot of focus on the antics of Nebraska coach Bo Pellini losing it with the refs and his own star QB Taylor Martinez. Want to discuss this on today's show. It's about the leopard and his spots. I'll cite clowns like Mike Stoops of Arizona, Terrell Owens and Vince Young. I think people can change and mature, I wonder if the same percentage we see in society applies to long time spoiled, pampered, overpaid folks in the fantasy world of sports?
Gotta doff my cap to the folks handing out MLB's post season awards. Some felt to voters might go with Albert Pujols who again put up monster numbers over the deserving Joey Votto of the Reds. They didn't. Votto was nearly unanimous taking all but one vote. Cincy got in the playoffs, the Cardinals didn't. This must be incorporated when decifering a guys value. Well done.

A LITTLE SOMETHING DIFFERENT by ST

We usually reserve this space for what I'll term "the majors". Oregon football, NFL, NBA, college hoops, MLB or the big story of the day. The past couple of years I've had many on air chats with Duck Volleyball coach Jim Moore as well as the coaches of soccer, lacrosse and track & field. This morning I had the treat of being joined live on our KUGN show from the Gateway IHOP by senior volleyballer Heather Meyers and sophmore Alaina Bergsma. Simply put, just a pair of amazing young women who are not only terrific players but special people as well. We get caught up in the 'big time' sports and don't get me wrong, I'm a junkie for March Madness and Pac 10 football. It's also important in a community like this to understand how many incredible student athletes are doing their thing on a daily basis, just out of the spotlight. It was an honor to spend the morning with HM & AB. I'm looking forward to seeing them play tonight at The Pit, 7pm against UCLA. Just two more games ever for the volleyball program at Mac Court. I have extra tickets for anyone interested. Drop me a line at stevetannen@live.com if you're interested. It's the first time for my wife and I. I've heard it's incredibly entertaining!
Got an interesting e-mail yesterday about Oregon football. Lot of national focus on Jeff Tedford asking his guys to fake injuries to slow down the Duck offense. This gentleman asked if I'd noticed tacklers ripping off the shoe of Darron Thomas. Have seen him have to put the occasional cleat back on so I'm wondering if this is another delay tactic. Great observation!
Loving the bye week. We'll get back after it in preparation for Arizona come Monday. Enjoy the weekend.

THE TRUTH HURTS by ST

I heard an interview with Trailblazer coach Nate McMillian and he was dead on. Can't really point the finger of blame over Greg Oden being incapable of staying healthy and playing NBA hoops. It's not pre-meditated like with Michael Vick where it's easy to vent your anger. Still doesn't change the fact it was a bust of a pick with the number one overall selection. For all those harping on how the right move was taking Kevin Durant, save it! I did this show in this state and way, way, way, way, way, way, way, way, way, way, way more than half of you wanted Oden because he was a big guy. Deal with it, or provide me the proof. I screamed from the rooftops that you could not pass on a guy like Oden who had taken Ohio State to the national finals with a terrorizing style of defense and ability to dominate the backboards. I was wrong. They were wrong. The draft is a crap shoot. Period. End of conversation.
I heard and read where the Yankees and Derek Jeter have hit a snag in negotiations. Almost hit the floor laughing. I'd like to smack both sides. Jeets is no longer an elite shortstop despite his gift golden glove. Never, ever in history has a guy his age performed at a high level at that position after experiencing a dip in production. That said, the NY front office is kidding about haggling over money right? They throw away nearly a hundred million on clowns like AJ Burnett, Carl Pavano or Chad Gaudin and are playing the finance card with their franchise face? What a crock.

NEVER, EVER LET IT GO by ST

The first e-mail I opened today absolutely made my day. From a woman I've heard of from time to time over the years. The theme was her disdain for those praising Michael Vick because he's had a few games. My favorite part? Tie him to a treadmill and force him to exercise until exhaustion. Between games he has to sit in a cage. If he underperforms, hold him under water. Make this useless piece of crap play for his life! Well done. From my chair, anyone who supports garbage like this has problems. Faking injuries, using performance enhancing drugs, dishonesty in a marriage are certainly character flaws. They don't render you subhuman. And save the go to line about paying his debt to society. Vick isn't square with any society I consider decent and want to be a part of.
Guys? I have great news. Eva Longoria and Tony Parker are getting divorced. I read their was a pre-nup. I know he pulls down big bucks as an NBA front liner, but she does movies, national ads for make-up and stuff like that, along with a hit TV show. Who benefits there? I just thought I'd pass it along she's back on the market so make your move.
As of right now, a few minutes before noon on Wednesday the 17th of November, they have not announced the AL Cy Young winner. Gotta be Felix Hernandez. If he pitched for New York or Texas he'd have won 25 games. Best pitcher in the American Leauge in 2010, hands down, end of story.
I saw the betting line on USC/OSU is Trojans by just 3. Wow! That looks like stealing money. Plays into my trick bag theory. If it seems too easy, it probably is, but the temptation to send it in huge looms.

MONDAY MISERY by ST

I really used to love Monday Night Football. It was kind of a novelty. We got to see more than just the local teams. Still find it kind of special. The weekend is over. You get through the first day of the work week and flip on an NFL game. Then a murdering scumbag like Michael Vick has a big game and I want to vomit. It's downright depressing. Nice effort by the Redskin defense. Only fell into a 35-nothing first half hole. Well done.
To follow up some of yesterday's chat about the Cal football players faking injuries. We're hearing some in the Bay Area offering up excuses. Oregon is using a gimmick offense so it must be countered in any manner possible. Really? That's your defense counselor? Well all your missing is the minor point about following the rules or blatantly breaking them, better known as cheating! Do these people own mirrors?
The Trailblazers get back to work this evening. After losing that tough shootout against the Thunder on Friday, they laid a complete and total egg against the Hornets with a lazy defensive effort and some awful perimeter shooting. Historically, Portland has been an elite rebounding team but with the injuries to their big fellas they've dropped near the bottom league wide. The semi-good news is Joel Przybilla practiced Monday but will not go tonight. He's getting close. As for Greg Oden, the specifics are limited, but the general target appears to be later this month. It's the 16th so you'd anticipate an update relatively soon.

SURVIVING REALITY by ST

Not sure how many times we've harped on it this year. Not likely a team will win all 12 regular season football games without some kind of a challenge. For openers, it's nearly impossible to win them all. Boise and Alabama did last year. Tide had a couple of scares. 2 point victory against Tennessee and a 5 pointer at Auburn. BSU snuck by Tulsa 28-21 and 17-10 against TCU in the Fiesta Bowl. Before that you go back to the 2006 Broncos who had a pair of 7 point wins and a 23-20 nailbiter at San Jose State before the wild 43-42 Fiesta Bowl thriller against Oklahoma. Texas went unblemished in 2005 when they won that heartstopper versus USC. Early that year they needed a 4th quarter comeback to sneak past Ohio State 25-22. Those overly concerned the Ducks won a conference road game by 2 simply don't pay enough attention or get how freaking hard it is to win all those games. Chew on this as well. No contest, that Cal defense is head and shoulders above anything Oregon has seen. Portland State, Tennessee, New Mexico, Washington, and Washington State are flat out terrible. UCLA is not good. USC and Stanford are maybe mediocre on that side of the ball. Arizona State is okay, California is good. They had me fooled. I thought they were overrated, but there is some serious talent on that side of the ball.
Okay, let's address the polka dotted elephant in the room. Cal coach Jeff Tedford should be ashamed of himself and offer a public apology for the blatant fake injuries. Sorry coach, it's not gamesmanship, it's cheating, pure and simple. According to www.thefreedictionary.com cheating is to deceive by trickery, misleading or fooling. Putting a guy in(#96 Kendrick Payne) who pretty much doesn't play and having him fake getting hurt is a disgrace. I accept no excuses cause it's crap!

SLIGHT ALTERATIONS by ST

Generally the past few weeks in this spot I've painted the TV picture. Tried to see which games were on that impacted the Duck run to possible national title. This is not a great weekend for that as they're a 3 TD chalk over their opponent, and those giving chase like LSU, TCU, or Boise State play patsies in Louisiana Monroe, San Diego State and Idaho.
BSU draws the Vandals this evening at 6pm on ESPN. The lead-up game on Versus tomorrow is the Horned Frogs while if you're desperate for entertainment or a game to bet on, the Bayou Bengal game is part of ESPN's Game Plan. Embattled(yes that's needed) Auburn plays host to Georgia at 12:30 on CBS. The day begins with Wisconsin/Indiana from Camp Randall at 9am on ESPN2. Badgers still in the Big 10/Rose Bowl hunt. Remember, we're all focused on the BCS title game, but a slip up likely means another trip to Pasedena. Ohio State remains in that picture as well. At 12:30 on KEZI they have JoPa and the Nittany Lions in. The best matchup in the Pac 10 is set for 5pm, also on KEZI with USC at Arizona.
Oddly enough, a trip to the SEC title game is pretty much on the line at 4:15 on ESPN with Steve Spurrier taking his South Carolina team into his old stomping ground, the Swamp in Gainesville for Florida. Each as a 4 & 3 record atop the East division with either Auburn or LSU looming for the title and BCS bowl berth.
As for the NFL games on local TV. KVAL has one game. the 1pm matchup with the Chiefs at the Broncos. KLSR Fox brings us a double header. Farve's @ Bears followed by Seaclucks in Arizona for the Cardinals. The Sunday nighter on NBC is Patriots at Steelers. Good wrap to the sports weekend.

BASIC APPRECIATION by ST

I detest phony, flag waving people who pretty much despise every American who doesn't share their view on key issues. That's not how I see true patriotism. Regardless of your thoughts on Bush, Obama, Pelosi or Palin, you have to shelve it when it comes to the actual men & women putting their asses on the line so we can have these conversations without fear. From Bunker Hill to Kabul, thank you for your courage, character and unyielding committment to protecting our unique freedoms. Happy Veterans Day!

NEW BUFFS COACH by ST

So what do you really think about the possibility of Mike Bellotti taking the Colorado job now that Dan Hawkins has been canned? Remember, this is strictly theory. Not a word in favor or against from the Bellotti camp. I will say this. After last Saturday's game at Autzen where he was in the broadcast booth for ESPN, he looked relaxed and really happy. Sharp as heck in a nice suit. With this gig he gets to live in Eugene where he and his wife have raised their family and put down roots. I don't see MB as one of those coaching junkies. At the press conference to announce his taking a position at ESPN he seemed like a kid who'd just got a job working with Santa Claus. I'd bet he sticks and continues to grow into a major player at that network. If they had a clue, he'd already grab the chair Lou Holtz has hijacked.
Here's my bet of the week. The combination of Oregon's special teams and defense will outscore Cal. I see the line has settled in at 20 points. In the first game without their back up QB I anticipate a bigger sense of immediacy getting out of the gate, assuming control and taking steps to protect Darron Thomas.
It might be time for many Duck fans to stop chiming in on Auburn's Cam Newton. It's pretty apparent you're pitching an agenda. If Oregon was 5 & 3 with no viable Heisman candidate, would you be so interested in this story? Didn't think so. Personally I find an awful stench surrounding the whole ordeal. I saw his dad on TV for the first time. He did not wreak of credibility.
Nice top to bottom effort by the Blazers in dusting Detroit last night. 17 boards to go with 19 points for LaMarcus Aldridge. He was a beast. Terrific defense the final 24 minutes holding the Pistons to a mere 33 points. Just crushed them inside. They're off until a nice one to commence the weekend Friday evening at Okey City on ESPN.

THE COST OF COSTA by ST

I'm optimistic the Ducks can win their last 3 games, clinch the Pac 10 title and play for the National Championship. Before the injury to Nate Costa, I would have used a term like confident or even expressed a willingness to wager a large sum. Sorry, but Costa can lead this team past Cal, Arizona and Oregon State. His performance against Washington State(I know they stink) showed his ability to run the show. He knows this system as well as anyone on the team. Darron Thomas goes down and what? We've lost our piece of mind. I've heard some say Bryan Bennett might even challenge for the starting position next year. AND? It's 2010. The time is now. Not one person out there, Oregon coaches included, have any remote idea how he will react or perform against the Bears, Cats or Beavs at the tail end of a cutthroat conference season. I love rolling the dice. Other times I'll take the bird in hand. That's what Nate brought to the table. We know he can play at the D-1 level. Thomas stays healthy, we simply feel for Costa as he won't be able to take part in the stretch run of this magical season. Sorry to be a downer, but it's a fact!
I heard that bozo Bill Hancock, the executive director of the B.C.S. He's a cliche. Guy should run for office. He offers no real answers. This garbage about a playoff hindering the meaning of the current bowls holds no water. Check the attendance numbers for those games. You think they go DOWN if they're part of a playoff with the winner advancing to either a national semi-final or championship game? Please. I'm not fully on board with the "who are the best two teams" mentality. The goal is to crown a champ which means determining who can handle the heat of a playoff situation like we see in the pros or every other college sport at every level. The more these knuckleheads pitch their case, the more infuriated I get.

THEN THERE WERE THREE by ST

So after all this the BCS picture is crystal clear. Ducks & Auburn win out and play for the title. Either slips up and TCU jumps in there. Gotta think Oregon has a smaller chance of slipping up with Cal who is no good, Oregon State is obviously not that good or they wouldn't have lost to a pair of awful teams in UCLA & Washington. Arizona may be formidable though they got rolled relatively easily against Stanford. The Tigers face a very ordinary Georgia team at home before their final land mine at Alabama and if they survive the Tide, the SEC title game. Right now that doesn't look like much as both Florida & South Carolina each have 3 conference defeats already. TCU finishes the season against one of the worst teams in America, New Mexico but first play San Diego State at home next week. The Aztecs are 7 & 2 with losses at Missouri by just 3 and at BYU, also by 3. Etch the Horned Froggies as unbeaten lying in wait.
Congrats to Stanford on their 1st meaningful win of the season. Can't imagine they don't win out and get a real good look at one of those at large BCS bids.
Here's an evaluation of the Pac 10 at this exact juncture of the 2010 season. 2 excellent teams. Two okay teams(Arizona/USC), one so-so team(Oregon State) and 5 bad to awful teams. People can harp on the last 3 visits to Cal by the Ducks, but this is a far cry from 2004, 2006 and 2008. The Bears struggled to beat freaking Wazzou who is a horror show. They have no shot against Oregon or Stanford and will need a win the Saturday after Thanksgiving against the Dawgs just to be bowl eligible. FYI....Ducks are a 3 TD favorite down in Strawberry Canyon.

RESPONSE AND THE SCHEDULE by ST

To annonymous from yesterday who said Stanford has the best loss of the one loss teams ranked ahead of them. A good loss is still a loss. Of those 7 teams, the Cardinal are the only one who currently has zero wins over teams either bowl eligible already or likely going to a bowl. Bama beat Arkansas and Florida. Nebraska beat Missouri and Oklahoma State. Oklahoma beat Florida State. Wisconsin beat Ohio State and Iowa. LSU beat Mississippi State, Florida and West Virginia(granted not great teams). Ohio State beat Miami and 5 & 3 Illinois. Missouri beat Oklahoma & Illinois. This is fact, not bias. I stick to my original post from Thursday.
As for your TV viewing
Ducks/Dawgs: Oregon now -36 with an over/under of 68
Elsewhere in the Pac 10:
1pm: Cal @ Wazzou on Fox Sports Net/Bears -14 1/2, over/under is 53
4pm: Beavs @ UCLA/OSU -5/over/under is 54 1/2. Game is on Versus
5pm: ABC. The biggie in the league with Arizona @Stanford. Cardinal -9 over/under is 56
7:30 on Fox Sports Net it's ASU @ USC with the Trojans -6 and the o/u is 60 1/2
Elsewhere:
12:30-TCU @ UTAH, CBS College Sports...check your system. Froggies -5, o/u is 51 1/2
12:30-Alabama @LSU, KVAL, Tide -6 1/2, over/under at 44
12:30-Hawaii @ Boise St on ESPNU. Broncos -21 o/u is 66
That's enough college. All Oregon needs to do is win anyway. Enjoy the weekend!

NOT REALLY, BUT! by ST

It would be awesome to celebrate a national title with my wife, kids and all the great friends I've made during my 20 years as a Eugenean. That said, I've noticed an element of Oregon fans who simply don't deserve this joy. I can not believe the "poor us" mentality that exists among a certain faction of Duck supporters. This whole "no respect" or "media bias" is a complete load of crap! If the Ducks don't have the proper respect then why are they #1 in every poll? If the SEC gets all the pub and props then why is Auburn behind Oregon despite having played a much tougher schedule?
Here's an idea. Cancel the rest of the year and just send the trophy to the Cas Center. Oh wait! We've only made it through 2/3rds of the year. For the record, the only team that's gone unbeaten in the BCS era and failed to play in their championship game was from the SEC.(See Auburn 04).
Wake up people! The Ducks have become the national pet. 90% of those who cover the sport are on board, yet the paranoid complainers only focus on the small percentage desperate for attention offering contrary thoughts. I'm putting together a list of whiny, needy celebs and jocks who remind me of these Oregon fans. Feel free to contribute at will.

TEST TEST TEST

NOT REALLY...BUT! by ST

NOT REALLY, BUT.....by ST

JOYOUS SILENCE by ST

It's amazing how hard the University of Washington football program has tumbled. Even during their supposed "down" time, USC never pulled an 0 for the season or conference like the Dawgs did in 2004(Pac 10) or 2008(0 & 12). In 1998 the Trojans bottomed out at 6 & 6 then 5 & 7 before a return to the post season falling to Utah in the 2001 Vegas Bowl. By the end of 2002 they were as good as anyone. UW won the Rose Bowl following the 2000 season, then the Holiday Bowl before getting dumped by Purdue in the 2002 Sun Bowl. They played .500 ball in 2003 but 20 & 59 since. Yikes! The hope is Steve Sarkisian can help revive Husky football, but the bottom line is he's an unproven as a head coach. Was an assistant under Pete Carrol for the recent glory years at USC, but mostly as the QB coach. Was the offensive co-ordinator in 2007 & 08 before taking the gig in Seattle.
Sad to hear legendary manager Sparky Anderson has been placed in hospice care as his dementia has gotten worse. Sparky always looked older than he was with that full head of silver hair harkening all the way back to his days running the Big Red Machine in the mid 1970's. He's only 76 now! He's a rarity. Managed teams from both leagues to a World Series title adding the 84 championship with Detroit to the back to back crowns he earned in 75 & 76 with Cincy.
I'm seriously considering slicing up all my Jets gear and sending it to their headquarters with a "Screw Off" note if they sign Randy Moss. I'll simply switch my full allegiance to the Giants. I'll even cut the stuff up on the air. It would be the last straw.

MORE CLUELESS PREDICTIONS by ST

I'm starting to see prediction seasonal results as about the biggest exercise in futility in sports. Week to week? Fine. Watch the games, get a feel for who is hot or not and tell me who covers the spread this week. I went back over the predictions for the 2010 baseball season(self included), and it's hysterical. I surveyed the so-called experts from ESPN and Sports Illustrated. About 3 dozen in all including guys like Rob Neyer, Tom Verducci, Keith Law, Orel Hersheiser and Tim Kurkjian. 4 had the Giants winning the West, 2 had them as a wild card. Tristan Cockcroft had the Giants winning the World Series, besting the Twins. No one even had the Rangers winning the American League. For the record, I had Red Sox over the Twins in the AL, Philly over the Cardinals in the NL with Boston taking out the Phils for all the marbles. I did pick Texas to win the AL West, nearly by default due to what the Angels lost and the inept offenses in Seattle & Oakland.
Lot of my New York bretheren confused how those lethal Texas bats suddenly went silent in the World Series after exploding in the ALCS. DUH! It's because they faced A- or A pitching with San Fran as opposed to the Yankee's C-, overpaid, underachieving cast of clowns.
You've got to love the subtleties of baseball. No score, top of the 7th, 2 on and up comes Aubrey Huff with nobody out. Gotta bunt right? Sure, but he's got no sac's all year and has been an AL hitter his whole career where they never bunt. Lays down a textbook sacrifice. Thing of beauty. Cliff Lee digs down and strikes out Pat Burrell, though he'd been awful. Up comes Edgar Renteria. Aaron Rowand on deck, base open. Obviously they should have walked Edgar. 3 run, series winning bomb.
Gotta be happy for Giant's skipper Bruch Bochy who'd been this far with the Padres in 1998 but got swept by the Yankees. He just seemed to push all the right buttons this post season. Even pulling Tim Lincecum after 8 dazzleing innings in favor of the guy who'd become the face of this great run, Brian Wilson. All ended well! Now it's time for the major awards, free agency and the countdown to pitchers and catchers reporting(106 days).

TOLD YA! by ST

So much for the playing that paranoid "poor us" card. East coast bias. SEC loving system. Turns out the country is head over heels for Oregon football. Ever think you'd see a day when a team from Eugene would jump a powerhouse from that conference in the heart of Dixie when both posted substantial road wins in league? Only the Ducks themselves stand in the way of the BCS title game in Glendale. The offense and defense seem radar locked so now it's time to clean up some of those very bad mental mistakes that can undo a chase like this. Running into the kicker(Lokombo), taunting an opponent(Lewis), diving on a punt for no apparent reason(Harris). Once again, when Oregon has the ball, it's the single biggest advantage in all of college football. Ball security and gaining posession must not be undervalued. It's their ticket to placing the ultimate trophy in the case at the Casanova Center.
Anyone else as amazed as me that Brent Musburger kept mispronouncing our defensive coordinator's name? Not exactly sure who Nick Allio-TUH is. Have a clue Brent, you called the Stanford game 4 weeks ago.
How bout them Giants? Skipper Bruce Bochy is pushing all the right buttons. Had his kid, Madison Bumgarner, all of 21 years old out there on the road. Was so confident in the performance, that in the 7th inning you didn't even see movement in the Frisco bullpen. After an error and two out hit, no panic. Madison got a solid hitter, Ian Kinsler to try to pull an outside pitch. Lazy fly to left. Inning over. Then he had a 1-2-3 8th before turning it over to his closer Brian Wilson who cruised through the 9th. Sweet!
Anyone notice LeGarette Blount running for 120 yards and 2 TD's in Tampa Bay's 38-35 win at Arizona. I know you're thinking it, so I'm just gonna say it. He certainly adds some PUNCH to that Buc attack.
Randy Moss is a total douche. Details on today's shows.

WEEKEND BLUEPRINT by ST

Here we go again. With Oregon front and center in the BCS title hunt, here are the games that matter, the point spread, the TV network(if available) and I even through in some other thoughts.
Ducks -7, over/under is 71, at USC, 5pm, ABC/KEZI Local. FYI...Justin and I will bring you our KUGN pre-game starting at 2pm at Sam's Place on Wilson Street in West Eugene. Woo Hoo!
Auburn is in Oxford taking part in the Stolen Laptop Bowl with Ole Miss. 3pm, ESPN2, War Eagles -7, over/under is 61.
Don't waste all that much time searching for the 8pm game with TCU visiting sin city to play 1 & 6 UNLV. Horned Froggies a 35 point road chalk, over/under at 54 1/2, not on standard local TV.
Michigan State looms unbeaten in the Big 10 with a tough trip to Kinnick Stadium to play once beaten Iowa. This one rolls at 12:30, ABC/KEZI Local. Sparty - 6 1/2, over/under is 50 1/2.
As far as the Pac-10, Arizona @ UCLA on Fox Sports Net, 12:30 with the Cats -9 1/2, over/under is 49 1/2.
The Oregon State/Cal game is set for 12:40 on Fox College Sports, which is on Comcast channels 413-415, you'll have to check your satellite service. Beavs -3, over/under is 53.
Stanford at Washington is the 4 o'clock game on Versus. Cardinal laying 7 1/2 with an over/under of 63.
For NFL fans, KLSR Fox has a double header starting with Packers @Jets 10am followed by Seahawks @ Raiders.
KVAL has Broncos at Niners from Wembley Stadium in London. That's at 10am.
The Sunday nighter on NBC/KMTR is Steelers @ Saints with Texans at Indy set for Monday night on ESPN.

MOMENTS THAT MATTER by ST

One of my favorite things about sports are the subtleties. If you check out a box score and see a football game that ends 37-21 you sense the winner dominated. Say it was 14-14 in the 2nd quarter with the victor backed up to their own end zone, 2nd and goal from the 3. Fumble, returned 98 for a TD. 3rd quarter. 21-14. Losing team misses a wide open receiver and has to punt. Center snaps the ball over the punter's head at the 14 yard line. Difference in the game. Last night in game one of the World Series, it's the 4th inning, tied at 2, Rangers at bat. Ian Kinsler hits a slow roller to 2nd and beats it out for a leadoff hit. The problem is the hurried throw from Freddy Sanchez appears to be wild so Kinsler rounds 1st thinking second base is his. Giant's 1st baseman Aubrey Huff makes a diving stop and easily tags Kinsler out. After a Benji Molina groundout, first baseman Mitch Moreland rips a two out double. Who knows what might have happened? What did go down was San Fran unloaded for 6 runs in the 5th inning on their way to an 11-7 game one win. The subtleties.
I read that Barry Bonds wants to return to baseball as a hitting coach. Can't imagine it happens unless he takes the Mark McGwire route and admits what everyone knows about his juicing. Guess we'll have to wait for the legalities to run it's course. Even though he's an arrogant, smug, self important jerk, I'd be first on line to hear what he has to say about hitting.
The Blazers have popped out of the gate with a couple of wins. No question, their victims(Suns & Clippers) are not good teams. I'll bet the ranch neither makes the playoffs. Doesn't matter. Teams with aspirations dust the weak and compete with the elite. I mentioned on yesterday's show how much I like Wes Matthews, one of their off season acquisitions. Was not drafted out of Marquette and spent his rookie year with Utah. Just got better and better. Averaged 9 points for the season, but that number was jacked the final 6 weeks to about 13, then 13.5 in the playoffs. Guy is terrific. Can nail the 3 and is an excellent foul shooter at around 82%. Did not have a great game last night, but mark my words, Portland fans are gonna love this guy. Great balance on offense at LA, and watch how frequently this team outrebounds their opponent.
LeMichael James was on Dan Patrick this morning. We will play the interview on today's show. Time to be determined.

APPEASEMENT POLICY by ST

I need to thank Jack Zellner, my 8th grade history teacher for the following. We learned about the Allied "Appeasement Policy" during World War II. They let Hitler and Germany take small countries in the hope he'd stop and not attempt to rule earth. Didn't work so well. I'd like to apply that theory to some idiots in the sports media. The trouble is I'll need a substantial enforcement organization which could get costly, but trust me, it will be worth it. The minute a talking head went on the air today to discuss the problems of the Miami Heat, they'd have been tranquilized and carted away, never to be seen again. Really? One game, at the home of a team who won the conference last season and nearly won the whole shooting match. Has everyone become Skip Bayless? Stop the madness. Remember in the 1st Godfather movie? Clemenza is talking with Michael Corleone about an impending conflict with the Tattaglia's and Barzini family and says "they should have stopped Hitler at Munich". It's not as dramatic, but you get my point. These discussions should not be allowed to progress for even an instant. It belittles us all.
Very excited about the start of the World Series. I like the Giants. Better starting pitching. Rangers have a very nice rotation, but really one dominator in the guy who gets the ball for game one, Cliff Lee. San Fran seems on a mission. With 4 games in the Bay Area the Texas defense will take a hit with Vlade Guerrero having to play the outfield. After 52 years on the West Coast, Frisco finally celebrates a title. Giants in 6!
Lot more on Oregon/USC and the whole football scene during the shows the next couple of days. How do you not love this time of year as a sports fan? Like putting a Cadillac in your nose, it's just impossible!

EXPERTS, HEXPERTS, THE JOKER LAUGHS by ST

In the information age, I always get a kick of those who paint themselves as 'insiders' or 'experts'. Prior to both the NFL and College football seasons we heard from some of the national prognosticators and in no uncertain terms were told what to expect. Jake Locker was a Heisman candidate and had the inside track to the #1 pick in the draft. The Vikings and Cowboys were absolutely NFC contenders. Then a few weeks ago, in baseball, the Yankees and Phillies were favored to repeat as AL & NL pennant winners. Well done on all fronts.
The Locker call is just plain stupid. How these clowns earn a living covering college football should be reviewed by a government panel on fraud. The NFL calls had merit, but it was the adamant nature of those predictions that got me. Really? It's a lock a 40+ year old quarterback would be able to slide through the rigors of that league, especially without taking part in training camp and pretty much showing he had limited desire to return. As for the Cowboys, they're going to the Super Bowl based on....wait for it....wait for it....I'm still waiting for it. They beat the Vikings in the wild card round following the 1996 season. Didn't win their next playoff game till last winter's wild card round before getting blasted in the next round, 34-3. Super Bowl? Yeah Right! I like to make the occasional bet, and will hang out on a limb from time to time, but it's week to week, based on facts not hype. Do these yo yo's who are so far off it's embarassing, ever go on the air or a blog or a column and admit the mistake? I'm still waiting.

DON'T SWEAT THE FACTS by ST

Everyone relax. Auburn is ranked ahead of the Ducks in the BCS because they deserve it. Through no fault of their own, Oregon has beaten a half dozen total garbage teams. Stanford is the long quality opponent. I'd bet that no one beyond the Cardinal that the U of O has beaten will even make a bowl game this season. That said, the Tigers have already defeated three teams who were ranked 12th or higher at the time of the game. Another, Mississippi State is already bowl eligible and in the Top 25. Clemson is 4 & 3 and even Kentucky is playing .500 ball at 4 & 4 and likely to make the post season. To their detriment, AU has Chattanooga left on their schedule which will provide a negative hit while the Ducks will charm those computers from this point forward. I have no doubt if Oregon wins out they'll play for the national title.
Did you read about current Tampa Bay tight end Jerramy Stevens the former Husky? What a piece of dirt. As a high school senior he and another student beat a 17-year old with a bat and stomping on his face. Kid had to eat through a straw for 6 months. Got off with a plea deal. When at Washington, was arrested for sexual assault with witnesses basically claiming the woman was drugged. Despite multiple witnesses, King County prosecutors failed to file rape charges. His arrest over the weekend for posession of weed with intent to sell is his 5th involving either reckless driving, DUII, or drug related offenses. He's spent a total of 3 days in jail. You do the math.
We'll get to the World Series matchup that no one will watch, but true baseball fans or jonesing for cause it's going to be a dandy. Also on tap, more atrocious officiating in the NFL.

TOLD YA by ST

For weeks I've been harping on ignoring that goofy win by UCLA at Texas. The Bruins flat out stink. The Longhorns gift wrapped that game with ineptitude, plus the fact UT is a shell of it's Colt McCoy led self. Look instead at their 3 Pac-10 losses. 35-nothing to Stanford. 35-7 to Cal. The Thursday massacre in Eugene. That's a combined score of 130-20. They're one of the worst passing teams you will ever see. The final statistics are misleading because of their 159 yards through the air, 76 came in garbage time in the 4th quarter.
As for the Ducks, the beginning to end, top to bottom domination was a season high point. I know folks are offering comparisons between Darron Thomas and Dennis Dixon. Feel free, but Thomas as a sophomore is playing like D.D as a senior. Huge difference. This guy was radar locked from the 1st throw of the game, a 24 yarder to David Paulson. The offensive balance displayed by Oregon was frightening with 312 via the air and 270 on the ground.
Way too much talk about LeMichael James not having an explosive evening as far as impressing Heisman voters. Really? 123 yards and 2 TD's on a national stage in an eye popping win as the #1 team in the country sounds pretty good to me. He's front and center in this race.
No question the price of poker gets jacked a week from Saturday in Troy. This Trojan team is at least the equal to Stanford as far as offensive firepower. They do it all. It's just that USC's defense has trouble with a good offense. Hawaii piled up 588 yards of total offense, 536 for the Huskies and Stanford rolled up 478. I'm thinking Oregon is superior to all 3. They have some speed and talent on that side of the ball, but play undisciplined and are suspect to big plays. Once again, if the Ducks can limit the mistakes and missed tackles, they should have the edge.
Today we will again go over all the Saturday games that impact the Duck's chase for the dream, as well as a bunch of NFL and thoughts on MLB's playoffs. Playoffs?

REAL PIZAZZ AND NO PIZAZZ by ST

Heard Colin Cowerd on the radio this morning talking about this Yankees/Rangers series and the blatant differences in the teams. Texas is a bundle of energy and charsima pursuing another first in franchise history. I'm an old enough fan of the Yanks to have seen Mantle play in person, but I can't help but enjoy what the Rangers bring to the table. New York is like the stodgy old corporate suits who have made their money and rather than have that spirit or snap, are invested in the low return, guaranteed funds. Texas is still out there searching for value funds hoping for that huge payout, attacking each day with passion. The Yankees are freaking boring to watch. The Rangers are electrifying. That Elvis Andrus kid they have at shortstop is terrific. He's only 22 and landed in Texas at the trade deadline in 2007 as part of the deal that sent Mark Teixeria to the Braves. Their young reliever Derek Holland came in and saved the day with 3 2/3rds innings of scoreless work. I can go on, but this is a no brainer. I know the suits at Fox will have a minor aneurysm but the best World Series would be Giants/Rangers from a baseball point of view. Fresh blood. Great stories.
I read that Steeler's linebacker James Harrison is considering retirement because he was fined 75-grand for a blatant late hit which has caused the NFL to mandate possible suspensions for illegal, violent cracks. Right! Not buying that one bit. The players at all levels simply have to be re-trained to never, ever aim for the opposing players head. There will always be vicious tackles, it's the nature of the beast. That said, we're not turning the game into flag football, just taking information about the long term, devastating effects of concussions and the like and trying to make it safer. It's not a big deal, but some drama queens are trying to paint that picture.

ONGOING EDUCATION by ST

One of the major topics on yesterday's program was the Duck ranking according to those multiple BCS computers. Yes, it's disappointing. But it's critical to understand that is almost a positive. They're second despite the fact the machines hate Tennessee, Washington State, New Mexico, Portland State and even Arizona State. If you were a computer, you'd hate these crappy teams as well. For the record, those patsies Oregon torched sit as follows in the Sagarin Power Rankings which most college football people follow.
1-Tennessee/86
2-Washington State/87
3-Portland State/117
4-New Mexico/195
Do you understand what that does to the overall rating?
Oklahoma's lowest ranked opponent is Utah State at #101, next worst is Iowa State at #55. Next would be Cincinatti at 44. It's no comparison who has played a more difficult schedule to this point. That said, what the Ducks face from this point forward each opponent is in the top 45 starting with UCLA. USC, Arizona and Oregon State are all in the Top 20 so the computers will become more enamored with the Ducks. And of course there is that small matter of actually winning the rest of the games to qualify for the BCS title game!
Oh, one more thing. Sagarin has the Pac 10 ranked as the top conference in America.
Live from Guaranty RV today. Looking forward to hearing from some OSU fans about that decision to go for 2 against the Huskies. Didn't like it in the heat of the moment Saturday night. Still don't.

LOGIC & IDIOCY by ST

I know a lot of Oregon fans are a bit bent over running 2nd in the first BCS standings. Here's some advice. Get over it! They've played a much tougher schedule. Their lone patsie has been Utah State and that was week one. Out of league they've played the 2 time Big East Champion Cincinnati, a 5 win Air Force team and 6 & 1 Florida State. The Ducks have feasted on 3 horrible, and I mean just awful teams in New Mexico, Portland State and Washington State. Tennessee is winless in the SEC with their lone victories over Tennessee-Martin & in overtime against Alabama-Birmingham. Way too many hyphens. The jury is out on Arizona State. No contest. Remember, there are still 6 games left so getting testy at this point is assuming far too much. Plus they landed ahead of Boise State who hasn't lost in about 12 years. And for those who always whine like children about the SEC, why is the U of O ahead of both Auburn & LSU? If the Ducks roll Thursday then get past USC at Troy a week from Saturday, then come see me. Until then, they're in the BCS title game and that's all that matters.
I saw the numbers from last night's(Sun) 2 major sporting events. Game 2 of the NLCS between the Giants and Phillies along with the NFL match-up pitting the Skins & Colts. The baseball grabbed some nice TV ratings, but the NFL doubled it. Regular season versus playoffs. Is it really possible the powers that be in the players union, owners and league office will murder the golden goose and allow some labor strife to cost us to miss an entire season? How stupid would that be? These yo-yo's really can't figure out a way to divy up billions? This would be one of the all time bricks. Right up there with Napoleon invading Waterloo and The Packard.

WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO DO by ST

It's the phrase die hards just dread. "No game today"! Oh the horror. Depending on your circumstance, it could lead to an ugly Saturday. In the wrong relationship, you get called out. She/he says, you spend every stinking Saturday from Labor Day through Thanksgiving obsessed with your team, well today it's about me. It's times like this I love my wife and my job. I've already copped. We'll pick up the materials tonight and spend a couple hours in the morning putting up the tarp over my back porch so the dogs don't get drenched in the rain this winter. But Kathy gets that come 4 o'clock it's go time for the MLB playoffs, Buckeyes/Badgers and the rest. I'm sure there will be a frosty or two involved and some of our fellow insane friends. No question Wisconsin has a shot as they usually get the upper hand at their place, especially at night and the ESPN kickoff time is 6pm in Madison. Plus the betting line is only 4 and you know those guys don't screw around meaning UW has a shot.
Pac 10 fans live in fear of the SEC. Not the conference, but the way pollsters and BCS computers are so enamored with all they accomplish. Early on(12:30 KVAL), we ride the Arkansas bandwagon in hopes they eliminate Auburn from the ranks of the unbeaten. Probably the first time many will get a good look at Tiger QB Cam Newton. At 6'6, 250 he's hard to miss at that position. They beat South Carolina who just wrecked Alabama. In the Gamecock victory, the College Park, Georgia product hit 16 of 21 for 2 TD's and ran to the tune of 176 yards and 3 TD's. Began his career at Florida back in 2007 but they had a guy named Tebow. Spent last season at Binn Junior college, leading the Buccaneers to the National Title. Rivals rated him the top overall JUCO prospect in the country. Kid can play.
NLCS rolls tonight with the much anticipated matchup between the Giants Timmy Lincecum and Philly's Roy Halladay. Oddsmakers have installed the Phils as a 1 1/2 run favorite with a pretty low over/under at 6 total runs. Yanks and Rangers get rolling tomorrow evening with a nice match-up as well, albeit taking a huge backseat to this evening's festivities in the City of Brotherly Love. Either way, enjoy the weekend, gonna be a fun one.

SLACKER by ST

I was reading about the upcoming Nebraska/Texas game. We'll get that game on KEZI at 12:30 on Saturday. The Cornhuskers have a most intriguing member of their football staff. He's working for Associate Athletic Director Keith Zimmer as a consultant in the life skills department as a consultant. For the past 8 years he was the C.E.O of TD Ameritrade, the monster online financial broker. He decided he just missed football too much. He was defensive coordinator for Dartmouth when they won back to back Ivy League titles in the early 90's. He's written more than 10 articles that have been published in national coaching journals. He's been enshrined into two different high school halls of fame. Quite the guy.
We hear an interesting ESPN promo about school colors and all those teams or schools we root against. That truly applies to a team on a bye in the hunt for a championship. So for the record, here's the schedule and what Duck fans needs.
12:30 ABC-Texas over Nebraska @ Lincoln/Huskers by 9 1/2
12:30 CBS-Arkansas over Auburn @ Auburn/Tigers by 3 1/2
1PM Versus-BYU over TCU @ Fort Worth/Hornies by 29 1/2
3pm(no local TV)-San Jose St over Boise St @SJ/Broncos by 39 1/2
3pm(no local TV)-Wyoming over Utah @Laramie/Utes by 20
4pm ESPN-Wisconsin over Ohio State @Madison/Buckeyes by 4
4pm(no local TV)-Iowa State over Oklahoma @Lincoln/Huskers by 9 1/2
4pm ESPN3-McNeese St over LSU(Good luck with this one)@Baton Rouge(no line)
7:15pm ESPN Oregon St over Washington...not related, just hate the Huskies(OSU by 1)
You're welcome!

CHICKEN OR THE EGG by ST

What's more annoying? The coaches who are overly secretive like national security is at stake, or media members who ask for information they'll never get. So Chip Kelly is closing practice this week. Sure, it makes the job of writers and TV people who need quotes and sound a bit more difficult, but there actually is no game this week. If you know the history of concussions, it's only been a few days since Kenyon Barner suffered that frightening hit so I'd bet a big barrel of cash there is no answer. In doing Crunch Time & Sports Talk I get that there is an element of the local fan base who can't get enough Ducks, Ducks, Ducks, but that's why it's called a "BYE"! That said, the coaches should also be aware of it and understand other people have jobs to do simply because there is a demand.
So how many of you had Yanks/Rangers in the American Leauge and Giants/Philly in the National League. Neither result is what you'd call a stunner. New York and the Phils played in the 09 World Series, Texas won 87 games last year, added Cliff Lee and Vlade Guerrero while the West winning Angels got much worse. Anyone who followed baseball knew with some upgraded hitting San Francisco had a shot with those arms. Now that we know the Final Four, get ready because I think Frisco has a shot, especially if they can grab Game 1 in the City of Brotherly Hate with Timmy Lincecum outdueling Doc Halladay. Yanks/Rangers is a complete toss-up. Incredibly, the oddsmakers have New York a pretty prohibitive favorite. $50 on the Bombers brings back $76 while that same half a C-note on Texas returns $117.50. In the Senior Circuit, $50 on the Phillies gains you just $68 while dropping a Grant on the Gmen could earn you $145! Parlay San Fran and the Rangers with that same $50 and bring back $340 bucks!
I have a few pair of tickets to see our local hockey team, the Eugene Generals this Friday at Lane County Ice. It's Breast Cancer Awareness night and the team is doing some great things to raise dough for a critical cause. Drop me an e-mail at
stevetannen@live.com or send a text to 653-3098 to get in the drawing.

BAD SALES STOP by ST

Mine has always been a bad house to stop at for sales people whether they're selling satellite tv or eternal peace. Any time Brett Farve has tried to sell his "aw shucks" country innocence the past couple years has been a no go as well. The guy is full of crap. The guy is self serving. The guy is a child. Hell of a quarterback, no question. This latest episode where he allegedly sent some racy photos via text to a former NY Jets employee, Jenn Sterger should not come as no surprise. For openers, he's not exactly a rocket scientist and you have to be a complete and total moron to engage in this kind of easily traceable behavior. Then you have the Brett cares about Brett and thinks he's entitled to everything he wants. I know it's mean, but I hope this brings him crashing down.
As for the Monday night game. Jets coach Rex Ryan is a macho knucklhead. I had no issues with his language on HBO's "Hard Knocks". Anyone offended by a football coach, on HBO, under those circumstances is an oversensitive, ultra P/C weenie but from a football point of view, you've got to be kidding me! He's calling for all out blitzes on 3rd and 15 or 16 or 19 against a guy like Farve who eats this stuff up for 2 decades. It directly led to a couple of huge TD throws that kept the Vikings in a game they had no businesses having a shot to win. If we've learned anything, in those situations, rush your 4 and wait for Brett to throw into double coverage. The game was put on ice when Farve played the gunslinger role and was intercepted in the final minute and forty-five seconds by Dwight Lowery. New York has a shot to accomplish great things this season, but their coach Rex Ryan has got to be smarter in deciding when to play the macho pinhead.
We'll get into the idiotic time management, plus the final game for Braves manager Bobby Cox, plus the latest on the Pac 12 on today's shows.

SO FUNNY IT HURTS by ST

When I read this morning that Boise State was projected as the first number one in this coming Sunday's BCS poll debut, I nearly doubled over laughing. I know some were astonished, other fearful, with some downright angry. After hoping Oregon gets their shot by running the table, all I care about is shining the light of ineptitude on the entire system. Any circumstance that takes us closer to a playoff to decide our national champion is okay in my book. Unfortunately, logic indicates based on the garbage(save Nevada)the Broncos have on their remaining schedule, they have no shot. Unless Oregon, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Auburn and the unbeatens from the major leagues lose. For the record, the Ducks would be #2 just like they are in the other poll that matters, the coaches.
We'll get into this a bit more on today's shows, but I'm not that concerned about the close nature of the Wazzou win. The coaches and players are robotic about regurgitating the proper phrases One game at a time or we're not taking the Cougs lightly. Sorry, there is no way this team is as focused and razor sharp after taking on Stanford under that wave of national insanity the week prior. It's impossible. I don't care the level of your profession, except for hopefully surgeons and those who save lives. There are times when it's routine or just not as sexy. I love doing this for a living. But as much pride as I take prepping for each show, can I possibly be as filled with anticipation for a Tuesday in late July compared to today or pre-game at the Mo with ESPN in town? Come on. So at the end of the day, the Ducks won a conference road game by 3 touchdowns with their quarterback out for a half and the mental anguish of the frightening Kenyon Barner injury.
I watch NFL Sunday Ticket all day. I saw Fabreeze is the "Official Air Freshener" of the NFL. Really?
From the costly injury file. Did you see the Braves blow the game last night against Frisco? Closer Billy Wagner hurt his oblique on Friday night and is out for the series. The bullpen, with help from some miserable defense blew the game. Oh by the way, the key errors came courtesy of 2B Brooks Conrad. He's only in there because regular second sacker Omar Infante is playing 3rd with regular hot cornerman Martin Prado sidelined since late September with a hip pointer. All he did was score 100 runs while batting .307. Huge!