Archive for August, 2011
August 31, 2011 at 9:02 pm · Filed under ncaaf
Article from Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News. Read more here
The official Texas A&M fight song includes a line that bids farewell to Texas, “so long to the orange and white.” By this time next year, Texas A&M may have said goodbye to a lot more than its storied, century-old rivalry with Texas. Texas A&M announced Wednesday that it will leave the Big 12 Conference by July 2012 if it can find another home, preferably in the Southeastern Conference.
August 31, 2011 at 6:20 pm · Filed under mlb
Article from Yahoo! Sports - MLB News. Read more here
A 24-year-old man is in fair condition at a Dallas hospital four days after he fell 21 feet from a stairwell while leaving a game at Rangers Ballpark. Charles Thomas Conner of San Antonio was knocked unconscious by the fall onto a concrete floor underneath the stands Saturday night when the Rangers were playing the Los Angeles Angels.
August 31, 2011 at 4:59 pm · Filed under Big Ten, Nitt Links
Article from NittanyWhiteOut - Penn State Nittany Lions Blog. Read more here
Stagg-Paterno Trophy on the left, Rose Bowl trophy on the right
And there you have it, the Stagg-Paterno Championship Trophy made it’s first public appearance today during the initial kickoff of the B1G Mobile Tour at the Big Ten offices in Park Ridge, Illinois.
Consider me a minimalist, but I’m a fan. The trophy, to be presented to the winner of the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game is essentially a modified replica of its Rose Bowl brethren. Dull. Unimaginative. Threadbare.
But who said football trophies should be creative anyways? The opportunity for creativity when it comes to combining a silver football with the corresponding platform it rests on is minimal at best. And we’ve all seen what can happen when you start designing ‘creative‘ football trophies.
Ugh. Throw a camel and some sheep in there and I think someone in Iowa is missing their nativity scene.
Frankly, we should all consider ourselves lucky that the Big Ten went with a simplistic, yet elegant version of a time-tested institution in light of the monstrosity the Iowa Corn Growers Association rolled out for the Cy-Hawk Trophy. An eyesore that lasted a little less than four days before cooler heads prevailed and the trophy tossed.
At the very least, the dull design of the Championship trophy should avoid ruffling any feathers. And at best, the design will serve as an fitting reflection of the conservative conference it represents.
Penn State fans will get a chance to to have their picture taken with the Stagg-Paterno Championship Trophy when Nebraska makes it’s Happy Valley debut as a conference foe on November 12th.
No related posts.
August 31, 2011 at 7:48 am · Filed under nhl
Article from FOXSports.com News for NHL. Read more here
The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Fedor Tyutin to
a six-year contract extension.
August 30, 2011 at 9:36 pm · Filed under mlb
Article from Yahoo! Sports - MLB News. Read more here
Before heading to the ballpark Tuesday, Greg Dobbs stopped at the hospital. The Marlins third baseman wanted to visit 12-year-old Eli Shalomoff, who was hit in the face by a line drive Monday during a game between Florida and the New York Mets. Dobbs said he went to Elmhurst Hospital and spent a little more than an hour with the boy and his family.
August 30, 2011 at 7:50 pm · Filed under ncaaf
Article from Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News. Read more here
Quarterback Jacory Harris and 11 other Miami players who accepted extra benefits from former booster Nevin Shapiro will be allowed by the NCAA to play again, four of them without missing any games. The harshest penalties handed down Tuesday were reserved for those who took gifts from Shapiro while being recruited.
August 30, 2011 at 7:34 pm · Filed under nfl
Article from Yahoo! Sports - NFL News. Read more here
Wideout Michael Crabtree was in uniform Tuesday and participated in some of practice with the San Francisco 49ers for the first time this preseason. While first-year coach Jim Harbaugh didn’t rule out Crabtree for Thursday night’s exhibition finale at San Diego, that seems like a long-shot considering he hasn’t done 11-on-11 drills.
August 30, 2011 at 6:38 pm · Filed under nfl
Article from Yahoo! Sports - NFL News. Read more here
Chester Taylor was back practicing with the Chicago Bears on Tuesday, and he took the blame for a misunderstanding that left him thinking he had been cut. The veteran running back’s mea culpa is the latest twist in an odd saga that is widely expected to end with the team parting with him. It hasn’t happened yet, though.
August 30, 2011 at 1:38 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - NFL. Read more here
Ndamukong Suh is answering questions again about his style of play. The Detroit Lions defensive end hasn’t been asked by the one person who concerns him.
August 30, 2011 at 1:38 pm · Filed under Featured, Football, Headline, Penn State, Roundtable
Article from NittanyWhiteOut - Penn State Nittany Lions Blog. Read more here
It’s an institution of the Penn State blogosphere, and sure enough, it’s back for the 2011 season. That’s right, what we’ve got here is a genuine, bona-fide, electrified Blue/White Roundtable. There might be fewer seats, what with Black Shoe Diaries swallowing up half the blogs that used to participate, but we’ll forgive them, since it’s BSD’s Adam Collyer with this week’s questions, and, I assume, the write-up tomorrow. I’m not sure who else will be participating, but I’d say it’s a safe bet that you can check out William F. Yurasko and Nittany Lions’ Den over the next day or two and read their thoughts.
Now, to the fun part:
1. Let’s get this out of the way right now – how does everyone feel about Robert Bolden and Matt McGloin being even on the depth chart? How do you feel about the proposed time sharing plan for Saturday’s game against Indiana State?
Take your pick, Joe.
It doesn’t surprise me, but that doesn’t mean I like it. Granted, I understand the thinking–practice can only simulate a real game scenario so much, and getting Bolden and McGloin on the field in a real, competitive, scenario will be more telling, even if it is a warm-up game against the most delicious of cupcakes. In theory, one could outplay the other, and prove himself “the guy” moving forward, but that’s not likely. While it would be a story if either quarterback struggled, I doubt that’ll be the case, at least not beyond the usually early season uneasiness as a team starts to gel. To me, the bigger issue is just that–a lack of a true starter means a lack of one quarterback getting all the first team reps. It’s even in the little exchanges–getting the ball from under center, handing it off to the running back–not to mention timing plays, especially on passes–where that kind of experience matters, and denying it from the team could be a form of self sabotage. I’m a staunch member of #teamBolden, but at this point, I’d rather see Matt McGloin named the starter tomorrow than head into Alabama without knowing who’s going to be first off the bus.
2. What are you looking for out of the offense this week? Will the offense we see on Saturday set the tone for the rest of the year?
This week, I just want to see crispness and efficiency. We know how Joe Paterno, Galen Hall, and Jay Paterno like to play this early-season matchups–they’re designed to get the pieces moving smoothly, not to run up the score and impress pollsters. We’ll see guys getting extended playing time who certainly don’t figure into Penn State’s greater offensive plans, and we’ll see plenty from others vying for spots. Neither quarterback will have the benefit of the full playbook, and I’d be shocked to see anything more than the most conservative of offensive schemes. That sad, I’m going to be watching the offensive line most closely–if they can’t bully around an Indiana State front seven, they’ll have no chance against Alabama. I don’t just want to see them play well, I want to see the line dominate. Aside from that, I’m excited to see Silas Redd emerge as the #1 running back this year, and to see guys like Brandon Beachum, Curtis Drake, and Andrew Szczerba coming back from elongated injury absences.
3. Do you expect the defense to be significantly upgraded from last year?
This was three years ago. Woah.
Yes, and for two reasons: Bani Gbadyu graduated, and Chris Colasanti graduated. The last time I was this excited for addition by subtraction was when Anthony Morelli moved on, and it didn’t matter which of Pat Devlin or Daryll Clark would be quarterback, because either would be a giant step up from Morelli. In this case, we don’t have unknowns filling in for Gbadyu and Colasanti, we have Mike Mauti, who’s tantalized Penn State fans for three years and, if healthy, is a legitimate All-America candidate. Gerald Hodges, Glenn Carson, Nate Stupar, Khairi Fortt, Mike Hull…does it get any better than Penn State’s simply unreal depth at linebacker? Last year, Penn State’s biggest problem on defense was injuries. The defensive line was decimated, at times, and so was the linebacking corps. Nick Sukay got hurt just as he was turning a corner, and depth there was lacking. The loss of Pete Massaro hurts, but should this unit stay healthy, I expect a significant step up from last year. If the reports are to be believed, this was one of the toughest, most demanding training camps in recent memory. If the coaching staff was able to impart some much needed toughness, maybe the Penn State defense can get its swagger back.
4. Outside of the money earned, these games are no-win situations for major powers. A win is expected and anything less than complete dominance is a cause for concern. How do you define success for Penn State this week?
Success would be both quarterbacks playing phenomenally, the defense pitching a shutout, Silas Redd breaking tackles and running past outmatched defenders, and the offensive line pushing around Indiana State’s front seven. It’s Mike Mauti flying from sideline to sideline, beheading Indiana State’s skill players, and Jack Crawford finally looking like the player we thought he’d be by now. Frankly, this is little more than a glorified scrimmage, but Penn State is a team with significant question marks. Being able to answer even a few of those would make this game a successful one.
5. Predictions?
Penn State wins, 51-10. McGloin outplays Bolden, and that’s all anyone will talk about.
Related Posts:
- Blue White Roundtable: Alabama Week Edition
- Joey O’Connor Joins the Blue and White
- Kickoff set for Penn State’s return to Philadelphia
August 30, 2011 at 1:20 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - College Football. Read more here
Colorado State coach Steve Fairchild acknowledged that two football players were among four people arrested Saturday at an apartment complex party.
August 30, 2011 at 1:20 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - College Football. Read more here
Two Hawaii starting players have been suspended for Saturday’s season-opener at home against Colorado after they were arrested on charges of misdemeanor assault stemming from a weekend brawl at a Waikiki nightclub, University of Hawaii officials announced
August 30, 2011 at 1:15 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - NBA. Read more here
The new cast of “Dancing With the Stars” was revealed Monday night, and U.S. women’s national soccer team goalkeeper Hope Solo and Lakers forward Ron Artest will be the latest athletes to take a crack at the disco-ball trophy.
August 30, 2011 at 11:55 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - College Football. Read more here
Michigan State Spartans coach Mark Dantonio returned to campus Monday following the death of his father, Justin, on Sunday in Zanesville, Ohio.
August 30, 2011 at 11:39 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - NFL. Read more here
Mark Sanchez threw a touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes and the Jets capitalized on two big special teams plays to defeat the Giants 17-3 Monday night in a preseason game delayed two days by Tropical Storm Irene.
August 30, 2011 at 11:17 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - NHL. Read more here
The Calgary Flames have traded center Daymond Langkow to the Phoenix Coyotes for right wing Lee Stempniak.
August 30, 2011 at 11:02 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - NBA. Read more here
Talks between the NBA and its locked-out players’ union will be held on Wednesday in New York, two sources directly involved in the talks told ESPN.com True Hoop blogger Henry Abbott.
August 30, 2011 at 11:02 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - NFL. Read more here
Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a six-year contract and a league source told ESPN’s Andrew Brandt the deal is worth $100 million.
August 30, 2011 at 10:58 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - MLB. Read more here
Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz is expected to miss three weeks after an MRI on Monday revealed a Grade I strain of his left hamstring.
August 30, 2011 at 10:48 am · Filed under ncaaf
Article from Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News. Read more here
Texas A&M said Tuesday it has not sent a letter of withdrawal to the Big 12 Conference. The brief statement by school spokesman Jason Cook comes a day after The New York Times said in a story posted on its Web site Monday night that university President R. Bowen Loftin sent a letter to Missouri Chancellor and Big 12 board chairman Brady Deaton to inform the league it was leaving.
August 30, 2011 at 10:24 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - NBA. Read more here
Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton, who was suspended from the league for having guns in a locker room with teammate Gilbert Arenas, was arrested Monday in Southern California to face a murder charge in a deadly Atlanta shooting.
August 30, 2011 at 9:58 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - NFL. Read more here
The Chicago Bears have told Chester Taylor that the running back is no longer in their plans, but the team’s front office later expressed interest in Taylor staying.
August 30, 2011 at 9:31 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - College Football. Read more here
The New York Times is reporting Texas A&M has notified the Big 12 it will withdraw from the conference.
August 30, 2011 at 9:20 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - NFL. Read more here
Veteran left tackle Joe Staley accepted a good chunk of the blame for San Francisco’s problems on the offensive line in a 30-7 exhibition loss to Houston on Saturday night.
August 30, 2011 at 8:53 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - College Football. Read more here
Jordan Jefferson’s lawyer says he will ask LSU and coach Les Miles on Tuesday to consider lifting the quarterback’s indefinite suspension while the legal process plays out in the case of a recent bar brawl allegedly involving numerous LSU players.
August 30, 2011 at 8:04 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from FOX Sports Video on MSN: MLB. Read more here
Clayton Kershaw talks with Prime Ticket after the Dodgers’ 4-1 victory over the Padres.
August 30, 2011 at 7:59 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from FOX Sports Video on MSN: MLB. Read more here
Justin Upton talks with FOX Sports Arizona after the Diamondbacks’ 5-1 victory over the Rockies.
August 30, 2011 at 7:09 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from FOX Sports Video on MSN: MLB. Read more here
Carlos Lee talks with FOX Sports Houston after the Astros’ 7-4 victory over the Pirates.
August 30, 2011 at 7:01 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from ESPN.com - NBA. Read more here
ESPN2 will televise the championship games of the EuroBasket and FIBA Americas tournaments, which serve as qualifiers for the 2012 Olympic basketball competition.
August 30, 2011 at 6:35 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Article from FOX Sports Video on MSN: NFL. Read more here
Is this the season the New York Giants get back to the post season?
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