Really enjoyed the Media Day festivities at Autzen yesterday. Place just brimming with optimism and positive energy about the upcoming season. We had a chance to chat with the head coach, both coordinators, the 2 QB's, and a host of other major contributors. Great combination of swagger, enthusiasm and unity. Like most around these parts, I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead for 2010.
Did anyone else find the excuse Brian Cushing gave about his failed drug test pretty freaking hysterical? Says it was because of "overtraining"! It's like the guy who gets pulled over by the cop after pounding shots and beers all night and says he's in this condition because he was "overserved"! Sorry boys, the benefit of doubt train left the station years ago with Manny, Merriman and Big Papi. I know these pampered jocks think we're all peons and morons, but that doesn't mean we have to buy their fairy tales.
I've played and followed golf for about 37-38 years and even I knew Tiger Woods was going to have to suck it up and check in with a swing coach. He's had the highly publicized break ups with his previous guys, most recently Butch Harmon. Now he's asked Sean Foley to observe his practice rounds in preparation for this week's PGA Championship, the final major of 2010. Something beyond marital infidelity is amiss. You don't go from where he was to 18 over par in a tournament simply because your soon to be ex is going to take a bunch of your dough. Another pair of eyes seems like a logical 1st step.
On today's shows we'll hear from Ole Miss coach Houston McNutt who in my opinion screwed the pooch big time allowing Jeremiah Masoli the chance to play SEC football this year. Plus we'll roll some more tape from Chip Kelly's media session yesterday and we'll get to some baseball and lot's more.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL, PRETTY MUCH by ST
With the start of summer practice, football teams aren't thinking about setting a foundation for success NEXT season. They've all convinced themselves the big dreams are real. For Oregon and Oregon State, reality is a nice place. I can't imagine folks in Pullman really believe this run ends on New Years Day in Pasadena. I'm not looking for the Pac 10 winner to face Indiana either. After managing a single Big 10 victory in 2009, only the most optimistic(or insane) Hoosier supporter is checking flights to the Rose Bowl. It might be why they're opening with Towson.
I was thinking about Chip Kelly's path to this very day. His final game as offensive coordinator at New Hampshire was a 24-17 loss to UMass. I wonder if as he was walking off the field that day a stranger grabbed him and said he had critical information about the future. Chip, by the time August of 2010 rolls around you will have been the coordinator for a major D-1 program who over the past 3 years has won 2 significant bowl games, a conference title and are among the favorites to repeat. Would he dial 9-1-1 cause the guy is obviously nuts or think "I can see that"! Either way, it's the reality and speaks volumes of his contribution to this football program. Last year taught us he can navigate rough waters with the best of them. I'd say the off season was pretty choppy so here's looking forward to more great things in 2010.
I was thinking about Chip Kelly's path to this very day. His final game as offensive coordinator at New Hampshire was a 24-17 loss to UMass. I wonder if as he was walking off the field that day a stranger grabbed him and said he had critical information about the future. Chip, by the time August of 2010 rolls around you will have been the coordinator for a major D-1 program who over the past 3 years has won 2 significant bowl games, a conference title and are among the favorites to repeat. Would he dial 9-1-1 cause the guy is obviously nuts or think "I can see that"! Either way, it's the reality and speaks volumes of his contribution to this football program. Last year taught us he can navigate rough waters with the best of them. I'd say the off season was pretty choppy so here's looking forward to more great things in 2010.
Friday, August 6, 2010
TICK, TICK, TICK by ST
It's go time for Oregon media day on Monday morning followed by the 1st summer practice in preparation for the 2010 season. I know I'm pretty pumped but believe compared to the average Oregon fan, semi normal. Being who I am and where I'm from, I'm in a perpetual case of stoked with sports passions in many areas. I get that for the die hard Ducks, especially those who played here, attended the University or hail from the great state of Oregon, it doesn't get any better or bigger than this.
The 1st coaches poll has been released with the Ducks sitting at number 11. The only other Pac 10 team getting a call was Oregon State at number 22. USC was not eligible for this poll. In that "also receiving votes" category you have 2009 runner-up Arizona at 29, Stanford 32, the Huskies 36, Arizona State 42nd and Cal 43. So the only conference teams who failed to garner any support is punching bag Wazzou and The Weasel's Bruins.
For the scorekeepers out there the Top 25 breaks down like this. The SEC has 6 teams, incredibly the ACC equals them with a half dozen. The Big 10 got 4 calls, 3 for the Big 12, Utah & TCU in the Mountain West with Boise State representing the WAC and Pitt the lone Big East team.
Time for our 1st give-a-way in a while. For X-Games fans the "Dew" Tour(Mountain Dew)hits Portland next week, Thursday through Sunday. Legendary skateboarder Shaun White is slated to compete. We have 2 prize packages each including a pair of tickets to the event in the Rose Quarter. You want in on the drawing, just drop me a line at stevetannen@live.com or text us at 541 653 3098. Good luck!
The 1st coaches poll has been released with the Ducks sitting at number 11. The only other Pac 10 team getting a call was Oregon State at number 22. USC was not eligible for this poll. In that "also receiving votes" category you have 2009 runner-up Arizona at 29, Stanford 32, the Huskies 36, Arizona State 42nd and Cal 43. So the only conference teams who failed to garner any support is punching bag Wazzou and The Weasel's Bruins.
For the scorekeepers out there the Top 25 breaks down like this. The SEC has 6 teams, incredibly the ACC equals them with a half dozen. The Big 10 got 4 calls, 3 for the Big 12, Utah & TCU in the Mountain West with Boise State representing the WAC and Pitt the lone Big East team.
Time for our 1st give-a-way in a while. For X-Games fans the "Dew" Tour(Mountain Dew)hits Portland next week, Thursday through Sunday. Legendary skateboarder Shaun White is slated to compete. We have 2 prize packages each including a pair of tickets to the event in the Rose Quarter. You want in on the drawing, just drop me a line at stevetannen@live.com or text us at 541 653 3098. Good luck!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
REVISIONIST HISTORY by ST
Ever since I listened to Chip Kelly on Dan Patrick earlier this week, I've had this feeling of deja vu. Just a very familiar ring to it and finally last night it dawned on me. 21 years ago this October when then baseball commissioner Bart Giamatti announced Pete Rose was kicked out of baseball. MLB had hired a guy named John Dowd to investigate Rose and his antics which had become public and pretty well known. Once Petey got called to the carpet they'd accumulated a mountain of evidence that he bet on baseball and might have been involved in other shenanigans. Rose said he would agree to the lifetime ban if they pulled the plug on the whole thing because Charlie Hustle was afraid he'd end up in jail. Then Rose tried to change the facts. The 1st question after the Giamatti announcement was "did the commish think Rose bet on baseball"? and his answer was a non hesitant "YES"! Of course Rose denied this for nearly 20 years until it was time to sell a book. Chip Kelly flatly stated he told Masoli if he entered a guilty plea to his role in that dorm theft, he's suspended for the 2010 season. Masoli plead guilty to avoid a jail sentence of 2-4 years as prosecutors felt they had a rock solid case. Now Masoli is singing a different song and if you ask me, anyone who buys his crap is a sucker. Time heals wounds, it doesn't change facts. With each passing day I grow more disgusted with Mississippi coach Houston Nutt for giving this knucklehead a shot to play this year. No way he should be allowed to play D-1 ball without a year to prove he's worthy. What a joke!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
WHY, WHY, WHY? by ST
Stolen from Nancy Kerrigan after the infamous attack of the Harding game prior to the 94 Olympics, it's a valid question. Alex Rodriguez cracks his 600th career homer this morning and the talk is about the taint due to steroids. Brett Farve is again holding his team hostage with training camp upon us. Albert Haynesworth reports in horrible shape and continuously flunks conditioning tests despite a 100 million dollar deal. Guys with their name on signed contracts holding out for more dough. Why, why, why indeed!
On today's show we'll ask that musical question and see who it applies to the most.
What about Shaq to the Celtics. Man, if he can give them 20 minutes a night and provide some thump inside, they look like legit to make another Finals run. Crybaby Sheed retired and O'Neal is a much better low block offensive threat and just a better physical presence because he's more willing to mix it up inside. Remember, the Boston's will go without the important Kendrick Perkins for most of the early part of the season after a substantial knee procedure. The Celtics also added Jermaine O'Neal for more veterans on that front line. Looks like Orlando, Boston and Miami Thrice for the right to play the Lakers or upset West winner for all the marbles in June. Have a fun Wednesday. One of my late 70's/early 80's crushes is in town tonight at the Cuthbert. Always had a thing for Pat Benetar and look forward to seeing the now 50-something fox live doing her thing!
On today's show we'll ask that musical question and see who it applies to the most.
What about Shaq to the Celtics. Man, if he can give them 20 minutes a night and provide some thump inside, they look like legit to make another Finals run. Crybaby Sheed retired and O'Neal is a much better low block offensive threat and just a better physical presence because he's more willing to mix it up inside. Remember, the Boston's will go without the important Kendrick Perkins for most of the early part of the season after a substantial knee procedure. The Celtics also added Jermaine O'Neal for more veterans on that front line. Looks like Orlando, Boston and Miami Thrice for the right to play the Lakers or upset West winner for all the marbles in June. Have a fun Wednesday. One of my late 70's/early 80's crushes is in town tonight at the Cuthbert. Always had a thing for Pat Benetar and look forward to seeing the now 50-something fox live doing her thing!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
FAMILIAR ROAD by ST
So Brett Farve says he's retiring again. Guy is addicted to attention. Do they have 12 step programs for drama queens? Hi, my name is Brett Farve and I need you to think about me. Hi Brett! When the Vikings take the field to open the 2010 season against New Orleans on Thursday, September 9th, I'll believe he's done. Otherwise, I'm simply not buying it. In the event he's actually finished his playing career, that changes a ton in the NFC. The Saints become a pretty prohibitive favorite to repeat as conference champs and return to the Super Bowl. Not sold on the ability of Tavaris Jackson to carry Minny to the promised land.
You'll want to mark December 2nd on your sports calendar. The Miami Heat play the Cavaliers in Cleveland. I'm guessing there will be a lack of warmth as far as welcoming Lebron James back to town. It does make for can't miss TV. I assume folks in the Mistake By The Lake are already practicing their booing and venom spewing.
Things are all even in the AL East as Tampa has caught the Yankees for the division lead. The Rays have much better starting pitching and a really strong defense. I heard an interview with their GM Andrew Friedman during Saturday's game. He said they'd hoped to make a move or two prior to the trade deadline but it had to be a no doubt upgrade. This team is built on starting pitching, speed and defense and he was not willing to take a chance on perhaps making the offense a bit better at the risk of downgrading in those other areas of strength. Smart guy. This could be the team to beat for all the marbles in October.
You'll want to mark December 2nd on your sports calendar. The Miami Heat play the Cavaliers in Cleveland. I'm guessing there will be a lack of warmth as far as welcoming Lebron James back to town. It does make for can't miss TV. I assume folks in the Mistake By The Lake are already practicing their booing and venom spewing.
Things are all even in the AL East as Tampa has caught the Yankees for the division lead. The Rays have much better starting pitching and a really strong defense. I heard an interview with their GM Andrew Friedman during Saturday's game. He said they'd hoped to make a move or two prior to the trade deadline but it had to be a no doubt upgrade. This team is built on starting pitching, speed and defense and he was not willing to take a chance on perhaps making the offense a bit better at the risk of downgrading in those other areas of strength. Smart guy. This could be the team to beat for all the marbles in October.
Monday, August 2, 2010
A REVIEW AND A PREVIEW by ST
Time to play Rolling Stone reviewer. Quite the show last night at The Cuthbert featuring that former Beatle drummer and a bunch of his friends. My favorite part is the cast he brought along like Rick Derringer, Edgar Winter and a few other cats all had a couple of songs you'd like to hear and they delivered. I understand the "artist" mentality. They all like to play some of their newer or deeper material. In a setting like this, we want to hear the more familiar stuff and got exactly what the doctor ordered. Rock & Roll Hootchie Koo, Free Ride, Dreamweaver by Gary Wright and Ringo's "It Don't Come Easy" & "Photograph".
Was listening to an interview with Duck D-lineman Brandon Bair. The senior from St. Anthony, Idaho feels line coach Jerry Azzinaro has a terrific approach. Everyone has to be an in shape athlete and be ready to fill any role across the line. We know they're switching to a 3-4 scheme which means the 4 guys with experience in Bair, Zac Clark, Kenny Rowe and Terrell Turner suddenly equals depth. This will become a strength if any of the new guys like Ricky Heimuli or 6'7" former wide out turned defensive lineman Dion Jordan pan out as legit D-1 contributors. I was already confident about the back 7 or 8, but now I'm getting pumped to see this unit operate.
Get ready for our Crunch Time rapid fire Q & A I lay on Justin and Ryan this afternoon. You will not want to miss this!
Was listening to an interview with Duck D-lineman Brandon Bair. The senior from St. Anthony, Idaho feels line coach Jerry Azzinaro has a terrific approach. Everyone has to be an in shape athlete and be ready to fill any role across the line. We know they're switching to a 3-4 scheme which means the 4 guys with experience in Bair, Zac Clark, Kenny Rowe and Terrell Turner suddenly equals depth. This will become a strength if any of the new guys like Ricky Heimuli or 6'7" former wide out turned defensive lineman Dion Jordan pan out as legit D-1 contributors. I was already confident about the back 7 or 8, but now I'm getting pumped to see this unit operate.
Get ready for our Crunch Time rapid fire Q & A I lay on Justin and Ryan this afternoon. You will not want to miss this!
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